To Brock's citation of thirty pressing wants Sir George Prevost wrote
him, "You must not be led into any measure bearing the character of
_offence_, even should war be declared." Prevost had a fluid backbone,
while Brock's was of finely tempered steel.

While affairs were in this precarious state His Excellency the
Lieutenant-Governor, Major-General Brock, opened the Legislature at
York. With what pride the news was received by the good people at St.
Peter's Port can be imagined. To think that this great man, gorgeous in
a purple Windsor uniform and slender court sword, with gleaming silk
hose and hair aglitter with silver powder, was none other than "Master
Isaac," whom the humblest Guernsey fisherman claimed as comrade, seemed
past belief! To think that this important gentleman, with frilled
waistcoat and cuffs of delicate lace--actually the King's Deputy--before
whom, as "Your Excellency," Indian and paleface, gentle and simple,
bowed low, was the small boy who used to play "uprooting the gorse"
with the Guernsey fisher-lads--was beyond comprehension. Probably the
one least affected by these honours was our hero himself. While it
gratified his honest pride, it did not in the least cloud his vision.
His speech from the throne proves this.

"It is a glorious contest in which the Empire is engaged," he said, "to
secure the independence of Europe, but what can we think of the American
Government, which is trying to impede her effort.... The ships of
England," he continued, "had been refused shelter in United States
harbours, while refuge had been extended to the ships of our inveterate
enemies." He reminded the colonists that "insulting threats had been
offered to the flag and hostile preparations made." He praised the
militia, and, while wishing for peace, declared that "Canada must