Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Four Soldiers Named William Ross


Of the original 1600 soldiers that served with Colonel Fraser during the Seven Years' War in North America, we have identified birth locales for about 250 of the nearly 900 men that officially discharged from the Regiment in the fall of 1763. William Ross was a common name found among the troops, and four men from the Regiment found on the surviving muster rolls at the conclusion of the war shared that same name. Albeit there is a limited amount of surviving paperwork available for the soldiers, the birthplace of Corporal William Ross has been positively identified. Further known details and the post-war disposition of each of these soldiers bearing the same name are as follows.

Corporal William Ross
Discharged from Captain John Nairn's Company on 23 August 1763, he was part of a larger group of 170 soldiers that discharged from the Regiment at the conclusion of the war and remained in Canada. He had follow-on service and bore arms in the late rebellion and was wounded in 1779 in Nova Scotia on an expedition with Lord Harvey. He had a wife by the name of Mary, and six sons, to wit: Alexander, William, John, Donald, Hector, and Lauchlan. He and his family settled in the Parish of Rimouskie, he was a merchant by trade, and was originally from the city of Tane [sic, Tain], in the shire of Ross, North Britain (Scotland). [LAC, Lower Canada Land Papers, RG1 L3, vol. 157].

Note: An article published in 2005 by Alain Ross suggests the following regarding the ancestry of Corporal Ross: William Ross was born in Scotland at Tain, in the township of Geanies, located in Ross County, six miles from Eastern Fern, on the strait of Dornoch in the northeast corner of Scotland. William was the son of Alexander Ross and Helen Bayne (Baine) from Tulloch. [Je Me Souviens, A Publication of the American-French Genealogical Society, Volume 28, Number 1, Spring 2005].

Private William Ross
Discharged from the 78th Regiment in August of 1763, he re-entered service that same month with the 2d Bn, 60th Regiment of Foot, where he continued to provide guard over Quebec for a number of years.  He is located on the following muster roll with the 60th Regiment.

Captain Samuel Holland's Company
Reporting at Fort William Augustus, 25 July 1765 

His disposition beyond 1765 remains unknown. [TNA, W.O. 12/6935].

Private William Ross
Discharged from the 78th Regiment in August of 1763, he reentered service that same month with the 15th Regiment of Foot, where he continued to provide guard over Quebec for a number of years.  He is located on the following muster rolls with the 15th Regiment.

Captain James Cuthbert's Company 
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
Reporting at Quebec, 24 August 1764

Captain Andrew Cathcart's Company
Reporting at La Prairie, 8 August 1765
Reporting at St. John's, 9 October 1766
Reporting at Quebec, 18 July 1767

As the 15th Regiment returned to England in August 1768, his disposition beyond 1767 remains unknown. [LAC, W.O. 12, vol. 3228; film C-9202].

Private William Ross
Returned home to Scotland at the conclusion of the war in the fall of 1763, and his further disposition is currently unknown.

It's worth mentioning, as with all Colonel Fraser's soldiers, considering less than 900 men of the original Regiment remained at the conclusion of the war, we must be observant of the other approximately 700 men who share the same names. There is a distinct possibility other William Ross' were once present at some point during the conflict.

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


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Sunday, March 1, 2020

Searching for a Commission


Writing from Dublin Castle to Sir Robert Wilmot, Thomas Waite, who served as Under-Secretary to the Chief-Secretary of Ireland between 1747-1777, informs him that he has been visited by a gentleman named Archibald Campbell, purportedly an ensign in the First (or Royal) Regiment of Foot, 2d Battalion Am. It emerged that Hon. Henry Seymour Conway had promoted Campbell to become a lieutenant in Colonel Fraser's Highland Regiment, but that either his place was still awaiting him or else it had been filled by fraud. Campbell had been permitted to go to Scotland and find out the circumstances.

Dublin Castle 9th April 1757

Dear Sir,
This evening a young gentleman, who call'd himself Archibald Campbell, call'd upon me for a commission, which he said, he was inform'd, had been signed in Sept. last appointing him Ensign in the Royal: and he told me, that he was a Brother of Kilberry Campbell who is related to Lady Aylesbury, & had been recommended for that commission by General Conway. In answer hereto I acquainted him, that if he really was the person for whom the commission of that Date [?] was intended, He would find it in the possession of a gentleman of the same name, who was now doing duty with the 2d [Highland] Battalion at this date and ready to embark with it for America: But that according to accounts which I had received from the 2d Battalion of the Royal, the Archibald Campbel [sic] who was appointed on the 21st Sept., had been promoted to a Lieutenancy in Lt. Col. Fraser's Highland Battalion before he could get hither to take out his first commission; and I related to him what I had heard from young Paterson [?] thereupon. The Result of the whole was, that he would immediately repair to Lt. Col. Fraser's Battalion, & enquire if any one of the name Arc. Campbell had taken possession of the commission of Lieutenant, & if not, that he would put in his claim to it, But if he found it occupied, he said he would repair to London & lay his case before General Conway.

I am Dear Sir

Yours most sincerely

[signed] Thos. Waite


This letter suggests two men, both named Archibald Campbell, were unknowingly competing for a single commission in the First (Royal) Regiment of Foot. Archibald Campbell, brother to Kilberry, appears to have been taking out his first commission, while history has shown that Archibald Campbell, son of Glen Lyon, (commissioned 23 January 1757 in Colonel Fraser's Second Highland Battalion) ultimately received the nod and completed a successful military career. The final disposition of the former Campbell is not known.

Source:
Waite, T. "Waite, Dublin Castle, to Wilmot. Has." 9 April 1757. Dublin, Ireland. PRONI, T3019/3146.

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

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Saturday, February 1, 2020

Bon Voyage: Libera nos Domine!


Colonel Fraser, writing to his closest Inverness confidante and dear friend, Baillie James Fraser; completing the letter 25 December 1757, from New York.

My Dear Sir,
     After a halt of Five Days at Cork to recover the fatigues of a march of 400 miles the Battalion Embark'd consisting of 1000 fine fellows besides the 170 Supernumerarys being 40 more than the Secretary at War desired me to bring, those 40 men were intended to answer any deficiency that might arise by death or Desertion, but I did not lose a man by either from the day we left Glasgow and but 7 before. We had even the good luck to seize two Deserters from Montgomery's in the March thro' Ireland. And here I cant help mentioning that in the whole of this March, Man and Woman gave us the preference over the other Battalion even beyond comparison, particularly at Dublin; I shoud not have mentioned this but that I know that pains has been taken to give merit to the other Battalion.
     My conduct towards them has been of that honourable kind which a conscious advantage makes it easy to hold, but what I tell you is so sure that you may aver it. Being obliged to leave about 17 men sick at Cork you will not blame my attachment to them in leaving directions to have them sent after us at my private expense, in case the publick shoud grudge it, and think of incorporating them to other Regiments to save expence.
     As I think no voyage can be agreeable, I must only say of ours that it was as tolerable as any for without it being tedious we have extremely fine weather which gave us opportunity of changing the scene a little by visiting from ship to ship; In one of these excursions I surprised a fine Turtle and had him in the boat before he was well awake. In short the last day of eight very ill spent weeks we anchored in Halifax harbour leaving in the whole 17 men sick.
     We remained 7 days aboard while the General deliberated about out destination, at length we were ordered to disembark and to encamp a quarter of a mile out of Town where the Second Battalion of the Royal was already encamped. In this Camp in less than a fortnight the 2 Field Officers 6 Captains seventeen subalterns and above 300 men were down with the Flux whither occasioned by the sudden encamping after so long a March and voyage, or by the climate I cannot say: most of the Officers are now recovered, but I have lost 20 men and there are about 200 still ill. As you have heard so much about this place I must endeavour to describe it to you, but remember whatever I attempt of this kind is upon condition that you do not expect descriptive precision from so rambling a pen as mine.
     Halifax extends itself about a mile in length along the declivity of a rising ground, and about a quarter of a mile in breadth from the sea to the height of a rising ground, the streets run parallel the length of the town, houses are of wood and in general but indifferent tho' the Church the Governor's house and some of the publick offices are neat enough buildings. Towards the sea there are large batteries of 24 pounders, one of the same weight of metal on the opposite shore, and several on a small Island about half way between the two shores, which is so happily situated as to form already the chief security of the Harbour and might at little expense be made of much greater consequence. Towards the Land the Town is surrounded with a line of picquets or tall strong palisades and along this line at certain distances there are five stockaded Forts. When I say it is necessary to observe to you that a stockaded Fort is nothing more than such picquets as I have just mentioned stuck into the ground so as to form the Figure of a Fort of course there is no wall to mount artillery upon so that a few swivel gunns [are] stuck here on a angle. Picquet is all the artillery of Halifax toward the land. There cannot be a more advantageous spot that the rising ground above the Town, it commands the Town and the whole extent of the line round it. Without being fully commanded by any ground within reach, and uncommon circumstance in this country & withal includes so proper an extent of ground as would neither require a very great expense to Fortify not a very great garrison to defend. This place has another great natural advantage from its being situated in a small peninsula the Isthmus of which is not above a mile across and might with little expense be made a very strong pass.
     The country round the Town affords as Disagreeable a prospect to an English eye as any part of old Scotland. There is little more than a mile even along the shore clear'd and above half a mile in breadth into the Country, the rest is impenetrable wood, the worst kind even of American, the closets; the fulest of rough underwood & swamps or morasses, in short it gave me a better idea than ever I had chaos. On the opposite shore where the battery I mentioned is raised there is only about a mile in circumference cleard opposite to the Western end of Halifax at a place called Dartmouth, there are on this ground a good number of houses which have been deserted for some time the Indians having on one or two occasions broke in and scalped several of the inhabitants. After what I have said you will not be sorry to hear that since I began my letter I have received orders to embark in three days for New York. Congratulate me on being in the middle of the army, and of course in the way of the first of next year's operations, perhaps of something this winter tho you must allow if we were dispos'd to desire it we are entitled to some rest for by the time we reach New York, out of seven months three will have been employed in voyaging and two in Marching. . . . .  American news are stale now, besides what this year affords may as well be pass'd over, pray what you will in Brittain of your Louisbourg Expedition being given up and of the surrender of Fort William Henry? If you should be so impertinent as to say our sailors were too nice calculators of pounds and ounces to find out a superiority in the French, fled when the number of line of Battle ships were equal of that Fort William Henry might have held out longer or might have been relieved, we will in return throw all upon you by saying if you had sent the Fleet out sooner there woud have been no room for calculation of Metal, or if you had sent a sufficient Land force My Lord Loudoun woud not have been put to the necessity of Draining the continent & exposing its Frontier in order to form any army for the Expedition.
     I got this far at Halifax, I now write from New York 25th December having got here about eight days ago, after the most tedious and disagreeable voyage that has been known, in the course of which we had six very hard gales that your fresh water sailors woud call storms. In one of these we were all separated, one ship drove upon the Nantucket Shoal, another lost her Masts, a third her sails, and we who got off as well as any you may believe were not entirely at our ease during 36 hours that we drove with our helm lash'd under a balance mizen, however we thank God we have all got in one after another without any material loss, but from the Atlantic Ocean in the Month of November Libera nos Domine.
     We dont after all remain here this winter but go to Cantonments in Connecticut from 40 to 90 miles from hence among a set of Cromwelians imported about the year 1640. . . . . . I wish you woud send me 2 hogshead of your best vintage to the care of Mr Hugh Wallace at New York to Mr Abthorp & Compy at Boston. Farewell my Dr Alderman Remember me most affectionately to the wifie and to all my friends & if you dont write me often may you be 7 years longer a getting to heaven.

In all times & places yrs
S. Fraser

Source:
MacDonald, Archibald, Rev. The Old Lords of Lovat and Beaufort. Inverness, 1943, p. 135-7.

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

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Wednesday, January 1, 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 76th 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 78th 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 78th 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.

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Sunday, December 1, 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.

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Friday, November 1, 2019

Arms Issued to the Highland Regiments, 1757


War Office, 13 January 1757

Sir,

His Majesty having thought fit to order two Highland Battalions of Foot to be forthwith raised each Battalion to consist of Forty Serjeants Forty Corporals Twenty Drummers and One thousand Effective Private Men besides Commission Officers, I have the Honour to acquaint you herewith that you may be pleased to receive His Majesty's Commands thereupon and Signify the same to the Master Gen'l of the Ordnance that the Arms &c mentioned in the Annexed List for the said two Battalions may be delivered out of His Majesty's Stores & the Expence thereof charged to the Estimate of Ordnance for Parliament.

Iron Ramrods:
First Battalion: 1040
Second Battalion: 1040
Total: 2080

Firelocks & Bayonets:
First Battalion: 1040
Second Battalion: 1040
Total: 2080

Side Pistols:
First Battalion: 1080
Second Battalion: 1080
Total: 2160

Halberts:
First Battalion: 40
Second Battalion: 40
Total: 80

Drums:
First Battalion: 40
Second Battalion: 40
Total: 80

I am
Sir &c
Barrington

Rt. Honble Wm. Pitt His Majesty's
Principal Secry of State

Note: A list of accoutrements issued to soldiers of the 78th Regiment can be found here.

Source:
Lord Barrington, "Letter to William Pitt requesting arms." War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Dec. 1756-Apr. 1757. TNA, W.O. 4, vol. 53 (Selections).

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

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Tuesday, October 1, 2019

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 that Andrew Butler was Major Clephane’s personal tailor; perhaps even a local merchant. Additionally, it was quite common each company would also have a trained tailor to make and repair uniforms for the sergeants and other ranks in the field as required.  We discovered, from occupations listed while at Chelsea Hospital, the 78th Regiment had a number of men who were tailors in the civilian sector.

Halifax, 22d. Sep't. 1757

Major Clephanes

B.o.S of Alexander Mackenzie


2 ½ yards Superfine scarlet Cloth

@ 23

£2        17        6

3/16 yard Superfine white Cloth

@ 24

-           3          6

4 yards best white shalloon

@ 3/

-           12        -

¾ yard Buckram

@ 14

-           0          10 ½

3 skeins Twist, 4 ditto Silk

@ 6d each

-           3          6

3 ½ oz. Thread

@ 5d

-           1          5 ½

2 ½ yards Dimity

@ ¼

-           3          5 ¼

¾ linen

@ ⅛

-           1          3

del’d his own Taylor:

[Total]

£4        4          6 ¼

26th,     2 ½ yards Scarlet shag

@ 10

£1        5          -

            ¾ yard Superfine scarlet cloth

@ 23

-           17        6

            3 yards Dimity

@ ¼

-           4          1 ½

            4 Skeins Silk & Twist

@ 6d each

-           2          0

            2 oz. Th’d, del’d And’w Butler

@ 5d

-           0          10



[Total]

£2        9          5 ½

Oct 1st, 1 yard white shalloon, del’d his own Taylor

-           3          -

Oct 3d, 1 yard Dimity, del’d  And’w Butler

-           1          4 ½

½ yard Linen, del’d his own Taylor      

@ ¼

-           0          8



[Total]

£6        19        0 ¼
Fabric Notes:
- Superfine scarlet cloth:  a superior, finer cloth, used to make officers uniform jackets.
- Superfine white cloth:  used for the jacket’s facings (cuffs, lapels, etc).
- Shalloon:  a lightweight twilled fabric of wool or worsted used chiefly for coat linings.  
- Buckram:  a coarse material, linen or cotton, used for stiffening clothes. 
- Skein:  a unit of yarn.
- Silk:  used for sewing.  The “twist” was possibly the lace or piping used around buttonholes, cuffs, collars, lapels, etc.
- Dimity:  a strong cotton corded fabric.

Sources:
Major Clephane's Bill of Sale of Alexander Mackenzie, Sep. 1757. Elizabeth Rose Family Papers. NRS, GD125-22-17, p. 1.

Chapman, Earl J. "Bill of Sale." E-Mail letter to Jeffrey Campbell dated 26 July 2017. 

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

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Sunday, September 1, 2019

Return of Bedding in Fort Stanwix, 1759


Albany, Nov. 22d 1759

Sir, 
I beg leave to inclose your Excellency a Return from Fort Stanwix, sent by Lieut. Col. Massey, of the Bedding there and to acquaint you that Last Fall Beding for 400 men was sent tho' not quite new still good and that upon a representation of Col. Frazier [78th Foot] to Brigr. Genl. Stanwix of its not being fit for his People he order'd that we should send up a New set which was accordingly done wherefore I beg to know your commands upon this head whether the demand must be comply'd with or not in the best manner we can not being provided for such after claps.

I am with with great respect
Your Excellencys
Most obedient
humble servant
Jno. Bradstreet

His Ex. Genl. Amherst

Return of the Bedding in Fort Stanwix
Nov. 14th 1759

Double Beds: 40
Single Beds: 12
Number of men will serve: 92

Double Ruggs: 89
Single Ruggs: 107
Number of men will serve: 285

Blankets good: 6
D'o bad: 40
Number of men will serve: 46

Bolsters Bad: 67
No. of men will serve: 67

Numr. of men wanting Beds: 301
D'o wanting Ruggs: 108
D'o wanting Blankets: 347
D'o wanting Bolsters: 326
Num'r of persons in the Garrison to be compleated in Bedding: 383

[signed]
J. Rogers
Lt. 46th Regt.
acting Qr. Master

In short all the Beding so bad, it is hard to expect Soldiers can lie on them, so that a new set is Wanting for the Provencials did everything nasty in them and on them.

Endorsed - Return of Bedding

Source: 
War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Letters from Colonel John Bradstreet, Deputy Quartermaster-General to the Commander-in-Chief, 1758-1763. LAC, WO 34, vol. 57.

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

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Thursday, August 1, 2019

Lieutenant John Murray's Letter Home, Oct. 1757


My Dearest Sir,

About six weeks ago I wrote from Boston By Capt. Noble bound for Clyde, I was sent from Halifax to boston To provide Quarters for Coll: Frasers Regt. who I believe my Lord Loudon intended should winter there, but he has since ordered them Here where I expect them Dayly & I believe they will winter either at Philadelphia or this place I long vastly to to see Coll: Fraser both to thank him for his kindness in appointing me one of his officers and in hopes of receiving letters from you by him, as I have not had one single line from any of my friends since I arrived on this Continent which I assure you my Dr. papa has given me very great uneasiness often, I hope I shall not for the future for the same Cause. 

In my last by Capt. Noble I gave you my journal since my arrival in this Country since which letter nothing remarkable has happened me My uncle is very well & writes you by this Packet, But of an older date than Mine, he is about Forty miles Above this, on his way to Albany where I believe the Regt. will Quarter this winter, As will likewise Lord John Murray’s who are all well, And at present between Albany & Fort Edward In short every body that I recollect & that you are Acquainted with are in perfect good health, As for me I never was better in my life than since I came to this Country(Except one touch of the Bloody Flux), Altho I have gone thro’ some very Quick Transitions of climate first from heat to coald & then from cold to heat And indeed every body that I know are in the same way, for there never was such a Number of troops together with so few deaths Amongst them, As there is here As for News, I entirely refer you to the Publick Papers, indeed there is none for every thing is in the greatest Tranquillity here At present except now & then a back settler scalped by the Indians which we are so familiarized as to think nothing of it, I dare say not near so much as most people at home do. 

It is very usuall for people who come to a strange Country to make some remarks upon it The inhabitants their Manners Customs &Trade &c &c But as You have seen many much more distinct Accounts of all these Things Than I could pretend to give As my unsettled way of life And the Company I mostly keept have prevented my coming to the thorough knowledge of them. However that I may not seem entirely Ignorant of the People Amongst whom I have lived above a Twelvemonth, I will sett down a few things that must appear Obvious to every person who comes here. The lay of the Country In generall is woody but very Fertile when Clear’d, which is but every small proportion of the whole, Yet is for the most part very pleasing to the Eye The produce I dare say you are thoroughly well Acquainted with Therefore will not detain you on that head. The Inhabitants (I mean of the Country only) are A Vulgar, Ignorant, Rich, Independent, People And mostly all upon the same footing, Owing I believe to their wealth & the too great lenity of the Government to them which indeed they seem to be very Insensible of, But I hope will soon. To say any thing of their Towns (that at present seem to be flourishing very fast wou’d lead me entirely out of my design of Brevity Therefore I shall not touch on that subject. As for the Inhabitants of them. I believe they may make a very good figure in the Trading world, but I think never will in either the Polite or Political (altho they all pretend to be Great statesmen) for their heads are so crammed with Profit & Lose, That they have left no Room for any thing else, The more refin’d sentiments of friendship & honour seldom enter their Brains I believe I might have even added honesty however I wou’d not Mean from this that the whole are so, As there are some extreame Good People amongst them, Altho there is too many of them in the Above style. As I dare say you are very much Tired with this long Narration I will conclude it with giving you a hint that I don’t intend to Publish my remarks at present I mean to put them in the press, Therefore beg that you may not expose me by shewing this Nonsense to any body, I hope you’l forgive this freedom 

Just now I rece’d a letter from my Uncle he is Extreamly Well In the list of Captains for Lord John Murray’s Additional Company’s there is one James Murray which I think is very Probably my Uncle as there is not a James Murray in the Army, Some think it is Lord John’s Nephew, But a little Time will soon determine us. It is reported here that there is another Highland Regt. to be raised And the Command to be given to Lochiel who I’me told is at London. If so I should Imagine it was possible to procure me a Company in it, But of this And the method how to apply for it, you are best Judge Believe me my Dr. Sir the greatest pleasure it would give me, wou’d be that I should be enabled to Assist you in your Difficulties, I pray God you may have no need of it, But I beg you may do me the Justice to believe that if it shall be ever in my power I will perform with a greatefull and Dutifull heart. I hope this will find you reconciled to Mr Drummond & Sir John Miln’s as I dare say it would extricate you out of some of your Difficulties, I beg you will write me by every Packet and let me hear how your affairs are & how you and Mama keep your health, with every thing else concerning You And my other Relations, As I assure you your long Silence has given me great uneasiness, I always, until I met my Uncle flatored myself with the hopes of your letters having been miscarried But he Informed neither you nor he had ever wrote any. If it were convenient for you to get a letter of Recommendation for me from Mr Hugh Forbes to his Brother the Coll: who is adjutant Generall here I should be greatly Obliged to you And I believe it might be of Service to me, Not that I think I could procure me a step But it might be of use in severall other cases, I am pretty well Acquainted with him & go pretty often to see him, he is at present very well. I have not heard one word from Mrs Brand since I came here yet & very seldom of her – I beg you may remember me to all my Relations, friends, and cquaintances in the proper Manner, And with my Duty to Mama Grandmama, Aunts and Uncles, and love to my sister &a her Children, her husband And Brother in law are both well & I am My Drlay yrs most affect & loving Son 

John Murray

New York Octr 18 1757

P.S. always send your letters by the Packet and direct for Me To lieut John Murray of Collonal Frasers Ret at New York North America, If they are so directed they must come to hand, Provided you pay the postage to Falmouth & the freight from there Here. This is my fourth letter – Since I wrote the rest of my Letter, I’me ordered by Lord Loudon to go to Connecticut Collony & take up Quarters for Col: Frasers Regt as they are To be Cantoned in several different Villages in that Government This winter, adieu once more my Drllays 
John Murray

Octr 20

Note: John Murray, the son of Glencarnock, was gazetted a lieutenant on 6 February 1757, and killed at Louisbourg. Glencarnock did not survive his son - he died in Edinburgh in October 1758. This letter is printed in A. G. M. Macgregor's, History of the Clan Gregor.

Sources:
Lt. John Murray, "Letter from New York to his father in Scotland, 18 October 1757." Stirling Archives, Scotland.  http://www.stirlingarchives.scot/2016/10/28/vulgar-rich-independent-people-letter-lieutenant-john-murray-new-york-father-18th-october-1757. Accessed 15 June 2018.

Macgregor, Amelia G. M. History of Clan Gregor [Edinburgh, 1901], p. 390-2.

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

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Monday, July 1, 2019

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 James Mann was contracted in 1759 to provide jackets to Colonel Fraser's Regiment, it is equally important to identify the suppliers for each of the additional uniform components, in order to get a better understanding of those involved with outfitting over 4000 soldiers for duty overseas.

William Sandeman
In a letter dated 21 January 1773, William Sandeman, a prominent linen manufacturer in Perth, Scotland, provided correspondence to the House of Commons indicating his operation at the height of the war consisted of 200 weaver looms, but by this time he was down to 30 in total. [Reports From Committees of the House of Commons. Vol. III].

Contingent upon the premise only half his machinery (100 looms) was in operation at the time of furnishing plaids to the 42d Foot, in 1757, with each loom averaging a daily production of just five yards of cloth his business may have produced 3500 yards weekly. This output would ensure a regiment of 1000 men could be clothed in under four weeks based on 12 yards per plaid. Evidence suggests a smaller amount of material may have been supplied (four & one-half yards) for a philabeg.

Hector Turnbull, William Sandeman's bleacher and business partner, was a brother to George Turnbull (ensign in the Scots Brigade in Holland), who served alongside then-Captain James Clephane, who was later gazetted major in Colonel Fraser's Regiment. And while direct evidence suggesting the colonel sought the clothing services of the Sandeman has not been uncovered, their production capabilities and contributions to the war efforts should not go unnoticed.

Clothing Suppliers
Lord John Murray's 42nd Regiment
1. Coats: shipped by Fisher & Pearse (1757); shipped by John Hankins (1759).
2. Shoes: shipped from Glasgow (1757); ordered by William Sandeman (1759).
3. Shoe buckles: shipped by Mr. [Christopher] Pinchbeck, London (1759).
4. Leg hose: shipped from Glasgow (1757); ordered by William Sandeman (1759).
5. Bonnets: shipped from Glasgow (1757); grenadier caps by Joseph Howell (1759).
6. Cockades
7. Plaids: provided by William Sandeman (1757).
8. Shirts: provided William Sandeman at Luncarty (1757).
9. Stockings
10. Garters
11. Kilting-belts

London army agents: John Calcraft (1757-58); Mr. Drummond* (1759-1763).

Colonel Archibald Montgomery's 77th Regiment
12. Coats
12a Silk sashes (1757).
13. Shoes: order received at Glasgow (1757).
14. Shoe buckles
15. Leg hose
16. Bonnets
17. Cockades
18. Plaids: plaids arrived to Glasgow from Stirling (1757).
19. Shirts
20. Stockings
21. Garters: bought at Glasgow (1757).
22. Kilting-belts: soldiers [may have] provided their own during initial outfitting (1757).
22a Saint Andrew's Crosses (1757).

London army agent: John Calcraft (1757-1763); London clothing packer: Mr. [Thomas] Colborne, [Coleman-street] (1757).

Colonel Simon Fraser's 78th Regiment 
23. Coats: shipped by James Mann at Westminster (1759).
24. Shoes: order received at Glasgow (1757).
25. Shoe buckles
26. Leg hose
27. Bonnets
28. Cockades
29. Plaids: some plaids arrived to Glasgow from Stirling (1757).
30. Shirts
31. Stockings
32. Garters
33. Kilting-belts

London army agent: George Ross (1757-1763).

Notes:
In a letter dated 12 July 1757, William Sandeman received an order for clothing the three additional companies of the 42nd Regiment of Foot. [John Rylands University, Manchester University; Bagshawe Muniments, I-XI. Correspondence and Papers, V. Lord John Murray (d.1787) and his wife Mary, nee Dalton (d. 1765), 5/1/1-460. Correspondence, 1-408. Bound manuscript volume of copies of letters and regimental orders concerning the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment (1756-57)].

*Hon. Henry Drummond, of Charing Cross, London, and The Grange, Hants became army agent in 1759 for the 42d and 46th Foot (commanded by his Murray relatives). In 1765 he entered into a partnership with Richard Cox (Cox & Co.) and, the firm having acquired a number of John Calcraft's agencies, by 1771 had 18 regiments on their books. [Namier & Brooke. The House of Commons, 1754-1790, Vol. 1].

On 29 March 1766, the British Government reimbursed Colonel Fraser £1025.2.6 to replace the clothing of the 78th Battalion of Foot, which was taken on 16 May 1760 by Le Machault, a French hired frigate. [Journals of the House of Commons. Vol. 31].

Sources:
1. “Letter from Major General Lord John Murray to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Grant, with clothing invoice.” London, 11 June 1757. John Rylands University, Manchester University; Bagshawe Muniments, I-XI. Correspondence and Papers, V. Lord John Murray (d.1787) and his wife Mary, nee Dalton (d. 1765), 5/1/1-460. Correspondence, 1-408. Bound manuscript volume of copies of letters and regimental orders concerning the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment (1756-57); "A Record of the Black Watch." 2014.188 1758-1763, Black Watch ledger information. R1 B9 S2 Box.1, p. 1-5. Black Watch Museum, Perth, n.d.

Fisher & Pearse, Blackwell Hall factors, operated shop in Lothbury, Westminster, England. About June 1757 they shipped over 1000 coats, and various other items including thread, thimbles, corporal’s & piper’s knots, red feathers, etc., to Lord John Murray’s Regiment in North America. About April 1759 John Hawkins [sic: Hankins] was paid for cloth for the regimentals of the officers of the 13 companies £182.14.0, and Barrett & Co. for the lace £213.7.4; in November 1759, Edward Smith of Ludgate Hill, London, provided buff slings for the seven additional companies at a cost of £57.15.0. The package was insured for £500.0.0 and shipped for New York on board the Neptune transport, commanded by Captain Rose. [Cox & King's, Cox & Kings records 1686-1965. Lloyds Banking Group Archives (London). GB 386 A/56. "42nd Regiment Account Book, 1758-1767," Folio 50, p. 100. https://bit.ly/3CtLAyL].

2. Ibid., William Sandeman was paid £182.6.0 for 1200 pairs of shoes. "A Record of the Black Watch." 2014.188 1758-1763, Black Watch ledger information. R1 B9 S2 Box.1, p. 1-5. Black Watch Museum, Perth, n.d.

3. Mr. [Christopher] Pinchbeck was paid £56.13.0 on 23 April 1759 for buckles and combs for the seven new companies. He was a tradesman and London clockmaker who introduced a brass alloy for imitation gold jewelry in 1732. "A Record of the Black Watch." 2014.188 1758-1763, Black Watch ledger information. R1 B9 S2 Box.1, p. 1-5. Black Watch Museum, Perth, n.d.

4. “Letter from Major General Lord John Murray to Lieutenant Colonel Francis Grant, with clothing invoice.” London, 11 June 1757. John Rylands University, Manchester University; Bagshawe Muniments, I-XI. Correspondence and Papers, V. Lord John Murray (d.1787) and his wife Mary, nee Dalton (d. 1765), 5/1/1-460. Correspondence, 1-408. Bound manuscript volume of copies of letters and regimental orders concerning the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment (1756-57); "A Record of the Black Watch." 2014.188 1758-1763, Black Watch ledger information. R1 B9 S2 Box.1, p. 1-5. Black Watch Museum, Perth, n.d.

5. "General Murray to Lt. John Grahme, Quartermaster, 42d Foot: Tartan, bonnets, and shoes to ship from Glasgow." 11 June 1757. John Rylands University, Manchester University; Bagshawe Muniments, I-XI. Correspondence and Papers, V. Lord John Murray (d.1787) and his wife Mary, nee Dalton (d. 1765), 5/1/1-460. Correspondence, 1-408. Bound manuscript volume of copies of letters and regimental orders concerning the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment (1756-57); Grenadier caps: "A Record of the Black Watch." 2014.188 1758-1763, Black Watch ledger information. R1 B9 S2 Box.1, p. 1-5. Black Watch Museum, Perth, n.d.

7. See Note 1.

8. "Letter to Mr. William Sandeman merchant at Perth [Scotland], with order for cloathing the 3 additional companies." 12 July 1757. Ibid.

12. Purchased 20 silk sashes (presumably for the 20 initial lieutenants). TNA, WO 34/75, p.114.

13. “From Glasgow: An order was received from London, to provide 2400 pairs of shoes and also Shoulder-Belts for the two Highland Regiments now raising.” The Public Advertiser, 3 February 1757.

14. Agent John Calcraft writes: “Regimental buckles [for Colonel Montgomery’s 77th Foot] are got.” Regulation of Cloathing for a Highland Regt. of Foot, c. 1757. James Grant of Ballindalloch papers, 1740-1819, Library of Congress, Washington, DC.

18. 22 March 1757: "I wish the Cloaths and Arms from London, and the Plaid &c. making in this Country may be ready in time, which last I apprehend will be rather late [to Glasgow], tho' the Contractors promise all possible diligence." [Beauclerk to Barrington, Edinburgh, 22 March 1757]. 

In Beauclerk's second letter dated 19 April 1757, he discussed with Barrington that the two Highland battalions are still in need of 400 plaids, which are "daily expected [to Glasgow] from Stirling." The two battalions are awaiting their final shipment of (most likely) government tartan. Letter book of Lord George Beauclerk as Commander-in-Chief in Scotland, being copies of letters concerning military and administrative affairs in Scotland of Beauclerk, the Viscount Barrington, the Earl of Holdernesse, the Earl of Ligonier, and others. National Library Scotland, p.47-48]. 

21. Ibid., “Regimental garters to be bought at Glasgow.” 

22. Ibid., “Belts for kelting [sic, kilting] men provide.”

22a An October 1757 entry in the regimental purchase ledger indicates a payment of £32.0.0 for 40 Saint Andrew's Crosses (presumably for the 40 initial officers). TNA, WO 34/75, p.114.

23. Colonel Fraser’s coats (including lacing) was coordinated by James Mann, Woolen-draper, Strand, Westminster, UK. “Letter from William Fauquier to Lt.-Gen. Robt. Napier.” 18 December 1759. TNA, Clothing Board [Letters], WO 7/26.

24. See Note 13.

29. See Note 18.

Last updated 13 September 2023.

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

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Saturday, June 1, 2019

78th Regiment at Isle of Orleans


General James Wolfe, ill with dysentery and suffering from rheumatism, commanded the expedition to capture the city of Quebec. By late June 1759, his entire convoy had passed up the St. Lawrence River and had reached the Island of Orleans, which lay opposite Quebec along the river. At the end of that month, he and his brigadiers agreed on a plan to land troops across the river a short distance upstream and to the west of Quebec. The resulting attack, which involved scaling the cliffs only one mile from the city, was carried out on September 12 and surprised the French on the fields of the Plains of Abraham.

Writing from camp at Montmorency one month prior to the attack, Wolfe discusses with Colonel Monckton the positioning of Fraser's 78th Highlanders into the Isle of Orleans.

Dear Sir
        Two divisions of the six of Fraser's Regt. that are order'd to be in readyness to move are to pass over into the Isle of Orleans tomorrow, where Mr. Leslie will canton them - Neither Officers nor Soldiers will want Tents: what bedding & conveniences the Officers may chuse to take wth. them, shall be conveyed from the Point of Levy, to the Boscawen Brig - which is now at an anchor here & under orders to fall down this channel, this arriv'd Vessel, will lay near the Highlanders & move up or down as they move - a Flat bottom'd Boat will be at the Point of Levy about 8 tomorrow morning to receive, the little Baggage, which shou'd be carried; the Commanding Officer, after his People are canton'd in the Isle of Orleans, will come over to Genl. Wolfe for his instructions.

I have the honour to be
Dr. Sir
your faithfull &
Obedient Servant
Jam: Wolfe

Montmorency
14th Augt: 1759

P.S.
Provisions are put into the Brig - nevertheless, the Highlanders, shou'd take for 3 days wth. them.

Sources:
Encyclopedia Britannica. James Wolfe, British General. www.britannica.com/biography/James-Wolfe

Wolfe, James. Letter to Colonel Robert Monckton, August 14, 1759. Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers: C-368. Public Archives Canada.

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

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