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 "all-volunteer force," some 1000 men strong, were a mixture of carpenters, blacksmiths, weavers, tailors, and a great many day labourers, aged as young as 17 and as old as 60. (Jeffrey Campbell, Brace of Mothers, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Early Recruiting Efforts

As recruiting for the newly established Second Highland Battalion began in January 1757, Colonel Simon Fraser, Commanding Officer, informed Lord George Beauclerk, Commander of Scottish forces in North Britain, as to the status of his recruiting efforts. 

The War Office in London authorized funding for 1040 men, and the battalion appears to have met its initial recruiting goal in just about 45 days. The following is a transcribed copy of that correspondence.

Colonel Simon Fraser to Lord George Beauclerk

Copy of a Letter from Lieut. Colonel Fraser,

to Captain Stewart Secry. to the Rgt. Honble. 

Lord George Beauclerk dated, Inverness 

1st March 1757.

Sir,

    I must beg you will acquaint My Lord George Beauclerk that the Battalion which I have the Honour to Command is Compleat. The Returns I found here amounted to 582, what I pick'd up myself at Edinburgh and in the several Countrys I passed through 150, which, with 306 which I got in three Days in the Fraser Country makes the whole number 1038. Rank and File without including some subalterns who have as yet made no returns. As in such a number raised in a hurry there must necessarily be many Exceptionable Men, I have not stopt the Recruiting, but have desired them to be nicer than at first, and I hope to have as many supernumerary as will enable me to Discharge any exceptionable ones.

    I hope My Lord George will Excuse my not sending a Regular Return, which I cannot tale upon me to do till I have seen and approve the Men; and as My Lord has order'd me to march them to Glasgow I'm afraid I shan't be able to make any regular Return till the Regimt. is all there, and that will be some time first, as many of them are in the most remote parts of the Highlands where they have been recruited. I have wrote General Napier the State of the Battalion but have begged his Excuse also for making no Return till I have seen the men.

    In case it should make the officers here remiss, I have not informed any here except General Leighton, that the Regiment is compleat, and I submit to my Lord George if it will be improper to say nothing of it for a week or two, as I have Expectations from two or three Quarters for some fine fellows, which I shan't have unless they think I stand in great need.

    In obedience to Lord Georges Commands I shall march Four Companies for Glasgow next week. 

I am sir &c.

Signed S: Fraser

Source: W.O. 1/974, pp. 365-6.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2024.

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.

Fair Winds Home

An 18th-century British army transport ship valiantly cutting through the high seas, with towering waves crashing against its sturdy wooden hull. The ship, adorned with the crimson and gold of the Royal Navy, is a majestic spectacle of maritime might, with its three towering masts fully rigged with billowing sails that stretch to the heavens. (Jeffrey Campbell, All Her Might, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Fair Winds Home

The instructions for disbanding and reducing the corps in North America were issued on 17 May 1763, by the War Office in London. And while a plan was put in motion on which regiments would remain in defense, the two Highland regiments commanded by Colonel Montgomery (77th Foot) and Colonel Fraser (78th Foot) were not addressed in the extremely detailed seven-page summation. The task of notifying both these colonels, including Lascelle's 47th Foot, Gansell's 55th Foot, Erskine's five companies, and others, was delegated to Secretary of State Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont for the Southern Department. That same day, Secretary-at-War Welbore Ellis wrote Egremont the following letter [TNA, WO 4/72, p.426].

War Office, 17 May 1763

My Lord,

I had the honor sometime ago, to submit to your Lordship's consideration, a Paper containing the intended disposition of His Majesty's forces; in which the Corps mentioned in the margin hereof, were propos'd to be brought to Great Britain, and Ireland, together with the reduced men of the 17th, 42d, 44th, & 45th Regts. If your Lordship should have no objection, you will take the King's pleasure thereupon, and be pleased to give such directions as you shall think proper, relating to transporting the said men, From North America to Europe.

I have the honor to be

My Lord, &c

W Ellis.

[To]

Earl of Egremont &c.

[Left margin]

For Great Britain

1st Foot. Erskine's 5 Compy's

77th Montgomery's

78th Fraser's

For Ireland

47th Lascelles's

55th Gansell's

Note: Egremont's notification letter to the various commanders has not been located.

Royal Bounty Money

Five months later, in October 1763, after a grueling 7-year war in North America, the funding of 14 days of subsistence was provided by the British Government to the soldiers of the 78th Regiment to carry them home to Europe. The money (referred to as Royal Bounty Money) was meant as an offset to supplement the costs of a service member's meals and travel expenses. Under this declaration, each man, either single or married, was funded at the daily rate of four shillings, eight pence (or 56d.) for related travel expenses. 

The funding outlined in the following document, when referenced in concert with the official Embarkation Return of the 47th and 78th Regiment, will assist in determining the final makeup of passengers of the 78th Regiment who returned to the United Kingdom two months later. Unfortunately, a named manifest is not available. The funding of three shillings of sword money, a stipend given to corporals and private soldiers for turning in their swords, was annexed separately. It is thought that any of the original serjeants brought swords with them when draughted from other regiments.

Signed by Governor James Murray (countersigned by H.T. Cramahé), the warrant allows for the funding of 80 pounds, two shillings to Paymaster Captain Alexander Campbell of the 78th Regiment (or his assigns) and reads as follows:

By the Honble James Murray Esq:r

Governor of Quebec &c.

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 Capt. Alexander Campbell Paymaster of His Majesty’s 78th Regiment of Foot or his assigns, the sum of Eighty Pounds, two shillings Sterling, in Dollars at four Shillings and eight Pence each without Deduction, being for fourteen days Subsistence for each man to carry him Home, and His Majesty’s Royal Bounty of three Shillings for their swords as p. the annexed amount, and for so doing this with the acquittance [sic] of the said Captain Alexander Campbell or his assigns, shall be your Sufficient Warrant and Discharge.

Given under my Hand at Quebec

This 17th Day of October 1763

/Signed Ja: Murray

[left margin]
Ster:
£80 “ 2 ~
Dollars

To John Powell Esq[ui]r[e]
D[eput]y. Paym[aste]r: to His Majesty’s
Forces in Quebec

/Countsd H T Cramahé

Old English Money

The history of English money dates back to shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066 when the monetary British pound was divided into 20 shillings or 240 pennies. 

Before the year 1971, the British currency was originally divided as follows:

• pounds (£ or l.)
• shillings (s.) and
• pennies (d.)

Under this system, there were 12 pennies (or pence) in one shilling and 20 shillings (or 240 pence) in one pound. Pence were further subdivided into farthings and half-pennies as late as 1969 when they were abolished as legal tender throughout the United Kingdom. And by applying a wee bit of math, we're able to identify the ratio of soldiers to dependents authorized to sail home in October 1763.

The math:

£80 (pounds) multiplied by 240d. (pence per pound) equals 19200d. Add 2s. (shillings, or 24d.) for a total of 19224d. Further divide 19224d by the daily rate (4s., 8d. each soldier, or 56d.) for a total of 343.28.

 

Funding was provided for 343 soldiers to return home.

Embarkation Return

Simply put, the embarkation return, dated 12 October 1763 at Quebec, was a numerical manifest of passengers who set sail on board the two transport ships Briton and Neptune to Glasgow, Scotland, and Portsmouth, England, respectively. As each transport was originally built to carry one man per tonnage (a measure of the cargo-carrying capacity of a ship), it was necessary to refit both vessels to support two men per tonnage, essentially doubling the cargo weight. Since both transports departed Quebec a few days later, it would be necessary to complete the work while underway.

Transport ship: Briton

Shipmaster: Josias Hutchinson.

Built: 1762, Parr & Co.

Original tonnage: 140

Passengers: 78th Regiment - 283; 4th Battalion, 60th Royal American Regiment - 2.

 

Refit included:

• 12 planks of two-inch, each one hundred twenty boards.
• 300 of two shilling nails.
• 300 of 12d. nails.
• 300 of 8d. nails.
• 150 bricks of lime (to make an area for officers to cook provisions).
• 20 water butts.

Extra bedding material was requested to the Agent of Transports at New York, however, none was available to provide. [Library and Archives Canada, Microfilm C-12837, image 489; W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 121].

 

Briton arrived on 25 November 1763 in Glasgow, Scotland, and the soldiers disbanded on 14 December at Glasgow Green, a park situated on the east end of Glasgow, on the north bank of River Clyde. While some men with time remaining on their contracts continued service in North America, 43 men that paid to take their discharges in lieu of "were not be entitled to His Majesty's Bounty" [Lord George Beauclerk to Welbore Ellis, 5 Dec. 1763. W.O. 1/615, p.595].

Transport ship: Neptune

Shipmaster: Edward Symonds

Built: unknown

Original tonnage: unknown

Passengers: 78th Regiment - 76 invalid men, women, &c.; 47th Regiment - 98 invalid men, women, &c.; 2nd Battalion, 60th Royal American Regiment - 58 invalid men, women, &c.

Refit included:

• 50 boards with nails.
• Additional artificers to fit more births.
• 10 water butts.

Extra bedding material was requested and provided for by the Agent of Transports in New York. [Library and Archives Canada, Microfilm C-12837, image 491; W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 121].

 

Neptune arrived on 1 December 1763 in Portsmouth, England, allowing the invalid men an opportunity to seek medical care at Royal Chelsea Hospital, London. She also sustained damage making her way through the Catwater as chronicled in the following contemporary letter.

"...On Thursday last the Neptune Transport arriv'd from Quebec with Troops, the Master of her informs me he drove her ashore in Catwater and is apprehensive she has receiv'd some damage; If it is anything material I shall acquaint you, if not shall order him to proceed to Deptford agreeable to your desire to me on that head [Fredk. Rogers, Plymouth Yard, 4 December 1763. TNA, ADM 106_1128, p.277].

Of the 359 passengers of the 78th Regiment who embarked on the voyage home, 343 are identified as soldiers, while the remaining 16 passengers consisted of women and children.

Disbanding Orders for the 77th and 78th Regiments

Letter of Welbore Ellis (Secretary at War) to Lord George Beauclerck (Commander in Chief, Scotland), War Office, 30 November 1763.

[Left margin]

Orders and Instructions for 

disbanding the 77th Regt. of

Foot, commanded by Colo. Montgomery

George R.

Whereas We have thought fit to order the 77th Regt of Foot commanded by Our Trusty & Welbeloved Colonel Archibald Montgomery to be forthwith disbanded; Our Will and Pleasure therefore is, that you, or such Person or Persons as you shall appoint for this Service, do repair to the Quarters of Our said Regiment and disband them accordingly, in doing whereof, the following Rules are to be observed.  Viz.:

1st – Before such Disbanding, you are to cause an exact Muster to be taken of the said Regiment, which you may draw together at one or more of the several respective Quarters, or Places adjacent, as you shall see most convenient, and give an Account of their Condition and numbers, at the Time of their Disbanding, to Our Secretary at War for Our Information.

2dly – And Whereas Our Intention is only to pay off, at present, and clear the noncommissioned Officers and private Soldiers of Our said Regiment, and give an Allowance of Half Pay to the commissioned Officers, from the Time of their Disbanding, you are to take care before their Disbanding, that the Quarters of Our said Regiment be duly satisfied; that the Accounts between the noncommissioned Officers & private Men and their Officers, be made up to the Day of their Discharge, and that they be fully satisfied and paid their Arrears, or other just Pretentions whereof the said Officers are to produce Acquittances and Discharges from them respectively.

3rdly – That care to be taken that the [380] Arms delivered out of Our Stores of Ordnance, and indented for, be returned thither again, and Acquittances taken for the same.

4thly – That care be taken that each noncommissioned Officer and private Soldier hereby to be disbanded, be permitted to carry away with him his Cloaths, Belt, and Knapsack which he now wears, and that each private Soldier, Corporal and Drummer, be paid three Shillings for his Sword, which is to be delivered with the other Arms into Our Stores of Ordnance; And We being pleased to allow each Serjeant, Corporal, Drummer and private Man, who shall be hereby disbanded, fourteen Days Subsistence, as of Our Royal Bounty, to carry them home, you are to cause Payment to be made of the same, to each of them respectively, out of such monies as shall be advanced for that purpose, and to take Receipts for the same, from each noncommissioned Officer and private Soldier respectively, & transmit them to Our Paymaster General as Vouchers for the Bounty Money so paid, and you are to send to Our Secretary at War, an authentick [sic] List attested in the best Manner, by yourself, or Officer commanding Our said Regiment, of the Names of the noncommissioned Officers and Private Soldiers so disbanded, and to give them Passes in case they shall desire the same, to the Places of their former Residence, allowing them a convenient Time to repair thither, & giving them likewise in strict Charge, that they do not presume to travel with any Arms, nor more [381] than three in Company together, upon pain of the severest Punishment.  

       And to the ends the said noncommissioned Officers and private Men may be sensible of the Care We have taken of them upon their Dismissions, you are to cause These Our Directions to be read at the Head of each Company for a more ready Compliance with Our Pleasure hereby signified, and see the same be put in Execution.  Given at Our Court at St. James’s this 30th Day of November 1763, in the fourth Year of Our Reign.

                                  By H[is].M[ajesty’s].C[ommand].  

                                                W. Ellis

To

Our Trusty and Welbeloved George Beauclerck, Esqr (commonly called Lord George Beauclerck) or to the Person or Persons appointed by him for the Service within mentioned.

Like Orders and Instructions, of the same Date, for disbanding the 78th Regiment of Foot, commanded by Colonel Simon Fraser.

Source: TNA, WO/26/26, pp.379-381.

A very warm "thank you" to Mr. Earl Chapman, 78th Regiment Historian, for his transcription of our document of the disbanding orders.

Notes:

James Murray - joined the British army in 1739/40 and served in the West Indies and Europe. Sent to North America in 1757 as a lieutenant colonel during the Seven Years’ War, he commanded a brigade in 1758 during the successful British siege of Louisbourg, in what is now Nova Scotia, under Jeffery Amherst. He was one of General James Wolfe’s three brigadiers in the British expedition against Quebec in 1759. After the British captured the city, Murray was made its military governor. When the French capitulated in 1760, he became military governor of the Quebec district; he became the first civil governor of Quebec after its formal cession to Great Britain in 1763 [Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 September 2022].

Hector Theophilus Cramahé - a Swiss by birth; appointed Captain of the 15th Regiment, March 1754; served with the army in Louisbourg; appointed Deputy Judge-Advocate, 1759. After the capitulation of Quebec, September 18, 1759, he acted as Secretary to General Murray at Quebec; became Member of the Council in Quebec; and was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, June 6, 1771, and continued in office till 1782  [Earl Chapman, 78th Regiment Historian].

Captain Archibald Roy Campbell (1728-1779) - youngest son of John Campbell of Fortingall and Glenlyon who died in 1746, "Archie Roy" as he was commonly known,  was gazetted a lieutenant on January 23, 1757, in Captain John MacDonell’s Company of Colonel Fraser's then-Second Highland Battalion; listed among the officers who sailed for Louisbourg in 1758; wounded at the battle of Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759 [PRO, C5/51], made captain-lieutenant on December 13, 1759; wounded again at the battle of Sillery on April 28, 1760; promoted to captain on April 29, 1760 "in room of" Donald Macdonell killed. The following year his company was in garrison at Berthier, Quebec; commanded a company when the regiment was disbanded in 1763 and exchanged to half-pay. The London Gazeteer and New Daily Advertiser, Wed. Dec. 29, 1779, reported that “Capt. Archibald Campbell, of the late 78th regiment of foot" died of old wounds reopening on December 16, 1779 "At Armaddy in Argyllshire, Scotland" [Marie Fraser, Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, Canada].

Sources:

Orders and instructions for disbanding and reducing Forces in North America (royal autograph), May 1763. Kent History and Library Centre, U1350/O43/9B.

James Murray, Subsistence funding for the 78th Regiment, 17 October 1763, LAC, Microfilm C-10462, image 795: Letterbook/Copie de lettres, 1763-1771, RG 4, C 2, vol. 1.

Embarkation Return of the 47th and 78th Regiments (12 October 1763). Kent History and Library Centre, U1350/O53/6.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2022.

Marriages in the 78th Regiment, 1757-1765

A picturesque 18th-century panorama of Glasgow Green, a vast public park nestled in the heart of Scotland's bustling city of Glasgow, as seen from an elevated viewpoint in the year 1757. The lush, emerald landscape stretches out, dotted with clusters of mature trees that cast playful shadows on the gently rolling lawns. In the foreground, a group of well-dressed individuals are engaged in a lively conversation, while children frolic and laugh nearby. To the left, a majestic stone archway serves as an entrance to the green, adorned with intricate carvings that speak to the era's grandeur. (Jeffrey Campbell, Glasgow Green, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Marriages in the 78th Regiment, 1757-1765

Undoubtedly, the number one question we receive from individuals researching their Highlander ancestry is, are there marriage records available for British soldiers who served during the Seven Years' War in North America? The simple answer is yes and no. Researchers will have far better success if their soldiers married in Scotland, rather than expecting to locate a marriage record in Quebec, Canada, before 1764. If you have confirmation of a marriage that occurred during the war, we would love to hear from you.

Researching my family's missing marriage document c.1761 in Quebec has been quite a daunting task, and it is evident others also share in my same predicament. Our Highlander ancestor, Private William Campbell (1731-1811; parents unknown), a soldier in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, is purported to have married Marie Josephte Chartier (1732-1799; the proven daughter of Louis Chartier and Marie-Madeleine Lefevbre) either near the town of Berthier, which was established as regimental headquarters, or a few miles south near Deschambault-Grondines where their first child Marie was baptized in November 1761. In fact young Marie's baptismal entry in the parish records of Saint-Joseph-de-Deschambault even states: "...of the legitimate marriage of..." William and a small contingency of his battalion mates were stationed at Deschambault supporting a few companies of the 43rd Foot, both providing guard should any of the French begin traversing up the St. Lawrence River. However, 24 years later and still no record of a marriage has been uncovered. And after conversing with other researchers, I began to see a similar pattern emerge: there seems to be an archival black hole, so to speak, for British soldiers' marriage records between 1757-1763, in the various archives and parishes in/around Quebec. 

I recall reading that British military leadership excluded the destruction of parishes during the war [https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c369/389]. And although fires were deliberately set during the conflict to other buildings and farmhouses on both sides of the St. Lawrence River, places of worship, hospitals, and strategic garrisons were off-limits. Collateral damage, however, was and still remains a fact of war. Of course, natural disasters for the past few hundred years certainly could have also played a part in the missing records, too. Either way, I found this as both an anomaly and an opportunity to explore further 

The General's Orders [1]

Through my research in the Quebec Archives, one particular contemporary document was discovered, written in 1759 by General George Townshend, referencing General Jeffery Amherst, successor to General James Wolfe as commander of the British after he fell on the Plains of Abraham battlefield a few weeks earlier, on 13 September. Located within Townshend's Orderly book, this document appears to account for missing North American marriage records:

Quebec, 6 October 1759

"The General desires that the Commanding Officers of Regts. will not suffer their men to mary [sic] with the French."

In other words, senior leadership clearly established that British soldiers were forbidden from engaging in matrimony with the French Canadians during the conflict.

Religion

British soldiers of the Seven Years' War were primarily of the Protestant faith. Of the specific criteria outlined in the Recruiting Act, 1756-7 qualifying an individual for enlistment in the army, one particular bullet prohibited 'known Papists' from joining. Unlike their Irish counterparts, who were required upon enlistment to submit religious certificates attesting to their faith, [2] we've not uncovered supporting evidence requiring Scottish soldiers to provide the same documentation.

French-Canadians were primarily of the Roman Catholic faith. And while each religion recognizes and adheres to its practicing values, King George II did not recognize Roman Catholics during the war. Albeit we can only speculate his thoughts of the Catholic religion and its supporting people, General James Murray, a British soldier and governor of Quebec in 1760-68, in the summer of 1763, made his thoughts quite clear of the local inhabitants. In a September 1763 letter to General Amherst, Murray wrote: "...The present method of Cantoning the Troops in a new Conquer'd country, the Inhabitants of which, are of a different Religion from the Conquerors, and are of all the People upon the Earth the most ignorant, Superstitious, and Bigotted, consequently the most influenced by the Priesthood, seems to me very imprudent..." [3]

As it was clear King George II restricted his men in North America from marrying the local Quebecoise for many reasons (religion played a part, but the king also feared desertion through debauchery), the marriage order was rescinded in the summer of 1763, and the Roman Catholic religion was officially recognized in preparation for a new government. It was ordered in December 1763 that all public places of worship display a notice including a table of marriages.

Without Benefit of Clergy

In 2001, Marie Fraser of the Clan Fraser Society of Canada authored an article addressing the potential for marriages between British soldiers and local French ladies during the Seven Years' War. The following snippet appears in the article.

Some of these Fraser Highlanders turned to farming and raising a family in a strange land. It was inevitable that romances blossomed. However these conquering heroes faced a more formidable opponent in the form of the local priest, and his bishop, who were unwilling to solemnize marriages involving a Protestant groom. In Quebec in the 1760s and 1770s, many of the Scottish soldiers and their Roman Catholic brides lived without benefit of clergy, although their children were baptized, albeit in many cases the entry by the local priest noted that the child was illegitimate. Also, there were very few Protestant clergy in the country, and the women and their families would probably have been very unhappy about marrying in a Protestant church. Those who could afford to do so, had a marriage contract drawn up by the local notary as a means of legalizing their union. [Fraser, Marie (2005). 'The Old 78th Regiment of Foot'. 

https://web.archive.org/web/20061021041126/http://clanfraser.ca/78th.htm. Accessed 17 April 2023].

The Military Wedding

The following article first appeared on the Library and Archives Canada website and provides insight into "unofficial marriages" which may have been practiced among the British regiments. "Leaping over the sword" has its roots in ancient times and was said to constitute a military marriage.

When a relationship became serious enough, a form of wedding called "leaping over the sword" took place. In this ancient custom, the company would gather around a sword on the floor, in front of which stood the couple, hand-in-hand. A corporal or sergeant acting as the clergyman would order, "Leap, rogue, and jump, whore, and then you are married for evermore." The happy couple would jump over the sword hand-in-hand as the drum beat. From this moment, they were considered man and wife. The event was sometimes followed by a "hoisting," a ceremonial burial of bachelorhood ending in a small parade during which the groom was carried by two of his mates, preceded by a fife and drum playing "The Cuckold's March."

In principle, every soldier had to request official permission to marry. Very few did so, however, because the authorities did not look favourably upon their soldiers marrying. Not until the 1830s did they find a connection between the low desertion rate among married soldiers and the stabilizing influence of their wives. But even in 1863, after the social reforms had been introduced in the mid-nineteenth century, only eight percent of soldiers sent overseas were formally married. Given the many problems involved, it would appear that the vast majority preferred to remain single [http://www.cmhg-phmc.gc.ca/cmh-pmc/page-519-eng.aspx. Accessed 7 July 2023].

Marriage Records

The following is a list of transcribed marriage entries for soldiers that served in the 78th Regiment. Unless otherwise noted, the final disposition of each soldier has not been verified. Men may have transferred to other military regiments, suffered as a casualty of war, discharged in North America, or returned to Scotland at the end of their enlistment. And while approximately 50 Quebec marriage records for men who served in the 78th Foot have been recorded in the book entitled, Les premieres familles anglo-canadiennes issues des marriages mixtes au Quebec (Marcel Fournier, 2001), further analysis of each record needs to be performed to ensure its accuracy. Records will be added to this list upon verification.

It should be noted a predetermined number of women were authorized to accompany their husbands to North America and were instrumental in performing camp duties for the regiment, which would have included laundry, cooking, sewing, and caring for the children.

Anderson

n.p; n.d.

On October 3rd, 1757, the unnamed spouse of John Anderson is mentioned as having received £5 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, "for his [her husband's] use till clearing." [NAS, GD125-22-17-0003].

Cameron

The marriage contract between Thomas Cameron and Francoise Roy was drawn up by Jean-Claude Panet, Quebec notary, on 3 July 1772; the marriage occurred days later on 6 July 1772 at Saint Vallier, Bellechasse, Quebec, Canada. Although the contract does not support service in the 78th Regiment (1757-1763), that information is contained in his application for Crown land filed with the Quebec government on 26 August 1801. [Notarial records of Jean-Claude Panet housed at BAnQ, Montreal, Canada; LAC, Lower Canada Land Papers, RG 1 L 3L Vol. 54, pp. 27436-27440].

Chisholm

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

October, 28th, 1766

There were married Duncan Chisholm in Craigscorie late Soldier in Coll Frasers Regt & [...] Donegal in Craigscorie. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907499, image 702].

Ferguson

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

May 1st, 1757

Daniel Ferguson Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Janet McAula L[awful] D[aughter] of the deceas'd Thos. McAula Hammerman in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

Note: Daniel and Donald are sometimes, but not always, interchangeable in Scotland, because Domhnall, the Gaelic version of Donald, may be Anglicised as Daniel.

Forbes

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

January 31st, 1764

Hugh Forbes alias Grieasich in Aiges Soldier in Coll Fraser's Regt married to Ann Fraser in [...]. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907499, image 701].

Fraser

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

July 28, 1764

There was married at Beauly William Fraser late of Coll. Frasers Regmt. with [...] Hutchinson daughter of Alexr. Hutchinson there. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907599, image 702].

Ganstone

Edinburgh, Midlothian, Scotland

January 13, 1764

William Ganstone late Soldier in Colonel Frazers Regiment of foot and Helen Grant/daur. to Donald Grant Blacksmith in PiterHead / both indwellers in Canongate gave up their names to be proclaimed in order to marriage. [Parish registers of Cannongate Church, Edinburgh, 1564-1872. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 7908857, image 630].

Note: In 1763, he is recorded as William Ganson in Captain John Nairn's Company.

Gillies

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

April 17, 1757

Neill Gillies Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Margt. Brown Residg. in Blantire. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

MacArthur

n.p; n.d.

On October 3rd, 1757, the unnamed spouse of Alexander MacArthur is mentioned as having received £5 at Halifax, Nova Scotia, "for his [her husband's] use till clearing." [NAS, GD125-22-17-0003].

McAndrew

Kilmorack, Inverness, Scotland

June 12, 1764

There was married William Fraser McAndrew late Soldier in Coll. Frasers Regt. in Annat with Ann [?] Fraser the daughter to Thos. Mcfarqhar in Killmorack. [Parish registers for Kilmorack, 1764-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907499, image 702].

McIntire

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

April 17, 1757

Patrick McIntire Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Christian Bell Residg. in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

McLean

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

April 29, 1757

John McLean Surgeon of Collonel Frazers highland Battalion & Agnes Lang L[awful] D[aughter] of the deceas'd John Lang Mercht in Glasgow irregularly married & this day judicially adhered to before the South west session. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

Note: Appointed regimental surgeon 12 January 1757; the absent officer's list indicates "John MacLean, Surgeon, gone to England 20 October 1761 by leave of General Amherst." [Marie Fraser, Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, 2001].

McPherson

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

November 7, 1757

James McPherson Sergeant in Collonell Frazers Regiment & Mary Cameron Residg. in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 96].

McRae

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

May 8, 1757

Hugh McRae Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Janet McDonald along with said Battalion. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 90].

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

October 16, 1757

John McRae Soldier in Collonel Frazers Regiment & Isobel Campbell in the parish of Eastwood. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 96].

Munro

Phillipe Munro, b. 1736; de Kilmour, province de Ross, Ecosse, and Charlotte Girard, married 1772; Soldat du 78e regiment ecossais, en 1757, au siege de Quebec. Il s'etablit a St-Charles-Boyer [Tanguay, Dictionaire Genealogique Des Familles Canadiennes, vol. 6, p.129].

Ross

County Lanarkshire, Scotland

October 16, 1757

John Ross Soldier in Collonel Frazers Regiment & Katharine McKinzie both in Glasgow. [Old parochial registers for Glasgow, 1612-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 008075826, p. 96].

Sutherland

County Inverness-shire, Scotland

April 9, 1757

Marriage contracted March 1757. James Sutherland of Col. Fraser's Regimt. & Janet Polson. [Parish registers for Inverness, 1602-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907493, p. 61].

Wilkinson

Quebec, Canada

c.1760-63; [request for marriage license]

"Sir, please grant a License to Donald Wilkinson Soldier in the 78th Regiment to marry as He has no time to be proclaimed being obliged to go to Quebec in a few days P[lease] oblige Sir." [signed] John Campbell, Majr. 78th Regt. [Morphy Auctions online brochure, “French & Indian War Miscellany: Four (4) Military Documents and Letters,” Edged Weapons, Armor, & Militaria, Nov. 7-8, 2018, p.138. https://bit.ly/3ve11J5. Acc: November 17, 2019].

Note: Although the final disposition of Wilkinson's Quebec marriage license request remains unknown, he married Ann Tillow on 13 March 1761, at the Reformed Dutch Church, New Amsterdam, New York [Names of Persons for Whom Marriage Licenses were issued by the Secretary of the Province of New York Previous to 1784, Gideon Tucker, secretary of state, Albany, 1860; New Amsterdam Church Marriages 1750-1801]. 

Williamson

County Inverness-shire, Scotland

March 4, 1757

Marriage contracted February 1757. William Williamson of Col. Fraser's Regimt. & Margaret McGillvray. [Parish registers for Inverness, 1602-1854. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007907493, p. 61].

Note: In May 1762, Private Williamson and his spouse Margaret are found serving in Captain Simon Fraser's Company, garrisoned on the North Shore of Quebec's St. Lawrence River [TNA,T1/414].

Sources:

1. Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers. LAC, Microfilm C-369.

2. William Congreve to Wilmot, 10 March 1757. T3019/3122, PRO, Ireland. 

3. Murray to Amherst, 27 August 1763. LAC, W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 101.

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

This article was last updated on 4 April 2024.

Colonel Fraser's Request for Levying Assistance, 1757

An ethereal 18th-century Scottish Highlands countryside at the break of dawn. The sun, a fiery orb of gold, is just peeking over the distant, craggy peaks, casting a warm glow that slowly unfurls across the undulating landscape. In the foreground, a solitary stone cottage, with a thatched roof and a wisp of smoke curling from its chimney, stands sentinel against the vibrant backdrop of purple heather and emerald-green rolling hills. A narrow dirt path, flanked by ancient standing stones, snakes its way through the tranquil scene, leading the viewer's eye to a shimmering loch in the mid-distance. (Jeffrey Campbell, Scottish Highlands, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Colonel Fraser's Request for Levying Assistance, 1757

Letters from the Treasury Board concerning the raising of troops in the Scottish Highlands, and those estates fortified in 1747 as well as those relating to fortified estates that were annexed to the Crown in 1752 and managed by the Board of Commissioners for the Fortified Estates, at the request of Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Fraser and a copy letter to the factors ordering their assistance.

Commissioners Office for the Annexed Estates

Edinr. 7th January 1757

Sir,

By a minute of the Board of this date I am ordered to acquaint you; That His Majesty having directed a Body of Forces to be raised in the Highlands of Scotland; And Application having been made by Lieut Colonel Fraser To The Lords Commissioners of his Majestys Treasury, That the Factors & other officers upon the Annexed Estates might have orders from this Board, for each of them to give their utmost aid & assistance to the military officers who shall be employed in raising the said Troops. The Commissioners therefore, In pursuance of Instructions from the Lords of the Treasury for that effect, Have ordered that you do give your utmost aid and assistance towards the raising of the said troops; But that this is not to be understood to Supercede the orders you formerly had from this board for giving your Assistance in Levying the Quotas to be furnished by each County for Compleating the additional Battalions.

I am 

Sir

your most Humble Servt.

Cover sheet:

Copy Letter to the 

Factors on the Annexed Estates

Directing them to give their

assistance for raising the Highland Battalions

Letter of Samuel Martin

My Lords and Gentlemen,

His Majesty having directed a Body of Forces to be raised in the Highlands of Scotland; And application having been made by Lieutenant Colonel Fraser, to the Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury that the Factors and other officers on the Annexed Estates under your management may have directions for each of them to give their utmost aid and assistance to the Military Officers who shall be employed in raising the said Troops; And My Lords thinking the same may be for his Majesty's Service, They desire you will imediately transmit to your officers the necessary orders for that purpose.  I am

My Lords and Gentlemen

your most obedient Servt.

Saml: Martin

Treasury Chambers

26 January 1757

Cover sheet:

Letter from the Treasury

To The Commissioners for

managing the Annexed Estates

in Scotland.

26th Janry. 1757

Letter from the Treasury directing orders to be given for assisting Lieut Coll. Fraser in Levying Forces for his Majesty on the Annexed Estates.

Read 7th Febry. 1757.

Members of the Board for the Fortified Annexed Estates

Year of Appointment: 1755

Commissioners

Archibald, 3rd Duke of Argyll, 1682-1761.

John Hay, 4th Marquis of Tweedale, 1695-1762.

James Douglas, 14th Earl of Morton, c.1702-1768.

James Olgivie, 5th Earl of Findlaster and 2nd Earl of Seafield, c.1689-1764.

Hugh Hume, 3rd Earl of Marchmont, 1708-1781.

John Hope, 2nd Earl of Hopetoun, 1704-1781.

James Olgivie, Lord Deskford, 1714?-1770.

Charles Shaw, 9th Lord Cathcart, 1721-1776.

James, 12th Lord Somerville, 1697/8-1765.

Charles Hope Weir of Craigiehall, 1710-1791.

Andrew Fletcher, Lord Milton, 1692-1766.

Edward Edlin, d.1760.

John Maule of Inverkeillor, 1706-1781.

William Grant, Lord Prestongrange, 1701-1764.

Robert Dundas of Arniston, 1713-1787.

James Oswald of Dunnikier, 1715-1769.

Andrew Mitchell of Thainston, 1708-1771.

Gilbert Elliot of Minto, 1722-1777.

William Alexander, 1690-1761.

George Drummond, 1687-1766.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Watson, c.1713-1761.

Mansfeldt Cardonnel, 1697-1780.

Alexander Le Grand, 1682-1766.

Joseph Tudor, d.1774.

Sources:

"Commissioners for the Annexed Estates: Miscellaneous Letters." 1757-1782. NRS, E727/61.

Smith, Annette M. The Fortified Estate Papers, 1745: a study of the work of the Commissioners for the Fortified Annexed Estates, 1755-1784, with particular reference to their contribution to the development of communications in Scotland in the eighteenth century. Thesis, PhD, University of St. Andrews, Scotland. 1975. http://hdl.handle.net/10023/2923. [Accessed 13 August 2019].

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

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 the recruits' uniforms reviewed in Glasgow during this period, and about April 19th proceeding west to Portpatrick en route to Donaghadee, Ireland. From there, they would eventually march south to Cork, Ireland and depart for North America in 10 transport ships under cover of the Enterprize, a 40-gun man-of-war, on June 30, 1757.

In a letter to his brother, dated April 8, 1757 at Kilraick, Major Clephane discussed the first two companies departing together for Glasgow: "...I have at last sent off for Glasgow 124 recruits along with Colonel Fraser’s company (our two companies making the first division of the battalion)." Arthur Rose, Kilraick's uncle, would accompany Clephane's men on the march due to his pressing business around the country.

Expenses from Kilravock to Glasgow

Marcht from Kilraick Thursday 31 March 1757

Dulcey, 31st

1. For Entertenment: £0-10-0

Avemore, April 1st

2. For horse hire: £0-3-6

3. For Entertenment: £0-5-6

4. To McCoulmore for horse hire: £0-6-0

Ruven, April 2d & 3d

5. For Drams to the men: £0-13-6

6. For Entetenment for 2 days: £0-15-6

Dalnacardigk, April 4th

7. For Entetenment: £0-6-6

8. To the Seven Nairn men accounted for: £0-7-0
9. To John Innes 6 mens pay for 2 days accounted for: £0-6-0
10. To John Fraser 8 mens pay for 2 days accounted for: £0-8-0
11. To Donald McIntosh the Cook accounted for: £0-1-6
12. To the seven men sent back to Inverness: £0-7-0
13. To John Robertson accounted for: £0-?-0
14. To Donald Cuthbert accounted for: £0-?-0
15. To McCoulmore for hors hire: £0-5-0
16. To John Watson and Gray: £0-10-6
17. To McCoul: £0-5-0
18. To Donald McDonald & Little Donald McDonald one sh each: £0-2-0

Note: Major Clephane's Company garrisoned April 5th at Aberfeldy. See Note 22 below.

Crief, April 6th
19. To John Watson at Crief April 6th for the men: £3-0-0
20. To McCoulmore for horsehire at Crief: £0-3-6
21. For Drams to the men at Rumelru: £0-10-6
22. For Entertenment at Tay Bridge: £0-6-0
25. To McCoul: £0-3-6

Sterling, April 7th
24. To John Watson more for the mens pay: £2-0-0
25. For Entertenment: £0-4-0
26. To the piper: £0-3-6

Kirkintullock, April the 8th
27. To Entertenment: £0-3-0
29. For Servants and horse: £0-3-0

Glasgow, April the 9th
20. To John Watson more money for the mens pay: £5-5-0

Glasgow, April 11th
30. To McCoule for carreing him home: £?-?-0
31. To old McKenzie accounted for: £0-0-6
32. To McCoule for horse hire at Glasgow: £0-3-6
33. Got back from John Watson of the 5 guineas: £0-18-0
34. Given to John Watson for the mens pay: £5-0-0
35. To James Geddes and his comerad Six pence each the same: £0-1-0

Glasgow, April 13th
36. To John Watson for the mens: £5-0-0
37. Recived Back for John Watson: £1-1-0
38. To Robertson from Holland: £0-3-0
39. To the Piper: £0-2-0

40. Saturday Aprile 16th paid all the men their pay & arrears from the time they left Kilraick till the above date

41. April 6 gave John Watson: £3-2-0

42. To Sandie Rose: £3-3-0

43. More to Sandie Rose: £2-2-0

44. More to Sandie Rose Sunday: £2-2-0

45. Gave more to the mens use: £5-5-0

46. 18 more to Sandie Rose: £1-1-0

Glasgow, April 18th
47. John Watson & Rose Debers
48. To Sandie Rose: £21-0-0

49. from 16th till 18th: £16-15-0

50. from 13th till 16th: £5-0-0

51. from 11th till 13th: £5-0-0

52. from 9th till 11th: £5-5-0

Stirling, April 7th

53. from 7th till 9th: £2-0-0

54. April 6th at Crief: £3-0-0

Glasgow, April 18

55. John Watson Credetor

56. Credetor: £1-1-0

57. Credetor: £0-18-0

Notes: 

16. Serjeant John Watson.
18. Most likely father/son.

21. Unable to locate.

22. Tay Bridge at Aberfeldy (Wade's Bridge), was built by General Wade in 1734 on a second road which ran from Crieff to Dalnacardoch. At the time of completion, this was the only bridge anywhere to cross the Tay River.

26. The piper paid.

39. The piper paid.

53-54. Both appear to be late entries.

While at Glasgow, City Quartermaster John Robb secured accommodations for Colonels Montgomery and Fraser's Highland Battalions in both public and private houses.

Sources:

Major James Clephane, "Account of the company's expenses on the march to embark at Greenock, 31 March - 18 April, 1757." NAS, GD125-22-16-16.

Rose, H., and Lachlan Shaw. A Genealogical Deduction of the Family of Rose of Kilravock: with Illustrative Documents from the Family Papers, and Notes. Edinburgh, 1848.

Renwick, Robert. "Glasgow City Quartermaster John Robb." Extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Glasgow: with Charters and Other Documents. Vol. VI, A.D. 1739-59. Scottish Burgh Records Society, 1911.

"Bridges and Crossings of the River Tay at Dunkeld. "http://essonfamilyhistory.com/bridges-and-crossings-of-the-river-tay-at-dunkeld. [Accessed 23 May 2020].

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

Last updated 23 May 2020