I now express my apprehensions on a supposition that the slender means your excellency possesses will not admit of diminution; consequently, that I need not look for reinforcements.

It is evidently not the intention of the enemy to make any attempt to penetrate into the province by this strait, unless the present force be diminished.

He seems much more inclined to work on the flanks, aware that if he succeed every other part must very soon submit.
My last official communication from the Lower Province is dated the 25th ultimo, when the adjutant-general announced the receipt of intelligence, by a mercantile house, of war being declared by the United States against Great Britain.
_Major-General Sir Thomas Saumarez, Kt.,[57] to Major-General Brock._ HALIFAX, July 22, 1812.
Being this moment informed that an express is to be dispatched immediately from hence to Quebec, I have great pleasure in having an opportunity to inquire after your health and welfare, and to acquaint you that your relation, Lady Saumarez, and myself, arrived here about a month since.

I assure you we consider ourselves particularly fortunate in not having fallen into the enemy's bands, as the Americans had declared war a week before we reached this.

We came out in a very valuable ordnance store ship, which would have been a great acquisition to the enemy, at the breaking out of a war especially; and the loss to us would have been seriously felt here, as all the stores on board were very much required.
Another ship with naval stores accompanied us; they were much wanted by our squadron, and possibly as much so by the ships of the enemy.