old to form new friendships, and those of my youth are
dropping off fast.

General Sheaffe has lately been sent to me. There never was an
individual so miserably off for the necessary assistance. Sir
George Prevost has kindly hearkened to my remonstrances, and
in some measure supplied the deficiency. The 41st is an
uncommonly fine regiment, but, with few exceptions, badly
officered. You mention John Tupper[85] in a manner as to leave
hope that he may still be living. God grant it! He is a great
favorite of mine, and I should lament any disaster happening
to him. Perhaps Glegg may be sent home by Sir George, and in
that case I hope he will allow you to see the colours taken
from the 4th U.S. regiment. The generality of the English will
esteem them very little: nothing is prized that is not
acquired with blood.

KINGSTON, September 4.

I this instant receive your letters by Mr. Todd, So honest
John Tupper is gone! I could not have loved a son of my own
more ardently. Hostilities I this instant understand are to be
renewed in four days; and though landed only two hours, I must
return immediately to Niagara, whence I shall write fully.

_Lieut.-Colonel Nichol, Quartermaster-General of Militia, to
Major-General Brock._

DETROIT, August 25, 1812.

I have just been informed by Colonel Proctor that he intends
sending an express to-morrow to Fort George, which gives me an
opportunity to forward a few printed copies of your
proclamation, and to inform you that in order to carry it into
effect, it has been found absolutely necessary to organize the
civil government. Under existing circumstances, I have advised
Colonel Proctor to assume the administration until your
pleasure is known, to which he has agreed, and the necessary
arrangements consequent thereto have been adopted and
promulgated. In Judge Woodward, who has been appointed
secretary _pro tem_, he will find an able coadjutor; and as
your object undoubtedly was to tranquillize the public mind
and to give the inhabitants a proof of the moderation and
benevolence of his majesty's government, as well as to ensure
the due administration of the laws, I do not think a more
judicious choice could have been made. In all the discussions
which took place on this subject, Colonel Proctor did me the
honor to consult m