Gigantic Serjeant in Boston

 

Boston Harbor at the cusp of an 18th-century dusk, where the warm hues of the setting sun cast a soft glow over the serene waters. The horizon is a canvas of fiery oranges and purples, blending seamlessly with the historic skyline. Tall-masted sailing ships, their sails partially furled, rest at anchor, their wooden hulls reflecting the amber light. In the foreground, a small rowboat navigates through the gentle waves, manned by a solitary figure in period attire. Along the bustling wharf, figures in tricorn hats and long coats go about their evening routines, unloading crates and securing ropes. Lanterns and candles flicker to life in the windows of the nearby buildings, hinting at the cozy scenes unfolding within. (Jeffrey Campbell, Boston Harbor, 2025. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator).

The following is a series of contemporary correspondence related to General Amherst's visit to the city of Boston, Massachusetts, which included about 4,500 of his troops, all of whom arrived on September 13, 1758, on 35 transport ships after their victory at Louisbourg. Although alcohol was provided by the locals in plentiful quantities, a search of surviving historical records did not reveal any unlawful incidents with the civilian populace.

Boston Daily Advertiser

BOSTON September 18

Last Wednesday arrived in our Harbour from Louisbourg His Majesty's Ship the Captain, commanded by Capt. Amherst, in which came Major General Amherst, who had chief Command of His Majesty's Land-Forces, in the late successful Expedition against Cape-Breton: - He was received and congratulated upon his Arrival, with the Respect and Esteem due to so brave a Commander. - On this occasion, the Guns at Castle-William, those of the Batteries in this Town and at Charlestown, &c. were discharged, and the Bells of the Town were rung. - Between 30 and 40 Transports which came out with the Captain Man of War, having on board the 2d Battalion of Royal Scots, as also Forbe's, Lascells's and Webb's Regiments, with Fraser's Highlanders, are also arrived: The Troops are in good Health, and were disembarked the Day following, and encamped on the Common: On Saturday the General set out, with the whole of the Troops, & march'd from hence to the westward.

The first night the above troops encamped, the patrols being out, and meeting with a soldier at the south part of town, who not giving an answer when hailed, was fired at by one of the party and wounded in the shoulder, but it is said he was likely to recover.

We hear from Lake George, that Preparation were making there to cross the Lake again, and only waited arrival of the Troops which came lately from Louisbourg, in order to proceed.

Gigantic Serjeant in Boston

Worcester Feb. 11, 1759.

    I have been in this Town a Week this night. How much I have improved my Health by Exercise, or my mind by Study of Conversation, in this Space? I have exercised little, eat and drank and slept intemperately. Have inquired a little of Mr. Putnam and of Abel Willard, concerning some Points of Practice in Law. But dining once at Coll. Chandlers, once at Mr. Pains, once at the Doctors, drinking Tea once at Mr. Paines, once at the Drs. and spending one Evening at the Drs., one at Gardi[ner]s and several at Putnams in Company has wasted insensibly the greatest and best Part of my time since I have been in Town. Oh how I have fulfilled the vain Boast I made to Dr. Webb, of reading 12 Hours a day! What a fine scene of study in this office! a fine collection of Law, oratory, History, and Phylosophy, But I must not stay. I must return to Braintree. I must attend a long Superiour Court at Boston. How shall I pursue my Plan of Study?

    Bo[b] Paine acted a scene that happened on the Com[mon] when the Troops were reviewed by the Governor. People crouded very near the Troops, till a highland serjeant of a gigantic size, and accoutred with a Variety of Instruments of Curelty and Death, stalked out with his vast Halbert to drive them back. He brandished his Halbert and smote it on the Ground and cryed with a broad, Roaring voice, Sta ban, i.e. Stand Back. Sta. ba. His size, armour, Phyz, and Voise, frightned People so that they presd backwards and almost tramples on one another. But in the highest of his fury, he sprung onward, and shri[ek]ed out Sta, but then saw some Ladies before him, which softened him. At once, he drops his Halbert, takes off his Bonnet, and makes very complaisant Bow, pray Ladies, please to stand a little back, you will see a great deal better.

    Pain lifts up his Eyes and Hands to Heaven and cryes, of all Instruments of Defence, good Heavens, give me Beauty. It could soften the ferocity of your highland serjeant.

    Paine and Dr. Wendel took Katy Quincy and Polly Jackson, and led them into a retired Room and there laughed, and screamed, and kissed and hussled. They came out glowing like furnaces.

Source: 

Diary of John Adams, volume 1, Adams Papers Digital Edition online. Massachusetts Historical Society, https://www.masshist.org/publications/adams-papers/index.php/view/ADMS-01-01-02-0004-0002-0003#sn=0. Acc: 10 December 2024.

Namur, Louisbourg harbr. 31st Augt. 1758

Rd. & recd. 29 Sepr.

Sir,
    Agreeable to the Resolution agree on between Major General Amherst and myself on the 8th instant Sir Charles Hardy with the Royal William, Bedford, Vanguard, Devonshire, Lancaster, Pembroke, Kennington, Juno, & Etna, and ten transports with Brigadier Wolfe and the Regiments of Amherst, Brag, & Anstruthers, sailed for the River St. Lawrence on the 29th, and yesterday Major General Amherst with the Royals, Webbs, Lascelles, Frasers, and Forbes sailed for Boston, convoyed by the Captain & Tyloe; and at the same time sailed the Squirrel & Scarborough, to convoy Monckton's & Otway's to the Bay of Fundi, and Lawrence's for the Garrison of Halifax.
    The Trent is here down, & repaired of the Damages she sustained at Gabarus Bay when covering the Landing of the Troops, and will sail to cruize in the Streights of Bell Isle for a month, and then proceed to England; The Sutherland will also sail in two days to disturb the French Fishery to the north part of Newfoundland.
    [Inclosed I send you the State and Condition of the ships now here, the want of provision has kept many ships in this harbour]
                                            I am,
                                            Sir
                                            your most obedielt
                                            humble Servant
                                            Ed. Boscowan
John Cleveland Esqr.
Minute: 29 Septr.

Note: HMS Namur (1756) was a British ship that participated in the 1758 Siege of Louisbourg. The British captured Louisbourg in seven weeks after a massive attack of over 13,000 troops and 14,000 crew members on  over 100 ships.

Source: 

Admiralty and Secretariat: Papers: North America, Admirals Boscawen, Hardy, Holburne, Homes and Durel, 1755-1760, Adm. 1, vol. 481. LAC, Microfilm #12851, images 1106-07.

The Diary of Rev. Ebenezer Parkman

Extracts of 13-19 September 1758

Born in 1703 in Boston, Suffolk County, Reverend Parkman served as the first minister of Westborough, Massachusetts, from 1724 until his death in 1782. It appears the reverend had very limited time spent with the regiments as they passed through the various towns on their march through Massachusetts.

The original manuscript for the Diary entries is at the American Antiquarian Society (AAS) and the Massachusetts Historical Society. 

1758 September 13 (Wednesday). Deacon Tainter observably carefull to have me supplyed with fresh meat, etc.

1758 September 14 (Thursday). Day of public Prayer and Thanksgiving on Account of the Reduction of Cape Briton and its Dependencies; and the present Critical State of our publick affairs relating to the War. I preached on those words in Ps. 2.11 -- rejoice with trembling. Was not successfull in any of my Invitation or Endeavours to have Strangers or Widows dine with us. Mr. Ebenezer Rice, his wife and divers Children ill.

1758 September 15 (Friday). Visit Mr. E. Rice. N.B. a great Addition to his Trouble is Mr. Thomas Frost Cattle break in upon the Apples and Rowing. I went to him, and he promised to take effectual Care of them. P.M. Coll. Timothy Brigham was here and desires me to go with him to Mr. James Maynards on the Difficult Affair of the Difference between John and his wife but I did not think it wise to go. He returned at Night here, to me, Supped with me, and gave me Some Account of his Discourse with John: and what he (himself) proposed to do if John did not come to See him. P.M. Capt. Daniel Barns of Marlborough here in his Journey to Cornet Sherman who has been to the Lake lately (as aforesaid), Capt. Barns having two Sons in the Service. In the Evening Charles Brigham Esq. here, and I paid him 50£ old Tenor for the Mare I bought of him Feb. 20th and gave him a Note of 26/8 L.M. which was the remainder. N.B. I have Striven a great deal to get help in ploughing, mowing, rowing etc. but in Vain. Went to Mr. Williams’s this Evening to get help there, but in Vain. So it has pleased the Sovereign God.

1758 September 16 (Saturday). Jejun. and Prec. I perceived Some Company were come to See us. But I did not dare to go down to them lest the work of this important Day Should be obstructed. I afterwards perceived that they were Mrs. My wife’s Kinswomen, the widow Brigham and Miss Betty Gott. Abel Chase junior here at Evening with a Letter from Mr. Welman etc. desiring a Council.

1758 September 17 (Sunday). Mr. Martyn preached here on 2 Cor. 3.13-16. I for him on Joh. 14.[ blot] a. and p.m. We, both of us, returned at Eve. N.B. Capt. Bezaleal Eager delivered me a Letter from Mr. Bellamy with a packet -- containing [three Greek words], which I had lent him.

1758 September 18 (Monday). I Sent by Mr. Ephraim Bruce, to Lt. Rice and to Billy in the army. Mr. Bruce goes to bring home Jonas Bradish. I visited the Hows at each House -- and other where. P.M. I went [southward?] to raise a Team to plough the Field behind the Meeting House. Was at Monsieur LeBlanc’s, and at Joseph Bruce’s. Towards Eve I rode to Marlborough to See General Amhirst’s Army of 4500 -- they had pitched their Tents some Time before I got there; but I went to them and walked among them. Lodged at Mr. Smith’s, as did Mr. Buckminster. Likewise two field Officers, viz. Coll. Townshend (Son of L. Viscount Townshend) and Major Richardson. Heard the Sorrowfull News of the Death of Mr. Porter of Sherbourn and that he is to be buryed to Day.

1758 September 19 (Tuesday). We rose extreme early, waked by the Officers waiters. Mr. Smith, Buckminster and I, walked to the Camp before the Day broke: tarryed and saw them Striking their Tents and Marching. They were Rangers, advanced Guard of Royal Scotts, Royal, [Lascells?], Fraziers, and Webbs Regiments. Broke fast at Mr. Smiths. Mr. Humphrey of Poquaog came likewise. I returned home, and gave my Horse to Thomas and Sarah who rode up the Road to See the Army, as they march to Worcester. I walked to Mr. Joslins to Catechizing -- had a Number of Young Men and Young Women attending -- great and Small 35. At the Request of the more adult, and of the people of the House we sung. It was part of Ps. 34.11-16. Rode home on Mr. Joslyns Horse. Visited Father Bradish going and returning.

Source: The Diary of Rev. Ebenezer Parkman (part of the Ebenezer Parkman project online). https://diary.ebenezerparkman.org/diary-1751-1760-pdf. Acc: 10 December 2024.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2025.

Scurvy Hits Fort Stanwix

Fort Stanwix, a strategic fortification in 18th-century New York, bathed in the warm amber hues of sunset during the tense period of the French and Indian War. The fort's wooden palisade walls and bastions are illuminated by the fading sunlight, standing strong against the vast wilderness that surrounds it. Within the fort's confines, British soldiers in red coats and tricorn hats are seen moving with purpose, some tending to cannons on the ramparts, while others patrol the grounds. (Jeffrey Campbell, Fort Stanwix, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Scurvy Hits Fort Stanwix

Albany March 3d. 1759

Sir

    I received your Favour from Schenectady with the Inclosures from Fort Stanwix and Sir Willm. Johnson. If no proof of ill designs can be made out against the Indian, I shall send him to the Jersys, as soon as the River opens.

    I have conversed with Mr. Monro on the subject of your scorbutick Men at Fort Stanwix, he tells me every man should be sent down the instant the smallest symptom of the scurvy is perceived, by detaining them longer, as there is no means at the Fort to cure this Disorder, it increases to a degree very difficult to be eradicated, and the man is soon rendered unable to march down the Country, which is the case of the twelve men mentioned in your Letter. He tells me likewise when any bad Symptoms appear on the men the sending them to Country Quarters will not answer, That they must at first be sent to General Hospital where proper medicines and food is prepared for them, and when the disorder is on the decline They may then be sent to the Farm Houses.

    The sending delay's for such of your men not able to march is certainly very right, and instead of twenty fresh men which you propose sending, I wish you would double that number, and I fear there will be occasion for them.

    I write to Major Clephane desiring his surgeon may frequently examine the men at least once a week. I am with great regard

                                                                                    yours &c

                                                                                                (sign'd) Thos. Gage

To Colo. Fraser        P.S.

Since finishing my letter I have heard from Genl. Amherst who approves of sending fresh men to relieve such as are affected wth. the scurvy at Fort Stanwix, & if there should be occasion even of changing the whole Garrison in that manner without any formal relief you will therefore not be sparring of your men, for, from the Experience I have had of this cursed disorder I shall not be surpriz'd if you should be obliged to bring down most of the Garrison of Fort Stanwix by the End of this month.

Albany March 5th 1759.

Sir

    I received your two Letters of the 24th & 26th February with Captn. Wendell's Muster Rolls &c. His Accot. is not exactly right, but I have got it rectified as well as I was able, from his Accot. and have granted a warrant for his money to 23d. February inclusive, which I hope he will receive by this opportunity. The Indian prisoner is arrived, He was certainly in the Jersey Regiment and taken at Lake George by the Enemy. The account he gives of his Travels after that incident may be true or false, but I shall soon know whether he belongs to the Jersey Indians. You will please to order the Three Men whose names are marked as unfit for service in Captain Wendell's Muster Rolls to be immediately discharged.

    I have talked with Doctor Monro on the Subject of your Scorbutick Men, who tells me every man should be sent down the Country the moment the smallest symptoms of the scurvy appears, as your surgeon has not what is proper to cure this disorder, if they are detained longer, it will encrease so fast and to such a degree as very soon to render the men unable to march; which I understand by Colonel Fraser is actually the case with those men mentioned in your last letters. You will therefore be pleased to order your Surgeon to Examine all the men of your Garrison very frequently, at least one every week, to prevent this Disorder getting any Head in your Garrison, as I know the consequences to be very fatal. I have wrote very fully on this matter to Colonel Fraser who proposed sending you Twenty fresh men, to relieve such as you were disordered, I have desired him to double the number & wish you may not have too much occasion for them, by the time they reach Fort Stanwix.

    Mr. Coventry shewed me your Return of Bedding &c. I am sorry it's so bad, particularly as I can send you no supply.

    I hope the fresh provisions will be some relief to your Garrison, whenever it's in my power, I shall sned you a further supply.

                                                                                            I am &c.

                                                                                                        (sign'd) Thos. Gage

To Major Clephane or offr.

commandg. at

Fort Edward Stanwix

Albany March 25th 1759

Dear Sir

    The Post arrived here yesterday and brought me your Favor of the 19th instant. Notice has been sent of the Number of Indians at Ticonderoga and the Probability of their Endeavours to revenge this last stroke of Rogers, to every Post in the communication, wt. repeated orders to be on their guard: no mischief has since happened, and I hope none will happen. Rogers & the Indian officer Lutteridge distinguished themselves most in this scout, The Regulars, as you will see in the accots. sent you, were made little use of. You will sometime or other have it in your power to reward Rogers, and as for Lutteridge and the Indians I think it best to leave them to Sr. Wm. Johnson.    

    I have ordered Lieut. Genl. Murrays Regimt. to relieve Frasers, and intend replacing them by Prideauxs Regiment from hence, and as soon as Frasers Regimt. is embarked to bring Abercromby's Regimt. into this Town Till I am free of Frasers, Abercromby's would fill us too full, so propose letting them lye in their cantonments till the other sails. This relief could not have happened more unseasonably, The Frost just breaking up, neither waggon or Slay can stirr, and the River so full of Ice as to stop the navigation. A messenger has been sent upwards to reconnoitre the River and if found practicable, Colo. Massey Marches wt. his Regimt. tomorrow, but it's the opinion of most, that it will not be possible for him to move these three or four days.

    As I shall not expect the Garrison of Fort Stanwix in less than fourteen days after General Murrays Regiment has actually Marched from Schenectady; I believe I shall be obliged to send Frasers Regiment down by piece=meal just as they arrive, as I am not willing to detain the Sloops here, which you will have occasion for below; and will likewise save demurrage.

    I recd. a Letter yesterday from Major Clephane of the 17th Inst. telling me of the Impossibility of sending down the worst of his sick from the badness of the Roads and fullness of the creeks; that a slay sent up to assist his sick had been lost and the Horses drowned, The Major sent me at the same time a Letter from his Indian Interpreter, which I send herewith; and seems to finish all Hopes of Intelligence from the long expected Scout from Swogathchi.

    Rogers is here and has fixed matters with Jacobs' who is set forward to raise his Company, the other Jacob's is also wrote to, as well as King Ungas of the Mohigons to raise two other Companys. 

    By a letter from Fort Edward of the 23d. inst. I find a Deserter had been just brought in from Ticonderoga, whom Colonel Haldimand says, confirms the former accots. of the Prisoners. He left the Enemy the 20th whom he says perceived that our party has Examined the Intrenchment, but had not discovered that any Person had been upon the Mountain. That they were in Trouble for a Scout of 30 Indians that had set out from Ticonderoga the second of this Month with 15 days provision, and not returned at the time of his Desertion. That another Party of 60 Indians were to set out from thence the 21st Tho' it's probable this Mans deserting may stop the Party, Colo. Haldimand has nevertheless sent advise of it to the several Posts. I believe the weather is not sufficient to stop all Partys for some time.

    Most of the Regimts. have some men to be recommended to Chelsea who were not in a condition to move when the rest sailed in the Kennington; would you have them collected, and sent down to be ready for the next Man of War or remain here sometime longer? I have ordered Murrays Regimt. to leave theirs behind.

    As the business relating to the Horses of the People of Half Moon concerned the Artillery only, I have employed Captain Martin and Mr. Wilson the Commissary to Examine into it; who have been to Half:Moon for this purpose: They report to me that Corry stirred up the Inhabitants to make these Demands, but that there is money justly due to them. Mr. Wilson knows a good deal of the affair, and says there were as many Horses used in the Artillery Service as set forth in both demands, but that the charge is too high, nothing being deducted for forrage. When Capt. Ord paid the first Demand, he thought he was quite clear of further claims, and no wonder he thought so from Corry's Receipt, Had he taken the trouble to find out the owners of the Horses, instead of Dealing wt. a Lawyer, the People would have been satisfied, and no further trouble given in the affair. I hope to have it settled in a few days.

    Thank you for the List of Promotions, I have no news but what you have heard. Mr. Boscawen & Sir Chas. Hardy not pleased. I am

                                                &c.

                                                        Thos. Gage

His Excy

Genl. Amherst

Source:

"Letterbook of Thomas Gage, Albany, 1759 January 20-1760 May 5." In the digital collection Thomas Gage Papers, 1738-1807. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/g/gage/gage.7001.001. William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed December 2, 2024.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2025.

Orders Providing Clothing and to Inspect Uniform Patterns, 1757

From their London workshop in 1757, two clothiers meticulously inspect neck scarf patterns designed for the civilian sector. While stationed in Quebec through 1763, Colonel Fraser's men of the 78th Regiment of Foot typically received their annual clothing allotment in April of each year, with the exception of 1760, which was hijacked by the French Frigate, Le Machault, en route from Halifax to Quebec. (Jeffrey Campbell, London Clothiers, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

 

Inspecting Uniform Patterns

War Office 13th January 1757

Sir,

His Majesty having been pleased to order Two Highland Battallions of Foot, to be forthwith Raised, under the Command of Lt. Col. Montgomery & Lt. Col. Fraser each Battallion to Consist of 40 Serjeants, 40 Corporals, 20 Drummers, and 1000 Effective private Men, besides Commission Officers; And as the Cloathing, & Accoutrements, &c for the said Battallions are to be immediately provided, I am Commanded to Signify to you, It is His Majesty's Pleasure, that you do forthwith Summon a Board of General Officers to Inspect the Patterns which shall be Exhibited, and do every thing else which shall be necessary, that the said Cloathing and Accoutrements &c may be immediately provided.

I am Sir

Your most obedient

humble Servant

Barrington

Copy

Robert Ince Esqr.

Source:

War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Dec. 1756-Apr. 1757. LAC, W.O. 4, vol. 53 (Selections).

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2024.

Second Highland Battalion Recruiting Efforts

Two concerned mothers in the Scottish Highlands discuss their recent encounter with a civilian recruiting officer regarding their sons enlisting in the British Army, to serve in Major James Clephane's Company of the Second Highland Battalion. Raised in early 1757 for service in North America, this mostly "all-volunteer force," some 1000 men strong, were a mixture of carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, tailors, and a great many day labourers, aged as young as 17 and as old as 60. (Jeffrey Campbell, Brace of Mothers, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Early Recruiting Efforts

As recruiting for the newly established Second Highland Battalion began in January 1757, Colonel Simon Fraser, Commanding Officer, informed Lord George Beauclerk, Commander of Scottish forces in North Britain, as to the status of his recruiting efforts. 

The War Office in London authorized funding for 1040 men, and the battalion appears to have met its initial recruiting goal in just about 45 days. The following is a transcribed copy of that correspondence.

Colonel Simon Fraser to Lord George Beauclerk

Copy of a Letter from Lieut. Colonel Fraser,

to Captain Stewart Secry. to the Rgt. Honble. 

Lord George Beauclerk dated, Inverness 

1st March 1757.

Sir,

    I must beg you will acquaint My Lord George Beauclerk that the Battalion which I have the Honour to Command is Compleat. The Returns I found here amounted to 582, what I pick'd up myself at Edinburgh and in the several Countrys I passed through 150, which, with 306 which I got in three Days in the Fraser Country makes the whole number 1038. Rank and File without including some subalterns who have as yet made no returns. As in such a number raised in a hurry there must necessarily be many Exceptionable Men, I have not stopt the Recruiting, but have desired them to be nicer than at first, and I hope to have as many supernumerary as will enable me to Discharge any exceptionable ones.

    I hope My Lord George will Excuse my not sending a Regular Return, which I cannot tale upon me to do till I have seen and approve the Men; and as My Lord has order'd me to march them to Glasgow I'm afraid I shan't be able to make any regular Return till the Regimt. is all there, and that will be some time first, as many of them are in the most remote parts of the Highlands where they have been recruited. I have wrote General Napier the State of the Battalion but have begged his Excuse also for making no Return till I have seen the men.

    In case it should make the officers here remiss, I have not informed any here except General Leighton, that the Regiment is compleat, and I submit to my Lord George if it will be improper to say nothing of it for a week or two, as I have Expectations from two or three Quarters for some fine fellows, which I shan't have unless they think I stand in great need.

    In obedience to Lord Georges Commands I shall march Four Companies for Glasgow next week. 

I am sir &c.

Signed S: Fraser

Source: W.O. 1/974, pp. 365-6.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2024.

Colonel Fraser's Recruits Arrive in Virginia in 1759

HMS Eurus, an eighteenth-century British military warship, as she prepares to port with her convoy for a scheduled visit to Virginia in 1759. Her voyage encompassed some 45 days at sea to cross the Atlantic Ocean from Cork Harbour, Ireland, as she sailed a more southern route than previously scheduled convoys. (Jeffrey Campbell, Fair Winds, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Colonel Fraser's Recruits Arrive in Virginia in 1759

Writing a letter to his brother Ewen residing in Northumberland, UK, and described by Lieutenant Donald Cameron, a junior officer in the 78th Regiment, as "a long and tedious Pasage," the voyage that departed Greenock, Scotland, in March 1759 brought the fourteenth and final company of Colonel Fraser's recruits to America.

Unlike previous crossings, which took approximately 45 days or so to navigate the transatlantic voyage from Ireland to North America due in part to limiting the initial southern distance in which they sailed out of Cork Harbour, this departure of transport ships headed by HMS Eurus saw the fleet take a more extreme southern route, sailing as far south as the Tropic of Cancer (latitude 23.4°N off the west coast of Morocco below the Canary Islands) before finally turning to the west on May 10th, following that same latitude across the Atlantic, ultimately bearing to the north-west in the latter part of the month, passing Bermuda on June 8th. She finally moored in Hampden, Virginia, on June 20th. 

The lieutenant further explained to his brother, "...and from Virginia we ware Ordered for York, and from York up the River to Albonay, where we parted with Captain Campbes Componay [Colonel Montgomery's battalion], then we ware Ordered Down that same River to York again and from York to Luisbrough, and up the River Sant Lawrence to the Sage of Quebeck. We arrived in Camp before Quebeck September the 3 and we came time enowch to see everything that was Done and one of the most Glorious Battles that ever was fought in America." [NRS, Acc.11137/41 titled 'Letters to Sir Ewan of Fassiefern, 1759, 1764-1787, containing a letter describing the siege of Quebec, 1759'].

Letter to Lord Barrington

St. James's Square Jan. 31, 1759

My Lord

    I beg leave to acquaint your Lordship that yesterday Mr. Secretary Pitt signified the Kings pleasure to the Lords of the Admty for a Convoy to repair to Greenock & from thence to proceed to Virginia with the Highlanders embarked on board the transports which Captain Clark left there for that purpose.

[To] Lord Barrington

I am

with great respect

My Lord, your Lordships

most obedt. humble Servt.

Robt. Wood.

Source: TNA, W.O. 1/678, p. 21[?]

Editorials

Whitehall Evening Post

February 13, 1759

Portsmouth

This morning is sailed, and is now almost out of sight, Admiral Holmes in the Somerset, with Northumberland, Terrible, Trident, Intrepid, Medway, Maidstone, Adventure, Diana, Trent, Europa, Vestal, Eurus, Boreas, Crescent, Baltimore, Scorpion, with 60 sail of Transports.

Public Advertiser Newspaper

Scotland

Edinburgh, April 5. Thursday his Majesty's Ship Eurus, Capt. John Elphingston, sailed from Greenock, with a fair Wind, having about 200 Highland Troops under her Convoy, destined to reinforce those in America.

Although the Public Advertiser newspaper extract incorrectly recorded the date of the convoy's departure from Greenock, the ship's name and the accompanying captain were recorded correctly. It was not uncommon for newspaper editor's in those days to err, as it was practice to copy and publish articles directly from one another.

HMS Eurus

Hired to convoy the transport ships carrying Colonel Fraser's men to Virginia, Eurus, previously the French Privateer Le Dragon, was a sixth-rate frigate captured by the British in April 1757. Her armament consisted of 24 British 9-pounders on the upper gun deck, and she had a crew complement of 160 men.

Captain John Elphingston, a seasoned British officer and first commissioned lieutenant in 1746, rose through the ranks and became an admiral in 1770. He served as Captain of the Eurus from February 10, 1759, through March 30, 1760.

In reviewing the official ship's logs [TNA, ADM 51/316], the following events are recorded in preparation for the overseas voyage:

February 27, 1759: Eurus moored at Greenock [Scotland].

March 10: Troops began boarding the transport ships.

March 21: [Underway] down the River Clyde.

April 5: Moored at Hebberstone [sic, Hubberstone, Wales].

April 12: Got under sail [for North America].

Letter of Francis Fauquier, Lieutenant-Governor of Virginia

To the Board of Trade

Wmsburgh June 23d 1759

My Lords

    I do my self the Honour to transmit to your Lordships, by the Spotswood Captn. Seaton for Bristol a Duplicate of my Letter of the 14th of April, and also of a Letter of the 9th instant which your Lordships will receive by the Jenny Captn. Crawfurd who will sail on this s'en [sennight: one week] night for London, by whom I shall send all the public Acts and Papers. I am extremely sorry I can not send these sooner, but I cannot get them out of the Offices for Want of Clerks who can write the engrossing hand. They are not now all finish'd and deliver'd to me. I propose for the future as an Expedient in some Measure to remove this difficulty, to send your Lordships the principal Acts as soon as the Session is over by themselves, and let them be followed by the Journals and other acts of less Consequence: if this Method will be agreeable to your Lordships.

    Captn. Elphinston in his Majesties Ship Eurus arrived in Hampton Road on the 20th with three Transports under Convoy containing three Hundred Highlanders Recruits for Montgomery's and Fraser's Battalions. They expected I had received Instructions in Relation to their future Destination, but as I have received no Instructions or Information on this Head, I find my self at a Loss to provide for the Men and Officers whom I have ordered to follow their own Instructions and disembark the Men for whom I will do all in my Power both as to Accomodations and Refreshments of fresh provisions after their long passage. I have dispatch'd a Messenger to Brigr. Genl. Stanwix at Philadelphia to know how I shall dispose of the Men; I expect his Return in about eight Days from this Date; and have detained Captn. Elphinston and the Transports till I receive his Answer, for if he would have them, and Captn. Elphinston Convoy them into the Delaware River in his Way to join Admiral Saunders as his Orders are: and I have wrote to Mr. Saunders my Reasons for detaining him these few days.

    Captn. Elphinston has brought in with him two Rhode Island-Men, supposed to be concerned in the same illicit Trade as the Vessel brought in here by Captn. Legge and condemned here lat year. These Captains have, I am informed, burnt many of their papers, so the Event of the Seizure is uncertain. I have the Honour to be with the greatest Regard, My Lords, Your Lordships most Obedient humble Servant.

Fran: Fauquier

The the Rt. Honble. the Lords of Trade &ct.

[Endorsed as read on 14 Nov. 1759].

Source: Reese, George. The Official Papers of Francis Fauquier, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, 1758-1768, Volume 1, The Virginia Historical Society, 1980, pp. 221–222.

©  Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2024.