Monies paid to Captain Alexander Campbell, 78th Regiment

Captain Alexander, an officer in the 78th Regiment (Fraser’s Highlanders), appears in this 1763 record documenting payments for unspecified services or logistical support. As British forces demobilized in Quebec following the Seven Years’ War, financial transactions like these help illustrate the postwar winding down of regimental operations — and the often opaque compensation system for officers.

By the Honble James Murray Esqr.

Governor of Quebec

You are hereby required and directed out of such Monies as are or shall come into your hands for the Contingent Expenses of His Majesty’s Forces under my Command, to Pay or cause to be paid to Captain Alexander Campbell Paymaster of his Majesty’s 78^th Regiment of Foot or his assigns, the sum of Seven hundred Seventy one Pounds, three shillings and two pence Sterling, in Dollars at four shillings and eight pence each without Deduction, being for Subsistence of said Regiment, from the 25^th of August to the 24^th October 1763 both days inclusive as p the annexed amount, and for so doing this with the acquittance of the said Captain Alexr. Campbell or his assigns, Shall be your Sufficient Warrant and Discharge.

Given under my Hand at Quebec

This 15^th day of October 1763.

/Signed/ Ja: Murray

To John Powell Esqr.

Paymt. To His Majesty’s

Forces in Quebec

                          

/Counts of H.J. Cramahe

                 42 Serjeants @ 1/p diem.. £2  2  --

    42 Corpls………..8d………………. 1  8 –

    22 Drumr………..8d………………. --  14  8

    337 Private……..6d……………….. 8  8  6

                               Total for one day   £12  13  2

                               Total for 61 Days…………………£771  3  2

                                                /Signed/

                                                                Alexr. McLeod Captain

                                                                                78^th Regiment

                                                                Alexr. Campbell Paymaster

                                                                                78^th Regiment

Though modest in size, this financial record reveals important details about the long administrative tail of Britain’s colonial military presence. Officers such as Captain Alexander Campbell often waited months—or even years—for full settlement of their dues. Documents like this one offer rare insight into the post-campaign logistics that followed the Fraser Highlanders’ contribution to British victory in North America.

Last updated 30 June 2025.

Works Cited:

James Murray, “Monies paid to Captain Alexander Campbell, 78th Regiment.” Letterbook/Copie de lettres, 1763-1771. LAC, RG4, C2, vol. 1.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017.