The taking forcible possession of West Florida may provoke a war sooner than any other act, but it is impossible to foresee how such a step may be viewed by the Cortes.

We are at this moment in awful suspense--the king's illness, the proximity of the armies under Massena and Wellington, and the measures our government may deem proper to adopt to meet the hostile proceedings of the Americans, afford serious matter for contemplation.
I have seen "Thoughts on Political Fanaticism," in answer to your admirable pamphlet.

The author appears to me to proclaim his servile attachment to Bonaparte, without in any degree refuting your arguments.

When you tell me that Peter Tupper is a son of the jurat, and a member of the Junta of Valencia, you by no means satisfy my curiosity.

Is he equal to fill the situation?
Has he discretion, and is he distinguished by a strong mind and undaunted courage, as these are qualities that can alone be serviceable at such a crisis?
I observed his name some little time back in the public prints, without knowing who he could be, and I suppose that he is my junior in age by several years.[31] _Colonel Kempt[32] (Quartermaster-General) to Brigadier Brock._ QUEBEC, January 17, 1811.
Baynes tells me that he has written to you repeatedly, and most fully and confidentially, on the subject of your application for leave.