[cruikshank] from ISLE AUX NOIX TO CHATEAUGUAY 157 



succeeded in enlisting a few sailors of inferior quality at Quebec, but 

 he was obliged to state that 'Hhe officers are in general deficient in 

 experience and particularly in that energetic spirit which distinguishes 

 British seamen. In consequence it will be highly necessary in the 

 event of the continuance of the war with America that tried officers 

 of the rank of lieutenants and trusty men from the navy should be 

 appropriated for that service and sent to me as early as possible next 

 spring." * 



When definite information of the declaration of war was received 

 in London, the Admiialty with little delay decided to consolidate the 

 all ships of war on the Halifax, Jamaica and Leeward Islands stations 

 into a single command to secure unity of action and Admiral Sir John 

 Borlase Warren was selected for this most important appointment. 

 He was nearly sixty yeai s of age and besides having had a distinguished 

 service at sea, had represented his country with credit on a special 

 mission to the court of St. Petersburg and was believed to possess con- 

 siderable talents as a diplomat. His secret instructions were dated 

 on August 6; he sailed a week later but did not arrive at Haliax until 

 September 20. Before leaving England he wrote a letter to Prévost 

 which he entrusted for delivery to Lieut, Colonel Cecil Bisshopp, who 

 had accompanied him to Russia, and was then on his way to Canada 

 to fill a staff appointment. In this letter Warren intimated that he 

 might be able to supply officers and seamen for service on the lakes. 

 Prévost received it on October 19. Next day he replied. 



"So sensible have I been of the importance of maintaining our 

 navpJ superiority on the lakes that I have made repeated representations 

 on the subject to H.M. Ministers. So anxious is the Gov't of the U. 

 States of the necessity of acquiring the command of those sheets of 

 water that uncommon exertions are making both on Lake Erie and 

 Lake Ontario to obtain an object so essential to their future measures 

 against Upper Canada. Do you consider yourself authorized to afford 

 me the aid you suggest? If you do, I will most readily receive it, and 

 doubt not its enabling me to preserve a superiority which might other- 

 wise decline. " f 



Warren had been instructed to propose that the Government of 

 the United States in consequence of the revocation of the Orders in 

 Council which they had so long urged, should now recall their dec- 

 laration of war and agree to an armistice and a peaceful settlement of 

 all points in dispute. In case this proposal Avas accepted, he was auth- 

 orised to s op all hostilities and give an assurance on behalf of his govern- 

 ment that the same action would be taken in all parts of the world. 



*Prevost to Bathurst, Oct. 17; Prévost to the Duke of York, Oct. 17. 

 t Warren to Prévost, Portsmouth, August 11; Prévost to Warren, Oct. 20. 

 Sec. II, 1913—10 



