In Favor of the Government Sett

An 18th-century civilian clothier in London meticulously examines a selection of luxurious fabrics on a well-lit table in his bustling workshop. Dressed in a simple yet elegant ensemble of the era, the middle-aged man has a pair of spectacles perched on his nose to aid in his scrutiny. The table is adorned with bolts of velvet, silk, and fine wool in an array of rich colors, reflecting the high quality of his trade of many years. (Jeffrey Campbell, An Ounce of Thread, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

In Favor of the Government Sett

Over the years, there have been countless thoughts expressed regarding the specific sett worn as part of the uniform by Lieutenant Colonel Fraser’s men in North America while participating in the war, from 1757 to 1763. And the simple explanation for this is that, although the War Office, on 13 January 1757, ordered a General Board of Officers to inspect the clothing patterns to be worn, documentation outlining the results of any inspection occurring has never been uncovered. 

During the early formation of the battalion, we know of two separate occasions when the men were officially reviewed. The first inspection took place at Glasgow, Scotland, on 29 April 1757, by the Hon. Charles Hope-Weir, Muster Master-General of North Britain [Scots Magazine, Vol. XIX, p.259], and a second inspection occurred a few days later on 4 May, by Lieutenant Colonel Richard Webb and Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Worge [Beauclerk to Barrington, 6 May 1757, W.O. 1/613, p.115]. Additionally, the battalion was most likely reviewed at the Royal Military Barracks, Dublin, Ireland (now Collins Barracks), by the Earl of Rothes, on their march to Cork Harbour for embarkation, as it is documented he met with Colonel Montgomery's First Highland Battalion on 16 May 1757.

Our Findings

The following two contemporary newspaper extracts discuss Lord Loudoun's desire to reinforce his army in North America with an additional 5,000 troops. Formerly of the 64th Foot, Loudoun (Colonel John Campbell) was serving as commander in chief at the time.

Jackson's Oxford Journal

Saturday, November 27, 1756. Numb. 187.

London.

It is said that Lord Loudoun has desired a Reinforcement of 5000 Men at least, whom he recommends to be accoutred in the manner of the Highland Regiment.

It should be noted, originally titled Crawford's Highlanders or the Highland Regiment, the 42nd (Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot, numbered 43rd in the line, in 1748, then renumbered 42nd Foot in 1751, and was one of the first three Highland Regiments to fight in North America.

The Sussex Weekly Advertiser, or, Lewes Journal

Monday, November 29, 1756. No. 544.

London. Nov. 23.

The last Express from Lord Loudon contains no request of being Recalled, but he therein desires a Reinforcement of 5000 Men at least, which he recommends to be raised in the Highlands of Scotland, and to be accoutred in their Manner, the English Marching Regiments not being so capable of bearing the Fatigue of frequent Journeys in that Country; he also desires a Draught from the Train of Artillery, with some small travelling Cannon; which Request, we hear, is ordered to be complied with forthwith.

Separately, on 25 August 1757, Lieutenant Colonel Fraser, in a letter penned from Halifax Harbour to Lord Loudoun wrote: "...This much I will say for the Regt. that it is in every respect a Highland one & as we have the honor of wearing the livery of your Lords highland Regt. I have no doubt we shall resemble them in more respects when we are disciplined..." [LO 4310, Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.]

Wearing a Dark-coloured Plaid

As the only Highland regiment garrisoned in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in September 1757, were the men of Colonel Fraser's Regiment, from the journal of Captain John Knox, we find the following entry. 

21 September 1757: "...The reinforcement of Highlanders, mentioned before to have arrived lately at Halifax, consisted of two new-raised regiments; an unlucky accident lately happened to one of their private men, of which the following are particulars; a soldier of another regiment, who was a centinel detached from an advanced guard, seeing a man come out of the wood, with his hair hanging loose, and wrapped in a dark-coloured plaid, he challenged him repeatedly, and receiving no answer (the weather being hazy) he fired at him and killed him."  [The Publications of the Champlain Society: The Journal of Captain John Knox, Volume 1, pp.73-74]. 

Note: At 4 minutes, 16 seconds past 11 p.m. on the evening of September 20, the Moon entered the First Quarter phase, a time when present-day astronomers estimate it is only 1/11 bright as a full Moon. [Edinburgh Almanack For the Year M.DCC.LVII, Edinburgh, 1757, p.13].

Lord Beauclerk's Letters

We've uncovered two important letters pertaining to the plaids issued and worn by Lieutenant Colonels Fraser and Montgomery's men in 1757. Writing from Edinburgh to Lord Barrington of the War Office in London, Lord Beauclerk pens several key notes.

In this first letter, Beauclerk's admittance of contact with the clothing contractors strongly implies the making of clothes were an undertaking of the government, and supervised by Beauclerk himself. 

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. Letter book of Lord George Beauclerk as Commander-in-Chief in Scotland, being copies of letters concerning military and administrative affairs in Scotland of Beuaclerk, the Viscount Barrington, the Earl of Holdernesse, the Earl of Ligonier, and others. National Library Scotland, p.47-48].

In Beauclerk's second letter, it is discussed that the two Highland battalions are still in need of 400 plaids, which are expected to arrive any day [to Glasgow] from Stirling. The two battalions are awaiting their final shipment of (most likely) government tartan.

19 April 1757: "By a Letter I this day received from Lieut Colonel Webb, there are about 90 of the best Men of each of the Highland Battalion who cannot arrive at Glasgow before the 23d Inst. occasioned as is said, by their having been in the Western Isles where they could not receive orders so as to be able to join sooner. This will retard the march of the First Battalion till the 25th following; especially as the same Letter bears that there are also wanting 400 Plaids which daily expected from Stirling." [Beauclerk to Barrington, Edinburgh, 19 April 1757. TNA, W.O. 1/613, p.83-85].

In Summary

As historians, whichever side of the fence you may be on, our independent investigation into these key pieces of evidence brought together for the first time under one umbrella strongly suggests the wearing of the government sett. Considering the totality of the evidence, we believe Colonel Fraser and his men wore the same livery (jacket, bonnet, waistcoat, and tartan) as not only Loudoun's original 64th Foot, but the 42nd and 77th Regiments as well.

And while some historians are in favor of the patterns worn by the 42nd Regiment, others are hoping paperwork will one day appear in support Colonel Fraser's men wearing a red tartan. However, to date, we have not been able to locate any credible evidence to corroborate the latter.

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

Last updated 27 January 2023.

Halifax Pay Records of May 1758

An accountant at the War Office in Westminster, London, meticulously reviewing the financial records of Major James Clephane of the 78th Regiment of Foot. The Scottish regiment, raised in 1757, was stationed for service in North America in support of the Seven Years' War. (Jeffrey Campbell, A Numbers Game, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Halifax Pay Records of May 1758

A collection of pay records from Major James Clephane's Company of the 78th Regiment of Foot dated May 1758 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although 111 names appear on the original records cover sheet, only the following 90 archival records were made available. It is presumed the remaining 21 records did not survive. 

Please note soldiers' numbering is for our internal records and should be referenced for identification when contacting us. Additional links to transcriptions will be made available as time permits, so please check back.

Major James Clephane's Company

Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 1758

1. Serjeant John McGrigor

2. Serjeant James Robertson

3. Serjeant Alexander Rose

4. Serjeant James Watson

5. Corporal Alexander Fraser

6. Corporal James Gowe

7. Corporal James Smith

8. Corporal Hugh Tulloch

9. Private John Anderson

10. Private Roderick Bain
11. Private John Buchanan
12. Private Evan Cameron
13. Private John Cameron [1]
14. Private John Cameron [2]
15. Private John Cameron [3]

16. Private John Cameron [4]
17. Private Angus Campbell
18. Private Donald Campbell

19. Private Hugh Campbell
20. Private James Campbell
21. Private John Campbell [1]
22. Private John Campbell [2]
23. Private John Chisholm

24. Private William Conison

25. Private Donald Culbert

26. Private Duncan Duff

27. Private Charles Falconer

28. Private Angus Fletcher

29. Private Alexander Fraser

30. Private John Fraser [1]

31. Private John Fraser [2]

32. Private John Fraser [3]

33. Private Petter Halden

34. Private John Innes

35. Private Alexander Johnston

36. Private James Knight

37. Private Donald Livingston

38. Private Alexander McArthur

39. Private John McArthur

40. Private John McAllum

41. Private Donald McColl

42. Private Alexander McDonald

43. Private Donald McDonald

44. Private Evan McDonald

45. Private John McDonald

46. Private John McDougall

47. Private David McDugall

48. Private Donald McGibban

49. Private Donald McGilivray

50. Private Petter McGrigor [1]

51. Private Petter McGrigor [2]

52. Private Donald McIntosh

53. Private John McIntosh [1]

54. Private John McIntosh [2]

55. Private Lachlan McIntosh

56. Private David McKinzie

57. Private Donald McKinzie

58. Private John McKinzie [1]

59. Private John McKinzie [2]

60. Private Rodrick McKinzie

61. Private Duncan McLean

62. Private Donald McLeod

63. Private John McLeod

64. Private William McNabb

65. Private Archibald McNaughton

66. Private Duncan McNickell

67. Private John McPherson

68. Private John McVain

69. Private Hugh Miller

70. Private Roderick Morison

71. Private Hugh Munro

72. Private George Noble

73. Private John Robertson

74. Private Thomas Robertson

75. Private Alexander Rose

76. Private Arthur Rose

77. Private Charles Rose

78. Private David Rose

79. Private William Rose

80. Private Donald Ross

81. Private John Ross

82. Private Malcolm Ross

83. Private Thomas Russel

84. Private John Sherrar

85. Private Alexander Smith

86. Private Angus Stewart

87. Private John Sutherland

88. Private William Sutherland

89. Private James Tolmie

90. Private James Tolnie

Records presumed not to have survived.

91. Private Murdoch Cameron

92. Private Donald Campbell

93. Private Duncan Campbell

94. Private William Campbell

95. Private William Copelan

96. Private James Forbes

97. Private James Fraser

98. Private John Fraser

99. Private John Gordon

100. Private Duncan McDugall

101. Private Alexander McKay

102. Private Murdoch McKenzie

103. Private Duncan McNickle

104. Private Robert McPharlin

105. Private Alexander McPherson

106. Private Duncan McPherson

107. Private Hugh McRae

108. Private Donald Morrison

109. Private Finlay Munro

110. Private William Ross

111. Private James Wright

Source

Military account book at Halifax [Clephane], 1758. NAS GD125/Box 34.

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

Captain Hugh Montomerie's Music Book of 1763

An antique travel chest, adorned with ornate brass fittings and aged with the patina of centuries, stands tall in a cozy, dimly lit room. The chest sits adjacent to a wall with peeling wallpaper, hinting at the passage of time and the storied journeys it has witnessed. Upon its sturdy lid, a well-worn 18th-century sheet music book lies open, its pages yellowed and brittle with age, revealing a complex musical score that whispers of bygone eras. 

 

Throughout history, British Army officers often traveled with personal violins and cellos and passed the time with evenings of treating their fellow battalion-mates to their favorite musically delightful scores. (Jeffrey Campbell, Scores, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Captain Hugh Montomerie's Music Book of 1763

Captain Hugh Montgomerie (1739-1819), later 12th Earl of Eglington - s/o Alexander Montgomerie 4th of Coilsfield & Lillias Montgomery of Skelmorlie, was initially gazetted a lieutenant on July 21, 1757, in one of the three Additional Companies of the 77th Foot, the sister battalion of Fraser's Highlanders. Hugh fought at Fort Duquesne [Pittsburgh] in 1758, participated in the capture of Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1759, and distinguished himself as a light infantry officer during the 1760 Cherokee campaign in South Carolina.  

He served in one of the 77th composite companies at the recapture of St John's, Newfoundland, under Colonel William Amherst in August 1762.  He appears to have been promoted captain in the 78th Foot retroactive to June 2, 1762 [Army lists], for he was still listed as a lieutenant in the 77th Foot on William Amherst's list of officers who participated in the recapture of St John's two months later.  

Hugh was in command of a company when the regiment was disbanded in 1763; went on half-pay as Captain in the 78th until 1767, when he returned to active service as a captain in the 2nd/1st Foot (Royal Scots), his new commission dated February 3, 1767 [NAS GD3/9/111].  He retired on January 27, 1776.  

During the American Revolution, he returned to military service on the home front as first major to the Argyll (Western) Fencibles and was painted in that regiment's uniform in 1780 by John Singleton Copley.  Hugh was MP for Ayrshire from 1784 to 1789 and again in 1795.  In 1796, at the age of 57, he succeeded his cousin Archie to become the 12th Earl of Eglinton and moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords.  He died in 1819. [Clan Fraser Society, Toronto].

Eglington had cultivated tastes, being specifically fond of music, and, as an amateur cellist performing on the violoncello, he was the composer of several popular airs, including 'Lady Montgomerie's Lament' and 'Ayrshire Lasses,' both likely tributes to his mother. [Dictionary of National Biography, Volumes 1-20, 22 for Hugh Montgomerie, pp. 754-55].

Music Book Description

Purchased in 1978 by the National Library of Scotland, the book contains mid-eighteenth century handwritten airs on sheet music, with the cover page dated Quebec, 26 March 1763. Original cover and binding; oblong [12" x 9"?]; contains 24 + 44 inverted folios. Leaves have been torn out after folios 21, 22, 23, 28 (inverted), 37 (inverted), and 41 (inverted). 

Some of the book's airs appear in A Collection of Airs and Marches for Two Violins and German Flutes, Some Which Have Basses [London: Printed for and sold by R. Bremner, 1765?], which is part of the Glen Collection, a special collection at the National Library of Scotland containing over 400 volumes of printed music of the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The cover page contains random jottings, both legible and illegible, in various places across the sheet. While some were written in period ink, others appear to be pencil. Coilsfield, a reference to the birthplace of the author's father, is legible in period ink, while faintly jotted adjacent reads, Capt Hugh Montgomerie, and Capt Reed. Penciled and stricken-through is ACC. 5441, probably representing an outdated archival reference, and Mauchline, a reference to a town and civil parish in East Ayrshire, Scotland, is also inscribed.

[Cover page]

Captain Hugh Montgumries

of the 78th Regt. 

his Book of Music

Collection of Scots Tunes

wt. Varriations the Slowest & Best Setts by AMar

Quebec the 26 March 

1763

 

Due to inaccurate spellings of many titles throughout the music book, the following corrected titles are provided. While some tunes are composed utilizing only the treble clef, others are composed with the treble and bass clefs, with specific notations for the piano and violin spread throughout various airs.

We wish to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Munro Gauld for his contributions to deciphering the handwriting in some of these early Scottish titles. His assistance has proven most valuable.

1.  The Duke of Holstein's March  

2.  Miss Hays Minuet  

3.  Britons, Strike Home  

4.  Felton Minuet with Variations  

5.  The Shetchers March  

6.  Prince Eugene's March  

7.  Miss Munro's Minuet  

8.  March  

9.  The Duchess of Hamilton's Minuet  

10. The Horse Grenadier's March  

11.  A Minuet  

12.  Lord Loudoun's March  

13.  The Swabb Minuet  

14.  The King of Prussia's March  

15.  Miss Gunning's Minuet  

16.  General Keith's March  

17.  Strasbourg Minuet  

18.  Balance of Straus a March  

19.  A March in Rinaldo, by Mr. Handel  

20.  A Minuet  

21.  General George Otway's March  

22.  Colonel Reid's Minuet  

23.  Admiral Vernon's March  

24.  Miss Bowls' Minuet  

25.  Hessian March  

26.  Colonel Reid's Minuet  

27.  Capt. Inches March  

28.  Lady McIntosh's Minuet  

29.  A March  

30.  Minuet  

31.  March  

32.  Minuet  

33.  The Royals March  

34.  Minuet  

35.  Thomas Falconner’s Rant  

36.  Jackson's Mistake  

37.  Follow Her Over the Border  

38.  Red James  

39.  Red James  

40.  Thou art gone away  

41.  Duchess of Devonshire's March  

42.  Canzonell  

43.  How Sweet in the Woodlands  

44.  Pastorale Andantino  

45.  Right Honorable Lord Torphichen's March  

46.  Miss Lillas Montgomerie Skelmories Strathspey, by Capt. Logan  

47.  Allegro Maestroso  

48.  Capt. Baillie's Quick March  

49.  Capt. Baillie's March, South Fencibles  

50.  Lord Banff’s Strathopy  

51.  Miss Montgomerie of Skelmorlies Strathspey, by Niel Gow  

52.  The [illegible]  

53.  Lumps of Puddings  

54.  Cabber Fea  

55.  Barick Jonie 

56.  Illegible  

57.  Captain Montgomerie's Call  

58.  Atholl Braes  

59.  Up in the air

60.  Cammeroning's Rant  

61.  Cameron's Strathspey  

62.  Sir John Cathcart's Reel

63.  Aaron’s Gigg  

64.  Linock love to blanter

65.  Jockey Has Gotten a Wife

66.  If ever I marry I'll marry alright

67.  Miss Christie's Reel

68.  Happy Pair. Sett by W. Handel

69.  Will Come Back Again

70.  Miss Carmichael's Reel

71.  Miss Carmichael's Minuet

72.  The Three Merry Dancers

73.  Lady Nelly Weems Reel

74.  The Crickets

75.  Portobello

76.  Lucy's Delight

77.  The Highlandman Kiss'd his Mother

78.  A Bonney Lass to Merry One 

78.  Sweet Molly

80.  The -orchts Reel

81.  Willie was a Wanton Wag 

82.  Duncan Gray 

83.  The East Nooke O' Fife with Variations 

84.  Doun the burn Davie 

85.  There's Three Good Fellows ayont yon Glen 

86.  Aloway House, by AM Arthur / A. McArthur?

87.  I Love my love in Secret with Variations

88.  Up in the Morning Early

89.  When She Came, ben She bobbed 

90.  The Soldier's Lady

Notes:

Cover page: AMar is possibly an abbreviation for A. McArthur. See tune #86.

39.  Perhaps a continuation of #38.

44.  Probably Andantino Pastorale.

46.  Lillas Montgomerie, the captain's mother.

47.  Probably not the title, but rather a direction of movement within the piece.

52.  Illegible

54.  Caber Fea (Caber Feidh).

55.  Berwick Johnnie.

56.  Illegible

64.  Lennox love to Blantyre.

80.  First letter illegible.

86.  Alloway House; possibly A. McArthur (Allen or Alexander), a soldier in the 78th Foot.

Sources:

Music book, dated Quebec 26 March 1763, of Captain Hugh Montgomerie of the 78th Foot (later 12th Earl of Eglinten), containing various Scottish dance tunes and marches. National Library of Scotland, Library Archives and Manuscripts collection, MS.21750.

Alex. Whitelaw, The Book of Scottish Song; Collected and Illustrated with Historical and Critical Notices. (London, 1843.)

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

Last updated 26 May 2022.

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.