Levy Money for the 2nd Highland Battalion, or Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 1757

A levy is a military force raised ["levied"] in a particular manner. Typically this means units raised by conscription, but not always. In the British Empire, levies were units raised by local officials for local tasks; however, in the instance of the 2nd Highland Battalion, the unit was raised specifically for service in North America. Many of the soldiers who chose to enlist in Fraser's Highlanders did so for the money; some were initial recruits, others veterans of earlier service and wars. 

                         

War Office 13 January 1757 

My Lord & Sir. His Majesty Having been pleased to order two Highland Battalions of Foot to be forthwith raised and sent to North America each Battalion to consist of 40 Serjeants 40 Corporals 20 Drummers and 1000 Private Men besides Commission Officers (their Establishment to commence from the 23rd Dec`r last incl and to Allow three pounds per man Levy Money I have the Honour to Acquaint you therewith) that you may be pleased to lay a Memorial before the Rt. Humble the Lords Commissioners of his Maty`s Treasure for the Money wanting for this service. 

                                                                                         I am

                                                                                         My Lord & Sir

                                                                                         Barrington

Lord Visc`t Dupplin

                                        Paymaster Gen`l

& Tho`s Potter Esqr

Note: Thomas Hay, 9th Earl of Kinnoull, styled Viscount Dupplin, served as Paymaster of the Forces, from 1755 until 1757.

Source:

Lord Barrington, "Letter to William Pitt, Secretary at War." LAC, War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Dec. 1756 - Apr. 1757. W.O. 4, vol. 53.

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