TRAITE DE

Rapport du Colonel Jervois (1) (Extraite)

Lottcr to the SECRETARY of STATE for WAR, with référence to the DEFENCE »f CANADA, by Lt. Col. JERVOIS, R.E., C.B., Deputy Director of fortifications.

War Office, January, 1865.

12. I should hère observe that the prospect of the withdrawal of the impérial troops from the western division in accordance with instructions from this country previous to the confédération mavement, has a depressing effect upon the efforts that arc being made. for the improvement of the organisation of the militia of those districts.

As I h?ve already stated, a military school has been established at Toronto in connexion with one of Her Majesty's régiments, and with most satisfactory results. If the British troops were taken away from the western districts, the means of instruction for the militia in that part of the country would at the same time be withdrawn, and thus a very bad effect would be produced amongst the people of Canada generally.

24. Whether, however, this or any other possible arrangement be made for the organisation of the militia of Canada, it can scarcely be expected that the force that could be mustered at an outbreak of hostilities would be equal to withstand the enemy in the open field. Works of defence are, therefore, essential to enable our comparatively small forces to hold the points against which the main attacks would be directed. It is at the commencement of a war that the greatest danger is to be apprehendrd, and it is submitted that it is only by availing oursclves of the advantages afforded by fortifications that we can provide against our troops being overpowered at the first onset, or that Unie can be obtained for rendering the militia available for the defence of the conntry.

The question appears to be : — whether the British force now in Canada shall be withdrawn. in order to avoid the risk of its defeat, or whether the necessary measures shall be taken to enable that force to be of use for the defence of the province.

25. The sum required for the construction of the proposed works and armaments at Montréal and Québec would only be about one year's expense of the regular force we now maintain in Canada.

It is a delusion to suppose that that force can be of any use for the defence of tbe conntry without fortifications to compensate for the comparative smallness of its numbers. Even when aided by the whole of the local militia that could at présent be made available, it would, in the event of war, be obliged to retreat before the superior numbers by which it would be attacked ; and it would be fortunate if it succeeded in embarkinar at Québec, and pnttingr to sea without serions defeat. On the other hand, If the works now recommended be constructed, the vital points of the country could be defended, and the regular army would become a nucleus and support, round which the people of Canada would rally to resist agrgrression, and to préserve that connexion with the mother-country, which their loyalty, their interests, and their love of true freedom alike makc them desirous to maintain.

I hâve the honour to be,

My Lord, Your Lordship's obedient, humble servant,

Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS.

The Right Hou. Earl de Crey and Ripon,

Secretary of State for War.

(1) Accounts and Papers, 1865, Vol. XXXVII, pages 431 et suiv.

Dépêche de M. Cardwell, ministre des Colonies, à Lord Monck (x)