authors in history, particularly ancient, with maps, and the best translations of ancient works.  I read in my youth Pope’s Translation of Homer, but till lately never discovered its exquisite beauties.  As I grow old, I acquire a taste for study.  I firmly believe that the same propensity was always inherent in me, but, strange to tell, although many were paid extravagantly, I never had the advantage of a master to guide and encourage me.  But it is now too late to repine.  I rejoice that my nephews are more fortunate.

The president’s address is sufficiently hostile, and if I thought that he would be supported to the extent of his wishes, I should consider war to be inevitable.  Congress will hesitate before consenting to go the length he proposes.  The taking forcible possession of West Florida may provoke a war sooner than any other act, but it is impossible to foresee how such a step may be viewed by the Cortes.  We are at this moment in awful suspense—­the king’s illness, the proximity of the armies under Massena and Wellington, and the measures our government may deem proper to adopt to meet the hostile proceedings of the Americans, afford serious matter for contemplation.

I have seen “Thoughts on Political Fanaticism,” in answer to your admirable pamphlet.  The author appears to me to proclaim his servile attachment to Bonaparte, without in any degree refuting your arguments.  When you tell me that Peter Tupper is a son of the jurat, and a member of the Junta of Valencia, you by no means satisfy my curiosity.  Is he equal to fill the situation?  Has he discretion, and is he distinguished by a strong mind and undaunted courage, as these are qualities that can alone be serviceable at such a crisis?  I observed his name some little time back in the public prints, without knowing who he could be, and I suppose that he is my junior in age by several years.[31]

Colonel Kempt[32] (Quartermaster-General) to Brigadier Brock.

    QUEBEC, January 17, 1811.

Baynes tells me that he has written to you repeatedly, and most fully and confidentially, on the subject of your application for leave.  The letters, which I have received from home, explicitly state that the last brevet was made so extensive with the view of doing away with the appointment of brigadier, so that no general officer under the rank of major-general will be in future employed; independent of this circumstance, you have no reason, believe me, to dread being unemployed in any rank while you have a wish to serve,—­this opinion, my dear general, is not given rashly or upon slight grounds,—­before I came to this country I had, you must know, several opportunities of hearing your name mentioned at head quarters, both by General Calvert and Colonel Gordon, who unquestionably spoke the sentiments of the then commander-in-chief, and in such a way as to impress me with a thorough conviction that