tive
of considerable effect on the minds of the people. In fact, a
general sentiment prevails, that with the present force
resistance is unavailing. I shall continue to exert myself to
the utmost to overcome every difficulty. Should, however, the
communication between Kingston and Montreal be cut off, the
fate of the troops in this part of the province will be
decided. I now express my apprehensions on a supposition that
the slender means your excellency possesses will not admit of
diminution; consequently, that I need not look for
reinforcements. It is evidently not the intention of the enemy
to make any attempt to penetrate into the province by this
strait, unless the present force be diminished. He seems much
more inclined to work on the flanks, aware that if he succeed
every other part must very soon submit.

My last official communication from the Lower Province is
dated the 25th ultimo, when the adjutant-general announced the
receipt of intelligence, by a mercantile house, of war being
declared by the United States against Great Britain.

_Major-General Sir Thomas Saumarez, Kt.,[57] to Major-General Brock._

HALIFAX, July 22, 1812.

Being this moment informed that an express is to be dispatched
immediately from hence to Quebec, I have great pleasure in
having an opportunity to inquire after your health and
welfare, and to acquaint you that your relation, Lady
Saumarez, and myself, arrived here about a month since. I
assure you we consider ourselves particularly fortunate in not
having fallen into the enemy's bands, as the Americans had
declared war a week before we reached this. We came out in a
very valuable ordnance store ship, which would have been a
great acquisition to the enemy, at the breaking out of a war
especially; and the loss to us would have been seriously felt
here, as all the stores on board were very much required.
Another ship with naval stores accompanied us; they were much
wanted by our squadron, and possibly as much so by the ships
of the enemy. Our squadron on this station has been very
active. Prizes arrive here daily, I could almost say hourly.
The Emulous brig brought in ten yesterday, and 30,000 dollars
were found on board some of them. Mr. Foster, late ambassador
to the American States, has been here nearly a week; he is to
sa