o the ground. The
militia on this communication were so clamorous for their pay,
that I directed Mr. Couche to make the necessary advances, and
this has drained him of the little specie in his possession.

My present civil office not only authorizes me to convene
general courts martial for the trial of offenders belonging to
the militia, but likewise the infliction of the sentence of
death; whilst, in regard to the military, my power is limited
to the mere assembling of the court. I beg leave to submit to
the consideration of your excellency, whether in times like
the present I ought not to be invested with equal authority
over each service.

I herewith have the honor to transmit two letters, one from
Captain Roberts, commanding at St. Joseph's, and the second
from Mr. Dickson, a gentleman every way capable of forming a
correct judgment of the actual state of the Indians. Nothing
can be more deplorable than his description; yet the United
States government accuse Great Britain of instigating that
people to war. Is not the true cause to be found in the state
of desperation to which they are reduced by the unfriendly
and unjust measures of that government towards them?

* * * * *

On the 27th of July, Major-General Brock returned to York from Fort
George, on which day, accompanied by a numerous suite, he opened the
extra session of the legislature, and delivered the following speeches.

Honorable Gentlemen of the Legislative Council, and Gentlemen
of the House of Assembly,

The urgency of the present crisis is the only consideration
which could have induced me to call you together at a time
when public, as well as private duties elsewhere, demand your
care and attention.

But, gentlemen, when invaded by an enemy whose avowed object
is the entire conquest of the province, the voice of loyalty,
as well as of interest, calls aloud to every person in the
sphere in which he is placed to defend his country.

Our militia have heard that voice, and have obeyed it; they
have evinced, by the promptitude and loyalty of their conduct,
that they are worthy of the king whom they serve, and of the
constitution which they enjoy; and it affords me particular
satisfaction, that while I address you as legislators, I speak
to men who, in the day of danger, will be