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The Haldimand Collection is a valuable resource for the study of events in North America from the beginning of the Seven Years War to the end of the American Revolution and the early period of Loyalist settlement. The Papers contain the correspondence and records of Frederick Haldimand’s various commands at Trois-Rivières, Florida, New York, and Quebec. Included is correspondence with such military commanders as General Jeffery Amherst, Thomas Gage, Sir John Burgoyne, Henry Bouquet, and Sir Henry Clinton; various civil and military officials such as the Earl of Sandwich, First Lord of the Admiralty; Lord Barrington, Secretary at War; Lord Dartmouth and Lord George Germain, Secretaries of State; the Governors of Quebec, James Murray and Sir Guy Carleton; British ministers, including the Earl of Shelburne and Lord North; officers of Loyalist Corps such as Robert Rogers, James Rogers, Sir John Johnson, John Butler, and many others; Indian Department officials, Sir William Johnson, Guy Johnson and Daniel Claus; several governors and lieutenant governors; and many letters by Robert Matthews, Haldimand’s military secretary.
1766/General Gage to Lt. Francis Hutcheson
Warrant appointing Lt. Francis Hutcheson Deputy Judge Advocate for the Southern District. (Page 1) – SN: 020001
1769/06/06 – Charles Gould, Judge Advocate General
Appointing Captain Francis Hutcheson his deputy for East and West Florida and Mobile. (Page 2) – SN: 020002
1775/06/01 – Boston – Gage to Capt. F. Hutcheson
Warrant appointing ,Capt. F. Hutcheson to be Deputy Quarter Master General. (Page 3) – SN: 020003
1775/06/08 – Boston – Capt. Hutcheson to General Gage
Statement of his services. (Page 4) – SN: 020004
1775/07/20 – Quebec – Captain Gamble to Captain Sheriff (?)
(See Hutcheson’s len..19 Aug., p. 26.) Not a single Canadian yet raised ; their supineness. Canada would be an easy prey to the Yankees. Carleton very much out of temper. No hopes of raising the militia. The enemies of the Quebec bill among the British rejoice at the supineness of the Canadians. Only 70 men of the British militia assembled in Quebec, &c. (Page 
– SN: 020005
1775/07/24 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The reception of Haldimand’s nephew. Domestic arrangements, The sale of Haldimand’s plate almost impossible just now. The camp and movements of the rebels. Drfficulty of obtaining provisions. The promotions by General Gage. Deaths from wounds among the officers. Rumours that Boston is to be abandoned not true. Friendly messages, &c. (Page 10) – SN: 020006
1775/07/26 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand (?)
Officers retiring and wounded to go home. Charrged among the officers. Sentry deserted to the rebels. Deserter from the rebels says they have little ammunition and are very sickly ; they have 36 pieces of cannon mounted. (Page 16) – SN: 020007
1775/08/11 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand (?)
Sale of Haldimand’s effects. Arrival of General Grant ; his domestic economy. The great scarcity of forage has reduced the price of horses. All the inhabitants leaving, being reduced to live on salt provisions. Attack on Roxbury, Attempt to burn it failed. Burning of the light house by rebels ; repaired. Fresh attack. Reinforcements for rebels. Seizure of rebels with despatches. Town of Machias has two armed cruisers intercepting provisions. Capture and recapture of a schooner, &c. Wounded recover slowly. Promotions. The salt provisions left by Haldimand useful. The neglect of attention to him (Hutcheson) and Haldimand’s nephew. Mr. Gage and Mr. Sheriff take all the furniture ; believed, therefor, that Gage will not stay long. Preparations for remaining during the winter ; no efficient help from England. The troops surrounded by an army entrenched for 15 miles. Washington at Cambridge ; they have provisions but little powder. Illness of Sheriff. No news from Quebec. (Page 18.) – SN: 020008
1775/08/19 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Arrival of a fleet with live stock enough for some weeks. Men of war have brought in ships with flour. Arrivals from Quebec with salt provisions, flour, oats, &c. Sends extracts of letters. Rebels have thrown up a battery at Roxbury, and another to the left. Howe has fortified the hill at Charleston. No word from home or New York ; are drolly situated. Scuffle between the Admiral and Mr. Hallowell. Sale of Haldimand’s effects. The selfish narrowness of those in command. Sewell leaves for London ; Coffin for Halifax, &c.; the place being depopulated. (Page 26) – SN: 020009
1775/08/19 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Sale of Haldimand’s effects, health of his nephew, and other domestic matters. (Page 31) – SN: 020010
1775/09/25 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The allowance to the Boston. Major Generals, &c. Allowances to other officers. General Grant playing the Jesuit. Appointments. Casualties. The rebels continue to fire on the reliefs every day ; firing returned four fold. New works, Lee has killed a sentry for sleeping at his post ; his unpopularity among the rebels in consequence. (Page 33) – SN: 020011
1775/09/30 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Promotions, &c. Lt. Colonel McClean raising a Corps (the Royal Highland Emigrants) in Canada. Officers appointed. Gamble’s appointment to Canada. His (Hutcheson’s) own position. (Page 35) – SN: 020012
1775/10/06 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Promotions. Is disgusted at the want of attention to General Haldimand’s nephew. (Page 37) – SN: 020013
1775/10/06 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Gage recalled. Howe to command at Boston, Carleton at Quebec. Tho dependents on the present Commander-in Chief down in the mouth ; the court being paid to the rising sun. Report that Gage is to return as vice roy in spring. Rebels strengthening their works. Both on the defensive ; the Admiral does nothing. Unfavourable news from Quebec. Disposal of Haldimand’s gun, watches, &c. (Page 39) – SN: 020014
1775/10/07 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The departure of General Gage. The fatal consequences which must attend the continuance of the war. Not possible to subsist an army in the interior. The navy badly managed and daily insulted. Five more regiments coming out ; better to complete tho regiments here. 70 scarecrows sailed for Halifax to form a corps. The difficulties anticipated this winter. The fall of rain causes sickness. (Page 41) – SN: 020015
1775/10/09 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Proceeds of sale. The arrangements for quarters for the officers. Howe succeeds to all the powers of General Gage, except the Civil Government, to which Lt.Governor Oliver succeeds. Governor Wentworth driven in about a month ago. Mrs, Fairchild wants to get home. General Robertson’s dissatisfaction. Apprehended sickness this winter. (Page 44) – SN: 020016
1775/10/16 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
General Gage has had fine winds since leaving. Had unfavourable news from Quebec. Marines ordered to be in readiness for there, but countermanded, the season being too late. Reported capture of .Montreal by Montgomery, and march to Quebec. Supplies for the use of the sick and wounded have been captured. Lee and Putnam losing theie consequence. Dr. Church imprisoned. Deserters to be tried. Barracks preparing at Bunker’s Hill. Hopes that the people at home will keep up supplies tor the troops, &c. (Page 47) – SN: 020017
1775/11/09 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Haldimand’s nephew recommended for a second lieutenancy. (Page 43) – SN: 020018
1775/12/02 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Glad of Haldimand’s success. His nephew’s appointment. Mrs. Fairchild to go home by transport. Account of sale of Haldimand’s effects ; recommends Sergeant Watson. All the houses taken up for quartering troops. No news from New York. Officers will give information to Haldimand. Increase of the Regiment (Royal Americans, or 60th) to four battalions. General Grant’s efforts to gain popularity. Promotions, &c. (Page 50) – SN: 020019
1775/12/04 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Taking of St. John’s and Chambly ; expected fall of Montreal ; inaction of Canadians. British inhabitants to garrison Quebec. Anxiety for arrival of brig with mortars, shells, &c. Washington has offered a reward for her capture. Daily capture of vessels by rebel privateers. Theatrical performance at Faneuil Hall, &c. (Page 55) – SN: 020020
1775/12/08 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
With letter. (Page 57) – SN: 020021
1775/12/12 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Promotion, &c., of Haldimand’s nephew. The sailing of Mrs. Fairchild. Sergeant Watson takes over account current, &c. ; money matters, &c. All the troops to come into barracks. Redoubts at Charlestown garrisoned with six hundred men. Gloomy prospects for winter. Constant captures by rebel privateers. Inaction of the navy. Scarcity of provisions. Capture of a rebel privateer. (Page 58) – SN: 020022
1775/12/13 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Introducing Lieut. Baillie, &c. (Page 62) – SN: 020023
1775/12/14 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Sending copy of order with Lieut. Haldimand’s promotion. (Page 63) – SN: 020024
1775/12/14 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
A formal note sent by Colonel Hamilton. (Page 64) – SN: 020025
1775/12/14 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Details of Lieutenant Haldimand’s promotion &c. (Page 65) – SN: 020026
1775/12/23 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Lieut. Haldimand’s money matters, &c. The Scarborough firing at a new work ; firing from the battery for three days past ; rebels returning it. The mortar captured used as a punch bowl. The sea mortars mounted at Charlestown. Capture of vessels with supplies ; coal getting scarce ; houses ordered to be pulled down for fuel. Live stock dying on board the ships. Movements of troops. Reported surrender of Quebec. Capture of the President of the Council of St. John’s Island by rebel navy and 14, sail of vessels, Capt. Wallace, of the Rose (British) acting with spirit at Rhode Island. Has three ships with him. Naval movements. Inhabitants leaving Boston. The pitiable condition of the Tory inhabitants. All the lame officers have left for London. Friendly. (Page 76) – SN: 020027
1775/12/25 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The favourable wind Boston. for outward ships it is feared will blow the London ships off the coast. Arrival of forage, &c. The expense and uselessness of the lighthouse. Loss of vessels at Annapolis. Stoppage of building tho redoubts at Phipp’s Farm. The range of the sea mortars shows the rebels they can be reached. Escape of fleet from the Bay of Fundy and safe arrival. Washington’s threat of reprisals. Report of capture of Canada. (Page 74) – SN: 020028
1775/12/25 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Secret expedition, believed for Rhode Island. Lighthouse re-established and not again attacked. Detachments at Bunker’s Hill not attacked. Porter ordered for the troops for Christmas cheer. (Page 76) – SN: 020029
1776/01/14 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Respecting warrants for Courts Martial. Sends those in the Southern District to see if Haldinand will apply for remuneration for Hutcheson acting on Courts Martial there. The expense of living leads him to this application. (Page 77) – SN: 020030
1776/01/16 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Anxiety about the arrival of ships with stores ; fuel obtained by pulling down old wooden houses. Arrival of Admiral Shuldhome and sailing of Admiral Graves ; hopes from the change ; rebel privateers continue troublesome. Attack loy rebels whilst the theatre was going on. Laughable scene. General Prescott a prisoner at Albany ; Carleton gone to Quebec. M.cLean defeated Arnold. Lord Dunmore obliged to go on board his ships at Virginia. Rebels sickly. Departure of secret expedition under General Clinton i said to be for Virginia. Quarrel over the appointment of staff officers. The little prospects of his own advancement, &c. (Page 79) – SN: 020031
1776/01/25 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Latest pews from England. The King’s speech and addresses of Parliament make no good impression on the rebels; nothing but a good trimming will serve them. Arrival of vessels. Gloomy prospects clearing up. Amusements. General Robertson making money. Promotions. Descriptions of officers. Reports of a1faird ill Quebec ; defeat of Arnold and Montgomery. Military gossip. Fresh captures of vessels with supplies. Lee gone to New York to force the Tories to take the oath. Promotions, &c. Hospitalities, &c. (Page 84) – SN: 020032
1776/02/02 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Sailing of Admiral Graves. The news of the defeat at Quebec has thrown the rebels into confusion. Destruction of a rebel privateer. Naval preparations at Philadelphia. Reported the ships go to Virginia. (Page 91) – SN: 020033
1776/03/10 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Rebels bombarding ; troops determined to leave Boston ; reported for Halifax ; many poor miserable families going with them. Provisions the want. (Page 92) – SN: 020034
1776/03/24 – Boston Harbour – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The evacuation of Boston ; several families also embark ; their situation deplorable. No molestation from the rebels ; the excesses of the soldiers and sailors. The wretched situation of the troops on board of the transports. No improvement in the navy since Admiral Graves left. Respecting letters. No news from tho Southern Provinces. All in arms in Virginia, as reported by a ship just arrived. Friendly message. (Page 93) – SN: 020035
1776/03/24 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Introducing Mr. Thomson. (Page 98) – SN: 020036
1776/04/24 – Boston – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Arrival at Halifax ; suffering from want or everything ; exorbitant prices. Transports returned from Georgia with Sir James Wright and family ; took eight sail of ships loaded with flour, &c., and powder five retaken by the rebels. Engagement of the Glasgow with Hopkins’ fleet i anxious for the arrival of vessels from the West Indies. Troops left for Quebec. Rebels have taken possession of Boston. Washington makes a triumphant entry. The movements of the rebel armies. General Court now sitting at Boston to confiscate the estates of friends of Government. Military gossip and business matters, &c. (Page 99) – SN: 020037
1776/05/12 – Halifax – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Encloses bills. (Page 104) – SN: 020038
1776/05/12 – Halifax – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Want of provisions keeps the troops in Halifax ; none of the vessels with stores arrived. Work begun on the fortifications ; General Massey to command. The distribution of troops. The rebel army has left Boston for New York, which they are fortifying. Hopkins with four ships looking out for store ships. The fleet looking out for Hopkins. Loyalists from Boston to sail for Europe ; some remaining, The effect of the evacuation of Boston. Quebec still in our’ possession. Rebels have carried off General Brown. Ordnance and stores from Rhode Island. Promotions ; his own disagreeable situation. The heavy expenses of living. Petty News. (Page 105) – SN: 020039
1776/05/23 – Halifax – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Promotions in the Army. Reported that. two battalions Royal Americans to be stationed at Pensacola and St. Augustine. Arrival of provisions. Arrival of a ship of war with a prize. Defeat of Arnold at Quebec. Washington commands at New York ; they are fortifying it. News of friends. Reported that the army is going to New York. Lee gone to Virginia. Troopsfrom England at Cape Fear. Reliefs for Quebec reported ; rebel expedition against Detroit and Niagara. The garrison a there well supplied. Prescott still a prisoner. Howe’s. action in the Glasgow creditable. The necessity of opening the campaign. Promotions. The army to leave next day. Reported capture of a brig bringing 1,500 half barrels of powder. (Page 110) – SN: 020040
1776/06/06 – Halifax – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The fleet and army to sail ; it is believed for New York. Good news from Quebec. The missing vessel with powder gone to Boston ; the attack on her and repulse. News from Pabos. The fleet for Quebec arrived. Commissariat appointments. Allowance for quarters to general officers. Promotions and changes. Hopes to send good news of a landing soon. (Page 116) – SN: 020041
1776/07/10 – Staten Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Arrival of the fleet. Escaped royalists ; landing of the army without opposition. The inhabitants coming in. Head quarters on the road to Elizabethtown (N.J.) The distribution of troops and commanders. Fears of loyalists that New York may be burned. Washington at Haldimand’s house. Governor Franklin a prisoner. New Jerseymen coming in ; hopes that the rebellion will end this season. Capture by rebel privateers. Sir Robert Parker’s ship off Charleston ; disputes in Congress about Independence. Their resources beginning to fail. Personal matters. Expected 9 out of 13 Provinces will declare for Government. (Page 120) – SN: 020042
1776/07/28 – Staten Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Encloses extract from Holt’s New York Journal containing an account of the Declaration of Independence and the attack by the ships on New York forts. The statements regarding the action by the ships false ; they sustained no damage and silenced the forts. (Page 127) – SN: 020043
1776/07/28 – Staten Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Numbers of people coming in every night from the Jerseys and Long Island. The fleet with the foreign troops not yet arrived. Army healthy, and will not be long inactive ;. unfavourable reports from the southward. Damage to the fleet there. Burgoyne at St. John’s ; rebels have fortified Isle aux Noix. Defeat of the rebel General Thompson (Thomas ?) at Three Rivers. Communications with Washington refused unless letters properly directed. Adjutant General had an interview with him. Fire ships, &c., preparing to burn the Beet. The stations or rebel troops. The States formed and have settled their government. Committee of War established at Philadelphia ; ships of war ordered to be built, and one launched. Anxiety for the arrival of the foreign troops to begin the campaign. Believes very many will join the British. Personal matters. (Page 130) – SN: 020044
1776/08/08 – Staten Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Arrival of General Clinton from South Carolina, with seven regiments ; also of Hessians from Halifax. Doings of rebel privateers. Reported intention to burn New York ; persecution of the Tories. Alleged death of Lord Stirling at Amboy. Sir John Johnson on his way to Canada with Indians. Arrival from the South and news from there. The army healthy and ready for operations. Attack on the fleet by floating batteries repulsed. Building boats to land the troops and cannon. Personal matters, and gossip. (Page 135) – SN: 020045
1776/08/12 – Staten Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Arrival of Commodore Hotham with the Staten Island fleet. Embarkation of troops. Hugh and Alexander Wallace taken prisoners. Number of troops. (Page 141) – SN: 020046
1776/08/14 – Staten Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
His complaint of being passed over in Staten Island the promotions. Has resolved, however, to continue during the campaign. Arrival of refugees, including five Governors. Rebels oblige every man to take up arms. The Hessians landed. Reports of refugees as to movements of General Burgoyne. Arrival of ordnance store ship. (Page 142) – SN: 020047
1776/08/21 – Staten Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Return of the Phoenis and Rose, men of war ; Staten Island a tender burned by fire ships. The Hessians quartered on Staten Island. Preparations for landing an expedition. Personal. (Page 146) – SN: 020048
1776/08/26 – Long Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The army landed without opposition ; skirmishing ; refugees coming in ; want of waggons. (Page 148) – SN: 020049
1776/09/01 – Long Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The action at Brooklyn ; defeat of the rebels ; capture of Lord Stirling among the latter. Arrival of Howe. General Clinton at Hell Gate. Lord Cornwallis above Brunswick .The rebels retreating from New York. The steadiness of the British army. Hessians plundering. Personal matters. (Page 149) – SN: 020050
1776/09/03 – Long Island – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Governor’s Island taken ; rebels drawing off from New York. Many men gone off, and not 3,000 of them left in the Jerseys. Sullivan gone to Philadelphia and Washington reported to have gone with him. New York expected to be taken next day. (Page 151) – SN: 020051
1776/09/24 – Near New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Landing of troops on New York Island ; retreat of rebels to above Haarlem. Skirmishing. Capture of New York ; firing of the city ; execution of incendiaries. Destruction of General Haldimand’s furniture, &c. Proclamation enclosed respecting fires. (Page 152) – SN: 020052
1776/12/02 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The disposal of Haldimand’s effects. The Wallaces still prisoners. Hopes they will not pay Haldimand in Congress money for what is due him in Maryland. The movements of troops. Personal matters, &c. (Page 155) – SN: 020053
1777/01/01 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Capture of General Lee. Defeat at Trenton of Colonel Ralls, of the Hessians ; a most unfortunate affair. General Leslie has taken two guns from the attacking party. The Hessian guns carried off to Philadelphia. Criticism on the conduct of the War general. Refugees coming in. Haldimand’s money matters. General Prescott exchanged for Lord Stirling. Gossip about the officers, &c. (Page 158) – SN: 020054
1777/01/07 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Military operations in the Jerseys. Personal gossip. (Page 163) – SN: 020055
1777/01/18 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Introducing Major Dundas. (Page 165) – SN: 020056
1777/01/20 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Movements of the different armies. The disastrous effect of Ralls’ defeat. Lee still a prisoner. Haldimand’s money matters, Military gossip. (Page 616) – SN: 020057
1777/02/10 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
The effect of the defeat in the Jerseys has been to defeat the rebels. General Robertson to sail for England ; difficulty of finding a man to succeed him in the government of New York. Return to New York of the third Brigade from Rhode Island. The campaign expected to open soon. (Page 168) – SN: 020058
1777/02/16 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Haldimand’s money matters. The unwearied pains of General Robertson ; plundering by the soldiery. Personal matters. (Page 170) – SN: 020059
1777/05/06 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
His illness. His change of office to be secretary to General Howe unasked for. (Page 172) – SN: 020060
1777/05/10 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Encloses bill. (Page 174) – SN: 020061
1777/06/06 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Haldimand’s money affairs. No late news from Canada. General Howe gone to the Jerseys to head a fine army ; decisive action with Washington expected. Personal. (Page 175) – SN: 020062
1777/12/10 – Philadelphia – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Introducing Lieut. Colonel Stuart. (Page 176) – SN: 020063
1777/12/10 – Philadelphia – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Congratulates on his appointment to the command in Canada. Has been called here by General Howe eoncorning Haldimand’s money matters, and the expensive tastes of his nephew, &c. (Page 177) – SN: 020064
1778/09/10 – New York – Major Hutcheson to General Haldimand
Haldimand’s safe arrival at Quebec. Personal New York. matters. (Page 179) – SN: 020065