Major-General Brock to Colonel Baynes, the Adj.-General.

    YORK, February 12, 1812.

The assurance which I gave, in my speech at the opening of the legislature, of England co-operating in the defence of this province, has infused the utmost confidence; and I have reason at this moment to look for the acquiescence of the two houses to every measure I may think necessary to recommend for the peace and defence of the country.  A spirit has manifested itself, little expected by those who conceived themselves the best qualified to judge of the disposition of the members of the house of assembly.  The most powerful opponents to Governor Gore’s administration take the lead on the present occasion.  I, of course, do not think it expedient to damp the ardour displayed by these once doubtful characters.  Some opposed Mr. Gore evidently from personal motives, but never forfeited the right of being numbered among the most loyal.  Few, very few I believe, were actuated by base or unworthy considerations, however mistaken they may have been on various occasions.  Their character will very soon be put to a severe test.  The measures which I intend to propose are: 

    1.—­A militia supplementary act.  Sir George will hear the
    outlines from Captain Gray.

    2.—­The suspension of the habeas corpus.  A copy of the act now
    enforced in the Lower Province.

    3.—­An alien law.

    4.—­The offer of a reward for the better apprehension of
    deserters.

If I succeed in all this, I shall claim some praise; but I am not without my fears.  I shall send you the militia act the moment it passes into a law.  The more I consider the new provisions, the more I am satisfied (giving of course every proper allowance to the disposition of the people) they are peculiarly calculated to meet the local situation of the country.  I have not a musket more than will suffice to arm the active part of the militia from Kingston westward.  I have therefore to request that the number of arms may be sent, according to the enclosed requisition, to the places therein specified, on the communication between Glengary and Kingston.  Every man capable of carrying a musket, along the whole of that line, ought to be prepared to act.  The members of the assembly from that part of the country are particularly anxious that some works may be thrown up as a rallying point and place of security for stores, &c, in the vicinity of Johnstown.  I shall request Colonel M’Donnell to examine, on his return, the ground which those gentlemen recommend as best suited for that purpose.  Being immediately opposite Ozwegatchie, some precaution of the sort is indispensable, were it only to preserve a free communication between the two provinces.  I have been made to expect the able assistance of Captain Marlow.  Should he be still at Quebec, have the goodness to direct his attention, on