A Short History of the 7th or Royal Fusiliers in North America

7th Foot (Royal Fusiliers) "The Elegant Extracts" When originally raised, the officers came from many different regiments. http://www.ageod.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-1443.html

1773
Colonel papers for the 7th, Royal Fusiliers lists in 1773: 40 Light Infantry Cap Hats Laced with Tape & Tape Bands 2s 9d each 40 Black Ostrich Plumes 2 Light Infantry Serjts Cap Hats Laced with Silver & Silver Bands 2 Black Ostrich Plumes The price of the Light Infy Cap Hats is similar to 2s 5d charged for the men's hats and I assume from the price that they are as well felt. Prior to this the Light Infantry received Light Infantry Caps and Feathers in 1771 at a price of 8s 6d. Considering the Lights are getting new caps two years latter, the ornate 1771 caps must not have been suitable for Quebec where they were stationed and were substituted with felt ones. [Communication from R. Henderson of Discriminating General; Information acquired from Don Hagist]

1774
Landed at Quebec under Colonel Lord Robert Bertie. The regiment was intended to replace the Kings 8th Regiment. Under Gen Sir Guy Carleton with the Kings 8th Regiment and 26th Cameronian Regiment. The Fusiliers occupy advanced posts in Canada, but are recalled to Montreal while a detachment under Major Stopford remains at Fort Chambly. At the same time in England, recruitment is carried on to strengthen the regiments numbers.

1775
Divided in two parties to garrison Ft Chambly (Maj Stopford) and Ft St John (Col Prescott) 20 October Maj Stopford and 83 Fusiliers surrender Chambly and 7th Colours 3 November Col Preston of the 26th Regiment surrenders Ft St John to Montgomery, Capt Owens company remained in Quebec. Among the prisoners are about 550 troops of the 7th and 26th Regiments. Colonel Prescott remains in Montreal, but quits that city 2 days before General Montgomerys force takes it unopposed. 12 November Colonel Prescott, 11 officers, and 120 men surrender as prisoners of war in Montreal, while General Carleton makes his escape to Quebec. 14 Nov Fusilier Sergeant captures a rebel sentry as documented in a letter from General Arnold to General Montgomery

Colvil Place, 2 miles from Quebec, 14 Nov., 1775 Dear Sir:-I wrote you yesterday from Point Levi, I am, dear Sir, with great respect, Your obed 't. humble servant, B. ARNOLD. P. S.-Since writing the foregoing, the enemy found means to make prisoner of one of our out sentinels[*]. I immediately invested the town nearly as possible with my troops, which has occasioned them to set fire to the suburbs of St. Johns, and several of the houses without the wall are now in flames.

*George Merchant, of Smith's company, was the unlucky sentinel captured; he had been stationed in a thicket where he had the disadvantage of seeing little and being seen from higher ground. A daring sergeant of the 7th regiment of the King's troops, with a few followers, noting his exposed position, for which he was less to blame than the officer of the guard, glided through the suburb of St. John under cover of the houses, and then, concealed by a thicket, crept stealthily within a few feet of Merchant and, springing suddenly upon him, disarmed him before he could discharge his piece. But this was not done without giving an alarm, and the Englishmen and their captive were hotly pursued to the shelter of the guns of the city. (Arnolds Expedition to Quebec, pg 148-9)

Philadelphia, 22 November 1775 On Friday last, Major Stopford and other officers, with their band of music, taken at Chamblee, arrived at Trenton, in New-Jersey, where they are to remain prisoners of war, till they are exchanged. [Newspaper Datelines of the American Revolution, Vol. 2; A. F. Lucier, ed., Heritage Books, 2001] Letter dated Camp before Quebec, near the Grand Hospital, December 6, 1775. Our men are in high spirit, being now well clothed with the regimentals destined for the 7th and 26th regiments, who were taken prisoners at St. Johns. [Newspaper Datelines of the American Revolution, Vol. 2; A. F. Lucier, ed., Heritage Books, 2001] Siege of Quebec 1775-6 Approximately 60 men of Captain Owens Company of the 7th (along with 170 men of Colonel Mcleans Royal Highland Emigrants, 40 Marines, 430 Seamen and about 500 Militia) repels invasion from General Montgomery (who perishes in the attempt) and saves Canada from falling to the Americans. (The Royal Fusiliers The 7th Regiment of Foot, Michael Foss, pg. 43) 31 December 1775 to January 1776 The Death and Funeral of General Richard Montgomery
"It was on this day that my heart was ready to burst with grief, at viewing the funeral of our beloved general. Carleton had in our former days with the French, been the friend and fellow soldier of Montgomery. Though political opinion, perhaps ambition or interest, had thrown these worthies on different sides of the great question, yet the former could but honor the remains of his quondam friend. About noon the procession passed our quarters. It was most solemn. The coffin covered with a pall, surmounted with transverse swords, was borne by men. The regular troops, particularly that fine body of men, the Seventh Regiment, with reversed arms, and scarfs on the left elbow, accompanied the corpse to the grave. From many of us it drew tears of affection for the defunct, and speaking for myself, tears of greeting and thankfulness toward General Carleton. The

soldiery and inhabitants appeared affected by the loss of this invaluable man, though he was their enemy."

("Account of Arnold's Campaign Against Quebec", John Joseph Henry, reproduced in The British Invasion From the North, pgs 99-101, footnote #79)

*Note: Colonel Lord Robert Bertie would be compensated to replace sundry cloathing and accoutrements of the 7th regiment of foot, taken by the rebels in the year 1775 a sum total of 1,440 13s 2p, on April 30, 1781, the year before his death. (The Parliamentary Register, Volume 7, 1782, pg 674)

1776
January 1 The Regiment is officially conveyed from Lord Robert Bertie to Colonel Richard Prescott March - Recruitment efforts in England pay off, and while the majority of the Fusiliers are held as POWs, a detachment of recruits from England arrive in Boston. Their stay is short, however, as General Howe ordered his Army to evacuate the city, and on March 27 they sailed to Halifax, Nova Scotia. (Historical Record of the Seventh or Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, pg 70) 19 May - Captain Foresters light infantry company of the 8th regiment, along with 100 Canadians and 200 Indians, attack the Cedars, a fort about 43 miles above Montreal, which was held by the American Colonel Beadle and 390 rebels. Captain Forester took the fort and made the occupants his prisoners or war. It was this action that enabled the British to use the American prisoners as a bargaining chip to effect the release of those soldiers taken as prisoners of war at Fort Chambly and Fort St John seven months previous. (Historical Record of the Seventh or Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, pg 70) Autumn - The detachment that had arrived in March arrive in New York. (Historical Record of the Seventh or Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, pg 70) 2 December - The regiment marches into New York (then the regimental headquarters) where it receives new clothing, joins up with its new recruits and resumes its regimental duties. (Historical Record of the Seventh or Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, pg 70) April 23 In 1780, an imprisoned General Moultrie would recall an incident involving the Royal Fusiliers while the regiment was held as prisoners of war in Carlisle, PA. Moultrie was being held as a POW outside of Charlestown, SC, in Haddrells Point in Christ Church Parish in the house of Loyalist Colonel Pinckney. Cornwallis had called on Moultrie to answer for the recent despicable behavior of his imprisoned troops during an Independence Day celebration. Moultrie replied by calling attention to the behavior of the British POWs at the prison barracks in Carlisle, PA:
" the Seventh Regiment celebrated the anniversary of St. George's Day, when prisoners at Carlisle; and the convention troops [i.e. Burgoyne's army] kept the birthday of his Britannic Majesty both in the year '78 and '79, without the harsh animadversion of 'indecent abuse of lenity 'and 'gross outrage!"

(The History of South Carolina in the Revolution, Edward McCrady, pg 344-347)

October 30, 1776 The Pennsylvania Gazette

EIGHT DOLLARS Reward. BROKE out of the Goal at Lancaster, in the night of the 19th inst. the 3 following prisoners, viz. William Fitzpatrick, about 5 feet 6 inches high, black curled hair, a slim man. Lawrence Cain, about 5 feet 9 inches high, dark coloured hair, a slim fellow. James Parker, about 5 feet 9 inches high, black hair, tied behind, a stout fellow, and belonged to the 7th or 26th regiments of prisoners, now stationed here. Whoever takes up said prisoners, and delivers them at the prison aforesaid, shall have the above reward, or Twenty Shillings for each, and reasonable charges, paid by PETER RIBLET, Goaler. Lancaster, October 21, 1776 . At the same time ran away, a servant woman, named Mary Miller, about 5 feet 6 inches high, a stout lusty woman; had on when she went away, a striped cotton petticoat, a calicoe short gown, with red stripes, flowered handkerchief, new cap, new shoes and stockings; talks English and German well. Whoever takes up and secures said servant, so that her master may get her again, shall have EIGHT DOLLARS reward, and reasonable charges, paid by PETER RIBLET. [acquired from Don Hagist] Based in and around New York 1776-77
At Amboy 23rd and 71st regiments; the remains of the 7th and 76th regiments; a detachment of Dragoons; and the Waldeck regiment.

(The Arrangements for Winter Quarters of His Majestys Troops, in North America, 1776. Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. VI, pg 64)
Gen. Sir William Howes Orders: HEAD QUARTERS, New York, Dec. 21st, 1776. Parole, Oxford ; Countersign, Warwick. The 7th. and 26th. Regiments, as soon as they have received their Arms, are to proceed immediately to their intended Cantonments ; The 7th. to Newbridge, and 26th. to Hackinsack. The Commander-in-Chief has the Honour of communicating to the Army that the Behaviour of the Officers and Soldiers, both British and Hessian, on the 27th. August last, has received his Majesty's strongest Approbation. The 7th. and 26th. Regiments to be on the General Parade to-morrow at 12 o'Clock.

(Kemble Papers, pg 426-27)

HEAD QUARTERS, New York, 23d. Dec., 1776. Parole, Tuscany ; Countersign, Florence. The 7th. and 26th. Regiments are to embark tomorrow for the Jerseys; they will land at Fort Lee and march to Newbridge and Hackinsack, there to remain till further Orders. HEAD QUARTERS, New York, Dec. 24th., 1776. Parole, Recourse ; Counter Sign, Magdeburg. The 7th. and 26th. Regiments to be at Powles Hook [rest unreadable]

(Kemble Papers, pgs 428-9)

1777
The Royal Fusiliers maintain for a short time a Masonic Lodge in New York City
A list of regiments in NY with known Lodges, pertaining to 1775 through 1777, can be found in a book called "The Temple and the Lodge" by Michael Baigent and Richard Leigh, New York, 1989. Below is an extract of that list, including regiments and chartering Grand Lodges: 7th Regiment of Foot: No. 231, Grand Lodge of Ireland http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Revlist/message/58792

13 January 1777 New York Gazette Found in the Jersies, a brown and white spaniel bitch, with a brass collar and engraved upon it, Capt. Kenneer Royal Fuzileers. The owner applying to Capt. John M'Neal, on board the ship Jenny, in Beekman's-slip, or Capt. Robert Shuter, of the Lord Dunmore, said slip, paying the advertisement, shall have her again. [Acquired from Don Hagist: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Revlist/message/122506] 23 January 1777 London Chronicle Deserted the 15th of January, from the additional Companies of the 7th Regiment of Foot, or Royal Fusileers, quartered at Coventry, Thomas Levain, Twenty years of age, 5 feet 6 inches and a quarter high, a Labourer, born in Ireland, county of Down, parish of Mackerly, dark brown hair, grey eyes, swarthy complexion, full-faced, a large scar on the middle finger of the right hand, very strong made and round-shouldered, and has a stoop in his walking; has a vicious and designing countenance, and affects a low and meek manner in conversation; he deserted in his regimental jacket, and a pair of leather breeches, which he stole from his Comerade. Whoever apprehends the said Deserter, and secures him, so that he may be brought to justice, shall receive Forty Shillings reward, besides the allowance by Act of Parliament, by applying to the Commanding Officer at Coventry, or to Messrs. Ross and Gray, Agents, in Conduit-street, London. [acquired from Don Hagist] Various movements and activities in and around New York until winter encampment in Philadelphia under General Sir William Howe.
HEAD QUARTERS, New York, Jan. 5th., 1777. [From Sir William Howes Orders] After Orders, 3 o'Clock. The 7th. and 26th. Regiments to march to-morrow, the 6th. to Bergen Point, opposite to Decker's Ferry, where boats will be ready to conduct them to Elizabeth Town.

(Kemble Papers, pgs 434)

HEAD QUARTERS, New York, 4th. July, 1777. [From Sir William Howes Orders] The Detachment of the 14th. Regiment to be on the General Parade tomorrow morning at 9 o'Clock to be drafted. Officers of 17th., 26th., 7th., 55th., 52d., 28th., 46th., 10th., 15th., and 37th. Regiments to attend to receive their Drafts. The Drafts from the 14th. Regiment to command pay with the Regiments they go to from 25th. June.

(Kemble Papers, pgs 461-2)

Friday, August 22d Sir Henry Clinton Embarked the 7th, 26th, British and Grenadier Anspach Company, at 12 at Night, at Greenwich; they landed on Staten Island before day, but were too late to be of any Service.

(Kemble Papers, pg 127)

Thursday, Sept. 11th. At Night the 57th. 63d. Detached Corps and Prince Charles's Regiment Embarked and crossed the North River to Fort Lee. The 7th, 26th, and 71st with a Squadron of Light Dragoons, Marched to New York; supposed to go over to Paulus Hook.

(Kemble Papers, pg 132)

Wednesday, Sept. 17th to Sept. 24th. Various Accounts, but nothing to be depended upon. Previous to this I should speak of an Excursion into Jersey. On the 11 th Sept., at Night, the 63d. Detached Corps, 57th., Prince Charles, and Emmerich's Corps Crossed

the North River, and Marched to Hackinsack and New Bridge ; at the same time the 7th., 26th., 52d. and Provincials, with Grenadiers of Anspach and Waldeck, landed at Elizabeth Point, and Marched to Newark ; were fired upon in their Route. Detachment of 71st and Bayard's Corps from Paulus Hook, marched to the opposite of Passaic to Near Newark ; the whole returned on the 17th with some Cattle, &c. During this Excursion none of the Inhabitants of Bergen, Hackinsack or thereabouts offered the least obstruction to the Troops in their March, and only the old Villains of Jersey, from Elizabeth Town, Newark, &c., opposed them. We are told Mr. McDougal was near our Rear with 1,200 Men when they crossed at Fort Lee ; many People were of my Opinion that Sir Henry Clinton would have Marched his whole Detachment to Paulus Hook, and crossed there, where there would have been no possibility of an obstruction, but by Crossing at Fort Lee they might have been annoyed ; and no possibility of annoying them. No Intelligence of the Northern Army ; wonderful Silence ; hope they are in good Condition. Everything remains quiet at Rhode Island. Report says Fort Stanwix is taken by Col. St. Leger, but uncertain.

(Kemble Papers, pg 132)

10 July - Colonel Prescott, serving as a Major-General, is captured by the rebels in Rhode Island. Also captured is Lt Barrington of the 7th. (Historical Record of the Seventh or Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, pg 71) Oct Expeditions against American Forts Montgomery and Clinton along the Hudson River, Oct 6, under Gen Garth and General Tryon. None reported killed, wounded, missing, etc. (Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. VI, pgs 232, 235-7, footnote on 506)
Friday, Oct. 3rd. This day, at five in the Afternoon, 57th. 63d. Fanning's, and Bayard's Provincial Corps marched and Embarked under the Command of General Tryon in Spiking Devils Creek ; the 7th. 26th. and 52d. having Embarked in Transports the day before.

(Kemble Papers, pg 133)

Winter 1777-78 Left NY for occupation of Philadelphia under Gen Sir Wm Howe 31 December 1777 Pennsylvania Ledger Lost, a White Pointer Dog, belonging to Captain Baillie, of the Royal Fusileers; his name is on the collar. Any person that will bring him to the Printer, shall have a Guinea reward. [acquired from Don Hagist]

1778
13 Feb, 1778 Supposd to be taken away from the Rooms last Night, a Light Colourd Great Coat with a green Cape, Markd I M on the Lining of one of the Sleeves, whoever has got it will be so good, as to return it to the City Tavern. Stolen out of the Quarters of Catp. Anstruther of the 7th Regt. On the 12th Instant a Small Tea chest containing fifty three Guineas in cash some silver spoons & some Papers; whoever discovers the Thief, so that the above Articles may be had, shall receive ten guineas Reward. [Guards Memorandum Book, Washington Papers, Library of Congress] Acquired from Don Hagist

April - Major-General (Colonel) Richard Prescott is exchanged for the rebel General Charles Lee Summer Marched out of Philadelphia and returned to New York under command of the new Commander-in-Chief Sir Henry Clinton. 27 June 27th. we anchor'd in Huntington Harbour. From that to White Stone but was only ordered back by Majr. Genl. Tryon - With a fleet & 7th 23rd Regts. & A Detachment from the Guards (Source: Henry Nase Diary) 28 June Battle of Monmouth Courthouse with Gen Alexander Leslies Fifth Brigade
June In consequence of the determination taken to evacuate Philadelphia, the 5th Brigade (26th, 63d , 7th) 46th and 55th Regiments, [Lt Col John G.] Simco's and Stirn's Brigade, were passed over the Delaware at Cooper's Ferry and wagons with provision and stores for the march packed there under their cover. 22d The Army was under arms at 4 o'clock in the morning, and marched soon after through Slab Town to the Black Horse. General Leslie with the 5th Brigade took an intermediate road between that of the Column and Burlington, where it was supposed there might be some Rebel Troops; by that means flanking the baggage. The 5th Brigade afterwards fell into the Black Horse Road and brought up the rear. We learnt at the Black Horse that Maxwell, with a large body of men, had quitted that place at 2 in the morning. Several papers were found warning us to beware of being Burgoyned. A deserter was executed on the march. 23d The Army marched in two Columns, the 5th Brigade under General Leslie forming the advance of that on the left. General Leslie with the 5th Brigade masked the Bordentown Road when the [Cornwallis] Column turned off at the Rising Sun. He afterward proceeded to Bordentown, where he lay on his arms all night. The Rebels cannonaded his Corps from a wood on the opposite side of a creek which enters the Delaware there, but without effect. 28th General Knyphausen marched from Freehold at 4. The baggage joined and followed his Division. Simco's Corps and the 5th Brigade took post on the Cranberry Road. The 1st Light Infantry were fronted about to the advancing Enemy, the Guards, Hessian and British Grenadiers were halted and faced to the left, and Orders being sent to the 3d, 4th and 5th Brigades to return and be ready to support, the whole began moving back. The Hessian Grenadiers and 4th Brigade remained in a second line, and the 5th Brigade kept in the rear as a reserve. 30th Lieutenant General Lord Cornwallis marched at 3 in the morning and joined the other Division at Middletown. The 1st, 2d , 5th and Stirn's Brigade were sent forward to occupy the heights of Neversink, and the baggage received Orders to follow. At 10 in the evening the remainder of the Troops marched to the heights. The 3d, 4th and 5th Brigades were landed on Long Island; the 1st and 2d on Staten Island and the Guards, Hessians and Cavalry on York Island. Thus was completed a March of many miles thro' the Enemy's country, in defiance of every obstacle they threatened or attempted to throw in our way; nor was it only by repelling and pursuing them at Freehold that a superiority both of skill and powers was shewn; but throughout the whole march they were perplexed in their conjectures by t he secrecy observed respecting our route and by false movements made to deceive them; neither could their Militia or Light Troops with their boasted knowledge of the country and dexterity in hovering round us, find an opportunity to give the least annoyance to a Column of eight or ten miles in length.

(Major John Andre Journal excerpt, Found on RevList, Message #52697)

10 July Landed, at break of Day, at Norwalk marchd. Through, where we had the Satisfaction to see Several of the Scoundrallg Bayonetted, & Two Stand of Stripes Taken, by the 7th Regt. We Returned to the Ships, the Same evening, & Next morning Came to Huntington Bay (Source: Henry Nase Diary) 22 August 1778 The New York Gazette An ad placed by Lt. Cadogan of the 7th Regiment described a black and white bitch, of King Charles's breed, with collar marked with Cadogan's name. [Acquired from Don Hagist: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Revlist/message/122506]

1779
May 26, 1779 The Pennsylvania Gazette Greenwich, May 21, 1779. WHEREAS sundry wearing apparel, in a portmanteau, was found in Roxbury township, Morris county, New Jersey, in April last, supposed to be stolen and concealed in the woods by a certain John Harris, a deserter from the first Jersey regiment, containing the following articles, viz. a scarlet coat, with silver buttons marked No. 7; one buff and two half silk streaked jackets; one pair of linen breeches and two pair of silk stockings. Whoever has lost the above described apparel, on proving his property and paying charges within three months from the above date, may have them again, by applying to the subscriber in Greenwich, Sussex county and State aforesaid, otherwise they will be sold at public vendue, to defray the charges. MATTHIAS SHIPMAN. [Note: not certain that this is a British coat. The 7th regiment had gold officers metal, but the other ranks coat button could be called silver] Acquired from Don Hagist Summer Sailed with Gen Wm Tryon (former Provincial Governor of the North Carolina Colony 17651771) in attacks against CT coast under General Garth (included flank companies of the guards; 54th regiment, a detachment of Yagers, and 2 pieces of artillery)
"Return of the Killed, Wounded and Missing of the Troops under the Command of His Excellency Major General Tryon on an Expedition in the Sound from the 3 rd July to the 14th July 1779. New Haven, 5th July 1779. 7th or Royal Fuzileers- 1 Serjeant Wounded; 7 Rank & File Wounded, 2 Missing Fairfield, 8th July 1779 7th or Royal Fuzileers- 2 Serjeants Wounded; 1 Rank & File Killed, 13 Wounded, 1 Missing. One since dead of his wounds.

(Source: University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 63, item 10. Found on RevList, Message #51343)
Return of Ordnance and Stores, taken and destroyed at and near Newhaven, &c. on July 6th, 1779, by a detachment of the army under the command of his Excellency Maj.Gen. Tryon. IRON ORDNANCE Taken and destroyed by the Royal Fuzileers, in the action at Norwalk, 1 three pounder.

(Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. VI, pg 176, Note 134)
At East Haven the British burned several houses; but they burned nothing in New Haven, excepting some stores on the Long Wharf. There were burnt at Fairfield 86 dwelling houses, 2 churches, a handsome court house, several school houses, 55 barns, 15 stores and 15 shops

(The Annals of America From the Discovery By Columbus in the Year 1492 to the Year 1826, Volume 2, pg 299)

September 26th Set sail with Cornwallis from New York bound for Georgia coast, but were immediately ordered back.
Sunday, Sept. 26th. Accounts that Monsr. D'Estaing, with 24 Sail of the Line, 14 Frigates, and some Transports, were seen off the Coast of St. Augustine and Georgia; some say to the Westward of Bermuda. Lord Cornwallis's Troops, consisting of 7th., 23d. and 57th. Regiments, Volunteers of Ireland, and Queen's Rangers, Embarked and Sailed out of the Hook; ordered back, on the night of 26th, by the Admiral. The Russell, Europe, Defiance, and Raisonable, remain at the Hook.

(Kemble Papers, pg 186)

sailed for Philadelphia and subsequently fought at the Battle of Monmouth, losing three more men. Their severest test came during Tryon's raids in Connecticut in July of 1779. Here they lost 27 men killed, wounded and missing but performed very well under heavy fire on two occasions. They were actually embarked 479 officers and men on the expedition for the relief of Jamaica in September of 1779 until that was cancelled before they left Sandy Hook. (Sources: University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 63, item 10 & Volume 68, item 10; PRO, Colonial Office, Class 5, Volume 94, folio 313 & Volume 96, Pages 65-66.) [acquired from Don Hagist] 4 December Rebel militia refuse to help deserters from the 7th:
Colonel Lewis Nicola to Samuel Huntington, President of Congress lately 7 men of the 7th regiment got on Burnt island and called to the people on this side to bring them over but were only laughed at & detained till they were taken & punished.

(Source: Papers of the Continental Congress, Publication M247, Item 163, p 180-1) http://www.footnote.com/image/#393164

"Return of Small Arms issued by the Commissary of Artillery:" "To 1st Battn. British Grenadiers- 6 Serviceable Light Infantry Carbines, 14 Decr. 1779. To 42d Regiment - 22 Serviceable Light Infantry Carbines, do To 7th Regiment- 2 Serviceable Light Infantry Carbines, do." These Carbines were distinguished from "Artillery Carbines" and "Long Horse Carbines." However, on the same return is the following: "To the British Light Infantry- 47 Serviceable Shortland Musquets, 8 Decr.1779." Source: University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 155, item 7. Acquired from Don Hagist The 7th started their Southern journey in December of 1779 as a part of the army under Sir Henry Clinton sailing for the Siege of Charlestown. 463 officers and men sailed in the "Bellona" and "Ocean" transports and were a part of the siege. This does not include the strength of their flank companies. Source: Clinton Papers, Volume 233, item 17. Their loss during the siege was 1 R&F

killed, and 2 others wounded. Source: PRO, Colonial Office, Class 5, Volume 99, Page 493. The rest of the year appears relatively easy for them, the bulk of the fighting devolving on units like the 63rd, 71st & Provincials. They were not present at Camden for the Battle. Now as to the "raw recruits" aspect, there were some present at the battle, but they were not a majority of the 7th Regiment. In the Fall of 1780 a large fleet of recruits arrived at New York from England. On board of this fleet were one captain and 75 privates of the 7th. Source: PRO, War Office, Class 34, Volume 128, folio 55. Almost immediately, an expedition of recruits and men returning from leave, convalescents, etc. set sail from New York for Charlestown on 4 November 1780 under the command of the Hessian Major General Bose. On board of this fleet was 1 captain and 60 R&F of the 7th Regiment, presumably all or most from the recruits just received from England. Source: Clements Library, Frederick Mackenzie Papers. Presumably it was these folks who accounted for the "raw recruits" you mention. I regret I have no return of the 7th at the battle, and none more recent than 15 June 1780, when they had 12 officers and 407 other ranks. Even if they had only half this strength at Cowpens, the new recruits would not have comprised more than a quarter or third of the 7th at Cowpens. In June of 1781 there was a major exchange of prisoners in the South and the 7th was mostly exchanged. They went on to garrison Savannah, Georgia for a time before their career in America ended on 25 November 1783 when they were one of the last six British regiments evacuated from New York. Source: PRO, Colonial Office, Class 5, Volume 111, Page 387. [Communication from Todd Braisted] Carleton Papers, V. 38 No. 204 William John Darby, commanding the 7th Regiment, to Carleton, 5 August 1783 New York. Memorial concerning clothing. V. 38 No. 205 Return of deficiencies of clothing and necessaries sent out to the prisoners of war for H. M. 7th regiment. Signed William John Darby, New York, 5 August 1783. Acquired from Don Hagist

1780
Feb 463 Fusiliers arrive in SC under Gen Sir Henry Clinton for expedition against Charleston, SC
(Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. VI, pg 204) (Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. V, pg 13) (The Siege of Charleston" by Bernard A. Uhlendorf, editor)

March Siege of Charleston May Charleston falls to British

Return of the Killed and Wounded of the Troops under the Command of His Excellency General Sir Henry CLINTON from their debarkation in So. Carolina the 11th February to the Surrender of Charlestown 12th May 1780. 7th Regiment - 1 Rank & file Killed; 2 Rank & file Wounded.

(Great Britain, Public Record Office, Colonial Office, Class 5, Volume 99, folio 246. Found on www.royalprovincial.com)
Friday 13th [May 1780] At ten oClock the gates were opened. Genl Leslie, at the head of the British Grenadiers, the 7th, 63rd, 64th Regiments and Hessian Grenadiers marched in and took possession of Charles Town.

(Source: Uzal Johnson, Loyalist Surgeon A Revolutionary War Diary, Bobby Gilmore Moss, editor)

Three companies of the 7th move out of Charleston a mere 2 weeks after the Siege ends and being their trek into the backcountry of South Carolina.
Friday 26th [May 1780] The following corps got in motion at three oClock in the Morning under the command of Coll. Balfour of the 23rd Regt., viz, Lt. Infantry Commanded by Major Graham; three Companies of the 7th by Capt Peacock; American Volunteers, Major Ferguson; Prince of Waless by Lt Coll Patterson. In number about six hundred, Marched out to the Ten Mile House and halted. I remained in Town. Went onboard a Providence Sloop and got two hundred Limes and half Dozen Pine Apples. At five in the evening, I proceeded as far as Six Mile House with a Waggon, and halted till two in the Morning. Saturday 27th overtook the Army near Twenty-three Mile House, where we took up our ground. Sunday 28th Marched ten Miles to Monks Corner. Monday 29th Lay encamped in a wood at Monks Corner Tuesday 30th Marched ten Miles to Genl Moultries Plantation where we halted Wednesday 31st Marched sixteen Miles to Greenland Swamp Thursday June 1st 1780 Marched to Nielsons Ferry, Santee River. Saturday June 3rd 1780 Marched fourteen miles to Campbles Plantation seventyseven Miles from Charles Town. Monday 5th Marched twelve Miles to Cave Hall Tuesday June 6th 1780 Marched 13 miles Coll [James] Thompsons Saturday 10th Left Thompsons Marched eighteen Miles to Beaver Creek and halted. Major Graham and two Flank Companies of the Prince of Wales American Regt remained at Thompsons. Sunday 11th Marched 5 miles and halted Monday 12th Marched fourteen miles to Congree Stores Tuesday 13th Lay at Congaree Stores Wednesday 14th Capt. Peacock with the three Companies of Royal Fusiliers received orders to remain here. Coll Patterson with the Prince of Waless Regt to march for Camden.

(Source: Uzal Johnson, Loyalist Surgeon A Revolutionary War Diary, Bobby Gilmore Moss, editor)

June

A return of Drivers, Horses and Wagons

Return of Drivers Horses & Waggons furnished by the Quarter Master General, for the General and Staff Officers and the Several Corps and Detachments of the Army in the District of South Carolina By order of His Excellency the Commander in Chief 1st June 1780. Distribution Detachment of the 7th Regiment Drivers 1 Horses 4 Waggons 1

(University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 102, item 47. Found on www.royalprovincial.com)

September The Fusiliers march from Charlestown to meet up with Cornwallis at his base in Charlottetown.
News Report from the South-Carolina and American General Gazette: Georgetown, September 16. On the 8th instant, Major Moncrieffe, with the 7th regiment, and a considerable body of Col. [Joseph] Wigfalls and Col. [John Coming] Balls regiments of militia, crossed the Santee at Eagans Ferry, on the day following encamped within 8 miles of this town, and on the 10th arrived here. There were but few inhabitants here, and these in general were far from being rejoiced at our arrival. The troops have excellent quarters. Major Wymes has been scouring the country to the northward of this. Several of the inhabitants, who after giving their paroles, joined Marion and Horry on their late incursion, have gone off with them. Some of their houses, &c. have been destroyed in terrorim. The persons of other equally culpable are secured, as they have, by their recent base conduct, shewn themselves unworthy of being allowed to go at large. (Duke Library, Microfilm #N4857, Reel #11, Vol. XXIII, No. 1100, Wednesday, September 20, 1780) I must assure your lordship that His Majesty's service has derived the greatest advantages from the ability and great exertion of Lieut. Colonel Balfour in the very important post of commandant of Charleston, where he has put everything into such perfect order and has formed so respectable a militia that with the concurrence of Major Moncrief, the chief engineer, he is enabled to spare another battalion for the field, notwithstanding the increase of prisoners, in consequence of which the 7th regiment is now on its march to join me.

(Earl Cornwallis to Lord George Germain, 19 Sep 1780, in K. G. Davies, ed., Documents of the American Revolution, 1770-1783, 21 vols. (Dublin: Irish University Press, c1977-1982), 18:170.)

Captains Peacocke and Harrison die at Camden

News Report (Obituaries) from the South-Carolina and American General Gazette: DEATHS. -At Camden. Capt. Peacock and Capt. Harrison, of the 7th regiment. (Duke Library, Microfilm #N4857, Reel #11, Vol. XXIII, No. 1100, Wednesday, November 1, 1780)

[*note: Peacocke was the commanding officer of 3 companies of Royal Fusiliers who camped at Congaree Stores, SC, 4 months earlier. What happened to those 3 companies? Were they at Camden with Capt Peacocke? If so, had they fought in the Battle of Camden in August? Had they gone back to Charleston? If so, was Pecocke with the party that arrived at Georgetown on September 10? Was this the route that the 7th took to Ninety-six? Also, why is Harrison listed as deceased when he is noted in the Historical Records of the Seventh as retiring in 1781?] October Unconfirmed account of a company of the 7th Regt in New Yorks Mohawk Valley:
Lower Fort Schohary Octobr 20th 1780 Dear Sir Yesterday morning Old Joacum Van Valkenburg and 2 others was taken prisoners about the upper Fort But where since Let at Liberty, they where taken by a Party of about thirty men, Indians and Tories, this moment I was Informed that the Settlement Thourlough* was Laid into Ashes We here that this was Done By the party that took Joacum prisoner, Nothing New at this Post,

*One of the many spellings of Dorlach which is the present day Sharon, Schoharie County, New York yesterday morning at Day Light Col. Vrooman Col. Staats and Major Woolsey marched from this to fort Hunter in pursuit of the Enemy with three Hundred men. Last night a Deserter from the enemy Came in here By this Deserter I learnt the Strength of the Enemy Which is Seven hundred in number King's Regt 50 men Royal Fusiliers 40 Rangers 130 Yaegers short Riffelmen 30 Johnson's 250 Brant's Volunteers 80 Indians 200, this said Diserter informed me that the enemy are short of ammunition and intend to make a forced march By the Shortest Route to the Oneida Lake where they Left there Boatfs we lost in killed the 17th Instant 3 men on our side the enemy Lost more, the number of houses burnt is Computed to be 74 Barns 77 Grist mills 3 one saw mill of Sitneys Please to Communicate the Contents of this to our Governor and Let me hear the News from your quarter as I am Anxious to hear how Matters are Carried with you, no more Your Humbl Servant Volkert Veeder Lieut Col To Henry Glen, Esqr Please to give my complyments to Friends in Schenectady (Source: Copied from a photocopy on file at the Schenectady History Center, original in Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., No. Ac 62o6a.) Found at http://www.fortklock.com/schoharie.htm

Nov 23Intelligence reports gathered by William Henry Harrington put the 7th in Georgetown and Camden:
GENL. H. W. HARRINGTON TO MAJOR GENL. GATES. Camp near Kershaws Ferry, 23 of November, 1780. Dear Sir: ...A Captain Bluker* of the 7th Regiment commands about 100 Convalescents & some Militia in George Town; ...A British Deserter who left Cambden on Sunday last informs me that Lord Rawdon's Corps and about 80 of the 7th Regt. were busily employed making Redoubts that One had lately been made on the East Bank of the River & another at the Old Mill on the Cheraw Road; that Hamiltons & Innis' Corps were encamped three Miles up the Waxaw Road.

(Colonial and State Records of North Carolina, Volume 14, Pages 748-749. Found at http://docsouth.unc.edu/csr/index.html/document/csr14-0661)

*I have been unable to corroborate the existence of a Captain Bluker in the 7th. There is,
however, a Captain (or Captain-Lieutenant) Blucke of the 23rd in and around the area.

Dec 13 Recruits for various regiments in the British Army arrive in a convoy at Charleston from New York. (Source: Fusiliers, pg 354, Mark Urban) Dec 17 saw the regiment engaged in the Battle of Halfway Swamp and Singletons Mill. Maj. Robert McLeroth and his 64th Regiment were escorting some 200 recruits* of the 7th Foot from Charleston to Camden when they encountered the rebel General Francis Marion and his troops.
(http://www.clarendoncounty.com/cccoc/halfwayswamp.html)

*I personally question this claim, as I have not seen any solid evidence or corroborating documentation to suggest that this many recruits were bound for the 7th.

1781
January Transferred from Cornwallis to Tarleton to pursue Gen Morgan 17 Jan Battle of the Cowpens (all but about 15 of 187 men are killed or captured, baggage train with colours are taken). Surgeons Mate of the 7th sent with Doctor Stewart from the 71st to General Morgan to assist with the care of the British wounded POWs.
"NEAR TURKEY CREEK, Jan. 19th, 1781. SIR--- The action of the 17th instant having thrown into your hands a number of British Officers and Soldiers I primarily request of you that Attention and Humanity may be exhibited toward the Wounded Officers and Men, for whose assistance I now send a Flag, Doctor Stewart and the Surgeon's Mate of the Seventh Reg't. I secondly desire you to Inform me of the Number and Inability of the Prisoners, which the Fortune of War has placed in your possession. I have the Honour to be Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, B. TARLETON, Lt.-Col. Commdg R.L. P.S. I have sent some money for the use of the prisoners."

(Cowpens Papers, Being Correspondence of General Morgan and The Prominent Actors, pg 29)

Also, the day of the Battle of Cowpens saw the Colour of the Royal Fusiliers once more in the hands of the enemy. The standard was not on the field of battle, but in the baggage train belonging to the Fusiliers. There is no mention of whether this was the Regimental Colour or the Kings Colour.:
Frederick County 28th March 1781 Sir Permit me by order of the Honourable Major Genl Green to lay at the feet of Congress the standard of the 7th British Regt, which fell into my hands in the action of the 17th Jany the other that was taken at the same time, I believe fell into the hands of some of the Militia, it being dusk when we returned from the pursuits on the day of the action, and obligd to march the next Morning early with the prisoners for fear of being intercepted by Lord Cornwallis who was forming a march for that purpose, a proper inquiry could not be made after it but if it has not fallen into the hands of some person who will convert to private use, it will come to hand as I left the necessary orders for that purpose. I fear it will not be in my power to tender any great service to my country for some time - as my health is much impaired, have retired for the recovery of it by permission of Genl Green till I find myself able to take the field again, at which time I shall cheerfully return to the army. I have the Honor to be, with sentiments of High esteem your Most obedient & very Humble servant Dan Morgan [Addressed to] His excellency Samuel Huntington Esqr. President of congress Philadelphia favoured by Major Hickonon [?]

(Source: NARA M247. The correspondence, journals, committee reports, and records of the Continental Congress (1774-1789), Vol. 16, Item #78)

March After Cowpens, the location of the regiment appears to be a little unclear. We know that at least one Fusilier joined up with Cornwallis troops at the Battle of Guilford Courthouse. Being from a Fusilier regiment, the soldier specified most likely fell in with the 23rd Royal Welch Fusiliers.
Fusilier Thomas Avory [wounded in] both eyes

(Source: Return of the Number of Wounded of the different regiments left at New Garden Meeting House March 17th 1781, PRO 30/11/5, pages 117-118, Cornwallis Papers)

In addition, there is a Charles Crow listed on a Cowpens prisoner list, but his date of capture is shown as 11 March 1781 at Guilford Courthouse. It could be that either the date is incorrect (Battle of Guilford Courthouse was 15 March), or he was simply captured near that area, or was captured in a previous engagement. (Source: List of British Prisoners of Warr brought to Lancaster from the Southward on the [blank] of April 1781-Library of Congress, Peter Force Papers, Series IX, Reel 106, Pages 580592 [acquired from Todd Braisted]) Historian Don N. Hagist states that In June of 1781 there was a major exchange of prisoners in the South and the 7th was mostly exchanged. They went on to garrison Savannah, Georgia (Source: PRO, Colonial Office, Class 5, Volume 111, Page 387. [Communication from Todd Braisted]; Carleton Papers, V. 38 No. 204). Note*: So, now we have elements of the regiment separated from each other. This is not at all surprising in light of the devastating defeat at Cowpens 2 two months previous. July 29 Five prisoners of the 7th Regiment were exchanged and sent into Cornwallis' Army at Portsmouth on 29 July 1781.
(Source: Public Record Office, Cornwallis Papers, PRO 30/11/6, folio 375. Found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Revlist/message/113482, courtesy of Todd Braisted)

October 4 Fusiliers of the 7th are captured by the French after a morning sortie to spike the French guns during the Siege of Yorktown
7 Regiment Thomas Fuller William Walker James Wanson George Nicholson

Confined at William Grays[?] taken by the French wounded & in French Hospital wounded & in American Hospital

(Source: Return of Prisoners of War taken 16 October 1781, George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799: Series 4. General Correspondence. 1697-1799, Thomas Durie, October 18, 1781, Prisoners, Image 596 of 1065 Found at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/mgwquery.html)

From Yorktown, Lieutenant Harling and Adjutant Wood with three un-named soldiers of the 7th Regiment leave on parole on board the Lord Mulgrave Transport, while Captain Baillie leaves on parole on board the Cochrane Transport.
(Sources: National Archives and Records Administration, Revolutionary War, Misc. Numbered Records, Nos. 31591 & 31598. Found at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Revlist/message/113500, courtesy of Todd Braisted)

December The 7th and the Kings American Regiment march from Charleston to Savannah:
As a reinforcement, the British 7th Regiment of Foot and the KAR's Light Infantry Company were ordered to Savannah from Charlestown, arriving on 22 December 1781.

(Found on http://www.royalprovincial.com/military/rhist/kar/kar7hist.htm; Source: Nase Diary, 22 December 1781, NBM)

1782
26 February A Detachment from the 7th. & K. A. Rt. under Command of Lt. Ford. marchd. at 10 oClock at Night to Ld. Wm. Campbell's plantation. surprised a party of Rebels, Killd. three, wounded several, & took four prisoners, some of which had British Protections, in their pockets (Source: Henry Nase Diary) 24 July Three British fifers, one being the Fife Major of the 7th, desert to the rebel forces:
British Deserters, Names and Interrogations, April 15-December 12, 1782 July 24th, John Nealy, Fife Major of the 1st Bn [or British??] Grenadiers belonging to the 7th Regt left Long Island on the 19th. 16 Comps of Grenrs on Long Island amounting to 1000 Men He says that great uneasiness prevails in that Corps. John Wilkinson, Fifer to the Grenadier Comy of the 37th Regt deserted with the above Nealy recounts the same. Donald McIntire, Fifer of the 42d Grenadiers came off with the above.

(Source: George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799: Series 6. Military Papers. 1755-1798)

28 August "The Regt. of Wesebach & Angenella together with Fanning's Corps., & 7th British Reg., came lately from Savannah & are now on Long Island, very weak in number and very sickly. [2] "
(Source: George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799: Series 6. Military Papers. 1755-1798 British Deserters, Names and Interrogations, April 15December 12, 1782, Image 13 of 32, available at http://memory.loc.gov/mss/mgw/mgw6a/117/1500/1510.jpg)

24 November 1782 Corp John Glass of the 40th Regiment deserts his post on Staten Island and gives intelligence regarding British troop strength on 30 November:
The 37th [Regiment] in the City [New York], about 300 [men fit for duty] ~ and the 7 th about 120

(Source: George Washington Papers at the Library of Congress, 1741-1799: Series 4. General Correspondence. 1697-1799, British Deserters, November 25, 1782, Interrogations, Image 7 of 1103, Found at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/mgwquery.html)

1783
Jul 21 - The British 7th Regiment stages a ceremonial review in New York City. (? - unconfirmed) http://home.eznet.net/~dminor/NYNY1780.html
On Saturday morning, His Majestys Seventh Regiment of Foot was reviewed on the Commons near this city, by Brigadier General [and LtCol of the 7th] Alured Clark, when they made an handsome appearance, and performed their different evolutions and firings with great alertness and precision.

(Source: The Royal Gazette, New-York, July 30, 1783)

Mary McCarthay to Carleton, 23 August 1783. Carleton papers, V50 no 180. New York. Petition. Formerly wife of Richard Henshaw. Her first husband was in the 7th Regiment and Charles McCarthay in the 9th, and was captured with Gen. Burgoyne. That she was entrusted with Gen. Arnolds despatches to bring to New York a few days before he left the rebel army at

West Point, and that at the hazard of her life she brought them into this garrison and delivered them to Gen. Robertson in the presence of Col. Beverly Robinson. Is going to Nova Scotia. Asks some relief. 25 November The Royal Fusiliers are one of the last six British regiments evacuated from New York. (Source: Great Britain, Public Record Office, Colonial Office, Class 5, Volume 111, Page 387.)

References
Account of Arnold's Campaign Against Quebec, John Joseph Henry, reproduced in The British Invasion From the North The Parliamentary Register, Volume 7, 1782 Cowpens Papers, Being Correspondence of General Morgan and The Prominent Actors Cornwallis Papers, PRO 30/11/5, Return of the Number of Wounded of the different regiments left at New Garden Meeting House March 17th 1781 Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. VI, The Arrangements for Winter Quarters of His Majestys Troops, in North America, 1776. Arnolds Expedition to Quebec Great Britain, Public Record Office, Colonial Office, Class 5, Volume 99, folio 246 Kemble Papers Major John Andre Journal Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. IV Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. V Naval and Military Memoirs of Great Britain 1727 1783, vol. VI The Annals of America From the Discovery By Columbus in the Year 1492 to the Year 1826, Volume 2 The History of South Carolina in the Revolution, Edward McCrady The Royal Fusiliers The 7th Regiment of Foot, Michael Foss University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 63, item 10 University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Sir Henry Clinton Papers, Volume 102, item 47 Berkshire Record Office: The Downshire Papers FILE - Lord Robert Bertie's vouchers - ref. D/ED/O38 - date:1767-1781 \_ [from Scope and Content] (Mainly for regimental clothing and accoutrements) as colonel of the 7th Foot (the Royal, or English Fusiliers) [These show that the regiment was in N. America in 1775, and lost some of its equipment to 'the rebels']