Land Petition of Serjeant Alexander Fraser, 78th Regiment

An 18th-century panoramic view of Albany, New York, nestled on the west side of the Hudson River as the first light of dawn kisses the horizon. The sunrise casts a soft, warm glow across the quaint town, with its wooden buildings and cobblestone streets still shrouded in the early morning mist. The majestic river, a vital trade route of the era, is bustling with activity as ships with billowing sails and horse-drawn carriages line the docks, hinting at the city's thriving economy and its significance as a colonial hub. (Jeffrey Campbell, Albany, New York, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Land Petition of Serjeant Alexander Fraser, 78th Regiment

Pursuant to an Order in Counsil from the Honourable Cadwallader Colden Esqr. Lieutenant Governor and Commanded in Chief of the province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America Bearing Date the twentyfirst day of March Last past.

Surveyed for Alexander Fraser Late a Serjeant in his Majestys Seventy Eight Regiment of Foot and in Collonel Fraser's Company all that Certain tract or Parcell of Land situate Lying and being in County of Albany on the East side of Hudsons River  Beginning at the Southwest Corner of a tract of Land Surveyed for Dugal McFarland Late a Corporal and runs thence East Sixty Chains and Seventeen Links then South Thrity five Chains Then Sixty Chains and Seventeen Links Then North Thirty vive Chains to the Place where this Tract first began Containing two hundred acres of Land and the usual allowance for highways.

Given under my hand this sixth day of November one Thousand seven hundred and sixty four

[signed]

Alexr. Colden Surveyor Genl.

Cover sheet:

6th No. 41

[one word illegible] 200 acres of Land on the East Side of Hudsons River for Alexr. Fraser late a Serjt in the 78th Regt & in Coll Frasers Compy

made out

Top row:

Dugald McFarland

Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Colonel Fraser's Company [north/south 35 chains, east/west 60 chains, 17 links].

Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Captain Hugh Fraser's Company

*Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Captain [Alexander] Wood's Company

Allen Cameron, Serjeant

Bottom row:

John McIntire, Corporal, 77th Regt.

John Gibson. Serjeant, 77th Regt.

John Grant, Corporal

David McHo[?]key

Description: A Plot or Description of a Tract of Land Survey'd for Alexander Fraser Late a Serjeant in the 78th Regiment and in Coll Frasers Company Plotted from a Scale of twenty Chains in an Inch.   [illegible] Alexr Colden Surveyor Genl.

18 : 94 [volume/page]

Notes:
1. Serjeant Alexander Fraser's name appears in Captain Alexander Wood's Company as one of the 170 discharged soldiers in America; however, his name does not appear on the company subsistence rolls produced at the end of the war.

2. "The Calendar of N.Y. Colonial Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803" (Albany: 1864) lists all documents on the first series of "Land Papers" as they were rearranged in 1819. There is an index to the personal names and to land tract names or geographical locations at the back of the volume. The series consists of applications for grants of unappropriated land by letters patent from New York Colony and State.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XVIII, p. 94. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

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

John Robb, Glasgow City Quartermaster, 1757

An idyllic 18th-century countryside near Glasgow, Scotland, bathed in the warm glow of a setting sun. The foreground is dominated by a gently rolling field of golden wheat, the stalks swaying softly in the cool evening breeze. A solitary farmer, clad in traditional attire, is seen in the distance, guiding his horse-drawn plow towards the safety of the thatched-roof barn. The sky above is a canvas of deepening blues, with streaks of vibrant orange and pink that reflect upon the tranquil surface of a nearby loch. (Jeffrey Campbell, Countryside Scotland, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

John Robb, Glasgow City Quartermaster, 1757

29 June 1757

Petition of John Robb, quartermaster

There was a petition given in by John Robb, stationer in Glasgow and quartermaster of the said city, representing that for upwards of these eight months by past he had been put to a considerable trouble and expence by not only billeting the two battalions of Young Buffs when quartered in the city, the two battalions of Highland regiments, three other regiments passing through the city, besides transient military and recruits, which rendered him unable all that time to prosecute and follow further his own private business, he having been constantly employed in billeting the said soldiers both upon public and private houses, but also by paying two men for writing billets clossly, and for furnishing pens, paper, ink and wax extraordinary, besides employing a man for working his own private work, which he could have done himself had he not been so much fatigued in the foresaid billeting, which was nottour, and as the yearly salary for acting as quartermaster was but small in comparison of the great fatigue and expence he hath undergone as before mentioned, craving therefore the council would in respect thereof allow a reasonable gratification to him for the foresaid trouble over and above his present salary as they should think proper. Which petition being read in presence of and considered by the magistrates and council they ordained [the treasurer to pay the quartermaster £15 sterling] over and beside his present years salary.

Note: Glasgow City Quartermaster John Robb was responsible for billeting Colonels Montgomery and Fraser's 1st & 2nd Highland Highland Battalions in both public and private houses at Glasgow in the spring of 1757. Both were separately en route to Cork, Ireland for their departure to North America.

Source:
Renwick, Robert. 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.

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

Land Petition in Behalf of Lieutenant John McTavish, 78th Regiment

A tranquil 18th century countryside near Schoharie Kill, New York, as the first light of dawn breaks over the horizon. The scene is bathed in a soft, golden hue as the sun rises behind distant rolling hills, casting long shadows across the verdant landscape. A winding stream path leads the eye to a picturesque farmstead, nestled among the emerald-green fields and flanked by stately trees dressed in the vibrant oranges and reds of early autumn foliage. (Jeffrey Campbell, Schoharie Kill, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Land Petition in Behalf of Lieutenant John McTavish, 78th Regiment

To His Excellency, The Right Honble. John Earl of Dunmore Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over the Colony of New York and the Territorys thereon in America, Chancellor & Vice Admiral of the Same

The Petition of Simon McTavish in behalf of His Father John McTavish Lieut. in the late 78th Regiment Commanded by Colo. Simon Fraser.

Humbly Shewith that your Petitioners father served His Majesty in North America during the late War there as a Lieut. in the late 78th Regiment Commanded by the Honble. Colo. Simon Fraser, and as such is entitled (by His Majestys Royal Proclamation given at St. Jamess the 7th day of October 1763, in favour of reduced Officers & Soldiers of the Army) to a grant of the quantity of Two thousand acres of Land in some of His Majestys unapropriated Lands in North America.

That your petitioners father some time in the year 1766 prefer'd a petition to His late Excellency Sir Henry Moore Baronet for His Majestys letters Patent for the said lands, but nothing has ever been done as yet towards issuing such letters Patent.

That your petitioner has discovered a Tract of vacant Land lying in this Province in the County of Albany near a Settlement called Schoharry Kill, and East of the Schoharry Kill, or Creek, and South of the Schoharry Settlements. He therefore prays that your Excellency will be favourbly pleased to Issue a Warrant to survey the said Quantity of Two thousand acres, at that place above described; in order that His Majestys Letters Patent may be granted for the same to the said John McTavish, his Heirs & assigns, on such terms and Conditions, as other Lands are granted in this Province in like Circumstances; & your petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray ~

New York
February 2d. 1771
[signed]
Simon McTavish
28 : 45

Cover sheet:
To his Excellency, The Right Honble. John Earl of Dunmore &c.
The Petition of Simon McTavish for two thousand Acres of Land in the County of Albany~~

Presented Feby. 2d, 1771
1771 Feby. 8: Rec'd and referred to a Comm
1771 April 1st: Certificate wanting
1771 May 31: Rec'd in Council and granted [four words illegible]

28 : 45
No. 5

Notes:

1. "The Calendar of N.Y. Colonial Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803" (Albany: 1864) lists all documents on the first series of "Land Papers" as they were rearranged in 1819. There is an index to the personal names and to land tract names or geographical locations at the back of the volume. The series consists of applications for grants of unappropriated land by letters patent from New York Colony and State.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XXVIII, p. 45. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

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

Land Petition of Corporal Alexander Gray, 78th Regiment

A breathtaking 18th-century panorama from Crown Point, revealing the tranquil beauty of Lake Champlain at sunrise. The horizon is a canvas of soft, pastel hues, with the sun peeking over the distant Adirondack Mountains, casting a warm, golden light that reflects brilliantly on the lake's calm surface. The fortifications at Crown Point stand as stoic sentinels, a testament to the strategic importance of the area during the colonial period. (Jeffrey Campbell, Crown Point, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Land Petition of Corporal Alexander Gray, 78th Regiment

To his Excellency William Tryon Esqr. governor of the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America Captain General Vice Admiral and Chancellor of the same &c: &c: &c: in Council

The Petition of Alexander Gray Late Corporal of his Majestys 78th Regiment of Foot whereof the Honorable Colonel Simon Fraser was Colonel

Humbly Shewith your petitioner having apply'd to His Excellency Cadwaller Colden Esqr. Lieut. Governor for his Quantity of Land allowed to Non Commission'd officers and Private who Serv'd his Majesty during the Late War in America by his Majestys Royal proclamation of Octr. 3d 1763 his Excellency was pleas'd to order your Excellency's Petitioner to [illegible] to [illegible]: Coldin Esqr. purveyor general who told your Excellency's Petitioner that he knew of no Vacant Land at that time which occasions your Excellencys Petitioner to make this his Humble Request to your [illegible] Earnstly desiring of your Excellency on Council to grant to your Excellencys Petitioner his Quantity of Land which is 200 acres adjoining to Major Campbells Land on Lake Champlain and Nigh Crown Point as your Excellencys Petitioner is informed that their is Vacant Land there and hopes your Excellency will order the said grant to be given to your Excellencys Petitioner as soon as possible as your Excellencys Petitioner is but a poor man and having a family wants to Settle upon it as soon as possible if your Excellency should want a person who understands Farming your Excellencys Petitioner would be very glad to engage as he is thoroughly acquainted with that Branch of Business

May it please your Excellency to take the above consideration and do for your Excellencys Petitioner as [next three words illegible] to your Excellency and your Excellencys Petitioner is [illegible] in duty Bound to pray ~

New York
April 16th, 1771

Cover sheet:
The petition of Alexr. Gray Corpl. for 200 acres of Land Rec'd. 18th Septr. 1771. [initials] "W.G"
1771 Sepr. 18. Rec'd in Council
1771 Novr. 13th Rec'd again in Council and granted not interfering with any [next two words illegible]

28 : 148 [volume/page]

Notes:
1. Corporal Alexander Gray's name does not appear in the surviving muster rolls of 1763, indicating he most likely discharged beforehand.

2. "The Calendar of N.Y. Colonial Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803" (Albany: 1864) lists all documents on the first series of "Land Papers" as they were rearranged in 1819. There is an index to the personal names and to land tract names or geographical locations at the back of the volume. The series consists of applications for grants of unappropriated land by letters patent from New York Colony and State.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XXVIII, p. 148. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

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

Weekly Army Returns of Four Companies at Connecticut, 1757

A serene 18th-century view of the city of Norwalk, Connecticut, bathed in the soft, warm light of dusk. The cityscape is composed of quaint, colonial-style buildings with their wooden facades and shingled roofs, standing tall against the backdrop of the horizon, where a mellow orange sky meets the emerging twilight. The cobblestone streets are lined with gas lamps, flickering to life as the day gives way to evening. A gentle breeze rustles through the mature trees, their leaves casting dappled shadows on the ground. (Jeffrey Campbell, Norwalk, Connecticut, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Weekly Army Returns of Four Companies at Connecticut, 1757

The army returns reported on the strength of each company or regiment, depending on reporting requirements, 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.

While garrisoned at Connecticut for 17 weeks, from 30 November 1757 to 30 March 1758, Colonel Fraser's Regiment was billeted in civilian homes across five towns, with the colonel and some of his officers occupying The Wetmore House, built by Reverend Izrahiah Wetmore, during his stay at Stratford.

Town expenses incurred for hosting the Regiment included house hire; hospital rent; supplying wood to the guardhouse; the making of some small cabins; and other incidentals such as candles, blankets, cider, and utensils. Approval for appropriations by the General Assembly occurred the following spring, in 1759. 

Stratford (head quarters):
Colonel Simon Fraser's Company; Captain Charles Baillie's Grenadier Company. 
Expenses: £472-5s-11d.

Fairfield: 
Major James Clephane's Company; Captain Simon Fraser's Company. 
Expenses: £491-15s-7d.

Norwalk: 
Major John Campbell's Company; Captain John Campbell's Company. 
Expenses: £487-5s-6d.

Milford: 
Captain John Macpherson's Company; Captain Donald McDonald's Company. 
Expenses: £491-10s-9d.

Stanford: 
Captain John McDonell's Company; Captain Thomas Fraser's Company. 
Expenses: £433-13s-11d.

Connecticut Army Returns: 

Captain John Macpherson; Captain Donald McDonald's Company

Cover sheet:

A Weekly Return of Capt. Macphersons & Capt. Donald McDonald Companys 

Milfort 12 Decemr. 1757. [NAS, GD125-22-17-00032].

A Weekly Return of Captain John Macpherson & Capt. Do. MacDonald Companys of the Honble. Coll. Fraser Highland Battalion. Milfort 12 Decemr. 1757. [NAS, GD125-22-17-00031].

Capt. Mcpherson's Company

Captains: Present: 1; Absent: 0

Lieuts.: Present: 2; Absent: 0

Ensigns: Present: 1; Absent: 0

Serjeants: Present: 4; Absent 0

Drummers: Present: 2; Absent: 0

Sick: In Quarters: 4; Hospital at Cork [Ireland]: 4; Hospital at Fairfield [Connecticut]: 3

In Rank & File: 98

Wanting to Compleat: 2

Supernumeraries: 8

Capt. Do. McDonald's Company

Captains: Present: 0; Absent: 1

Lieuts.: Present: 2; Absent: 0

Ensigns: Present: 1; Absent: 0

Serjeants: Present: 3; Absent 1

Drummers: Present: 2; Absent: 0

Sick: In Quarters: 5; Hospital at Cork [Ireland]: 1; Hospital at Fairfield [Connecticut]: 3

In Rank & File: 99

Wanting to Compleat: 1

Supernumeraries: 15

[signed] John Macpherson

Captain Charles Baillie's Company

Cover sheet:

Sir,

Inclosed are the Returns of Collos. Frasers Compy and mine, according to the note you sent by Doctor McLane; I beg your favour you would let me know if you had any further notice of our Marching from here; and in what manner the men are to be exercised; I beg you make my Compls. to your Gentlemen and I am your [very humble servant - abbreviated]. [NAS, GD125-22-17-00035].

[signed] Chars: Baillie

Return of the Present Strength of Captn. Baillies Companey of Granadiers Stratford December 14, 1757. [NAS, GD 12-remainder cropped off].

The Present Strength of the Companey:

Captn.: 1; Lieuts.: 2; Serjts.: 4; Drums: 2; Rank & File: 95

Supernumeraries present: 12

Women Victual with the Companey: 7

Lieut. Cuthbarts Servant belonging to Captn. Campbells Compy: 1

Alexr. McCertar Musishener: 1

Total:

Captns.: 1

Lieuts.: 2

Serjts.: 4

Drums: 2

Rank & File: 116

Sick in Ospitell [not included in the rank/file]

John Fraser

Doncom Comern

Allexr. Gray

[signed] Chars: Baillie Captn.

Notes: 

1. Ensigns not present 

2. Supernumeraries, women, servant, and musician were counted towards rank/file strength. 

3. While unconfirmed, the "musishener" may have been Alexander McEntyre or McArthur, the Company piper. By March 1761, pipers were no longer authorized to be carried on the Regiment's establishment by order of the King's Instructions dated 2 December 1760. [Amherst Papers: W.O. 34, vol. 4, p. 148].

Colonel Simon Fraser's Company

Return of the Present Strength of Colonel Fraser's Companey Stratford December 14th 1757. [NAS, GD125-22-17-00038].

The Present Strength of the Companey:

Captn.: 1; Lieuts.: 1; Ensigns: 1; Serjts.: 4; Drums: 3; Rank & File: 104

Supernumeraries present: 15

Women Victual: 6

Total:

Captns.: 1

Lieuts.: 1

Ensigns: 1

Serjts.: 4

Drums: 3

Rank & File: 125

[signed] Jn. Fraser Sjt.

Note: 

1. Supernumeraries and women were counted towards rank/file strength.
2. Colonel Fraser's piper may have counted as "drummer," but no firm evidence to corroborate. Typically two drummers per company were carried on the establishment.

It is said that it was Colonel Fraser's men who amused themselves at times in shooting at the old weathercock at the top of the Episcopal Church spire, piercing it several times. A letter from Captain Charles Baillie to Major Clephane might help explain away some of the jovial fracas among the troops. Baillie wrote to the major, at Fairfield: "Sir, enclosed are the returns of Colonel Fraser's Compy and mine, according to the note you sent by Doctor McLean, I beg the favour you would let me know if you had any further notice of our marching from here; and in what Manner the men are to be exercised..." [NAS, GD125-22-17-00035].

Source:
Wilcoxson, History of Stratford, Connecticut, 1639-1939.

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

Last updated 21 September 2021.