Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock.

    MONTREAL, July 7, 1812.

It was only on my arrival at Montreal that I received Mr. Foster’s notification of the congress of the United States having declared war against Great Britain; the fact had been previously ascertained through mercantile channels.

I am convinced you have acted wisely in abstaining from offensive operations, which in their effect might have united a people governed by public opinion, and among whom too much division exists, at this moment, to admit of its influence in promoting vigorous measures against us.

The manner of the flank companies of militia turning out must have been very satisfactory to you.  I hope your supplies of ordnance and ordnance stores, on their way from Kingston, have arrived safe.

I have caused arms, accoutrements and ammunition, to be forwarded for the use of the Cornwall, Stormont, and Dundas battalions of militia.  Camp equipage for 500 men shall be sent to you as soon as possible, together with muskets.

We are on the eve of substituting paper for bullion.  I am aware of the Canadian prejudice against such a circulating medium, but it must give way to the imperious necessity of the times.

It is highly proper you should secure the services of the Indians; but restrain and control them as much as you can.  Whatever appointments you deem indispensably necessary you are authorized to make, as well as the sacrifice of some money to gain them over.  It is proper we should maintain our ascendancy over the Indians, and feed with proper food their predeliction for us.

    Colonel Lethbridge, an inspecting field officer, is under
    orders for Kingston, and there to wait your commands.

Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock.

    MONTREAL, July 8, 1812.

I was highly gratified yesterday in receiving your letters of the 3d July, for we have felt extremely anxious about you ever since we have learnt the unexpected declaration of war, which had been so long threatened that no one believed it would ever seriously take place; and even now it is the prevailing opinion that, from the opposition testified by the eastern states, offensive measures are not likely to be speedily adopted against this country.  Sir George is inclined to let these sentiments take their course, and as little advantage would accrue by more active measures on our part, our present plans are all defensive.  General de Rottenburg is arrived, and the flank companies embodied are on their way:  this corps, with the embodied militia, will form a chain from La Prairie to St. John’s, with a light corps advanced in their front.  We have reports of the 103d regiment being in the river, and, it is added, recruits for the 100th regiment.

Sir George has had applications from