Over 900 Reinforcements Arrive in North America in 1758

An 18th-century British war ship, proudly flying the Union Jack, as it is moored in the bustling harbor of Greenock, Scotland. The year is 1758, and the ship's towering wooden masts, intricate rigging, and billowing sails are a testament to the era's maritime prowess. The sun casts a warm glow over the scene, highlighting the ship's meticulously maintained hull as it reflects the rippling waters of the Firth of Clyde. On the pier, a flurry of activity unfolds: sailors in their traditional attire of white breeches and blue jackets scurry about, securing ropes and hoisting cargo onto the ship. Soldiers in red coats stand at attention, their muskets slung over their shoulders, ready to embark for their mission to North America. (Jeffrey Campbell, Underway, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Reinforcements for North America in 1758

While recruiting for Colonel Fraser's original 10 companies was complete by April 1757, three additional companies consisting of about 300 men were authorized formation for service three months later, in July. These augments (including over 600 men from the 42nd and 77th Foot) embarked on 16 November for their two-month voyage to North America. 

It's interesting to note any children that may have accompanied their family overseas were not separately accounted for, as recorded on other regimental returns.

Letter of Lord Barrington to Henry Fox, Paymaster [1]

War Office 21 July 1757

Sir

His Majesty having thought fit to add thee comps. to each of the Highland Corps mentioned in the Margin hereof each Company to consist of Four Serjeants four Corporals two Drummers & one hundred Effective Private Men besides Commission Officers their Pay to commence from the 25 Of April 1757 and to allow £3 p man Levy Money I have the Honour to acquaint you therewith that you may be pleased to lay a Memorial before the Rt. Honble the Lords Commrs. of His Majesty's Treasury for the Money wanting for this Service.

I am

Sir  &c

Barrington

[Margin entries]

Lord John Murrays

Lt. Col. Montgomery 

Lt. Col. Fraser 

Letter of John Cleveland, Esq. [2]

Navy Office 26 Novr. 1757

Sir, 

Mr. Rowland who we appointed to act as agent for the Transports at Greenock, being returned from thence, and acquainted us that the Embarkation of the Nine Additional Companies was compleated at that place the 16th inst. And he having made us a Return of the said Embarkation, we send you on the otherside a copy thereof, for the information of the Right Honble the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and are

Sir

Your very humble Servants

Tho. Slade; G. Adams; John Cleveland Esqr.; Rich'd [...]; Tm Brett

Embarkation of Troops

A return of the number of men and women embarked at Greenock [Scotland] of the nine additional companies of Highlanders.

L:r John Murrays

Captains: 3

Lieutenants: 4

Ensigns: 2

Serjeants: 12

Corporals: 12

Drummers: 6

Private: 258

Servants: 9

Women: 18

Total: 324

Col: Montgomerys

Captains: 3

Lieutenants: 5

Ensigns: 1

Serjeants: 12

Corporals: 12

Drummers: 6

Private: 269

Servants: 9

Women: 18

Total: 335

Col: Fraziers

Captains: 3

Lieutenants: 6

Ensigns: 3

Serjeants: 9

Corporals: 10

Drummers: 4

Private: 245

Servants: 9

Women: 18

Total: 307

Letter of Loudoun to Barrington [3]

New York 16:th February 1758

My Lord,

By the Packet, which arrived in January, I had the honor to receive several duplicates of Letters from your Lordship, and a Letter with Orders, to send home Lord Charles Hay, which I forwarded to Major General Hopson along with the Letters to His Lordship.

I send your Lordship the returns of the Troops, enclosed, and likewise the returns of the drafts that came from Europe, amounting to 1559; and 101. Prisoners from France; part of the recruits from Germany, and some of last years drafts from Ireland, who had been taken at Sea and carried to France.

Of this years drafts I have discharged 22, on a Certificate, I send enclosed. No man with a rupture can serve here; for, whenever they March or are Employed in carrying of wood, or making Entrenchments in the Summer, it encreases it immediately to such a Degree, as to make entirely unserviceable ever after. Those I have returned with the Transports.

From your Lordships Letters, I see that it was expected, that the cloathing, the drafts brought with them, should serve till next cloathing; but as many of them, when they arrived, were almost naked; many having not received cloathing since September 1756, and a great number cloathed at Christmas 1756, as will appear from the enclosed return of them, made out from the returns, received from the officers of the different Corps who came along with them, and the returns of the Regiments that received them, who complain'd greatly of the cloathing of many of the men; and as we never can cloath in this Country, till the end of November and often in December; I found on an Examination, that it was absolutely necessary to cloath a great many of them; for which reason I have order'd, that all those men, that have received no cloathing since the 1st of March 1757, should be cloathed, which in the whole amounts to 578; as without that Order, those men would have been naked.

As this is the case, I hope your Lordship will think it reasonable, that the Regiments here, should not have the offreckonings stopped, for that number we have been obliged to new cloath with this years cloathing; for otherwise, that number of the Troops here, will be without cloaths next year, as the Soldiers cloaths are much worse in this Country at the end of a campaign, than they are in Europe; which happens, from their never having any straw after they march into the back Country, but are obliged to lay on boards & twigs of Trees, which wears out their cloathing immediately.

I have return'd the officers that came with the drafts in the Transports that brought out Lieut. Colonel Frazers Battalion, who by their Charter parties, were to remain on Pay till they returned to the River with the Convoy: there came no agent, neither with those nor with Lieut. Colonel Montgomerys Battalion; nor did I receive any directions about them. The ship which Admiral Holbourne sent here with Colonel Frazers Battalion, having got a Malignant Fever on board, was not able to proceed with those Transports; therefore Captain Darby, who came with the drafts, took the charge of them. The Admiral left it to me, to do with those Transports as I saw proper; but as I had no Orders, I thought it would be wrong to detain them.

Seven of the Transports that were sent to South Carolina, have absolutely refused their Discharge; as that was the case, I have order'd them here with the five companies of the Royal Americans now there, whom I have sent thither last Spring; as His Majesty has provided for the security of that Province, by sending a Battalion of a thousand men there.

I have likewise sent home with the Transports, forty two Invalides; part of them are from the Regiments that came last from Ireland, who brought over several unserviceable Men: I must beg, that as soon as those Men are received into Chelsea, I may be informed; as they must stand on Our returns, till that information arrives.

Enclosed, your Lordship has a List of the commissions I have signed.

As there were not Magazines at Halifase [sic, Halifax], capable to contain the whole of the Powder, I was obliged to leave part of it on board the Fleet; part of which they have carried back to England, which will make a further supply necessary.

As part of the light Field Train were lost at Fort William Henry, it would be of great use here, to have a Supply of the light brass 12 & 6 Pounders; as the Battery Train cannot be moved into this Country but by water, so that it comes to be of no use in the back Country, whereas we can always carry the light 12. Pounders.

I must beg leave, once more to mention, the Contingent Men, which are cut off from the Troops in this Service, which makes a great discontent among them, as they are allowed to all the other Troops in the Kings Service; and as the captains have no fund for the many contingencies that arise in this Country; they make very large contingent accounts, and those must contain Articles, that used to be bourne out of that Fund. I must beg that your Lordship will endeavor, to get the Contingent Men allowed.

I have mentioned, in my Letter to the Secretary of State, a proposal made by Lieut. Colonel Gage, in order to reduce the Expence the Rangers are now at, and in order to get, not only a cheaper but a more useful sett of Rangers, and one on whose Intelligence I may rely; I have so far agreed to it, as to allow him to raise the Regiment, and to chose, out of the Subalterns of the Troops, Officers for it, who remain on their Pay in the Regiment they now belong to, and to have their Pay made up, from the contingencies, to the rank they have in this New Regiment; but to take no Rank in the Army, by this commission, till the Kings Pleasure be known on this subject: nor will I look on those commissions as vacant, in the Regiment they belong to, till the King's Pleasure is known; which I beg you will communicate, as soon as His Majesty has signified it. Enclosed, I send your Lordship, Lieut. Gage's memorial to me.

I have advanced the money, for the cloathing and raising those men, on an obligation, from the Colonel to repay it, if the King thinks proper to accept of his Proposal.

I forgot to mention to your Lordship, that Lieut. Adam Williamson, lately promoted by me in His Majestys 22d Regiment of Foot, was Ensign in Lieut. Guise's Regiment: He is son to Lieut. Colonel Williamson, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, is an Engineer in this Service, and stands strongly recommended to me by Lord Dupplin.

I am with the greatest Regard,

My Lord, your Lordships,

Most Obedient and Most

Humble Servant

Cover sheet:

The Earl of Loudoun

to Lord Barrington

Febry. 16th 1758

Duplicate

Sources:

1. War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Apr. 1757 - Oct. 1757. LAC, W.O. 4, 54 (Selections), p. 232.

2. National Maritime Museum: The Caird Library and Archive, London. ADM 354/157/205. John Cleveland served as Secretary to the Admiralty, 1751-1763; a further discussion regarding Colonel Fraser's original transport ships can be found here.

3. John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun (1705-1782) Ms.L.unsigned to [William Wildman, 3rd] Viscount Barrington; New York, 16 Feb 1758. Houghton Library, Harvard University. John Campbell Loudoun Papers Concerning the Siege and Fall of Quebec, 1756-1784 (MS Can 64). Cambridge, MA. https://bit.ly/2WbDiMv. [Acc: 19 Aug. 2021].

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

Marriages in the 78th Regiment, 1757-1765

A picturesque 18th-century panorama of Glasgow Green, a vast public park nestled in the heart of Scotland's bustling city of Glasgow, as seen from an elevated viewpoint in the year 1757. The lush, emerald landscape stretches out, dotted with clusters of mature trees that cast playful shadows on the gently rolling lawns. In the foreground, a group of well-dressed individuals are engaged in a lively conversation, while children frolic and laugh nearby. To the left, a majestic stone archway serves as an entrance to the green, adorned with intricate carvings that speak to the era's grandeur. (Jeffrey Campbell, Glasgow Green, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Marriages in the 78th Regiment, 1757-1765

Undoubtedly, the number one question we receive from individuals researching their Highlander ancestry is, are there marriage records available for British soldiers who served during the Seven Years' War in North America? The simple answer is yes and no. Researchers will have far better success if their soldiers married in Scotland, rather than expecting to locate a marriage record in Quebec, Canada, before 1764. If you have confirmation of a marriage that occurred during the war, we would love to hear from you.

Researching my family's missing marriage document c.1761 in Quebec has been quite a daunting task, and it is evident others also share in my same predicament. Our Highlander ancestor, Private William Campbell (1731-1811; parents unknown), a soldier in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, is purported to have married Marie Josephte Chartier (1732-1799; the proven daughter of Louis Chartier and Marie-Madeleine Lefevbre) either near the town of Berthier, which was established as regimental headquarters, or a few miles south near Deschambault-Grondines where their first child Marie was baptized in November 1761. In fact young Marie's baptismal entry in the parish records of Saint-Joseph-de-Deschambault even states: "...of the legitimate marriage of..." William and a small contingency of his battalion mates were stationed at Deschambault supporting a few companies of the 43rd Foot, both providing guard should any of the French begin traversing up the St. Lawrence River. However, 24 years later and still no record of a marriage has been uncovered. And after conversing with other researchers, I began to see a similar pattern emerge: there seems to be an archival black hole, so to speak, for British soldiers' marriage records between 1757-1763, in the various archives and parishes in/around Quebec. 

I recall reading that British military leadership excluded the destruction of parishes during the war [https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c369/389]. And although fires were deliberately set during the conflict to other buildings and farmhouses on both sides of the St. Lawrence River, places of worship, hospitals, and strategic garrisons were off-limits. Collateral damage, however, was and still remains a fact of war. Of course, natural disasters for the past few hundred years certainly could have also played a part in the missing records, too. Either way, I found this as both an anomaly and an opportunity to explore further 

The General's Orders [1]

Through my research in the Quebec Archives, one particular contemporary document was discovered, written in 1759 by General George Townshend, referencing General Jeffery Amherst, successor to General James Wolfe as commander of the British after he fell on the Plains of Abraham battlefield a few weeks earlier, on 13 September. Located within Townshend's Orderly book, this document appears to account for missing North American marriage records:

Quebec, 6 October 1759

"The General desires that the Commanding Officers of Regts. will not suffer their men to mary [sic] with the French."

In other words, senior leadership clearly established that British soldiers were forbidden from engaging in matrimony with the French Canadians during the conflict.

Religion

British soldiers of the Seven Years' War were primarily of the Protestant faith. Of the specific criteria outlined in the Recruiting Act, 1756-7 qualifying an individual for enlistment in the army, one particular bullet prohibited 'known Papists' from joining. Unlike their Irish counterparts, who were required upon enlistment to submit religious certificates attesting to their faith, [2] we've not uncovered supporting evidence requiring Scottish soldiers to provide the same documentation.

French-Canadians were primarily of the Roman Catholic faith. And while each religion recognizes and adheres to its practicing values, King George II did not recognize Roman Catholics during the war. Albeit we can only speculate his thoughts of the Catholic religion and its supporting people, General James Murray, a British soldier and governor of Quebec in 1760-68, in the summer of 1763, made his thoughts quite clear of the local inhabitants. In a September 1763 letter to General Amherst, Murray wrote: "...The present method of Cantoning the Troops in a new Conquer'd country, the Inhabitants of which, are of a different Religion from the Conquerors, and are of all the People upon the Earth the most ignorant, Superstitious, and Bigotted, consequently the most influenced by the Priesthood, seems to me very imprudent..." [3]

As it was clear King George II restricted his men in North America from marrying the local Quebecoise for many reasons (religion played a part, but the king also feared desertion through debauchery), the marriage order was rescinded in the summer of 1763, and the Roman Catholic religion was officially recognized in preparation for a new government. It was ordered in December 1763 that all public places of worship display a notice including a table of marriages.

Without Benefit of Clergy

In 2001, Marie Fraser of the Clan Fraser Society of Canada authored an article addressing the potential for marriages between British soldiers and local French ladies during the Seven Years' War. The following snippet appears in the article.

Some of these Fraser Highlanders turned to farming and raising a family in a strange land. It was inevitable that romances blossomed. However these conquering heroes faced a more formidable opponent in the form of the local priest, and his bishop, who were unwilling to solemnize marriages involving a Protestant groom. In Quebec in the 1760s and 1770s, many of the Scottish soldiers and their Roman Catholic brides lived without benefit of clergy, although their children were baptized, albeit in many cases the entry by the local priest noted that the child was illegitimate. Also, there were very few Protestant clergy in the country, and the women and their families would probably have been very unhappy about marrying in a Protestant church. Those who could afford to do so, had a marriage contract drawn up by the local notary as a means of legalizing their union. [Fraser, Marie (2005). 'The Old 78th Regiment of Foot'. 

https://web.archive.org/web/20061021041126/http://clanfraser.ca/78th.htm. Accessed 17 April 2023].

The Military Wedding

The following article first appeared on the Library and Archives Canada website and provides insight into "unofficial marriages" which may have been practiced among the British regiments. "Leaping over the sword" has its roots in ancient times and was said to constitute a military marriage.

When a relationship became serious enough, a form of wedding called "leaping over the sword" took place. In this ancient custom, the company would gather around a sword on the floor, in front of which stood the couple, hand-in-hand. A corporal or sergeant acting as the clergyman would order, "Leap, rogue, and jump, whore, and then you are married for evermore." The happy couple would jump over the sword hand-in-hand as the drum beat. From this moment, they were considered man and wife. The event was sometimes followed by a "hoisting," a ceremonial burial of bachelorhood ending in a small parade during which the groom was carried by two of his mates, preceded by a fife and drum playing "The Cuckold's March."

In principle, every soldier had to request official permission to marry. Very few did so, however, because the authorities did not look favourably upon their soldiers marrying. Not until the 1830s did they find a connection between the low desertion rate among married soldiers and the stabilizing influence of their wives. But even in 1863, after the social reforms had been introduced in the mid-nineteenth century, only eight percent of soldiers sent overseas were formally married. Given the many problems involved, it would appear that the vast majority preferred to remain single [http://www.cmhg-phmc.gc.ca/cmh-pmc/page-519-eng.aspx. Accessed 7 July 2023].

Marriage Records

The following is a list of transcribed marriage entries for soldiers that served in the 78th Regiment. Unless otherwise noted, the final disposition of each soldier has not been verified. Men may have transferred to other military regiments, suffered as a casualty of war, discharged in North America, or returned to Scotland at the end of their enlistment. And while approximately 50 Quebec marriage records for men who served in the 78th Foot have been recorded in the book entitled, Les premieres familles anglo-canadiennes issues des marriages mixtes au Quebec (Marcel Fournier, 2001), further analysis of each record needs to be performed to ensure its accuracy. Records will be added to this list upon verification.

It should be noted a predetermined number of women were authorized to accompany their husbands to North America and were instrumental in performing camp duties for the regiment, which would have included laundry, cooking, sewing, and caring for the children.

Anderson

n.p; n.d.

On October 3rd, 1757, the unnamed spouse of John Anderson is mentioned as having received £5 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, "for his [her husband's] use till clearing." [NAS, GD125-22-17-0003].

Cameron

The marriage contract between Thomas Cameron and Francoise Roy was drawn up by Jean-Claude Panet, Quebec notary, on 3 July 1772; the marriage occurred days later on 6 July 1772 at Saint Vallier, Bellechasse, Quebec, Canada. Although the contract does not support service in the 78th Regiment (1757-1763), that information is contained in his application for Crown land filed with the Quebec government on 26 August 1801. [Notarial records of Jean-Claude Panet housed at BAnQ, Montreal, Canada; LAC, Lower Canada Land Papers, RG 1 L 3L Vol. 54, pp. 27436-27440].

Chisholm

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

October, 28th, 1766

There were married Duncan Chisholm in Craigscorie late Soldier in Coll Frasers Regt & [...] Donegal in Craigscorie. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907499, image 702].

Ferguson

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

May 1st, 1757

Daniel Ferguson Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Janet McAula L[awful] D[aughter] of the deceas'd Thos. McAula Hammerman in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

Note: Daniel and Donald are sometimes, but not always, interchangeable in Scotland, because Domhnall, the Gaelic version of Donald, may be Anglicised as Daniel.

Forbes

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

January 31st, 1764

Hugh Forbes alias Grieasich in Aiges Soldier in Coll Fraser's Regt married to Ann Fraser in [...]. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907499, image 701].

Fraser

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

July 28, 1764

There was married at Beauly William Fraser late of Coll. Frasers Regmt. with [...] Hutchinson daughter of Alexr. Hutchinson there. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907599, image 702].

Ganstone

Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

January 13, 1764

William Ganstone late Soldier in Colonel Frazers Regiment of foot and Helen Grant/daur. to Donald Grant Blacksmith in PiterHead / both indwellers in Canongate gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage. [Parish registers of Cannongate Church, Edinburgh, 1564-1872. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 7908857, image 630].

Note: In 1763, he is recorded as William Ganson in Captain John Nairn's Company.

Gillies

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

April 17, 1757

Neill Gillies Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Margt. Brown Residg. in Blantire. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

MacArthur

n.p; n.d.

On October 3rd, 1757, the unnamed spouse of Alexander MacArthur is mentioned as having received £5 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, "for his [her husband's] use till clearing." [NAS, GD125-22-17-0003].

McAndrew

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

June 12, 1764

There was married William Fraser McAndrew late Soldier in Coll. Frasers Regt. in Annat with Ann [?] Fraser the daughter to Thos. Mcfarqhar in Killmorack. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907499, image 702].

McIntire

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

April 17, 1757

Patrick McIntire Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Christian Bell Residg. in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

McLean

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

April 29, 1757

John McLean Surgeon of Collonel Frazers highland Battalion & Agnes Lang L[awful] D[aughter] of the deceas'd John Lang Mercht in Glasgow irregularly married & this day judicially adhered to before the South west session. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

Note: Appointed regimental surgeon 12 January 1757; the absent officer's list indicates "John MacLean, Surgeon, gone to England 20 October 1761 by leave of General Amherst." [Marie Fraser, Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, 2001].

McPherson

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

November 7, 1757

James McPherson Sergeant in Collonell Frazers Regiment & Mary Cameron Residg. in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 96].

McRae

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

May 8, 1757

Hugh McRae Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Janet McDonald along with said Battalion. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

October 16, 1757

John McRae Soldier in Collonel Frazers Regiment & Isobel Campbell in the parish of Eastwood. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 96].

Munro

Phillipe Munro, b. 1736; de Kilmour, province de Ross, Ecosse, and Charlotte Girard, married 1772; Soldat du 78e regiment ecossais, en 1757, au siege de Quebec. Il s'etablit a St-Charles-Boyer [Tanguay, Dictionaire Genealogique Des Familles Canadiennes, vol. 6, p.129].

Ross

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

October 16, 1757

John Ross Soldier in Collonel Frazers Regiment & Katharine McKinzie both in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 96].

Sutherland

County Inverness-shire, Scotland

April 9, 1757

Marriage contracted March 1757. James Sutherland of Col. Fraser's Regimt. & Janet Polson. [Parish registers for Inverness, 1602-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907493, p. 61].

Wilkinson

Quebec, Canada

c.1760-63; [request for marriage license]

"Sir, please grant a License to Donald Wilkinson Soldier in the 78th Regiment to marry as He has no time to be proclaimed being obliged to go to Quebec in a few days P[lease] oblige Sir." [signed] John Campbell, Majr. 78th Regt. [Morphy Auctions online brochure, “French & Indian War Miscellany: Four (4) Military Documents and Letters,” Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria, Nov. 7-8, 2018, p.138. https://bit.ly/3ve11J5. Acc: November 17, 2019].

Note: Although the final disposition of Wilkinson's Quebec marriage license request remains unknown, he married Ann Tillow on 13 March 1761, at the Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, New York [Names of Persons for Whom Marriage Licenses were issued by the Secretary of the Province of New York Previous to 1784, Gideon Tucker, secretary of state, Albany, 1860; New Amsterdam Church Marriages 1750-1801]. 

Williamson

County Inverness-shire, Scotland

March 4, 1757

Marriage contracted February 1757. William Williamson of Col. Fraser's Regimt. & Margaret McGillvray. [Parish registers for Inverness, 1602-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907493, p. 61].

Note: In May 1762, Private Williamson and his spouse Margaret are found serving in Captain Simon Fraser's Company, garrisoned on the North Shore of Quebec's St. Lawrence River [TNA,T1/414].

Sources:

1. Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers. LAC, Microfilm C-369.

2. William Congreve to Wilmot, 10 March 1757. T3019/3122, PRO, Ireland. 

3. Murray to Amherst, 27 August 1763. LAC, W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 101.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

This article was last updated on 4 April 2024.

Private Donald Gunn, 78th Regiment, 1757-1763

The quaint town of Stratford, Connecticut, nestled along the banks of the Housatonic River during the 18th century, as the sun descends beneath the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the tranquil scene. The river reflects the fiery oranges and deep purples of the sunset, while a handful of wooden sailboats are moored at the docks. The town itself is a charming assortment of colonial-style buildings, with their shingled roofs and white-washed clapboard facades, many of which are adorned with candlelit windows, hinting at the lives unfolding within. (Jeffrey Campbell, Stratford Sunset, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator.)

Private Donald Gunn, 78th Regiment, 1757-1763

Donald Gunn was originally a soldier in Colonel Simon Fraser's Second Highland Battalion (of Scotland), later renumbered the 63rd Regiment of Foot, and finally the 78th Regiment of Foot. His regiment embarked at Cork, Ireland, in June 1757 for passage to North America to participate in the Seven Years' War in Quebec, Canada.

30 November 1757. The regiment arrived in Connecticut, and the ten companies were quickly divided into two companies per city, garrisoned in civilian homes at Stratford, Fairfield, Norwalk, Milford, and Stanford.

29 January 1758. In the Congressional Church records at Stratford, Connecticut, Reverend Izahiah Wetmore recorded a baptism of "bettee daughter of Daniel Gunn Drum major in Colonel Fraziers Regiment." [1] Unfortunately, the name of the mother is not recorded in the document, and she is not listed on the final muster roll taken in the summer of 1763. 

Daniel Gunn may have been assigned to Captain Baillie's Grenadier company at Stratford when his daughter was born. [2]

1762-63. Private Donald Gun,  a drummer in Captain Hugh Cameron's Company, is listed as an "invalid" soldier in 1762, and is also carried on the final subsistence rolls taken in September 1763. Invalids were typically soldiers no longer able to enter the battlefield for any number of reasons, but more often than not it was due to sickness or disability. They were then considered unfit for duty. [3, 4, 5]

6 January 1764. Daniel Gunn, aged 50, 24 years of service, from Caithness, Scotland, is recorded as admitted to Royal Chelsea Hospital, London, and listed as "worn out." Considering the 78th Regiment returned to Scotland in December 1763, his admittance to the hospital one month later is consistent with being an invalid soldier returning home. [6, 7]

Donald & Daniel are sometimes, but not always, interchangeable in Scotland, because Domhnall, the Gaelic version of Donald, may be Anglicized as Daniel.

Sources:

1. Wilcoxson, Wm. Howard, "History of Stratford, Connecticut, 1639-1939", Connecticut, 1939, p. 310; First Congressional Church Records, Stratford Connecticut, 1688-1927. FHL, Microfilm 7883792.

2. "Report of the Quarters of His Majesty’s 63d or Second Highland Battalion as Cantoned in the Government of Connecticut in New England, 1758." NAS, GD42/2/41/1-7.

3. Captain Cameron may have assumed command of the Grenadier Company upon the death of Captain Baillie, at Louisbourg.

4. LAC, W.O. 34, vol. 2.

5. Although Donald Gunn appears in Captain Cameron's Company on the final subsistence rolls (soldier #65), his spouse is not listed with him. As only a certain number of women per company were permitted to be carried on the regimental establishment, she could have returned home to Scotland with her husband, but not "on the list." Or, she may have died in childbirth.  

6. While no actual evidence has surfaced, with 24 years of military experience he was a prime candidate for potential service in the Austrian Succession (1740-1748) or the Battle of Culloden, 1746.

7. TNA, W.O. 116/5-3. 

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

Recruiting Progress in North Britain, Feb. 1757

An 18th-century downtown Caithness, Scotland, bathed in the soft, golden light of early morning. Cobblestone streets, still glistening from the night's dew, meander between neatly lined stone buildings with thatched roofs. The quaint architecture, with its white-washed exteriors and dark wooden beams, exudes a warm, welcoming charm. On the left, a horse-drawn carriage pauses outside a bustling tavern, the driver conversing with a local merchant as early-risers spill into the street. To the right, a kilted man emerges from the shadow of an alley, a hint of a smile playing on his lips as he heads to the nearby market square, where stalls are just beginning to set up for the day's trade. (Jeffrey Campbell, Early Morning Caithness, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Recruiting Progress in North Britain, Feb. 1757

Copy of a letter from Lord Barrington the Secretary of War, the War Office, to Lord George Beauclerk, Edinburgh, endorsed with a letter from Lord George Beauclerk to David Scrimgeour relating to highly successful recruiting of troops in ‘North Britain.’

Letter of Lord Barrington to Lord George Beauclerk

War Office 22 Feb 1757

My Lord

     It is with the greatest pleasure that I see the plan of Recruiting in North Britain which has been so happily carried on by your Lordship, in Concert with the gentlemen of that Country, so nearly Completed as it appears to be from your last letter, I have had the Honor more than once in the course of this affair, to transmit to your Lordship His Royal Highness approbation of your conduct and if the same justice has not been done to the other Noblemen and Gentlemen, who have so laudably exerted themselves on this occasion, they will impute it to the true and obvious reason that, where the Merit was so general, it was impossible to make separate acknowledgements to all, and improper to any less Number, However, as it is very fit that these gentlemen should be assured that their good services are known and properly accepted; I am Directed by His Royal Highness, to desire, that your Lordship, before the Commissioners lay down their office, will take some method of acquainting them at their several meetings, that His Royal Highness has had the satisfaction to see his expectations, however great, and even their own promises exceeded by their prudent and vigorous conduct; that he thanks them sincerely and particularly; and he will always remember this seasonable Exertion of their Influence & Authority as a signal Proof of their affection to His Majesty, and to the true Interests of the United Kingdom.

     If it should not be thought unnecessary to add any thing from me, to this full and Satisfactory Declaration of the Sentiments of His Royal Highness, I would beg your Lordship to assure the gentlemen that as my Situation made me a principall Witness to this whole Transaction, I have not been wanting, nor ever shall be, in representing it to their Honor; and in my own particular, I profess a real obligation to them for their active assistance, which has enabled me to Discharge an important part of my office, with more ease to myself, and more advantage to the Publick, than could reasonably by expected. I have the Honour to be

My Lord

your Lordship's

Most Humble and

Most Obediant Serv.

[signed] Barrington

Rt. Honble Lord George Beauclerk

Letter of Lord George Beauclerk to David Scrimgeour

Edinburgh 1st March 1757

Sir

     It gives me the greatest satisfaction to have it in my power to acquaint the Noblemen & Gentlemen, who have interested themselves in the execution of the recruiting Act, that the Zeal they have testified in this Occasion, has met with the approbation it so justly Merited. The sense His Royal Highness has of this proof of their affection, will best appear by the annexed copy of a letter to me from his Majesty's Secretary at War, which you will be pleased to communicate to the Commissioners of the Shire of Inverness, in the Manner you shall judge most proper.

     As the approbation which my conduct has been honoured with in this affair, has been chiefly owing to the ready concurrence I met with from you and the Commissioners, I hope my best thanks will be acceptable with an assurance that it will always give me pleasure faithfully to represent whatever may redound to the Honor of this part of the United Kingdoms.

     I am so glad to find by the latest returns from the attending officers in your Country, that the quota of men is so near being compleated; and flatter myself the gentlemen will continue their assiduous Endeavors till the whole are turned over, which for various reasons cannot be too soon accomplished. I am

Sir

your Most obedient

Humble Servant

[signed] GBeauclerk

David Scrimgeour Esqr.

Cover sheet:

Copies of Letters from

Lord George Beauclerk

and Lord Barrington 1757

Source:

TNA, GD137/3384.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

Land Petition of Serjeant James Ross, 78th Regiment

An early 18th-century landscape unfolding near the serene Lake Champlain. The soft glow of dawn breaks through the misty horizon, casting a warm, ethereal light on the glassy waters. On the lake's edge, a small wooden boat is tied to a weathered dock, its mast leaning slightly as if it has borne witness to countless sunrises. A lone fisherman in period attire, complete with a tricorn hat and simple linen shirt, stands in the boat, casting his net into the tranquil lake. The shoreline is adorned with a few rustic buildings, their wooden facades painted in earthy tones, with smoke gently rising from their stone chimneys, hinting at the beginnings of a new day's activities. (Jeffrey Campbell, Lake Champlain, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Land Petition of Serjeant James Ross, 78th Regiment

To his Excellency Ld. Henry Moore [page cut off] Captain General and Governor in Chief in [cut off] the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America, Chancellor and Vice Admiral of the same. In Council

Humbly Shewith that your Petitioner being entitled to two Hundred Acres of Land as a reduced or disbanded uncomanding officer having serv'd his Majesty in North America during the Warr as appears by Certificate And did by his Petition form presented to the Honourable Calwaller Colden Esqr: pray a grant for the said Quantity of Land that might be found vacant in this Province. And your Petitioner now prays, that the said Quantity of two Hundred Acres may be located in Improvable Land in the County of Albany on the East side of Lake Champlain to the North of the Lands Petition'd for by William Barron late Lieutenant; [cut off] along the said Lake and that he may have his Majestys Letters [cut off] for the same upon the Terms express'd in the Royal Proclamation.

And your Petitioner shall ever pray &c.

[signed] James Ross

21 : 66 [volume/page]

New York 22d June 1766

This is to certify that the Bearer James Ross served as Serjeant in the 78th Regiment commanded by Colonel Fraser & in Captain Donald McDonells Company, was afterwards discharged from the same & employed as a Clerk in the Hospital ~

[signed] Alexr. Fraser

Lieutenant in the late 78th Regiment

Cover sheet:
Serjeant Jam: Ross Petition for a Location on the Eastside of Lake Champlain
Presented 8th of July 1766

1766 July 18 Read in Council

Notes:
1. "The Calendar of N.Y. Colonial Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803" (Albany: 1864) lists all documents on the first series of "Land Papers" as they were rearranged in 1819. There is an index to the personal names and to land tract names or geographical locations at the back of the volume. The series consists of applications for grants of unappropriated land by letters patent from New York Colony and State.

2. Considering Captain Donald McDonell's name appears as "killed in action" on 28 April 1760 at the Battle of Sainte-Foy, and that the serjeant's name does not appear on either the Regiment’s roster of invalid soldiers or the surviving muster rolls produced in 1763, his discharge from the army c.1760 is indicative of a three-year enlistment contract typically found among non-commissioned officers. A study of several regimental reenlistment rosters indicates soldiers enlisted for three years, or for “duration of war,” whereas commissioned officers found in the 42nd Foot renewed their commissions after four years.

3. Serjeant Ross may have clerked at the Hotel Dieu Hospital, Quebec, as this was the nearest medical facility to Governor James Murray's Quebec garrison. Further research would be needed to confirm. About 1764 Admiral Mabane (Surgeon to the Garrison), in correspondence with Governor Murray, estimated the hospital's yearly operating budget at £30 sterling for clerical services.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XXI, p. 66. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

“Return of the officers, that were Killed, Wounded, Taken Prisoner, Missing &c, on the 28th of April 1760.” LAC, Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers :, Microfilm reel C-366.

Mabane to Murray, "Estimate of the Annual Expenses of His Majesty's Hospital in the Garrison of Quebec as near as they can be ascertained." 1764-65. LAC, Letterbook/Copie de lettres, 1763-1771, RG 4, C 2, vol. 1.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

Desertion in the Ranks

An early 18th-century streetscape of Perth, Scotland, enveloped in the soft, ethereal light of dawn. The focal point is the ancient Perth Tolbooth, a formidable Gothic structure with its square tower and steeply-pitched rooflines casting long shadows onto the cobblestone street. The air is crisp and still, with a light mist rising from the nearby River Tay, which is partially obscured by the emerging silhouettes of buildings. The Tolbooth's distinctive clock face, adorned with the city's coat of arms, is just beginning to glow in the nascent daylight, hinting at the new day's first moments. (Jeffrey Campbell, Perth, Scotland, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Desertion in the Ranks

There's an unexplained enthusiasm I experience exploring old military records, which most certainly coincides with 20 years of active duty military service. I had honorably served with the United States Navy from 1993-2013 and, in that time, experienced a small percentage of enlistees with some forms of legal issues - mostly drugs and alcohol-related incidences. But, there were many days when a sailor failed to show up at his or her appointed place of duty, and it was on those days the individual was marked 'unauthorized absence.' Occasionally our Squadron was forced to document a service member 'absent without leave,' or AWOL (after 28 days away of missed duty), but there was only one instance during my career when I witnessed someone marked as 'deserter.' 

Life in the British Army in the mid-18th century was extremely disciplined, and even minor matters of misconduct did not go unpunished. The courts - either regimental, district or general - were advised by a military lawyer and made up of panels of officers, with some sentences even being determined by His Majesty. The main crimes normally concerned drunkenness, theft, and general misbehavior. The wrong-doer might be punished by running the gauntlet, which involved being flogged by one's own regiment as he passed between two lines of soldiers. In 1765, a soldier was piquetted (made to stand on a tent peg) without shoes for drunken misconduct.

One of the more common offenses that required excessive punishment was desertion. A soldier could be branded with a 'D' if captured, and if he re-offended could face execution. Death sentences were not all that common, with hanging normally reserved for murderers, and death by shot employed for those who were repeat offenders. The criminals were punished in front of their peers and officers and the utter humiliation suffered was meant to deter from any further wrongdoing. Punishments were often painful and disgraceful to discourage those who bore witness from undergoing the same fate. However, it was customary that a soldier was excepted back by his peers without any discredit once he had been punished. One particular case worth noting involved Joseph Stoakes who, it was reported, between 1728 and 1730, deserted his Regiment three times, and upon being captured for the third time was sentenced by court-martial to death. 

Any incidences of desertion in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment were limited in discussion in known correspondence. During the early formation of the regiment in 1757, Major James Clephane (Fraser's second-in-command) did briefly discuss this topic with a close confidante. Writing from Kilravock Castle, Croy, Scotland, on 8 April 1757, he proudly boasts of his Company recruits. He wrote: "I have at last sent of [sic, off] for Glasgow 124 recruits, not one of them was ever confined and not one deserted...I was obliged to put a stop to my friends recruiting for me in Angus and Perthshire otherwise my number of men would be too great..." [1] And the colonel, writing on 28 June 1757 from onboard the Ann Transport in Cove Harbour, Cork, Ireland, briefly discussed with Baillie James Fraser the following. 

"After a halt of Five days at Cork to recover the fatigues of a march of 400 miles the battalion Embark'd, consisting of 1000 fine fellows besides 170 Supernumerarys, being 40 more than the Secretary at War desired me to bring, those 40 were intended to answer any deficiency that might arise by death or Desertion, but I did not lose a man by either from the day we left Glasgow and but 7 before." [2]

Alexander Campbell

A document entitled List of Perth Prisoners, provided by Perth and Kinross Council Archive, A K Bell Library, Perth, Scotland, contains the name of Alexander Campbell, an identified deserter from Colonel Fraser's Regiment. [3] The document is dated 31 August 1757, and, unless he was on the run for five months (initial recruiting was completed by April 1757), this indicates desertion from one of the three additional companies also raised for service; the first 10 companies departed Cork, Ireland, on 30 June 1757 and were already in North America by this time. And considering Campbell was jailed in Perth, he may have been familiar with the area as there was an authorized recruit depot in the city of Dunkeld, 15 miles north of his prison cell at the old Tolbooth.

Coincidentally, this same name appears in Captain Hugh Fraser's Company at the end of the war, but there is no evidence they are the same soldier.

List of Prisoners within the Tolbooth of Perth

Francis Porter from Forfar was banished by Sentance [sic] of the Lords in April 1755.

Jean Henry from Forfar was banished by Sentance of the Lords in May last.

Duncan McGrigor and Hugh Cameron were committed prisoners by a Warrant from Clerk Miller as Justice of the peace.

John McNaughton Dester [sic, deserter] from Colonel Perrys Regiment was Committed prisoner by a Warrant from Mr Campbell of Achalader.

Alexander Campbell Deserter from Colonel Frazers Regiment was Committed prisoner by a Warrant from Baillie Robert Robertson and Clerk Miller two of his Majesty's Justices of the peace from Perth Shire. 

Cover sheet

List of Perth Prisoners

31 Aug 1757

Note: November 10, 1757. Order to Colin Drummond, collector of land tax in Perthshire, to pay George Buchanan, a soldier, the sum of 20s for the apprehension of Hugh Cameron, a deserter. [NRS, GD22/1/524].

Forfar and Achalader are towns situated about 20 and 30 miles respectively outside the city of Perth.

Charles Duff

Charles Duff, a farmhand, was imprisoned in 1757 in the Tolbooth in Aberdeen, a 17th-century former jail which now operates as museum. While plowing the fields of his master William Robertson, Duff was taken forcibly by a Mr. Fraser of Frendach and press ganged into the army. In 1756, following the outbreak of the Seven Years' War, an Act was passed in Parliament to allow a quick recruitment campaign to be started throughout the country. The Act allowed able-bodied, unemployed men 17-45 years of age, with no form of monetary support or employment to be forced into the army. Duff was threatened  with imprisonment if he did not agree with the impressment.

While appealing the reason for his incarceration he was also accused of wearing a tartan, which had been banned by the Dress Act of 1756, following the defeat of the 1745 Jacobite uprising at the Battle of Culloden. Tartan was viewed as a symbol of Highland pride, of the Stuart Dynasty and of Scottish Independence. 

Transcript from the Aberdeen Commission for

Military Impressment Appeals, Vol. 1.

"Thereafter there was given into the meeting a Petition from Charles Duff servant to William Robertson in Lumphanan Setting Forth That the Petitioner was sometime ago forcibly taken from his Masters plough by Mr Fraser of Frendrach and others his Assistant and threatened to be carried Prisoner to Aberdeen if he would not Inlist with Captain Simon Fraser which your Petitioner Refusing to do he was carried prisoner accordingly and was incarcerate in the Tolbooth of Aberdeen where he presently remains Contrair to all Laws and Equity and therefore Craving that it might please their Honours to take their Petitioners Case under their Consideration and to order his liberation acording [sic] to Justice and the said Petition signed by the said Charles Duff bears.

Compeared Thomas Mossman Procurator Fiscall and Represented that the Petitioner was Incarcerate for wearing the Highland plaid which he offers to prove and Craves a teim [sic] may be assigned for that purpose. Which being Considered by the meeting they Grant diligence for summoning Witness to prove the above Alledgeance against the seventh day of March Current and Appoints the Petitioner to remain in Prison until that time or find sufficient bail for his appearance the said day." [4]

While it's not absolutely certain this event was classified as desertion, Colonel Fraser may have construed it as such. Unfortunately, there are no records to indicate the outcome of Charles Duff's case.

Note: Captain Simon Fraser, who led one of Colonel Fraser's 10 original companies to North America, was an assigned recruiting in County Aberdeenshire.

Sources:

1. Rose and Shaw. A Genealogical Deduction of the Family of Rose of Kilravock (Nairnshire, Scotland, 1848), pp. 463-4; Major Clephane is referencing his "friend" John Strachan, a recruiter stationed in Dundee, Scotland. Strachan's surviving list of 12 original recruits does not contain Alexander Campbell's name. [NRS, GD125/22/16/18].

2. Macdonald, Rev. Archibald, D, D. The Old Lords of Lovat and Beaufort (1934), p. 140.

3. B59-24-11-163 (front and back pages).

4. Tolbooth 400. Tales from the Tolbooth. An Information Booklet of Character Histories and Text Transcript, pp.22-5.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

Payroll Account of Private Donald McGilivray, 1758

An accountant at the War Office in Westminster, London, was ultimately responsible for the tracking of hundreds of millions of pounds being spent on funding British armies on multiple fronts around the world. At the regimental level, paymasters were charged with accounting for the income and expenses of every soldier, ensuring assets were properly tracked down to the very last pence. (Jeffrey Campbell, Accountability, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Payroll Account of Private Donald McGilivray, 1758

Much like today, accounting books were used in the eighteenth century for documenting military pay and other related expenses accrued over periods of time. The payroll account of Private Donald McGilivray, 78th Regiment, covers the period of July 5, 1757, through April 24, 1758.

Note: Category headers and bracketed script have been added for clarification and do not appear in the original document. Additionally, it would not be uncommon to discover accounting errors as these were gentlemen who created inaccuracies the same as you and I.

[Page 9 - Private Donald McGilivray]

Income

To 9 Weeks arrears & Pay Due from y'e. 5th July to y'e. 5th Sepr.

     £: 1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks arrears of Pay Due y'e. 5th Sept'r. to 10th Oct'r.

     £: 0. 8. 4

To 3 Weeks arrears @ 5p week

     £: 0. 1. 3

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e. 17th Oct'r. to y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757

     £: 1. 0. 6

To 21 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757 to y'e. 24th Apr'l. 1758

     £: 1. 15. 0

[Total]  £: 4. 15. 10

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes & 1 Nap Sack

     £: 0. 6. 6

To 2 Haversacks & 1 Cocade

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 1 Pair Garters & 1 Sett buckles

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Kilt belt

     £: 0. 0. 10

To Provisions at Glasgow

     £: 0. 4. 8

To Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq'd. Shirts

     £: 0. 7. 0

To 10 Months Stoppages for y'e. Payment Serjt. @ 1.8p month

     £: 0. 0. 10

To 7 D'o for y'e. Barber @ 2p month.

     £: 0. 1. 2

To your Proportion of a Cook's Frock

£: 0. 0. 8

To Cash given you at Fairf'd.

     £: 0. 10. 8

  [Total]  £: 2. 7. 0

To Cash given at Boston p. adv.

£: 0. 4. 8

  [Total]  £: 2. 11. 8

   

To Cash Paid as Bala'ce of Above

                                                                                                                                                                 

[Total]  £: 4. 15. 10

Halifax 4th May 1758 Rec'd. y'e. above Ball'ce. in full of my Pay & arrears of Pay from y'e. Date of my Attestation to y'e. 24th Apr. Last as witness my hand.

[signed] X Mcgilivray {mark}

Source:
Payroll Account of Donald McGilivray, 78th Regiment of Foot, 1758. MS NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 22-23, Military Account Book at Halifax. National Archives Scotland, n.p.

© Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

The Children of Colonel Fraser's Regiment, 1757-1763

The bustling city of Boston, Massachusetts, in the late 18th century, bathed in the warm, golden hues of a setting sun. The cobblestone streets are lined with stately brick buildings, their tall, narrow windows reflecting the amber light. Horse-drawn carriages and pedestrians in colonial attire move through the streets, going about their evening business. The sky above is a canvas of deep blues and purples, with streaks of fiery oranges and pinks that illuminate the iconic church steeples that punctuate the skyline. (Jeffrey Campbell, Boston, Massachusetts, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

The Children of Colonel Fraser's Regiment, 1757-1763

Extant records indicate 119 women and 29 children accompanied Colonel Fraser to North America in the summer of 1757. These women held numerous unofficial roles in the battalion, performing such duties as cooks, wives, seamstresses, and laundresses. They also played significant roles in providing emotional support for the well-being of their husbands and, at the same time, as mothers raising their children.

Very little information has been discovered about the children in Colonel Fraser's Regiment. And trying to piece together their experiences as dependents is more than a daunting task simply because there are no family journals or written letters describing their personal experiences available to source from. What were their daily activities? How did they handle growing up during the war? How much of a physical toll did the miles of marching take on their bodies? 

The following list represents known children in the 78th Regiment born between 1757 and 1763. And if you're aware of others, please let us know. We would love to publish their details.

Fraser

Boston, Massachusetts

Sent to the Alms House [Boston, Massachusetts] on the Province Accot. Jennet Fraser an Infant Child left by a soldier belonging to Colo. Frasers Regimt., at the House of John Adams Joiner. [A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, Containing the Selectman's Minutes from 1754 Through 1763. Boston, 1887, Rockwell and Churchill, City Printers, p. 82. (Selectman's Minutes dated approx. April 1758)].

Gordon

Kingussie & Insh, Scotland

James son to James Gordon soldier in the Highland Regiment & Isobel Robertson his wife was born 9th Septr. & bapt'd 12th 1757. [Parish registers for Kingussie and Insh, 1724-1854. FHL, Microfilm 008075570, image 41a].

Note: The name Serjeant James Gordon appears with Captain Alexander McLeod of Colonel Fraser's regiment in 1763. Captain McLeod assumed command on 4 September 1759 from Captain Alexander Cameron, the original commander of Colonel Fraser's 12th company, established July 1757. Additional research should be performed to ensure both men are the same soldier.

Gunn

Stratford, Connecticut

In the Congressional Church records at Stratford, Connecticut, January 29, 1758, Reverend Izahiah Wetmore recorded a baptism of "bettee daughter of Daniel Gunn Drum major in Colonel Fraziers Regiment." Daniel was most likely Private Donald Gun [sic], recorded as a drummer in Captain Hugh Cameron's Company, and listed as an "invalid" soldier in 1762. Donald is carried on the final subsistence rolls taken in Aug. 1763. [First Congressional Church Records, 1688-1927 (Stratford, Connecticut). FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 7833792].

Hamilton

Aberdeen, Scotland

July 1st, 1757

Thomas Hamilton Serjeant in Lovet's Highland Battalion, and Elisabeth Fraser, his spouse had a son born; baptised George by the rev'd Mr. Ogilvie, in Presence of Samuel Pillar, Stabler & George Leslie Wright. [Parish Registers for Aberdeen, 1560-1855 (Aberdeen, Scotland). FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 7907672, image 559].

McDonald

Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, Scotland

April 25th, 1757

Donald McDonald Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Janet Cameron a L S [lawful son] Ranald born 24th Inst. Witts. Fergus McLean & Duncan McAllum Soldiers in same Battalion. [Church Records for Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, 1729-1965. FHL, SLC, Utah. Microfilm 007908717, p. 20].

McLean

Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, Scotland

August 8th, 1757

John McLean Surgeon in Collonel Frazers Regiment & Agnes Lang a L S [lawful son] John born 5 Witts. John Robertson Wright & Hugh McLean Writer William Lang Sponsor. [Church Records for Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, 1729-1965. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007908717, p. 38].

McNaughten

Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, Scotland

April 10th, 1757

John McNaughten Soldier in Collonele Simon Frazers Regiment & Christian McAllum a L S [lawful son] Archd. [Archibald] born 25th March. Witts. Donald McNaughten Weaver & Jno. Bell Workman. [Church Records for Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, 1729-1965. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007908717, p. 16].

Nobles

Saint-François-de-Sales-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, Quebec

December 30, 1762

Baptism of Louise Nobles, Scottish, daughter of the marriage of Georges Nobles and Catherine Fraser, Scottish. Godparents: Pierre Boleau and Marguerite Morin. [Eglise catholique. Registres paroissiaux, 1733-1876. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 005471880, image 379].

Note: George Noble and Catherine Noble both appear with Captain Archibald Campbell in 1763.

Ouiam Ecossais

[Campbell]

Eglise Saint-Joseph de Deschambault, Quebec, Canada

November 17, 1761

The Seventeenth day of the month of November in the year one thousand seven hundred sixty one, and in the church of Cap Lauzon, seigneurie d'Eschambault, parish of St. Joseph was baptized a girl named Marie Joseph, a baptism of the legitimate marriage of Ouiam Ecossais and of Marie Joseph Chartier, a Canadian. The godfather was Michel Frenet and the godmother was Madeliene Girou, who declared they could neither write nor sign for the following ceremony, the baptism was performed in faith by the undersigned priest, pastor of St. Joseph's and signed in the parish house Cap Lauzon the day and year noted above. [Paroisse De St. Joseph, Deschambault, Quebec, Canada, 1739-1768. Volume 5. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 004267731, image 262].

Note: Although the surname listed in the parish register margin reads Ouiam Ecossais (William the Scotsman), Marie Joseph was the daughter of Alexander William Campbell, recorded as William with Captain Archibald Campbell in 1763.

Ross

Saint-François-de-Sales-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, Quebec

February 2, 1763

Baptism of Anne Ross, daughter of the marriage of [Corporal] Hector Ross and Catherine Macdonell, Scottish. Godparents: Thomas Bedard and Marie Joseph Alary. [Eglise catholique. Registres paroissiaux, 1733-1876. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 005471880].

Note: Corporal Hector Ross and Catherine Ross both appear with Captain Archibald Campbell in 1763.

Vass

Saint-François-de-Sales-de-la-Rivière-du-Sud, Quebec

March 18, 1762

Baptism of Anne Vass, Scottish, daughter of the marriage of  [Wass] Nicolas Vass and Anne Grhame [sic, most likely Grahame]. Godparents: Jacques Beaudouin and Marie Josphe Alarie. [Eglise catholique. Registres paroissiaux, 1733-1876. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 005471880].

Note: Nicholas Wass and Agnes Wass both appear with Captain Hugh Montgomerie in 1763; While the name Agnes is found Latinised Agnetis and Agneta, it also appears as Annie, Annice, and Annes. [Donald Whyte. Scottish Forenames: Their Origins and History (Edinburgh, 1996)].

Ware

Boston, Massachusetts

On the 15th. Instant Sent to the Alms House [Boston, Massachusetts] on the Province Accot. by two Selectmen & one Overseer, Jannet Ware an Infant Child belonging to Daman Ware a Soldier in Colo. Frasers Regiment of Highlanders, whose wife being dead & no Person to take Care of the Child & not being able to maintain it himself Left it in the Town. A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, Containing the Selectman's Minutes from 1754 Through 1763. Boston, 1887, Rockwell and Churchill, City Printers, p. 82-3. [Selectman's Minutes dated approx. April 1758].

Note: It is strongly advised to consult the original record as Daman Ware may be a transcription error for Duncan Weir, a serjeant with Captain Alexander Campbell.

A database entry for Jannet Ware appears in Children Bound Out, 1756-1806, a transcribed collection of records for children who were "bound out." According to the Children Bound Out database, "Binding Out" was a labor system that connected host families with poor boys and girls willing to serve their master and mistresses as apprentices or servants. In Boston, the majority of the children bound out were from the almshouse rather than from their family home, which filled a thriving market at the time for indentured children. Almshouse, workhouse, poorhouse, poor-farm, etc., all refer to the same thing: "indoor relief for the poor." https://bit.ly/3oA6WmC. [Acc: 30 January 2021].

Name: Ware, Jannet

Gender: F

Master: Wyman, Johnathan

Trade: Housewifery

Town: Woburn

County: Middlesex

Date Bound: 4/3/1765

Date Free: 11/15/1775 [age 18]

Days: 3878

Years: 10.60

Jannet Ware's Indent to Mr. Jonathan Wyman, April 3d 1765

[Courtesy Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachuestts]

This Indenture Witnesseth, that John Barrett Esqr.; The Honble. Royall Tyler Esqr.; Benja. Dolbeare Gent.; Isacc Smith & Melath Bourn Esqrs.; Jona. Mason Gent.; Joseph Gardner Esqr.; William Whehoell; Hendn. Inches; Benja. Hammatt & Ebenr. Storer Gentm. & John Avery Esqrs., 

Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston in the County of Suffolk in New England, by and with the Consent of two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for said County, Have placed and by these Presents do place and bind out a poor Child names Jannet Ware unto Jonathan Wyman of Woburn in the County of Middlesex Yeoman and his wife Martha and their Heirs, and with them after the Manner of an Apprentice to Dwell and Serve, from the Day of the Date of these Presents, until the Fifteenth day of November which will be in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred & seventy five at which time if the said Apprentice should be Living she will arrive at the age of Eighteen years ~

During all which said Time or Tern, the said Apprentice her said Master & Mistress well and faithfully shall Serve, their Secrets shall keep close, their Commandments lawful and honest every where she shall gladly obey; she shall do no Damage to her said Master or Mistress, not suffer it to be done by others, without letting or giving seasonable Notice thereof to her said Master or Mistress she shall not waste the Goods of her said Master & Mistress nor lend them unlawfully to any; At Cards, Dice, or any other unlawful Game or Games she shall not play; Fornication she shall not commit; Matrimony during the said term she shall not contract; Taverns, Ale-Houses, or places of Gaming she shall not haunt or frequent; From the Service of her said Master & Mistress by Day or Night she shall not absent herself; but in all Things and at all times, she shall carry and behave herself towards her said Master & Mistress and all theirs as a good and faithful Apprentice ought to do to the utmost of her ability during all the Time or Term aforesaid. And the said Master doth hereby Covenant and Agree, for himself his said Wife & Heirs to teach the said Apprentice or cause her to be taught to Knit Sew & Spin & all other Branches of good Housewifry ~ Also to Read & Write.

And also shall and will, well and truly find, allow unto, and provide for the said Apprentice, sufficient and wholsome [sic] Meat and Drink, with Washing, Lodging, Cloathing and other Necessaries, meet and convenient for such an Apprentice, during at the Time or Term aforesaid; And at the End and Expiration thereof shall Dismiss the said Apprentice with Two good Suits of Wearing Apparel fitting for all parts of her Body, the one for Lords Days and the other for Working Days suitable to her Degree ~

In Testimony Where the said Parties have to these Indentures interchangeably set their Hands and Seals, the Third Day of April In the 5th Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George 3d King of Great Britain - France &c. Annoque Domini, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty five.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in Presence of Us.

Nathan Wyman

Elijah Wyman

Jonathan Wyman

Suffolkss. Boston April 22d 1765

Assented to by Belcher Noyes; William Story

Justices of the Peace

While the events with Jannet Fraser and Jannet Ware occurred in Boston, Massachusetts, one can only wonder how many more events like these took place in other cities visited by the regiment in Connecticut and New York, including the different towns throughout Quebec, Canada.

Source:

Boston (Mass.). Overseers of the Poor. Document of indenture: Servant: Ware, Jannet. Master: Wyman, Jonathan. Town of Master: Woburn. Selectmen of the town of Woburn. Autograph document signed to the Overseers of the Poor of the town of Boston: Endorsement Certificate for Jonathan Wyman. 03 Apr 1765. Web. 25 Mar 2021 [https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/4j03d6149].

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021. 

Last updated 18 July 2024.