Ere we proceed to delineate the person and character of this able soldier and excellent man, we shall transcribe the sketches of two strangers,[104] lest the portrait of a relative should be deemed too highly coloured.  That portrait has been drawn by them with a master hand, especially the first; and although feelingly alive to our incompetency for the task, we also must endeavour, with a trembling pen, to do justice to the memory of the hero.

“Thus ended in their total discomfiture,” says Christie in his Historical Memoirs, already cited, “the second attempt of the Americans to invade Upper Canada.  The loss of the British is said to have been about 20 killed, including Indians, and between 50 and 60 wounded.  The fall of General Brock, the idol of the army and of the people of Upper Canada, was an irreparable loss, and cast a shade over the glory of this dear-bought victory.  He was a native of Guernsey, of an ancient and reputable family, distinguished in the profession of arms.  He had served for many years in Canada, and in some of the principal campaigns in Europe.  He commanded a detachment of his favorite 49th regiment, on the expedition to Copenhagen with Lord Nelson, where he distinguished himself.  He was one of those extraordinary men who seem born to influence mankind, and mark the age in which they live.  Conscious of the ascendancy of his genius over those who surrounded him, he blended the mildest of manners with the severity and discipline of a camp; and though his deportment was somewhat grave and imposing, the noble frankness of his character imparted at once confidence and respect to those who had occasion to approach his person.  As a soldier, he was brave to a fault, and not less judicious than decisive in his measures.  The energy of his character was strongly expressed in his countenance, and in the robust and manly symmetry of his frame.  As a civil governor, he was firm, prudent, and equitable.  In fine, whether we view him as a man, a statesman, or a soldier, he equally deserves the esteem and respect of his contemporaries and of posterity.  The Indians who flocked to his standard were attached to him with almost enthusiastic affection, and the enemy even expressed an involuntary regret at his untimely fall.  His prodigality of life bereft the country of his services at the early age of forty-two years.  The remains of this gallant officer were, during the funeral service, honored with a discharge of minute guns from the American, as well as the British, batteries, and with those of his faithful aide-de-camp, Lieut.-Colonel M’Donell, were interred in the same grave at Fort George, on the 16th October, amidst the tears of an affectionate soldiery and a grateful people, who will cherish his memory with veneration, and hand to their posterity the imperishable name of BROCK.”