Report of Colonel Simon Fraser to General Forbes, Jan. 1758

Dear Sir,

I have at length sent you the Report & Controut of Quarters which I am afraid you expected sooner, but when you look at their extent, & consider that I was oblig'd to visit them all twice, & at same time to Settle the Draft for Otways, you will perhaps do me the Justice to believe the Report was not delay'd thro my idleness.

I take for granted the Controut is not exactly acording to the form used in England, because the Men are here quarterd in private houses, & that the towns extend to 12 & 15 Miles without any distinguishing Names for the several parts, except those of the Landlords or proprietors of houses; but I hope it will answer the end you desired of shewing whether the Men are crouded in the billets & whether the quarters are compact. Upon the whole I think we have reason to be satisfied with the quarters & with the inclination of the people to Accomodate the troops; in some places they might be brought a little closer together, but so little that it is not worth moving for, especialy as they woud then be worse accomodated, for where there are many in one house, they have a part of the house alotted them with fire & untesils to dress their provisions, but where there are only a few, they give in their provisions & mess with the people & live vastly better. You seemed desireous to know some of these particulars so I chose rather to mention them here than at the end of the Report, We find some difficulty with regard to firing for the Officers, the people here hitherto furnish'd it conditionally, but they are anxious to know if there are any allowance for that Article, I remember when it was thought we shoud have staid at Halifax, there was a certain sum to be paid every Officer acording to his rank, Will you be so good to inform me if there is any thing of that sort given here.

I wrote you a few lines from Fairfield in a hurry to beg your advice about an unlucky accident that happened here & it has since been examined by Court of Enquiry which I thought the surest method of procuring an Accounty that might be depended on, I have inclosed a Coppy of the proceedings which I am told agree exactly with the Coroner's inquest. I must in justice to the unhappy survivor say that he was one of the most useful & best behaved Men in the Battalion, in which he never before received a reprimand.

There having been no application from the Civil power he still Continues confined in the gaurd, the only prison in this place. Why wont you take the trouble to tell me either as Adjt. Genl. or as a friend what I am to do in regard to him, for I am unwilling at least till I am instrued, to do any thing that might at all be construed to carry it out of My Lord Loudoun's hands.

As the publick orders bore that all Reports & returns were to be made to Genl. Webb, altho it was by you I was directed to make out the Report & Controut of Quarters I was at a loss whether to send it to you or Genl. Webb, however in order to be sure I have sent him a Coppy of it along with the Monthly Return & the proceedings of the Court of Enquiry.

One of the Sloops that carrys Otways drafts carrys you a barrel of Norwalk Oysters.

I am with great regard,

Dear Sir,

Your most Obedient & most humble Servant 

[signed] S. Fraser

Stratford, Janry 10 1758

Source:

Letter of Col. Simon Fraser to Colonel Forbes, Adjutant General, at His House in the Broadway or at the Fort, New York. NAS GD 45-2-29-3.

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

Major Clephane's Road Clearing Detachment, Sep. 1758

General Jeffrey Amherst, having arrived with troops at Boston, Massachusetts on 12 September 1758, and commanding from headquarters at Springfield two weeks later, ordered Major James Clephane, the light infantry of Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, and 200 local pioneers to begin clearing the road 14 miles west of headquarters, from the city of Westfield to Blandford, so that he and his troops could pass through an otherwise disheveled road. The general documented a few of the upcoming challenges in his personal journal.

Journal excerpts
24th. [Sept.] I marched before day break by the right and went through a woody Country to Springfield. No part cleared, but the woods with no high underwood, as they have burnt it constantly for nearly two years past, and the Country people say it has spoiled the Ground. I arrived at Springfield in good time, Lt. Col. Robertson met me; he had been to the green wood and thought by Pioneers and the help of some Country People to work we might pass that way, so I changed my intended route. Springfield has five Parishes about 100 Families in each; logs on both Sides of the Connecticut River; is 75 miles from the Sea & the River is very fine, about 500 yards over, but there are some falls between the Town and the Sea that hinder Ships from passing. Navigable for flat bottomed boats. A Sloop of 70 tons was built at Springfield & passed the falls & Rocks in a flood.

25th. I got all the ferry boats and other boats that could be found & passed over the five battalions, and encamped on the other side to be ready to march the next day. I sent forward 200 Pioneers with Tools and the Light Infantry of Fraziers under the command of Major Clepham [sic.] We got boats enough to pass a Regiment & all its Baggage in an Hours time so that the whole were over in good time, and encamped about a half a mile from the water side.

Orders to Major Clephane

"Major Clephane to march with the Detachment of light Infantry of the Highland Regiment and 200 Pioneers as ordered this day, and to en camp to morrow night at about two miles beyond Westfield, He will take with his Detachment [the requisite?] of Tools and a bread Waggon with three days bread.

Lt. Col. Robertson the D. Quarter Master General will be with Major Clephane to morrow night to shew him the Road where his Detachment is to work, that the Troops may pass from Westfield to Blandford No. 3, No. 2 & Sheffield. a waggon for the Major & officers to carry their Tents and a waggon to carry the Mens Tents to be at the waterside to morrow morning and a Guide to be ready there. a Bullock will be killed at Blandford for furnishing the Men with Provisions."

Given at Head Quarters at Springfield this 24th September 1758.   Jeff Amherst

To Major Clephane

Sources:

Amherst, Jeffrey, and John Clarence Webster. The Journal of Jeffery Amherst, Recording the Military Career of General Amherst in America from 1758 to 1763. Edited with Introduction and Notes by J. Clarence Webster. Ryerson Press, 1931.

Jeffrey Amherst, "Orders by General Amherst to Major Clephane, commanding the escort for 200 pioneers who will prepare the road from Westfield to Blandford and Sheffield for the passage of troops." NAS, GD125-22-17-00064.

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

Monthly Return of Sep. 24, 1759

The monthly Army Returns reported on the strength of each regiment, including total numbers of men present, absent, sick, or on extra daily duty, as well as giving a report of officers and some categories of enlisted men. They were a very useful and effective planning tool in eighteenth-century combat operations and are still in practical use throughout today's armed forces.

Ten soldiers of the 78th Regiment were admitted to Royal Chelsea Hospital on July 20, 1759, nine of which are listed as having sustained injuries at Louisbourg. James Williamson; Roderick Mcniel; William Fraser Callum; James Cummings; John Gillis; William Cunnison; Alexander McTavish; Robert Thompson; John Fraser, John Macallum.

MONTHLY RETURN OF HIS MAJESTY’S FORCES IN THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, UNDER THE COMMAND OF BRIGR. GENL. ROBERT MONCKTON, SEPTR. 24TH 1759.
78TH REGIMENT: COLONEL FRASER’S
OFFICERS PRESENT
COMMISSION
Colonels	Lt. Colonels	Majors	Captains	Lieutenants	Ensigns
1			11	25	13
OFFICERS ABSENT
Major Clephane			Left sick at New York
Major Campbell			Never joyn’d His Majesty’s
Lieut. McTavish			Left with the sick at Louisbourg
NAMES OF VACANT OFFICERS
Capt. Ross			Killed Sepr. 13th
Lieut. Roderick McNeil			Killed Sepr. 13th
Lieut. Alexr. McDonell			Killed Sepr. 13th
STAFF
Chaplains	Adjutants	Qr. Masters	Surgeons	Mates
1	1	1	1	2
EFFECTIVES			RANK & FILE
Fit for Duty	Sick/Present	Sick/Hospital	Absent sick & on duty	Recruiting	On Furlow
744	245	241	66
TOTAL: 1296
WANTING TO COMPLEAT
Serjeants	Drummers	Rank & File
		149
SINCE LAST RETURN
Recruited	Dead	Discharged	Deserted	Killed	Wounded
	8	1		27	137
JOYN’D			INVALIDS
Serjeants	Drummers	Rank & File	Recommended to Chelsea and kept on Regiments pay
4	2	131	11
PRISONERS OR MISSING			---

Source:

Casgrain, P.-B. A few remarks on "The siege of Quebec" and the battle of the Plains of Abraham by A. Doughty in collaboration with G.W. Parmeles, and on The probable site of the battle of the Plains of Abraham, by A. Doughty. App. III, J. Hope, 1903. 

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Major Abercrombie's Letter to Earl of Loudoun, Sep. 1763

Transcription of a letter giving details of military affairs in America at the end of the French and Indian war, sent to Earl of Loudoun as former commander in America. Parson Robert Macpherson returned home in September [prior to the mutiny at Quebec], having obtained leave from General Murray, while the main body of the 78th Regiment departed Quebec in early October, arriving at Glasgow in December 1763.

Quebec Sepr. The 15^th 1763

My Lord

I have nothing worth giving your Lordship the trouble of a letter however I could not let slip this opportunity of congratulating you on your return from Portugal, for by what I have heard of the few Portuguese troops & the handful of English your Lordship had few laurele could have been reapt.

The Indian War is almost become general in this Country, all the upper posts have been cut off except Detroit, your Lordship will readily excuse me coppying the New York Gazette, besides the bearer Mr McPherson Chaplain to the 78^th can acquaint you with what we know, this gentleman is a most deserving Sensible man, & the best Chaplain I ever knew, I hope your Lordship will therefore be pleased to honor him with your countenance.

The 47^th & 78^th have been drafted to compleat the 15^th, 27^th, 2d Bn. Royal America, those three Regts remain in this govt. & trois rivieres – the 28^th at Montreal who were completed from the 4^th Battn. Rl. Americans & the 44^th the last Regt. garrisons Crown Point & fort Levi – alias fort Wm. Augustus.

Nothing is yet setled in Canada either in respect to governor or governments all Murray expects to remain & will be much dissapointed should it happen otherwise.

Your friend Robertson has gone to Pensacola & Louisana to settle the posts there, I hope it will be made worth his while, for it is a most dissagreable jaunt.

I intended to have gone home with the remains of the Regt. but Sir Jeffery has desired I would go by New York, I shall therefore set out for thence in a few days, & I don’t think it improbable but I may be sent a Scouting if theres the least probability of a step I shall accept with pleasure, but without that I will not be fond of Indian hunting.

My best respects to Miss Kitty, & I have the honor to be,

Your Lordship

Much obliged & most

Humble Servant

James Abercrombie ~ 

To the Earl of Loudoun

Source:

Abercrombie, James. "Letter addressed to John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, 15 Sept. 1763." John Campbell, Loudoun papers concerning the siege and fall of Quebec, 1756-1784. Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, cat. no. 45M-113F.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019. 

Instructions for Draughting of Foot Guards, Jan. 1757

During the early recruitment of soldiers for both the newly established Highland Battalions [Colonel Montgomery's and Colonel Fraser's Regiments], leadership requested senior non-commissioned officers [serjeants and corporals] from those that were already established. Veteran soldiers were highly sought after for their ability to not only successfully train the new recruits, but it was also required they could speak the Scottish Gaelic Highland language, to be able to pass down orders from the senior officers. A transcription of Lord Barrington's letter to the field commanders addressing these requirements is as follows.

War Office 25 Janry 1757

Sir

          The King having been pleased to direct two Highland Battalions to be forthwith raised to serve in North America and Commanded by Lieut. Col. Montgomery and Lieut. Col. Fraser and it being requested by the said Lieut. Colonels that the Serjeants and Corporals for the said Battalions should be taken from Corps, where Men shall be found qualified for such Non Commiss Officers I am therefore to acquaint you it is His Majesty's Pleasure that you will cause Twenty five men to be draughted from the Regiments of Foot Guards under your Command who can speak the Highland Language Ten of whom are to be turned over to Lieut Col. Montgomery's Battalion and the remaining fifteen to Lieut. Col. Fraser's Battalion which Men are to be Draughted with their own consent and approved of by the said Lieut. Col.s of Officers appointed for that Service in order to their being Sergts. or Corporals as the said Lieut Colonels shall think proper For each of whom the sum of Five pounds is to be paid by the said Battalions receiving them, to your Regt., but care is to be taken that none above the degree of a Corporal is to be draughted.  I am

                                                               Sir     &c.

                                                                                          Barrington

Field Officer in Staff waiting

for the three Regts. of Foot Guards

                                    Guards . . . . 10 . . . . 15 . . . . 25

Like letters of the same date to the following Colonels or Officers Commanding their respective Regiments.

Earl of Homes

Montgomery's:  6

Frasers:  4

Total:  10

Genl. Anstruther's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  5

Total:  9

Genl. Holmes's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  -

Total:  4

Leighton's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  6

Total:  10

Lord Robert Manners's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  -

Total:  4

Lambton's

Montgomery's:  2

Fraser's:  6

Total:  8

Lord Charles Manners's

Montgomery's:  6

Fraser's:  -

Total:  6

Lord Loudouns

Montgomery's:  -

Fraser's:  4

Total:  4

Total:

Montgomery's:  40

Fraser's:  40

Editorial
The Newcastle Weekly Courant (Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England)
Saturday, March 5, 1757
Tuesday 30 more Highlanders, Volunteers from the third Regiment of Foot Guards, passed through this town, in the Way to join Col. Frazier's Battalion at Inverness.

Note: In 1756, commanded by Earl of Rothes, the Third Regiment of Foot Guards were listed as 1468 strong (including 54 commissioned officers), and at a yearly cost of £36,001.3.4 in wages for the soldiers. They represented just one of 30 foot regiments assigned to the king's army at the time. [Journal of the House of Commons, Volume 27].

Be sure to visit our Editorials page for related events with the 78th Regiment of Foot.

Source:

War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Dec. 1756 - Apr. 1757. LAC, W.O. 4, vol. 53 (Selections), pp. 102-3.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.