Gigantic Serjeant in Boston

 

Boston Harbor at the cusp of an 18th-century dusk, where the warm hues of the setting sun cast a soft glow over the serene waters. The horizon is a canvas of fiery oranges and purples, blending seamlessly with the historic skyline. Tall-masted sailing ships, their sails partially furled, rest at anchor, their wooden hulls reflecting the amber light. In the foreground, a small rowboat navigates through the gentle waves, manned by a solitary figure in period attire. Along the bustling wharf, figures in tricorn hats and long coats go about their evening routines, unloading crates and securing ropes. Lanterns and candles flicker to life in the windows of the nearby buildings, hinting at the cozy scenes unfolding within. (Jeffrey Campbell, Boston Harbor, 2025. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator).

The following is a series of contemporary correspondence related to General Amherst's visit to the city of Boston, Massachusetts, which included about 4,500 of his troops, all of whom arrived on September 13, 1758, on 35 transport ships after their victory at Louisbourg. Although alcohol was provided by the locals in plentiful quantities, a search of surviving historical records did not reveal any unlawful incidents with the civilian populace.

Boston Daily Advertiser

BOSTON September 18

Last Wednesday arrived in our Harbour from Louisbourg His Majesty's Ship the Captain, commanded by Capt. Amherst, in which came Major General Amherst, who had chief Command of His Majesty's Land-Forces, in the late successful Expedition against Cape-Breton: - He was received and congratulated upon his Arrival, with the Respect and Esteem due to so brave a Commander. - On this occasion, the Guns at Castle-William, those of the Batteries in this Town and at Charlestown, &c. were discharged, and the Bells of the Town were rung. - Between 30 and 40 Transports which came out with the Captain Man of War, having on board the 2d Battalion of Royal Scots, as also Forbe's, Lascells's and Webb's Regiments, with Fraser's Highlanders, are also arrived: The Troops are in good Health, and were disembarked the Day following, and encamped on the Common: On Saturday the General set out, with the whole of the Troops, & march'd from hence to the westward.

The first night the above troops encamped, the patrols being out, and meeting with a soldier at the south part of town, who not giving an answer when hailed, was fired at by one of the party and wounded in the shoulder, but it is said he was likely to recover.

We hear from Lake George, that Preparation were making there to cross the Lake again, and only waited arrival of the Troops which came lately from Louisbourg, in order to proceed.

Gigantic Serjeant in Boston

Worcester Feb. 11, 1759.

    I have been in this Town a Week this night. How much I have improved my Health by Exercise, or my mind by Study of Conversation, in this Space? I have exercised little, eat and drank and slept intemperately. Have inquired a little of Mr. Putnam and of Abel Willard, concerning some Points of Practice in Law. But dining once at Coll. Chandlers, once at Mr. Pains, once at the Doctors, drinking Tea once at Mr. Paines, once at the Drs. and spending one Evening at the Drs., one at Gardi[ner]s and several at Putnams in Company has wasted insensibly the greatest and best Part of my time since I have been in Town. Oh how I have fulfilled the vain Boast I made to Dr. Webb, of reading 12 Hours a day! What a fine scene of study in this office! a fine collection of Law, oratory, History, and Phylosophy, But I must not stay. I must return to Braintree. I must attend a long Superiour Court at Boston. How shall I pursue my Plan of Study?

    Bo[b] Paine acted a scene that happened on the Com[mon] when the Troops were reviewed by the Governor. People crouded very near the Troops, till a highland serjeant of a gigantic size, and accoutred with a Variety of Instruments of Curelty and Death, stalked out with his vast Halbert to drive them back. He brandished his Halbert and smote it on the Ground and cryed with a broad, Roaring voice, Sta ban, i.e. Stand Back. Sta. ba. His size, armour, Phyz, and Voise, frightned People so that they presd backwards and almost tramples on one another. But in the highest of his fury, he sprung onward, and shri[ek]ed out Sta, but then saw some Ladies before him, which softened him. At once, he drops his Halbert, takes off his Bonnet, and makes very complaisant Bow, pray Ladies, please to stand a little back, you will see a great deal better.

    Pain lifts up his Eyes and Hands to Heaven and cryes, of all Instruments of Defence, good Heavens, give me Beauty. It could soften the ferocity of your highland serjeant.

    Paine and Dr. Wendel took Katy Quincy and Polly Jackson, and led them into a retired Room and there laughed, and screamed, and kissed and hussled. They came out glowing like furnaces.

Source: 

Diary of John Adams, volume 1, Adams Papers Digital Edition online. Massachusetts Historical Society, https://www.masshist.org/publications/adams-papers/index.php/view/ADMS-01-01-02-0004-0002-0003#sn=0. Acc: 10 December 2024.

Namur, Louisbourg harbr. 31st Augt. 1758

Rd. & recd. 29 Sepr.

Sir,
    Agreeable to the Resolution agree on between Major General Amherst and myself on the 8th instant Sir Charles Hardy with the Royal William, Bedford, Vanguard, Devonshire, Lancaster, Pembroke, Kennington, Juno, & Etna, and ten transports with Brigadier Wolfe and the Regiments of Amherst, Brag, & Anstruthers, sailed for the River St. Lawrence on the 29th, and yesterday Major General Amherst with the Royals, Webbs, Lascelles, Frasers, and Forbes sailed for Boston, convoyed by the Captain & Tyloe; and at the same time sailed the Squirrel & Scarborough, to convoy Monckton's & Otway's to the Bay of Fundi, and Lawrence's for the Garrison of Halifax.
    The Trent is here down, & repaired of the Damages she sustained at Gabarus Bay when covering the Landing of the Troops, and will sail to cruize in the Streights of Bell Isle for a month, and then proceed to England; The Sutherland will also sail in two days to disturb the French Fishery to the north part of Newfoundland.
    [Inclosed I send you the State and Condition of the ships now here, the want of provision has kept many ships in this harbour]
                                            I am,
                                            Sir
                                            your most obedielt
                                            humble Servant
                                            Ed. Boscowan
John Cleveland Esqr.
Minute: 29 Septr.

Note: HMS Namur (1756) was a British ship that participated in the 1758 Siege of Louisbourg. The British captured Louisbourg in seven weeks after a massive attack of over 13,000 troops and 14,000 crew members on  over 100 ships.

Source: 

Admiralty and Secretariat: Papers: North America, Admirals Boscawen, Hardy, Holburne, Homes and Durel, 1755-1760, Adm. 1, vol. 481. LAC, Microfilm #12851, images 1106-07.

The Diary of Rev. Ebenezer Parkman

Extracts of 13-19 September 1758

Born in 1703 in Boston, Suffolk County, Reverend Parkman served as the first minister of Westborough, Massachusetts, from 1724 until his death in 1782. It appears the reverend had very limited time spent with the regiments as they passed through the various towns on their march through Massachusetts.

The original manuscript for the Diary entries is at the American Antiquarian Society (AAS) and the Massachusetts Historical Society. 

1758 September 13 (Wednesday). Deacon Tainter observably carefull to have me supplyed with fresh meat, etc.

1758 September 14 (Thursday). Day of public Prayer and Thanksgiving on Account of the Reduction of Cape Briton and its Dependencies; and the present Critical State of our publick affairs relating to the War. I preached on those words in Ps. 2.11 -- rejoice with trembling. Was not successfull in any of my Invitation or Endeavours to have Strangers or Widows dine with us. Mr. Ebenezer Rice, his wife and divers Children ill.

1758 September 15 (Friday). Visit Mr. E. Rice. N.B. a great Addition to his Trouble is Mr. Thomas Frost Cattle break in upon the Apples and Rowing. I went to him, and he promised to take effectual Care of them. P.M. Coll. Timothy Brigham was here and desires me to go with him to Mr. James Maynards on the Difficult Affair of the Difference between John and his wife but I did not think it wise to go. He returned at Night here, to me, Supped with me, and gave me Some Account of his Discourse with John: and what he (himself) proposed to do if John did not come to See him. P.M. Capt. Daniel Barns of Marlborough here in his Journey to Cornet Sherman who has been to the Lake lately (as aforesaid), Capt. Barns having two Sons in the Service. In the Evening Charles Brigham Esq. here, and I paid him 50£ old Tenor for the Mare I bought of him Feb. 20th and gave him a Note of 26/8 L.M. which was the remainder. N.B. I have Striven a great deal to get help in ploughing, mowing, rowing etc. but in Vain. Went to Mr. Williams’s this Evening to get help there, but in Vain. So it has pleased the Sovereign God.

1758 September 16 (Saturday). Jejun. and Prec. I perceived Some Company were come to See us. But I did not dare to go down to them lest the work of this important Day Should be obstructed. I afterwards perceived that they were Mrs. My wife’s Kinswomen, the widow Brigham and Miss Betty Gott. Abel Chase junior here at Evening with a Letter from Mr. Welman etc. desiring a Council.

1758 September 17 (Sunday). Mr. Martyn preached here on 2 Cor. 3.13-16. I for him on Joh. 14.[ blot] a. and p.m. We, both of us, returned at Eve. N.B. Capt. Bezaleal Eager delivered me a Letter from Mr. Bellamy with a packet -- containing [three Greek words], which I had lent him.

1758 September 18 (Monday). I Sent by Mr. Ephraim Bruce, to Lt. Rice and to Billy in the army. Mr. Bruce goes to bring home Jonas Bradish. I visited the Hows at each House -- and other where. P.M. I went [southward?] to raise a Team to plough the Field behind the Meeting House. Was at Monsieur LeBlanc’s, and at Joseph Bruce’s. Towards Eve I rode to Marlborough to See General Amhirst’s Army of 4500 -- they had pitched their Tents some Time before I got there; but I went to them and walked among them. Lodged at Mr. Smith’s, as did Mr. Buckminster. Likewise two field Officers, viz. Coll. Townshend (Son of L. Viscount Townshend) and Major Richardson. Heard the Sorrowfull News of the Death of Mr. Porter of Sherbourn and that he is to be buryed to Day.

1758 September 19 (Tuesday). We rose extreme early, waked by the Officers waiters. Mr. Smith, Buckminster and I, walked to the Camp before the Day broke: tarryed and saw them Striking their Tents and Marching. They were Rangers, advanced Guard of Royal Scotts, Royal, [Lascells?], Fraziers, and Webbs Regiments. Broke fast at Mr. Smiths. Mr. Humphrey of Poquaog came likewise. I returned home, and gave my Horse to Thomas and Sarah who rode up the Road to See the Army, as they march to Worcester. I walked to Mr. Joslins to Catechizing -- had a Number of Young Men and Young Women attending -- great and Small 35. At the Request of the more adult, and of the people of the House we sung. It was part of Ps. 34.11-16. Rode home on Mr. Joslyns Horse. Visited Father Bradish going and returning.

Source: The Diary of Rev. Ebenezer Parkman (part of the Ebenezer Parkman project online). https://diary.ebenezerparkman.org/diary-1751-1760-pdf. Acc: 10 December 2024.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2025.

Scurvy Hits Fort Stanwix

Fort Stanwix, a strategic fortification in 18th-century New York, bathed in the warm amber hues of sunset during the tense period of the French and Indian War. The fort's wooden palisade walls and bastions are illuminated by the fading sunlight, standing strong against the vast wilderness that surrounds it. Within the fort's confines, British soldiers in red coats and tricorn hats are seen moving with purpose, some tending to cannons on the ramparts, while others patrol the grounds. (Jeffrey Campbell, Fort Stanwix, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Scurvy Hits Fort Stanwix

Albany March 3d. 1759

Sir

    I received your Favour from Schenectady with the Inclosures from Fort Stanwix and Sir Willm. Johnson. If no proof of ill designs can be made out against the Indian, I shall send him to the Jersys, as soon as the River opens.

    I have conversed with Mr. Monro on the subject of your scorbutick Men at Fort Stanwix, he tells me every man should be sent down the instant the smallest symptom of the scurvy is perceived, by detaining them longer, as there is no means at the Fort to cure this Disorder, it increases to a degree very difficult to be eradicated, and the man is soon rendered unable to march down the Country, which is the case of the twelve men mentioned in your Letter. He tells me likewise when any bad Symptoms appear on the men the sending them to Country Quarters will not answer, That they must at first be sent to General Hospital where proper medicines and food is prepared for them, and when the disorder is on the decline They may then be sent to the Farm Houses.

    The sending delay's for such of your men not able to march is certainly very right, and instead of twenty fresh men which you propose sending, I wish you would double that number, and I fear there will be occasion for them.

    I write to Major Clephane desiring his surgeon may frequently examine the men at least once a week. I am with great regard

                                                                                    yours &c

                                                                                                (sign'd) Thos. Gage

To Colo. Fraser        P.S.

Since finishing my letter I have heard from Genl. Amherst who approves of sending fresh men to relieve such as are affected wth. the scurvy at Fort Stanwix, & if there should be occasion even of changing the whole Garrison in that manner without any formal relief you will therefore not be sparring of your men, for, from the Experience I have had of this cursed disorder I shall not be surpriz'd if you should be obliged to bring down most of the Garrison of Fort Stanwix by the End of this month.

Albany March 5th 1759.

Sir

    I received your two Letters of the 24th & 26th February with Captn. Wendell's Muster Rolls &c. His Accot. is not exactly right, but I have got it rectified as well as I was able, from his Accot. and have granted a warrant for his money to 23d. February inclusive, which I hope he will receive by this opportunity. The Indian prisoner is arrived, He was certainly in the Jersey Regiment and taken at Lake George by the Enemy. The account he gives of his Travels after that incident may be true or false, but I shall soon know whether he belongs to the Jersey Indians. You will please to order the Three Men whose names are marked as unfit for service in Captain Wendell's Muster Rolls to be immediately discharged.

    I have talked with Doctor Monro on the Subject of your Scorbutick Men, who tells me every man should be sent down the Country the moment the smallest symptoms of the scurvy appears, as your surgeon has not what is proper to cure this disorder, if they are detained longer, it will encrease so fast and to such a degree as very soon to render the men unable to march; which I understand by Colonel Fraser is actually the case with those men mentioned in your last letters. You will therefore be pleased to order your Surgeon to Examine all the men of your Garrison very frequently, at least one every week, to prevent this Disorder getting any Head in your Garrison, as I know the consequences to be very fatal. I have wrote very fully on this matter to Colonel Fraser who proposed sending you Twenty fresh men, to relieve such as you were disordered, I have desired him to double the number & wish you may not have too much occasion for them, by the time they reach Fort Stanwix.

    Mr. Coventry shewed me your Return of Bedding &c. I am sorry it's so bad, particularly as I can send you no supply.

    I hope the fresh provisions will be some relief to your Garrison, whenever it's in my power, I shall sned you a further supply.

                                                                                            I am &c.

                                                                                                        (sign'd) Thos. Gage

To Major Clephane or offr.

commandg. at

Fort Edward Stanwix

Albany March 25th 1759

Dear Sir

    The Post arrived here yesterday and brought me your Favor of the 19th instant. Notice has been sent of the Number of Indians at Ticonderoga and the Probability of their Endeavours to revenge this last stroke of Rogers, to every Post in the communication, wt. repeated orders to be on their guard: no mischief has since happened, and I hope none will happen. Rogers & the Indian officer Lutteridge distinguished themselves most in this scout, The Regulars, as you will see in the accots. sent you, were made little use of. You will sometime or other have it in your power to reward Rogers, and as for Lutteridge and the Indians I think it best to leave them to Sr. Wm. Johnson.    

    I have ordered Lieut. Genl. Murrays Regimt. to relieve Frasers, and intend replacing them by Prideauxs Regiment from hence, and as soon as Frasers Regimt. is embarked to bring Abercromby's Regimt. into this Town Till I am free of Frasers, Abercromby's would fill us too full, so propose letting them lye in their cantonments till the other sails. This relief could not have happened more unseasonably, The Frost just breaking up, neither waggon or Slay can stirr, and the River so full of Ice as to stop the navigation. A messenger has been sent upwards to reconnoitre the River and if found practicable, Colo. Massey Marches wt. his Regimt. tomorrow, but it's the opinion of most, that it will not be possible for him to move these three or four days.

    As I shall not expect the Garrison of Fort Stanwix in less than fourteen days after General Murrays Regiment has actually Marched from Schenectady; I believe I shall be obliged to send Frasers Regiment down by piece=meal just as they arrive, as I am not willing to detain the Sloops here, which you will have occasion for below; and will likewise save demurrage.

    I recd. a Letter yesterday from Major Clephane of the 17th Inst. telling me of the Impossibility of sending down the worst of his sick from the badness of the Roads and fullness of the creeks; that a slay sent up to assist his sick had been lost and the Horses drowned, The Major sent me at the same time a Letter from his Indian Interpreter, which I send herewith; and seems to finish all Hopes of Intelligence from the long expected Scout from Swogathchi.

    Rogers is here and has fixed matters with Jacobs' who is set forward to raise his Company, the other Jacob's is also wrote to, as well as King Ungas of the Mohigons to raise two other Companys. 

    By a letter from Fort Edward of the 23d. inst. I find a Deserter had been just brought in from Ticonderoga, whom Colonel Haldimand says, confirms the former accots. of the Prisoners. He left the Enemy the 20th whom he says perceived that our party has Examined the Intrenchment, but had not discovered that any Person had been upon the Mountain. That they were in Trouble for a Scout of 30 Indians that had set out from Ticonderoga the second of this Month with 15 days provision, and not returned at the time of his Desertion. That another Party of 60 Indians were to set out from thence the 21st Tho' it's probable this Mans deserting may stop the Party, Colo. Haldimand has nevertheless sent advise of it to the several Posts. I believe the weather is not sufficient to stop all Partys for some time.

    Most of the Regimts. have some men to be recommended to Chelsea who were not in a condition to move when the rest sailed in the Kennington; would you have them collected, and sent down to be ready for the next Man of War or remain here sometime longer? I have ordered Murrays Regimt. to leave theirs behind.

    As the business relating to the Horses of the People of Half Moon concerned the Artillery only, I have employed Captain Martin and Mr. Wilson the Commissary to Examine into it; who have been to Half:Moon for this purpose: They report to me that Corry stirred up the Inhabitants to make these Demands, but that there is money justly due to them. Mr. Wilson knows a good deal of the affair, and says there were as many Horses used in the Artillery Service as set forth in both demands, but that the charge is too high, nothing being deducted for forrage. When Capt. Ord paid the first Demand, he thought he was quite clear of further claims, and no wonder he thought so from Corry's Receipt, Had he taken the trouble to find out the owners of the Horses, instead of Dealing wt. a Lawyer, the People would have been satisfied, and no further trouble given in the affair. I hope to have it settled in a few days.

    Thank you for the List of Promotions, I have no news but what you have heard. Mr. Boscawen & Sir Chas. Hardy not pleased. I am

                                                &c.

                                                        Thos. Gage

His Excy

Genl. Amherst

Source:

"Letterbook of Thomas Gage, Albany, 1759 January 20-1760 May 5." In the digital collection Thomas Gage Papers, 1738-1807. https://quod.lib.umich.edu/g/gage/gage.7001.001. William L. Clements Library, University of Michigan Library Digital Collections. Accessed December 2, 2024.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2025.