B.038 – B.M. 21698
LETTERS FROM LORD G. GERMAINE AND OTHERS TO SIR GUY CARLETON, 1776-1779
1775/09/08 – Whitehall – John Pownall to Carleton
Sending off information that the Empress of Russia has given the fullest assurance of assistance to suppress the rebellion in the Colonies. In consequence application has been made for a corps of 20,000 infantry, of which it is hoped a considerable body will be sent out in spring. It is probable the greatest part may be sent to Quebec, if the plan suggested be adopted by Howe. Preparations to be made for their reception. Carleton authorised to appoint an Adjutant General and Quarter Master General, with the usual allowances. (Page 13) – SN: 038001
1776/03/29 – Treasury – Robinson to Burgoyne, enclosed to Carleton, same date.
That the sum of £100,000 for the service in Canada is sent in the Juno and Blond, in addition to £20,000 lately sent, and a further sum of £50,000 to be sent to Portsmouth for shipment. Pay and subsistence for the British and foreign troops in America issued to 24th October. Shoes, &c., for the Brunswick troops now at Spithe ad have been ordered. The mischief that has arisen to the service in the army under Howe from the improper method of expending the cash for extraordinaries and for the pay and subsistence. The two must be kept entirely separate. Early requisition for each quarter must be made, as well as demands for supplies. A contract has been made for 12,000 troops ; the terms enclosed. To avoid the risk of not obtaining provisions from Canada. the whole supply is sent out ; exact accounts of the issues, &c., must be sent. The want of system produced most of the difficulties at Boston, as there were, unknown to the Home authorities, 11,000 men victualled at Boston, whilst the establishments of the forces were Dot 8,000, and this excess extending over a period of many months. Provision for six months put on board the transports ; further supplies will be sent with all expedition. Contract made for 125,000 gallons of rum for Canada ; means for testing its strength. Commissaries appointed. Light draught armed ships procured for tho St. Lawrence. (Page 41) – SN: 038002
1776/03/20 – Treasury – Instructions to Nathaniel Day
Instructions to Nathaniel Day, Commissary in Canada (enclosed in letter p. 41). (Page 51) – SN: 038003
1776/05/28 – War Office – Lord Barrington to. Carleton
Sending copy of the distribution of the German recruits and British draughts intended for Canada. Regulations as to pay and promotion. (Page 15) Distribution follows. (Page 16) – SN: 038004
1776/08/17 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
Transmitting regulations for bounties to wounded officers and to the widows and orphans of those killed in action; the rules to be retrospective. (Page 17) Regulations follow. (Page 19) – SN: 038005
1776/08/22 – Whitehall – Germaine to Carleton
Had laid before the King the letter reporting the formation of the army into four brigades, with Nesbitt, 47th, Fraser, 24th, Powell, 53rd, and Gordon, 29th, as brigadiers. The arrangement to stand till the troops join Howe, when the rank of brigadiers held by these officers must cease, to prevent confusion. The rules as to command of artillery officers. (Page 39) – SN: 038006
1776/09/11 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
Orders given to send out shoes to Canada, and material for repairing them. How they are to be issued. (Page 21) – SN: 038007
1776/09/18 – Treasury – Robinson to Carleton (extract.)
Clothing sent for Indians and Treasury. Canadians on scouting parties. Management of provisions, &c. Spruce beer to be served out to the men without deduction or stoppage from their pay. (Page 54) – SN: 038008
1777/02/06 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
Extension of one shilling a day, Chelsea allowance, to a larger number of sergeants, (Page 22) – SN: 038009
1777/02/19 – Whitehall – Germaine to Carleton (No 8)
The 7th regiment being arrived at New York, hopes that Major Campbell may be able to join the main army in Canada and take charge of the Indians in next campaign. Claus sent to Canada to be employed in a secondary expedition of the Indians. His qualifications for the duty and his allowances. (Page 23) – SN: 038010
1777/03/14 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
Transmitting a copy of the estimates of general and general staff officers for the year. (Page 24) Estimates follow. (Page 25) – SN: 038011
1777/03/15 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
In consequence of the corps under his command being at such distance from Great Britain, the regimental surgeons, British and foreign, are to be supplied with medicine from the General Hospital. (Page 27) – SN: 038012
1777/03/24 – Whitehall – Germaine to Carleton (No. 13)
Has received notice of the arrival of Sir John Johnson at Montreal. The reported distress and loyalty of the people in that part of the country from whence he came justify the raising of a battalion there for the protection of faithful subjects. The King approves of this and of Sir John having been appointed to the command. The corps raised by Lt. Col. Maclean has not been placed on the establishment, but he and his officers will receive marks of His Majesty’s favour. (Page 5) – SN: 038013
1777/03/26 – Whitehall – Germaine to Carleton (No. 14)
The proposal to send parties of Indians to Virginia and Pennsylvania has been maturely weighed. Hamilton’s report of the warlike disposition of the Indians, whom he could scarcely restrain. There can be little doubt they are still in the same mind, and will readily engage in any enterprise under the King’s officers. “It is His Majesty’s resolution that the most vigorous efforts should be made and every means employed that Providence has put into His Majesty’s hands for crushing the rebellion, and restoring the constitution; it is the King’s command that you should direct Lieut. Governor Hamilton to assemble as many of the Indians of his district as he conveniently can, and placing proper person at their head, to conduct their parties and restrain them from committing violence on the well affected, inoffensive inhabitants ; employ them in making a diversion and exciting an alarm on the frontiers of Virginia and Pennsylvania, and as there is good ground to believe there are considerable numbers of loyal subjects in those parts, who would gladly embrace an opportunity of delivering themselves from the tyranny and oppression of the rebel comities (sic) : it is His Majesty’s pleasure that you do authorize and direct Lieut. Governor Hamilton to invite all such loyal subjects to join him, and to assure them of the same pay and allowances as are given to His Majesty’s other corps raised in America, and that such of them as shall continue to serve His Majesty until the rebellion is suppressed and peace restored shall each receive His Majesty’s bounty of 200 acres of land.” Hopes that these offers will enable Hamilton to extend his operations, and to compel the rebels to weaken the main army, facilitate operations in other quarters and restore those deluded people to their former happiness and prosperity, which are the favourite wishes of the King and object of all his measures. Indian presents sent. List of loyalists recommended by Lord Dunmore who may assist Hamilton. The list of names follows. (Page 7) – SN: 038014
1777/03/26 – Whitehall – Germaine to Carleton (No. 16)
That Riedesel’s demand for full subsistence for the Brunswick troops has been complied with. The same rule to be adopted for all the British troops. Dr. Knox, Inspector General of Hospitals, appointed to Carleton’s army. (Page 11) – SN: 038015
1777/03/26 – Treasury – Robinson to Carleton (extracts)
How Indian presents are to be ordered. How bills are to be drawn. The remitter’s agents to pay over the money that comes into their hands, into the military chest for safety to the public service. (Page 56) Form of contract for provisions follows. (Page 58) – SN: 038016
1777/05/12 – Treasury – Robinson to Carleton
That a warrant is to issue for the off-reckonings for Colonel Maclean’s Corps, from 25th June, 1776, to 24th June, 1777. (Page 68) – SN: 038017
1777/07/14 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
Enclosing invoke of shoes for the troops. (Page 33) Invoice follows. (Page 34) – SN: 038018
1777/07/18 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
List of promotions and returns received. Appointment of Dr. Kennedy as inspector of regimental infirmaries approved. The King approves of tho appointment of a Barrack Master General, leaving the selection to him (Carleton). Can Foy discharge the duties, together with those of other employments? Double promotion in the 9th Regiment. The body of German recruits for the 6th and 47th driven to the West Indies, and tho greater part carried to New York, and probably incorporated into Howe’s army. No objection to the pay of certain officers being received in Canada. (Page 31) – SN: 038019
1777/11/14 – HorseGuards
Report of the Board of General Officers respecting the reduction of additional companies, enclosed in Lord Barrington’s letter to Sir Guy Carleton, of 16th March. (Pag 28) – SN: 038020
1778/04/17 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
The usual deduction from Surgeon’s mates to be made good to them from contingencies. Certificates of those employed in the hospital asked for. (Page 35) – SN: 038021
1778/04/18 – War Office – Barrington to Carleton
Despatches, with returns, &c., received. Promotions approved. Tho local rank of colonel conferred on Major Campbell, Indian Commissary. Regrets that promotion cannot be given to Captains Foy, Le Maistre and Gamble. The rules as to rank in the staff. The number of men in Canada being reduced, one physician is enough for the hospital, Knox, the senior, to return home. Account of promotions enclosed ; explanation of the sale of Lord Petersham’s Company in the 29th. (Page 36) – SN: 038022
1778/04/18 – Treasury – Robinson to Carleton
Colonel John Burgoyne appointed Commissary for mustering the foreign troops, at four pounds a day, namely, two pounds to himself and the rest for assistants in Canada and New York, Capt. Foy to receive his allowance under Osborne, which is to be continued under Burgoyne. (Page 66) – SN: 038023
1779/02/?? – Treasury – Robinson to Haldimand
A warrant to issue for the necessary sum to provide clothing and accoutrements for the King’s Royal Regiment of New York. (Page 69) – SN: 038024
