we might have submitted to well merited censure; but what is our real position?  Without any fair pretext, and simply in furtherance of its ambitious views, the Government of the United States declares war against England, and, with, an eagerness that sufficiently discloses its true object, marches its rapidly organized armies as rapidly to our weakly defended frontier.  It is scarcely a week since an express reached this post, bringing the announcement that hostilities had been declared and as a proof that these must have been long in contemplation, even the very day previous to its arrival, a numerous army marched past on their way to Detroit.  The sound of their drums was the first intimation we had of their approach, and our surprise was only equalled by our utter ignorance of the motive, until the arrival of the express at once explained the enigma. [Footnote:  Fact.] In such a case, I maintain, we stand justified before God and man in availing ourselves of every means of defence.”

“I cannot acknowledge,” replied the American, “that the war undertaken by our Government, is without sufficient pretext, or in a mere spirit of conquest.  You forget that an insult was offered to our national flag.”

“You of course allude,” said the Commodore, “to the affair of the Little Belt, but I cannot help participating in the opinion expressed by General Brock.  The right of search, on the part of our vessels, has been too universally admitted for the American Government to have resisted it to the extent they have, had they not in this circumstance found, or fancied they found, a pretext favorable to their ulterior and more important views.  My own firm impression is, that had England not all her troops engaged at this moment in the Peninsula, this war never would have been declared.  The opportunity, however, has been found too tempting, while there are only some half dozen regular Regiments distributed throughout both provinces; but the result will prove how far well or ill affected the Canadians are to the British Crown.  Now is the season arrived to test their allegiance.”

“I know not how far the United States Government may have taken in their calculation a chance of disaffection,” remarked the General with a smile; “but I think I know the Canadians, and may venture to assert they will remain staunch.  Every where do they appear to manifest the utmost enthusiasm.” [Footnote:  This certainly was the feeling in 1812.]

“I am only delighted, General, that they have thus an opportunity of being put to the proof,” remarked Colonel D’Egville.  “If they should be found wanting, then do I much mistake my countrymen.  To return, however, to the subject of the employment of the Indians, which you, Major Montgomerie, appear to condemn.  I would ask you, if you are aware of the great exertions made by your Government, to induce them to take an active part in this very war.  If not, I can acquaint you that several of the chiefs, now here, have been strongly