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Rapport du Colonel Jervois () (Extraits)

Letter to the SECRETARY of STATE for WAR, with reference to the DEFENCE of CANADA, by Le. Col. JERVOIS, R.E., C.B., Deputy Director of fortifications.

War Office, January, 1865.

12. 1 should here observe that the prospect of the withdrawal of the impertal troops from the western division in accordance With instructions from this country previous to the confederation movement, has a depressing effect upon the efforts that are being made for the improvement of the organization of the militin of those districts.

As T'heve already stated, a military school has been éstablished at Toronto in connexion with one of Her Majesty’s regiments, and with most satisfactory results. 1f 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the western districts, the means of instruction for the militia in that part of the country would at the same time be withdrawn, and thus a very bad effect would be produced amongst the people of Canada generally.

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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 couid he 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 tn hold the points against which the main attacks would be directed. It is at the cominencement of a war that the greatest danger {s to be apprehended, and it js submitted that it is only by availing ourselves of the advantages afforded by fortifications that we can provide against our troops being overpowered at the first onset, cr that time can be obtained for rendering the militia available for the defence of the country.

The question appears to be : — whether the British force now in Canada shall be withdrawn.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 provinee,

25. The sum required for the construction of the proposed works and armaments at Montreal and Quebec would only be about one Year's cxpense 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 the country without fortifications to compensate for the comparative smallness of its numbers. Even when aided by the whole of the loca! militia that could at present be made avañlable, 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 embarking at Quebec, and putting to sea without serious 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 ag£ression, and to preserve that connexion with the mother-country, which their Jeyalty, their interests, and their love of true freedom alike make them desirous to maintain.

I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's obedient, humble servant, Wm. F. DRUMMOND JERVOIS.

The Right Hon. Earl de Grey and Ripon, Secretary of State for War.

(1) Acecounts and Papers, 1866, Vol. XXXVII, pages 431 et suiv.

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