over the minds of the Indians Sir Isaac Brock gained an ascendancy altogether unexampled, and which he judiciously exercised for purposes conducive equally to the cause of humanity and to the interests of his country. He engaged them to throw aside the scalp- ing knife, implanted in their breasts the virtues of clemency and forbearance, and taught them to feel pleasure and pride in the compassion extended to a vanquished enemy. In return they revered him as their common father, and whilst he lived were guilty of no excesses. It is well known that this untutored people, the children of the forests, value personal much more highly than mental qualities, but the union of both in their leader was happily calculated to im- press their haughty and masculine minds with respect and admiration ; and the speech delivered, after the capture of Detroit, by the celebrated Te-cum-seh, # who also fell during the war, is illustrative of the sentiments with which he had inspired these warlike tribes. " I have heard," observed that chief to him, " much of your fame, and am happy to shake by the hand a brave brother warrior. The Americans endea- vour to give us a mean opinion of British generals, but we have been the witnesses of your valour. In crossing the river to attack the enemy, we observed you from a distance standing the whole time in an erect posture, and, when the boats reached the shore, you were among the first who jumped on land. Your bold and sudden movements frightened the enemy, and you compelled them to surrender to half their own force."
Of all the good qualities which adorned this accom- plished soldier none was more prominent than his
- For a narrative of his life, &c, see conclusion of Appendix.
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