[Illustration: Drum]
_Historians recently discovered in the Frederick Haldimand Papers of the
British Museum in London a document which sheds additional light on the
obscure life of Daniel Morison. The document is a petition written by
Morison to Frederick Haldimand in Quebec. The document is undated._
_To His Excellency Frederick Haldimand Captain General and Governor in
Chief in and over His Majestys Province of Quebec, and the Territories
depending thereon, in America, Vice Admiral of the same, General and
Commander in Chief of His Majestys Forces, in the said Province and the
Frontiers thereof etc, etc, etc._
_The Memorial of Daniel Morrison Humbly Sheweth That your Excellency's
Memorialist was appointed surgeon to six independent Companies raised in
Scotland in the Year 1746, and reduced in two Years thereafter, That in
the year following he was appointed surgeon's Mate to Lord Loudon's
Highland Regiment soon afterwards reduced; That in the year 1757 he came
to America as Mate to Lieut. Colonel Frasor's Regt. That during the
Winter 1760, he Passed an examination as surgeon, and received that
appointment to the 35th Regiment from His Excellency General Murray,
which the then Commander in Chief did not confirm, That at the reduction
of the 78th Regiment of Foot he was appointed surgeon's mate to the 2d
Battallion of the 60th Regiment in which he had the Honor to serve
untill the Regiment was ordered for the West Indies where he Could not
attend them, on account of His health And that during the Blockade of
this City in 1775 he carried Arms, which extraordinary last Fatigue
reduced his health and strength still lower. He now most humbly Pray
Your Excellency's attention to the length and nature of his Services,
and to his advanced time of life, and that you will be pleased to honour
him with some marke of your Favour, and your Memorialist as in duty
bound Shall ever pray--DAN MORISON SURGEON_
_British Museum, Haldimand Papers, ADD Manuscript 21,877, p. 440_