features were strong and regular, his aspect was severe and imposing, his deportment, manly and dignified; in society he was polite, frank, and affable.  He is said to have been positive in his opinions, and therefore prompt and decisive in his measures.  To a clear and comprehensive judgment, he united the best qualities of the heart, and though hasty in temper, he was easily reconciled to those who might involuntarily have incurred his resentment.  In fine, he seems to have possessed all the sterling and undisguised virtues that distinguish the soldier, and some of the qualities that constitute the able statesman.  Although many differed widely in opinion with respect to his government, yet few could deny him the merit of disinterestedness and integrity in the discharge of his public duties.  He may have erred in the performance of the important and complicated functions of his post, but he was guided by sincerity; and it is due to his memory to add, that the objects of his administration, however erroneous the means he pursued for their attainment, were the concord, the happiness, and the prosperity of the people whom he governed for nearly four years.[36]

Major-General Vesey to Major-General Brock.

    PORTSMOUTH, June 10, 1811.

I congratulate you on your promotion, and you may return me the compliment.  I did not expect to appear in the same brevet with you as a major-general; it has so happened, however, and I am not at all sorry to go out to Sicily as major-general instead of a brigadier.  You have such a lot of generals in Canada at present, that it is impossible to continue them all upon the staff.  Your wish will be to come home, I dare say, and very glad I should be if you were in England at present, while all the arrangements are making.  It may perhaps be your fate to go to the Mediterranean, but the Peninsula is the most direct road to the honor of the Bath, and as you are an ambitious man, that is the station you would prefer—­so should I, but I have been advised not to solicit for it, but to go where I was ordered; therefore, am I proceeding.  I need not say how rejoiced I should be if you were of the party.

The return of the duke of York to the head of the army gives general satisfaction to all military people, and indeed to most others I fancy:  his old worn-out predecessor has long been superannuated.  I still retain my appointment of deputy barrack master-general in Nova Scotia, to the astonishment of every body, because I suppose they do not like to take it from me par force, without giving me something in lieu of it.  I have told the treasury that I would not give it up upon any other terms than for my lieutenant-colonelcy, but that they had the power of taking it from me if they chose to do me that injustice:  I suppose they will as soon as my back is turned.  Lord William Bentinck is expected down to-day; he goes to Sicily in the Caledonia, with Sir Edward Pellew.  As it is possible you may have left Canada, I shall enclose this letter to our friend Bruyeres; bid him read it and forward it if you are yet in that country.

Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock, at Montreal.