Pensions to Widows

An endearing inter-generational moment of two war widows captured at the breathtaking twilight hour in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. The two women are engaged in a lively conversation as they stroll down the cobblestone streets of the historic city, possibly consoling one another as to the reality of life without their soldiers, who were left on the battlefields in Quebec, Canada, during the Seven Years' War. (Jeffrey Campbell, Time Heals, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Pensions to Widows

The following warrant established widows from the two Highland battalions raised in January 1757 for service in North America, to receive a pension from the British Government for their spouse's dedicated commitment to the country. Together, they are listed with their name, and husband's rank.

George R

Our Will and Pleasure is, that this List and Establishment of the Widows of Officers who have been Killed of have Died in our Service, amounting to the Sum of Thirteen Thousand One Hundred and Nonety two Pounds p annum for Five Hundred and Forty Seven Widows, do commence and take place from the Twenty fifth day of December last inclusive, from which Time, all former Establishments relating to the said Widows are to cease and Determine; and that no new charge be added thereunto without a particular Warrant in that behalf. Our further Will and Pleasure is, that the List following the above said Establishment of the Widows of Officers who have Died on the British Establishment of Half Pay, amounting to the Sum of Six Hundred and Sixty four Pounds, for Thirty three Widows, do commence and take place from the said Twenty fifth of December last Enclusive, which sum was granted by our Parliament of Great Britain in their present session, to be distributed to the said Widows of Half Pay Officers whose Husbands served and were married to them before the Twenty fifth Day of December One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixteen. Given at our Court at St. James's this 27th day of April 1770, In the Tenth Year of Our Reign.

                                                                                            By His Majesty's Command

                                                                                            Barrington

First Highland Battalion

[Lt. Col. Archibald Montgomery: renumbered 62nd Regiment; 77th Regiment]

Catherine Mirrie

Rank: Major

Hellen Grant

Rank: Lieutenant

Isabella MacKenzie

Rank: Lieutenant

Hester Stuart

Rank: Lieutenant

Second Highland Battalion

[Lt. Col. Simon Fraser: renumbered 63rd Regiment; 78th Regiment]

Lillieas Fraser

Rank: Captain

Jane Fraser

Rank: Lieutenant

Catherine McDonald

Rank: Lieutenant

Source:

Pensions to Widows. TNA, WO 24/821, pp.18-20.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2023.