63rd foot voyage to america 1775.

[coombs]

The 63rd spent several years in America and a short while in Canada and the Caribbean. They were back in Britain by 1784.

[themonsstar]

George

In 1881 the British Army changed to territorial areas the 63rd & 96th of Foot became the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Manchester Regiment, so any history relating to the 63rd (West Suffolk) Regt of Foot or 96th Regt of Foot is going to be part of the pre-history of the Manchester Regiment.


Ben

It may be worth you getting a copy of " History of the Manchester Regiment 63rd & 96th Regt" Vol 1 1758-1883 compiled by Col H.C.Wylly. 1923

This is from pages 34, 35 38 (I've only used bits from these pages)

7th of April 1775 when the Regiment went on board the transport waiting to take it to America (it was normal in this period to sit on board 10 days before set sailing)

There is a manuscript book in the War Office library which appears to be something of an amplification of General Howe's orderly book at Charleston,Boston, and Halifax published in 1890 and in this is the first mention of the 63rd in America occurs under the date of 14 June 1775 where, in an after order we read:

" the 63rd Regiment to land tomorrow morning at six o'clock the Quartermaster to call on the Deputy Quartermaster General and receive his directions for encamping.The Grenadier and Light infantry companies to join these corps and encamp with them"



You should also get or have a look at " Difficulties Be Damned"  The Kings Regiment 8th- 63rd-96th A History of the City Regiment of Manchester & Liverpool.

By Patrick Mileham

2000
Published Fleur de lys  ISBN 0 1873907 10-9

[coombs]

Again thanks very much for the info.

I wonder what they did during the voyage to America? Would they have still done some minor military activities or just potter around all day?

[Redroger]

I would imagine the ship would have very clean decks, and all the uniforms would be well rubbed blancoed and polished etc. etc.