[coyne] THE TALBOT PAPERS 189 
the intelligence which he has received rendering it unnecessary in his 
opinion to add to the number of the Militia before called out for the 
defence of this frontier. 
The General visited Fort Erie yesterday and returned to-day, 
having obtained from a source on which he relies the following 
information. 
That the force on the opposite side between the rock and Fort 
Niagara amounted to about 3,000—that they were much in fear of an 
attack from us— the Militia in a bad state of health and much dis- 
contented—five of the eastern States and one southern had refused to 
support the general government—that there remained no doubt on the 
minds of the Federalists that Mr. M. would be ousted, and peace 
restored—it was the opinion of the Feds opposite that we ought not to 
make any attack—Genl. Dearborn had only 1,500 men at Albany— 
De W. Clinton would be brought in as President—and that a second 
attempt to raise funds by an issue of paper having failed the troops 
were not paid, and were becoming clamorous, &e. &e. &e. I believe 
that I have not omitted anything that I was charged to communicate 
to you from H. H. the President— I may now, therefore, add a word 
or two from myself—and first let me congratulate you on not having 
been torn or driven away from your household Gods (and Goddesses, 
if any vou have) and I assure you that I feel a friendly and anxious 
desire that ve should all remain quietly under tne same roof, undis- 
turbed by Hulls or Watsons or any of their wicked works— 
The General wished to send some English newspapers he brought 
up from Kingston a few days ago—but they cannot be found—the 
account of your brother’s? capture of the Rivoli was in one of them; 
but that vou must have seen long since, therefore there is the less to 
regret in their not being forthcoming.? 
Lieut. Col. Macdonell ? P.A.D.C. to Talbot. 
Head Quarters 
Dear Colonel. Fort George 12th Octr. 1812. 
From the movements of the enemy on the opposite shore, and 
other circumstances the General is strongly induced to believe he will 


1Sir John Talbot. 
? The rest is wanting. 
8 Probably the last letter he wrote. He was mortally wounded on the 
following day, in the battle of Queenston Heights, and died twenty hours 
later. 
