tburg, particularly during
the absence of Messrs. Elliott and Baby, who are both here
attending their parliamentary duties. You will imagine, after
what I have stated, that it is the influence of his rank I
alone covet, and not his personal aid. He has very fortunately
given timely proof that he is in no way ambitious of military
fame, therefore unfit for so important a command. Should it
please his excellency to place the 41st and 49th at my
disposal, I propose sending the former regiment to
Amherstburg, as we cannot be too strong in that quarter. I
have already explained myself on that point, and Captain Gray
is furnished with further arguments in support of the measure.
I have delayed to the last the mention of a project which I
consider of the utmost consequence in the event of
hostilities. I set out with declaring my full conviction, that
unless Detroit and Michilimakinack be both in our possession
immediately at the commencement of hostilities, not only the
district of Amherstburg, but most probably the whole country
as far as Kingston, must be evacuated. How necessary,
therefore, to provide effectually the means of their capture.
From Amherstburg it will be impossible to send a force to
reduce Michilimakinack. Unless we occupy completely both
banks, no vessel could pass the river St. Clair. What I
therefore presume to suggest for his excellency's
consideration, is the adoption of a project which Sir James
Craig contemplated three years ago. The north-west company
undertook to transport 50 or 60 men up the Ottawa, and I make
no doubt would engage again to perform the same service. If
therefore a war be likely to occur, at the time the canoes
start from Montreal, I should recommend 40 or 50 of the 49th
light company, and a small detachment of artillery, embarking
at the same time for St. Joseph's. Should hostilities
commence, the north-west would not object to join their
strength in the reduction of Michilimakinack; and should peace
succeed the present wrangling, the 49th detachment could be
easily removed to Amherstburg.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock_.

QUEBEC, February 20, 1812.

Captain M'Donnell has not clearly understood the purport of
his mission to Upper Canada, and the general regrets that he
should have proceeded the length he has done