Disbanded Soldiers on the Lovat Estates, 1764

Farmland basking in the warm embrace of a picturesque sunset, the landscape is a patchwork of verdant fields and golden wheat that stretch out to meet the horizon, where the soft hues of the setting sun kiss the earth. Scattered across the serene panorama are quaint cottages with thatched roofs and wafting smoke, each nestled amidst lush gardens and surrounded by the industrious activities of the period - farmers tilling the land with horse-drawn plows, children playing, and women tending to the livestock. (Jeffrey Campbell, A Bygone Era, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Disbanded Soldiers on the Lovat Estates, 1764

Listed as 'King's Cottagers,' the following men who served in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot in North America, 1757-1763, returned home at the end of the war and settled on the fortified Lovat Estates. Typically, their post-military roles included the occupations of  tradesmen and day laborers who worked on the local farms and in the small villages nearby.

There were 58 houses built upon this Estate, of which 54 were occupied by men from both Colonel Fraser's Regiment, and other various military regiments, including Campbell's, Johnston's, Sutherlands, McLean's, Petitot's, Leighton's, Oughton's, Carr's, Murray's, Brudnell's, and Keith's Regiment. The local Factor found it necessary to give two of the houses built at Chrochell's as a school and schoolhouse for the accommodation of a schoolmaster settled there, and was also been obliged to give two houses built at Castle Dunie [Dounie or Downie - presently Beaufort Castle] to a flax dresser and spinning mistriss.

Total expenses included:

Erect buildings: £10.12.2

Money loaned for aids to prosecute men's trades: £5.0.0

Travel charges; purchasing household furniture: £3.8.0

Cover sheet:

List of disbanded Soldiers settled on the annext Estate of Lovat as Tradesmen and Day Labourers under the denomination of King's Cottagers, 1764

Donald Fraser

Regiment: Frasers

Time of Service yrs.: 7

Place of Birth: Kilmorack Parish, County Inverness

Years of age: 30

Profession: Day Labourer

Village or Farm where settled: Barnyards

When settled: April 28th, 1764

Findlay McKearick

Regiment: Fraser's

Time of Service yrs.: 7

Place of Birth: Kilmorack Parish, County Inverness

Years of age: 40

Profession: Day Labourer

Village or Farm where settled: Ardnacrask

When settled: Sepr. 28, 1764

Thomas Campbell

Regiment: Fraser's

Time of Service yrs.: 7

Place of Birth: Kilmorack Parish, County Inverness

Years of age: 31

Profession: Day Labourer

Village or Farm where settled: Relig

When settled: Aprl. 28th, 1764

Dougall McDonald

Regiment: Fraser's

Time of Service yrs.: 7

Place of Birth: Kilmorack Parish, County Inverness

Years of age: 50

Profession: Day Labourer

Village or Farm where settled: Chrochell

When settled: July 7th, 1764

Alexander Macra

Regiment: Fraser's

Time of Service yrs.: 7

Place of Birth: Kilmorack Parish, County Inverness

Years of age: 29

Profession: Day Labourer

Village or Farm where settled: Chrochell

When settled: Sepr. 5th, 1764

Donald Kennedy Junr.

Regiment: Fraser's

Time of Service yrs.: 7

Place of Birth: Kilmorack Parish, County Inverness

Years of age: 40

Profession: Day Labourer

Village or Farm where settled: Chrochell

When settled: Augt. 28th, 1764

Unmarried Men

John Chisholm

Regiment: Fraser's

Time of Service yrs.: 7

Place of Birth: Kilmorack Parish, County Inverness

Years of age: 27

Profession: Day Labourer

Village or Farm where settled: Lovat Estate

When settled: July 7th, 1764

Beaufort 10th Novr. 1764 [signed] John Forbes

Notes: It is presumed initial building and living expenses were laid of by the local Factor, then reimbursed by the Scottish Government.

While the list does not constitute an official roster of men who returned to Scotland, it can be consulted in concert with the men admitted to Royal Chelsea Hospital as pensioners as an unofficial list.

Source:

NRS, E787/28, p.1-4.

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

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.

Return of 200 Acres of Land for Evan Cameron, 1765

An 18th-century landscape painting, masterfully capturing the tranquil beauty of the Hudson River as it meanders through Albany County, New York. The sun, a fiery orb of gold and crimson, is dipping below the distant horizon, casting a warm, ethereal glow over the serene waters. The riverbanks are adorned with lush, verdant foliage, a testament to the fertility of the region. A few wooden sailboats, with their sails furled for the evening, glide gracefully along the river, their reflections mirrored on the calm surface. In the foreground, a small group of Native Americans and early European settlers are engaged in trade, their vibrant attire standing out against the backdrop of the wilderness. (Jeffrey Campbell, Hudson River, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Return of 200 Acres of Land for Evan Cameron, 1765

Pursuant to an order in Council from the Honble Cadwallader Colden Esquire Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and the Territories Depending theron in America bearing Date the 8th Day of May last Past ~

Survey'd for Evan Cameron late a Corporal in his Majesty's Seventy Eigth Regiment of Foot. All That Certain Tract of Land Situate lying and being on the East Side of Hudson's River in the County of Albany. Beginning at the Southwest corner of a Tract of Land Survey'd for Roderick Fraser and runs thence East Sixty Chains and Sixteen links Then South thirty five Chains Then West Sixty Chains and Sixteen links. Then North Thirty five Chains to the place where this Tract first began Containing Two Hundred Acres of Land and the usual allowance for Highways.

Given under my hand this twenty third Day of July 1765

Alexr. Cowell [?] Survey GL

Cover sheet:
July 23 1765

Return 200 Acres of Land on the East Side

of Hudson's River in the County of Albany

for Evan Cameron late Corporal in the 78th Regt.

Source:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XIX, p. 113. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

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

Land Petition of Serjeant Alexander Fraser, 78th Regiment

An 18th-century panoramic view of Albany, New York, nestled on the west side of the Hudson River as the first light of dawn kisses the horizon. The sunrise casts a soft, warm glow across the quaint town, with its wooden buildings and cobblestone streets still shrouded in the early morning mist. The majestic river, a vital trade route of the era, is bustling with activity as ships with billowing sails and horse-drawn carriages line the docks, hinting at the city's thriving economy and its significance as a colonial hub. (Jeffrey Campbell, Albany, New York, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Land Petition of Serjeant Alexander Fraser, 78th Regiment

Pursuant to an Order in Counsil from the Honourable Cadwallader Colden Esqr. Lieutenant Governor and Commanded in Chief of the province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America Bearing Date the twentyfirst day of March Last past.

Surveyed for Alexander Fraser Late a Serjeant in his Majestys Seventy Eight Regiment of Foot and in Collonel Fraser's Company all that Certain tract or Parcell of Land situate Lying and being in County of Albany on the East side of Hudsons River  Beginning at the Southwest Corner of a tract of Land Surveyed for Dugal McFarland Late a Corporal and runs thence East Sixty Chains and Seventeen Links then South Thrity five Chains Then Sixty Chains and Seventeen Links Then North Thirty vive Chains to the Place where this Tract first began Containing two hundred acres of Land and the usual allowance for highways.

Given under my hand this sixth day of November one Thousand seven hundred and sixty four

[signed]

Alexr. Colden Surveyor Genl.

Cover sheet:

6th No. 41

[one word illegible] 200 acres of Land on the East Side of Hudsons River for Alexr. Fraser late a Serjt in the 78th Regt & in Coll Frasers Compy

made out

Top row:

Dugald McFarland

Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Colonel Fraser's Company [north/south 35 chains, east/west 60 chains, 17 links].

Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Captain Hugh Fraser's Company

*Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Captain [Alexander] Wood's Company

Allen Cameron, Serjeant

Bottom row:

John McIntire, Corporal, 77th Regt.

John Gibson. Serjeant, 77th Regt.

John Grant, Corporal

David McHo[?]key

Description: A Plot or Description of a Tract of Land Survey'd for Alexander Fraser Late a Serjeant in the 78th Regiment and in Coll Frasers Company Plotted from a Scale of twenty Chains in an Inch.   [illegible] Alexr Colden Surveyor Genl.

18 : 94 [volume/page]

Notes:
1. Serjeant Alexander Fraser's name appears in Captain Alexander Wood's Company as one of the 170 discharged soldiers in America; however, his name does not appear on the company subsistence rolls produced at the end of the war.

2. "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.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XVIII, p. 94. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.

Land Petition in Behalf of Lieutenant John McTavish, 78th Regiment

A tranquil 18th century countryside near Schoharie Kill, New York, as the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon. The scene is bathed in a soft, golden hue as the sun rises behind distant rolling hills, casting long shadows across the verdant landscape. A winding stream path leads the eye to a picturesque farmstead, nestled among the emerald-green fields and flanked by stately trees dressed in the vibrant oranges and reds of early autumn foliage. (Jeffrey Campbell, Schoharie Kill, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Land Petition in Behalf of Lieutenant John McTavish, 78th Regiment

To His Excellency, The Right Honble. John Earl of Dunmore Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over the Colony of New York and the Territorys thereon in America, Chancellor & Vice Admiral of the Same

The Petition of Simon McTavish in behalf of His Father John McTavish Lieut. in the late 78th Regiment Commanded by Colo. Simon Fraser.

Humbly Shewith that your Petitioners father served His Majesty in North America during the late War there as a Lieut. in the late 78th Regiment Commanded by the Honble. Colo. Simon Fraser, and as such is entitled (by His Majestys Royal Proclamation given at St. Jamess the 7th day of October 1763, in favour of reduced Officers & Soldiers of the Army) to a grant of the quantity of Two thousand acres of Land in some of His Majestys unapropriated Lands in North America.

That your petitioners father some time in the year 1766 prefer'd a petition to His late Excellency Sir Henry Moore Baronet for His Majestys letters Patent for the said lands, but nothing has ever been done as yet towards issuing such letters Patent.

That your petitioner has discovered a Tract of vacant Land lying in this Province in the County of Albany near a Settlement called Schoharry Kill, and East of the Schoharry Kill, or Creek, and South of the Schoharry Settlements. He therefore prays that your Excellency will be favourbly pleased to Issue a Warrant to survey the said Quantity of Two thousand acres, at that place above described; in order that His Majestys Letters Patent may be granted for the same to the said John McTavish, his Heirs & assigns, on such terms and Conditions, as other Lands are granted in this Province in like Circumstances; & your petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray ~

New York
February 2d. 1771
[signed]
Simon McTavish
28 : 45

Cover sheet:
To his Excellency, The Right Honble. John Earl of Dunmore &c.
The Petition of Simon McTavish for two thousand Acres of Land in the County of Albany~~

Presented Feby. 2d, 1771
1771 Feby. 8: Rec'd and referred to a Comm
1771 April 1st: Certificate wanting
1771 May 31: Rec'd in Council and granted [four words illegible]

28 : 45
No. 5

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.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XXVIII, p. 45. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.

Land Petition of Corporal Alexander Gray, 78th Regiment

A breathtaking 18th-century panorama from Crown Point, revealing the tranquil beauty of Lake Champlain at sunrise. The horizon is a canvas of soft, pastel hues, with the sun peeking over the distant Adirondack Mountains, casting a warm, golden light that reflects brilliantly on the lake's calm surface. The fortifications at Crown Point stand as stoic sentinels, a testament to the strategic importance of the area during the colonial period. (Jeffrey Campbell, Crown Point, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Land Petition of Corporal Alexander Gray, 78th Regiment

To his Excellency William Tryon Esqr. governor of the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America Captain General Vice Admiral and Chancellor of the same &c: &c: &c: in Council

The Petition of Alexander Gray Late Corporal of his Majestys 78th Regiment of Foot whereof the Honorable Colonel Simon Fraser was Colonel

Humbly Shewith your petitioner having apply'd to His Excellency Cadwaller Colden Esqr. Lieut. Governor for his Quantity of Land allowed to Non Commission'd officers and Private who Serv'd his Majesty during the Late War in America by his Majestys Royal proclamation of Octr. 3d 1763 his Excellency was pleas'd to order your Excellency's Petitioner to [illegible] to [illegible]: Coldin Esqr. purveyor general who told your Excellency's Petitioner that he knew of no Vacant Land at that time which occasions your Excellencys Petitioner to make this his Humble Request to your [illegible] Earnstly desiring of your Excellency on Council to grant to your Excellencys Petitioner his Quantity of Land which is 200 acres adjoining to Major Campbells Land on Lake Champlain and Nigh Crown Point as your Excellencys Petitioner is informed that their is Vacant Land there and hopes your Excellency will order the said grant to be given to your Excellencys Petitioner as soon as possible as your Excellencys Petitioner is but a poor man and having a family wants to Settle upon it as soon as possible if your Excellency should want a person who understands Farming your Excellencys Petitioner would be very glad to engage as he is thoroughly acquainted with that Branch of Business

May it please your Excellency to take the above consideration and do for your Excellencys Petitioner as [next three words illegible] to your Excellency and your Excellencys Petitioner is [illegible] in duty Bound to pray ~

New York
April 16th, 1771

Cover sheet:
The petition of Alexr. Gray Corpl. for 200 acres of Land Rec'd. 18th Septr. 1771. [initials] "W.G"
1771 Sepr. 18. Rec'd in Council
1771 Novr. 13th Rec'd again in Council and granted not interfering with any [next two words illegible]

28 : 148 [volume/page]

Notes:
1. Corporal Alexander Gray's name does not appear in the surviving muster rolls of 1763, indicating he most likely discharged beforehand.

2. "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.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XXVIII, p. 148. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.

Petitions of Lieutenant John Fraser, 78th Regiment

Petition of John Fraser, tenant in Easter Bunchegavie, and John Fraser, his eldest son, joint possessors of said farm. The Petitioner, now in his 76^th year, has possessed the lands on a Tack of the late Lord Lovat for a yearly rent of £5, 17s, 11d. for 46 years, and continued loyal to his sovereign notwithstanding the temptation he was under of joining in the rebellion of 1745. John, the son, had served seven years in his Majesty’s 78^th Regt. of Foot, Simon Fraser, Colonel, when, on account of the Regiment being reduced, he obtained his discharge, which is enclosed, of date at Glasgow 14 Decr. 1763. Also a certificate in favour of the old man John, from the Kirk session of Boleskin. Fear that they were to be dispossessed to let in Donald Fraser in Easter Borlum, brother-in-law of Mr. Fraser of Gortuleg, had brought them to Edinr. At that severe season to lay their case before the Board. Read Feb. 1769.

Petition of Lieut. John Fraser, late of the 78^th Regt., praying to be put in possession of Bunchegavie and for a lease. William Fraser of Belloan is dead, and is succeeded by his brother Donald, late in Borlum, whom the Board ordered formerly to be put in possession of Bunchegavie. The Petitioner is a nephew of Donald, who is willing to cede possession of the farm to the Lieut. Read 26 June 1769

Petition of Lieut. John Fraser, late of Col. Fraser’s Regt. Late Wm. Fraser of Balloan, was the Petitioner’s uncle, relative to a competition as to parties who should get possession of a farm. Read 3 July 1769, - Memorial for Elizabeth Fraser, widow of deceased Wm. Fraser of Balloan, and others, read 3 July 1769. Memorial of Lieut. Alexr. Fraser of Col. Fraser’s Regt. who was preferred to the farm (Ruthven). Read 3 July 1769.

Source:

Millar, A. H. A Selection of Scottish Fortified Estate Papers, 1715; 1745. Edinburgh, Scottish Historical Society, 1909, p. 130; 142. Print.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Taking Title of Mount Murray

Title.-- "Grant of the 27th of April, 1762, by the Honourable James Murray, Esq. Governor of Quebec, to Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser, of His Majesty's 78th Regiment of Foot, of all that extent of land lying on the North Shore of the St. Lawrence, from the North side of the River of Malbay to the River Noire, and for three leagues back, to be known hereafter, at the special request of the said Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser, by the name of Mount Murray, together with the woods and rivers or other appurtenances within the said extent, right of fishing or fowling, within the same, included. All kinds of traffic with the Indians of the back country hereby specially excepted."

History of Mount Murray
MOUNT MURRAY, is a British grant en fief et seigneurie, in the co. of Saguenay; it reaches from the north side of the R. Malbay, along the bank of the St. Lawrence, as far as the River Noire or Black River, and is three leagues in depth. Granted Apr. 27, 1762, to Lieut. Malcolm Fraser, Esq, this seigniory is separated from Murray Bay by Malbay River, and contains only a small proportion of cultivated land in comparison to its size. The general surface is mountainous, but in some places the soil is moderately good: timber of all kinds is plentiful and very fine, particularly pine. The lands under the best state of improvement are those along R. Malbay for about six miles. A tolerable good road passes through these settlements, on which are many farm houses and dwellings. The manor-house, belonging to Colonel Fraser, called Mount Murray, is well situated at the entrance of the bay on the east side, and is surrounded by a large tract of well-cultivated lands. This grant is watered by several streams, whose waters are not more than sufficient to work the mills. From the River Noire, along the borders of the St. Lawrence, and as far into the interior as the country has been explored, are only mountains of stone almost without the slightest vegetation. Limestone is abundant in this S. The chief articles of trade are deals, boards, fire-wood and some wheat: the salmon caught between the River Noire and Malbay are sold at Quebec.

Source:

Bouchette, Joseph. "A Topographical Dictionary of the Province of Lower Canada." Longman & Company, Quebec, 1832.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Land Petition of Sundry Private Soldiers of the 78th Regiment of Foot

In 1802, eleven former soldiers of the 78th Regiment of Foot reduced in America petitioned the Quebec Government for wastelands of the Crown pursuant to the proclamation of 1763. Having never previously received approval for land for any number of reasons; lost paperwork and the inability to accurately prove who they were, including former military service, would have certainly delayed or even forgone the original approval process.

Quebec 9th. February 1802

To His Excellency Sir Robert Shore Milnes, Baronet, Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Lower Canada &c, &c, &c, in Council~

The petition of Sundry Non-Commissioned officers and private Soldiers of British Regiments and Provincial Corps who were reduced in America – in behalf of themselves and their several and respective families whose names and designations are inserted in a General Schedule hereunder annexed~

Humbly Shewith,

That your petitioners faithfully served His Majesty at various periods of their lives and were reduced in America, thereby coming within the description of persons entitled to grants of certain portions of the waste lands of the Crown, under the authority of the Royal Proclamation and Instructions.

That from want of due information and advice as well as labouring under many other local disadvantages diverse of Your Petitioners who bore arms at the conquest of Canada, and have ever since been settled in the province, were thus deprived of the benefits which would have resulted for themselves and families had they at the time received His Majesty’s Bounty, pursuant to the proclamation of 1763, when in the prime and vigor of their lives they were best able to enjoy and improve their lands.

That such of Your Petitioners come under the foregoing description, humbly conceive it would be an act of justice and indemnity, should it please Your Excellency in Council to comprehend them under the same regulations which govern the Grants to His Majesty’s reduced Forces of 1783 and since the American War, by allowing to them severally Two Hundred Acres and to their wives & Children fifty acres each, as extended by Lord Dorchester to the Loyalists and various other persons.

That Your Petitioners have never received their bounty lands in this or any of His Majesty’s Colonies or provinces in America.

That unable to ascertain what tracts are open for application at present –

Your petitioners humbly prey-

That Your Excellency in council will be pleased to assign unto them Two Hundred Acres each, and such as are married Fifty Acres to their wives and Child respectively, in any Township of equal quality to those awarded to Loyalists and meritorious subjects-

And as in duty bound will ever pray-

                                                                                     R Phillips in behalf

                                                                                     of the Petitioners

Name: James Forbes

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 10 Septr. 1763

Residence:

Trade or Occupation: Labourer

Family:

Remarks: 78th Regt.

Name: John McLeod

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 10 Septr. 1763

Residence:

Trade or Occupation: Farmer

Family:

Remarks: 78th Regt.

Name: Robert Robertson

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 10 Septr. 1763

Residence:

Trade or Occupation: Labourer

Family:

Remarks: 78th Regt.

Name: Dond. McKinnon

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 

Discharged: 

Residence:

Trade or Occupation: 

Family: Wife & 10 Children

Remarks: 78th Regt., By affidavit

Name: Dond. Kennedy

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 12 years

Discharged: 24 Augt. 1769

Residence:

Trade or Occupation: 

Family: A Wife & 4 Children

Remarks: 15th & 78th Regt.

Name: John Frazer

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 11 Septr. 1763

Residence:

Trade or Occupation: 

Family: A Wife & 9 Children

Remarks: 78th Regt.

Name: William Ross

Rank: Corporal

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 11 Septr. 1763

Residence: Rimouskie

Trade or Occupation: 

Family: A Wife & 6 Children

Remarks: 78th Regt. Received an order for 1200 acres

Name: Rand. McDonell

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 11 Septr. 1763

Residence: New Carlisle

Trade or Occupation: Farmer

Family: A Wife & 3 Children

Remarks: 78th Regt. Certificate annexed

Name: Duncan Cumming

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 8 years

Discharged: 

Residence: Montreal

Trade or Occupation: 

Family: A Wife & 7 Children

Remarks: 60 & 78th Regt. Certificate annexed

Name: John Fraser

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 11 Septr. 1763

Residence: St. Anns

Trade or Occupation: Blacksmith

Family: A Wife & 9 Children

Remarks: 78th Regt. Certificate annexed

Name: John Buchanan

Rank: Private

Born: Scotland

Time of Service: 7 years

Discharged: 20 Septr. 1763

Residence: 

Trade or Occupation: Labourer

Family: 

Remarks: 78th Regt. Certificate annexed

Source:

"Schedule of certificates and discharges of non-commissioned officers and soldiers reduced in America." LAC, Lower Canada Land Papers, RG1 L3L, vol. 157.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017. 

Petitions of Captain Hugh Fraser, 1764

Petition of Capt. Hugh Fraser, born on the Estate of Lovat, late of the 78^th Regiment, for a farm. He had served his Majesty 28 years, 26 of which in the 27^th Regiment. In the war before the last in the West Indies, and in Scotland all the winter Campaign during the late rebellion, and all the last war in America, and was at the reduction of Ticonderoga, Crown Point, Isle aux Noire, and Montreal. He purchased a Company in the Hon. Col. Simon Fraser’s corps, but the peace following soon thereafter the regiment was reduced, and he way put on half-pay. Read 13 Feb. 1764.

Petition of Capt. Hugh Fraser, late of the 78^th Regiment, has been above 30 years in the service, and in the last Campaign in America as a Capt. In the 78^th Regt., and on the peace being concluded the regiment was disbanded. Had prevailed on his uncle, Andrew Fraser of Aigas, to give up a small possession of Inchlair, of £7, 12s. 1d. ster. of rent, and having laid out some expenses, although only from year to year, hopes to get a lease of the same. Read 27 Feb. 1769.

Source:

Millar, A. H. A Selection of Scottish Fortified Estate Papers, 1715; 1745 [Edinburgh, Scottish Historical Society, 1909].

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017. 

Calendar of New York Colonial Land Papers; Soldiers of the 78th Regiment

Be sure to explore our Quebec Land Petitions as some of these same names will appear in both areas.  We have currently identified upwards of 250 soldiers of the 78th Regiment that remained in North America after 1763.

Working through the assistance of the New York State Archives at Albany, we've secured digital copies of the following land petitions.

1763 Petitions
Sept. 14. Certificate of Major Abercrombie that Roderick Fraser, corporal in Capt. Hugh Cameron’s company of the 78th regiment, served for the space of seven years.

Nov. 29. Certificate of Alexr. McLeod, captain of the 78th regiment, that Donald Fraser is dismissed, and allowed to go about his lawful affairs.

1764 Petitions
Feb. --. Petition of Allan McArthur, Donald Livingston, Donald Irvin, David McLeah and Kenneth McKenzie, late soldiers of the 78th regiment, praying their quota of the lands to be granted pursuant to his majesty’s proclamation.

Oct. 12. Certificate of Genl. Gage, that Ensign Alexr. Fraser, junr., served during the war.

Oct. 14. Memorial of Ensign Alexr. Fraser, late of His Majesty's 78th regiment, praying a grant of land in the county of Albany, east of Husdon's River, north of land lately laid out for Lieut. James Bain and Wm. Gregor.

Nov 6. Return of survey for Allan Cameron, late serjeant in the 78th Regiment, of 200 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

Nov. 6. Return of survey for Alexr. Fraser, late serjeant in the 78th regiment, of 200 acres of land in the county of Albany, east side of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

Nov. 6. Return for survey for Alexr. Fraser and John Fraser, late privates in the 78th regiment, of 100 acres of land in the county of Albany, (Rupert, Vermont).

Nov. 6. Return for survey for Wm. Fraser, late serjeant in the 78th regiment, of 200 acres of land in the county of Albany, (Rupert, Vermont).

Nov. 6. Return of survey for Donald Livingston, Allan McArthur, and Jno. McDonald, late privates in the 78th regiment, of 150 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

Nov. 6. Return of survey of Jno. Mcintosh, late private in the 78th regiment, of 50 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

Nov. 6. Return of survey for George Stuart and John McDonald, late private soldiers in the 78th regiment, of 100 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

Nov. 6. Return of survey for Alexr. Fraser, late serjeant in the 78th regiment, of 200 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

1765 Petitions
[No date]. Certificate of Major James Abercrombie that Alexr. McKenzie served as soldier in the 78th regiment, and discharged 14th Sept., 1763.

[No date]. Certificate of Major John Small that Alexr. McKenzie served in the 78th regiment during the war, &c., 2d March, 1766.

[No date.] Petition of Angus McDonald, private of the 78th regiment, Miles Carmichal and John Black of said regiment, and John Sutherland, private of the 77th regiment, for a grant of 200 acres of land on the east side of Kinderhook river.

Jan. 19. Certificate of Major James Abercrombie, that Donald Cuthbert served as soldier in the 78th regiment, 10th Sept. 1763.

May 9. Return of survey of Thomas McPherson, late private in the 78th regiment, of 50 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

May 9. Return of survey for Donald McIntyre, late corporal in the 78th regiment, of 50 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

May 9. Return of survey for Donald McGilvray, John McKinvin, Donald Irvin, Kenneth McKenzie, all privates in the 78th regiment, and John Forbes, George Southerland and Donald McColl, late privates in the 77th, of a tract of 350 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

May 9. Return of survey for Donald Urquhart, John Sutherland, John Simpson and John McIntire, late privates in the 78th regiment, of a tract of 200 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

May 23. Return of survey for Allan Cameron, late corporal in the 78th Regiment, of 200 acres of land in the county of Albany, east of Hudson’s river, (Rupert, Vermont).

May 30. Return of survey for Alexr. McKaga, late a private in the 60th regiment, of a tract of 50 acres of land in the county of Albany, south of a tract surveyed for Allan Cameron, late corporal in the 78th regiment, (Rupert, Vermont).

June 15. Petition for Hugh Fraser, late Lieut. in the 78th regiment, for a grant of 2,000 acres of land, on the east side of the Hudson’s river.

July 23. Return of survey for Evan Cameron, late corporal in the 78th regiment, of a tract of 200 acres of land on the east side of the Hudson’s river, in the county of Albany.

Oct. 21. Return of survey for Roderick Fraser, late corporal in the 78th regiment, a tract of 200 acres of land in the county of Albany, on the east side of Hudson’s river.

1766 Petitions
June 22. Certificate of Lieut. Alexr. Fraser, that James Ross served as serjeant in the 78th regiment, commanded by Capt. Fraser, and in Capt. McDonell’s company.

July 8. Petition of James Ross, late serjeant in the 78th regiment, praying that the 200 acres of land formerly petitioned for by them be located in the county of Albany, east of Lake Champlain, and north of lands petitioned for by Lieut. Wm. Barron.

Dec. 1. Certificate that Alexr. Fraser served as corporal in the 78th regiment during the war.

Oct. 24. Memorial of Lieut. Alexander Fraser, of the late 78th regiment, for a grant of 2,000 acres of land, in the townships of New Fane and Townsend.

1767 Petitions
Jan. 18. Certificate that Alexander Robertson served as soldier of the 78th regiment.

Feb. 17. Petition of Alexr. Fraser, late corporal in the 78th regiment, for a grant of 200 acres of land to the east of a tract of 1,000 acres granted to Capt. Shirreff on Lake Champlain.

Mar. 23. Petition of Duncan Weir, serjeant in the 78th regiment, Alexr. McDonald, private, and Duncan McArthur, private in said regiment for a grant of lands near Dear Field on the west side of the Connecticut river.

1768 Petitions
Apr. 27. Petition of Kenneth McCullock, late ensign of the 78th regiment, for 2,000 acres of land on the west side of the North river, in the county of Albany.

1771 Petitions
Feb. 2. Petition of Simon McTavish, in behalf of his father John McTavish, lieutenant in the 78th regiment, for a grant of 2,000 acres of land to the east of Schohary kill.

Apr. 16. Petition of Alexr. Gray, late corporal in the 78th regiment, for a grant of 200 acres of land adjoining to Major Campbell’s land on Lake Champlain, and near Crown Point.

Sep. 11. Certificate of Lieut. Alexr. Fraser that John McGillivray served as corporal in the 78th regiment during the war, 7th April 1767.

Source:

New York Secretary's Office. Calendar of New York Colonial Manuscripts, Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803. [New York, 1864].

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017.

This article was last updated 26 April 2020.

Land Petitions

Be sure to explore Colonial New York Land Surveys as some of these same names will appear in both areas. Additionally, we've also included a few extra land petitioners from the 78th Regiment dated in 1802.

There are 3 steps involved with Land Grants:

• Land petitions
• Land allotments
• Letters patents

1. Land Petitions

When New France became a British colony in 1763, a new land system was introduced. Lands were granted as part of townships in areas not already seigneury lands. Many early settlers, both military and civilian, submitted petitions to the Governor to obtain Crown land.

2. Land Allotments
If approved, the petitioner would obtain land on which to settle and work. Full ownership was often contingent on certain conditions being met, such as clearing, building, etc.  Authorities wanted to make sure that people actually settled the land and established themselves: colonization was the primary goal.

3. Letters Patent [Lands Granted]
Once the conditions were satisfied, the Government issued a Letter Patent, representing the final confirmation of a land grant. The two volume publication showing the successful land grants, List of Lands Granted by the Crown in the Province of Quebec from 1763 to 31st December1890, is available at the Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah or remotely using their online catalog.

There is, in the archives of the Registrar's Department in Quebec, Canada, no trace or rather no registration of the land grants which may have been made under the original issuing instructions at the conclusion of the war in 1763. According to these instructions, all Crown lands were to be granted in free tenure and without any other condition than the reservation of the right of the Crown to resume possession of the whole or part of the land granted in the event of its being required for military purposes.

The newly formed government limited the extent of military concessions as follows:

Staff Officers: 5,000 acres
Captains: 3,000 acres
Subalterns: 2,000 acres
Non-commissioned officers: 200 acres
Private men: 50 acres

1762 Petitions

Apr. 27: Joseph Bouchette [1774-1841], in his Topographical Description of Lower Canada, says that the seigniories of Malbaie and Mount Murray were granted on 27 April 1762 to Captain John Nairn and Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser, two officers of the 78th Regiment. We were able to locate both of these concessions in the Department.

1765 Petitions

Mar. 15: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 15 March 1765, 12 serjeants were listed; two in the 2nd Battalion 60th Royal American Regiment, and 10 in the 78th Regiment as follows:

"The Petition of Alexander Simpson and John McLone late Serjeants in the 2nd Battalion of the 60th Regiment, James Thompson, Hugh Tulloch, William Gunn, James McDonell, John Fraser, James Sinclair, Alexander Ferguson, Alexander Lieth, Lachlan Smith and Donald Fraser late Serjeants in the 78th Regiment."

This petition shows that of the 10 serjeants in the 78th Regiment, two were not among those previously listed; namely, Alexander Leith and Lauchlin Smith, the latter becoming the future father-in-law of Joseph Fraser, son of Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser of Mount Murray [1733-1815].

May 14: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 14 May 1765, Malcolm Fraser, late serjeant in the 78th Regiment, and entitled to two hundred acres of land, filed his paperwork with the Quebec Government. No location for the proposed property is mentioned; however, it is suggested the grant be tied together with 'the twelve reduced serjeants that have already petitioned.' This remark to reference land petition dated at 15 March 1765.

May 19: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 19 May 1765, one corporal and 22 private soldiers are listed as having served with the 78th Regiment as follows:

"The Petition of Donald McKenivan*, late Corporal, James Campbell, Edward Davidson, Thomas Davidson, George McAdam, Donald Clark, John Grant, Alex`r Cormac, John Chisolm, Alexander McDonald, Ranald McDonald, Alexander McNab, Thomas Cameron [1], Thomas Cameron [2], John Robie, Alexander Fraser, Angus McDonald, Duncan McCraw, James Forbes, Finlay Munro, Willm McNabb, Murdoch McPherson, Willm McKenzie, late Private Soldiers in the 78th Regiment, and William Campbell late Private in the 47th Regt." 

*Most likely Corporal Donald McKinnon.

Albeit seven of these men are listed on the regiment's Subsistence Rolls in 1763, they were not among those previously listed as having been discharged in Canada in 1763; namely, Donald Clark, Alexander McDonald, Alexander McNabb, Angus McDonald, Duncan McCraw, William McNabb, Finlay Munro; and four additional men were not among those previously listed as having served in the 78th; those being John Grant, Thomas Cameron, John Robie, and William McKenzie.

Note: Of the two soldiers named Thomas Cameron, one served on the 78th Foot (his spouse is Marie Francoise Roy), while the second soldier's military regiment is unknown.

May 31: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 31 May 1765, the petition of Alexander McArthur and John Simson, late Private Soldiers in His Majesty's 78th Regiment of Foot. Alexander McArthur appears in Captain Archibald Campbell's Company, and John Simpson in the Colonel's Company when the regiment disbanded in 1763. Private men were entitled to 50 acres of land.

June 1: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 1 Jun 1765, the Petition of Donald Williamson, late Private in the 78th Regiment, John Valance - late Serjeant, John Thomas, Francis Anderson, John Lee, and Joseph Thompson, late Private in the 2d Battalion Royal American Regiment, Mackrick Sears, James Turner and Michael OBryean, late Private in the 47th Regiment.

Jul. 25: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 25 Jul 1765, James Abercrombie, Major, 78th Regt., petitions the Honorable James Murray, Governor of the Province of Quebec, for five thousand acres of land in "any of the Colonies in North America."

Nov. 20: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 20 Nov 1765, Peter Stuart and Donald McDonald petition the government for land located in the Bay of Chaleur, a familiar area for grant approval. Stuart's name appears twice as fighting on the Plains of Abraham, both in the 78th Regiment, and Donald McDonald's name appears in both the 78th Regiment [numerous instances] and also the 2nd Battalion of the 60th Royal American Regiment.

1766 Petitions

Four additional soldiers from the 78th Regiment: Alexander McNab, James McKenzy, Duncan Mcray, and Murdoc Morrison, petition the Crown in this 1766 document. Two of these men - namely, Alexander McNab and Duncan Mcray [or Mcraw,] appear in the May 1765 petition. McNabb, McKenzey, and Morrison appear to be recently discharged soldiers from the 15th Foot.

Aug. 18: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 18 Aug 1766, the Petition of Donald Mackay and John Anderson, discharged soldiers in the 78th Regiment.

Aug. 23: Petition of Donald Mackay, a discharged soldier in the 78th Regiment.

Aug. 27: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 27 Aug 1766, Mr. Alex`r Mackay late Serjeant of the 78th Regt. present at Berthier, petitioned for his lands at the Bay of Challour, has given a toleration to Mr. James Thomson Town Sargeant to draw for him not being himself present. This is most likely Alexander McKay, Serjeant, in Capt. Hugh Fraser's Company when the regiment disbanded in 1763.

Jul. 30: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 30 July 1768, Ranald MacDonell, late discharged soldier from the 78th and 15th Regiments of Foot, is listed in the Department as filing with the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Quebec. There were many soldiers from the 47th and 78th Regiments that transferred to the 15th Regiment at the conclusion of the war in 1763, electing to stand guard on the province through 1768.

1787 Petition

May 20: To His Excellency Frederick Haldemand Esq. Captain General and Commander in Chief of His Majestys Province of Quebec, Vice Admiral of the same:

The humble petition of George GEDDES of Piercie Sheweth

Quebec 20 May 1787 George Geddes [signature]
To Jenkin Williams Esq.

Witness David Miles Clerk of the Council

1800 Petition

Jul. 8: Petition of John Ross of Maskinonge in the District of Three Rivers. That he served as a corporal in His Majesty's 78th Regiment commanded by Colonel Fraser at the Siege of Louisbourg and conquest of Canada in 1759 and 1760. That the petitioner is in an advanced state of age and has a wife and twelve children.

Sources:
Quebec National Archives. Land Petitions of Lower Canada, 1764-1841.

Fraser, Marie. Muster Rolls of the Old 78th Fraser Highlanders. Clan Fraser Society, 2017.

QFHS. Quebec Land Grants. May 2017.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017. 

Updated 29 May 2021