YORK, March 9, 1812.

    I received yesterday your letter dated the 20th February, and
    have to express my thanks to Sir George Prevost for his
    readiness in attending to my wishes.

His excellency having been pleased to authorize the raising of two companies under my superintendence, giving me the nomination of the officers, I have to acquaint you, for his information, that Alexander Roxburgh, Esq., has been appointed by me to raise men for a company, and William M’Lean, gentleman, for an ensigncy.  The former is a gentleman strongly recommended to me by Mr. Cartwright, of Kingston; and the latter, the son of an officer formerly in the 25th regiment, who, having settled in this country, has become one of the most influential characters in it.  He is a member of the house of assembly for the district of Frontenac.  I have not yet determined in respect to the remaining commissions, but will report the instant the individuals are nominated.

    Captain Dixon (royal engineers) proceeded four days ago to
    Amherstburg, with the gentlemen who were returning from their
    parliamentary duties.

I request you will have the goodness to inform me of the probable time I may expect the honor of seeing Sir George Prevost, as I shall consider it a duty, which I shall execute with the utmost pleasure, of meeting his excellency at Kingston.

Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock.

    QUEBEC, March 19, 1812.

I regret to find by your late letters to Sir George Prevost, that your expectations from your legislature have not been realised to the extent of your well grounded hopes.  Sir George, who is well versed in the fickle and untractable disposition of public assemblies, feels more regret than disappointment.  He has a very delicate card to play with his house of assembly here, who would fain keep up the farce of being highly charmed and delighted with his amiable disposition and affable manners:  they have even gone the length of asserting, that these traits in his character have afforded them the most entire confidence that in his hands the alien act would not be abused.  They have, however, taken the precaution of stripping it of its very essence and spirit, while last year they passed it without a division, when Sir James, (Craig,) on whose mild and affable disposition they did not pretend to rely, told them that it could only alarm such as were conscious of harbouring seditious designs.  They have passed an amendment to the militia bill, which, though not affording all that was required, is still a material point gained. 2,000 men are to be ballotted to serve for three months in two successive summers; one of their strongest objections was the apprehension of the Canadians contracting military habits and enlisting into the service.[A]

Sir George has directed me to inform you, that he will be ready to render you any assistance