An imposing 18th-century War Office Building in the heart of London, a testament to the grandeur and strategic importance of the era's military administration. The structure, adorned with stately architecture, looms over the cobblestone street with its tall, arched windows and grand, columned entrance. (Jeffrey Campbell, War Office, London, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)
Orders Providing Camp Necessaries, 1757
War Office 14th January 1757
My Lord & Sir,
Having Signified His Majesty's Pleasure to George Ross Esqr. to provide forthwith Camp Necessaries for the Second Highland Battallion of Foot to be forthwith raised under the Command of Lieut. Colonel Simon Fraser, and Employed in the defence of His Majesty's Colonies in North America, for which £548.12.9 is to be allowed to the said Battallion, agreeable to the allowances made to the Regiments of 100 Men a Company; (excepting Copper Kettles for the use of the said Battallion instead of Tin ones) I am to acquaint you, it is His Majesty's Pleasure, that you do advance Two Thirds of the above sum of £548.1.9 for the said Battallion, to Geo. Ross Esqr., to provide the Camp Necessaries accordingly; and as soon as a proper Return shall be made to me, that the Camp Necessaries are all provided, I will send you the proper Warrant to vouch payment of the whole.
My Lord & Sir
Your most obedt.humble Servt.
Barrington
Rt. Honble Lord Viscount
Dupplin and Thos. Potter Esqr.
Paymaster General./
Note: George Ross, who represented a number British regiments, was the hired agent to Colonel Fraser's battalion for the duration of the war in North America.
Source:
War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Dec. 1756-Apr. 1757. LAC, W.O. 4, vol. 53 (Selections).
© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.
© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.