PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
TLC.O. 885
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC- COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH-NOT TO
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In adopting this course, under the deepest impression of its urgent necessity for the defence of the province, I am not insensible to the fact, that it is at variance with the exist- ing agreement, prescribing the size and force of the armed vessels which Great Britain and America may employ on the Lakes.
Having learned, however, from his Excellency the Earl of Durham, that he had amica- bly discussed, with the Government of the United States, the peculiar circumstances of the present juncture, in their bearing upon that agreement, and that he had established a satis- factory understanding upon the subject, with the cabinet at Washington, I have felt no hesi- tation in making those arrangements for the security of the province, which prudence so obviously required.
Your Excellency will more fully appreciate our position, by adverting to the fact, which is beyond doubt, that the leaders of the conspiracy have the means of controlling several large steam-boats on Lake Erie, belonging to citizens of the United States, and that they certainly intend to make use of them, when their schemes are matured for effect- ing a descent upon Canada.
In this state of things, a consideration of great importance presents itself. If the leading conspirators against Her Majesty's Government, should actually so far carry their plots into effect, as to embark their forces in steamers or other vessels at American ports, and proceed for the purpose of landing them upon Her Majesty's territory, the invaders may happen to be met and repulsed, and be afterwards pursued towards the United States' shore, by vessels in Her Majesty's service. In the ardour of pursuit, and under the in- pulse of a strong desire to chastise a band of lawless pirates and robbers, for the most un- provoked aggressions, the royal forces may not merely cross the imaginary line upon the waters, which separates the British from the United States' territory, but actually follow the enemy in their retreat to the shores of Ohio and Michigan, (from whence a descent is more inmediately to be apprehended), and there destroy or capture them or their vessels.
I desire to draw your Excellency's most serious attention to this important matter for it is even probable that, in the event of the threatened invasion being attempted, the enemy would be met and pursued into the territory of the United States, where, after defeat, they would calculate upon receiving shelter-if not protection.
Referring to the great ferment which was produced among the American people by the successful attack made by a British force at the time when Navy Island was invaded, last winter, upon the Caroline in the enemy's service, I am apprehensive that another oc- currence of a similar character, even though under circumstances of greater provocation, might create an excitement at least equally intense, and endanger the peace and amity which the two Governments desire to maintain in the spirit of existing Treaties,—unless the question were first made one of amicable negociation.
In revolving over and over in my mind what course it is my duty to pursue in arming this country, the consideration that every measure should be adopted that can avert a war, bas exceedingly influenced my decision. If we are in a strong posture for defence, these adventurers will not perhaps venture upon this insane expedition which is a result, by all means to be gained, for if they do venture upon it, and we have to encounter them on the Lakes, I think, whilst the present feeling continues along the borders, that collision and its consequencs are almost inevitable--though, by every means, short of the sacrifice of na- tional honour and character, I shall strive to prevent such a result, and will enjoin it most strictly upon every officer under my command.
I have, &c. H. S. For, Esq.
(Signed)
GEORGE ARTHUR.
P. S. I avail myself of this opportunity to forward another statement, this moment received, from Mr. Wilkinson. From this gentleman's character and means of acquiring information, being an American citizen, I attach great importance to his information; and unless your Excellency can prevail upon the Government at Washington to take at once decisive steps, nothing, I believe, can save us from the coming storm.
(Signed) G. A.
Inclosure 3 in No. 23.
Extract from a Letter addressed on 26th October, 1838, by a Member of the Assembly in the Niagara District, to the Attorney-General.
MY partner, Mr. Mettleberger, has just returned from Cleveland (Ohio); he was there a day or two, and had good opportunity to ascertain the state of feeling and move- ments of the Sympathizers in that quarter. He informs me that he conversed freely with several gentlemen whom he knew of respectability and undoubted veracity, and all assured him that extensive preparations are making to invade us; that they are organizing and secretly training in large bodies, about 30 or 40 miles in the interior ; that they have contracted for canuon, &c., at Pittsburgh; that a large proportion of their population is aiding and abetting, and that they have not the slightest doubt of their determination to make a desperate effort against us, either this full or in the winter. It therefore stands us in hand to be vigilant, keep our guns in order, and our powder dry.