istory of the War of 1812," gives the
following estimate of the character and Administration of Sir George
Prevost:

"A warm and unswerving friend of the Canadian population, of French
origin, he confided in and liberally patronized them from the
commencement to the close of his administration; and they, it must be
acknowledged, as generously responded to his confidence in them. No
country or people ever exhibited greater unanimity or patriotism than
did the people of Lower Canada of both origins, in the war of 1812 by
the United States against Great Britain--a stand the more to be
remembered by her Government, as these colonies, almost destitute of
troops, wholly so of money, and scarcely possessing even a sufficiency
of arms and other munitions of defence, owing to the more imperious
calls from other quarters upon the Home Government, were, at the outset
of the war, in a manner left to their own action and resources, and
which they nobly exemplified, single-handed, as it were, throughout the
first two campaigns. The principles of loyalty and duty, no doubt, were
deeply implanted in the bosom of the people; but he it was who exalted
them into enthusiasm and inspired the mass with a confidence in their
own exertions and a reliance upon his wisdom, fitting them for the
emergency, and that bore them successfully through the contest. Whatever
may be the opinion now established of his talents, by the military
world, the impression which the inhabitants of French origin in Lower
Canada universally retain of him, is that of a conciliatory, wise, and
able civil governor, and in all the relations of private life, an
amiable and estimable man."[220]

PART IV.

UPPER CANADA--PREPARATIONS FOR THE CAMPAIGN--THE BRITISH FLEET INFERIOR
ON LAKE ONTARIO--SUCCESSFUL EXPEDITION AGAINST OSWEGO--DESTRUCTION OF
FORTIFICATIONS AND SEIZURE OF MUNITIONS OF WAR--BLOCKADES SACKETT'S
HARBOUR--UNSUCCESSFUL ASCENT OF SANDY CREEK.

In Upper Canada the occurrences during the winter of 1814 were
principally confined to incursions reciprocally practised by troops in
advance along the frontiers with various successes, but with no
important results on either side. After the winter's preparations, the
campaign was opened in Upper Canada by Sir Gordon Drummond and Sir James
L. Yeo, under most cheering circumstances. The American forces along the
Lake Champlain, after leaving small garrisons at Plattsburg, Burlington,
and Vergennes, moved early in th