r place, we find ourselves
at this moment rather short of that essential arm. I have,
however, every reason to think that they are embarked on board
the Earl Moira, which vessel, according to Major M'Pherson's
report, was to have sailed on the 28th ultimo. The Americans
have, I believe, about 1,200 regulars and militia between Fort
Niagara and Black Rock, and I consider myself at this moment
perfectly safe against any attempt they can make. About 100
Indians from the Grand River have attended to my summons; the
remainder promise to come also, but I have too much reason to
conclude that the Americans have been too successful in their
endeavours to sow dissension and disaffection among them. It
is a great object to get this fickle race interspersed among
the troops. I should be unwilling, in the event of a retreat,
to have three or four hundred of them hanging on my flank. I
shall probably have to sacrifice some money to gain them over,
and the appointment of a few officers with salaries will be
absolutely necessary.

The Americans make a daily parade of their force, and easily
impose on the people on this side in regard to their numbers.
I do not think they exceed 1,200, but they are represented as
infinitely more numerous.

For the last fortnight every precaution has been taken to
guard against the least communication, and to this day we are
ignorant whether the president has sanctioned the war
resolutions of the two houses of congress; that is, whether
war be actually declared.

The car brigade has been completed for service with horses
belonging to gentlemen, who spared them free of expense.

I have not been honored with a line from Mr. Foster, nor with
all my endeavours have I been able to obtain information of
any consequence. The Prince Regent made her first voyage this
morning, and I purpose sending her to Kingston this evening,
to bring such articles as are absolutely necessary, which we
know have arrived from Quebec. I trust she will out-sail the
Oneida brig.

_Colonel Baynes to Major-General Brock._

MONTREAL, July 4, 1812.

We have a report here of your having commenced operations by
levelling the American fort at Niagara. The general is most
anxious to hear good and recent intelligence from your
quarter. There is no considerable assembly o