The Children of Colonel Fraser's Regiment, 1757-1763

Extant records indicate 119 women and 29 children accompanied Colonel Fraser to North America in the summer of 1757. These women held numerous unofficial roles in the battalion, performing such duties as cooks, wives, seamstresses, and laundresses. They also played significant roles in providing emotional support for the well-being of their husbands and, at the same time, as mothers raising their children.

Very little information has been discovered about the children in Colonel Fraser's Regiment. And trying to piece together their experiences as dependents is more than a daunting task, simply because there are no family journals or written letters describing their personal experiences available to source from. What were their daily activities? How did they handle growing up during the war? How much of a physical toll did the miles of marching take on their bodies? 

The following list represents known children in the 78th Regiment born between 1757 and 1763. And if you're aware of others, please let us know. We would love to publish their details.

Fraser

Boston, Massachusetts

Sent to the Alms House [Boston, Massachusetts] on the Province Accot. Jennet Fraser an Infant Child left by a soldier belonging to Colo. Frasers Regimt., at the House of John Adams Joiner. [A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, Containing the Selectman's Minutes from 1754 Through 1763. Boston, 1887, Rockwell and Churchill, City Printers, p. 82. (Selectman's Minutes dated approx. April 1758)].

Gordon

Kingussie & Insh, Scotland

James son to James Gordon soldier in the Highland Regiment & Isobel Robertson his wife was born 9th Septr. & bapt'd 12th 1757. [Parish registers for Kingussie and Insh, 1724-1854. FHL, Microfilm 008075570, image 41a].

Note: The name Serjeant James Gordon appears in Captain Alexander McLeod's Company of Colonel Fraser's Regiment in 1763. Captain McLeod assumed command on 4 September 1759 from Captain Alexander Cameron, the original commander of Colonel Fraser's 12th Company, established July 1757. Additional research should be performed to ensure both men are the same soldier.

Gunn

Stratford, Connecticut

In the Congressional Church records at Stratford, Connecticut, January 29, 1758, Reverend Izahiah Wetmore recorded a baptism of "bettee daughter of Daniel Gunn Drum major in Colonel Fraziers Regiment." Daniel was most likely Private Donald Gun [sic], recorded as a drummer in Captain Hugh Cameron's Company, and listed as an "invalid" soldier in 1762. Donald is carried on the final subsistence rolls taken in Aug. 1763. [First Congressional Church Records, 1688-1927 (Stratford, Connecticut). FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 7833792].

Hamilton

Aberdeen, Scotland

July 1st, 1757

Thomas Hamilton Serjeant in Lovet's Highland Battalion, and Elisabeth Fraser, his spouse had a son born; baptised George by the rev'd Mr. Ogilvie, in Presence of Samuel Pillar, Stabler & George Leslie Wright. [Parish Registers for Aberdeen, 1560-1855 (Aberdeen, Scotland). FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 7907672, image 559].

McDonald

Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, Scotland

April 25th, 1757

Donald McDonald Soldier in Collonel Frazers Battalion & Janet Cameron a L S [lawful son] Ranald born 24th Inst. Witts. Fergus McLean & Duncan McAllum Soldiers in same Battalion. [Church Records for Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, 1729-1965. FHL, SLC, Utah. Microfilm 007908717, p. 20].

McLean

Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, Scotland

August 8th, 1757

John McLean Surgeon in Collonel Frazers Regiment & Agnes Lang a L S [lawful son] John born 5 Witts. John Robertson Wright & Hugh McLean Writer William Lang Sponsor. [Church Records for Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, 1729-1965. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007908717, p. 38].

McNaughten

Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, Scotland

April 10th, 1757

John McNaughten Soldier in Collonele Simon Frazers Regiment & Christian McAllum a L S [lawful son] Archd. [Archibald] born 25th March. Witts. Donald McNaughten Weaver & Jno. Bell Workman. [Church Records for Greyfriars Church, Glasgow, 1729-1965. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 007908717, p. 16].

Ouiam Ecossais

[Campbell]

Eglise Saint-Joseph de Deschambault, Quebec, Canada

November 17, 1761

The Seventeenth day of the month of November in the year one thousand seven hundred sixty one, and in the church of Cap Lauzon, seigneurie d'Eschambault, parish of St. Joseph was baptized a girl named Marie Joseph, a baptism of the legitimate marriage of Ouiam Ecossais and of Marie Joseph Chartier, a Canadian. The godfather was Michel Frenet and the godmother was Madeliene Girou, who declared they could neither write nor sign for the following ceremony, the baptism was performed in faith by the undersigned priest, pastor of St. Joseph's and signed in the parish house Cap Lauzon the day and year noted above. [Paroisse De St. Joseph, Deschambault, Quebec, Canada, 1739-1768. Volume 5. FHL, SLC, Utah, Microfilm 004267731, image 262].

Note: Although the surname listed in the parish register margin reads Ouiam Ecossais (William the Scotsman), Marie Joseph was the daughter of Alexander William Campbell, recorded as William in Captain Archibald Campbell's Company in 1763.

Ware

Boston, Massachusetts

On the 15th. Instant Sent to the Alms House [Boston, Massachusetts] on the Province Accot. by two Selectmen & one Overseer, Jannet Ware an Infant Child belonging to Daman Ware a Soldier in Colo. Frasers Regiment of Highlanders, whose wife being dead & no Person to take Care of the Child & not being able to maintain it himself Left it in the Town. A Report of the Record Commissioners of the City of Boston, Containing the Selectman's Minutes from 1754 Through 1763. Boston, 1887, Rockwell and Churchill, City Printers, p. 82-3. [Selectman's Minutes dated approx. April 1758].

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

A database entry for Jannet Ware appears in Children Bound Out, 1756-1806, a transcribed collection of records for children who were "bound out." According to the Children Bound Out database, "Binding Out" was a labor system that connected host families with poor boys and girls willing to serve their master and mistresses as apprentices or servants. In Boston, the majority of the children bound out were from the almshouse rather than from their family home, which filled a thriving market at the time for indentured children. Almshouse, workhouse, poorhouse, poor-farm, etc., all refer to the same thing: "indoor relief for the poor." https://bit.ly/3oA6WmC. [Acc: 30 January 2021].

Name: Ware, Jannet

Gender: F

Master: Wyman, Johnathan

Trade: Housewifery

Town: Woburn

County: Middlesex

Date Bound: 4/3/1765

Date Free: 11/15/1775 [age 18]

Days: 3878

Years: 10.60

Jannet Ware's Indent to Mr. Jonathan Wyman, April 3d 1765

[Courtesy Boston Public Library, Boston, Massachuestts]

This Indenture Witnesseth, that John Barrett Esqr.; The Honble. Royall Tyler Esqr.; Benja. Dolbeare Gent.; Isacc Smith & Melath Bourn Esqrs.; Jona. Mason Gent.; Joseph Gardner Esqr.; William Whehoell; Hendn. Inches; Benja. Hammatt & Ebenr. Storer Gentm. & John Avery Esqrs., 

Overseers of the Poor of the Town of Boston in the County of Suffolk in New England, by and with the Consent of two of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for said County, Have placed and by these Presents do place and bind out a poor Child names Jannet Ware unto Jonathan Wyman of Woburn in the County of Middlesex Yeoman and his wife Martha and their Heirs, and with them after the Manner of an Apprentice to Dwell and Serve, from the Day of the Date of these Presents, until the Fifteenth day of November which will be in the year of our Lord One Thousand seven hundred & seventy five at which time if the said Apprentice should be Living she will arrive at the age of Eighteen years ~

During all which said Time or Tern, the said Apprentice her said Master & Mistress well and faithfully shall Serve, their Secrets shall keep close, their Commandments lawful and honest every where she shall gladly obey; she shall do no Damage to her said Master or Mistress, not suffer it to be done by others, without letting or giving seasonable Notice thereof to her said Master or Mistress she shall not waste the Goods of her said Master & Mistress nor lend them unlawfully to any; At Cards, Dice, or any other unlawful Game or Games she shall not play; Fornication she shall not commit; Matrimony during the said term she shall not contract; Taverns, Ale-Houses, or places of Gaming she shall not haunt or frequent; From the Service of her said Master & Mistress by Day or Night she shall not absent herself; but in all Things and at all times, she shall carry and behave herself towards her said Master & Mistress and all theirs as a good and faithful Apprentice ought to do to the utmost of her ability during all the Time or Term aforesaid. And the said Master doth hereby Covenant and Agree, for himself his said Wife & Heirs to teach the said Apprentice or cause her to be taught to Knit Sew & Spin & all other Branches of good Housewifry ~ Also to Read & Write.

And also shall and will, well and truly find, allow unto, and provide for the said Apprentice, sufficient and wholsome [sic] Meat and Drink, with Washing, Lodging, Cloathing and other Necessaries, meet and convenient for such an Apprentice, during at the Time or Term aforesaid; And at the End and Expiration thereof shall Dismiss the said Apprentice with Two good Suits of Wearing Apparel fitting for all parts of her Body, the one for Lords Days and the other for Working Days suitable to her Degree ~

In Testimony Where the said Parties have to these Indentures interchangeably set their Hands and Seals, the Third Day of April In the 5th Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George 3d King of Great Britain - France &c. Annoque Domini, One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty five.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered in Presence of Us.

Nathan Wyman

Elijah Wyman

Jonathan Wyman

Suffolkss. Boston April 22d 1765

Assented to by Belcher Noyes; William Story

Justices of the Peace

While the events with Jannet Fraser and Jannet Ware occurred in Boston, Massachusetts, one can only wonder how many more events like these took place in other cities visited by the regiment in Connecticut and New York, including the different towns throughout Quebec, Canada.

Source:

Boston (Mass.). Overseers of the Poor. Document of indenture: Servant: Ware, Jannet. Master: Wyman, Jonathan. Town of Master: Woburn. Selectmen of the town of Woburn. Autograph document signed to the Overseers of the Poor of the town of Boston: Endorsement Certificate for Jonathan Wyman. 03 Apr 1765. Web. 25 Mar 2021 [https://ark.digitalcommonwealth.org/ark:/50959/4j03d6149].

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021. 

Article last updated 20 July 2022.

Return of 200 Acres of Land for Evan Cameron, 1765

Evan Cameron, Corporal, 78th Regiment.

Pursuant to an order in Council from the Honble Cadwallader Colden Esquire Lieutenant Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of New York and the Territories Depending theron in America bearing Date the 8th Day of May last Past ~

Survey'd for Evan Cameron late a Corporal in his Majesty's Seventy Eigth Regiment of Foot. All That Certain Tract of Land Situate lying and being on the East Side of Hudson's River in the County of Albany. Beginning at the Southwest corner of a Tract of Land Survey'd for Roderick Fraser and runs thence East Sixty Chains and Sixteen links Then South thirty five Chains Then West Sixty Chains and Sixteen links. Then North Thirty five Chains to the place where this Tract first began Containing Two Hundred Acres of Land and the usual allowance for Highways.

Given under my hand this twenty third Day of July 1765

Alexr. Cowell [?] Survey GL

Cover sheet:
July 23 1765

Return 200 Acres of Land on the East Side

of Hudson's River in the County of Albany

for Evan Cameron late Corporal in the 78th Regt.

Source:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XIX, p. 113. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

© Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

Swords of the 78th Regiment, 1757-1763

The traditional “go-to” weapon of the highland clansman, the Scottish basket-hilt sword has sown fear into the hearts of enemies for centuries. Designed and manufactured long and sleek, its both single and double-edged blades and distinctive basket-hilt, combined with the traditional dirk (a long-bladed thrusting-type dagger), has proven to be more than a match for soldiers on many battlefields. The small amount of information that has been discovered about both the initial manufacturing of the weapon, including the final disposition of these killing tools at the end of the Seven Years’ War when the 78th Regiment officially disbanded, is what we find intriguing.

Nathaniel Jeffreys

Nathaniel Jeffreys (or Jeffries, Cutler to His Majesty) was first identified in documentation as a supplier of swords in 1759. Generally speaking, the coutelier, or cutler, was a manufacturer of knives, scissors, razors and other sharp instruments, usually for domestic use. Cutlers could also make sword blades, daggers, and halberds for the military, as well as surgical instruments. The weapons were made by hand, from the blade to the handle, and the manufacturing generally involved one or a combination of processes: stock removal, forging to shape, welded lamination or investment cast. Primitive weapons were made from bronze, copper, brass, iron, obsidian, and flint. [1]

In October of that year he delivered 3500 "broad swords with iron basket hilts and paste-board scabbards" at five shillings each to the Board of Ordnance, a British body first established in 1683 for the overseeing of weapons and firearms. Two years prior to his contract with the Board, he supplied swords to Colonel Fraser's 2nd Highland Battalion. And while no records exist regarding the actual manufacturing of Colonel Fraser's swords, it is thought that Jeffreys subcontracted for the finished guards, pommels, and blades from a Birmingham, United Kingdom supplier (possibly Samuel Harvey) and assembled them at his London workshop utilizing his own grips and grip coverings. [2]

Swords Identification

As discussed by Anthony Darling in his book, Swords For the Highland Regiments, 1757-1784, when identifying a particular marking on Colonel Fraser's swords (for example, when engraved on the guard is "2/60"), he writes: "...These markings indicate the 60th private of [Colonel] Fraser's second battalion company." Another example might read "3/36." This marking represents the 36th soldier of the third company. The blades of the swords are also stamped with a crowned cipher /GR/IEF/RIS, the mark of a member of the Jeffreys (or Jeffries) family of London cutlers.

Members of the Jeffreys family whose dates are known are: [3]

1763 - Daniel Jeffries: Strand

1765-1768 - Thomas Jeffries: Charing Cross

1769-1777 - Thomas Jeffries: Cockspur Street

1768-1779 - Nathaniel Jeffries: 32 Strand 

Darling further explains, "...The swords of Fraser's Highlanders have guards of 'convention' form that had evolved in Scotland by c.1700 constructed of a series of vertical bars interconnected by two junction plates, two sideplates, and a flattened knuckle-bow. The ends of the three branches created by these bars fit into a groove cut into the slightly cone-shaped pommel. The plates and knuckle-bow are crudely pierced with small circles and triangles. There is a slight vertical groove at the base of each triangle so as to give the appearance of the arrowhead. The edges of these plates are not scalloped but some simple line engraving, now much worn, is in evidence. The hilt was fabricated with a wrist guard (now missing) and a double loop guard at the front."

Swords Disposition [4]

War Office 1st Dec. 1763

My Lord

The King having been pleased to sign Orders for disbanding the 78th Regiment of Foot at Glasgow in N. Britain, I have the honor to acquaint your Lordship therewith that you may be pleased to order proper Officers to collect and receive the Arms of the Non-commissioned Officers and private Men, of the said Regiment, together with the Swords of the Corporals, Drummers and private Men, which are ordered to be delivered into His Majesty's Stores of Ordnance, and to give acquittances for the same.

I have the honor to be

My Lord &c.

W Ellis

Rt. Honble the

Marquis of Granby

Master General of Ordnance &c &c &c

Swords with Known Provenance to Fraser's Highlanders, 1757-1763

The following identifications appear in a research note entitled, Swords With Known Provenance to Fraser's Highlanders, 1757-1763, written by Earl Chapman in 2009. To date (the date of this article), there are eight surviving swords with known provenance that can be traced to Colonel Fraser's 78th Foot, 1757-1763.

Mr. Chapman notes:

Swords 1-7: All have plain hilts conforming to the basic "Glasgow" style. All were manufactured by Nathaniel Jeffreys of London, c.1757. All marked "2= HB" (2nd Highland Battalion).

Sword 8: Likely a family sword of the Thompson family, Tain, Scotland.

Sword 1:

Markings: 2/60

Manufacturer: Jeffreys

Location: Whereabouts unknown 

Notes: C; D; incorrect blade replacement, 38-1/2"

Sword 2:

Markings: 3/36

Manufacturer: Jeffreys

Location: Whereabouts unknown; sold by William Fagan as item 39 in his list #55 in 1991.

Notes: A

Sword 3:

Markings: 6/33

Manufacturer: Jeffreys

Location: Erik Goldstein Collection; unknown buyer (2022).

Notes: A

Auction: On April 9, 2022, this sword, described as being from the Erik Goldstein Collection, was offered for sale through an online auction website. Ten days later, on April 19, the sword sold for a record amount of $39,200 USD. https://rb.gy/k1zeh; https://rb.gy/rwviq. [Acc: August 19, 2023].

Lot 36 description of the sword is as follows:

C. 1757

Iron basket hilt with pierced circles and triangles, marked "2/HB" for the 2nd Highland Battalion, and very faintly “6 / 33” for the Company & weapon number, iron pommel, shagreen grip with spiraled wire slot, and a steel blade with a 3/4 length fuller. Marked “TB” over “C” on the quillon, for the name and location of an unknown hilt maker. Note: The backswords issued to Fraser’s 2nd Highland Battalion upon their raising at the onset of the French & Indian War are amongst the most important combat-used edged weapons of that conflict. Only a few are known today, and this example was weapon number 33 in the 6th company. Engaged at Quebec on the Plains of Abraham in September 1759, the Battalion is documented as having charged the French with their backswords drawn and having done some very nasty business with these weapons.

Blade lg. 31 7/8".Overall lg. 37 5/8"

From the collection of Erik Goldstein.

Sword 4:

Markings: 9/22

Manufacturer: Jeffreys

Location: Dean Castle, Kilmarnock (Walker Collection).

Notes: A

Sword 5:

Markings: 9/23

Manufacturer: Jeffreys

Location: Whereabouts unknown; sold to "SNG2069" on Ebay.com, 9 Apr. 2006.

Notes: A; D

Sword 6:

Markings: 9/101

Manufacturer: Jeffreys

Location: Whereabouts unknown

Notes: C; original blade

Sword: 7:

Markings: 13/2

Manufacturer: Jeffreys

Location: Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada

Notes: B; 31-3/4" double fullered single-edged blade; hilt marked "I or T Brown"; serjeant's pattern (unique example recorded).

Sword 8:

Markings: None

Manufacturer: Unknown

Location: Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada

Notes: Grenadier Serjeant James Thompson (family sword?).

Note A: Private correspondence with Erik Goldstein, Colonial Williamsburg Museum.

Note B: Anthony Darling, "Weapons of the Highland Regiments, 1740-1780."

Note C: Anthony Darling, "Weapons of the Highland Regiments, 1757-1784."

Note D: Anthony Darling, "A Relic of the First Raising (1757-1763) of Fraser's Highlanders"?

Mr. Chapman further notes two extant weapons over and above the eight previously mentioned might also exist, raising the total to 10 swords. The first of these two weapons originally belonging to Captain Malcolm Fraser, once held by Mme Thérèse-Caroline Fraser Lizotte, deceased, possibly now held by Le Manior Fraser in Riviere-du-Loup, Quebec, Canada. The second weapon originally belonging to Captain John Nairn, whereabouts unknown.

Supplemental Swords

It's worth noting that a very rare Scottish basket-hilted backsword purportedly of the Royal Highland Regiment, c.1755, sold on 25 July 2009 at Heritage Auctions online. 

Auction Description [5]

Lot #981157. The form carried by enlisted men of the famed "Black Watch" during the Seven Years (French and Indian) War. 32" single edge blade with a deep narrow fuller along the back. The blade is marked 8" from the hilt with a crown over GR/Drury. Drury being an English swordsmith who had most of the contracts for Scottish military swords during this period. All iron mounted, spiral carved wood grip with a double strand of twisted iron wire. Grip perfect, wire loose but present. All iron surfaces display a coat of generally very light pitting, blade with no nicks, guard with no bends or cracks. The Black Watch, the 42nd Regiment of Foot, served in America from 1757 to 1764, including the assault on Ft. Ticonderoga in 1758, The Battle of Bushy Run in 1763, and the subjugation of the Ohio Indians in 1764. An important Scottish military sword that saw service in America in the hands of one of the most famed regiments in British military history.

Subsistence and Sword Money [6]

The official list containing 170 soldiers authorized discharge in North America at the end of the war is a combined list to establish both subsistence and sword money payments for the soldiers. Both entitlements were also a way of putting a little extra money in the pockets of these men as they began life as a civilian.

Known today as  "Basic Allowance for Subsistence," this pays for the cost of a military member's meals when dining at their present duty station or in a "leave of absence" status. Since the British Army of the 18th century furnished rations while soldiers were in a "duty" status, they also paid for the meals when the men were "off-duty" and away on furlough. 

"Sword money" was an entitlement paid to the men for the return of their swords at discharge. The payments benefitted the British Army, as the weapons would then be re-used as needed.

The following pay rate was established for the two entitlements.

Pay rates

14 days subsistence: 7 shillings

Sword money: 3 shillings

Although soldiers of the 78th Regiment were authorized 14 days subsistence and paid 7 shillings, by following the King's Warrant dated 1 December 1763 requiring the officers to "...collect and receive the swords of the corporals, drummers, and private men," only those three ranks received the authorized sword money stipend. The serjeants' swords were not collected and, they did not receive the entitlement. A further examination of a similar roster for the 27th Regiment of Foot indicates their serjeants were not authorized sword money payments, either. [7] One theory for the non-payment at discharge is that the serjeants could have been paid in advance for putting personal swords into government service when joining the regiment. These may have been family swords or possibly weapons procured through previous military service. 

Did You Know?  

On August 5th, 1757, Benjamin Lewis, a Marine stationed aboard the Royal Ann, had five shillings deducted from his wages for losing his sword. It was discovered missing during a gunner's account of weapons issued. [TNA, W.O. 47/50, p. 129].

Sources:

1. "The Cutler." https://bit.ly/3tA0GPI. [Acc: 7 February 2021].

2. Darling, Anthony D. Swords for the Highland Regiments, 1757-1784. A. Mowbray, 1988, p-13-15; 53.

3. Austin, John C. Chelsea Porcelain at Williamsburg. Colonial Williams Foundation, 1977, ch. 32.

4. War Office Records. Out Letters: Secretary at War. General Letters, Nov. 1763 - Mar. 1764. LAC, W.O. 4, vol. 74 (Selections).

5. Heritage Auctions. "Scottish basket-hilted backsword." https://bit.ly/36T1RQr. [Acc: 7 February 2021].

6. An Account of His Majesty's Royal Bounty of Fourteen Days Subsistence, and Sword Money Paid the Following Men of the 78th Regiment Discharged in America. Canada East : Provincial Secretary Letterbooks, Quebec, Lower Canada and Canada East, LAC, Microfilm C-10462. Letterbook/Copie de lettres, 1763-1771, RG 4, C 2, vol. 1. 

7. Ibid., The amount of High Majesty's Royal Bounty pf 14 Days Pay, also Sword money paid to the Discharged Men of the 27th Inniskilling Regiment of Foot, Commanded by Lieutenant General Hugh Warburton whose names are undermentioned. 

 

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021. 

Article last update 8 August 2023.

Highland Soldiers Arrive at Stamford, Connecticut, 1757

To the Honorable the General Assembly of the Colony of Connecticut to be holden at Hartford on the Second Thursday of May A.D. 1758. These may Certify you Honours that the Highland Soldiers Ordered to be Quartered in the Town of Stamford arrived at said Town on Novr. 30 A.D. 1757 and were Quartered there until March 30th A.D. 1758 the number of soldiers officers included was two Hundred and fifty. there were also belonging to them & in Company with them seventeen women and nine children were at the cost of sd. [said] Town Provided with Houseroom, bedding, firewood, candles, cyder, the necessary utensils for Cooking & Eating their victuals, &c…we have not yet been able to compute the Cost the Town were at on their account so as to lay it upon your Honours. Their officers Insisted on being kept within a small compass which exposed us to much more Cost & otherwise than would have been necessary. So that we conclude the Expense of said Town on their account is full equal to that of any other Town in Proportion to the number there Quartered. we were also at the Cost of £36.10.6-3/4 Lawful money for a guard house & Hospital for them & In behalf of said Town we do Humbly Request your Honours to order such an allowance to said Town for their Expense on account of said Soldiers &c as your Honours shall in your wisdom think proper & as in Duty bound ever pray &c.

Dated at Stamford April 28th A.D. 1758

Comtee for said Town to take care of said Highlanders

[illegible] Hait

Abram. Davenport

Jno. Holly

250 soldiers including officers 17 weeks @ 1/6 p… 318.15.0

6 officers @ 4/ p week 17 weeks in addition… 20.8.0

the Cost of Hospital & Guard House… 36.10.6-3/4     

[Total expenses] - £375.13.6-3/4

This accot. allowed by ye Comitee

Pr. [per] order Thomas Weller

Source:
Judd, Sylvester. Connecticut archives: selected papers of colonial wars. FHL, Microfilm 8199492, vol. 7, p. 278.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021. 

Embarkation of Troops to the St. Lawrence River, 1759

Letter from General Jeffrey Amherst to Brigadier General Robert Monckton dated New York, April 5th, 1759, and enclosed in a letter from General Amherst to the Right Honorable William Pitt, April 16th, 1759. The bulk of the letter discusses the embarkation of troops destined for the St. Lawrence River, including Colonel Fraser's Regiment to sail from New York to Louisbourg under convoy of the Nightengale. General Amherst is best known as the architect of Britain's successful campaign to conquer the territory of New France during the Seven Years' War. Under his command, British forces captured the cities of Louisbourg, Quebec City, and Montreal, as well as several major fortresses.

New York, April 5th, 1759

Dear Sir

          Enclosed are copies of orders sent to Brig. Genl. Lawrence for the embarcation of His Majestys forces in the Province of Nova Scotia alloted for the expedition up the River St. Lawrence against Quebec, in which expedition His Majesty has been graciously pleased to order you should as Brig. Genl.

          As the embarcation of the train of artillery and of Webb's Regiment at Boston is under direction of Colonel Burton and that I have an account from thence that everything is in great forwardness and no difficulties attending the executing the service there, and that the two regiments Viz Lascelle's and Fraser's to be embarked from hence to sail under convoy of the Nightengale for Louisbourg will not require your presence here, I think it will be for the good of His Majesty's Service that you do repair to Halifax to forward the embarcation of the troops there according to the direction I have sent to Brig. Genl. Lawrence, and that you sail to Louisbourg with the said troops so as to be there as near as may be to the time prescribed by the above orders, where you will put yourself under the command of Major Genl. Wolfe.

          You will please to acquaint major Genl. Wolfe that I have on your application to me ordered that Major of Brigade Spittal should serve as Major of Brigade on the above expedition. As the enclosed papers will thoroughly inform you of all steps taken in regard to the embarcation of the troops destined for the River St. Lawrence I have nothing further to add than my warmest wishes for the success of this expedition in which you will have so great a shave & to take this occasion [as I always most gladly seize every one that may offer to me] to assure you that I am etc. Jeff Amherst.

Source:

Amherst, Jeffrey. Letter from General Jeffrey Amherst to Brigadier General Robert Monckton dated New York, April 5th, 1759, and enclosed in a letter from General Amherst to the Right Honorable William Pitt, April 16th, 1759. Northcliffe Collection Series 1: Robert Monckton Papers : C-369. Public Archives Canada.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2021.

Orders Providing Camp Necessaries, 1757

War Office 14th January 1757

My Lord & Sir,

Having Signified His Majesty's Pleasure to George Ross Esqr. to provide forthwith Camp Necessaries for the Second Highland Battallion of Foot to be forthwith raised under the Command of Lieut. Colonel Simon Fraser, and Employed in the defence of His Majesty's Colonies in North America, for which £548.12.9 is to be allowed to the said Battallion, agreeable to the allowances made to the Regiments of 100 Men a Company; (excepting Copper Kettles for the use of the said Battallion instead of Tin ones) I am to acquaint you, it is His Majesty's Pleasure, that you do advance Two Thirds of the above sum of £548.1.9 for the said Battallion, to Geo. Ross Esqr., to provide the Camp Necessaries accordingly; and as soon as a proper Return shall be made to me, that the Camp Necessaries are all provided, I will send you the proper Warrant to vouch payment of the whole.

My Lord & Sir

Your most obedt.humble Servt.

Barrington

Rt. Honble Lord Viscount

Dupplin and Thos. Potter Esqr.

Paymaster General./

Note: George Ross, who represented a number British regiments, was the hired agent to Colonel Fraser's Battalion for the duration of the war in North America. 

Source:

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

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.

Orders Providing Arms to the Highland Regiments, 1757

War Office 13th January 1757

Sir,

His Majesty Having thought fit to order two Highland Battalions of Foot to be forthwith raised each Battalion to Consist of Forty Serjeants Forty Corporals Twenty Drummers and One Thousand Effective Private Men besides Commission Officers, I have the Honour to acquaint you therewith that you may be pleased to receive His Majesty's Commands thereupon and Signify the same to the Master Genl. of the Ordnance that the Arms &c mentioned in the annexed List for the said two Battalions may be delivered out of his Majesty's Stores & the Expence thereof charged to the Estimate of Ordnance for Parliament.

I am 

Sir &c

Barrington

Copy

Rt. Honble Wm. Pitt His Maty's

Principal Secry of State

	Iron Ramrods	Firelocks & Bayonets	Side Pistols	Cartouch Boxes and Straps	Halberts	Drums
First Battalion	1040	1040	1080	1040	40	20
Second Battalion	1040	1040	1080	1040	40	20
Total	2080	2080	2160	2080	80	40

First Highland Battalion was commanded by Lt.-Col. Montgomery, later renumbered the 62nd Regiment of Foot, and finally the 77th Regiment of Foot.

Second Highland Battalion was commanded by Lt.-Col. Fraser, later renumbered the 63rd Regiment of Foot, and finally 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).

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020

Land Petition of Serjeant Alexander Fraser, 78th Regiment

Serjeant Alexander Fraser

Pursuant to an Order in Counsil from the Honourable Cadwallader Colden Esqr. Lieutenant Governor and Commanded in Chief of the province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America Bearing Date the twentyfirst day of March Last past.

Surveyed for Alexander Fraser Late a Serjeant in his Majestys Seventy Eight Regiment of Foot and in Collonel Fraser's Company all that Certain tract or Parcell of Land situate Lying and being in County of Albany on the East side of Hudsons River  Beginning at the Southwest Corner of a tract of Land Surveyed for Dugal McFarland Late a Corporal and runs thence East Sixty Chains and Seventeen Links then South Thrity five Chains Then Sixty Chains and Seventeen Links Then North Thirty vive Chains to the Place where this Tract first began Containing two hundred acres of Land and the usual allowance for highways.

Given under my hand this sixth day of November one Thousand seven hundred and sixty four

[signed]

Alexr. Colden Surveyor Genl.

Cover sheet:

6th No. 41

[one word illegible] 200 acres of Land on the East Side of Hudsons River for Alexr. Fraser late a Serjt in the 78th Regt & in Coll Frasers Compy

made out

Top row:

Dugald McFarland

Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Colonel Fraser's Company [north/south 35 chains, east/west 60 chains, 17 links].

Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Captain Hugh Fraser's Company

*Alexander Fraser, Serjeant, 78th Regt., Captain [Alexander] Wood's Company

Allen Cameron, Serjeant

Bottom row:

John McIntire, Corporal, 77th Regt.

John Gibson. Serjeant, 77th Regt.

John Grant, Corporal

David McHo[?]key

Description: A Plot or Description of a Tract of Land Survey'd for Alexander Fraser Late a Serjeant in the 78th Regiment and in Coll Frasers Company Plotted from a Scale of twenty Chains in an Inch.   [illegible] Alexr Colden Surveyor Genl.

18 : 94 [volume/page]

Notes:
1. Serjeant Alexander Fraser's name appears in Captain Alexander Wood's Company as one of the 170 discharged soldiers in America; however, his name does not appear on the company subsistence rolls produced at the end of the war.

2. "The Calendar of N.Y. Colonial Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803" (Albany: 1864) lists all documents on the first series of "Land Papers" as they were rearranged in 1819. There is an index to the personal names and to land tract names or geographical locations at the back of the volume. The series consists of applications for grants of unappropriated land by letters patent from New York Colony and State.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XVIII, p. 94. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.

John Robb, Glasgow City Quartermaster, 1757

29 June 1757

Petition of John Robb, quartermaster

There was a petition given in by John Robb, stationer in Glasgow and quartermaster of the said city, representing that for upwards of these eight months by past he had been put to a considerable trouble and expence by not only billeting the two battalions of Young Buffs when quartered in the city, the two battalions of Highland regiments, three other regiments passing through the city, besides transient military and recruits, which rendered him unable all that time to prosecute and follow further his own private business, he having been constantly employed in billeting the said soldiers both upon public and private houses, but also by paying two men for writing billets clossly, and for furnishing pens, paper, ink and wax extraordinary, besides employing a man for working his own private work, which he could have done himself had he not been so much fatigued in the foresaid billeting, which was nottour, and as the yearly salary for acting as quartermaster was but small in comparison of the great fatigue and expence he hath undergone as before mentioned, craving therefore the council would in respect thereof allow a reasonable gratification to him for the foresaid trouble over and above his present salary as they should think proper. Which petition being read in presence of and considered by the magistrates and council they ordained [the treasurer to pay the quartermaster £15 sterling] over and beside his present years salary.

Note: Glasgow City Quartermaster John Robb was responsible for billeting Colonels Montgomery and Fraser's 1st & 2nd Highland Highland Battalions in both public and private houses at Glasgow in the spring of 1757. Both were separately en route to Cork, Ireland for their departure to North America.

Source:
Renwick, Robert. Extracts from the Records of the Burgh of Glasgow: with Charters and Other Documents. Vol. VI, A.D. 1739-59. Scottish Burgh Records Society, 1911.

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

Land Petition in Behalf of Lieutenant John McTavish, 78th Regiment

Lieutenant John McTavish

To His Excellency, The Right Honble. John Earl of Dunmore Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over the Colony of New York and the Territorys thereon in America, Chancellor & Vice Admiral of the Same

The Petition of Simon McTavish in behalf of His Father John McTavish Lieut. in the late 78th Regiment Commanded by Colo. Simon Fraser.

Humbly Shewith that your Petitioners father served His Majesty in North America during the late War there as a Lieut. in the late 78th Regiment Commanded by the Honble. Colo. Simon Fraser, and as such is entitled (by His Majestys Royal Proclamation given at St. Jamess the 7th day of October 1763, in favour of reduced Officers & Soldiers of the Army) to a grant of the quantity of Two thousand acres of Land in some of His Majestys unapropriated Lands in North America.

That your petitioners father some time in the year 1766 prefer'd a petition to His late Excellency Sir Henry Moore Baronet for His Majestys letters Patent for the said lands, but nothing has ever been done as yet towards issuing such letters Patent.

That your petitioner has discovered a Tract of vacant Land lying in this Province in the County of Albany near a Settlement called Schoharry Kill, and East of the Schoharry Kill, or Creek, and South of the Schoharry Settlements. He therefore prays that your Excellency will be favourbly pleased to Issue a Warrant to survey the said Quantity of Two thousand acres, at that place above described; in order that His Majestys Letters Patent may be granted for the same to the said John McTavish, his Heirs & assigns, on such terms and Conditions, as other Lands are granted in this Province in like Circumstances; & your petitioner as in Duty bound shall ever pray ~

New York
February 2d. 1771
[signed]
Simon McTavish
28 : 45

Cover sheet:
To his Excellency, The Right Honble. John Earl of Dunmore &c.
The Petition of Simon McTavish for two thousand Acres of Land in the County of Albany~~

Presented Feby. 2d, 1771
1771 Feby. 8: Rec'd and referred to a Comm
1771 April 1st: Certificate wanting
1771 May 31: Rec'd in Council and granted [four words illegible]

28 : 45
No. 5

Notes:

1. "The Calendar of N.Y. Colonial Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803" (Albany: 1864) lists all documents on the first series of "Land Papers" as they were rearranged in 1819. There is an index to the personal names and to land tract names or geographical locations at the back of the volume. The series consists of applications for grants of unappropriated land by letters patent from New York Colony and State.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XXVIII, p. 45. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.

Land Petition of Corporal Alexander Gray, 78th Regiment

Corporal Alexander Gray
To his Excellency William Tryon Esqr. governor of the Province of New York and the Territories depending thereon in America Captain General Vice Admiral and Chancellor of the same &c: &c: &c: in Council

The Petition of Alexander Gray Late Corporal of his Majestys 78th Regiment of Foot whereof the Honorable Colonel Simon Fraser was Colonel

Humbly Shewith your petitioner having apply'd to His Excellency Cadwaller Colden Esqr. Lieut. Governor for his Quantity of Land allowed to Non Commission'd officers and Private who Serv'd his Majesty during the Late War in America by his Majestys Royal proclamation of Octr. 3d 1763 his Excellency was pleas'd to order your Excellency's Petitioner to [illegible] to [illegible]: Coldin Esqr. purveyor general who told your Excellency's Petitioner that he knew of no Vacant Land at that time which occasions your Excellencys Petitioner to make this his Humble Request to your [illegible] Earnstly desiring of your Excellency on Council to grant to your Excellencys Petitioner his Quantity of Land which is 200 acres adjoining to Major Campbells Land on Lake Champlain and Nigh Crown Point as your Excellencys Petitioner is informed that their is Vacant Land there and hopes your Excellency will order the said grant to be given to your Excellencys Petitioner as soon as possible as your Excellencys Petitioner is but a poor man and having a family wants to Settle upon it as soon as possible if your Excellency should want a person who understands Farming your Excellencys Petitioner would be very glad to engage as he is thoroughly acquainted with that Branch of Business

May it please your Excellency to take the above consideration and do for your Excellencys Petitioner as [next three words illegible] to your Excellency and your Excellencys Petitioner is [illegible] in duty Bound to pray ~

New York
April 16th, 1771

Cover sheet:
The petition of Alexr. Gray Corpl. for 200 acres of Land Rec'd. 18th Septr. 1771. [initials] "W.G"
1771 Sepr. 18. Rec'd in Council
1771 Novr. 13th Rec'd again in Council and granted not interfering with any [next two words illegible]

28 : 148 [volume/page]

Notes:
1. Corporal Alexander Gray's name does not appear in the surviving muster rolls of 1763, indicating he most likely discharged beforehand.

2. "The Calendar of N.Y. Colonial Manuscripts Indorsed Land Papers; in the Office of the Secretary of State of New York, 1643-1803" (Albany: 1864) lists all documents on the first series of "Land Papers" as they were rearranged in 1819. There is an index to the personal names and to land tract names or geographical locations at the back of the volume. The series consists of applications for grants of unappropriated land by letters patent from New York Colony and State.

Sources:
New York State Department of State Applications for Land Grants, 1643-1803. Series A0272, volume XXVIII, p. 148. New York State Archives, Albany, New York.

©  Jeffrey Campbell, Fraser's 78th Regiment of Foot, 2020.