It will be my study to guard against every event that can give them any just cause of complaint; but the proximity of the two countries will in all probability produce collisions which, however accidentally brought about, will be represented as so many acts of aggression.

It would not surprise me if their first attempt to excite irritation were the seizing of the islands in the channel, to which both countries lay claim: such was represented to Sir James Craig on a former occasion to be their intention.
In addition to the force specified by your excellency, I understand that six companies of the Ohio militia are intended for Detroit.

Our interests with the Indians will materially suffer in consequence of these extensive preparations being allowed to proceed with impunity.

I have always considered that the reduction of Detroit would be a signal for a cordial co-operation on the part of the Indians; and if we be not in sufficient force to effect this object, no reliance ought to be placed in them.
About forty regulars were last week added to the garrison of Niagara, and by all accounts barracks are to be immediately constructed at Black Rock, almost opposite Fort Erie, for a large force.
I returned three days ago from an excursion to Fort Erie--the Grand River, where the Indians of the Six Nations are settled--and back by the head of the lake.

Every gentleman, with whom I had an opportunity of conversing, assured me that an exceedingly good disposition prevailed among the people.
The flank companies, in the districts in which they have been established, were instantly completed with volunteers, and indeed an almost unanimous disposition to serve is daily manifested.