Payroll Account of Corporal James Gowe

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

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

[Page 7 - Corporal James Gowe]

Income

To 9 Weeks arrears & Pay Due from y'e. 5th July to y'e. 5th Sepr. as Soldier

     £: 1. 10. 9

To 5 Weeks arrears of Pay Due y'e. 5th Sept'r. to 10th Oct'r.

     £: 0. 8. 1½

To 3 Weeks arrears @ 5p week

     £: 0. 1. 3

To 6 Weeks Pay & arrears Due from y'e. 17th Oct'r. to y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757
as Corporal

     £: 1. 7. 3

To 21 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757 to y'e. 24th Apr'l. 1758

     £: 1. 14. 1½

[Total]  £: 5. 1. 6

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes & 1 Nap Sack

     £: 0. 6. 6

To 2 Haversacks & 1 Cocade

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 1 Pair Garters & 1 Sett buckles

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Kilt & 1 Small belt

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Turn Key Screw brush & wire

     £: 0. 0. 9

To Provisions at Glasgow

     £: 0. 4. 8

To Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq'd. Shirts

     £: 0. 7. 0

To 10 Months Stoppages for y'e. Payment Serjt. @ 1p month

     £: 0. 0. 10

To 7 D'o D'o. for y'e. Barber @ 2p D’o.

     £: 0. 1. 2

To your Proportion of a Cook's Frock

£: 0. 0. 8

To Cash given you at Fairf'd.

     £: 0. 18. 8

  [Total]  £: 2. 8. 3

 [Income minus Expenses equals Cash Paid]

To Cash Paid as Bala'ce of Above

       £: 2. 14. 3

Halifax 11th May 1758 Rec'd. y'e. above Bala'ce. in full of my Pay & arrears of Pay from y'e. Date of my Attestation to y'e. 24th Apr. Last as witness of my hand. [signed] James Gowe.

Source:
Payroll Account of James Gowe, 78th Regiment of Foot, 1758. MS NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 18-19, Military Account Book at Halifax. National Archives Scotland, n.p.

© Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Report of Colonel Simon Fraser to General Forbes, Jan. 1758

Dear Sir,

I have at length sent you the Report & Controut of Quarters which I am afraid you expected sooner, but when you look at their extent, & consider that I was oblig'd to visit them all twice, & at same time to Settle the Draft for Otways, you will perhaps do me the Justice to believe the Report was not delay'd thro my idleness.

I take for granted the Controut is not exactly acording to the form used in England, because the Men are here quarterd in private houses, & that the towns extend to 12 & 15 Miles without any distinguishing Names for the several parts, except those of the Landlords or proprietors of houses; but I hope it will answer the end you desired of shewing whether the Men are crouded in the billets & whether the quarters are compact. Upon the whole I think we have reason to be satisfied with the quarters & with the inclination of the people to Accomodate the troops; in some places they might be brought a little closer together, but so little that it is not worth moving for, especialy as they woud then be worse accomodated, for where there are many in one house, they have a part of the house alotted them with fire & untesils to dress their provisions, but where there are only a few, they give in their provisions & mess with the people & live vastly better. You seemed desireous to know some of these particulars so I chose rather to mention them here than at the end of the Report, We find some difficulty with regard to firing for the Officers, the people here hitherto furnish'd it conditionally, but they are anxious to know if there are any allowance for that Article, I remember when it was thought we shoud have staid at Halifax, there was a certain sum to be paid every Officer acording to his rank, Will you be so good to inform me if there is any thing of that sort given here.

I wrote you a few lines from Fairfield in a hurry to beg your advice about an unlucky accident that happened here & it has since been examined by Court of Enquiry which I thought the surest method of procuring an Accounty that might be depended on, I have inclosed a Coppy of the proceedings which I am told agree exactly with the Coroner's inquest. I must in justice to the unhappy survivor say that he was one of the most useful & best behaved Men in the Battalion, in which he never before received a reprimand.

There having been no application from the Civil power he still Continues confined in the gaurd, the only prison in this place. Why wont you take the trouble to tell me either as Adjt. Genl. or as a friend what I am to do in regard to him, for I am unwilling at least till I am instrued, to do any thing that might at all be construed to carry it out of My Lord Loudoun's hands.

As the publick orders bore that all Reports & returns were to be made to Genl. Webb, altho it was by you I was directed to make out the Report & Controut of Quarters I was at a loss whether to send it to you or Genl. Webb, however in order to be sure I have sent him a Coppy of it along with the Monthly Return & the proceedings of the Court of Enquiry.

One of the Sloops that carrys Otways drafts carrys you a barrel of Norwalk Oysters.

I am with great regard,

Dear Sir,

Your most Obedient & most humble Servant 

[signed] S. Fraser

Stratford, Janry 10 1758

Source:

Letter of Col. Simon Fraser to Colonel Forbes, Adjutant General, at His House in the Broadway or at the Fort, New York. NAS GD 45-2-29-3.

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

Major Clephane's Road Clearing Detachment, Sep. 1758

General Jeffrey Amherst, having arrived with troops at Boston, Massachusetts on 12 September 1758, and commanding from headquarters at Springfield two weeks later, ordered Major James Clephane, the light infantry of Colonel Fraser's 78th Regiment, and 200 local pioneers to begin clearing the road 14 miles west of headquarters, from the city of Westfield to Blandford, so that he and his troops could pass through an otherwise disheveled road. The general documented a few of the upcoming challenges in his personal journal.

Journal excerpts
24th. [Sept.] I marched before day break by the right and went through a woody Country to Springfield. No part cleared, but the woods with no high underwood, as they have burnt it constantly for nearly two years past, and the Country people say it has spoiled the Ground. I arrived at Springfield in good time, Lt. Col. Robertson met me; he had been to the green wood and thought by Pioneers and the help of some Country People to work we might pass that way, so I changed my intended route. Springfield has five Parishes about 100 Families in each; logs on both Sides of the Connecticut River; is 75 miles from the Sea & the River is very fine, about 500 yards over, but there are some falls between the Town and the Sea that hinder Ships from passing. Navigable for flat bottomed boats. A Sloop of 70 tons was built at Springfield & passed the falls & Rocks in a flood.

25th. I got all the ferry boats and other boats that could be found & passed over the five battalions, and encamped on the other side to be ready to march the next day. I sent forward 200 Pioneers with Tools and the Light Infantry of Fraziers under the command of Major Clepham [sic.] We got boats enough to pass a Regiment & all its Baggage in an Hours time so that the whole were over in good time, and encamped about a half a mile from the water side.

Orders to Major Clephane

"Major Clephane to march with the Detachment of light Infantry of the Highland Regiment and 200 Pioneers as ordered this day, and to en camp to morrow night at about two miles beyond Westfield, He will take with his Detachment [the requisite?] of Tools and a bread Waggon with three days bread.

Lt. Col. Robertson the D. Quarter Master General will be with Major Clephane to morrow night to shew him the Road where his Detachment is to work, that the Troops may pass from Westfield to Blandford No. 3, No. 2 & Sheffield. a waggon for the Major & officers to carry their Tents and a waggon to carry the Mens Tents to be at the waterside to morrow morning and a Guide to be ready there. a Bullock will be killed at Blandford for furnishing the Men with Provisions."

Given at Head Quarters at Springfield this 24th September 1758.   Jeff Amherst

To Major Clephane

Sources:

Amherst, Jeffrey, and John Clarence Webster. The Journal of Jeffery Amherst, Recording the Military Career of General Amherst in America from 1758 to 1763. Edited with Introduction and Notes by J. Clarence Webster. Ryerson Press, 1931.

Jeffrey Amherst, "Orders by General Amherst to Major Clephane, commanding the escort for 200 pioneers who will prepare the road from Westfield to Blandford and Sheffield for the passage of troops." NAS, GD125-22-17-00064.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Monthly Return of Sep. 24, 1759

The monthly Army Returns reported on the strength of each regiment, including total numbers of men present, absent, sick, or on extra daily duty, as well as giving a report of officers and some categories of enlisted men. They were a very useful and effective planning tool in eighteenth-century combat operations and are still in practical use throughout today's armed forces.

Ten soldiers of the 78th Regiment were admitted to Royal Chelsea Hospital on July 20, 1759, nine of which are listed as having sustained injuries at Louisbourg. James Williamson; Roderick Mcniel; William Fraser Callum; James Cummings; John Gillis; William Cunnison; Alexander McTavish; Robert Thompson; John Fraser, John Macallum.

MONTHLY RETURN OF HIS MAJESTY’S FORCES IN THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, UNDER THE COMMAND OF BRIGR. GENL. ROBERT MONCKTON, SEPTR. 24TH 1759.
78TH REGIMENT: COLONEL FRASER’S
OFFICERS PRESENT
COMMISSION
Colonels	Lt. Colonels	Majors	Captains	Lieutenants	Ensigns
1			11	25	13
OFFICERS ABSENT
Major Clephane			Left sick at New York
Major Campbell			Never joyn’d His Majesty’s
Lieut. McTavish			Left with the sick at Louisbourg
NAMES OF VACANT OFFICERS
Capt. Ross			Killed Sepr. 13th
Lieut. Roderick McNeil			Killed Sepr. 13th
Lieut. Alexr. McDonell			Killed Sepr. 13th
STAFF
Chaplains	Adjutants	Qr. Masters	Surgeons	Mates
1	1	1	1	2
EFFECTIVES			RANK & FILE
Fit for Duty	Sick/Present	Sick/Hospital	Absent sick & on duty	Recruiting	On Furlow
744	245	241	66
TOTAL: 1296
WANTING TO COMPLEAT
Serjeants	Drummers	Rank & File
		149
SINCE LAST RETURN
Recruited	Dead	Discharged	Deserted	Killed	Wounded
	8	1		27	137
JOYN’D			INVALIDS
Serjeants	Drummers	Rank & File	Recommended to Chelsea and kept on Regiments pay
4	2	131	11
PRISONERS OR MISSING			---

Source:

Casgrain, P.-B. A few remarks on "The siege of Quebec" and the battle of the Plains of Abraham by A. Doughty in collaboration with G.W. Parmeles, and on The probable site of the battle of the Plains of Abraham, by A. Doughty. App. III, J. Hope, 1903. 

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Major Abercrombie's Letter to Earl of Loudoun, Sep. 1763

Transcription of a letter giving details of military affairs in America at the end of the French and Indian war, sent to Earl of Loudoun as former commander in America. Parson Robert Macpherson returned home in September [prior to the mutiny at Quebec], having obtained leave from General Murray, while the main body of the 78th Regiment departed Quebec in early October, arriving at Glasgow in December 1763.

Quebec Sepr. The 15^th 1763

My Lord

I have nothing worth giving your Lordship the trouble of a letter however I could not let slip this opportunity of congratulating you on your return from Portugal, for by what I have heard of the few Portuguese troops & the handful of English your Lordship had few laurele could have been reapt.

The Indian War is almost become general in this Country, all the upper posts have been cut off except Detroit, your Lordship will readily excuse me coppying the New York Gazette, besides the bearer Mr McPherson Chaplain to the 78^th can acquaint you with what we know, this gentleman is a most deserving Sensible man, & the best Chaplain I ever knew, I hope your Lordship will therefore be pleased to honor him with your countenance.

The 47^th & 78^th have been drafted to compleat the 15^th, 27^th, 2d Bn. Royal America, those three Regts remain in this govt. & trois rivieres – the 28^th at Montreal who were completed from the 4^th Battn. Rl. Americans & the 44^th the last Regt. garrisons Crown Point & fort Levi – alias fort Wm. Augustus.

Nothing is yet setled in Canada either in respect to governor or governments all Murray expects to remain & will be much dissapointed should it happen otherwise.

Your friend Robertson has gone to Pensacola & Louisana to settle the posts there, I hope it will be made worth his while, for it is a most dissagreable jaunt.

I intended to have gone home with the remains of the Regt. but Sir Jeffery has desired I would go by New York, I shall therefore set out for thence in a few days, & I don’t think it improbable but I may be sent a Scouting if theres the least probability of a step I shall accept with pleasure, but without that I will not be fond of Indian hunting.

My best respects to Miss Kitty, & I have the honor to be,

Your Lordship

Much obliged & most

Humble Servant

James Abercrombie ~ 

To the Earl of Loudoun

Source:

Abercrombie, James. "Letter addressed to John Campbell, 4th Earl of Loudoun, 15 Sept. 1763." John Campbell, Loudoun papers concerning the siege and fall of Quebec, 1756-1784. Houghton Library, Harvard College Library, cat. no. 45M-113F.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019. 

Instructions for Draughting of Foot Guards, Jan. 1757

During the early recruitment of soldiers for both the newly established Highland Battalions [Colonel Montgomery's and Colonel Fraser's Regiments], leadership requested senior non-commissioned officers [serjeants and corporals] from those that were already established. Veteran soldiers were highly sought after for their ability to not only successfully train the new recruits, but it was also required they could speak the Scottish Gaelic Highland language, to be able to pass down orders from the senior officers. A transcription of Lord Barrington's letter to the field commanders addressing these requirements is as follows.

War Office 25 Janry 1757

Sir

          The King having been pleased to direct two Highland Battalions to be forthwith raised to serve in North America and Commanded by Lieut. Col. Montgomery and Lieut. Col. Fraser and it being requested by the said Lieut. Colonels that the Serjeants and Corporals for the said Battalions should be taken from Corps, where Men shall be found qualified for such Non Commiss Officers I am therefore to acquaint you it is His Majesty's Pleasure that you will cause Twenty five men to be draughted from the Regiments of Foot Guards under your Command who can speak the Highland Language Ten of whom are to be turned over to Lieut Col. Montgomery's Battalion and the remaining fifteen to Lieut. Col. Fraser's Battalion which Men are to be Draughted with their own consent and approved of by the said Lieut. Col.s of Officers appointed for that Service in order to their being Sergts. or Corporals as the said Lieut Colonels shall think proper For each of whom the sum of Five pounds is to be paid by the said Battalions receiving them, to your Regt., but care is to be taken that none above the degree of a Corporal is to be draughted.  I am

                                                               Sir     &c.

                                                                                          Barrington

Field Officer in Staff waiting

for the three Regts. of Foot Guards

                                    Guards . . . . 10 . . . . 15 . . . . 25

Like letters of the same date to the following Colonels or Officers Commanding their respective Regiments.

Earl of Homes

Montgomery's:  6

Frasers:  4

Total:  10

Genl. Anstruther's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  5

Total:  9

Genl. Holmes's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  -

Total:  4

Leighton's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  6

Total:  10

Lord Robert Manners's

Montgomery's:  4

Fraser's:  -

Total:  4

Lambton's

Montgomery's:  2

Fraser's:  6

Total:  8

Lord Charles Manners's

Montgomery's:  6

Fraser's:  -

Total:  6

Lord Loudouns

Montgomery's:  -

Fraser's:  4

Total:  4

Total:

Montgomery's:  40

Fraser's:  40

Editorial
The Newcastle Weekly Courant (Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, England)
Saturday, March 5, 1757
Tuesday 30 more Highlanders, Volunteers from the third Regiment of Foot Guards, passed through this town, in the Way to join Col. Frazier's Battalion at Inverness.

Note: In 1756, commanded by Earl of Rothes, the Third Regiment of Foot Guards were listed as 1468 strong (including 54 commissioned officers), and at a yearly cost of £36,001.3.4 in wages for the soldiers. They represented just one of 30 foot regiments assigned to the king's army at the time. [Journal of the House of Commons, Volume 27].

Be sure to visit our Editorials page for related events with the 78th Regiment of Foot.

Source:

War Office Records: Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Dec. 1756 - Apr. 1757. LAC, W.O. 4, vol. 53 (Selections), pp. 102-3.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.

Clothing for the Highland Regiments, 1757

The official tartan worn by the 78th Foot remains a mystery; however, many historians believe it was the Black Watch plaid, same as the 42d Foot. It is suspected this was also the tartan worn by Colonel Montgomery's 77th Foot, and researchers conclude any striking changes by Colonel Fraser would have probably been noted. Newly discovered evidence in the form of a letter penned by Colonel Fraser strongly suggests his men also wore the government plaid.

Colonel Fraser's army agent, George Ross, was most likely responsible for procuring uniforms for the 78th Foot [then - the Second Highland Battalion] on the colonel's behalf. Typically, the agent was responsible for handling the  administrative and financial matters, including ordering uniforms through a hired army clothier, who would employ the various trades (weavers, tailors, cordwainers, lace and button makers, etc.) to fulfill contracts and ship goods. As there were numerous army clothiers supplying the regiments, identifying the specific clothier used might assist in locating the exact cloth Colonel Fraser and his men would have worn.

Army Clothiers
Two known army clothiers during the war were James Mann (St. Martin in the Fields), brother to Galfridus Mann (d. 1756 - who originally inherited the business from his father, Robert), and William Wilson (The Strand), both of Westminster, UK. Coincidentally, George Ross also maintained an office in that city on Conduit Street, along with other prominent army agents, including John Calcraft. Following the death of Galfridus Mann, it is strongly suspected his brother James petitioned the Earl of Loudoun to maintain current company army clothing contracts. In a letter dated 7 Jan. 1757, John Calcraft, agent for both the 42d and 77th Foot, tells Loudoun: "...Now my Lord let me tell you Mr. Mann is dead which you will I suppose hear from his Brother & receive also a sollicitation [sic] to be continued clothier - you will too receive a letter from Fisher and many others on the same subject."

Note:
John Calcraft (1726-1772) operated an army agency in Westminster, England, handling the administrative and financial affairs of numerous regiments. His agency appears to have transferred to Thomas Fisher about 1761. [LAC, John Calcraft fonds description; Microfilm A-1101].

1759 Kent City Directory, Westminster:
Fisher & Pearse: Blackwelhall-factors, Lothbury.
James Mann: Woollen-draper, near Durham-Yard, Strand.
William Willson: Woollen-draper, Strand.

Army Clothiers Petition
The following letter is a petition of clothiers to the army asking for payment of 'off-reckonings' and complaining about backwardness in payments.

     To the Right Honourable The Lords Commissioners of his Majestys Treasury. The Humble Memorial of the Clothiers to his Majestys Army - Shewith:

     That throughout the whole Course of the present War, your Memorialists have been greatly distress'd by the Backwardness in payment of Off Reckonings, at times when Money could not be borrowed on any Security, the price of Labour near double, and Materials 10p Cent: higher, than they had been at breaking out of the War.

      That the same Circumstances of Distress in many Respects still continue, And your Memorialists have at this time the Clothing of the whole Army to put in hand; which it is really out of their power to do till they shall be enabled by payment of some Off Reckonings, no payment having been made since April last and that, only till June 1761.

     Your Memorialists therefore humbly prays your Lordships to take their Case into Consideration and to order payment of a years Off Reckonings to 24 June 1762.

[signed]
Fisher & Pearse
Jno. Hankins
Wm. Wilson
James Mann

Cover sheet:
To the Right Hon'ble
The Lords Commissioners of
His Majestys Treasury
The Humble Petition of
the Clothiers to the Army

7th Jany. 1763
Read 1 Mar. 1763

Letters of the Clothing Board
London, 10 December 1759
Sir,
Mr. Ross agent to Col. Fraser's Battalion having represented to His Excellency Field Marshal Lord Viscot. Ligonier, that there having been no Lace last year upon the clothing of the said Battalion, and that there is not Time at present for making the Quantity requisets to lace the cloaths, according to the Directions of the General Officers of the Clothing, His Lordsh. orders me to acquaint you, that he has consented to that Battalion's Cloathing being made up (for this Time only) without Lace, with which I am to desire you will be pleas'd to acquaint the Cloathing Board.

I am
Sir
your most obedient
humble servant
[signed] Robt. Napier Adjt. Genl.

To Wm. Fauquier Esqr.

Note: William Fauquier replied to Robert Napier eight days later with the following below response.

Comptrollers Office, Horse Guards, 18 Dec. 1759

Sir,
I am order'd by the Cloathing Board held here today, to acquaint you, that as they apprehend the case of want of time to lace Col. Fraser's Battalion, has been misrepresented to his Excellency Field Marshal Lord Viscot. Ligonier; and Lord John Murray's Patterns, which were under the same circumstances, and therefore postpon'd at the last Board, were this day produc'd properly laced and lapelld; and Mr. Mann the clothier having engag'd to the Board, that Col. Fraser's shall be laced and lapell'd in time; They desire you will represent to his Lordshp., that as the Reason for not complying with the general order is thereby removed, They imagine his Lordshp. will think it proper that they should see His Majesty's orders comply'd with; and have order'd the Patterns of cloathing properly laced & lapell'd to be exhibited at another Board to be held on Monday next. I am with the greatest Respect,

Sir
your most obedient
humble servant
[signed] Wm. Fauquier

To Lieut. Genl. Napier.

Note: It can now be definitively stated that James Mann was, in fact the official clothier for Colonel Fraser's Regiment, at least during the first few years of the war. Additionally, in the original letter of 18 December, "want of time" is underlined.

[Clothing; TNA, WO 7/26].

Early Scottish Manufacturing

The British Linen Company was established in Edinburgh by royal charter in 1746. The Company was empowered to 'carry on the Linen Manufactory in all its branches' and was granted limited liability. The word 'British' in its title was an attempt to deflect the suspicion aroused by all things Scottish, after the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745. The Company's key promoters were the 3rd Duke of Argyll; Lord Milton; the Earl of Panmure; and George Middleton, a London banker.

As the production of Scottish manufacturing grew slowly in the 1730s, the commercial output of linen doubled from an annual average of 3.5 million yards in 1728-32 to 7.8 million yards by 1748-52. The British Linen Company's prospects brightened in the mid-1750s as war promised to disrupt German competition, and internal correspondence indicates an eagerness to secure clothing contracts with Agent George Ross, as he represented a number of British regiments at the time. 

10 April 1755

To William Tod, London

"My Lord Milton desires you would wait on Mr. George Ross who is agent for the Earl of Home's and sundry other regiments and Make Lord Milton's compliments to him and let him know that if proper samples were fixed upon 'tis believed this Company could supply most of the regiments [at least in time] with their shirting linens and that if Mr. Ross thought it fit a trial might be made of supplying Lord Home's regiment which is now in Scotland & if that pleased others might be contracted for hereafter. And likewise the Company could engage to supply them with their linen for splatterdashes."

Mr. Tod was a sales agent for the British Linen Company operating from an office in London. Although it is unclear if he was successful signing George Ross to contract for clothing any of his regiments, including the 78th Foot, the amount of cloth needed to outfit a large army in such a short period of time (over 10 miles of material) would have definitely required the services of a company with considerable output capabilities.

William Sandeman
William Sandeman, a leading Perthshire linen and later cotton manufacturer is documented as having supplied tartan to Murray's 42d Foot as early as 1759. In a January 1773 letter to the House of Commons, remarking on the decline of linen production following the war, he states: "...some years ago Two Hundred Weaver Loom [were] employed in the Winter Time, and this Winter they have hardly Thirty Looms at work." It seems Sandeman's operations during the war efforts were more than adequate to outfit a regiment with plaid in as little as about three weeks, assuming each loom's production of five to eight yards of cloth daily remained consistent. However, documentation has yet to be discovered supporting whether or not Sandeman also supplied cloth to Colonels Fraser and Montgomery's Regiments.

Clothing for a Highland Regiment

From the document entitled, A State of Clothing for a Highland Regiment at first raising, 1757. 

For each man, 1st year:

- 1 Coat

- 1 Waistcoat

- 1 Plaid

- 1 Bonnet

- 2 Shirts

- 2 Stocks

- 2 Pairs shoes

- 4 Pairs hose

For each man, 2d year:

- 1 Coat

- 1 Bonnet

- 1 Shirt

- 1 Stock

- 2 Pairs shoes

- 2 Pair hose

N.B. The plaid to last two years, the Shoes & hose to be deliver'd half yearly, Viz, one pair of Shoes & two pairs hose in June, and one pair Shoes wth. the other two pairs hose in December. The old Coat makes the vestcoat after the first cloathing.

From the document entitled, Regulation of Cloathing for a Highland Regt. of Foot, c. 1757. 

For a Serjeant:

- A Plaid of good tartan Cloth to be delivered once in two years at 1s/6d p. yard

- A Short Coat of Red Cloth every year

- A Waistcoat made out of the coat of preceding year

- A Bonnet every year at 1/2 a piece

- A good Shirt and Stock once a year

- A Pair of Short Hose every 3 Months at 1/5 p. pc

- A Pair of Shoes at 3/4 every 6 Months or money

For a Drummer:

- A Plaid of good Tartan Cloth once in two years containing 12 yards at 1s /p yard

- A Short Coat of good Cloth every year

- A Waistcoat made out of the Coat of the preceding yr

- A Bonnet every Year at 9d apiece

- A good Shirt and Stock once a year

- A pair of Short Hose every 3 Months ¾ yd. each at 10d p yard

- A pair of Shoes every 6 Months

- A belt and Sling once a year if wanted

For a private Soldr: as a Drummer:

Memoranda for Coll. Montgomery

- One of the Selvages to be Twiled

- Prices to be like Lord John Murray's

- Commission to Scott 2½ p cent

- Regimental buckles are got
- Regimental Garters to be bought at Glasgow

- Belts for Kelting Men provide

- Plaids, Bonnets, and Hose provided for the officers and charged to Paymaster

42d Foot
Lieutenant John Robertson, 42d Foot, gazetted 21 July 1758, paid James Scott, merchant in Edinburgh, for the following goods prior to his departure to the West Indies. Scott operated a shoppe in the Canongate District near St. John's Cross to the foot of St. Mary's Wynd. Dated 23 August 1758. [NAS, GD132/395].

- 4 yards scarlet and white tartan [presumably for the diamond pattern leg hose]
- ¾ yards superfine scarlet cloth
- 4 yards tristian

- 4½ yards tartan for phealbeg [possibly Murray of Atholl tartan]
- 2 yards broad linen for drawers
- Bonet 

- Ribbons, cockade

- Black feathers
- 1 pair broad rib'd silk hose

Additionally, the lieutenant discharged an account to Jean Murray, merchant in Blair [Atholl], for tartan, ribbons for cockades, etc. Dated 27 March 1759. [NRS, GD132/397].

July 30, 1758
- 4 yd fine Tartan
- 2 yd best red & white tartan
- 3 yd garters
- 3½ fine tartan
- 2 yd Ribban for Cockads
- 3 oz thread

Aug 2.
- 11 yd tartan
- 4 yd Ribban for Cockads
- 1oz thread
- 3½ yd tartan
- 1 oz thread
- 4 yd fine tartan
- 9 yd tartan
- 4 yd fine Ditto
- 8 yd Ribban
- 1oz thread
- 1 yd fine red & white tartan
- 6 yd tartan
- 2½ Broad black Ribban
- 3 yd fine garter
- 19 yd Ribban for Cockads
- 2¼ fine tartan red & white
- 3 yds Coarse Ditto
- 5½ of Linnen
- ¼ of Cambrick
- 2 oz thread
- 2 quare post paper
- ½ Pound of Candy Bread
- 6 yd Ribban

Sep. 6th.
- 3½ yds tartan
- ¼ p gun powder
- 15 yd Ribban
- 4 yds fine tartan
- 4 yd Ditto
- 3 yd Broad black Ribban
- 2 yd Ditto
- ½ gun powder
- 2¼ Cambrick
- 3 yds Broad black Ribban
- 3 yds Red Ribban
- 6 yds gartar

Oct. 2.
- 3 yds fine Cambrick
- ¾ tartan red & white
- 6 yds red & bleu [?] Ribban
- 4½ best black Ribban
- ? Pound Rasons & Almonds

Blair, March 27, 1759
Bill for £11. 2. 0½
Recived the above in full of all Demands Preseding this Debt
[signed] Jean Murray

77th Foot
Ensign Alexander Grant purchased the following uniform components from Peter Leitch, an Edinburgh merchant and tailor. Dated 24 January 1757. [NRS, GD248/86/3].

A Regimental Coat & Waistcoat Lac'd & Loop'd
- 1-5/8 yd. Scarlet Cloth
- Green cloth for Lapels & cuffs
- White [cloth for] the Waistcoat
- 4 yds White Shalloon
- 3 doz. Silver Buttons [on] Ivory Moulds
- 1½ doz. Small [silver buttons]
- Body Lining
- A Velvet Collar
- 3½ yds. Silver Lace
- Silk Twist Buckrum & Stays

A Regimental Frock & Waistcoat Lac'd
- 2-9/16 yds. Scarlet Cloth
- Green Cloth for Lapels & Cuffs
- 4½ yds. fine Shalloon
- Dimoty body Lining
- Silk Twist & Stays
- 3 doz. Silver Buttons on Ivory Moulds
- 1½ doz. Small [silver buttons]
- Velvet Collar
- 15¾ yds. Silver Binding

A Pair Scarlet Cloth Breeches
- For the Outside
- Silver Garters
- Making pockets Lining Silk
- Twist & Stays

Notes:

An excerpt from the book entitled, The Red & White Book of Menzies suggests the following: "The hose of the 42d Black Watch were of Clan Menzies tartan, 'red & white' check, worn in compliment of the Menzies originators." The diamond pattern leg hose was usually a red and white check which was called cath dath (pr: kaa dah) - war pattern.

James Scott and fellow Edinburgh merchant Archibald Hart are both mentioned in correspondence discussing a dispute over clothing for Montgomery's 1st Highland Battalion. Acting military agent John Calcraft to intercede. [NRAS771/Bundle 331].

A list of accoutrements issued to the men of the 78th Regiment can be found here.

It's worth mentioning, since the original publishing of this article, that new information has been uncovered, strongly suggesting the 78th Foot wore the same tartan as Lord Loudoun's 64th Foot. See our FAQ page for full details.

The article was last updated 22 August 2021.

Sources:

"Army Clothiers Petition." Received by The Lords Commissioners of his Majesty's Treasury, March 1763, London, UK. TNA, T1/424/412-413.

Calcraft, John. Regulation of Cloathing for a Highland Regt. of Foot, c. 1757. James Grant of Ballindalloch papers, 1740-1819, Library of Congress, Washington, D.C.

Calcraft, John. Discussion regarding the death of Galfridus Mann was extracted from a letter to Earl of Loudoun dated 7 Jan. 1757, contained in Vol. 1, Register of private letters of J[ohn] C[alcraft], Army Agent, to the officers in the army and others; 24 Oct. 1756 to 18 Jan. 1765; British Library (Western Manuscripts); Add. MS 17493.

A State of Clothing for a Highland Regiment at first rising, 1757. James Grant of Ballindalloch papers, 1740-1819, Library of Congress.

“British Linen Bank.” Lloyds Banking Group. www.lloydsbankinggroup.com/Our-Group/our-heritage/our-history/bank-of-scotland/british-linen-bank/. [Accessed 10 January 2019]. 

Menzies, D. P. The 'Red and White' Book of Menzies: The History of Clan Menzies and It's Chiefs. Glasgow, 1894.

Richards, Frederick B. The Black Watch at Ticonderoga. Fort Ticonderoga Museum Library, 1920. Lt. John Robertson to the West Indies.

Durie, Alastair J. The British Linen Company, 1745-1775. Scottish History Society, 1996. Internal company letter written to William Tod, 10 April 1755.

“Ancient Highland Dress.” Ancient Highland Dress: The Highlander Leg Hose | Scottish Tartans Authority, www.tartansauthority.com/highland-dress/ancient/. [Accessed 10 January 2019].

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019. 

Payroll Account of Corporal James Smith, 1758

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

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

[Page 6 - Corporal James Smith]

Income

To 9 Weeks Pay & arrears from y'e. 5th July to y'e. 5th Sept'r.

     £: 2. 0. 10½

To 5 Weeks arrears of Pay Due from y'e. 5th Sept'r. to 10th Oct'r.

     £: 0. 8. 1½

To 3 Weeks arrears @ 5p week

     

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

     £: 1. 7. 3

To 21 Weeks arrears of Pay from y'e. 28th Nov'r. 1757 to y'e. 24th Apr'l. 1758

     £: 1. 14 . 1½

[Total]  £: 5. 10. 4½

Expenses

To 1 Pair Shoes & 1 Nap Sack

     £: 0. 6. 6

To 1 Haversacks & 1 Cocade

     £: 0. 1. 8

To 1 Pair Garters & 1 Sett buckles

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Kilt & 1 Small belt

     £: 0. 1. 4

To 1 Turn Key Screw brush & wire

     £: 0. 0. 9

To Provisions at Glasgow

     £: 0. 4. 8

To Spruce Beer at Halifax

     £: 0. 2. 8

To 2 Cheq'd. Shirts

     £: 0. 7. 0

To 10 Months Stoppages for y'e. Payment Serjt. @ 1p month

     £: 0. 0. 10

To 7 Months D'o. for y'e. Barber @ 2p D’o.

     £: 0. 1. 2

To y'e. Proportion of a Cook's Frock

£: 0. 0. 8

To Cash given you at Fairf'd. & Boston

     £: 0. 18. 8

  [Total]  £: 2. 7. 3

 [Income minus Expenses equals Cash Paid]

To Cash Paid as Bala'ce of Above

       £: 3. 3. 1½

[Total]  £: 5. 10. 4½

Halifax 11th May 1758 Rec'd. y'e. above Bala'ce. in full of my Pay & arrears of Pay from y'e. Date of my Attestation to y'e. 24th Apr. last as witness of my hand.     [signed]  James Smith

Source:

Major James Clephane, "Payroll account of Corporal James Smith, 1758." Military Account Book at Halifax. NAS GD125-34-5, pp. 16-17.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, The 78th Regiment of Foot, 2019.