When you see any of our friends of the 49th, pray remember me in the kindest manner to them, and I am sure they will thank you that they are safe and warm in their quarters in place of having a winter campaign in so severe a climate. And now I will only add my warmest wishes for your health and happiness, and that the same good fortune that has hitherto attended you may continue; and I beg that you will be so good as to convey the same to my friend, your aide-de-camp. Believe me to be, my dear general, &c.
P.S.—I send this
after the mail, which left London last
night, in hope it may overtake
it at Falmouth, as I know the
packet seldom sails for some
days after her time.
Major-General John Burnet to Sir Isaac Brock, K.B.[83]
STRABERRY, Ireland, Oct. 11, 1812.
There has existed too long and too sincere a friendship between us for me not to feel the most lively interest in the event which has added such eclat to your achievement at my old quarter, Detroit.
To evince to you how much I regard you, and how much I have talked of you, a friend of mine at the Horse Guards enclosed me the Extraordinary Gazette, saying he knew how much I should be gratified: judge then, my friend, of my feelings that you had acquitted yourself with such address; and I feel some degree of pride that my opinion was so justly formed of your conduct, whenever you should have an opportunity to display your talents. Accept, then, the very sincere congratulations of an old friend on this occasion, and be assured of the happiness it gives me, as well as Mrs. Burnet, who is with me, and sends her love to you.
With respect to my situation, I offered my services to go to the Peninsula as soon as our promotion took place, and at one time flattered myself I should have gone there; but superior interest prevailed, and I was placed on the staff of Ireland. I first went to Londonderry, but have been here six months, as more central to the brigade under my command.
I have my hands full of business, and little time for private correspondence; but I could not resist the impulse on an occasion so highly to the honor of an old friend. Believe me, my dear Brock, &c.
P.S.—If Commodore
Grant be still alive, pray remember me
warmly to him and Mrs. Grant.
Major-General Brock to his Brothers.
Head Quarters, Detroit, Aug. 16, 1812.
Rejoice at my good fortune,
and join me in prayers to Heaven.
I send you a copy of my hasty
note to Sir George.
[Here follows his short dispatch of that day. See page 247.]
Let me hear that you are all united and happy.
Major-General Brock to his Brothers.
LAKE ONTARIO, September 3, 1812.