Canadian Historic Sites: Occasional Papers in Archaeology and History No. 11

The Battle of Queenston Heights

by Carol Whitfield

Appendix B

Declaration of J. Rock, who had been a Sergeant in the 49th Regiment, and was considered the Ringleader of the Criminals.

2nd March. 1804

I acquit Lieut. Colonel Sheaffe of having ever treated me in any manner but what was strictly consistent with his duty as a Commanding Officer, and often has his treatment to me been very much savoured with leniency.

Further

Whatsoever appeared in Pope's and Quin's defences to his disadvantage, was principally my invention; and acquits Serjeant Jones of the part alluded to him in Pope's defence... Lieutenant-Colonel Sheaffe's conduct had been more that of a father than a commanding officer.

Extract from W. L. Morland's Letter Lieut-Col. Sheaffe,

Sir — My present unhappy situation will, I presume, sufficiently apologize for this intrusion. However contemptible I may appear, now the most degraded of mortals, and sunk in the lowest abyss of misery that will have no end till laid in my parent earth, yet let me wish you to believe that I always respected and revered you. Sir, as an officer of merit and humanity, from the many proofs I experienced while under your command. This panegyric is not meant as flattery, but the true effusion of a once callous heart, that is now open to the dictates of conscience and reason.¹