I have been here but a few days, having been superseded at Montreal by Major-General Drummond.  I do not approve much of the change, as being separated from the 49th is a great annoyance to me.  But soldiers must accustom themselves to frequent movements; and as they have no choice, it often happens that they are placed in situations little agreeing with their inclinations.  My nominal appointment has been confirmed at home, so that I am really a brigadier.  Were the 49th ordered hence, the rank would not be a sufficient inducement to keep me in this country.  In such a case, I would throw it up willingly.

Curious scenes appear to have occurred in the Baltic.  I fear very much that Sir James (Saumarez) may be induced to return to his retirement in Guernsey.  Indeed, the navy has little left to do, while the army has now a glorious opportunity of distinguishing itself as much as the sister service.  Valour the British troops always possessed, but unless they evince discipline, their fame will be blasted for a century to come.

Brigadier Brock to his Brothers.

    QUEBEC, November 19, 1808.

Yesterday Irving’s letter of the 19th September reached me.  How very thankful I feel for his attention.  But I have not received that which he mentions Savery had written on the same day, giving an account of his proceedings in Spain and Portugal.  This is a truly mortifying disappointment, as it is impossible to discover by the public prints the mystery by which the conduct of our officers has been influenced.  The precaution which Irving took to transcribe a part of the letter, has proved very lucky.  Notwithstanding, I look for the original with unusual impatience, as Savery’s opinion must be formed upon what he saw in full practice in the best disciplined army that ever, I imagine, left England.  His observations are never thrown away.

I am still confined to my room, more indeed on account of the badness of the weather than any want of progress in my recovery.  We have had very hard gales from the East.  The Iphigenia frigate, with her convoy, could not have cleared the land, and the greatest apprehension is entertained for her safety.  Her commander, Captain Lambert, is a friend of George Brock.  I find him an exceedingly good fellow; and I have reason to think that he left us well satisfied with the attention he received from me.[23]

Sir James Craig has certain intimation of the appointment of Colonel Baron de Rottenburg, of the 60th, to be a brigadier in this country, and he is daily looked for.  This most probably will make a change in my situation, as one must go to the upper province, and, as he is senior, he will doubtless have the choice.  My object is to get home as soon as I can obtain permission; but unless our affairs with America be amicably adjusted, of which I see no probability, I scarcely can expect