Memorial for the 63d. Regiment

Hotel-Dieu de Québec, a historic hospital complex nestled within the fortified walls of Old Quebec City during the 18th century. The grandeur of the French colonial architecture is accentuated by the warm, golden light of a setting sun, casting long shadows across the cobblestone streets and the meticulously maintained gardens. The three-story stone building, with its steeply pitched, red-tiled roof and arched windows, stands as a testament to the era's craftsmanship. (Jeffrey Campbell, In Better Health, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Memorial for the 63d. Regiment

A series of letters from Colonel Simon Fraser, 63rd Regiment of Foot, to Jeffrey Amherst, Commander-in-Chief of the British army in North America and Colonel of the 60th (Royal American) Regiment, providing a memorial on the status of the regiment in October 1759.

Sir

    The affairs of this army have taken a happy turn since I had the honor of writing you by Capt. Strobo, and General Monckton's thinking that in the present situation my being here might be of some use. I resolved to stay altho' he was at the same time so good as to give me leave to go to the Continent upon the Surgeons giving it as their advice; I am far from claiming any merit from doing my duty, but as you was pleased to promise me leave to go to England, I hope you will not think me less entitled to it when next Campaign is over As not having my leave in writing woud tho' Quebec had not been have prevented my going this winter, I shall take it as a very great favor if you will be so good as to send me your leave to go when next Campaign is over by some of those who come to join this Army in case they shoud act Seperately if it was not of the last consequence to me I do assure your Sir I woud give you no trouble.

    I take liberty to enclose a Memorial with regard to the affairs of the Regiment, if you shoud think any part of it unreasonable, the only apology I have is a common & in this instance a very true one, that it is owing to your extraordinary goodness to us. It is necessary to mention that Alexander Fraser proposed to purchase an Ensigncy is in Scotland, my reason for Refrencing you woud consent to his purchaseing & being sent for imediatly is his being eldest son to Capt. Fraser of this Regiment, who died in the Service. 

    I have the honor to be with the greatest respect,

                       

                                            Sir

                                                           

                                                Your obliged & obedient

                                                                Servt. S. Fraser

Quebec Octr. 25th. 1759.

Memorial For the 63d. Regiment

To His Excellency General Amherst,

Lieut. William McDonald being in such a state of health as to be incapable or serving, and at the same time unfit to apply to any other Business, the eldest Ensign and a Volunteer having advanced mony to pay his Debts, General Monckton has given him leave to go to England, and it is humbly proposed to General Amherst that he shou'd go out upon half pay, and that the succession should be the following gentlemen, who advanced money to pay his debts.

Eldest Ensign Harry Munro

Volunteer Archibald Fraser

Major Clephane finding himself unfit and unable to join the Regiment last Campaign gave power to Colo. Young to sell his majority with consent of the Commander in Chief, and it was agreed with Colo. Young if consent shou'd be obtain'd, that Capt. McPherson eldest Capt. shou'd give Major Clephane £1100 Str. and five shillings a day, while the Regt. stands, or two shillings and five pence a day in case of it's Reduction for life for his majority; as this is the only way Capt. McPherson can purchase, it is hoped in consideration of his long and aproved service & the Esteem he is in with the Regt. that the General will be pleased to consent to it, in that case the following succession is humbly proposed.

Capt. Lieut. Charles McDonell for the Compy [wounded this Campaign]

Eldest Lieut. Archibald Campbell for the Capt. Lieut'cy [wounded this Campaign]

Alexander Fraser for the Ensigncy

Capt. James Fraser having had weak eyes for some time was reduced almost to blindness, by being several hours exposed to a very hot sun, & afterwards to the waist in water in the attack on Momerency the 31st. July since which time he has been constantly confined, & Mr. Adair giving him no hopes of Recovery, he finds himself obliged to desire the General's leave to sell, which he hopes he will be pleased to grant to 26 years service of which there was Seven Campaigns of War. If the General is so good as to allow the purchase to go on in the Regiment, the following succession is humbly proposed.

For the Company, the eldest Lieut. & Qr. Mr. John Fraser

For the Lieutenancy

For the Ensigncy

For the Quarter Mastership George Gordon

The Gentlemen proposed of all the above Purchases have lodged Credit for the Money at York.

If the General is pleased to grant leave for the above purchases as the persons recommended except Ensign John Campbell are the eldest of their several Ranks, tis hoped the General will make their Commissions of this date, as otherwise they wou'd lose Rank in case of any promotion here during the Winter.

Several Invalids disabled in the Campaign, not being out of the Surgeon's hands were obliged to be sent with the hospital to York. Lieut. John Fraser Qr. Mr. has recommend a long discharges to be given to them, when the General thinks it proper to order them to England. There are also gone to the Continent a number of Scorbutic men, many of whom are totally unfit for Service by age and Infirmity, if the General wou'd be pleased to order them to be inspected by the Director of the Hospital Lieut. John Fraser has discharges for whatever number he is pleased to order to be discharged.

Quebec Octr. 25th 1759

S. Fraser. Colo. 63d Regt.

Note: Captain James Fraser eventually resigned his commission effective 13 December 1759, and was succeeded by Captain Charles McDonell [TNA, W.O. 25/27, p.70].

John Adair was a assigned surgeon on 24 September 1754 to the hospital in North America, and in 1759 served as Deputy Director of the hospital at New York [TNA, W.O. 25/23, p.180; W.O. 34/17, p.333].

Source:

TNA, W.O. 34/78, p.39-40;103-104.

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

Payroll Account of Private Charles Rose, 1758

An accountant at the War Office in Westminster, London, was ultimately responsible for the tracking of hundreds of millions of pounds being spent on funding British armies on multiple fronts around the world. At the regimental level, paymasters were charged with accounting for the income and expenses of every soldier, ensuring assets were properly tracked down to the very last pence. (Jeffrey Campbell, Accountability, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Payroll Account of Private Charles Rose, 1758

Much like today, accounting books were used in the eighteenth century for documenting military pay and other related expenses accrued over periods of time. The payroll account of Private Charles Rose, 78th Regiment, covers the period of July 5, 1757, through April 24, 1758.

Note: Category headers and bracketed script have been added for clarification and do not appear in the original document. Additionally, it would not be uncommon to discover accounting errors as these were gentlemen who created inaccuracies the same as you and I.

[Page 1]

Income

To 2 Weeks arrears Due in Ireland

     £0. 0. 10

To 9 Weeks pay & arrears of Pay Due on y'e Passage from y'e 5th July 1757 to y'e

5th Sept. D'o.

     £1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e 5th Sept. 1757 to y'e 10th Oct. D'o.

 £0. 8. 4

To 1 Weeks arrears from 10th Oct. to the 17th. Do. 1757

     £0. 0. 5

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e 17th Oct. to the 28th Novr. 1757

 £1. 6. 6

To 21 Weeks arrears Due from y'e 28th Novr. 1757 to y'e 24th Aprl. 1758

 £1. 15. 0

[Total]  £4. 15. 10

[Page 2]

Expenses

To 1 pair of Shoes & 1 Napsack

     £0. 6. 6

To 2 Haversacks @ Kilraick & Glasgow

£0. 2. 0

To 1 Cocade 1 pair garters & 1 sett buckles

     £0. 2. 0

To 1 Pistle & Kilt belt

     £0. 1. 4

To 1 Turn Key 1 Screw 1 Brush & wire

     £0. 0. 9

To Provisions furnished at Glasgow

     £0. 4. 8

To Spruce Beer @ Halifax

     £0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq'd Shirts furnished you

£0. 7. 0

To 10 months stoppages for the Pay Mr. Serjt. begin the 4th July 1757 & End the 4th May 

1758 @1d pr. month

     £0. 0. 10

To 7 months stoppages for y'e barber begin the 24th Sept. & End the 24th of Aprl. 1758

@ 2 pr. month

     £0. 1. 2

To yr. Propn. of a cooks frock

     £0. 0. 8

To Cash given at Fairf'd & Boston pr. Advnc.

     £1. 8. 0

To 2 Weeks Pay given in to the Hospital at Hallifax

     £0. 6. 0

  [Subtotal]   £3. 3. 7

To Cash Paid him as Ballce. of ye above Acct.

     £1. 12. 3

  [Total]  £4. 15. 10

Halifax 1758 3d. May Received ye Above Ballabce in full of my Pay and  arrears from ye Date my attestation to y'e 24th Apr. 1758 as witness of hand.

his

Charles CR Rose

mark

Source:

Major James Clephane, "Payroll account of Private Donald McKenzie, 1758." Military Account Book at Halifax, NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 28-9.

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

Pensions to Widows

An endearing inter-generational moment of two war widows captured at the breathtaking twilight hour in the city of Edinburgh, Scotland. The two women are engaged in a lively conversation as they stroll down the cobblestone streets of the historic city, possibly consoling one another as to the reality of life without their soldiers, who were left on the battlefields in Quebec, Canada, during the Seven Years' War. (Jeffrey Campbell, Time Heals, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Pensions to Widows

The following warrant established widows from the two Highland battalions raised in January 1757 for service in North America, to receive a pension from the British Government for their spouse's dedicated commitment to the country. Together, they are listed with their name, and husband's rank.

George R

Our Will and Pleasure is, that this List and Establishment of the Widows of Officers who have been Killed of have Died in our Service, amounting to the Sum of Thirteen Thousand One Hundred and Nonety two Pounds p annum for Five Hundred and Forty Seven Widows, do commence and take place from the Twenty fifth day of December last inclusive, from which Time, all former Establishments relating to the said Widows are to cease and Determine; and that no new charge be added thereunto without a particular Warrant in that behalf. Our further Will and Pleasure is, that the List following the above said Establishment of the Widows of Officers who have Died on the British Establishment of Half Pay, amounting to the Sum of Six Hundred and Sixty four Pounds, for Thirty three Widows, do commence and take place from the said Twenty fifth of December last Enclusive, which sum was granted by our Parliament of Great Britain in their present session, to be distributed to the said Widows of Half Pay Officers whose Husbands served and were married to them before the Twenty fifth Day of December One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixteen. Given at our Court at St. James's this 27th day of April 1770, In the Tenth Year of Our Reign.

                                                                                            By His Majesty's Command

                                                                                            Barrington

First Highland Battalion

[Lt. Col. Archibald Montgomery: renumbered 62nd Regiment; 77th Regiment]

Catherine Mirrie

Rank: Major

Hellen Grant

Rank: Lieutenant

Isabella MacKenzie

Rank: Lieutenant

Hester Stuart

Rank: Lieutenant

Second Highland Battalion

[Lt. Col. Simon Fraser: renumbered 63rd Regiment; 78th Regiment]

Lillieas Fraser

Rank: Captain

Jane Fraser

Rank: Lieutenant

Catherine McDonald

Rank: Lieutenant

Source:

Pensions to Widows. TNA, WO 24/821, pp.18-20.

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

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.