The car brigade will be particularly useful in obstructing their passage; and I cannot be too urgent in soliciting the means, both as to gunners and drivers, and likewise as to horses, to render this arm complete for service.  A small body of cavalry would also be absolutely necessary, and I have already offers from many respectable young men, to form themselves into a troop.  All they seem to require are swords and pistols, which the stores below may probably be able to furnish.

The situation of Kingston is so very important in every military point of view, that I cannot be too earnest in drawing your excellency’s attention to that quarter.  The militia, from the Bay of Quinti down to Glengary, is the most respectable of any in the province.  Among the officers several are on half pay, and still retain a sound military spirit.  Those from the Bay of Quinti would be properly stationed at Kingston, but all downwards would naturally desire to be employed to resist any predatory excursions to which their property would be so much exposed from the opposite shore.  Besides, I have always been of opinion that a strong detachment would follow the route of Lord Amherst, and attempt to enter the province by Ozwegatchie.[42] The militia on the whole of that communication cannot, therefore, be more usefully employed than in watching such a movement; and should the enemy direct the whole of his force by St. John’s, the greater part can with the utmost facility join the army acting upon that frontier.

The militia act, which I have the honor to enclose, provides for such an emergency, but your excellency will readily observe, that among many wise and salutary provisions, there are but few means of enforcing them.  No exertions, however, shall be wanting in my civil capacity to place that body upon a respectable footing.  Mr. Cartwright, the senior militia colonel at Kingston, possesses the influence to which his firm character and superior abilities so deservedly entitle him; but as I cannot possibly give the necessary attention to so distant an object, and as a regular officer will be indispensable to direct the operations, one of high rank ought, if possible, to be nominated to that command.  So much will remain to be done, and such high expenses to be incurred in the quartermaster-general’s departments, that I cannot too earnestly request your excellency to select an officer who may be equal to discharge the various duties of that office.  A head to the commissariat will be likewise indispensable.

I have trespassed greatly on your excellency’s time, but I beg to be permitted to entreat your excellency to honor me with such advice and counsel as your experience may suggest, and be assured it will ever be my utmost pride to meet your views and to merit your approbation.

Major-General Brock to Lieut.-General Sir G. Prevost.

    YORK, December 3, 1811.