Second Highland Battalion Recruiting Efforts

Two concerned mothers in the Scottish Highlands discuss their recent encounter with a civilian recruiting officer regarding their sons enlisting in the British Army, to serve in Major James Clephane's Company of the Second Highland Battalion. Raised in early 1757 for service in North America, this mostly...

Initial Outfitting of Kilts in 1757

An authorized recruiting depot is located in Inverness, Scotland, to collect new recruits for Colonel Fraser's battalion of Highlanders; the other two locations around the country are Fort William and Dunkeld. During the enlistment process, recruits met with a recruiting officer and had the Articles...

Major Clephane’s Company Expenses Through Ireland, 1757

The quaint harbor town of the 18th-century Donaghadee, Ireland, nestled on the northeastern coast, unfolds with its cobblestone streets lined with charming, pastel-hued buildings that hug the shoreline. The cobalt blue sky is dotted with fluffy white clouds, casting a soft, diffused light over the red-tiled...

Highland Soldiers Arrive at Stamford, Connecticut, 1757

An 18th-century downtown Stamford, Connecticut, emerging from the embrace of early morning shadows as the sunrise casts a warm, golden hue across the landscape. The cobblestone streets, lined with meticulously crafted colonial-era buildings, lie quiet and still, their red brick facades and white wooden...

Generosity

Generosity increasingly came in the 17th century to signify a variety of traits of character and action historically associated [whether accurately or not] with the ideals of actual nobility: gallantry, courage, strength, richness, gentleness, and fairness. Writing in his journal late in the month of November 1759, General Townshend unknowingly documented the empathy and personal character of each...

Monies paid to Captain Alexander Campbell, 78th Regiment

By the Honble James Murray Esqr. Governor of Quebec 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 Captain Alexander Campbell Paymaster of his Majesty’s 78th Regiment of Foot or his assigns, the sum of Seven hundred Seventy one Pounds, three shillings...

Major Clephane's Company Expenses, Kilravock to Glasgow, 1757

A detailed account of Major Clephane's company's expenses on their march from Kilravock to Glasgow, Scotland encompassing approximately 180 miles over a 10-day period, with layovers for entertainment, supplies, and fresh horses. The soldiers would stay in Glasgow for an additional 10 days or so, presumably waiting on the arrival of the remaining companies from the regiment. Newspaper accounts depict...