Napier, C.B., commanding Her Majesty's forces and volunteers, Canada West, to express to you his thanks for the efficient services rendered by the Naval Brigade under your command, particularly recently, when required to take charge of and convert the steamer "Rescue" into a gunboat, in discharging her cargo and getting the necessary armament on board in a very short time and in a highly creditable manner; and, when relieved from the charge of the "Rescue." in performing similar good services when placed in command of the steamer "Magnet." And the Major-General will not fail to again avail himself of the services of the Naval Brigade afloat should an opportunity occur, and will have great pleasure in bringing before the notice of His Excellency the Governor-General the important and valuable services which they have rendered.
I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient servant, Capt.

McMaster, Commanding Naval Brigade, Toronto.
W.M.

S.DURIE, Lt.-Col., A.A.G.M.
On the St.Lawrence River the necessity for a patrol of gunboats was also very manifest, and the Government fitted out the steamer "Watertown" for such service.

She was placed in command of Lieut.
French, and was employed in cruising the upper part of the St.Lawrence and the lower portion of Lake Ontario, making her port of rendezvous at Kingston.
The gunboat "St.Andrew," commanded by Lieut.

Spencer Smith, R.N., and manned by a detachment of British man-of-warsmen, patrolled the St.
Lawrence between Brockville and Gananoque.