Journal of Captain John Donkley, HMS Enterprize, 1757

A distinguished British naval officer of 29 years, serving as able seaman in 1729, with a tenacious work ethic, John Donkley advanced to midshipman in 1732, and first passed his lieutenants' examination on 1 August 1735/36. In the next five years, he completed service as a lieutenant on board Dursley Galley (20 guns); Faversham (44 guns); Dragon (60 guns), and Neptune (90 guns). (Jeffrey Campbell, Following Seas, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Captain John Donkley

By 1745, his tour of duty included serving as commander and commanding officer of the Spence sloop (8 guns) in the Mediterranean Sea and he transferred in 1755 to Brilliant (16 guns), serving in the same capacity.

After advancing to captain in 1756, he saw service on the Nightingale (22 guns), Aldborough (20 guns), and on 10 November he became Commanding Officer of Enterprize (44 guns), where he provided escort for the following nine transport ships carrying Colonel Fraser's Second Highland Battalion, their tents and baggage, departing Cork Harbour, Ireland on 30 June 1757, and arriving at Halifax, Nova Scotia between 24 and 29 August 1757 [Captain John Donkley, tinyurl.com/5n92dxze].

Ann

Owner: William Dodsworth

Tonnage/Parts: 391/19

Commencing/Ending: 8 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 13/1

Freight: £3314:0:3

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America

Brotherly Love

Owner: John Richardson

Master: Armstrong

Tonnage/Parts: 357/18

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 7 March 1757-18 April 1758

Months/Days: 13/12

Freight: £3108:17:3

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America

Cecilia

Owner: John Brathery

Tonnage/Parts: 214/86

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 17 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 12/23

Freight: £1781:19:3

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America

Cumberland

Owner: Thomas Boulby

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 11 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 12/29

Freight: £2105:12:11

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America

Dutchess of Hamilton

Owner: Anthony Bacon

Tonnage/Parts: 379/72

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 29 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 12/11

Freight: £3015:8:10

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America

Kent

Owner: Thomas Brown

Master: Henry Lawson

Tonnage/Parts: 218/89

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 2 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 13/7

Freight: £1882:17:0

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America

Matilda

Owner: Elidad Blackwell

Tonnage/Parts: 166/34

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 22 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 12/18

Freight: £1361:12:3

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America

Mertilla

Owner: David Trinder

Tonnage/Parts: 241/42

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 10 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 12/30

Freight: £2038:1:6

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America. 

Note: Numerous other documents record this ship as Myrtilla.

Neptune

Owner: Robert Harrison

Master: John Williams

Tonnage/Parts: 192/58

Hired: 24 February 1757

Commencing/Ending: 9 March 1757-8 April 1758

Months/Days: 13/0

Freight: £1627:12:3

Employed: Carrying Forces to North America. Discharged at Deptford.

Source: Lists of Transports, 1754-1773. TNA, ADM 49/126; The shipmasters of Kent and Neptune (Lawson and Williams) are located in Captain Donkley's Journal, while the shipmaster of the Brotherly Love (Armstrong) is found in Lloyd's List, 1757.

Letter of 4 June 1757

Sir,

Please acquaint their Lordships I this day arrived here and received from Rear Admiral Broderick their Commands of the 2d Instant in addition to their former orders of the 16th. 17th. 18th. 21st of May and 1st June and acquainting me, that there is a Sum of Money to be put on board his Majesty's Ship under my Command for the Payment of the Troops at Boston in New England, and directing me in addition to the former Orders, to receive on board the said Money and proceed with it after seeing the Transports in safety to Halifax, to Boston, and there to remain not longer than Ten days, and after having collected together all the trade bound to England that may be ready and desirous to accompany me, to proceed with the said Convoy and see them in safety as far as the Downes. Am to acquaint you I shall put their Lordships Orders in Execution with the utmost dispatch.

I am Sir

Your most Obedient

humble Servant

Jno. Donkley

Enterprize
Spithead

4th June 1757

Letter of 16 June 1757

Sir,

Please to acquaint their Lordships that I arrived this day at this place with his Majesty's Ship under my Command, have wrote to the Commanding Officer of His Majesty's Land Forces at Cork to acquaint him therewith, and to let him know that all the assistance in my Power shall be given to forward the Embarking the Troops, and shall be ready to proceed as soon as they are on board.

I am Sir

Your most Obedient

humble Servant

Jno. Donkley

Enterprize

Cove of Cork June 16th 1757

Letter of 28 June 1757

Sir,

Please to acquaint their Lordships, that yesterday I received a Packet directed to Captain Knight Commander of His Majesty's Ship Fouguenx or the Commanding Officer at Cork or Kingsale; to make Enquiry into the State of the Prisons and Prisoners of War at Kingsale, and to make a Report thereof to the Commissioners of Sick and Wounded. As we are just upon sailing with the Transports, prevents me making an Inspection, and have closed the Packett again, directed to Captain Knight or the Commanding Officer that may arrive here, which I have left in the care of the Contractor for Victualling His Majesty's Ships at this place. The Major part of the Troops was embarked last Night, expect they will all be on board this day; hope we shall be able to Sail tomorrow morning with the Convoy, no time shall be lost, will make all possible dispatch. and am

Sir

Your most Obedient

humble Servant

Jno. Donkley

Enterprize

Cove of Cork 28th June 1757

Source: Three Letters of Captain John Donkley (June 1757). TNA, ADM 1/1700.

Journal of Captain John Donkley

For both naval and general military historians, the captain's journal, in remarkably good condition, considering its age and exposure to the salt atmosphere, is a glimpse into the past of daily shipboard operations in-port and while at-sea, from the perspective of the captain and those who were authorized access. Although the penmanship does appear somewhat consistent throughout the two-month period we consulted, there is evidence of more than one scribe.

Beautifully handwritten script with period ink, and approximately 10" x 12" in hardcover binding, as the book is folded open there are 13 separate folios cataloging the journey in escorting Colonel Fraser's nine transport ships from Cork Harbour, Ireland, to Halifax, Nova Scotia during the summer months of 1757. Each two-page folio contains left and right-side pages, with eight vertical navigational aide columns on the left page and one general remarks column on the right page. Each completed folio is then further divided into horizontal rows from top to bottom, distinguishing the different category headers at the top with each row descending containing the day of the month in ascending order. Depending on the amount of daily data recorded, each completed folio might contain anywhere from six to ten days of information. 

The log recounts the complete overseas voyage, and highlights some of the daily challenges to keep the convoy of 44 sail together and responsive to the Enterprize's nautical signals, which involved periodically firing 'shots' to send message to other ships in the group.  Also present are HMS Falkland and HMS Stork (escorting Colonel Montgomery's Battalion to South Carolina), who are often sent by Enterprize's senior leadership to give 'chace' [sic, chase] to various unidentified ships lurking about. Albeit a game of 'cat-and-mouse', there are no mentions of any military engagements en route to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Although the journal was opened on 18 November 1756, for the purpose of this article, we begin a partial transcription of the voyage overseas on Wednesday, 15 June 1757, the day prior to the arrival of HMS Enterprize to Cork Harbour, Ireland, and extend through Friday, 8 July 1757, eight days after her departure. This allows the reader an opportunity to experience a few days at sea with Enterprize and her convoy.

Additionally, although we have imposed in-house folio numbers for clarity in dividing each completed section, these numbers do not appear in the journal. Finally, please be advised the book's general format of vertical columns has been modified to fit this format.

 [Title page]

ENTERPRIZE

18 NOV. 1756

26 JAN. 1764

[Second page: inscription]

Journal keep't by Captain

John Donkley Betw." 18 Nov. 1756,

and the 17 March 1758.

[Folio one]

[June 1757]

Week/Day: Wednesday, 15

Winds: Varl.

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Glander Harbour; S&W; Dist. 3 Leagues

Remarks: Modt. Cloudy w at 3PM Do. w: at 5AM came on board a Pilot Do. saw the Land bearing NNW 3 Leag: set Steerg. sails At 7 Parted Co. wth one of the Tenders she being bound to Waterford, The two tenders under Convoy in Co. Ventalated 1/2 an hour every watch.

The following explanation for the remarks made on 15 June is provided as clarity to better understanding the acronyms and abbreviations used. 

"Moderate, cloudy winds; at 3 p.m., ditto winds. At 5 a.m., came on board a pilot; ditto [also, at 5 a.m.], saw the land bearing north-northwest [at] three leagues; set steering sails. At 7 [a.m., we] parted company with one of the tenders, she being bound to Waterford [Ireland]. The two tenders under convoy [are] in company. Ventilated [the ship each] 1/2 an hour every [guard] watch."

Week/Day: Thursday, 16th

Winds: SbE; NbW; No.

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Moor'd in the Cove of Cork

Remarks: Do. w at 6PM fired a gun & made the signl. to anchor At 7 anchor'd in 7 fam. wa. At 8 Morr'd ship in Cork harbour found riding here his Maj: ship Falkland & Stork sloop Hard bowling Isd. WNW Cove NWBW at 7 unbent all ye sails & got down Topgallt yards At 8 the Stork sloop made the signal for all Mast. of mercht. ships Vent'd. 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Friday, 17

Winds: No.; NNW

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Modt. & Cloudy PM got Top Gt. yds. across. Empd. setting up the lower Rigging At 4 AM reced on board Beer & fresh Beef for the ships Co. Empd. Blacking the yards. Ventd. 1/2 an hour every watch.

Week/Day: Saturday, 18

Winds: SW; W; NW

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Fresh gales and Cloudy PM Empd. Stowing the Beer away At 9 got the sheet anchor over the side At 11 AM sent the Cutter on Shore for water Ventalated 1/2 an hour &c. 

Week/Day: Sunday, 19

Winds: SSW; SW

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Modt. & Cloudy sail'd hence a Brigg who saluted us with 7 Guns we retd. 5 At 1/2 pt. 4 sail'd a sloop who Saluted us with 7 we retd. 5 At 8 Reced on bd. fresh beef Ventalated 1/2 an &c.

Week/Day: Monday, 20

Winds: SW; WBS

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Modt. and Rainy PM Heel'd ship and Scrub'd the Larboard side of the ship At 4 AM Heel'd and scrub'd the Starbd. side of the ship Ventalated 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Tuesday, 21st

Winds: SW; WbS

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Modt. & Clear PM Tarr'd the ships sides At 1 AM Reced on board Beer and fresh Beef Ventalated 1/2 an hour every watch.

Week/Day: Wednesday, 22d

Winds: W; WSW;SW

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Modt. and Cloudy w: At 1 PM Fired 17 Guns being the Kings accession to the throne Ventalated 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Thursday, 23d

Winds: SSW; SW; ESE

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Modt Gales with drizling rain middle pt calm At 2 PM saluted the Earl of Inchequin with 13 Guns he return'd 7 Do. bent small sails At 5 Empd. on Sundrys At 5 AM Bent Sails Do loos'd Foretopsail as a signl. for sailing At 10 Empd. Fleeting the Ratlines Fore and Aft Do. Punish'd Archibald Kell for drunkeness & abuse to his officer & John McLeod for Drunkeness & Neglect of Duty with a Dozen lashes each Ventd. 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Friday, 24th

Winds: ESE

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: First and middle pt. modt. & clear At 1 PM came in here a ship from Bristol which saluted us with 9 Guns we retd. 7 At 4 AM Fresh Gales & cloudy Do. Heel'd ship & gave her a Boot top on the Larbd. side Ventd. 1/2 an hour every watch.

Week/Day: Saturday, 25th

Winds: SE; ESE

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: First and middle parts modt. and cloudy At 1 PM came in here a ship from Bristol who saluted us with 9 Guns we return'd 7 PM employ'd fleeting the Ratlines latter fresh gales and clear At 4 AM heel'd ship and gave her a Boottop on the Starboard side Ventd. 1/2 an hour every watch.

[Folio two]

Week/Day: Sunday, 26th

Winds: ESE; SE

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Moor'd in the Cove of Cork

Remarks: Modt & Cloudy PM Do. w: AM loos'd Foretopsl. & fir'd a Gun and made the signl for all Masrs. of Mercht men. Reced on bd. 4480 lo of Bread 12 firkins Butter 1460 l cheese & 892 Pounds Fresh Beef Draught of water abaft 16 Ft. 10 In. & Torn'd 15 Ft. 10 in height of midship Port 2 Ft. 9 In. Bent the Main & Foresail Work't the Ventalation 1/2 an Hour every Watch.

Week/Day: Monday, 27th

Winds: SE; SSE

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Do w PM sent the Longbt. for water & compleated. do Excecis'd small arms Pass'd by his Maj: ship Yorks Prize, who saluted us with 7 Guns do ret'd 5. do came in a ship from Bristol and saluted us with 11 Guns do retd. 9 Work't Ventulator 1/2 an hour every watch.

Week/Day: Tuesday, 28th

Winds: ESE; SE; SSE; So.

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: First and middle pts. Light airs and Calm fine weather At 4 PM reced 9 men from the Hospital At 5 one of the Transports fired 7 Guns at which time the Troops began to Embarque, latter fresh Breezes & Cloudy at 10 AM Fired a Gun & made the signal for Unmooring Work't Vent. 1/2 an hour each watch.

Week/Day: Wednesday, 29th

Winds: Et; SE; NbE

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Do.

Remarks: Little Wind and Variable got the sheet anchor on the Gunnel AM a snow saluted us 9 Guns return'd 7 Compleated our water Work't Ventulated 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Thursday. 30th

Winds: SW; NW; NNW; WbN

Course:

Dist:

Latt:

Long:

Beargs. &c at Noon: Old Head of Kingsale; No. 3 Leags.

Remarks: Little wind and hazey weather with rain PM came in a ship from Bristol who Saluted us with 11 Guns, return'd 9. At 2 AM Fired a Gun and made the signl. to weigh do hoisted in the Longbt. At 1/2 pt. 3 weigh'd & came to sail in Co. with his Majesty's ship Falkland and Stork sloop with 43 sail of Mercht Vessels under Convoy At 11 fired a Gun and made a signal for the Weathermost of the Convoy to come under our Stern & the Headmost to shorten sail Ventd. 1/2 an hour &c.

[July 1757]

Week/Day: Friday, 1st

Winds: WbS; SWbS; NW; WNW; WbN; W

Course: S20ºW

Dist: 90'

Latt: 50º 07'

Long: 9º 48'

Beargs. &c at Noon: Old Head of Kingsale N20ºEt; Dt. 30 Leagues

Remarks: Modt and Cloudy At 2 PM in 2 Rf Topsails At 4 fired a shot at one of the Convoy to Shorten sail do fired a Gun and made the signal for the headmost ships to Shorten Sail 1/2 past bore down to the Falkland At 6 fired a shot at one of the Convoy to shorten sail do fired 2 Guns & made the signal for the Convoy to come under our stern At 8 in 3d Rf Topsails At 9 in 4th Rf main Topsail At 10 got down TopGallt. yards At 4AM Fresh Gales & hazey 40 sail in sight At 8 41 sail in sight At 9 fired a Gun & made signal for the Sternmost ships to make sail At 10 fired a Gun & made Signal for the Headmost ships to shorten sail At noon the Falkland, Stork & 40 sail in sight Work't Ventulator 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Saturday, 2d

Winds: W; WBN; W; WbN; W; NW; NNW; NWbN

NNW; NWbN

Course: S6ºW

Dist: 67'

Latt: 49 01'

Long: 9 58'

Beargs. &c at Noon: Cape Finister So. 2ºW Dist 115 Leagues; Lizard No. 71 Et. Dist 63 Leagues

Remarks: Modt Cloudy with thick wear. 1/2 pt. saw a Strange sail in the SE Qr. made the Falkland signal to chace At 3 lay too 1/2 pt. made the signl. for the Ships ahead to Shorten sail but not minding the signl. fired shot at them At 4 fired 2 Guns & made the signal for the Convoy to come under our Stern 1/2 pt. saw a Strange Ship in the SW Qr. & made the Falkland signal to chace At 5 made the signl. for Convoy to bear down under our Stern but they not regardg. it fired a Shot at them At 8, 43 sail in sight At 9 kept away for some of the Convoy being a great way to Leeward 1/2 pt. 1 AM handed Fore topsail At 2 set Do. At 8, 44 sail in sight At 9 Fired a Gun and made the signl. for the Headmost ships to shorten sail At 10 made the signal & fired a Gun for the ships a stern to make more sail At 11 made the Signal to speak wth. the Stork At 12 the Falkland made sail to speak wth. the Headmost ships they not minding the signal Ventulated 1/2 an hour &c.

[Folio three]

Week/Day: Sunday, 3d

Winds: WbN; So; NW; WNW; WbN; W; WbN

Course: S1ºE

Dist: 63'

Latt: 47º 57'

Long: 9º 54'

Beargs. &c at Noon: Lizard No. 51 Et. Dist 66 Leagues

Remarks: Modt Cloudy Unbent the Bt & Small Bowr Cables do sent the Falkland a Head to speak with the Convoy they not minding our Signals. Fired two Guns & made the signal for the Convoy to come under our Stern At 4 PM in 2 af Topsails At 1/2 pt. 5 saw 2 sail to the Wtward do made the signal for the Falkland to Chace At 6 Fired a Gun & made the signal for the Falkland to leave off chace Handed the Mainsl do saw a large Fleet to the SEd in 3 Rf Topsails Hauled down the Signal for ye Convoy to come under our Stern they paying no regard to it At 8 the two strange sail to Leeward bore EbS and the two to the Winward NWbN at 4 AM fired a Gun & made the signal for the headmost ships to shorten sail At 7 out 3 Rf Topsails saw a strange sail in the SW Qr. which we took for a Privateer made the Falkland & Stork signals to Chace At 11 fired a Gun & made the signl. Falkd. Work't Ventulated 1/2 an hour every watch.

Week/Day: Monday, 4th

Winds: W; WbN; W; WSW; WbS; W; WbS; W; WbN

Course: N59ºW

Dist: 20'

Latt: 48º 04'

Long: 10º 14'

Beargs. &c at Noon: Lizard No. 59º Et. 75 Leags.

Remarks: Fresh gales and Cloudy fired two Guns and made the signal for the Convoy to come under Stern do bore down to the Leeward ships of the Convoy the ships to Windward not regarding the signal At 4 PM fired two Guns At one of the Transports to windward who would not bear down & the signl. being out 44 sail in sight At 1/2 pt. 4 fired a shot at one of the Transports not minding the Signal At 8, 44 sail in Sight At 10 made the Storks signal to speak with her [----] the Kent Transport Henry Lawson Masr. 2 Shot, Neptune do. John Williams Masr. 1 shot for not bearing down tho' the signal was out from 12 to 4 in the Evening Work't Ventulator 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Tuesday, 5th

Winds: W; SW; SWbW; SWbS; SSW; W; So.;W

Course: WSW

Dist: 20'

Latt: 47º 50'

Long: 10º 53'

Beargs. &c at Noon: Old Head of Kingsale No. 17º Et. Dist 79 Leag.; Lizard No. 59Et. Dist. 84 Leagues

Remarks: Modt and hazey At 1/2 pt. 12 fired a Gun and made the Signl for the ships a Stern to make sail at 1 PM Fired a Gun & made the signal to speak with the Stork At 1/2 pt. 7 made the signl. and fired a Gun to K to the Wt.ward Little wind and hazey 44 sail in sight At 3 AM Modt & hazey Out 3d Rf Topsls. At 6 the Falkland made ye signl. for seeing 4 strange sail to the Wt.ward do made the Signl. for the Falkland & Stork to Chace 1/2 pt. 7 Fired a Gun & made the signl. for the Convoy to come under my Stern do made the Signal for the Stork to Chace to the SW At 10 fired a Gun and made the signal for the Falkland & Stork to leave off Chace At Noon 44 sail in sight Work't Ventulator 1/2 an hour &c.

Week/Day: Wednesday, 6th

Winds: SWbS; SW

Course: WNW

Dist: 38'

Latt: 48º 00'

Long: 11º 36'W

Beargs. &c at Noon: Old Head of Kingsale No. 30º Et. Dist 63 Leagues; Lizard No. 64 Et. Dist. 85 Leagues

Remarks: Modt and Cloudy In 2d Rf Topsails At 2 PM Fired a Gun & made the signl. for the Stork to leave off chace 1/2 past made the signl. & none to the NW 45 sail in sight At 8 Modt and Cloudy 44 sail in sight At 4 AM [----] 44 sail in sight At 8 little wind and Cloudy Out 2 Rf Topsails Fired a Gun made signl. for the ships a Head to shorten sail 1/2 pt. made the Storks Signal to chace in the SW Quar. At 10 made the signl. for the Convoy to come under our Stern. Work't Ventulator 1/2 an hour &c.

[Folio four]

Week/Day: Thursday, 7th

Winds: SW; SWbW; NW; NNW; No.; NEbN; NE

Course: SW1/2W

Dist: 66'

Latt: 47º 20'

Long: 12º 53'

Beargs. &c at Noon: Old Head of Kingsale No. 29 Et. Dist 90 Ls.; Lizard No. 66º Et. Dist. 101 Leagues

Remarks: Modt. and hazey made the signl to speak with the Stork At 6PM Fired a Gun and made the signal to K. to the Westward At 7 Brot to with the main Topsail to ye mast 1/2 pt. 8 fill'd main Topsail Modt. & hazey In 2d Rf Topsails 44 sail in sight At 12 Modt. and Cloudy At 4 AM Do. wr: At 8 Do. wr: Out 2 Rf Topsails At 10 little wind and Cloudy Exercis'd Great Guns and small arms at Noon Do. wr: Brot too wth. Main topsail to the mast 44 sail in sight Work't Ventulator 1/2 an hour every Watch.

Week/Day: Friday, 8th

Winds: NEbN; ENE; ESE; SE; ESE

Course: SW1/2S

Dist: 74'

Latt: 46º 30'

Long: 14º 01'

Beargs. &c at Noon: Old Head of Kingsale No. 29 Et. Dist 125 Leag:; Lizard No. 58º Et. Dist. 134 Leagues

Remarks: Modt. and Cloudy lay too for the Convoy 1/2 pt. 1 PM bore away and made the signl. for the Sternmost Ships to make more sail Exercis'd small arms At 6 Brot. too 1/2 pt. 7 In 2d Rf TSls. At 8 Light airs and Cloudy 44 sail in sight At 9 AM Fired a Gun and made the Signl. for the Sternmost Ships to make more sail At 10 made the Falklands Signal to Chase to the SE Brot: too and made the Convoy come under our Stern Exercis'd Great Guns At Noon 44 sail in sight the Falkland still in Chace Work't Ventulator 1/2 an hour &c.

While part of Colonel Fraser's convoy separated from Enterprize off Sable Island, a small island situated about 300 km (190 mi) southeast of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the colonel's group arrived at port on 24 August 1757. Enterprize spent a few extra days at sea, finally setting anchor on 29 August, not before encountering HMS Newark, transporting Vice Admiral Holbourn, the Invincible (Read Admiral Hardy), the Grafton (Commodore Holmes), and 13 additional sails of the line. All the longboats belonging to the admiral's fleet replenished Enterprize with much needed fresh water. She departed port a few days later for a quick layover at Boston Harbor.

Sources: 

Donkley, John, TNA, ADM 51/313; two additional journals covering this voyage are available: Masters Journal. TNA, ADM 52/844, and Lieutenant's Logbook for HMS Enterprize, 1757-1759. Royal Museum Greenwich, London, ADM/L/E/119.

© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2023.

A Case of Robbery and Desertion

The stately 18th-century Ursuline Monastery in the heart of Quebec City, basking in the warm embrace of a late afternoon sunset. The ancient edifice, with its steeply pitched roofs and majestic stone facade, stands tall amidst the cobblestone streets and quaint surrounding buildings, which are cast in a soft, amber glow. 

It was here on 15 April 1763 that civilian Marie-Josephte Corriveau was condemned to death by an English military court martial for the murder of her second husband, Dodier. Major James Abercrombie, Serjeant Alexander Fraser, and soldier Alexander McDonald, all three men in the 78th Regiment, were deposed at the trial. (Jeffrey Campbell, Taken Too Soon, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

A Case of Robbery and Desertion: The Case of Miles Carmichael

Proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Quebec the 27th July 1761 By Virtue of a Warrant from his Excellency Governor Murray. Dated the 26th of said month. The Court Martial continued by Adjournment to the 31st Inclusive.

Major James Agnew President

Members

Captain Samuel Gardener

Captain George Byrd

Captain Robert Rutherford

Captain Robert Carden

Captain Edmund Malone

Captain Henry Alt

Captain [Charles] Graydon

Captain James Dalrymple

Captain Thomas Smelt

Captain Robert Brigstock

Captain Arthur Price

Captain John Brown

Hector Theophilus Cramaché Judge Advocate

    Prisoner Miles Carmichael Soldier of the 78th Regiment was brought before the Court and tried for Robbery and Desertion.

Hugh Shaw

Soldier of said Regiment was sworn and deposes that the Evening before he was robbed, the Prisoner came to the Deponents Quarters and brought him to lie with him at his own, the next morning when he awakened the Prisoner was gone and the Deponent found his Purse cut out of the lining of his Waistcoat and taken away, with seven Johannes's in it, and six Dollars.

Corporal William Ross 

[Soldier] of said Regiment was sworn, and deposes, that he went with a Command for Provisions and at his Return, he got an order to search for a Man, who had robbed his Comrade at St. Michael, that he with his Command got into his Quarters, and were at Dinner, when the Prisoner came in Sweating and enquired for one Macaule, and they were going to shew where he Quartered; when the Deponent asked his Name, to which having answered, Miles Carmichael, This Deponent knew immediately he was the Man sought after, loaded his Piece & gott between him and the Door. The Prisoner immediately confessed the Affair to him, and pulled out the money, being six half Johannes's, one Dollar and three Sols, saying the Devil tempted him to it.

Alexander Ross 

Soldier of said Regiment was sworn and confirmed the foregoing Evidence. The Prisoner acknowledges taking the Money had no Intention to Desert, and Submits to the mercy of the Court.

    The Court having heard, and examined the Allegations against the Prisoner, together with what he had to offer in his defence, Is of Opinion, that Miles Carmichael Soldier of the 78th Regiment is guilty of the first part of the Charge given against him, and doth adjudge him to receive one thousand Lashes for the same, and to be put under Stoppages not exceeding one half of his Pay, till he had made up the whole Sum lost by Hugh Shaw. The Court acquits him of the second part of the Charge Desertion.

    /signed/

    Ja. Agnew President

    Major to the 58th Regiment

Note: On 23 November 1759, Governor James Murray established a monetary conversion table declaring the half Johannes worth £2 (or 48 French livres), one dollar at the rate of £0.5.0 (or 6 French livres), and the French sol marque of six liards, 18 for a shilling (15 for a livre), and the marque of nine liards at 14 for a shilling (12 for a livre) [LAC, James Murray, Microfilm C-2225, image 20].

Additional cases on the Court's docket included the following:

Case summary of Paul Wood

Paul Wood, soldier in the 2nd Battalion, [60th] Royal American Regiment, was brought before the Court and tried on suspicion of robbery of Mr. James Fitzsimmonds, Merchant. 

Witnesses

William Cooke, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Patrick McGuire, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Joseph Hurst, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

John Kelly, and his wife Hannah, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Robert Andrews 

Paul Wood was found guilty of the charge brought against him, and awarded two thousand lashes for the same.

Case summary of Patrick McGuire

Patrick McGuire soldier in the 2nd Battalion, [60th] Royal American Regiment, was brought before the Court and tried on suspicion of robbery, and for deserting from his confinement.

Witnesses 

Lieutenant Ryan, 60th R.A.

Ensign John Monins, 60th R.A.

William Cooke, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

John Kelly, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Serjeant Joseph Robinson, 58th Foot.

Manasseh Hamel, [unknown regiment].

Patrick McGuire was found guilty of the charges laid against him, and was to suffer death, agreeable to the Articles of War.

Case summary of Joseph Hurst

Joseph Hurst, soldier in the 2nd Battalion, [60th] Royal American Regiment, was brought before the Court and tried for receiving stolen goods and knowing them to be such.

Witnesses

William Cooke, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

John Kelly, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Mr. Miles Prentice, Provost Marshall

Jacob Betties

Mary Burne (otherwise Thomas).

Joseph Hurst was found guilty of the charge laid against him, and was awarded two thousand lashes for the same

Case summary of William Thomas

William Thomas, discharged (late soldier of the 47th Foot), was brought before the Court and tried on suspicion of robbery.

Witnesses

Mr. Miles Prentice, Provost Marshall

James Osborne, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Francis Holland, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

John Cook, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Serjeant John Frazer, 47th Foot; testified defendant was formerly of the 47th Foot.

Jacob Battis

As the remaining summary page for this case is missing, the final disposition is unknown.

Case summary of William Christy, John Dennison, Nicholas Clein, and Nicholas Leozenbugher

All soldiers in the 2nd Battalion, [60th] Royal American Regiment, brought before the Court, and tried on suspicion of being assistant to Patrick McGuire in making his escape from the guard.

Witnesses

Ensign John Monins, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

Serjeant Joseph Robinson, 58th Foot.

William Caffery, 2nd Bn., 60th R.A.

All four men were acquitted of the charge against them, as there was non-sufficient proof.

Case summary of Peter Francis

Soldier of the 47th Regiment, he was brought before the Court and tried for desertion in the year 1759.

Witnesses

Captain Gardener 

Corporal Benjamin Hyatt, 47th Foot.

John Taunton, 47th Foot.

Serjeant John Curry, 47th Foot.

Peter Francis was found guilty of the charge against him, and was awarded one thousand lashes for the same.

Case summary of Christopher Duggan

Soldier of the 47th Regiment, he was brought before the Court and tried for the murder of John Casey of said Regiment.

Witnesses

John Butt, 47th Foot.

John Morris, 47th Foot.

Benjamin Brooks, 47th Foot.

John Madden, Drummer, 47th Foot.

Mr. Blakely, Surgeon, 47th Foot.

Mr. Baldwin, Surgeons Mate, 47th Foot.

Mr. Frazer, Surgeon.

Michael Bryan, 47th Foot.

Serjeant Corry, 47th Foot.

As there was no appearance of malice on the part of Christopher Duggan, he was acquitted of the charge against him.

Source: TNA, WO 71/70, pp.270-290 (278-279 missing).

© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2023.

Murder Among the Ranks

An enchanting 18th-century streetscape of downtown Quebec City, nestled within the fortified walls of its historic center. Cobblestone streets weave through a tapestry of ancient buildings adorned with vibrant, colonial-era facades, their windows dressed with wooden shutters and cast-iron balconies brimming with blooming flowers. (Jeffrey Campbell, Autumn Air, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Murder Among the Ranks

It is very rare we encounter judicial proceedings against a soldier in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, albeit we've discovered a few men charged and convicted of various acts over the course of the war in North America. From 1760-1763, as his men were garrisoned not only in Quebec City, but throughout various parishes along the South Shore of the St. Lawrence River, limited information is provided on the exact whereabouts of this particular incident and the specific companies to which the individuals belonged. Although regimental records dating to August 1763 place William Ross, Duncan Cameron, and [John] McGillivray together in Captain Alexander Campbell's company; whether or not these three men were serving together at the time of this incident has not yet been confirmed. Campbell's company was most likely to have been garrisoned on the South Shore.

General Court Martial Proceedings

Proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Quebec the 8th day of February 1762 By Virtue of a Warrant from His Excellency Governor Murray dated the 6th of the said Month.

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Morris President

Members
Captain Saml. Gardiner
Captain Robt. Rutherford
Captain Robt. Boyard
Captain James Dalrymple
Captain Thos. Smell [prob. Smelt]
Captain Robt. Brigstock
Lieutenant George Mountain
Lieutenant John Morris
Lieutenant William Jones
Lieutenant Daniel Davis
Lieutenant James Jeffreys

Hector Theophilus Cramaché Judge Advocate

    The Court being duly sworn the Prisoner Angus McMillan Soldier in the 78th Regiment, was brought before the Court, and tried for the Murder of Niel Macpherson Soldier in the said Regiment.

    Angus McDonell Soldier in the said Regiment being sworn, deposes that a few days ago, he came with his Comrade William Ross about Evening into the Quarters of McMillan, and found there Niel McPherson, and Duncan Cameron, with the Prisoner drinking a Bottle of Wine, that they drank together, that Niel McPherson and the Prisoner had a dispute, but they could not discover the Subject of it, that there was one McGillivray who got much in Liquor, and did all he could to take McPherson away, but could not succeed, and after some time they turned said McGallivray out. That McPherson and the Prisoner wrestled several times, at length everything seemed quiet, and they talked of coming away, when McPherson said he had one Word to say to McMillan, that McMillan was sitting on his Bed, with his Hands joined, and his Head hanging down; that McPherson spoke some words to him, which the Deponent did not hear, that McMillan made no answer, but soon after raising his head, and his Hand, he struck McPherson a sudden Blow, on the Breast, who immediately cried out, Angus.' Angus.' My Dear, the Villan has killed me, with a Knife, that he expired immediately, and McMillan sliped out of the Door, that the Deponent called out to his Comrade, William Ross, who pursued, overtook, and brought him back, that they found the Knife, with which the fact had been committed, by the side of the Bed, bloody, and greasy; that McMillan for some time after he was secured, was very sullen, saying that what was done could not be undone, and that they bound the Prisoner, and informed a non Commission's Officer in the Neighborhood of the Affair, He likewise produced the Knife, which was taken up by Duncan Cameron, and which he says was the knife with which the Fact was committed.

    William Ross Soldier in said Regiment being duly sworn confirms the foregoing Evidence in every particular, except that he did not see the Blow given, but heard the deceased cry out in the same words mentioned by McDonell that he did not see the Knife till he returned, when he did not observe whether it was bloody, or not.

    Duncan Cameron, Soldier in said Regiment being sworn confirms the foregoing Evidences, and likewise says that upon the Prisoners being brought back, they searched him for Arms, and found none, about him, but perceived a Penknife, which he believes to be the same now produced, perceived no Blood on it but the Blade greasy, about halfway up, and the Prisoner acknowledged it, to be his Penknife, Being asked if he saw the Prisoner strike McPherson, says that he did not, but that on hearing him cry out, he looked up and saw the Prisoner draw back his arm, as if he had struck him.

    The Prisoner in his Defence says that the deceased was picking a Quarrel with him the whole Evening, that they had wrestled twice, and McPherson threw him, and when he came up to his Bed, where he was pareing his Nails with his Penknife, McPherson told him, he had now resolved to thresh him, that the Prisoner answered it was needless, he had done it already, that seeing McPherson rush forward to seize him, the Prisoner attempted to push him off; and that McPherson ran himself upon the Knife, by the Force with which he came upon him.

    The Court, having heard and Examined the Allegations against the Prisoner, together with what he had to offer in his Defence,

    Is of the Opinion That Angus McMillan soldier in the 78th Regiment is Guilty of the Charge brought against him, and doth adjudge him to suffer Death for the same.

    I do hereby ratify, and confirm the foregoing Sentences Viz. That Angus McMillan of the 78th Regiment do suffer Death.

    Given under my Hand at Quebec this 9th of February 1762

    signed JA: Murray

It should be noted an additional trial appeared on the Court's docket this same day involving Joseph Gautier, a Canadian servant to Mr. Eleazer Levy, and Mr. Finlay, local Quebec merchants. The defendant was tried and convicted for robbery, and awarded 1000 lashes punishment.

Source: TNA, WO 71/70, pp.226-229.

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

Letter of General James Murray to Colonel Simon Fraser, July 1760

The magnificent Louisbourg Lighthouse, built in the 18th century, towers over Nova Scotia's early morning sky. In 1758, British forces captured the area in seven weeks after attacking with more than 13,000 soldiers aboard more than 150 ships. The British destroyed the fortress walls because they were determined that area would never again be a French base with strong defenses. (Jeffrey Campbell, Before the Storm, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Letter of General James Murray to Colonel Simon Fraser, July 1760

LETTER OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES

MURRAY TO COLONEL SIMON FRASER

[From the Canadian Archives, M. 898-D. (Copied from the original 

draft among the Murray Papers at Bath.)]

Champlain road 25th July 1760

Dr Sir

I was yesterday honor'd with your favor of the 27, I thank you heartily for the Bermudas Sloop, She will be of infinite Service, for as the Diana can go no farther than the Trois Rivieres, we shall want the Bermudian to proceed wth. us to Montreal, let there therefore be no delay in dispatching her to us. Capt. Strobo tells me he came fm Louisbourg in a schooner called Amherst, and excellent Vessell for this river already armed & in the Government's Service, Ld. Colvill it seems has scruples, in keeping her for this service as they cannot be material, I hope you will use your endeavours to remove them I have wrote to him on the subject - the Success of our Affairs in Canada depend entirely upon our being Masters of the river St. Lawrence, & keeping up a Communication with the garison of Quebec, this can only be done by Vessells accomodated for the river & such vessells cannot be essentially necessary any where in America at this time as they are here, I therefore flatter myself there will be no hesitation on my Lds. side, as I am confident you will do all in your power to urge and persuade him to a Compliance. Upon examination i find the quantity of provisions I expected has not embarked, I therefore need not enlarge upon the necessity of supplying us with more, by the most speedy & certain methods you can. From the intelligence I have of the Enemy's powers, & views, & that of Mr. Amherst's motions above, I cannot doubt of being in the Field till the latter end of October, provision must be made accordingly. The Louisbourg fleet of consequence must be victualled for 3 months, & a further Supply for the detachment here of 2 months provisions for 2000 or 1500 men at least, must be forthwith sent to us. - I am glad you have a prospect of getting rid of the French prisoners, you cannot divest yourself of them too soon, let me entreat you to send off De Breaux, & Ferguery [?] amongst the first of them, and it is much to be wished that every french Officer in our possession was sent away or kept close on board the Fleet, till an opportunity Offers. - I am s=Sorry to to find the Garison does not recover, for you are weaker than when I left you I had the Sanguines hopes that the warm weather & your Attention to the wants of the sick, would have soon enabled you to Satisfy your Ambition, I beg you will not be distressed about Jacques Quartier, I meant your friendship by the proposal, I was answerable for any bad Consequences, & you must have reap'd the honor of a happy Success; the enemy's Situation in your district cannot be formidable fifty men is all they have left at Jacques Quartier, & from the nature of things it is most evident to any man Acquainted with war, that they must abandon the lower Country in proportion as we mount, without a possibility of reinforcing it, till both Mr. Amherst's Army & mine are defeated which I think can hardly happen, but enough of this, You are to do as you please, in the mean time give it out that you are to Assault Jacqu Quartier & let your Spies observe the Enemys motions there, remember I tell you, it will not, because it cannot make any Alteration there, the 50 men will continue where they are till we Appear before it, & then they will retire thro' the woods, after having set fire to the houses &ca. In short My Dr. Fraser all I desire & Expect of you as your General is to Execute your original instructions & to Establish a post at the point au tremble if that can be done with ease to your garison, if not to burn ye Country after the harvest is gather'd in, from the river Jacque Quartier to the very banks of Cap rouge, that the Inhabitants of that Quarter may be drove back upon the Upper Canada for Subce. I am positive that this Shou'd be executed before the first day of Octr. if the whole Country before that time has not submitted to His Majties. Arms. Enclosed is a list of pilots for the Upper river, it will be very proper to lay hold of them if possible, that they may be employed for the King - I enclose you an order in form to prevent any Sutlers coming up to us, unless under Safe convoy, it is in form that you may show it to Lord Colvill - The reason I chose to agree with the Masters of the vessells by the Chord rather than to hire their Ships proceeded from a Notion I had that such an agreement wou'd Stimulate their industry, As you have bargained wth. them it is Equal to them whether they work or not, besides you will be very liable to be imposed upon in the measurement of the vessells, in the other way you was Sure of having pennyworths for your money, no imposition and much industry on the part of the owners of the Craft, but now you are almost certain of imposition, Yancky laziness & I fear of consequence a Scarcity of wood in ye Winter, I imagine you did not Consult ye Wise man about this he is an Old faunt Body & certainly will agree to what I have observed on this head. I understand you live like what you are a Great prince, that you may ever be respected as Such, in the sincere Wish of Dr Sir.

                                                                              Your very faithful hble servt.

                                                                                                     J.M.

Gen. Murray to Col. Fraser

                    1760

Source:

Knox, John, and Arthur G. Doughty. Appendix to An Historical Journal of the Campaigns in North America For the Years 1757, 1758, 1759 and 1760. III, The Champlain Society, Toronto, 1916.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2018. 

Fair Winds Home

An 18th-century British army transport ship valiantly cutting through the high seas, with towering waves crashing against its sturdy wooden hull. The ship, adorned with the crimson and gold of the Royal Navy, is a majestic spectacle of maritime might, with its three towering masts fully rigged with billowing sails that stretch to the heavens. (Jeffrey Campbell, All Her Might, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Fair Winds Home

The instructions for disbanding and reducing the corps in North America were issued on 17 May 1763, by the War Office in London. And while a plan was put in motion on which regiments would remain in defense, the two Highland regiments commanded by Colonel Montgomery (77th Foot) and Colonel Fraser (78th Foot) were not addressed in the extremely detailed seven-page summation. The task of notifying both these colonels, including Lascelle's 47th Foot, Gansell's 55th Foot, Erskine's five companies, and others, was delegated to Secretary of State Charles Wyndham, 2nd Earl of Egremont for the Southern Department. That same day, Secretary-at-War Welbore Ellis wrote Egremont the following letter [TNA, WO 4/72, p.426].

War Office, 17 May 1763

My Lord,

I had the honor sometime ago, to submit to your Lordship's consideration, a Paper containing the intended disposition of His Majesty's forces; in which the Corps mentioned in the margin hereof, were propos'd to be brought to Great Britain, and Ireland, together with the reduced men of the 17th, 42d, 44th, & 45th Regts. If your Lordship should have no objection, you will take the King's pleasure thereupon, and be pleased to give such directions as you shall think proper, relating to transporting the said men, From North America to Europe.

I have the honor to be

My Lord, &c

W Ellis.

[To]

Earl of Egremont &c.

[Left margin]

For Great Britain

1st Foot. Erskine's 5 Compy's

77th Montgomery's

78th Fraser's

For Ireland

47th Lascelles's

55th Gansell's

Note: Egremont's notification letter to the various commanders has not been located.

Royal Bounty Money

Five months later, in October 1763, after a grueling 7-year war in North America, the funding of 14 days of subsistence was provided by the British Government to the soldiers of the 78th Regiment to carry them home to Europe. The money (referred to as Royal Bounty Money) was meant as an offset to supplement the costs of a service member's meals and travel expenses. Under this declaration, each man, either single or married, was funded at the daily rate of four shillings, eight pence (or 56d.) for related travel expenses. 

The funding outlined in the following document, when referenced in concert with the official Embarkation Return of the 47th and 78th Regiment, will assist in determining the final makeup of passengers of the 78th Regiment who returned to the United Kingdom two months later. Unfortunately, a named manifest is not available. The funding of three shillings of sword money, a stipend given to corporals and private soldiers for turning in their swords, was annexed separately. It is thought that any of the original serjeants brought swords with them when draughted from other regiments.

Signed by Governor James Murray (countersigned by H.T. Cramahé), the warrant allows for the funding of 80 pounds, two shillings to Paymaster Captain Alexander Campbell of the 78th Regiment (or his assigns) and reads as follows:

By the Honble James Murray Esq:r

Governor of Quebec &c.

You are hereby required and directed out of such monies as are or shall come into your hands for the Contingent Expenses of His Majesty’s Forces under my Command, to Pay or cause to be paid to Capt. Alexander Campbell Paymaster of His Majesty’s 78th Regiment of Foot or his assigns, the sum of Eighty Pounds, two shillings Sterling, in Dollars at four Shillings and eight Pence each without Deduction, being for fourteen days Subsistence for each man to carry him Home, and His Majesty’s Royal Bounty of three Shillings for their swords as p. the annexed amount, and for so doing this with the acquittance [sic] of the said Captain Alexander Campbell or his assigns, shall be your Sufficient Warrant and Discharge.

Given under my Hand at Quebec

This 17th Day of October 1763

/Signed Ja: Murray

[left margin]
Ster:
£80 “ 2 ~
Dollars

To John Powell Esq[ui]r[e]
D[eput]y. Paym[aste]r: to His Majesty’s
Forces in Quebec

/Countsd H T Cramahé

Old English Money

The history of English money dates back to shortly after the Norman Conquest of 1066 when the monetary British pound was divided into 20 shillings or 240 pennies. 

Before the year 1971, the British currency was originally divided as follows:

• pounds (£ or l.)
• shillings (s.) and
• pennies (d.)

Under this system, there were 12 pennies (or pence) in one shilling and 20 shillings (or 240 pence) in one pound. Pence were further subdivided into farthings and half-pennies as late as 1969 when they were abolished as legal tender throughout the United Kingdom. And by applying a wee bit of math, we're able to identify the ratio of soldiers to dependents authorized to sail home in October 1763.

The math:

£80 (pounds) multiplied by 240d. (pence per pound) equals 19200d. Add 2s. (shillings, or 24d.) for a total of 19224d. Further divide 19224d by the daily rate (4s., 8d. each soldier, or 56d.) for a total of 343.28.

 

Funding was provided for 343 soldiers to return home.

Embarkation Return

Simply put, the embarkation return, dated 12 October 1763 at Quebec, was a numerical manifest of passengers who set sail on board the two transport ships Briton and Neptune to Glasgow, Scotland, and Portsmouth, England, respectively. As each transport was originally built to carry one man per tonnage (a measure of the cargo-carrying capacity of a ship), it was necessary to refit both vessels to support two men per tonnage, essentially doubling the cargo weight. Since both transports departed Quebec a few days later, it would be necessary to complete the work while underway.

Transport ship: Briton

Shipmaster: Josias Hutchinson.

Built: 1762, Parr & Co.

Original tonnage: 140

Passengers: 78th Regiment - 283; 4th Battalion, 60th Royal American Regiment - 2.

 

Refit included:

• 12 planks of two-inch, each one hundred twenty boards.
• 300 of two shilling nails.
• 300 of 12d. nails.
• 300 of 8d. nails.
• 150 bricks of lime (to make an area for officers to cook provisions).
• 20 water butts.

Extra bedding material was requested to the Agent of Transports at New York, however, none was available to provide. [Library and Archives Canada, Microfilm C-12837, image 489; W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 121].

 

Briton arrived on 25 November 1763 in Glasgow, Scotland, and the soldiers disbanded on 14 December at Glasgow Green, a park situated on the east end of Glasgow, on the north bank of River Clyde. While some men with time remaining on their contracts continued service in North America, 43 men that paid to take their discharges in lieu of "were not be entitled to His Majesty's Bounty" [Lord George Beauclerk to Welbore Ellis, 5 Dec. 1763. W.O. 1/615, p.595].

Transport ship: Neptune

Shipmaster: Edward Symonds

Built: unknown

Original tonnage: unknown

Passengers: 78th Regiment - 76 invalid men, women, &c.; 47th Regiment - 98 invalid men, women, &c.; 2nd Battalion, 60th Royal American Regiment - 58 invalid men, women, &c.

Refit included:

• 50 boards with nails.
• Additional artificers to fit more births.
• 10 water butts.

Extra bedding material was requested and provided for by the Agent of Transports in New York. [Library and Archives Canada, Microfilm C-12837, image 491; W.O. 34, vol. 2, no. 121].

 

Neptune arrived on 1 December 1763 in Portsmouth, England, allowing the invalid men an opportunity to seek medical care at Royal Chelsea Hospital, London. She also sustained damage making her way through the Catwater as chronicled in the following contemporary letter.

"...On Thursday last the Neptune Transport arriv'd from Quebec with Troops, the Master of her informs me he drove her ashore in Catwater and is apprehensive she has receiv'd some damage; If it is anything material I shall acquaint you, if not shall order him to proceed to Deptford agreeable to your desire to me on that head [Fredk. Rogers, Plymouth Yard, 4 December 1763. TNA, ADM 106_1128, p.277].

Of the 359 passengers of the 78th Regiment who embarked on the voyage home, 343 are identified as soldiers, while the remaining 16 passengers consisted of women and children.

Disbanding Orders for the 77th and 78th Regiments

Letter of Welbore Ellis (Secretary at War) to Lord George Beauclerck (Commander in Chief, Scotland), War Office, 30 November 1763.

[Left margin]

Orders and Instructions for 

disbanding the 77th Regt. of

Foot, commanded by Colo. Montgomery

George R.

Whereas We have thought fit to order the 77th Regt of Foot commanded by Our Trusty & Welbeloved Colonel Archibald Montgomery to be forthwith disbanded; Our Will and Pleasure therefore is, that you, or such Person or Persons as you shall appoint for this Service, do repair to the Quarters of Our said Regiment and disband them accordingly, in doing whereof, the following Rules are to be observed.  Viz.:

1st – Before such Disbanding, you are to cause an exact Muster to be taken of the said Regiment, which you may draw together at one or more of the several respective Quarters, or Places adjacent, as you shall see most convenient, and give an Account of their Condition and numbers, at the Time of their Disbanding, to Our Secretary at War for Our Information.

2dly – And Whereas Our Intention is only to pay off, at present, and clear the noncommissioned Officers and private Soldiers of Our said Regiment, and give an Allowance of Half Pay to the commissioned Officers, from the Time of their Disbanding, you are to take care before their Disbanding, that the Quarters of Our said Regiment be duly satisfied; that the Accounts between the noncommissioned Officers & private Men and their Officers, be made up to the Day of their Discharge, and that they be fully satisfied and paid their Arrears, or other just Pretentions whereof the said Officers are to produce Acquittances and Discharges from them respectively.

3rdly – That care to be taken that the [380] Arms delivered out of Our Stores of Ordnance, and indented for, be returned thither again, and Acquittances taken for the same.

4thly – That care be taken that each noncommissioned Officer and private Soldier hereby to be disbanded, be permitted to carry away with him his Cloaths, Belt, and Knapsack which he now wears, and that each private Soldier, Corporal and Drummer, be paid three Shillings for his Sword, which is to be delivered with the other Arms into Our Stores of Ordnance; And We being pleased to allow each Serjeant, Corporal, Drummer and private Man, who shall be hereby disbanded, fourteen Days Subsistence, as of Our Royal Bounty, to carry them home, you are to cause Payment to be made of the same, to each of them respectively, out of such monies as shall be advanced for that purpose, and to take Receipts for the same, from each noncommissioned Officer and private Soldier respectively, & transmit them to Our Paymaster General as Vouchers for the Bounty Money so paid, and you are to send to Our Secretary at War, an authentick [sic] List attested in the best Manner, by yourself, or Officer commanding Our said Regiment, of the Names of the noncommissioned Officers and Private Soldiers so disbanded, and to give them Passes in case they shall desire the same, to the Places of their former Residence, allowing them a convenient Time to repair thither, & giving them likewise in strict Charge, that they do not presume to travel with any Arms, nor more [381] than three in Company together, upon pain of the severest Punishment.  

       And to the ends the said noncommissioned Officers and private Men may be sensible of the Care We have taken of them upon their Dismissions, you are to cause These Our Directions to be read at the Head of each Company for a more ready Compliance with Our Pleasure hereby signified, and see the same be put in Execution.  Given at Our Court at St. James’s this 30th Day of November 1763, in the fourth Year of Our Reign.

                                  By H[is].M[ajesty’s].C[ommand].  

                                                W. Ellis

To

Our Trusty and Welbeloved George Beauclerck, Esqr (commonly called Lord George Beauclerck) or to the Person or Persons appointed by him for the Service within mentioned.

Like Orders and Instructions, of the same Date, for disbanding the 78th Regiment of Foot, commanded by Colonel Simon Fraser.

Source: TNA, WO/26/26, pp.379-381.

A very warm "thank you" to Mr. Earl Chapman, 78th Regiment Historian, for his transcription of our document of the disbanding orders.

Notes:

James Murray - joined the British army in 1739/40 and served in the West Indies and Europe. Sent to North America in 1757 as a lieutenant colonel during the Seven Years’ War, he commanded a brigade in 1758 during the successful British siege of Louisbourg, in what is now Nova Scotia, under Jeffery Amherst. He was one of General James Wolfe’s three brigadiers in the British expedition against Quebec in 1759. After the British captured the city, Murray was made its military governor. When the French capitulated in 1760, he became military governor of the Quebec district; he became the first civil governor of Quebec after its formal cession to Great Britain in 1763 [Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 September 2022].

Hector Theophilus Cramahé - a Swiss by birth; appointed Captain of the 15th Regiment, March 1754; served with the army in Louisbourg; appointed Deputy Judge-Advocate, 1759. After the capitulation of Quebec, September 18, 1759, he acted as Secretary to General Murray at Quebec; became Member of the Council in Quebec; and was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Quebec, June 6, 1771, and continued in office till 1782  [Earl Chapman, 78th Regiment Historian].

Captain Archibald Roy Campbell (1728-1779) - youngest son of John Campbell of Fortingall and Glenlyon who died in 1746, "Archie Roy" as he was commonly known,  was gazetted a lieutenant on January 23, 1757, in Captain John MacDonell’s Company of Colonel Fraser's then-Second Highland Battalion; listed among the officers who sailed for Louisbourg in 1758; wounded at the battle of Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759 [PRO, C5/51], made captain-lieutenant on December 13, 1759; wounded again at the battle of Sillery on April 28, 1760; promoted to captain on April 29, 1760 "in room of" Donald Macdonell killed. The following year his company was in garrison at Berthier, Quebec; commanded a company when the regiment was disbanded in 1763 and exchanged to half-pay. The London Gazeteer and New Daily Advertiser, Wed. Dec. 29, 1779, reported that “Capt. Archibald Campbell, of the late 78th regiment of foot" died of old wounds reopening on December 16, 1779 "At Armaddy in Argyllshire, Scotland" [Marie Fraser, Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, Canada].

Sources:

Orders and instructions for disbanding and reducing Forces in North America (royal autograph), May 1763. Kent History and Library Centre, U1350/O43/9B.

James Murray, Subsistence funding for the 78th Regiment, 17 October 1763, LAC, Microfilm C-10462, image 795: Letterbook/Copie de lettres, 1763-1771, RG 4, C 2, vol. 1.

Embarkation Return of the 47th and 78th Regiments (12 October 1763). Kent History and Library Centre, U1350/O53/6.

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