Fort George our hero usually lived with Colonel Murray, of the 100th,
and "charming Mrs. Murray," as he was fond of calling her, in their
"pretty cottage," and if not there he was a constant visitor at the
house of Captain John Powell, a son of the judge and son-in-law of
General Shaw, between whose daughter, Sophia Shaw, and Isaac Brock there
had developed a deep attachment. Here he whiled away spare moments with
whist and cribbage, "diversions," he said, "that sharpened a man's
wits." He would shoot wild pigeons and spruce partridges in the adjacent
bush, or take long gallops, frequently alone, over the plains beyond the
Heights of Queenston, ever on the lookout for new bridle-paths and
point-to-point trails.




CHAPTER XIV.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DECLARES WAR.


It came at last! On June 18th, 1812, after weeks of preparation, placing
an embargo on shipping, putting 100,000 militia on a war footing on the
pretence of hostilities among the Indians, calling out the volunteers
and raising a special public fund, Congress under President Madison
declared war against Great Britain.

This did not end Brock's suspense. Not until five weeks later did he
receive official notice from Prevost. Despite opposition from many
states, which declared their detestation of an alliance with Bonaparte,
after a stormy debate behind closed doors at Washington, Congress voted