Swain Report Special: War Office 28, Regimental HQ Papers, Installment 6

 This latest installment of Library Research Assistant David Swain's catalog of War Office 28 continues this week with more coverage of the army's lesser-known departments. Among these are the staffs from the pivotal garrison posts of Montreal and St. John's along with the Quartermaster and Ordnance Departments, responsible for issuing equipment and ammunition to the troops. The selection of letters from Montreal and St. John's provide valuable insights into the day-to-day operations at those settlements along with a window into the social dynamics of the garrisons. The Quartermaster and Ordnance papers, meanwhile, shed new light on the operations of these largely-neglected departments.




WPTIII




British War Office 28—American Headquarters Records
Annotated List of Contents—Part 7 (begins on Reel 5)
(ends on Reel 6)


The David Library holds microfilm copies of the British War Office 28 Records, parts 2 through 10 (1775-1785), contained on 8 reels, as follows:

28.2 Letters, returns, etc (reel 1, 176 documents)
28.3 Letters, returns, etc. continued (reel 2, 197 documents)
28.4 Butler’s Rangers; Canadian Fencible Corps; Jessup’s Rangers; Roger’s Rangers; Royal Highland Emigrants (84th Regiment); McAlpin’s Volunteer Corps (reel 3—first part), 223 documents)
28.5 Royal Regiment of New York, Rogers’ King’s Rangers, Barrack Master General’s Department (reel 3—second part, 33 documents; reel 4, 147 documents)
28.6 General Hospital Department; garrison returns; Engineers Department (reel 5—first part, 204 documents)
28.7 Montreal; St. Johns; Ordnance; Quartermaster-General’s Department (reel 5—second part, 183 documents; reel 6—first part, 58 documents)
28.8 Three Rivers, petitions and memorials; Germans; Carleton Isle, Cataraqui, Oswego (reel 6—second part)
28.9 Miscellaneous letters, memorials, order books, etc. (reel 7)
28.10 Miscellaneous returns etc. (reel 8)





Note: The compiler of this annotated list has numbered the microfilmed documents consecutively within each reel. These numbers do not appear on the microfilm and are used here only to maintain a sense of order in the contents.

“Letterbooks” among these documents are not actually bound books but are folders of separate-page letters kept at the time by regiments. The microfilm copies of these letters are mostly in chronological order, with a few exceptions. Apparently at a later time, archivists added consecutive printed numbers to the letter pages within each part. These printed numbers are noted in this list for each letterbook or document set.






28.7 Montreal; St. Johns; Ordnance; Quartermaster-General’s Department; Sorel [Begins on Reel 5, following the end of Part 6; ends on Reel 6]


Summary contents:

Reel 5

* Montreal, letters from officers commanding, 1779-1780: 45 documents; documents 1 through 45; printed page numbers 1 through 103

* St. Johns, letters from officers, 1779-1783: 56 documents; documents 46 through 101; printed page numbers 104 through 251

* Montreal, letters from officers commanding, 1781-1783: 64 documents; documents 102 through 165; printed page numbers 252 through 411

Reel 5-Reel 6

* Ordnance Department, letters and returns, 1776-1783: 49 documents; documents 166 through 214; printed page numbers 412 through 537 [Begins on Reel 5; ends on Reel 6: Reel 6 begins with Document 184 on printed page number 462]

Reel 6

* Quartermaster General’s Department, returns of bateaux, camp equipage, etc., 1778-1783: 27 documents, documents 215 through 241; printed page numbers 538 through 601)





Itemized, annotated contents:

Reel 5: Montreal, letters from officers commanding, 1779-1780: 45 documents with dates from March 29, 1779 through December 28, 1780 (printed page numbers 1 through 103)

1. March 29, 1779
From Major John Nairne, commander of the 1st Battalion of the Royal Highland Emigrants, at Montreal to Captain Francis Le Maistre, deputy adjutant general
Enclosing a disposition against Michel Chevalier, an officer in the local militia, accused of concealing deserters; having gotten a justice of the peace to issue a warrant for his arrest; hoping to apprehend him and make him an example to other Canadians, since some “who are believed either to be Bostonnois or Deserters, have every kind of protection and assistance”

2. March 23, 1779
The disposition in the court of the District of Montreal, Province of Quebec, referred to in document 1

3. April 1, 1779
From Nairne at Montreal to Le Maistre
Enclosing a return of arms wanting to complete the Regiment [microfilmed twice] [return not microfilmed]

4. April 9, 1779
From Lieutenant Colonel Mason Bolton at Niagara to “Officer Commanding at Montreal”
Sending to Montreal a man named Davis thought to be a rebel sympathizer

5. April 15, 1779
From Nairne at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Repeating his request for arms needed

6. April 24, 1779
From Nairne at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Mr. Davis [document 4] having arrived at Montreal, Nairne commenting that “he is a decent looking man I shall take proper Care of him till I have your answer”

7. April 29, 1779
From Nairne at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Concerning his request for arms, the matter of Ensign Prentice’s resignation, and the matter of Lieutenant Mackinnon, for whom he recommends a court of inquiry; stating his belief that the latter matter “is so Clear in favor of Lieut. Mackinnon”


8. June 3, 1779
From Nairne at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing Ensign J. W. Prentice’s resignation [document 9] and recommending volunteer John MacNab to fill the vacancy

9. April 3, 1779
From Ensign Prentice to Nairne
Ensign Prentice’s resignation notice, to be effective May 24

10. August 24, 1779
From Brigadier General Allan Maclean at Quebec to “His Excellency the Commander in Chief”
Enclosing a list of officers of the 1st Battalion of the 84th Regiment; requesting certification of the dates of their commissions, since their original commissions were granted by General Guy Carleton, not the King; including veiled complaints about actions by Carleton

11. September 23, 1779
From Maclean at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Since Major William Dunbar had been appointed to act as Maclean’s brigade major, requesting that this appointment be included in general orders; also requesting 70 stand of arms needed to complete arming of his regiment

12. October 1, 1770
From Brigade Major Dunbar to Le Maistre
Enclosing a letter from Colonel Mason Bolton [document 13] and a return of three rebel prisoners “who call themselves officers” [not microfilmed]; also, informing that two more rebel prisoners had been sent to Montreal from Niagara

13. September 16, 1779
From Bolton to the “Officer Commanding at Montreal”
Cover letter for the enclosed list of prisoners sent to Montreal [list not microfilmed]

14. October 26, 1779
From Maclean at Quebec to Le Maistre
Concerning Ensign Prentice’s letter to Le Maistre, which Le Maistre had sent to Maclean, and which MacLean had perused; expressing disagreement with the content of Prentice’s letter; stating that Prentice “must immediately make his option of Joining the Regt without pay, or remaing a Commissary”


15. November 15, 1779
From Maclean at Montreal to Le Maistre
Stating that “As I have never received any Instructions or Orders from the Commander in Chief, respecting the Extent of my Command in this district”, requesting that the commander in chief “let me know how far my Command Extents”; additional comments about the Prentice matter

16. November 25, 1779
From Maclean at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Three-page letter justifying Maclean’s actions in relation to the matter of Ensign Pringle and Ensign McDonell’s both wishing to purchase a commission, Pringle succeeding, and McDonell’s having just submitted a memorial complaining about the result [second page microfilmed twice] [third page is a note added after the original letter]

17. December 2, 1779
From Major John Adolphus Harris at Montreal to Le Maistre
Concerning confusion in the regiment’s recent return

18. December 2, 1779
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Requesting advice on how to handle a soldier of the 28th Regiment who had been captured by the Rebels, escaped, was assigned to Butler’s corps, and sustained a hand wound that has disabled him from combat.

19. December 2, 1779
From Maclean at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Concerning William Hale, a deserter from both the 84th and the 29th; suggesting that he be sent to a man of war

20. December 13, 1779
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre
Reporting on behalf of Maclean that, while never responding to Maclean in writing, Prentice had in fact made his decision by continuing to perform his commissary duties; Maclean still waiting for instructions concerning four prisoners

21. December 23, 1779
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Not anticipating doing anything more until the spring to improve accommodations of prisoners; stating that the existing prisoners are suffering from the harsh weather; requesting permission to move them to Quebec


22. May 29, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that Major Harris wishes to encamp the 1st Battalion of the 84th Regiment for two or three weeks “Their being so much Scatter’d at present, rendering it impossible to put them into that order which is Necessary”

23. June 1, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting on MacLean’s behalf that 120 men of the 84th have been ordered to enforce the orders of the officers of militia against unwillingness of the local inhabitants concerning the transport of provisions

24. June 12, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting arrival of 12 more prisoners from Niagara; requesting instructions about what to do with them and the other prisoners already there

25. June 15, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Concerning two prisoners brought in by Indians during early spring and now confined at Chambly along with other rebel prisoners; reporting that they seem to be bona fide loyalists; seeking instructions on what to do with them

26. June 19, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting the arrival of Captain Aubrey of the 19th Regiment, who “has brought with him what evidence he thought necessary for a General Court Martial”

27. July 2, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that Maclean is sending two prisoners by boat to Quebec, both of whom Maclean believes are excellent and useful men

28. July 3, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Expressing Maclean’s sorrow that ”there shou’d have been any cause of complaint against Ensign Macdonald’s party of the 84th Reg’t for Embezeling the rum they Escorted to Carleton Island”; providing Maclean’s explanation of the situation and justification of his actions

29. July 6, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that Maclean has sent a deserter from Fort Stanwix, William Litle, who wishes to return to a life at sea


30. July 13, 1780
From Maclean at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a “Certificate” concerning a man “who is really in a Very Deplorable Situation”; requesting that the commander in chief “grant him Leave to go with the flag of truce” [certificate not microfilmed]

31. July 17, 1780
From Lieutenant J. Maurer at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that a man named Turnberger had been confined in the Provost “and I think him a very great Villain—He Says he did not do any thing but what he was Commanded to do”

32. August 3, 1780
From Dubar from Sault de Resollet [?] to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that “Cap’n N. Maclean & the Evidences [for a court martial] on both Sides [were] to set off for Quebec to Morrow Morning” and that two boats were required to transport them all; reporting the “extraordinary State of the Reg’t after these officers are gone, having only two officers with one to command nine Companys in Six Different Cantonements”

33. August 28, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that six men of the light infantry company of the 84th Regiment had deserted

34. September 14, 1780
From Maclean at Montreal to Major Richard Berringer Lernoult, adjutant general, at Quebec
Reporting the arrival of 48 more prisoners, these from Detroit, 26 of them women and children; making a strong plea for assistance in maintaining them; stating that “I am Exceedingly distressed for Want of a Place to put them in, our Prison here was so full that there is not Place for one man more; I was obliged to put them into the Jesuits Church for two nights, this day I intend to Encamp them on the Island of St. Helena with a Guard”

35. September 18, 1780
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Reporting on difficulties of obtaining boats and transporting troops

36. September 30, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that prisoners are being sent to Quebec under guard


37. October 2, 1780
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting that the prisoners from Detroit are still camped on the island of St. Helena; suggesting his opinion that since most are families including women and children, attempts to desert are unlikely; seeking instructions on what to do with them

38. October 23, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting on behalf of Maclean that 60 prisoners are now confined in tents under guard on St. Helena island; expressing the opinion that “they must be in a Shocking Situation in rainy or cold weather”; stating that “The Brig’r begs to have an answer by the return of the Post”

39. October 30, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Repeating Maclean’s pleas for instructions to resolve the prisoner situation at Montreal; reporting that now about 80 prisoners are confined on St. Helena island

40. November 5, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting on sending to Quebec, at Maclean’s order, a prisoner named Gilles, a deserter from the 31st Regiment

41. November 6, 1780
From Maurer at Montreal to Lernoult
Reporting that, as instructed, a boat and men will leave La Chine the next day with stores for the Rangers

42. November 9, 1780
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Forwarding a request from Sir John Johnson that, as his troops (the Royal [Loyalist] Regiment of New York) were sickly at La Chine and lacked proper accommodations and clothing, he be authorized to take them into winter encampment; reporting that 63 rebels sent from Fort Stanwix to destroy Sir John’s boats were captured by the British; expressing disagreement with Johnson’s decision to enlist 29 of these men, believing them not to be trustworthy

43. November 23, 1780
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Requesting permission for Ensign Hamilton, who has been in command at the block house at Yamaska, to be relieved of that duty to return to his 53rd Regiment


44. December 11, 1780
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Repeating his request concerning Ensign Hamilton

45. December 28, 1780
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that three German prisoners, taken by Indians, were actually in the King’s service, and that they had been assigned to Colonel Creutzberg’s Corps, Prince Frederick’s Regiment, and Lieutenant Colonel de Barner’s Corps, respectively


St. Johns, letters from officers, 1779-1783: 56 documents with dates from January 31, 1779 through November 11, 1783 (printed page numbers 104 through 251)

46. January 31, 1779
From Brigadier General Henry Watson Powell, commander at St. Johns, to Captain Francis Le Maistre, deputy adjutant general
Enclosing a return of arms needed by the 53rd Regiment and Royal Emigrants; pointing out the lack of sufficient ammunition, and begging “to be informed from whence they are to be compleated”

47. June 24, 1779
From Powell to Le Maistre
Enclosing information perhaps of interest about the enemy [enclosure not microfilmed]

48. July 1, 1779
From Major Robert Hayes, 34th Regiment, at Chambly, to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a monthly return of the number of rebel prisoners in this fort, the number totaling 25 [return not microfilmed]

49. August 1, 1779
From Hayes at Chambly to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a return of prisoners; having been “much importuned,” enclosing also a petition from Leveright Puze, a surgeon and one of the prisoners [neither enclosure microfilmed]

50. October 1, 1779
From Hayes at Chambly to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a return of prisoners, including some taken on the Susquehanna River, who “appear to have been Inhabitants of that country, who had associated together for their common defense against the attacks of the Savages, and to have had no distinction of military zeal amongst them” [return not microfilmed]

51. January 1, 1780
From Captain Samuel Steel to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a return of prisoners, “agreeable to a Copy left by Major Hayes”; mentioning in a postscript “a draft [of money] of Captain Fraser’s on me”

52. January 2, 1780
From Major Christopher Carleton at Isle aux Noix to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that the sending of loyalists to Point au Feu left the 29th Regiment with only 25 privates; conveying Captain Campbell’s information about a man at St. Johns found to be a deserter “from the Reg’ts to the South”

53. January 22, 1780
From Carleton at St. Johns to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that an order from Powell to send a detachment of royalists for scouting duty at Point au Feu has not been fully complied with because of an insufficiency of ammunition; seeking instructions

54. May 24, 1780
From Carleton at St. Johns to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting that the order reassigning two companies of the 29th Regiment from Isle aux Noix to St. Johns has been complied with, and that a general order concerning boats will be complied with

55. [no date]
List of five men by name with their regiments

56. May 31, 1780
From Carleton at St. Johns to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a list of men who, according to orders, were being sent to Chambly and from there to Sorel [list is document 55]; reporting on steps being taken to find an escaped rebel prisoner; reporting on escaped deserter William Fitzpatrick of the 29th Regiment; requesting court martials for him and another deserter named Finch

57. June 6, 1780
From Carleton at St. Johns to Le Maistre
Concerning various movements of troops among forts

58. June 14, 1780
From Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger at St. Johns to M. G. [?]
Complaining to the general about inhumane treatment, against prisoners who had deserted at Coteau du Lac, by a “drunken (or something worse) Boy”; expressing the opinion that “this kind of conduct should have been taken up by the Regiment he belongs to, and he brought to punishment if guilty; or if misrepresented; some pains should have been taken to explain this extraordinary conduct. The whole army is concernd”
59. October 19, 1780
From Brigade Major Andrew Skene at St. Johns to Major Richard Berringer Lernoult, adjutant general at Quebec
Seeking instructions, as Brigadier General Powell has gone to Niagara but has not ordered Skene to follow him

60. October 25, 1780
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult
Reporting his arrival with his troops at St. Johns and a lack of barracks room for his men; thanking the commander in chief for a private favor

61. November 18, 1780
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting that Major Nairne’s troops are moving into winter quarters; reporting that three Hessian deserters captured at Fort Anne and Fort George were “claiming protection and indemnity under an article in the Capitulation for both Places”; complaining about a barracks master’s resistance to resolve a lack of stoves in barracks without fireplaces

62. November 22, 1780
From St. Leger at St. Johns to [? probably Lernoult]
Reporting on the status of troops and preparations for winter at St. Johns and other posts

63. December 9, 1780
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Expressing fear that loyalist officers “have warped the meaning of a late letter permitting them to engage prisoners out of Goals, to serve their own purposes”; expressing a general lack of trust in the loyalist troops

January 9, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting readiness to assign men to help construct barracks if the barracks master will provide axes; reporting trying to sort out inaccuracies in returns from the loyalist corps

64. January 20, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting on finding “on my arrival at St. Johns the Rookery a nest of poissoners [fishermen ?] and the perpetual cause of Drunkenness rioting and Thievery, not a day passes without a Court Martial and punishment, some of the best men in the 34th, led away by the stream, were becoming examples of the debauchery”; explaining actions taken against this “evil”


65. February 9, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult
Concerning a dispute in ranks among several lieutenants included in a memorial by Lieutenant Archibald McLean

66. February 11, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult
Concerning the dispute over ranks; enclosing a list of names [not microfilmed]; including a draft affidavit form proposed to obtain information

67. February 16, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting that a Hessian deserter is imprisoned and will be sent to headquarters; stating that “L’t Archibald McLeanes assertion concerning Brigadier General Maclean’s erasement in a commission Signed by General Gage shall be laid before the Board and reported upon.” [microfilmed twice]

68. February 27, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Concerning the dispute over ranks

69. February 28, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Concerning a “Report against Ensign Prentice of Sir John Johnston’s Corps and Mr. Connor, an Hospital mate”; supporting punishment of the perpetrators of an “unmerited and unprovoked assault…made on a set of unoffending Canadians, going peaceably to their morning Labour for the King”

70. May 26, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to [? probably Lernoult]
Reporting the escape of two prisoners; reporting that “Recruits come in a pace”; waiting to receive a command concerning “Rogers eight men”

71. June 24, 1781
From St. Leger to the commanding officer at Sorel
Ordering the commander at Sorel to direct a “carefull non Commissiond officer of your garrison be sent with the Party of regular Soldiers lately escapd from the Rebels” to transport them to Quebec

72. June 25, 1781
Order by Captain Malcolm Fraser, 84th Regiment, commanding at Sorel
Complying with the order in the previous document by assigning Sergeant John Might of the 84th Regiment to the duty [written on the reverse side of document 71]


73. June 24, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult
Informing Lernoult that the “Party of regular Soldiers” is on its way to Quebec

74. June 29, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Announcing the bearer as Mr. Smith, a volunteer, going to Quebec to settle some private affairs

75. July 15, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting sending eight recruited seamen to Quebec, along with others

76. July 10, 1781
From Ensign [?], adjutant, 34th Regiment, at St. Johns, to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting on St. Leger’s behalf that a Captain White, a presumed loyalist, has been detained because of illness

77. August 3, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting the arrival at St. Johns of a German of the 21st Regiment who lied about his military assignment, was confronted and imprisoned, and is being sent to Quebec

78. [no date] received September 22, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult
Enclosing [document 79] “the declaration of the Soldier whom Allen attempted to seduce”; hoping that Allen will be sent to Quebec

79. [no date]
Declaration of Phillip Stinkerline about the incident on September 13 with Henry Allen [who appears to have sought to “seduce” Stinkerline into deserting]

80. September 29, 1781
From St. Leger to Lernoult
Informing Lernoult that he was sending three soldiers to Quebec for reassignment; also “A point of Military casuistry I lay before you in officio—was the order from head Quarters,—that the Officers composing the Court martial at Sorel, should return to their respective Quarters till further orders, meant to screen them from Regimental, Garrison, or district duties?”; apparently apprehensive about the outcome of the outcome of the court martial; waxes eloquent about “real and intrinsick Soldiers; I mean such as do not enter the service to eat the Kings bread, but to deserve it…”


81. October 14, 1781
From Carleton of the 29th Regiment at St. Charles to Le Maistre
Concerning an ordered move of troops to St. Johns

82. October 16, 1781
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Le Maistre
Enclosing Major Carleton’s letter [document 81]; suggesting that Carleton is to blame for the situation of the 29th Regiment

83. [no date; received May 2, 1782]
From St. Leger at St. Johns to [? probably Lernoult]
Acknowledging receipt of orders to move troops “to which I shall pay due obedience”

84. May 4, 1782
From St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult at Montreal
Concerning a soldier in Roger’s Corps, charged with highway robbery, who was being delivered to the “Common Goal of Montreal” for civil judicial proceedings

85. May 20, 1782
From St. Leger to Lernoult
Enclosing “the petition of the two men claimed by Sir John Johnson’s Corps, in which is asserted the direct contrary of what is held out by that Corps” [petition not microfilmed]; concerning a man named Clark in the 34th Regiment who deserted; concerning a “barbarous and unprovoked murder committed on Thursday by one Fishner a german soldier in the 34th” on another German soldier in the same regiment

86. May 30, 1782
From St. Leger at St. Johns to [? probably Lernoult]
Concerning the unexpected arrival of “the Exchanged Prisoners”; having made arrangements “for their immediate conveyance in the manner proposd to a King’s vessel”

87. February 13, 1783
From Major John Nairne of the 53rd Regiment, at Isle aux Noix, to Lernoult
Concerning Private Joseph Drake of the 20th Regiment, who was “taken prisoner by the Rebels in 1777”, escaped, and after a long time, found his way to Dutchman’s Point; seeking approval for Drake’s wish to join the 53rd Regiment; also concerning Private Richard Paddack, who came in with Drake, once of the 53rd Regiment, also captured in 1777, and now returning to his original regiment


88. July 20, 1783
From Nairne at Isle aux Noix to Lernoult
Acknowledging the new command structure in which Sorel, St. Johns, and Isle aux Noix have become independent commands, reporting directly to headquarters; concerning Mathew Potin, to whom Nairne issued a pass to St. Johns despite misgivings on the man’s being “of Service in this Country”

89. July 26, 1783
From Major Alexander Campbell, commander at St. Johns, to Lernoult
Concerning the large number of prisoners at St. Johns and also at Chambly

90. August 1, 1783
From Nairne at Isle aux Noix to Lernoult
Concerning several desertions; enclosing a monthly return [not microfilmed]

91. August 1, 1783
From Campbell at St. Johns to Lernoult
Concerning several judicial matters including a court of inquiry

92. August 7, 1783
From Campbell at St. Johns to Lernoult
Enclosing the proceedings of the recent court of inquiry

93. August 30, 1783
From Nairne at Isle aux Noix to Lernoult
Enclosing a monthly return and a list of people of the colonies given passes to St. Johns [neither microfilmed]; information on deserters

94. September 1, 1783
From Campbell at St. Johns to Lernoult
Sending Alexander Grant, a deserter from the 8th Regiment, to Quebec via Sorel

95. September 9, 1783
From Campbell at St. Johns to Lernoult
“Wishing to commence my Duty of Mustering as soon as possible” and requesting permission to go to Quebec for that purpose

96. September 20, 1783
From Campbell at St. Johns to Lernoult
Concerning establishing a general court martial

97. September 25, 1783
From Nairne at Isle aux Noix to Lernoult
Reporting having sent two deserters from the 31st Regiment to Quebec; reporting their story

98. October 11, 1783
From Nairne at Isle aux Noix to Lernoult
Reporting that “American General” Moses Hazen delivered at Point au Fer a letter to General Frederick Haldimand, commander in chief for Canada; Mrs. Hazen and a servant were allowed to continue to Montreal; a Canadian named Germain Dione, claiming to be a lieutenant in Hazen’s regiment, wanting to travel to see relatives and then return to New York state, was detained pending orders on whether he should be allowed to proceed

99. October 14, 1783
From Campbell at St. Johns to Lernoult
Reporting having apprehended a deserter

100. November 11, 1783
From Campbell at St. Johns to Lernoult
Concerning attached return of troop status [not microfilmed]

101. [no date]
“A List of Prisoners, Who are to be conducted to Quebec, By Serg’t Bullers 34 Regt”; signed by Ensign M. Atkin, 34th Regiment


Montreal, letters from officers commanding, 1781-1783: 64 documents with dates from January 8, 1781 through October 8, 1783 (printed page numbers 252 through 411)

102. January 8, 1781
From Brigade Major William Dunbar at Montreal to [? perhaps Major Richard Berringer Lernoult, adjutant general]
Reporting for Brigadier General Allan Maclean about procedures with German prisoners; “Enclosing a letter from [Lieutenant] Colonel de Barner relative to a German taken in arms at Fort George” [document 103]

103. [no date]
From de Barner to Maclean
Concerning a German prisoner; letter written in French [second page microfilmed twice]

104. February 5, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Concerning a dispute about ranks in the 84th Regiment; concerning the availability of certain men for requested duties


105. February 8, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Captain Francis Le Maistre, deputy adjutant general, at Quebec
Concerning various prisoners

106. March 25, 1781
From Captain William Honsell of the 29th Regiment, at Montreal, to Maclean
Concerning settling the accounts of “the late Captain [Daniel] McAlpin with the Corps"

107. March 25, 1781
From Maclean to Lernoult
Enclosing a letter from Captain Honsell concerning the “the late Major MacAlpin’s accounts” [document 106]

108. April 26, 1781
Affidavit by James Smith of Montreal stating that in summer 1777, “he saw the late Major McAlpine at Ballstown near Schenectady, who asked him if he would go and join General Burgoyne’s Army”, which he did on condition that he would not be enlisted as a soldier but work on the bateaux; when the Convention was signed after Burgoyne’s defeat, “it being recommended to the Loyalists and Volonteers to go to Canada or return to their respective Homes, as it was apprehended that they would be treated with more severity than the rest of the Army”, Smith returned home to Ballston; later, Smith was recruited for Lieutenant Fraser’s loyalist corps, again contingent on not having to enlist—for reasons of his health

109. April 26, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Concerning various personnel matters

110. April 27, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Enclosing James Smith’s affidavit; expressing the opinion that this person was physically incapable of providing useful service; seeking advice on what to do with him

111. April 30, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Concerning prisoners taken at St. Josephus; reporting that Mr. Gray, the sheriff [at Montreal] refused to take custody of them without a warrant, so they were “in Irons in the Custody of the Provost Martial”


112. May 2, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Concerning Captain Butler, who had just arrived in Montreal and was on his way to Quebec; Maclean, having passed on orders to him from the commander in chief to return to Niagara, warned him that if he decided nevertheless to go to Quebec, it was at his own risk; Maclean stating that “I thought my Duty to Acquaint you with the foregoing Particulars for His Excellencys information & to clear myself from any blame respecting Captain Butlers conduct”

113. May 3, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Further justifying his actions concerning Captain Butler’s conduct

114. May 5, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Reporting at length on a garrison court martial concerning a “Drunken riot [that] happened here in the House of a soldiers wife of the 29th Regiment”; including the unlicensed selling of rum; including defendant Boone’s assertion that the military court had no jurisdiction over the matter, which should have been taken to civil authorities; Maclean having continued to confine Boone pending a decision from the commander in chief about the jurisdiction issue

115. May 24, 1781
From Dunbar to Le Maistre
Seeking instructions on what to do with a German soldier in confinement; enclosing a letter by de Barner to Maclean in relation to a court martial just moved to Quebec

116. May 31, 1781
From Garrison Surgeon Charles Blake at Montreal to [?; to whom it may concern]
Declaring Captain Scott of the 53rd Regiment “unfit for any Duty for some time to come”

117. May 31, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Reporting Captain Scott’s poor health, which will make it impossible for him to serve on the upcoming general court martial.

118. May 31, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Montreal
Concerning six sailors who sought to enlist in the army rather than continue on the commercial ship they were working on; concerning a general court martial to try nine men from Sir John Johnson’s Corps, about which Maclean did not have prior knowledge and was unhappy about it; requesting again what to do with German prisoners confined by de Barner

119. June 1, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Concerning rules for confining rebel prisoners

June 7, 1781
120. From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Concerning whether prisoners now being tried in a general court martial could legally turn King’s evidence

121. June 25, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting that fived rebel prisoners and two German prisoners had escaped; reporting that many prisoners are ill of scurvy; reporting steps being taken to move some of them to the general hospital at Three Rivers

122. August 6, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre
Enclosing a memorial sent at Maclean’s request [not microfilmed]

123. August 25, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Responding to a request to send all men who were miners to Quebec

124. August 30, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a letter from de Barner requesting that a detachment of his troops be relieved of special duty at Sorel, a matter that Maclean cannot handle and thus is passing on to the commander in chief [letter not microfilmed]

125. September 10, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Concerning two men from Butler’s Corps but not on the Corps’ return, one of whom has been confined and the other told to “leave to support himself by his Industry”

126. September 13, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a letter from Assistant Engineer Tinling at Coteau du Lac concerning the use of prisoners for construction labor; Maclean requesting clarification on the policy

127. September 11, 1781
From Tingling at Coteau du Lac to Dunbar
Requesting that 50 rebel prisoners be sent to him “to be employed both with Security and advantage, provided a guard is ordered to the Island”

128. September 17, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Requesting support for Captain Robertson at Oswegatchie’s petition, enclosed, for leave to attend to family matters in Montreal [petition not microfilmed]

129. September 20, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Le Maistre at Quebec
Enclosing a memorial and seeking its support on Maclean’s behalf [memorial not microfilmed]

130. September 20, 1781
From Major John Adolphus Harris of the 34th Regiment, at Sorel, to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting sending three rebel prisoners to Quebec

131. September 24, 1781
From Dunbar at Montreal to Lernoult at Quebec
Enclosing a petition from Canadians who have been confined for some time [document 132]; also concerning a loyal subject captain who might be exchanged for a rebel captain

132. September 19, 1781
Petition from the Canadians mentioned above, seeking their liberty; written in French

133. October 4, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Concerning who will pay for an express Maclean sent to St. Johns regarding deserters from de Barner’s Regiment

134. October 8, 1781
From Maclean at Montreal to Lernoult
Reporting that Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Carleton wished to be awarded command of the troops at Montreal but that de Barner, his subordinate, did not wish to serve under Carleton unless directed to by the commander in chief; requesting that the commander in chief resolve this dispute soon

135. January 31, 1782
From Major James Rogers at Montreal to Lernoult [spelled Lamott] at Quebec
Enclosing returns for arms and clothing [not microfilmed]


136. November 14, 1782
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Reporting that he and Major Ross have arranged for Maclean to take the grenadier company of the 84th Regiment with him, except for its commander, Captain Laughlan Maclean (in the absence of Captain Robertson), who was left wintering at Oswego; other matters

137. November 16, 1782
From Dunbar at Niagara to Lernoult
Enclosing “a letter from Lieutenant Colonel Butler with the discharges of three man of his Corps”

138. November 17, 1782
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult at Quebec
Concerning difficulties in sending Indians to meet Major Ross’ “desire”; other matters

139. December 20, 1782
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Enclosing monthly returns for December 1 “of the Different Posts for the Upper Lakes” [not microfilmed]

140. January 7, 1783
From Rogers at St. Johns to Lernoult
Enclosing a “List of Recruits in three Kings Rangers exclusive of the three Companies already in Orders” [document 141]; hoping that these will be approved to be an additional company “under the Command of William Marsh, with Rich’d Ferguson & Roger Stevens in succession”

141. [no date]
List of recruits mentioned in previous document

142. January 26, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Concerning a “new Vacant Company in the Corps of Rangers, that never has been disposed of”; concerning two vacant second lieutenant positions in the Corps of Rangers; making recommendations to fill these positions


143. March 17, 1783
Report by doctors George Anthon (surgeon to the garrison) and William Hansley (surgeon to the Naval Department) concerning treatment at Detroit beginning on January 20, 1783 of two broad sword wounds to the head of Lieutenant George Herkimer; subsequent symptoms, treatments, and surgery, after which the patient expired on February 19; report of post-death examination of the man’s brain revealing disease unrelated to the recent wounds; concluding that “we are of opinion that the wound given by the broad Sword was not the cause of Mr. Herkermer’s death”; document sworn before Alexander Macomb at Detroit

144. March 31, 1783
From Dunbar at Niagara to Lernoult
Enclosing, on Maclean’s behalf, a document from Lieutenant Colonel Butler [probably the previous surgeons’ report, document 143; see documents beginning at document 151 concerning the MacDougal-Herkimer “affair”]

145. [no date; received April 12, 1783]
From Rogers to [?; probably Lernoult]
Repeating his recommendation for creation of a fourth company in the King’s Rangers

146. April 19, 1783
From Rogers at St. Johns to Lernoult
Concerning an error in the February 1 monthly return

147. April 22, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Concerning a rank and commission dispute respecting Captain Tenbroeck of the Rangers; involving Colonel Butler; surprise at Tenbroeck’s resignation because of a charge from Butler, in which Maclean thinks Butler is “mistaken”; providing a long explanation of Maclean’s understanding of the situation; enclosing a letter from Tenbroeck [not microfilmed]

148. April 24, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Concerning lost paperwork confirming Lieutenant Pawling in Butler’s Corps to be promoted to Captain Lieutenant; providing a long explanation/justification of Maclean’s actions and understanding of the situation

149. April 26, 1783
From Dunbar at Niagara to Lernoult at Quebec
“Agreeable to an order of last Nov’r, I send you a Copy of all orders, & letters from head Quarters respecting this place and the upper posts, since the first arrival of a Brigadier to that command”


150. May 7, 1783
From Rogers at St. Johns to Lernoult
Explaining in detail the discrepancy in the February 1 return; stating that the January and March returns are accurate

151. May 7, 1783
Copy of letter by Captain Malcolm Fraser, at Carleton Island, to Ensign James MacDougal of the 84th Regiment
Granting MacDougal leave to go to Montreal to surrender to the sheriff’s civil authority in light of charges against him concerning the death of Lieutenant Herkimer of Colonel Butler’s Rangers; hoping for his acquittal

152. May 25, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Explaining the details of an ongoing dispute and scuffle between MacDougal and Herkimer; of Herkimer’s death from exposure to cold; of allegations that Herkimer died from blows from MacDougal; enclosing Fraser’s letter to MacDougal [document 151] and an extract from a letter from Fraser to Maclean [document 153]; complaining that Fraser had gone around him (Maclean), was ill informed, and took improper action; seeking to clarify the situation and take proper action himself

153. May 7, 1783
Extract from a letter from Fraser at Carleton Island to Maclean explaining his actions concerning MacDougal

154. May 31, 1783
Copy of a document sworn before Alexander Macomb at Detroit and signed by Joseph Williams, master ship builder providing evidence concerning the dispute between MacDougal and Herkimer

155. June 1, 1783
Copy of letter from John Macomb, Esq. at Detroit to Maclean
Providing information, opinions, and advice about the MacDougal-Herkimer affair; expressing the opinion that MacDougal is a “simple poor man without experience”

156. June 1, 1783
From Rogers at St. Johns to Lernoult at Quebec
Concerning the number of discharged and numbers in returns [document microfilmed twice]


157. June 1, 1783
Copy of letter from Major A. L. De Peyster at Detroit to Maclean
Concerning the MacDougal-Herkimer affair; expressing surprise that MacDougal has been charged, without real evidence against him; providing information; expressing the opinion “How Mr. McDougall could be so simple as to go to Montreal upon the Recommendation of Persons unacquainted with the affair is to me astonishing; but at all Events I would advised the Relations of the Deceas’d not to ‘prosecute him.’”

158. June 10, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Concerning the MacDougal-Herkimer affair; enclosing copies of letter from Major De Peyster [document 157] and a letter from John Macomb [document 155]; supporting De Peyster’s opinions and accepting that MacDougal was a “simple good natured poor young man”

159. June 16, 1783
From Captain George Herkimer at Coteau du Lac to Lernoult
Enclosing a memorial; requesting assistance in getting it noticed and acted on [memorial not microfilmed]

160. July 20, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Concerning Captain Grant’s desire to return to England; knowing that, after the peace, other officers were being allowed to go home; therefore, approving Grant’s request, despite an order from the commander in chief prohibiting any officers to “quit their posts”; hoping that he has not “given any offence to His Excellency” and promising in the future not to allow any officer to quit his post without approval of the commander in chief

161. August 7, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Concerning private business, following up on his previous memorial “requesting leave to sell my Lieu’t Colonel Commission, on acc’t of the Situation of my family”, suggesting conditions that he not request “half pay or any Other thing, but that of retaining my rank in the Army”

162. August 21, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting that Lieutenant Walter Prentice attempted to draw his bayonet on Lieutenant Ford of the Navy; suggesting that Prentice be put before a general court martial and Ford retained to provide evidence

163. August 29, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Reporting arrest of Dr. James Conner, surgeon’s mate, in relation to the Prentice crime described in his previous letter [document 162].

164. September 15, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Acknowledging lack of success in getting the commander in chief to approve his request to sell his commission; thankful for permission to petition his friends at home on his behalf but despairing that this approach will be successful; requesting permission to come to Quebec for three days to write his memorials and consult with friends

165. October 8, 1783
From Maclean at Niagara to Lernoult
Reporting that Prentice was seeking to delay the general court martial since his “Principal Evidences were in Canada”; expressing concern about delaying since some members of the court were to be discharged and others had other duties, and the “evidences” were three vessels needed for transport reasons before winter; reporting that the court sought to give Prentice ample opportunity to present his evidence but was wary of his abusing the privilege; Maclean has released the three vessels as an act of necessity, hoping his conduct is acceptable to the commander in chief; otherwise, trusting the court to do the best thing


Ordnance Department, letters and returns, 1776-1783: 49 documents, with dates from June 1, 1776 through October 29, 1783 (printed page numbers 412 through 537) [Begins on Reel 5; ends on Reel 6: Reel 6 begins with Document 184 on printed page number 462]

166. June 1, 1776
“Return of Ordnance Workmen to serve in Canada Transports under the Engineers”; transports listed include the Charming Nancy, Helen, Friendship, Devonshire, and Jane; signed at Quebec by Chief Engineer Harry Gordose [?]

167. September 22, 1777
From Lieutenant of Artillery Charles Sackville Colleton at Montreal to [?]
Request to Brigadier General Allan Maclean to represent to the commander in chief the price of ordnance and stores mentioned in the attached return that would be “of the utmost use in the defence of the Garrison of Niagara” [return not microfilmed]


168. July 26, 1778
“Return of the Civil Establishment of His Majestys Ordnance in this Garrison”; signed by B. Rumsey, storekeeper, Office of Ordnance, Quebec

169. July 26, 1778
“Return of the Extra Artificers etc. in the Ordnance Employ in this Garrison”; signed at Quebec by Rumsey

170. July 27, 1778
“Return of Small Arms in the Garrison”; signed at Quebec by Rumsey

171. September 2, 1778
“Return of Military Artificers etc. and Labourers employed at Isle Aux Noix in the course of the Month of August 1778”; signed by Engineer Henry Rudyard

172. September 26, 1778
“bill of Laden on board the Liberty Snow”; a list of ordnance on board being shipped; signed at Sorel by Alexander Giggie, [?] of Artillery; addressed to Rumsey at Quebec

173. October 20, 1778
“Return and State of Ordnance Stores taken at Michilmackinac”; signed by Major A. L. De Peyster

174. December 5, 1778
A return of ordnance personnel: “The fixed Establishment of the Civil branch of the Office of Ordnance at Quebec; The Civil Branch attending the Field Train of Artillery in Canada”; signed by Lieutenant Colonel Forbes Maclean, commanding the Royal Artillery in Canada

175. January 1, 1779
A return of ordnance personnel: “The fixed Establishment of the Civil branch of the Office of Ordnance at Quebec; The Civil Branch attending the Field Train of Artillery in Canada”; signed by Forbes Maclean

176. October 1, 1779
A return of ordnance personnel: “The fixed Establishment of the Civil branch of the Office of Ordnance at Quebec; The Civil Branch attending the Field Train of Artillery in Canada”; signed by Forbes Maclean

177. April 1, 1780
A return of ordnance personnel: “The fixed Establishment of the Civil branch of the Office of Ordnance at Quebec; The Civil Branch attending the Field Train of Artillery in Canada”; signed by Forbes Maclean


178. October 1, 1780
From Hearz [?] Schane, commissary of artillery at Quebec to Forbes Maclean
Concerning specifications and amounts of ordnance described and calculated in detail; suggesting that “It would be a great advantage to the Service, that a regular proportion was fixed for the ammunition both of rifles and muskets and of Carbines—which is submitted with great deference, by”

179. October 1, 1780
A return of ordnance personnel: “The fixed Establishment of the Civil branch of the Office of Ordnance at Quebec; The Civil Branch attending the Field Train of Artillery in Canada”; signed by Forbes Maclean

180. April 1, 1781
A return of ordnance personnel: “The fixed Establishment of the Civil branch of the Office of Ordnance at Quebec; The Civil Branch attending the Field Train of Artillery in Canada”; signed at Sorel by Forbes Maclean

181. August 1, 1781
“Monthly Report of the State & present distribution of Powder, Small Arms, Ammunition, etc. at the Several Posts in Canada”; signed by Forbes Maclean

182. August 24, 1781
“Return of Officers and Men of the Royal Regiment of Artillery who have arrived in the fort”; signed at Quebec by Captain of Royal Artillery William Bothwick

183. August 27, 1781
From Forbes Maclean at Sorel to General Frederick Haldimand, commander in chief in Canada
Reporting on a general court martial of soldiers of the 84th regiment holding correspondence with rebel prisoners; that the “Chief Prompter and Projector of the plot” was John Lydell or Lyttle; that Lydell had embarrassingly escaped; and that captured papers of the plot revealed little except that the rebel prisoners generally acknowledged “of being well treated, having plenty both of Provisions & cloathing, though they are Prisoners to the Cursed Torys.”

[Reel 6 begins here. Note that the last frame on Reel 5 (the second page of document 183, numbered page 461) is also microfilmed as the first frame on Reel 6.]

184. October [?] 22, 1781
From Francois Lélangé at Cabinières [?] to [?]
Concerning goods and boats [written in French]

185. October [?] 22, 1781
From Captain Jean Le Claire and Francois Lélangé to [?]
Concerning goods and boats [written in French]
186. November 26, 1781
From Bombardier George Muirhead, Royal Artillery, to Captain Houghton, Royal Artillery, at Quebec
Reporting on “our unhappy journey to Sorell” and storage of arms there

187. November 16, 1781
From Captain Edward Abbott at St. Johns to Major Richard Berringer Lernoult, adjutant general, at Quebec
Seeking Lernoult’s support for Abbott to be promoted, given the death in his regiment of Lieutenant Flyer [?]

188. January 1, 1782
A return of muskets (English and French) at various posts, written at Quebec; unsigned

189. March 19, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Sorel to Lernoult
Reporting that although 1,064 stands of arms were reported by return to be available at Sorel on March 1, upon arrival there he found only about 200 stands, the remainder having been “demanded & issued…to several Crops in these Environs”; planning to “order up 400 More Arms immediately from Quebec; but on mature reflection…I will rather wait for the Commander in Chiefs further directions on this Matter.”

190. March 22, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Sorel, “Orders to Serjeant Gow”
Instructions for Gow to proceed with two men to escort the transport of eight Chech [?] of arms to Montreal

191. March 26, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Sorel to Lernoult at Montreal
Reporting compliance with an order to send 100 stands of arms to Montreal in addition to the 200 already sent

192. May 9, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Quebec to Lernoult
Concerning the movement of arms from Carleton Island to a post at Oswego; offering detailed advice on numbers and kinds of guns needed there, in relation to arms and ammunition now available at several other posts (Oswegatchie, Carleton Island, Niagara, Detroit, Michilimackinac, Sorel, St. Johns, Isle aux Noix, and Montreal)


193. May 9, 1782
“List of Ordnance Stores ordered to be forwarded immediately to Carleton Island for the Service of that Post & Supply of Oswego etc. etc.”; written at Quebec; signed by Forbes Maclean;
“List of Ordnance Stores to be sent immediately to Montreal to be there deposited for the Current Service of the Troops in Environs”

194. May 10, 1782
From Captain William Bothwick, Royal Artillery, at Sorel, to Lernoult
Reporting that his men made 5,000 musket ball cartridges on this day, added to 16,404 already in storage, along with 70,000 musket balls “and I shall continue making up Cartridges until I receive orders to stop.”

195. May 16, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Quebec to Lernoult
Concerning redistributing artillery officers and privates to man both Carleton Island and Oswego; concerning providing arms for these soldiers

196. June 6, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Quebec to Lernoult
Reporting on the making of musket cartridges at Quebec and Sorel; requesting to know the total number of cartridges desired

197. June 29, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Quebec to Lernoult
Reporting that two field pieces plus “every thing pertaining to them” will be delivered the next day to the Regiment of Friedrich Wilhelm von Lossberg and those from Anhalt Zerbst.

198. July 15, 1782
From Captain J. Maurer at Montreal to Captain Francis Le Maistre, deputy adjutant general at Quebec
Reporting having forwarded a letter from Le Maistre directed to Major Ross; reporting on guides “to Carry the 84th Light Company to Carleton Island”

199. July 29, 1782
“General Return of the Detachment of the Royal Regiment of Artillery Posted at Quebec July 29th under the Command of first Lieutenant Donning”

200. October 29, 1782
From Forbes Maclean to Lernoult
Reporting compliance this day with order to move eight field pieces to the garrison


201. November 5, 1782
From Corporal Robert Hadden, Royal Artillery, at Saint-François on the Île d’Orléans, to Lernoult at Quebec
Reporting that ice on the river will make moving the militia to Quebec impossible for three months

202. December 8, 1782
From Forbes Maclean at Quebec to Lernoult
Responding to Lernoult’s request for the name of a man “taken up as a Deserter”; enclosing the adjutant’s report on the matter; requesting that it be returned to him

203. March 6, 1783
From Storekeeper K, Chandler, Office of Ordnance, at Quebec, to Lernoult
Reporting that Corporal McKasky of Sir John Johnson’s First Battalion is employed as an “armourer”; that armorers are badly needed and, and that “it would be a loss to the service to part with him”

204. May 26, 1783
From Forbes Maclean at Sorel to General Frederick Haldimand, commander in chief for Canada
Requesting permission for Second Lieutenant Ramsey to go to England “by the first opportunity” to serve as battalion adjutant at home; reporting that First Lieutenant Christopher Myers, commanding at Detroit, has been placed on half pay; requesting orders for him to return to England

205. July 17, 1783
From Captain Barnes at Sorel to Lernoult at Quebec
Concerning attempting to forward a letter from Lernoult to Lieutenant David Smith, who had left for Niagara before receiving the letter

206. August 22, 1783
“Return of a Detachment Of the fourth Battalion Royal Artillery Embarked for Canada on board the Lucretia and Charming Polly Transports”; written at New York; signed by Major Edward Williams, Royal Artillery; directed to Haldimand

207. August 22, 1783
Return of a Detachment of the fourth Battalion Royal Artillery Embarked for Canada on board the Lucretia and Charming Polly Transports; written at New York, signed by Williams, directed to [Forbes] Maclean

208. October 3, 1783
“Debarkation Return of a Detachment of the Royal Regiment of Artillery at Quebec”


209. October 23, 1783
“Embarkation Return of a Detachment of the Royal Reg’t of Artillery including Women & Children to be Embarked On Board the Charming Polly Transport”; written at Quebec; notation “a Copy Sent to Lord Townshend”

210. October 27, 1783
From Forbes Maclean at Quebec to Lernoult at Quebec
Acknowledging receipt of an order to provide a return of the artificiers in the Fourth Battalion at Sorel, which order will be complied with immediately

211. October 29, 1783
From Lieutenant John Wade, Royal Artillery, at Carleton Island, to Lernoult
Requesting consideration to fill a vacancy for assistant engineer at Niagara

212. [no date]
Ordnance returns including practice ammunition and ball cartridges for both British and German regiments plus “Magazines the under Mentioned British Reg’ts draw from magazines” and “Germans”

213. [no date]
Lists of ordnance “For Service” and “Practice”

214. [no date]
“Embarkation Return of a detachment of the Royal Artillery under the Command of Lieut’t Gahan” signed by Lieutenant Adjutant C. J. Semoine [?]


Quartermaster General’s Department, returns of bateaux, camp equipage, etc., 1778-1783: 27 documents, with dates from July 20, 1778 through November 20, 1783 (printed page numbers 538 through 601)

215. July 20, 1778
From Lieutenant John Barnes, assistant quartermaster general, at Montreal, to Captain Francis Le Maistre, deputy adjutant general
Enclosing “the Acc’t of Disbursments for the Loyalists” [document 216]

216. July 20, 1778
A list of disbursements for the Royalists; written at Montreal; signed by Barnes

217. September 21, 1778
From Barnes at Montreal to Le Maistre at Sorel
Reporting having sent guns and ammunition to Sorel


218. June 7, 1780
From Barnes at Sorel to Le Maistre
Reporting having disbursed, as ordered, to “James Clark of the 33rd Reg’t and the four other men come in from the Army under Convention two Dollars each” plus a blanket each out of the store

219. July 12, 1780
From Barnes at Montreal to N. [?] Day Esquire
Concerning the movements of money under guard to pay troops

220. October 5, 1780
From Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Carleton, quarter master general, to Major Richard Berringer Lernoult, adjutant general
“herewith enclosed a copy of the Distribution of Quarters for the Approaching Winter” [not microfilmed]

221. November 4, 1780
From Lieutenant Colonel Barry St. Leger at St. Johns to Lernoult
Concerning the potential “repartition of the troops, and fugitives left in Canada after the Convention in the time of General Carleton”; seeking clarity on who will be assigned to which regiment

222. August 6, 1781
“Return of Batteaux in Possession of His Majesty’s 53rd Regiment of Foot at Yamaska, St. Francois and Sorel”; signed by Captain H. Dunlop, commander of the 53rd

223. August 20, 1781
List of batteaux in possession of the brigade of Brigadier General Ernst von [de] Speth

224. October 18, 1781
From Carleton at Montreal to Le Maistre
Reporting having received the commander in chief’s settlement of the distribution of winter quarters; will communicate to Major General Friedrich von Riedesel that he is ordered to “regulate the quarters of the Sorel District”

225. October 26, 1781
“Distributions of Winter Quarters for the Troops in the District of Quebec, By Orders of His Excellency the Commander in Chief”; written at headquarters at Quebec; signed by Captain Thomas Gamble, assistant quarter master general

226. November 15, 1781
From Francis Le Maistre, deputy adjutant general, to Carleton
Order for a detachment of 100 men from Sir John Johnson’s Second Battalion to proceed without delay to Carleton Island
227. November 19, 1781
From Carleton at Montreal to Le Maistre
Acknowledging receipt of order to send 100 men to Carleton Island, “which shall be completed with without loss of time.”

228. November 19, 1781
From Carleton at Montreal to General Frederick Haldimand, commander in chief in Canada
Transmitting a memorial from Ensign Saunders of the 29th Regiment concerning his grievance about a promotion

229. December 4, 1781
“Return of Snow Shoes Remaining in the Quarter Master Generals Stores at Quebec”; written at headquarters at Quebec; signed by Gamble

230. December 5, 1781
“Return of Snow Shoes Remaining in the Quarter Master Generals Stores at Sorel, Montreal, and St. Johns”; written at headquarters at Quebec; signed by Gamble

231. February 13, 1782
“General Return of the Quarter Master Generals Department in Canada”; written at headquarters at Quebec; signed by B. Duport, assistant quarter master general

232. July 20, 1782
From Gamble to Le Maistre
Concerning the availability of a vessel to transport baggage of Colonel Canightberg’s [?] regiment and of bateaux for the regiment to cross the river at Point Levi

233. May 23, 1783
From Colonel Henry Hope, acting quarter master general, at Quebec, to Lernoult
Enclosing the crimes “on which it is intended to prosecute the two Serjeants before the General Court Martial”; [crimes are included in the text of the letter]

234. June 24, 1783
“General Return of the Quarter Master Generals Department in Canada”; written at headquarters at Quebec; signed by Hope [microfilmed twice]

235. July 14, 1783
From [?; probably Lernoult or Le Maistre], at headquarters at Quebec, to Barnes
Instructing Barnes to deliver enclosed letters to the Office of Militia of the Parish of Contre Coeur, seeking to find Lieutenant David Smith, who is supposed to be attending a court martial now under way at Niagara

236. July 28, 1783
From Hope to Lernoult
Arranging for ships to be at Point Levi to receive detachments of the Regiment from Anhalt Zerbst

237. August 3, 1783
“Report of the Transports”: signed by Majors Thomas Faunce and Ritters

238. September 10, 1783
From Hope to Lernoult at Quebec
Enclosing two memorials from the 44th Regiment [memorials not microfilmed]

239. October 23, 1783
From [?; probably Lernoult] to Hope and to Major Campbell, officer commanding at Isle aux Noix
Conveying orders “for all public works to cease and the Working Parties to join their Respective Corps without delay” [appears to be a draft with editing]

240. November 20, 1783
“Return of the Troops and Loyalists Including Women and Children to Embark on Board the Three Sisters Transport for England”; written at Quebec; includes those of the Royal Artillery, 31st, 44th, and 53rd Regiments, and Loyalists

241. [no date]
“Reglements pour le Payment des habitants employez en Corvée dans le transport des Vivres et Munitions de Sorel” [document written in French]


Have something you want to share, such as a question, research find, or a personal story about the Library? Email Will Tatum at tatum@dlar.org