Nor must it be supposed that the United Empire Loyalists and their
children were the only men who responded to Brock's call to arms. Our
gallant French-Canadian compatriots were not a whit behind in their
hearty response. Coming from a brave and adventurous race, they
performed deeds of valour and endurance equal to the best in the defence
of our country. The hardy Highlanders of Glengarry, too, were rallied to
the flag by the Macdonells. Not the least active among these Scottish
Roman Catholic Loyalists was the Rev. Alexander Macdonell, a priest who
afterwards became the "Good Bishop," a brave and loyal man whose
country's welfare was ever near to his heart. Another Macdonell, George,
was second in command of the Glengarry Regiment, and still another,
Colonel John Macdonell, was aide-de-camp to Brock in addition to being
Attorney-General of the Province. He, alas, lost his life in his gallant
efforts to second his chief at this battle which we commemorate to-day.
Scotsmen are ever brave and loyal, and we have in the Scottish
population of the country an element on whom we can rely in time of
danger.
Let us not forget that we owe not a little to our Indian allies in the
War of 1812. Tecumseh and Brant played great parts. Nor was Brock
niggardly in his praise. After the fall of Detroit he says in his
despatch to the Governor-General:
"The conduct of the Indians, under Colonel Elliot, Captain McKee
and other officers of the department, joined to that of the gallant
and brave of their respective tribes, has since the commencement of
the war been marked with acts of true heroism, and in nothing can
they testify more strongly their love for their King, their great
Father, than in following the dictates of honour and humanity by
which they have hitherto been actuated."
Why do we single out Brock as a hero among so many who have rendered
good service to the country? I think that it is because he was a man of
loyalty, vigour, energy and administrative ability; because he was the
embodiment of the patriotism and loyalty of the people; because he had
within him the power to inspire others with the spirit of patriotism and
self-sacrifice; and above and beyond all, it is due to his efforts, and
to the spirit of resistance and Imperialism to which he gave form and
substance, that Canada to-day is an integral part of the British Empire,
and a daughter nation within that great galaxy of the nations known as
the British Empire.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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