Halifax Pay Records of May 1758

An accountant at the War Office in Westminster, London, meticulously reviewing the financial records of Major James Clephane of the 78th Regiment of Foot. The Scottish regiment, raised in 1757, was stationed for service in North America in support of the Seven Years' War. (Jeffrey Campbell, A Numbers Game, 2024. Artist's rendition created with Perchance AI Image Generator)

Halifax Pay Records of May 1758

A collection of pay records from Major James Clephane's Company of the 78th Regiment of Foot dated May 1758 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Although 111 names appear on the original records cover sheet, only the following 90 archival records were made available. It is presumed the remaining 21 records did not survive. 

Please note soldiers' numbering is for our internal records and should be referenced for identification when contacting us. Additional links to transcriptions will be made available as time permits, so please check back.

Major James Clephane's Company

Halifax, Nova Scotia, May 1758

1. Serjeant John McGrigor

2. Serjeant James Robertson

3. Serjeant Alexander Rose

4. Serjeant James Watson

5. Corporal Alexander Fraser

6. Corporal James Gowe

7. Corporal James Smith

8. Corporal Hugh Tulloch

9. Private John Anderson

10. Private Roderick Bain
11. Private John Buchanan
12. Private Evan Cameron
13. Private John Cameron [1]
14. Private John Cameron [2]
15. Private John Cameron [3]

16. Private John Cameron [4]
17. Private Angus Campbell
18. Private Donald Campbell

19. Private Hugh Campbell
20. Private James Campbell
21. Private John Campbell [1]
22. Private John Campbell [2]
23. Private John Chisholm

24. Private William Conison

25. Private Donald Culbert

26. Private Duncan Duff

27. Private Charles Falconer

28. Private Angus Fletcher

29. Private Alexander Fraser

30. Private John Fraser [1]

31. Private John Fraser [2]

32. Private John Fraser [3]

33. Private Petter Halden

34. Private John Innes

35. Private Alexander Johnston

36. Private James Knight

37. Private Donald Livingston

38. Private Alexander McArthur

39. Private John McArthur

40. Private John McAllum

41. Private Donald McColl

42. Private Alexander McDonald

43. Private Donald McDonald

44. Private Evan McDonald

45. Private John McDonald

46. Private John McDougall

47. Private David McDugall

48. Private Donald McGibban

49. Private Donald McGilivray

50. Private Petter McGrigor [1]

51. Private Petter McGrigor [2]

52. Private Donald McIntosh

53. Private John McIntosh [1]

54. Private John McIntosh [2]

55. Private Lachlan McIntosh

56. Private David McKinzie

57. Private Donald McKinzie

58. Private John McKinzie [1]

59. Private John McKinzie [2]

60. Private Rodrick McKinzie

61. Private Duncan McLean

62. Private Donald McLeod

63. Private John McLeod

64. Private William McNabb

65. Private Archibald McNaughton

66. Private Duncan McNickell

67. Private John McPherson

68. Private John McVain

69. Private Hugh Miller

70. Private Roderick Morison

71. Private Hugh Munro

72. Private George Noble

73. Private John Robertson

74. Private Thomas Robertson

75. Private Alexander Rose

76. Private Arthur Rose

77. Private Charles Rose

78. Private David Rose

79. Private William Rose

80. Private Donald Ross

81. Private John Ross

82. Private Malcolm Ross

83. Private Thomas Russel

84. Private John Sherrar

85. Private Alexander Smith

86. Private Angus Stewart

87. Private John Sutherland

88. Private William Sutherland

89. Private James Tolmie

90. Private James Tolnie

Records presumed not to have survived.

91. Private Murdoch Cameron

92. Private Donald Campbell

93. Private Duncan Campbell

94. Private William Campbell

95. Private William Copelan

96. Private James Forbes

97. Private James Fraser

98. Private John Fraser

99. Private John Gordon

100. Private Duncan McDugall

101. Private Alexander McKay

102. Private Murdoch McKenzie

103. Private Duncan McNickle

104. Private Robert McPharlin

105. Private Alexander McPherson

106. Private Duncan McPherson

107. Private Hugh McRae

108. Private Donald Morrison

109. Private Finlay Munro

110. Private William Ross

111. Private James Wright

Works Cited:

Military account book at Halifax [Clephane], 1758. National Archives Scotland, GD125/Box 34.

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

Captain Hugh Montomerie's Music Book of 1763

During the Seven Years' War, music served as both a battlefield tool and a cultural cornerstone. On the field, drums, fifes, and bugles coordinated maneuvers and structured camp life, cutting through the din of combat with disciplined precision. But music also flourished beyond the front lines—particularly in the officers’ mess, where it became a marker of civility and morale. Formal dinners often featured live ensembles performing popular airs and patriotic marches, reinforcing camaraderie and a sense of order amidst chaos. Whether rallying troops or elevating spirits over port and candlelight, music shaped both the rhythms of war and the soul of military life. (Jeffrey Campbell, Melodies by Candlelight, 2025)

Captain Hugh Montomerie's Music Book of 1763

Captain Hugh Montgomerie (1739-1819), later 12th Earl of Eglington - s/o Alexander Montgomerie 4th of Coilsfield & Lillias Montgomery of Skelmorlie, was initially gazetted a lieutenant on July 21, 1757, in one of the three Additional Companies of the 77th Foot, the sister battalion of Fraser's Highlanders. Hugh fought at Fort Duquesne [Pittsburgh] in 1758, participated in the capture of Forts Ticonderoga and Crown Point in 1759, and distinguished himself as a light infantry officer during the 1760 Cherokee campaign in South Carolina.  

He served in one of the 77th composite companies at the recapture of St John's, Newfoundland, under Colonel William Amherst in August 1762.  He appears to have been promoted captain in the 78th Foot retroactive to June 2, 1762 [Army lists], for he was still listed as a lieutenant in the 77th Foot on William Amherst's list of officers who participated in the recapture of St John's two months later.  

Hugh was in command of a company when the regiment was disbanded in 1763; went on half-pay as Captain in the 78th until 1767, when he returned to active service as a captain in the 2nd/1st Foot (Royal Scots), his new commission dated February 3, 1767 [NAS GD3/9/111].  He retired on January 27, 1776.  

During the American Revolution, he returned to military service on the home front as first major to the Argyll (Western) Fencibles and was painted in that regiment's uniform in 1780 by John Singleton Copley.  Hugh was MP for Ayrshire from 1784 to 1789 and again in 1795.  In 1796, at the age of 57, he succeeded his cousin Archie to become the 12th Earl of Eglinton and moved from the House of Commons to the House of Lords.  He died in 1819. [Clan Fraser Society, Toronto].

Eglington had cultivated tastes, being specifically fond of music, and, as an amateur cellist performing on the violoncello, he was the composer of several popular airs, including 'Lady Montgomerie's Lament' and 'Ayrshire Lasses,' both likely tributes to his mother. [Dictionary of National Biography, Volumes 1-20, 22 for Hugh Montgomerie, pp. 754-55].

Music Book Description

Purchased in 1978 by the National Library of Scotland, the book contains mid-eighteenth century handwritten airs on sheet music, with the cover page dated Quebec, 26 March 1763. Original cover and binding; oblong [12" x 9"?]; contains 24 + 44 inverted folios. Leaves have been torn out after folios 21, 22, 23, 28 (inverted), 37 (inverted), and 41 (inverted). 

Some of the book's airs appear in A Collection of Airs and Marches for Two Violins and German Flutes, Some Which Have Basses [London: Printed for and sold by R. Bremner, 1765?], which is part of the Glen Collection, a special collection at the National Library of Scotland containing over 400 volumes of printed music of the 18th and early 19th centuries.

The cover page contains random jottings, both legible and illegible, in various places across the sheet. While some were written in period ink, others appear to be pencil. Coilsfield, a reference to the birthplace of the author's father, is legible in period ink, while faintly jotted adjacent reads, Capt Hugh Montgomerie, and Capt Reed. Penciled and stricken-through is ACC. 5441, probably representing an outdated archival reference, and Mauchline, a reference to a town and civil parish in East Ayrshire, Scotland, is also inscribed.

[Cover page]

Captain Hugh Montgumries

of the 78th Regt. 

his Book of Music

Collection of Scots Tunes

wt. Varriations the Slowest & Best Setts by AMar

Quebec the 26 March 

1763

 

Due to inaccurate spellings of many titles throughout the music book, the following corrected titles are provided. While some tunes are composed utilizing only the treble clef, others are composed with the treble and bass clefs, with specific notations for the piano and violin spread throughout various airs.

We wish to extend our sincerest appreciation and gratitude to Mr. Munro Gauld for his contributions to deciphering the handwriting in some of these early Scottish titles. His assistance has proven most valuable.

1.  The Duke of Holstein's March  

2.  Miss Hays Minuet  

3.  Britons, Strike Home  

4.  Felton Minuet with Variations  

5.  The Shetchers March  

6.  Prince Eugene's March  

7.  Miss Munro's Minuet  

8.  March  

9.  The Duchess of Hamilton's Minuet  

10. The Horse Grenadier's March  

11.  A Minuet  

12.  Lord Loudoun's March  

13.  The Swabb Minuet  

14.  The King of Prussia's March  

15.  Miss Gunning's Minuet  

16.  General Keith's March  

17.  Strasbourg Minuet  

18.  Balance of Straus a March  

19.  A March in Rinaldo, by Mr. Handel  

20.  A Minuet  

21.  General George Otway's March  

22.  Colonel Reid's Minuet  

23.  Admiral Vernon's March  

24.  Miss Bowls' Minuet  

25.  Hessian March  

26.  Colonel Reid's Minuet  

27.  Capt. Inches March  

28.  Lady McIntosh's Minuet  

29.  A March  

30.  Minuet  

31.  March  

32.  Minuet  

33.  The Royals March  

34.  Minuet  

35.  Thomas Falconner’s Rant  

36.  Jackson's Mistake  

37.  Follow Her Over the Border  

38.  Red James  

39.  Red James  

40.  Thou art gone away  

41.  Duchess of Devonshire's March  

42.  Canzonell  

43.  How Sweet in the Woodlands  

44.  Pastorale Andantino  

45.  Right Honorable Lord Torphichen's March  

46.  Miss Lillas Montgomerie Skelmories Strathspey, by Capt. Logan  

47.  Allegro Maestroso  

48.  Capt. Baillie's Quick March  

49.  Capt. Baillie's March, South Fencibles  

50.  Lord Banff’s Strathopy  

51.  Miss Montgomerie of Skelmorlies Strathspey, by Niel Gow  

52.  The [illegible]  

53.  Lumps of Puddings  

54.  Cabber Fea  

55.  Barick Jonie 

56.  Illegible  

57.  Captain Montgomerie's Call  

58.  Atholl Braes  

59.  Up in the air

60.  Cammeroning's Rant  

61.  Cameron's Strathspey  

62.  Sir John Cathcart's Reel

63.  Aaron’s Gigg  

64.  Linock love to blanter

65.  Jockey Has Gotten a Wife

66.  If ever I marry I'll marry alright

67.  Miss Christie's Reel

68.  Happy Pair. Sett by W. Handel

69.  Will Come Back Again

70.  Miss Carmichael's Reel

71.  Miss Carmichael's Minuet

72.  The Three Merry Dancers

73.  Lady Nelly Weems Reel

74.  The Crickets

75.  Portobello

76.  Lucy's Delight

77.  The Highlandman Kiss'd his Mother

78.  A Bonney Lass to Merry One 

78.  Sweet Molly

80.  The -orchts Reel

81.  Willie was a Wanton Wag 

82.  Duncan Gray 

83.  The East Nooke O' Fife with Variations 

84.  Doun the burn Davie 

85.  There's Three Good Fellows ayont yon Glen 

86.  Aloway House, by AM Arthur / A. McArthur?

87.  I Love my love in Secret with Variations

88.  Up in the Morning Early

89.  When She Came, ben She bobbed 

90.  The Soldier's Lady

Notes:

Cover page: AMar is possibly an abbreviation for A. McArthur. See tune #86.

39.  Perhaps a continuation of #38.

44.  Probably Andantino Pastorale.

46.  Lillas Montgomerie, the captain's mother.

47.  Probably not the title, but rather a direction of movement within the piece.

52.  Illegible

54.  Caber Fea (Caber Feidh).

55.  Berwick Johnnie.

56.  Illegible

64.  Lennox love to Blantyre.

80.  First letter illegible.

86.  Alloway House; possibly A. McArthur (Allen or Alexander), a soldier in the 78th Foot.

Works Cited:

Music book, dated Quebec 26 March 1763, of Captain Hugh Montgomerie of the 78th Foot (later 12th Earl of Eglinten), containing various Scottish dance tunes and marches. National Library of Scotland, Library Archives and Manuscripts collection, MS.21750.

Alex. Whitelaw, The Book of Scottish Song; Collected and Illustrated with Historical and Critical Notices. (London, 1843.)

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

Last updated 26 May 2022.

Petition of Mary Cameron, 1779

A woman sits in quiet despair, her tattered dress and weathered hands gripping a single white daisy—a fragile symbol of hope in a barren world. Her gaze is distant, heavy with sorrow, as if searching for something long lost. The desolate earth around her stretches endlessly, broken only by a small, worn cottage in the distance. Grey skies hang low, echoing the weight of her burden. The flower, innocent and out of place, draws the eye like a whispered prayer. In this stark contrast between fragility and hardship, the image captures a haunting stillness—a moment suspended in grief and fading resilience. (Jeffrey Campbell, Flower of Her Silence, 2025)

Petition of Mary Cameron, 1779

To His Excellency, Frederick Haldimand Esqr. Captain General and former in Chief in and over the Province of Quebec and the Territories depending thereon in America, Vice Admiral of the same, General and Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in the said Province and the Frontiers thereof &c., &c.

The Petitions of Mary Cameron, Wife of Murdoch Cameron late of Quebec

Most Humbly Shewith that your Petitioner's Husband served His Majesty seven years in the Seventy Eighth Regiment commanded by the Hon[oura]ble Simon Fraser, and five years in the Royal Americans, also entered himself a Voluntier on Board one of His Majesty's Amer. Vessels that went up the country in the summer of one thousand seven hundred and seventy five, when he had the misfortune he [was] taken a prisoner by the Rebels, with whom he remained till the summer following. About twelve months ago he enlisted in the [84th] Emigrants and left her with two small helpless children without any other support than what her own Industry could produce for them; she has been in great deal of trouble ever since, but what adds still more to her distress in that a small house in St. Rochs upon Mr. Marselths ground as she was informed, which she bought some years ago, and for repairing the same purchased boards &c. and in summer seventy price to the amount of about Ten pounds all afterwards destroyed by the Rebels is now demanding of her for the use of the government which is the only favourable plan she has to go to after the first day of May next, the house she occupies at present being let to another.

That houses are so scarce at present and Rents so extravagantly high that she was afraid to engage any tract she should not be able to pay her rent at the time appointed; therefore chose rather to live in her own small one which she might make shif & some maintenance for herself and children than take any risque, altho she could have let the above mentioned for nine pounds currency pr. annum.

Your Petitioner therefore most Humbly prays as the time has so nearly elapsed that your Excellency would be pleased & front her much compensation for it as may enable her to obtain another. And your Petitioner as is Duty bound shall ever pray.

Mary Cameron

Quebec 27th April 1779 / D.S.

[Endorsed 27 April 1779]

Memorial from Mrs. Cameron, relative

to the Bastian-Guard House

27 April

Note: It's worth noting that nine pounds sterling currency in 1780 is the equivalent to approximately £775 (or $1020) in 2017 purchasing power.

Works Cited:

British Library, Haldimand Papers, Memorial from Civilians, n.d., 1777-1785, MG 21, Add. Mss. 21877, (B-217), Folios 57-58, pp. 68-70.

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

Major Clephane’s Company Expenses Through Ireland, 1757

Beneath a brooding sky split by lightning, Highland soldiers in scarlet jackets and dark green plaids march away along a winding road through the lush Irish countryside. A lone farmer guides his oxen past a stone cottage, while sheep graze quietly nearby, undisturbed by the coming storm. The rich landscape rolls outward beneath a veil of tension, caught between the routine of rural life and the gravity of war. The Highlanders, steady and silent, seem both noble and somber—part of the land, yet leaving it behind. This poignant scene captures duty, distance, and the unspoken cost of marching toward uncertainty. (Jeffrey Campbell, Storm March: Highlanders on the Road from Donaghadee, 2025)

Major Clephane’s Company Expenses Through Ireland, 1757 

About 3 May 1757, newspaper editorials announced the departure of Colonel Fraser's battalion from Glasgow en route southwest to Portpatrick, an approximate 95-mile trek over relatively undeveloped terrain. Marching an average distance of about 25 miles each day, a short 3-day journey would not be out of the question for the colonel's men, having just completed their 180-mile trek through Scotland. Albeit illness would eventually affect some of the soldiers (in a letter to his friend Baillie James Fraser, Colonel Fraser reported 17 men left sick at Cork, Ireland), 10 men were reported left behind at Belfast, Ireland, later to join the regiment after securing passage under escort. Val Jones, father to Ensign Edward Jones of General Kennedy's Regiment, in a letter to Major Clephane dated at Belfast, 8 June 1757, writes: "...This will be delivered you by Corporal Fraser, who takes the opportunity of going to Dublin with 10 private men in a vessel that will be clear to sail hence tomorrow." [NAS, GD125/22/16/3/1-2].

Following an uneventful northern channel crossing from Portpatrick, Scotland, west to Donaghadee, Ireland, Major Clephane's company, as documented in the following pay records, would march to Belfast, then on to Cork via the cities of Drogheda, Dublin, Kilcullen and Clonmel, finally departing for North America on 30 June 1757.

Company Expenses

Pay acct. of Major Clephans Companie from Monday the 16th May to Monday the twentie third Dto

1. Paid 84 privat at Belfast one week at 3/5d each… £14:12:0

2. Paid 2 Serjeants at 6/10d each one week subsistance cash… £0:13.8

3. Paid 4 Corporals at 4/6½d each one week subsistance… £0:18:2

4. Paid 2 Drums at 3/5d each one weeks subsistance… £0:6:10

Pay all the above Companie from Monday the 23rd May to Monday 30th Dto

5. Paid 77 Private at Belfast one weeks subsistance at 3/ each… £11:11:0

6. Paid 2 Serjeants at Dto one weeks subsistance at 6/3 each… £0:12:0

7. Paid 3 Corporals at Dto one weeks Dto at 4/ each… £0:12:0

8. Paid 2 Drums at Dto one weeks Dto at 3/ each… £0:6:0

Pay all the above Companie from Monday the 30th May to Monday June the 6th

9. Paid 77 private at Droheda one weeks subsistance at 3/ each… £11:11:0

10. Paid 3 Serjeants at Dto one weeks Dto at 6/ each… £0:18:0

11. Paid 2 Corporals at Dto one weeks Dto at 4/ each… £0:8:0

12. Paid 2 Drums at Dto one weeks Dto at 3/ each… £0:6:0

June 13th - - -

13. Paid 77 Privat at Killculen bridge at 3/ each one weeks subsistance… £11:11:0

14. Paid 4 Serjts at Dto 6/ each one weeks Dto… £1:4:0

15. Paid 2 Corporals & 2 Drums one weeks subsistance… £0:14:0

Pay all of the above Companie from Monday 13th to Dto June the 20th

16. Paid 77 privat at Clonmell one weeks subsistance… £11:11:0

17. Paid 4 Serjts 2 Corporals & 2 Drums one weeks Dto… £1:18:0

18. Paid Cadet Mak Kinzie at Doublin 9 shillings…£0:9:0

19. Advanced two men in Glasgow 4 weeks pay which brought them to Killkennie bridge… £1:4:0

20. Advanced the three men that went on Command to Stirling two weeks pay each… £0:18:0

21. Advanced Serjt Alexr Rose at Dallie… £3:17:0

22. Paid Rodrick McKenzie one Weeks pay… £0:3:0

23. Paid Thomas Robertson… £0:1:0

24. Paid Alexr Dunbar… £0:0:6

25. Total Laid out by Lieut. Campbell On acct of Major Clephans Companie… £76:5:2

26. Advanced Serjt Rose at Belfast… £5:5:0

27. Advanced the Supernumeraries at Belfast… £1:6:0

28. Advanced for Shoes to Dto… £1:4:0

[Total] £83:15:0

Notes:

1. 84 private soldiers were paid at Belfast; however, one week later, that number was reduced by seven soldiers.

3. Four corporals were paid at Belfast; however, one week later, that number was reduced by one corporal.

4. Payroll indicates drummers were paid at the rate of private soldiers.
10. Gained one serjeant this week over previous numbers.

11. Down two corporals since week one.

14. Gained one serjeant this week over previous numbers.

18. It was reported by The Pennsylvania Gazette newspaper dated 11 August 1757, that 360 men in Colonel Montgomery's First Division marched to Royal Square Barracks, Dublin, 16 May 1757, where they were reviewed by the Earl of Rothes, who expressed "intire [sic] satisfaction at the military and handsome appearance they made." Formerly the "Royal Barracks," the facility is today named "Collins Barracks."

21. Possibly Dailly, South Ayrshire, Scotland, located between Glasgow and Portpatrick.

25. Lieutenant Archibald Campbell, originally commissioned to Capt. John MacDonnell's Company.

27. Approximately 15 supernumeraries. Colonel Fraser reported 150 "supers" across 10 companies in October 1757. [NAS, GD125/22/18/18].

28. In 1757, one pair of serjeant's shoes were authorized replacement every six months at a cost of £0.3.4, or money (in lieu of). [Calcraft, John. Regulation of Cloathing for a Highland Regt. of Foot, c.1757. James Grant of Ballindalloch papers, 1740-1819, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.].

Works Cited:

Clephane, James. "Pay accounts of Clephane's Company from Monday 16 May to twentie third Dto." [1757]. NAS, GD125/22/9/35/1.

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

This article last updated 5 March 2022.

Proposal to Transport Deserters to North America, 1757

In this haunting scene, British redcoats escort a somber procession of shackled deserters and invalids toward a waiting ship under overcast skies. Each prisoner’s face is distinct—etched with fatigue, remorse, or resignation—while the soldiers remain disciplined, their uniforms crisp and expressions resolute. The towering ship looms behind, rigged and ready to sail, symbolizing both exile and imperial reach. The dark, muted tones of the prisoners’ clothing contrast with the bright red of authority, evoking themes of duty, punishment, and sacrifice. This image captures the human cost of empire and war, as condemned men are marched toward uncertain fates across the Atlantic. (Jeffrey Campbell, Bound for Exile), 2025)

Proposal to Transport Deserters to North America, 1757

To Their Excellencies The Lords Justices Generall and Generall Governours of Ireland

The Memoriall of John Earl of Rothes

Representeth,

That by the Returns of the Embarkation of His Majesties two Highland Battalions Commanded by Lieutenant Collonels Montgomery and Fraser dated the 27th of June last, it appears, that fifty six men belonging to these two Battalions are left behind sick at Corke or upon their march.

That Captain Donald Macdonald of Collo. Frasers Battalion is since the embarkation come from Scotland with one Subaltern and thirty one men belonging to that Battalion who are now upon their march to Corke.

That His Grace The Lord Lieutenant by his letter of the 14th of last month signified to you Execs His Majesties pleasure that as many of the Deserters as possible from those Regiments who have lately gone abroad shou'd be embarked with the Highland Battalions in order to be incorporated into His Majesties Regiments in North America, in consequence of which fourty five of these Deserters have already been sent off, and there are now at Corke and in the different goals [sic, gaols] of this Kingdom a considerable number of them ready for the same purposes.

Your Memorialist therefore Submits to your Excellencies whither it would not be for the good of His Majesties Service, that a Vessell be freighted for carrying the men abovementioned belonging to the two Highland Battalions to such place in North America as shall be thought proper and for carrying with them such Deserters from the Regiments abovementioned as now are in custody or may be apprehended before the embarkation.

[signed] 

Rothes

Cover sheet:
Memoriall The Earl of Rothes To Their Exes The Lords Justices, 11th July 1757;
Inclosed in the Lord Justices Letter of the 12 July 1757;
in the Lord Lieut of Ireland's of the 30th July 1757

Works Cited:

Memorial of John, Earl of Rothes requesting provision of a vessel to carry the two Highland battalions commanded by Lieutenant Colonels Montgomery and Fraser and also all deserters caught in Ireland to North America. TNA, SP 63/415/3105.

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

Decedents of the 78th Regiment of Foot, 1757-1763

Beneath the vast North American sky, this image stands in quiet tribute to the countless men, women, and children who perished during the Seven Years’ War. From battlefield to homestead, from forest trail to harbor town, their sacrifices shaped a continent’s destiny. Each life lost—soldier or settler, ally or innocent—left behind a story silenced too soon. Here, in this place of stillness and remembrance, we honor their courage, sorrow, and devotion. The warm light, scattered petals, and gentle landscape offer not only mourning, but gratitude. This is not merely memory—it is legacy, held in the hush between earth and sky. (Jeffrey Campbell, In the Quiet of Their Sacrifice, 2025)

Decedents of the 78th Regiment of Foot, 1757-1763

The following is a chronicled list of both named and unnamed decedents in Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, 1757-1763, including some mentions of the wounded. While the deaths of officers were more prominently recorded in official army muster rolls, the many names of non-commissioned soldiers forced to terminate their careers (the wounded, the elderly, etc.) can be found in both our Invalids and Chelsea Pensioners lists.

1757 Decedents 

November 24, 1757

New York

N.B. on the bottom of the monthly muster report taken at New York reads: “By last return there are 164 Supernumeraries, of which 10 are dead, and 12 now taken by Earl of Loudoun’s order to replace 12 Men dead of the Battalion, there remains 142 Supernumeraries.” 

Source: Monthly Return of the Sixty Third Regiment of Foot, Commanded By Lieut. Colo. Commandant Simon Fraser. LO 4892, Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

November 26, 1757

New York

N.B. on the bottom of what appears to be an update monthly muster report taken at New York reads: "There were by last (return?) 164 Supernumeraries brought from Ireland, of which number there are 10 dead last return remain 154. After this return was given in upon Captain McDonald's coming over with Col. Whitmore. The Supernumeraries were reduced to 90 by deaths in Ireland and compleating the Batt. to 1000.

Numbers of unnamed casualities by company: Major Campbell - 1; Capt. Jno. McPherson - 2; Capt. Simon Fraser - 4; Capt. Donald McDonald - 1; Capt. John McDonell - 1.

Source: Harper, J.R. The Fraser Highlanders (1979).

December 24, 1757

New York

Drummer Roger McDonald, 63rd Foot, initially appears on the regiment’s embarkation muster roll on the Unity transport ship at Cork, Ireland, however, his name does not appear on the final list of arrivals at New York two months later. Presumably, he died at sea en route.

Source: Returns of the Men Belonging to the Two Highland Battalions Who Arrived at New York With Captain Donald McDonald. LO 5042, Huntington Library, San Marino, California.

December 25, 1757

New York

Writing to his friend Baillie James Fraser addressing the loss of men on his Regiment's march from Kilravock to Glasgow, Scotland, Colonel Fraser states: "...I did not lose a man by either [death or desertion] from the day we left Glasgow and but 7 before."

Source: Macdonald, A. (1934). The Old Lords of Lovat and Beaufort (p. 135).

December 27, 1757

Stratford, Connecticut

Corporal James Mackay, 63rd Foot, was stabbed and killed at the hands of his battalion-mate, Serjeant Alexander Fraser, on December 27, 1757, as the regiment garrisoned in Connecticut. A special military Court of Inquery [sic] was held 3 January 1758 by Lieutenant-Colonel Simon Fraser of his Majesty's 63rd Foot (or Second Highland Battalion) concerning the death. Serjeant Fraser was eventually brought to civilian trial at Fairfield Superior Court and acquitted of the charges brought against him.

Sources: Proceedings of a Court of Inquery held by order of Lieut. Colonel Simon Fraser of his Majesty's 63d or second Highland Battalion, concerning the Manner of the Death of Corporal James Macky of the above Regiment, 3 January 1758. NRS, GD45/2/29/2b; Rex vs. Alexander Fraser, Connecticut State Archives, Fairfield County Superior Court, Papers by subject, Box 6, acc#1919-026.

1758 Decedents 

April 15, 1758

Boston, Massachusetts

On the 15th. Instant Sent to the Alms House [Boston, Massachusetts] on the Province Accot. by two Selectmen & one Overseer, Jannet Ware an Infant Child belonging to Daman Ware a Soldier in Colo. Frasers Regiment of Highlanders, whose wife being dead & no Person to take Care of the Child & not being able to maintain it himself Left it in the Town. 

Note: It is strongly advised to consult the original record as Daman Ware may be a transcription error for Duncan Weir, a serjeant in Captain Alexander Campbell's Company.

Source: Anon. (1887). A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, Containing the Selectman's Minutes from 1754 Through 1763 (p. 82-3).

June 8, 1758

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia

Killed at Louisbourg were Captain Charles Baillie, Lieutenant John Cuthbert, Lieutenant [Macgregor] John Murray, Lieutenant Simon Fraser, and 12 unnamed non-commissioned officers and private soldiers.

Sources: Clan Fraser Society of Canada. Officers of the 78th Regiment of Foot, 1757-1763 (Toronto, Canada, 1998-2006); Return of the Killed & Wounded in the Several Regiments on the Island of Cape Breton From 8 June 1758 to 26 July 1758. LAC, W.O. 1, vol 1, pt. 2, p. 348-9.

September 28, 1758

Springfield, Massachusetts

Captain Thomas Fraser, of Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment, died on the march to Albany, New York, at Springfield, Massachusetts, September 28, 1758, of fever; "an elderly gentleman, whose death was greatly lamented."

Source: Drake, Samuel G. (1886). The History and Antiquities of Boston, From its Settlement in 1630, to the Year 1770 (p. 645, footnote); death announcement also appears in the local Boston newspaper, issue dated October 2, 1758.

1759 Decedents

June 5, 1759

Neptune at sea

In a June 1759 army return compiled aboard the Neptune transport ship at sea, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of 32 soldiers "...since the reduction of Louisbourg."

Source: Doughtry & Parmelee (1901). The Siege of Quebec and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, Vol. I. (Embarkation Return of His Majesty's Forces, destin'd for an Expedition in the River St. Lawrence, under the Command of Major General Wolfe. Neptune at Sea. June 5th 1759).

July 31, 1759

Beauport, Canada

In a handwritten army return from the Battle of Beauport (also known as the Battle of Montmorency), the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of eight unnamed "rank & file" soldiers. 

Source: Isaac Barre, Deputy Adjutant General (1759). Return of the Kill'd, Wounded & Missing, at the Attack of the Enemys Works, on the 31st of July. LAC, Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers: C-366, image 70.

September 13, 1759

Quebec, Canada

An army return of officers from the 78th Regiment killed on the Plains of Abraham includes Captain Thomas Ross, Lieutenant Roderick McNeil, and Lieutenant Alexander McDonell. Additionally, the regiment reported the deaths of 14 unnamed "rank & file" soldiers and also 148 men wounded.

Source: A Return of the Kill'd & wounded & Missing of the Army Under the Command of General Wolfe at the Battle of Quebec 13th Septr. 1759. LAC, War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Correspondence between the Governors of Cape Breton Island and the Commander-in-Chief, New York, 1758-1762. W.O. 34, vol. 17, pp. 82-3.

Note: In a separate, undated, and anonymous handwritten army return entitled, Return of the Kill'd Wounded & Missing on the 13th of September at the Battle of Quebec, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of three officers, one serjeant, and 14 "rank & file" soldiers. The difference between the two records is Lieutenant Rory McNeil listed in place of Roderick McNeil in addition to the death of one unnamed serjeant.

Officers wounded: Captain John McDonnell; Captain Simon Fraser; Lieutenant Ranald McDonell; Lieutenant Archibald Campbell; Lieutenant John Douglas; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, Senior; Ensign James McKenzie; Ensign Alexander Gregorson; Ensign Malcolm Fraser, Senior.

Finally, in a second undated and anonymously authored handwritten army return entitled, Return of the Killed and Wounded &c. During the Campaign, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of three officers, two serjeants, and 42 "rank & file" soldiers.

September 24, 1759

River St. Lawrence, Quebec, Canada

In an army return compiled approximately two weeks after the battle on the Plains of Abraham, the 78th Regiment reported, "since the last return," the deaths of eight unnamed soldiers and also “27 others killed.” The eights deaths were presumably of sickness, while those killed were probably from the battle.

Source: Doughtry & Parmelee (1901). The Siege of Quebec and the Battle of the Plains of Abraham, Part III. (Monthly Return of His Majesty's Forces in the River St. Lawrence, Under the Command of Brigr. Genl. Robert Monckton, Septr. 24th 1759).

1760 Decedents

April 28, 1760

Sillery, Quebec, Canada

In a handwritten army return after the Battle of Saint-Foy, the 78th Regiment reported the deaths of Captain Donald McDonell and Lieutenant Cosmo Gordon. Additionally, it was reported three unnamed serjeants, one drummer, and 51 "rank & file" soldiers were killed.

Officers wounded: Lieutenant Archibald Campbell; Lieutenant Hector McDonnell; Lieutenant Donald McBean; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, Senior; Lieutenant John Nairn; Lieutenant Arthur Rose; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, Junior; Lieutenant Simon Fraser, Senior; Lieutenant Archibald McAllister; Lieutenant Alexander Fraser (Grenadier Company); Lieutenant John Chisholm; Lieutenant Simon Fraser, Junior; Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser; Lieutenant Donald McNeil; Ensign Henry Munroe; Ensign Robert Menzies; Ensign Charles Stewart; Ensign Duncan Cameron; Ensign William Robertson; Ensign Alexander Gregorson; Ensign Malcolm Fraser; Captain-Lieutenant Charles McDonnell. Additional unnamed soldiers wounded included 10 serjeants and 119 "rank & file" soldiers.

Source: James Murray (1760). Return of the Officers that were Killed, Wounded, Taken Prisoners, Missing [at] Sea, on the 28th of April 1760. LAC, Northcliffe Collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers: C-366, image 707.

Note: It has been purported Lieutenant Simon Fraser died October 4, 1760 of causes unknown.

October 24, 1760

Saint-Francois-de-Sales-de-la-Riviere-du-Sud, Quebec

The death of John McGlasney, Scottish Highlanders, grenadier, is recorded in the official parish cemetery records.

Source: Eglise catholique. Saint-Francois-de-Sales-de-la-Riviere-du-Sud. Index des baptemes, mariages, sepultures, 1733-1876. Family History Library, SLC, UT, Microfilm 5471880, image 375.

1763 Decedents

Captain Charles McDonnell, Esqr., the sole member of the 78th Regiment who served in Newfoundland, he received a mortal leg wound in gaining from the enemy the advantageous post of Signal Hill on 15 September 1762. He died a few months later on 21 January 1763 at Newfoundland. [Charles McDonald's epitaph. Papers of the Cuninghame Family of Thorntoun. NRS, GD21/486].

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