James Madison Papers

To James Madison from Albert Gallatin, 17 December 1811

From Albert Gallatin

17 Decer. 1811

Dear Sir

I enclose a statement of the regular force in Canada (Quebec excepted) transmitted to me yesterday by Mr Astor, which I believe may be relied upon.

From another quarter the garrison at Quebec has been stated at about 3000 effective men; but this last statement is conjecture.

The militia most likely to be embodied & disposed to resist is that of the settlements along the river St Lawrence from Montreal up to Kingston on Lake Ontario. Below all is French and neutral. Above, the population is principally american & friendly. Respectfully

Albert Gallatin

[Enclosure]

Memorandum of British regular force
in Canada furnished by —. —.

Province of
Upper Canada
} the 41st regiment distributed as followeth viz.
York, near outlet of Lake Ontario 100
Niagara (Fort George) 400
Fort Malden, near Detroit 150
St Joseph, on Lake Huron near Michilk.  70
720
 
Province of
Lower Canada vizt.
Montreal and vicinity, including a company at St. John’s, the  1 regiment  780
Total from Montreal inclusive upwards 1,500
Three rivers, half a regiment detached from Quebec  350
1850
Quebec—not stated.

RC and enclosure (DLC). Docketed by JM.

1Left blank in enclosure.

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