The image evokes the atmosphere reminiscent of eastern Connecticut during the winter of 1757–1758, when Colonel Fraser’s Highlanders were garrisoned in coastal towns. The still waters and anchored boats recall the quiet vigilance of the different military companies stationed along the seaboard. A colonial house on the misty shore suggests local billets arranged for the Highlanders, while the golden sunrise hints at the regiment’s early morning drills or watches over Long Island Sound. With its muted palette and marshy shoreline, the scene reflects the restrained tension and maritime landscape of Connecticut during Fraser’s regiment’s winter quarters.
Fraser’s Highlanders in Connecticut: Army Returns of 1757–1758 Winter Garrison
In the eighteenth century, army returns served as essential planning tools for military operations. These reports detailed the strength of each company or regiment, listing the number of men present, absent, ill, or assigned to extra duties. They also provided breakdowns of officers and some enlisted categories—offering a clear snapshot of operational readiness. Remarkably, versions of these returns are still used in modern armed forces today.
During their 17-week garrison in Connecticut—from 30 November 1757 to 30 March 1758—Colonel Fraser’s Regiment was quartered in civilian homes across five towns. The colonel and several officers were housed in the Wetmore House, built by Reverend Izrahiah Wetmore, during their stay in Stratford.
Local towns incurred a range of expenses while hosting the regiment: house rentals, hospital rent, wood for the guardhouse, construction of small cabins, and other necessities like candles, blankets, cider, and utensils. The Connecticut General Assembly approved reimbursement for these costs the following spring, in 1759.
Stratford (head quarters):
Colonel Simon Fraser's Company; Captain Charles Baillie's Grenadier Company.
Expenses: £472-5s-11d.
Fairfield:
Major James Clephane's Company; Captain Simon Fraser's Company.
Expenses: £491-15s-7d.
Norwalk:
Major John Campbell's Company; Captain John Campbell's Company.
Expenses: £487-5s-6d.
Milford:
Captain John Macpherson's Company; Captain Donald McDonald's Company.
Expenses: £491-10s-9d.
Stanford:
Captain John McDonell's Company; Captain Thomas Fraser's Company.
Expenses: £433-13s-11d.
Connecticut Army Returns
Cover sheet:
A Weekly Return of Capt. Macphersons & Capt. Donald McDonald Companys
Milfort 12 Decemr. 1757.
A Weekly Return of Captain John Macpherson & Capt. Do. MacDonald Companys of the Honble. Coll. Fraser Highland Battalion. Milfort 12 Decemr. 1757.
Capt. Mcpherson's Company
Captains: Present: 1; Absent: 0
Lieuts.: Present: 2; Absent: 0
Ensigns: Present: 1; Absent: 0
Serjeants: Present: 4; Absent 0
Drummers: Present: 2; Absent: 0
Sick: In Quarters: 4; Hospital at Cork [Ireland]: 4; Hospital at Fairfield [Connecticut]: 3
In Rank & File: 98
Wanting to Compleat: 2
Supernumeraries: 8
Capt. Do. McDonald's Company
Captains: Present: 0; Absent: 1
Lieuts.: Present: 2; Absent: 0
Ensigns: Present: 1; Absent: 0
Serjeants: Present: 3; Absent 1
Drummers: Present: 2; Absent: 0
Sick: In Quarters: 5; Hospital at Cork [Ireland]: 1; Hospital at Fairfield [Connecticut]: 3
In Rank & File: 99
Wanting to Compleat: 1
Supernumeraries: 15
[signed] John Macpherson
Captain Charles Baillie's Company
Cover sheet:
Sir,
Inclosed are the Returns of Collos. Frasers Compy and mine, according to the note you sent by Doctor McLane; I beg your favour you would let me know if you had any further notice of our Marching from here; and in what manner the men are to be exercised; I beg you make my Compls. to your Gentlemen and I am your [very humble servant - abbreviated].
[signed] Chars: Baillie
Return of the Present Strength of Captn. Baillies Companey of Granadiers Stratford December 14, 1757.
The Present Strength of the Companey:
Captn.: 1; Lieuts.: 2; Serjts.: 4; Drums: 2; Rank & File: 95
Supernumeraries present: 12
Women Victual with the Companey: 7
Lieut. Cuthbarts Servant belonging to Captn. Campbells Compy: 1
Alexr. McCertar Musishener: 1
Total:
Captns.: 1
Lieuts.: 2
Serjts.: 4
Drums: 2
Rank & File: 116
Sick in Ospitell [not included in the rank/file]
John Fraser
Doncom Comern
Allexr. Gray
[signed] Chars: Baillie Captn.
Notes:
1. Ensigns not present
2. Supernumeraries, women, servant, and musician were counted towards rank/file strength.
3. While unconfirmed, the "musishener" may have been Alexander McEntyre or McArthur, the Company piper. By March 1761, pipers were no longer authorized to be carried on the Regiment's establishment by order of the King's Instructions dated 2 December 1760. [Amherst Papers: W.O. 34, vol. 4, p. 148].
Colonel Simon Fraser's Company
Return of the Present Strength of Colonel Fraser's Companey Stratford December 14th 1757.
The Present Strength of the Companey:
Captn.: 1; Lieuts.: 1; Ensigns: 1; Serjts.: 4; Drums: 3; Rank & File: 104
Supernumeraries present: 15
Women Victual: 6
Total:
Captns.: 1
Lieuts.: 1
Ensigns: 1
Serjts.: 4
Drums: 3
Rank & File: 125
[signed] Jn. Fraser Sjt.
Note:
1. Supernumeraries and women were counted towards rank/file strength.
2. Colonel Fraser's piper may have counted as "drummer," but no firm evidence to corroborate. Typically two drummers per company were carried on the establishment.
It is said that it was Colonel Fraser's men who amused themselves at times in shooting at the old weathercock at the top of the Episcopal Church spire, piercing it several times. A letter from Captain Charles Baillie to Major Clephane might help explain away some of the jovial fracas among the troops. Baillie wrote to the major, at Fairfield: "Sir, enclosed are the returns of Colonel Fraser's Compy and mine, according to the note you sent by Doctor McLean, I beg the favour you would let me know if you had any further notice of our marching from here; and in what Manner the men are to be exercised..."
2. Colonel Fraser's piper may have counted as "drummer," but no firm evidence to corroborate. Typically two drummers per company were carried on the establishment.
It is said that it was Colonel Fraser's men who amused themselves at times in shooting at the old weathercock at the top of the Episcopal Church spire, piercing it several times. A letter from Captain Charles Baillie to Major Clephane might help explain away some of the jovial fracas among the troops. Baillie wrote to the major, at Fairfield: "Sir, enclosed are the returns of Colonel Fraser's Compy and mine, according to the note you sent by Doctor McLean, I beg the favour you would let me know if you had any further notice of our marching from here; and in what Manner the men are to be exercised..."
These weekly returns provide a rare glimpse into the winter garrison duties of Fraser’s Highlanders in colonial Connecticut. Their presence reflects the British Army’s broader logistical footprint in North America on the eve of the 1758 Louisbourg campaign.
And be sure to learn more about their Connecticut stay in town of Stratford, while taking target practice at the local church weathercock
Works Cited:
Wilcoxson, History of Stratford, Connecticut, 1639-1939.
Connecticut Army Returns, NAS, GD125-22-27-00031-38
© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.
© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.
