Troops Destined for the Siege of Louisbourg, 1758

The Siege of Louisbourg was a pivotal operation of the Seven Years' War (known in the United States as the French and Indian War) in 1758 that ended the French colonial era in Atlantic Canada and led directly to the loss of Quebec in 1759 and the remainder of French North America the following year.

Transcription military return provided with a summarisation of the total numbers of men that were destined to participate in the Siege of Louisbourg and other operations, 1759

Major General

Staff Brigadiers

Lawrence

Whitmore

Wolfe

Corps [with Rank & File]

Royal:  983 

Lascelles:  985 

Warburton:  993

Monckton:  802

Lord John Murray:  1000

Lawrence:  1000

Bragg:  700

Webb:  834

Forbes:  695

Hopson:  969

Whitmore:  992

Amherst from England:  900

Anstruther, Col. from Ireland:  700

Recruits with Col. Whitmore for Lord Murrays Regt.:  300

Proportion of recruits with Col. Whitmore for 10 Batts. at 94 per:  940

Officers, Serjeants & Drummers:  1092

3 Companies of the Royal Regt. of Artillery Officers included:  330

Total:  14,215

Rangers:  600

Col. Bastide, Chief Engineer, and a sufficient & proper Battering Train for this Service.

Troops destined for an Irruption into Canada by way of Crown Point

Staff

Major General Abercromby

Brigadier Lord Howe

Col. Gage

Corps [with Rank & File]

Prevost:  450

Abercromby:  836

Blakeney:  695

Maj. Genl Murray:  694

Stanwix:  1145

Otway:  1145

Howe:  699

Frazer:  1145

Independent Companies at New York:  448

Recruits with Col. Whitmore for Frazers Batt:  300

Idem with d`o for Montgomeries Batt. to remain with Frazers:  300

Idem with d`o for 7 Batts. at the rate of 94 per Batt & 8 over:  666

Royal Regiment of Artillery, Officers inclusive:  214

Officers, Serjeants & Drummers:  710

Total:  9447

Provincials:  20,000

Supposing that 1500 of this body are left for the protection of Nova Scotia, there will remain for this Operation 7947 Regulars, and 20,000 Provincials, with a proper Train of Artillery and Ammunition. Arms will be sent for 12,000 Men.

Troops destined for the Ohio, Fort Du Quesne, or other Operations to the Southward

Staff

Colonel Forbes

Lieut. Col. Boquet

Lieut. Col. Montgomery

Lieut. Col. Bradstreet, D.2. M.G., being perfectly acquainted with the Country.

Corps [with Rank & File]

Prevosts Detachment:  350

Montgomerys:  1145

Independent Companies at So. Carolina:  345

Provincials:  5000

Total:  1880

There will be a proper Train of Artillery for this Service also

Recapitulation

Louisbourg

Regulars:  14,215

Rangers:  600

Total:  14,815

Invasion of Canada by Crown Point

Regulars:  7947

Provincials:  20,000

Total:  27,947

Nova Scotia:  1500

Ohio, Fort Du Quesne &c.

Regulars:  1880

Provincials:  5000

Total:  6880

Total:  51,142

Endorsed - Disposition of His M's Forces in America

Source:

Gen. James Wolfe, "Troops Destined for the Siege of Louisbourg." LAC, War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Correspondence Between the Commander-in-Chief and Various Officers in Cape Breton Island, 1759-1763. W.O. 34, vol. 18, pp. 241-244.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017.   

Leaves of Absence, Aug. 1761

Albany, 11th August 1761

Dear Sir, 

I give you Joy of the Reduction of Belleisle the Packet that was supposed taken being at last arrived Safe at New York, having waited at Falmouth for the June Mail. The Letters Arrived here last Night, and I have Directed that those for the Several Governments in Canada shall be sorted that I may Dispatch them immediately. I Don't doubt but you will receive in your Letters all the News which the Packet brings but least your Correspondents Letters may not be so lately as when the Gazette came out, I send you a Copy of the Capitulation of Belleisle.

The Secretary at War has acquainted me of the King's Intentions in regard to the Contingent Men, on which I write to the Commanding Officers of Corps, and I leave those of your Government open for your perusal. I have also received a List of promotions from the War Office a Copy of which I Enclose to you.

Major Abercromby in a Letter to my Brother, has Desired the Adjutancy of Fraser's may be granted to Lieut. Malcolm Fraser instead of another Lieut. Fraser who Chuses to Resign, Which Commission I have signed and now transmit to you. There are several leaves of Absence, which the Major requests for Officers in the Regimt, viz. Capt. John McDonnell being in a bad State of Health desires leave to go home in the fall. Lieut John McTavish to go home as it would be an Act of Charity to him & his family; Lieut. Baille to get rid of Some Difficulties in money Matters. Mr. Mclean the Surgeon has pressing business too, that calls him home, and the Major will take Care the Regiment shall not Suffer by the Absence of the Surgeon. To all which you have to answer if you think it really requisite for the above Gentlemens affairs to go to Europe. You have my Leave to permit any of the Whole to go, as you think proper.

Dispositions for carrying on the War, are continued in England as Earnestly as tho' Mo. de Brissy was not in London, or Mr. Stanley in Paris, and that the Congress which must now be assembled at Augsbourg had never been thought of.

                                                                   I am, with great Truth & Esteem

                                                                   Dear Sir, Jeff Amherst

P.S. I am to Acknowledge the Receipt of your Letter of 

7th June by Mr. Wilkins the Surgeon of Otways, you 

may be Assured I shall be glad to convince him

of my Regard to your Recommendation.

                                                                    J.A.

Hon.ble Br. General Murray

Source:

Jeffery Amherst, "Officers Requesting Leaves of Absence." LAC, War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Letters from the Commander-in-Chief, New York, to the Governor of Quebec, 1760-1763. W.O. 34, vol. 3, p. 105.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017.  

Chelsea Pensioners

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement and nursing home for veterans of the British Army and first opened its doors in 1692. Known the world over as Chelsea Pensioners, some of the initial soldiers admitted were injured at the Battle of Sedgemoor. 

Soldiers from the 78th Regiment first arrived at the facility in November of 1758, with injuries sustained at the Battle of Louisbourg in North America. Over 200 Fraser's Highlanders would be admitted through the spring of 1770.

Note: Please consult original record where indicated for further clarification.

Examination of Invalid Soldiers

78th Regiment of Foot

Monday, 20 November 1758

Name: John McDonald

Age: 19
Time in Serv: 2 yrs.
Ailment: An amputated hand at Louisbourg
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Baker

Name: Dougal MackDonald
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 2 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his right arm & side by a fall in carrying a meal for the reg't.
Born: Badenoch
Occ: Lab~

Friday, 20 July 1759
Name: Jam's Williamson
Age: 39
Time in Serv: 19 yrs.
Ailment: An ulcer in his breast
Born: Glenlivet, Banffsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Rhod'k Macknicl [Serj't]*
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Shot thro' the arm at Louisbourg
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~
* Consult original record for clarification. Might read: Mackniel.

Name: Wm. Fraser Callum
Age: 25
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Shot thro' the arm at Louisbourg
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Jam's Cummings
Age: 19
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Shot thro' the Rt. arm at Louisbourg
Born: Abernethy, Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Jno Gillis
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Bruised in back at Louisbourg
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. Cunnison
Age: 27
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Disabled in the hand at Louisbourg
Born: Kirkmichl, Perthsh~
Occ: Taylor

Name: Alex'r McTavish
Age: 25
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Bruised at landing at Louisbourg
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Rob't Thompson
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the head at Louisbourg
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Fraser
Age: 53
Time in Service: 17 1/2/ yrs.
Ailment: Lamed at Louisbourg
Born: Abernethy, Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Jno Macallum
Age: 34
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the head at Louisbourg
Born: Lorn, Argyleshire
Occ: Soldier's son

Tuesday, 4 December 1759
Name: Alex'r Fraser [Serj't]
Age: 48
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in thighs
Born: Inverness
Occ: Labourer

Name: Jno Chisholm [Serj't]
Age: 56
Time in Serv: 13 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in both thighs
Born: Inverness
Occ: Labourer

Name: Wm. Cumming
Age: 48
Time in Serv: 26 yrs.
Ailment: [...]*
Born: Castle Grant, Inverness-shire
Occ: ---
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: Don'd Cameron
Age: 54
Time in Serv: 6 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in Belly
Born: Strewey, Inverness-shire
Occ: Herdsman

Name Don'd Ross:
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the finger of rt hand
Born: Inverness-shire
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Don'd Ross
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his right arm
Born: Ross-shire, Negg Parish
Occ: Blacksmith

Name: Alex'r McDonald
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Disabled in rt arm
Born: Lockhaber
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Hugh Fraser
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Lame in left legg
Born: Inverness, Kirkalty Parish
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Dun Duff
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his right hand
Born: Perthshire, Fothergill Parish
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Don'd McDonald
Age: 22
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his right thumb
Born: Sutherlandshire, [...] Parish*
Occ: Herdsman
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: James Murray
Age: 24
Time in Service: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Rhumatick
Born: Inverallan, Inverness
Occ: Herdsman

Name: John Ross
Age: 34
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Disabled in left hand
Born: Kincarden, RossCrty
Occ: Herdsman

Name: John Cameron [Serj't]
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 23 yrs.
Ailment: Rhumatick
Born: Finnart, Perthshire*
Occ: Herdsman
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: John Cameron [Serj't]
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Astmatic
Born: Lochhaber, Inverness-shire
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Donald McDonald
Age: 29
Time in Serv: 2 1/2 yrs
Ailment: Fits & wounded in the head
Born: Straglass, Inverness
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Kenneth Campbell
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Astmatic
Born: Badnock, Inverness-sh`r
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Alexander Fraser
Age: 49
Time in Serv: 19 yrs.
Ailment: Shot in the thigh
Born: [...], Inverness*
Occ: Herdsman
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: Alex'r McPherson
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Bruised in the left side
Born: Badnock, Inverness-sh`r
Occ: Herdsman

Name: Donald  Mcleod
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 2-*
Ailment: [...]*
Born: Island of Sky
Occ: Herdsman
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: Murd'h McLeod
Age: 25
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the right arm
Born: Island of Sky
Occ: Herdsman

Tuesday, 18 December 1759
Name: Peter Dewars
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 2 yrs.
Ailment: Rhumatick & disabled in the left legg
Born: Canmore, Perthsh`r
Occ: Husbandman

Name: Donald Ca-anach*
Age: 46
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his right eye
Born: Baddnoch, Invernessh`r
Occ: Miller
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: John McDonald
Age: 45
Time in Serv: 2 yrs.
Ailment: Consumption
Born: Baddnoch, Invernessh`r
Occ: Husbandman

Name: John Ross
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 2 yrs.
Ailment: Rhumatick
Born: Kinnegarn, Rossh`r
Occ: Husbandman

Name: Angus Gileurs
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 2 yrs.
Ailment: Rhumatick
Born: Ile Sky in Invernessh`r
Occ: Husbandman

Name: Donald Bissett
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 3 yrs.
Ailment: Ague
Born: [...]*
Occ: Husbandman
* Consult original record for clarification

Tuesday, 18 March 1760
Name: Rob't Ross
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Kincardine, Rossh`r
Occ: Lab~

Name: Hugh McMillen
Age: 23
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Don'd Livingston
Age: 22
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded near Quebec
Born: Kinmore, Perthsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Cameron [1]
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded near Quebec
Born: Lochaber
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex'r McColl
Age: 34
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Invenary
Occ: Lab~

Name: Hector McPhail
Age: 47
Time in Service: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded near Quebec
Born: Argylsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McDonald:
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Lost the use of his limbs by colds contracted in the service
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Niel McIntosh
Age: 25
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded near Quebec
Born: Isle of Skie
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McLeod
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded near Quebec
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Jno Cameron [2]
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded near Quebec
Born: Perthsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Arch'd Stewart
Age: 23
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Lost his leg in Quebec
Born: Argylsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Geo Crookshank
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Wounded near Quebec
Born: Edinb~
Occ: Weaver

Name: John McLaren
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Lost his Rt arm at Quebec
Born: Perthsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McDougal
Age: 22
Time in Serv: 2/10m
Ailment: Shot thro the arm at Quebec
Born: Perthsh~
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 28 October 1760
Name: James McPherson
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 6 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Strathspey, Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Peter Grant [Serj't]
Age: 58
Time in Serv: 30 yrs.
Ailment: Scurvey & age
Born: Glenmorrison
Occ: Lab~

Name: Tho`s Fraser [1]
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 26 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his sight
Born: Inverness
Occ: Taylor

Name: John McDonald
Age: 59
Time in Serv: 22 yrs.
Ailment: Scurvy & age
Born: Badenough
Occ: Taylor

Name: Tho`s Fraser [2]
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the head at Quebec
Born: Castledownie
Occ: Lab~

Name: Don`d McMasters
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 12 yrs.
Ailment Age & scurvy
Born: Gleninion, Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Fra`s McLachlan
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 10 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the left shoulder
Born: St. Ninians, Stirling
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Stuart
Age: 57
Time in Serv: 10 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Logan, Inverness
Occ: ---

Name: Tho`s Fraser 3d
Age: 63
Time in Serv: 21 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the thigh at Quebec
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. Noble
Age: 25
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the left arm at Quebec
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Fraser
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 4 yrs
Ailment: Lost the use of his left leg at Quebec
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Ang. McDonald
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his left arm at Quebec
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Ale`x McKenzie
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his right arm at Quebec
Born: Urray, Ross Shire
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McLaren
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his left arm at Quebec
Born: near Perth
Occ: Lab~

Name: Evan Cameron
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Shot thro the body at Louisbourg
Born: Kil---vay, Inv.*
Occ: ---
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: John Cameron
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his right arm at Quebec
Born: Kiltarlity
Occ: ---

Name: Don`d Fraser
Age: 39
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Consumption & scurvey
Born: Ross Shire
Occ: ---

Name: Angus Kennedy
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the left shoulder
Born: Invs.
Occ: Weaver

Name: Ang`s McTavish
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Contusion in his leg at Louisbourg
Born: Inverness
Occ: ---

Name: Hugh McGilbray
Age: 38
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his right hand at Quebec
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: James Sutherland [Serj't]
Age: 43
Time in Serv: 21 yrs.
Ailment: Losing the use of his lt leg
Born: Rogart, Sutherland
Occ: Lab~

Name: James Robertson [Serj't]
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 20
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: near Edin~
Occ: Farmer

Name: Duncan Cameron
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Fort William
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 23 December 1760
Name: Simon Munro
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his left arm
Born: Kiltarlity Co. Invs
Occ: Smith

Name: Laughlan Mclachlan
Age: 57
Time in Serv: 41 yrs.
Ailment: Old & infirm
Born: Appin Co. [...]*
Occ: Lab~
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: Alex`r Munro
Age: 63
Time in Serv: 30 yrs.
Ailment: Old & inform
Born: Alnes Co. Ross
Occ: Taylor

Name: Duncan McIntosh
Age: 65
Time in Serv: 26 yrs.
Ailment: Old & infrim
Born: Badenoch Co. Invers.
Occ: Taylor

Name: Don`d Campbell
Age: 65
Time in Serv: 26 yrs.
Ailment: Old age
Born: Dunkeld, Perthsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McIntyre
Age 58
Time in Serv: 24
Ailment: Ruptur'd & old
Born: Perth
Occ: Lab~

Name: Rob`t Carr
Age: 41
Time in Serv: 24 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his arm at Quebec
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Fraser
Age: 54
Time in Serv: 21 yrs.
Ailment: Old & infirm
Born: Culloden near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. Gunn
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 21
Ailment: Infirm & old
Born: Letheren, Caiths.
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McDougal
Age: 46
Time in Serv: 24 yrs.
Ailment: Scurvy & age
Born: Isle of Mull, Argylesh~
Occ: Farmer

Name: Alex`r Fraser
Age: 39
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Old & infirm
Born: Stratherick Co. Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: George Ross
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Old & infirm
Born: Balnagown, Ross sh~
Occ: Farmer

Name: Murdoch McKenzie
Age: 63
Time in Serv: 16 yrs.
Ailment: Old & infirm
Born: Inverness
Occ: Weaver

Name: Don'd Kennedy
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his side by long sickness
Born: Badenoch, Inv.
Occ: Lab~

Name: Tho`s Carter
Age: 23
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his leg on Duty
Born: Dublin
Occ: Servt.

Name: Dun. Kennedy
Age: 52
Time in Serv: 8 yrs.
Ailment: Old & infirm
Born: Fort William, Invnerness sh~

Name: Allan Morrison
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Shot thro the body
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald Grant
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Fort Willm, Co. Inv.
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex~ Fraser
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his use of Hand by Frost
Born: Near Inv.
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McNeal
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost the use of his rt hand
Born: Barra, Inv.
Occ: Lab~

Name: Cha`s McLachlan
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his right leg
Born: Fort William
Occ: Taylor

Name: Don`d McDonald [1]
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head at Quebec
Born: Fort Will`m
Occ: Lab~

Name: Don`d McDonald [2]
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Breast at Quebec
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald McDonald [3]
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his right leg at Quebec
Born: Isle of Sky
Occ: Head~

Friday, 6 February 1761
Name: Alex~ McDougall
Age: 56
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Infirmities
Born: Glasgow
Occ: Lab~

Friday, 27 February 1761
Name: Niel McKay
Age: 67
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Palsey contracted in America
Born: Large, Suthd
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex~ Kennedy
Age: 57
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Deaf occasion'd by colds in America
Born: Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Cha`s Robinson
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Body & Foot
Born: near Dundee
Occ: Lab~

Name: Dav'd Morris
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Consumption
Born: Kilmorack, Co. Ross
Occ: Weav~

Name: Jam`s Tolmey
Age: 32
Time in Serv: 3 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the arm
Born: Croy, Inverness sh~
Occ: ---

Tuesday, 8 September 1761
Name: John Farquharson [Serj't]
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 28 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the rt Leg
Born: Tullow Co. Aberdeen
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McEnzie [Serj't]
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 24 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded
Born: Walton Co. Caithness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Ang`s McDonnell [Serj't]
Age: 47
Time in Serv: 13 yrs.
Ailment: Gravellish
Born: Snizort near Inverness
Occ: Carpent~

Name: Alex~ Fraser
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 30 yrs.
Ailment: Shot thro the Body
Born: Bollaskeen Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald Campbell
Age: 57
Time in Serv: 25 yrs.
Ailment: Bruis'd at Montmorency
Born: near Tayne
Occ: Lab~

Name: Allan McKay
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: Durness Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex~ McIver
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 17 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded
Born: Fort Augustus
Occ: Carpent~

Name: Don`d Hojack
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 16 yrs.
Ailment: Consumptive & old
Born: Inverness
Occ: Writer

Name: Don`d Monro
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 15 yrs.
Ailment: Consumptive & wounded
Born: Fowles Ross sh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex~ McLeod
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 12 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded 3 times
Born: Isle of Skie
Occ: Carpent~

Name: John Campbell
Age: 27
Time in Serv: 7 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the thigh
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. McPherson
Age: 27
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded
Born: Badenoch
Occ: Farmer

Name: John Fraser /1
Age: 44
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Lt arm
Born: Durris, Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Reid
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the private parts
Born: Nairn
Occ: Weav~

Name: Wm. Thompson
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: D-ller Co. Inv`s*
Occ: Lab~
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: John Fraser /2
Age: 23
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the arm
Born: Durris Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Jam`s Stuart
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 3 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded at Louisbourg
Born: near Fort William
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex~ Fraser
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 3 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Consumptive & scurvy
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McRae
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 3 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the rt leg
Born: Red Castle Co. Ross
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Fraser /3
Age: 26
Time in Serv: 3 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: near Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Arch`d McDonald
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the rt arm
Born: near Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McLeod
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: near Dormach Co. Suth`d
Occ: Lab~

Name: Hugh McLean
Age: 25
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Leg
Born: Torsay Argylesh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex~ McEnzie
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Scurvy & Consumption
Born: Urray, Rossh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McDonald
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 4 3/4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Don`d McFarlane
Age: 38
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the groin
Born: Archir Dunbartonsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. Lawson
Age: 27
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the rt arm
Born: Allford Aberdeensh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Rob`t McCall
Age: 29
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Lt Hand
Born: Appin Argylsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Arch`d McDonald
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: -oggie Inverness*
Occ: Lab~
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: Duncan Stuart /1
Age: 25
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Leg
Born: Appin Argylsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Duncan McDonald
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the rt arm
Born: Isle of Skie
Occ: Lab~

Name: Duncan Cunningham
Age: 32
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: Kincardine Rossh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: James Jamieson
Age: 23
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the rt Leg
Born: Newhills Aberdeensh~
Occ: ---

Name: Duncan Stuart /2
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McDonald
Age: 32
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: -egge Inverness*
Occ: Lab~
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: Evan Cameron
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the arm & leg
Born: Argylesh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Duncan Ross
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: Croy Co. Sutherl`d
Occ: Lab~

Name: Angus McDonald
Age: 32
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the groin & knee
Born: Lochaber
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 6 October 1761
Name: Jam`s Fraser
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 5 yrs.
Ailment: Consumptive
Born: Inverness
Occ: Shoemaker

Wednesday, 17 November 1762
Name: Donald Sutherland [Serj't]
Age: 34
Time in Serv: 18 yrs.
Ailment: Disorder in his senses
Born: Caithness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Peter McNeal [Serj't]
Age: 23
Time in Serv: 5 1/2 yrs.
Ailment: Lost his Leg in Canada
Born: Bara
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 1 November 1763
Name: Jam`s McKenzie
Age: 34
Time in Serv: 9 yrs.
Ailment: Convulsions
Born: Tayne
Occ: Servant

Tuesday, 6 January 1764
Name: John Campbell
Age: 48
Time in Serv: 28 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Elgin
Occ: Weav~

Name: Ang`s McPherson [Serj't]
Age: 48
Time in Serv: 18 yrs.
Ailment: Deaf
Born: Rathven, Banff
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Watson [Serj't]
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 24 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Duncan McPhee [Serj't]
Age: 51
Time in Serv: 29 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Glenelg
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Campbell
Age: 47
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Wound in the head & thigh
Born: Argylsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Jam`s Sutherland
Age: 45
Time in Serv: 23 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded
Born: Caithness
Occ: Farmer

Name: Malcolm McNaughton
Age: 37
Time in Serv: 15 yrs.
Ailment: Wound in the shoulder & arm
Born: Argylsh~
Occ: Gard

Name: Jam`s Gow
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 21 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Croy near Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Dun Mcfarlane
Age: 44
Time in Serv: 16 yrs.
Ailment: Rheumatic
Born: Perth
Occ: Farmer

Name: Dan`l Gunn
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 24 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Caithness
Occ: Solate-*
* Consult original record for clarification

Name: John Law
Age: 32
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Broken back & wounded
Born: near Aberdeen
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Fraser [1]
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Wound'd in the should'r & broken arm
Born: near Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Fraser [2]
Age: 28
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Wound'd in the should'r & broken arm
Born: near Inv`s
Occ: Lab~

Name: Don'd Black
Age: 69
Time in Serv: 6 yrs.
Ailment: Very old
Born: ---
Occ: ---

Name: Wm. McDonnell
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Disabled in the hand
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McKenzie
Age: 39
Time in Serv: 10 yrs.
Ailment: Wound'd in the head
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Nicholas -ass*
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Bruis'd between two boats
Born: Nigg
Occ: Lab~
*Possibly Wass

Name: Jam`s Calanach
Age: 32
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Consumptive by a bruise
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Lach. McKinnon
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Consumptive
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald Stuart
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 8 yrs.
Ailment: Very severely wound'd
Born: Caithness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex`r Cameron
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 9 yrs.
Ailment: Very old
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. Rose
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Disabled in the lt. hand
Born: near Nairn
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McPhee
Age: 68
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Very old
Born: near Lochbar
Occ: Lab~

Name: Neal Mclean
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Very ill and bruised
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Wednesday, 11 January 1764
Name: Don`d Stuart
Age: 51
Time in Serv: 8 yrs.
Ailment: Infirm by hard duty
Born: Abernethy
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Grant [Corp'l]
Age: 54
Time in Serv: 28 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Abernethy
Occ: Lab~

Name: Don'd McDonald
Age: 62
Time in Serv: 27 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. Mcleod
Age: 54
Time in Serv: 26 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Thurso
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex'r Fraser [Serj't]
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 22 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Rhod`k Morrison
Age: 53
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Argyleshire
Occ: Lab~

Name: Arch`d McTavish
Age: 44
Time in Serv: 20 yrs.
Ailment: Woun'd'
Born: Argyleshire
Occ: Lab~

Name: Malcolm McNicoll
Age: 54
Time in Serv: 13 yrs.
Ailment: Ruptur'd
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Cha`s McPherson
Age: 55
Time in Serv: 13 yrs.
Ailment: Rheumatic & consumptive
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Dougal Campbell
Age: 60
Time in Serv: 11 yrs.
Ailment: Consumptive
Born: near Inverary
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex`r McKenzie
Age: 24
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Disabled by wounds
Born: near Tayne
Occ: Lab~

Name: Ang`s Stuart
Age: 50
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Bruis'd in drawing wood to build a fort
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Kenneth McLeod
Age: 63
Time in Serv: 4 yrs.
Ailment: Very old
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex`r McKenzie
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded in the arm & thigh
Born: Caithness
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 7 February 1764
Name: John Clarke
Age: 46
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: A lunatic
Born: Argylsh`r
Occ: Lab~

Name: Evan Campbell
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 6 yrs.
Ailment: Disabled in the lt leg
Born: near Perth
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 1 May 1764
Name: Simon Fraser
Age: 52
Time in Serv: 28 yrs.
Ailment: Worn out
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Ferguson
Age: 30
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Shot in the hand
Born: Perth
Occ: Weaver

Name: Andrew McCulloch

Age: 40 years

Time in Serv: 10 years

Ailment: Lost his right leg

Born: Tayne [Scotland]

Occ: Taylor

Tuesday, 23 December 1766
Name: Evan McPherson
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 7 yrs.
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Badenoch
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 25 February 1767
Name: John Fraser
Age: 42
Time in Serv: 7 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in [---]*
Born: Aird, Invernessh~
Occ: Lab~

* Consult original record for clarification

Tuesday, 29 May 1770
Name: James Campbell
Age: 45
Time in Serv: 7 yrs
Ailment: Wounds & Deafness
Born: Near Perth
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Mackay
Age: 54
Time in Serv: 9 yrs
Ailment: Lost and Eye at Quebec
Born: Sutherland?
Occ: Lab~
* Consult original record for clarification.

As it has previously been established between 139 and 155 soldiers of the 78th Regiment transferred to the 15th Regiment in August 1763, we've included pensioners from the latter whose names are synonymous with men in the former regiment. And as the 78th Foot was raised in 1757, we would look to the men's time in service as another very strong indication of being original members in Fraser's Highlanders. Further independent research should be performed to confirm.

15th Regiment of Foot

Tuesday, 27 October 1767

Name: John Shaw

Age: 40

Time in Serv: 12 yrs

Ailment: Lamed Hand

Born: Isle of Skie

Occ: Lab~

Name: Angus McDonald

Age: 45

Time in Serv: 12 yrs

Ailment: Wounded in the Legg

Born: Isle of Skie

Occ: Lab~

Friday, 4 November 1768

Name: Alex'r McGillivery

Age: 36

Time in Serv: 13 yrs

Ailment: Hurt in his Breast

Born: Invernesshire

Occ: Lab

Name: John Fisher
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Lost an Eye & a Hand
Born: Stirling
Occ: Lab~

Friday, 13 January 1769
Name: Hector McNeil
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 12 yrs
Ailment: Wounded at Quebec
Born: Argylsh~
Occ: Lab~

Friday, 7 July 1769
Name: John Gillis
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 12 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the leg
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McNair
Age: 37
Time in Serv: 12 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Face & Thigh
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Ross
Age: 31
Time in Serv: 12 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Head & Leg
Born: near Tayne
Occ: Butcher

Name: Duncan Stewart
Age: 38
Time in Serv: 12 yrs
Ailment: Sore Legs
Born: Perthshire
Occ: Lab~

Tuesday, 12 September 1769
Name: Rhod'k McDonald
Age: 39
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Ruptur'd ankle & Thigh
Born: Invernessh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Angus McDonald
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the groin
Born: Perthsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Dun: McDonald
Age: 39
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Leg
Born: Near Fort Augustus
Occ: Lab~

Name: John McIntosh
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: his judgement impaired
Born: in Invernessh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald Ross
Age: 38
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the leg
Born: Rossh~
Occ: Lab~

Friday, 8 December 1769
Name: Alex~ MacLeod
Age: 33
Time in Serv: 13
Ailment: Wounded in the Head & Leg
Born: near Dornach
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Munro
Age: 37
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: A Sore Knee
Born: near Fort George
Occ: Lab~

Name: Dun McKinnon
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Leg
Born: Argylsh~
Occ: Lab~

Name: Malcolm McLeod
Age: 38
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the rt Leg
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Fraser
Age: 37
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Rt Hand
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald Levock
Age: 38
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Scurvey
Born: near Wick
Occ: Farmer

Name: James Ross
Age: 45
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the left Leg
Born: near Tayne
Occ: Lab~

Name: Evan Grant
Age: 33
Time in Serv: 13
Ailment: Wounded in the Thigh
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Alex~ McDonald
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 13
Ailment: Scurvey
Born: near Perth
Occ: Lab~

Name: Angus McDonald
Age: 42
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Bruised
Born: at Kilmore
Occ: Lab~

Name: Dougall McPherson
Age: 36
Time in Serv: 13 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Hand
Born: Badenoch
Occ: Lab~

Friday, 15 June 1770
Name: John McDonald
Age: 40
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Shoulder
Born: Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: William Brown
Age: 42
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Head
Born: Castle Grant
Occ: Lab~

Name: John Smith
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Thigh
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Dougal McLachlan
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: no Complaint
Born: Fort William
Occ: Lab~

Name: John MacLean
Age: 35
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Thigh
Born: Argylshire
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald McLeod
Age: 37
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Worn out
Born: Isle of Skie
Occ: Lab~

Name: Donald McMasters
Age: 44
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Leg
Born: Argylshire
Occ: Lab~

Name: Hugh Fraser
Age: 38
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Worn out
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Wm. McGilavrey
Age: 45
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Wounded & worn out
Born: near Inverness
Occ: Lab~

Name: Angus Morrison
Age: 44
Time in Serv: 14 yrs
Ailment: Wounded in the Knee
Born: near Inverness

Sources:

Public Records Office. Royal Chelsea Hospital Admission Books, W.O. 116/5, 6 [Kew, U.K.]

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

Last updated 20 September 2021

Orders to Governor Burton at Trois Rivieres, Aug. 1763

New York 1 Aug 1763

Sir

You will have seen by my letter to Governor Murray which was enclosed in my last to you, and left open for your Perusal, that I intended the 15th & 27th and 2d Battalion 60th for the Government of Quebec; and that they were to furnish five compleat companys for your Government as the 15th are now embarked for Albany, I send Governor Murray full Instructions for reducing his own Battalion and compleating the other two Regiments, according to the New Establishment, after which, he will immediately detach five companys from either of those Corps, to relieve the two companys of the 4th Battalion 60th and the three companys of the 78th present in Trois Rivieres, the former which are to proceed to Montreal, to join the Battalion, and the latter to join their Regiment at Quebec. You will please to dispose of the five companys in your Government in such a manner as you shall judge best for the service, transmitting to me a particular state thereof by the first opportunity, after they are stationd. I shall desire Governor Gage to furnish you with a Detachment of Royal Artillery from the company of that Corps, which is to be allotted to the Government of Montreal and in the return you make me, you will be pleas'd to include that Detachment.

I am further to acquaint you that I have received directions from the Lords Commissioners of His Majesty's Treasury, as well as from the Secretary at War, in consequence of their Lordships application to him for making stoppages from the pay of the troops, that shall be station'd at such places, Where provisions are supplied them by the Crown of four pence Sterling p diem from each non commissioned officer and private man towards defraying the expence of provisions, that shall be found for them by the publick, this being agreable to what was practiced during the last peace; you will therefore take care that the said stoppages are made from the troops under your Command, for every portion that is received in Kind (as by this the men are not obliged to draw provisions, if they can subsist themsleves at a cheaper rate) and to commence the day after the New Establishment takes place. Altho I could have wish'd the stoppage had not been so great at first, I must own on considering several advantages, a soldier may now have in this country, by cultivating some ground, where he may happen to be quartered or providing himself with Fish, Game &c the Hardship does not appear so great as at first view, for by the above advantages the men may for the most part, do very well with four rations for eight days, which they may receive in the species, that will best answer to them, so that instead of four pence p diem, they will only be subject to a stoppage of two pence.

By this regulation you will observe that no officer can be Intitled to more than one ration, for which, if he draws it, a stoppage must likewise be made for four pence Sterling, this of course strikes off all women, and the Detachment of Royal Artillery must be subject to the same Regulation.

I am,

     Sir,

       &c.

His Excellency Governor Burton

Cover sheet:
Orders To His Excellency Gov`r Burton 
Trois Rivieres for the Arrangement of the 
Troops in that Government New York.
1st Augt. 1763 Rivieres

Source:

Jeffery Amherst, "Orders to Governor Burton at Trois Rivieres, Aug. 1763." LAC, War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Letters from the Commander-in-Chief, New York, to the Governor of Quebec, 1760-1763. W.O. 34, vol.7.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017.

47th and 78th Regiments to Join the 15th Regiment, Aug. 1763

New York, 1st Aug 1763

Sir,

As the 15th Regiment are now embarked, ready to sail for Albany, and that the 27th will soon follow, from whence they are to proceed to your Government, agreeable to what I wrote you in my last, I think proper to transmit you full instructions, relative to the formation of the overall Corps, that are to remain in ye Governments of Quebec and Trois Rivieres, according to the new Establishments, as well as what regards the sending home of the 47th and 78th Regiments, after they are drafted to compleat the other Corps.

I enclose you and abstract of the King's Instructions to me for reducing and disbanding the several Corps in North America are likewise a copy of an additional order, authorizing me to cause as many drafts to be made, from the Corps so to be reduced or disbanded, as may be necessary to compleat the several regim`ts destined for the service of this country, to their respective establishments, according to the new plan.

By the above abstract and orders, you will be fully informed of his Majesty's intentions, regarding this matter, and you will please to observe the directions concerning the men that may be discharged of the Battalion of the Royal Americans which is the only Corps in your Government, that I have orders to reduce the 15th & 27th which are now going to join you, being already form'd according to the new Establishment as to officers, but very incompleat with regard to men, which must be made up from the 47th & 78th.

As the 47th & 78th Regiments are to proceed to Europe and that I intend the 15th, 27th and your own Battalion of the 60th for the Government of Quebec, detaching five compleat companys of either of the above Corps, you shall judge best to relieve, the two companys of the 4th Battalion, 60th, and the three companys of the 78th at present stationed at Trois Rivieres, I would have the 15th Regiment immediately on its arrival, compleated by good able bodied men from the 47th and 78th / The particular establishment of this as well as the 27th Regiment being put down at the end of the abstract, after those of the Royal American Battalions, and when you have form'd the three Corps, agreeable to the new plan, I should be glad the five companys, intended for the Government of Trois Rivieres were immediately sent thither, that the three companys of the 78th may come to Quebec and the two companys of the 4th Batt., 60th may proceed to join the Battalion at Montreal, under Governor Gage's Command, who has my orders for the disposal of them.

It is pretty certain your Battalion will have men sufficient to compleat it to the New Establishment, but if there should not, Drafts must be taken from the 47th or 78th to compleat you.

I enclose you lists of the officers of the 15th & 27th, as have been already fixed, since the reduction was given in orders by Mr. Keppel at sea, and I have likewise transmit you a list of the officers of the 1st & 2d Battalion of the 60th Regt. form'd from the four battalions, agreeable to the following paragraph of a letter I received from the Secretary at War, accompanying the King's Instructions for the reductions & the paragrah runs thus.

As the Royal American Regiment, tho divided into four Battalions, has always been considered as one Corps, it is his Majesty's pleasure that the youngest officers of each rank shall be reduced, and therefore if there are any officer of equal rank, in the first and second Battalion, who are younger than those in the same rank, in the third and fourth Battalions, you will be pleased to take care, that the youngest be reduced.

Such of the officers as are now in the 1st & 2d Battalions and that are not to be reduced, I would have them remain in the Battalion they now serve with, you will therefore please to observe I have followed this rule, with regard to the officers in your Batt. filling up the vacancies with the next eldest of the other three Battalions alternately.

The reading the Instructions at the head of each company must be complied with, as it is His Majesty's pleasure, altho it becomes unnecessary in this country, where the regiments are so greatly reduced already by service, as to want many men to compleat them.

In compleating the companys of the 15th, 27th & Second Battalion 60th you will not reckon any absent of recommended men who may be in England, prisoners with the enemy, or in any situation as to leave it doubtful of their joining their Corps, for each company must consist of 45 reall effectives (two contingent men being allowed which makes up the Establishment of forty seven) and some other method, I hope will be fallen upon at home, for paying any recommended or absent men, than by charging them to the regiments; the allowance for the drafts, and in what manner to be paid must likewise be submitted to the Secretary at War for his consideration hereafter.

I have ordered three transport to proceed to Quebec, with the baggage and belongings to the 15th, 27th & 28th regiments (the latter being intended for the Government of Montreal) which transports will serve to carry home the officers and remaining men of the 47th & 78th Regiments, as well as any of the 60th that may be reduced or discharged, I enclose you a list of the transports, with their tonnage &c and two months provisions have been put on Board each, for the number of men they can carry, reckoning one man to a ton, so that you will please to dispose of them (as you may see occasion, ordering the 47th to proceed to Ireland and the 78th are destined for Britain.

The consumption of the provisions by the detachment that go on Board from hence, may require a fresh supply for the troops you embark to carry them to Ireland & Britain, and you will order a sufficiency for them for their passage, and you will also direct the commanding officer on his arrival in Britain to send immediate advise thereof to his Majesty's Secretary at War transmitting to him a particular state of his respective Corps, and wait his directions for his further proceedings.

The officer who commands the Corps to Ireland, will in the like manner send to the Commander in Chief there, from the first port he may make previous to the embarkation you will be pleased to discharge any men of the above Corps, or of the 2d Battalion, 60th that are really entitled thereto, by the times for which they enlisted being expired, if they are willing to accept of their discharges in this country, which I would much rather they should, as I think they can get their livelyhood in America, by working, easier, than they can at home, but should there be any of the men of you Battalion that are Invalids, or are entitled to be discharged and will not accept thereof in this country, His Majesty's orders are to be obeyed in sending them to England, which you will accordingly do, in sending them in the above transports, putting them under the care of the commanding officer of the 78th, who will report them to the Secretary at War, when he send them the state of that Regiment.

If any opportunity should happen for any of the officers of the 47th & 78th, or the reduced officers of your Battalion whose private affairs may require their presence at home, and may chuse to go before the transports arrive, you will please to permit them to go accordingly, as you may judge proper.

I have had the pleasure of receiving a letter from the Secretary of State, signifying to me the King's gracious inclination, to give every possible preference, and encouragement to such officers, as shoudl desire to settle in North America, for which a plan is actually under consideration, and as the adjusting that, may require further time, the Secretary of State has informed me, that in the mean time if any of the officers or soldiers, who are to be reduced, shall agree to take up lands, that the Governors in North America, are already authorized to grant, or shall desire to remain in N. America in order to avail themselves of such future settlements, as may be proposed, the King is pleased to leave it to all the officers and soldiers abovemention'd, either to return home or remain in North America, as they themselves shall chuse; this therefore you will be pleased to make known, to such of the reduced officers and soldiers, as may belong to the Regts. in your Government.

Governor Burton will dispose of the five companys in his Government as he may judge best, and you will make such a disposition of the rest of the three Corps in the Government of Quebec, as you shall see best for the service, transmitting to me a particular state thereof, including a list of the officers of the 2d Battalion of the 60th who are reduced, with the dates of their commissions.

I have directed Lieutenant Colonel Godwin the send the necessary orders to the Commanding Officer of Artillery at Quebec for forming one compleat company of that Corps, agreeably to the new Establishment, of a Battalion intended for the service of North America; and I shall enclose the said orders herewith, open for your perusal, this company is all I can spare for your Government, and you will likewise dispose of them as you shall judge best.

I am further to acquaint you that I have received directions from the Lords commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury as well as from the Secretary at War, in consequence  of their Lordships application to him, for making stoppages from the pay of the troops, that shall be stationed at such places where provisions are supplied them by the Crown, of four pence sterling p diem, from each non-commissioned officer and private man towards defraying the expence of provisions, that shall be found for them by the publick, this being agreable to what was practised during the last peace; you will therefore take care that the said stoppages are made from the troops under your command for every portion that is received in kind (as by this the men are not obliged to draw provisions if they can subsist them selves at a cheaper rate) and to commence the day after the New Establishment takes place; Altho I could have wish'd the stoppage had not been so great at first, I must own, on considering several advantages a soldier may now have in this country, by cultivating some ground where he may happen to be quartered, or providing himself with fish, game &c the hardship does not appear so great at first view, for by the above advantage, the men may for the most part, do very well. With four rations for eight days, which they may receive in the species that will best answer to them, as that instead of four pence p diem, they will only be subject to a stoppage of two pence.

By this regulation you will observe that no officer can be intitled to more than one ration for which, if he draws it, a stoppage must likewise be made of four pence sterling, this of course strike off all women and the Detachment of the Royal Artillery, must be subject to the same regulation.

I am,

      Sir,

          &c

His Excellency Governor Murray./


Source:

Jeffery Amherst, “47th and 78th Regiments to Join the 15th Regiment, Aug. 1763.” LAC, War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Letters from the Commander-in-Chief, New York to the Governor of Quebec, 1760-1763. W.O. 34, vol.3.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017.  

Recruitment

One question most often asked by genealogists is where they can obtain a roster of soldiers recruited in Scotland, who served with Fraser's Highlanders (originally numbered 2nd Highland Battalion) during the Seven Years' War, 1757-63.

At the outset, the chances of identifying your ancestor as a soldier from the regiment are slim but not entirely impossible. Officer's biographies are much more common and often contain genealogical data that we're able to connect with, whereas the scarcity of records for non-commissioned officers (serjeants, corporals, and private soldiers) makes identification more difficult. And it's because of the latter that we are often forced to seek additional records for clues.

In the case of our ancestor, Alexander William Campbell (sp. Marie Josephte Chartier), the clue came in the form of a private bill of sale William had notarized in Saint Vallier, Quebec, Canada, in 1793, 32 years after the conclusion of the war. Located within the original instrument from 1761 was an official endorsement from Jacques [James] Abercrombie, Major, 78 Regt. Researchers for well over 100 years had speculated he was a private soldier from the regiment based on oral family history, and it was not until early 2017 that we would finally uncover the proof buried in old notarial records located at Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec.

This is just one example of the need to look past standard military and regimental records available in potentially identifying your relative. It also underscores the value of careful and thorough research and documentation in tracing that elusive ancestor who may have originally been recruited in Scotland, and later settled in Canada after the disbandment of the old 78th Regiment or returned home in 1763.

A word of caution! 

Evidence exists that a very small percentage of augments from North America may have supplemented the regiment as losses were incurred during the conflict, though most likely extremely low in numbers. Therefore, as previously mentioned, careful research and due diligence is required in ensuring your soldier was of Scottish or American ancestry.

It's worth mentioning, we have compiled a list of about 332 original soldiers of Colonel Fraser's Second Highland Battalion, including civilian recruiters, and documented their birthplaces and potential recruiting locations throughout the country according to existing available documents. You're welcome to contact us with any enquiries you may have.

Enlistment Requirements

Specific requirements for enlistment were laid out by the British Government in the official Recruiting Act, 1756-57 as follows.

“...Provided always, that no person shall be inlisted by the said Commissioners by virtue of the Act, who is not such Able-bodied Man as is fit to serve his Majesty, and is free from Ruptures and every other Distemper, or bodily Weakness or Infirmity, which may render him unfoit to perform the Duty of a Soldier; and that no Man be inlisted for his Majesty’s Service by virtue of this Act, who shall appear in the Opinion of the Commissioners, or Officer or Officers appointed to receive the impressed Men, to be under the Age of Seventeen years, or above the Age of forty five years, or a known Papist, or who shall be under the Size of five feet four inches without Shoes.” And while no evidence has been uncovered requiring Scottish Highlanders' swear to their religious affiliations, evidence is available to support the signing of religious certificates for some British and Irish troops of the same time period.

As Colonel Fraser's Regiment was considered “raise for rank” (in order to earn a commission one must have produced the required amount of recruits), it was incumbent that every officer contributed to the successful recruitment goal of “100 able-bodied men” per Company by any and all means necessary.

Colonel Fraser's Instructions to Major Clephane

Recruiting instructions provided to Major James Clephane, the colonel's second-in-command, read as follows.

“You are herby directed by virtue of a Beating Order herewith transmitted to you, to raise One Hundred able bodied Men, with the Assistance of the three Officers appointed to your Company. You are to take Men of any Size who are fit for Service and of any Age from Eighteen to Forty.

When you have Twenty Men or upwards raised for your Company you are directed to send them to either Inverness, Maryburgh, Dunkeld, or other hidden Lores or Distempers; You are to report once a Week to Colonel Fraser or the Commanding Officer of Inverness what success you and your Officers have in the recruiting Service.

You are to give the Subaltern Officers appointed to your Company what money you think proper to carry on the Service; and you are to be accountable to the Regiment for the different sums which will be drawn for upon account of your Company when it is completed for each man sent and approved of at head Quarters. You shall receive three pounds sterling with parss from the date of his attestation.”

Given At London the 13th of January 1757

[signed] Simon Fraser

Enlistment Contracts

Located in Major Clephane's papers housed at the National Records of Scotland, Edinburgh, are two original enlistment contracts. Although the handwritten penmanship differs across the two documents, verbiage remains the same, with four fill-in-the-blank spaces allotted for the recruits' name, birth city and county, and age. The documents read:

These do certify that [           ] Born in the Parish of [          ]

County of [          ] Aged [          ] Years came before

me and declar'd that he had Voluntarly and of his own free will

enlisted himself to serve his Majesty King George as a Soldier

in Major James Clephane's Company of Lieut Colonel Fraser's

Second Battalion of Highlanders: that he had received the 

enlisting Money agreed on, and had no impediment to Render

him unfit for the Service. Accordingly he had the Articles

of War Read to him, and took the Oath to Majesty as by Law

directed

Interestingly Betty Clephane, the major's sister and wife of the chief of clan Rose, who was instrumental in the recruiting process, explained in a letter written to her other sibling Doctor John Clephane the filling out of attestation papers for the new recruits. Speaking about her husband she wrote: "...I see Mr. Rose writes you that he has left me his peaper [sic, paper] to fill, but least I shoud [sic] have subject for more than he gives..." And in a separate letter, she mentions her daughter Betty, who is also contributing to the cause. "...For I declare we work wonders Mr. Roses Brother Lewis is our first clerk: and my babes is not idle [...] brings in Recruits and Betty is a writer of atestations [sic]." [NRS, GD125/22/2/00063-66 & GD125/22/2/00054-57]. 

Clearly, this was an 'all hands on deck' approach by the major, with the assistance of his family and friends throughout the recruiting process, as the regiment was on a stringent timeline to set sail for North America.

Recruits at Dundee in Major Clephane's Company

If your ancestor was recruited to the company commanded by Major Clephane, who hired a crimp (professional recruiter) named John Strachan to recruit near Dundee, Scotland, some of these papers have been preserved and show the names of recruits, age, birthplace, occupation, etc., as follows.

1. Alexander Bell, 19 years, 5'3" enlisted in Dundee 18 February 1757, born in Kirriemuir, Angus, a laborer, fresh complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes, round visage.

2. Alexander Findlay, 17 years, 5'3" enlisted in Dundee 19 February 1757, born in Monifieth, Angus, a laborer, swarthy complexion, black eyes, black hair, round visage.

3. Peter Moody, 17 years, 5'1" enlisted in Dundee 20 February 1757, born in Glamis, Angus, a laborer, fresh complexion, black hair, hazel eyes, long visage.

4. William McKenzie, 17 years, 5'2", enlisted in Dundee 20 February 1757, born in Kingoldrum, Angus, a weaver, fresh complexion, brown hair, grey eyes, long visage.

5. William Fife, 18 years, 5'2" enlisted in Dundee 21 February 1757, born in Kirriemuir, Angus, a weaver, fresh complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes, long visage.

6. George Wright, 21 years, 5'5" enlisted in Forfar 24 February 1757, born in Ruthven, Angus, a laborer, florid complexion, brown hair, hazel eyes, round visage.

7. David Morris, 24 years, 5'3" enlisted in Perth 4 March 1757, born in Drone, Perth, a laborer, fresh complexion, brown hair, grey eyes, long visage.

8. Peter Robb, 17 years, 5'3", enlisted in Careston 8 March 1757, born in Glamis, Angus, a laborer, fresh complexion, black hair, hazel eyes, long visage.

9. Angus Laird, 17 years, 5'3", enlisted in Dundee 10 March 1757, born in Clunie, Perth, a laborer, fresh complexion, brown hair, grey eyes, long visage.

10. John Molyson, 18 years, 5'4", enlisted in Dundee 15 March 1757, born in Fethers, Mearns, a laborer, pale complexion, brown hair, grey eyes, long visage.

11. George Gordon, ........, 5'2", enlisted in Dundee 17 March 1757, born in Kintore, Aberdeen, a laborer, pale complexion, flaxen hair, .........

Note: A recruit named David Ross (not listed) was discharged at Dundee on 1 March 1757 for "having fitts." Unfortunately, there are no further details available for this soldier.

Recruiting Expenses

In December 1757, Lord Loudoun sent orders to New York for the regiment to prepare an official account of all initial recruiting expenses, "with all expedition possible," stating the particular sum paid for each recruit as levy money and subsistence from the dates of their attestations to 24 April 1757. Captain John Campbell was assigned this task and immediately departed for Connecticut on 11 December where the remainder of the regiment was garrisoned.

Arriving three days later, Captain Campbell distributed orders to the company officers requesting expenses. The following is the detailed report that was prepared and submitted by the captain about 14 December 1757.

Note: Minor formatting changes including category headers and bracketed text has been added for clarification and do not appear in the original document.

Second Highland Battalion Recruiting Expenses, 1756-57

Credits:

[a] Levy Money for 1000 Private: £3000

[a] Muster given in Aid from 25th October till 24th Decr.: £1769

[b] Subst. of the 10 Companies Consisting of 40 Sergts. 40 Corpl.

20 Drums & 1000 private men from 25 Decbr. 1756 to 24 April 1757: £3509

[c] 182 days Subst. to 20 Warrant men from 25th October 1756 to 24th April 1757 as a Recruiting Fund: £91

Sub total: £8369

[d] From the above Deduct the Non Effectives of the 10 Companies as p. accot.: £669.10.5

Total: £7899.9.7

Debits:

[a] 1890 at £3 Each: £5670

[a] 40 Drafts at £5 each: £200

[b] Subst. of the above till 24 April: £3400

[c] other Regimental Expenses: £400

Debt Remains: £9670

Credit Subtracted: £7899.9.7

Debt owing by the Regiment preceeding the 24th of April 1757:

Total: £1770.10.5

Categories:

[a] Levy money

[b] Subsistence

[c] Recruiting fund/additional expenses

[d] Deductions

Note: Warrant men were fictitious persons found in most British regimental accounting books whose pay was distributed among widows of the officers; incidental expenses such as reimbursing the colonel for deserters' clothing; excess recruiting expenses, and for the personal use of the colonel and the regimental agent.

Soldiers' Documents

The United Kingdom war documents are primarily kept at the National Archives in Kew, Richmond, Surrey; however, very few original recruitment records for Colonel Fraser's Regiment are in existence. The National Archives has acquired transcript extract of warrants relating to the formation of the 2nd Highland Battalion in 1757, and this material is available on microfilm reel C-10866. Additionally, the National Army Museum may be able to provide information about obtaining records, if available.

Sources:

Major James Clephane. "Size Roll of Clephane’s Recruits." Elizabeth Rose Family papers. GD125/22/16(15), National Archives Scotland.

Fraser, Simon. “Letter to Major James Clephane, 13 January 1757.” Papers of the Rose Family of Kilravock. NAS, GD125/22/16/6.

Clephane. "Second Highland Battalion Enlistment Contract, 1757." GD125/22/16/14/1, National Archives Scotland.

Quebec Notarial Records. "William Campbell's bill of sale." Fonds Cour Supérieure. District judiciaire de Montmagny. Cote CN302. Greffes de notaires, 1709-1953. Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec, Montréal, Québec, Canada.

Captain John Campbell, "Second Highland Battalion Recruiting Expenses, 1757." GD125/22/17(16), National Archives Scotland.

John Strachan, "Descriptive roll of men raised for Clephane at Dundee by John Strachan." GD125/22/16/18, National Archives Scotland.

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

Recruiting Act, 1756-57, 30 Geo. 2, cap. 8, 1757.

William Congreve to Wilmot. "Letter indicating not one of the recruits were papists or had falsely signed the religious certificates," 10 March 1757. PRO Ireland, T3019/3122.

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

Last updated 22 August 2021.

Land Petitions

Be sure to explore Colonial New York Land Surveys as some of these same names will appear in both areas. Additionally, we've also included a few extra land petitioners from the 78th Regiment dated in 1802.

There are 3 steps involved with Land Grants:

• Land petitions
• Land allotments
• Letters patents

1. Land Petitions

When New France became a British colony in 1763, a new land system was introduced. Lands were granted as part of townships in areas not already seigneury lands. Many early settlers, both military and civilian, submitted petitions to the Governor to obtain Crown land.

2. Land Allotments
If approved, the petitioner would obtain land on which to settle and work. Full ownership was often contingent on certain conditions being met, such as clearing, building, etc.  Authorities wanted to make sure that people actually settled the land and established themselves: colonization was the primary goal.

3. Letters Patent [Lands Granted]
Once the conditions were satisfied, the Government issued a Letter Patent, representing the final confirmation of a land grant. The two volume publication showing the successful land grants, List of Lands Granted by the Crown in the Province of Quebec from 1763 to 31st December1890, is available at the Family History Library, Salt Lake City, Utah or remotely using their online catalog.

There is, in the archives of the Registrar's Department in Quebec, Canada, no trace or rather no registration of the land grants which may have been made under the original issuing instructions at the conclusion of the war in 1763. According to these instructions, all Crown lands were to be granted in free tenure and without any other condition than the reservation of the right of the Crown to resume possession of the whole or part of the land granted in the event of its being required for military purposes.

The newly formed government limited the extent of military concessions as follows:

Staff Officers: 5,000 acres
Captains: 3,000 acres
Subalterns: 2,000 acres
Non-commissioned officers: 200 acres
Private men: 50 acres

1762 Petitions

Apr. 27: Joseph Bouchette [1774-1841], in his Topographical Description of Lower Canada, says that the seigniories of Malbaie and Mount Murray were granted on 27 April 1762 to Captain John Nairn and Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser, two officers of the 78th Regiment. We were able to locate both of these concessions in the Department.

1765 Petitions

Mar. 15: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 15 March 1765, 12 serjeants were listed; two in the 2nd Battalion 60th Royal American Regiment, and 10 in the 78th Regiment as follows:

"The Petition of Alexander Simpson and John McLone late Serjeants in the 2nd Battalion of the 60th Regiment, James Thompson, Hugh Tulloch, William Gunn, James McDonell, John Fraser, James Sinclair, Alexander Ferguson, Alexander Lieth, Lachlan Smith and Donald Fraser late Serjeants in the 78th Regiment."

This petition shows that of the 10 serjeants in the 78th Regiment, two were not among those previously listed; namely, Alexander Leith and Lauchlin Smith, the latter becoming the future father-in-law of Joseph Fraser, son of Lieutenant Malcolm Fraser of Mount Murray [1733-1815].

May 14: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 14 May 1765, Malcolm Fraser, late serjeant in the 78th Regiment, and entitled to two hundred acres of land, filed his paperwork with the Quebec Government. No location for the proposed property is mentioned; however, it is suggested the grant be tied together with 'the twelve reduced serjeants that have already petitioned.' This remark to reference land petition dated at 15 March 1765.

May 19: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 19 May 1765, one corporal and 22 private soldiers are listed as having served with the 78th Regiment as follows:

"The Petition of Donald McKenivan*, late Corporal, James Campbell, Edward Davidson, Thomas Davidson, George McAdam, Donald Clark, John Grant, Alex`r Cormac, John Chisolm, Alexander McDonald, Ranald McDonald, Alexander McNab, Thomas Cameron [1], Thomas Cameron [2], John Robie, Alexander Fraser, Angus McDonald, Duncan McCraw, James Forbes, Finlay Munro, Willm McNabb, Murdoch McPherson, Willm McKenzie, late Private Soldiers in the 78th Regiment, and William Campbell late Private in the 47th Regt." 

*Most likely Corporal Donald McKinnon.

Albeit seven of these men are listed on the regiment's Subsistence Rolls in 1763, they were not among those previously listed as having been discharged in Canada in 1763; namely, Donald Clark, Alexander McDonald, Alexander McNabb, Angus McDonald, Duncan McCraw, William McNabb, Finlay Munro; and four additional men were not among those previously listed as having served in the 78th; those being John Grant, Thomas Cameron, John Robie, and William McKenzie.

Note: Of the two soldiers named Thomas Cameron, one served on the 78th Foot (his spouse is Marie Francoise Roy), while the second soldier's military regiment is unknown.

May 31: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 31 May 1765, the petition of Alexander McArthur and John Simson, late Private Soldiers in His Majesty's 78th Regiment of Foot. Alexander McArthur appears in Captain Archibald Campbell's Company, and John Simpson in the Colonel's Company when the regiment disbanded in 1763. Private men were entitled to 50 acres of land.

June 1: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 1 Jun 1765, the Petition of Donald Williamson, late Private in the 78th Regiment, John Valance - late Serjeant, John Thomas, Francis Anderson, John Lee, and Joseph Thompson, late Private in the 2d Battalion Royal American Regiment, Mackrick Sears, James Turner and Michael OBryean, late Private in the 47th Regiment.

Jul. 25: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 25 Jul 1765, James Abercrombie, Major, 78th Regt., petitions the Honorable James Murray, Governor of the Province of Quebec, for five thousand acres of land in "any of the Colonies in North America."

Nov. 20: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 20 Nov 1765, Peter Stuart and Donald McDonald petition the government for land located in the Bay of Chaleur, a familiar area for grant approval. Stuart's name appears twice as fighting on the Plains of Abraham, both in the 78th Regiment, and Donald McDonald's name appears in both the 78th Regiment [numerous instances] and also the 2nd Battalion of the 60th Royal American Regiment.

1766 Petitions

Four additional soldiers from the 78th Regiment: Alexander McNab, James McKenzy, Duncan Mcray, and Murdoc Morrison, petition the Crown in this 1766 document. Two of these men - namely, Alexander McNab and Duncan Mcray [or Mcraw,] appear in the May 1765 petition. McNabb, McKenzey, and Morrison appear to be recently discharged soldiers from the 15th Foot.

Aug. 18: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 18 Aug 1766, the Petition of Donald Mackay and John Anderson, discharged soldiers in the 78th Regiment.

Aug. 23: Petition of Donald Mackay, a discharged soldier in the 78th Regiment.

Aug. 27: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 27 Aug 1766, Mr. Alex`r Mackay late Serjeant of the 78th Regt. present at Berthier, petitioned for his lands at the Bay of Challour, has given a toleration to Mr. James Thomson Town Sargeant to draw for him not being himself present. This is most likely Alexander McKay, Serjeant, in Capt. Hugh Fraser's Company when the regiment disbanded in 1763.

Jul. 30: In a land petition, dated at Quebec 30 July 1768, Ranald MacDonell, late discharged soldier from the 78th and 15th Regiments of Foot, is listed in the Department as filing with the Lieutenant Governor of the Province of Quebec. There were many soldiers from the 47th and 78th Regiments that transferred to the 15th Regiment at the conclusion of the war in 1763, electing to stand guard on the province through 1768.

1787 Petition

May 20: To His Excellency Frederick Haldemand Esq. Captain General and Commander in Chief of His Majestys Province of Quebec, Vice Admiral of the same:

The humble petition of George GEDDES of Piercie Sheweth

Quebec 20 May 1787 George Geddes [signature]
To Jenkin Williams Esq.

Witness David Miles Clerk of the Council

1800 Petition

Jul. 8: Petition of John Ross of Maskinonge in the District of Three Rivers. That he served as a corporal in His Majesty's 78th Regiment commanded by Colonel Fraser at the Siege of Louisbourg and conquest of Canada in 1759 and 1760. That the petitioner is in an advanced state of age and has a wife and twelve children.

Sources:
Quebec National Archives. Land Petitions of Lower Canada, 1764-1841.

Fraser, Marie. Muster Rolls of the Old 78th Fraser Highlanders. Clan Fraser Society, 2017.

QFHS. Quebec Land Grants. May 2017.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017. 

Updated 29 May 2021