There is a lady living at Barnet for whom I feel much interested.  If you should by chance drive that way, and do not object to form a new acquaintance, I wish you to call upon her.  She is the wife of Captain Manners, of the 49th, and the daughter of the celebrated Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia.  She has a most amiable disposition and genteel manners.  Her sister, Mrs. Ross Cuthbert, a charming little creature, makes her husband—­my most intimate friend, and with whom I pass a great part of my leisure hours—­a most happy man.

I received the other day a long and exceedingly well written letter from Henrietta Tupper—­she is really a charming girl.  What Maria[25] (Potenger) do you begin to slacken in your attention to your poor devoted uncle?

Brigadier Brock to his brother Irving.

    QUEBEC, July 9, 1810.

I have a thousand thanks to offer you for the very great attention you have shewn in executing my commissions:  the different articles arrived in the very best order, with the exception of the cocked hat, which has not been received—­a most distressing circumstance, as, from the enormity of my head[26], I find the utmost difficulty in getting a substitute in this country.

I proposed writing to you early to-morrow, but Sir James having this instant intimated his intention of sending me upwards immediately, I avail myself of an hour’s leisure to do that hastily which I would gladly have done quietly, and, consequently, more fully.  If I am to remain in this country, I care little where I am placed; but going up, as I do now, without knowing whether I am to stay or return, is particularly awkward, and interferes materially in all my future arrangements:  perhaps I shall be able to get the point settled before I commence my journey.

Every thing here remains in a state of perfect quietness.  It is but too evident that the Canadians generally are becoming daily more anxious to get rid of the English.  This they cannot effect unless a French force come to their aid, and I do not think that Bonaparte would risk the loss of a fleet and army for the chance of getting possession of the country.  What infatuation!  No people had ever more cause to rejoice at their fate; but they are not singular, as all mankind seems prone to change, however disadvantageous or productive of confusion.

Savery forwarded your pamphlet to me.  You have taken a very proper view of the political dissensions which at this moment disgrace England.  Those to whom I have allowed a perusal, and who are infinitely better judges than I can pretend to be, speak of the purity of the language in terms of high approbation.  You have happily suited the style to the matter.  Several copies have, within a few days, been in circulation here.  Savery speaks of a letter you received, in consequence, from Lord Melville.  I hope you will not fail