20 MEMOIR OF SIR ISAAC BROCK.
merit arising from the loss of their late beloved colonel, fought with such animosity that the few Americans, who escaped to their own shore, described them to their companions as the "green tigers," from their green facings ; and the fame of their desperate prowess, on this occasion, was long re- membered by the enemy's invading army. But the success, though complete, was felt by the victors as a poor compensation for the fate of the British chief- tain, thus prematurely cut off in the midst of his career ; and the sorrow manifested throughout both provinces proved that those who rejoiced in the result of this second invasion would gladly have foregone the triumph, if by such means they could have regained him who rendered the heights of Queenston memorable by his fall.
"The news of the death of this excellent officer (observed the Quebec Gazette) has been received here as a public calamity. The attendant circum- stances of victory scarcely checked the painful sen- sation. His long residence in this province, and particularly in this place, had made him in habits and good offices almost a citizen ; and his frankness, conciliatory disposition, and elevated demeanour, an estimable one. The expressions of regret as general as he was known, and not uttered by friends and acquaintance only, but by every gradation of class, not only by grown persons, but young children, are the test of his worth. Such too is the only eulogium worthy of the good and brave, and the citizens of Quebec have, with solemn emotions, pronounced it on his memory. But at this anxious moment other feelings are excited by his loss. General Brock had acquired the confidence of the inhabitants within
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