One of the more interesting details contained in the information below concerns tentage. The "Old Form" of tents refered to in the letter dated, Quebec, October 4th 1811, are most probably the wedge type tents, which are described fully in Lewis Lochees work, "Castramentation." These particular tents had been stored in Quebec since the American War of Independence.

The "New Pattern" of tent requested by Prevost for service in Canada, was most likely the Bell Tent, first introduced for the British Army in 1794. These Bell Tents started to make their appearence in North America as the War of 1812, progressed and were much in evidence by the time peace was declared in 1815.

Photo at right shows the camp of the 93rd Highlanders, Mississenawa, Oct. 1996, and the old wedge style tent and new Bell tents.

1. (To) The Right Honble. The Earl of Liverpool. Quebec 13th October 1811.

My Lord, I have the honor to submit for your Lordships consideration a Report of the quantity and state of the camp equipage in His Majestys magazines in this Garrison hich has been made to me by the Deputy Quarter Master General and I take leave to suggest to your Lordship, that in the present state of our relations with the United States of America the expediency of a supply of camp equipage complete for 5,000 men, of the New Pattern being sent to this Country as early in the next year as the season will admit.

I have the honor, etc.

(Signed) George Prevost, Lt.Gen. Com. of the Forces.

2. (To) His Excellency Sir George Prevost Bt.
Quarter Master Generals Office. Quebec October 4th 1811.

Sir, In obedience to your commands, I visited the Camp Equipage at present in charge of the Commissary General of which I have the honor to enclose your Excellency a Return; The Soldiers Tents are all of the old Form, and have been in store ever since the American War, but are neverless in such a state of preservation that in an emergency they might be found serviceable, Tho' I should doubt their lasting for any time. The Remaining stores are in perfect good state.

I have the honor, etc.

(Signed) A.H.Pye. Dept. Q.M.Gen.

3. Field Equipment Return of the 1st Batt. 88th Regiment.
Quebec Harbour 9th June 1815.

Effective Strength
Serjeants	58
Drummers	18
Rank and File	854
Total.	930

Return of Camp Equipage remaining in Store at Quebec. October 3rd 1811
Tents: Officers flys and walls Horsemens Provision Privates	No No No No	One hundred and one Two Three One Thousand and fifty three
Bells of Arms	No	One Thousand and fifty nine.
Canteens	No	Five Thousand, seven hundred and sixty.
Kettles	No	One Thousand and Ninety.
Tent Poles..Privates Bell of Arms Provision	Bundles Bundles Bundles	One hundred and eighty nine Eight Three
Pins and Mallets	Casks	Sixty nine.
Pins and Mallets	Bags	Ninety four.
Camp Colours	Cases	Eighteen.
Haversacks	Bales	Thirty Three and one half.
Haversacks	No	Seventy six.
Tomahawks	Casks	Thirteen.
Tomahawks	No	One hundred and twenty three.
Knapsacks	Bales	Three.
Drum Cases	No	Ninety nine.
Bags Powder	No	Twenty.
(Signed) A.H.Pye. Dy.Q.M.Gen.

Item	Received since Last Return	Defficient since Last Return	In Possession		Wanting to Complete	Total
			Serviceable	Unserviceable
Tents	...	...	...	...	...	...
Camp Kettles	...	...	157	...	...	157
Bill Hooks	...	...	94	...	...	94
Canteens	...	...	930	...	...	930
Haversacks	135	...	930	...	...	930
Blankets	213	...	930	...	...	930
Great Coats	...	...	916	...	14	930
Spades	...	...	5	...	...	5
Shovels	...	...	5	...	...	5
Pick Axes	...	...	5	...	...	5
Felling Axes	...	...	5	...	...	5
Bridles & Collars	...	...	3	...	...	3
Pack Saddles	...	...	3	...	...	3
Medicine Panniers	...	...	3	...	...	3
Baggage Straps	...	...	...	...	...	...
Public Horses	...	...	...	...	...	...
R.B.Macpherson. Lt.Col. 88th Regiment

Notes