revent them. The sentencing powers conferred by
court-martial were at that time beyond belief. A captain and two
subalterns could order 999 lashes with a "cat" steeped in brine. It is
on record that on one occasion a soldier was sentenced to 1,500 lashes
for "marauding." And there were other modes of torture. This was close
upon the heels of a period when even the slightest breaches of the civil
law were punished out of all proportion to the offence. While insisting
on the strictest discipline, Brock always tempered justice with mercy.
Few men better realized the value of a pleasant word or had in such
degree the rare tact that permitted familiarity without killing respect.

A terrible incident occurred in the summer of 1803 which tested all
Brock's fortitude and conception of duty. A conspiracy to mutiny was
discovered at Fort George on the Niagara River. The methods of the
commanding officer had exasperated the men until they planned mutiny on
a large scale. This included the murder of Colonel Sheaffe and the
incarceration of the other officers. A threatening remark by a soldier
of the 49th was overheard. He was arrested and put in irons. A
confession by another soldier implicated a well-known sergeant, and a
message was sent to York begging Brock's immediate presence.

Our hero landed from the schooner alone. It was dinner hour. The
barrack-square, as Brock crossed it to the guard-house, was deserted. In
charge of the guard he found two of the suspected ringleaders. The guard
presented arms. "Sergeant," said the colonel of towering frame and
commanding aspect, "come here. Lay down your pike." The order was
promptly complied with. "Take off your sword and sash and lay them down
also." This was done. "Corporal O'Brien," said the colonel, addressing
the sergeant's brother-conspirator, "bring a pair of handcuffs, put them
on this sergeant, lock him up in a cell, and bring me the key." This,
too, was done. "Now, corporal, you come here; lay down your arms, take
off your accoutrements, and lay them down also." He was obeyed. Turning
to the right man of the guard, "Come here, you grenadier. Bring a pair
of handcuffs and put them on this corporal, lock him up in another cell,
and bring me the key." When this was done, turning to the astounded
drummer, our hero said, "Drummer, beat to arms."

The garrison was aroused. First to rush out was Lieutenant Williams,
sword in hand. "Williams!" said the Colonel, "go instantly and se