The 2nd Leeds Militia was made up of around 380 men and officers and was commanded by Joel Stone, who was granted the rank of Colonel in March of 1809. Although well equipped, the 2nd Leeds was made up of many recent American arrivals and was rife with “desertions and vile elopements” -sometimes of entire families. Insubordination amongst the officers was also a major problem, forcing Stone to place Captains under arrest and even firing officers for their outspoken republicanism. These matters were well known to the Military government of Upper Canada, and Leeds was described as “a part of the country infested by swarms of disaffected people who are constantly in the habit of communicating with the enemy in spite of all our vigilance.” Luckily the residents of the American shore were equally opposed to fighting in the 1000 Islands.
York 22nd September 1809
Sir,
I have the honor to inform you that your Letter to me of the 3rd August has been laid before the Lieutenant Governor.
His Excellency directs me to inform you that he has no objections to your selecting Officers from the First Division of the Leeds Militia for the Second Battalion, but he desires that it may be done by a mutual arrangement between yourself and Colonel Breakenridge.
I have the honor to be
Sir,
Your Obedient Servant,
Aeneas Shaw
Adj. Gen. Mil.
Colonel Stone
Commanding 2nd Battalion
Leeds Militia