Clan Fraser in Canada

12 THE KILT IN CANADA.
a slight bend inclining down to the right ear, over which were
suspended two or more black feathers.
The regiment embarked at Greenock, and landed at
Halifax in June, 1757, and followed the fortunes of the war for
six years. " On all occasions," says Stewart, " this brave
body of men sustained a uniform character for unshaken firm-
ness, incorruptible probity and a strict regard both to military
and moral duties." Their chaplain was a man of note as of
stature. His name was Robert Macpherson, but he was
known in the regiment as An Caipeal Mor, being of large
physique. He exercised the traditional authority of a High-
land minister, and we are told that the men were always
anxious to conceal their misdemeanors from him.
The cold climate, it was feared, would prove too severe
to the Frasers, who wore the kilt, and an attempt, kindly
conceived, no doubt, was made to change the ''garb of old
Gaul " for the trews. The proposal aroused strenuous oppo-
sition ; officers and men opposed the change and finally were
successful. The strength of feeling awakened may be judged
from the words of one of the soldiers in the regiment :
" Thanks to our generous chief, we were allowed to wear the
garb of our fathers, and, in the course of six winters, showed
the doctors that they did not understand our constitution ; for
in the coldest winters our men were more healthy than those
regiments that wore breeches and warm clothing." A some-
what amusing anecdote is related of how the Nuns of
the Ursuline Convent, where the Frasers were quartered
in 1759-60, endeavored to induce Governor Murray to be
allowed to provide sufficient raiment for the kilted soldiers,
but, of course, without success.