Recollections & Extracts From The Journals Of Miss Anne Prevost Anne Prevost - Biography Women and War

Part 5: George Prevost Returns to Quebec December 6th 1812: My Father returned to Quebec, and most happy were we to see him again quite safe and looking remarkably well. He was attended by his two newly appointed Aides-de-Camp, Captain Milnes and Captain McDouall. Poor Captain Milnes was very prepossessing. He was unbecomingly tall and had an awkward stoop, but his countenance was very intelligent and pleasing; indeed I will not even make one exception when I assert that when Captain M. was in good humour, he was the most agreeable person I ever met with. He was perfectly free from affectation and having been much in good society, his manners had a natural elegance that certainly was not possessed by any other person among his contemporary beaux. I will frankly acknowledge that I could not see so much of his character and receive so much pleasing attention from him, without feeling my heart in some danger. Miss Grant soon informed me that it was the general opinion that the late Governor's son and the present Governor's daughter were just suited to each other; but I thought it likely that if he lost his heart at all, Miss Mountain might be the person on whom he would fix his choice, and I resolved to be on my guard and to "keep my heart with all diligence" till it was really sought. Had he tried to gain my affection he probably would have succeeded: and what a bitter pang his death would have occasioned. Thank God! at least I escaped that sorrow.