of conversation) what stipulations they would propose for
themselves, or be willing to accede to, in case either of
failure or of success.

I understand that salvage has been demanded from individuals
on several accounts; for property recovered or restored, for
patents, &c. &c. I lament that such a course has been adopted,
for it was my intention, and it is now my wish, that our
conduct in those matters should be governed by the broadest
principles of liberality. You will, therefore, be pleased to
have returned to the several individuals the amount which each
may have paid as salvage on any account.

With respect to calling out the militia, I am particularly
desirous that it should not be resorted to but in case of
urgent necessity, and then only in such numbers as shall be
actually required. It appears to me that the cavalry employed
exceed the number that may be indispensably necessary: if,
without risk or detriment to the public service, any of either
of those corps can be spared, let them be dismissed.

I wish the engineer to proceed immediately in strengthening
Fort Amherstburg, his plan for which I shall be glad to see as
soon as possible.

Of the ordnance stores of every description, you will reserve
such proportions as may be absolutely required for the public
service in your district, and cause the remainder to be
embarked and sent down to Fort Erie with the least possible
delay.

I cannot at present make the change in the distribution of the
41st regiment which you propose, but, whenever circumstances
may permit, I shall be happy to accede to your wishes.

_Major-General S.V. Rensselaer to Major-General Brock_.

Head Quarters, Lewiston, Sept. 17, 1812.

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of
yesterday evening; an extract of a letter addressed to you on
the 15th instant by Captain Dyson, of the United States
regiment of artillery; also a packet addressed to the
Honorable Albert Gallatin, secretary of the treasury of the
United States.

Colonel Van Rensselaer will have the honor to deliver this
communication, and I have entrusted him to solicit your
permission for an interview with Captain Dyson, for the
purpose of ascertaining, particularly, the condition of the
prisoners of war under his charge, to the end tha