his way up, to that quarter.  He had better consult.  Colonel Frazer and Captain Gilkinson, men of sound judgment and well acquainted with the country.  The militia will have of course to be employed on the works.

I must still press the necessity of an active, enterprizing, intelligent commander being stationed on that important line of communication.  I wish Colonel Ellice[46] were here to undertake the arduous task, as it is wholly impossible that I can do so.  Every assistance in my civil capacity I shall always be ready to give, and to that point my exertions must be necessarily limited.  Niagara and Amherstburg will sufficiently occupy my attention.  I deliver my sentiments freely, believing they will not be the less acceptable.

I discussed every point connected with Amherstburg so completely with Captain Gray, that I do not find any thing very essential was omitted.  Colonel M’Donnell will be able probably to give us further insight as to the actual state of affairs there.  He was to make every enquiry and, as far as he was permitted, to judge himself of the relative strength of Detroit.  Lieut.-Colonel——­ preceded him by some days, but in such state of mind that forbids my placing any dependance in his exertions.  When I first mentioned my intention of sending him to Amherstburg, he seemed diffident of his abilities, but pleased at the distinction.  However, when he received his final instructions, his conduct in the presence of some officers was so very improper, and otherwise so childish, that I have since written to say, if he continued in the same disposition, he was at liberty to return to Niagara.  I did not directly order him back, because at this time I consider an officer of rank necessary at Amherstburg, particularly during the absence of Messrs. Elliott and Baby, who are both here attending their parliamentary duties.  You will imagine, after what I have stated, that it is the influence of his rank I alone covet, and not his personal aid.  He has very fortunately given timely proof that he is in no way ambitious of military fame, therefore unfit for so important a command.  Should it please his excellency to place the 41st and 49th at my disposal, I propose sending the former regiment to Amherstburg, as we cannot be too strong in that quarter.  I have already explained myself on that point, and Captain Gray is furnished with further arguments in support of the measure.  I have delayed to the last the mention of a project which I consider of the utmost consequence in the event of hostilities.  I set out with declaring my full conviction, that unless Detroit and Michilimakinack be both in our possession immediately at the commencement of hostilities, not only the district of Amherstburg, but most probably the whole country as far as Kingston, must be evacuated.  How necessary, therefore, to provide effectually the means of their capture.  From Amherstburg it will be impossible to send