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Toronto 7 May 96

My dear Sir Oliver

When in the States I have been much struck with the attention and encouragement given by the American people in many of their States and Cities to objects which in their estimation are calculated to promote a spirit of patriotism and pride in their country. This is evidenced among other things by the erection of Statues in the Squares and Public places of their cities, and in the Portraits in their many halls of Public men,who either in their army or Legislature have made their State or City famous, and added to the greatness of their Common Country.

There is also in many of their State buildings mementos of their history to be seen in the display of Battle Flags and in the exhibition of uniforms [ ] of Gallant men who fell fighting forthose Flags, the very look on which fills their descendants with pride and stimulates them with a lofty wish, should occasion require, to follow their example.

In all this a love of Country is maintained to the great advantage and stability of American institutions.

Now if this be so, cannot we do something in our [day] to collect and display to the people of this Province and to our youths, historical mementos of times gone by in which our Fathers took part, to the renown and glory of Canada, without which the British Flag would have ceased to fly over this portion of North America.

I am prompted thus to write to you because in my visit to England, particularly in that of 3 years ago, I visited localities where [ ] interesting records and reminders of Canadian history are to be seen, which if procured, would be regarded with a mighty interest by all our people. For instance I saw on the walls of our first

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Governor Simcoe's family mansion in Devonshire, the Battle Flags of the Simcoe Rangers, in which noted [Corps], led by himself, many prominent men who figured in the early settlement and history of our Country gallantly fought during the 7 years of the great American struggle.

I can fancy with what emotion hundreds, yes, thousands of their descendants scattered throughout our Province would regard these Flags.

Several portraits of himself and friends are there also to be seen, as well as other things acquired by himself and Mrs. Simcoe, when in Canada in 1792-94 [illegible].

Then there are Battle Flags taken greatly by the heroism of our Upper Canada Militia in the war of 1812-15 to be seen in Public places in England, which on proper application made, might perhaps be had, to be hung up in the new Parl't buildings.

In a private house in Guernsey, is also to be seen, as I have been informed, the uniform, sword and hat of General Sir Isaac Brock, which he wore when killed at Queenston and which in my opinion should be under the care of The Government of Upper Canada, for which he laid down his life.

There is also The Flag of the Steamer `Caroline' in London, which steamer, you may remember was boarded in American waters, set on fire and sent over The Falls in 1838, well [nigh] the cause of war between America and England.

It has lately turned up, my brother Charley writes, in some Public institute there. It should be here, where it would be regarded with rare wonder and astonishment, all wanting to know, how, after the lapse of so many years, it had been obtained.

All the above, and other much prized relics

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illustrative of our history, might perhaps be acquired to adorn the walls of The Parliament buildings, and so serve to keep alive and perpetuate the remembrance of events, which should not be forgotten.

Now, if you think well of my suggestions, I would, on being authorized so to do, go to England, say for 3 months or so, and try what I could do to accomplish them, The Government paying my expenses only. No one here would be aware of the nature of my visit, which if successful would be applauded, and The Government commended.

So give them a thought, and Believe me

[ ] J.B.R.

[Note: Written on the reverse of the letter is the following:]
Mowat re: Flags etc. 7 May 96

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