PREFACE. XV

During the last war, the progress the latter made towards conquering Canada, was little more than trifling desultory attacks, although the defence of

the country depended chiefly on the bravery of the Canadian militia. The British colonies can now raise an effective militia of at least 150,000 men, equally brave and Well disciplined as any troops the Americans can bring against them ; and if ever the American Republic and the British North American colonies unite under one government, it must be by mutual consent, and from considerations of mutual benefit and protection. In respect to Lower Canada, however, if relinquished by Great Britain, it is much more likely that the inhabitants of that province would, from motives that will ever influence the human race, cleave to France, and not. to America. We have already re-established the French, by treaty, at the entrance of the St Lawrence; and it must not be forgotten, that the Canadian seigneurs, clergy, and peasantry, are the descendants of the noblesse and peasantry who adored the Bourbons and the Cardinal de Richelieu; that they would have the same church, now richly provided for, to defend, if separated from Britain, and left to themselves; that the seigneurs and the clergy do not, as is often stated, want either education, talent, or Wealth ; and that, as knowledge and wealth constitute power, vOL. I. , I)