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.

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. 

Request for the 78th Regiment to Disband in Scotland

To the Rt. Hon. Welbore Ellis, Secretary at War.

Memorial of the Nobility, Gentry, Freeholders and others in the Northern and Highland Counties of Scotland, Shewith

That in 1759 it having been thought expedient to raise under the command of Colonels Montgomery and Fraser two Highland Battalions (then Nos. 62nd & 63rd of the Army) for immediate service, your memorialists so effectually concurred in this measure of Government that in about two months after the Regiments were not only compleated and reviewed, but also embarked for America, where they have been ever since on constant service, and with the like expedition four additional Companys to each of these two Regiments were soon after raised and went on service.

That in the course of the present war, these parts have been further drained of men by the whole following additional Levys, viz., the Second Battalion to the 42nd, the 87th, 88th, 89th, & 100th Regiments, and by several Highland and Independent Companys drafted into other Regiments : and thro' the uncommon activity of last war, and the honorable share the Highlanders had every where in it, their numbers are reduced to almost the Tenth man of these who originally left the Country.

That your Memorialists have thereby been put to great distress for want of hands to labour the ground, all the young men being there on service and on the very old and children left : whilst the war lasted your Memorialists though it their Duty to give up their own private Conveniency for the good of the Publick, and for that purpose they cheerfully concurred in making the several Levys order'd, But now that the war is over, and that their people have had the honour to contribute a share (and not an inconsiderable one) in the success of it, and as Montgomery & Fraser's Regiments (now changed from their original numbers 62nd and 63rd to 77th and 78th) are to be reduced, your Memorialists humbly hope that His Majestys will have the goodness to order the remains of these Gallant men to be sent home to repeople the Country, and Breed a Race of Soldiers who may emulate the actions of their Fathers in another War. And as the Country really wants them, and as the service of these poor men seems to merit this mark of publick attention, which His Majesty has already been graciously pleased to show the 87th and 88th Regiments now returned from Germany.

Your Memorialists pray you to represent the case of their parts of the Country and of Colonels Montgomery and Fraser's Regiments to His Majesty, that His Majesty be graciously pleased to order these Regiments to be sent home and Disbanded in Scotland.

Source:

"Memorial to the Rt. Hon. Welbore Ellis, Secretary at War, of the nobility, gentry freeholders, and others in the northern and highland counties of Scotland, asking that the regiments of Colonel Montgomery and Colonel Fraser be disbanded in Scotland." 1763. NAS GD87-1-95. Printed in T.G.S.I., vol. XXIV, 1904-07.

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

Payroll Account of Corporal Alexander Fraser

Much like today, accounting books were used in the eighteenth century for documenting military pay and other related expenses accrued over periods of time. The payroll account of Corporal Alexander Fraser, 78th Regiment, covers the period of July 5, 1757, through April 24, 1758. 

Note: Category headers and bracketed script have been added for clarification and do not appear in the original document. Additionally, it would not be uncommon to discover accounting errors as these were gentlemen who created inaccuracies the same as you and I.

[Page 8 - Corporal Alexander Fraser]

Income

To 9 Weeks arrears & Pay Due from y'e. 5th July to y'e. 5th Sepr.

     £: 1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e. 5th Septr. to 10th Octr.

     £: 0. 8. 4

To 3 Weeks arrears @ 5p week

     £: 0. 1. 3

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e. 17th Oct'r. to y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757

     £: 1. 0. 6

To 21 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757 to y'e. 24th Apr'l. 1758

     £: 1. 16. 1½

[Total]  £: 4. 11. 11½

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes & 1 Nap sack

     £: 0. 6. 6

To 1 Haversacks & 1 Cocade

     £: 0. 1. 8

To 1 Pair Garters & 1 Sett buckles

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Kilt & 1 Small belt

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Turn Key Screw brush & wire

     £: 0. 0. 9

To Provisions at Glasgow

     £: 0. 4. 8

To Spruce beer at Halifax

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheqd. Shirts

     £: 0. 7. 0

To 10 Months Stops for @ 1p month

     £: 0. 0. 10

To 7 D'o D'o. for y'e. Barber @ 2p D’o.

     £: 0. 1. 2

To yr. Proportion of a Cook's Frock

£: 0. 0. 8

To Cash given at Boston & Halifax

     £: 0. 18. 8

  [Total]  £: 2. 7. 3

£: 0. 18. 8

£: 3. 5. 11

 [Income minus Expenses equals Cash Paid]

To Cash Paid as Bala'ce of Above

       £: 1. 9. ½

  £: 4. 14. ½

Halifax 7th May 1758 Rec'd. y'e. above Bala'ce. in full of my Pay & arrears of Pay from y'e. Date of my Attestation to y'e. 24th Apr. Last as witness of my hand.     [signed] Alexr. Fraser

Source:

Payroll Account of Alexander Fraser, 78th Regiment of Foot, 1758. MS NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 20-21, Military Account Book at Halifax. National Archives Scotland, n.p.

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

Letter to Major James Clephane at New York, 1759

Dear Sir

I was extremely sorry to Hear by Capt. Crawford, that you have been in a bad State of Health for Sometime past, I hope by this time you have got the Better of your Illness which will give you one great Satisfaction; as you Intend to sell out I wish you a good market & a safe Return to your native country. By Letters from England in the spring I was informed of your Brother the Doctor’s Death which is not only a great loss to all His Relations, but even to His country in general, as he Had the Honour to be universally usefull in the Public Station he fill’d. Had he lived I am very Certain he would have done something for me on my return to England, having received all the assistance from him in his power, the last time I was at London, I am still first mate of the Prcr. Of Orange, and shall remain this winter at Halifase, which is unlucky for me as I am afraid we shall have a Peace soon, In this case I belive will be my best way to go into the East India Service, but If the war continues, a Recommendation to any of your friends in London may be of use to me. Our ship was one that went on the expedition against Quebec the Particulars of which Capt. Crawford can give you a Better account of that as he was on the spot; I shall only observe that both fleet and army Did their Duty like true Sons of Britton, and it was a common saying all over the fleet that the Highlanders behaved like angels. If you’ll please to write one before you set out for England and give me a direction to ….. ….. you’ll greatly oblidge.

                                               
Dear Sir

Your affectionate cousin & Humble Servt.

Jo: Clephane

Prce. of Orange in Halifase Harbour

          Novr. ye. 10^th 1759

Note: Letter to Major James Clephane at New York, from his cousin John Clephane, mate of the Prince of Orange, discussing Clephane's impending retirement due to health concerns and wishing him a safe return home. Also, discussing the death of Clephane's brother, Doctor Clephane, and his ship's participation in the expedition to Quebec, where 'the Highlanders behaved like angels.'

Source:

Clephane, John. Letter to Major James Clephane at New York, 1759. GD125/22/17/29. National Archives Scotland.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Payroll Account of Corporal James Gowe

Much like today, accounting books were used in the eighteenth century for documenting military pay and other related expenses accrued over periods of time. The payroll account of James Gowe, 78th Regiment, covers the period of July 5, 1757, through April 24, 1758. 

Note: Category headers and bracketed script have been added for clarification and do not appear in the original document. Additionally, it would not be uncommon to discover accounting errors as these were gentlemen who created inaccuracies the same as you and I.

[Page 7 - Corporal James Gowe]

Income

To 9 Weeks arrears & Pay Due from y'e. 5th July to y'e. 5th Sepr. as Soldier

     £: 1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks arrears of Pay Due y'e. 5th Sept'r. to 10th Oct'r.

     £: 0. 8. 1½

To 3 Weeks arrears @ 5p week

     £: 0. 1. 3

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e. 17th Oct'r. to y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757
as Corporal

     £: 1. 7. 3

To 21 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757 to y'e. 24th Apr'l. 1758

     £: 1. 14. 1½

[Total]  £: 5. 1. 6

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes & 1 Nap Sack

     £: 0. 6. 6

To 2 Haversacks & 1 Cocade

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 1 Pair Garters & 1 Sett buckles

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Kilt & 1 Small belt

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Turn Key Screw brush & wire

     £: 0. 0. 9

To Provisions at Glasgow

     £: 0. 4. 8

To Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq'd. Shirts

     £: 0. 7. 0

To 10 Months Stoppages for y'e. Payment Serjt. @ 1p month

     £: 0. 0. 10

To 7 D'o D'o. for y'e. Barber @ 2p D’o.

     £: 0. 1. 2

To your Proportion of a Cook's Frock

£: 0. 0. 8

To Cash given you at Fairf'd.

     £: 0. 18. 8

  [Total]  £: 2. 8. 3

 [Income minus Expenses equals Cash Paid]

To Cash Paid as Bala'ce of Above

       £: 2. 14. 3

Halifax 11th May 1758 Rec'd. y'e. above Bala'ce. in full of my Pay & arrears of Pay from y'e. Date of my Attestation to y'e. 24th Apr. Last as witness of my hand. [signed] James Gowe.

Source:
Payroll Account of James Gowe, 78th Regiment of Foot, 1758. MS NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 18-19, Military Account Book at Halifax. National Archives Scotland, n.p.

© Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Report of Colonel Simon Fraser to General Forbes, Jan. 1758

Dear Sir,

I have at length sent you the Report & Controut of Quarters which I am afraid you expected sooner, but when you look at their extent, & consider that I was oblig'd to visit them all twice, & at same time to Settle the Draft for Otways, you will perhaps do me the Justice to believe the Report was not delay'd thro my idleness.

I take for granted the Controut is not exactly acording to the form used in England, because the Men are here quarterd in private houses, & that the towns extend to 12 & 15 Miles without any distinguishing Names for the several parts, except those of the Landlords or proprietors of houses; but I hope it will answer the end you desired of shewing whether the Men are crouded in the billets & whether the quarters are compact. Upon the whole I think we have reason to be satisfied with the quarters & with the inclination of the people to Accomodate the troops; in some places they might be brought a little closer together, but so little that it is not worth moving for, especialy as they woud then be worse accomodated, for where there are many in one house, they have a part of the house alotted them with fire & untesils to dress their provisions, but where there are only a few, they give in their provisions & mess with the people & live vastly better. You seemed desireous to know some of these particulars so I chose rather to mention them here than at the end of the Report, We find some difficulty with regard to firing for the Officers, the people here hitherto furnish'd it conditionally, but they are anxious to know if there are any allowance for that Article, I remember when it was thought we shoud have staid at Halifax, there was a certain sum to be paid every Officer acording to his rank, Will you be so good to inform me if there is any thing of that sort given here.

I wrote you a few lines from Fairfield in a hurry to beg your advice about an unlucky accident that happened here & it has since been examined by Court of Enquiry which I thought the surest method of procuring an Accounty that might be depended on, I have inclosed a Coppy of the proceedings which I am told agree exactly with the Coroner's inquest. I must in justice to the unhappy survivor say that he was one of the most useful & best behaved Men in the Battalion, in which he never before received a reprimand.

There having been no application from the Civil power he still Continues confined in the gaurd, the only prison in this place. Why wont you take the trouble to tell me either as Adjt. Genl. or as a friend what I am to do in regard to him, for I am unwilling at least till I am instrued, to do any thing that might at all be construed to carry it out of My Lord Loudoun's hands.

As the publick orders bore that all Reports & returns were to be made to Genl. Webb, altho it was by you I was directed to make out the Report & Controut of Quarters I was at a loss whether to send it to you or Genl. Webb, however in order to be sure I have sent him a Coppy of it along with the Monthly Return & the proceedings of the Court of Enquiry.

One of the Sloops that carrys Otways drafts carrys you a barrel of Norwalk Oysters.

I am with great regard,

Dear Sir,

Your most Obedient & most humble Servant 

[signed] S. Fraser

Stratford, Janry 10 1758

Source:

Letter of Col. Simon Fraser to Colonel Forbes, Adjutant General, at His House in the Broadway or at the Fort, New York. NAS GD 45-2-29-3.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2018.

Major Clephane's Road Clearing Detachment, Sep. 1758

General Jeffrey Amherst, having arrived with troops at Boston, Massachusetts on 12 September 1758, and commanding from headquarters at Springfield two weeks later, ordered Major James Clephane, the light infantry of Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, and 200 local pioneers to begin clearing the road 14 miles west of headquarters, from the city of Westfield to Blandford, so that he and his troops could pass through an otherwise disheveled road. The general documented a few of the upcoming challenges in his personal journal.

Journal excerpts
24th. [Sept.] I marched before day break by the right and went through a woody Country to Springfield. No part cleared, but the woods with no high underwood, as they have burnt it constantly for nearly two years past, and the Country people say it has spoiled the Ground. I arrived at Springfield in good time, Lt. Col. Robertson met me; he had been to the green wood and thought by Pioneers and the help of some Country People to work we might pass that way, so I changed my intended route. Springfield has five Parishes about 100 Families in each; logs on both Sides of the Connecticut River; is 75 miles from the Sea & the River is very fine, about 500 yards over, but there are some falls between the Town and the Sea that hinder Ships from passing. Navigable for flat bottomed boats. A Sloop of 70 tons was built at Springfield & passed the falls & Rocks in a flood.

25th. I got all the ferry boats and other boats that could be found & passed over the five battalions, and encamped on the other side to be ready to march the next day. I sent forward 200 Pioneers with Tools and the Light Infantry of Fraziers under the command of Major Clepham [sic.] We got boats enough to pass a Regiment & all its Baggage in an Hours time so that the whole were over in good time, and encamped about a half a mile from the water side.

Orders to Major Clephane

"Major Clephane to march with the Detachment of light Infantry of the Highland Regiment and 200 Pioneers as ordered this day, and to en camp to morrow night at about two miles beyond Westfield, He will take with his Detachment [the requisite?] of Tools and a bread Waggon with three days bread.

Lt. Col. Robertson the D. Quarter Master General will be with Major Clephane to morrow night to shew him the Road where his Detachment is to work, that the Troops may pass from Westfield to Blandford No. 3, No. 2 & Sheffield. a waggon for the Major & officers to carry their Tents and a waggon to carry the Mens Tents to be at the waterside to morrow morning and a Guide to be ready there. a Bullock will be killed at Blandford for furnishing the Men with Provisions."

Given at Head Quarters at Springfield this 24th September 1758.   Jeff Amherst

To Major Clephane

Sources:

Amherst, Jeffrey, and John Clarence Webster. The Journal of Jeffery Amherst, Recording the Military Career of General Amherst in America from 1758 to 1763. Edited with Introduction and Notes by J. Clarence Webster. Ryerson Press, 1931.

Jeffrey Amherst, "Orders by General Amherst to Major Clephane, commanding the escort for 200 pioneers who will prepare the road from Westfield to Blandford and Sheffield for the passage of troops." NAS, GD125-22-17-00064.

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

Monthly Return of Sep. 24, 1759

The monthly Army Returns reported on the strength of each regiment, including total numbers of men present, absent, sick, or on extra daily duty, as well as giving a report of officers and some categories of enlisted men. They were a very useful and effective planning tool in eighteenth-century combat operations and are still in practical use throughout today's armed forces.

Ten soldiers of the 78th Regiment were admitted to Royal Chelsea Hospital on July 20, 1759, nine of which are listed as having sustained injuries at Louisbourg. James Williamson; Roderick Mcniel; William Fraser Callum; James Cummings; John Gillis; William Cunnison; Alexander McTavish; Robert Thompson; John Fraser, John Macallum.

MONTHLY RETURN OF HIS MAJESTY’S FORCES IN THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, UNDER THE COMMAND OF BRIGR. GENL. ROBERT MONCKTON, SEPTR. 24TH 1759.
78TH REGIMENT: COLONEL FRASER’S
OFFICERS PRESENT
COMMISSION
Colonels	Lt. Colonels	Majors	Captains	Lieutenants	Ensigns
1			11	25	13
OFFICERS ABSENT
Major Clephane			Left sick at New York
Major Campbell			Never joyn’d His Majesty’s
Lieut. McTavish			Left with the sick at Louisbourg
NAMES OF VACANT OFFICERS
Capt. Ross			Killed Sepr. 13th
Lieut. Roderick McNeil			Killed Sepr. 13th
Lieut. Alexr. McDonell			Killed Sepr. 13th
STAFF
Chaplains	Adjutants	Qr. Masters	Surgeons	Mates
1	1	1	1	2
EFFECTIVES			RANK & FILE
Fit for Duty	Sick/Present	Sick/Hospital	Absent sick & on duty	Recruiting	On Furlow
744	245	241	66
TOTAL: 1296
WANTING TO COMPLEAT
Serjeants	Drummers	Rank & File
		149
SINCE LAST RETURN
Recruited	Dead	Discharged	Deserted	Killed	Wounded
	8	1		27	137
JOYN’D			INVALIDS
Serjeants	Drummers	Rank & File	Recommended to Chelsea and kept on Regiments pay
4	2	131	11
PRISONERS OR MISSING			---

Source:

Casgrain, P.-B. A few remarks on "The siege of Quebec" and the battle of the Plains of Abraham by A. Doughty in collaboration with G.W. Parmeles, and on The probable site of the battle of the Plains of Abraham, by A. Doughty. App. III, J. Hope, 1903. 

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Major Abercrombie's Letter to Earl of Loudoun, Sep. 1763

Transcription of a letter giving details of military affairs in America at the end of the French and Indian war, sent to Earl of Loudoun as former commander in America. Parson Robert Macpherson returned home in September [prior to the mutiny at Quebec], having obtained leave from General Murray, while the main body of the 78th Regiment departed Quebec in early October, arriving at Glasgow in December 1763.

Quebec Sepr. The 15^th 1763

My Lord

I have nothing worth giving your Lordship the trouble of a letter however I could not let slip this opportunity of congratulating you on your return from Portugal, for by what I have heard of the few Portuguese troops & the handful of English your Lordship had few laurele could have been reapt.

The Indian War is almost become general in this Country, all the upper posts have been cut off except Detroit, your Lordship will readily excuse me coppying the New York Gazette, besides the bearer Mr McPherson Chaplain to the 78^th can acquaint you with what we know, this gentleman is a most deserving Sensible man, & the best Chaplain I ever knew, I hope your Lordship will therefore be pleased to honor him with your countenance.

The 47^th & 78^th have been drafted to compleat the 15^th, 27^th, 2d Bn. Royal America, those three Regts remain in this govt. & trois rivieres – the 28^th at Montreal who were completed from the 4^th Battn. Rl. Americans & the 44^th the last Regt. garrisons Crown Point & fort Levi – alias fort Wm. Augustus.

Nothing is yet setled in Canada either in respect to governor or governments all Murray expects to remain & will be much dissapointed should it happen otherwise.

Your friend Robertson has gone to Pensacola & Louisana to settle the posts there, I hope it will be made worth his while, for it is a most dissagreable jaunt.

I intended to have gone home with the remains of the Regt. but Sir Jeffery has desired I would go by New York, I shall therefore set out for thence in a few days, & I don’t think it improbable but I may be sent a Scouting if theres the least probability of a step I shall accept with pleasure, but without that I will not be fond of Indian hunting.

My best respects to Miss Kitty, & I have the honor to be,

Your Lordship

Much obliged & most

Humble Servant

James Abercrombie ~ 

To the Earl of Loudoun

Source:

Abercrombie, James. "Letter addressed to John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, 15 Sept. 1763." John Campbell, Loudoun papers concerning the siege and fall of Quebec, 1756-1784. Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, cat. no. 45M-113F.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019. 

Instructions for Draughting of Foot Guards, Jan. 1757

During the early recruitment of soldiers for both the newly established Highland Battalions [Colonel Montgomery's and Colonel Fraser's Regiments], leadership requested senior non-commissioned officers [serjeants and corporals] from those that were already established. Veteran soldiers were highly sought after for their ability to not only successfully train the new recruits, but it was also required they could speak the Scottish Gaelic Highland language, to be able to pass down orders from the senior officers. A transcription of Lord Barrington's letter to the field commanders addressing these requirements is as follows.

War Office 25 Janry 1757

Sir

          The King having been pleased to direct two Highland Battalions to be forthwith raised to serve in North America and Commanded by Lieut. Col. Montgomery and Lieut. Col. Fraser and it being requested by the said Lieut. Colonels that the Serjeants and Corporals for the said Battalions should be taken from Corps, where Men shall be found qualified for such Non Commiss Officers I am therefore to acquaint you it is His Majesty's Pleasure that you will cause Twenty five men to be draughted from the Regiments of Foot Guards under your Command who can speak the Highland Language Ten of whom are to be turned over to Lieut Col. Montgomery's Battalion and the remaining fifteen to Lieut. Col. Fraser's Battalion which Men are to be Draughted with their own consent and approved of by the said Lieut. Col.s of Officers appointed for that Service in order to their being Sergts. or Corporals as the said Lieut Colonels shall think proper For each of whom the sum of Five pounds is to be paid by the said Battalions receiving them, to your Regt., but care is to be taken that none above the degree of a Corporal is to be draughted.  I am

                                                               Sir     &c.

                                                                                          Barrington

Field Officer in Staff waiting

for the three Regts. of Foot Guards

                                    Guards . . . . 10 . . . . 15 . . . . 25

Like letters of the same date to the following Colonels or Officers Commanding their respective Regiments.

Earl of Homes

Montgomery's:  6

Frasers:  4

Total:  10

Genl. Anstruther's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  5

Total:  9

Genl. Holmes's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  -

Total:  4

Leighton's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  6

Total:  10

Lord Robert Manners's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  -

Total:  4

Lambton's

Montgomery's:  2

Fraser's:  6

Total:  8

Lord Charles Manners's

Montgomery's:  6

Fraser's:  -

Total:  6

Lord Loudouns

Montgomery's:  -

Fraser's:  4

Total:  4

Total:

Montgomery's:  40

Fraser's:  40

Editorial
The Newcastle Weekly Courant (Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England)
Saturday, March 5, 1757
Tuesday 30 more Highlanders, Volunteers from the third Regiment of Foot Guards, passed through this town, in the Way to join Col. Frazier's Battalion at Inverness.

Note: In 1756, commanded by Earl of Rothes, the Third Regiment of Foot Guards were listed as 1468 strong (including 54 commissioned officers), and at a yearly cost of £36,001.3.4 in wages for the soldiers. They represented just one of 30 foot regiments assigned to the king's army at the time. [Journal of the House of Commons, Volume 27].

Be sure to visit our Editorials page for related events with the 78th Regiment of Foot.

Source:

War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Dec. 1756 - Apr. 1757. LAC, W.O. 4, vol. 53 (Selections), pp. 102-3.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.