Orders Providing Clothing and to Inspect Uniform Patterns, 1757

From their London workshop in 1757, two clothiers meticulously inspect neck scarf patterns designed for the civilian sector. While stationed in Quebec through 1763, Colonel Fraser's men of the 78th Regiment of Foot typically received their annual clothing allotment in April of each year, with the exception...

Initial Outfitting of Kilts in 1757

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

In Favor of the Government Sett

An 18th-century civilian clothier in London meticulously examines a selection of luxurious fabrics on a well-lit table in his bustling workshop. Dressed in a simple yet elegant ensemble of the era, the middle-aged man has a pair of spectacles perched on his nose to aid in his scrutiny. The table is...

Over 900 Reinforcements Arrive in North America in 1758

An 18th-century British war ship, proudly flying the Union Jack, as it is moored in the bustling harbor of Greenock, Scotland. The year is 1758, and the ship's towering wooden masts, intricate rigging, and billowing sails are a testament to the era's maritime prowess. The sun casts a warm glow over...

Major Clephane's Uniform Tailoring, Sep. 1757

Shortly after the regiment arrived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Major Clephane placed an order for the making of, what appears to be a regimental jacket. Eighteenth-century regimental clothing Tailor Henry Cooke described, that two and one-half yards of cloth would fit a man with a 42-inch chest, indicating the major was probably small in his bodily frame and overall stature.  It would appear...

Clothing Suppliers to the Highland Regiments, 1757

In our discussion entitled, Clothing for the Highland Regiments, 1757, the main emphasis of that conversation is centered around identifying not only the specific clothing articles worn by the three Scottish Regiments sent to North America, but also the army clothier(s) responsible for procuring the different uniform components for the troops  And while it was discovered a gentleman named...

Clothing for the Highland Regiments, 1757

The official tartan worn by the 78th Foot remains a mystery; however, many historians believe it was the Black Watch plaid, same as the 42d Foot. It is suspected this was also the tartan worn by Colonel Montgomery's 77th Foot, and researchers conclude any striking changes by Colonel Fraser would have probably been noted. Newly discovered evidence in the form of a letter penned...

Letter from Colonel Simon Fraser, 2d Highland Battalion, to General Forbes, Feb. 25, 1758

Dear Sir I hope you are Satisfied before now that I am not so much to blame as you Imagin'd with regard to the Returns but to prevent a poſsibility of mistake I send inclosed the Return for this Month, & have sent one also by this bearer to Genl. Webb. The 35th, 44th, & 48th have kept the vests the drafts from our Regt. had on, the reason assigned is that those Regts. have no vests to...

Accoutrements of the 78th Regiment of Foot, May 1758

This author has discovered an accounting ledger among the personal papers of Major James Clephane, Colonel Fraser’s second in command, dated May 1758. The ledger's purpose was for tracking expenses for each soldier in his company, including accoutrements issued and the monthly pay received. Considering the date of the ledger and the items listed, we believe these to be of initial government issue...