Organization
While typical regiments of the time had 1080 men in 10 companies, many sources indicate that the 71st were unusual as their organization numbered 2340 all ranks. The Regiment was organized into the 1st and 2nd battalions. The Regiment was later divided into three battalions during the New York campaign of 1776.
The 71st Regiment joined the Black Watch (42nd Regiment of Foot) in Glasgow in April 1776. The presence of the two regiments in Glasgow doubled the Highland population of the city. The 71st was well received in Glasgow according to historian John S. Keltie:
Their conduct was so laudable and exemplary as to gain the affections of the inhabitants, between whom and the soldiers the greatest cordiality prevailed.
Before the 71st Regiment left Glasgow for Greenock and America the unit’s overage was discovered and some of the unit ordered left behind in Scotland. This overage was probably identified by the Inspector General during the review of the Regiment prior to departing Glasgow. It is thought that many soldiers may have stowed away on the transports to avoid being left behind.
At about the same time, a company of 120 men raised on the forfeited estate of Captain Cameron of Lochiel mutinied. The company enlisted with the understanding that Captain Cameron would serve as their commander; when Cameron fell ill and did not arrive in Glasgow the company refused to leave the city until he arrived. The mutiny quickly ended when Simon Fraser convinced the men that a friend and relative of Captain Cameron, Captain Cameron of Fassifern should command the company instead. Captain Cameron died while traveling to join his unit.
Colonel Fraser did not accompany the new 71st Regiment of Foot when it set sail for Boston Harbor.
Read more about this topic: 71st Regiment Of Foot, Fraser's Highlanders
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