128 ROYAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 
commander exercised his discretion to postpone this from motives of 
both policy and humanity.’ 
“Such a measure would most probably be followed by the total 
extinction of the population on that side of the river,” he wrote, “or 
the Indians, aware of our weakness, would only think of entering into 
terms with the enemy. The Indians since the Miami affair in 1793 
have been extremely suspicious of our conduct; but the violent wrongs 
committed by the Americans on their territory have rendered it an 
act of policy with them to disguise their sentiments. Could they be 
persuaded that a peace between the belligerents would take place with- 
out admitting their claim to an extensive tract of country fraudulently 
usurped from them and opposing a frontier to the present unbounded 
views of the Americans, I am satisfied in my own mind that they would 
immediately compromise with the enemy. I cannot conceive a con- 
nexion so likely to lead to more awful consequences. 
“Tf we can maintain ourselves at Niagara and keep the communica- 
tion to Montreal open, the Americans can only subdue the Indians by 
craft, which we ought to be prepared to see exerted to the utmost. 
The enmity of the Indians is now at its height and it will require much 
management and large bribes to effect a change in their policy; but the 
moment they are convinced we either want the means to prosecute the 
war with spirit or are negotiating a separate peace, they will begin to 
study in what manner they can effectually deceive us.’”? 
When the declaration of war became known in Kentucky it received 
the hearty approval of the great majority of the people and most of 
the towns and villages were illuminated on the following night as a sign 
of general rejoicing. As soon as Congress adjourned, Henry Clay, the 
Speaker of the House of Representatives and recognized leader of the 
war-party, hurried home and exerted himself with characteristic energy 
to promote the organization of a volunteer force to support General 
Hull in the anticipated conquest of Upper Canada. He daily attended 
musters of militia and frequently stirred public meetings with a torrent 
of fiery and confident rhetoric. Shortly after his arrival at Lexington 
he wrote to the Secretary of State that he was actually alarmed by the 
enthusiasm displayed by the people of his State. Four hundred men 
had been enlisted for the regular army and the quota of militia detached 
for six months’ service had been more than completed with volunteers. 
“Such is the character of our society, however,” he added, “that 
I doubt whether many can be engaged for a longer period than six 
months. For that term any force whatever which our population may 



1 Prevost to Brock, Sept. 14, 1812. 
2 Brock to Prevost, Sept. 28, 1812. 
