this gentleman's communication. He informs me that he had just
received dispatches from England, referring to a declaration
of ministers in parliament, relative to a proposed repeal of
the orders in council, provided the United States government
would return to relations of amity with us, the contents of
which may possibly induce the American government to agree to
a suspension of hostilities as a preliminary to negotiations
for peace;--that he proposed sending his majesty's hired armed
ketch Gleaner to New York, with letters to Mr. Baker, whom he
had left at Washington in a demi-official capacity, with
directions to communicate with the American minister and to
write to me the result of his interview. Should the president
of the United States think proper to signify that hostile
operations should cease on the American side, Mr. Foster
suggests the expediency of my being prepared to make a similar
signification on our part.

As I propose sending Colonel Baynes immediately into the
United States, with a proposal for a cessation of hostile
operations, I enclose for your information the copy of my
letter to General Dearborn, or the commander-in-chief of the
American forces.

Mr. Foster also submits the propriety of our abstaining from
an invasion of the United States territory, as only in such an
event could the American government be empowered to order the
militia out of the States. I am led to believe from this, that
General Hull, in possessing himself of Sandwich, has exceeded
his instructions; particularly as Mr. Foster informs me that
Mr. Monroe had told him Fort Maiden (Amherstburg) would not be
attacked, but that General Hull had stated to a friend of his,
some time ago, that he would attempt it.

A report has been made to me that a frigate and six
transports, with the Royal Scots (1st battalion) on board,
from the West Indies, are just below Bic;--in consequence of
this reinforcement, I have ordered the company of the 49th
regiment, sent to Kingston, to remain there; and in addition
to the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, and a detachment of an
officer and 50 Veterans most fit for service, now on their
route to that station, I shall order Major Ormsby, with three
companies of the 49th regiment, to proceed from Montreal to
the same post, to be disposed of as