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