I am now given to understand that General Hull’s insidious proclamation, herewith enclosed, has already been productive of considerable effect on the minds of the people.  In fact, a general sentiment prevails, that with the present force resistance is unavailing.  I shall continue to exert myself to the utmost to overcome every difficulty.  Should, however, the communication between Kingston and Montreal be cut off, the fate of the troops in this part of the province will be decided.  I now express my apprehensions on a supposition that the slender means your excellency possesses will not admit of diminution; consequently, that I need not look for reinforcements.  It is evidently not the intention of the enemy to make any attempt to penetrate into the province by this strait, unless the present force be diminished.  He seems much more inclined to work on the flanks, aware that if he succeed every other part must very soon submit.

My last official communication from the Lower Province is dated the 25th ultimo, when the adjutant-general announced the receipt of intelligence, by a mercantile house, of war being declared by the United States against Great Britain.

Major-General Sir Thomas Saumarez, Kt.,[57] to Major-General Brock.

    HALIFAX, July 22, 1812.

Being this moment informed that an express is to be dispatched immediately from hence to Quebec, I have great pleasure in having an opportunity to inquire after your health and welfare, and to acquaint you that your relation, Lady Saumarez, and myself, arrived here about a month since.  I assure you we consider ourselves particularly fortunate in not having fallen into the enemy’s bands, as the Americans had declared war a week before we reached this.  We came out in a very valuable ordnance store ship, which would have been a great acquisition to the enemy, at the breaking out of a war especially; and the loss to us would have been seriously felt here, as all the stores on board were very much required.  Another ship with naval stores accompanied us; they were much wanted by our squadron, and possibly as much so by the ships of the enemy.  Our squadron on this station has been very active.  Prizes arrive here daily, I could almost say hourly.  The Emulous brig brought in ten yesterday, and 30,000 dollars were found on board some of them.  Mr. Foster, late ambassador to the American States, has been here nearly a week; he is to sail for England to-day.  According to the best information we can obtain here, the Northern and Eastern States of America are extremely inimical to, and dissatisfied with, the war; so much so, that there is reason to suppose they will dissolve the Union shortly, and declare themselves totally independent of the Southern and Western States.

The American privateers are extremely numerous and daring in this neighbourhood; and,