Petition of Mary Cameron, 1779

An 18th-century destitute woman, clad in tattered garments that are the testament to her dire circumstances, standing at the foot of an imposing stone staircase. The staircase leads to a grand, intricately-carved archway, which is adorned with the emblem of the British-ruled Quebec Government. Her eyes are cast downward, filled with a mix of desperation and hope, as she clutches a crumpled letter to her chest. (Jeffrey Campbell, Destitute, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Petition of Mary Cameron, 1779

To His Excellency, Frederick Haldimand Esqr. Captain General and former in Chief in and over the Province of Quebec and the Territories depending thereon in America, Vice Admiral of the same, General and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in the said Province and the Frontiers thereof &c., &c.

The Petitions of Mary Cameron, Wife of Murdoch Cameron late of Quebec

Most Humbly Shewith that your Petitioner's Husband served His Majesty seven years in the Seventy Eighth Regiment commanded by the Hon[oura]ble Simon Fraser, and five years in the Royal Americans, also entered himself a Voluntier on Board one of His Majesty's Amer. Vessels that went up the country in the summer of one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, when he had the misfortune he [was] taken a prisoner by the Rebels, with whom he remained till the summer following. About twelve months ago he enlisted in the [84th] Emigrants and left her with two small helpless children without any other support than what her own Industry could produce for them; she has been in great deal of trouble ever since, but what adds still more to her distress in that a small house in St. Rochs upon Mr. Marselths ground as she was informed, which she bought some years ago, and for repairing the same purchased boards &c. and in summer seventy price to the amount of about Ten pounds all afterwards destroyed by the Rebels is now demanding of her for the use of the government which is the only favourable plan she has to go to after the first day of May next, the house she occupies at present being let to another.

That houses are so scarce at present and Rents so extravagantly high that she was afraid to engage any tract she should not be able to pay her rent at the time appointed; therefore chose rather to live in her own small one which she might make shif & some maintenance for herself and children than take any risque, altho she could have let the above mentioned for nine pounds currency pr. annum.

Your Petitioner therefore most Humbly prays as the time has so nearly elapsed that your Excellency would be pleased & front her much compensation for it as may enable her to obtain another. And your Petitioner as is Duty bound shall ever pray.

Mary Cameron

Quebec 27th April 1779 / D.S.

[Endorsed 27 April 1779]

Memorial from Mrs. Cameron, relative

to the Bastian-Guard House

27 April

Note: It's worth noting that nine pounds sterling currency in 1780 is the equivalent to approximately £775 (or $1020) in 2017 purchasing power.

Source:

British Library, Haldimand Papers, Memorial from Civilians, n.d., 1777-1785, MG 21, Add. Mss. 21877, (B-217), Folios 57-58, pp. 68-70.

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

Major Clephane’s Company Expenses Through Ireland, 1757

The quaint harbor town of the 18th-century Donaghadee, Ireland, nestled on the northeastern coast, unfolds with its cobblestone streets lined with charming, pastel-hued buildings that hug the shoreline. The cobalt blue sky is dotted with fluffy white clouds, casting a soft, diffused light over the red-tiled roofs and the masts of the sailboats docked in the harbor. The town's iconic lighthouse, a symbol of maritime guidance, stands tall on the distant headland, its beacon a testament to the area's rich seafaring history.

 

After landing in Donaghadee in mid-May 1757, Colonel Fraser's men were offered lodging by the locals for their stay. One night, however, it's purported that one of the regimental pipers sounded the alarm late in the evening to a dwelling fire about a local town structure. Unfortunately, while some of the Highlanders were instrumental in extinguishing the flames, a local woman lost her life. (Jeffrey Campbell, Donaghadee, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Major Clephane’s Company Expenses Through Ireland, 1757 

About 3 May 1757, newspaper editorials announced the departure of Colonel Fraser's battalion from Glasgow en route southwest to Portpatrick, an approximate 95-mile trek over relatively undeveloped terrain. Marching an average distance of about 25 miles each day, a short 3-day journey would not be out of the question for the colonel's men, having just completed their 180-mile trek through Scotland. Albeit illness would eventually affect some of the soldiers (in a letter to his friend Baillie James Fraser, Colonel Fraser reported 17 men left sick at Cork, Ireland), 10 men were reported left behind at Belfast, Ireland, later to join the regiment after securing passage under escort. Val Jones, father to Ensign Edward Jones of General Kennedy's Regiment, in a letter to Major Clephane dated at Belfast, 8 June 1757, writes: "...This will be delivered you by Corporal Fraser, who takes the opportunity of going to Dublin with 10 private men in a vessel that will be clear to sail hence tomorrow." [NAS, GD125/22/16/3/1-2].

Following an uneventful northern channel crossing from Portpatrick, Scotland, west to Donaghadee, Ireland, Major Clephane's company, as documented in the following pay records, would march to Belfast, then on to Cork via the cities of Drogheda, Dublin, Kilcullen and Clonmel, finally departing for North America on 30 June 1757.

Major Clephane's Company Expenses [1757]

Pay acct. of Major Clephans Companie from Monday the 16th May to Monday the twentie third Dto

1. Paid 84 privat at Belfast one week at 3/5d each… £14:12:0

2. Paid 2 Serjeants at 6/10d each one week subsistance cash… £0:13.8

3. Paid 4 Corporals at 4/6½d each one week subsistance… £0:18:2

4. Paid 2 Drums at 3/5d each one weeks subsistance… £0:6:10

Pay all the above Companie from Monday the 23rd May to Monday 30th Dto

5. Paid 77 Private at Belfast one weeks subsistance at 3/ each… £11:11:0

6. Paid 2 Serjeants at Dto one weeks subsistance at 6/3 each… £0:12:0

7. Paid 3 Corporals at Dto one weeks Dto at 4/ each… £0:12:0

8. Paid 2 Drums at Dto one weeks Dto at 3/ each… £0:6:0

Pay all the above Companie from Monday the 30th May to Monday June the 6th

9. Paid 77 private at Droheda one weeks subsistance at 3/ each… £11:11:0

10. Paid 3 Serjeants at Dto one weeks Dto at 6/ each… £0:18:0

11. Paid 2 Corporals at Dto one weeks Dto at 4/ each… £0:8:0

12. Paid 2 Drums at Dto one weeks Dto at 3/ each… £0:6:0

June 13th - - -

13. Paid 77 Privat at Killculen bridge at 3/ each one weeks subsistance… £11:11:0

14. Paid 4 Serjts at Dto 6/ each one weeks Dto… £1:4:0

15. Paid 2 Corporals & 2 Drums one weeks subsistance… £0:14:0

Pay all of the above Companie from Monday 13th to Dto June the 20th

16. Paid 77 privat at Clonmell one weeks subsistance… £11:11:0

17. Paid 4 Serjts 2 Corporals & 2 Drums one weeks Dto… £1:18:0

18. Paid Cadet Mak Kinzie at Doublin 9 shillings…£0:9:0

19. Advanced two men in Glasgow 4 weeks pay which brought them to Killkennie bridge… £1:4:0

20. Advanced the three men that went on Command to Stirling two weeks pay each… £0:18:0

21. Advanced Serjt Alexr Rose at Dallie… £3:17:0

22. Paid Rodrick McKenzie one Weeks pay… £0:3:0

23. Paid Thomas Robertson… £0:1:0

24. Paid Alexr Dunbar… £0:0:6

25. Total Laid out by Lieut. Campbell On acct of Major Clephans Companie… £76:5:2

26. Advanced Serjt Rose at Belfast… £5:5:0

27. Advanced the Supernumeraries at Belfast… £1:6:0

28. Advanced for Shoes to Dto… £1:4:0

[Total] £83:15:0

Notes:

1. 84 private soldiers were paid at Belfast; however, one week later, that number was reduced by seven soldiers.

3. Four corporals were paid at Belfast; however, one week later, that number was reduced by one corporal.

4. Payroll indicates drummers were paid at the rate of private soldiers.
10. Gained one serjeant this week over previous numbers.

11. Down two corporals since week one.

14. Gained one serjeant this week over previous numbers.

18. It was reported by The Pennsylvania Gazette newspaper dated 11 August 1757, that 360 men in Colonel Montgomery's First Division marched to Royal Square Barracks, Dublin, 16 May 1757, where they were reviewed by the Earl of Rothes, who expressed "intire [sic] satisfaction at the military and handsome appearance they made." Formerly the "Royal Barracks," the facility is today named "Collins Barracks."

21. Possibly Dailly, South Ayrshire, Scotland, located between Glasgow and Portpatrick.

25. Lieutenant Archibald Campbell, originally commissioned to Capt. John MacDonnell's Company.

27. Approximately 15 supernumeraries. Colonel Fraser reported 150 "supers" across 10 companies in October 1757. [NAS, GD125/22/18/18].

28. In 1757, one pair of serjeant's shoes were authorized replacement every six months at a cost of £0.3.4, or money (in lieu of). [Calcraft, John. Regulation of Cloathing for a Highland Regt. of Foot, c.1757. James Grant of Ballindalloch papers, 1740-1819, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.].

Source:
Clephane, James. "Pay accounts of Clephane's Company from Monday 16 May to twentie third Dto." [1757]. NAS, GD125/22/9/35/1.

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

This article last updated 5 March 2022.

Proposal to Transport Deserters to North America, 1757

A majestic 18th-century British transport ship cutting through tumultuous ocean waves under a brooding sky. The ship, with its towering masts and tattered sails, is heavily laden with a grim cargo—deserters of the British Army. These men were a motley crew, their uniforms in disarray, representing a spectrum of social classes and backgrounds united by their desperate decisions to flee. They are bound in iron shackles, their ankles and wrists raw from the unforgiving chains. (Jeffrey Campbell, Atlantic Crossing, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Proposal to Transport Deserters to North America, 1757

To Their Excellencies The Lords Justices Generall and Generall Governours of Ireland

The Memoriall of John Earl of Rothes

Representeth,

That by the Returns of the Embarkation of His Majesties two Highland Battalions Commanded by Lieutenant Collonels Montgomery and Fraser dated the 27th of June last, it appears, that fifty six men belonging to these two Battalions are left behind sick at Corke or upon their march.

That Captain Donald Macdonald of Collo. Frasers Battalion is since the embarkation come from Scotland with one Subaltern and thirty one men belonging to that Battalion who are now upon their march to Corke.

That His Grace The Lord Lieutenant by his letter of the 14th of last month signified to you Execs His Majesties pleasure that as many of the Deserters as possible from those Regiments who have lately gone abroad shou'd be embarked with the Highland Battalions in order to be incorporated into His Majesties Regiments in North America, in consequence of which fourty five of these Deserters have already been sent off, and there are now at Corke and in the different goals [sic, gaols] of this Kingdom a considerable number of them ready for the same purposes.

Your Memorialist therefore Submits to your Excellencies whither it would not be for the good of His Majesties Service, that a Vessell be freighted for carrying the men abovementioned belonging to the two Highland Battalions to such place in North America as shall be thought proper and for carrying with them such Deserters from the Regiments abovementioned as now are in custody or may be apprehended before the embarkation.

[signed] 

Rothes

Cover sheet:
Memoriall The Earl of Rothes To Their Exes The Lords Justices, 11th July 1757;
Inclosed in the Lord Justices Letter of the 12 July 1757;
in the Lord Lieut of Ireland's of the 30th July 1757

Source:

Memorial of John, Earl of Rothes requesting provision of a vessel to carry the two Highland battalions commanded by Lieutenant Colonels Montgomery and Fraser and also all deserters caught in Ireland to North America. TNA, SP 63/415/3105.

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

Decedents of the 78th Regiment of Foot, 1757-1763

A poignant burial at sea ceremony aboard the 18th-century British warship, HMS Enterprize, in the year 1757. The somber scene unfolds against a backdrop of rolling, cerulean waves and a vast, cloud-studded sky. The central focus is the ship's deck, where a group of Royal Navy sailors, clad in their period-accurate uniforms of blue coats, white breeches, and black tricorne hats, stand at attention, their faces etched with a mix of sorrow and stoicism. In the foreground, the lifeless body of a shipmate is meticulously wrapped in a canvas shroud, tied with thick ropes, with one end trailing over the side of the ship. (Jeffrey Campbell, A Somber Moment, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Decedents of the 78th Regiment of Foot, 1757-1763

Thrusting your way through the muddied battlefields, you distinctly hear the rattles and cracks of ball and powder, the continuous striking of battalion drums, melodic whistling of company pipers, and the screaming cries of battle. There were no guarantees a soldier would it make home alive - and many did not. Whether soldiers were maimed or killed on the battlefield, or perhaps they succumbed to infectious disease (we know that scurvy alone killed over two million service members from the time of Columbus's voyage to the mid-19th century), life in the army during the Seven Years' War was sheer navigation for survival, no matter one's side of allegiance.

The follow is a chronicled list of both named and unnamed decedents in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, 1757-1763, including some mentions of the wounded. While the deaths of officers were more prominently recorded in official army muster rolls, the many names of non-commissioned soldiers forced to terminate their careers (the wounded, the elderly, etc.) can be found in both our Invalids and Chelsea Pensioners lists.

1757 Decedents 

November 24, 1757

New York

N.B. on the bottom of the monthly muster report taken at New York reads: “By last return there are 164 Supernumeraries, of which 10 are dead, and 12 now taken by Earl of Loudoun’s order to replace 12 Men dead of the Battalion, there remains 142 Supernumeraries.” 

Source: Monthly Return of the Sixty Third Regiment of Foot, Commanded By Lieut. Colo. Commandant Simon Fraser. LO 4892, Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

November 26, 1757

New York

N.B. on the bottom of what appears to be an update monthly muster report taken at New York reads: "There were by last (return?) 164 Supernumeraries brought from Ireland, of which number there are 10 dead last return remain 154. After this return was given in upon Captain McDonald's coming over with Col. Whitmore. The Supernumeraries were reduced to 90 by deaths in Ireland and compleating the Batt. to 1000.

Numbers of unnamed casualities by company: Major Campbell - 1; Capt. Jno. McPherson - 2; Capt. Simon Fraser - 4; Capt. Donald McDonald - 1; Capt. John McDonell - 1.

Source: Harper, J.R. The Fraser Highlanders (1979).

December 24, 1757

New York

Drummer Roger McDonald, 63rd Foot, initially appears on the regiment’s embarkation muster roll on the Unity transport ship at Cork, Ireland, however, his name does not appear on the final list of arrivals at New York two months later. Presumably, he died at sea en route.

Source: Returns of the Men Belonging to the Two Highland Battalions Who Arrived at New York With Captain Donald McDonald. LO 5042, Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

December 25, 1757

New York

Writing to his friend Baillie James Fraser addressing the loss of men on his Regiment's march from Kilravock to Glasgow, Scotland, Colonel Fraser states: "...I did not lose a man by either [death or desertion] from the day we left Glasgow and but 7 before."

Source: Macdonald, A. (1934). The Old Lords of Lovat and Beaufort (p. 135).

December 27, 1757

Stratford, Connecticut

Corporal James Mackay, 63rd Foot, was stabbed and killed at the hands of his battalion-mate, Serjeant Alexander Fraser, on December 27, 1757, as the regiment garrisoned in Connecticut. A special military Court of Inquery [sic] was held 3 January 1758 by Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Fraser of his Majesty's 63rd Foot (or Second Highland Battalion) concerning the death. Serjeant Fraser was eventually brought to civilian trial at Fairfield Superior Court and acquitted of the charges brought against him.

Sources: Proceedings of a Court of Inquery held by order of Lieut. Colonel Simon Fraser of his Majesty's 63d or second Highland Battalion, concerning the Manner of the Death of Corporal James Macky of the above Regiment, 3 January 1758. NRS, GD45/2/29/2b; Rex vs. Alexander Fraser, Connecticut State Archives, Fairfield County Superior Court, Papers by subject, Box 6, acc#1919-026.

1758 Decedents 

April 15, 1758

Boston, Massachusetts

On the 15th. Instant Sent to the Alms House [Boston, Massachusetts] on the Province Accot. by two Selectmen & one Overseer, Jannet Ware an Infant Child belonging to Daman Ware a Soldier in Colo. Frasers Regiment of Highlanders, whose wife being dead & no Person to take Care of the Child & not being able to maintain it himself Left it in the Town. 

Note: It is strongly advised to consult the original record as Daman Ware may be a transcription error for Duncan Weir, a serjeant in Captain Alexander Campbell's Company.

Source: Anon. (1887). A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, Containing the Selectman's Minutes from 1754 Through 1763 (p. 82-3).

June 8, 1758

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

Killed at Louisbourg were Captain Charles Baillie, Lieutenant John Cuthbert, Lieutenant [Macgregor] John Murray, Lieutenant Simon Fraser, and 12 unnamed non-commissioned officers and private soldiers.

Sources: Clan Fraser Society of Canada. Officers of the 78th Regiment of Foot, 1757-1763 (Toronto, Canada, 1998-2006); Return of the Killed & Wounded in the Several Regiments on the Island of Cape Breton From 8 June 1758 to 26 July 1758. LAC, W.O. 1, vol 1, pt. 2, p. 348-9.

September 28, 1758

Springfield, Massachusetts

Captain Thomas Fraser, of Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment, died on the march to Albany, New York, at Springfield, Massachusetts, September 28, 1758, of fever; "an elderly gentleman, whose death was greatly lamented."

Source: Drake, Samuel G. (1886). The History and Antiquities of Boston, From its Settlement in 1630, to the Year 1770 (p. 645, footnote); death announcement also appears in the local Boston newspaper, issue dated October 2, 1758.

1759 Decedents

June 5, 1759

Neptune at sea

In a June 1759 army return compiled aboard the Neptune transport ship at sea, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of 32 soldiers "...since the reduction of Louisbourg."

Source: Doughtry & Parmelee (1901). The Siege of Quebec and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, Vol. I. (Embarkation Return of His Majesty's Forces, destin'd for an Expedition in the River St. Lawrence, under the Command of Major General Wolfe. Neptune at Sea. June 5th 1759).

July 31, 1759

Beauport, Canada

In a handwritten army return from the Battle of Beauport (also known as the Battle of Montmorency), the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of eight unnamed "rank & file" soldiers. 

Source: Isaac Barre, Deputy Adjutant General (1759). Return of the Kill'd, Wounded & Missing, at the Attack of the Enemys Works, on the 31st of July. LAC, Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers: C-366, image 70.

September 13, 1759

Quebec, Canada

An army return of officers from the 78th Regiment killed on the Plains of Abraham includes Captain Thomas Ross, Lieutenant Roderick McNeil, and Lieutenant Alexander McDonell. Additionally, the regiment reported the deaths of 14 unnamed "rank & file" soldiers and also 148 men wounded.

Source: A Return of the Kill'd & wounded & Missing of the Army Under the Command of General Wolfe at the Battle of Quebec 13th Septr. 1759. LAC, War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Correspondence between the Governors of Cape Breton Island and the Commander-in-Chief, New York, 1758-1762. W.O. 34, vol. 17, pp. 82-3.

Note: In a separate, undated, and anonymous handwritten army return entitled, Return of the Kill'd Wounded & Missing on the 13th of September at the Battle of Quebec, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of three officers, one serjeant, and 14 "rank & file" soldiers. The difference between the two records is Lieutenant Rory McNeil listed in place of Roderick McNeil in addition to the death of one unnamed serjeant.

Officers wounded: Captain John McDonnell; Captain Simon Fraser; Lieutenant Ranald McDonell; Lieutenant Archibald Campbell; Lieutenant John Douglas; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, Senior; Ensign James McKenzie; Ensign Alexander Gregorson; Ensign Malcolm Fraser, Senior.

Finally, in a second undated and anonymously authored handwritten army return entitled, Return of the Killed and Wounded &c. During the Campaign, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of three officers, two serjeants, and 42 "rank & file" soldiers.

September 24, 1759

River St. Lawrence, Quebec, Canada

In an army return compiled approximately two weeks after the battle on the Plains of Abraham, the 78th Regiment reported, "since the last return," the deaths of eight unnamed soldiers and also “27 others killed.” The eights deaths were presumably of sickness, while those killed were probably from the battle.

Source: Doughtry & Parmelee (1901). The Siege of Quebec and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, Part III. (Monthly Return of His Majesty's Forces in the River St. Lawrence, Under the Command of Brigr. Genl. Robert Monckton, Septr. 24th 1759).

1760 Decedents

April 28, 1760

Sillery, Quebec, Canada

In a handwritten army return after the Battle of Saint-Foy, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of Captain Donald McDonell and Lieutenant Cosmo Gordon. Additionally, it was reported three unnamed serjeants, one drummer, and 51 "rank & file" soldiers were killed.

Officers wounded: Lieutenant Archibald Campbell; Lieutenant Hector McDonnell; Lieutenant Donald McBean; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, Senior; Lieutenant John Nairn; Lieutenant Arthur Rose; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, Junior; Lieutenant Simon Fraser, Senior; Lieutenant Archibald McAllister; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser (Grenadier Company); Lieutenant John Chisholm; Lieutenant Simon Fraser, Junior; Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser; Lieutenant Donald McNeil; Ensign Henry Munroe; Ensign Robert Menzies; Ensign Charles Stewart; Ensign Duncan Cameron; Ensign William Robertson; Ensign Alexander Gregorson; Ensign Malcolm Fraser; Captain-Lieutenant Charles McDonnell. Additional unnamed soldiers wounded included 10 serjeants and 119 "rank & file" soldiers.

Source: James Murray (1760). Return of the Officers that were Killed, Wounded, Taken Prisoners, Missing [at] Sea, on the 28th of April 1760. LAC, Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers: C-366, image 707.

Note: It has been purported Lieutenant Simon Fraser died October 4, 1760 of causes unknown.

October 24, 1760

Saint-Francois-de-Sales-de-la-Riviere-du-Sud, Quebec

The death of John McGlasney, Scottish Highlanders, grenadier, is recorded in the official parish cemetery records.

Source: Eglise catholique. Saint-Francois-de-Sales-de-la-Riviere-du-Sud. Index des baptemes, mariages, sepultures, 1733-1876. Family History Library, SLC, UT, Microfilm 5471880, image 375.

1763 Decedents

Captain Charles McDonnell, Esqr., the sole member of the 78th Regiment who served in Newfoundland, he received a mortal leg wound in gaining from the enemy the advantageous post of Signal Hill on 15 September 1762. He died a few months later on 21 January 1763 at Newfoundland.

Source: Charles McDonald's epitaph. Papers of the Cuninghame Family of Thorntoun. NRS, GD21/486.

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

Over 900 Reinforcements Arrive in North America in 1758

An 18th-century British war ship, proudly flying the Union Jack, as it is moored in the bustling harbor of Greenock, Scotland. The year is 1758, and the ship's towering wooden masts, intricate rigging, and billowing sails are a testament to the era's maritime prowess. The sun casts a warm glow over the scene, highlighting the ship's meticulously maintained hull as it reflects the rippling waters of the Firth of Clyde. On the pier, a flurry of activity unfolds: sailors in their traditional attire of white breeches and blue jackets scurry about, securing ropes and hoisting cargo onto the ship. Soldiers in red coats stand at attention, their muskets slung over their shoulders, ready to embark for their mission to North America. (Jeffrey Campbell, Underway, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Reinforcements for North America in 1758

While recruiting for Colonel Fraser's original 10 companies was complete by April 1757, three additional companies consisting of about 300 men were authorized formation for service three months later, in July. These augments (including over 600 men from the 42nd and 77th Foot) embarked on 16 November for their two-month voyage to North America. 

It's interesting to note any children that may have accompanied their family overseas were not separately accounted for, as recorded on other regimental returns.

Letter of Lord Barrington to Henry Fox, Paymaster [1]

War Office 21 July 1757

Sir

His Majesty having thought fit to add thee comps. to each of the Highland Corps mentioned in the Margin hereof each Company to consist of Four Serjeants four Corporals two Drummers & one hundred Effective Private Men besides Commission Officers their Pay to commence from the 25 Of April 1757 and to allow £3 p man Levy Money I have the Honour to acquaint you therewith that you may be pleased to lay a Memorial before the Rt. Honble the Lords Commrs. of His Majesty's Treasury for the Money wanting for this Service.

I am

Sir  &c

Barrington

[Margin entries]

Lord John Murrays

Lt. Col. Montgomery 

Lt. Col. Fraser 

Letter of John Cleveland, Esq. [2]

Navy Office 26 Novr. 1757

Sir, 

Mr. Rowland who we appointed to act as agent for the Transports at Greenock, being returned from thence, and acquainted us that the Embarkation of the Nine Additional Companies was compleated at that place the 16th inst. And he having made us a Return of the said Embarkation, we send you on the otherside a copy thereof, for the information of the Right Honble the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and are

Sir

Your very humble Servants

Tho. Slade; G. Adams; John Cleveland Esqr.; Rich'd [...]; Tm Brett

Embarkation of Troops

A return of the number of men and women embarked at Greenock [Scotland] of the nine additional companies of Highlanders.

L:r John Murrays

Captains: 3

Lieutenants: 4

Ensigns: 2

Serjeants: 12

Corporals: 12

Drummers: 6

Private: 258

Servants: 9

Women: 18

Total: 324

Col: Montgomerys

Captains: 3

Lieutenants: 5

Ensigns: 1

Serjeants: 12

Corporals: 12

Drummers: 6

Private: 269

Servants: 9

Women: 18

Total: 335

Col: Fraziers

Captains: 3

Lieutenants: 6

Ensigns: 3

Serjeants: 9

Corporals: 10

Drummers: 4

Private: 245

Servants: 9

Women: 18

Total: 307

Letter of Loudoun to Barrington [3]

New York 16:th February 1758

My Lord,

By the Packet, which arrived in January, I had the honor to receive several duplicates of Letters from your Lordship, and a Letter with Orders, to send home Lord Charles Hay, which I forwarded to Major General Hopson along with the Letters to His Lordship.

I send your Lordship the returns of the Troops, enclosed, and likewise the returns of the drafts that came from Europe, amounting to 1559; and 101. Prisoners from France; part of the recruits from Germany, and some of last years drafts from Ireland, who had been taken at Sea and carried to France.

Of this years drafts I have discharged 22, on a Certificate, I send enclosed. No man with a rupture can serve here; for, whenever they March or are Employed in carrying of wood, or making Entrenchments in the Summer, it encreases it immediately to such a Degree, as to make entirely unserviceable ever after. Those I have returned with the Transports.

From your Lordships Letters, I see that it was expected, that the cloathing, the drafts brought with them, should serve till next cloathing; but as many of them, when they arrived, were almost naked; many having not received cloathing since September 1756, and a great number cloathed at Christmas 1756, as will appear from the enclosed return of them, made out from the returns, received from the officers of the different Corps who came along with them, and the returns of the Regiments that received them, who complain'd greatly of the cloathing of many of the men; and as we never can cloath in this Country, till the end of November and often in December; I found on an Examination, that it was absolutely necessary to cloath a great many of them; for which reason I have order'd, that all those men, that have received no cloathing since the 1st of March 1757, should be cloathed, which in the whole amounts to 578; as without that Order, those men would have been naked.

As this is the case, I hope your Lordship will think it reasonable, that the Regiments here, should not have the offreckonings stopped, for that number we have been obliged to new cloath with this years cloathing; for otherwise, that number of the Troops here, will be without cloaths next year, as the Soldiers cloaths are much worse in this Country at the end of a campaign, than they are in Europe; which happens, from their never having any straw after they march into the back Country, but are obliged to lay on boards & twigs of Trees, which wears out their cloathing immediately.

I have return'd the officers that came with the drafts in the Transports that brought out Lieut. Colonel Frazers Battalion, who by their Charter parties, were to remain on Pay till they returned to the River with the Convoy: there came no agent, neither with those nor with Lieut. Colonel Montgomerys Battalion; nor did I receive any directions about them. The ship which Admiral Holbourne sent here with Colonel Frazers Battalion, having got a Malignant Fever on board, was not able to proceed with those Transports; therefore Captain Darby, who came with the drafts, took the charge of them. The Admiral left it to me, to do with those Transports as I saw proper; but as I had no Orders, I thought it would be wrong to detain them.

Seven of the Transports that were sent to South Carolina, have absolutely refused their Discharge; as that was the case, I have order'd them here with the five companies of the Royal Americans now there, whom I have sent thither last Spring; as His Majesty has provided for the security of that Province, by sending a Battalion of a thousand men there.

I have likewise sent home with the Transports, forty two Invalides; part of them are from the Regiments that came last from Ireland, who brought over several unserviceable Men: I must beg, that as soon as those Men are received into Chelsea, I may be informed; as they must stand on Our returns, till that information arrives.

Enclosed, your Lordship has a List of the commissions I have signed.

As there were not Magazines at Halifase [sic, Halifax], capable to contain the whole of the Powder, I was obliged to leave part of it on board the Fleet; part of which they have carried back to England, which will make a further supply necessary.

As part of the light Field Train were lost at Fort William Henry, it would be of great use here, to have a Supply of the light brass 12 & 6 Pounders; as the Battery Train cannot be moved into this Country but by water, so that it comes to be of no use in the back Country, whereas we can always carry the light 12. Pounders.

I must beg leave, once more to mention, the Contingent Men, which are cut off from the Troops in this Service, which makes a great discontent among them, as they are allowed to all the other Troops in the Kings Service; and as the captains have no fund for the many contingencies that arise in this Country; they make very large contingent accounts, and those must contain Articles, that used to be bourne out of that Fund. I must beg that your Lordship will endeavor, to get the Contingent Men allowed.

I have mentioned, in my Letter to the Secretary of State, a proposal made by Lieut. Colonel Gage, in order to reduce the Expence the Rangers are now at, and in order to get, not only a cheaper but a more useful sett of Rangers, and one on whose Intelligence I may rely; I have so far agreed to it, as to allow him to raise the Regiment, and to chose, out of the Subalterns of the Troops, Officers for it, who remain on their Pay in the Regiment they now belong to, and to have their Pay made up, from the contingencies, to the rank they have in this New Regiment; but to take no Rank in the Army, by this commission, till the Kings Pleasure be known on this subject: nor will I look on those commissions as vacant, in the Regiment they belong to, till the King's Pleasure is known; which I beg you will communicate, as soon as His Majesty has signified it. Enclosed, I send your Lordship, Lieut. Gage's memorial to me.

I have advanced the money, for the cloathing and raising those men, on an obligation, from the Colonel to repay it, if the King thinks proper to accept of his Proposal.

I forgot to mention to your Lordship, that Lieut. Adam Williamson, lately promoted by me in His Majestys 22d Regiment of Foot, was Ensign in Lieut. Guise's Regiment: He is son to Lieut. Colonel Williamson, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, is an Engineer in this Service, and stands strongly recommended to me by Lord Dupplin.

I am with the greatest Regard,

My Lord, your Lordships,

Most Obedient and Most

Humble Servant

Cover sheet:

The Earl of Loudoun

to Lord Barrington

Febry. 16th 1758

Duplicate

Sources:

1. War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Apr. 1757 - Oct. 1757. LAC, W.O. 4, 54 (Selections), p. 232.

2. National Maritime Museum: The Caird Library and Archive, London. ADM 354/157/205. John Cleveland served as Secretary to the Admiralty, 1751-1763; a further discussion regarding Colonel Fraser's original transport ships can be found here.

3. John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun (1705-1782) Ms.L.unsigned to [William Wildman, 3rd] Viscount Barrington; New York, 16 Feb 1758. Houghton Library, Harvard University. John Campbell Loudoun Papers Concerning the Siege and Fall of Quebec, 1756-1784 (MS Can 64). Cambridge, MA. https://bit.ly/2WbDiMv. [Acc: 19 Aug. 2021].

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