stest merchant vessels were converted into cruisers, ready to
start at a short notice. On the 18th of June, before the revocation of
the orders in council was known in the United States, a declaration of
war was carried in the house of representatives by seventy-nine to
forty-nine votes, its supporters being chiefly from the western and
southern states to Pennsylvania inclusive, while the advocates for peace
were principally from the northern and eastern states.[44]

_Sir George Prevost to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, January 22, 1812.

It is the opinion of the adjutant-general that you will not
wish to avail yourself of the conditional leave of absence I
have received authority to grant you. I shall hear with
particular satisfaction that Baynes is not mistaken, as I
value your services highly.

If it be the disposition of government to employ Major-General
Sheaffe, the death of Major-General Balfour, at Fredericton,
and the absence of Major-General Wilder, affords the
opportunity of doing so without depriving me of your
assistance at this critical period of affairs.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock, at York._

QUEBEC, January 23, 1812[45]

Sir George Prevost has commissioned me to inform you that by
the October mail, which arrived two days ago, he received a
letter from the adjutant-general, authorizing him to permit
your return to England for the purpose of being employed on
the continent, and sanctioning his appointing Major-General
Sheaffe to succeed you on the staff in Canada. But Sir George,
viewing the intention of the commander-in-chief as instigated
solely by a desire to promote your wishes and advantage, and
having learnt from me that from the tenor of your recent
correspondence I was led to believe that you would prefer
retaining your present charge, he has directed me to inform
you of the circumstance by a private letter, which will enable
you to canvass the subject with more freedom than an official
communication would admit of. Your decision to remain longer
in Canada will be highly acceptable to him. Sheaffe, I have no
doubt, will be very speedily provided for in this country,
without depriving us of your services. Sir George has asked
permission to appoint him in General Wilder's place, and there
will be two vacancies in Nova Scotia to fill up in the spring.