At the time of the War of 1812, most officer's positions were purchased and her husband was able to secure a captaincy in the 60th Regiment, soon after their marriage. He was then 24. In 1811, the couple arrived in Canada, where Francis was to assume the position as an instructor of the Lower Canadian Cavalry. In July of 1812 he reported for duty to Lt. Col. Robertson, and soon after, at the request of Robertson, Governor General Sir George Prevost rescinded the appointment as instructor: "in consequence of the representations which have been received from Lt. Col. Robertson stating the inconvenience that will arise to the service by the absence of Major Cockburn from the Canadian Fencibles."
Though now with the Royal Canadian Fencibles, Francis was continually drawn away from the regiment to serve in intelligence gathering, as an Inspecting Field Officer, or as Assistant Quarter Master General. He also participated in the battle of Crysler's Farm, the attack on Salmon River, N.Y., and the raid on Red Mills, N.Y.
As an officer's wife, Alicia would not spend as much time at camp, but her social obligations were many. Constantly expected to hold levees and balls, or entertain officials whenever they were in the area; much of her time was spent in planning and preparing for these events. She would also be expected to 'pay visits' to other officer's wives and could rarely turn down an invitation.
There were also many financial demands made on an officer, aside from the expected contributions to numerous societies for the poor, building of monuments and relief funds. They paid into the officer's mess, had to rent a residence for their family, paid for the general upkeep of their uniform, regimental appointments, and the purchase of campaign furniture for the field. They also had to continually report on the condition and needs of their regiment, secure the regiment's pay, supplies and lodgings, implement regulations, and administer discipline.
Sometimes these duties and financial obligations were shared by the wives, and at times they were expected to step up to the plate when negotiations needed a woman's touch. In a letter to her stepbrother, Alicia mentions such an expectation.
June 28th, 1814
My dear Charles,
I am constantly disappointed on opening my Mother's pacquettes at not finding a letter from you, and although it is perhaps unreasonable to expect it, when your time is occupied by so much more important avocations, still I am selfish enough to repine at never hearing from you. I am at present meditating a Journey to Upper Canada, and even a trip into the United States in a Flag of Truce, which to do the Yankees justice they treat with uncommon civility especially when born by Ladies, whom they allow to go much farther, and peep about much more, than we should do in a similar case, whatever might be their beauty and accomplishments.
My Noble Lord marched three days since for his old station Cornwall, where he has the command, & I am going on his special invitation indeed, since I began this, I have a letter from him dated on the road, desiring me to come up as soon as I can, as the Country is so beautiful that he wishes me to see it, as I was only there in Winter; and that season although equally fine in this part of the World, presents a totally different style of landscape. I am greatly amused by the English papers stating "The roads are become so bad by the recent fall of snow &c"which in Canada is just the thing that we pray for, and which makes our roads so good. I have no doubt you felt the severity of the season much more than we do here, from the detestable damp of your foggy Island, and the want of Stoves and double Windows to keep the Houses warm,however you cannot have had the Thermometer 25 below nothing, as we constantly have it here, or the cutting cold which can only be felt to form an idea of.
The Summer is very fine, and not so overpowering from heat as last year, but it is hot enough, and will be considerably more so, as it is always some degrees hotter than the West Indies, without the evening breezes you get there. I am so beautifully brown, and my hair grown so dark, that I propose sitting for my picture in the character of an Indian Princess without more delay.
We are expecting an attack hereabouts. It is something like the French invasion; such will be the case here. All is bustle however in the neighbouring Camp Brigadiers Grenadiers & Fuzileers Right Left here there march halt wheel double-quick tumble down tumble up fire away thus they "keep moving" and a most moving scene it is, but I think if I commanded, I would move it a little nearer the enemy. however there are some worthy people who have the happy knack of discovering danger long before its approach, and wisely determine to take every measure save that of running into it, they bear in mind the old poem
May live to fight another day,
But he who is in Battle slain,
Will never rise to fight again.
Alicia
