iment, and the
appointment of a military person to administer the government,
have tended to infuse other sentiments among the most
reflecting part of the community; and I feel happy in being
able to assure your excellency, that during my visit last week
at Niagara, I received the most satisfactory professions of a
determination on the part of the principal inhabitants to
exert every means in their power in the defence of their
property and support of the government. They look with
confidence to your excellency for such additional aid as may
be necessary, in conjunction with the militia, to repel any
hostile attempt against this province.

I shall beg leave to refer your excellency to the
communications of Lieut.-Governor Gore with Sir James Craig,
for a correct view of the temper and composition of the
militia and Indians. Although perfectly aware of the number of
improper characters who have obtained extensive possessions,
and whose principles diffuse a spirit of insubordination very
adverse to all military institutions, I am however well
assured that a large majority would prove faithful. It is
certain that the best policy to be pursued, should future
circumstances call for active preparations, will be to act
with the utmost liberality, and as if no mistrust existed;
for, unless the inhabitants give an active and efficient aid,
it will be utterly impossible for the very limited number of
the military, who are likely to be employed, to preserve the
province.

The first point to which I am anxious to call your
excellency's attention, is the district of Amherstburg. I
consider it the most important, and, if supplied with the
means of commencing active operations, must deter any
offensive attempt on this province, from Niagara westward. The
American government will be compelled to secure their western
frontier from the inroads of the Indians, and this cannot be
effected without a very considerable force. But before we can
expect an active co-operation on the part of the Indians, the
reduction of Detroit and Michilimakinack must convince that
people, who conceive themselves to have been sacrificed, in
1794,[40] to our policy, that we are earnestly engaged in the
war. The Indians, I am made to understand, are eager for an
opportunity to avenge the numerous inju