Saturday, January 20, 2018

Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company

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The following is a list of the officers and men of the 78th Regiment [Fraser's Highlanders] attached to Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company when the regiment was discharged in 1763. Of the approximately 865 enlisted men and NCOs of the regiment, only 170 men are documented as discharged in America. The other soldiers that stayed were transferred to different regiments in the area.

It should be noted that in these subsistence rolls there are female names appearing in italicised script type. And the more interesting question of what part they played in the regiment can be found in the following notes:

1. In "Louisbourg, Key to a Continent" by Fairfax Downey, p. 160: "--- yet more draft had to be manpower, no animals being available, and it proved to be womanpower as well. Among the parties who tugged on the drag ropes, one thousand strong with frequent shift changes, were several hundred laundresses, a number being allowed to each British regiment by regulation, and carried as 'married and on the strength'. Heavy fire from [the guns of] Louisbourg disconcerted them no more than it did the men."

2. In "The Great Fortress" by William Wood, p. 112: "The practice of assigning laundresses, usually the wives of NCOs to military units was frequently followed. In the U.S. Army, where four were allowed each company, it persisted through the Indian Wars."

3. In "The Fraser Highlanders" by J.R. Harper, p. 73, appears: Included in Wolfe's final orders for embarkation to Quebec from Louisbourg, May 17, 1759: "The regiments are to receive provisions for no more than three women per company of 70, and four per company of 100 men."

These rolls should prove to be of great historic value to those who claim ancestry to soldiers who fought at Louisbourg and Quebec with the 78th Regiment. Many of the soldiers who chose to enlist in Fraser’s Highlanders, did so for the money, and those who stayed when the regiment was discharged in 1763, likely felt that their chances of land ownership were better in the New World than they would have been had they returned to Scotland.

Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company
Time of Entry: Aug. 16, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Lieutenant John Fraser
2. Ensign Alexander Fraser
3. Sergeant Angus McPherson
4. Sergeant Alexander Fraser
5. Sergeant Hector Monro
6. Corporal Donald Fraser
7. Corporal John Ferguson
8. Drummer John Provan
9. Private David Buchanan
10. Private Alexander Provan
11. Private Alexander Cameron
12. Private Donald Cameron
13. Private Alexander Cormack
14. Private John Chisholm
15. Private Thomas Davison
16. Private Alexander Fraser
17. Private Hugh Fraser
18. Private John Fraser
19. Private William Fraser
20. Private Martin Ferguson
21. Private James Glass
22. Private James Johnston
23. Private Lachlin Irving
24. Private Roderick McKenzie
25. Private David Mitchell
26. Private Alexander Martin
27. Private Alexander Monro
28. Private Donald Monro
29. Private Roderick Morrison
30. Private Alexander McLeod
31. Private Roderick McLeod
32. Private Roderick McLeod
33. Private Roderick McDonell
34. Private John McDonell
35. Private Hugh McCraw
36. Private William McGillivrae
37. Private George McKay
38. Private John McKay
39. Private Hector McNiel
40. Private John McCLaran
41. Private Donald McLean
42. Private Donald McPherson
43. Private Dougal McPherson
44. Private Malcolm McPhie
45. Private James McQueen
46. Private John McSwaine
47. Private Andrew Rose
48. Private Donald Ross
49. Private John Ross
50. Private John Ross
51. Private John Ross
52. Private John Robertson
53. Private John Smith
54. Private John Strachan
55. Private David Saunders
56. Private Nicholas Wass
57. Private William Williamson
58. Private William Watson
59. Isable Buchanan
60. Agnes Wass

Time of Entry: Aug. 23, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 21

61. Private Alexander Shaw
62. Private William Brown
63. Private William Morrison

Soldiers' notes.
7. Promoted to corporal in room of "Corporal Lachn. Irving of Captain Simon Fraser's Company having been reduced by the sentence of a garrison Court Martial [6 Sep. 1762]. John Ferguson of Major Campbell's Company is appointed Corpl. in his room." [Captain John Nairne, "Order Books, 1762." LAC, R5991-0-3-E, MG23-GIII 23].
14. Ibid., Court of Inquiry to sit 18 October 1762 on John Chisholm of Captain Simon Fraser's Company. 
23. Ibid., See Note 7.
46. Ibid., A regimental court-martial scheduled for 20 September 1762 to try John McSwaine, soldier in Capt. Simon Frasers Company." 

Six Companies at Quebec
The following additional victual reports for Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company have been become available for consultation. His was one of five additional companies garrisoned at Quebec during the latter part of the conflict, which also included the companies of Major John Campbell, Captain Alexander Campbell, Captain Hugh Cameron, Captain John Fraser, and Captain John McDonell.

Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company
Time of Entry: July 19, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Lieutenant John Fraser
2. Ensign Alexr. Fraser
3. Serjeant Angus McPherson
4. Serjeant Alexr. Fraser
5. Corporal Hector Munro
6. Corporal Dond. Fraser
7. Corporal John Ferguson
8. Drummer John Provan
9. Private David Buchanan
10. Private Alexr. Cameron
11. Private Alexr. Cameron
12. Private Dond. Cameron
13. Private Alexr. Cormake
14. Private John Chissolm
15. Private Thomas Davidson
16. Private Alexr. Fraser
17. Private Hugh Fraser
18. Private John Fraser
19. Private William Fraser
20. Private Martine Ferguson
21. Private James Glass
22. Private James Johnston
23. Private Lauchn. Irving
24. Private Rodrick McKinzie
25. Private David Mitchell
26. Private Alexr. Martine
27. Private Alexr. Munro
28. Private Dond. Munro
29. Private Murdw. Morrison
30. Private Alexr. McLeod
31. Private Rodk. McLeod
32. Private John McDonell
33. Private Rodk. McLeod
34. Private Rodk. McDonell
35. Private Hugh McGrah
36. Private William McGilavrie
37. Private George McKay
38. Private John McKay
39. Private Hector McNiel
40. Private John McLerran
41. Private Dond. McLean
42. Private Dond. McPherson
43. Private Dougal McPherson
44. Private Malcolm McPhie
45. Private James McQueen
46. Private John Mcfarline
47. Private Andw. Rose
48. Private Dond. Rose
49. Private John Ross
50. Private John Ross
51. Private John Ross
52. Private John Robertson
53. Private John Smith
54. Private John Strauchen
55. Private David Saunders
56. Private Nichs. Vass
57. Private Willm. Watson
58. Private William Williamson
59. Agness Vass
60. Isobel Buchanan

Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company
Time of Entry: June 21, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 14

1. Captain Hugh Montgomerie

Time of Entry: June 21, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

2. Lieutenant John Fraser
3. Ensign Alexr. Fraser
4. Serjeant Angus McPherson
5. Serjeant Alexr. Fraser
6. Corporal Hector Munro
7. Corporal Dond. Fraser
8. Corporal John Ferguson
9. Drummer John Provan
10. Private David Buchanan
11. Private Alexr. Cameron
12. Private Alexr. Cameron
13. Private Donald Cameron
14. Private Duncan Cameron
15. Private Alexr. Cormack
16. Private John Chissolm
17. Private Thomas Davidson
18. Private Alexr. Fraser
19. Private Hugh Fraser
20. Private John Fraser
21. Private Willm. Fraser
22. Private Martine Ferguson
23. Private James Glass
24. Private James Johnston
25. Private Lauchn. Irving
26. Private Rodrick Mckinzie
27. Private David Mitchell
28. Private Alexr. Martine
29. Private Alexr. Munroe
30. Private Donald Munro
31. Private Murdw. Morrison
32. Private Alexr. McLeod
33. Private Rodk. McLeod
34. Private Rodk. McLeod
35. Private Rodk. McDonald
36. Private John McDonell
37. Private Hugh McGrah
38. Private Willm. McGilavrie
39. Private George McKay
40. Private John McKay
41. Private Hector McNeal
42. Private John McLerran
43. Private Dond. McLean
44. Private Dond. McPherson
45. Private Dond. McPherson
46. Private Dougal McPherson
47. Private Malcom McPhie
48. Private James McQueen
49. Private John McSwaine
50. Private Andw. Rose
51. Private Dond. Rose
52. Private John Ross
53. Private John Ross
54. Private John Ross
55. Private John Robertson
56. Private John Smith
57. Private John Strauchen
58. Private David Saunders
59. Private Nichs. Vass
60. Private Will. Watson
61. Agness Vass
62. Isobell Buchanan

Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company
Time of Entry: May 24, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Captain Hugh Montgomerie
2. Lieutenant John Fraser
3. Ensign Alexr. Fraser
4. Serjeant Gilbert Anderson
5. Serjeant Angus McPherson (June 13)
6. Serjeant Alexr. Fraser
7. Corporal Hector Munro
8. Corporal Dond. Fraser
9. Corporal John Ferguson
10. Drummer John Provan
11. Private David Buchanan
12. Private Alexr. Cameron
13. Private Alexr. Cameron
14. Private Dond. Cameron
15. Private Dun Comrie
16. Private Alexr. Cormake
17. Private John Chissolm
18. Private Thomas Davidson
19. Private Alexr. Fraser
20. Private Hugh Fraser
21. Private John Fraser
22. Private Willm. Fraser
23. Private Martine Ferguson
24. Private James Glass
25. Private James Johnston
26. Private Lauchn. Irving
27. Private Rodk. McKinzie
28. Private David Mitchell
29. Private Alexr. Martine
30. Private Alexr Munro
31. Private Dond,. Munro
32. Private Murdow Morrison
33. Private Alexr McLeod
34. Private Rodk. McLeod
35. Private Rodk. McLeod
36. Private Rodk. McDonell
37. Private John McDonell
38. Private Hugh McGrah
39. Private Willm. McGilavrie
40. Private George McKay
41. Private John McKay
42. Private Hector McNiel
43. Private John McLarren
44. Private Dond. McLean
45. Private Dond. McPherson
46. Private Dougal McPherson
47. Private Malcom McPhie
48. Private James McQueen
49. Private John McSwaine
50. Private Andw. Rosse
51. Private Dond. Ross
52. Private John Ross
53. Private John Ross
54. Private John Ross
55. Private John Robertson
56. Private John Smith
57. Private John Strauchen
58. Private David Saunders
59. Private Nichs. Vass
60. Private William Watson
61. Private Willm. Williamson
62. Agness Vass
63. Isobell Buchanan

Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company
Time of Entry: April 26, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Captain Hugh Montgomerie
2. Lieutenant John Fraser
3. Ensign Alexr. Fraser
4. Serjeant Gilbert Anderson
5. Serjeant Angs. McPherson
6. Serjeant Alexr. Fraser
7. Corporal Hector Monro
8. Corporal Dond. Fraser
9. Corporal John Ferguson
10. Drummer John Provan
11. Private David Buchanon
12. Private Alexr. Cameron
13. Private Alexr. Cameron
14. Private Dond. Cameron
15. Private Dun Cumrie
16. Private John Chisolm
17. Private Alexr. Cormack
18. Private Thos. Davidson
19. Private Alexr. Fraser
20. Private Hugh Fraser
21. Private John Fraser
22. Private Willm. Fraser
23. Private Martine Ferguson
24. Private James Glass
25. Private James Johnston
26. Private Lachn. Irving
27. Private Rod McKenzie
28. Private David Mitchell
29. Private Alexr. Martin
30. Private Alexr. Monro
31. Private Dond. Monro
32. Private Murdw. Morrison
33. Private Alexr. McLeod
34. Private Alexr. McLeod
35. Private Rod McLeod
36. Private Rod McDonald
37. Private John McDonald
38. Private Hugh McGrah
39. Private Will McGilavrie
40. Private Geo. McKay
41. Private John McKay
42. Private Hector McNiel
43. Private John McLarren
44. Private Dond. McPherson
45. Private Doug McPherson
46. Private Dond. McLeod
47. Private Mal. McPhie
48. Private James McSwaine
49. Private And Rodd
50. Private John Ross
51. Private John Ross
52. Private John Ross
53. Private John Ross
54. Private John Robertson
55. Private John Smith
56. Private John Strachan
57. Private David Sanders
58. Private Nichs. Wass
59. Private Will Williamson
60. Private Will Watson
61. Isabel Buchanon
62. Private James McQueen
63. Agnes Wass

Captain Hugh Montgomerie's Company
Time of Entry: March 28, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Captain Hugh Montgomerie
2. Lieutenant John Fraser
3. Ensign Alex Fraser
4. Serjeant Gilbt. Anderson
5. Serjeant Angs. McPherson
6. Serjeant Alex Fraser
7. Corporal Hector Monro
8. Corporal Dond. Fraser
9. Corporal John Ferguson
10. Drummer John Provan
11. Private David Buchanan
12. Private Will Brown
13. Private Alexr. Cameron
14. Private Alex. Cameron
15. Private Dond. Cameron
16. Private Dun Cumrie
17. Private John Chisolm
18. Private Thos. Didson
19. Private Alex Fraser
20. Private Hugh Fraser
21. Private John Fraser
22. Private Will Fraser
23. Private Martin Ferguson
24. Private John Glass
25. Private James Johnson
26. Private Lachn. Irving
27. Private Rod. McKenzie
28. Private David Mitchel
29. Private Alex Martin
30. Private Alex Monro
31. Private Dond. Monro
32. Private Angs. Morrison
33. Private Murd. Morrison
34. Private Alex McLeod
35. Private Rod. McLeod
36. Private Rod. McLeod
37. Private John McDonell
38. Private Rod McDonell
39. Private Hugh McGrah
40. Private Will McGillivrae
41. Private Geo McKay
42. Private John McKay
43. Private Hector McNiel
44. Private Dond. McLean
45. Private John McLaren
46. Private Dond. McPherson
47. Private Dougal McPherson
48. Private Mal. McPhie
49. Private James McQueen
50. Private John McSwain
51. Private Alexr McCormach
52. Private Andw. Rose
53. Private And. Rose
54. Private Dond. Rose
55. Private John Rose
56. Private John Rose
57. Private John Rose
58. Private John Robertson
59. Private John Smith
60. Private John Strachan
61. Private David Saunders
62. Private Nichs. Wass
63. Private Will Williamson
64. Private Will Watson
65. Isabel Buchanon
66. Agnes Wass

Captain Hugh Montgomery's Company
Time of Entry: March 1st, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Captain Hugh Montgomery
2. Lieutenant John Fraser
3. Ensign Alexr. Fraser
4. Serjeant Gilbert Anderson
5. Serjeant Angs. McPherson
6. Serjeant Alex. Fraser
7. Corporal Hector Monro
8. Corporal Dond. Fraser
9. Corporal John Ferguson
10. Drummer John Provan
11. Private David Buchanon
12. Private Will Brown
13. Private Alex. Cameron
14. Private Alex Cameron
15. Private Dond. Cameron
16. Private Dun Cameron
17. Private Alex Cormach
18. Private John Chissolm
19. Private Thos. Davidson
20. Private Alex Fraser
21. Private Hugh Fraser
22. Private John Fraser
23. Private John Fraser
24. Private Mart Ferguson
25. Private James Glass
26. Private James Johnston
27. Private Lach Irving
28. Private Rod. McKenzie
29. Private David Mitchell
30. Private Alexr. Martin
31. Private Alexr. Monro
32. Private Dond. Monro
33. Private Angs. Morrison
34. Private Murd. Morrison
35. Private Alex McLeod
36. Private Rod. McLeod
37. Private John McDonell
38. Private Rod McDonell
39. Private Hugh McGraw
40. Private Will McGillivrae
41. Private Geo. McKay
42. Private John McKay
43. Private Hect. McNiel
44. Private Dond. McNiel
45. Private John McLean
46. Private Dond. McPherson
47. Private Dougal McPherson
48. Private Malcolm McPhie
49. Private James McQueen
50. Private John McSwaine
51. Private Andw. Ross
52. Private And. Ross
53. Private Dond. Ross
54. Private John Ross
55. Private John Ross
56. Private John Ross
57. Private John Robertson
58. Private John Smith
59. Private John Strachan
60. Private David Saunders
61. Private Nichs. Wass
62. Private Will Watson
63. Private Will Williamson
64. Helen Rose 
65. Isabel Buchanon
66. Private Rod. McLeod

Captain Hugh Montgomery's Company
Time of Entry: Feby 1st, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Lieutenant John Fraser
2. Ensign Alexr. Fraser
3. Serjeant Gilbert Anderson
4. Serjeant Angs. McPherson
5. Serjeant Alexr. Fraser
6. Corporal Hector Monro
7. Corporal Dond. Fraser
8. Corporal John Provan
9. Drummer John Provan
10. Private David Buchanon
11. Private Will Brown
12. Private Alexr. Cameron
13. Private Alexr. Cameron
14. Private Dond. Cameron
15. Private Dun Cameron
16. Private Alexr. Cormach
17. Private John Chissolm
18. Private Thos. Davidson
19. Private Alexr. Fraser
20. Private Hugh Fraser
21. Private John Fraser
22. Private John Fraser
23. Private Martin Ferguson
24. Private James Glass
25. Private James Johnston
26. Private Lachn Irving
27. Private Rod. McKenzie
28. Private Davd. Mitchel
29. Private Alexr. Martin
30. Private Alexr. Monro
31. Private Dond. Monro
32. Private Angs. Morrison
33. Private Murd. Morrison
34. Private Alexr. McLeod
35. Private Rod McLeod
36. Private Rod. McLeod
37. Private John McDonell
38. Private Rod. McDonell
39. Private Hugh McGrah
40. Private Will McGillivrae
41. Private Geo. Mckay
42. Private John McKay
43. Private Hect. McNiel
44. Private Dond. McNiel
45. Private John McLaren
46. Private Dond. McPherson
47. Private Dougal McPherson
48. Private Malcolm McPhie
49. Private James McQueen
50. Private John McSwain
51. Private And. Ross
52. Private And. Ross
53. Private Dond. Ross
54. Private John Ross
55. Private John Ross
56. Private John Ross
57. Private John Robertson
58. Private John Smith
59. Private John Strachan
60. Private David Saunders
61. Private Nichs. Wass
62. Private Will Watson
63. Private Will Williamson
64. Captain Hugh Montgomerie (Feb. 12)
65. Helen Rose (Jan 4)
66. Isabel Buchanon

Captain Hugh Montgomery's Company
Time of Entry: Jany 4th, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 28

1. Lieutenant John Fraser
2. Ensign Alexr. Fraser
3.Serjeant Gilbert Anderson
4. Serjeant Angs. McPherson
5. Serjeant Alexr. Fraser
6. Corporal Hector Monro
7. Corporal Dond. Fraser
8. Corporal John Ferguson
9. Drummer John Provan
10. Private David Buchanon
11. Private Will Browne
12. Private Alexr. Cameron
13. Private Alexr. Cameron
14. Private Dond. Cameron
15. Private Dun Cumrie
16. Private Alexr. Cormach
17. Private John Chissolm
18. Private Thos. Davidson
19. Private Alexr. Fraser
20. Private Hugh Fraser
21. Private John Fraser
22. Private John Fraser
23. Private Mart. Ferguson
24. Private James Glass
25. Private James Johnston
26. Private Lachn. Irving
27. Private Rod. McKenzie
28. Private David Mitchell
29. Private Alexr. Martin
30. Private Alexr. Monro
31. Private Dond. Monro
32. Private Angs. Morrison
33. Private Murdw. Morrison
34. Private Alexr. McLeod
35. Private Rod. McLeod
36. Private Rod. McLeod
37. Private John McDonell
38. Private Rod. McDonell
39. Private Hugh McGrah
40. Private Will McGilivrae
41. Private Geo McKay
42. Private John McKay
43. Private Hector McNiel
44. Private Dond. McLean
45. Private John McLaren
46. Private Dond. McPherson
47. Private Dougl. McPherson
48. Private Mal. McPhie
49. Private James McQueen
50. Private John McSwain
51. Private And. Rose
52. Private And. Ross
53. Private Dond. Ross
54. Private John Ross
55. Private John Ross
56. Private John Ross
57. Private John Robertson
58. Private John Smith
59. Private John Stracnan
60. Private Davd. Saunders
61. Private Nichs. Vass
62. Private Will Watson
63. Private Will Williamson

Sources:
Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Ibid., "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

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

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.].

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

Last updated 25 November 2022.

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Captain Alexander McLeod's Company

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The following is a list of the officers and men of the 78th Regiment [Fraser's Highlanders] attached to Captain Alexander McLeod's Company when the regiment was discharged in 1763. Of the approximately 865 enlisted men and NCOs of the regiment, only 170 men are documented as discharged in America. The other soldiers that stayed were transferred to different regiments in the area.

It should be noted that in these subsistence rolls there are female names appearing in italicised script type. And the more interesting question of what part they played in the regiment can be found in the following notes:

1. In "Louisbourg, Key to a Continent" by Fairfax Downey, p. 160: "--- yet more draft had to be manpower, no animals being available, and it proved to be womanpower as well. Among the parties who tugged on the drag ropes, one thousand strong with frequent shift changes, were several hundred laundresses, a number being allowed to each British regiment by regulation, and carried as 'married and on the strength'. Heavy fire from [the guns of] Louisbourg disconcerted them no more than it did the men."

2. In "The Great Fortress" by William Wood, p. 112: "The practice of assigning laundresses, usually the wives of NCOs to military units was frequently followed. In the U.S. Army, where four were allowed each company, it persisted through the Indian Wars."

3. In "The Fraser Highlanders" by J.R. Harper, p. 73, appears: Included in Wolfe's final orders for embarkation to Quebec from Louisbourg, May 17, 1759: "The regiments are to receive provisions for no more than three women per company of 70, and four per company of 100 men."

These rolls should prove to be of great historic value to those who claim ancestry to soldiers who fought at Louisbourg and Quebec with the 78th Regiment. Many of the soldiers who chose to enlist in Fraser’s Highlanders, did so for the money, and those who stayed when the regiment was discharged in 1763, likely felt that their chances of land ownership were better in the New World than they would have been had they returned to Scotland.

Captain Alexander McLeod's Company
Time of Entry: Aug. 30, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 14

1. Captain Alexander McLeod
2. Lieutenant Alexander Fraser
3. Lieutenant Donald Cameron
4. Ensign Kenneth Stuart
5. Sergeant Alexander McNaughton
6. Sergeant James Gordon
7. Sergeant James Sinclair
8. Corporal James Carmichael
9. Corporal Malcolm McNaughton
10. Corporal Duncan McArthur
11. Drummer Ranald Monro
12. Private Rory McDonald
13. Private Niel Brown
14. Private Finlay Campbell
15. Private Duncan Campbell
16. Private Malcolm Cameron
17. Private John Davidson
18. Private Donald Fraser
19. Private James Fraser
20. Private John Fletcher
21. Private John Guillis
22. Private Angus McDonald
23. Private Angus McDonald
24. Private Alexander McDonald
25. Private Allen McDonald
26. Private Allen McDonald
27. Private Allen McDonald
28. Private Allen McDonald
29. Private John McDonald
30. Private John McDonald
31. Private John McDonald
32. Private Donald McDonald
33. Private Donald McDonald
34. Private Evan McDonald
35. Private William McDonald
36. Private Archibald McDonald
37. Private John Eachhorn
38. Private John Eachhorn
39. Private Angus Eachhorn
40. Private Donald McGillivrae
41. Private Donald McIntyre
42. Private John McIntyre
43. Private John McIver
44. Private Finley McKenzie
45. Private Donald Kay [McKay?]
46. Private Evan McKinon
47. Private Dougal McLachlan
48. Private Andrew McLeod
49. Private Alexander McLeod
50. Private Alexander McLeod
51. Private John McLean
52. Private Rory McLellan
53. Private John McMillan
54. Private Donald McMillan
55. Private Donald McNiel
56. Private Donald McNiel
57. Private Charles McPherson
58. Private Malcolm McPherson
59. Private John McPhie
60. Private John McTavish
61. Private William McKirdy
62. Private Robert Ross
63. Private John Robertson
64. Private John Stuart
65. Private Donald Smith
66. Mary Sinclair
67. Catharine Kerdy
68. Private John Stuart

Time of Entry: Sep. 6, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 7

69. Private Nicholas McLean

Time of Entry: Sep. 6, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 14

70. Jennet McKay

Sources:
Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Ibid., "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

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

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.].

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2018. 
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Captain Ranald McDonell's Company

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The following is a list of the officers and men of the 78th Regiment [Fraser's Highlanders] attached to Captain Ranald McDonell's Company when the regiment was discharged in 1763. Of the approximately 865 enlisted men and NCOs of the regiment, only 170 men are documented as discharged in America. The other soldiers that stayed were transferred to different regiments in the area.

It should be noted that in these subsistence rolls there are female names appearing in italicised script type. And the more interesting question of what part they played in the regiment can be found in the following notes:

1. In "Louisbourg, Key to a Continent" by Fairfax Downey, p. 160: "--- yet more draft had to be manpower, no animals being available, and it proved to be womanpower as well. Among the parties who tugged on the drag ropes, one thousand strong with frequent shift changes, were several hundred laundresses, a number being allowed to each British regiment by regulation, and carried as 'married and on the strength'. Heavy fire from [the guns of] Louisbourg disconcerted them no more than it did the men."

2. In "The Great Fortress" by William Wood, p. 112: "The practice of assigning laundresses, usually the wives of NCOs to military units was frequently followed. In the U.S. Army, where four were allowed each company, it persisted through the Indian Wars."

3. In "The Fraser Highlanders" by J.R. Harper, p. 73, appears: Included in Wolfe's final orders for embarkation to Quebec from Louisbourg, May 17, 1759: "The regiments are to receive provisions for no more than three women per company of 70, and four per company of 100 men."

These rolls should prove to be of great historic value to those who claim ancestry to soldiers who fought at Louisbourg and Quebec with the 78th Regiment. Many of the soldiers who chose to enlist in Fraser’s Highlanders, did so for the money, and those who stayed when the regiment was discharged in 1763, likely felt that their chances of land ownership were better in the New World than they would have been had they returned to Scotland.

Captain Ranald McDonell's Company
Time of Entry: Aug. 30, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 14

1. Captain Ranald McDonell
2. Lieutenant Charles Stuart
3. Ensign Norman McLeod
4. Sergeant Donald Stuart
5. Sergeant William Fraser
6. Sergeant John Ross
7. Corporal Donald McPherson
8. Corporal Alexander McDonald
9. Corporal Gregor McGregor
10. Private Angus Burke
11. Private Donald Burke
12. Private Evan Black
13. Private John Carmichael
14. Private Miles Carmichael
15. Private Donald Clarke
16. Private Edward Davison
17. Private John Dunbar
18. Private John Ferguson
19. Private Alexander Fraser
20. Private Alexander Fraser
21. Private Hugh Fraser
22. Private John Grassett
23. Private Alexander Grant
24. Private Peter Grubb
25. Private John Gunn
26. Private Donald Irving
27. Private Duncan Kennedy
28. Private Robert Keith
29. Private John Kerr
30. Private John Livingston
31. Private Donald McBean
32. Private Donald McColl
33. Private Evan McColl
34. Private Angus McDonell
35. Private Alexander McDonnell
36. Private Archibald McDonell
37. Private Archibald McDonell
38. Private Angus McDonell
39. Private Angus McDonell
40. Private Donald McDonell
41. Private William Monro
42. Private Lachlin Mitchell
43. Private Duncan McGregor
44. Private John McGregor
45. Private Donald McIntosh
46. Private Donald McKinvin
47. Private Duncan McKinvin
48. Private Duncan McKenzie
49. Private Alexander McKenzie
50. Private Alexander McKay
51. Private William McLeod
52. Private John McNabb
53. Private Angus McNabb
54. Private John McNair
55. Private Donald McCrae
56. Private James Ross
57. Private John Ross
58. Private Alexander Stuart
59. Private Norman Stuart
60. Private Donald Sutherland
61. Private Donald Sutherland
62. Private Alexander Sutherland
63. Private Duncan Smith
64. Private James Tavish
65. Private James McLeod
66. Ann Stuart
67. Margaret McGregor

Time of Entry: Sep. 6, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 7

68. Private John Fraser
69. Private Duncan McGregor

Sources:
Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Ibid., "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

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

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.].

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

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Captain Alexander Wood's Company

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The following is a list of the officers and men of the 78th Regiment [Fraser's Highlanders] attached to Captain Alexander Wood's Company when the regiment was discharged in 1763. Of the approximately 865 enlisted men and NCOs of the regiment, only 170 men are documented as discharged in America. The other soldiers that stayed were transferred to different regiments in the area.

It should be noted that in these subsistence rolls there are female names appearing in italicised script type. And the more interesting question of what part they played in the regiment can be found in the following notes:

1. In "Louisbourg, Key to a Continent" by Fairfax Downey, p. 160: "--- yet more draft had to be manpower, no animals being available, and it proved to be womanpower as well. Among the parties who tugged on the drag ropes, one thousand strong with frequent shift changes, were several hundred laundresses, a number being allowed to each British regiment by regulation, and carried as 'married and on the strength'. Heavy fire from [the guns of] Louisbourg disconcerted them no more than it did the men."

2. In "The Great Fortress" by William Wood, p. 112: "The practice of assigning laundresses, usually the wives of NCOs to military units was frequently followed. In the U.S. Army, where four were allowed each company, it persisted through the Indian Wars."

3. In "The Fraser Highlanders" by J.R. Harper, p. 73, appears: Included in Wolfe's final orders for embarkation to Quebec from Louisbourg, May 17, 1759: "The regiments are to receive provisions for no more than three women per company of 70, and four per company of 100 men."

These rolls should prove to be of great historic value to those who claim ancestry to soldiers who fought at Louisbourg and Quebec with the 78th Regiment. Many of the soldiers who chose to enlist in Fraser’s Highlanders, did so for the money, and those who stayed when the regiment was discharged in 1763, likely felt that their chances of land ownership were better in the New World than they would have been had they returned to Scotland.

Captain Alexander Wood's Company
Time of Entry: Aug. 30, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 14

1. Corporal John Fraser
2. Private John McDonell
3. Private Donald Cameron
4. Private Alexander McKenzie
5. Private Donald McDonald
6. Private John Kennedy
7. Private James McKenzie
8. Private Angus Gillis
9. Private William Graham
10. Private John McDougal
11. Private John McDonell
12. Private Ranald McDonell
13. Jennet McDonell

Time of Entry: Sep. 6, 1763
Number of Days Victualled: 7

14. Private Roderick McDonell
15. Private John McDonell
16. Private James Crawford
17. Private Lachlin McKenon
18. Private Angus Morrison

Sources:
Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Ibid., "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

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

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.].

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

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Monday, January 15, 2018

Private Andrew McCulloch Returns to England

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Andrew McCulloch's name appears with Major James Abercrombie as private soldier discharged from the 78th Regiment on August 23, 1763. And while his name does not appear on the official list of Soldiers Discharged in America, it is quite evident he remained in Canada for at least two years following the conclusion of the war.

 Secretary's Office 2d July 1765

To Lieut. James Hall
Agent to the Transports 
at Quebec.---

Embarkation list:
Nicholas Ribichon, his Wife and seven Children: 9
Pierre Marchand, his Wife & seven Children: 9
Jean Baptists Delome, his Wife & three Children: 5
Joseph Tarraux and two Children: 3
Luc Emble, his Wife & two Children: 4
Pierre Michelaux, his Wife & two Children: 4
John Packer a soldier of the 27th Regmt.: 1
Andrew McCulloch, his Wife & Child: 3

Total Thirty eight Persons: 38

James Murray letter:
The above is a List of Men and their Families that have been Employed at the Iron works near Three Rivers, in this government ever since the Reduction of the country, at which time they were prevailed upon by General Amherst to Continue working at the Forge upon his promise that they should be sent to England in His Majesty's Ships or Transports, free of expense. This therefore is to require you to give orders to the Masters of the Transports under your care, now bound to Ireland with the 44th Regmt. to Receive on Board and Victual the said Families in the same manner as the Troops are Victualled, until their arrival at Deptford, where they are to Disembark, and proceed to London with the Letter I will write concerning them to the Secretary of State. And you are also required to give orders for the Passage and Victualling of John Parker a soldier of the 27th Regiment, who is to pay for his Provisions as the other soldiers do; and Andrew McCulloch a Reduced Soldier from the 78th Regiment with his wife and one child, said McCulloch having lost his leg is recommended to Chelsea, is an object of Charity, and therefore is to pay nothing for his Provisions nor that of his wife and child, for doing of which this shall be your sufficient authority.~

                                                                                  Given under my hand & seal at
                                                                                  arms at the Castle of St. Levis
                                                                                  in the City of Quebec the 27th day of
                                                                                  August 1765

Void
                                                                                  Signed                   Ja: Murray
                                                                                  By His Excellency's Command

An updated list, signed by James Murray and dated 31 August 1765, was discovered in succession to the former as follows:

Embarkation list:
Nicholas Ribichon, his Wife and seven Children: 9
Andrew McCulloch, his Wife & Child: 3
John Paker, a Soldier of the 27th Regiment: 1
Elenor McBeth with her Child, wife of an Invalid of the 15th Regiment: 2

Total: 15

Royal Chelsea Hospital Admissions:
Private Andrew McCulloch was admitted to the Royal Chelsea Hospital on 13 Dec. 1765 as follows:

Andrew McCulloch
Age: 40 years
Time in Serv: 10 years
Ailment: Lost his right leg
Born: Tayne [Scotland]
Occ: Taylor

Sources:
"Reduced soldiers employed at the Iron Works, 1765." Letterbook/Copie de lettres, 1763-1771. Microfilm 10462, Series RG4, C2, vol. 1. Public Archives Canada. n.d. Print.

"An Account of His Majesty's Royal Bounty of Fourteen Days Subsistence, also the Sword Money paid the following Men of the 78th Regiment Discharged in America." Microfilm C-10462, Series RG4 C2 vol. 1, National Archives of Canada. n.d. Print.

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

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

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Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Campaign Quotables

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A collection of inspirational quotes about the men of Fraser's 78th Highlanders found among the many historical military documents gathered from various sources over the years. We hope you enjoy these as much as we do!

[Alexander Gregorson, Ensign, 78th Regiment]
“…very strongly recommended by Colonel Campbell & to whose friends I am so much indebted that I should take his being provided for as a very great favour."
-Colonel Simon Fraser, on board Halifax off Nantasket Lighthouse

“…Amhersts & the Hiland Regts. alone By their Soldier like and Cool Behaviour would undoubtedly have beat back the whole Canadian army if they Had been order’d to attack them.”
-General James Wolfe, Camp at Quebec

“…I shall only observe that both fleet and army Did their Duty like true Sons of Britton, and it was a common saying all over the fleet that the Highlanders behaved like angels!”
-John Clephane, on board Prince of Orange in Halifax Harbour

“Captain Donald McDonald a Brave and Experienced officer who had been on several little party’s this winter, having asked to have the Command of a Company of Volunteers, I formed one for him this Day consisting of Picked men, as such a Corps might be of use, and I thought Necessary to give officers who were willing to have an Opportunity to distinguish themselves.”
-General George Townshend, Camp at Quebec

[Robert Macpherson, Chaplain, 78th Regiment]
“…This gentleman is a most deserving Sensible man & the best chaplain I ever knew.”
-Major James Abercrombie, at New York

“…The Highlanders returning towards our main body tho’ had all this time kept their order and behaved nobly with the outmost courage and regularity.”
-Chaplain Robert Macpherson, Camp at Quebec

“…Besides the loss of officers and men this victory compleats, it was to our sad regrete too dearly Brought in the death of our gallant commander Mr Wolfe.”
-Chaplain Robert Macpherson, Camp at Quebec

"...The Colony of Connecticut & the 2d Highland Battalion are hand & glove & we are the only old countrymen they believe capable of performing great exploits, not but they hold themselves as the great Warriors, & suffer us only to follow longo intervallo."
-Colonel Simon Fraser, Camp at Connecticut

"...I dare assure you that I shall be able, when I come to Glasgow, to make out a company of 110 or 112 men, as good hearty young fellows as are to be seen in many regiments, and all as willingly and cheerfully engaged as is possible any men to be, for not one of them ever confined, and not one deserted while here, in which I glory and have great joy."
-Major James Clephane, at Inverness

[Battle of Sainte-Foy]
"...I assure you, that during the Siege we had not above 2000 Men fit for Duty; the rest were taken ill with Flux and Scurvy; and it must be said of the Governor and Garrison, that they have acted with a Spirit worthy of True Britons."
-Officer of Colonel Fraser's Regiment

"...The Highlanders are very usefull serviceable soldiers, and commanded by the most manly corps of officers I ever saw; they have behaved with distinction."

-Brigadier General James Wolfe to Lord George Sackville

Sources:
Major James Abercrombie, "Letter addressed to John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, discussing Chaplain Robert McPherson, 15 September 1763." John Campbell Loudoun Papers Concerning the Siege and Fall of Quebec, 1756-1784. Houghton Library, Harvard University, cat. no. 45M-113F.


John Clephane, "Letter to Major James Clephane at New York, 10 November 1759." NAS, GD125/22/17/29.


Colonel Simon Fraser, "Letter addressed to John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, discussing Ensign Alexander Gregorson, 23 April 1758." Loudoun Papers, LO 5447, Huntington Library, San Marino, CA.


Robert Macpherson to Andrew Macpherson, "Camp Before Quebec, 16 September 1759." James Grant of Ballindalloch papers, 1740-1819. Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., microfilm 46.

Rose, H., and Lachlan Shaw. A genealogical deduction of the family of Rose of Kilravock: with illustrative documents from the family papers, and notes [Edinburgh, 1848].

Wolfe, B.G James. Report on the Manuscripts of Mrs. Stopford-Sackville of Draytonhouse Northamptonshire [London, 1904].


General George Townshend, "Personal journal entry discussing Captain Donald McDonald, 24 April 1763." LAC, Northcliffe collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton papers, Microfilm C-368.


General James Wolfe, "Personal journal entry discussing Amherst’s and the Highland regiments, 2 August 1759." LAC, Northcliffe collection: Series 1: Robert Monckton papers, Microfilm C-369.

Colonel Simon Fraser, "Letter of Col. Simon Fraser to Colonel Forbes, Adjutant General, at His House in the Broadway or at the Fort, New York." NAS, GD45-2-29, pp. 18-19.

“Battle of Sainte-Foy.” Public Advertiser, 24 July 1760.

© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2018.
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Monday, January 1, 2018

Letter from Colonel Simon Fraser to General Forbes, Jan. 1758

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Dear Sir

I had the pleasure of your letter Saturday, & acording to your directions have sent the ten drafts with a carefull Serjeant, they are clear by our Regiment to the 25th decr.

I did not at all grudge the trouble of making up the controut & only mention'd it as an apology for it being so long unsent.

The people here at present fancy themselves oblig'd to furnish our Officers with fireing & their genius in such that they do easily whatever they think themselves oblig'd to do, but not a lot more; therefore if any reference is made to head quarters, if it cannot be determined for us I wish the matter of right may not be determin'd against us, & then I think we can persuade them; for it will be very expensive for a Subaltern to pay a dollar a week for firing, which is what the people askd at the beginning when they thought themselves under no obligation to furnish it.

I shall follow your directions about Serjt. Fraser, but I imagine you will think it proper to let me have as soon as conveniently may be The Earl of Loudoun's further orders, because I was told two days ago that the Governor had wrote to the Authority of this place & left it in their discretion to claim Serjt. Fraser or not, directing them at the same time to take care that guilt shoud not come upon the land. Now if he was tried by a Court Martial they woud be satisfied there was no guilt to come upon the land & woud think no more of claiming him, which I know they want to avaoid if they can conscientiously.
                                                                 
                                                                                       I am with great regard
                              
                                                                                       Dear Sir

                                                                                       Your most obedient & most
                                                                                        humble Servant
                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                     S. Fraser

Stratford Janry 23d. 1758.
Note: The ten drafts Colonel Fraser spoke of were being sent to Otway's 35th Regiment to augment heavy losses during the siege on Fort William Henry. The colonel was ordered to send 90 men in December 1757, but it's not clear if these ten are fulfilling that original requirement or if they are additional augmentees, thus possibly raising the final number to 100.

Serjeant Fraser was involved in the killing of Corporal Mackay, at the guardhouse, and his chain of command was in turmoil about turning him over to the civilian authorities, or try him internally by military court martial.

Source:
Colonel Simon Fraser, "Letter of Colonel Simon Fraser to Colonel Forbes, Adjutant General, at His House in the Broadway or at the Fort, New York." NAS, GD45-2-29-12.

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

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Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Lieutenant Alexander Gregorson, 78th Regiment

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Lieutenant Alexander Gregorson, of Ardtornish [1730-1789] - s/o James Macgregor & Marjorie Campbell [dau. of Alexander Campbell of Airds] - a gentleman volunteer gazetted an ensign on June 10, 1758 after the death of Lieutenant John Cuthbert created a vacancy. 

Colonel Simon Fraser recommended him for the promotion before the regiment sailed for Halifax and Louisbourg in a letter, 23 April 1758, to Lord Loudoun, describing Mr. Gregorson as "very strongly recommended by Colonel Campbell & to whose friends I am so much indebted that I should take his being provided for as a very great favour." And while the real identity of Colonel Campbell is not known, the introduction of Gregorson as a civilian suggests no earlier military service. The recording of his commission in the British Army Lists advocates his assignment with Colonel Fraser as his first post.

Gregorson, a descendant from Clan Macgregor, and whose kinsman, John, also served in Quebec with the 2nd Battalion of the 60th Royal American Regiment, was listed among the officers who sailed for Louisbourg in 1758; fought at Plains of Abraham on September 13, 1759 where he, along with Ensign McKenzie and Lieutenant Alexander Fraser, was described in the journal kept by Malcolm Fraser as "slightly wounded." Additionally, he sustained injuries at the Battle of Sainte-Foy on April 28, 1760, where he was taken a prisoner and almost killed by Indians, but erroneously documented as "dead" in Governor Murray’s Return of Prisoners of War.

List of Officers Sent in Governor Murray’s Return not Included in the List of English Prisoners returned from Canada, June 14, 1760
Fraser’s: Ens. Alexr. Gregorson: Prisoner on Parole at Quebec. Dead.
                Ens. Malcolm Fraser: Prisoner on Parole at Quebec. Dead.
Otway’s: Capt. Ince: Dead
Lascelle’s: Capt. Archbold: Dead
Amherst’s: Ens. Montgomery: Dead
Lawrence’s: Lt. Forbes mentioned in Govr. Murray’s is Dead.
A contemporary newspaper account from the period captured the death of Captain Ince and the four other officers correctly.

 The Pennsylvania Gazette, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 3, 1760
That Captain Ince, of Otway's, and four other Officers, wounded and taken Prisoners the 28th of April, died of their Wounds at Montreal.

 The ensign was promoted to lieutenant on April 29, 1760 in room of Lt. Cosmo Gordon, killed.

Alexander's kinsman, John, having knowledge his regiment were to remain and provide the guard to Quebec after the war, joined the 78th in the summer of 1763 in order to return to Europe.  The Highlanders' sailed home in October and "broke" at Glasgow on December 14, 1763, where both men were exchanged to half-pay.

Gregorson returned to active service on January 23, 1788 as a then-58-year-old lieutenant in the Landguard Fort Invalid Company, and was discharged dead the following year.

The Edinburgh Evening Courant, October 16, 1789
INVALIDS. Lieut. Robert Thomas, from  Capt. James Malcolm's Independent Company at Sheerness, to be Lieutenant in Captain William Pemble's Independent Company at Landguard Fort, vice Alexander Gregorson, deceased.

Note: Since the publishing of this post, new evidence has surfaced suggesting John Gregorson transferred from the 78th Regiment to the 2nd Battalion, 60th Royal Americans prior to September 1761.

Sources:
Fraser, Malcolm. Extract from a Manuscript Journal Relating to the Siege of Quebec [Quebec, 1886].

Marie Fraser, “Officers of the 78th Regiment.” Clan Fraser Society, Canada, 2001.

Macgregor, Amelia Georgiana Murray. History of the Clan Gregor: from public records and private collections. Vol. 2 [William Brown, 1901].

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

This article last update 18 October 2021.


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Friday, December 1, 2017

Soldiers of the 78th Regiment Remaining in North America After 1763

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As it is our primary goal to provide our readers with the most accurate information available, the following update is provided to our article originally published 1 December 2017. 

Update: New information has been secured in the form of a contemporary military return dated October 1763, which specifies 584 soldiers of Colonel Fraser's Regiment discharged at Quebec between 24 August and 24 September 1763 [TNA, W.O. 17/1489]. Of those 584, it is previously confirmed that 170 men were authorized passage to Albany, New York, leaving 414 men, of which Governor Murray commented on 16 September 1765, "The Poor Highlanders were drafted almost to a man into the 15th, 27th and my Battalion [2nd Bn., 60th R.A.], they behaved on this, as on every other occasion, with great prosperity both men and officers [LAC, James Murray Papers. M.G. 23, G II1, vol. (2-7), pp.4-6]."

[Original post]

Once question more commonly asked of those researching the 78th Regiment is, how many soldiers remained in North America at the conclusion of the war? And while exact numbers are not known, by studying available published material for the regiment we can arrive at a fairly close approximation.

It can be stated with a certain degree of confidence that about 528 soldiers initially remained; 170 discharged soldiers, plus an additional 358 men who transferred to other military regiments in the area. How many soldiers of the latter group stayed after 1768 remains a mystery.

During the official demobilization at the conclusion of the war, the disposition of each soldier was dependent on one of the following categories:

     - Returned home and discharged in Scotland.
     - Discharged in North America.
     - Joined the 2d Battalion, 60th R.A. Regiment.
     - Joined the 15th Regiment.
     - Joined the 27th Regiment.
     - Recommended to Royal Chelsea Hospital in London.

Let's take look at how we calculated these numbers to get a better understanding of what transpired.

The Numbers
An analysis of the Subsistence Rolls in the summer 1763 indicates the regiment's strength as follows:

- 865 + 22 soldiers
- 28 women
Total: 915

 Note: 22 soldiers do not appear on the rolls as having received their subsistence pay in 1763, but must be accounted for in the final totals.

 From that, we need to make a few subtractions.

- 283 soldiers listed as returning home in October 1763.
- 76 invalid soldiers separately listed as returning home in October.
Total: 359

So, we have 887 – 359 = 528 [women have been removed from the equation.]

 Additionally, 170 soldiers discharged in North America. These men appear on the Subsistence Rolls and need to be separated from the other soldiers.

528 – 170 = 358

 Now, we have two separate groups that remained consisting of 170 and 358 men respectively. The group of 358 soldiers continued military service with one or more of two regiments that remained to guard the government through 1768. 

 In his 12 September 1763 letter to the Earl of Loudon, Major James Abercrombie affirms a transfer of soldier strength. The majority of the men of the 78th were only subsisted to the 13th of the month, one day later. 

 "...The 47th & 78th have been drafted to compleat the 15th, 27th & 2d Bn. Royal Americans, those three Regts. remain in this govt. & trois rivieres..."
The major's statement is further reinforced by this contemporary newspaper account:

St. James Chronicle or British Evening Post, London, 8 December 1763
Edinburgh, December 3. From Glasgow we have Advice that only the Officers and 200 private Men of Colonel Frazer's Regiment from Quebec had arrived at Greenock, and that 400 of them, before they left that Place, had been draughted into General Amherst's Regiment of Royal Americans.

It's unclear the exact disbursement of soldiers in support of the three remaining regiments, but the 15th Regiment, by 12 September, received 254 draughts, 18 recruits; General Amherst stated, "...the majority of the men from the 78th...." And a thorough review of their muster rolls confirms that about 164 soldiers of the 78th Regiment transferred to the 15th Regiment on 25 August 1763. The remaining soldiers transferred to the Royal Americans as stated in the newspaper, and the 27th Foot.

 A letter from General Amherst to Governor Thomas Gage, dated 1 August 1763 at New York, provides an insight to the challenges the general faced in supplying troops to the three remaining regiments [Amherst to Gage, LAC, W.O. 34/7, Microfilm C-12838, vol. 7, images 271-278].

 "...The Reduced States in which the several Corps at prest. are, The Difficulty in Recruiting them in this country, and the absolute Necessity there is to have them compleat, obliges me to Draft men from those Regiments that are ordered home, as well as take every man of the Disbanded Corps fit for service and who are not Entitled to their Discharge, to fill up the others..." He further continued, "Should there be any men belonging to the Corps in your Government, that are really Invalids, or are Intitled to their Discharges, and are Willing to accept thereof in this Country which I would much rather they should, as I think they can get their Livelyhood by working in America, Easier than at home, you will be pleased to Discharge them accordingly, but they should have a right to be sent to Europe, Agreably to the King's Intentions."
We also discovered evidence supporting 80 soldiers of the 78th Regiment applying for passage to Albany, in a letter from Governor James Murray to General Amherst dated 15 September 1763. And it only makes sense this group was part of the 170 discharged soldiers. 

 "...Major Abercrombie has apply'd to me for a march route & Provisions to Albany for Eighty of the Men of His Regt. who chuse to remain in America rather than go home. I this day allow'd them to march, and I flatter myself you will approve. At Albany every man will go to his respective Destination..." 
Amherst's approval arrived by letter from New York three weeks later on 6 October 1763.

 "...I am glad to find that so many Men of the 78th have Chose to come to Albany, where I hope they will be able to fix on Places to settle in, to their liking, Nothing could be more reasonable than your allowing them provisions to that place."

 In Conclusion
A conservative estimate is about 60 percent of the demobilized regiment initially remained in North America, at least for a few years after the war. And of the original 528 men thought to have stayed, we have currently identified 234 [plus or minus] applying for Crown land in Quebec, New York, and Vermont from 1765-1802. 

 Author and librarian W.S. Wallace wrote, in a 1948 article, "It has been estimated that two or three hundred of the regiment remained in Canada." And while it has been suggested that as many as 400 men may have never returned to Scotland at all, the lack of available paperwork offered as confirmation further concretes this mystery. 

 One thing is for certain, though: both family love and public interest solidifies the continued search for official records of these courageous men and women. And as more information becomes available perhaps one day we'll finally have the answers.

Do you have a Highlander ancestor you would like to share? We would love to hear your story! If you could please reach out and contact us with your information it would be greatly appreciated.

Sources:
Treasury Board Papers, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." LAC, T.1, vol. 422.

Ibid, "Subsistence Rolls of Fraser's Highlanders (the 78th), 1763." TNA, T.1, vol. 422.

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

McIntosh, Walter H. 78th or Colonel Simon Fraser's Regiment [Topsfield, Massachusetts, n.d.]

General James Murray, "Letter addressing various campaign issues." War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Letters from the Governor of Quebec to the Commanders-in-Chief, New York, 1760-63. LAC, W.O. 34, vol. 2.

 Earl John Chapman, "Soldiers of the 78th in North America." Email letter received 20 Nov. 2017. 

 General James Murray, "Embarkation Return of Soldiers of the 78th Regiment [and others.]" October 1763. LAC, War Office Records: Amherst Papers. Miscellaneous Correspondence, Papers and returns, 1759-1763. W.O. 34, vol. 4. 

 Royal Chelsea Hospital. Chelsea Pensioners: 78th Regiment of Foot, January-June 1764. TNA, Series W.O. 116/5. 

 Wallace, W.S. The Footprints of Fraser's Highlanders on the Sands of Time [Quebec, 1948.]

 ©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2017. 
 
Last updated 8 December 2022.

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