| Administrative History | Edward Fraser (1780 - 1827), fifth son of James Fraser of Gortuleg, Inverness-shire, writer to the signet (1729 - 1805). Officer [Captain] in the East India Company's Madras European Regiment. Resident of Gortuleg and St George's Square, Edinburgh. In later years Fraser became factor to Lady Saltoun at Ness Castle. He died of drowning in the Caledonian Canal, having fallen into the canal whilst landing from a steamer. |
| Description | The diary starts in 28th December 1802 when Fraser returns home from India. Having disembarked at Cowes on the Isle of Wight he travels by ferry and coach to London and very quickly starts to investigate his oppportunities for further service in India. Distracted by the prospect of war with France and then its confirmation, he joins the militia having been rejected by the national recruiting agency. This conveniently allows him access to friends and family in the east of Scotland where he becomes a regular visitor at the home of George Guthrie at Craigie, Dundee and meets his daughter Emily who becomes his regular correspondent while he is abroad. 1803 is therefore spent exclusively in Britain and 1804 starts with his social life at Craigie and continues with visits to his home at Gortluleg and the surrounding area before returning to the Edinburgh at the end of the year.
In 1805 we find him arriving in London on January 1st and quickly confirming his position as 4th lieutenant at India House. By March he is ready to board a ship, part of a fleet sailing for Madras. He kept a log of daily positions and progress as well as commmunications with ports and other vessels encountered en route. He landed at Madras on 21st July after a voyage of almost 5 months. After more efforts to confirm his exact position in the Company he was soon embarked with his detachment of troops bound for Masulipatam. Details of his movements around the country are included in the diary.
1806 sees him settled in his position. Steady flows of information related to the war in Europe as well as to local instability (a massacre of Sepoys) and letters from Britain continued to reach him. He was again travelling around the country with his troops but managed to spend Christmas with his brother Thomas, who was also in the service of the East India Company.
1807 introduces several reference to local court martials. He records receiving promotion on 25th May that year. He also repoted a friendly fire incident when the vessel carrying the Persian Ambassador was fired upon (without loss of life).
The diary ends with Fraser still with his regiment in Madras.
At the back of the diary there are recorded some recipes for balsam, varnish, etching recipes. He also has lists of 'Europe letters written' and 'Europe Letters Received'.
168 pages. Also, 3 watercolours (1 loose), 1 pen and ink drawing with watercolour wash and 1 engraving. Also some newspaper cuttings. |