182 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
We are perfectly sensible of the meritorious services of the militia 
of this Province, and although they must, in a contest lke the present, 
unavoidably suffer privations, still when they consider the great object 
for which they contend, they will be convinced that their sufferings 
are inevitable. Their situation demands our most serious attention. 
We feel highly gratified to learn that His Excellency the Com- 
mander of the Forces has been pleased to order clothing for a consider- 
able proportion of the Militia, and we will be happy to contribute every 
thing in our power towards their comfort. 
We shall direct our attention to the Laws about to expire, and 
shall endeavour to make such amendments to the Militia Act now in 
force, as may be necessary to render it more efficient. 
Your Honor’s request to be enabled to pay in advance half yearly, 
the annuity granted to Widows and Children and Persons disabled in 
the Service, is a proof of the humanity so conspicuous in your Char- 
acter; and it will be highly pleasing to us to comply with your Honor’s 
request. | 
We learn with the highest satisfaction, that the most vigorous 
measures have been adopted, under the direction of the Commander 
of the Forces, and are now in operation to strengthen the Provincial 
Marine and preserve the superiority on the Lakes so essential to the 
safety of this Province. 
We are perfectly sensible that dispatch in our deliberations is at 
this juncture particularly necessary, and we beg leave to assure your 
Honor that we have the utmost confidence in your Honor’s adminstra- 
tion and in your well known exertions for the defence of the Province, 
and the safety and prosperity of its inhabitants. 
ALLAN M’LEAN, Speaker. 
Commons House of Assembly, York, 26th February, 1813. 
To which His Honor was pleased to make the following Reply: 
Gentlemen, 
I thank you for this Address, so cordially responsive to my own 
sentiments. 
The confidence you express in the successful resistance to any 
attempts of the enemy on this Province, is a further pledge of the 
loyalty and bravery of his Majesty’s subjects, and which, with the assur- 
ance you give of contributing every means in your power to aid them 
in its defence, cannot but be highly satisfactory. 
27th February, 1813. 
