Draught Soldiers to the 60th Regiment

In the summer of 1763, having received King George’s instructions regarding the reduction of the British armies in North America, the acting generals set in motion their plan to augment the three regiments assigned to garrison Quebec. It was decided that the 15th Foot, the 27th Foot, and the 2nd Battalion of the 60th Royal American Regiment would carry out this task.

An analysis of the official subsistence rolls of the 78th Regiment reveals that approximately 358 soldiers remained in North America for this duty. Some were volunteers; others were retained due to time remaining on their enlistment contracts. While the exact number of soldiers who transferred to the 2nd Battalion of the 60th Royal American Regiment cannot be positively identified—owing to incomplete and ambiguous reporting at multiple levels—we have identified 143 draught soldiers from Colonel Simon Fraser’s 78th Highlanders who most likely joined that summer.

Draught Soldiers 

The following names of soldiers in the 2d Battalion, 60th R.A. Regiment, listed with their company commanders, are synonymous with the names of soldiers in the 78th Regiment at the time of its disbandment. This muster is for 182 days ending 24 April 1765, the earliest available rolls after 1 September 1763, the date by which most of Colonel Fraser's men had transferred.

Note: Our research indicates nine original companies for this duty; however, muster rolls are only available for eight companies during this reporting period.

Colonel James Murray's Company

Reporting at Ticonderoga, 3 October 1765
1. Drummer Alexander Kennedy
2. Private Alexander Cameron

3. Private Alexander Cameron

4. Private Alexander Cameron

5. Private John Cameron

6. Private William Cameron

7. Private Angus Cameron

7a Private Thomas Cameron

8. Private William Fraser

9. Private William Forbes

10. Private John Gunn
11. Private Alexander Johnson
12. Private James Knight
13. Private John McDonald

14. Private Murdoch McKinzie

15. Private Donald McKinzie

16. Private Donald McDonald
17. Private Alexander McDonald
18. Private Even McPhee
19. Private James McKinzie
20. Private Walter Simpson

Colonel Frederick Haldiman's Company
Reporting at Crown Point, 20 September 1765
21. Private Hector Cameron
22. Private James McDonald
23. Private John Chisolm
24. Private Alexander Fraser
25. Private David Fulerton
26. Private John McKenzie
27. Private Alexander McPherson
28. Private Donald McPherson
29. Private John McPherson
30. Private John McLeod
31. Private Donald McLeod
32. Private James McIntosh
33. Private John McIntosh
34. Private Arthur Rose
35. Private James Smith
36. Private James Wright
37. Private James McDonald
38. Private Peter MacDonald

Captain Thomas Barnsly's Company
Reporting at Fort Oswegatchie, 24 July 1765
39. Corporal Gregor Mcgregor
40. Drummer John Provan
41. Private Donald Black
42. Private Donald Campbele
43. Private Roderick Ferguson
44. Private Duncan Ferguson
45. Private Hugh Grant
46. Private John Gray
47. Private Duncan Gillis
48. Private Coal Henderson
49. Private James Lamb
50. Private John Mcaybin
51. Private Allan McDougall
52. Private John McArthur
53. Private Niel McArthur
54. Private Donald McArthur
55. Private Donald McMillan
56. Private John Munro
57. Private Malcolm McLeod
58. Private Donald Thompson
59. Private William McLeod

Captain Robert Bayard's Company
Reporting at Fort George, New York, 12 August 1765
60. Private Finly Campbell
61. Private William Cameron
62. Private John Fletcher
63. Private John McGilora
64. Private James McPherson
65. Private John Stuart
66. Private John Strachan
67. Private George Thomson
68. Private John McLeod

Captain John Bradstreet's Company
Reporting at Crown Point, 28 September 1765
69. Drummer Duncan McKenzie
70. Private John Brown
71. Private Duncan Campbell
72. Private Alexander Fraser
73. Private Alexander Fraser
74. Private Donald Fraser
75. Private Duncan Fraser
76. Private James Fraser
77. Private Hugh Fraser
78. Private James McNouloch
79. Private Collin McCulloch
80. Private Duncan McCra
81. Private Alexander McKenzie
82. Private Duncan McKenzie
83. Private Donald McKenzie
84. Private Alexander McPherson
85. Private John McGregor
86. Private Petter McGregor
87. Private Malcolm McGregor

Captain Robert Brigstock's Company
Reporting at Fort William Augustus, 25 June 1765
88. Serjeant Allan MacDonald
89. Serjeant William Watson
90. Private Donald Cameron
91. Private William Fraser
92. Private Hugh Fraser
93. Private John Fraser
94. Private John Fraser
95. Private John Fraser
96. Private William Grubb
97. Private John MacDonald
98. Private Hugh Munro
99. Private Hugh Ross
100. Private William Stewart
101. Private Lachline Sinclair
102. Private Peter Macdonald
102a Private Duncan Cumming

Captain John Brown's Company
Reporting at Fort William Augustus, 25 July 1765
103. Drummer Thomas Fraser
104. Private Alexander Baine
105. Private John Chisolm
106. Private Donald Cameron
107. Private Duncan Cameron
108. Private John Cameron
109. Private Donald Cameron
110. Private Donald Campbell
111. Private Alexander Ferguson
112. Private Hugh Fraser
113. Private James Fraser
114. Private Lewis Grant
115. Private John Livingston
116. Private John Mackay
117. Private Alexander MacDonald
118. Private William Mills
119. Private Donald Ross
120. Private Ranald Johnston
121. Private Angus MacIntosh

Captain Samuel Holland's Company
Reporting at Fort William Augustus, 25 July 1765
122. Drummer John McDonell
123. Private Archibald Bochanan
124. Private John Cameron
125. Private Donald Campbell
126. [See notes]
127. Private Angus Fletcher
128. Private John Fraser
129. Private John Forbes
130. Private John Kennedy
131. Private John McBean
132. Private Duncan McDougal
133. Private Donald McDonald
134. Private John McDonell
135. Private John McIntosh
136. Private Duncan McNicall
137. Private John Mcpherson
138. Private William Ross
139. Private John Smith
140. Private John Mcpherson
141. Private Hugh McDonald

Muster roll not available.

142. Murdoch Cameron

143. Donald McKinnon

Notes:

1. Alexander Kennedy appears on the list of 78th soldiers discharged in North America, 1763.
7a Discharged soldier of the 78th Foot (Colonel Fraser's Company), he served in James Murray's Company of the 2nd Battalion, 60th R.A., from about 13 September 1763 through January 1764; spouse: Marie Francoise Roy. [Library Archives Canada, Land Petitions of Lower Canada, 1764-1841, Microfilm C-2514, Reference RG-1 L3L, Item 14196].
39. Gregor Mcgregor appears on the list of 78th soldiers discharged in North America, 1763.
40. John Provan appears on the list of 78th soldiers discharged in North America, 1763.
48. Colin Henderson.
50. John McBain.

57. William McLeod deserted 9 June 1765 at Fort Oswegatchie.
58. Donald Thompson died 27 December 1764.

56. While not definitive he served in the 78th Foot, we placed him here as a very strong candidate.
59. John McGillivrae.
69. Duncan McKenzie appears on the list of 78th soldiers discharged in North America, 1763. He deserted 1 October 1764 near Crown Point.
78. James McNulloch.
80. Duncan McCraw.
88. Allan McDonnel appears on the list of 78th soldiers discharged in North America, 1763.
89. William Watson appears on the list of 78th soldiers discharged in North America, 1763.
98. While not definitive he served in the 78th Foot, we placed him here as a strong candidate.

102a Private Duncan Cumming discharged from Captain Brigstock's Company 29 March 1765; however, his name does not appear on this muster roll.
116. John McKay.
117. Alexander McDonald.
120. Ranald Johnson discharged 24 April 1765 at Fort William Augustus.
121. Angus MacIntosh died 15 July 1765 at Fort William Augustus.
123. Archibald Buchanan.

126. Soldier removed due to transcription error.

131. Possibly John McBain.
140. John Mcpherson transferred 24 April 1765 at Fort William Augustus to unk.
141. Hugh McDonald deserted 2 June 1765 at Fort William Augustus.

142. His name does not appear on these muster rolls; however, his wife's Memorial for Assistance, dated April 27, 1779, following the government’s appropriation of a house she had purchased in St. Roch (Quebec City), confirms seven years of service with the 78th Foot and five years with the 60th Foot. [British Library, Haldimand Papers, Memorial from Civilians, n.d., 1777-1785, MG 21, Add. Mss. 21877, (B-217)].

143. His name does not appear on these muster rolls; however, his 1778 Memorial for Assistance lists him as a lieutenant in the Royal Highland Regiment and a former non-commissioned officer in the Seventy-Eighth Regiment, stating that he enlisted in 1754 [sic, 1757] and was reduced in 1763, after which he entered the Second Battalion of the 60th Royal Americans for a period of two and a half years. [British Library, Haldiman Papers, Memorials from Offices [sic, Officers] and Soldiers of the Army, n.d., 1778-1784, MG 21, Add. Mss. 21873, (B-213)].

- McDonald/McDonell surnames were used interchangeably.

Works Consulted

War Office Records. 2nd Battalion, 60th Foot, 1764-1783. Commissary General of Musters Office and successors: General Muster Books and Pay Lists. TNA, W.O. 12/6935.

Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

Marie Fraser, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2001.

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.]

Article last updated 27 July 2025.

Surname Variations in the 78th Regiment

The company clerks for the 78th Regiment did a wonderful job in recording the many different surnames for over 1500 soldiers during their stay in North America, and we would expect to see some variations throughout the hundreds of documents they were charged with maintaining. From pay accounts to invalid lists and even muster rolls, while many of the surnames are synonymous with today's spelling, we've uncovered the following variations throughout the Regiment, probably differing with each clerk depending on who the particular scribe may have been. We hope this list assists in your research, and be sure to let us know in the comments section below if we've missed any names. We'll be sure to get those added for you.

Surname Variations in the 78th Regiment

Beaton, Beatton

Bochanan, Buchanan

Brown, Browne

Cairy, Keary

Campbel, Campbele, Campbell, Campble

Camaron, Cameron, Camron

Canvin, Kinnavin

Carmichael, Carmichail

Carr, Kerr

Chisam, Chisholm, Chisolm

Clark, Clarke, Clerk

Cormack, Cormak, Cormake

Cumming, Cummings, Cummins

Davison, Davidson

Fergison, Ferguson

Forbes, Forbis

Forsyth, Forsythe,

Fraser, Frasier, Frazer

Fulerton, Fullerton

Gillies, Gillis

Gun, Gunn

Harley, Hearly

Hutcheson, Hutchinson

Johnson, Johnston

Irving, Irwin

Kenady, Kenedy, Kennedy

Law, Lowe

Levoche, Levock

McAlester, McAlister, McAllester

McAllum, McCallum

McAula, McAuley, McCauley

McBain, McBaine, McBean, Mcaybin

McCall, McCole, McColl

McCarly, McErbie

McCertar

Mcra, McCraw, McGrah

McDougal, McDougall

McFarlane, McFarlin

McGibbans, McGibbons

McGilbray, McGiliveroy, McGilora, McGilvray, McGilleray, McGillivray, McGillvray, McGilavrie

McGregar, McGregor, McGrigor

McIntire, McIntyre

Mckay, McKay, Mckey

McKenon, McKinnon, McKinven, McKinvin

McLachlan, Mclachlin, McLaughlin

McMillen, McMullen

McNab, McNabb

McNaughten, McNaughton, McNorton

McNicall, McNicoll

McNouloch, McNulloch

McPhie, McPhii

McQueen, McQuin

McTormet, McTormitt

MacDonald, Mackdonald, McDonald*

Mack crae, McCrae

Mack Lean, MackLean, MacLean, McLea, McLean, McLay

MackLeod, Mcleod

Mack queen, Mcqueen

MackDonnel, McDonel, McDonell*

Mackenzie, McEnzie, McKenzie, McKinn, McKinzey, McKinzie

Mackay, Macky

MacLeod, McLeod, McLoud

Mackniel, McNeal, McNiel

Martin, Martine

Milles, Mills

Mitchal, Mitchell

Monro, Munro, Munroe

More, Moore

Morrow, Mourow

Mustard, Muster'd

Nichols, Nicoll

Robertson, Robinson*

Simson, Simpson

Steward, Stewart, Stuart

Strachen, Strauchen

Taveish, Tavish

Thomson, Thompson

Tolmay, Tolmey, Tolmie

Vass, Vauss, Wass

Ware, Weir, Wier, 

Note: McDonald/McDonell and Robertson/Robinson were used interchangeably.

Works Consulted:

War Office Records. Muster Books and Paylists: General, 15th Regiment, 1760-1767. LAC, W.O. 12, vol. 3228, Microfilm C-9202.

War Office Records. 2nd Battalion, 60th Foot, 1764-1783. Commissary General of Musters Office and successors: General Muster Books and Pay Lists. TNA, W.O. 12/6935.

Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

Marie Fraser, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2001.

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.]

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

This article last update 8 November 2021.

Invalid Soldiers of the 78th Regiment, 1759-1763

Invalid soldiers were typically injured soldiers fully capable of performing light garrison duties, but not cleared to participate in extended campaigns. They were given duties such as gate guard, cook's assistant, or night watch patrols until such a time when funding and availability permitted their transport back home to Royal Chelsea Hospital in London to attend to their injuries. However, some of these men of Fraser's 78th Regiment, as described by Governor Murray in a letter dated October 20, 1762, were certainly not well off and appear to be in a very bad way.

"...Frasers Regt. is not as strong as it appears to be on paper, I have the honor to inclose a Return of the Invalids of that Corps who are unfit for Garrison duty, and there are many besides who are incapable of taking the field. As those unfit for any duty are kept here at a great expense to the Crown, I did propose to Major Abercrombie to send them Home by the Aldborough, but he told me he believed it was not your intention to discharge any of them, I therefore conclude there are particular Reasons for keeping them on the Roles, some of them want legs, & some arms."

In an excerpt from this December 1762 letter, Governor Murray continues in addressing the situation. Given the time of year, winter freeze most likely forced his decision to refrain from sending the men home at that time.

"...There will not now probably be an opportunity to send home the Invalids of the 78th Regt. 'till the disolution of the Corps, if it shall turn out otherwise, I shall be carefull that none are discharged, but real objects of compassion."

Invalids
The following is a collection of invalid soldiers from Colonel Simon Fraser's 78th Regiment extracted from various documents covering 1759-1763.

1. Title: Return of Invalids put on board the Nightingale Man of War who Sailed from Louisbourg Harbour June 11th 1759.

Regiments:

Artillery: 2

22 Regiment: 10

35 Regiment: 6

40 Regiment: 10

43 Regiment: 10

45 Regiment: 11

47 Regiment: 1

63 Regiment: 10

Total: 60

2. Title: Return of Invalids under the Command of Ensign Shorne of the Inniskilling Regt. Embarked on board the Unanimous Transport, New York, 9th January 1760.

Colonel Fraser's Regiment
Archd. Stewart
Robert Ross
John Cameron
John Mcleron
Donald Livingstone
John McLeod
George Crookshanks
Hector McTeal
Hugh McMullen
Neal McIntosh
Alexr. McCall
John McDougall
John Cameron

The above men are all paid to the Twenty fourth December 1759, and have signed to that purpose on the back of their Discharges, and Ensign Shorne of the Inniskilling Regt. has received for them sixty one days pay to the Twenty third of February Inclusive. And he has my orders upon his arrival at Portsmouth, or wheresoever he may arrive to notify his coming to the Secretary at War, waiting his orders for his preceding to London, either by sea if there should be an order for it or by Land agreeable to the march route, he may Receive for that purpose. He is directed upon his arrival at London to Deliver over said Invalids to the Agents of the Regiment they belong to and to pay over to them the pay he may still have in his hands belonging to those men.

Colonel Fraser's Regiment
James Taylor
John McDonald

The above [two] men are Discharged and not Recommended to Chelsea, but have Desired passage to England.

[signed]
Jeff Amherst

3. Title: Return of Invalids to be discharged, 1 May 1760.

Colonel Fraser's Regiment
Alexr. Kenedy: Old Age
Murdoch McKinzey: Old Age
Wm. McLeod: Old Age & Rhumatic
David Gallen: Old Age
Danl. Campble: Old Age
Robt. Monroe: Old Age
Keneth McLeod: Old Age
Alexr. McDougald: Old Age
John Fraser: Old Age
Danl. Black: Old Age
James Fraser: Old Age
John McNab: Old Age
Niel Beaton: Old Age
Archd. McQuin: Old Age

[signed]
John Adair
Surgeon of the Hospital

Endorsed: Return of the Invalids to be Discharged
May 1st, 1760
Enclosed to Capt. Blakeney of
the 35th Regt. 2d. May 1760

4. Title: Return of men to be sent to their Regiment from the Hospital at New York, 1 May 1760.

Colonel Fraser's Regiment
Duncan McGregar
Peter Thompson

[signed]
John Adair
Surgeon of the Hospital

Endorsed: Return of men to be sent to their Regiment from the Hospital at New York.
May 1st, 1760
Enclosed to Capt. Blakeney of
the 35th Regt. 2d. May 1760

5. Title: Return of men to be left in Hospital for further tryal, 1 May 1760.

Colonel Fraser's Regiment
Saml. McDonald
Peter McNiel
John Campbel
James Tolmay
Charles Robinson
Laughlin McIntosh
David Morrison
Geo: Sutherland
Alexr. McDonald

[signed]
John Adair
Surgeon of the Hospital

Endorsed: Return of men to be left in Hospital for further tryal
May 1st, 1760
Enclosed to Capt. Blakeney of
the 35th Regt. 2d. May 1760

6. Title: Return of Invalids Under the Command of Capt. Gordon of the Royal Embarked on board the Lyon Transport, New York, 8 Decemr. 1760.

78th Regiment
Andrew Kennedy
Neal McKay
Charles Robinson
James Tolmie
David Morrison

The above men are all paid to the 24th Decemr. 1760 & have signed to that purpose on the back of their Discharges; Capt. Gordon of the Royal Regt. has received for them sixty one days pay to the 23d. Feby. Inclusively, and he has my orders upon his Arrival at Portsmouth, or wheresoever he may Arrive, to apply to the Commanding Naval Officer, for a Convoy to conduct the vessell, in which the said Invalids are, up the River Thames to London, & Notifying his Arrival to His Majesty's Secretary at War; He is likewise Directed upon his Arrival in London, to deliver over said Invalids to the Agents of the Regts. they belong to, & to pay over to them the pay he may still have in his hands belonging to those men. Some of these men have been in the Hospital here, and so long Absent from their Regiments that they could not be cloathed, they have received an allowance in Lieu of the cloathing that was due, that they might be entirely cleared, & not have any Demands to claim on their Arrival in England.

[signed]
Jeff Amherst

Endorsed: Return of Invalids Under the Command of Captain Gordon, Embarked on board the Lyon Transport, New York, 8th Decemr. 1760

Enclosed to Lord Barrington, of said Month.

7. Title: A List of Invalids of the Seventy Eight Regiment unfit for any sort of duty, 11 November 1762.

Col. Fraser's Company

Murdock McKenzie

Major Abercrombie's Company
Niel Beatton

Donald McDonald

John Anderson

Alexander McKay

John McIver

John McLeod

Donald Ross

Major Campbell's Company
John Campbell - Corporal

Duncan Campbell

Robert Munroe

John Kenedy

John Ferguson

James Lamb

Donald Cameron

Kennitt McLeod

Peter Hill

John Clerk

Captain Jno McDonnell's Company

Donald McDonald

Donald Stuart

John McDonnel

Captain Simon Fraser's Company

John McKay

Alexander Cormack

Hector McNeil

Donald Munroe

Captain Hugh Fraser's Company

Samuel Cameron

Arch'b McQueen

Captain Hugh Cameron's Company

Alexander Fraser

Evan McMillan

Geo'r Sutherland

James Rhind

Alexander McDougal

John Law

Alex'r Ramsay

Donald Gun Drum'r

John McPhie

Donald McAlister

John Fraser

Captain John Fraser's Company

Donald McGrower [possibly McGrover]

Hugh McTormit

John McKinzie

Captain John Nairn's Company

John McKay, Serj

Alexander Munroe

John McDonnel

James Henderson

William Ross

Captain Alexander Campbell's Company

Donald McPherson

Donald McPherson

Captain Archibald Campbell's Company

Donald Black

Lachlan McIntosh

David Gollan 

John Brown

John Fraser

William Rose

A true copy from the regimental return. 

Thomas Mills, Town Major. Nov 11th

8. Title: Detachment Invalids &c. Detachment of 78th Regt. belonging to companies in continent, August 1763.

Time of Entry: 16 Aug
Number of Days Victulled: 7

James Gunn, Drummer
Dond. Thompson, Pvt.
Dond. Fraser, Pvt.
Dun Cumming, Pvt.
John Fraser, [illegible] [21 days]
James Robinson, Serjt.
Simon Fraser, Drummer
Alexr. McArthur, Pvt.
Dond. Cuthbert, Pvt.
Lachn. McIntosh, Pvt.
Allan McDonell, Serjt.
Dond. Burke, Drummer
Jno. Coll
Wm. Moore
John Clarke, Serjt.
Alexr. Fraser, Drummer
John Fraser, Private
Dond. McQueen, Pvt.
John Fraser, Drummer
John McDonell, Private
Rand. McDonell, Pvt.
Jas. Crawford, Pvt.
Jno. McDonell, Pvt.
Mary Kennedy

Time of Entry: Aug. 30
Number of Days Victulled: 7

Niel Mahan
Lachn. McKenon
Dun. McDonald.

Note: It is not yet certain that the final entry dated 16 August 1763 represents invalid soldiers. They may instead have been a detachment assigned to duties within Quebec’s Public Works.

Sources:
War Office Records: Amherst Papers. "Return of Invalids put on board the Nightingale Man of War, 11 June 1759." Correspondence between the Governors of Cape Breton Island and the Commander-in-Chief, New York, 175801762. W.O. 34, vol. 17. LAC.

War Office Records: Amherst Papers. "Return of Invalids under the Command of Ensign Shorne of the Inniskilling Regt. Embarked on board the Unanimity Transport, New York, 9th January 1760." Unknown. LAC.

War Office Records: Amherst Papers. "Return of Invalids to be Discharged, 1 May 1760." Correspondence between Commander-in-Chief and Director of Hospitals and various officers in charge of vessels on the Lakes, 1757-63, 1759. W.O. 34, vol. 64. LAC.

Ibid. "Return of men to be sent to their Regiment from the Hospital at New York, 1 May 1760."

Ibid. "Return of men to be left in Hospital for further tryal, 1 May 1760."

War Office Records: Amherst Papers. "Return of Invalids Under the Command of Capt. Gordon of the Royal Embarked on board the Lyon Transport, New York, 8 Decemr. 1760." Correspondence between Commander-in-Chief and Masters of vessels, etc. 1757-1763. W.O. 34, vol. 60. LAC.

War Office Records: Amherst Papers. "A List of Invalids of the Seventy Eight Regiment unfit for any sort of duty, 11 November 1762." Letters from the Governor of Quebec to the Commanders-in-Chief, New York, 1760-1763. W.O. 34, vol. 2. LAC.

Treasury Board Papers, "Detachment Invalids: Detachment of 78th Regt. belonging to companies in continent, August 1763." Subsistence rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th) 1763. T.1, vol. 422. LAC.

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

Court-martial of Corporal Angus McDonald, 78th Regiment of Foot, 1761

In his Sketches, Stewart of Garth maintained that the high moral code of the early Highlanders meant that misconduct was virtually unknown within their regiments. Although it is true that Highlanders feature far less frequently in the General Courts-martial records than miscreants from other battalions, it would be wrong to go to the other extreme and suggest that their ranks were filled with plaster saints. A worthy champion of this violent heritage was Corporal Angus McDonald of Fraser's Highlanders, who was brought before a General Court-martial at Quebec in September 1761.

The following is a complete transcript of the corporal's legal proceedings.

Official proceedings
Proceedings of a General Court Martial held at Quebec the 25th Day of September 1761, By Virtue of a Warrant from his Excellency Governor Murray dated the 24th said Month.

Major James Agnew President.

Members:

Captain Samuel Gardiner

Captain George Byrd

Captain Robert Rutherford

Captain John Carden

Captain Edmund Malcome

Captain John Brown

Captain Nicholas Cox

Captain James Dalrymple

Captain Thomas Smelt

Captain Robert Brigstock

Captain Henry Alt

Captain Edward Crymble

Hector Theophilus Cramaché Deputy Judge Advocate.

Opening statement

The Court being duly Sworn the Prisoner Angus MacDonald of the 78th Regiment was brought before the Court and tried for quitting his Post, and robbing several of the French Inhabitants under Pretence he had orders to take Quarters for some Troops.

Deposition of Lieutenant Henry Marr

A Letter from Lieutenant Marr of the 47th Regiment dated the 21st of September at St. Lawrence to Lieutenant Mills as Town Adjutant.

St. Lawrence 21st September 1761

Dear Sir,

When I left St Francois to proceed to this Place, I was ordered by Major Irving to leave a Corporal, and two Men, as a Guard, to the King's wood; I accordingly ordered the Prisoner Corporal Macdonald of the 78th Regiment to remain there, but he either tired with Solitude, or fond of Novelty and Frolick, determined to leave his Guard and cross the River to the Parishes of St. Joachim, St. Anns, and Chateau in the North Shore, where he behaved in a very extraordinary manner; as you will see by the enclosed Letter, which fully represents the Affair, when I first heard of his being absent I imagined he had deserted, and ordered Strick Search to be made for him every where till Sunday last, when I was favoured with the enclosed relating to him.

/Signed/

Henry Marr Lieutenant

47th Regiment

Deposition of Ensign Philip Pitman

A Letter from Ensign Pitman of the 19th September dated at Chateau River.

Chateau River 19th Sepr. 1761

Dear Sir,

One Angus Monro or McDonald has been up and down the Parishes of St. Joachim, St. Anns, and Chateau for this week past, imposing on the Inhabitants of said Parishes in a most Vilinous, and extraordinary manner, by extorting from them Money, Horses, and anything he had occasion for shewing as he pretended an order for so doing in writing; and sometimes on refusal threatened to beat, or put them to Death, pretending to be an officer, he is a Soldier of the 78th Regiment above the middle size, and has Caroty Hair, is of Captain Nairns Company, and I understand belongs to your Party, I this Day rode from Chateau to St. Anns privetly to apprehend him, but unfortunately he was gone over to the Island an Hour before I got there, I hope you will take all possible Care to secure him, that he may be brought to Justice, I write this Letter which I send with the Captains of Malitia of whom he got four Dollars, as he did from the Captains of Malitia of the other two Parishes.

/Signed/

Ph: Pitman

Deposition of John Morris

John Morris Soldier of the 58th Regiment was sworn and deposes, that the Prisoner is a Soldier belonging to Lieutenant Marrs Party, on the Island of Orleans, and was ordered with two other Men to take some Wood, at St. Francois in that Island, and that Lieut. Marr, having received Information the Prisoner had drawn some Money from the Captains of Militia on the North Shore, the Deponent was sent by him for them, where he saw the Houses marked with scores for Quarters and Magazines as he was informed by the Canadians that he returned, and was sent to St. Francois by Lieutenant Marr with four Men, to take him up, which he did, and Carried him to Town.

Deposition of Captain Jacques Perrault

Jacques Perrault Captain of the Militia of St. Famille in the Island of Orleans being sworn deposes, that the Prisoner came to his Parish, saying he had Orders to see what Houses in his Parish were capable of receiving Men, that he asked him for his Orders, that he said he had none, and must make a Report to the General first, that afterwards he demanded four Dollars of the Deponent and upon his saying he had none, he ordered him to get a canoe with three Men and that he would go straight to Quebec, to complain, that fearing the Consequence he offered him two which he accepted, that he commanded a Canoe to carry him over to the North Shore.

Deposition of Captain Jean Lesarre

Jean Lesarre Captain of the Militia of St. Anns being sworn deposes, that he found on his Return, from Town, the Prisoner at his House, where he had landed from St. Famille, that the Prisoner told him he must shew him the best Houses to Lodge 48 Men, and they must cut and carry to the water Side every Week 48 Cords of Wood, that he, or his Serjeant must go with him to St. Joachim what he made him assemble the whole Parish, nay even ordered the Women to appear, and said he would not Quarter Men in the Houses where there were young Women, that he demanded five Dollars, that the Deponent not having a farthing was obliged to search the whole Parish to borrow three, for which he pretended to give a Receipt, now produced, being a Scrap of paper, with some scratches on it, the Deponent further says the Prisoner was there three Days backwards and forewards in this Parish, and that he appeared to him the whole Time very much in his Senses, in the same manner he does now, and further that he ordered a Canoe to carry him back to St. Famille.

The Deponent being asked upon what pretense the Prisoner demanded the Money, says, he informed him, it was the Generals order he should have five Dollars of each Captain for his Expenses, produced five, or six Papers, which he said were these orders, and threatened to send him to Quebec, if he did not comply.

Deposition of Captain Francis Raneour

Francis Raneour Captain of the Militia of St. Joachim being sworn deposes, he was sent for by the Prisoner to a Publick House, about ¾ of a League from his, that after some Time he told him he must Quarter 48 Men, and some Officers; to the amount of Sixty, and demands four Dollars, which the Deponent protested he could not comply with, after pressing, the Man of the Publick House lent the Man four Dollars, which he gave the Prisoner, who returned him a Shilling, that he did not give a Receipt, but took his name down upon a Piece of Paper.

The Deponent being asked upon what Pretence he demanded the four Dollars, says by the Generals Order, and it would be repaid by his Secretary.

Deposition of Captain Eustache Bacon

Eustache Bacon Captain of the Militia of Chateau Richer being sworn deposes that he was sent for by the Prisoner to a House where he was told to assemble the Company next morning at Six Oclock, that representing this was a little too early he put it till eight o'clock, that he afterwards demanded four dollars of him, by order of the Governor, and after making some Difficulty, he borrowed two French Crowns, and two Dollars, which he gave the Prisoner who returned one Shilling.

The Deponent being asked if the Prisoner appeared at all wrong in the head, answers on the Contrary appeared very Sensible.

Deposition of Corporal Angus McDonald

The Prisoner in his Defence says he was out of his Senses at that Time, that he is subject to the falling Sickness, for which he was marked down by Doctor Russel to be discharged, and that he is generally out of his Senses three Days after he comes out of a Fitt, one of which he had before he left the Island of Orleans.

Deposition of Ensign [John] Gregarson

Ensign Gregarson of the 2d Battalion of the Royal American Regiment being sworn Deposes, that he was in the 78th Regt. and heard that the Prisoner had Fitts, but never heard that he was Mad; being asked if he ever saw him in Fitts, or Mad, says not.

Deposition of Ensign Robert McPherson

Ensign Robert McPherson of said Battalion being sworn, Deposes, that he remembers the Prisoner, in the Regiment in which he was Volunteer, and never heard of his having Fitts, till this day.

Deposition of Serjeant James Robinson

Serjeant James Robinson of the 78th Regiment being Sworn, Deposes, that he heard a Serjeant who kept the Hospital say the Prisoner had the falling Sickness. 

Verdict

The Court having heard and examined the Allegations against the Prisoner, together with what he has to offer in his Defence Is of opinion that Angus McDonald Soldier of the 78th Regiment is Guilty of the Charge brought against him, and doth adjudge him to receive two thousand Lashes, To repay the Captains of Militia the Money said McDonald extorted from them, if there is so much owing to him by his Captain, or be put under Stoppages, not exceeding one half of his Pay till the whole is repaid.

Sentencing confirmation
I do hereby confirm the foregoing Sentence, that Angus McDonald Soldier in the 78th Regiment shall receive two thousand Lashes and repay the Money extorted from the Captains of Militia.

Given under my Hand at
Quebec this 26th Sept. 1761
/Signed/
Ja: Murray

Note: Corporal Angus McDonald does not appear on any known muster rolls after this date and is presumed to have been discharged prior to the official disbandment of his Regiment in December 1763.

Sources: 

General Courts-martial records, Quebec, 25 September 1761, TNA WO 71/71.

Stewart, Sketches of the Highlanders, I, 235-6.

Brumwell, Stephen, Redcoats: The British Soldier and War in the Americas, 1755-1763, pp. 280-1. Cambridge University Press, 2002.

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

Draught Soldiers to the 15th Regiment

In the summer of 1763, having received King George's Instructions regarding the reduction of the British armies in North America, the acting generals put in motion their plan for augmenting the three regiments that would remain guarding Quebec. It was decided the 15th, 27th, and 2d Battalion, 60th Royal Americans would be assigned this task.

An analysis of the official Subsistence Rolls of the 78th Regiment reveals approximately 358 soldiers remained in North America for this duty; some were volunteers, and others were called upon because of the time remaining on their current enlistment contracts. And while the exact numbers of soldiers transferring to the 15th Regiment cannot be positively identified due to incomplete and ambiguous reporting on multiple levels, we can account for 167 draught soldiers, all most likely from Colonel Simon Fraser's 78th Highlanders, that would join them on 25 August 1763. This fully replenished regiment would be garrisoned at Quebec; Montreal; Laprairie; St. Ann's; Cedars; Lachine, and St. Johns over the course of the next five years, relieved by the 8th Regiment about 13 July 1768 and departing North America for Europe thereafter. They would arrive home in late August as depicted in the following contemporary newspaper account.

The British Chronicle Newspaper for 1768:

Aug. 26-29.

Tuesday part of the 15th regiment, late General Amherst's, was landed from the transports that brought them from Quebec, at Portsmouth, and marched through the town for Gloucestershire: and next morning there remainder of them disembarked there and took the same rout. They have been abroad eleven years. The Officers and men look healthy.

Draughts of the 78th Regiment
The following veterans of the 78th Regiment were most likely draughted to the 15th Regiment at Quebec. Also, this is the second occurrence of documented father/son family members to have served together in Fraser's Highlanders; the first appeared during Major Clephane's Company march from Kilravock to Glasgow in early 1757.

With the exception of General Amherst's Company, this muster is taken for 183 days, commencing 25 April 1763 and ending the 24th of October 1763, both days inclusive.

General Amherst's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 28 August 1764
1. Private William Bruce
2. Private Andrew McLoud
3. Private Alexander McLoud
4. Private John McIver
5. Private John McDonald

Lt.-Col. James Robertson's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
6. Private John Beaton
7. Private Donald Cameron
8. Private Alexander Fraser
9. Private John Gillis
10. Private Donald McIntire
11. Private Donald McGilvery
12. Private John McDonald, Sr.
13. Private John McDonald, Jr.
14. Private Rory McLeland
15. Private John McLean
16. Private Dougal McLachlin
17. Private John McDonald
18. Private Archibald McDougall
19. Private John McTavish
20. Private Angus McDonald, Sr.
21. Private Angus McDonald, Jr.
22. Private Donald Smith
23. Private James Taylor
24. Private Donald McMullen

Major Irving's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
25. Private Hugh Fraser
26. Private Coll Grant
27. Private William Grant
28. Private Angus McDonell, Sr.
29. Private Angus McDonell, Jr.
30. Private Alexander McDonell
31. Private Chs. McDonell
32. Private John McDonell
33. Private Donald McDonell
34. Private Colling McDonell
35. Private John McGillevray
36. Private James McIntosh, Sr.
37. Private James McIntosh, Jr.
38. Private Donald McKay
39. Private Robert McKay
40. Private Donald McKinven
41. Private Alexander McNabb
42. Private Alexander McLoud
43. Private James McKinsey
44. Private John Monroe

Captain Francis Mukins' Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
45. Private William Gowe
46. Private John Fisher
46a Private Dan'l Forbes
47. Private James Lawson
48. Private John McIntire
49. Private Alexander McCawley
50. Private Duncan McMullen
51. Private Andrew Kinnavin
52. Private Donald McDonald
53. Private Duncan Smyth
54. Private Angus McDonald

Captain William Prescott's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
55. Private George Davidson
56. Private Donald Frazer
57. Private David Jackson
58. Private Donald Levoche
59. Private Donald Mcmasters
60. Private Allen McEacheron
61. Private John McDonald, Sr.
62. Private John Mclaughlin
63. Private John McKey
64. Private Robert McDonald
65. Private Farquhar McIntosh
66. Private Alexander McDonald
67. Private William McGillivie
68. Private John McDonald, Jr.
69. Private Hector McNell
70. Private Murdoch Morrison
71. Private Dunkan McKinnon
72. Private Donald McDonald
73. Private Angus McIntyre
74. Private Ewen McKay
75. Private Donald McMillen
76. Private Alexander Patterson
77. Private William Ritchey
78. Private John Robertson
79. Private Duncan Steward
80. Private Alexander Sutherland
81. Private John Turner

Captain John Maxwell's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
82. Corporal Lachlin Irwin
83. Private Gregor McGregor
84. Private Norman Stewart
85. Private John Carr
86. Private Hugh Fraser
87. Private Angus Kennedy
88. Private Donald McCole
89. Private Alexander McKinsey
90. Private Donald McKinvan
91. Private Duncan McGregor
92. Private John McNear
93. Private John McDonald
94. Private George Miller
95. Private James Ross
96. Private Alexander Sutherland
97. Private Donald Sutherland

97a Private James Fraser

Captain James Cuthbert's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
98. Private William Campbell
99. Private John Chisham
100. Private John Fraser
101. Private Angus Gillas
102. Private John Innes
103. Private James McDonald
104. Private John McLean
105. Private Roderick McKenzie, Sr.
106. Private Donald McMillan
107. Private Roderick McKinzie, Jr.

107a Private Ronald McDonald, Sr.

107b Private Ronald McDonald, Jr.
108. Private Angus McDonald, Sr.
109. Private Alexander McKay
110. Private John McDonald
111. Private Archibald McDonald
112. Private Angus McDonald, Jr.
113. Private William Ross
114. Private John Stewart

Captain Henry Hamilton's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
115. Private William Brown
116. Private Alexander Cameron
117. Private Hugh Fraser
118. Private William Fraser
119. Private Martin Ferguson
120. Private James Glass
121. Private John Kennedy
122. Private Donald Kennedy
123. Private Roderick McLeod
124. Private John McLarren
125. Private David Mitchell
126. Private Angus McDonald
127. Private Alexander Martin
128. Private Alexander McDonald
129. Private Malcolm McPhie
130. Private Dugall McPherson
131. Private John McSwain
132. Private Alexander McLeod, Sr.
133. Private Alexander McLeod, Jr.
134. Private Angus Morrison
135. Private Hugh McCraw
136. Private Donald Ross
137. Private John Ross
138. Private John Ross
139. Private Andrew Rose
140. Private David Saunders
141. Private William Williamson

Captain Robert Strobo's Company
Reporting at Quebec, 24 October 1763
142. Private John Beaton
143. Private John Cameron
144. Private Alexander Frasier
145. Private David Gun
146. Private Archibald Henderson
147. Private Donald McLeod
148. Private Malcolm McLeod
149. Private John McDonald
150. Private Angus McDonald, Sr.
151. Private Angus McDonald, Jr.
152. Private Donald McDonald, Sr.
153. Private Donald McDonald, Jr.
154. Private Archibald McDonald
155. Private John McIntosh
156. Private Donald McIntire
157. Private Peter McNorton
158. Private Duncan Mckenzie
159. Private Donald McBean
160. Private James McPherson
161. Private Alexander Martin
162. Private Alexander Robertson
163. Private Robert Shaw
164. Private John Shaw

Soldiers' notes.

1. William Bruce first appears on the 78th's muster of discharged soldiers; he deserted 15 May 1764 at Quebec.
6. John Beaton was discharged on 4 September 1765 and recommended to Royal Chelsea Hospital, London.

9. Alexander Fraser was discharged on 24 July 1768 at Quebec.
11. Donald McGilvery deserted on 4 June 1764 at Quebec.
12. John McDonell, Sr. died on 4 October 1766 at Montreal.
23. James Taylor deserted on 27 May 1765 at St. Ann's.
28. Angus McDonell, Sr. deserted on 30 May 1765 at Cedars.
34. Collin McDonell

38. Donald McKay was discharged on 6 September 1765 at Cedars or Montreal.

40. Most likely, Donald McKinnon.
41. Alexander McNabb discharged on 27 April 1765 at Cedars.
42. Alexander McLoud was discharged on 4 September 1765 and recommended to Royal Chelsea Hospital, London.
43. James McKinsey was discharged on 16 March 1765 at Cedars.
45. William Gow was discharged on 27 November 1765 at Montreal.
46a Recorded as Daniel Forbes, he later transferred to Major Irving's Company, where he was discharged as Donald Forbes on 27 Dec. 1765 at Cedars.
56. Donald Fraser was discharged 30 September 1765 at Montreal.
57. David Jackson deserted on 30 May 1765 at Montreal.
70. Murdoch Morrison appears on the 78th's muster dated 19 July 1763, but is absent from the muster taken in August, one month later; he was discharged 19 October 1765 at Montreal.
74. Evan McKay was discharged on 31 October 1765 at Montreal.
77. William Ritchey is recorded as Nitchey on the 78th's muster of September 1763.
78. Listed as John Robinson on subsequent yearly muster rolls through 1766.

90. Listed as McKinvan in 1763 and McKennavan in 1766 [both probably McKinnon], he was reported sick at Oswegatchie, New York, on 25 June 1766, and died a few months later, on 2 November in Montreal.
97. Donald Sutherland died 11 August 1765 at La Chine.

97a A thorough analysis of muster rolls through 1768 suggests James Fraser was erroneously omitted from this muster during the 1763 reporting period. He was discharged on 24 July 1768 at Quebec.
98. William Campbell [sp. Marie Josephte Chartier] discharged 24 June 1767 at Montreal.

145. David Gunn discharged 17 October 1766 at Montreal.

- Lieutenant John McDonell, 78th Foot, appointed quartermaster in the 15th Foot on 14 November 1763 in exchange for Lieutenant James Babbidge.

Interchangeable names
The following names were most likely used interchangeably:

Forenames
- Daniel & Donald are sometimes, but not always, interchangeable in Scotland, because Domhnall, the Gaelic version of Donald, may be Anglicised as Daniel.

Surnames
- McDonald/McDonell, Robertson/Robinson surnames were used interchangeably.

Sources:
War Office Records. Muster Books and Paylists: General, 15th Regiment, 1760-1767. LAC, W.O. 12, vol. 3228, Microfilm C-9202.

James Murray, "List of Disbanded Soldiers from His Majesty's 15th & 27th Regiments recommended to Royal Chelsea Hospital." Letters/copie de lettres, 1763-1771, LAC, RG 4, C 2, vol. 1.

Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

Marie Fraser, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." Clan Fraser Society, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 2001.

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.]

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

Last updated 20 December 2023.