intended to reinforce the garrison of Kingston, and to relieve
the company of the 49th that escorted stores to that place.
Sir George regrets extremely his inability to render you a
more efficient aid, but, under existing circumstances, he does
not feel himself warranted to do more. I regret to find your
militia at Sandwich so lukewarm, to call it by no harsher
name; but I fear that little can be expected from those
recently settled, or of American extraction, and with our
Canadians we have found a very reluctant compliance. I trust
we may still look to considerable reinforcements from home
this year. We are led to expect the 1st battalion of the
Royals from the West Indies immediately, destined indeed to
relieve the 41st. I hope we shall not be disappointed, as our
militia will feel bold if well backed; and I am sure Sir
George will rejoice in receiving the means of rendering you
further assistance. It appears to be credited that the orders
in council were rescinded, in as far as regarded America, on
the 17th June, the day the war vote was carried: this will
strengthen the oppositionists in the States, and the timid
will feel alarmed, not without reason, when they read the
glorious and judicious exploit of Captain Hotham, in the
Northumberland, 74, in destroying, under circumstances of
great difficulty and peril, two French 44-gun frigates and a
sloop, which received a superior degree of protection from
batteries on the shore than can be afforded to Commodore
Rodgers in any harbour of the States.

The Americans are forming depots in the neighbourhood of the
Montreal frontier and building batteries on the lake, but they
have not brought forward any considerable shew of
strength;--on this appearance of weakness we cannot rely, as
it would answer no good end making a parade before they
intended to attack. If they be serious in their views on this
province, the attempt will be probably backed by predatory
incursions on various points. A corps of militia is kept on
the Point Levi side.

Our legislature meet this day to terminate the session. One
great object has been accomplished in the house, adding the
provincial security to the army money note bill; the province
pays the interest accruing upon the notes and the expense of
the establishment, and they are const