ssible to collect it in time to oppose any serious attempt
upon Quebec, the only tenable post, the number would of itself
be insufficient to ensure a vigorous defence.
This corps, being stationed on the confines of the Lower
Province, would be always immediately and essentially useful
in checking any seditious disposition, which the wavering
sentiments of a large population in the Montreal district
might at any time manifest. In the event of invasion, or other
emergency, this force could be easily and expeditiously
transported by water to Quebec.
The extent of country which these settlers occupy, would make
the permanent establishment of the staff and one sergeant in
each company very advisable. I shall not presume to say how
far the claims of the field officers to the same indulgence
are reasonable and expedient.
In regard to the Rev. Alexander M'Donald, I beg leave to
observe, that the men being all Catholics, it may be deemed a
prudent measure to appoint him chaplain. His zeal and
attachment to Government were strongly evinced whilst filling
the office of chaplain to the Glengary Fencibles during the
rebellion in Ireland, and were graciously acknowledged by his
royal highness the commander-in-chief.
His influence over the men is deservedly great, and I have
every reason to think that the corps, by his exertions, would
be soon completed, and hereafter become a nursery from which
the army might draw a number of hardy recruits.
* * * * *
The following letter affords a good idea of the confidential report of a
general officer on the state of a regiment after its periodical
inspection.
_Colonel Brock to the Adjutant-General of His Majesty's Forces._
QUEBEC, March 17, 1807.
In obedience to the commander-in-chief's commands,
communicated to me in your letter dated 20th November last, I
shall proceed to state, for His Royal Highness's information,
such observations as a strict attention to the conduct and
interior economy of the 100th[21] regiment during the
preceding six months has enabled me to make.
The greatest praise is justly due to Lieut.-Colonel Murray,
who has commanded, with only a short interval, from the first
formation of the regiment to the present time, for his
unremitting care and attention to the several important d
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