The Clan Fraser in Canada: Souvenir of the First Annual GatheringFraser, Alexander
History
The Clan Fraser in Canada: Souvenir of the First Annual Gathering
Fraser, Alexander
Clans -- Canada; Fraser family
The part of the toast dealing with "the Frasers in War," was replied to
by MR. ALEXANDER FRASER (of Fraserfield, Glengarry). He said: After what
we have heard of the Clan this evening we must come to the conclusion
that it has always been distinguished for its military spirit, and I
regret on that account, all the more, that the duty has fallen upon me
to reply to the "Frasers in War." Not that I do not appreciate to the
fullest extent that spirit which distinguished them and probably in no
small degree share it, but I am not a man of words, and I feel I shall
not be able, even in a small way, to do justice to this theme.
Undoubtedly the military character of the Clan goes back to its very
origin, for if the Frasers did come from Normandy, they must have been
selected on account of their military ability, for those were the days
when length and strength of arm and good generalship were the most
valuable qualifications a man could possess. But, coming down to the
earlier times in Scotland, we find our clansmen heading the warlike and
chivalrous nobles of that country, in their devotion to the Crown, and
in their exploits in the field in defence of country and patrimony. I
need not enter into a detailed description of the times when the Lowland
Frasers served their country and their king with an unswerving devotion
whose lustre time will not dim, nor the researches of modern historians
tarnish. Down through history in the Highlands they have ever shown
themselves to be a brave and warlike race, furnishing individuals of
conspicuous ability and distinction in arms. No treatment of this toast
would be complete that should omit a reference to Fraser's Highlanders
that embarked under the command of the Chief of the Clan in 1757, and
took part with Wolfe's army in all the engagements, from Louisburg to
the close of the war. At Quebec the Frasers distinguished themselves in
an especial manner. In the struggles which took place early in the
century, between the Canadians and Americans, the Frasers did their
duty, proving that down to our own times they maintained their old
reputation. In the British army, from the formation of the Highland
regiments, in 1739, to the present day, the Clan has given many
distinguished officers and many brave men to its country's service, and
I know I can speak with truth when I say that the old spirit still
prevails, whether you look at home or abroad. So true is this that I may
conclude these remarks in the stereotyped words of the after-dinner
speaker by saying that should the occasion ever demand it, the Frasers
will be ever ready to draw their claymores and shed their blood in the
country's service as of yore.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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