QUEBEC, 23d July, 1807.

Colonel Brock has perused with attention the proceedings of
his honor the president in council, communicated to him by Mr.
Ryland, and begs leave to observe, that in addressing his
honor on the 17th instant, it was far from his intention to
assume a political character.

His sole object was to state the assistance required by the
military to remedy a glaring defect in the fortifications of
Quebec, should his honor conceive that preparatory measures
were necessary to be adopted in consequence of the event which
recently occurred between his majesty's ship Leopard and the
American frigate Chesapeake, but more particularly the
subsequent aggressive provisions contained in the proclamation
of the American government.

In thus complying with the dictates of his duty, Colonel Brock
was not prepared to hear that the population of the province,
instead of affording him ready and effectual support, might
probably add to the number of his enemies; and he feels much
disappointment in being informed by the first authority, that
the only law in any degree calculated to answer the end
proposed was likely, if attempted to be enforced, to meet with
such general opposition as to require the aid of the military
to give it even a momentary impulse.

Colonel Brock is therefore obliged to observe, that the
officer commanding certainly would not choose the time when
the troops may every instant be called upon for the defence of