Collection
In 1812, the United States of America declared war on Great Britain, claiming that the latter had violated her neutrality. Most of the battles between the two countries took place in Canada and the northern United States. Canadian militia units participated in the war, along side the British regulars. Sir George Prévost, 1767-1816, was the governor-in-chief of the Canadas and the military commander in chief during the war.
Sir Issac Brock, 1769-1812 was the military commander of Upper Canada and the provisional Lieutenant-Governor until his death at Queenston Heights in 1813. Other military officers included Major General Edward Baynes, the adjutant general and the commissary general, W.H. Robinson.
(Source: Guide to Archival Resources at McGill University: Private Papers at McGill University. McGill University Archives. 1985. Vol. 3, p. 189.)
Scope and Content
The War of 1812-1814 collection contains administrative and financial records of British and Canadian military forces. There are also some records concerning battles fought during the war.
The administrative records consist of general orders, mostly from Major General Edward Baynes; regimental and standing orders of the 5th Battalion of Militia; and a list of Indian allies with name of tribe and number of warriors.
The financial records include those of the office of Commissary General held by W.H. Robinson, which consist of payroll estimates and returns; general accounts; receipts issued for money and supplies; and a letter from Issac Brock requesting a saw.
The records concerning military actions include two journals which describe land and sea battles in Upper Canada; and a letter written by Issac Brock to George Prevost describing his military situation the day before the Battle of Queenston Heights.
(Source: Guide to Archival Resources at McGill University: Private Papers at McGill University. McGill University Archives. 1985. Vol. 3, p. 189.)
Information about the objects in our collection is updated to reflect new research findings. If you have any information to share regarding this object, please email reference.mccord@mccord-stewart.ca.Information about rights and reproductions is available here.
There are no works to discover for this record.
This project is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation and Canadian Heritage.