Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock.

    QUEBEC, May 21, 1812.

Sir George has allowed me to make the following extracts from a dispatch of Mr. Foster’s, dated the 28th April, which I do in the minister’s own words:  “The American government affect now to have taken every step incumbent on the executive as preparatory to war, and leave the ultimate decision to congress, as vested by the constitution in that body, which is fluctuating as the sea:  there is a great party in the house of representatives for war, composed principally of the western and southern states—­members who have little to lose, and may gain, while the northern and eastern states are vehement against it.  The embargo seems to have been resolved upon, because at the moment they did not know what else to do.  The cabinet wished only sixty days—­the senate made it ninety.  Our government leaves no room to expect a repeal of the order in council, yet they wait for the return of the Hornet.  Something decisive must then be known; perhaps when they become completely convinced of Bonaparte’s playing upon them, it will end in declaring against France.  The question of adjournment was lost, notwithstanding there was an absolute majority known a few minutes before in its favor.  The ruling party are split into many; the old revolutionists, jealous of younger men taking a lead.  The army cannot, I conceive, soon be filled up—­they get few recruits.”

You will have heard, long ere you receive this, that the 49th regiment is ordered home; the 41st are by the same authority to return to Europe, but Sir George will not, under existing circumstances, attempt to relieve the posts in Upper Canada, so that there will be no immediate change in your quarter.  Sir George regrets that he has not field officers of the description you require to command at Kingston and Amherstburg.  The only prospect of relief in that respect which he has in view, is from the arrival of the absent inspecting field officers.

The arrangement you propose respecting the unfortunate delinquents of the 41st regiment, will perfectly meet the approbation of Sir George, who approved of your not forwarding the resignation of the younger members, or indeed of any, if they are worthy of consideration.

    Kempt has brought his name into notice in the assault of La
    Picurina, an outwork at Badajoz, where he commanded, being on
    duty in the trenches.  The Glengary levy goes on swimmingly.

Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock.

    QUEBEC, May 27, 1812.

I was much pleased to find, by your letter of the 22d ultimo, you had taken precautions to prevent any act occurring within your control that should afford the government of the United States a legitimate pretext to add to the clamour artfully raised by it against England.

    The circumstance which happened to the guard stationed
    opposite to Queenstown, arrived here much exaggerated.  Your
    account of it silenced the idle reports in circulation.