cans have several mortars and
six-pounders on the river bank below Lewiston, ready to ship to any
point by boats specially equipped, or to cover the landing of their
troops on our side of the river, and to drive us back if we attempt to
dispute their passage."

In district general orders prepared that night, the last official
document signed by General Sir Isaac Brock, he directed, "in view of the
imminence of hostilities, that no further communication be held with the
enemy by flag of truce, or otherwise, unless by his special permission."

"I cannot allow looting," he said. "Arms and other property taken from
the enemy are to be at all times reserved for the public service."
Brock's example might have been followed to advantage in later Canadian
campaigns. "I am calling," he continued, "a district court-martial for
nine o'clock to-morrow morning, October 13th, for the trial of three
prisoners, a captain and two subalterns of the 49th and 41st regiments."

That court-martial was not held.

On the day before, Major Evans and Colonel Macdonell had waited upon Van
Rensselaer, with a letter from Brock proposing "an exchange of
prisoners of war, to be returned immediately, on parole." The fact of no
reply having been received to this, Brock regarded as ominous.

"I firmly believe, gentlemen," he proceeded, and his confidence and
courage was infectious, "that I could at this moment, by a sudden dash,
sweep everything before me between Fort Niagara and Buffalo, but our
success would be transient. Disaffection and desertion is rife in the
American camp. Only the other day we saw six poor fellows perish in
mid-stream. To-day more deserters swam the river safely. Our own force,
estimating even 200 Indians under Chief Brant and Captain Norton, though
I expect less than 100 would be nearer the mark, cannot exceed 1,500 men
of all arms. These units I have collected from Sandwich to Kingston.
Many of our men, as no one knows better than Quartermaster Nichol, have
received no pay, are wearing broken shoes--some have no shoes at all--no
tents and little bedding. It is true that they bear the cold and wet
with an admirable and truly happy content that excites my admiration,
but it is no less a disgrace to the responsible authorities. Sir George
Prevost, as you know, has told me 'not to expect any further aid'--the
old parrot cry from headquarters, 'Not a man to spare.' Let me ask the
chief of the Mohawks, who is present, how many w