Sir James Saumarez, Bart.[48] to Major-General Brock.

    SPITHEAD, April 14, 1812.

Lieutenant Le Couteur[49] being ordered to join his regiment in Canada, permit me to recommend him to your kind notice:  he is a promising young officer, and being connected with our family, makes me interested for his welfare.  I congratulate you upon your present distinguished appointment.  A few weeks previous to my leaving town, I was informed by Lord Liverpool that Governor Gore had leave of absence, but that if he did not return to his command, he would be happy in taking your services into consideration.  From what his lordship was pleased to add, I have no doubt of your succeeding to the government, in the event of Governor Gore obtaining any other situation.

I am on the point of returning to the Baltic, where there appears a strong disposition on the part of Russia and some of the other powers to resist the aggressions of Bonaparte,—­I trust with well-founded hopes of ultimate success.

Major-General Le Couteur to Major-General Brock.

    LISBON, April 16, 1812.

I am here in consequence of a mistake in orders sent to me by Lord Palmerston, to join the army in Portugal, when his lordship meant Jamaica.  On my arrival at Lisbon I found out the mistake, and I hope in a few days to sail for my real destination.

My son, whom you perhaps will remember an infant when you were in Jersey, will have the pleasure to deliver you this letter, if the 104th regiment be in your neighbourhood.  He is only seventeen years old; very young to be sent loose on the wide world.  Allow me to recommend him to your kindness and friendly protection; and should he be quartered at some distance from you, permit me to request you will be so good as to introduce him to some steady officer, or to such of your friends as might be in his neighbourhood.  I shall hope to have him soon as my aide-de-camp.

Sir John Dumaresq, Kt., Lieut.-Bailiff of Jersey, to Major-General Brock.

    JERSEY, April 20, 1812.

I hope you will pardon the liberty I take of giving a letter of introduction to you to my grandson, Lieut.  John Le Couteur, of the 104th, son of Major-General Le Couteur, who is on his departure for Quebec with recruits.  His father, who is now in Portugal, had some hopes his son might have been allowed to be on his staff; but it seems that could not take place until he has served a certain time in the regiment.  He is a young man (not yet eighteen) of an excellent disposition, educated at Marlow, where he has given the most pleasing testimonies of early professional abilities and attention to his duty.  I shall esteem, it a great favor, as well as his father, for any mark of attention or notice which you may have it in your power to shew him whilst under your command.

Major-General Brock to Sir George Prevost.