Murder Among the Ranks

An enchanting 18th-century streetscape of downtown Quebec City, nestled within the fortified walls of its historic center. Cobblestone streets weave through a tapestry of ancient buildings adorned with vibrant, colonial-era facades, their windows dressed with wooden shutters and cast-iron balconies brimming with blooming flowers. (Jeffrey Campbell, Autumn Air, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Murder Among the Ranks

It is very rare we encounter judicial proceedings against a soldier in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, albeit we've discovered a few men charged and convicted of various acts over the course of the war in North America. From 1760-1763, as his men were garrisoned not only in Quebec City, but throughout various parishes along the South Shore of the St. Lawrence River, limited information is provided on the exact whereabouts of this particular incident and the specific companies to which the individuals belonged. Although regimental records dating to August 1763 place William Ross, Duncan Cameron, and [John] McGillivray together in Captain Alexander Campbell's company; whether or not these three men were serving together at the time of this incident has not yet been confirmed. Campbell's company was most likely to have been garrisoned on the South Shore.

General Court Martial Proceedings

Proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Quebec the 8th day of February 1762 By Virtue of a Warrant from His Excellency Governor Murray dated the 6th of the said Month.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Morris President

Members
Captain Saml. Gardiner
Captain Robt. Rutherford
Captain Robt. Boyard
Captain James Dalrymple
Captain Thos. Smell [prob. Smelt]
Captain Robt. Brigstock
Lieutenant George Mountain
Lieutenant John Morris
Lieutenant William Jones
Lieutenant Daniel Davis
Lieutenant James Jeffreys

Hector Theophilus Cramaché Judge Advocate

    The Court being duly sworn the Prisoner Angus McMillan Soldier in the 78th Regiment, was brought before the Court, and tried for the Murder of Niel Macpherson Soldier in the said Regiment.

    Angus McDonell Soldier in the said Regiment being sworn, deposes that a few days ago, he came with his Comrade William Ross about Evening into the Quarters of McMillan, and found there Niel McPherson, and Duncan Cameron, with the Prisoner drinking a Bottle of Wine, that they drank together, that Niel McPherson and the Prisoner had a dispute, but they could not discover the Subject of it, that there was one McGillivray who got much in Liquor, and did all he could to take McPherson away, but could not succeed, and after some time they turned said McGallivray out. That McPherson and the Prisoner wrestled several times, at length everything seemed quiet, and they talked of coming away, when McPherson said he had one Word to say to McMillan, that McMillan was sitting on his Bed, with his Hands joined, and his Head hanging down; that McPherson spoke some words to him, which the Deponent did not hear, that McMillan made no answer, but soon after raising his head, and his Hand, he struck McPherson a sudden Blow, on the Breast, who immediately cried out, Angus.' Angus.' My Dear, the Villan has killed me, with a Knife, that he expired immediately, and McMillan sliped out of the Door, that the Deponent called out to his Comrade, William Ross, who pursued, overtook, and brought him back, that they found the Knife, with which the fact had been committed, by the side of the Bed, bloody, and greasy; that McMillan for some time after he was secured, was very sullen, saying that what was done could not be undone, and that they bound the Prisoner, and informed a non Commission's Officer in the Neighborhood of the Affair, He likewise produced the Knife, which was taken up by Duncan Cameron, and which he says was the knife with which the Fact was committed.

    William Ross Soldier in said Regiment being duly sworn confirms the foregoing Evidence in every particular, except that he did not see the Blow given, but heard the deceased cry out in the same words mentioned by McDonell that he did not see the Knife till he returned, when he did not observe whether it was bloody, or not.

    Duncan Cameron, Soldier in said Regiment being sworn confirms the foregoing Evidences, and likewise says that upon the Prisoners being brought back, they searched him for Arms, and found none, about him, but perceived a Penknife, which he believes to be the same now produced, perceived no Blood on it but the Blade greasy, about halfway up, and the Prisoner acknowledged it, to be his Penknife, Being asked if he saw the Prisoner strike McPherson, says that he did not, but that on hearing him cry out, he looked up and saw the Prisoner draw back his arm, as if he had struck him.

    The Prisoner in his Defence says that the deceased was picking a Quarrel with him the whole Evening, that they had wrestled twice, and McPherson threw him, and when he came up to his Bed, where he was pareing his Nails with his Penknife, McPherson told him, he had now resolved to thresh him, that the Prisoner answered it was needless, he had done it already, that seeing McPherson rush forward to seize him, the Prisoner attempted to push him off; and that McPherson ran himself upon the Knife, by the Force with which he came upon him.

    The Court, having heard and Examined the Allegations against the Prisoner, together with what he had to offer in his Defence,

    Is of the Opinion That Angus McMillan soldier in the 78th Regiment is Guilty of the Charge brought against him, and doth adjudge him to suffer Death for the same.

    I do hereby ratify, and confirm the foregoing Sentences Viz. That Angus McMillan of the 78th Regiment do suffer Death.

    Given under my Hand at Quebec this 9th of February 1762

    signed JA: Murray

It should be noted an additional trial appeared on the Court's docket this same day involving Joseph Gautier, a Canadian servant to Mr. Eleazer Levy, and Mr. Finlay, local Quebec merchants. The defendant was tried and convicted for robbery, and awarded 1000 lashes punishment.

Source: TNA, WO 71/70, pp.226-229.

© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022.

Letter of General James Murray to Colonel Simon Fraser, July 1760

The magnificent Louisbourg Lighthouse, built in the 18th century, towers over Nova Scotia's early morning sky. In 1758, British forces captured the area in seven weeks after attacking with more than 13,000 soldiers aboard more than 150 ships. The British destroyed the fortress walls because they were determined that area would never again be a French base with strong defenses. (Jeffrey Campbell, Before the Storm, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Letter of General James Murray to Colonel Simon Fraser, July 1760

LETTER OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES

MURRAY TO COLONEL SIMON FRASER

[From the Canadian Archives, M. 898-D. (Copied from the original 

draft among the Murray Papers at Bath.)]

Champlain road 25th July 1760

Dr Sir

I was yesterday honor'd with your favor of the 27, I thank you heartily for the Bermudas Sloop, She will be of infinite Service, for as the Diana can go no farther than the Trois Rivieres, we shall want the Bermudian to proceed wth. us to Montreal, let there therefore be no delay in dispatching her to us. Capt. Strobo tells me he came fm Louisbourg in a schooner called Amherst, and excellent Vessell for this river already armed & in the Government's Service, Ld. Colvill it seems has scruples, in keeping her for this service as they cannot be material, I hope you will use your endeavours to remove them I have wrote to him on the subject - the Success of our Affairs in Canada depend entirely upon our being Masters of the river St. Lawrence, & keeping up a Communication with the garison of Quebec, this can only be done by Vessells accomodated for the river & such vessells cannot be essentially necessary any where in America at this time as they are here, I therefore flatter myself there will be no hesitation on my Lds. side, as I am confident you will do all in your power to urge and persuade him to a Compliance. Upon examination i find the quantity of provisions I expected has not embarked, I therefore need not enlarge upon the necessity of supplying us with more, by the most speedy & certain methods you can. From the intelligence I have of the Enemy's powers, & views, & that of Mr. Amherst's motions above, I cannot doubt of being in the Field till the latter end of October, provision must be made accordingly. The Louisbourg fleet of consequence must be victualled for 3 months, & a further Supply for the detachment here of 2 months provisions for 2000 or 1500 men at least, must be forthwith sent to us. - I am glad you have a prospect of getting rid of the French prisoners, you cannot divest yourself of them too soon, let me entreat you to send off De Breaux, & Ferguery [?] amongst the first of them, and it is much to be wished that every french Officer in our possession was sent away or kept close on board the Fleet, till an opportunity Offers. - I am s=Sorry to to find the Garison does not recover, for you are weaker than when I left you I had the Sanguines hopes that the warm weather & your Attention to the wants of the sick, would have soon enabled you to Satisfy your Ambition, I beg you will not be distressed about Jacques Quartier, I meant your friendship by the proposal, I was answerable for any bad Consequences, & you must have reap'd the honor of a happy Success; the enemy's Situation in your district cannot be formidable fifty men is all they have left at Jacques Quartier, & from the nature of things it is most evident to any man Acquainted with war, that they must abandon the lower Country in proportion as we mount, without a possibility of reinforcing it, till both Mr. Amherst's Army & mine are defeated which I think can hardly happen, but enough of this, You are to do as you please, in the mean time give it out that you are to Assault Jacqu Quartier & let your Spies observe the Enemys motions there, remember I tell you, it will not, because it cannot make any Alteration there, the 50 men will continue where they are till we Appear before it, & then they will retire thro' the woods, after having set fire to the houses &ca. In short My Dr. Fraser all I desire & Expect of you as your General is to Execute your original instructions & to Establish a post at the point au tremble if that can be done with ease to your garison, if not to burn ye Country after the harvest is gather'd in, from the river Jacque Quartier to the very banks of Cap rouge, that the Inhabitants of that Quarter may be drove back upon the Upper Canada for Subce. I am positive that this Shou'd be executed before the first day of Octr. if the whole Country before that time has not submitted to His Majties. Arms. Enclosed is a list of pilots for the Upper river, it will be very proper to lay hold of them if possible, that they may be employed for the King - I enclose you an order in form to prevent any Sutlers coming up to us, unless under Safe convoy, it is in form that you may show it to Lord Colvill - The reason I chose to agree with the Masters of the vessells by the Chord rather than to hire their Ships proceeded from a Notion I had that such an agreement wou'd Stimulate their industry, As you have bargained wth. them it is Equal to them whether they work or not, besides you will be very liable to be imposed upon in the measurement of the vessells, in the other way you was Sure of having pennyworths for your money, no imposition and much industry on the part of the owners of the Craft, but now you are almost certain of imposition, Yancky laziness & I fear of consequence a Scarcity of wood in ye Winter, I imagine you did not Consult ye Wise man about this he is an Old faunt Body & certainly will agree to what I have observed on this head. I understand you live like what you are a Great prince, that you may ever be respected as Such, in the sincere Wish of Dr Sir.

                                                                              Your very faithful hble servt.

                                                                                                     J.M.

Gen. Murray to Col. Fraser

                    1760

Source:

Knox, John, and Arthur G. Doughty. Appendix to An Historical Journal of the Campaigns in North America For the Years 1757, 1758, 1759 and 1760. III, The Champlain Society, Toronto, 1916.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2018. 

Fair Winds Home

An 18th-century British army transport ship valiantly cutting through the high seas, with towering waves crashing against its sturdy wooden hull. The ship, adorned with the crimson and gold of the Royal Navy, is a majestic spectacle of maritime might, with its three towering masts fully rigged with billowing sails that stretch to the heavens. (Jeffrey Campbell, All Her Might, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Fair Winds Home

The instructions for disbanding and reducing the corps in North America were issued on 17 May 1763, by the War Office in London. And while a plan was put in motion on which regiments would remain in defense, the two Highland regiments commanded by Colonel Montgomery (77th Foot) and Colonel Fraser (78th Foot) were not addressed in the extremely detailed seven-page summation. The task of notifying both these colonels, including Lascelle's 47th Foot, Gansell's 55th Foot, Erskine's five companies, and others, was delegated to Secretary of State Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont for the Southern Department. That same day, Secretary-at-War Welbore Ellis wrote Egremont the following letter [TNA, WO 4/72, p.426].

War Office, 17 May 1763

My Lord,

I had the honor sometime ago, to submit to your Lordship's consideration, a Paper containing the intended disposition of His Majesty's forces; in which the Corps mentioned in the margin hereof, were propos'd to be brought to Great Britain, and Ireland, together with the reduced men of the 17th, 42d, 44th, & 45th Regts. If your Lordship should have no objection, you will take the King's pleasure thereupon, and be pleased to give such directions as you shall think proper, relating to transporting the said men, From North America to Europe.

I have the honor to be

My Lord, &c

W Ellis.

[To]

Earl of Egremont &c.

[Left margin]

For Great Britain

1st Foot. Erskine's 5 Compy's

77th Montgomery's

78th Fraser's

For Ireland

47th Lascelles's

55th Gansell's

Note: Egremont's notification letter to the various commanders has not been located.

Royal Bounty Money

Five months later, in October 1763, after a grueling 7-year war in North America, the funding of 14 days of subsistence was provided by the British Government to the soldiers of the 78th Regiment to carry them home to Europe. The money (referred to as Royal Bounty Money) was meant as an offset to supplement the costs of a service member's meals and travel expenses. Under this declaration, each man, either single or married, was funded at the daily rate of four shillings, eight pence (or 56d.) for related travel expenses. 

The funding outlined in the following document, when referenced in concert with the official Embarkation Return of the 47th and 78th Regiment, will assist in determining the final makeup of passengers of the 78th Regiment who returned to the United Kingdom two months later. Unfortunately, a named manifest is not available. The funding of three shillings of sword money, a stipend given to corporals and private soldiers for turning in their swords, was annexed separately. It is thought that any of the original serjeants brought swords with them when draughted from other regiments.

Signed by Governor James Murray (countersigned by H.T. Cramahé), the warrant allows for the funding of 80 pounds, two shillings to Paymaster Captain Alexander Campbell of the 78th Regiment (or his assigns) and reads as follows:

By the Honble James Murray Esq:r

Governor of Quebec &c.

You are hereby required and directed out of such monies as are or shall come into your hands for the Contingent Expenses of His Majesty’s Forces under my Command, to Pay or cause to be paid to Capt. Alexander Campbell Paymaster of His Majesty’s 78th Regiment of Foot or his assigns, the sum of Eighty Pounds, two shillings Sterling, in Dollars at four Shillings and eight Pence each without Deduction, being for fourteen days Subsistence for each man to carry him Home, and His Majesty’s Royal Bounty of three Shillings for their swords as p. the annexed amount, and for so doing this with the acquittance [sic] of the said Captain Alexander Campbell or his assigns, shall be your Sufficient Warrant and Discharge.

Given under my Hand at Quebec

This 17th Day of October 1763

/Signed Ja: Murray

[left margin]
Ster:
£80 “ 2 ~
Dollars

To John Powell Esq[ui]r[e]
D[eput]y. Paym[aste]r: to His Majesty’s
Forces in Quebec

/Countsd H T Cramahé

Old English Money

The history of English money dates back to shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066 when the monetary British pound was divided into 20 shillings or 240 pennies. 

Before the year 1971, the British currency was originally divided as follows:

• pounds (£ or l.)
• shillings (s.) and
• pennies (d.)

Under this system, there were 12 pennies (or pence) in one shilling and 20 shillings (or 240 pence) in one pound. Pence were further subdivided into farthings and half-pennies as late as 1969 when they were abolished as legal tender throughout the United Kingdom. And by applying a wee bit of math, we're able to identify the ratio of soldiers to dependents authorized to sail home in October 1763.

The math:

£80 (pounds) multiplied by 240d. (pence per pound) equals 19200d. Add 2s. (shillings, or 24d.) for a total of 19224d. Further divide 19224d by the daily rate (4s., 8d. each soldier, or 56d.) for a total of 343.28.

 

Funding was provided for 343 soldiers to return home.

Embarkation Return

Simply put, the embarkation return, dated 12 October 1763 at Quebec, was a numerical manifest of passengers who set sail on board the two transport ships Briton and Neptune to Glasgow, Scotland, and Portsmouth, England, respectively. As each transport was originally built to carry one man per tonnage (a measure of the cargo-carrying capacity of a ship), it was necessary to refit both vessels to support two men per tonnage, essentially doubling the cargo weight. Since both transports departed Quebec a few days later, it would be necessary to complete the work while underway.

Transport ship: Briton

Shipmaster: Josias Hutchinson.

Built: 1762, Parr & Co.

Original tonnage: 140

Passengers: 78th Regiment - 283; 4th Battalion, 60th Royal American Regiment - 2.

 

Refit included:

• 12 planks of two-inch, each one hundred twenty boards.
• 300 of two shilling nails.
• 300 of 12d. nails.
• 300 of 8d. nails.
• 150 bricks of lime (to make an area for officers to cook provisions).
• 20 water butts.

Extra bedding material was requested to the Agent of Transports at New York, however, none was available to provide. [Library and Archives Canada, Microfilm C-12837, image 489; W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 121].

 

Briton arrived on 25 November 1763 in Glasgow, Scotland, and the soldiers disbanded on 14 December at Glasgow Green, a park situated on the east end of Glasgow, on the north bank of River Clyde. While some men with time remaining on their contracts continued service in North America, 43 men that paid to take their discharges in lieu of "were not be entitled to His Majesty's Bounty" [Lord George Beauclerk to Welbore Ellis, 5 Dec. 1763. W.O. 1/615, p.595].

Transport ship: Neptune

Shipmaster: Edward Symonds

Built: unknown

Original tonnage: unknown

Passengers: 78th Regiment - 76 invalid men, women, &c.; 47th Regiment - 98 invalid men, women, &c.; 2nd Battalion, 60th Royal American Regiment - 58 invalid men, women, &c.

Refit included:

• 50 boards with nails.
• Additional artificers to fit more births.
• 10 water butts.

Extra bedding material was requested and provided for by the Agent of Transports in New York. [Library and Archives Canada, Microfilm C-12837, image 491; W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 121].

 

Neptune arrived on 1 December 1763 in Portsmouth, England, allowing the invalid men an opportunity to seek medical care at Royal Chelsea Hospital, London. She also sustained damage making her way through the Catwater as chronicled in the following contemporary letter.

"...On Thursday last the Neptune Transport arriv'd from Quebec with Troops, the Master of her informs me he drove her ashore in Catwater and is apprehensive she has receiv'd some damage; If it is anything material I shall acquaint you, if not shall order him to proceed to Deptford agreeable to your desire to me on that head [Fredk. Rogers, Plymouth Yard, 4 December 1763. TNA, ADM 106_1128, p.277].

Of the 359 passengers of the 78th Regiment who embarked on the voyage home, 343 are identified as soldiers, while the remaining 16 passengers consisted of women and children.

Disbanding Orders for the 77th and 78th Regiments

Letter of Welbore Ellis (Secretary at War) to Lord George Beauclerck (Commander in Chief, Scotland), War Office, 30 November 1763.

[Left margin]

Orders and Instructions for 

disbanding the 77th Regt. of

Foot, commanded by Colo. Montgomery

George R.

Whereas We have thought fit to order the 77th Regt of Foot commanded by Our Trusty & Welbeloved Colonel Archibald Montgomery to be forthwith disbanded; Our Will and Pleasure therefore is, that you, or such Person or Persons as you shall appoint for this Service, do repair to the Quarters of Our said Regiment and disband them accordingly, in doing whereof, the following Rules are to be observed.  Viz.:

1st – Before such Disbanding, you are to cause an exact Muster to be taken of the said Regiment, which you may draw together at one or more of the several respective Quarters, or Places adjacent, as you shall see most convenient, and give an Account of their Condition and numbers, at the Time of their Disbanding, to Our Secretary at War for Our Information.

2dly – And Whereas Our Intention is only to pay off, at present, and clear the noncommissioned Officers and private Soldiers of Our said Regiment, and give an Allowance of Half Pay to the commissioned Officers, from the Time of their Disbanding, you are to take care before their Disbanding, that the Quarters of Our said Regiment be duly satisfied; that the Accounts between the noncommissioned Officers & private Men and their Officers, be made up to the Day of their Discharge, and that they be fully satisfied and paid their Arrears, or other just Pretentions whereof the said Officers are to produce Acquittances and Discharges from them respectively.

3rdly – That care to be taken that the [380] Arms delivered out of Our Stores of Ordnance, and indented for, be returned thither again, and Acquittances taken for the same.

4thly – That care be taken that each noncommissioned Officer and private Soldier hereby to be disbanded, be permitted to carry away with him his Cloaths, Belt, and Knapsack which he now wears, and that each private Soldier, Corporal and Drummer, be paid three Shillings for his Sword, which is to be delivered with the other Arms into Our Stores of Ordnance; And We being pleased to allow each Serjeant, Corporal, Drummer and private Man, who shall be hereby disbanded, fourteen Days Subsistence, as of Our Royal Bounty, to carry them home, you are to cause Payment to be made of the same, to each of them respectively, out of such monies as shall be advanced for that purpose, and to take Receipts for the same, from each noncommissioned Officer and private Soldier respectively, & transmit them to Our Paymaster General as Vouchers for the Bounty Money so paid, and you are to send to Our Secretary at War, an authentick [sic] List attested in the best Manner, by yourself, or Officer commanding Our said Regiment, of the Names of the noncommissioned Officers and Private Soldiers so disbanded, and to give them Passes in case they shall desire the same, to the Places of their former Residence, allowing them a convenient Time to repair thither, & giving them likewise in strict Charge, that they do not presume to travel with any Arms, nor more [381] than three in Company together, upon pain of the severest Punishment.  

       And to the ends the said noncommissioned Officers and private Men may be sensible of the Care We have taken of them upon their Dismissions, you are to cause These Our Directions to be read at the Head of each Company for a more ready Compliance with Our Pleasure hereby signified, and see the same be put in Execution.  Given at Our Court at St. James’s this 30th Day of November 1763, in the fourth Year of Our Reign.

                                  By H[is].M[ajesty’s].C[ommand].  

                                                W. Ellis

To

Our Trusty and Welbeloved George Beauclerck, Esqr (commonly called Lord George Beauclerck) or to the Person or Persons appointed by him for the Service within mentioned.

Like Orders and Instructions, of the same Date, for disbanding the 78th Regiment of Foot, commanded by Colonel Simon Fraser.

Source: TNA, WO/26/26, pp.379-381.

A very warm "thank you" to Mr. Earl Chapman, 78th Regiment Historian, for his transcription of our document of the disbanding orders.

Notes:

James Murray - joined the British army in 1739/40 and served in the West Indies and Europe. Sent to North America in 1757 as a lieutenant colonel during the Seven Years’ War, he commanded a brigade in 1758 during the successful British siege of Louisbourg, in what is now Nova Scotia, under Jeffery Amherst. He was one of General James Wolfe’s three brigadiers in the British expedition against Quebec in 1759. After the British captured the city, Murray was made its military governor. When the French capitulated in 1760, he became military governor of the Quebec district; he became the first civil governor of Quebec after its formal cession to Great Britain in 1763 [Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 September 2022].

Hector Theophilus Cramahé - a Swiss by birth; appointed Captain of the 15th Regiment, March 1754; served with the army in Louisbourg; appointed Deputy Judge-Advocate, 1759. After the capitulation of Quebec, September 18, 1759, he acted as Secretary to General Murray at Quebec; became Member of the Council in Quebec; and was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, June 6, 1771, and continued in office till 1782  [Earl Chapman, 78th Regiment Historian].

Captain Archibald Roy Campbell (1728-1779) - youngest son of John Campbell of Fortingall and Glenlyon who died in 1746, "Archie Roy" as he was commonly known,  was gazetted a lieutenant on January 23, 1757, in Captain John MacDonell’s Company of Colonel Fraser's then-Second Highland Battalion; listed among the officers who sailed for Louisbourg in 1758; wounded at the battle of Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759 [PRO, C5/51], made captain-lieutenant on December 13, 1759; wounded again at the battle of Sillery on April 28, 1760; promoted to captain on April 29, 1760 "in room of" Donald Macdonell killed. The following year his company was in garrison at Berthier, Quebec; commanded a company when the regiment was disbanded in 1763 and exchanged to half-pay. The London Gazeteer and New Daily Advertiser, Wed. Dec. 29, 1779, reported that “Capt. Archibald Campbell, of the late 78th regiment of foot" died of old wounds reopening on December 16, 1779 "At Armaddy in Argyllshire, Scotland" [Marie Fraser, Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, Canada].

Sources:

Orders and instructions for disbanding and reducing Forces in North America (royal autograph), May 1763. Kent History and Library Centre, U1350/O43/9B.

James Murray, Subsistence funding for the 78th Regiment, 17 October 1763, LAC, Microfilm C-10462, image 795: Letterbook/Copie de lettres, 1763-1771, RG 4, C 2, vol. 1.

Embarkation Return of the 47th and 78th Regiments (12 October 1763). Kent History and Library Centre, U1350/O53/6.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022.

Payroll Account of Private John McCallum, 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 John McCallum, 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 John McCallam, 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 1]

Income

To 2 Weeks arrears Due in Ireland

     £0. 0. 10

To 9 Weeks pay & arrears of Pay Due on y'e passage from y'e 5th July 1757 to y'e

5th Sept. D'o.

     £1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e 5th Sept. 1757 to y'e 10th Oct. D'o.

 £0. 8. 4

To 1 Weeks arrears from 10th Oct. to the 17th.

     £0. 0. 5

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e 17th Oct. to the 28th Novr.

 £1. 0. 6

To 21 Weeks arrears Due from y'e 28th Novr. 1757 to y'e 24th Aprl. 1758

 £1. 15. 0

[Total]  £4. 15. 10

[Page 2]

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes above your compliment

     £0. 4. 0

To 1 Nap Sack

£0. 2. 6

To a Haversack 

     £0. 1. 0

To a Cocade

     £0. 0. 8

To a pair of garters & Sett of Buckles

     £0. 1. 4

To a pistle belt and kilt belt

     £0. 1. 4

To a Turn Key & Screw

     £0. 0. 6

To a Brush & Wire

£0. 0. 3

To Provisions furnished at Glasgow &c.

     £0. 4. 8

To Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq Shirts furnish'd by the Major

     £0. 7. 0

To 10 months stoppages for the Pay Mr. Serjt. begin the 4th July 1757 & End the 4th May 

1758 @1d pr. month

     £0. 0. 10

To 7 months stoppages for y'e barber begin the 24th Sept. & End the 24th of Aprl. 1758

@ 2 pr. month

     £0. 1. 2

To Repairing y'e Pistle at Fairfield

     £0. 1. 2

To yr. Proportion of a Cooks Frock

     £0. 0. 8

To 4 Dollars advanced you in Fairfield

     £0. 18. 8

To Ballce Due him of the above acct. which clears him tp Aprl. 24th 1758

     £2. 7. 5

  [Total]  £4. 15. 10

Halifax 7th May 1758. Rec'd. y'e above Ball'ce. in full of all my Pay & arrears of Pay Due from the Date my attestation to y'e 24th Apr. 1758 as witness of my hand.

his

John X McCallum

mark

Source:

Major James Clephane, "Payroll account of Private Donald McKenzie, 1758." Military Account Book at Halifax, NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 26-7.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022. 

Payroll Account of Private Donald McKenzie, 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 McKenzie, 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 McKenzie, 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 1 - Private Donald McKenzie]

Income

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

     £1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks arrears at of Pay Due from y'e 5th Sepr. to y'e 10th Octr.

     £0. 8. 4

To 3 Weeks arrears @ 5d p week

     £0. 1. 3

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e 17th Octr. to y'e 25th Novr.

     £1. 0. 6

To 21 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e 26th Novr. 1757 to 24th Apr. 1758

     £1. 15. 0

[Total]  £4. 15. 10

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes & 1 Nap Sack

     £0. 6. 6

To 1 Haversack & 1 Cocade

     £0. 1. 8

To 1 pair garters & 1 sett buckles

     £0. 1. 4

To 1 Kilt belt

     £0. 0. 10

Provision at Glasgow

     £0. 4. 8

Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq'd. Shirts

     £0. 7. 0

To 10 months Stopt. for y'e Paymt. Serjt. @ 1d p Month

£0. 0. 10

To 7 Months for y'e. Barber

     £0. 1. 2

To vr. Proportion of a cooks Frock

     £0. 0. 8

To Cash you got at Fairfield

     £0. 18. 8

  [Total]  £2. 7. 0

To cash given at Boston p advce.

£0. 4. 8

£2. 11. 8

£2. 4. 2

£4. 15. 10

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

his

Dond. McKenzie

mark

Source:

Major James Clephane, "Payroll account of Private Donald McKenzie, 1758." Military Account Book at Halifax, NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 24-5.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022. 

Monetary Dispute Between Officers in the 78th Regiment

In a dimly lit room inside the walls of Quebec City in 1761, a group of officers from a fictional British regiment bargain about the distribution of assignments within their own company. Officers frequently had these kinds of conversations, and disagreements would often surface amongst the interested parties. (Jeffrey Campbell, Teamwork, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Monetary Dispute Between Officers in the 78th Regiment

The following monetary dispute between officers in the 78th Regiment occurred in 1761, while the regiment was in Quebec. The case in which Captain Archibald Campbell acted as Major John Macpherson's agent shows how the 'purchase system' (the buying and selling of companies and commissions within a regiment) worked in old times.

Copie of the Claim Given in By Capt. Archd. Campbell to the Gentlemen Arbitrators

Letter to the Gentlemen Arbitrators, supporting the claim of Major McPherson in the dispute between him and Lieutenant John Nairn as to the sum to be paid by the latter to the former for a company in the 78th Regiment in 1761.

Gentleman,

I shall here lay before you as briefly as I can, everything relating to the Purchase & Sale of Major McPherson’s Company, late of the 78th Regiment.

When the said Major gave in his Resignation in October 1760, Captain Campbell of said Regiment was recommended to be his successor to the majority, and Lieutenant David Baillie was also recommended as Purchaser of Captain Campbell’s Company, for both which the said Major was to receive £1500 Sterling, to be paid in the following manner.

Major Campbell to pay £400 for the majority, Lieutenant Baillie to pay £800 for the Company, the Lieutenant and Ensign to pay the remaining £300 which made up the sum above

Colonel Fraser engaged to give Sterling Bills, to the amount (on Baillies account) if Lieut. Baillie was approved of and got the Company – on account of Baillie’s youth and short Service, His Excellency General Amherst preferred giving him the Purchase at that Time, but gave Major McPherson leave to go home.

On this occasion the Major left a Power in my Hands, to receive the Price of his Company, and give his successor or any concerned Discharges for the same.

About the Middle of March 1761, Lieut. John Nairn was recommended as Purchaser of said Company, whose former Service & Rank in the Regiment intitled to the Purchase, preferable to Lieutenant Baillie. Sometime in June following his Commission was sent to the Commanding Officer of the Regiment dated 24 April 1761.

In July after Captain John Nairn paid £600 of the Purchase Money in Sterling Bills of Exchange and made an offer of £400 more in cash to Major Campbell at the Exchange of 4/8d or 4/10d p Dollar, as no Bills of Exchange could be purchased at that Rate in Town. The said Major, or any concerned could not accept of this money, as they could not remitt it home without a considerable Discompt.

I imagine as Lieutenant Nairn suceeded to Lieut. Baillie’s Purchase, he is certainly liable to all the agreement, made with said Baillie, as there was no other made with him, or any other on his account.

I beg that the gentleman Arbitrators will consider the above and determine whether it is not in like cases agreeable to the Practice of the Army, that Captain Nairn should be made liable, to pay the sum promised & agreed upon with Baillie, and also the manner in which the same ought to be paid, and lastly, whether it is not agreeable to the said Practice, that the Purchaser should pay the lawfull Interest, for the money agreed upon, from the Date of his Commission, till the arrival of the Bills, and until these Bills are accepted of. Especially as the Regiment is so long Deferred as in the Case it is, and by what appears to me an omission in the Purchaser.

I beg leave to inform you, gentleman, that the aforesaid £400 lies still in Major Campbell’s hands, dead, to the Purchaser and Seller since July Last. And am, &c.,

[Signed]

Arch’d. Campbell

Copie of the Sentence of the Arbitrators

Sentence of the Arbitrators as to the payment to be made by Captain John Nairn to Major John Macpherson, late of the 78th Regiment (having regard to the concurred testimony of Captains Archibald and Alexander Campbell), Quebec, 6 April 1762.

Whereas the Honorable James Murray Esqr Governor of Quebec in behalf of Captain John Nairn of the 78th Regiment on the one part, and Captain Archibald Campbell of said Regiment in behalf of John Macpherson Esqr. Late Major also of said Regiment on the other part, have thought proper by an Instrument dated the 5th day of this present Month of April, to nominate and appoint us whose Names are underwritten, to be arbitrators and umpires in a Dispute arisen between said Major Macpherson and Captain John Nairn, in Relation to a Company Purchased by the Latter from the Formet in the said 78th Regiment.

We the arbitrators having taken the same into our most Serious Consideration, and heard all that the several Parties had to say on the occasion, having also enquired into the usual price paid for Companies in the 78th Regiment, which we find by the Concurrent Testimony of Captains Archibald and Alexander Campbell of the said Regiment, to have never at any time exceeded One Thousand Pounds Sterling-

We the said arbitrators unanimously award that Captain John Nairn do pay unto Major John Macpherson, the sum of One Thousand Pounds Sterling for the Company, according to the custom of the said Regiment, and as it would be the heigth of Injustice, was Captain Nairn to be bound by a Bargain made with his Junior in the same Regiment, to whom on that account, and by reason of his youth, it was the highest consequence at any price to gain rank –

As the delay of Payment has been owing to Major Macpherson’s claiming what does not appear to be his right, we the arbitrators further judge that Captain John Nairn should pay Four Hundred Pounds lying in Major Campbell’s hands in Sterling, at the Exchange Current in Quebec at the time that Money was Deposited, said Rate to be ascertained by two Paymasters of Regiments or two Merchants at the option of the Parties –

For the foregoing Reasons, the arbitrators cannot think Major Macpherson entitled to any Interest on the said Purchase Money.

Given under our Hands at Quebec

This 6th day of April 1762

(Signed)

P. Emis Irving

Jams. Gardner

H.T. Cramache

A True Copy

H.T. Cramache

Sources:

Papers, chiefly Gaelic, of Duncan Campbell, Inverness (1826-1916). NLS, MS.14883, Folios 61-61v; 63-63v. [https://manuscripts.nls.uk/repositories/2/resources/20143].

(xxxix.) ‘Copie of the Claim Given in By Capt. Archd. Campbell to the Gentlemen Arbitrators’. (Folios 61-62.)

(xl.) ‘Copie of the Sentence of the Arbitrators’. (Folios 63-64.)

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022.

In Favor of the Government Sett

An 18th-century civilian clothier in London meticulously examines a selection of luxurious fabrics on a well-lit table in his bustling workshop. Dressed in a simple yet elegant ensemble of the era, the middle-aged man has a pair of spectacles perched on his nose to aid in his scrutiny. The table is adorned with bolts of velvet, silk, and fine wool in an array of rich colors, reflecting the high quality of his trade of many years. (Jeffrey Campbell, An Ounce of Thread, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

In Favor of the Government Sett

Over the years, there have been countless thoughts expressed regarding the specific sett worn as part of the uniform by Lieutenant Colonel Fraser’s men in North America while participating in the war, from 1757 to 1763. And the simple explanation for this is that, although the War Office, on 13 January 1757, ordered a General Board of Officers to inspect the clothing patterns to be worn, documentation outlining the results of any inspection occurring has never been uncovered. 

During the early formation of the battalion, we know of two separate occasions when the men were officially reviewed. The first inspection took place at Glasgow, Scotland, on 29 April 1757, by the Hon. Charles Hope-Weir, Muster Master-General of North Britain [Scots Magazine, Vol. XIX, p.259], and a second inspection occurred a few days later on 4 May, by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Webb and Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worge [Beauclerk to Barrington, 6 May 1757, W.O. 1/613, p.115]. Additionally, the battalion was most likely reviewed at the Royal Military Barracks, Dublin, Ireland (now Collins Barracks), by the Earl of Rothes, on their march to Cork Harbour for embarkation, as it is documented he met with Colonel Montgomery's First Highland Battalion on 16 May 1757.

Our Findings

The following two contemporary newspaper extracts discuss Lord Loudoun's desire to reinforce his army in North America with an additional 5,000 troops. Formerly of the 64th Foot, Loudoun (Colonel John Campbell) was serving as commander in chief at the time.

Jackson's Oxford Journal

Saturday, November 27, 1756. Numb. 187.

London.

It is said that Lord Loudoun has desired a Reinforcement of 5000 Men at least, whom he recommends to be accoutred in the manner of the Highland Regiment.

It should be noted, originally titled Crawford's Highlanders or the Highland Regiment, the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot, numbered 43rd in the line, in 1748, then renumbered 42nd Foot in 1751, and was one of the first three Highland Regiments to fight in North America.

The Sussex Weekly Advertiser, or, Lewes Journal

Monday, November 29, 1756. No. 544.

London. Nov. 23.

The last Express from Lord Loudon contains no request of being Recalled, but he therein desires a Reinforcement of 5000 Men at least, which he recommends to be raised in the Highlands of Scotland, and to be accoutred in their Manner, the English Marching Regiments not being so capable of bearing the Fatigue of frequent Journeys in that Country; he also desires a Draught from the Train of Artillery, with some small travelling Cannon; which Request, we hear, is ordered to be complied with forthwith.

Separately, on 25 August 1757, Lieutenant Colonel Fraser, in a letter penned from Halifax Harbour to Lord Loudoun wrote: "...This much I will say for the Regt. that it is in every respect a Highland one & as we have the honor of wearing the livery of your Lords highland Regt. I have no doubt we shall resemble them in more respects when we are disciplined..." [LO 4310, Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.]

Wearing a Dark-coloured Plaid

As the only Highland regiment garrisoned in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in September 1757, were the men of Colonel Fraser's Regiment, from the journal of Captain John Knox, we find the following entry. 

21 September 1757: "...The reinforcement of Highlanders, mentioned before to have arrived lately at Halifax, consisted of two new-raised regiments; an unlucky accident lately happened to one of their private men, of which the following are particulars; a soldier of another regiment, who was a centinel detached from an advanced guard, seeing a man come out of the wood, with his hair hanging loose, and wrapped in a dark-coloured plaid, he challenged him repeatedly, and receiving no answer (the weather being hazy) he fired at him and killed him."  [The Publications of the Champlain Society: The Journal of Captain John Knox, Volume 1, pp.73-74]. 

Note: At 4 minutes, 16 seconds past 11 p.m. on the evening of September 20, the Moon entered the First Quarter phase, a time when present-day astronomers estimate it is only 1/11 bright as a full Moon. [Edinburgh Almanack For the Year M.DCC.LVII, Edinburgh, 1757, p.13].

Lord Beauclerk's Letters

We've uncovered two important letters pertaining to the plaids issued and worn by Lieutenant Colonels Fraser and Montgomery's men in 1757. Writing from Edinburgh to Lord Barrington of the War Office in London, Lord Beauclerk pens several key notes.

In this first letter, Beauclerk's admittance of contact with the clothing contractors strongly implies the making of clothes were an undertaking of the government, and supervised by Beauclerk himself. 

22 March 1757: "I wish the Cloaths and Arms from London, and the Plaid &c. making in this Country may be ready in time, which last I apprehend will be rather late [to Glasgow], tho' the Contractors promise all possible diligence." [Beauclerk to Barrington, Edinburgh, 22 March 1757. Letter book of Lord George Beauclerk as Commander-in-Chief in Scotland, being copies of letters concerning military and administrative affairs in Scotland of Beuaclerk, the Viscount Barrington, the Earl of Holdernesse, the Earl of Ligonier, and others. National Library Scotland, p.47-48].

In Beauclerk's second letter, it is discussed that the two Highland battalions are still in need of 400 plaids, which are expected to arrive any day [to Glasgow] from Stirling. The two battalions are awaiting their final shipment of (most likely) government tartan.

19 April 1757: "By a Letter I this day received from Lieut Colonel Webb, there are about 90 of the best Men of each of the Highland Battalion who cannot arrive at Glasgow before the 23d Inst. occasioned as is said, by their having been in the Western Isles where they could not receive orders so as to be able to join sooner. This will retard the march of the First Battalion till the 25th following; especially as the same Letter bears that there are also wanting 400 Plaids which daily expected from Stirling." [Beauclerk to Barrington, Edinburgh, 19 April 1757. TNA, W.O. 1/613, p.83-85].

In Summary

As historians, whichever side of the fence you may be on, our independent investigation into these key pieces of evidence brought together for the first time under one umbrella strongly suggests the wearing of the government sett. Considering the totality of the evidence, we believe Colonel Fraser and his men wore the same livery (jacket, bonnet, waistcoat, and tartan) as not only Loudoun's original 64th Foot, but the 42nd and 77th Regiments as well.

And while some historians are in favor of the patterns worn by the 42nd Regiment, others are hoping paperwork will one day appear in support Colonel Fraser's men wearing a red tartan. However, to date, we have not been able to locate any credible evidence to corroborate the latter.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022.

Last updated 27 January 2023.

Halifax Pay Records of May 1758

An accountant at the War Office in Westminster, London, meticulously reviewing the financial records of Major James Clephane of the 78th Regiment of Foot. The Scottish regiment, raised in 1757, was stationed for service in North America in support of the Seven Years' War. (Jeffrey Campbell, A Numbers Game, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Halifax Pay Records of May 1758

A collection of pay records from Major James Clephane's Company of the 78th Regiment of Foot dated May 1758 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although 111 names appear on the original records cover sheet, only the following 90 archival records were made available. It is presumed the remaining 21 records did not survive. 

Please note soldiers' numbering is for our internal records and should be referenced for identification when contacting us. Additional links to transcriptions will be made available as time permits, so please check back.

Major James Clephane's Company

Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 1758

1. Serjeant John McGrigor

2. Serjeant James Robertson

3. Serjeant Alexander Rose

4. Serjeant James Watson

5. Corporal Alexander Fraser

6. Corporal James Gowe

7. Corporal James Smith

8. Corporal Hugh Tulloch

9. Private John Anderson

10. Private Roderick Bain
11. Private John Buchanan
12. Private Evan Cameron
13. Private John Cameron [1]
14. Private John Cameron [2]
15. Private John Cameron [3]

16. Private John Cameron [4]
17. Private Angus Campbell
18. Private Donald Campbell

19. Private Hugh Campbell
20. Private James Campbell
21. Private John Campbell [1]
22. Private John Campbell [2]
23. Private John Chisholm

24. Private William Conison

25. Private Donald Culbert

26. Private Duncan Duff

27. Private Charles Falconer

28. Private Angus Fletcher

29. Private Alexander Fraser

30. Private John Fraser [1]

31. Private John Fraser [2]

32. Private John Fraser [3]

33. Private Petter Halden

34. Private John Innes

35. Private Alexander Johnston

36. Private James Knight

37. Private Donald Livingston

38. Private Alexander McArthur

39. Private John McArthur

40. Private John McAllum

41. Private Donald McColl

42. Private Alexander McDonald

43. Private Donald McDonald

44. Private Evan McDonald

45. Private John McDonald

46. Private John McDougall

47. Private David McDugall

48. Private Donald McGibban

49. Private Donald McGilivray

50. Private Petter McGrigor [1]

51. Private Petter McGrigor [2]

52. Private Donald McIntosh

53. Private John McIntosh [1]

54. Private John McIntosh [2]

55. Private Lachlan McIntosh

56. Private David McKinzie

57. Private Donald McKinzie

58. Private John McKinzie [1]

59. Private John McKinzie [2]

60. Private Rodrick McKinzie

61. Private Duncan McLean

62. Private Donald McLeod

63. Private John McLeod

64. Private William McNabb

65. Private Archibald McNaughton

66. Private Duncan McNickell

67. Private John McPherson

68. Private John McVain

69. Private Hugh Miller

70. Private Roderick Morison

71. Private Hugh Munro

72. Private George Noble

73. Private John Robertson

74. Private Thomas Robertson

75. Private Alexander Rose

76. Private Arthur Rose

77. Private Charles Rose

78. Private David Rose

79. Private William Rose

80. Private Donald Ross

81. Private John Ross

82. Private Malcolm Ross

83. Private Thomas Russel

84. Private John Sherrar

85. Private Alexander Smith

86. Private Angus Stewart

87. Private John Sutherland

88. Private William Sutherland

89. Private James Tolmie

90. Private James Tolnie

Records presumed not to have survived.

91. Private Murdoch Cameron

92. Private Donald Campbell

93. Private Duncan Campbell

94. Private William Campbell

95. Private William Copelan

96. Private James Forbes

97. Private James Fraser

98. Private John Fraser

99. Private John Gordon

100. Private Duncan McDugall

101. Private Alexander McKay

102. Private Murdoch McKenzie

103. Private Duncan McNickle

104. Private Robert McPharlin

105. Private Alexander McPherson

106. Private Duncan McPherson

107. Private Hugh McRae

108. Private Donald Morrison

109. Private Finlay Munro

110. Private William Ross

111. Private James Wright

Source

Military account book at Halifax [Clephane], 1758. NAS GD125/Box 34.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022.

Captain Hugh Montomerie's Music Book of 1763

An antique travel chest, adorned with ornate brass fittings and aged with the patina of centuries, stands tall in a cozy, dimly lit room. The chest sits adjacent to a wall with peeling wallpaper, hinting at the passage of time and the storied journeys it has witnessed. Upon its sturdy lid, a well-worn 18th-century sheet music book lies open, its pages yellowed and brittle with age, revealing a complex musical score that whispers of bygone eras. 

 

Throughout history, British Army officers often traveled with personal violins and cellos and passed the time with evenings of treating their fellow battalion-mates to their favorite musically delightful scores. (Jeffrey Campbell, Scores, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Captain Hugh Montomerie's Music Book of 1763

Captain Hugh Montgomerie (1739-1819), later 12th Earl of Eglington - s/o Alexander Montgomerie 4th of Coilsfield & Lillias Montgomery of Skelmorlie, was initially gazetted a lieutenant on July 21, 1757, in one of the three Additional Companies of the 77th Foot, the sister battalion of Fraser's Highlanders. Hugh fought at Fort Duquesne [Pittsburgh] in 1758, participated in the capture of Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1759, and distinguished himself as a light infantry officer during the 1760 Cherokee campaign in South Carolina.  

He served in one of the 77th composite companies at the recapture of St John's, Newfoundland, under Colonel William Amherst in August 1762.  He appears to have been promoted captain in the 78th Foot retroactive to June 2, 1762 [Army lists], for he was still listed as a lieutenant in the 77th Foot on William Amherst's list of officers who participated in the recapture of St John's two months later.  

Hugh was in command of a company when the regiment was disbanded in 1763; went on half-pay as Captain in the 78th until 1767, when he returned to active service as a captain in the 2nd/1st Foot (Royal Scots), his new commission dated February 3, 1767 [NAS GD3/9/111].  He retired on January 27, 1776.  

During the American Revolution, he returned to military service on the home front as first major to the Argyll (Western) Fencibles and was painted in that regiment's uniform in 1780 by John Singleton Copley.  Hugh was MP for Ayrshire from 1784 to 1789 and again in 1795.  In 1796, at the age of 57, he succeeded his cousin Archie to become the 12th Earl of Eglinton and moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords.  He died in 1819. [Clan Fraser Society, Toronto].

Eglington had cultivated tastes, being specifically fond of music, and, as an amateur cellist performing on the violoncello, he was the composer of several popular airs, including 'Lady Montgomerie's Lament' and 'Ayrshire Lasses,' both likely tributes to his mother. [Dictionary of National Biography, Volumes 1-20, 22 for Hugh Montgomerie, pp. 754-55].

Music Book Description

Purchased in 1978 by the National Library of Scotland, the book contains mid-eighteenth century handwritten airs on sheet music, with the cover page dated Quebec, 26 March 1763. Original cover and binding; oblong [12" x 9"?]; contains 24 + 44 inverted folios. Leaves have been torn out after folios 21, 22, 23, 28 (inverted), 37 (inverted), and 41 (inverted). 

Some of the book's airs appear in A Collection of Airs and Marches for Two Violins and German Flutes, Some Which Have Basses [London: Printed for and sold by R. Bremner, 1765?], which is part of the Glen Collection, a special collection at the National Library of Scotland containing over 400 volumes of printed music of the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The cover page contains random jottings, both legible and illegible, in various places across the sheet. While some were written in period ink, others appear to be pencil. Coilsfield, a reference to the birthplace of the author's father, is legible in period ink, while faintly jotted adjacent reads, Capt Hugh Montgomerie, and Capt Reed. Penciled and stricken-through is ACC. 5441, probably representing an outdated archival reference, and Mauchline, a reference to a town and civil parish in East Ayrshire, Scotland, is also inscribed.

[Cover page]

Captain Hugh Montgumries

of the 78th Regt. 

his Book of Music

Collection of Scots Tunes

wt. Varriations the Slowest & Best Setts by AMar

Quebec the 26 March 

1763

 

Due to inaccurate spellings of many titles throughout the music book, the following corrected titles are provided. While some tunes are composed utilizing only the treble clef, others are composed with the treble and bass clefs, with specific notations for the piano and violin spread throughout various airs.

We wish to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Munro Gauld for his contributions to deciphering the handwriting in some of these early Scottish titles. His assistance has proven most valuable.

1.  The Duke of Holstein's March  

2.  Miss Hays Minuet  

3.  Britons, Strike Home  

4.  Felton Minuet with Variations  

5.  The Shetchers March  

6.  Prince Eugene's March  

7.  Miss Munro's Minuet  

8.  March  

9.  The Duchess of Hamilton's Minuet  

10. The Horse Grenadier's March  

11.  A Minuet  

12.  Lord Loudoun's March  

13.  The Swabb Minuet  

14.  The King of Prussia's March  

15.  Miss Gunning's Minuet  

16.  General Keith's March  

17.  Strasbourg Minuet  

18.  Balance of Straus a March  

19.  A March in Rinaldo, by Mr. Handel  

20.  A Minuet  

21.  General George Otway's March  

22.  Colonel Reid's Minuet  

23.  Admiral Vernon's March  

24.  Miss Bowls' Minuet  

25.  Hessian March  

26.  Colonel Reid's Minuet  

27.  Capt. Inches March  

28.  Lady McIntosh's Minuet  

29.  A March  

30.  Minuet  

31.  March  

32.  Minuet  

33.  The Royals March  

34.  Minuet  

35.  Thomas Falconner’s Rant  

36.  Jackson's Mistake  

37.  Follow Her Over the Border  

38.  Red James  

39.  Red James  

40.  Thou art gone away  

41.  Duchess of Devonshire's March  

42.  Canzonell  

43.  How Sweet in the Woodlands  

44.  Pastorale Andantino  

45.  Right Honorable Lord Torphichen's March  

46.  Miss Lillas Montgomerie Skelmories Strathspey, by Capt. Logan  

47.  Allegro Maestroso  

48.  Capt. Baillie's Quick March  

49.  Capt. Baillie's March, South Fencibles  

50.  Lord Banff’s Strathopy  

51.  Miss Montgomerie of Skelmorlies Strathspey, by Niel Gow  

52.  The [illegible]  

53.  Lumps of Puddings  

54.  Cabber Fea  

55.  Barick Jonie 

56.  Illegible  

57.  Captain Montgomerie's Call  

58.  Atholl Braes  

59.  Up in the air

60.  Cammeroning's Rant  

61.  Cameron's Strathspey  

62.  Sir John Cathcart's Reel

63.  Aaron’s Gigg  

64.  Linock love to blanter

65.  Jockey Has Gotten a Wife

66.  If ever I marry I'll marry alright

67.  Miss Christie's Reel

68.  Happy Pair. Sett by W. Handel

69.  Will Come Back Again

70.  Miss Carmichael's Reel

71.  Miss Carmichael's Minuet

72.  The Three Merry Dancers

73.  Lady Nelly Weems Reel

74.  The Crickets

75.  Portobello

76.  Lucy's Delight

77.  The Highlandman Kiss'd his Mother

78.  A Bonney Lass to Merry One 

78.  Sweet Molly

80.  The -orchts Reel

81.  Willie was a Wanton Wag 

82.  Duncan Gray 

83.  The East Nooke O' Fife with Variations 

84.  Doun the burn Davie 

85.  There's Three Good Fellows ayont yon Glen 

86.  Aloway House, by AM Arthur / A. McArthur?

87.  I Love my love in Secret with Variations

88.  Up in the Morning Early

89.  When She Came, ben She bobbed 

90.  The Soldier's Lady

Notes:

Cover page: AMar is possibly an abbreviation for A. McArthur. See tune #86.

39.  Perhaps a continuation of #38.

44.  Probably Andantino Pastorale.

46.  Lillas Montgomerie, the captain's mother.

47.  Probably not the title, but rather a direction of movement within the piece.

52.  Illegible

54.  Caber Fea (Caber Feidh).

55.  Berwick Johnnie.

56.  Illegible

64.  Lennox love to Blantyre.

80.  First letter illegible.

86.  Alloway House; possibly A. McArthur (Allen or Alexander), a soldier in the 78th Foot.

Sources:

Music book, dated Quebec 26 March 1763, of Captain Hugh Montgomerie of the 78th Foot (later 12th Earl of Eglinten), containing various Scottish dance tunes and marches. National Library of Scotland, Library Archives and Manuscripts collection, MS.21750.

Alex. Whitelaw, The Book of Scottish Song; Collected and Illustrated with Historical and Critical Notices. (London, 1843.)

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022.

Last updated 26 May 2022.