LEAVES THEY HAVE TOUCHED. 95 



tMs Session to establish a Superior Court of Judicature, to be 

 stationary at the Seat of Government ; and, till that shall be fixed, to 

 be holden at the last place of meeting of the Assembly. I am sorry it 

 was not in my power to ofier a bed to your son except during the 

 absence of Major Littlehales. We have no news from Europe except 

 by way of the States. A copy of the King's speech has found its 

 way here, which continues to insist on the necessity of opposing the 

 measures of the French. No mention is made of the American States ; 

 but I am happy to learn, from a recent communication from Mr. 

 Washington to Congress of letters from Mr. Pinkney, that at an 

 interview with Lord Grenville the most pacific professions were 

 made by the Secretaiy, so that the appi-ehensions of war begin to 

 subside. I am. Dear Sir, with great esteem, &c., William Osgoode." 

 It would appear that during the subsequent autumn Mr. Powell 

 had visited Niagara, and had returned rather suddenly to Detroit, 

 with the intention of bringing down his family. Navy Hall was to 

 have afforded them a temporary shelter in the expected absence of the 

 Governor for the winter. But in the meantime some change had 

 occuiTed in the aspect of public affairs, and it might be expedient for 

 the Governor to pass the winter, after all, at Niagara : also, it might 

 be necessary to quarter a military giiard in the spare portion of the 

 Governor's House. The following note was accordingly dispatched. 

 I copy from the original. "Navy Hall, Nov. 14, 1794. Dear Sir: 

 The critical situation of afftiirs will in all probability render it 

 necessary for His Excellency to remain at Navy Hall during the 

 ensuing winter, and he may have occasion to quarter troops in that 

 part of the House which was otherwise intended for the temporary 

 accommodation of your family. Under these circumstances. His 

 Excellency has directed me to write to you immediately, to obviate 

 any inconvenience you might else experience. I am, Dear Sir, 

 with regards, &c., E. B. Littlehales. — P.S. Colonel Simcae was 

 prevented from personally explaining to you what he has directed 

 me to write, owing to your unexpected departure to Detroit." — To 

 this autograph letter of Major Littlehales', it will not be inapjaropriate 

 to append Liancourt's account of the impression made on himself by 

 that gentleman. " Before I close the article of Niagara," the duke 

 says, " I must make particular mention of the civility shown us by 

 Major Littlehales, Adjutant and first Secretary to the Governor — -a 

 •well-bred, mild and amiable man, who has the charge of the whole 



