Page:The Life and Correspondence of Major-General Sir Isaac Brock - 1847.djvu/9



although one would suppose that the reviewer would have delighted so seize so fitting a theme for graceful lament and generous praise while General Procter's subsequent operations occupy no less than ten or eleven pages; the entire context, moreover, leading the reader to suppose that General Procter, and not General Brock, was "the hero of Upper Canada," by which term the latter is still fondly and honorably remembered in that province. In consequence, Sir Isaac Brock's character, gallantry, and exertions, are not sufficiently known or appreciated on this side of the Atlantic; but, happily, the Canadian people have in some measure repaired this cruel injustice—this want of common candour and generosity—by awarding to their hero that meed of fame which another sought to withhold, and which his deeds and untimely death should have secured to him.

In conclusion, I may be pardoned the addition of my regret that this Memoir was not undertaken many years ago by an officer, who, from having served on the personal staff of the general, both at Detroit and Queenstown, and long enjoyed his esteem and friendship, was in every way more qualified for the task than myself, especially as my editorial labours have been unaided by any notes or memoranda of Sir Isaac Brock, who unfortunately was not in the habit of committing to paper any private details of his life or services, with the exception of a few lines relative to the expedition to Detroit; and this regret will doubtless be shared by the reader on seeing the following extract of a letter, now before me, from that officer to Mr. William Brock, dated Fort Niagara, American Territory, 30th December, 1813: "When I am allowed to enjoy a little leisure, I shall not be unmindful of your request, and will send some anecdotes of the public and private life of my much lamented friend, which will do honor to his memory. At one time, I had thoughts of writing the first campaign, and prepared a preface, which I intended