At the time of the Revolutionary War, Brigadier-General Simon Fraser was second in command of the British army, under Burgoyne. He fell at Saratoga under circumstances which prove his great ability as an officer. The American historians say that General Burgoyne had lost his head, and the American General Morgan perceiving it, called two of his best riflemen and said: "You see that fine fellow on the white horse? It goes against my heart to do it, but you must pick him off, or we lose the battle." They watched their opportunity, shot General Fraser, and the Americans won the day.
The picture here given is said to be a good likeness. It has been produced from a mezzo-tint in the possession of Mr. B. Homer Dixon, Toronto.
SECOND ANNUAL GATHERING.
"Three triumphs in a day; three hosts subdued in one: Three armies scattered like the spray, beneath one common sun."
HE second Annual Gathering and Dinner of the Clan Fraser in Canada was held on the 25th day of February, 1895, that date having been selected in honor of the Scots' victory at Roslin on February 25th, 1303, when the army was commanded by Sir Simon Fraser, the patriot (p. [48]). The place of meeting was the Rossin House, Toronto. The gentlemen were accompanied by lady friends, a departure from the custom generally observed on similar festive occasions, that contributed greatly to the pleasure of the evening. The committee in charge of the arrangements was composed of Dr. J. B. Fraser (Chairman of Programme Committee), Professor W. H. Fraser, Messrs. G. B. Fraser, R. L. Fraser, Alexander Fraser (Fraserfield), Alexander R. Fraser, W. P. Fraser, Andrew Fraser, Alexander Fraser (MacFhionnlaidh), Chairman; and W. A. Fraser, Secretary. Those present were Rev. Dr. Mungo Fraser, Hamilton; Mr. W. Lewis Fraser, New York; Mr. Donald Fraser, Kingston; Mr. R. I. Fraser, Barrie; Mr. Andrew Fraser, Barrie; Messrs. Robert Lovat Fraser, George B. Fraser, and Miss Fraser; Professor W. H. Fraser and Mrs. Fraser; Dr. J. B. Fraser and Mrs. Fraser; Alexander Fraser (Fraserfield), Mrs. Fraser and Miss Kate Fraser; Alexander R. Fraser and Mrs. Fraser; Alexander Fraser (MacFhionnlaidh), Mrs. Fraser, Miss Fraser, Mrs. Georgina Fraser-Newhall, and Mrs. Ramsay; Mr. W. A. Fraser and Mrs. Fraser; Dr. Pyne and Mrs. Pyne; Alexander Fraser (Parkdale), and Miss Fraser; W. P. Fraser, Donald Fraser, Charles Fraser, Mrs. C. G. Fraser and Master Norman Fraser, James Fraser, Henry Sandham Fraser.
Letters of regret at their inability to attend were read from Messrs. E. A. Fraser, Detroit; D. Fraser, Montreal; Ex-Mayor Fraser, Petrolea; O. K. Fraser, Brockville; A. Fraser, Hamilton; P. M. Fraser, St. Thomas; Rev. R. D. Fraser, Bowmanville; and Rev. Dr. J. B. Fraser, Annan.
Mr. Alexander Fraser (MacFhionnlaidh) presided, and the vice-chairs were occupied by Messrs. George B. Fraser and R. L. Fraser, and Mr. W. A. Fraser acted as Secretary.