148 THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 



the same precautions on their own side of the boundary, to resist an 

 invasion.* 



Reports from secret agents within the American line showed that 

 the concentration of a considerable force was being effected in the 

 vicinity of Plattsburg. This force continued to increase until the end 

 of September when it was estimated at six thousand régulais and 

 volunteers under the command of Brigadier General Bloomfield. 

 Strong advanced posts had been established at Champlain and 

 Chateauguay Four Corners, close to the frontier. Three thousand 

 recruits of the regular army had assembled at the camp of instruction 

 at Greenbush near Albany, where General Dearborn had his head- 

 quarters. 



The beginning of October was marked by a prolonged period of 

 cold and stormy weather which finally compelled de Rottenburg to place 

 his troops in cantonments equally well designed for rapid concentration 

 in case of a sudden inroad. His force had by that time been augmented 

 to 2,500 regulars and 3,000 militia. t 



A letter from Brock reporting that a small force from Amherstburg 

 had been detached to support the Indians who were besieging Fort 

 Wayne, had excited grave doubts as to its expediency. 



"Having received information that the revocation of the Orders 

 in Council, the conciliatory disposition shown by His Majesty's Govern- 

 ment towards the United States, and the knowledge of the pacific 

 advances made, have produced the best efïect upon public opinion so 

 as to render the war extremely unpopular," Prévost wrote in reply, 

 "I should consider it extremely unfortunate if any temptation or 

 provocation should induce you to abandon those defensive operations 

 suited to the present state of the contest, and which, it has become both 

 prudent and politic to persevere in observing. 



"I can derive no satisfaction from any result that may attend 

 Captain Muir's movement against Fort Wayne, however favourable 

 to our arms, as it does not accord with my instructions to you, founded 

 on those I have received from the King's Ministers and is not calculated 

 upon the present military resources of this command." J 



His anxiety was at the same time materially increased by infor- 

 mation of a general failuie of crops throughout the province of Lower 

 Canada which compelled him to act upon the advice of the Executive 

 and proclaim a strict embargo upon the exportation of grain, flour 

 and salt meat.'' 



♦Major de Salaberry to his mother, Sept. 10 and 17. 



t Prévost to the Duke of York, Oct. 17. 



JPrevost to Brock, Sept. 30. 



* Brenton to the Chief Justice, Sept. 29. 



