Murder Among the Ranks

In a dimly lit garrison hall in Quebec during the height of the Seven Years’ War, a solemn court-martial unfolds. Three British officers, clad in scarlet uniforms, preside over the proceedings with unwavering formality. The accused soldier stands rigidly at attention, his expression stoic as judgment looms. Natural light filters through the small-paned window, casting a stark glow on the wooden walls and floorboards. Seated nearby, fellow soldiers observe in tense silence, their uniforms dulled by the gravity of the moment. A faded map of the world looms behind the tribunal, underscoring the global stakes and imperial discipline of British rule. (Jeffrey Campbell, Where Honor Stands, 2025)

Murder Among the Ranks

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

General Court Martial Proceedings

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

Lieutenant Colonel Roger Morris President

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

Hector Theophilus Cramaché Judge Advocate

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    signed JA: Murray

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

Works Cited: 

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

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

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

The magnificent Louisbourg Lighthouse, built in the 18th century, rises proudly against the pale hues of Nova Scotia’s early morning sky. It stands as a sentinel of history, watching over a coast once ravaged by war. In 1758, British forces stormed this region with over 13,000 soldiers aboard more than 150 ships, capturing Louisbourg in just seven weeks. Determined to prevent any future French resurgence, the British demolished the fortress walls, ensuring it would never again serve as a fortified French stronghold. Today, the lighthouse endures—a quiet monument to the fierce conflict that once shaped the fate of empires. (Jeffrey Campbell, Before the Storm, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

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

LETTER OF BRIGADIER-GENERAL JAMES

MURRAY TO COLONEL SIMON FRASER

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

draft among the Murray Papers at Bath.)]

Champlain road 25th July 1760

Dr Sir

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

                                                                              Your very faithful hble servt.

                                                                                                     J.M.

Gen. Murray to Col. Fraser

                    1760

Works Cited:

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

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

Fair Winds Home

An 18th-century British army transport ship valiantly cuts through the high seas, its prow splitting the water as towering waves crash against its weathered but resilient wooden hull. Adorned with the regal crimson and gold of the Royal Navy, the vessel commands attention as a proud symbol of imperial power and determination. Three soaring masts rise defiantly into the storm-darkened sky, each fully rigged with taut, wind-filled sails that ripple like battle standards. Amid the chaos of the ocean, disciplined crew members move with practiced efficiency across the deck, their figures silhouetted against the sea spray and the thunderous rhythm of conquest. (Jeffrey Campbell, Sovereign Wind and Iron Seas, 2025)

Fair Winds Home

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

War Office, 17 May 1763

My Lord,

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

I have the honor to be

My Lord, &c

W Ellis.

[To]

Earl of Egremont &c.

[Left margin]

For Great Britain

1st Foot. Erskine's 5 Compy's

77th Montgomery's

78th Fraser's

For Ireland

47th Lascelles's

55th Gansell's

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

Royal Bounty Money

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

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

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

By the Honble James Murray Esq:r

Governor of Quebec &c.

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

Given under my Hand at Quebec

This 17th Day of October 1763

/Signed Ja: Murray

[left margin]
Ster:
£80 “ 2 ~
Dollars

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

/Countsd H T Cramahé

Old English Money

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

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

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

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

The math:

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

 

Funding was provided for 343 soldiers to return home.

Embarkation Return

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

Transport ship: Briton

Shipmaster: Josias Hutchinson.

Built: 1762, Parr & Co.

Original tonnage: 140

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

 

Refit included:

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

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

 

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

Transport ship: Neptune

Shipmaster: Edward Symonds

Built: unknown

Original tonnage: unknown

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

Refit included:

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

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

 

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

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

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

Disbanding Orders for the 77th and 78th Regiments

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

[Left margin]

Orders and Instructions for 

disbanding the 77th Regt. of

Foot, commanded by Colo. Montgomery

George R.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                                W. Ellis

To

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

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

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

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

Notes:

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

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

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

Works Cited:

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

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

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

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

Payroll Account of Private John McCallum, 1758

An accountant at the War Office in Westminster, London, bore the immense responsibility of overseeing the flow of hundreds of millions of pounds allocated to British military campaigns across multiple global fronts. At the regimental level, paymasters were entrusted with meticulously recording the income and expenditures of every soldier, ensuring that all assets were accurately accounted for—down to the very last penny. (Jeffrey Campbell, Ledgers in Ink, 2025)

Payroll Account of Private John McCallum, 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 John McCallam, 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.

     £0. 0. 5

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

 £1. 0. 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 Shoes above your compliment

     £0. 4. 0

To 1 Nap Sack

£0. 2. 6

To a Haversack 

     £0. 1. 0

To a Cocade

     £0. 0. 8

To a pair of garters & Sett of Buckles

     £0. 1. 4

To a pistle belt and kilt belt

     £0. 1. 4

To a Turn Key & Screw

     £0. 0. 6

To a Brush & Wire

£0. 0. 3

To Provisions furnished at Glasgow &c.

     £0. 4. 8

To Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq Shirts furnish'd by the Major

     £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 Repairing y'e Pistle at Fairfield

     £0. 1. 2

To yr. Proportion of a Cooks Frock

     £0. 0. 8

To 4 Dollars advanced you in Fairfield

     £0. 18. 8

To Ballce Due him of the above acct. which clears him tp Aprl. 24th 1758

     £2. 7. 5

  [Total]  £4. 15. 10

Halifax 7th May 1758. Rec'd. y'e above Ball'ce. in full of all my Pay & arrears of Pay Due from the Date my attestation to y'e 24th Apr. 1758 as witness of my hand.

his

John X McCallum

mark

Works Cited:

Major James Clephane, "Payroll account of Private John McCallum, 1758." Military Account Book at Halifax, NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 26-7.

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

Payroll Account of Private Donald McKenzie, 1758

An accountant at the War Office in Westminster, London, bore the immense responsibility of overseeing the flow of hundreds of millions of pounds allocated to British military campaigns across multiple global fronts. At the regimental level, paymasters were entrusted with meticulously recording the income and expenditures of every soldier, ensuring that all assets were accurately accounted for—down to the very last penny. (Jeffrey Campbell, Ledgers in Ink, 2025)

Payroll Account of Private Donald McKenzie, 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 Donald McKenzie, 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 - Private Donald McKenzie]

Income

To 9 Weeks Pay w/ arrears & Pay Due from, y'e 5th July to y'e 5th Sepr.

     £1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks arrears at of Pay Due from y'e 5th Sepr. to y'e 10th Octr.

     £0. 8. 4

To 3 Weeks arrears @ 5d p week

     £0. 1. 3

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e 17th Octr. to y'e 25th Novr.

     £1. 0. 6

To 21 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e 26th Novr. 1757 to 24th Apr. 1758

     £1. 15. 0

[Total]  £4. 15. 10

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes & 1 Nap Sack

     £0. 6. 6

To 1 Haversack & 1 Cocade

     £0. 1. 8

To 1 pair garters & 1 sett buckles

     £0. 1. 4

To 1 Kilt belt

     £0. 0. 10

Provision at Glasgow

     £0. 4. 8

Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq'd. Shirts

     £0. 7. 0

To 10 months Stopt. for y'e Paymt. Serjt. @ 1d p Month

£0. 0. 10

To 7 Months for y'e. Barber

     £0. 1. 2

To vr. Proportion of a cooks Frock

     £0. 0. 8

To Cash you got at Fairfield

     £0. 18. 8

  [Total]  £2. 7. 0

To cash given at Boston p advce.

£0. 4. 8

£2. 11. 8

£2. 4. 2

£4. 15. 10

Halifax 4th May 1758. Rec'd. y'e above Ball'ce. in full of all my Pay & arrears of Pay from the Date my attestation to y'e 24th Apr. last as witness of my hand.

his

Dond. McKenzie

mark

Works Cited:

Major James Clephane, "Payroll account of Private Donald McKenzie, 1758." Military Account Book at Halifax, NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 24-5.

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

Monetary Dispute Between Officers in the 78th Regiment

In a dimly lit room within the a garrison near Montreal in 1761, four French colonial officers huddle around a worn wooden table, deep in tense discussion. Their serious expressions reflect an urgent conversation—likely concerning the distribution of assignments within their regiment, a common and often contentious issue among officers. Scattered papers and Halifax currency notes hint at the financial stakes tied to their decisions, whether related to supplies, troop movements, or personal influence. The setting, captured from an elevated angle, immerses the viewer in a pivotal moment of internal negotiation during the broader imperial struggles of the Seven Years' War. (Jeffrey Campbell, Distribution of Duty)

Monetary Dispute Between Officers in the 78th Regiment

The following monetary dispute between officers in the 78th Regiment occurred in 1761, while the regiment was in Quebec. The case in which Captain Archibald Campbell acted as Major John Macpherson's agent shows how the 'purchase system' (the buying and selling of companies and commissions within a regiment) worked in old times.

Copie of the Claim Given in By Capt. Archd. Campbell to the Gentlemen Arbitrators

Letter to the Gentlemen Arbitrators, supporting the claim of Major McPherson in the dispute between him and Lieutenant John Nairn as to the sum to be paid by the latter to the former for a company in the 78th Regiment in 1761.

Gentleman,

I shall here lay before you as briefly as I can, everything relating to the Purchase & Sale of Major McPherson’s Company, late of the 78th Regiment.

When the said Major gave in his Resignation in October 1760, Captain Campbell of said Regiment was recommended to be his successor to the majority, and Lieutenant David Baillie was also recommended as Purchaser of Captain Campbell’s Company, for both which the said Major was to receive £1500 Sterling, to be paid in the following manner.

Major Campbell to pay £400 for the majority, Lieutenant Baillie to pay £800 for the Company, the Lieutenant and Ensign to pay the remaining £300 which made up the sum above

Colonel Fraser engaged to give Sterling Bills, to the amount (on Baillies account) if Lieut. Baillie was approved of and got the Company – on account of Baillie’s youth and short Service, His Excellency General Amherst preferred giving him the Purchase at that Time, but gave Major McPherson leave to go home.

On this occasion the Major left a Power in my Hands, to receive the Price of his Company, and give his successor or any concerned Discharges for the same.

About the Middle of March 1761, Lieut. John Nairn was recommended as Purchaser of said Company, whose former Service & Rank in the Regiment intitled to the Purchase, preferable to Lieutenant Baillie. Sometime in June following his Commission was sent to the Commanding Officer of the Regiment dated 24 April 1761.

In July after Captain John Nairn paid £600 of the Purchase Money in Sterling Bills of Exchange and made an offer of £400 more in cash to Major Campbell at the Exchange of 4/8d or 4/10d p Dollar, as no Bills of Exchange could be purchased at that Rate in Town. The said Major, or any concerned could not accept of this money, as they could not remitt it home without a considerable Discompt.

I imagine as Lieutenant Nairn suceeded to Lieut. Baillie’s Purchase, he is certainly liable to all the agreement, made with said Baillie, as there was no other made with him, or any other on his account.

I beg that the gentleman Arbitrators will consider the above and determine whether it is not in like cases agreeable to the Practice of the Army, that Captain Nairn should be made liable, to pay the sum promised & agreed upon with Baillie, and also the manner in which the same ought to be paid, and lastly, whether it is not agreeable to the said Practice, that the Purchaser should pay the lawfull Interest, for the money agreed upon, from the Date of his Commission, till the arrival of the Bills, and until these Bills are accepted of. Especially as the Regiment is so long Deferred as in the Case it is, and by what appears to me an omission in the Purchaser.

I beg leave to inform you, gentleman, that the aforesaid £400 lies still in Major Campbell’s hands, dead, to the Purchaser and Seller since July Last. And am, &c.,

[Signed]

Arch’d. Campbell

Copie of the Sentence of the Arbitrators

Sentence of the Arbitrators as to the payment to be made by Captain John Nairn to Major John Macpherson, late of the 78th Regiment (having regard to the concurred testimony of Captains Archibald and Alexander Campbell), Quebec, 6 April 1762.

Whereas the Honorable James Murray Esqr Governor of Quebec in behalf of Captain John Nairn of the 78th Regiment on the one part, and Captain Archibald Campbell of said Regiment in behalf of John Macpherson Esqr. Late Major also of said Regiment on the other part, have thought proper by an Instrument dated the 5th day of this present Month of April, to nominate and appoint us whose Names are underwritten, to be arbitrators and umpires in a Dispute arisen between said Major Macpherson and Captain John Nairn, in Relation to a Company Purchased by the Latter from the Formet in the said 78th Regiment.

We the arbitrators having taken the same into our most Serious Consideration, and heard all that the several Parties had to say on the occasion, having also enquired into the usual price paid for Companies in the 78th Regiment, which we find by the Concurrent Testimony of Captains Archibald and Alexander Campbell of the said Regiment, to have never at any time exceeded One Thousand Pounds Sterling-

We the said arbitrators unanimously award that Captain John Nairn do pay unto Major John Macpherson, the sum of One Thousand Pounds Sterling for the Company, according to the custom of the said Regiment, and as it would be the heigth of Injustice, was Captain Nairn to be bound by a Bargain made with his Junior in the same Regiment, to whom on that account, and by reason of his youth, it was the highest consequence at any price to gain rank –

As the delay of Payment has been owing to Major Macpherson’s claiming what does not appear to be his right, we the arbitrators further judge that Captain John Nairn should pay Four Hundred Pounds lying in Major Campbell’s hands in Sterling, at the Exchange Current in Quebec at the time that Money was Deposited, said Rate to be ascertained by two Paymasters of Regiments or two Merchants at the option of the Parties –

For the foregoing Reasons, the arbitrators cannot think Major Macpherson entitled to any Interest on the said Purchase Money.

Given under our Hands at Quebec

This 6th day of April 1762

(Signed)

P. Emis Irving

Jams. Gardner

H.T. Cramache

A True Copy

H.T. Cramache

Works Cited:

Papers, chiefly Gaelic, of Duncan Campbell, Inverness (1826-1916). NLS, MS.14883, Folios 61-61v; 63-63v. [https://manuscripts.nls.uk/repositories/2/resources/20143].

(xxxix.) ‘Copie of the Claim Given in By Capt. Archd. Campbell to the Gentlemen Arbitrators’. (Folios 61-62.)

(xl.) ‘Copie of the Sentence of the Arbitrators’. (Folios 63-64.)

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