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If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: History of the Scottish Regiments in the British Army - -Author: Archibald K. Murray - -Release Date: January 30, 2016 [EBook #51087] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--SCOTTISH REGIMENTS *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, Brian Coe and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - - Transcriber’s Note - -This version of the text cannot represent certain typographical effects. -Italics are delimited with the ‘_’ character as _italic_. The single -instance of blackletter font is denoted using ~blackletter~. - -The positions of the illustrative plates have been adjusted slightly to -fall on paragraph breaks. The very occasional footnotes have been also -moved to fall after the paragraphs in which they are referenced. - -Please see the transcriber’s note at the end of this text for details -regarding the handling of any textual issues encountered during its -preparation. - -[Illustration] - - HISTORY - OF THE - SCOTTISH REGIMENTS - IN THE - BRITISH ARMY. - - BY - ARCH. K. MURRAY, ESQ., - MAJOR OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH LANARKSHIRE VOLUNTEER GUARDS. - - ~Published by Request of his Brother Officers.~ - - GLASGOW: - THOMAS MURRAY AND SON. - 1862. - - CONTENTS. - - PAGE - - PREFACE, 3 - - INTRODUCTION, 5 - - SECOND ROYAL NORTH BRITISH DRAGOONS, OR “SCOTS GREYS,” 13 - - “THE GUARDS.” GRENADIERS—COLDSTREAMS—SCOTS FUSILIERS, 41 - - THE FIRST “ROYAL SCOTS,” 78 - - THE TWENTY-FIRST FOOT, OR “ROYAL NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS,” 121 - - THE TWENTY-FIFTH FOOT. “KING’S OWN BORDERERS,” OR EDINBURGH 145 - REGIMENT, - - THE TWENTY-SIXTH FOOT, OR “CAMERONIANS,” 169 - - LIFE GUARDS. SEVENTH HUSSARS—SEVENTEENTH LIGHT 187 - DRAGOONS—SEVENTIETH FOOT, - - THE SEVENTY-THIRD FOOT—“PERTHSHIRE,” 191 - - THE SEVENTY-FIFTH FOOT—“STIRLINGSHIRE,” 199 - - THE NINETIETH FOOT, OR “PERTHSHIRE VOLUNTEERS,” 205 - - THE NINETY-FIRST FOOT—“ARGYLESHIRE,” 212 - - THE SCOTS BRIGADE, OR THE OLD NINETY-FOURTH FOOT, 224 - - THE NINETY-NINTH FOOT, OR “LANARKSHIRE,” 236 - - THE OLD HIGHLAND BRIGADE, 241 - - THE FORTY-SECOND, OR “ROYAL HIGHLANDERS”—“BLACK WATCH,” 250 - - THE SEVENTY-FIRST, OR “GLASGOW HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY,” 288 - - THE SEVENTY-SECOND, OR “DUKE OF ALBANY’S HIGHLANDERS,” 313 - - THE SEVENTY-FOURTH HIGHLANDERS, 330 - - THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH HIGHLANDERS, OR “ROSS-SHIRE BUFFS,” 352 - - THE SEVENTY-NINTH, OR “CAMERON HIGHLANDERS,” 380 - - THE NINETY-SECOND, OR “GORDON HIGHLANDERS,” 394 - - THE NINETY-THIRD, OR “SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS,” 409 - - INDEX TO PLATES. - - Royal Arms, Frontispiece - - Scots Dragoon, Fronting page 13 - - Colours of the “Scots Greys,” 33 - - Balaklava, 39 - - “Scots Greys,” 1862, 40 - - Prince Albert, 41 - - Lord Clyde, 45 - - Napoleon, 66 - - Duke of Cambridge, 74 - - The “Guards’” Monument, 77 - - Gustavus Adolphus, 82 - - Prince de Conde, 88 - - Marshal Turrenne, 90 - - Duke de Schomberg, 95 - - St Sebastian, 113 - - The Twenty-first Royal North-British Fusiliers, 121 - - Blenheim, 127 - - Killiecrankie, 147 - - Ancient Badge of the Twenty-fifth, 156 - - Colours of the Twenty-fifth, 2 plates, 168 - - Marquis of Dalhousie, 184 - - Seringapatam, 197 - - Delhi, 203 - - Lord Lynedoch, 205 - - Lucknow, 211 - - Ancient Soldiers, Fronting page 224 - - Officer of Pikemen, 232 - - Old Highland Brigade, &c., 241 - - The Forty-second Royal Highlanders, 250 - - Sir Ralph Abercromby, 273 - - Sir John Moore, 280 - - Sebastopol, 287 - - The Seventy-first Glasgow Highland Light Infantry, 300 - - Waterloo, 310 - - The Seventy-second and Seventy-fourth Highlanders, 329 - - Duke of Wellington, 336 - - Wreck of the “Birkenhead,” 346 - - India, 373 - - Sir Henry Havelock, 377 - - Monument to the Seventy-eighth, 379 - - Presentation Plate to the Seventy-eighth, 379 - - Lochiel, 381 - - Duke of Richmond, 394 - - French Revolutionary War, 407 - - The Ninety-third Sutherland Highlanders, 409 - - Crimea, 415 - - Presentation of Crimean Medals, 416 - - PREFACE. - - -In the present Work, the Author, without pretending to submit anything -very startling or original, has endeavoured to gather from the records -of the past such facts as may enable him, avoiding the tedium of detail, -to present to the reader a brief and, it is hoped, at the same time, a -comprehensive narrative of the origin and principal events in which our -Scottish Regiments have so largely and honourably been distinguished. - -It is wholly foreign to the purpose of the Author in any way to overlook -the valorous achievements of the English and Irish Regiments in Her -Majesty’s Service, which have alike contributed to build up the military -renown of the British Army; he only trusts he shall receive that same -charitable indulgence, in his present undertaking, which in like -circumstances he, with every right-hearted Scot, should cordially extend -to brethren of either a sister land or sister isle. It is in these -pages, as a Scotsman, he ventures to give expression to the nation’s -gratitude and honest pride—awards, in the name of friend and foe, the -meed of praise justly due to the brave soldier who has fought his -country’s battles in almost every land—ofttimes victoriously—at all -times honourably. - -The Author gratefully acknowledges the assistance freely rendered him in -this compilation by many Officers of the Regiments described. He feels -also considerably indebted to many very valuable works, on the same and -kindred subjects, for much of his information. Unfortunately, many of -these volumes are now very ancient, others nearly extinct, and nearly -all so expensive as to fail in answering the purpose of the present -Work, by bringing before the public, in a cheaper and more popular form, -the records of those heroic deeds, the narrative of which _ought_ to be -as “household words,” infusing a thrill of living patriotism and loyalty -into the soul. - -It is hoped, as the grand result of the Work, that Scotsmen, considering -the rich legacy of military glory bequeathed them by their heroic -forefathers, specially registered in these Scottish Regiments, will be -more impressed with the duty devolving on them to maintain and emulate -the same. Whilst these records may afford knowledge, it is also hoped -that they may awaken a larger sympathy and deeper interest on the part -of the people in those, their brave countrymen, who so well represent -the nation; and if circumstances preclude us from accepting the “Royal -Shilling,” and so recruiting the army, let us be ready to accept, for -the expression of our thoughts and feelings, that grand channel which, -in our time, has been revived as the exponent of the people’s patriotism -and loyalty—_the Volunteer Movement_—whether as active or honorary -members, giving effect to our sentiments, and demonstrating, “by _deeds_ -as well as _words_” that we are in earnest. - - INTRODUCTION. - - ---------- - - -Nature has been aptly represented as a fickle goddess, scattering her -bounties here and there with a partial hand. Some spots, like very -Edens, are blessed with the lavish profusion of her favours—rich -fertility, luxuriant vegetation, warm and delightful climates. Some, on -the other hand, which have not so shared the distribution of her gifts, -represent the barren wilderness, the sterile desert, the desolate places -of our earth—entombed in a perpetual winter—a ceaseless winding-sheet of -snow and ice seems for ever to rest upon these cold, chilly, Polar -regions: or parched, fainting, dying, dead, where no friendly cloud -intervenes, like the kindly hand of love and sympathy, to screen the -thirsty earth from the consuming rays of a tropical sun. But, as if by -“the wayside,” we gather from the analogy, that as in the world of man -there is a Scripture proclaiming comfort and blessing to the poor and -needy—whilst it tells the rich how hardly they shall enter into -“life”—so in the world of nature there is an over-ruling, all-wise, -all-just Providence, “Who moves in a mysterious way,” making ample -amends in the result upon the peoples of these climes, so as yet shall -cause “the wilderness to rejoice.” Thus we find that lands enriched by -nature ofttimes produce a people who, rich in this world’s good things, -acquired without much effort, allow their minds to become so intoxicated -with present delights and indolence, as to fail in cultivating the -virtues of the man. Too frequently the fruits are these—ignorance, lust, -passion, infidelity, and general debility. Whilst the barren, dreary -wilderness, the bleak and desolate mountain-land—like the poor and needy -upon whom Nature has frowned—enjoy the smile of Providence “in a better -portion;” for there, amid a comparatively poor people, are nurtured all -the sterner, the nobler, the truer, the God-like qualities of the man, -the soldier, and the hero. There, too, hath been the birth-place and the -abiding shrine of freedom—the bulwark and the bastion of patriotism and -loyalty. Ascending higher, these—the peoples of the rejected and -despised places of the earth—have ofttimes begotten and been honoured to -wear the crowning attribute of piety. Turning to the history of Scotland -or of Switzerland, for illustration, and taking merely a military -retrospect, there it will be found. All centuries, all ages, all -circumstances, are witness to the bravery and the fidelity of their -mountain-soldiers. - -Scotland, the unendowed by Nature, has been thus largely blessed by -Nature’s God, in yielding a long line of valiant and illustrious men. -Perhaps no nation engrosses so large and prominent a place in the temple -of military fame—none can boast so bright a page in the history of the -brave. Her stern and rugged mountains, like a vast citadel, where scarce -a foeman ever dared to penetrate, have been defended through centuries -of war against the advancing and all but overwhelming tide of -aggression; besieged, too, by the countless hosts of Tyranny, they have -still remained impregnable. Her wild and desolate glens, like great -arteries down which hath flowed the life-blood of the nation, in the -living stream—the native and resistless valour of her clans. Her bleak -and dreary heaths have written on them one dark history of blood—“the -martyred children of the Covenant.” Faithful unto death; “of whom the -world was not worthy.” Her crown oft crushed beneath a tyrant’s heel—her -freedom trampled on—her people betrayed—all lost but honour. Unscathed, -unsullied, she has triumphed, and still lives to write upon her banner, -the mighty, envied, and thrice-glorious word, “Unconquered.” - -Armies have a very ancient history. Their origin might be traced to the -very gates of Paradise. When the unbridled lust and wrathful passions of -man were let loose like Furies, to wander forth upon the earth, then it -was that lawless adventurers, gathering themselves together into armed -bands for hostile purposes, to live and prey upon their weaker brethren, -constituted themselves armies. Passing down the stream of time, through -the Feudal Age, we find one among the many greater, mightier, -wealthier—a giant towering above his fellows—exercised lordship, levied -tribute, military and civil, over others as over slaves. These were the -days of chivalry,—the Crusades—when cavalry constituted the grand -strength of an army. Here we might begin the history of cavalry as an -important constituent in armies, were such our purpose. The comparative -poverty of our ancient Scottish nobility prevented them contributing -largely to the chivalry of the age. Almost the sole representative we -have of our Scottish Cavalry, is the Second Regiment of Royal North -British Dragoons, or Scots Greys—a most worthy representative. The wars -of the Interregnum in Scotland—the times of Wallace and Bruce—when the -feudal lords had nearly all either deserted or betrayed her, introduce -us to a new force, more suited to the independent character and -patriotism of the Scottish people—the formation of corps of infantry, or -armed bands of free burghers. These were the fruit, to a large extent, -of the Magna Charter in England, and of the struggle for liberty in -Scotland. Hence the wars of Edward the Black Prince with France, -distinguished by the victories of Poitiers, Agincourt, and Cressy, may -be viewed not merely as the epitome of the triumphs of England over -France, but more especially as illustrating the success of this new -force—represented in the English yeomen, burghers, citizens, and -freemen—over the old force, sustained in the chivalry, the cavalry of -France. The result of these successive defeats, we find, was most -disastrous to France. The jealousy and fear of the nobles and feudal -lords had denied the people the use and the knowledge of arms; so that -when themselves were defeated, France was ruined—since they could expect -no support, as in Scotland, from an unarmed and unskilled people. They -had done what they could to quench rather than foster the spirit of free -patriotism, which in the nation’s extremity should have been the -nation’s refuge—the soul burning to deliver their land from the yoke of -the stranger. In not a few cases, the French rather sympathised with, as -they sighed for the same blessings of our free-born English yeomen. Here -we would mark, respectively in the English and Scottish armies, the -first formation of that branch of the service for which the British army -has ever been specially distinguished—_the Infantry_. - -Our reader is no doubt aware of the calamitous results which flowed from -the short-sighted policy of these privileged orders—the old feudal -lords; whose love of a petty despotism laboured to postpone the day of -reckoning “till a more convenient season”—and so refused the timely -surrender of those privileges and that liberty which the growing wealth -and intelligence of the people claimed. Long, bloody, and unavailing -civil wars have desolated and vexed many countries as the consequence; -and in France the contest attained a fearful crisis, and the people -wreaked a cruel retribution in the awful horrors of the Revolution. - -The increasing importance of commerce, and the growing desire for wealth -in preference to the uncertain and doubtful lustre of the battle-field, -induced men to gather themselves together, not as formerly for war, but -rather for the prosecution of trade; thus constituting themselves into -trade-unions, communities, burgherates, free townships. Disowning the -bondage of feudalism, as a system peculiarly adapted for war, and -hostile in its spirit to a more peaceful vocation, they sought and -obtained, in their earlier history at least, royal protection. -Independently of their engagements and allegiance to the throne, these -trading communities, aware of the restlessness, rapacity, and -necessities of the old feudal lords around them, formed themselves into -trained bands of free yeomen, or sort of militia, for the purpose—first, -of defending their own industry, property, and lives; and, secondly, for -the service of their sovereign and country in times of need. These are -amongst the earliest ideas we have of a regiment. At an earlier age, we -find many of the monarchs of Europe retaining in their service a body of -foreign guards, specially entrusted with the defence of the royal -person, so often threatened through the ambition of the nobles and the -turbulence of the people. In nearly every instance these were composed -of Scottish emigrants, driven from their country by the cruel and -desolating wars which then disturbed her peace, and had proscribed many -of the honourable and brave. We know no exception in which these corps -of guards have not maintained the Scottish character, nay, been -specially distinguished for the valour and fidelity with which they -fulfilled their duty. Thus originated the First Royals, or Royal Scots -Regiment of the present British army. The free citizens, continuing to -prosper and proportionably growing in power and influence, gradually -insinuated themselves into State affairs. As they grew in wealth, so -unfortunately they increased in pride and arrogance, forgetting -altogether their early humility. They essayed to be a political as well -as a trading community. Having overthrown the power of feudalism, they -threatened to shake the foundations of the throne. These murmurings -speedily awakened the royal jealousy, and broke in upon the peaceful -harmony of their hitherto successful alliance. The prosperity and -support of these freemen had elevated the might and majesty of the -throne, with which they had been early leagued, and these together had -compelled the old feudal nobility to exercise their rule in something -more of a constitutional way. Gladly, therefore, did these last avail -themselves of these dissensions to restore their long-lost power. -Uniting with the crown, whose interests were more peculiarly their own, -they called upon their still adherent tenantry to muster around them; -and thus commenced the sanguinary civil wars, already in a previous -paragraph referred to, between king and people, which have devastated so -many lands. These tenantry, thus raised, ultimately taken into the royal -pay, as regiments, have gone far to constitute the armies of their -several states. - -In conclusion, we would remark, that the wars of the past have been as -it were _material_ contests—wars of matter rather than of mind—by which -we mean that _might_ has been understood as _right_; not as now, when -_right_ is acknowledged as _might_. Formerly it was he who excelled in -physical strength and prowess that was crowned victor; now-a-days the -appliances of mind, the inventive genius of man, have so improved the -art of war, that upon these the result of the contest must largely -depend. Skill and science, developed in a thousand ways, are the weapons -with which our battles are to be fought and won; and this, too, at a -time when man has been dwarfed in his bodily might by the bloody and -protracted wars of the past, and enervated by the ease and indolence -found in cities, so as to be no longer able for a contest as of old; and -so the providence of God steps in to supply the vacuum occasioned by -decay, and from the rapid march of civilisation, and the wonderful -development of the mind, represents to us a better state of things—the -triumph of the _mind_ of the present over the _matter_ of the past. The -victories of the battle-field are being superseded by the triumphs of -the Cabinet. The first Napoleon conquered by the sword—the present -Napoleon conquers by superior craft and intrigue, whilst we, as a -nation, are sitting by to register with an occasional growl his -successes. It has been the knowledge of these facts—this new system of -warfare—that has aroused the nation to see its danger in time; to feel -that “our glory” is but an ideal security; to know that steam and -electricity have comparatively bridged the sea, and so done away with -our best defence; to learn that the inventions of men comparatively -equalise combatants. It has been the knowledge of these things, along -with indications of a coming struggle casting its shadow before, that -has called the nation, with one enthusiastic voice, to arms—in our -present _Volunteer force_. - -[Illustration: SCOTCH DRAGOON 1680.] - - HISTORY OF THE SCOTTISH REGIMENTS. - - --------------------- - - SECOND ROYAL NORTH BRITISH DRAGOONS, - OR - SCOTS GREYS. - - ---------- - - CHAPTER I. - - “Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can, - Come saddle my horses, and call out my men; - Unhook the west port and let us gae free; - For it’s up wi’ the bonnets o’ bonnie Dundee.” - -EARLY HISTORY—COVENANTERS—BATTLES OF DRUMCLOG AND BOTHWELL - BRIDGE—ARGYLE’S REBELLION—THE RAID OF THE MACDONALDS—FLIGHT OF JAMES - II.—DUNDEE’S REBELLION—BATTLES OF KILLIECRANKIE AND CROMDALE—MASSACRE - OF GLENCOE—1660–1693. - -The page of history presents to us many dark scenes of oppression, where -one man, trampling upon the rights of another, and disregarding the -heaven-born principle of charity, has sold his brother into bondage. -Nay, more, (as especially illustrated in the case of Spain groaning -beneath the thraldom of the Papacy), some men have even succeeded in -enslaving the mind; stopping up with vile trash the avenues of -knowledge, and so defacing and ruining that mirror of the intellect -which reflects so much of its Creator, which originally bore the impress -of divinity, and was moulded in the likeness of God. But the pride of -the human heart, and the unhallowed passion of man, stay not here, but -have attempted more—to subdue the soul—but in vain. It is possible to -fetter or destroy the _body_, nay, it is even possible to enslave, or -annihilate in madness, the _mind_, but it is _impossible_ for man to -bind the undying _soul_. Nevertheless, it has been the infatuation of -tyrants, deluded by false creeds, in many countries and in many ages, to -seek, but in vain, to usurp the dominion of the _soul_. The _soul_, like -“the bush burned but not consumed,” lives still, lives for ever, defying -the fires of persecution, the wasting famine, and the devouring sword. -It comes forth scatheless, purified, living; having shaken off the -corruption of earth, it appears clothed in the garments of immortality. -There can be no better testimony to the suitableness of the true -religion to meet the wants of man than this—that whilst all others have -proved themselves to be so many systems of tyranny, bereaving man of his -beloved liberty, the religion of Jesus is free, and is always to be -welcomed as the herald of civil and religious liberty; wherever its -blessing rests, its benign influence is felt, and its glorious light -shines. - -It was in such a time as this in Scotland, when the iron will of Charles -II., already oppressing the persons and the minds of his people, aspired -to the dominion of their soul and conscience, by calling upon them to -introduce into their simple forms of worship a host of objectionable -mummeries, savouring of Popery, and threatening thereby to corrupt the -purity of the Presbyterian faith. In vain they petitioned for liberty of -conscience and protested against these intrusions. Persisting in the -introduction of these idle rites, and denying redress, the monarch -preferred plunging the nation into all the horrors of civil war, rather -than depart from his purpose. To enforce these requirements the king -raised in Scotland two troops of Life Guards, afterwards disbanded; a -regiment of horse, known as Claverhouse’s Troopers— - - “The bonnets o’ bonnie Dundee;” - -a regiment of Foot Guards; a regiment of foot, now the Twenty-first, -North British Fusiliers; and, in 1678, two troops of dragoons, which, -increased by the addition of other troops in 1681, constituted the -_Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons_, now known familiarly as the _Scots -Greys_. The corps was originally commanded by Sir Thomas Dalziel, who in -1681 was appointed the first colonel of the regiment. He was always a -staunch adherent of the House of Stuart, had been taken prisoner at the -battle of Worcester, but escaping from the Tower, served with -distinction in the Russian army during the Tartar wars. Returning to -Scotland at the Restoration, he was employed by the king in enforcing -his will upon the Presbyterians, and he discharged his duty with all the -scrupulous exactness of a soldier. To the Covenanters he has left a most -unenviable memory—as a monster of cruelty, devoid of mercy. His -eccentricities, especially in regard to dress, often excited the -merriment of the Court, and created quite a sensation amongst the -juveniles of the metropolis. He died in 1685. - -The early history of the Royal Scots Dragoons is painfully and -intimately associated with the sufferings and trials of the -Covenanters—a page in our history which, would the truth admit, we would -gladly omit. The ignominious duty imposed upon this gallant regiment, of -hunting down the Presbyterians, and the cruelties which they were called -to witness, sometimes to inflict upon their unhappy brethren, must have -been extremely harrowing and repulsive to the feelings of brave men. -Along with a troop of horse, a troop of the corps was present in 1679, -under Graham of Claverhouse, at the battle of Drumclog, where they were -defeated, with the loss of twenty men, by the superior numbers and -desperate valour of the Covenanters, as also from the unsuitableness of -the ground for cavalry to act upon. The result of this overthrow was a -general rising of the disaffected and oppressed—a motley and -undisciplined army was speedily assembled, better in the use of the -tongue than the sword; and as always happens where that “unruly member” -is in the ascendant, proved the precursor of party division, and in the -end brought ruin to the good cause in which they had embarked. Foiled in -an attack upon Glasgow by the retiring royal troops, especially the -Royal Scots Dragoons and Scots Foot Guards, the Covenanters took up a -strong position behind the Clyde at Bothwell Bridge, and there awaited -the attack of the royal army, now advancing from Edinburgh under the -Duke of Monmouth. Failing in effecting an accommodation, the battle was -commenced by the Royal Scots Dragoons, supported by the Scots Foot -Guards attacking the bridge, which, defended with great bravery, was -only relinquished when the ammunition of the defenders was exhausted. -The loss of this most important post, as well as the divisions already -prevailing amongst the Covenanters, soon produced a panic which lost the -battle, ruined for the present the cause of liberty of conscience, and -served to add nearly ten years more to their sufferings. In the pursuit, -the troopers of Claverhouse took a cruel revenge for the defeat of -Drumclog, upon the broken and flying remnant. - -The Royal Scots Dragoons continuing to be employed in the humiliating -work of persecution, were often roughly handled by the Presbyterians, -especially at Ayr Moss on the 20th July, 1680, where a desperate -_rencontre_ took place. - -The Earl of Argyle, a nobleman of great merit, and for some time -enjoying the esteem of his sovereign, being suspected of a leaning to -the Nonconformists, or Covenanters, at the instigation of the Duke of -York was arraigned for treason, and, accordingly, condemned to death. -Escaping to France, Argyle returned in 1685, and landing with a force of -300 men in Argyleshire, summoned his clansmen, and endeavoured, with -little success, to raise the Presbyterians, and so, setting up the -standard of rebellion, threatened to dethrone James II., who but lately -had succeeded his brother in the throne. After much fruitless -man[oe]uvring, he advanced into the Lowlands, but was met by the royal -troops, including the Royal Scots Dragoons, near Dumbarton, under the -Earl of Dumbarton. Attempting to retreat in the darkness of the night, -his guides betrayed him, his army fell into disorder and disbanded, -whilst he himself was taken prisoner and afterwards executed at -Edinburgh. On the morrow, the Royal Scots Dragoons, assisted by other -troops, attacked a considerable body of the rebels under Sir John -Cochrane, which still remained together in the neighbourhood in a -strongly fortified position. After hard fighting, in course of which the -dragoons dismounted and fought hand to hand on foot, and after the loss -of many officers, among whom were Sir Adam Blair, Sir William Wallace, -and Capt. Clelland, also Lord Ross wounded, the rebels were driven back -and ultimately dispersed. - -On the death of Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Dalziel, in 1685, Lord Charles -Murray, afterwards the Earl of Dunmore, and son of the Marquis of -Athole, one of the original officers of the corps, was promoted to the -colonelcy. - -In 1688 a part of the regiment was called upon to interfere on behalf of -the Government—unfortunately on the wrong side—in one of those unhappy -broils which, as the dregs of feudalism, still so sorely distressed the -Highlands. The Macintoshes having despoiled the Macdonald of Keppoch of -his estate, during his temporary absence in the Highlands, the -Macdonald, on his return, taking the law—as was usual in those days, -specially amongst the clans—into his own hand, and taking an ample -vengeance, redeemed his own. The Royal Scots Dragoons were sent to the -assistance and for the release of the Mackintosh, who had been taken -prisoner. In retaliation they were inhumanly ordered to destroy all that -pertained to the Macdonald—man, woman, and child. Although such -instructions were quite in keeping with the character of the Court, -happily it was about the last exercise of a power ever rioting in such -acts of merciless cruelty. - -The close of the same year brought the Prince of Orange to our shores, -to deliver the land from the bondage of the Stuarts who had so -grievously oppressed it. To meet this emergency, King James had drawn -together to London and its neighbourhood the whole reliable forces of -his kingdom. Amongst these were the troops of Scottish Life Guards; -Claverhouse’s regiment of horse; Dunmore’s regiment of _Royal Scots -Dragoons_; the regiment of Scottish Foot Guards; and two regiments of -Scottish Foot—in all, 3,765 men from Scotland. After a seeming show of -resistance, and much man[oe]uvring in the vicinity of Salisbury, the -monarch, dreading the wrath of an outraged people, fled to France. - - “Conscience makes cowards of us all.” - -When the Prince of Orange, as William III., ascended the vacant throne, -he found many of the troops inclined to dispute his authority, -especially the regiments of Royal Scots Horse and Royal Scots Dragoons; -which still remained together under the command of Viscount Dundee, and -with the characteristic loyalty of Scotsmen, would still have maintained -the cause of an unworthy and exiled prince, the degenerate -representative of the Bruce of Bannockburn. The tact of the new monarch -succeeded in winning the submission of the Royal Scots Dragoons; but the -Royal Scots Horse, deserting, followed Dundee into Scotland, took part -with him in his subsequent rebellion, and so, sharing his fate, have -been lost to the British army. The Earl of Dunmore, declining to serve -under the new king, was superseded in the colonelcy of the Royal Scots -Dragoons by Sir Thomas Livingstone, afterwards Viscount Teviot—a -Scottish soldier of distinction, who came over from the continent with -the prince. - -To stem the torrent of rebellion which the return of Dundee to Scotland -had excited—especially among the Highland clans, nearly all of whom were -devotedly attached to the Stuarts—the Royal Scots Dragoons were ordered -to return to Scotland. Throughout the succeeding campaigns the regiment -behaved with signal fidelity and gallantry, with the exception of some -few of its officers who were found guilty of treasonable intercourse -with the rebels—having a sympathy with their old comrade in arms, -Viscount Dundee. Amongst the arrested were Lieut.-Colonel Livingstone, -Captains Murray, Crichton, and Livingstone. The royal forces under the -command of Major-General Mackay, included, besides the Royal Scots -Dragoons, many regiments since known to fame—Lord Colchester’s Horse, or -the Third (Prince of Wales’) Dragoon Guards; Berkeley’s, or the Fourth -(Queen’s Own Hussars) Dragoons; Sir James Leslie’s, or the Fifteenth -(York, East Riding) Foot; besides a considerable body of Dutch troops -under Colonel Ramsay. Dundee was joined at Inverness by Macdonald of -Keppoch and his clan, thirsting for revenge because of the atrocities -committed upon them and theirs by the soldiers in the previous year. -After much time spent in marching and counter-marching in search of, and -pursuit of, each other, the two armies met at the Pass of Killiecrankie, -when the death of Dundee, in the moment of victory, virtually ruined the -Jacobite cause. The Royal Scots Dragoons, although not present at that -disastrous battle, had previously distinguished themselves in a skirmish -with a body of about 500 Highlanders, chiefly Macleans, who, defeating -with great loss, they dispersed, and, dismounting, pursued among the -rocks and crags of the mountains. In the following year, the rebels -still continuing in arms, under General Canon—who on the death of Dundee -assumed the command—and being recruited by a body of men from Ireland -under General Buchan, took up a strong post and awaited the attack of -the royal forces at Cromdale. Here, on the morning of the 31st April, -they were suddenly attacked by Sir Thomas Livingstone, at the head of -the Royal Scots Dragoons and other troops, and, amid the darkness and -confusion, totally defeated and dispersed with great slaughter. The -scene was one of consternation and horror, and had it not been for the -merciful intervention of a mountain mist, as if to befriend her own -children in their day of calamity, would have proved even more fatal to -the flying enemy. In this action the Royal Scots Dragoons took a gallant -part. This victory was quickly followed by the relief of the castle of -Abergeldie, then besieged by the Highlanders, where two troops of the -Royal Scots Dragoons utterly routed the rebels with great carnage. -Unable longer to sustain such a hopeless struggle, the clans tendered -their submission to King William, which was accepted. - -But the triumph of the Government was stained by a deed of barbarous -cruelty and sin, which remains a blot on the page of British history, -known as “the Massacre of Glencoe.” The Macdonalds of Glencoe having -failed to tender their allegiance within the prescribed time, although -they had done so a few days afterwards, the whole were treacherously -murdered in cold blood, whilst peaceably sleeping, by a party of -soldiers from Argyle’s regiment, who had been received and hospitably -quartered among them as friends. This inhuman action has been vainly -attempted to be excused, and all authorities have alike endeavoured to -escape the responsibility. We gladly record that the Royal Scots -Dragoons were not called to take any part in the matter; and their -colonel, Sir Thomas Livingstone, although then Commander-in-Chief in -Scotland, has been fully exonerated from blame by Parliament. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - CHAPTER II. - - “Loudon’s bonnie woods and braes, - I maun lea’ them a’, lassie; - Wha can thole when Britain’s faes - Would gi’e Britons law, lassie?” - - WARS OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION—REBELLION OF 1715—SEVEN\ - YEARS’ WAR—1693–1793. - - -Our last chapter closed the dark record which unhappily clouds the early -history of the Royal Scots Dragoons, and it is with pleasure we turn -from the record of these unnatural and suicidal wars to narrate the -nobler deeds of the regiment on a nobler field. The accession of -William, Prince of Orange, to the throne, is not to be regarded merely -as the triumph of the Protestant party, but as involving the dawn of -freedom to an oppressed people; as the guarantee of liberty of -conscience; and as the harbinger of peace, especially to distressed -Scotland. In 1694, the Royal Scots Dragoons, accompanied by Cunningham’s -Scots Dragoons—now the Seventh (Queen’s Own) Hussars—and associated with -the First (Royal English), the Third (King’s Own Hussars), the Fourth -(Queen’s Own Hussars), and the Fifth (Royal Irish Lancers) Dragoons, -were sent over to the Netherlands against the French. Here they -represented the nation with credit, especially at the siege of Namur, -until the conclusion of peace, four years afterwards, permitted their -return. - -Unfortunately, the peace was not of long duration, and afforded but -a short respite, during which the regiment was remounted on grey -horses, as a _corps élite_. The question of the Spanish succession -rousing the ambition of France, the flames of war were again -rekindled. Accordingly, in 1702, the regiment was called to maintain -the honour of their country on the plains of Holland. The earlier -campaigns were chiefly made up with a variety of sieges—Venloo, -Ruremonde, Stevenswaert, Liege, Bonn, Huy, Limburg, &c., in all of -which the regiment had a part. Lord Hay, afterwards Marquis of -Tweeddale, this year (1704) purchased the colonelcy of the regiment. -The daring spirit and rising genius of Marlborough, who then -commanded the British army, aspiring to something mightier, turning -his eye towards Germany, selected a grander field of action—planned -a campaign, which, taking Europe by surprise, fell like a -thunderbolt upon the foe, and produced the most glorious results. -The soldierly bearing of the Royal Scots Dragoons had already -attracted the keen eye of the Commander-in-Chief, and won for them -this tribute to their fidelity and worth, inasmuch as they were -selected to be his own body-guard. They were, moreover, destined to -lead the van, or, at all events, to assume a first place in the -memorable actions of the campaign. Their firmness and valour helped -their great commander to a great renown, as they were honoured to -share with him the dangers and the glories of the campaign, and so -“win laurels that shall never fade.” Not less brave, although not so -favoured, were the gallant troops which accompanied the Royal Scots -Dragoons in the marvellous march from the Netherlands to Germany, -and who alike contributed to the success of the expedition. These -comprised the First (King’s), the Third (Prince of Wales’), the -Fifth (Princess Charlotte of Wales’), the Sixth (Carabineers), the -Seventh (Princess Royal’s) Dragoon Guards, and the Fifth (Royal -Irish Lancers) Dragoons; besides the infantry which followed, -including the Foot Guards, the First (Royal Scots), the Third (East -Kent Buffs), the Eighth (the King’s), the Tenth (North Lincoln), the -Fifteenth (York, East Riding), the Sixteenth (Bedfordshire), the -Eighteenth (Royal Irish), the Twenty-first (Royal North British -Fusiliers), the Twenty-third (Royal Welsh Fusiliers), the -Twenty-fourth (Warwickshire), the Twenty-Sixth (Cameronians), and -the Thirty-seventh (North Hampshire) regiments of Foot. Marlborough -having successfully accomplished with rapidity and secrecy this -masterly man[oe]uvre, and united his army to the Imperialists—hardly -allowing the French and Bavarians time to know, far less to recover -from their surprise—immediately prepared for action. The assault -upon the French lines on the heights of Schellenberg, and the -consequent capture of Donawerth, was the first event calling forth -the bravery of the Scots Greys. But this was but the precursor to a -more decisive blow. On the 13th of August the French and Bavarians -were encountered in the vicinity of the village of Blenheim. The -struggle was a severe one. The Greys and other troops attacking the -village, which was strongly occupied by the French, for long waged a -very doubtful conflict; but at length, by indomitable efforts, they -succeeded in driving back the enemy, and cutting off their -retreat—twenty-four battalions of infantry and twelve squadrons of -cavalry surrendered. The campaign closed with the siege of Landau. -Having delivered Germany from the immediate presence of the enemy, -Marlborough withdrew the British army into winter quarters in the -Netherlands. The only action of importance which falls to be -recorded in the succeeding year is the victory of Helixem, where the -same redoubtable British cavalry successfully attacked and broke in -upon the French lines. - -A mightier achievement awaited the arms of our “gallant Greys” in 1706. -At the battle of Ramilies, after much hard fighting, the regiment -succeeded in penetrating into the village of Autreglize, inflicting a -dreadful carnage, and were honoured in receiving the surrender of the -French “Regiment du Roi,” with arms and colours. Amid the trophies of -the day, the Greys are said to have taken no fewer than seventeen -standards. At the close of the battle a very curious circumstance was -brought to light, affording an illustrious example of woman’s love, -fidelity, endurance, and heroism. Amongst the wounded of the Scots -Greys, a female (Mrs Davies) was discovered, who, donning the -habiliments of man, had enlisted in the regiment, braved the perils of -Schellenberg and Blenheim, that in this disguise she might follow her -husband, who was a soldier in the First (Royal Scots) Foot, then with -the army. Her case at once excited the interest and sympathy of the -whole army; and awakening the generosity of the officers, especially of -the colonel of _her_ regiment, she was restored to her true position as -a woman, lived to be of considerable service as envoy to the army, and -at her death in 1739 was buried with military honours in Chelsea -Hospital. - -In the autumn of this eventful year, the Greys were called to mourn the -death of their colonel, who had been with them throughout the war, and -who was cut off by fever in the midst of a bright and glorious career. -He was succeeded in the colonelcy by the Earl of Stair. About the same -time the regiment was authoritatively designated the Royal North British -Dragoons, and in 1713 was further registered as the Second Regiment of -Dragoons. - -It is superfluous to say that, at the battle of Oudenarde, in 1708, the -sieges of Lisle and Tournay, and specially at the battle of Malplacquet -in 1709—where, thrice charging the French household cavalry, they -ultimately broke through that magnificent and hitherto invincible -corps—as well as at a variety of minor engagements, the Greys maintained -their high character. On the peace of Utrecht, in 1713, they returned to -England loaded with the honours of war. - -In the following year, the Earl of Portmore, a distinguished one-eyed -veteran, was appointed colonel in room of the Earl of Stair—retired. - -The rebellion of 1715, in Scotland, in favour of the Pretender, again -called for the service of the Greys, who, with a firm fidelity, -continued to discharge their duty to the king—notwithstanding many -pressing temptations to desert. Whilst quartered at Stirling, they -dispersed gatherings of rebels at Kinross and Dunfermline. With the -Third (King’s Own Hussars), the Fourth (Queen’s Own Hussars), the Sixth -(Inniskillings), and the Seventh (Queen’s Own Hussars) Dragoons; also -the Third (East Kent Buffs), the Eighth (the King’s), the Eleventh -(North Devon), the Fourteenth (Buckinghamshire), the Seventeenth -(Leicestershire), the Twenty-first (Royal North British Fusiliers), the -Twenty-fifth (King’s Own Borderers), and the Thirty-Sixth -(Herefordshire) regiments of foot, in all 4000 men, they were present at -the drawn battle of Sheriffmuir, where the enemy mustered fully 10,000 -men. The royalist army was mainly saved from utter defeat by the -dauntless valour of the Greys, who, repeatedly charging the cavalry and -right wing of the rebel army, succeeded in driving back and ultimately -dispersing them, so as to counterbalance the success of the rebels on -the left. Although forced to retreat for the time, the royalists, -recruited by other regiments, were soon able once more to assume the -offensive, and, notwithstanding the presence of the Pretender himself, -ultimately dispersed the rebel army. A second attempt, aided by a -Spanish force, in 1719, met with the same firmness, and fared no better. -The rebel army, encountering the king’s army—including the Greys—at -Strachell, were completely routed. - -Meanwhile the regiment was permitted to enjoy its laurels in peace. In -1717, General John Campbell had been appointed colonel of the Scots -Greys, in room of the Earl of Portmore—resigned. - -In 1742, France, Prussia, and Bavaria having leagued together for the -destruction of Austria, George II., espousing the cause of Austria, in -person, led an army of 16,000 British through Flanders into Germany. Of -this force the Greys formed a part, under the command of their own -chivalric monarch. The battle of Dettingen, in 1743, was the first event -of importance in the war, in which the Greys were engaged—successively -charging and defeating the imposing line of French Cuirassiers, and -thereafter the magnificent array of the French household cavalry; -capturing from these last a white standard—a trophy which never before -had been taken by an enemy. - -The army having been withdrawn into Flanders, and placed under the -command of the Duke of Cumberland, achieved nothing of importance until -the disastrous battle of Fontenoy, in 1745, in which, although no very -prominent place had been assigned the Scots Greys, they nevertheless -suffered severely—especially in the loss of their gallant colonel, -General Campbell. He was succeeded in the colonelcy by the Earl of -Stair—reappointed. - -The rebellion of 1745, in Scotland, occasioning the withdrawal of a -large portion of the army, the following regiments were left behind to -make head against the overwhelming hosts of France:—the Second (Scots -Greys), the Sixth (Inniskillings), the Seventh (Queen’s Own Hussars) -Dragoons; the Eighth (King’s), the Eleventh (North Devon), the -Thirteenth (1st Somersetshire or Prince Albert’s), the Nineteenth (1st -York, North Riding), the Twenty-fifth (King’s Own Borderers), the -Thirty-second (Cornwall), and the Thirty-third (Duke of Wellington’s) -Foot. These were aided by a few regiments of Dutch and Hessians. Taking -advantage of these circumstances, the enormous masses of the French -under Marshal Saxe were advanced, with the intent to overwhelm this -handful of brave men. The attack was accordingly made at Roucoux, but -failed; although the British general was forced to retreat, which was -accomplished with success, notwithstanding the immediate presence of a -foe greatly superior in numbers. It was the intrepidity of the British -cavalry which rescued the army from destruction. - -The following year the Earl of Crawford was appointed colonel in room of -the then deceased Earl of Stair. He was an officer of very extensive -military knowledge, having served in many of the continental armies, as -a volunteer, with credit. - -The bloody and glorious battle of Val, fought in 1747, and which may -fitly be considered the closing event of the war, exhibits in bold -relief what may well be esteemed as the crowning achievement of the -Scots Greys. Towards the close of this desperate fight, the regiment was -ordered to charge. Notwithstanding their resistless bravery and -accompanying success, by which the French cavalry were broken and lost -four standards, these fortunate results and glorious trophies were -dearly won, not merely because of the numerous casualties which the -regiment was called to mourn (157 killed and wounded), but on account of -the loss of that which to a soldier is dearer than life itself—a -standard. It fell into the enemy’s hands in the confusion of retreat. - -On the conclusion of the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1749, the regiment -returned to England. In the following year the Earl of Crawford dying, -the colonelcy of the regiment was conferred on the Earl of Rothes, but -exchanging into the Third (Scots Fusiliers) Foot Guards in 1752, he was -succeeded in the command by General Campbell, afterwards Duke of Argyle. - -On the breaking out of war with France in 1758, whilst a newly-raised -light troop of the regiment was engaged with other troops in successive -descents on the French coast, viz., St Maloes, Cherbourg, and Lunar, the -remainder of the regiment was sent to Germany, to aid in the liberation -of Hanover from the French yoke. Under the command of the Duke of -Brunswick, the Greys were present at the battles of Bergen and Minden, -but it was not until the assault upon Warbourg that they seriously -encountered the enemy. Their conduct on the occasion is well described -by the Commander-in-Chief when he says they performed “prodigies of -valour.” At Zierenberg the battle was decided by a brilliant and -successful charge of the Greys and Inniskillings. A variety of -man[oe]uvres and skirmishes continued to agitate the conflict in the -following year, in all of which the regiment upheld its reputation. The -peace of 1763 at length released the regiment from the turmoil of war, -and permitted it to return home and rest awhile upon its honours. - -It is interesting to observe that in nearly every instance the Royal -Scots Dragoons shared the dangers and glories of the conflict with the -Royal Irish or Inniskilling regiments of dragoons. It is still the same. -Scotland and Ireland, side by side, are to be recognised fighting their -country’s battles. It is an ancient and happy alliance which, -strengthening with years, has been of signal service in the past, is -blessed in the present, and promises to be of further use in the future. - -In 1770, on the death of the Duke of Argyle, the Earl of Panmure was -advanced to the colonelcy, and on his death, in 1782, General Preston -was appointed colonel, but he in turn passing away in 1785, made room -for General Johnstone. - -These were times of peace, and afforded no opportunity for these -venerable soldiers to distinguish their stewardships. The succeeding -chapter introduces us to more stirring times. - -[Illustration] - - CHAPTER III. - - “O Fame, stern prompter of most glorious deeds, - What numerous votaries attend thy call! - For thee the poet sings, the hero bleeds, - And warlike kings bid empires rise or fall.” - - THE REVOLUTIONARY AND CRIMEAN WARS—1793–1862. - - -In 1793 the restless and aggressive spirit which sorely troubled France, -developed in the Revolution, once more plunged that nation into war with -Britain; nay, not only so, but sending forth her revolutionary -incendiaries charged with the subversion of all constitutional -government, and seeking to poison the minds of almost every people, her -ruthless and frantic demagogues virtually declared war against the whole -monarchies of Christendom. Accordingly, a British force, including a -portion of the Greys, was sent to the Netherlands under the Duke of -York. These were chiefly employed in the sieges of Valenciennes, -Dunkirk, Landrecies, etc., which preceded the double battle of Tournay, -fought on the 10th and 22d May, 1794. The Greys and the other British -cavalry easily routed the newly-raised horsemen of the Revolution, which -were sadly degenerated from the splendidly-equipped cavalry of the old -monarchy—long the terror of Europe, and most worthy foes. The utter -bankruptcy of the French nation prevented them from equipping or -maintaining a powerful cavalry, and, in consequence, we find the armies -of the Revolution at that time very deficient in this branch of the -service. Notwithstanding the excellence of his troops, the Duke of York -found his position untenable, with such a handful, against the -overwhelming hosts of France, which were being daily augmented by a -starving crowd which the Revolution had ruined, and so forced into the -army as the only refuge in those unhappy times. The British, retreating -into Germany, reached Bremen in 1795, whence the Scots Greys shortly -thereafter returned to England. - -Notwithstanding the continuous and bloody wars in which our country was -engaged during the next twenty years, the Scots Greys were allowed to -pine in quietude on home service, until the campaign of Waterloo called -them to take the field. - -In the meantime, we take opportunity to enumerate the series of colonels -who successively commanded the regiment during this interval. The Earl -of Eglinton, appointed in 1795, was succeeded by that brave and -distinguished officer, Sir Ralph Abercromby, who fell in the arms of -victory on the 28th of March, 1801, at the battle of Alexandria. On his -death, the colonelcy was conferred on a no less distinguished officer, -Sir David Dundas, who continued to command the regiment until 1813, -when, exchanging into the King’s Dragoon Guards, he was succeeded by the -Marquis of Lothian. This nobleman dying in 1815, made way for an able -and accomplished soldier, Sir James Stewart, who, retaining the -colonelcy for the lengthened term of twenty-four years, lived to be the -oldest general and the oldest soldier, both in one, in the British army. -In 1839, Sir William Keir Grant was appointed colonel. As if worthily to -recognise the heroic daring of the regiment at Waterloo, it has -continued to be commanded by veterans who have earned their laurels in -that proud field of fight. Lord Sandys was appointed in 1858, but only -enjoyed the honour for two years, when death laid him low, and he was in -turn succeeded by the present colonel, General Alex. K. Clarke Kennedy, -C.B., K.G. The history of all these brave officers is replete with deeds -of heroism, and it would have been truly a pleasant duty, had our space -admitted, to have recounted somewhat of their achievements. - -During the years of their home service, a part of the regiment was -present at the imposing ceremony accompanying the burial of England’s -Naval Hero, Lord Nelson, in 1805. They were also present at the great -review in Hyde Park in 1814, when the allied Sovereigns visited England -after the Treaty of Paris. - -The following year witnessed the escape of Napoleon from Elba, his -return to France, and the general and disgraceful desertion of the -French army to their old chief. This untoward event at once arrested the -retiring armies of the allies, and recalled them again in haste to -Paris. The promptitude and harmony of the measures adopted by the -Cabinets of Britain and Prussia enabled their armies forthwith to take -the field, and so stemming the returning tide of French despotism, for -ever crush the might of the tyrant whose restless ambition, like an evil -spirit, had so long troubled Europe. They were honoured side by side to -fulfil the first and last act in the short but decisive campaign which -followed. Six troops of the Greys were ordered to the theatre of war, -and, landing in the Netherlands in 1815, were brigaded with the Royals -and their old comrades the Inniskillings, under Sir William Ponsonby. -Anticipating no immediate attack from the French, and the better to -obtain supplies, the Duke of Wellington had disposed his army as a chain -of posts to watch the movements of the enemy. While separated from the -Prussians, under Blucher, both armies narrowly escaped destruction. The -immediate and personal presence of so able and enterprising a General as -Napoleon, at the head of a powerful and well-appointed army—consisting -largely of the veterans who, smarting under the disasters of a previous -year, burned for revenge, or of those who, so unfortunately for their -chief, had been too long incarcerated as garrisons in the distant -fortresses of the Oder and Vistula, but who, released on the conclusion -of the late peace, gladly welcomed their old commander, and followed him -to the field with high hopes to retrieve the defeats of the past—the -immediate presence of such an army rendered the position of the allies -one of considerable danger. On the night of the 15th of June the Greys -were unexpectedly awakened at the village of Denderhautem, to learn that -the enemy was rapidly advancing to surprise and destroy the scattered -fragments of the army in detail. Accordingly, immediate orders were -issued to the various corps to concentrate in the vicinity of WATERLOO. -A rapid march of fifty miles brought the Scots Greys, on the evening of -the 16th, to Quatre Bras, where some of the British troops were -surprised by a portion of the French army, under Marshal Ney, and all -but cut to pieces. As the eventful morning of the 18th of June dawned, -the British army, having completed its concentration, was drawn up in -all the magnificence of battle array, and anxiously waited the arrival -of their allies. The Prussians, however, had in the interim been -attacked by Napoleon himself at Ligny, and nearly overthrown. - -In the battle of Waterloo, the Greys occupied a position in rear of the -left centre. It was late in the day when the Earl of Uxbridge brought -the orders for that fatal and memorable charge, the result of which had -such an effect on the battle. It must have been a splendid sight to have -seen these gallant regiments (the Greys, Royals, and Inniskillings) -“hurl them on the foe;” and it must have been nobly done, since it -specially attracted the attention of the great Napoleon—(particularly -referring to the Greys)—and drew forth from him those ever-memorable -words: “These are splendid horsemen, but in less than half-an-hour I -must cut them to pieces;” and therewith he did all that human mind could -devise, or human might achieve, to fulfil his boast, and annihilate -these brave soldiers. Despite a dreadful carnage, and the resoluteness -with which the successive columns of the French sustained the dreadful -fight, they could not prevail against our Gælic infantry, nor dismay the -firmness of the British square, far less withstand the shock of our -gallant cavalry—they were broken; and amidst the terrible confusion -which ensued, Sergeant Ewart, of the Greys, succeeded in capturing the -eagle and colour of the Forty-fifth French regiment—a trophy which -graced the day, and the eagle is a proud emblem on the regimental -guidon. The Ninety-second Highlanders, reduced to 200 men, had long -maintained a terrible conflict with a column of 2000 of the enemy. At -length the Greys, charging a second time—but with sadly diminished -numbers—came to the assistance of their countrymen, and, together, -nearly annihilated the French. At the grand charge, where the famous and -hitherto invincible Guards of Napoleon were brought forward for a last -effort, the remnant of the Greys, kept in reserve, awaited the repulse -of that dread column, when, a third time charging, they completed the -ruin of their brave foemen. The loss to the regiment was upwards of 200 -men. After the battle, they continued the pursuit of the enemy to the -very gates of Paris; and, with other cavalry, contributed to prevent -Napoleon re-forming or re-organising his still formidable legions. On -the abdication of that mighty chief, the Greys returned to England in -1816. Thus, in three days, was the fate of an empire, nay, of the world, -decided by British valour and Prussian firmness. - -[Illustration: BALAKLAVA.] - -Passing over a long interval of peace—nearly forty years, during which -nothing of sufficient importance transpired to call the Greys to take -the field—we arrive at the time (1854) of the Crimean war, when Russian -ambition, seeking to overwhelm Turkey in her weakness, was unexpectedly -met and arrested in her unrighteous aggression, by France and Britain, -on the plains of the Crimea. The Greys, as an after instalment of the -British army, were sent out in the “Himalaya,” and landed in September—a -few days after the battle of the Alma. With the Fourth (Royal Irish) and -the Fifth (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards; and the First -(Royals) and Sixth (Inniskilling) Dragoons, they formed the heavy -cavalry brigade, under Brigadier-General the Hon. James Scarlett, now -Adjutant-General to the Forces and K.C.B. At the action of Balaklava, -fought on the 25th of October, and which was almost entirely a cavalry -one—the Ninety-third Highlanders being the only infantry regiment -actively engaged, and bearing the word on their colours—the Scots Greys, -with their old comrades, the Inniskillings, fully sustained the ancient -and heroic character of the regiment. Numbering together about 750 men, -they charged fearlessly upon a body of 3500 of the very choicest Russian -cavalry, defended, moreover, by several batteries; and, breaking the -first line, had already pierced the column through, when they were aided -in the completion of the victory by the Fourth and Fifth Dragoon Guards. -Notwithstanding the desperate and unequal contest, the loss on the side -of the Greys was very small. In less than five minutes the splendid -array of Russian cavalry was broken and put to flight by about 1400 of -the British cavalry. This splendid achievement may be considered as the -only important event in which our cavalry assumed a prominent part. The -severity of the weather and the prevalence of disease all but destroyed -the Greys and their no less gallant comrades, and left our country to -lament that so very few of that heroic brigade were spared to return and -receive the thanks of a grateful people. Two years afterwards, peace -restored the remnant of the regiment to its native land. - -In closing our brief record of the Second Regiment of Royal North -British Dragoons, we cannot help remarking on the almost unbroken -success and splendid trophies which have crowned their arms. Scarcely in -a single instance was the regiment broken or necessitated to retreat for -its own sake; only once did a standard fall into the hands of the enemy, -although in its several campaigns the regiment has been always actively -engaged. The reader must feel that we have great reason to be proud of -our countrymen—and that it is an honest pride we indulge in—when -sustained by such an unprecedented series of triumphs as it has been our -pleasure to record. There is not a heart in Scotland which does not beat -with affectionate sympathy and respect for the “Scots Greys;” and be -they Englishmen or Irishmen who join the regiment, we feel sure they do -so with a generous spirit of emulation, and ungrudgingly unite with us -in doing honour to our countrymen, who early won a good name for the -regiment by brave deeds—no idle tale, but recorded in the most prominent -page of the world’s history. - -[Illustration: SCOTS GREY 1862] - -[Illustration: H.R.H. THE LATE PRINCE CONSORT, COLONEL OF THE GRENADIER -GUARDS.] - - “THE GUARDS.” - THE GRENADIERS—COLDSTREAMS—SCOTS FUSILIERS. - - ---------- - - CHAPTER IV. - - “Star of the brave! whose beam hath shed - Such glory o’er the quick and dead; - Thou radiant and adored deceit! - Which millions rushed in arms to greet; - Wild meteor of immortal birth! - Why rise in Heaven to set on Earth?” - - INTRODUCTION—EARLY HISTORY—THE RESTORATION—TIMES - OF THE STUARTS—THE REVOLUTION—1660–1688. - - -The very name of “_Guards_” inspires the idea of all that is militarily -splendid and excellent, great and glorious, noble and brave, faithful -and loyal; and awakens in our minds a host of most interesting and -exciting recollections. Guards are peculiarly a monarchical and despotic -institution, having no real existence in a Republic or similar form of -government. We would esteem this force as a chosen band of faithful, -stalwart, and splendidly-equipped soldiers, specially charged with the -defence of the throne, and calculated, by their imposing array, to add -lustre and dignity to the Crown. Apart from this holiday display, the -history of Guards is pre-eminently distinguished by the most splendid -achievements of heroism and devotion. Their firmness and fidelity have -alike rebuked the arrogance of the nobles who insulted, and stilled the -turbulence of the people who challenged, the prerogative of the Crown. -Nay, more, when the avalanche of revolution, descending, overthrew the -tottering throne, having enjoyed the smile, unshaken, the Guards -encountered the frowning of fortune; whilst fond memory bids us trace -the footprints of their greatness. - -But the great Napoleon had a truer conception of what such a corps ought -to be, in the constitution of his Imperial Guard, which at one time -amounted to upwards of 100,000 of the best troops in the world. Selected -not merely for fidelity or display, each one was a veteran, who, passing -through the fires of battle and inured to war, had won by his valour the -right to a place in the ranks of “the Brave.” No wonder that Europe -trembled when the bearskin of the Guard was recognised amongst the -number of her foes; no marvel that the charm of invincibility should so -long be enjoyed by this phalanx of warriors, and the halo of victory -rest upon their brows. - -Romance presents no scene more deeply touching than is recorded in the -page of history, when, amid the crumbling ruins of his colossal -empire—under the eye and directed by the transcendent genius of their -beloved chief, which never on any occasion shone forth more -conspicuously—the shattered remnant of the French Guards, faithful amid -the faithless, with unmurmuring constancy and heroic devotion, -withstood, all but alone, the attack of allied Europe; dealing out the -same terrible blows as of old, which, were it possible, must have -rescued their country from the countless hosts which already desecrated -her plains. But the closing scene was postponed for an after year, when -France once more marshalled around the Guard, and Napoleon cast the -fatal die for empire or ruin. What Austria, Russia, Prussia, nay, banded -Europe, had failed to do, our British soldiers achieved. The spell was -broken, as the Guard was overthrown. Noble and brave, ever commanding -our respect in their life, they were doubly so in their death. We cannot -help according this tribute to so brave a foe. Nay, we feel honoured as, -regarding their grave on the plains of Waterloo, we shed a tear for the -worthy representative of the Guard; and, lingering beside the relics of -“the mighty dead,” we catch the meaning of their watchword— - - “THE GUARD DIES, BUT NEVER SURRENDERS.” - -Guards claim to be of a very ancient origin. Perhaps the earliest record -of such a force is to be found in the Bible, where—in times of the -tyranny of Saul, first king of Israel, 1093 B.C.—we read “the goodliest -of the young men” (1 Sam. viii. 11–16; xiv. 52) “were chosen” for -himself, and “their hearts touched” (1 Sam. x. 26), so that “they -followed him” as a guard. Notwithstanding this ill-omened inauguration, -Guards have been perpetuated, and embraced in the military institutions -of the several States which successively attained the dominion of the -known world, especially where victorious ambition induced them to reject -the simplicity of the Republic and adopt the glitter and the pomp of -Imperialism. In despotic monarchies, princes have generally selected -their Guards from foreigners, as less likely to be affected by the -political struggles which from time to time agitated the nation and -threatened the security of the throne. The Guard thus selected -frequently included exiles of rank—of noble, nay, royal blood. To the -Protestant refugees, which the persecutions of the Church of Rome had -expatriated, the Guard presented a very general, an honourable, and a -secure retreat. These, as well as the chivalrous and adventurous spirit -of Scotsmen, are foremost amongst the many causes which have led our -countrymen to enlist as the Guard in nearly every State in Europe. - -Coming nearer home, and more immediately to our text, we find, in -England, that Henry VII., in 1485, raised a bodyguard of 50 men, -afterwards increased to 200, and styled it the “Yeomen of the Guard.” In -1550, Edward VI. added a corps of Horse Guards; whilst, in Scotland, at -a very early period, “the Archers of the Guard” surrounded and upheld -the Sovereign. - -[Illustration: LORD CLYDE, COLONEL OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS.] - -The Guards of the present British army, comprised in three regiments—the -first of which containing three, and the others two battalions each—were -raised about the year of the Restoration, 1660. The union, and -consequent intermixture of the peoples of the two, nay, of the three -nations, has so assimilated the composition of our regiments, that, -whatever may have been their origin, it is exceedingly difficult now to -discover aught of the ancient landmarks—national or county—which once -characterised them. Still, it is our business, in the present -undertaking, to trace these originals, and do justice to the land, -whichever it be, that, in earlier years, contributed its mite to lay the -foundation of the present renown of our army. - -From the intimate way in which our Guards have always been associated in -duty and a brilliant career of honour, we have preferred briefly to -sketch their history together, rather than separately and severally. In -such a narrative as we have entered upon, it is scarcely possible to -avoid repetition, many of the regiments having seen the same service. It -must therefore be admitted as a necessary evil; we only trust the good -old story of our nation’s glory will not suffer by being twice told. - -The Coldstream, or Second Regiment of Guards—which, although second in -the Army List, is nevertheless the senior—was raised by General Monk -(afterwards Duke of Albemarle) about the year 1650. They were -principally formed from Fenwick’s and Hesellrigg’s Regiments, and took -their name from their having proceeded from Coldstream on their famous -march to restore the “Merry Monarch!” Born during a time of war, they -were early initiated into its bloody toils. They formed part of the army -of General Monk, which, in name of Oliver Cromwell, subdued and occupied -Scotland. With the Scottish army, they marched into England in 1660, -were quartered in London, and there effectually helped to maintain peace -between the factions of the Parliament and army, which then struggled -for the dominion of the State—vacant by the death of the Protectorate. -Ultimately, the intrigue of General Monk effected the present -deliverance of the country from the disorders which distracted -Government, by the restoration of the monarchy in the person of Charles -II. On the disbandment of the army, Charles, grateful for the good -offices of Monk, retained his—the Coldstream—regiment in his own -service. The alarm attending the insurrection of Venner, in 1660—a -fanatic preacher, who was ultimately overpowered, and his followers, -about thirty in number, nearly all slain—presented a favourable -opportunity, which the King was not slow to improve, for insisting upon -Parliament granting him leave to raise money to maintain an additional -military force for his own and the nation’s safeguard. The result was -the formation of a chosen body of troops, chiefly composed of Jacobite -gentlemen who had shared with him the vicissitudes of exile, and so -constituted the First, or Grenadier Guards, under Colonel Russell. Two -years later, 1662, the resistance which the unreasonable demands of the -King upon the Scottish Presbyterians stirred up, induced the formation -in Scotland, amongst other troops, of a regiment of Scots Foot -Guards—the Scots Fusilier, or Third Regiment of Guards—the command being -conferred on the Earl of Linlithgow. - -Whilst a small body of the Guards were hotly engaged on the shores of -Africa, heroically defending against the Moors the fortress of -Tangier—the profitless dowry of the Queen of Charles II.—the main body -of the Grenadiers and Coldstreams, or, as they were then called, the -First and Second Regiments of Guards, were employed at home sustaining -the tottering throne of the monarch. Failing to profit by the lessons -which a recent adversity were so well fitted to teach, Charles, like the -rest of his unhappy race, devoted to his own indulgence, plunged -heedlessly into all the excesses of folly and passion. Casting aside or -neglecting the cares of his kingdom, so far at least as they interfered -with his own gratification, he consigned to creatures of his pleasure, -to the bigotry of fawning Jesuits, or the blind fanaticism of a cruel -brother (the Duke of York) the interests, the business, and the duties -of royalty. Amid such dissoluteness and misrule, the Guards, whilst -fulfilling their duty, must ofttimes have been forced to witness the -dark intrigues of a licentious court; nay, more, they were frequently -called to obey officers who had obtained commissions from their having -ministered discreditably to the passionate appetites of superiors, or as -being the fruit of some unhallowed intercourse. Their duty, too, -required they should guard not merely the Sovereign of a great nation, -but his _seraglio_—the abandoned crowd who, dishonouring themselves, -dishonoured their sex, preyed upon the honour of the nation, with -undisguised effrontery daily glittered in finery, and disgraced the -palaces of royalty by their presence. Gladly might the brave and -honourable soldier welcome a respite from such irksome duties and the -influences of such evil examples on the field of battle; but these were -times of comparative peace. It was not until Charles had sunk into the -grave, the victim of his own indulgence, and his brother, the Duke of -York, had ascended the throne as James II., that the peace was -disturbed—and then but for a moment—by the pretensions and rebellion of -Monmouth, speedily terminated by the battle of Sedgemoor, in 1685. -During the reign of James II., who departed not from the evil ways of -his brother, but added injustice and cruelty to the lengthy catalogue of -royal iniquities, only one incident would we notice as belonging to the -history of the Coldstreams, and as emphatically declaring how far even -these stood apart from the sins of the age. James had committed to the -Tower the Archbishop of Canterbury and other six bishops, who dared -respectfully to remonstrate with the King on behalf of their Protestant -brethren, injured by the pretensions of the Roman Catholics. Faithful to -their duty, the Coldstreams nevertheless received these martyrs to their -ancient faith with every token of respect and reverence. From the heart -of many a soldier ascended the prayer, and from his eye dropped the dewy -tear, as he guarded the gloomy dungeons of their prison. - -At length, when the cup of royal iniquity was full to overflowing, when -the follies and cruelties of the race of Stuart had alienated the -affections of an otherwise loyal people, then the oppressed, called to -arms, with one voice drove the last and worst representative of that -unfortunate family from the throne. Then, even then, when all else -failed him, even his own children—the Duke of Grafton, Colonel of the -Grenadier Guards, deserting—the Guards, the Coldstreams, remained -faithful, and with their Colonel, Lord Craven (appointed on the death of -Monk, in 1670), at their head, refused to give place to the stranger. -Nor did they forsake the unhappy prince, or for a moment belie their -allegiance to him, until his pusillanimous flight had rendered their -services no longer of advantage to him. Then only did they make their -peace with the new Sovereign—William, Prince of Orange. Respecting their -constancy to the fallen monarch, and recognising the Guards to be men of -worth, the Prince—now the King—retained their services, nor hesitated to -confide his own person to their keeping, as the faithful body-guard of a -constitutional throne. - -Aware that an officer, well versed in military histories, and to whose -kindness we are largely indebted for much valuable information embraced -in this compilation, is now preparing the annals of the Guards, in -separate volumes, we forbear saying more of the Grenadiers and -Coldstreams, esteeming the history of the Scots Fusilier Guards -sufficient for the purposes of our present undertaking, as being the one -regiment of the three undoubtedly Scottish. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - “Caledonians, brave and bold! - Heroes, never bought or sold! - Sons of sires, who died of old - To gild a martial story!” - - SCOTS FUSILIER GUARDS—SCOTTISH CIVIL WARS—REVOLUTION. - - -Whilst the Grenadiers and Coldstreams were unwilling witnesses to the -_profligacy_ and _lewdness_ of the Court, the Scots Foot Guards, since -their establishment in 1661, were more especially the witnesses of its -_cruelties_. The inquisition established by Royal Commission, and -presided over by the then Duke of York, rioted in the shedding of the -blood of “the faithful,” and with merciless cruelty persecuted and -tortured our Covenanting forefathers. In 1679, the Scots Foot Guards -were called to make their first essay in arms in the defence of Glasgow. -Their firm front, as they withstood the army of the Covenanters, may be -said to have stemmed the torrent of rebellion, and saved the Government -and the royal cause from the ruin which threatened it. At the battle of -Bothwell Bridge they were charged with the attack upon the bridge, -which, although desperately defended, they ultimately carried. This -single achievement was victory; the terror, the panic it inspired in the -still formidable army of the Covenanters, led to a disorderly flight, -even before the royal troops could be brought across the river and -formed in line of attack. - -The Scots Foot Guards continued to be deeply involved in the strifes of -these unhappy times. Towards the close of their sojourn in Scotland, 200 -of the regiment, under Captain Streighton, associated with a portion of -the Scots Greys, were employed in taking summary and merciless vengeance -upon Macdonald of Keppoch and his unfortunate clan, because of their -recent raid upon the Macintosh. Immediately thereafter, the imminent -danger to the Crown, caused by the threatened irruption of the Prince of -Orange, which was so soon to overthrow the existing dynasty, induced -James to draw together to London the whole reliable forces of the -kingdom. Accordingly the Scots Foot Guards, under their colonel, -Lieutenant-General Douglas, marched with the Scottish army southward. -Arriving in London towards the close of October, the regiment, 1251 -strong, was quartered in the vicinity of Holborn. Advanced with the -royal army, the Scots Foot Guards were stationed at Reading. Here, -becoming tainted with the general disaffection then prevalent, a -battalion deserted to the Prince of Orange. The events in the sequel, -bringing about the dissolution of the authority of the King, and the -establishment of the House of Orange under William and Mary, speedily -reunited the battalions of the regiment under the new authority, and it -is hereafter to be regarded as the Scots Fusilier, or Third Regiment of -Guards. The title of Scots Fusilier Guards was conferred on them as late -as the 22d April, 1831. - -The ambitious views of Louis XIV.—“_Le Grand Monarque_”—of France were -for the moment paralysed, as he found himself outdone in his -calculations by the unexpected turn of events in England—the overthrow -of the Stuarts and the splendid triumphs of the House of Orange. Nettled -by these disappointments, he readily entertained the schemes of James, -not so much that he desired the restoration of that imbecile -monarch—even although, as hitherto, enjoying the shadow of independent -power, he should continue the tool of the Jesuits of France—but rather -that he might find a favourable pretext to trouble the House of Orange, -whom he had been long accustomed to regard as his natural and mortal -foe. He aspired, moreover, to unite the Netherlands—the hereditary -dominion of the Stadtholder—to France, perchance to reduce these -sea-girt isles of ours to acknowledge his authority and become an -appanage of his Crown. Whilst James—encouraged by the fair promises of -Louis—laboured to fan into flame the discontents of the English -Jacobites, the Scottish Clans, and the Irish Papists, Louis prepared -formidable armaments by sea and land, with which he speedily assailed -the Netherlands. Meanwhile, aided by the natural reaction which -generally follows the outburst of strong feelings, James succeeded but -too well in his malignant purpose; in Scotland, by the rebellion of the -Highland Clans, under Viscount Dundee, and in Ireland, by the rebellion -of Irish Papists, under Tyrconnell. It required all the firmness and -ability of William to meet this formidable coalition, which threatened -his dominions at home and abroad; but the King, who could point to times -in his eventful history when, with far less promise of a successful -issue, he had overthrown more powerful foes—sustained now, too, by the -veteran experience of Schomberg and the rising genius of -Marlborough—promptly prepared to uphold his new-gotten and extensive -authority as the Champion of the Protestant cause, a title which he had -long enjoyed, and a faith which, despite the wrathful persecution of -kings, he had owned and protected. - -For a time, in Scotland, victory seemed indecisive, but after the death -of Dundee at Killiecrankie, the cause of James, languishing for a while, -was at length abandoned as hopeless by the Clans, and in 1691 the -rebellion terminated by their submission. In Ireland, the success of -James was complete, with the exception of Londonderry and Enniskillen, -which, being resolutely and gloriously defended as the last bulwarks of -Irish Protestantism, still held out. Even the arrival of Schomberg, in -1689, at the head of a considerable number of newly-raised regiments of -English and French Huguenots, aided by a Dutch force, failed to do more -than awe the rebels. In the following year William himself joined the -army, with large supplies, and by his presence revived the spirit of his -troops—now increased to 36,000. A battalion of the Scots Foot Guards at -the same time recruiting the royal army, led by their colonel, General -Douglas, were present at the battle of the Boyne, where they materially -contributed to the overthrow of the Irish rebels. They were also present -with the army, under Ginkel, which ultimately dispersed the troops of -the malcontents, driving James from the throne of Ireland, and so united -the island once more to the British Empire. - -While these events were taking place at home, Marlborough had been sent -in command of a British contingent, which comprised, with other troops, -a battalion of the Scots Foot Guards and one of the Coldstream Guards, -to act with the Dutch and German allies, under Prince Waldeck, against -the French in the Netherlands. It is interesting to note this, as being -the first effort in arms of the Scots Foot Guards upon a foreign shore -and against a foreign foe. In the first action of the campaign, fought -at Walcourt, our Guards were present, but occupied no very important -post, the brunt of the battle having been sustained by the Coldstreams, -under Colonel Talmash, the Sixteenth Regiment of Foot and the First -Regiment of Royal Scots, under Colonel Hodges. Although forming a part -of the Scottish brigade, the regiment, indeed the army, achieved nothing -of importance until 1692, when King William, having effectually secured -peace at home, placed himself at the head of his forces, infusing by his -presence new energy and life into the war. Notwithstanding the -enthusiasm which pervaded the troops when William assumed the command, -they could make no impression upon the French army, directed by the -abilities of the Duc de Luxembourg. On the contrary, the allies were -doomed to suffer severe defeats at Steenkirk in 1692, and Landen in -1693. In the latter, Corporal Trim, in Sterne’s renowned “Tristram -Shandy,” is represented to have been wounded whilst serving with his -master, the kindly-hearted Uncle Toby, in Leven’s regiment, now the -Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers. The after campaigns are unmarked by -any decisive event. The death of Luxembourg, and the incapacity of his -successor—Villeroy—enabled the confederates somewhat to retrieve the -disasters of the past. Soon the almost impregnable fortress of -Namur—bravely defended by Marshal Bouffleurs, and as bravely assailed by -our troops—was, after a fearful carnage, lost to France. In 1697, weary -of a war which had been fraught with no decided success on either side, -the peace of Ryswick put an end for the present to a further waste of -blood and treasure. - -The Guards, returning to England, enjoyed but for a short space a -respite from active service. France having for a moment tasted the -sweets of victory, having largely recruited her armies, thirsted for -more blood, longed for new worlds to conquer; whilst her ambitious lord, -grasping, through minions of his house, the vacant throne of Spain, once -more roused the allied wrath of Europe. During the previous reign our -country had groaned under a shameful vassalage to France. The gold of -the crafty Louis had outweighed the feeble sense of honour which yet -lived and lurked amid the corrupt Court of James. But the accession of -William to the throne put an end to these traitorous traffickings for -the independency of the land. The new rule and healthier administration -of the House of Orange dispelled the night of slavery, revived the -drooping spirit of liberty, and restored the nation to its true manhood. -Even now did she begin to assume that position of first importance among -the continental powers which she has never ceased honourably to retain. -Her alliance was anxiously courted, and her enmity dreaded by all. With -becoming majesty her ministers may be said to have presided in the -councils of the nations. With terrible might she threw the weight of her -sword into the scale as an arbiter—the defender of the right. - -In 1701 and 1702 the British army was being assembled in the -Netherlands, and posted in the vicinity of Breda—the Guards forming an -important part of the force. Meanwhile the Dutch and German auxiliaries -were drawing together their several contingents. Difficulties arose -amongst the confederates as to the officer who should assume the chief -command. Happily, however, these were at length overcome. The Earl of -Athlone, as the senior, waving his claim, the command of the allied army -was conferred on Marlborough, who, in the campaigns which were about to -open, should win laurels of a mighty fame. From the great number of -strong fortresses which studded the plains of the Netherlands and -guarded the frontier, the campaigns were, in consequence, largely made -up of perplexing man[oe]uvres and sieges. It is, however, worthy of -notice that in each year the might and energy of the combatants were -concentrated into one great fight, rather than a succession of minor -engagements. The character of the country, no doubt, helped to this mode -of warfare. Thus we record, in succession, the great battles of -Blenheim, in 1704; Ramilies, in 1706; Oudenarde, in 1708; Malplaquet, in -1709. It is unnecessary to detail the marchings and counter-marchings of -the Guards as they waited upon the several sieges; sufficient be it to -say, they did “the State some service.” At Nimeguen, with the First -Royals, they rendered essential service in repelling an unexpected -attack of an immensely superior French force, who had hoped to surprise -and proudly capture the allied chiefs in the midst of their -deliberations. In 1703 the strongholds of Huy and Limburg capitulated to -the allies. During this campaign the Guards were brigaded with the -Fifteenth, Twenty-third, and Twenty-fourth Regiments under General -Withers. But the succeeding year was destined to witness a far more -magnificent achievement—the sudden and rapid transference of the British -army from the plains of the Netherlands to the valley of the Danube; a -movement which, affording timely succour, and graced by the triumphs of -Schellenberg and Blenheim, restored the sinking fortunes of the Imperial -arms, and proved the deliverance of Germany. Associated with the First -Royals, the Twenty-third Regiment, with detachments from other corps, -the Guards sustained a terrible fight and suffered a severe loss in -storming the heights of Schellenberg. Their valour on this occasion was -most conspicuous. The furious and repeated assaults of their gallant foe -entailed frequent repulses; still their firmness was unconquerable; -again and again they returned to the attack, until their perseverance -was at length crowned with complete success in the utter rout of the -enemy. But this defeat on the part of the French and Bavarians was only -the prelude to a more terrible disaster. The allied army of Germans, -Dutch, Prussians, and British, driving the enemy before them, at length -halted in the neighbourhood of Blenheim, where the French and Bavarians, -largely recruited and strongly posted, under Marshals Tallard and -Marsin, had resolved to try the issue of battle. In the action which -followed, the Guards had six officers killed and wounded. After the -siege and surrender of Landau, which immediately followed this victory, -the Guards returned with the army to the Netherlands, where, in the -succeeding campaigns, they were hotly engaged, forcing the enemy’s lines -at Helixem, and more especially at the great pitched contests of -Ramilies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet. In 1712 the peace of Utrecht once -more restored them to their native land. - -Meanwhile the Spanish Peninsula was the scene of a conflict, although -conducted on a less gigantic scale, embittered by the personal presence -of the rival sovereigns—Philip of Bourbon and Charles of Austria. France -having espoused the cause of Philip—which was really the cause of the -people—had so vigorously pressed the allies, that notwithstanding the -presence of a British force, they could hardly maintain a footing in the -Peninsula for themselves, or for Charles as claimant to the throne. The -war is remarkable as developing the military abilities of two most -illustrious soldiers who successively directed the French armies—the -Duke of Berwick and the Duc de Vendôme. In 1704 Gibraltar had been -captured by a party of British sailors. A portion of the Guards -garrisoned the fortress, and heroically withstood all the efforts of the -Spaniards to recover it. In the following year the British fleet -arrived, and forced Marshal Tessé to raise the siege, in consequence of -which the Guards were withdrawn to form a part of the expedition under -the Earl of Peterborough, which landed in Catalonia and captured -Barcelona. Soon, however, this transient success was dissipated by the -return of the French and Spanish armies, who in turn besieged the -British. After enduring many privations, and making a gallant defence, -the besieged were relieved in the eleventh hour by the presence of a -British squadron with reinforcements. But this temporary aid only -served, by elevating the hopes of the garrison, to induce a more serious -disaster, in the utter rout of the allies at the battle of Almanaza -which shortly followed, and virtually gave the kingdom to the House of -Bourbon. Urged by Marlborough, the British Government were roused to -prosecute the war with greater vigour in Spain than hitherto, as being a -diversion of the utmost importance to the allied operations in the -Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Accordingly, in 1709 two formidable -armies were sent out, one to act in Portugal, under Lord Galway, and the -other in Spain, under Generals Staremberg and Stanhope. The latter of -these included a battalion of the Scots Fusilier Guards. Advancing upon -Madrid, everything seemed to promise success to their enterprise—the -speedy downfall of the Bourbon dynasty, and the establishment of the -House of Austria upon the throne. Their advance was distinguished by the -victory of Saragossa, in which the British captured thirty standards and -colours. The French General retiring, waited his opportunity, when, with -recruited ranks, and the popular opinion on his side, he returned and -forced the British, under Staremberg and Stanhope, to make a precipitate -retreat, in course of which General Stanhope, at the head of 6000 -troops, including the Scots Fusilier Guards, was overtaken at Birhuega -by a superior force of the enemy. The British for two days heroically -defended themselves, but were ultimately forced to surrender. General -Staremberg, however, somewhat repaired the disaster by defeating the -enemy in the battle of Villa Viciosa with great slaughter, and thus -secured for his wearied yet gallant troops a safe retreat. - -In 1715 the Scots Fusilier Guards were placed in garrison in Portsmouth -and Plymouth. Notwithstanding the rebellions in Scotland of 1715 and -1719 the regiment continued to be peacefully employed in the south. In -1722 the colonelcy was conferred on General St Clair. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - “Heroes!—for instant sacrifice prepared; - Yet filled with ardour and on triumph bent - ’Mid direst shocks of mortal accident— - To you who fell, and you whom slaughter spared - To guard the fallen, and consummate the event, - Your country rears this sacred monument.” - -WAR OF THE AUSTRIAN SUCCESSION—SEVEN YEARS’ WAR—AMERICAN - INDEPENDENCE—FRENCH REVOLUTION—CRIMEA—ANTICIPATED RUPTURE WITH THE - UNITED STATES—1742–1862. - - -The family feuds which at this time divided the House of Austria once -more kindled the flames of continental war. In support of the Austrians, -George II. sent a British army into the Netherlands. Assuming himself -the command of the allies, he prepared to combat, on this ancient -battlefield, the confederacy of France, Prussia, and Bavaria. With the -army, the present Scots Fusilier Guards landed in Holland in 1742, under -the Earl of Dunmore. They were present at the battle of Dettingen in -1743, where the French were signally defeated. In the following year -Marshal Wade assumed the command of the allies. Nothing of importance -was undertaken until 1745, when the Duke of Cumberland was appointed to -the command;—the Guards were at this period brigaded with the -Forty-second Royal Highlanders, (then making their first campaign as the -Forty-third Regiment, or “Black Watch,” which latter title has recently -been confirmed to them.) At the battle of Fontenoy, fought for the -relief of Tournay, this brigade was charged with the attack upon the -village of Veson. Here the French, strongly entrenched, made a gallant -defence, but were forced to yield to the fierce onset of such a chosen -body of troops. The ill success of the Dutch auxiliaries in other parts -of the field, and the last and desperate charge of Marshal Saxe at the -head of the French Guards, with the Irish and Scottish brigades in the -French service, led on by the young Chevalier, speedily changed the -fortunes of the day, compelled the allies to retreat, and our brave -Guards reluctantly to relinquish the important post their valour had -won. - -Meantime, Prince Charles Edward having landed in Scotland, set up the -standard of rebellion, and summoned the tumultuous and fierce array of -the clans to do battle for his pretensions to the throne. The war on the -Continent having occasioned the withdrawal of a large body of the -regular army, the rebels succeeded in driving before them the few troops -which had been left at home. Their progress southward into England -promised the speedy downfall of the House of Brunswick, and the -restoration of that of Stuart. The timely return of the major part of -the army, including the Scots Fusilier Guards, from Holland, at this -juncture, arrested the advance of the rebels upon London, and occasioned -their precipitate retreat into Scotland. A strong force of the king’s -troops, including a portion of the Guards, advanced in pursuit of the -prince, whilst the remainder, grouped in positions in and around London, -prepared to defend the country from the threatened descent of the -French. The bloody defeat of Culloden, as it utterly ruined the rebel -army, so it terminated the war, by the dispersion or submission of the -clans and the flight of the prince. - - Culloden’s moor! a darker scene - Of civil strife thy sons have seen, - When for an exiled Prince ye bled, - Now mourn alas! your “mighty dead,” - The brave o’ bonnie Scotland. - -Peace having been restored at home, the Scots Fusilier Guards, with -other regiments, returned to Holland in 1747, where the French, in their -absence, had made considerable progress. The only event of importance -which occurred in the campaign was the battle of Val, in which the -immense superiority of the French compelled the retreat of the British, -under the Duke of Cumberland. In 1748 peace was concluded at -Aix-la-Chapelle. - -Disputes arising as to the boundary line of the British and French -colonies, and neither party accepting a peaceful solution, war was -declared in 1756. Whilst the reputation of the British arms was being -gloriously sustained on the distant continent of America and in Lower -Germany, the Guards were engaged in frequent descents upon the French -coast. At St Cas they specially distinguished themselves. The peace of -1763 secured to our colonists the quiet possession of the fruits of -their own industry against the cupidity of the French. Scarcely had this -result been attained when difficulties arose with the colonists -themselves, by their refusal to be taxed by the home government without -an equivalent representation. Our armies were accordingly recalled in -1775 to the American continent, whilst the colonists, preparing for a -vigorous defence, allied themselves with their late enemies, the French. -The Scots Fusilier Guards formed a part of the British expedition, and -under Clinton, Howe, and Cornwallis, upheld their ancient reputation for -discipline and valour in the fresh and difficult warfare to which, in -the desolate wilds of the New World, they were called. This unfortunate -war, fraught with disastrous results, and waged with great fury and -bitter hate on both sides, was concluded in 1783, and secured the -independence of the colonists, who formed themselves into a Republic, -under the designation of the United States. - -In 1782 the Duke of Argyll had been promoted to the colonelcy of the -Scots Fusilier Guards. - -France, too long enslaved but now suddenly emancipated from the galling -tyranny of “the privileged orders,” writhing under all the miseries of -Revolution, had ruined every vestige of righteous government, and -consigned the nation to the more cruel bondage of a despot mob. At -length these evil influences were incarnated in the demon rule of the -“Reign of Terror.” Bankrupt in every sense, to feed the starving crowd -who daily clamoured for bread, proved a task too hard for the wretched -creatures who had been elevated to power through the blood of their -predecessors, and who called themselves the Government, whilst the whim -of the people continued them in favour. As they were but the Government -of a day, so they cared little for the consequences beyond their own -time. To maintain their popularity, and if possible avert the fate which -ever threatened them from the blind fury and unbridled passion of the -mob, they gladly entered upon a universal crusade against the -governments and liberties of neighbouring nations, hoping thereby to -direct the merciless wrath of the people into this new channel, and so -save themselves. Soon the ranks of the armies were recruited by a fierce -and undisciplined multitude. But the very magnitude of these armaments -proved their ruin, and but for the spasmodic efforts of the -Revolutionary tyrants in the national defence, which achieved marvels, -the Revolution must have been crushed at this early stage. A small -British force, including the Coldstream and Scots Fusilier Guards, was -sent over to the Netherlands, under the Duke of York, who vainly -endeavoured to stem the torrent of aggression in that direction. Equally -fruitless were the attempts of the British Cabinet to patch up an -alliance amongst the nations, so as effectually to unite them in -defending the liberties of Europe. Although the victory of Lincelles -graced our arms, still, alone, our troops could not hope for success -against the immense armaments that continued to emerge from France. The -British were therefore compelled to recede before the advancing tide, -and postpone “the day of reckoning.” - -Amongst the many ruthless and reckless, yet bold and able men which the -Revolution produced, none claims such a space in history, none so suited -his times, none was so equal to the crisis, as Napoleon Bonaparte. His -brilliant achievements in Italy under the Consulate had already taken -the public mind by storm, when in 1801 he invaded Egypt, crossed the -sterile desert, overthrew the feeble cohorts of the Sultan, and -threatened to add Syria to the empire of the French. At Acre his legions -were for the first time arrested by the firmness of British valour. In -1801 a British army, including the present Coldstream and Scots Fusilier -Guards, was sent to Egypt, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, to expel the -invader. Thirsting for some new field of conquest to feed his ambition, -Napoleon had returned to France, leaving General Menou to make good the -defence. The defeats of Mandora and Alexandria effectually broke the -already sinking spirit of the French, and resulted in their abandonment -of Egypt. In consideration of their efforts in this service, the -Coldstream and Scots Fusilier Guards have been allowed the distinction -of “the Sphinx,” with the word “EGYPT.” - -[Illustration: NAPOLEON] - -The cloud which for a moment dimmed the lustre of his arms, as this -province was wrested from his sway, was soon dispelled in the glories -that elsewhere crowned his efforts, especially in Spain, which, by the -foulest perfidy, he had virtually made a portion of his vast empire. -Frequent expeditions had been contemplated—some had sailed, two at least -had landed on the shores of the Peninsula—still nothing decisive had -been accomplished towards aiding the Spanish and Portuguese in the -expulsion of the French. In 1809, however, a powerful British force -under Sir Arthur Wellesley, afterwards “the Great Duke,” was sent out, -including the Coldstream and Scots Fusilier Guards. It is unnecessary at -present to follow them throughout the glories of the war, as we shall -have occasion to do so in after chapters; enough for our purpose to -mention the battles of Talavera (1809) and Barrosa (1811), in which they -specially distinguished themselves. - -Having delivered Spain, Sir Arthur Wellesley, now Lord Wellington, -advanced into France, and sorely pressed the retiring foe. It needed all -the ability of Marshal Soult to hold together the shattered remnant of -his broken and disspirited army. With masterly tact and skill he -preserved a seeming order in his retreat, so as to save the army from -the ignominy of a flight. Meanwhile, France having exhausted her -resources, her people became tired of the yoke of the Emperor, who, -whilst fortune smiled upon his arms, had been to them a very god, but -now that the spell of victory was broken, was revealed in truer colours -as the ambitious yet mighty despot. Martial glory, as the ruling passion -of the nation, had bewitched the people, and received in ready sacrifice -the best blood of the land. Long, too long, had the power of Napoleon, -like a dark shadow, rested upon one-half of the known world, whilst the -empty vanity of unhappy France was charmed by delusive visions of -victory. The times were sadly changed. With a melancholy joy Europe had -witnessed the utter ruin of the splendid and countless host which the -fiat of the mighty chief had pressed into his service. Buried beneath -the snows of a Russian winter—hurled in confusion back upon his own -land— - - “The might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword, - Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord.” - -This appalling catastrophe, combined with British successes in the -Peninsula, had revived the spirit of the nations, allied them in a holy -crusade, and marshalled the might of Europe in array to crush the -tyrant. One by one, they wrested from his sway the kingdoms he had -engulfed, and which groaned beneath a cruel bondage. Step by step, their -hosts converged, as the tide of war rolled, towards France. All but -alone, with his brave and devoted Guard driven to bay, he made a -desperate but unavailing stand on the plains of France. In vain he -addressed the patriotism of the people; already the fountain had been -dried up by his incessant wars and the unremitting demands he had made -upon the blood and treasure of the land. Surrendering, at length, the -hopeless contest, abdicating the throne, he passed into honourable exile -in Elba. - -Ambition, still the tempter, assailing, soon prevailed. Eluding the -vigilance of the British fleet, he succeeded in escaping into France, -accompanied by a few of his old Guard, who had shared his exile. The -mind of the people, which for more than twenty years had lived amid a -wild delirium of excitement, still lingering upon the threshold of the -mighty past, had not yet learned to submit to the more benignant rule of -peace. The army, unwisely disbanded, or despoiled of those symbols of -glory which their valour had so nobly won—trophies which, to a soldier, -must ever be dear as life itself—were being consumed by the ennui of -idleness, longed for new employment. Hence the return of Napoleon -paralysed resistance as recalling the military glory of the Empire; -awakening new hopes, promising revenge for the past, employment for the -present, and glory for the future, it stirred within the bosom of the -soldier and the lower classes of the people a reverence and adoration, -almost amounting to idolatry. Rapidly advancing from stage to stage, as -on a triumphal march, Napoleon found himself once more at Paris—hailed -Emperor—it is true, doubted by the better classes of the people, but -worshipped by the army. His desperate efforts soon enabled him to take -the field, at the head of a powerful and well-appointed army, with which -he proposed to meet in detail, and so destroy, his numerous and -returning enemies. Unfortunately for him, he chose the Netherlands to be -the scene, and Britain and Prussia the objects, of his first, and, as -the result proved, his last attack. For a moment a gleam of sunshine -shone upon his path, as he attained the victory of Ligny, over the -Prussians under Marshal Blucher. Luring him to destruction, this flash -of success was only the precursor to the dread thunder of Waterloo. -Alarmed by the disastrous intelligence of the Prussian defeat and the -rapid advance of the French, Wellington, who commanded the British and -other auxiliaries, quickly concentrated his army near the village of -Waterloo. But ere he could accomplish this, Marshal Ney, at the head of -the second French division, had surprised and fallen upon, with great -fury, the British, as they advanced upon Quatre Bras, on the same day -that Ligny was won. The action was honourably sustained by a few British -Regiments, especially the Twenty-eighth, and the Forty-second, -Seventy-ninth and Ninety-second Highland Regiments. The heroic stand -made by these gave time for the arrival of other corps, including the -Guards—the Scots Fusilier Guards—who succeeded, after a desperate -struggle, in effectually checking the progress of the French Marshal, -and thus depriving him of a most favourable opportunity of cutting to -pieces in detail our army. Two days later, on the 18th of June, the Duke -had successfully accomplished the concentration of his forces, which, -drawn up in battle array at Waterloo, waited the arrival of the -Prussians, to begin the fight. But Napoleon, perceiving his advantage in -the absence of such an important succour, rushed eagerly to battle, put -forth every effort to achieve victory, ere Blucher, impeded by the -disorders of recent defeat, could afford any assistance. The Scots -Fusilier Guards, with the Grenadiers and Coldstreams, were stationed in -the chateau and grounds of Hougomont, where they were soon fiercely -assailed by the French, who repeatedly forcing the gateway, drove the -British into the house. Again and again the enemy were repulsed, but -still anew they returned to the assault. The combat was resolutely -maintained, and it was not until the close of this eventful day, when -the French, repulsed at every point, and gradually relaxing their -efforts, were ultimately driven from the field, that our Guards found a -release from the incessant toils of the fight. The victory achieved by -the British was now completed by the Prussians, who continued the -pursuit—a pursuit which may be said only to have ceased at the gates of -Paris, when, Napoleon abdicating, the war was terminated by the -restoration of the old Monarchy. - -From Mr Carter’s interesting work on “The Medals of the British Army,” -we, by permission, quote the following refutation in regard to an -alleged sum of £500 having been accorded to a Waterloo veteran:—“A -statement has frequently appeared in the newspapers, which was repeated -after the decease of General Sir James Macdonell, G.C.B., on the 15th of -May, 1857, that five hundred pounds had been bequeathed to the bravest -man in the British army, and that the two executors called upon the late -Duke of Wellington, to give him a cheque for the money. As the story -went, the Duke proposed that it should be given to Sir James for the -defence of Hougomont, and that upon the money being tendered to him, he -at first declined to receive it, but that ultimately he shared it with -Sergeant-Major Fraser of the 3d Foot Guards, now the Scots Fusilier -Guards. - -“Having recently seen this statement again in print while these pages -were in preparation, and Sir James Macdonell having about ten years ago -mentioned to me that he had never received the money, I made further -inquiries, from which I ascertained that Sergeant-Major Ralph Fraser is -now a bedesman in Westminster Abbey. Considering that the above legacy -might possibly have been since received, I called upon the -sergeant-major, who lives at 18 West Street, Pimlico, and is now in his -79th year, in order to ascertain the fact, and found that it had not. -This gallant and intelligent veteran is in the full possession of his -faculties, and, in addition to his having aided in closing the gate at -Hougomont, can look with becoming pride on his having shared in the -following services:—He was enlisted in the 3d Foot Guards in 1799, and -was embarked for Egypt in 1801. In the landing at Aboukir Bay, on the -8th of March of that year, the boat in which Corporal Fraser was -contained sixty persons, officers included; all except fifteen were -destroyed by the resistance of the enemy. He was present at the battles -of the 13th and 21st March; and in the expedition to Hanover, 1805; -bombardment of Copenhagen, 1807; and from 1809 to 1814 in the Peninsula, -being present at the capture of Oporto, battles of Talavera, Busaco, -Fuentes d’Onor (wounded in the leg and thigh), sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo, -Burgos (again wounded in the leg), Badajoz, and St Sebastian; battles of -Salamanca, Vittoria, passage of the Nivelle and Nive. He received, in -addition to the Waterloo medal, that for the Peninsular war, with bars -for Egypt, Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes d’Onor, Ciudad Rodrigo, Salamanca, -Vittoria, Nivelle, and Nive. Sergeant-Major Fraser was discharged in -December, 1818.” - -This account, doubtless, may be traced to the following circumstance -mentioned by Colonel Siborne in his valuable History of the Waterloo -Campaign:—“Early in August of that year, and while the Anglo-allied army -was at Paris, the Duke of Wellington received a letter from the Rev. Mr -Norcross, rector of Framlingham, in Suffolk, expressing his wish to -confer a pension of ten pounds a year, for life, on some Waterloo -soldier, to be named by his Grace. The Duke requested Sir John Byng (the -late Lord Stafford) to choose a man from the second brigade of Guards, -which had so highly distinguished itself in the defence of Hougomont. -Out of numerous instances of good conduct evinced by several individuals -of each battalion, Sergeant James Graham, of the light company of the -Coldstreams, was selected to receive the proffered annuity, as notified -in brigade orders of the 9th of August, 1815. This was paid to him -during two years, at the expiration of which period it ceased, in -consequence of the bankruptcy of the benevolent donor.” - -From the heroic character of the battle, our people have been prevailed -on to credit many incidents, which, savouring of the romantic, suited -their tastes, have been accepted as truisms, but which facts fail to -corroborate. “One very prevailing idea that Wellington gave out the -words, ‘Up, Guards, and at them!’ is not borne out by fact, for it was -afterwards ascertained from the Duke himself that he did not; and -another, the meeting of his Grace and Marshal Blucher at La Belle -Alliance, after the battle, is equally apocryphal. This, however, is to -be one of the designs of the House of Lords, and will therefore be -handed down to posterity as a fact.” For nearly forty years the Scots -Fusilier Guards had been retained at home, in or around London. - -In 1853, the storm which had been long gathering in the north—presaging -wrath to Liberty and to Man—at length burst forth, and descending with -rapacious might upon the dominions of the Turkish Sultan, threatened to -overwhelm in utter ruin the crumbling remnant of the empire of -Constantine. The impatient covetousness of the Czar of Russia had put -forth the hand of the spoiler, intending to appropriate the realms of -the Sultan, and make Constantinople the southern gate of his colossal -empire. Justly alarmed at the already gigantic power of Russia, which -promised further to enlarge itself at the expense of the feebler Powers -around, France and Britain took up arms, and threw the weight of their -potent influence into the contest on behalf of the oppressed Turks, -whose single arm had hitherto proved equal to the struggle. Accordingly, -France, Turkey, and Britain, ultimately aided by Sardinia, entered the -lists of war, to sustain the liberty of Europe against the despotism of -the North, adopting as their watchword the memorable words of Lord John -Russell, “May God defend the right.” - -[Illustration: DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE. COLONEL Of THE SCOTS FUSILIER GUARDS.] - -The first battalion of the Scots Fusilier Guards, brigaded with a -battalion of the Grenadiers, and another of the Coldstreams, were -embarked for the scene of action, which ultimately proved to be the -Crimea. They sailed from Portsmouth, in H.M.S. the “Simoom;” and passing -successively from Malta, Gallipoli, and Varna, arrived at length in the -Crimea. The brigade of Guards, and that of the Highlanders, consisting -of the Forty-second, Seventy-ninth, and Ninety-third, under their -favourite chieftain, Sir Colin Campbell, were closely allied in all the -dangers and glories of the war in the First Infantry division, commanded -by his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge. The long peace which had -preceded the outbreak of hostilities, and the cry for “greater public -economy,” which it had induced from a people long accustomed to look -only at the arithmetic of pounds, shillings, and pence, in such vital -questions, had in consequence brought all that magnificent machinery of -war, possessed by our country, to a standstill. It followed, as a -necessary result, when our Cabinet failed to achieve a peaceful solution -of the matters at issue, as had been fondly anticipated, and we were -unexpectedly called to a declaration of war, it was found impossible at -once to set in motion the vast machinery of war, which had so long been -“laid up in ordinary.” Hence our gallant troops were doomed to pay the -penalty of our ill-judged economy, and endure many and sore -privations—privations which were the more keenly felt, inasmuch as they -were to be endured, amid the snows of a Crimean winter, by men, too, -whose previous life had been comparatively one of comfort, in no way -calculated to fit the soldier to encounter the pitiless horrors and -fatigues of war. Disease and want, like armed men, entered the camp, -closely followed by their master, the grim King of Terrors—Death; and -thus we have been called to lament, with a truly bitter sorrow, the loss -of our brave countrymen, who, alike in the hospital as in the -battle-field, displayed all the grand and noble qualities of the soldier -and the virtues of the true man. The conduct of the Guards in their -first engagement at the battle of the Alma is described by Marshal St -Arnaud as altogether “superb.” Lieutenants Lindsay and Thistlethwayte, -were especially distinguished for their heroic defence of the colours of -the Scots Fusilier Guards. At the battle of Inkermann, the Guards, -having driven the Russians out of a battery, named the Sandbag Battery, -of which they had early possessed themselves, sustained with desperate -gallantry the impetuous assaults of the enemy, and, although forced for -a moment to give way, were soon again enabled to retrieve themselves, -and maintain possession of the battery, around which and for which they -so bravely contended. Although stunned by these repeated disasters in -the field, yet with that “dogged obstinacy,” which has characterised the -Russians, conceiving themselves secure behind the battlements of -Sebastopol, they still held out. Strengthened in the idea of -impregnability, from the fact that this vast citadel of Southern Russia -had already withstood six successive bombardments, defied the combined -efforts of the Allies by sea and land, and yet no sensible impression -had been made, or aught of decided success attained by the besiegers, -they hoped that what their valour could not achieve in the battle-field, -the snows of winter or the stroke of the pestilence would effect—the -destruction of our armies, and their consequent deliverance. The -successive fall of the Mamelon, the Malakoff, and the Redan, dispelled -this illusion, and prudence, rightly esteemed the better part of valour, -induced a timely evacuation ere our Highland Brigade returned to the -assault. Sebastopol no longer defensible, the enemy sued for peace, -which was granted, and this stronghold of tyranny, dismantled and -abandoned, was assumed to be converted into a haven for fishermen and -traders, rather than the mighty arsenal, whence had so long issued the -formidable fleets which had inspired terror among weaker and -neighbouring states—at least so the treaty required. Meanwhile our -gallant Guards, returning to England, were welcomed by a grateful -country. - -[Illustration: MONUMENT TO THE GUARDS, LONDON.] - -It is only now, when the audacious impudence of “Brother Jonathan” had -dared to insult our time-honoured flag— - - “Which braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze,” - -and thought to bully us out of the glorious charter which has conferred -upon us the “dominion of the seas,” that our Scots Fusilier Guards were -once more called to prepare for action; and, having gone across the -Atlantic as the van of our army, anxiously waited the signal to avenge, -if need be, such unprovoked insult and aggression. Happily our firm -demeanour has effectually quelled the storm, and impressed wiser and -more wholesome measures, whereby peace has hitherto been continued. - -One sentence only shall express our feelings, as we look back upon the -history of our _Scots Fusilier Guards_, which we have here attempted to -sketch—Every man has nobly done his duty. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE FIRST ROYAL REGIMENT OF FOOT; - or, - ROYAL SCOTS. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - Heroes, in your ancestral line, - Hallow the shades of “Auld Langsyne;” - Men who in their country’s story - Shine brightly on the page of glory, - Noo sleep in bonnie Scotland. - - ANCIENT HISTORY—882–1660. - - -As we approach the history of this venerable regiment we cannot help -feeling all those sentiments of reverence and respect which are the -becoming tribute to an honoured old age—a history which well nigh -embraces, as it awakens, - - “The stirring memories of a _thousand years_.” - -Consistent with the bold and adventurous spirit of the Scotsman, we find -him pushing his fortune in almost every land under the sun; with a brave -and manly heart going down to the battle of life; blessing, by his -industry and enterprise, many a clime wherein he has settled, and so -climbing the loftiest pinnacles of greatness; or, by “diligence in -business,” earning the kingdom of a merchant prince. Of all the many and -varied departments of life in which the Scotsman has been distinguished, -he is most pre-eminent in the honourable profession of a soldier. Driven -from his beloved country by the cruel tyrannies which from time to time -oppressed her, or exiled by the hard necessities of a pinching -poverty—wandering in many lands, the Scotsman nevertheless gratefully -retains the recollection of his fatherland, and, in spirit, returns with -fondness to the endeared associations of home— - - “The bonnie blithe blink o’ his ain fireside.” - -Such is the ruling passion which lives in his soul. “Home, sweet home,” -exerting a hallowed, chastening influence upon his daily life, has -nerved the soldier’s arm, and, by its magic charm, awakened the energies -of the man. As a “guiding star,” it has pointed out the path of -honour—like a “ministering angel,” its soothing influence has at other -times calmed the troubled sea of life, and, though it be but for a -moment, has given something of peace to the weary, as it is intended to -be a foretaste of the blessedness— - - “A something _here_ of heaven above.” - -Already volumes have been written on the martial achievements of the -Scottish nation, and we are fully impressed with the magnitude of our -undertaking when, in these brief pages, we propose to illustrate the -heroic tale of our ancient glory. Nowhere is there a more perfect -representative of our exiles who have been soldiers, amongst “the -bravest of the brave,” in many lands, than is afforded us in our present -sketch of the _First or Royal Scots Regiment of Foot_. Many and -conflicting have been the accounts given of their early history. Some -have imagined the present regiment to be the representative of the -Archers of the Scottish Guard, which, in the days of Bruce, had been -associated with Royalty and the defence of the Scottish throne; others -have given their origin to the Scottish Guard, which had for many years -been the Body Guard of the French kings; but the most complete and -authentic account, derived from many sources, is that given by Richard -Cannon, Esq. of the Adjutant General’s Office, in the admirable -Historical Records of the Royals, wherein the origin of the regiment is -traced to the ingathering of our exiles, who had hitherto served with -great credit as soldiers, nay as Royal Guards, in the armies of France, -Denmark, Sweden, and the States of Holland, to be formed into one, the -present regiment of First Royal Scots Foot. As early as the year 882 -A.D. Charles III., king of France, had selected from among the exiles a -body of Scottish gentlemen, conspicuous for their fidelity and valour, -who enjoyed his special favour, and were incorporated as a Royal Guard. -During the Crusades these followed Louis IX. into Egypt. They were of -infinite value to France, at a time when the disastrous battle of -Agincourt, fought in 1415, had prostrated her power, and all but reduced -her proud and haughty people to be the vassals and subjects of -triumphant England. The Scots Guards were retained in the service of -Charles VII., and a few years later were joined by a body of 7000 of -their countrymen under the Earl of Buchan, whose abilities as an officer -and valour as a soldier won for him the thanks of a grateful country, -who at the same time conferred the highest compliment and most splendid -military distinction it was in their power to award, in creating him -Constable of France. The Scottish army in France was subsequently -largely increased by farther instalments of adventurous exiles from “the -fatherland.” These helped to break the yoke of England upon the -Continent, and specially distinguished themselves at the battles of -Baugé, 1421, Crevan, 1423, and Verneuille, 1424: so much so, that -Charles, appreciating their worth, selected from their ranks, first in -1422, a corps of Scots Gendarmes, and thereafter, in 1440, a corps of -Scots Guards. On the fair plains of Italy, so cruelly desolated by the -rude hand of war, and so long the favourite battle-field of princes, -whom the poet fitly styles - - “Ambition’s honoured fools”— - -was afforded the scene where, during the wars of Francis I., our -Scottish Guards, by brilliant exploits, earned a great renown. The story -of their fidelity and devotion is written in their blood, and -illustrated in the fatal defeat of Pavia, 1524, where, in defence of -their master, the chivalric Sovereign of France, whose exclamation of, -“We have lost all, save honour,” has become a household word,—they -nearly all perished, and honourably rest in “a soldier’s grave.” The -relics of this old Scots Guard returning to France, remained the -nucleus, the root, upon which was formed and ingrafted a new corps of -Scots Guardsmen, whose character and history have been aptly described -by Sir Walter Scott in “Quentin Durward;” whilst in his “Legend of -Montrose” we trace the yearnings of the mighty soul of the patriot, -conjuring into life, by the magic of his pen and his rare gifts, the -story of our exiled brave, represented in the gallant veteran of -Gustavus Adolphus, “Dugald Dalgetty.” The martial qualities and gallant -bearing of our countrymen had attracted the notice of Gustavus Adolphus, -the warlike King of Sweden, and induced him to invite to his standard -our adventurous soldiers, who, under so renowned a leader, were destined -to add new lustre to our military annals. On no occasion did the Scots -respond more heartily, or muster so strongly in the foreign service of -any country, as in the present instance. The army of this “Lion of the -North” at one time comprised eighteen British regiments, of whom -_thirteen_ were Scottish; moreover, his principal officers were -Scotsmen. - -[Illustration: GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS.] - -In the marvellous feats of arms which distinguish the masterly campaigns -of Gustavus, our countrymen had ever a prominent place. Having humbled -the pride of Poland, and crippled the power of Russia by successive -defeats, on the restoration of peace, Gustavus, declaring himself the -champion of the Protestants, turned his arms against the formidable -coalition of the Roman Catholic princes of Germany, headed by the -Emperor. The campaign of 1620 proved unfortunate, by the total defeat of -the Protestant army at Prague, their consequent retreat, and ultimate -disbandment in Holland— - - “O sacred Truth! thy triumph ceased a while, - And Hope, thy sister, ceased with thee to smile.” - -Undaunted by these disasters, Gustavus refused to quit the field, -although, for the present, he changed the theatre of war into Pomerania. -From the wreck of the Protestant army, he carefully selected a chosen -body of his favourite Scotsmen, which, in 1625, he constituted a -regiment, conferring the command on Sir John Hepburn. In the war with -Poland which ensued, the Scots enjoyed, as their gallant demeanour in -every instance well merited, the unbounded confidence of the King. -Subsequently, the King of Denmark sent two Scots regiments, which had -been in his service, to aid the Swedish monarch; and, in 1628, he -further received the very welcome reinforcement of 9000 Scots and -English. The following incident, occurring about this time, serves to -illustrate the cordial relationship subsisting between this renowned -prince and our adventurous countrymen:—“In a partial action between the -advance-guards, a few miles from Thorn, Gustavus’s hat was knocked off -in a personal encounter with one of the enemy’s officers named Sirot, -who afterwards wore the hat without knowing to whom it belonged. On the -succeeding day, two prisoners (one a Scots officer named Hume) seeing -Sirot wearing the King, their master’s, hat, wept exceedingly, and with -exclamations of sorrow, desired to be informed if the King was dead. -Sirot, being thus made acquainted with the quality of his antagonist in -the preceding day’s skirmish, related the manner in which he became -possessed of the hat, upon which they recovered a little from their -anxiety and surprise.” The success of the Swedish arms at length -achieved a favourable peace, which enabled the King, espousing the cause -of the persecuted Reformers of Germany, once more to try the issues of -war with the Imperialists, and so, if possible, redeem the disasters of -a former campaign. At this period no fewer than 10,000 Scots and English -exiles were in the Swedish army, and the King had just concluded a -treaty with the Marquis of Hamilton, who had undertaken to enlist an -additional force of 8000 in these Isles. - -Next in seniority to the old Scots regiment of Hepburn is that of Monro, -who has written an interesting account of the achievements of our -countrymen in these wars. This last narrowly escaped an untimely end—a -watery grave—having been shipwrecked near the enemy’s fortress of -Rugenwald, on their passage to Pomerania. Lurking in concealment among -the brushwood on the shore during the day, Monro’s soldiers at nightfall -boldly assaulted the defences of the enemy, and, by this unexpected -attack, succeeded in capturing the fortress, where, by great efforts, -they maintained themselves against a vastly superior foe until the -arrival of Hepburn’s Scots Regiment relieved them. These two regiments, -along with other two Scots regiments—those of Stargate and Lumsdell—were -at this time brigaded together, and styled the _Green Brigade_, so -celebrated in the military history of the period. In 1631, at the siege -of Frankfort, this bold brigade accomplished one of the most daring -feats of arms upon record; where—charged with the assault upon this all -but impregnable fortress, defended by the best troops of the empire—they -undauntedly entered the breach, and—despite the repeated attacks of the -foe, especially of an Irish regiment, who, amongst the bravest defenders -of the place, twice repulsed the assailants, and fought with the -greatest heroism until nearly all were either killed or wounded—they, by -their valour, effected a lodgment within the walls. Furiously charged by -the splendid cavalry of the Imperial cuirassiers, our Green Brigade -resolutely maintained the ground they had won. The trophies of this -conquest were immense. The Green Brigade, after having aided in the -reduction of the many strongholds of Germany, had penetrated with the -army into the very heart of the empire, where they were destined to play -a very conspicuous part in the memorable and momentous battle of -Leipsic. On this occasion, kept in reserve, the Green Brigade was only -brought into action at the eleventh hour, when the ignoble and cowardly -flight of the Saxons, who had been impressed into the Swedish army, -rendered the position of the army perilously critical. Then our brave -Scots, sustained on either flank by Swedish horse, advanced, speedily -checked the progress of the enemy, retrieved what the Saxons had lost, -and throwing the enemy into confusion, changed the fortunes of the day. -The Imperialists, no longer able to withstand the repeated and impetuous -attacks of our Scottish brigade, and charged by the Swedish horse, who -completed their ruin, broke and fled. Thus their mighty army, lately so -confident of victory, which a momentary success had promised, was -utterly cut to pieces or dispersed. A variety of sieges and minor -engagements followed this great battle, in nearly all of which the -Swedes and Scots proved triumphant. Yet, notwithstanding these series of -successes, and the several and sore defeats of the enemy, the position -of Gustavus was becoming daily, by every new advance, more critical; -away from his arsenals, whilst the enemy, within his own territory, had -ample resources at hand with which to repair defeat, and thus was -becoming hourly more formidable. At Oxenford, the heroic monarch had -only an army of 10,000 men around him, whilst the Duke of Lorraine was -at hand with a well-equipped force of full 50,000. Still, such was the -terror inspired by the marvellous deeds and the known resolution of this -little band of veterans, that, although the enemy was in the midst of -many advantages, he durst not venture an attack, and feared to arrest -the King in his career of conquest. - -Bavaria had now become the scene of the contest. Soon that important -kingdom was over-run, and—with Munich, its gorgeous capital—surrendered -to the northern army. The death of Gustavus Adolphus, at the fatal -battle of Lutzen, ruined the hopes of his gallant little army, now sadly -reduced in numbers. The Green Brigade was not present on this disastrous -day. By a process of transfer, not at all uncommon in those times, the -remnant of Swedes and Scots were taken into the pay of France, and, -under the Duke of Saxe-Weimar, laboured to maintain the cause of the -Protestant princes, which had, for ends of her own, been adopted as the -cause of France. Colonel Hepburn, some time previously, had, by -permission of the King of Sweden, returned to Scotland with the Marquis -of Hamilton. His parting with his countrymen in his own regiment is thus -quaintly described by Monro:—“The separation was like the separation -which death makes betwixt friends and the soul of man, being sorry that -those who had lived so long together in amity and friendship, also in -mutual dangers, in weal and in woe, the splendour of our former mirth -was overshadowed with a cloud of grief and sorrows, which dissolved in -mutual tears.” - -Returning to France in 1633, Hepburn was appointed colonel to a new -regiment of Scotsmen. By a combination of events, he at length met with -his old regiment in the same army, and the relics of the Old Scots -Brigade. These were subsequently merged into one large regiment, whose -history is hereafter one with that of France, and whose representative -is now the _First Royal Scots Regiment of Foot_. By this union, which -occurred in 1635, the regiment so constituted attained the extraordinary -strength of 8316 officers and men. In the following year they had to -lament the loss of their gallant Colonel, who was killed at the siege of -Saverne; he “died extremely regretted in the army and by the Court of -France.” He was succeeded in the command by Lieut.-Colonel Sir James -Hepburn, who survived his illustrious relative only one year. Lord James -Douglas, son of William, Marquis of Douglas, was promoted to the vacant -Colonelcy, and thereafter the regiment is known as “Douglas’s Regiment.” -In the service of Louis XIII. of France, the regiment had entered upon a -new theatre of action in the Netherlands, destined to combat the -Spaniards, who then were esteemed to form as soldiers the finest -infantry in the world. Against this redoubtable foe our Scotsmen -conducted themselves with credit, being present at the siege of St Omer, -the captures of Renty, Catelet, and at Hesden, under the eye of the -monarch himself. During the minority and reign of Louis XIV., known as -“Louis le Grand,” the regiment was destined to share the glories of a -splendid series of triumphs, successively won by the illustrious chiefs -that then commanded the armies of France. In 1643, led by Louis le -Bourbon, afterwards Prince of Condé, a leader possessed of all the -heroic qualities of the good soldier, and at the same time graced by all -the rarer virtues of the true man—under him the regiment served with -great distinction in the Netherlands and Italy. Nine years later, when -the factions of “the Court” and “the Parliament” had stirred up among -the people a civil war, we find the Douglas Regiment, with -characteristic loyalty, on the side of “the Court,” serving their royal -master under that great adept in the art of war, Marshal Turenne, whose -abilities sustained the sinking State; and although opposed to that -justly celebrated soldier, the Prince of Condé, at length, -out-man[oe]uvring the foe, accomplished the salvation of “the Court,” -and, by an honourable peace, secured their restoration to power. -Meanwhile a somewhat analogous civil strife in England had wholly -overturned the old monarchy of the Stuarts, and inaugurated a new order -of things in the Commonwealth, under Oliver Cromwell, the Protector. -Charles II., and his royal brother, the Duke of York, afterwards James -II., as the surviving heads of their ancient, unfortunate, and -infatuated house, had sought and found an asylum at the French Court. In -those times of war, employment was readily found in the French armies -for their many adherents, who had been driven into exile with them. They -were formed into several regiments, who bore an honourable part in the -contest then raging between France and the allied might of Spain and -Austria. In 1656, the fickle Louis, deserting his old friends, the -royalists of England, concluded an alliance with the more powerful -Cromwell—the exiles, in consequence, changing sides, threw the weight of -their arms and influence, or such as they might still be said to retain, -into the scale with Spain. Many of the British royalist regiments, -hitherto in the service of France, on the command of Charles, exchanged -with their prince, into the service of their late foe, now their friend. -Louis, who could ill afford such a serious desertion of troops, which -had hitherto proved themselves to be the flower of his army, had taken -the precaution to remove, into the interior, the older Scots regiments, -and amongst others, that of Douglas, which he had justly learned to -value very highly, lest they might be induced to follow their royalist -brethren. - -[Illustration: PRINCE DE CONDÉ.] - -In 1661, immediately after the Restoration, Charles II., with a view to -strengthen his unstable position on the British Throne, strove to -establish an army, and Louis being then at peace, and, moreover, on good -terms with our King, the regiment of Douglas was called home to these -isles, where it has since been generally known as the _First or the -Royal Regiment of Foot_, although for a time it was popularly styled the -“_Royal Scots_.” - -[Illustration: MARSHAL TURENNE.] - - CHAPTER IX. - - ... “He lifts on high - The dauntless brow and spirit-speaking eye, - Hails in his heart the triumphs yet to come, - And hears thy stormy music in the drum!” - - FRENCH CAMPAIGNS—TANGIER—CIVIL WARS—CONTINENTAL\ - WARS—1660–1757. - - -The regiment, now commanded by Lord George Douglas, afterwards the Earl -of Dumbarton, returned to France in 1662, where it was largely recruited -by the incorporation of General Rutherford’s (Earl of Teviot) regiment -of Scots Guards, and another old Scots regiment, also known as a -“Douglas Regiment,” from its colonel, Lord James Douglas. The -muster-roll thus presented a force of more than 2500 men and officers, -embraced in twenty-three companies. In 1666, it was recalled to suppress -a threatened rebellion in Ireland; but soon returning, with other -British troops, was engaged in the wars with Holland and the German -Empire. Under the great Turenne they acquired new glory. After his -death, in 1675, the foe advanced upon Treves, where the French -troops—dispirited by the loss of their favourite chief, and discouraged -by the retreat which had since been forced upon them, when his great -name was no longer present to infuse courage in the evil hour and -inspire a wholesome terror in the ranks of the enemy—mutinying, insisted -that their commander, Marshal de Crequi, should deliver up the fortress -to the enemy. But the regiment of Douglas, with characteristic fidelity, -sustained the gallant Marshal in his resolution to exhaust every means -of defence before submitting to the dire necessity of surrender. -Although the issues of the siege were disastrous, despite the desperate -valour which defended the city—which at length capitulated—still our -countrymen, although prisoners liberated on condition that they should -not again serve in the war for three months, preserved that priceless -jewel, their _honour_, which, out of the fiery trial, shone forth only -the more conspicuously, both to friend and foe. Their conduct on this -occasion received the thanks of the King. For a little while, about this -period, the regiment was privileged to serve under another of France’s -great captains—the Marshal Luxembourg. In 1678 the regiment was finally -recalled from the French service, and shortly thereafter sent out to -reinforce the garrison of Tangier, in Africa, the profitless marriage -dowry of the Princess Catherina of Portugal, who had become the Queen of -Charles II. This earliest of our foreign possessions had involved the -nation in an expensive and cruel war, which it was very difficult -adequately to sustain in those days, when the transport-service was one -of imminent cost and danger; and moreover, news travelling slowly, we -could not, as in the present instance, learn the straitened -circumstances of our armies abroad, so as to afford that prompt -assistance which they urgently needed. Assailed fiercely by the Moors, -who evinced great bravery and resolution, the contest proved one of -uncommon severity, requiring every effort of our garrison to maintain -even their own. We extract the following announcement of the arrival of -the Douglas, or, as it was then called, Dumbarton’s Regiment, on this -new and distant scene of conflict, from Ross’ “Tangier’s Rescue:”—“After -this landed the valorous Major Hackett with the renowned regiment of the -Earl of Dumbarton; all of them men of approved valour, fame having -echoed the sound of their glorious actions and achievements in France -and other nations; having left behind them a report of their glorious -victories wherever they came; every place witnessing and giving large -testimony of their renown: so that the arrival of this illustrious -regiment more and more increased the resolutions and united the courage -of the inhabitants, and added confidence to their valour.” Also, as -further interesting, we record, from the same author, the stirring -address which the Lieut.-Governor, Sir Palmes Fairborne, is reported to -have made to Dumbarton’s Scots on the eve of battle:—“Countrymen and -fellow-soldiers, let not your approved valour and fame in foreign -nations be derogated at this time, neither degenerate from your ancient -and former glory abroad; and as you are looked upon here to be brave and -experienced soldiers (constant and successive victories having attended -your conquering swords hitherto), do not come short of the great hopes -we have in you, and the propitious procedures we expect from you at this -time. For the glory of your nation, if you cannot surpass, you may -imitate the bravest, and be emulous of their praises and renown.” - -The excessive cost of maintaining this distant and profitless possession -at length induced King Charles to abandon it; accordingly the troops -were withdrawn and the fortress destroyed. The “Royal Scots” landed at -Gravesend in 1683. Nothing of importance falls to be narrated during the -interval of peace which followed—the first, and until our day almost the -only, rest which this veteran regiment has been permitted to enjoy at -home. The accession of the Duke of York, as James II., to the throne, on -the death of his brother Charles, awakened the well-grounded alarm of -the Protestants, stirred up discontents, which were quickened into -rebellion by the landing of the Marquis of Argyll in the West Highlands, -and of a powerful rival—the Duke of Monmouth—in the South of England. -Favoured by a considerable rising of the people, and encouraged by the -fair promises of many of the old Puritan nobility and gentry—who -undertook to join his standard with their followers, enamoured more of -the cause speciously set forth upon his banner—“_Fear none but -God_”—than of the man, Monmouth had advanced at the head of a -considerable force to Bridgewater. His vacillating policy ruined his -cause, as it gave time for the assembling of the King’s forces, under -the Earl of Feversham and Lord Churchill, afterwards so celebrated as -the Duke of Marlborough. Amongst these forces were five companies of the -“Royal Scots.” At the battle of Sedgemoor which ensued, the rebels, -deeming to surprise the royal camp in the night, suddenly descended in -great force, but, arrested by a ditch immediately in front of the -position occupied by the companies of our “Royal Scots,” which -attempting to cross, they were so hotly received, although they fought -with great fury, that they were driven back in confusion, and ultimately -dispersed or destroyed by the royal cavalry in the morning. Thus the -glory of the fight belongs chiefly to our countrymen, whose firmness -proved the salvation of the royal army, and, in the end, the destruction -of the rebels and the overthrow of their cause—completed in the after -execution of their leaders, the Duke of Monmouth in England, and his -fellow-conspirator, the Marquis of Argyll, in Scotland. So highly did -James esteem the services of the “Royal Scots” on this perilous -occasion, that, by special warrant, he ordered that the sum of £397 -should be distributed among the wounded of the regiment. Sergeant Weems -was particularly distinguished in the action, and received accordingly a -gratuity of “Forty pounds for good service in the action of Sedgemoor, -in firing the great guns against the rebels.” - -[Illustration: DUKE OF SCHOMBERG, COLONEL OF THE FIRST ROYALS.] - -When the Revolution of 1688 promised the downfall of the house of -Stuart, whose power had been so long built upon the suppressed liberty -of the people, the exclusion of James II.—the degenerate representative -of an ancient and once beloved race—from the throne, as the minion of -the Papacy and the dawn of a better state of things, under the more -healthy rule of the Prince of Orange, the champion of Protestantism, as -monarch of these realms, it might have been deemed excusable had our -“Royal Scots,” from their antecedents on behalf of the Protestant cause, -sided with the Prince. The result, however, was far otherwise, and -affords us another splendid illustration of the firm fidelity of the -soldier in the sterling devotion of this regiment. The “Royal Scots” had -been James’s favourite regiment, and well they merited that monarch’s -trust. Whilst other troops exhibited a shameful defection, the “Royal -Scots,” with unshaken constancy, adhered to the desperate fortunes of -their infatuated King. Nor when all else had submitted, save -Claverhouse’s Dragoons, and resistance had been rendered fruitless by -the pusillanimous flight of James, did they see it their duty to -exchange into the service of the new Sovereign. The term “mutiny” is -wrongly applied when given to express their conduct on this trying -occasion. By lenient measures the 500 men and officers who had refused -to tender their submission were at length induced to make their peace -with the new king, who, appreciating their ancient name for valour, -could admire their unshaken fidelity to one who was even forsaken by his -own children; and therefore gladly retained the regiment to grace our -military annals. Their conduct was at the same time most exemplary in -those days of military license and excess; faithfully they remained at -the post of duty, when other regiments, breaking from their ranks, -shamefully disgraced themselves by the riot and disorder they everywhere -committed. The Earl of Dumbarton, following King James into France, the -vacant colonelcy was conferred on one of the oldest, ablest, and most -distinguished officers of the age—the veteran Marshal Frederick de -Schomberg. - -The arrival of the dethroned James at the Court of France, whilst it -awakened mingled feelings of commiseration and contempt in the mind of -the crafty Louis, the bitterness of disappointed ambition roused a -spirit of revenge, and was to be regarded as the signal for war. -Accordingly, a powerful army was advanced towards the frontier, -ostensibly to co-operate in the cause of the exiled monarch, but really -to take advantage of the absence of the Stadtholder, for the annexation, -by way of compensation for his increased power elsewhere, of his -continental dominions in Holland. To divide attention, and direct the -efforts of William away from his own more immediate designs, the French -King, by paltry succours, helped to bolster up James in his ricketty -Irish kingdom. To meet this combined assault, William, whilst himself -was present with his army in the reduction of Ireland, sent the Earl of -Marlborough with a British army, including the “Royals,” to co-operate -with the Dutch in the defence of their fatherland. In 1692 he joined the -allied army, and himself assumed the command. In an attempt to surprise -the powerful fortress of Mons, Sir Robert Douglas, who, on the death of -the Duke de Schomberg at the battle of the Boyne, had been promoted to -the colonelcy of the “Royals,” was taken prisoner by the French cavalry. -Released, on payment of the regulated ransom, he was reserved for a -sadder but more glorious fate at the battle of Steenkirk, where he fell -at the head of his regiment, gallantly fighting for and defending the -colours he had rescued from the foe. General Cannon writes:—“Sir Robert -Douglas, seeing the colour on the other side of the hedge, leaped -through a gap, slew the French officer who bore the colour, and cast it -over the hedge to his own men; but this act of gallantry cost him his -life, a French marksman having shot him dead on the spot while in the -act of repassing the hedge.” The able dispositions of the French -commander, the Marshal de Luxembourg, sustained by the valour of his -troops, compelled the retreat of the Allied army. Still pressed by the -French at Neer-Landen, notwithstanding the most desperate resistance of -our Infantry, especially the Royals, and Second, or Queen’s Royals, our -army continued to retire. These disasters were somewhat redeemed by the -successes of subsequent campaigns, crowned in the siege and fall of -Namur, a powerful fortress, long and bravely defended by Marshal -Boufflers. The peace of Ryswick, subscribed in 1697, put an end to the -war, and our army in consequence returned home. - -During the war of the Spanish Succession, which commenced in 1701, the -Royals were destined to play an important part. They were present under -the great Marlborough at the several victories of Schellenberg, -Blenheim, Ramilies, Oudenarde, Wynendale, and Malplaquet, which, -distinguishing the war, we have elsewhere already alluded to. In many of -these battles their gallant colonel, Lord George Hamilton, Earl of -Orkney, who had succeeded Sir Robert Douglas, was present, and led the -regiment to the fight. Their conduct at Wynendale was specially -remarkable, where, in defence of a large and important train of stores, -etc., a British front of 8000 men resisted the combined and repeated -efforts of 22,000 French to capture the stores and treasure. The war was -terminated by the peace of Utrecht, in 1713. - -During the thirty succeeding years the regiment was employed garrisoning -various towns, etc., at home, except in 1742, when the second battalion -was sent to do duty in the West Indies. In the following year, disputes -arising as to the Austrian Succession, and our country inclining to the -side of Maria Theresa, Queen of Hungary, whilst France, on the other -hand, had, for political reasons, espoused the cause of its old ally, -the Elector of Bavaria, an appeal was made to arms. A British force, -under our own chivalric King, George II., had already appeared in -Germany, and achieved the signal victory of Dettingen, when the Royals -joined the army in time to share the disasters of Fontenoy. The -rebellion of Prince Charles Edward subsequently occasioned their recall. -Whilst the first battalion remained in camp under Marshal Wade, in the -south of England, prepared to defend our shores from the threatened -invasion and co-operation of France, the second battalion, stationed at -York, proceeded in pursuit of the rebels, who, after having penetrated -to Derby, finding that the expected aid from England was not realised, -returned to Scotland, where, joined by a body of recruits, they -undertook the siege of Stirling Castle. In this they were interrupted by -the advance of the King’s army, towards Falkirk, under Lieut.-General -Hawley. Encountering the enemy in the vicinity, a sanguinary battle -ensued, but devoid of any decisive result, both parties claiming the -victory. Whilst some of the King’s troops were broken by the combined -assaults of the elements and the enemy, the Royals stood fast. The -dissensions which had but lately prevailed to distract the counsels of -the rebels had been hushed by the preponderating eminence of a coming -struggle, and the promise of plunder as the reward of victory. Now that -the excitement of battle had ceased, the Royal army retired, and the -hopes of booty disappointed, these evil feelings, more fatal than the -sword, burst forth with renewed virulence, to ruin the interests of the -Jacobites, occasioning the retreat of their broken-hearted Prince, with -a diminished, and disspirited, yet brave and faithful army. Meanwhile -the King’s forces, greatly strengthened by the arrival of fresh troops, -a second time advanced upon the enemy. Led by the Duke of Cumberland, -the advance soon assumed the character of a pursuit. At length the -rebels, overtaken and driven to bay, made a stand in the neighbourhood -of Inverness, on Culloden Moor, where, notwithstanding the fiery valour -of the clans, they sustained a total defeat, and were never afterwards -able to rally. - - “For a field of the dead rushes red on my sight; - And the clans of Culloden are scattered in fight. - They rally, they bleed, for their kingdom and crown: - Woe, woe, to the riders that trample them down! - . . . . . . . . . . - ’Tis finish’d. Their thunders are hushed on the moors! - Culloden is lost, and my country deplores. - . . . . . . . . . . - Culloden that reeks with the blood of the brave.” - -Their Prince— - - “Like a limb from his country cast bleeding and torn,” - -for long lurked a wandering fugitive amongst our Western Islands, until, -through many dangers, he effected his escape to France. The Duke of -Cumberland, visiting with a cruel revenge the rebellious clans, nay, in -some cases, with barbarous heedlessness, mingling the innocent with the -guilty in a common ruin, tarnished the lustre of his success, and left -behind a most unenviable memory in these northern provinces. - -The Rebellion being thus at an end, several of the regiments which had -been withdrawn from the Continent for its suppression now returned, -whilst the first battalion of the Royals was employed in several -descents upon the French coast with various success. At L’Orient the -attempt proved fruitless; but at Quiberon, sustained by the Forty-second -Royal Highlanders, the destruction of the enemy’s arsenal, stores, and -shipping, was attained. Subsequently the battalion joined the British -army in the Netherlands, and, in 1747, was greatly distinguished in the -heroic defence of Fort Sandberg. The attack on the part of the French, -was made late in the evening, with more than their wonted impetuosity. -The Dutch garrison, unable to withstand the shock, was signally routed, -and the conquest seemed complete, when the progress of the enemy was -unexpectedly arrested by the Royals, who, with unflinching obstinacy, -maintained the conflict, which proved of the most sanguinary and -desperate character. The horrors of the fight were deepened by the sable -pall of night. “The morning light had already dawned upon this scene of -conflict and carnage,—between three and four hundred officers and men of -the Royals were _hors de combat_; yet the survivors,—though standing -amidst the dying and the dead, and being unable to take one step without -treading on a killed or wounded man,—maintained their ground with -resolution, and continued to pour their fatal volleys upon their -opponents, who had sustained an equal or greater loss, until five -o’clock, when the Royals were relieved by the Highlanders; and the -French, dismayed by the sanguinary tenacity of the defence, retreated.” -Ultimately the fort, rendered untenable, was abandoned. In 1749, the -peace of Aix-la-Chapelle put an end to the war, when the battalion -returning home, was stationed in Ireland. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - “For pleas of right let statesmen vex their head, - Battle’s my business, and my guerdon bread; - And with the sworded Switzer I can say, - ‘The best of causes is the best of pay.’” - - AMERICAN WARS—WEST INDIES—FRENCH REVOLUTION—1755–1804. - - -The ancient rivalries subsisting between Britain and France, and which -had begotten so many fierce and sanguinary wars upon the European -continent, were now about to be displayed with even a more exceeding -bitterness among the colonists of the two nations in the New World of -America. Disputes arising as to the boundary line of what they severally -claimed as their territory, the _might_ of France assumed to decide the -_right_. To maintain and defend British interests, an army, comprising -the second battalion of the Royals, and the two newly-raised regiments -of Fraser’s and Montgomery’s Highlanders, was sent across the Atlantic -in 1757. The first attack of this expedition was made upon the French -island of Cape Breton, which, with its capital, Louisburg, was speedily -reduced. In the following year the Royals were engaged upon the American -continent in a series of actions around the shores of Lake Champlain, -which resulted in the capture of the strong forts of Ticonderago, Crown -Point, and ultimately the Isle aux Noix. Several of the Indian tribes -taking advantage of our apparent embarrassments at this period, -instigated by, and in some cases allied with, the French, threw off the -British yoke, strove to recover their fatherland, or were encouraged, by -hope of plunder, to assail our colonial settlements. Against the most -powerful of these foes—the Cherokees—a few companies of the Royals, with -Montgomery’s Highlanders and other corps, were detached from the army, -and proceeded to South Carolina. After repeated incursions into the -country of the Cherokees, in which the foe was rarely seen, or when the -Indian army of sable warriors did appear, our troops achieved an easy -and ofttimes a bloodless victory. Still was our advance characterised by -cruel and uncalled-for severities, and marked by the melancholy -spectacle of burning villages, in which lay “the little all” of these -poor creatures. Unable to withstand our onset, with ruined homesteads, -and threatened with all the miseries of want, their necessities impelled -the Cherokees to sue for peace, which was readily granted. - -The conquest of French Canada having been completed in the surrender of -Montreal, several detachments of the Royals were employed in various -expeditions against the French West Indian Islands, especially Dominica -and Martinique, in which our efforts were successful. But the crowning -achievement of these expeditions was the capture of the Havannah from -the Spaniards, with immense spoil, on the 30th July, 1762. Meanwhile two -companies of the Royals, which had remained on the American continent, -contributed by their gallantry to repulse a new attempt of the French to -recover their lost footing in these provinces. - -In 1763 the second battalion returning home, the regiment was afterwards -employed garrisoning our Mediterranean possessions, Minorca and -Gibraltar. During the American Rebellion a secret treaty having been -discovered between the rebels and Holland, France and Spain, promising -aid to, and otherwise abetting the colonists in their rebellion, the -Royals, with other troops, in 1781, were sent out to assail the West -Indian possessions of these several States. Having possessed themselves -of the island of St Christopher, they were here attacked by a powerful -French expeditionary force which had landed from the fleet for the -recovery of the island. Stationed on Brimstone Hill with scarce 500 men, -without the adequate _matériel_ to make good the defence, these brave -men nevertheless resisted for nearly a month the repeated assaults of -8000 French, aided by a powerful artillery, which played continually and -effectually upon the crumbling defences and the worn-out defenders. It -was not until every means of resistance had been destroyed, and every -hope of relief exhausted, that our gallant Royals were compelled to -surrender. - -In 1782, both battalions were at home, and the Duke of Argyll having -been removed to the Colonelcy of the Third, or Scots Foot Guards, the -Colonelcy of the First Royal Regiment, or Royal Scots, was conferred -upon Lord Adam Gordon. - -Britain, ever recognised as the guardian of true liberty, had viewed, -with mingled feelings of horror, pity, and alarm, the crimes which alike -stained and inaugurated the French Revolution. Our Government, -unhappily, mistaking the real nature and critical importance of the -contest, granted a feeble and tardy aid to the few remaining friends of -order, chiefly represented in the Royalists, who still struggled for -existence in France. Had these succours been commensurate with the -ability of the nation, and afforded promptly and liberally, France might -have been saved from many of those dire calamities which, like the -judgments of Heaven, gathering in her political horizon, were so soon to -visit her in the fury of the tempest, to cast a blight upon her people -and a curse upon her fair plains. Europe, moreover, might have escaped -the military tyranny of Napoleon, with all its accompanying evils. -Toulon, the principal station for the French Navy on the shores of the -Mediterranean, possessed of large arsenals and extensive dockyards, and -strongly fortified—its citizens had hitherto regarded with aversion the -excesses of blood and rapine in which the Revolutionists had indulged, -and fully sensible of the evils which must arise from the rule of the -democracy, resolved to declare for the restoration of the old monarchy. -In the impending contest in which they were soon involved by their -resistance to the iron will of the Committee of Public Salvation, who -then assumed to rule France, they invoked, and not altogether in vain, -the aid of the constitutional Governments around. Accordingly, a mixed -force of British, Spaniards, and Italians, was thrown into the city for -its defence. The second battalion of the Royals formed part of the -British contingent on this occasion. Lieutenant-General O’Hara -commanding, with 12,000 men, for awhile succeeded in making good the -defence, and had well nigh baffled the utmost efforts of the besiegers, -who, under General Dugommier, had assembled an army of nearly 40,000 -Revolutionists. But the appearance of a young officer in the ranks of -the enemy speedily changed the aspect of affairs. As chief of the -artillery, by a series of bold and judicious movements, effecting the -reduction of the city, he early displayed that aptness for military -combination which revealed the genius of Napoleon Bonaparte. Dugommier, -writing to the Convention, said—“Reward and promote that young man, for, -if you are ungrateful towards him, he will raise himself alone.” The -following incident, narrated by Sir Archibald Alison, Bart., in his -interesting account of the siege, introduces us to another of those -great military chiefs who were so soon to glitter in the firmament of -the Empire: “Napoleon asked him what he could do for him. ‘Everything,’ -replied the young private, blushing with emotion, and touching his left -shoulder with his hand—‘you can turn this worsted into an epaulet.’ A -few days after, Napoleon sent for the same soldier to order him to -reconnoitre in the enemy’s trenches, and recommended that he should -disguise himself, for fear of his being discovered. ‘Never,’ replied he. -‘Do you take me for a spy? I will go in my uniform, though I should -never return.’ And, in effect, he set out instantly, dressed as he was, -and had the good fortune to come back unhurt. Napoleon immediately -recommended him for promotion, and never lost sight of his courageous -secretary. He was Junot, afterwards Marshal of France, and Duke of -Abrantes.” Notwithstanding the utmost bravery on the part of the -defenders, and of the Royals in particular, the fortress had become no -longer tenable from the alarming successes of the enemy. Accordingly, on -the night of the 19th December, 1794, the army, with as many of the -citizens as could be crowded into the fleet, were embarked, all that -might be useful to the foe was destroyed or committed to the flames, and -the city abandoned. The scene which ensued is one of the most touchingly -interesting and afflicting in the dark story of the Revolution, -especially when considered in the light of the cruel fate which awaited -the unfortunates who could not find room in the fleet, and who, left -behind, must meet the merciless wrath of the Parisian demagogues. Alison -thus pictures the sad episode:— - -“No words can do justice to the horrors of the scene which ensued, when -the last columns of the allied troops commenced their embarkation. -Cries, screams, and lamentations arose in every quarter; the frantic -clamour, heard even across the harbour, announced to the soldiers in the -Republican camp that the last hope of the Royalists was giving way. The -sad remnant of those who had favoured the royal cause, and who had -neglected to go off in the first embarkation, came flying to the beach, -and invoked, with tears and prayers, the aid of their British friends. -Mothers, clasping their babes to their bosoms, helpless children, and -decrepid old men, might be seen stretching their hands towards the -harbour, shuddering at every sound behind them, and even rushing into -the waves to escape the less merciful death which awaited them from -their countrymen. Some had the generosity to throw themselves into the -sea, to save, by their self-sacrifice, the lives of their parents, in -danger of being swamped in the boats. Vast numbers perished from falling -into the sea, or by the swamping of boats, into which multitudes -crowded, loaded with their most valuable effects, or bearing their -parents or children on their shoulders. Such as could seize upon boats, -rushed into them with frantic vehemence, pushed from the beach without -oars, and directed their unsteady and dangerous course towards their -former protectors. The scene resembled those mournful catastrophes -recorded by the historians of antiquity, when the inhabitants of whole -cities in Asia Minor or Greece fled to the sea at the approach of their -enemies, and steered away by the light of their burning habitations. Sir -Sidney Smith, with a degree of humanity worthy of his high character, -suspended his retreat till not a single individual who claimed his -assistance remained on the strand, though the total number borne away -amounted to fourteen thousand eight hundred and seventy-seven.” - -The Royals were shortly after engaged in a successful descent upon the -island of Corsica. Associated with the Fifty-first Foot, under the -command of our gallant countryman, the future hero of Corunna, -Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, they were largely instrumental in the -reduction of the island, which soon after acknowledged the British sway. -The fortified town of Calvi, refusing to submit, was besieged, captured, -and garrisoned by the Royals, where they remained until removed to the -island of Elba, in 1796—Corsica being abandoned. In 1797 the corps was -stationed at Cascaes, in Portugal, and in the following year returned to -England. - -Meanwhile the disorders which prevailed in France had induced a spirit -of rebellion amongst the coloured population of her most valuable -colony—the island of St Domingo—which, bursting forth in 1793, resulted -in the establishment of the Black Empire of Hayti. The French colonists -having no faith in, or doubting the ability to help of their home -Government, had solicited the protection of Britain. Accordingly a -British force, including the first battalion of the Royals from Jamaica -(where for the past three years it had been stationed), was sent to -their assistance. The expedition proved one of extreme difficulty and -exceeding danger, and is replete with interesting incidents. On every -occasion the good conduct of the Royals was most conspicuous, especially -so in the defence of Fort Bizzeton, where Lieutenant Clunes, with 120 -men, repulsed 2000 of the enemy. Major-General Sir Adam Williamson, in -his despatch, stated—“Captain Grant and his two Lieutenants, Clunes, of -the Royals, and Hamilton, of the Twenty-second Regiment, merit every -attention that can be shown them. They were all three severely wounded -early in the attack, but tied up their wounds, and continued to defend -their posts. It has been a very gallant defence, and does them great -honour.” But the sword was not the only or the worst enemy our brave -countrymen had to encounter in this sultry and unhealthy clime. A -malignant fever, invading the quarters of our men, slew in two months -about 640. The remains of the battalion returned home in 1797. - -Scarcely had our gallant Royals recruited their ranks, when the sound of -war called them to win new glories on the field. In 1799 the second -battalion, brigaded with the Ninety-second Gordon Highlanders, formed -part of the British army, which, under that famous chieftain, Sir Ralph -Abercromby, landed in the Netherlands, and strove to expel the French. -The triumph of “Egmont-op-Zee” illustrated “the gallantry of these brave -troops,” which “cannot have been surpassed by any former instance of -British valour.” The Dutch, for whom these efforts had been made, -unheeding to be _free_, were at length abandoned to their own -infatuation, in which they soon experienced those bitter fruits which -sprang from the military despotism of Napoleon to curse the land. On the -withdrawal of the army, the second battalion was successfully employed -in several descents upon the coast of Portugal. In brigade with their -old comrades of the Ninety-second, and two battalions of the -Fifty-fourth Foot, they were included in the British army which, landing -at Aboukir, from one victory to another, vanquished the boasted -“Invincibles” of Napoleon’s grand “Army of the East,” and were at length -hailed as the deliverers of Egypt—having driven out the French. Whilst -these desirable ends were being accomplished upon the African continent, -the first battalion of the Royals, having embarked for the West Indies, -was reaping a harvest of glory in the reduction of the enemy’s -possessions in that quarter of the world. The most illustrious of these -conquests was that of “St Lucia,” which, inscribed upon the colours of -the regiment, remains to perpetuate the record of these brave deeds. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - “His signal deeds and prowess high - Demand no pompous eulogy,— - Ye saw his deeds! - Why should their praise in verse be sung? - The name, that dwells on every tongue, - No minstrel needs.” - - FRENCH REVOLUTION—CANADA—THE CRIMEA—INDIA—CHINA—1804–1862. - - -The gigantic proportions which the war in 1804 had assumed, the -imminence of the danger which threatened ourselves from the overgrown -power of Napoleon, and his still unsatisfied ambition, had thoroughly -roused our Government more completely to arm our people, and occasioned -the raising of many new corps. Aware of the favour in which our Royal -Regiment was held by the people, from the ancient renown it had -acquired, the Government, taking advantage of this good name, speedily -raised and attached thereto a third and fourth battalion. Returning from -the West Indies, where, for a short time, it had been engaged in -capturing the French and Dutch possessions, the second battalion -embarked for the East Indies, where, for upwards of five-and-twenty -years—returning home in 1831—it remained actively on duty. Meanwhile, -the third battalion, sharing the glories, was doomed to endure the -disasters of the Spanish campaigns of 1808–9, under that gallant leader, -Sir John Moore—glories which had their consummation in the victory of -Corunna. On this occasion the Royals were brigaded with our countrymen -of the Twenty-sixth Cameronians. The army, returning to England, was -shortly thereafter employed in a new attempt to expel the French from -the Netherlands. In this unfortunate effort, known as the Walcheren -Expedition, our third battalion had a part. But the day of better things -was now about to dawn, when these repeated disasters should be redeemed, -and the eclipse of the world’s liberty be dissipated, through the -triumphs which, rewarding the heroic endurance and persevering valour of -our soldiers, should crown our arms. Trained by adversity, our troops -had learned how to conquer. Under Sir Arthur Wellesley, the third -battalion was, with the British army, which, from “Busaco” to the -“Nive,” trod the path of uninterrupted victory, baffling successively -the splendid efforts with which the genius of Massena, Marmont, Jourdan, -and Soult, strove to preserve for their master the provinces of the -Peninsula. Every attempt to arrest the onward march of British valour -signally failed, entailing upon the foe a series of fatal defeats, until -at length the Peninsula, delivered from the yoke of the tyrant, our -army, in triumph, entered the French territory. At the siege of St -Sebastian our Royals very specially distinguished themselves, and -although suffering a loss of more than 500 men in the several assaults, -nothing could quench the dauntless spirit which twice stirred them to -enter the deadly breach; but the second time with most splendid success, -when, overcoming every obstacle, this famous and gallantly defended -fortress was captured. - -[Illustration: - - ASSAULT - of - S^T. SEBASTIAN - 31^{st}. August 1813. -] - -“At a Scots corporation dinner, held in London on the 4th of May, 1811, -on the health of the Duke of Kent, the father of our beloved Queen, then -Colonel of the Royal Regiment, being drunk, his Royal Highness rose to -return thanks, and, in the course of his speech, said:—‘My royal brother -has been pleased to praise the regiment in which I have been employed, -and have had the honour to command, and I too can bear testimony to the -spirit and gallantry of the Scottish soldiers. From the earliest days, -when I commenced my military life, it was always my utmost aim to arrive -at the command of a Scots regiment, and to bring that regiment into -action would have been the greatest glory I could have attained, as I am -well convinced the officers and men would have justified my most -sanguine expectations; their courage, perseverance, and activity, being -undoubtedly such as may always be relied on; and they are always able -and willing to do their duty, if not more than their duty.’ His Royal -Highness took great interest in the welfare of the regiment; and he this -year presented, by the hands of Lieutenant-Colonel MʻLeod, a gold medal -to Serjeant Manns of the regiment for the very meritorious manner in -which he had educated upwards of 800 soldiers and soldiers’ children.” -His Royal Highness was the first to establish regimental schools,—a rich -blessing, which will be ever associated with his memory, conferring as -they have done such priceless benefits upon the army. - -When all Europe had combined in a sacred crusade against the despotic -rule of Napoleon, the fourth battalion of the Royals was selected to -form part of a British force which should act with the Swedo-German army -advancing from Pomerania, under Bernadotte, upon France. Thus, at the -interval of nearly 300 years, did our Royal Scots revisit the scenes of -their early glory; and, under the same Swedish banner, led on by the -successor of Gustavus Adolphus, once more do battle for the cause of -truth. No doubt, their souls roused within them, their arms must have -been nerved, by the “stirring memories” of “auld langsyne.” The march of -this battalion through Germany, when called to join the army of -Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Graham, afterwards Lord Lynedoch, in the -Netherlands, about to attempt the reduction of the strong fortress of -Bergen-op-Zoom, is marked by the extreme severity of the weather, which -entailed sufferings of the most fatal kind upon our brave -soldiers—upwards of 120 men being lost in the snow. To the survivors a -darker and a sadder fate was near, whilst these trials served to school -them to meet it with the heroic fortitude of the soldier. In the -subsequent attack upon Bergen-op-Zoom the several companies of the -battalion had struggled with determined yet unavailing valour to -dislodge the French. Our troops could not prevail, as they could not -destroy the strong natural defences of the place. They suffered a most -serious loss from an unseen foe, who visited their temerity with a fatal -fire from their powerful and numerous batteries. At length, overwhelmed -and encompassed by foemen, and entangled amongst destructive batteries -which vomited forth death upon our devoted Royals, they were compelled -to surrender, having previously sunk the colours of the regiment in the -river Zoom. Peace being accomplished by the abdication of Napoleon, the -sword of war was for a moment sheathed. Alas! that it should have been -but for a moment. Soon the dream of a fancied security was disturbed, as -the captive of Elba once more appearing, the Emperor, idolised by the -great army, forged thunderbolts of vengeance with which he threatened to -annihilate his many foes. Happily, his ambitious career was speedily -terminated, and Europe thereby saved the repetition of the bloody -tragedy of protracted war, so lately and so fondly believed to be -closed. The sudden irruption of the French army into the Netherlands was -met by the bravery of the British and Prussians, and its progress for -ever arrested by the total defeat of Waterloo. In this campaign the -third battalion of the Royals was honoured to hold a conspicuous part; -especially at Quatre Bras, where it was the first to check the advance -of Marshal Ney, and sustain with great credit the brunt of his impetuous -and repeated attacks. The following splendid testimony has been recorded -to its valour:—“The third battalion of the Royal Scots distinguished -itself in a particular manner. Being removed from the centre of the -Fifth Division, it charged and routed a column of the enemy. It was then -formed in a square to receive the cavalry, and though repeated attacks -were made, not the slightest impression was produced. Wherever the -lancers and cuirassiers presented themselves, they found a stern and -undismayed front, which they vainly endeavoured to penetrate.” - -It was not alone upon the continent of Europe that the dire effects of -Napoleon’s sway were felt and regretted, but wherever the foot of -civilisation had left its impress. Nor was it only the pulse of true -liberty that beat quickly and faintly beneath the evil rule of his -tyrant spirit, but commerce, by iniquitous decrees, lay groaning in -chains, or eked out but a sorry existence. The intention of these -ill-advised decrees was the destruction of the maritime and commercial -might of Britain. Our Government sought to retaliate upon France the -evils their imperial monarch had striven to inflict upon us, by -barbarous enactments of a kindred character. Thus, between the two, the -avenues of trade were all but hedged up—the channels of commercial -intercourse dried up. America had hitherto grown rich upon the poverties -which war had entailed upon the continental nations; and hence, when her -merchants found their trade at an end, or, at all events, amounting to a -thing of peril, her Government resented such decrees as a personal -attack. Retaining an old grudge arising out of the nature of recent -events, and, moreover, regarding Britain as the chief offender, having -within herself alone the power to set at defiance the attempts of -Napoleon, without adding a new evil to cure the old iniquity, America -declared war against us, and her armies forthwith proceeded to take -possession of Canada. To arrest the progress of the enemy in this -quarter, the first battalion of the Royals was ordered from the West -Indies to Canada. Although the forces engaged on either side were -trifling in numbers when compared with the vast armaments which were -then contending in Europe, still the contest was no less sanguinary and -bitter, and equally developed the sterling qualities of our Royal Scots. -Arrived in Canada in 1813, the battalion was present with credit at the -successful attacks upon Sackett’s Harbour, Sodius, Niagara, Black Rock, -and Buffalo; but it was not until 1814, that the preponderance of -numbers on the side of the Americans rendering the contest more unequal, -and when victory did not always smile on our arms—it was then we gather -more striking evidence of the gallant demeanour of the Royals. At -Longwood a superior force of Americans prevailed, and the battalion was -reluctantly withdrawn, having suffered severely, principally in -officers. At Chippewa 6000 Americans assailed a force of 1500 British, -including 500 of the Royals. Although repulsed in the action which -ensued, the General Order reports: “It was impossible for men to have -done more, or to have sustained with greater courage the heavy and -destructive fire with which the enemy, from his great superiority in -numbers, was enabled to oppose them.” The Royals only yielded when -upwards of 300 of their number had been disabled—sufficient proof of the -fierceness of the conflict, and the desperate valour which sustained it. -But a more deadly encounter—though happily a more successful one—took -place at Lundy’s Lane, where 5000 Americans were opposed to 2800 -British, including at first only three, latterly ten, companies of the -Royals. We cannot do better than quote the description of the battle -from Mr Cannon’s invaluable Records: “About nine in the evening there -was an intermission of firing; but the Americans renewed the attack soon -afterwards with fresh troops, and a fierce conflict of musketry and -artillery followed in the dark. The Americans charged up the hill; the -British gunners were bayoneted while in the act of loading, and the guns -were in the possession of the enemy for a few moments; but the troops in -the centre, where the three companies of the Royal Scots were fighting, -soon drove back the Americans, and retook the guns. The storm of battle -still raged along the heights; the muzzles of the British and American -artillery were within a few yards of each other, and the fight was kept -up with a sanguinary obstinacy seldom witnessed. In limbering up the -guns, at one period an American six-pounder was put by mistake on a -British limber, and a British six-pounder on an American limber. At one -moment the Americans had the advantage; at the next the shout of victory -rose from the British ranks; and about midnight the enemy retreated.” -The troops were thanked for their distinguished bravery in general -orders on the following day; and “the admirable steadiness of the Royal -Scots, under Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, at several very critical points and -movements,” claimed Lieut.-General Drummond’s particular notice. On this -occasion the Royal Scots had to mourn the loss of many brave officers -and gallant men, nearly 160 being killed, wounded, or prisoners. The -siege and capture of Fort Erie is distinguished not merely for the -gallantry of our Royals, but possesses, moreover, a melancholy interest, -from the lamentable catastrophe—the explosion of a mine—which destroyed -many of our brave soldiers, who, struggling on, had effected a footing -in the breach. - -It is interesting to note, about this period, the several battalions of -this ancient regiment, fighting our battles in so many different corners -of the world at the same time, and each contributing to the national -glory and their own marvellous fame. In 1814 the positions of the -battalions were as follows:— - - First Battalion, Canada. - Second Battalion, India. - Third Battalion, Spain and France. - Fourth Battalion, Germany and Holland. - -The war was brought to a termination in 1815, after the memorable battle -of Waterloo, wherein the third battalion of the Royal Scots immortalised -itself, when, peace being concluded, the Royals returned home, and the -third and fourth battalions were disbanded. - -Passing over a long interval of comparative peace which succeeded, like -the calm, the storm that but lately raged, we have only time in our -present sketch to note that the Royals formed part of the British army -in the Crimea. The Crimean campaign gained for them the several -distinctions of the “Alma,” “Inkermann,” and “Sevastopol.” - -On the alarm occasioned by the recent Indian Mutiny, in 1857, the first -battalion of the Royals was sent out to reinforce our army, destined to -suppress the Sepoy Revolt. Afterwards the second battalion formed part -of the Chinese Expedition, which, chastising the perfidy of the boasted -“Celestials,” reduced the “Taku forts,” and occupied Pekin. - -We close our narrative of the First Royal Regiment, or Royal Scots, with -these lines from an old military ditty, the favourite apostrophe of that -distinguished veteran and representative of our old Scots brigade in the -Swedish service—Sir Dugald Dalgetty, the illustrious hero represented by -Sir Walter Scott in his “Legend of Montrose.” Thus he sang when waiting -in the guard-room of Inverary Castle:— - - “When the cannons are roaring, lads, and the colours are flying, - The lads that seek honour must never fear dying: - Then stout cavaliers let us toil our brave trade in, - And fight for the Gospel and the bold King of Sweden.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -[Illustration: =1862.= TWENTY-FIRST, OR ROYAL NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS. -=1678.=] - - THE TWENTY-FIRST FOOT, - OR, - ROYAL NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - “The warrior boy to the field hath gone, - And left his home behind him; - His father’s sword he hath girded on— - In the ranks of death you’ll find him.” - -ORIGIN—EARLY SERVICES—CIVIL WARS—WARS OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION—WARS OF - THE AUSTRIAN SUCCESSION—1678–1748. - - -Success is too commonly esteemed, by a short-sighted public, to be the -criterion of excellence. It remains, however, to each of us, an exercise -of faith and duty to confute this popular fallacy, inasmuch as it has -wronged, foully wronged, many a brave heart who, battling with several -and powerful foes, struggling manfully, yet desperately, for the very -life, has as yet failed to rise beyond the surface; and hence the man -bowed down by adversity, as yet unrewarded by a better success—regarded -as nothing beyond the common—this deceitful, false world cannot -recognise the heroic soul in the martyr to circumstances. Thus it is -that the gallant regiment, whose history we are now about to narrate, is -in danger of being done injustice to, since its history is not always -garnished with splendid success, nor its path to honour strewn with the -glittering distinctions of victory, nor its heroism illustrated by a -long series of triumphs, which gild many a page of our national history. - -This regiment claims an origin co-eval with that of the Scots Greys and -Scots Foot Guards. It was regimented and commanded by Charles, Earl of -Mar, at a time when the rampant bigotry of the King—oppressing the -consciences of the people, had exiled many of the bravest and best, or -driven them to desperate measures—induced them to draw together for -defence of their liberty and lives. Such was the state of things in -Scotland in 1678 when our Fusiliers were raised to hunt down our -covenanting forefathers, who, for conscience sake, branded as heretics, -endured the cruel ban of the Church of Rome; who, “not ashamed to own -their Lord,” freely resigned life and property for His sake. The history -of the regiment is one with that of the Scots Greys and Scots Foot -Guards, already in our previous chapters alluded to, where it may almost -be traced page by page; it is therefore needless for us to repeat the -incidents which marked their early history. They were present at the -battle of Bothwell Bridge, where the Covenanters were signally defeated, -and were afterwards engaged in repressing the Rebellion of Argyll in -1685. At length the day of retribution arrived, when the voice of the -people declared the sovereignty of the House of Stuart to be an -intolerant burden no longer to be submitted to,—by a general rising -decreed its overthrow, and by an almost universal welcome hailed the -advent of a better state of things under the healthier government of the -House of Orange. Amid these changes our Fusiliers remained faithful to -James II. Having marched into England with a strength of 744 men, under -Colonel Buchan, they were stationed in the Tower Hamlets. The flight of -the King rendering all resistance to the advancing forces of William -futile and needless, the regiment submitted to the victorious party of -William and Mary. Removed to Oxfordshire, the command was conferred on -Colonel O’Farrell. Colonel Buchan, adhering to the fallen fortunes of -James, followed him into exile. His name has acquired a melancholy -interest as the chief who, a few years later, after the death of Dundee -at Killiecrankie, headed the rebel forces in a vain attempt to restore -the dominion of the Stuarts. Subsequently, in 1689, the regiment -embarked at Gravesend for Flanders, where, under Marlborough, it formed -part of the British division which, with the Dutch, strove to check the -aggressions of the French. In the early part of the campaign they were -associated with their countrymen of the Third, or Scots Foot Guards, and -the First, or Royal Scots Regiment, besides other British troops. These -shared the glory of the victory of Walcourt, where an attack of the -French under D’Humieres was repulsed. In 1690 the ill success of the -allied general, Prince Waldeck, yielded to the enemy many and important -advantages, especially in the disastrous battle of Fleurus. In the -following year the Scots brigade was further augmented by the addition -of the regiments of Mackay and Ramsay, known to fame as the Old Scots -Brigade in the Dutch service, or as the Ninety-Fourth in later times in -the British service. To these were added the Earl of Angus’s regiment of -Cameronians, now the Twenty-sixth, and subsequently the Earl of Leven’s -regiment of King’s Own Borderers, the present Twenty-fifth. The arrival -of King William, who in person assumed the command, as it set at rest -the national jealousies which hitherto prevailed among the troops, and -hushed the petty contests for precedence on the part of their leaders, -infused at the same time new life and vigour into the movements of the -Allies. In a vain attempt to surprise the fortress of Mons, Colonel Sir -Robert Douglas of the Royals, and Colonel O’Farrell of our Fusiliers, -were taken prisoners by the French, but released on payment of the -customary ransom. Both were destined for very different fates. The -former, as narrated in a previous chapter, fell, gallantly fighting at -the head of his regiment, at the battle of Steenkirk; the latter, -surviving that bloody day, was reserved to be the unlucky commander who -surrendered the fortress of Deinse, garrisoned by his regiment, to the -enemy without striking a blow in its defence. This denial of the courage -of our Fusiliers under his command, who, with able hands and ready -hearts, might have successfully challenged the attempts of a numerous -foe—whilst they were delivered over to be prisoners of war—justly -received the severe censure of the King; and, tried by court martial, -Brigadier-General O’Farrell was cashiered, and his command conferred on -Colonel Robert Mackay. Meanwhile, three years previously, the battle of -Steenkirk had been fought, and the superior numbers of the French, -directed by the ability of the Duke de Luxembourg, had triumphed, -notwithstanding the desperate valour of the British. Our Fusiliers, with -the Royals, formed part of the advanced guard of our army, and fiercely -assailed the French, who, strongly posted behind a series of thick -hedges, poured in a deadly fire into our ranks. Successively they were -driven from their strong position, but only to take a new position, -equally defensible, behind a second hedge. A third and a fourth position -was assumed and bravely defended, yet nothing could withstand the onset -of our troops. Every obstacle was overcome, and victory was within our -grasp, when disasters in other parts of the field compelled the -abandonment of all these hard-earned advantages. D’Auvergne says: “Our -vanguard behaved in this engagement to such wonder and admiration, that -though they received the charge of several battalions of the enemy, one -after the other, yet they made them retreat almost to their very camp;” -and the _London Gazette_ records: “The bravery of our men was -extraordinary, and admired by all; ten battalions of ours having engaged -above thirty of the French at one time.” At the battle of Landen in -1693, brigaded with the Twenty-fifth, the Twenty-sixth, and the -regiments of the Old Scots Brigade, separated from the army by the -prevailing efforts of the French, they most heroically maintained -themselves, until overwhelming numbers compelled them to retire. With -difficulty they effected their retreat, without disorder, by fording the -river Gheet, and so succeeded in rejoining the main army. The -ignominious surrender of Deinse, and the consequent dismissal of Colonel -O’Farrell, occurring in 1695, have been already alluded to. Nothing of -importance falls to be recorded in the history of our Fusiliers during -the remainder of the war, which was terminated in 1697 by the peace of -Ryswick. Returning to Scotland, the rest they enjoyed was but of short -duration. Once again the rude blast of war lashed into fury the ambition -of princes. Would that princes acted out the words of the ballad writer— - - “Oh, were I Queen of France, or still better, Pope of Rome, - I would have no fighting men abroad, or weeping maids at home. - All the world should be at peace, or if kings would show their might, - I’d have those that make the quarrels be the only ones to fight.” - -[Illustration: BLENHEIM. DRAWN FROM NATURE BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL -MʻNIVEN.] - -Unhappily, it is not so, and perhaps, however beautiful the idea, it is -better it should be otherwise. In 1702 the war of the Spanish Succession -broke out, which was destined to witness the splendid successes of a -renowned soldier—the Duke of Marlborough. Brigaded with the second -battalion of the Royals, the Tenth, the Sixteenth, and the Twenty-sixth -regiments, our Fusiliers were present at the siege of Huy, and, detached -from the army, took part in the enterprise which resulted in the capture -of Limburg. But these events, however glorious, sink into insignificance -when compared with the marvellous achievements which shed a flood of -glory upon our national history, as recorded in the memorable year of -1704. Then the plains of Germany for the first time owned the tread not -of a mere band of island adventurers, as in the ancient days of our -veteran Royals, but now these plains resounded with the martial tramp of -a British army. In the attack upon the heights of Schellenberg our -Fusiliers bore an honourable part, but that was but the prelude to the -grander victory of Blenheim, wherein the confederate might of France and -Bavaria succumbed before the allied arms of Britain and Germany. But -this signal triumph was not accomplished save by the most desperate -bravery. “Brigadier-General Row, (Colonel of the Royal North British -Fusiliers,) who charged on foot at the head of his own regiment with -unparalleled intrepidity, assaulted the village of Blenheim, advancing -to the very muzzles of the enemy’s muskets, and some of the officers -exchanged thrusts of swords through the palisades; but the avenues of -the village were found strongly fortified, and defended by a force of -superior numbers. Brigadier-General Row led the North British Fusiliers -up to the palisades before he gave the word ‘Fire,’ and the next moment -he fell mortally wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel Dalyel and Major Campbell, -being on the spot, stepped forward to raise their colonel, and were both -instantly pierced by musket-balls; the soldiers, exasperated at seeing -the three field-officers of the regiment fall, made a gallant effort to -force their way into the village, but this was found impossible, and the -regiment was ordered to retire. The moment the soldiers faced about, -thirteen squadrons of French cavalry galloped forward to charge them, -and one of the colours of the regiment was captured by the enemy; but -the French horsemen were repulsed by the fire of a brigade of Hessians, -and the colour was recovered.” A second assault failed likewise, so -resolute was the defence of the enemy, but a third attempt, with -additional forces, was crowned with success; the French being driven out -of the village with great loss. There is no more treasured illustration -of the worth of our British soldiers than is recorded in this famous -battle, and no more distinguished honour than belongs to the regiments -who have won a title, by their presence and brave deeds on the occasion, -to share its glory or bear upon their colours the proud and envied word -“Blenheim.” But this mode of commemorating battles was not adopted until -a later period,—MINDEN, borne by the Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers, -and other corps,—being the earliest instance of a battle thus -emblazoned.[A] Throughout the remaining years of the war, graced by the -victories of Ramilies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet, and the capture of -many of the strong fortresses of the Netherlands, our Fusiliers -maintained their character for bravery and steadiness, proving -themselves in every way worthy the honours their valour had hitherto -won. During this period they were successively commanded by Viscount -Mordaunt, Brigadier-General De Lalo—a distinguished French Protestant -officer, who fell whilst gallantly leading his regiment at the battle of -Malplaquet—Major-General Meredith, and the Earl of Orrery. Peace at -length terminated the struggle, and our heroes returned home in 1714. -Shortly afterwards a rebellion broke out in Scotland, under the Earl of -Mar, son of the Earl of Mar who first commanded our Fusiliers. Supported -largely by the clans, presenting a formidable array, he advanced into -the Lowlands, proclaiming the Pretender—the son of James II.—to be the -rightful sovereign. His vacillating policy—notwithstanding the uncertain -issues of the battle of Sheriffmuir, where the royal troops, including -our Fusiliers, led by the Duke of Argyle, encountered the rebels—ruined -the cause he had assumed to maintain; so that when the Pretender joined -his partizans, he found them reduced to such desperate straits, that -whilst prudence counselled, cowardice sought the earliest opportunity to -effect an escape, leaving his friends to suffer alone the vengeance of -the Government. The clans dispersing or submitting, the rebellion died -out in 1716. - -Footnote A: - - Vide “Curiosities of War,” page 225. - -In 1743 the war of the Austrian Succession once more stirred up the -wrathful passions of man, and plunged the European continent into all -the horrors of war. The combatants were much the same as on previous -occasions—France and Bavaria pitted against Austria and Britain. The -Scots Greys, the Third or Scots Foot Guards, (first battalion,) the -First or Royal Scots, (first battalion,) the Twenty-first or Royal North -British Fusiliers, the Twenty-fifth or King’s Own Borderers, and the -Forty-second or Royal Highlanders, formed the Scottish regiments -embraced in the British army. Under the eye of their chivalric monarch, -George II., who in person commanded, our Fusiliers were greatly -distinguished by their good conduct, especially at the victory of -Dettingen. Subsequently, under Marshal Wade, the regiment was with the -army which penetrated into France in 1744. In the following year, under -the Duke of Cumberland, present at the disastrous battle of Fontenoy, -the regiment lost 285 officers and men. The valour of our troops, and -the successes they had achieved, were negatived, and the battle lost, by -the failure of the Dutch in other parts of the field. So severe had been -the losses of our Fusiliers on this occasion, that, for the sake of -being recruited, the regiment was removed from the army to garrison -Ostend, where, assailed by a very superior French force, it was -compelled to surrender. At this crisis in our country’s history, the -King of France, aiding and abetting the Jacobites, succeeded but too -well in inciting the clans to rebellion under Prince Charles Edward. -These troubles at home occasioned the recall of the major part of the -British army, and amongst others, our Fusiliers, who, advancing from -Edinburgh, were engaged in the pursuit and ultimate overthrow of the -rebels at Culloden. Thereafter returning to the continent, the regiment -was engaged at the unavailing battle of Val in 1747, which led to the -peace of Aix-la-Chapelle. - - CHAPTER XIII. - - “Ye sons of the strong, when that dawning shall break, - Need the harp of the aged remind you to wake? - That dawn never beam’d on your forefathers’ eye, - But it roused each high chieftain to vanquish or die.” - - AMERICA—FRENCH REVOLUTION—WEST INDIES—NEW ORLEANS—CRIMEA—1748–1862. - - -Restless like the ocean, anew the spirit of ambition, the thirst for -conquest, awakened the flames of war between these ancient rivals—France -and Britain. In those days, when standing armies were dreaded by a -people ever jealous of the prerogative of the Crown, with whom, -moreover, there still lingered the bitter experience of the past, or the -lively, yet painful, recollection of the tyranny of the Stuarts—in those -days our army was limited. Hence, when war broke out, we find the whole -force of the kingdom called into action, or embarked on foreign service, -leaving to militia and volunteers the defence of “our hearths and -homes”—just as it should ever be. In such circumstances, in 1761 our -Fusiliers were engaged in a desperate descent upon the French island of -Belleisle, situated in the Bay of Biscay. The natural and artificial -defences of the island had almost defeated the object of the expedition; -and when, after much searching and toil, a landing had been effected, -the dangers to be encountered required the utmost steadiness and -perseverance to be overcome. The French made a resolute defence, and -only surrendered when their position had become no longer tenable, and -no promise of relief seemed at hand. Afterwards stationed in England, -the regiment in 1765 was sent out for the occupation of West Florida in -America, whence, in 1770, it was removed to Quebec. It had been -commanded by the Earl of Panmure, who, in 1738 succeeded the Duke of -Argyle in the colonelcy, and in 1770 he was in turn succeeded by -Major-General the Hon. Alexander Mackay. In 1772 our Fusiliers returned -to England; soon, however, to be recalled to the American States, to -take an active part in the unnatural war which had arisen out of vexing -disputes on the all-important question of taxation between the Home and -Colonial Governments. Accordingly, in 1776 the regiment was sent out for -the relief of Quebec, then besieged by the Americans. The timely arrival -of such welcome reinforcements, strengthening and encouraging the -garrison, produced an opposite feeling of weakness and dejection in the -ranks of the besiegers, so as to induce the American General to raise -the siege and retire. In his retreat he was pursued and harassed by the -British troops. In the following year, the Twenty-first, as we shall -henceforth call them, was employed reducing the American forts, -especially Ticonderago, which studded the shores of Lake Champlain. -Ultimately the regiment formed part of an unfortunate expedition under -Lieut.-General Burgoyne, who, encouraged by previous successes, was -tempted to advance into the enemy’s territory, away from his own -resources, where—notwithstanding the repeated defeats, especially at -Stillwater, with which our troops visited the temerity of the foe, and -the heroism with which they conquered all obstacles and endured many -sufferings from the pinchings of want, reduced to about 3500 fighting -men, and surrounded by an American army of fully 16,000—the -Twenty-first, with the relics of the other regiments included in the -expedition, were under the painful necessity of laying down their arms, -and surrendering themselves prisoners of war. This untoward event -terminated for the present the active service of the Twenty-first. The -battalion, on being released, returned to Britain, where it remained on -home duty until 1789, when, embarking for America, it was employed for -nearly four years in that country. - -The French Revolution having, by a flood of evil influences, submerged -well nigh every vestige of living righteousness, war, with all its -horrors, had been accepted as the dire alternative which, with its fiery -deluge, should purge the political world of the cankering iniquities -which hitherto fattened upon the miseries a tyrant democracy had -inflicted upon civilisation. Unable to cope with the vast armaments -which the revolutionary energy of France had brought into being and sent -forth to convert Christendom to its own dogmas of “Equality, Fraternity, -and Liberty,” and whilst these overran the Netherlands and other -adjacent countries, our Government directed the efforts of its arms -against the French West Indian Islands, the natives and lower classes of -which, becoming infected by the republican fever, had assumed to be -free, and in token thereof adopted the tri-colour cockade, whilst the -Royalists, who, as proprietors and capitalists, had everything to lose, -invoked the friendly aid of Britain. Accordingly, the Twenty-first, -proceeding from Canada to the West Indies with the army under -Major-General Bruce, took part in the first attempt upon the island of -Martinique in 1793, which failed. A second attempt in 1794, under -General Sir Charles Grey, was more successful, the Republicans being -overthrown. This desirable result was speedily followed by the reduction -of the islands of St Lucia and Guadaloupe, in the capture of both of -which the Twenty-first was honourably distinguished. Our possession of -Guadaloupe was not long to be enjoyed. A powerful French fleet from -Europe, with a considerable body of troops on board, arrived and -succeeded but too well in resuscitating the republican interests, and at -length prevailing, the few British defenders, numbering only 125, were -forced to surrender to overwhelming odds. In the fall of Fort Matilda, -which terminated our dominion in the island, the Twenty-first met with -another heavy disaster, which, with the ravages of the yellow fever, had -so reduced the effective strength of the regiment, that in 1796 it was -sent home to recruit, where it soon attained a strength of 800 men, by -volunteers from the Scots Fencible Regiments. - -Whilst stationed at Enniskillen, the good conduct of the regiment won -for our Fusiliers the esteem of the inhabitants, whose good-will could -not fail to be appreciated as a record of no small importance, -considering the excellent regiments, which, bearing the name of -“Inniskilling,” have ever done honour by their gallantry to British -valour. These good impressions were deepened, and the deserved esteem of -our Fusiliers greatly increased, by the firm attitude maintained by the -regiment during the Dublin riots of 23d July, 1803. On this trying -occasion, stationed in the Irish metropolis, the determined front of the -Twenty-first, under Major Robertson, (Lieut.-Colonel Brown having been -murdered by the rioters whilst proceeding to join his regiment,) -succeeded in overawing and reducing to obedience the refractory mob -whose discontents had assumed the dangerous character of a fierce -insurrection, and whose malignity towards Government had avenged itself -in the barbarous murder of the Lord Chief Justice, Viscount Kilwarden. -The good conduct of the regiment was rewarded with the public thanks, -whilst Lieutenant Douglas and the Adjutant (Brady), as specially -distinguished for activity and judgment, were each presented with a -valuable gift of plate. - -The vastly increasing power and menacing attitude assumed by Napoleon -had roused the latent energies of the nation, and in the exigencies of -the times, induced one of those most splendid efforts of true patriotism -of which only a free nation like our own is capable of producing. The -people as one man rose to arms, and practically illustrated the fervid -eloquence of the immortal Pitt, when, with a soul pregnant with devotion -to his country, he exclaimed—“Were an enemy on our shores, I _never_ -would lay down my arms. _Never! never! never!_” whilst the muse of -Campbell summoned the charms of language to aid the sacred cause:— - - “Rise, fellow-men! Our country yet remains! - By that dread name we wave the sword on high, - And swear for her to live, with her to die!” - - -Amongst the many means adopted to secure an effectual national defence, -the increase of our army was deservedly the chief. From the youth of the -counties of Renfrew and Ayr a second battalion was raised for our -Fusiliers in December 1804; but it was not until 1806 called to an -active part in the terrible contest which then shook Europe to its base. -The defence of Sicily for the legitimate sovereignty of Naples, to which -the Twenty-first was called, although a duty but of minor importance -when compared with the mighty events which were being enacted on the -vaster theatre of Europe, still the result, redundant with glory, served -to give hope to liberty when the threatened night of tyranny had -elsewhere descended to cloud the nationalities of Christendom; whilst -our British soldiers, if aught dare aspire to the title, proved -themselves to be the real “_invincibles_”—when all else had been borne -down by the legions of France, they alone remained _unconquered_. Under -Major-General Alexander Mackenzie Fraser, the first battalion was -engaged in the expedition to Egypt against the Turks; who, in an evil -hour, when French power seemed omnipotent, and French influences in -consequence triumphed, had been pressed into the service of the Emperor, -against their better judgment and truer interests. A single campaign -successfully terminated the war, when our first battalion returned to -Sicily. - -In 1809, with the expedition under Sir John Stuart, the Twenty-first -attacked and captured from Murat, vicegerent[*typo for viceregent?] of -Napoleon, styled King of Naples, the islands Ischia and Procida, -containing immense material of war. An attack upon the castle of Scylla -in Calabria failed, and an attempt to defend the town of Valmi resulted -in serious loss to our gallant Fusiliers—no fewer than 80 officers and -men falling into the hands of the enemy. Imbued, like his great master, -with an insatiate appetite for conquest, and a restless ambition, Murat -vehemently longed for an opportunity to expel the British from Sicily, -and so unite that valuable island to his new kingdom. Having -concentrated a powerful army, and prepared an immense flotilla of -gunboats and transports on the shores of Calabria, he, on a dark night -in September, 1810, attempted a descent. As the morning dawned it -revealed the enemy to the British, and so interrupted their further -transport and landing. Those who had come over in the night were so -fiercely assailed by the Twenty-first and other regiments, that, with -the sea behind and a powerful enemy around, without the prospect of -relief or any chance of escape, the French surrendered. The ill success -of this well-concerted expedition, induced Murat to abandon for the -present the idea of extending his territory beyond the mainland. But our -troops were not always thus successful. In 1812 the grenadiers of the -Twenty-first sustained a severe disaster as part of the British -expedition which failed in an attempted descent upon the Spanish coast -at Alicante. In the expiring agonies of “the empire of Napoleon,” our -Fusiliers, although not seriously exposed to the stern shock of battle, -yet helped materially, by their presence in Italy, and their advance -from Leghorn to Genoa, to drive out the relics of the French “army of -Italy,” and so restore freedom to the oppressed who peopled those lovely -plains. At Genoa the regiment encountered the enemy and prevailed. - -Meanwhile our Government, concentrating the whole energies of the -nation, and labouring to hold together the discordant materials which -composed the Grand Alliance, strove, by one gigantic, persevering -effort, to crush out the usurped dominion of France—the empire—to -dethrone the tyrant, and liberate Europe. Accordingly, a British force -had been sent to the Netherlands, including the second battalion of the -Twenty-first. It took part in the unfortunate attack upon -Bergen-op-Zoom, where, miscalculating the strength and resolution of the -enemy, who was strongly posted in a vast citadel of powerful works, the -battalion suffered severely; encompassed by a numerous foe, many were -taken prisoners. The abdication of Napoleon having conferred peace upon -Europe, the second battalion returned with the army to Britain, whilst -the first battalion was embarked for service in the West Indies. - -The innate pride of the Yankee being hurt by our sovereignty of the -seas, determined to dispute our generally acknowledged title thereto. -America in consequence became involved in war with us. To chasten them -for repeated insults which they sought to heap upon our flag, a British -expedition, including the first battalion of the Twenty-first, with the -Twenty-ninth and Sixty-second regiments, landed in the Bay of -Chesapeake. Advancing up the river Patuxent to Upper Marlborough, our -army destroyed a numerous fleet of gunboats which had molested our -commercial interests in these waters. Within sixteen miles of -Washington, the troops, encouraged by the promise of so rich a prize, -ventured still further to advance. Encountering and defeating the -American army at Bladensburg, they entered Washington in triumph. The -Twenty-first, as the van of the British, was the first to set foot in -this haughty metropolis of the New World. By the hard decrees of war, -not only the arsenals, but much of that which claimed, as public -edifices, etc., to beautify and ornament this splendid city, were given -over to destruction; and having thus avenged the indignities of the -past, our army retired to the fleet at St Benedict. An expedition was -afterwards undertaken against Baltimore; but, although success crowned -our arms whenever or wherever the enemy encountered our soldiers on any -thing like equal terms, especially in the action which ensued at Godly -Wood, still was it impossible for such a handful of brave men, amidst -increasing difficulties and numerous enemies, to do more; and hence, -when our troops had drawn near to Baltimore, they found that opulent and -populous city so strongly defended by an American army of 15,000, and -deprived, moreover, by circumstances of the assistance of the fleet, it -was considered impossible to prosecute the attack with any prospect of -success. Retiring, therefore, our army embarked, well satisfied with the -results their valour had already achieved. This battalion of the -Fusiliers was stationed at Jamaica for a time, until a new expedition -was set on foot. The prize in view was the reduction of the great -maritime city of New Orleans, situated below the level of the -Mississippi which flows by to the sea. The Americans, learning wisdom -from the past, and appreciating the value and importance of this city, -had laboured to strengthen its means of defence, by the construction of -vast and formidable entrenchments which shielded it effectually from -assault on the land side. To make good these defences, a powerful army -of 12,000 men was thrown into the city, commanded by an able -officer—General Jackson. The Britishers who dared to assail such a -powerfully defended city did not exceed 6000 men, comprising the Fourth, -the Seventh, the first battalion of the Twenty-first, the Forty-third, -the Forty-fourth, the Eighty-fifth, the Ninety-third Highlanders, and -the Ninety-fifth or Rifle Brigade, with a body of seamen from the fleet. -Notwithstanding the disparity in numbers, all might have gone well in -the assault, but for the culpable negligence of those in charge, who had -forgotten to bring up the scaling-ladders, and ere they could be brought -up, our men, unprotected from the deadly discharge of the enemy’s -numerous artillery, helpless to defend themselves, were mowed down like -grass; and yet their front, though sadly contracted by the loss of -upwards of 2000 men, remained firm as ever. Sir Edward Pakenham, the -British commander, and his generals of division, Gibbs and Keane, had -fallen. Major-General Gibbs died of his wounds, but Major-General Keane -became afterwards Lord Keane. These sore disasters negatived Colonel -Thornton’s success against the battery on the right, and rendered -retreat an absolute necessity, which was ably conducted by Major-General -Sir John Lambert, although in presence of a vastly superior and -victorious enemy. The relics of this gallant little army, who had dared -to assail such strength and numbers, were embarked in the fleet on the -27th January, 1815. The total loss of the Twenty-first on this occasion -was 451 officers and men, which serves to show how dreadful was the -carnage throughout, and how desperate the valour that sustained it -without once flinching from duty. Ere peace was concluded, which -happened shortly thereafter, the expedition succeeded in the capture of -Fort Bowyer, near Mobile. - -After such severe service, having returned home and been somewhat -recruited by drafts from the second battalion, although too late to -share the glories of the Waterloo campaign, the battalion was sent to -the Netherlands, and thence, advancing into France, formed part of the -“army of occupation” which remained in that kingdom until peace had not -merely been restored but secured. In 1816 the second battalion was -disbanded at Stirling; and a year later, the first battalion, returning -home, was variously stationed in England. In 1819 the regiment was sent -on foreign service to the West Indies, where it was successively -stationed in Barbadoes, Tobago, Demerara, St Vincent, and Grenada. -Whilst in Demerara a rebellion of the negroes occurred. The good conduct -of the regiment in suppressing the revolt elicited the commendation of -the King; the Duke of York, commander-in-chief; Sir Henry Ward, K.C.B., -commanding in these islands; and the Court of Policy of the colony. -These were accompanied by more substantial rewards. “The Court of Policy -voted, as a special and permanent mark of the high estimation in which -the inhabitants of the colony held the services of Lieut.-Colonel Leahy, -the officers, and soldiers, ‘Five Hundred Guineas to be laid out in the -purchase of Plate for the regimental mess,’ and Two Hundred Guineas for -the purchase of a sword for Lieut.-Colonel Leahy; also Fifty Guineas for -the purchase of a sword for Lieutenant Brady, who commanded a detachment -at Mahaica, and whose cool, steady, and intrepid conduct, aided by the -courage and discipline of his men, gave an early and effectual check to -the progress of revolt in that quarter.” Returning home in 1828, the -regiment was honoured in doing duty at Windsor Castle, the residence of -royalty. In these times of comparative peace little of interest falls to -be narrated. We find the regiment employed in various garrisons -throughout the kingdom, until, in 1832 and 1833, it was sent out in -charge of convicts to New South Wales, and stationed in the colonies of -Australia and Van Diemen’s Land. In 1839 it was removed to the East -Indies, and was stationed successively at Chuiswiah, Calcutta, Dinapore, -Kamptee, Agra, Cawnpore, and Calcutta, returning to England in 1848. - -In 1854 Russian aggressions had so stirred the nations in defence of the -right, that Turkey in her weakness found ready sympathisers. Foremost of -these, France and England, side by side, had sent forth powerful -armaments, which, landing upon the Crimean peninsula, created a helpful, -and, as the long-expected result proved, a successful diversion in -favour of the oppressed empire of the Sultan. Amongst the brave, -composing the 26,800 British, that landed at Old Fort, were our gallant -Fusiliers, the Twenty-first. In the Fourth Division, brigaded with the -Twentieth, Fifty-seventh, and Sixty-eighth, they were present in reserve -at the Alma, and in action at Inkermann. It is needless to repeat the -details of the war, seeing especially we must take occasion so -frequently to recur to incidents connected with it; besides, the general -events must be still so fresh in the memories of most of our readers as -to need no repetition here. Enough be it to say of the conduct of the -Twenty-first Royal North British Fusiliers, that it displayed the same -excellence as of old. Since the return of the regiment to the beloved -shores of Old England, it has enjoyed the peace which its own gallantry -had well contributed to achieve. - -As the glory of the sun shining through a humid atmosphere is even more -resplendent and more to be admired in the heaven-bespangled, -many-coloured robe of the rainbow than when he appears in the full -strength of noon-day, so valour—true, genuine valour, the valour of our -gallant Twenty-first—is the more illustrious and meritorious that it is -to be found emerging from amid many vicissitudes and adversities. It is -usually the bravest of the brave that fall. Alas! that so many who gave -fair promise to ornament and illustrate the British soldier as the hero, -should have fallen—buds nipped by the frost of death. Let it be borne -very encouragingly in mind, that adversity is the furnace wherein the -gold of true valour is purified—is the schoolmaster which teaches how to -win prosperity. The greatest glory which rests upon the departed genius -of Sir John Moore, is that which pictures him in adversity in -retreat—his lion spirit unsubdued, his towering abilities shining forth. -And so, in closing our record, we would do justice, not merely to valour -gilded by brilliant victories, but especially testify to true valour -incarnated in the man—the hero ever _struggling_, not always _winning_, -yet always _worthy_, the reward. - - THE TWENTY-FIFTH FOOT. - KING’S OWN BORDERERS, - OR, - EDINBURGH REGIMENT. - - ---------- - - CHAPTER XIV. - - “Many a banner spread, flutters above your head, - Many a crest that is famous in story; - Mount and make ready, then, sons of the mountain glen, - Fight for your king and the old Scottish glory. - March, march, forward in order, - A’ the blue bonnets are over the border.” - -ORIGIN—KILLIECRANKIE—IRELAND—NETHERLANDS—SHERIFFMUIR—NETHERLANDS—CULLODEN—1688–1755. - - -It is recorded of Sir Walter Scott that he claimed descent from one of -the most distinguished families of “the land-louping gentry” of the -Scottish border. The title, “King’s Own Borderers,” borne by the -Twenty-fifth, would induce the belief that the regiment had sprung from -the same source; and however much we may excuse the military license of -the times, or the marauding propensities of our border countrymen, and -extol their martial achievements, so prolific with romantic incident and -chivalric feats of daring, we cannot but question the respectability of -such a parentage. - - “She’s o’er the border, and awa’ wi’ Jock o’ Hazeldean.” - -Happily the Twenty-fifth owns a much more recent connection with the -Scottish border, when the feuds which had disgraced earlier years, by -the wrongs and cruelties they occasioned, were healed, and the failings -of the past are forgotten amid the excellencies and the glories of the -present. The regiment was raised in the City of Edinburgh by the Earl of -Leven, in 1688, from among the noblemen and gentlemen who had come over -from the Continent as the adherents of William, Prince of Orange. The -advent of the House of Orange, apart from the religious and political -liberty it conferred and assumed to guarantee, had been further hailed -by an emancipated people as restoring to the bosom of their dear native -land, and to the home of their fathers, those “lost and brave,” who, for -conscience’ sake, had endured a long and painful exile. Consistent with -that fidelity which has ever been a conspicuous jewel in Scottish -character, once that the Reformed faith found an entrance and an -abiding-place in the heart of the Scotsman, nor priest, nor king, nor -pope could drive it out, quench the light of truth, or shake the -steadfastness of the Covenanter. Hence the number of Scottish exiles was -very many, and, in consequence, the return of the refugees was an event -of no common interest in the Scottish metropolis, diffusing a very -general joy throughout the land. Their first duty fulfilled of thanks -and gratitude to God for their deliverance, their next duty to their -country impelled them to tender the service of their swords to the king. -Accordingly, their offer being accepted, the embodiment of the -Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers was the result, which in four hours -attained a strength of near a thousand men. Whilst the Scottish estates -hesitated to acknowledge the sovereignty of William and Mary, and the -Duke of Gordon held possession of the Castle of Edinburgh for King -James, the Twenty-fifth was quartered in the Parliament House. But it -was not until Viscount Dundee, descending into the Lowlands at the head -of the disaffected clans, seriously disturbing the peace of the land, -that the regiment was called into action. Advancing with the royal army -to Killiecrankie, the Borderers bore a conspicuous and honourable part -in the contest which ensued. Major-General Mackay, in his despatch to -the Duke of Hamilton, stated, “There was no regiment or troop with me -but behaved like the vilest cowards in nature, except Hastings’ and Lord -Leven’s, whom I must praise at such a degree, as I cannot but blame -others.” The regiments thus commended were the present Thirteenth and -Twenty-fifth Foot. Although borne back by the impetuosity of the -Highlanders, and although the day was lost to the king, still the -result—especially the death of Dundee—proved the ruin of the -Jacobites—the beginning of the end, each successive struggle which -convulsed the nation more effectually serving to destroy the hopes of -the House of Stuart. - -[Illustration: PASS OF KILLIECRANKIE] - -In 1691 the regiment embarked for Ireland, and was present, with much -credit, at the sieges of Ballymore, Athlone, Galway, and Limerick, and -at the battle of Aughrim. These several successes having accomplished -the deliverance of that island from the yoke of James, the regiment with -other troops was sent to England, whence it embarked with the British -army for the Netherlands, to check the progress of the French. Under the -command of King William, the allies made a determined stand at Steenkirk -and again at Landen, but on both occasions failed to make any decided -impression upon the masses of the enemy commanded by Marshal de -Luxembourg, who continued to advance in spite of the most gallant -opposition. At the siege of Namur, by the explosion of a mine, the -regiment lost twenty officers and 500 men. The gallant conduct of the -allies at this celebrated siege is thus eulogised: - - The British were esteemed most bold; The Bavarians most - firm; and The Brandenburghers most successful; - -whilst the French, out of a garrison originally 15,000 strong, had lost -in the defence about two-thirds of their number. The engineering skill -of these great masters of the art—Coehorn and Vauban, exerted to the -utmost on their respective sides—has preserved no more magnificent -testimony to their several abilities than is found recorded in the -assault and defence. The resolution and ability of Marshal Boufflers, -the French Governor, in so gloriously maintaining the defence, is not to -be overlooked, but merited a better success. Sterne’s facetious story of -“Tristram Shandy”—how questionable so-ever its discretion in our times, -yet replete with much that is beautiful, quaint, and true—has borrowed -from the ranks of our Borderers its most noted and popular characters, -“Uncle Toby,” who was wounded in the groin at this siege of Namur, and -his faithful body-servant, “Corporal Trim,” who, two years previously, -had been wounded at the battle of Landen; both, by the pen of the -author, being life pictures of the veterans of Chelsea. It was during -this war that the bayonet, which had been invented by the French, -instead of being fixed _inside_ the muzzle of the musket, was first used -by the French fixed round the _outside_ of the muzzle, thus enabling the -soldier to charge and deliver fire promptly. Grose, in his “Military -Antiquities,” thus records the introduction of this improvement:— - -“In an engagement, during one of the campaigns of King William III. in -Flanders, there were three French regiments whose bayonets were made to -fix after the present fashion (1690), a contrivance then unknown in the -British army; one of them advanced with fixed bayonets against Leven’s -(now the Twenty-fifth) regiment, when Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell, who -commanded it, ordered his men to ‘screw bayonets’ into their muzzles, -thinking the enemy meant to decide the affair point to point; but to his -great surprise, when they came within a proper distance, the French -threw in a heavy fire, which for a moment staggered his men, who -nevertheless recovered themselves, charged, and drove the enemy out of -the line.” - -On the peace of Ryswick being concluded in 1697, our Borderers, -returning home, were quartered in the disturbed districts of the North -of Scotland. Nothing of importance falls to be narrated of the regiment -until the Rebellion of the Earl of Mar, in 1715, called it to take the -field. It was present at the unfortunate battle of Sheriffmuir. The -desertion of the Hon. Captain Arthur Elphinstone to the rebel army, -however it might have been regretted as casting a shadow over the -loyalty of the Twenty-fifth, that doubt has been dispelled, and the lie -contradicted, by the exemplary fidelity of the regiment on all -occasions. Captain Elphinstone, as Lord Balmarino, in 1746, paid the -penalty of his error by his execution on Tower Hill. - -During the Spanish War of 1719, the regiment was engaged in a successful -expedition against various towns on the north-western sea-board of the -Peninsula. For several years thereafter it was variously stationed in -Ireland, and, in 1727, removed to Gibraltar, where, with other corps, it -successfully defended that important fortress against every attempt of -the Spaniards to reduce and regain it. The war of the Austrian -Succession, which began in 1742, occasioning the assembling of a British -and allied army in the Netherlands, our Borderers were sent thither to -reinforce the troops which had already won the bloody victory of -Dettingen. The regiment shared the glories and sustained the dangers of -Fontenoy, which elicited from Marshal Saxe, the conquering general, the -following graphic and generous testimony to the worth of the foe he had -overthrown:— - -“I question much whether there are many of our generals who dare -undertake to pass a plain with a body of infantry before a numerous -cavalry, and flatter himself that he could hold his ground for several -hours, with fifteen or twenty battalions in the middle of an army, as -did the English at Fontenoy, without any change being made to shake -them, or make them throw away their fire. This is what we have all seen, -but self-love makes us unwilling to speak of it, because we are well -aware of its being beyond our imitation.” - -Taking advantage of the disasters which had crowded upon the allied arms -in the Netherlands, Prince Charles Edward had stirred up a formidable -Rebellion in Scotland, chiefly among the Highland clans, in favour of -his pretensions, as the representative of the House of Stuart, to the -British throne. This untoward event occasioned the recall of many -regiments from the Continent, and required those left behind to confine -themselves to the defence of strongly-fortified lines. The Twenty-fifth -was one of those that returned. With the Twenty-first Royal North -British Fusiliers, it formed the rear guard of the Royal army, advancing -in pursuit of the rebels into Scotland. Too late to take any part in the -battle of Falkirk, the regiment was stationed in Edinburgh, until the -Duke of Cumberland arriving, gave the signal for an immediate advance -upon the enemy, then prosecuting the siege of Stirling. Interrupted in -their enterprise by the near approach of the Royal army, the rebels -retreated precipitately, until, hemmed in, they made a last and fatal -stand on Culloden Moor, where they were utterly routed with great -slaughter. The most distinguished service performed by a detachment of -300 men of the Twenty-fifth is thus graphically described in the -biography of General Melville:— - -“The second detachment, consisting of 300 men, commanded by Sir Andrew -Agnew, Lieutenant-Colonel of the Royal North British Fusiliers, was sent -by the route of Dunkeld, through the Pass of Killiecrankie, to take post -in Blair Castle, the seat of James, Duke of Athole—a very faithful -subject of his Majesty. The garrison was frittered away in small -detachments, for the purpose of intercepting traitorous correspondence. -Early on the morning of the 17th March, the rebels, in a considerable -body, surprised and made prisoners of several of the outposts, and by -break of day closely invested the castle on all sides, firing upon the -out-picquet, which retired with some difficulty, bringing with it some -horses belonging to the officers, and a small quantity of provisions. -Blair Castle was a very high, irregular building, the walls of great -thickness—having what was called _Cumming’s Tower_ projecting from the -west end of the front of the house, which faces the north. Adjoining the -east gable of the old castle, a square new building had been begun, but -only carried up a few feet above the beams fixed for the first floor. -The great door in the staircase having been barricaded, and a small -guard placed at it, the garrison was mustered and found to consist of -about 270 rank and file, having only nineteen rounds of ammunition per -man. The men were immediately posted throughout the castle in the manner -best adapted for its defence, with instructions not to fire unless -actually attacked. For the protection of the new, unfinished building -before mentioned, to which the only communication from the castle was by -ten or twelve steps of a ladder, from a door in the east end; a platform -of loose boards was hastily laid on the joists, and Ensign Robert -Melville (afterwards General Melville) of the Twenty-fifth regiment, -with 25 men, was posted on it, who was not relieved during the whole of -the blockade, which ended 1st April. On the 17th March, a little after -noon, Lord George Murray, a general to the Pretender, wrote a summons of -surrender to Sir Andrew Agnew, which he could not find a Highlander to -deliver, on account of the well-known outrageousness of Sir Andrew’s -temper, but a pretty girl, who was acquainted with the garrison, -undertook the task, but could hardly find an officer to receive it, for -the reason before mentioned; however, after much entreaty, one was bold -enough to convey the summons, when Sir Andrew, in so loud a voice, that -he was heard distinctly by the girl outside the castle, desired him to -be gone, and tell Lord George that the ground would, before long, be too -hot for him to stand upon, and any future messenger would be hanged or -shot if sent upon such an errand. Lord George took the hint, sent no -other messenger, but endeavoured to reduce the castle by famine, knowing -it was short of provisions. The rebels had two field-pieces, from which -they fired hot shot upon the castle, with so little effect that, though -some stuck in the roof, they fell out before the house took fire, and -were lifted off the floors by an iron ladle, which was found in the -Duke’s kitchen, and deposited in the cellars in tubs of wine, as water -could not be spared. The King’s troops, in dread of being starved, -endeavoured to apprise the Earl of Craufurd at Dunkeld of the state in -which they were placed, but they were so closely hemmed in, that, with -great difficulty, the Duke’s gardener, a loyal man, stole out during the -ninth night of the blockade and rode off through the enemy, fired at -from several places by the Highlanders, from whom he escaped, having -fallen from his horse, and gone on foot to Dunkeld and apprised the -Earl, which was not known for some time; in the meantime, the garrison -had great faith in the good luck of Sir Andrew, concerning whom many -strange stories were told—such as, that he never was wounded nor sick, -nor in any battle wherein the English were not victorious; therefore, -they were the less surprised when, at break of day on the 1st of April, -not a single Highlander could be seen—Lord George having taken the alarm -and decamped, to avoid encountering the Earl of Craufurd from Dunkeld. -On the morning of the 2d, an officer arrived and announced that the Earl -was within an hour’s march of the castle with a force of cavalry, when -Sir Andrew drew up his men to receive his Lordship, and after the usual -compliments, thus addressed him—‘My Lord, I am glad to see you; but, by -all that is good, you have been very dilatory, and we can give you -nothing to eat.’ To which his Lordship jocosely replied, with his usual -good humour, ‘I assure you, Sir Andrew, I made all the haste I could, -and I hope you and your officers will dine with me to-day;’ which they -accordingly did, in the summer-house of the Duke’s garden, where they -had a plentiful meal and good wines. The Earl made so favourable a -report of the conduct of Sir Andrew and the garrison of Blair Castle, -that the Duke of Cumberland thanked them, in public orders, for their -_steady and gallant_ _defence_, and the gallant commandant was promoted -to the command of a regiment of marines (late Jeffries’). A Highland -pony, belonging to Captain Wentworth of the Fourth foot, which had been -seventeen days (without food) in a dungeon of the castle, being still -alive, was recovered by care and proper treatment, and became in -excellent condition.” - -Having thus effectually suppressed the Rebellion, the Twenty-fifth, and -most of the other regiments, returned to the Netherlands. Defeated at -the battle of Roucoux, the allies were on the point of falling into -confusion, when Houghton’s British brigade, composed of the Eighth, -Thirteenth, and Twenty-fifth, arriving from Maestricht, immediately -formed as the rear guard, their steady valour effectually withstanding -every attempt of the enemy to break in upon our line of retreat. In the -sanguinary battle of Val, our Borderers bore a more prominent part with -equal credit. This disastrous war terminated in 1747, with the -unsuccessful defence of Bergen-op-Zoom, which was ultimately taken by -the French. The regiment encountered a variety of misadventures on its -passage home. One transport, containing six and a-half companies, being -shipwrecked on the French coast, yet all escaping to land, were kindly -treated by their recent foes. The regiment, at length reaching England, -was removed to and variously quartered throughout Ireland. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - CHAPTER XV. - - “He’s brave as brave can be; - He wad rather fa’ than flee; - But his life is dear to me, - Send him hame, send him hame. - - “Your love ne’er learnt to flee, - But he fell in Germanie, - Fighting brave for loyalty, - Mournfu’ dame, mournfu’ dame.” - - GERMANY—MARINE SERVICE—WEST INDIES—EGYPT—WEST - INDIES—GIBRALTAR—1755–1862. - - -In 1755 the encroachments of France awakened a new war, in which our -Borderers were employed in several generally successful expeditions -against the fortified towns and arsenals on the coast of France, -especially the Isle of Oleron, St Maloes, and Cherbourg. A few years -later, with the Twelfth, the Twentieth, the Twenty-third, the -Thirty-seventh, and Fifty-first Foot, the Horse Guards, the First and -Third Dragoon Guards, the Second, Sixth, and Tenth Dragoons, they formed -the British army, which, advancing from the north of Germany, allied -with the Germans and other auxiliaries, latterly served under the -command of Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. Encountering at first severe -reverses, they were at length rewarded by the victory of Minden. “This -was the first occasion on which the British troops took aim by placing -the butt of the firelock against the shoulder, and viewing the object -along the barrel, when firing at the enemy, in which mode they had been -instructed during the preceding peace. On former occasions, the firelock -was brought up breast-high, and discharged towards the enemy a good deal -at random; because it was considered a degradation to take aim according -to the present custom. And in this year the cavalry adopted the trumpet, -in place of the side-drum and hautbois.” Throughout the war, the -regiment suffered very severely, its loss at the battle of Campen alone -amounting to two-thirds of its number. In the Regimental Records, which -afford a most interesting and ably-written account of the many “brave -deeds” of the regiment, as well as a comprehensive, yet most accurate, -record of the wars in which it was concerned, and to which we are -largely indebted, it is recorded: “1760, December 9, died, in the 34th -year of his age, of the wounds he had received in the battle of Campen, -Henry Reydell Dawnay, Viscount Down, Baron Dawnay of Cowick, county -York, M.P. for that county, Colonel in the army, and Lieutenant-Colonel -commanding the Edinburgh Regiment, greatly regretted and lamented by -every officer and soldier of the corps, and by all his companions in -arms. His Lordship commanded the regiment in the battle of Minden.” -Notwithstanding the great superiority of the enemy, ably commanded by -the Marshal Duke de Broglio, the allies, by the most heroic efforts, not -merely held their own, but frequently repulsed the enemy, especially at -the battle of Kirch Deukern, or Fellinghausen, where the French were -defeated with great slaughter. “Hitherto, punishments in the British -army were, to a certain extent, discretionary with commanding officers -of corps, and inflicted by means of switches, generally willows; but -during the present year, regimental courts-martial, consisting generally -of a captain and four subalterns, were instituted, and punishment with a -cat-of-nine-tails introduced.” - -[Illustration: ANCIENT BADGE OF TWENTY-FIFTH, OR KING’S OWN BORDERERS.] - -At length, in 1763, peace was restored. The Twenty-fifth, returning to -England, whilst stationed at Newcastle, buried, with military honours, -the shreds of the colours which they had so honourably fought under at -the battles of Fontenoy, Culloden, Roucoux, Val, Minden, Warbourg, -Campen, Fellinghausen, and Wilhelmsthal. Having replaced the losses they -had suffered in the recent war, and having enjoyed for several years -peaceful and pleasant quarters at home, our Borderers, in 1768, embarked -in H.M.S. “Dorsetshire,” 70 guns, for Minorca, where they discharged the -duties of the garrison for some time with the Third, Eleventh, -Thirteenth, and Sixty-seventh regiments. - -The magistrates of Edinburgh having denied a recruiting party from the -regiment the ancient privilege, conferred upon it by the city in token -of its good conduct at Killiecrankie, of marching at all times through -the streets and beating up for recruits, the ire of the Duke of -Richmond, whose brother, Lord George Lennox, then commanded the -regiment, was so stirred by this indignity, that he applied for leave to -have the title of the regiment changed, and, in accordance therewith, it -was for a while known as the Sussex Regiment—Sussex being the county -where the Lennox family held extensive estates. - -About this period France and Spain, at war with Great Britain, coveting -the possession of Gibraltar, had laid siege to that powerful fortress. -It was no easy thing in those days, when our navy was comparatively in -its infancy, to cope with the armaments of such powerful -neighbours—powerful alike on land and water, and whose combined fleets -had hitherto “swept the seas.” To throw in reinforcements, and -re-victual Gibraltar, was in consequence a hazardous undertaking; -nevertheless the British fleet, under Lord Howe, not only successfully -accomplished it in spite of the immediate presence of the Spanish fleet, -but signally defeated the foe off Cape St Vincent. The Twenty-fifth and -Twenty-ninth regiments were on this occasion thrown into the garrison, -where they helped in the successful defence of the fortress, baffling -the most gigantic efforts of the enemy to reduce it. - -The Twenty-fifth was ordered home in 1792, where it arrived at a time -when our country was in great peril from internal enemies—the -discontents which the fair promises of the French Revolution had -excited, and which proved such a lamentable delusion, had their effects -even amongst “our sober selves,” begetting a progeny of evils which -threatened to shipwreck our good ship—the Constitution. Happily, the -abilities of our Administration brought the vessel of the State in -safety through the storm. Meanwhile France had declared war against us, -and the tempest, which had been imminent, descended with terrible fury. -Our fleet, which was then wofully inefficient, was put into commission; -but, for lack of marines, detachments from various regiments, amongst -others the Second (Queen’s), the Twenty-fifth (Borderers), the -Twenty-ninth, and Sixty-ninth, were allotted to this service. In this -new capacity a portion of the Twenty-fifth was engaged in the several -land actions which are recorded in the fruitless defence of Toulon and -conquest of Corsica. Although this new duty was at first attended with -many disagreeables, it in the end proved a most profitable service to -our soldiers, who soon became reconciled to the change. The spoil got on -the sea by repeated captures far exceeded aught that might have been -expected on shore. On one occasion the “St George” and “Egmont,” with -detachments of the Twenty-fifth on board as marines, captured the French -privateer “General Dumourier,” with a Spanish prize in tow, the “St -Jago”—treasure-ship containing about one million sterling. Under Lord -Howe this amphibious regiment was present to share the glories of the -fight which almost annihilated the French fleet off Brest. At length, in -1794, the corps of marines having been strengthened, the regiment was -relieved and returned to its native element—the land. Still we shall -find that its adventures, as well as misadventures, throughout these -records manifest a strong predilection for the sea—perhaps not of -choice, but certainly of necessity. The loyalty of the regiment whilst -serving as marines was most conspicuous during the mutiny which, in -1797, threatened very disastrous results. - -In 1795, the regiment was sent to the West Indies; and whilst stationed -in Grenada, rendered most important service were employed in defending -Granada from the incursions of numerous hordes of brigands who infested -it. The heroic defence of Pilot Hill by the Twenty-fifth, under Major -Wright, is one of the most gallant actions to be found in the records of -our army. Reduced by disease and the sword to about 130 officers and -privates, these brave men refused to yield, well knowing, moreover, the -ferocious character of the enemy with whom they had to deal. At length, -exhausted and without the means to sustain life or longer maintain the -post, they determined to break through the enemy, which they -successfully accomplished, joining the few British that yet remained in -St George’s, the capital, where they were hailed by the inhabitants as -the saviours of the island; the ladies, in token of their appreciation -of such valour, wore ribands round their waists—inscribed, “Wright for -ever;” whilst the following address was presented to the relics of the -regiment:—“The inhabitants of this island congratulate Major Wright of -the Twenty-fifth regiment, and his gallant little garrison of Pilot -Hill, on their safe arrival in St George; and assure him that it was -with the most lively sensation of joy they beheld the landing of a -handful of brave men, whom, a few hours before, they considered as -devoted to the relentless cruelty of a savage and ferocious enemy; and -impressed with a high sense of their meritorious exertions in defence of -that post, and the well-conducted retreat upon the evacuation of it -under the most desperate circumstances, request his and their acception -of this tribute of their approbation and thanks, so justly due to such -bravery and conduct.” The arrival of reinforcements enabled the British -once more to take the field, recovering the posts which lack of numbers -had compelled them hitherto to abandon; and in the end, the brigands, -defeated, were dispersed, or craved, by submission, the clemency of the -Government. - -Meanwhile the detachments which had been called in from the marine -service on board the “St George,” the “Egmont,” the “Gibraltar,” the -“Monarch,” the “Stately,” and the “Reunion,” with a number of recruits -obtained chiefly from among the Dutch sailors, who had become prisoners -of war, were enrolled as a second battalion. Encamped with the army -assembled on Shirley Common, this battalion was, in 1795, moved to the -coast, and embarked on board the “Boddington” and the “Belfast.” The -fleet, containing the army, which amounted to nearly 26,000 fighting -men, consisted of about 300 sail. A variety of accidents arose to detain -the expedition, and ultimately caught in a tempest, the vast armament -was broken or dispersed. In the confusion which ensued, the -“Boddington,” with part of the Twenty-fifth on board, her officers -having opened the sealed orders, and found the West Indies to be the -destination of the expedition, encountering many perils, at length -reached Barbadoes in safety; whilst the “Belfast,” with the remainder of -the regiment, was captured by a French corvette, the “Decius,” -twenty-four guns. The unfortunate prisoners were treated most cruelly, -and the more so that a conspiracy to rise upon their captors had been -divulged by one of the Dutchmen who had recently joined the regiment. -Landed at St Martin’s, they were afterwards removed to the common gaol -at Guadaloupe, during the passage to which the men of the regiment rose -against and overpowered the crew of one of the transports, and succeeded -in escaping to the British island of Grenada, where they joined their -comrades of the first battalion who still survived. The officers -remaining prisoners were inhumanly treated, and only released by -exchange, after enduring for ten months the miseries of confinement on -board the prison hulk “Albion”—a vessel captured from the British. On -their passage to rejoin the regiment which had returned home, calling at -the island of St Christopher, they had the satisfaction of witnessing -the captain and crew of the “Decius” in irons as prisoners. Unhappily -this “chapter of accidents” had not yet ended. On the homeward voyage -the transports, under convoy of the “Ariadne” frigate, encountered so -severe a tempest that several foundered—the frigate was under the -necessity of throwing her guns overboard; the “Bee” transport, shifting -her ballast, was cast on her beam ends, and was only saved by a marvel -of mercy—saved from the storm, to become the prey of a French privateer. -Lauded as prisoners in France, the officers were sent on their parole -into Brittany, until regularly exchanged. On returning, the survivors -rejoined the relics of the regiment in Plymouth lines in 1797. Whilst in -garrison here, along with the Second and Twenty-ninth Foot, and the Down -Militia, the regiment was exposed to the villany of an evil-disposed and -disaffected class—revolutionary incendiaries—the creatures of an -iniquitous delusion, in whose soul the God-like emotion of patriotism -had been stifled, and who appeared the specious friends yet certain foes -of virtue. Armed with all the seductive attractions of the licentious -liberty they preached, they therewith hoped to ruin our ancient -constitution, and set up in its stead the lying, fatal dogmas of -democracy. To accomplish this end, they strove to destroy the bulwarks -of our strength as a nation by the seduction of our soldiers and -sailors. In the presence of other grievances, and the absence of -immediate redress, these incendiaries had succeeded but too well in -imposing upon the navy, and exciting a dangerous mutiny, to which we -have already referred, as illustrating the fidelity of the Twenty-fifth, -who served as marines, and who could not be induced to forsake their -duty to their country, nor stain the honour of the regiment by any -defection. We now turn to record the fidelity of the regiment as equally -creditable in the army; and we have pleasure in adding the following as -a testimony of the loyalty which animated our Borderers. This -interesting document—the production of the Non-Commissioned Officers of -the regiment—affords us an earnest of their anxiety to detect and bring -to punishment the incendiaries who had dared to sap the allegiance of -the soldier:— - - - “_Nemo me impune lacessit._ The subscribing Non-Commissioned Officers - of H.M. Twenty-fifth regiment of foot, find, with great regret, that - attempts have been made by base and infamous persons to alienate some - of the soldiers of this garrison from their duty to their King and - country, by circulating inflammatory papers and hand-bills containing - the grossest falsehood and misrepresentation, thereby insulting the - character of the British soldier. In order to bring the incendiaries to - the punishment they so justly deserve, we hereby offer a reward of ten - guineas (to be paid on conviction) to the person or persons who will - inform upon, secure, or deliver over to any of the subscribers, the - author, printer, or distributor of papers or hand-bills criminal to the - military establishment and laws of the country, or for information - against any such person found guilty of bribing with money, or of - holding out any false allurements to any soldier in this district - tending to injure the good order and discipline of the army; which - reward of ten guineas is raised and subscribed by us for this purpose, - and will immediately be paid on conviction of any such offenders. God - save the King! - - “Signed by the whole of the - Non-Commissioned - Officers of the Regiment.” - - -Stationed in Jersey in 1798, on returning to England the regiment formed -part of the army encamped on Barham Downs and Shirley Common, until -embraced in the unfortunate expedition which, in 1799, under the Duke of -York, occasioned the loss of so much British blood and treasure in a -vain attempt to deliver Holland from the thraldom of France. -Notwithstanding the glory obtained in the battle of Egmont-op-Zee, -little practical good resulted. The Dutch seemed disinclined to help -themselves, and the French were in such force, whilst our expedition was -so inadequate to do more than hold its own, that retreat and the -ultimate abandonment of the enterprise ensued as a necessary -consequence. On the return of the army, the Twenty-fifth was encamped on -Shirley Common, where the troops assembled were, in 1800, reviewed by -the King, who afterwards engaged in a sham fight with the Duke of York, -and is represented as having beaten him. Shortly thereafter an -expedition sailed under Sir Ralph Abercromby for Spain, but ill success -there led that chief ultimately to direct his efforts for the expulsion -of the French from Egypt. Here he fell gloriously, at the battle of -Alexandria, in the arms of victory. The Twenty-fifth joined the army -towards the close of the campaign. The surrender of the French having -completed the deliverance of Egypt, the army returned in part to -England, whence, in 1807, the Twenty-fifth was sent out to the West -Indies, where, in 1809, it shared in the capture of the French island of -Martinique. - -“In the year 1813, while Lieut.-Colonel Light commanded the first -battalion, Twenty-fifth Foot, in the island of Guadaloupe, happening to -dine with the Governor, he was riding home to the barracks, distant -about one mile from the Governor’s house, in a violent thunderstorm with -heavy rain. A vivid flash of lightning coming very close to his horse, -the animal took fright, and suddenly sprang over a precipice of -fifty-four feet deep, which lay about five yards from the road on the -right, into a river swelled considerably by the rain. The horse was -killed by the fall, but Lieut.-Colonel Light swam on shore, with very -little injury, and walked home to his barracks, a quarter of a mile -distant from the place. - -“Lord George Henry Lennox, son to Charles, second Duke of Richmond, and -father of Charles, fourth Duke of Richmond, was colonel of the -Twenty-fifth Regiment from 22d December, 1762, to 22d March, 1805 (the -day of his death), a space of forty-two years and three months. His -lordship was particularly attached to the regiment; so much so, that, -notwithstanding his great interest—being a personal friend of the King -(George III.)—his lordship was understood to have declined being removed -to any other corps, although it was at the time alleged and believed -that he had frequently the offer of a cavalry regiment. Lord George -Henry Lennox was truly a father to the corps—never sparing any expense -in its equipments, and never failing to use all his interest in -promoting the officers to every vacancy which occurred in the corps; and -his lordship has been known, in anticipation of a failure in this -respect with the Commander-in-chief, to have solicited and succeeded -with His Majesty in preventing promotion in passing out of the -regiment”—and in the word “Minden” being allowed to be borne on its -colours and appointments. - -Having been engaged in nearly all the actions which, one by one, reduced -the French West Indian Islands and placed them under British rule, the -regiment returned to England in 1816, whilst the second battalion was -about the same time disbanded or merged in the first battalion. After -doing duty in various garrisons in Ireland for nearly ten years, the -regiment, in 1825, once more was sent out to the West Indies. - -Since its return to Great Britain it has remained on home service, -excepting now, when, again increased to two battalions, the first is -stationed at Gibraltar, whilst the second, garrisoning Edinburgh Castle, -revels in the pleasing associations of “auld langsyne.” - -[Illustration: QUEEN’S COLOURS OF TWENTY-FIFTH, OR KING’S OWN -BORDERERS.] - -[Illustration: REGIMENTAL COLOURS OF TWENTY-FIFTH, OR KING’S OWN -BORDERERS.] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE TWENTY-SIXTH FOOT; - OR, - CAMERONIANS. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - “The Martyr’s Hill’s forsaken, - In simmer’s dusk sae calm, - There’s nae gath’ring now, lassie, - To sing the e’ening psalm; - But the martyr’s grave will rise, lassie, - Aboon the warrior’s cairn; - And the martyr soun’ will sleep, lassie, - Aneath the waving fern.” - - ORIGIN AND EARLY HISTORY—DUNKELD—1689–1691. - - -The bigotry which at various times in our world’s history has lighted -the fires of persecution, has always proved itself impotent to make men -righteous or unrighteous. Rather has it entailed a curse upon the tyrant -whilst inflicting a woe upon the people who groaned beneath his rule. -The freedom which the accession of the House of Orange conferred upon -every rank of society, and every phase of belief, established the -sovereignty of William and Mary, not merely over the heads of the -people, but in the love and loyalty of their hearts. We have already -alluded to the origin of the Twenty-fifth as expressive of these -sentiments, and we now turn to the history of the Twenty-sixth, or -Cameronians, as furnishing another exponent of the gratitude and loyalty -of the emancipated Covenanters. The origin of this famous regiment—well -worthy, by the lustre of its deeds, of the pen of a Macaulay to -record—has elicited from that great national historian the following -graphic account, which, as well for the sake of variety as its own -excellence, we are here tempted to quote:— - -“The Covenanters of the West were in general unwilling to enlist. They -were assuredly not wanting in courage; and they hated Dundee with deadly -hatred. In their part of the country the memory of his cruelty was still -fresh. Every village had its own tale of blood. The greyheaded father -was missed in one dwelling, the hopeful stripling in another. It was -remembered but too well how the dragoons had stalked into the peasant’s -cottage, cursing and damning him, themselves, and each other at every -second word, pushing from the ingle nook his grandmother of eighty, and -thrusting their hands into the bosom of his daughter of sixteen; how the -adjuration had been tendered to him; how he had folded his arms and said -‘God’s will be done;’ how the colonel had called for a file with loaded -muskets; and how in three minutes the goodman of the house had been -wallowing in a pool of blood at his own door. The seat of the martyr was -still vacant at the fire-side; and every child could point out his grave -still green amidst the heath. When the people of this region called -their oppressor a servant of the devil, they were not speaking -figuratively. They believed that between the bad man and the bad angel -there was a close alliance on definite terms; that Dundee had bound -himself to do the work of hell on earth, and that, for high purposes, -hell was permitted to protect its slave till the measure of his guilt -should be full. But intensely as these men abhorred Dundee, most of them -had a scruple about drawing the sword for William. A great meeting was -held in the parish church of Douglas; and the question was propounded, -whether, at a time when war was in the land, and when an Irish invasion -was expected, it were not a duty to take arms? The debate was sharp and -tumultuous. The orators on one side adjured their brethren not to incur -the curse denounced against the inhabitants of Meroz, who came not to -the help of the Lord against the mighty. The orators on the other side -thundered against sinful associations. There were malignants in -William’s army: Mackay’s own orthodoxy was problematical: to take -military service with such comrades, and under such a general, would be -a sinful association. At length, after much wrangling, and amidst great -confusion, a vote was taken; and the majority pronounced that to take -military service would be a sinful association. There was, however, a -large minority; and, from among the members of this minority, the Earl -of Angus was able to raise a body of infantry, which is still, after the -lapse of more than a hundred and sixty years, known by the name of the -Cameronian Regiment. The first Lieut.-Colonel was Cleland, that -implacable avenger of blood who had driven Dundee from the Convention. -There was no small difficulty in filling the ranks, for many west -country Whigs, who did not think it absolutely sinful to enlist, stood -out for terms subversive of all military discipline. Some would not -serve under any colonel, major, captain, serjeant, or corporal who was -not ready to sign the Covenant. Others insisted that, if it should be -found absolutely necessary to appoint any officer who had taken the -tests imposed in the late reign, he should at least qualify himself for -command by publicly confessing his sin at the head of the regiment. Most -of the enthusiasts who had proposed these conditions were induced by -dexterous management to abate much of their demands. Yet the new -regiment had a very peculiar character. The soldiers were all rigid -Puritans. One of their first acts was to petition the Parliament that -all drunkenness, licentiousness, and profaneness might be severely -punished. Their own conduct must have been exemplary: for the worst -crime which the most austere bigotry could impute to them was that of -huzzaing on the King’s birth-day. It was originally intended that with -the military organisation of the corps should be interwoven the -organisation of a Presbyterian congregation. Each company was to furnish -an elder; and the elders were, with the chaplain, to form an -ecclesiastical court for the suppression of immorality and heresy. -Elders, however, were not appointed; but a noted hill preacher, -Alexander Shields, was called to the office of chaplain. It is not easy -to conceive that fanaticism can be heated to a higher temperature than -that which is indicated by the writings of Shields. According to him, it -should seem to be the first duty of a Christian ruler to persecute to -the death every heterodox subject, and the first duty of a Christian -subject to poinard a heterodox ruler. Yet there was then in Scotland an -enthusiasm compared with which the enthusiasm even of this man was -lukewarm. The extreme Covenanters protested against his defection as -vehemently as he had protested against the Black Indulgence and the oath -of supremacy, and pronounced every man who entered Angus’s regiment -guilty of a wicked confederacy with malignants.” - -Immediately after its formation, the regiment, which was raised to a -strength of near 1000 men in a few hours, marched and was stationed in -Edinburgh, where it served to keep under the rebellious schemes of many -a hot-headed Jacobite. Although Dundee appeared the natural enemy of -such a regiment, still it had not the satisfaction of being present at -Killiecrankie, where that great chieftain fell in what may be well -considered the greatest victory of his life. The disasters of the fight, -and the apparent ruin of the Royal cause, called for immediate succour -being sent to Major-General Mackay; but the blunders of those in power -at Edinburgh, distrusting Mackay, and, like too many councils, essaying -to be generals as well as statesmen, very nigh consigned our Cameronians -to a cruel fate. Advancing into the heart of the disaffected districts, -and stationed at Dunkeld, the regiment—but for its dauntless spirit and -heroic endurance, and the incapacity of General Cannon, who had -succeeded Dundee in the command of the rebels—would have been utterly -cut to pieces. The result of the conflict was most glorious, early -displaying the mettle of this gallant regiment. Lord Macaulay thus -summons the rich elegance and might of language to describe the scene:— - -“The Cameronian regiment was sent to garrison Dunkeld. Of this -arrangement Mackay altogether disapproved. He knew that at Dunkeld these -troops would be near the enemy; that they would be far from all -assistance; that they would be in an open town; that they would be -surrounded by a hostile population; that they were very imperfectly -disciplined, though doubtless brave and zealous; that they were regarded -by the whole Jacobite party throughout Scotland with peculiar -malevolence; and that in all probability some great effort would be made -to disgrace and destroy them. - -“The General’s opinion was disregarded; and the Cameronians occupied the -post assigned to them. It soon appeared that his forebodings were just. -The inhabitants of the country round Dunkeld furnished Cannon with -intelligence, and urged him to make a bold push. The peasantry of Athol, -impatient for spoil, came in great numbers to swell his army. The -regiment hourly expected to be attacked, and became discontented and -turbulent. The men, intrepid, indeed, both from constitution and -enthusiasm, but not yet broken to habits of military submission, -expostulated with Cleland, who commanded them. They had, they imagined, -been recklessly, if not perfidiously, sent to certain destruction. They -were protected by no ramparts: they had a very scanty stock of -ammunition: they were hemmed in by enemies. An officer might mount and -gallop beyond reach of danger in an hour: but the private soldier must -stay and be butchered. ‘Neither I,’ said Cleland, ‘nor any of my -officers will, in any extremity, abandon you. Bring out my horse, all -our horses: they shall be shot dead.’ These words produced a complete -change of feeling. The men answered that the horses should not be shot, -that they wanted no pledge from their brave Colonel except his word, and -that they would run the last hazard with him. They kept their promise -well. The Puritan blood was now thoroughly up; and what that blood was -when it was up had been proved on many fields of battle. - -“That night the regiment passed under arms. On the morning of the -following day, the twenty-first of August, all the hills round Dunkeld -were alive with bonnets and plaids. Cannon’s army was much larger than -that which Dundee had commanded, and was accompanied by more than a -thousand horses laden with baggage. Both the horses and baggage were -probably part of the booty of Killiecrankie. The whole number of -Highlanders was estimated by those who saw them at from four to five -thousand men. They came furiously on. The outposts of the Cameronians -were speedily driven in. The assailants came pouring on every side into -the streets. The church, however, held out obstinately. But the greater -part of the regiment made its stand behind a wall which surrounded a -house belonging to the Marquess of Athole. This wall, which had two or -three days before been hastily repaired with timber and loose stones, -the soldiers defended desperately with musket, pike, and halbert. Their -bullets were soon spent; but some of the men were employed in cutting -lead from the roof of the Marquess’s house and shaping it into slugs. -Meanwhile all the neighbouring houses were crowded from top to bottom -with Highlanders, who kept up a galling fire from the windows. Cleland, -while encouraging his men, was shot dead. The command devolved on Major -Henderson. In another minute Henderson fell pierced with three mortal -wounds. His place was supplied by Captain Munro, and the contest went on -with undiminished fury. A party of the Cameronians sallied forth, set -fire to the houses from which the fatal shots had come, and turned the -keys in the doors. In one single dwelling sixteen of the enemy were -burnt alive. Those who were in the fight described it as a terrible -initiation for recruits. Half the town was blazing; and with the -incessant roar of the guns were mingled the piercing shrieks of wretches -perishing in the flames. The struggle lasted four hours. By that time -the Cameronians were reduced nearly to their last flask of powder: but -their spirit never flagged. ‘The enemy will soon carry the wall. Be it -so. We will retreat into the house: we will defend it to the last; and, -if they force their way into it, we will burn it over their heads and -our own.’ But, while they were revolving these desperate projects, they -observed that the fury of the assault slackened. Soon the Highlanders -began to fall back: disorder visibly spread among them; and whole bands -began to march off to the hills. It was in vain that their general -ordered them to return to the attack. Perseverance was not one of their -military virtues. The Cameronians meanwhile, with shouts of defiance, -invited Amalek and Moab to come back and to try another chance with the -chosen people. But these exhortations had as little effect as those of -Cannon. In a short time the whole Gaelic army was in full retreat -towards Blair. Then the drums struck up: the victorious Puritans threw -their caps into the air, raised, with one voice, a psalm of triumph and -thanksgiving, and waved their colours, colours which were on that day -unfurled for the first time in the face of an enemy, but which have -since been proudly borne in every quarter of the world, and which are -now embellished with the ‘Sphinx’ and the ‘Dragon,’ emblems of brave -actions achieved in Egypt and in China.” - -“The Cameronians had good reason to be joyful and thankful; for they had -finished the war.” The loss of the regiment did not exceed 70 men, -whilst the rebels lost 300; but the death of their brave Commander, -Colonel Cleland, was a source of great regret to the Cameronians. This -desperate resistance, insignificant in itself, so cooled the fiery zeal -of the clans, that, melting away like snow, General Cannon was compelled -to retreat, and, soon without an army, to submit. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - “Farewell! ye dear partners of peril, farewell! - Tho’ buried ye lie in one wide bloody grave, - Your deeds shall ennoble the place where ye fell, - And your names be enroll’d with the sons of the brave.” - -1691–1862—THE NETHERLANDS—REBELLION, - 1715—AMERICA—EGYPT—CORUNNA—WALCHEREN—INDIA—CHINA—CANADA. - - -In 1691 the regiment joined the British army then serving in Flanders -against the French, and, by its steady valour, fully maintained its -character at the battle of Steenkirk and the siege of Namur. So highly -did the King appreciate its worth, that, when peace induced the -Government to disband many regiments, he retained the Cameronians in his -own pay, on the establishment of the Dutch Estates. - -The arrogant pretensions of the House of Bourbon to the vacant throne of -Spain, in opposition to the claims of the House of Hapsburg, re-kindled -the flames of war, and bade France and Austria, as the principals, -seconded by Bavaria and Britain, engage in mortal combat. Of the British -army sent to Holland in consequence, the Twenty-sixth formed a part. In -1703, brigaded with the Tenth, the Sixteenth, the Twenty-first, and the -second battalion of the First Royal Scots, it served with great -distinction in the army of Marlborough at Donawerth, and specially at -the battle of Blenheim, where, suffering severely, it had to lament the -loss of nineteen officers. At the battle of Ramilies, in 1706, the -regiment, after being much exposed throughout the fight, was engaged in -the pursuit of the beaten foe until midnight. It further shared the -sanguinary glories of Malplaquet ere the war was terminated by the peace -of Utrecht in 1713. Soon after its return home, the infatuation of the -Jacobites, whose licentious habits could not brook to be bridled by the -austere yet healthier _morale_ which presided in the Protestant Court of -the House of Hanover—longing for the restoration of that of Stuart as -likely to afford freer scope for the indulgence of their own evil -appetites—organised a conspiracy, which brought forth the rebellion of -1715. The Earl of Mar, an imbecile chief and ungrateful minion of the -Court, essayed to be its leader in Scotland, whilst Sir John Foster and -other cavaliers vainly strove simultaneously to arouse the malignant -Jacobitism which slumbered in the northern counties of England. To meet -the few who had dared to challenge the existing sovereignty, and under -Foster were advancing southward through Lancashire in hopes of being -reinforced by other malcontents, a body of royal troops was hastily -collected, chiefly cavalry—the Twenty-sixth being the only infantry -regiment. Without order, a distinct plan of action, or any definite -understanding as to a leader, the enemy, who had taken possession of, -and proposed to hold Preston against the assault of the Royalist army, -was easily broken, dispersed, and their cause utterly ruined. During -this unfortunate rebellion, which occasioned the effusion of much blood, -Colonel Blackader—who had accompanied the Twenty-sixth in its -continental campaigns, where he was ever distinguished among “the -bravest of the brave,” and whose ably-written records have bequeathed to -our day much that is valuable in the thread of Scottish military -history, and interesting in the annals of the Cameronian regiment—at -this period commanded the Glasgow Volunteers. The rebellion being -suppressed, the regiment was placed upon the Irish establishment, -garrisoning various posts in the emerald isle until the year 1727, when -it was removed to reinforce the troops which then defended the important -fortress of Gibraltar, baffling the most stupendous efforts of the -Spaniards to reduce it. Eleven years later it was sent to Minorca, and -thence returned home in 1754. This long absence on foreign service was -succeeded by an interval of quietude at home, so far at least as the -service of our Cameronians was concerned. In 1775, the unhappy conflict -began which bereft us of a valuable colony, and severed us from those -who ought to have been one with us as brethren. Like the Northern States -of America _now_, so we _then_, in the pride of our own self-righteous -will which had been challenged, supposed to enforce legislation by the -sword. Hence a British army, including the Twenty-sixth, was sent out to -America. Although at first the progress of our arms was graced with many -successes, still the end proved most disastrous. The Colonists, sorely -schooled in adversity, learned, through many defeats, how to conquer, -the more so when the shining abilities of Washington appearing, directed -their native valour and commanded their confidence as well as their -obedience. Shortly after the capture of St John’s, a detachment of the -regiment having been embarked in a vessel for secret service, the -expedition, discovered by the enemy, was pursued and captured. When -escape was seen to be impossible, and resistance hopeless, to prevent -the colours falling into the hands of the foe, they were wound round a -cannon shot and sunk in the river; and thus, however severe the -dispensation which befel themselves in being made prisoners of war, the -regiment was spared the aggravated pain of seeing the colours it had -followed to so many glorious successes—the epitome of a soldier’s -honour—becoming now, in the hands of the enemy, the record of its -present misfortune. Subsequently the regiment was engaged with the army, -under Lieut.-General Sir Henry Clinton, during the campaigns of 1777–78. - -Returning home from Halifax, in 1800, the transport, containing one -company of the regiment, under command of Captain Campbell, was captured -by the French privateer “Grande Decidèe.” With the British army under -Sir Ralph Abercromby—which achieved the deliverance of Egypt—the -Cameronians won a title by distinguished service, to include “Egypt” -among the records of its bravery. Meanwhile, the necessities of the -state were such that, the Government resolving to strengthen the army, a -second battalion was raised and grafted upon the good old stock of the -Twenty-sixth. In these times of war little rest could be expected. To -the brave, the patriot, it was peculiarly a time of action, not mere -idle alarm. Our country rejoiced in the security which was ensured by an -army, of which our Cameronians were so honoured a representative. Our -sovereigns benignantly smiled upon and proudly felt themselves happy -when they regarded the ranks of these our gallant defenders, nor feared -invasion so long as they possessed the allegiance of such soldiers. -Grieving that so large a kingdom as that of Spain should have fallen a -prey to the rapacious perfidy of Napoleon, and sympathising with the -patriotic efforts which a spirited people were then putting forth to be -free, our Government had recognised in that peninsula, with its -extensive sea-board, a fair theatre for action, and as the result -proved, a vulnerable point where Europe might strike a fatal blow at the -absorbing dominion of France. Following up these ideas, and in answer to -the earnest petitions for help from the people themselves, who gathered -together into patriotic bands, yet dared to struggle against the tyranny -which enslaved and ruined all who owned its supremacy, our Government, -in 1808, sent out a British army under Sir John Moore, which, -co-operating with the natives and the British army of Portugal, it was -vainly hoped should expel the enemy. The Twenty-sixth regiment, included -in this expedition, was doomed to share its cruel disappointments, yet -earn a title to the glory which must ever rest upon the memory of the -soldiers of Corunna. With the native daring of his race, Sir John Moore -advanced with 25,000 men into the very heart of Spain, and only -retreated when the expected aid from the Spaniards had been dissipated -by their defeat and ruin, and when Napoleon in person, at the head of an -army of 300,000 men, threatened to overwhelm his little phalanx of -British. Then, but not till then, he undertook that masterly retreat -which achieved the salvation of his brave troops, and in the end loaded -himself with honour, as closing a life of worth, he won the laurel -crown, and - - “Like a soldier fell” - -in the arms of victory. Lieut.-General Hope thus fitly records the -irreparable loss sustained in the death of Sir John Moore:— - -“I need not expatiate on the loss which the army and his country have -sustained by the death of Sir John Moore. His fall has deprived me of a -valuable friend, to whom long experience of his worth had sincerely -attached me. But it is chiefly on public grounds that I must lament the -blow. It will be the conversation of every one who loved or respected -his manly character, that after conducting the army through an arduous -retreat with consummate firmness, he has terminated a career of -distinguished honour, by a death that has given the enemy additional -reason to respect the name of a British soldier. Like the immortal -Wolfe, he is snatched from his country at an early period of a life -spent in her service; like Wolfe, his last moments were gilded by the -prospect of success, and cheered by the acclamation of victory; like -Wolfe, also, his memory will for ever remain sacred in that country -which he sincerely loved, and which he had so faithfully served.” - -The brunt of the action fell upon the Fourth, the Forty-second, the -Fiftieth, the Eighty-first regiments, a portion of the brigade of the -Guards, and the Twenty-sixth regiment. We are left to regret that the -Twenty-sixth had not afterwards an opportunity to avenge the death of -its commander upon the French—not again being seriously engaged in the -desolating wars of the time, which deluged the Continent with blood ere -a lasting peace had been attained by the triumph of Waterloo. This blank -in the active history of the regiment may be accounted for from the fact -that, after its return to England, serving with the army in the -Walcheren expedition, it suffered so severely in that unfortunate -campaign, that only ninety effective men returned to represent it. -Nevertheless, in 1811, recruited, it was embarked for Portugal, and in -the following year removed to Gibraltar, where the fatigues of military -duty pressed so severely upon the raw lads who then constituted the -regiment, that sickness appearing, fated many of those brave youth, who -feared not man, to faint and fail in the presence of this unseen and -unrelenting foe. - -On the return of peace the second battalion was reduced. In 1826 the -regiment was sent to India, where it served successively in the -presidencies of Madras and Bengal. - -[Illustration: MARQUIS OF DALHOUSIE, LATE COLONEL OF THE 26th -CAMERONIANS.] - -If the sword, the pestilence, or the famine should slay each their -thousands, the vice of intemperance, the crying iniquity of our land, -has slain its tens of thousands. The throne, the senate, the pulpit, and -the press, alike deplore its ravages; and although differing as to the -remedy to be applied, professedly all declare a crusade against this -social hydra. Exalted, not alone by our own might, or our own goodness, -but by the blessing of God resting upon these, Britain may well be -regarded as the lighthouse, divinely lighted, shedding abroad upon the -tumultuous waste of sin and ignorance around the saving light of truth -and righteousness. Strange inconsistency! notwithstanding[*N?] all this, -our merchants sacrifice honour at the shrine of gold, and amass wealth -by becoming the moral degenerators of others who have the sublime -virtue—which we lack—to expel by enactment the drug which would ruin, by -the passion it excites, an intellectual nation. In defiance of these -enactments, and despite our fair professions, we regret to think Britain -should afford countenance to the opium traffic, and lend the might of -her arms to maintain it, although involving a breach of the law of -China, and inflicting upon the Chinese a moral wrong. Happy are we to -know that there were not a few amongst us who had the courage to -repudiate the action of Government in this matter, and at length -awakening our people to the iniquity, so impressed our rulers as to -induce a better policy. But for the supreme vanity and duplicity of the -Chinese, war might have been averted. Their obnoxious impudence, and the -insults they strove to heap upon us, necessitated the vindication of our -honour, and occasioned the landing of a British force to chastise their -folly and protect British property. Accordingly, in 1840, the -Twenty-sixth, with the Eighteenth and Forty-ninth regiments, and other -Indian troops, embarked from Madras, and, arriving in China, -accomplished a landing on the island of Chusan. Excepting in some few -cases where the Chinese did behave themselves like men in the defence of -their country, our soldiers victoriously marched upon the cities of -Shanghae and Chin-Keang-foo, which fell an easy triumph to their daring. -The campaigns afford little to interest us in their record: we are, -therefore, content to say the arduous services of our troops were -rewarded, and, with the Eighteenth, Forty-ninth, Fifty-fifth, and -Ninety-eighth regiments, our Cameronians won the distinction of the -“Dragon.” Returning to Calcutta in 1843, the Twenty-sixth proceeded -thence to England, and in 1850 garrisoned Gibraltar. In 1853 the -regiment embarked for Canada, and was stationed at Montreal, afterwards, -re-embarking, removed to Bermuda, whence, in 1859, it once more returned -to the beloved shores of our native land. Restored to Scotland in 1861, -garrisoning Edinburgh Castle, the regiment was welcomed amongst us with -every expression of the highest veneration and heartfelt interest as the -representative of the Cameronians, whose prompt loyalty and patriotism, -more than a hundred and seventy years ago, wrested that same castle from -the dominion of the Stuart, and helped to give that liberty of faith -which we now so abundantly enjoy. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - “Think on Scotia’s ancient heroes, - Think on foreign foes repell’d, - Think on glorious Bruce and Wallace, - Wha the proud usurpers quell’d.” - - LIFE GUARDS—SEVENTH HUSSARS—SEVENTEENTH LIGHT - DRAGOONS—SEVENTIETH FOOT. - - -Not to exceed the limits we prescribed in setting out, we are -reluctantly compelled, in fulfilling our promise, to group into a single -brief chapter a variety of records incidental to our history. - - LIFE GUARDS. - -It is only fitting to note, that two troops of Scots Life Guards, raised -in Scotland shortly after the Restoration, and engaged with the Scots -Greys and Claverhouse’s Scots Horse in putting down Presbyterianism by -the sword, were at the Revolution included in the splendid cavalry of -the Life Guards, which have since been retained in waiting upon the -sovereign—their magnificent equipment and martial appearance, lending -dignity to the pageant of Royalty. Their excellence as soldiers has been -proved in the memorable victory of “Waterloo.” - - THE SEVENTH HUSSARS—“QUEEN’S OWN.” - -Viscount Dundee’s regiment of Scots Dragoons, or, as familiarly known in -Scottish song, “the bonnets o’ Bonnie Dundee,” refusing to enter the -service of William and Mary upon the involuntary abdication and flight -of James II., retiring into Scotland, becoming partners in the treason -and rebellion of their fiery leader, involved in his ruin, was lost to -the country. As if to replace this regiment, which had thus fallen to -pieces, the King, in 1690, raised a new cavalry corps in Scotland, known -as Cunningham’s Dragoons. It shares much of the history, and -participates largely in the honours, which we have already attempted to -describe as belonging to the “Scots Greys.” The regiment was disbanded -in 1713; but, two years later, re-formed from three companies of the -Scots Greys, two companies of the Royal Dragoons, and one newly raised. -As the “Seventh Queen’s Own Hussars,” it has never since ceased to -sustain its early reputation for steadiness and valour—the tokens of -which, emblazoned upon its colours and appointments, are comprised in -these two words: “Peninsula” and “Waterloo.” - - SEVENTEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS. - -Whilst France and Britain fiercely contended as to the extent of their -dominions in the American continent, where each might well be supposed -to have enough and to spare, Lord Aberdour, in 1759, raised a regiment -of cavalry in Scotland. Light dragoons had just then been introduced -into the service, and proved a most valuable arm thereof. We have failed -to discover precisely in what services this corps was employed, but are -inclined to think, with the Fifteenth Light Dragoons, the Inniskilling, -and Scots Greys, it must have served in Germany, under the Duke of -Brunswick, during the Seven Years’ War. It was disbanded in 1763. - -The Seventeenth Lancers, inheriting the martial ardour of this -old regiment, have more than sustained the credit of the -“Seventeenth”—bearing upon its colours and appointments “The Alma,” -“Balaklava,” “Inkermann,” and “Sevastopol”—and has gained a mightier -fame as one of the five regiments who formed the Light Cavalry Brigade -under the Earl of Cardigan in his memorable charge during the Crimean -war, fitly styled, from its fatal glory—“The Death’s Ride.” - - THE SEVENTIETH FOOT, OR SURREY REGIMENT. - -The disputes arising in 1758 between France and Britain as to the -boundary line of their American colonies failing to be amicably -adjusted, war was accepted as the stern arbiter. To meet the emergency, -our army was increased, and the— - - Second Battalion of the 3d Foot constituted the 61st Regiment. - ” ” 4th ” ” 62d ” - ” ” 8th ” ” 63d ” - ” ” 11th ” ” 64th ” - ” ” 12th ” ” 65th ” - ” ” 19th ” ” 66th ” - ” ” 20th ” ” 67th ” - ” ” 23d ” ” 68th ” - ” ” 24th ” ” 69th ” - ” ” 31st ” ” 70th ” - ” ” 32d ” ” 71st ” - ” ” 33d ” ” 72d ” - ” ” 34th ” ” 73d ” - ” ” 36th ” ” 74th ” - ” ” 37th ” ” 75th ” - -Thus the Seventieth was born out of the second battalion of the -Thirty-first English Regiment, (raised about the year 1702, during the -reign of Queen Anne, and for some time serving as marines in the fleet). -Shortly after its formation, being stationed in Scotland, and largely -recruited in Glasgow, the Seventieth was styled, in consequence of its -interest in that city and its light grey facings, the “Glasgow Greys.” -Ten years later the facings were changed to black. In 1782, probably in -compliment to its colonel, it became the “Surrey Regiment.” From some -unaccountable reason, in 1812 it was restored to somewhat of its -original character as the “Glasgow Lowland Regiment;” and again in 1823, -likely for recruiting purposes, it was re-christened the “Surrey”—which -designation it still retains. Although stationed in British America -during the war which raged amid the wilds of the New World, we do not -find it fortunate enough to be engaged. Indeed, the captures of the -islands of Martinique in 1794, and Guadaloupe in 1810, seem to be the -only trophies which it has been honoured to attain. No doubt its ranks -contained the same brave spirits as have everywhere and always sustained -the credit of the British soldier—yet have these been destined to reap -in quietude a glory by good conduct no less meritorious, although -apparently less lustrous, than that which is acquired amid the carnage -of the battle-field—consecrated in “the stormy music of the drum,” and -proclaimed in the shrill sound of the trumpet. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE SEVENTY-THIRD FOOT; - ORIGINALLY - SECOND BATTALION - OF THE - FORTY-SECOND ROYAL HIGHLANDERS. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - “Then our sodgers were drest in their kilts and short hose, - Wi’ their bonnets and belts which their dress did compose, - And a bag of oatmeal on their backs to make brose. - O! the kail brose o’ auld Scotland, - And O the Scottish kail brose.” - -1780–1862—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—INDIA—MANGALORE—SERINGAPATAM—NEW SOUTH - WALES—GERMANY—WATERLOO—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE. - - -The immense and increasing territory which circumstances had placed -under British protection, and in the end consigned to our possession in -India, occasioned a considerable increase of our army in order to -maintain these new gotten provinces against the incursions of -neighbouring and powerful tribes. Thus, in 1780, a second battalion was -raised for the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, which was ultimately -constituted independently the Seventy-third regiment. The battalion was -embodied at Perth, under Lord John Murray as Colonel, and Macleod, of -Macleod, as Lieut.-Colonel. Amongst its early officers, Lieutenant -Oswald was distinguished as the subject of a strange speculation which -at this time so tickled the brilliant imaginings of our “literati,” as -to call forth from the pen of a learned doctor an elaborate -disquisition, intended to prove that Napoleon the Great was none else -than Lieutenant Oswald, who, imbibing republican ideas, had passed over -to France, and by a chain of circumstances been elevated from the -command of a republican regiment to be the great captain and ruler of -France. Such marvellous transformations were by no means uncommon in the -then disordered state of French society. Virtue as well as vice was -ofttimes the idol for a time, to be exalted and adored. But the life and -adventures of Lieutenant Oswald, however notorious, did not attain such -a grand ideal. With his two sons, he fell fighting at the head of his -regiment in La Vendee in 1793. - -Scarce had the battalion been completed ere it was shipped for foreign -service. Intended to prosecute an attack upon the colony of the Cape of -Good Hope, the aim of the expedition was frustrated by the promptitude -of Admiral Sufferin, who commanded the French fleet, and arriving first -at the colony, prevented a landing being successfully effected. The -expedition thus interrupted sailed for India, in the passage making a -valuable capture of richly laden Dutch Indiamen. In the division of the -spoil arising, after much disputing, the soldiers shared. One hundred -and twenty officers and men of the regiment fell a prey to the scurvy -and fever on the voyage, which, from the ignorance and incapacity of the -commanders of the transports, was protracted to twelve months. The -“Myrtle,” without maps or charts, separated from the fleet in a tempest, -was only saved by the cool resolution of Captain Dalyell, who, amid many -perils, succeeded in navigating the vessel to St Helena, and so rescuing -many valuable lives who otherwise would probably have been lost. Arrived -at Madras, the battalion was immediately advanced into the interior, -where the critical position of British affairs, assailed by the numerous -black legions of Hyder Ali and his son Tippoo Saib, aided by a French -force under General Lally, rendered the presence of every bayonet of -importance. The utmost efforts of Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Frederick -Mackenzie Humberston could only muster a British force of 2500 men, of -whom 2200 were Sepoys. Nevertheless, with these he advanced to check the -progress of the enemy, who had an army of 10,000 cavalry and 14,000 -infantry. Notwithstanding this immense superiority in numbers on the -part of the enemy, nothing could daunt our troops; bravely they held -their own, defying the most desperate attempts of the foe to drive them -back. The general order thus records the action that ensued: “This -little army, attacked on ground not nearly fortified, by very superior -numbers, skilfully disposed and regularly led on; they had nothing to -depend on but their native valour, their discipline, and the conduct of -the officers. These were nobly exerted, and the event has been -answerable. The intrepidity with which Major Campbell and the -Highlanders repeatedly charged the enemy was most honourable to their -character.” - -More effectually to strike at the power of the Sultan by cutting him off -from the source whence he had hitherto drawn his supplies, a -considerable force was ordered to assemble in the Bombay Presidency, -and, under Brigadier-General Matthews, assail Beddinore. To join this -army the battalion was embarked and sailed for Bombay, whence, advancing -into the country, it effected a junction with the army near Cundapore. -The Highlanders were particularly distinguished in the attack and -capture of a series of forts which impeded the march, and especially so -in the taking of a strong fortress which lay in the way, named, because -of its strength, Hyder Gurr. The enemy was so impressed by the spirit -evinced in these assaults, that, dreading a further attack, they -evacuated Beddinore without an attempt to defend it, which was -immediately occupied by the British in January, 1783. This battalion was -not of the army which soon after was surrendered to the enemy by General -Matthews, who foolishly deemed himself too weak to withstand the -imposing force which had surrounded him in Beddinore. - -The conduct of Major Campbell, who commanded this battalion in the -defence of Mangalore, stands forth in brilliant contrast to the errors -which led General Matthews to surrender an equally brave army into the -cruel hands of the Mysore tyrant. With 250 Highlanders and 1500 Sepoys, -Major Campbell, although assailed by an army of 100,000 men, aided by a -powerful artillery, defended Mangalore for nine months. Throughout the -siege the defenders behaved with the most heroic constancy and -gallantry, although experiencing the pinchings of famine, and exposed to -the most cruel disappointments. Even the Sepoys, emulating the -Highlanders, so distinguished themselves, that, in compliment to their -bravery, our countrymen dubbed one of their regiments their own third -battalion. Truly it was a new and strange thing to have within the Royal -Highland Regiment a cohort of “brave blacks;” yet it displays a generous -sentiment which reflects honour upon the regiment. Three times did a -British squadron enter the bay, having on board stores and -reinforcements, yet as often did this needed and expected aid retire -without helping these perishing, exhausted brave—out of respect to the -armistice of a faithless foe, which for a time existed and apparently -terminated the siege. Their perfidy in one instance, scorning the -sacredness of treaties, exploded a mine, which blew into the air the -flag of truce then waving from the British ramparts. Reduced to the last -extremities, shut up to a dark despair, indignant for the seeming -neglect of friends, and dreading the relentless wrath of the enemy, the -brave garrison accepted the only hope of life which yet remained, by -surrender; and, be it said to the honour of the Indian character—with -the generosity which becomes the conquering soldier in the presence of a -brave yet vanquished foe—the terms imposed were such as enabled the -exhausted remnant of the garrison to retire with all the honours of war. -Scarce 500 effective men could be mustered to march out of the fortress, -and these so feeble as to be hardly able to bear the weight of their -muskets. Colonel Fullarton, in his interesting volume upon British -India, thus writes: “Colonel Campbell has made a defence which has -seldom been equalled and never surpassed.” The memorial of this service -is still borne alone upon the colours and appointments of the -Seventy-third. So redundant with honour had been the services of this -second battalion of the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, that when the -army, in 1786, was being reduced, by the disbanding of second -battalions, the representations of the officers of the regiment were so -favourably received by the Government, that this battalion was retained -as an independent corps, under the command of Sir George Osborn, Bart., -thereafter known as the Seventy-third Regiment. In the division of -Major-General Robert Abercromby, the regiment joined the army of Lord -Cornwallis, which, in 1792, advanced upon Seringapatam; the attack was -only arrested by the proposals of a treaty of peace. In the brigade of -Lieutenant-Colonel David Baird, the Seventy-third was engaged in the -reduction of the French colony of Pondicherry, and, in 1795, in the army -of Major-General James Stuart, assailed and occupied the valuable island -of Ceylon. At length the arm of vengeance—vengeance for the murdered -brave who had fallen victims to the cruelty of Hyder Ali in the -pestilential dungeons of Seringapatam—so often threatened, yet always -averted, descended to consume the guilty city and destroy its merciless -ruler. Seringapatam fell before the arms of our troops, including the -Seventy-third Regiment, in 1799. The history of the regiment at this -period is associated with the early achievements of the “Great Duke,” -then the Honourable Colonel Arthur Wellesley. - -[Illustration: - - ASSAULT ON THE - ENTRENCHED CAMP - OF - SERINGAPATAM - on the night of the 6^{th} of Febr. - 1792 -] - -Returning home in 1805, the regiment proceeded to Scotland to recruit, -and in 1809, despoiled of its Highland character, laid aside “the garb -of old Gaul” and the designation it had hitherto enjoyed. Increased by -the addition of a second battalion, the first battalion was sent to New -South Wales; whilst the second, remaining at home, was, in 1813, -employed as the solitary representative of the British army in the north -of Germany. - -The Annual Register gives the following account of the battle of Gorde, -where it fought with honour:—“After landing at Stralsund, and assisting -in completing the works of that town, Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, with -the Seventy-third, was detached into the interior of the country, to -feel for the enemy, and also to get into communication with -Lieutenant-General Count Wallmoden, which dangerous service he -successfully effected, though he had with great care and caution to -creep with his small force between the large _corps d’armée_ of Davoust -and other French Generals at that time stationed in Pomerania, -Mecklenburg, and Hanover. Having joined Count Wallmoden, the -Seventy-third contributed greatly to the victory that General gained -over the French on the plains of Gorde, in Hanover, where -Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, at the head of his battalion, declining any -aid, and at the moment when the German hussars had been routed, charged -up a steep hill, took a battery of French artillery, and unfurling the -British colours, at once spread terror amongst that gallant enemy which -feared no others; a panic struck them, and they fled.” - -This battalion was also hotly engaged at the desperate conflict of -Quatre Bras, and the decisive victory of Waterloo, in 1815. In the -Kaffir Wars, which desolated South Africa from 1846–47, and 1850–53, the -Seventy-third bore an important part. It was also present in India -during the recent Sepoy Mutiny. Having abandoned its national character -since 1809, it does not fall within the scope of this work further to -follow the narrative of those achievements that have never failed -worthily to sustain the excellence which—whilst our own—belonged to it. -We are sure that, whoever they be that now represent the Seventy-third, -the perusal of this imperfect sketch will not make them ashamed of its -Highland origin, but rather incite them to emulate those brave deeds, -the glory of which they are privileged to inherit. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE SEVENTY-FIFTH FOOT; - ORIGINALLY - HIGHLANDERS. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER XX. - - “Courage! Nothing e’er withstood - Freemen fighting for their good; - Armed with all their fathers’ fame, - They will win and wear a name - That shall go to endless glory, - Like the gods of old Greek story; - Raised to heaven and heavenly worth, - For the good they gave to earth.” - - 1787–1862—INDIA—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—INDIAN MUTINY. - - -In General Stuart’s admirable and interesting annals of the Highland -Regiments, the brief record of the Seventy-fifth Highlanders is -introduced by a series of wholesome counsels as to military -administration, gathered from his own large experience and wide field of -diligent inquiry, from which we shall quote a few extracts, as being -useful and helpful to our history. It seems that this regiment, raised -by Colonel Robert Abercromby in 1787 from among his tenantry around -Stirling, and the veterans who, in earlier life, had served under him in -the army as a light brigade, had been subjected to an unusually strict -system of discipline, which had operated prejudicially upon the corps. -The system adopted “was formed on the old Prussian model; fear was the -great principle of action; consequently, it became the first object of -the soldiers to escape detection, more than to avoid crimes.” This -system, when enforced, “was carried into effect by one of the captains -who commanded in the absence of the field-officers. He was an able and -intelligent officer; but he had been educated in a school in which he -had imbibed ideas of correctness which required no small strength of -mind to enforce, and which, when enforced with severity, tended to break -the spirit of the soldiers to a degree which no perfection in movement -can ever compensate. When applied to the British soldier in particular, -this system has frequently frustrated its own purpose.” -Brotherly-kindness and charity—patience and forbearance—are virtues -which should not be banished, but rather be exercised, as thoroughly -consistent with the best military institutions. A considerate attention -to the wants, nay, the very weaknesses of the soldier, is likely to -accomplish more for good discipline than the stern frigidity of mere -military despotism. It was in the camp that the iron will of Napoleon, -unbending, achieved a charmed omnipotence over his soldiers, and by a -single simple, pithy sentence fired them with that ardour and devotion -which made Europe tremble beneath the tread of his invincible legions. -The charm was only broken when the vastness of his dominion had -scattered the old soldiers of the empire, and the feeble conscript -failed to sustain the veteran remnant of “The Guard,” the more -especially at a time when disasters, quickly crowding upon his arms, and -bereft of the invincibility which had hitherto been inseparable to his -presence, no power remained to animate the soul of the recruit, rudely -torn from his home and pressed into the fatal vortex of the dying army. -The marvellous sway of this great captain over the hearts as well as the -wills of his soldiers teaches many useful lessons, and illustrates what -General Stuart so well observes:—“When a soldier’s honour is in such -little consideration that disgraceful punishments are applied to -trifling faults, it will soon be thought not worth preserving.” We must -have a degree of faith equally in the honour as well as the loyalty of -our soldiers, to help them to a cheerful and not a Russian stolidness in -the discharge of duty. In the case of the Seventy-fifth “the necessity -of this severe discipline was not proved by the results, when the -regiment passed under the command of another officer. The system was -then softened and relaxed, and much of the necessity of punishment -ceased; the men became more quiet and regular, and in every respect -better soldiers. A soldier sees his rights respected, and while he -performs his duty, he is certain of being well treated, well fed, well -clothed, and regularly paid; he is, consequently, contented in his mind -and moral in his habits.” - -At length released from the terrors under which, for eighteen months, -the corps had been trained, it embarked for India, where, with other -King’s regiments, chiefly Highland, and the British native troops, it -was present with great credit at the several attacks upon Seringapatam, -which, in 1799, terminated in the capture of that capital. Subsequently -the Seventy-fifth was engaged with the army under Lord Lake in the -campaigns of Upper India. It was one of the five British regiments -which, in 1805, were so disastrously repulsed in an attempt upon the -strong fortress of Bhurtpore. Returning to England in 1806, like the -Seventy-third, the regiment was shortly thereafter shorn of its dignity -as a Highland corps, not a hundred Highlanders remaining in its ranks. - -We cannot but lament the circumstances which have bereaved us of an -interest in so many regiments once representatives of our Old Highland -Brigade. Believing our “Scottish Rights Association” to sympathise with -us in these regrets, and believing it to be composed of men truly in -earnest, we commend, to their most serious consideration—not merely as a -theme for eloquent disquisition, but as a field for action—the revival -and preservation, in their original integrity, of the old Scottish and -Highland regiments. By suggesting some better mode of recruiting and -stirring up our countrymen to rally round the national colours of those -regiments, which still in name belong to us, they may be prevented from -still farther degenerating, and sharing a similar fate as those who have -already been lopped from the parent stem—lost to our nationality, lost -because of our own apathy, lost in the great sea of British valour. A -very interesting cotemporary work, giving “An Account of the Scottish -Regiments,” published by Mr Nimmo of Edinburgh, and compiled by an -official well versant in these matters, is now before us, and shows how -the tide of professed improvement, encroaching in this utilitarian age, -is likely soon to obliterate the ancient landmarks. Wave after wave of -civilisation has broken upon the shore of privilege and custom, hallowed -by a venerable age, and, by assimilation, would sweep away the -time-honoured characteristics which distinguish our Scottish soldiers -and people. - -[Illustration: - - ASSAULT - of - DELHI. - 14^{th}. September 1857. -] - -The Seventy-fifth regiment served with distinction at the Cape of Good -Hope during the Kaffir War of 1835, which threatened to wrest that -valuable colony from us. It is also distinguished for its heroic efforts -before Delhi during the Indian Mutiny, where Lieutenant Wadeson and -Private Patrick Green won the Victoria Cross.[B] With the Royal Tiger -emblazoned upon its colours—a distinction gained on the same sultry -plains for previous service in India, conferred in July, 1807—it -increased its merited reputation by driving the enemy before it, at the -point of the bayonet, and effecting the capture of all his guns. The -conduct of the little army which achieved the fall of Delhi is thus -eulogised by the Governor-General:—“Before a single soldier, of the many -thousands who are hastening from England to uphold the supremacy of the -British power, has set foot on these shores, the rebel force, where it -was strongest and most united, and where it had the command of unbounded -military appliances, has been destroyed or scattered by an army -collected within the limits of the North-western Provinces and the -Punjab alone. - -Footnote B: - - For these and many other details, the Author is indebted to the - “_Medals of the British Army_,” by Mr Carter, who has therein - endeavoured to individualise the several regiments, and to show the - particular deeds, not only of the corps, but also of the officers and - men. - -“The work has been done before the support of those battalions, which -have been collected in Bengal from the forces of the Queen in China, and -in Her Majesty’s eastern colonies, could reach Major-General Wilson’s -army; and it is by the courage and endurance of that gallant army alone; -by the skill, sound judgment, and steady resolution of its brave -commander; and by the aid of some native chiefs, true to their -allegiance, that, under the blessing of God, the head of rebellion has -been crushed, and the cause of loyalty, humanity, and rightful authority -vindicated.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - -[Illustration: - - LORD LYNEDOCH. - THE NINETIETH, OR “PERTHSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.” -] - - THE NINETIETH FOOT; - OR, - PERTHSHIRE VOLUNTEERS. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXI. - - “He, in the firmament of honour, stands - Like a star, fixed, not moved with any thunder - Of popular applause, or sudden lightning - Of self-opinion; he hath saved his country, - And thinks ’twas but his duty.” - -1794–1862—GIBRALTAR—MINORCA—EGYPT—WEST INDIES—CRIMEA—INDIAN MUTINY. - - -From the wilds of Perthshire have hailed many of the best and bravest -soldiers, whose deeds grace our military annals, and whose lives have -been the embodiment of all that truly ennobles character and makes the -man. Of these there is none perhaps more justly celebrated than Thomas -Graham, Lord Lynedoch, whose abilities early marked him to be the leader -of the patriotism of his native county, which, in 1794, found its -expression in the enrolment of the Ninetieth Regiment of Foot, or -Perthshire Volunteers. Shortly after its formation, the corps was -included in the army under Lord Moira; and in 1795, from the Isle Dieu, -proceeded to reinforce the garrison of Gibraltar. With the -Twenty-eighth, the Forty-second, and the Fifty-eighth regiments, the -Ninetieth formed the force which, under Lieutenant-General Sir Charles -Stuart, in 1798, assailed and captured the island of Minorca from the -Spaniards. A more important service, and more serious encounter with the -enemy, awaited the arms of the Ninetieth, as part of the expedition of -Sir Ralph Abercromby, which, in 1801, was destined to drive the French -out of Egypt. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, afterwards Viscount -Hill, it was brigaded with the Eighth, the Thirteenth, and the -Eighteenth regiments. At this period the regiment wore helmets, giving -it the appearance of a body of dismounted cavalry. At Mandora, believing -it to be such, and supposing, in consequence, that being thus out of its -own element, the regiment should lack the wonted steadiness of British -infantry, the French cavalry charged fiercely and repeatedly upon the -Ninetieth, yet always fruitlessly. The phalanx of our Perthshire men -remained firm, whilst many a saddle was emptied by its murderous fire. -It was on this occasion that Sir Ralph Abercromby, separated from his -staff, having his horse shot under him, was on the point of being -captured, when a soldier of the Ninetieth afforded such prompt -assistance, and by heroically exposing his own life in defence of his -commander, accomplished his rescue. At the same battle, Colonel Hill, -who, as the associate of Wellington, afterwards shared the glory of the -Peninsular campaigns, had his life saved by the fortunate circumstance -of the helmet he wore. “A musket ball struck it on the brass rim with -such force, that he was thrown from his horse to the ground, and the -brass completely indented. Without this safeguard, the ball would have -passed through his head.” The conspicuous bravery of the Ninetieth and -Ninety-second regiments on this occasion was rewarded by the honourable -distinction of “Mandora,” in addition to the “Sphinx” and “Egypt,” borne -by other corps engaged in the expedition. - -Whilst the British were accomplishing glorious results on the plains of -Spain, the Ninetieth was employed, in 1809–10, with the Seventh, Eighth, -Thirteenth, Fifteenth, Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth (flank companies), -Sixtieth, Sixty-third, and First West Indian Regiments, in the reduction -of the valuable island of Martinique. This success was soon afterwards -followed by the capture of Guadaloupe, in which the Ninetieth bore a -conspicuous part. The five and thirty years which intervene betwixt this -and the next active service in which the regiment was engaged, although -a blank so far as mere fighting is concerned, displayed in its soldiers -excellences not less to be admired than those which manifest a mere -physical might or brute courage. From the “Account of the Scottish -Regiments”—to which we have already referred—we find that in 1812 the -composition of the regiment in its several battalions was as -follows:—English, 1097; Scots, 538; Irish, 486; Foreigners, 24. Total, -2144. - -In 1846 the Kaffirs of South Africa attempted to recover their ancient -territory from British dominion, and accompanied these attempts with a -series of predatory incursions upon our settlements, especially in the -neighbourhood of Graham’s Town. It became necessary, for the defence of -the colony, to assemble a British army of some strength. Ere this could -be accomplished, much valuable property became the prey of these -savages, and many lives were sacrificed on the altar of their vengeance. -At first the disparity in numbers was very great—so great as to preclude -a decisive result in our favour—the whole British force scarcely -amounting to 700 men, whilst the enemy possessed 60,000 sable warriors. -Moreover, the peculiarity of the warfare in “the bush” served somewhat -to advantage the foe, and negative the superiority we might otherwise -enjoy, from troops better armed and disciplined. The assembled British, -augmented by reinforcements from home, comprised, besides Royal -Artillery and Engineers, the Seventh Dragoon Guards, the Sixth, -Twenty-seventh, Forty-fifth, Seventy-third, Ninetieth, and Ninety-first -regiments, the first battalion of the Rifle Brigade, and the Cape -Mounted Riflemen. This army, advancing in two divisions, after -undergoing the most harassing service, exposed continually to the attack -of an unseen and treacherous enemy, at length so hunted down the -guerilla bands which infested the country, that the Kaffirs were glad to -purchase peace by the surrender, as hostages, of their chief Sandilli, -together with his brother and eighty of his principal followers. “During -this long and protracted desultory warfare great fatigue and exertions -had been undergone with the characteristic heroism of the British -soldier; and the humanity and forbearance displayed by him towards the -fickle, treacherous, and revengeful enemy, were as conspicuous as his -bravery.” - -The Ninetieth joined the “army of the Crimea” before Sebastopol early in -December, 1854, and served during that fatal winter when so many brave -men fell the victims of disease, induced by the hardships to which they -were exposed, and which so abundantly displayed the unmurmuring firmness -of the British soldier, so graciously cheered by the sympathy of our -beloved Queen, who thus beautifully expressing her feelings, has -unwittingly rewarded the heroic endurance of our soldiers, by -conferring, in these words, a well-merited tribute to their bravery, -which must ever be treasured by our country:— - - - “Would you tell Mrs Herbert that I begged she would let me see - frequently the accounts she receives from Miss Nightingale or Mrs - Bracebridge, as I hear no details of the wounded, though I see so many - from officers, etc., about the battlefield, and naturally the former - must interest me more than any one. Let Mrs Herbert also know that I - wish Miss Nightingale and the ladies would tell these poor noble - wounded and sick men that no one takes a warmer interest, or feels more - for their sufferings, or admires their courage and heroism more than - their Queen. Day and night she thinks of her beloved troops; so does - the Prince. Beg Mrs Herbert to communicate these my words to those - ladies, as I know that our sympathy is much valued by these noble - fellows. - - VICTORIA.” - - -It was during the third bombardment of Sebastopol, and in the assault -and defence of the fortifications known as the Quarries, that the -Ninetieth first seriously encountered the Russians. In this attack, -which took place on the 7th June, 1855, the regiment was gallantly led -by Lieut.-Colonel Robert Campbell, who fell severely wounded. Belonging -to the Light Division, it afterwards formed part of the assailing force -which so heroically yet unsuccessfully attempted to carry the powerful -defences of the Redan. Fearing the result of a second assault, sustained -by the same impetuous valour, and incited by the resolve to wipe out the -seeming stain of the previous repulse, the Russians declining the -contest, beat a timely retreat, evacuating that portion of the -fortifications deemed no longer tenable, and by a series of masterly -movements successfully effecting an escape to the other side of the -harbour, from whence the Governor negotiated the surrender of the entire -city. These good tidings, received with joy by all classes at home, -elicited from the Throne the following expression of our nation’s -gratitude to the heroes of the “Crimean Army:”— - - - “The Queen has received with deep emotion the welcome intelligence of - the fall of Sebastopol. Penetrated with profound gratitude to the - Almighty, who has vouchsafed this triumph to the allied army, Her - Majesty has commanded me to express to yourself, and through you to her - army, the pride with which she regards this fresh instance of their - heroism. The Queen congratulates her troops on the triumphant issue of - their protracted siege, and thanks them for the cheerfulness and - fortitude with which they have encountered its toils, and the valour - which has led to its termination. The Queen deeply laments that this - success is not without its alloy, in the heavy losses that have been - sustained; and while she rejoices in the victory, Her Majesty deeply - sympathizes with the noble sufferers in their country’s cause.” - - -[Illustration: LUCKNOW.] - -It remains for us now simply to record the memorable services of the -Ninetieth in that dark period of our country’s history—the Indian -Mutiny. Brigaded with our Highlanders, “Havelock’s Seventy-eighth—the -Saints,” the regiment was advanced, under Generals Outram and Havelock, -for the relief of Lucknow. Whilst guarding the baggage near the -Alumbagh, the Ninetieth was fiercely attacked by a strong column of the -rebel cavalry, and it was only after a desperate fight and much loss -that the mutineers were repulsed and dispersed. The further relief of -Lucknow being accomplished by Sir Colin Campbell, now Lord Clyde, the -regiment was thereafter engaged with the Forty-second and Fifty-third -storming the position of the mutineers at the Martinière. The numerous -acts of individual bravery which marked the conduct of so many of our -Perthshire Volunteers have received, as the reward of distinguished -merit, the decoration of the “Victoria Cross;” whilst Perthshire may -well indulge a becoming pride as she reviews the famous achievements of -her soldier sons. - - “Courage, therefore, brother-men. - Cry ‘God!’ and to the fight again.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE NINETY-FIRST FOOT; - OR, - ARGYLLSHIRE, ORIGINALLY HIGHLANDERS. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXII. - - “The Campbells they are a’ in arms, - Their loyal faith and truth to show, - With banners rattling in the wind; - The Campbells are coming, O-ho, O-ho!” - - 1794–1862—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—PENINSULA—CORUNNA—SHIPWRECK—KAFFIR - WARS—INDIAN MUTINY. - - -To the cursory reader of Scottish history it appears somewhat strange -that a chief such as the Duke of Argyll, who, of first importance -amongst our Scottish nobility, possessed of so vast a territory, and -exercising an almost regal power—notwithstanding the military character -of his family, and the many officers of celebrity who have sprung from -among his vassals—should have comparatively failed to induce his -tenantry, so famed for bravery in our national wars, to assume, as a -body of soldiers distinctively belonging to the clan of Campbell, that -prominence in our army to which their ancient renown entitles them. This -may be explained in the fact that the natives of Argyllshire have always -manifested a strong predilection for the navy rather than the army, -probably arising from the almost insular position of the county, and the -sea-faring life of so many of its people. The Ninety-first, at first -numbered the Ninety-eighth, which now remains the only, and, in our day, -ill-defined representative of the martial renown of the Campbells, was -raised by Lieut.-Colonel Duncan Campbell of Lochnell, and embodied at -Stirling in 1794. It was almost immediately thereafter embarked for -service at the Cape of Good Hope, where it remained until that colony -was restored to the Dutch in 1801. The severe and constant drain which -had drafted from the scanty population of our Highlands and Lowlands -whole regiments of recruits, had so exhausted the military resources of -our country that, in 1809, it was found impossible to maintain all the -numerous Gaelic corps which then existed in their original national -integrity and completeness. Hence the Seventy-third, Seventy-fifth, -Ninety-first, and the old Ninety-fourth (Scots Brigade), were of -necessity doomed to lay aside the Highland costume, and, to a great -extent, abandon their Scottish character. This regiment was present in -the brigade of Brigadier-General Craufurd in reserve at the battles of -Roleia and Vimiera in 1808, which seemed to foreshadow the triumphs of -after years. It was also with the army of Sir John Moore in his -disastrous retreat, terminated so gloriously in the victory of Corunna, -the lustre of which was only dimmed by the death of the hero, who fell -whilst yet achieving it, and whose decease Marshal Soult, with a true -soldier spirit, alike with ourselves lamented. Chivalrously he paid the -last tribute of military respect to the departed brave, by firing the -funeral salute, and raising a monument over the grave of his fallen foe. -The generous behaviour of Marshal Soult, notwithstanding his after -faults, must ever command our admiration, and remain a record of his own -nobleness—the tribute of the friend of the brave; and justified the -ovation he received at the hands of the British public, when he visited -our shores as the ambassador of Louis Philippe. - -For a moment the success of the French seemed complete, and the sway -of Napoleon universal; whilst the British army appeared, as had been -often threatened, “driven into the sea.” But the British meantime -returning to England, the chasms which want, fatigue, and the sword -had occasioned in the recent retreat, were speedily filled up, and now -our army only waited the opportunity when, returning to the Peninsula, -it should avenge the past and deliver the oppressed. Soon, under -Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Wellesley, landed at Lisbon, it began -that victorious career which, by a perpetual series of successes, -advanced the tide of war through Spain, and, at length entering -France, helped materially to overthrow the dominion which the Empire -had usurped. Although the Ninety-first claims an interest in the -actions of the “Peninsula,” it was not until the British army was -about entering France that its connection therewith led to conspicuous -service—the memorials of which are still borne upon the colours and -appointments of the regiment in these words: the “Pyrenees,” the -“Nive,” the “Nivelle,” “Orthes,” and “Toulouse.” - -From these scenes of stirring and thrilling interest, we turn to record -a signal instance of heroism which, occurring nearer our own time, -presents an illustrious example of the qualities which brightly -distinguish the British soldier far more truly than even the triumphs of -the battle-field. We give the incident as inscribed by order of the Duke -of Wellington in the Records of the Regiment, who declared “he had never -read anything so satisfactory,” that is, in its compilation, and the -marvellous obedience to orders and fidelity to duty it serves as a -report to show:— - -“The reserve battalion of the Ninety-first Regiment arrived in Table Bay -on the 25th of August, 1842, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel -Lindsay. - -“On the 27th of August the command of the battalion and of the -detachments embarked on board the ‘Abercrombie Robinson’ transport, -devolved on Captain Bertie Gordon of the Ninety-first Regiment, -Lieut.-Colonel Lindsay and Major Ducat having landed on that day at Cape -Town. - -“The situation of the transport was considered a dangerous one from her -size (being 1430 tons), and from the insufficient depth of water in -which she had brought up. The port-captain, who boarded her on the -evening of the 25th, advised the captain to take up another berth on the -following day. This was impossible, for the wind blew strong into the -bay from the quarter which is so much dreaded there, and had continued -to increase in violence during the 26th, 27th, and 28th August. - -“At eleven o’clock P.M., on the night of the 27th, it was blowing a -strong gale, and the sea was rolling heavily into the bay. The ship was -pitching much, and she began to feel the ground; but she rode by two -anchors, and much cable had been veered out the night before. - -“Captain Gordon made such arrangements as he could, in warning the -officers, the sergeant-major, and orderly noncommissioned officers to be -in readiness. - -“From sunset on the 27th the gale had continued to increase, until at -length it blew a tremendous hurricane; and at a little after three A.M., -on the morning of the 28th, the starboard cable snapped in two; the -other cable parted in two or three minutes afterwards, and away went the -ship before the storm, her hull striking, with heavy crashes, against -the ground as she drove towards the beach, three miles distant, under -her lee. - -“About this time the fury of the gale, which had never lessened, was -rendered more terrible by one of the most awful storms of thunder and -lightning that had ever been witnessed in Table Bay. While the force of -the wind and sea was driving the ship into shoaler water, she rolled -incessantly; and heaved over so much with the back-set of the surf, that -to the possibility of her going to pieces before daylight, was added the -probability of settling down to windward, when the decks must have -inevitably filled, and every one of the seven hundred souls on board -must have perished. - -“While in this position the heavy seas broke over her side and poured -down the hatchways. The decks were opening in every direction, and the -strong framework of the hull seemed compressed together, starting the -beams from their places. The ship had been driven with her starboard-bow -towards the beach, exposing her stern to the sea, which rushed through -the stern ports and tore up the cabin floors of the orlop-deck. - -“The thunder and lightning ceased towards morning, and the ship seemed -to have worked a bed for herself in the sand, for the terrible rolling -had greatly diminished, and there then arose the hope that all on board -would get safe ashore. - -“At daybreak (about seven o’clock), it was just possible to distinguish -some people on the beach opposite to the wreck. Owing to the fear of the -masts, spars, and rigging falling, as well as to keep as much top-weight -as possible off the ship’s decks, the troops had been kept below, but -were now allowed to come on deck in small numbers. - -“An attempt was made to send a rope ashore; and one of the best -swimmers, a Krooman, volunteered the trial with a rope round his body; -but the back-set of the surf was too much for him. A line tied to a spar -never got beyond the ship’s bows, and one fired from a cannon also -failed. One of the cutters was then carefully lowered on the lee-side of -the ship, and her crew succeeded in reaching the shore with a hauling -line. Two large surf-boats were shortly afterwards conveyed in waggons -to the place where the ship was stranded, and the following orders were -given by Captain Gordon for the disembarkation of the troops, viz.:— - -“1st. The women and children to disembark (of these there were about -seventy). 2d. The sick to disembark after the women and children. 3d. -The disembarkation of the troops to take place by the companies of the -Ninety-first drawing lots; the detachments of the Twenty-seventh -Regiment and of the Cape Mounted Riflemen taking the precedence. 4th. -The men to fall in on the upper deck, fully armed and accoutred, -carrying their knapsacks and great-coats. 5th. Each officer to be -allowed to take a carpet-bag or small portmanteau. - -“The disembarkation of the women and children and of the sick occupied -from half-past eight until ten o’clock A.M. The detachments of the -Twenty-seventh Regiment and of the Cape Mounted Riflemen followed. That -of the Ninety-first was arranged by the wings drawing lots, and then the -companies of each wing. - -“At half-past ten A.M., one of the surf-boats which had been employed up -to this time in taking the people off the wreck, was required to assist -in saving the lives of those on board the ‘Waterloo’ convict ship, which -was in still more imminent peril, about a quarter of a mile from the -‘Abercrombie Robinson.’ - -“Having now but one boat to disembark four hundred and fifty men, and -the wind and sea, which had subsided a little since daylight, beginning -again to rise, together with the captain’s apprehension that she might -go to pieces before sunset—which (however unfounded, as was afterwards -proved,) powerfully influenced Captain Gordon’s arrangements—it became -necessary to abandon the men’s knapsacks, as they not only filled a -greater space in the surf-boats than could be spared, but took a long -time to hand down the ship’s side. The knapsacks had been brought on -deck, but were now, for these reasons, sent below again, and stowed away -in the women’s standing-berths. - -“The officers were likewise informed that they would not be allowed to -take more than each could carry on his arm. The disembarkation of the -six companies went on regularly, but slowly, from eleven A.M. until -half-past three P.M.; there being but one boat, which could only hold -thirty men at a time. At half-past three P.M., the last boat-load left -the ship’s side. It contained those of the ship’s officers and crew who -had remained to the last; the sergeant-major of the reserve battalion -Ninety-first; one or two non-commissioned officers, who had requested -permission to remain; Captain Gordon, Ninety-first Regiment; and -Lieutenant Black, R.N., agent of transports. This officer had dined at -Government House the night before, but came on board the wreck with one -of the first surf-boats that reached it on the following morning. - -“Nearly seven hundred souls completed their disembarkation after a night -of great peril, and through a raging surf, without the occurrence of a -single casualty. Among them were many women and children, and several -sick men, of whom two were supposed to be dying. - -“Although it had been deemed prudent to abandon the men’s knapsacks and -the officers’ baggage, the reserve battalion of the Ninety-first -Regiment went down the side of that shattered wreck, fully armed and -accoutred, and, with the exception of their knapsacks, ready for instant -service. It would be difficult to praise sufficiently the steady -discipline of that young and newly-formed battalion, thus severely -tested during nearly seventeen hours of danger; above eight of which -were hours of darkness and imminent peril. That discipline failed not, -when the apparent hopelessness of our situation might have led to scenes -of confusion and crime. The double guards and sentries which had at -first been posted over the wine and spirit stores, were found -unnecessary, and they were ultimately left to the ordinary protection of -single sentries. - -“Although the ship was straining in every timber, and the heavy seas -were making a fair breach over us, the companies of that young battalion -fell in on the weather-side of the wreck, as their lots were drawn, and -waited for their turn to muster at the lee-gangway; and so perfect was -their confidence, their patience, and their gallantry, that although -another vessel was going to pieces within a quarter of a mile of us, and -a crowd of soldiers, sailors, and convicts were perishing before their -eyes, not a murmur arose from their ranks when Captain Gordon directed -that the lot should not be applied to the detachments of the -Twenty-seventh Regiment and Cape Mounted Riflemen, but that the -Ninety-first should yield to them the precedence in disembarking from -the wreck. - -“The officers of the Ninety-first Regiment who disembarked with the -battalion were Captains Gordon and Ward, Lieutenant Cahill, Ensigns -MʻInroy and Lavers, and Assistant-Surgeon Stubbs. If from among the -ranks of men who all behaved so well, it were allowable to particularise -any, the names of Acting Sergeant-Major Murphy, Colour-Sergeant Philips, -Sergeant Murray, and Corporal Thomas Nugent, deserve this distinction. -It was through the first that Captain Gordon communicated his orders, -and carried them into execution. Every order he (Sergeant-Major Murphy) -received was obeyed, during the confusion of a wreck, with the exactness -of a parade-ground. He never left the particular part of the ship where -he had been stationed, during the darkness and terror of the night, -although a wife and child seemed to claim a portion of his solicitude; -and when he received permission to accompany them into the surf-boat, he -petitioned to be allowed to remain with Captain Gordon to the last. - -“The two sergeants were young lads, barely twenty-two years of age. They -had married shortly before the battalion embarked at Kingstown, and -their wives (quite girls) were clinging to them for support and comfort -when the ship parted from her anchors. The guards were ordered to be -doubled, and additional sergeants were posted to each. This brought -Sergeants Philips and Murray on duty. Without a murmur they left their -wives and joined the guards of the lower deck. Their example of perfect -obedience and discipline was eminently useful. - -“And, if an officer’s name may be mentioned, the conduct of -Assistant-Surgeon Stubbs well deserves notice. He was in wretched -health; but on the first announcement of danger he repaired to the -sick-bay, and never left his charge until they were all safely landed. - -“And, though last in this narrative, the beautiful calmness and -resignation of the soldiers’ wives ought to be ranked among the first of -those ingredients of order which contributed to our safety. Confusion, -terror, and despair, joined to the wildest shrieks, were fast spreading -their dangerous influence from the women’s quarter when Captain Gordon -first descended among the people on the lower decks. A few words -sufficed to quiet them, and from that moment their patience and -submission never faltered. - -“By half-past three P.M. the bilged and broken wreck was abandoned with -all the stores and baggage—public and regimental—to the fast-increasing -gale, and to the chances of the approaching night.” - -The excellent conduct of the Ninety-first throughout the Kaffir Wars of -1846–47, and again in 1850–53, received, with the army, the grateful -thanks of the country, conveyed through the Government, in these -expressive terms, to Lieutenant-General the Hon. Sir George -Cathcart:—“The field of glory opened to them in a Kaffir war and -Hottentot rebellion, is possibly not so favourable and exciting as that -which regular warfare with an open enemy in the field affords, yet the -unremitting exertions called for in hunting well-armed yet skulking -savages through the bush, and driving them from their innumerable -strongholds, are perhaps more arduous than those required in regular -warfare, and call more constantly for individual exertion and -intelligence. The British soldier, always cheerfully obedient to the -call, well knows that, when he has done his duty, he is sure to obtain -the thanks and good opinion of his gracious Queen.” - -The subsequent foreign service of the Ninety-first has been in the -Mediterranean, and in September, 1858, it proceeded overland to India. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE SCOTS BRIGADE; - OR, - THE OLD NINETY-FOURTH FOOT. - - ---------- - - CHAPTER XXIII. - - “When midnight hour is come, - The drummer forsakes his tomb, - And marches, beating his phantom-drum, - To and fro through the ghastly gloom. - - “He plies the drum-sticks twain, - With fleshless fingers pale, - And beats, and beats again, and again, - A long and dreary reveil! - - “Like the voice of abysmal waves - Resounds its unearthly tone, - Till the dead old soldiers, long in their graves, - Awaken through every zone.” - - -When we regard the battle-fields of earth, and think of the mighty dead -who slumber there, apart from feelings of sentimental or real respect -for the sacred dust, imagination animates the scene, as Memory, -conjuring up from the graves of the past, bids us confront the soldiers -who lived, and fought, and have long since died to “gild a martial -story.” Yet it is our business, in the present undertaking, to gather -from the mouldering records of a bygone age, the truth, and rescue from -the shades of oblivion that “martial story” which belongs to the -soldiers of Scotland. - -[Illustration: MUSKETEERS OR FUSILIERS AND CAVALRY, ABOUT 1650.] - -The Old Scots Brigade claims an antiquity of nearly 300 years, and only -yields in prominence to that of the Royal Scots, which in previous -chapters we have discussed. The love of adventure, the hope of gain, and -the troubles at home having variously conspired to expatriate many -Scotsmen, these readily found employment in the armies of the Continent, -wherein, conspicuous for fidelity and bravery, their services were -highly appreciated, frequently honoured as a distinctive, select corps, -or as a body of royal guards. In the States of Holland, about the year -1568, our countrymen were included in numerous independent companies of -soldiers, which, in 1572, united into several regiments, constituted one -brigade—the Old Scots Brigade—the strength of which varied from four to -five thousand men. - -“The first mention we find of their distinguished behaviour was at the -battle of Reminant, near Mechlin, in the year 1578; the most bloody part -of the action, says Meteren, a Dutch historian, was sustained by the -Scotch, who fought without armour, and in their shirts, because of the -great heat of the weather. After an obstinate engagement, the Spaniards, -commanded by Don Juan of Austria, were defeated.” - -Throughout the long and sanguinary wars which ultimately resulted in the -deliverance of Holland from the dominion of Spain, the valiant behaviour -of the Scots was very remarkable, and is honourably recorded in most of -the old histories of the period. The brigade was originally commanded by -General Balfour, and under him by Colonel Murray and Walter Scott, Lord -of Buccleugh. It learned the business of war under those great masters -of the art, the Princes Maurice and Frederick Henry of Orange. Its early -history is one with that of the present Fifth and Sixth Regiments of the -line, which then constituted the English Brigade, long commanded by the -noble family of De Vere, afterward the illustrious House of Oxford. -“King James VI. of Scotland having invited the States-General to be -sponsors to his new-born son, Prince Henry, on the departure of the -ambassadors, fifteen hundred Scots were sent over to Holland to augment -the brigade.” - -At the battle of Nieuport, in 1600, the firmness of the Scots Brigade -saved the army of Prince Maurice from imminent danger, and contributed -largely in attaining the victory gained over the Spanish army of the -Archduke Albert of Austria. “After having bravely defended the bridge -like good soldiers, they were at length forced to give way, the whole -loss having fallen on the Scots, as well on their chiefs and captains as -on the common soldiers, insomuch that eight hundred of them remained on -the field, amongst whom were eleven captains, and many lieutenants and -other officers.” - -At the siege of Ostend the Scots, by their unflinching steadiness, -helped so materially in the defence that the giant efforts of the enemy -under the Marquis Spinola, one of the ablest of the Spanish Generals, -failed to accomplish its reduction by force of arms. A capitulation, -honourable alike to besieger and besieged, was agreed upon; “and the -garrison marched out with arms, ammunition, and baggage, drums beating, -and colours flying, after having held out three years and three months.” - -“According to a memorial found in the pocket of an officer of Spinola’s -suite, after he was killed, the number of slain on the side of the -Spaniards amounted in all to seventy-six thousand nine hundred and -sixty-one men. The loss on the part of the States was not less than -fifty thousand. When the remaining garrison, which consisted of only -three thousand men, arrived at Sluice in Flanders, Prince Maurice -received them with the pomp of a triumph; and both officers and private -men were promoted or otherwise rewarded.” - -The gallant conduct of Colonel Henderson, who commanded the brigade in -the defence of Bergen-op-Zoom in 1621, is worthy of note. At the siege -of Bois-le-duc in 1629 we find the brigade composed of three regiments, -respectively commanded by Colonels Bruce, Halket, and Scott (Earl of -Buccleugh, son of the Lord of Buccleugh previously mentioned). We do not -pretend here to follow the narrative of sieges and battles in which the -brigade was at this period engaged. We shall only further mention that -at the siege of Sas-van-Ghent in 1644, Colonel Erskine, at the head of -one of the Scots regiments, won great renown by his excellent bravery, -being foremost in effecting the passage of the river Lys; and again, at -the siege of Ghent, Colonel Kilpatrick and another Scots regiment -fulfilled a similar mission with equal credit. The peace of Munster, -concluded in 1648, gave an honourable issue to the contest in favour of -the Dutch, who, for a little while, were permitted to enjoy repose from -the horrid turmoil of war. - -The British Revolution, which drove Charles II. from the throne of his -father and established instead the Protectorate of Cromwell, occasioning -his exile—a king without a kingdom or a throne—his Scots partizans, -sharing his banishment, greatly recruited the Brigade, where many of -them gladly found refuge and honourable employment. - -Cromwell, in the plenitude of power, insisted upon the Dutch Estates -declaring the exclusion of the House of Orange from the Stadtholdership, -thereby hoping to break what appeared to be an antagonistic power to his -rule, because of the bond which, by marriage, united the families of -Orange and Stuart, imagining, in the blindness of bigotry, thereby to -crush out the last remnant of Jacobitism, and extirpate the creed which -had inflicted so many and grievous evils upon his country. The effect of -this unfortunate exclusion Act was immediately felt throughout the -States of Holland in the confusion and distress which it entailed. -Taking advantage of these circumstances, and the imbecility of its -rulers, the crafty and ambitious monarch of France, Louis XIV., without -provocation, and with no other aim than his own aggrandisement, at once -invaded Holland with three vast armies, under three of the greatest -soldiers of the day—Condé, Turenne, and Luxembourg. With these -difficulties and dangers the embarrassments of the State so increased -that its feeble rulers in this hour of terror implored the aid of -William, Prince of Orange, readily restoring all the rights they had -formerly despoiled him of, and conferring upon him the powers of a -Dictatorship. The genius of William proved equal to the emergency. At -once he set to work, restoring the army to its ancient vigour, and -reforming all manner of abuses which had crept into the government. - -We are happy to record that, however weak and faulty the Dutch army had -become, the Scots Brigade retained its effectiveness, despite the -languor of the State, and, in consequence, particularly enjoyed the -Prince’s confidence on his restoration. It was commanded by Colonels Sir -Alexander Colyear (Robertson), Graham, and Mackay, in 1673. United into -one British brigade, the three Scots and the three English regiments -served together under Thomas Butler, Earl of Ossory, throughout the wars -with France. On the death of the Earl of Ossory in 1680, the command was -conferred upon Henry Sidney, Earl of Romney. - -On the outbreak of Monmouth’s Rebellion in England and Argyll’s -Rebellion in Scotland, King James II. sent for the three Scots -regiments, then serving in Holland, which, on being reviewed by the King -on their arrival at Gravesend, drew forth the following compliment, -expressed in a letter of thanks to the Prince of Orange for his prompt -aid—“There cannot be, I am sure, better men than they are; and they do -truly look like old regiments, and one cannot be better pleased with -them than I am.” - -Colonel Hugh Mackay, who commanded the brigade on this occasion, was -promoted to the rank of Major-General. - -On the return of these regiments to Holland, the perfidy and ingratitude -of James gradually oused out and revealed his truer character. Rightly -esteeming the value of such soldiers to the Prince of Orange, and ever -jealous of that Prince’s increasing power, he vainly attempted to seduce -the brigade and persuade it to exchange into the service of the King of -France. He was further extremely mortified to find that, apart from the -influence of the Prince, the men declined to serve under the Roman -Catholic officer he proposed to appoint. When dangers thickened around -himself, he earnestly desired its return; alas, too late! already -sickened with his unworthy conduct, the brigade refused to obey. - -In the subsequent Revolution the English and Scots brigades were of -essential service to the Prince of Orange—“commanded by General Mackay, -a Scotsman of noble family, sailed under the red flag.” - -At the battle of Killiecrankie the Scots Brigade was present, but unable -to withstand the furious onset of the Highlanders, betrayed a weakness -altogether inconsistent with its previous reputation, being utterly -routed and dispersed. It is very remarkable that Viscount Dundee and -General Cannon, who commanded the rebels, had both previously served in -the Scots Brigade. Afterwards, employed with the Royal army in Ireland, -it somewhat redeemed its character by good conduct at the siege of -Athlone and the battle of Aghrim, at both which it held the post of -peril and of honour with great credit. Peace having been restored to -unhappy Ireland, the brigade was sent to join the British army in -Flanders, and at the battle of Steenkirk suffered severely, especially -in the death of General Mackay, who finished a career of honour on that -bloody field. The retreat of the allied army in 1695 was successfully -covered by the Scots under Brigadier Colyear, afterwards Earl of -Portmore. On the death of Brigadier Æneas Mackay, at the siege of Namur, -the command of the Scots regiments was conferred on Robert Murray of -Melgum, afterwards General Count Murray, Commander-in-Chief of the -Emperor Joseph’s forces in the Netherlands, and acting Governor-General -of these provinces. On the Peace of Ryswick in 1697, the Scots Brigade -returned with the army to Britain, and was stationed in Scotland until -1698, when it was restored to the service of Holland. - -During the Wars of the Succession the Brigade was increased by the -addition of three new Scots regiments, and the command conferred on -John, Duke of Argyll—the “Great Argyll”—of whom it is well said— - - “Argyll, the State’s whole thunder born to wield, - And shake alike the Council and the Field.” - -It was hotly engaged in all the great actions of the war, and amongst -the fearful carnage of Malplaquet mourned the loss of a brave officer, -John, Marquis of Tullibardine, eldest son of the Duke of Athole. On the -conclusion of hostilities, in 1713, the three new regiments of the -brigade were disbanded. The peace was not again seriously disturbed -until 1745, when the outbreak of war occasioned the increase of the -brigade by the addition of second battalions, and a new regiment under -command of Henry Douglas, Earl of Drumlanrig. The total strength of the -brigade at this time rose to about 6000 men. At the battle of Roucoux -five battalions of the Scots, forming the extremity of the left infantry -wing, covered the retreat of the troops from the villages abandoned in -front. “An officer who was present relates that General Colyear’s -regiment, in which he then served as an Ensign, was drawn up on the -ridge of a rising ground, the slope of which was to the rear, so that by -retiring a few paces the cannon-balls must have passed over their heads; -but it was thought requisite that they should appear in full view of the -French, who kept up an incessant fire of their artillery upon them for -more than two hours, without ever advancing near enough to engage with -small arms. The ardour of British soldiers to charge an enemy by whose -fire they saw their comrades fall on every side, may easily be -conceived, but was so much restrained by the authority of their -officers, that the whole brigade seemed immoveable, except when the -frequent breaches which the cannon made in the ranks required to be -closed up. The intrepidity and perfect order which those battalions then -showed, were greatly extolled ever after by the Prince of Waldeck, and -likewise by Baron d’Aylva, a Dutch General of distinguished reputation, -who happened to have the command of that part of the army. He had before -shown a violent prejudice against the Scots,” but their gallantry on -that memorable occasion so impressed him, that ever after he regarded -the Scots with peculiar favour, and on one occasion in his presence, a -certain Prince having observed that the Scottish soldiers were not of -such a size as those of some German regiments, the General replied, “I -saw the day that they looked taller than any of your grenadiers.” - -[Illustration: OFFICER OF PIKEMEN, 1650.] - -In the defence of Bergen-op-Zoom, two of the Scotch battalions, -supported by a Dutch battalion of infantry, made a most determined -stand, refusing for a long time to yield ground to the enemy, until -superior numbers compelled them to retire. Some idea of the severity -of the struggle may be formed from the fact that Colyear’s battalion, -which had gone into action 660 strong, could only muster 156 men -afterwards. It is thus described by an old writer:—“Overpowered by -numbers, deserted, and alone, the Scotch assembled in the market-place -and attacked the French with such vigour that they drove them from -street to street, till fresh reinforcements pouring in compelled them -to retreat in their turn, disputing every inch as they retired, and -fighting till two-thirds of their number fell on the spot, valiantly -bringing their colours with them, which the grenadiers twice recovered -from the midst of the French at the point of the bayonet. ‘Gentlemen,’ -said the conquering General to two officers who had been taken -prisoners—Lieutenants Travers and Allan Maclean—‘had all conducted -themselves as you and your brave corps have done, I should not now be -master of Bergen-op-Zoom.’” - -Succeeding the sunshine of victory, there arose a cloud upon its history -which we wish, for the credit of our Government, we could omit to -record. Denied the privilege of further recruiting at home, the States -of Holland insisted upon the admission of foreigners into its ranks, and -thus to a great extent its Scottish character was destroyed. When war -broke out and our country needed troops, our Scotsmen repeated the -petition that their brigade should be recalled for the service of their -own land. The request was refused, whilst regiments were raised in -Scotland, and even German auxiliaries enrolled upon the British -establishment, rather than do what appears only an act of justice to the -soldiers of the Old Scots Brigade. As if further to exasperate the -Scots, when war was declared between Britain and Holland, and our -brigade thus placed in a cruel dilemma, unheeded, it was surrendered to -the enemy, who, almost as prisoners of war, sent it to garrison distant -fortresses on the inland frontier. At length recalled by George III. in -1793, it was, in 1795, sent to reinforce the garrison of Gibraltar, and -in the following year was removed to the Cape of Good Hope. In 1798 it -was transferred to India, where it shared with the Highland regiments -the glory of “Seringapatam” in 1799, and the battle of “Argaum” in 1803; -the former being afterwards authorised for the colours and appointments. - -Returning home in 1808 as the Ninety-fourth regiment, it was actively -and creditably engaged in the various actions of Spain and the South of -France, and received permission to bear on its colours the words—“Ciudad -Rodrigo,” “Badajoz,” “Salamanca,” “Vittoria,” “Nivelle,” “Orthes,” and -“Toulouse,” and also the inscription of “Peninsula.” In the defence of -Cadiz it suffered very severely, and amongst its brave was found a -heroine—a sergeant’s wife, who on this occasion displayed a remarkable -degree of cool courage, which is fitly described in Mr Carter’s -admirable work, “Curiosities of War.” The regiment was disbanded at -Belfast in 1818. A new regiment, raised six years afterwards, now bears -the number of the Ninety-fourth, but as yet has had no opportunity to -distinguish itself. We only hope it may emulate, nay, if possible excel, -the deeds of the Old Scots Brigade, which so worthily sustained the -characteristic valour of the Scot. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE NINETY-NINTH FOOT; - OR, - LANARKSHIRE. - - ---------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIV. - - “How sleep the brave, who sink to rest, - By all their country’s wishes blest! - When spring, with dewy fingers cold, - Returns to deck their hallow’d mould, - He there shall dress a sweeter sod, - Than Fancy’s feet have ever trod. - By fairy hands their knell is rung, - By forms unseen their dirge is sung; - There Honour comes, a pilgrim gray, - To bless the turf that wraps their clay, - And Freedom shall awhile repair - To dwell, a weeping hermit, there!” - - 1824–1862—COLONIAL EMPIRE—SOLDIER’S LETTER—CHINA. - - -However deeply interested we may personally feel in Lanarkshire, and -however proud we may be of the many gallant soldiers who have gone forth -from us to fight the battles of our one country, still to the -Ninety-ninth the relationship indicated above exists scarcely but in -name. Nay, even as a Scottish regiment its present composition would -belie its seeming nativity. As in the case of many other regiments, so -with it, these titles have been mostly attached for purposes of -recruiting, and seldom bestowed to record the origin of the corps. -Nevertheless, it is looked for as a consequence that the designation -thus conferred should serve to stimulate the youth of Lanarkshire, bid -them rally round the Ninety-ninth, and thus constituting it their own, -immortalise its number by distinguished service in its ranks. - -The regiment was raised in 1824, along with the present Ninety-fourth, -Ninety-fifth, Ninety-sixth, Ninety-seventh, and Ninety-eighth regiments, -at a time when our vast colonial empire demanded an augmentation of our -army to ensure its adequate defence. Notwithstanding the anxiety of the -Ninety-ninth to be released from the monotony of a passive service, and -engage in the more stirring scenes of battle peculiar to the soldier, -its brief history displays few events specially calling for notice, -having been doomed to quietude, and denied by circumstances an -opportunity of distinguishing itself during the Indian or Crimean wars. -The following remarkable letter from one of its soldiers, extracted from -Mr Carter’s interesting volume, the “Curiosities of War,” is truly a -curiosity:— - - - “MY LORD DUKE,—I mean to take the liberty of writing these few lines - before your Grace, flying under the protection of your wings, and - trusting in your most charitable heart for to grant my request. - - “May it please your Grace to reject me not, for the love of the - Almighty God, to whom I pray to reward your soul in heaven. - - “My Lord Duke, I shall convince you that I am a pt^e. soldier in the - 99th depôt, at Chatham, a servant to Her Majesty since the 29th of - September, 1846; likewise that I was born of poor parents, who were - unable to provide any means of education for me but what I scraped by - over-hours and industry, till I grew thus eighteen years of age, and - was compelled to quit their sight and seek my own fortune. - - “I think I am possessed of honesty, docility, faithfulness, high hopes, - bold spirit, and obedience towards my superiors. I partly know the - Irish language, to which I was brought up, and am deficient of the - English language, that is, of not being able of peaking [_qy._ - speaking] it correctly. One of my past days, as I was guiding a horse - in a solitary place, unexpectedly I burst into a flow of poetry, which - successfully came from my lips by no trouble. From thence I wrote - during the following year a lot of poems, some of which, it was given - up, being the best composed in the same locality for the last forty - years past. However, I did no treason, but all for the amusement of the - country. - - “My Lord, I mean to shoe a little proof of it in the following lines:— - - Once from at home, as I did roam my fortune for to try, - All alone along the road, my courage forcing high; - I said sweet home, both friends and foes, I bid you all good-bye. - From thence I started into Cork and joined the 99th. - This famous corps, which I adore, is brave and full of might, - With fire and sword, would fight the foe, and make their force retire. - Supplied are those with Irish Poet for to compose in rhyme, - I pray to God his grace upon the flaming 99th. - - “My Lord, to get an end to this rude letter, my request, and all that I - want, is twelve months’ leave, for the mere purpose of learning both - day and night, where I could accommodate myself according to my pay, at - the end of which twelve months I might be fit for promotion in the - protection of Her Majesty. - - “Your most obedient Servant, - “—— ——” - - -Public opinion is inclined to regard a war with China as something -ridiculous; to smile at the odd equipment of its “Braves,” and laugh at -the absurd pretensions of its “Celestials.” We fancy its hosts, like a -summer cloud, as something to be at once dissipated by the first breath -of the Western breeze. In this we have deceived ourselves, and on more -than one occasion paid the penalty of our folly in the blood of the -gallant few, who, overwhelmed by countless numbers, the victims of a -matchless perfidy, have fallen as exposed to an almost certain -destruction. Alone, as in a nest of hornets, we felt the sting of defeat -when we had supposed an easy victory. Our discipline, our bravery, and -our superior arms, failed to grasp the success we had imagined was to be -had for the mere taking. The truth was revealed when too late; we had -underrated the valour of the foe, and too much despised their means of -defence; then we learned by a bitter experience that our handful of -brave men, in the language of Pitt, “were capable of achieving -everything _but impossibilities_.” - -The Ninety-ninth was engaged in the recent Chinese war, but only in time -to share the concluding glories of the campaign which crowned a severe -and harassing contest in the capture of Pekin. The good conduct of the -regiment on this occasion amply demonstrated the excellence of the -corps—of what honourable service it was capable, and betokened an -illustrious history, which may yet render it famous as the Lanarkshire -regiment, and fill a larger space in the national records of “_Our -Brave_.” - - “Great acts best write themselves in their own stories; - They die too basely who outlive their glories. - -[Illustration: OLD HIGHLAND BRIGADE AND LIFE GUARDSMAN.] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE OLD HIGHLAND BRIGADE. - - - - - CHAPTER XXV. - - “In the garb of old Gaul, with the fire of old Rome, - From the heath-cover’d mountains of Scotia we come, - Where the Romans endeavour’d our country to gain, - But our ancestors fought, and they fought not in vain. - Such is our love of liberty, our country and our laws, - That, like our ancestors of old, we’ll stand in freedom’s cause, - We’ll bravely fight like heroes bold for honour and applause, - And defy the French, with all their art, to alter our laws.” - -LOUDON’S—MONTGOMERY’S—FRASER’S—KEITH’S—CAMPBELL’S—DUKE OF - GORDON’S—JOHNSTONE’S—FRASER’S—MʻDONALD’S. - - -Passing through the glens of the Grampians, northwards or westwards, we -are introduced to the sterner grandeur of the Scottish Highlands. Having -briefly viewed the glorious records of our Lowland regiments, we feel as -more immediately in the heart of our subject when, entering upon its -second part, we propose to give an account of our Highland regiments. We -think we cannot fairly be challenged for an undue partiality to the -latter, or be thought guilty of injustice to the former, in yielding the -prominence to the Highlanders, because they retain more of the national -characteristics, whilst the Lowlanders, intermingled with others, have -sadly degenerated from the original purity of the Scottish, if indeed -they have not already forfeited every claim, beyond the name, to be -included in the catalogue of Scottish regiments. - -The romantic story of the clans bids us return to the feudal age, when -strange but true war revealed itself to be the unwitting civiliser of -the ancient world; apparently the harbinger of evil, yet in reality the -herald of good—the purifier—the evil out of which, in the mysterious -providence of God, blessing should in the end abundantly flow. In the -Highlands the memorials of these barbaric times of civil strife among -the clans are sadly ample and very evident; scarce a dell but bears -traces of the ruin which fire and sword had inflicted; scarce a glen but -has its tale of woe; scarce a heath but beneath the cairn gathers to its -shaggy bosom the ashes of some warrior chief. But there were also times -in our history when the stormy tempest of angry passion was at least for -the moment hushed, and the fiery valour of the clans, gathered into one, -descended from the Highlands, resistless as the mountain torrent, to do -battle for Scottish freedom in the day of Scotland’s need. And thus -their gallant demeanour upon the field of Bannockburn has waked the muse -of Scott to immortalise their fame, as he beautifully tells of our -“Scottish Chiefs” in his “Lord of the Isles.” - -The devoted loyalty of the clans to the unhappy Stuarts has given to -their history a melancholy interest, and claims our admiration, because -of the dauntless resolution with which they vainly strove to maintain -the falling fortunes of that degenerate race, although manifested on the -wrong side; furnishing, moreover, a theme for song which has given birth -to some of the most touching lyrics of our bards. - -Shortly after the battle of Culloden the fighting strength of the -various clans was rated by Lord Forbes for the Government as follows:— - - Argyle, 3000 - Breadalbane, 1000 - Lochnell and other Chieftains of the Campbells, 1000 - Macleans, 500 - Maclachlans, 200 - Stewart of Appin, 300 - Macdougals, 200 - Stewart of Grandtully, 300 - Clan Gregor, 700 - Duke of Athole, 3000 - Farquharsons, 500 - Duke of Gordon, 300 - Grant of Grant, 850 - Macintosh, 800 - Macphersons, 400 - Frasers, 900 - Grant of Glenmorriston, 150 - Chisholms, 200 - Duke of Perth, 300 - Seaforth, 1000 - Cromarty, Scatwell, Gairloch, and other Chieftains 1500 - of the Mackenzies, - - Menzies, 300 - - Munroes, 300 - - Rosses, 500 - - Sutherland, 2000 - - Mackays, 800 - - Sinclairs, 1100 - - Macdonald of Slate, 700 - - Macdonald of Clanronald, 700 - - Macdonell of Glengary, 500 - - Macdonell of Keppoch, 300 - - Macdonald of Glencoe, 130 - - Robertsons, 200 - - Camerons, 800 - - MʻKinnon, 200 - - Macleod, 700 - - The Duke of Montrose, Earls of Bute and Moray, 5600 - Macfarlanes, Colquhouns, MʻNeils of Barra, - MʻNabs, MʻNaughtans, Lamonts, etc., etc., - - ——— - - 31,930 - -Government, awakened to the danger which threatened the peace of the -country whilst the fiery valour of the clans, unrestrained, ran -wild—save for the chieftain who exercised a species of independent -sovereignty, not always for the weal of the State—wisely determined to -enlist the sympathy of these petty tyrants on its side, and present a -more useful and nobler field for the employment and development of that -exceeding bravery and martial spirit which have ever characterised the -clans, and the efforts of which had, when embraced in the rebel army of -the Stuarts, justly caused most serious alarm. “I sought for merit,” -said the great Chatham, “wherever it was to be found; it is my boast -that I was the first minister who looked for it and found it in the -mountains of the North. I called it forth, and drew into your service a -hardy and intrepid race of men, who, when left by your jealousy, became -a prey to the artifice of your enemies, and had gone nigh to have -overturned the State.... These men were brought to combat on your side, -have served with fidelity, have fought with valour, and conquered for -you in every part of the world.” - -About the year 1740, a variety of companies of Highlanders, known as the -“Black Watch,” were regimented, and, under the Earl of Crawford, formed -the _Royal Forty-second Highlanders_, whose history will be treated in -succeeding chapters; meanwhile, we shall shortly enumerate the several -corps, since disbanded, which at several periods constituted the -Highland Brigade. The oldest of these - -LOUDON’S HIGHLANDERS, - -was raised by the Earl of Loudon, a nobleman of great influence in the -Highlands, in 1745. In its short but eventful career, the regiment -served with credit and fidelity during the rebellion of 1745, and -afterwards with equal distinction with the allied army in Holland. At -the battle of Preston it was unfortunately captured. Having completed -its term of service, the regiment was disbanded in 1748. - -On the outbreak of the American war, the Government again appealed to -the clans to enrol beneath the British banner, and on no occasion with -more splendid success. Of the regiments then embarked were - -MONTGOMERY’S HIGHLANDERS, - -raised in 1757 by Archibald Montgomery, afterwards Earl of Eglinton, and -which served with its cotemporary, - -FRASER’S HIGHLANDERS, - -in America throughout the war. This last was raised, hence its title, by -Sir Simon Fraser, son of Lord Lovat, a chieftain enjoying largely the -confidence of the clans, yet dispoiled of his lands and destitute of -funds by the misfortunes of the recent rebellion, in which he had -figured conspicuously among the Jacobites. - -Immediately upon their embodiment, these two regiments were embarked for -America at Greenock. Associated in the British army, they were -honourably distinguished in the contest which ensued. Their disbandment -took place respectively in 1775 and 1763. Hostilities having extended to -the continent of Europe, and the Government thoroughly appreciating the -value of the Highland soldier, resolved to enrol, in 1759, other two -regiments for service in Germany, respectively - -THE EIGHTY-SEVENTH, or KEITH’S HIGHLANDERS; and -THE EIGHTY-EIGHTH, or CAMPBELL’S HIGHLANDERS. - -These so seasonably impressed the enemy with the might of Scottish -valour, that it is alleged the French so magnified the numbers of our -Highlanders as to imagine our army contained twelve instead of two -battalions of kilted warriors. A French officer, lamenting his own -little stature and wishing he had been a six-foot grenadier, is reported -to have become quite reconciled with himself, “when,” as he expresses -it, “he had seen the wonders performed by the little mountaineers.” One -of the journals of the day has this curious account of our -Highlanders:—“They are a people totally different in their dress, -manners, and temper from the other inhabitants of Great Britain. _They -are caught in the mountains when young_, and still run with a surprising -degree of swiftness. As they are strangers to fear, they make very good -soldiers when disciplined.” Accustomed to regard retreat as equivalent -to defeat, as something cowardly, it was with great reluctance our -mountaineers yielded obedience to such commands. - - The EIGHTY-NINTH, or DUKE OF GORDON’S HIGHLANDERS, - -was raised by His Grace, upon his extensive estates, in 1759, and was -destined for service in India. Also, raised in 1760, - - The HUNDRED-AND-FIRST, or JOHNSTONE’S HIGHLANDERS. - -These, with other Highland corps, were disbanded on the conclusion of -the war in 1763, but not without having won the nation’s -confidence—deserving well of the country, whose gratitude followed them. - -A few years later and a new American war burst forth, intensified in its -virulence by its civil character. In the attempts made to suppress the -rebellion of the colonists the old Highland brigade, re-assembled, was -highly distinguished. - -Sir Simon Fraser of Lovat, who had already shown his forwardness in -raising the clans in 1757 and ranging them in regiments in defence of -the State, now restored to the patrimony which the rebellion of his -predecessor had forfeited, was again the first to gather around him a -regiment of clansmen, known as - - The SEVENTY-FIRST, or FRASER’S HIGHLANDERS. - -This corps was engaged in the very hottest of the contest, especially in -and around Savannah and Charleston. One only instance, illustrative of -the excellence of the regiment, we have space to quote:—At Stone Ferry, -assailed by 2000 Americans, Captain Campbell, with 59 men and officers, -heroically maintained his post, until only seven soldiers were left -standing—the rest being either killed or wounded. To most of the men -this was their first encounter with the enemy; “they had not yet learned -to retreat,” nor had they forgotten what had been always inculcated in -their native country, that “to retreat was disgraceful.” When Captain -Campbell fell, he desired such of his men as were able to make the best -of their way to the redoubt, but they refused to obey, as it would bring -lasting disgrace upon them all to leave their officers in the field with -none to carry them back. The seven men retired carrying their wounded -officers with them, and accompanied by those of the soldiers who were -able to walk. Fraser’s Highlanders closed a brilliant career as part of -the unfortunate garrison of Yorktown, who were obliged to capitulate, -and so, as prisoners of war, only restored to their liberty and country -on the conclusion of the war, when they were disbanded. In this last -disaster, Fraser’s Highlanders became associated with another body of -Highlanders, - - The SEVENTY-SIXTH, or MʻDONALD’S HIGHLANDERS, - -which had been engaged in the war, although at first on a different -field. - - The SEVENTY-FOURTH, or ARGYLLSHIRE HIGHLANDERS - -served at the same period with the British army of the north on the -frontiers of Canada. Acting with these were two battalions of Highland -emigrants, mostly veterans of the previous war, who, serving in the -Highland brigade of that time, had thereafter accepted the bounty of -Government and settled in America, known as the - - ROYAL HIGHLAND EMIGRANT REGIMENT. - -Besides these, the wars of the time induced the formation of the - - ATHOLL HIGHLANDERS and ABERDEENSHIRE HIGHLANDERS; - -and, when the French Revolution further enveloped the world in the -flames of war, - - The NINETY-SEVENTH, or STRATHSPEY HIGHLANDERS; and - The HUNDRED-AND-SIXTEENTH, or PERTHSHIRE HIGHLANDERS; - -constituted a part of the old Highland Brigade. Without more extended -detail or enumeration of the many Highland corps once on our army -establishment—now disbanded—esteeming we have sufficiently recorded the -story of the old brigade, to enable the reader to feel it worthy his -attention, as replete with incidents of heroism and daring scarcely ever -surpassed—we come to the consideration of the present Highland Brigade. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE. - THE FORTY-SECOND FOOT; OR, ROYAL HIGHLANDERS—“BLACK WATCH.” - - - - CHAPTER XXVI. - - “Awake on your hills, on your islands awake, - Brave sons of the mountain, the frith, and the lake! - ’Tis the bugle—but not for the chase is the call; - ’Tis the pibroch’s shrill summons—but not to the hall. - - “’Tis the summons of heroes for conquest or death, - When the banners are blazing on mountain and heath: - They call to the dirk, the claymore, and the targe, - To the march and the muster, the line and the charge.” - - “BLACK WATCH”—FONTENOY—REBELLION 1745—AMERICA—1729–1760. - - -This distinguished regiment has long deservedly enjoyed the public -favour. It is the link which binds us to the Old Highland Brigade, of -which it remains the only and worthy representative. Mr Cannon, in his -Military Records, thus introduces his account of the regiment by the -following eulogy on the excellence of our Highland soldiers: “The -Highlanders of Scotland have been conspicuous for the possession of -every military virtue which adorns the character of the hero who has -adopted the profession of arms. Naturally patient and brave, and inured -to hardship in their youth in the hilly districts of a northern climate, -these warlike mountaineers have always proved themselves a race of -lion-like champions, valiant in the field, faithful, constant, generous -in the hour of victory, and endued with calm perseverance under trial -and disaster.” As already noted, the Government had wisely determined -more largely to enlist the sympathy and good services of the clans on -their side; and, in consequence, had armed a certain proportion of the -well-affected clans—such as the Campbells, the Frasers, the Grants, and -the Munroes—who, formed into independent companies under the command of -their own or other well-known chieftains, were quartered in the more -troubled districts of the Highlands, where the Jacobite clans of -Cameron, Stuart, MʻIntosh, MʻDonald, and Murray rendered their presence -necessary for maintaining order and preventing any sudden rising, as -well as for the protection of property in those lawless times. They were -called the “Freicudan Dhu,” or “Black Watch,” from the sombre appearance -of their tartan uniform, compared with the scarlet coats of the regular -soldiers. They were mostly composed of the sons of the landed gentry, as -the Government felt that care was necessary, especially in this their -first experiment, in selecting individuals who had something at stake in -the common country, and consequently affording some guarantee for their -fidelity. The success of the experiment was soon abundantly manifest; -and whilst, in 1729, the “Black Watch” consisted only of six companies, -ten years later these were assembled at Perth, augmented to ten -companies, and regimented as the Highland Regiment, under the Earl of -Crawford. The original high character of this famous regiment has never -been excelled; no, not even by the Royal Guards. Nearly all its members -were six feet in height—illustrious for physical prowess and -might—highly connected, as may be well inferred from the fact that many, -when proceeding to drill, went on horseback, followed by servants -bearing their firelock and uniform. On one occasion the King, having -heard of the splendid physical appearance of the men, desired to see a -specimen; and accordingly three were sent up to London. One of these, -Grant of Strathspey, died on the way; the other two, MʻGregor and -Campbell, were presented to His Majesty, and, in presence of the King, -the Duke of Cumberland, Marshal Wade, and other officers, performed the -broadsword exercises and that of the Lochaber axe. Their dexterity and -skill so pleased His Majesty that he gave each a gratuity of one -guinea—a large sum in those days—imagining he had appropriately rewarded -them; but such was the character of these men—above want, generally in -good circumstances—that each bestowed his guinea upon the porter at the -palace gate as he passed out. There is one feature which we record with -more peculiar pleasure, as leaving a mightier impress of character upon -these gallant men, and we quote it in the words of an English historian -who was evidently no friend of theirs, yet wondrously surprised, as he -relates, “to see these savages, from the officer to the commonest man, -at their several meals, first stand up and pull off their bonnets, and -then lift up their eyes in the most solemn and devout manner, and mutter -something in their own gibberish, by way, I suppose,” says he, “of -saying grace, as if they had been so many Christians.” - -[Illustration: THE “BLACK WATCH,” OR FORTY-SECOND ROYAL HIGHLANDERS.] - -The idea that they should only serve in their own country had so -strongly possessed the minds of many, that, when marched into England, -and learning they were destined for service in the West Indies—a place -associated in their minds only as a place of punishment for felons and -the like—the regiment mutinied; but by a judicious blending of firmness -and lenity on the part of Government, this splendid corps was not only -brought to submit, but preserved to win honour for our country, and -amply redeem, by brave deeds, the faults which for a moment clouded its -early history. - -In 1743 the Highlanders joined the British army in Flanders, where their -conduct was so exemplary that the Elector Palatine specially thanked our -King “for the excellent behaviour of the regiment while in his -territories, and for whose sake,” he added, “I will always pay a respect -and regard to a Scotsman in future.” Of their valour, no higher tribute -can be paid than to say that at the battle of Fontenoy, where the -regiment made its first essay in arms, our Highlanders were placed in -brigade with the veterans of the British Guards. The result proved them -to be every way worthy of the compliment. Truly they presented the -choicest troops of the land, and eminently their success, like a meteor -flash, for a moment lighted up the fortunes of battle and promised -victory. Alas! all in vain; the disasters in other parts of the field -compelled retreat. Marshal Saxe, who commanded the French on this -occasion, with all the generosity which becomes a soldier, and who could -distinguish valour even in a foeman, said of the Highlanders—“These -furies rushed in upon us with more violence than ever did a sea driven -by a tempest.” - -The rebellion of Prince Charles Edward in 1745 occasioned the recall of -the Forty-second, or, as it was then designated, the Forty-third, from -the Continent, the scene of its early glory. With the army, the regiment -was encamped in the south of England, prepared to dispute the menaced -landing of a French force upon our coasts, which the rebels hoped should -effect a favourable diversion. Meanwhile, three new companies which had -not as yet joined the regiment, served in the royal army against the -rebels—one company being taken prisoner at the battle of Prestonpans. -The internal peace of the country being secured by the decisive victory -of Culloden, many of the regiments returned to Flanders; whilst the -Highlanders, with 2000 of the Foot Guards and other troops, attempted a -descent upon the French coast, but failed to accomplish that success -which had been anticipated, from the superior strength of the enemy. In -the attack upon port L’Orient, assuming the disguise of Highlanders, a -body of French, in a sally, succeeded in approaching the British lines, -and had nearly entered them when discovered. They experienced the deadly -wrath of our true Highlanders, whose blood was roused because of the -indignity offered to the kilts in the foe attempting to deceive our -troops thereby. The result proved that it needed more than the tartans -to constitute the genuine Highlander—the dauntless native courage being -wanting. - -Returning home, the regiment was stationed a while in Ireland, until -removed to reinforce the army fighting in Flanders, in alliance with the -Austrians and Dutch, against the French. Excepting, however, at the -siege of Hulst, and covering the embarkation of the army for South -Beveland, the regiment was little engaged in these campaigns, being kept -in reserve in South Beveland. Returning to Britain in 1749, the -Highlanders were variously stationed in Ireland during the following six -years. In 1756, the outbreak of hostilities in America between the -British and French colonists called for the immediate presence of a -British army, of which the Forty-second formed a part. On their arrival, -the strangeness of their garb excited the interest of “the Indians, who -flocked from all quarters to see the strangers, who, they believed, were -of the same extraction as themselves, and therefore received them as -brothers.” Landed in America, Lord Loudon, as commander-in-chief, -hesitated to advance against the enemy until his soldiers had acquired -some knowledge of the novel warfare of the bush in which they were to be -so much engaged. The enemy, meanwhile, reaped many valuable advantages -from the precious moments thus lost through the over-cautiousness and -procrastination of the British commander. - -In 1758, with the Twenty-seventh, the Forty-fourth, the Forty-sixth, the -Fifty-fifth, two battalions of the Sixtieth, and upwards of 9000 -provincials, the Forty-second formed the division of our army, under -Major-General James Abercromby, which attempted the reduction of the -strong fort of Ticonderoga, on Lake Champlain. The obstacles to be -overcome, and the strength of the garrison were such, that the utmost -and repeated efforts of our soldiers failed to effect its capture. The -distinguished bravery of the Forty-second is thus commemorated by an -eye-witness:—“With a mixture of esteem, grief, and envy, I consider the -great loss and immortal glory acquired by the Scots Highlanders in the -late bloody affair. Impatient for orders, they rushed forward to the -entrenchments, which many of them actually mounted. They appeared like -lions, breaking from their chains. Their intrepidity was rather animated -than damped by seeing their comrades fall on every side. I have only to -say of them, that they seemed more anxious to revenge the cause of their -deceased friends, than careful to avoid the same fate.” Their valour was -further rewarded by an order to dignify the regiment with the title of -the “_Royal_” Highlanders. So desperate was the fight, that the loss of -the regiment exceeded 650 men and officers. It was here that the gallant -and brave Brigadier-General Viscount Howe, of the Fifty-fifth regiment, -met his death: he who had been “the life and soul of the expedition,” -and was peculiarly the favourite of the soldiers. - -In October, 1758, a second battalion was raised at Perth and grafted -upon the good old stock of the Royal Highlanders. Soon after its -formation, it was embarked for Barbadoes, where it joined the expedition -under Major-Generals Hopson and Barrington, which was baffled in an -attempt upon the French Island of Martinique. This reverse was, however, -somewhat avenged by a more successful attack upon the Island of -Guadaloupe, which, after four months’ hard fighting and much suffering -from the insalubrity of the climate, was surrendered to the British. The -defence is remarkable as affording a striking instance of female heroism -in the person of Madame Ducharmey, who, arming her negroes when others -had retired, refused to yield, resolutely defending the island for some -time. - -Removed from the West Indies to the continent of America, the second -battalion was at length united to the first. These formed part of the -expeditionary force, under General Amherst, which, advancing, occupied -the strong fortresses of Ticonderago, Crown Point, and Isle aux Noix, -successively evacuated by the French. In the campaign of 1760 our -Highlanders were with the army which, crossing Lake Ontario, descended -the St Lawrence, effected the surrender of Montreal, and in its fall -sealed the subjugation of the entire province of Canada. - - - - -CHAPTER XXVII. - - “For gold the merchant ploughs the main, - The farmer ploughs the manor; - But glory is the sodger’s prize, - The sodger’s wealth is honour. - The brave poor sodger ne’er despise, - Nor count him as a stranger: - Remember he’s his country’s stay, - In day and hour o’ danger.” - - MARTINIQUE—HAVANNAH—BUSHYRUN—ILLINOIS—AMERICAN - REVOLUTION—HALIFAX—CAPE BRETON—1762–1769. - - -Its sobriety, abstemious habits, great activity, and capability of -bearing the vicissitudes of the West Indian climate, had commended the -selection of the Forty-second as part of an expedition then assembling -at Barbadoes for a renewal of the attack upon the valuable island of -Martinique, which, after some severe fighting, was surrendered, in 1762, -by the French governor to the British commander, Major-General the -Honourable Robert Monckton. Scarcely had the rude tempest of war -subsided in its wrath, and the genial calm of peace asserted its blessed -influence over the nation, ere that tranquillity was again disturbed by -the malignant passions which unhappily prevailed, and launched our -country into antagonism with Spain. Reinforced by fresh troops from -home—including our Highlanders—the British army of the West Indies, -under the Earl of Albemarle, embarking, effected a landing on the -Spanish island of Cuba, and gloriously captured its wealthy metropolis, -acquiring therein prize-money to the enormous extent of three millions -sterling. After achieving this very successful result, the regiment, -embraced in one battalion, returned to the continent of America, where -it was employed in most harassing duty, checking and punishing the -depredatory incursions of the Indians, who were ever on the alert to -avenge themselves on the white men of the colony, whom they could not -help regarding, and not altogether unreasonably, as their spoilers, and -hence their natural enemies. At Bushyrun the Forty-second encountered -the army of red warriors, and inflicted a severe defeat, which so sorely -distressed them, that, tendering their submission, a favourable peace -was thereupon secured. Thereafter a party of a hundred men, detached -from the regiment, under Captain, afterwards General Sir Thomas -Stirling, was engaged in an exploring expedition, journeying 3000 miles -in ten months, as far as Fort Charteris on the Illinois; and -notwithstanding all the difficulties and dangers encountered in the way, -returning to head-quarters safe and sound. At length, after these many -faithful and arduous services, the regiment received the order to return -home. Enjoying the esteem of the colonists, its departure was most -deeply regretted. The regiment reached Cork in October, 1767, and -remained on duty in Ireland for about twelve years, whence it was -removed to Scotland in 1775, to be recruited. Scarcely had its -establishment been completed when the American Revolution, involving our -country in a new war, occasioned its recall to that continent. On the -eve of its departure from Greenock, the regiment comprised 931 -Highlanders, 74 Lowlanders, 5 Englishmen (in the band), 1 Welshman, and -2 Irishmen—ample evidence of its genuine Highland character. In the -passage outwards the fleet was separated in a tempest, and a company of -the Forty-second, which had been quartered on board the “Oxford” -transport, was so unfortunate as to be captured by an American -privateer. Retained as prisoners on board the “Oxford,” the soldiers -succeeded in overpowering the crew, and, assuming the command of the -vessel, navigated it to the Bay of Chesapeake, unwittingly to find -themselves in the enemy’s grasp, who held possession of the bay. As -captives, our Highlanders were removed into the interior of the -continent, where every attempt was made to seduce them from their -allegiance, and tempt them to enter the American service, but, “true to -their colours,” without avail. Meanwhile, the rest of the regiment had -joined the British army in Staten Island, under General the Honourable -Sir William Howe. - -During the whole course of the war which followed, it may with truth be -averred that no one regiment was more constantly employed, serving -chiefly with one or other of the flank corps, and that no regiment was -more exposed to danger, underwent more fatigue, or suffered more from -both. - -The events of the war are so much a matter of history, that we forbear -to detain the reader with more than a mere enumeration of those in which -the Forty-second bore a conspicuous part. Having, through the battle of -Brooklyn, achieved the capture of Long Island, landing with the British -army on the mainland, the Highlanders were present with distinction at -the siege of Fort Washington, the capture of Fort Lee, the re-taking of -Trenton, but especially in the affair of Pisquata, where, assailed by -overwhelming numbers, the gallantry of the regiment was beyond all -compliment. The Forty-second was also present, although in a subordinate -position, at the battle of Brandywine, where General Washington was -defeated. On the 20th September, 1777, it was detached with the first -battalion of Light Infantry and the Forty-fourth regiment, to surprise a -strong force of Americans which lay concealed in the recesses of the -forest in the neighbourhood of the British camp, purposing to annoy the -army and cut off stragglers. The surprise—effected with scarcely any -loss—favoured by the darkness of the night, was successful. The enemy, -wholly unsuspecting, was utterly dispersed with great slaughter. The -regiment was further engaged in the attack upon Billingspoint and the -defence of Germanstown. - -At length allied with France, the Americans were so helped and -encouraged that it became necessary to concentrate the British army, -and, in consequence, relinquishing many of their more distant conquests, -our troops retired to the sea coast to oppose the threatened debarkation -of a French force from their fleet which cruised off the coast. -Dispersed by a storm, this armament failed to afford that assistance -which had been anticipated, compelling General Sullivan, who commanded -an auxiliary army of Americans, to abandon the siege of Nieuport, in -Rhode Island, and beat a precipitate retreat to the mainland. Meanwhile, -the Forty-second, with the Thirty-third, Forty-sixth, and Sixty-fourth -regiments, successfully accomplished the destruction of the arsenals and -dockyards of Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard. At Stoneypoint and -Vereplanks, after a desperate struggle, the persevering efforts of the -Royal Highlanders were rewarded with complete success. Under General Sir -Henry Clinton, the regiment formed a part of the expedition which -undertook and achieved the siege of Charlestown. The increasing force -and daring of the enemy, inspired and sustained by the genius of -Washington, glorying in the disaster of Yorktown, where a British army -was forced to surrender, induced peace, which, concluded in 1782, put an -end to further hostilities. The regiment served for a while thereafter -in Halifax, and, ere it returned home in 1789, garrisoned the island of -Cape Breton. Whilst in Nova Scotia, in 1785, Major-General John -Campbell, in presenting a new set of colours to the regiment, thus ably -addressed it—an address which, in its excellence, lives to encourage our -army, and than which we are convinced no better epitome of a soldier’s -duty exists:— - -“I congratulate you on the service you have done your country, and the -honour you have procured yourselves, by protecting your old colours, and -defending them from your enemies in different engagements during the -late unnatural rebellion. - -“From those ragged, but honourable remains, you are now to transfer your -allegiance and fidelity to these new National and Regimental Standards -of Honour, now consecrated and solemnly dedicated to the service of our -King and Country. These colours are committed to your immediate care and -protection; and I trust you will, on all occasions, defend them from -your enemies, with honour to yourselves and service to your country—with -that distinguished and noble bravery which have always characterised the -ROYAL HIGHLANDERS in the field of battle. - -“With what pleasure, with what peculiar satisfaction—nay, with what -pride, would I enumerate the different memorable actions where the -regiment distinguished itself. To particularise the whole would exceed -the bounds of this address; let me therefore beg your indulgence while I -take notice only of a few of them. - -“And, first, the conduct of the regiment at the battle of _Fontenoy_ was -great and glorious! As long as the bravery of the fifteen battalions in -that conflict shall grace the historic page, and fill the breast of -every Highlander with pleasure and admiration, so long will the superior -gallantry of the Forty-second Regiment bear a conspicuous part in the -well-fought action of that day, and be recorded in the annals of Fame to -the latest posterity! - -“I am convinced that it will always be a point of honour with the corps, -considered as a collective body, to support and maintain a _national_ -character! - -“For this purpose you should ever remember that, being a national and -reputable corps, your actions as citizens and civil subjects, as well as -your conduct as soldiers, will be much observed—more than those of any -other regiment in the service. Your good behaviour will be handed down -with honour to posterity, and your faults, if you commit any, will not -only be reported, but magnified, by other corps who are emulous of your -_civil_ as well as of your _military_ character. Your decent, sober, and -regular behaviour in the different quarters you have hitherto occupied, -has rendered you the distinguished favourites of their respective -inhabitants. For the sake, then, of your country—for the sake of your -own established character, which must be dearer to you than every other -consideration—do not tarnish your fame by a subsequent behaviour less -manly! - -“Do not, I beseech you, my fellow-soldiers, allow your morals to be -corrupted by associating with low, mean, or bad company. A man is always -known by his companions; and if any one among you should at any time be -seen spending his money in base, worthless company, he ought to be set -up and exposed as an object of regimental contempt! - -“To conclude: As you have, as soldiers, displayed sufficient valour in -the field by defeating the enemies of your country, suffer me to -recommend to you, as Christians, to use your best endeavours, now in the -time of peace, to overcome the enemies of your immortal souls! Believe -me, my fellow-soldiers, and be assured, that the faith and virtues of a -Christian add much to the valour, firmness, and fidelity of a soldier. -He, beyond comparison, has the best reason, and the strongest motive, -for doing his duty in scenes of danger, who has nothing to fear, but -every thing to hope, in a future existence. - -“Ought you not, therefore, to be solicitous to adorn your minds with, at -least, the principal and leading Christian virtues, so that if it should -be your fate hereafter to fall in the field of battle, your -acquaintances and friends will have the joyful consolation of hearing -that you leave an unspotted name, and of being assured that you rose -from a bed of honour to a crown of immortality.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXVIII. - - “O! to see his tartan trews, - Bonnet blue, and laigh-heel’d shoes, - Philabeg aboon his knee! - That’s the lad that I’ll gang wi’.” - -THE HIGHLANDS—FRENCH REVOLUTION—FLANDERS—GERMANY—WEST - INDIES—GIBRALTAR—MINORCA—EGYPT—EDINBURGH—1789–1803. - - -The honourable bearing of the Royal Highlanders throughout the war had -been so conspicuous as to win for them the hearty esteem of their -countrymen. Hence their return was welcomed by all classes, and their -progress northward was little else than a triumphal march. At Glasgow, -the joy of the people was unbounded. - -Whilst stationed in Scotland, the regiment was called to fulfil a most -painful duty, in the suppression of the riots which had arisen in the -Highlands from the expulsion of the poorer peasantry from the haunts and -homes of “auld langsyne.” From a long and quiet possession, they had -come to consider such as their own, and therefore were disposed to -resist the right of the legal proprietor, who desired to disencumber his -estates of the unproductive poor, and render these lands remunerative, -rather than, as hitherto, a barren burden. - -To curb the furious passions which the evil genii of the French -Revolution had let loose, wherewith to plague Christendom, the might of -Britain was called to the rescue. The Forty-second, largely recruited, -was accordingly embarked at Hull, and joined the British army fighting -under the Duke of York in Flanders. Soon, however, the regiment was -recalled, to form part of a meditated enterprise against the French West -Indian Islands. This scheme being abandoned for the present, it was -engaged in a vain attempt to aid, by a descent on the French coast, the -Vendean royalists, who yet dared manfully, but, alas! ineffectually, to -struggle against the sanguinary tyranny of the Revolution, for liberty -and righteousness. Returning to Flanders, the regiment was doomed to -share the retrograde movement which had been necessitated by the -overwhelming superiority of the enemy, and the listless indifference, -nay, even hate, of the Dutch, whose cause we had assumed to espouse. -Retreating through Germany to Bremen, the sufferings of the army were -severe, but endured with a fortitude which well commanded the admiration -of friend and foe. Never were the capabilities of the Highland soldier -more thoroughly tested, and more triumphantly apparent, than in the -midst of the fatigues of an incessant warfare, the severities of a -bitter winter, and the discouraging prospects of retreat. Under these -cruel circumstances, whilst other regiments counted their losses by -hundreds, the Forty-second only lost twenty-five men. - -Returning to England, the regiment was once more included in the -long-contemplated West Indian expedition. A vast armament had been -assembled in 1795, and sailed at first prosperously, only to be -dispersed and driven back with heavy loss by a furious tempest which -almost immediately arose. A second attempt, promising as favourably, -encountered a like catastrophe, but not so fatal. Although dispersed, -some of the transports continued the voyage, others returned to port, -and some few became the prey of the enemy’s privateers. Providence -seemed to be adverse to the expedition, or in friendly warning indicated -the coming struggle—when hearths and homes, menaced by a relentless, -dangerous foe, needed that a large portion of this ill-omened expedition -should be retained for the defence of our own shores, and play a more -important part in the exciting events of the Revolutionary War. Five -companies of the Royal Highlanders were thus detained at home, and soon -afterwards removed for service to Gibraltar. The other five companies of -the regiment, embarked in the “Middlesex,” East Indiaman, battling the -tempest, completed the voyage, and rendezvoused at Barbadoes, whence -they proceeded, with what remained of the vast armament, against the -French island of St Lucia, which, after some sharp fighting, was wrested -from the Republicans. In the subsequent attack upon the island of St -Vincent, the Highlanders were praised for the “heroic ardour” they -always displayed, but especially illustrated in the attack upon the post -of New Vigie, on the 10th June, 1796, on which occasion Major-General -David Stewart relates the following episode of the wife of a soldier of -our Royal Highlanders:—“I directed her husband, who was in my company, -to remain behind in charge of the men’s knapsacks, which they had thrown -off to be light for the advance up the hill. He obeyed his orders; but -his wife, believing, I suppose, that she was not included in these -injunctions, pushed forward in the assault. When the enemy had been -driven from the third redoubt, I was standing giving some directions to -the men, and preparing to push on to the fourth and last redoubt, when I -found myself tapped on the shoulder, and turning round, I saw my -Amazonian friend standing with her clothes tucked up to the knees, and -seizing my arm, ‘Well done, my Highland lads!’ she exclaimed, ‘see how -the brigands scamper like so many deer!’ ‘Come,’ added she, ‘let us -drive them from yonder hill.’ On inquiry, I found she had been in the -hottest fire, cheering and animating the men, and when the action was -over, she was as active as any of the surgeons in assisting the -wounded.” - -Allied with the Caribbee Indians, the Republicans, driven from the open -plain and the regular strongholds of the island, found a refuge in the -woods, where, screened by the luxuriant foliage of the forest, or -perched in unassailable positions, they maintained a guerilla warfare, -which to our troops proved of the most trying and harassing kind, -similar in character to that sustained by our Highlanders in the -backwoods during the American war. Mr Cannon, in his valuable official -records of the regiment, gives the following description illustrative of -the general character of the contest:— - -“The out-posts being frequently alarmed by parties of the enemy firing -at the sentries in the night, a serjeant and twelve Highlanders, under -Lieutenant David Stewart, penetrated the woods at nine o’clock in the -evening, with short swords to cut their way through the underwood, to -discover the post or camp from whence these nightly alarms came. After -traversing the woods all night, an open spot, with a sentry, was -discovered; this man fired his musket at a dog which accompanied the -soldiers, and then plunged into the wood, as the Serjeant rushed forward -to cut him down. The soldiers were on the edge of a perpendicular -precipice of great depth, at the bottom of which was seen a small valley -crowded with huts, from whence issued swarms of people on hearing the -report of their sentry’s musket. Having made this discovery, the -soldiers commenced their journey back; but, when about half way, they -were assailed by a fire of musketry on both flanks, and in the rear. The -Caribbees were expert climbers; every tree appeared to be manned in an -instant; the wood was in a blaze, but not a man could be seen—the enemy -being concealed by the thick and luxuriant foliage. As the Highlanders -retreated, firing from time to time at the spot from whence the enemy’s -fire proceeded, the Caribbees followed with as much rapidity as if they -had sprung from tree to tree like monkeys. In this manner the retreat -was continued, until the men got clear of the woods.” - -The reduction of the island being at length completed, the five -companies of the Forty-second were employed in an ineffectual attack -upon Porto Rico. In 1797, from Martinique the companies returned home, -and, on reaching Portsmouth, presented a clean bill of health—somewhat -extraordinary in the circumstances, yet silently but unmistakeably -testifying to the good conduct of the corps, and the completeness of its -economy. In 1798 the several companies were united at Gibraltar, whence -the regiment proceeded, with other troops, under Lieut.-General the -Honourable Sir Charles Stewart, against the Spanish island of Minorca, -which, with its capital, Ciudadella, was speedily surrendered, although -the defending force exceeded in number the attacking force; the -Spaniards, by the admirable dispositions of the British, being deceived -as to our actual strength. This achievement was but the presage to a -more glorious enterprise. The ambition of Napoleon had pictured for -himself an Eastern Empire; and to work out the realisation of his dream, -he had transported the veterans of Italy into Egypt, as the basis of his -operations. Already had the burning sands of the dreary desert wasted -the strength of this “Army of the East,” and his conquering legions been -arrested in their triumphal career by the stern decrees of Nature’s God, -when our island-might dared to challenge the boasted “Invincibles” of -France. The Forty-second was included in the expedition which, under Sir -Ralph Abercromby, was so long detained and tossed upon the treacherous -waves of the Mediterranean, the slave of a cruel uncertainty as to its -destination. At length the fleet cast anchor in Aboukir Bay, and despite -the proud array of horse, foot, and artillery which lined the beach and -manned the hills environing the bay—each of which contributed its -deadliest thunder to daunt or destroy our gallant army—the British -successfully effected a landing in March, 1801, gained a victory which, -apart from the honour accruing to our arms, served to revive the -fainting spirit of Europe, and gave a glimpse of hope to the enthralled -who had been crushed by the military tyranny of France. - -[Illustration: SIR RALPH ABERCROMBY.] - -Passing over the action of Mandora, we arrive at the battle of -Alexandria, wherein the valour of the Royal Highlanders, associated with -the Twenty-eighth regiment, has never been excelled. Posted amid the -ruins of an old Roman palace, and looking down upon the classic -memorials of a by-gone age, the Forty-second, on the morning of the 21st -March, 1801, awaited with portentous silence the approach of the foe, -who, concealed by a thick mist, advanced, purposing to surprise our -position. The assault was conducted with the wonted impetuosity of the -French, and the defence maintained with characteristic firmness by the -British. Amid the confusion of the fight, the uncertain light of the -morning, and whilst our troops were hotly engaged at all points, the -famed “Invincible Legion” of Napoleon crept silently and unnoticed to -the rear of our Highlanders, cutting the wings of the regiment asunder. -A desperate and deadly fight ensued, when these redoubtable troops -discovered and encountered each other. The French, entering the ruins of -the palace, displayed a valour worthy the title they bore, and which, in -other circumstances, might have won that better success which such -heroic bravery merited as its reward. Exhausted and overpowered, with -650 fallen, the relics of the “Invincibles,” of whom there remained but -250, surrendered to our Highlanders. Scarce had the regiment achieved -this splendid result, ere it was anew assailed by a fresh and more -powerful, but not braver column of the enemy. At length these repeated -and resolute attacks of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, broke the -array of the Forty-second. To all appearance flight seemed the only -refuge, and prudence might have urged the same as being the better part -of valour. The French cavalry at this critical moment charged the -regiment, deeming an easy conquest at hand, but nothing daunted, grouped -into small detached parties, the Highlanders faced about and fearlessly -encountered the foe. Sir Ralph Abercromby, witnessing the gallant -behaviour of his countrymen in such a crisis, unable to reinforce them -with troops, hastened to the spot to encourage, by his presence, these -brave men, exclaiming, with patriotic fervour, “My brave Highlanders, -remember your country, remember your forefathers!” Thus nerved to -resistance, and cheered to know that so beloved a commander beheld with -pride and grateful affection their efforts, the result was soon -gloriously evident in the retreat, flight, and ruin of the cavalry, who -imagined they would have annihilated the broken, bleeding remnant. -During the fight, Sir Ralph Abercromby was furiously assailed by two -dragoons. “In this unequal conquest he received a blow on the breast; -but with the vigour and strength of arm for which he was distinguished, -he seized on the sabre of one of those who struggled with him, and -forced it out of his hand. At this moment a corporal of the -Forty-second, seeing his situation, ran up to his assistance, and shot -one of the assailants, on which the other retired. - -“The French cavalry charged _en masse_, and overwhelmed the -Forty-second; yet, though broken, this gallant corps was not defeated; -individually it resisted, and the conduct of each man exalted still more -the high character of the regiment.” - -Towards the close of the battle the Highlanders, having expended their -last cartridge, were on the point of being annihilated—although still -resolutely resisting with the bayonet—when the French, repulsed -everywhere, relaxed their efforts, and gradually retired. The loss of -the regiment, in killed and wounded, exceeded 300 men; but the most -grievous loss of all, felt by every rank, was the fall and subsequent -death of Sir Ralph Abercromby. - -It is unnecessary here further to detail the various events which marked -the progress of the British arms in Egypt—crowned in the conquest of its -two capitals, Cairo and Alexandria, accomplishing the extinction of the -French dominion in the land, and for ever dissipating the dream of -Napoleon, which had promised an Eastern Empire—an idea early and fondly -nurtured, but, like the toy of a child, as quickly cast away when it -failed to please, and, by that despot, abandoned when circumstances -presented an easier path and more glorious results to his ambition in -the crown of France. - -On the return of the Royal Highlanders, every compliment was lavished -upon the regiment by a grateful country. Whilst at Edinburgh in 1802, -Lieutenant-General Vyse, in presenting a new set of colours, thus closed -his address to the regiment:—“Remember that the standards which you have -this day received are not only revered by an admiring world, as the -honourable monuments and trophies of your former heroism, but are -likewise regarded by a grateful country as the sacred pledges of that -security which, under the protection of heaven, it may expect from your -future services. - -“May you long, very long, live to enjoy that reputation and those -honours which you have so highly and so justly merited; may you long -participate and share in all the blessings of that tranquillity and -peace which your labours and your arms have restored to your native -country; but should the restless ambition of an envious and daring enemy -again call you to the field, think then that you behold the spirit of -those brave comrades who so nobly, in their country’s cause, fell upon -the plains of Egypt, hovering round these standards—think that you see -the venerable shade of the immortal Abercromby leading you again to -action, and pointing to that presumptuous band whose arrogance has been -humbled, and whose vanity has been compelled, by your intrepidity and -courage, to confess that _no human force has been ‘invincible’ against -British valour_, when directed by wisdom, conducted by discipline, and -inspired by virtue.” - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXIX. - - “When wild war’s deadly blast was blawn, - And gentle peace returning, - And eyes again with pleasure beam’d - That had been blear’d wi’ mourning, - I left the lines and tented field, - Where lang I’d been a lodger, - My humble knapsack a’ my wealth, - A poor but honest sodger.” - -THREATENED INVASION—THE PENINSULAR WAR—CORUNNA—TOULOUSE—QUATRE - BRAS—WATERLOO—CRIMEA—INDIA—1803–1862. - - -The peace of Amiens in 1803, which for a short period released our army -from the bloody toils of war, was but as the portentous calm presaging -the lowering storm, when the waves of angry passion, lashed into fury, -should beat upon the shore of every continent of the world. The pride of -France had been humbled, and the ambitious schemes of her haughty despot -thwarted by British valour, which, upon the plains of Egypt, had wrested -from veteran legions their boasted “invincibility.” The French navy, -moreover, had been swept from the seas and all but exterminated—there -remaining not an armament in Europe which could dare to dispute the -British ocean sovereignty. Stung by the remembrance of many defeats by -sea and land—the painful recollection of which ever and anon haunted and -troubled the dreamer of universal empire, begetting - - “The vengeance blood alone could quell”— - -a spirit of malignity was awakened in the mind of Napoleon. These -combined occasioned the concentration of the giant might of his empire -upon the western shores of France, purposing therewith to crush, were it -possible, the only power which, amidst the general wreck of nations, yet -lived to challenge his assumed omnipotence. Vainly he hoped to bridge -the channel, or, as he termed it, the “ditch,” which divided this -beloved land from our natural rival and implacable enemy, France. Loudly -he threatened that, with an army of 600,000 men, he would land to -desolate our homes, and overwhelm our country in a doom as awful as had -hitherto befallen less favoured countries. But apart from the “ditch,” -which proved an impassable gulf to the mightiest efforts of his power, -the patriotism of our people, appreciating the emergency, was equal to -the danger, and in 1804 achieved the following magnificent result:— - - Army in the British Isles, 129,039 - Colonies, 38,630 - India, 22,897 - Recruiting, 533 - Militia in Great Britain, 109,947 - ———— - 301,046 - - Regular and Militia, 301,046 - Volunteers in Great Britain, 347,000 - ———— - Total in Great Britain, 648,046 - Irish Volunteers, 70,000 - Military, 718,046 - Navy, 100,000 - Grand Total in arms, 818,046 - ———— - -In this vast armament we must include a second battalion raised in 1803, -and attached to the Royal Forty-second. In 1805 the first battalion was -removed to Gibraltar. Napoleon, disappointed in his favourite scheme of -effecting our conquest, suddenly directed his march eastward, launching -the thunderbolts of war with remorseless wrath upon the devoted -sovereignties of Germany, yea, piercing, in his aggressions, the gloomy -wilds of Russia. By a crooked policy, begetting a matchless perfidy, -Napoleon had found further employment for the myriad spoilers who looked -to him for prey, in the invasion and appropriation of Spain and -Portugal. In this crisis of their country’s calamity, the patriots of -the Peninsula invoked the friendly aid of Britain, as alone able to help -them in the unequal yet protracted struggle for independence they -maintained. Ever the champion of the weak and oppressed, Britain -descended to the rescue; and in accordance therewith, a British army, -under Sir Arthur Wellesley, landed in Portugal in 1808. The first -battalion of the Forty-second was ordered to join this expedition from -Gibraltar, but reached too late to participate in the glories of Roleia -and Vimiera. The deliverance of Portugal being for the time -accomplished, the Forty-second thereafter joined the army of General Sir -John Moore, which attempted to drive the French from Spain. Inadequately -supported, this gallant chief failed to do more than penetrate into the -interior, occasioning the concentration of the several French armies to -repel him. Unable to cope with such a vast superiority, retreat was -inevitable. Shattered by the vicissitudes of the war, his army retired -to the sea coast, hotly pursued by a powerful French force under Marshal -Soult. At length halting near Corunna, the British, in defence of their -embarkation, accepted battle from the French, which, whilst victory -crowned our arms, was dearly bought in the death of Sir John Moore. -Brigaded with the Fourth and Fiftieth regiments, under Major-General -Lord William Bentinck, and in the division of Sir David Baird, these -regiments sustained the weight of the attack. Twice on this memorable -day did the Commander-in-Chief address himself to the Highlanders. In -the advance to recover the lost village of Elvina, he uttered these -thrilling words, awakening the recollection of the time when he himself -had led them to victory—“Highlanders,” he said, “remember Egypt!” And -again, when sorely pressed by the enemy, having expended their whole -ammunition, he thus distinguished them:— - -“‘My brave Forty-second, join your comrades, ammunition is coming, and -you have your bayonets.’ At the well-known voice of their general, the -Highlanders instantly sprang forward, and closed upon the enemy with -bayonets. About this period Sir David Baird was wounded, and forced to -quit the field, and soon afterwards Sir John Moore was struck to the -ground by a cannon ball. He was raised up, his eyes were steadily fixed -on the Highlanders, who were contending manfully with their numerous -antagonists, and when he was assured that the Forty-second were -victorious, his countenance brightened up, he expressed his -satisfaction, and was removed to the rear, where he expired, to the -great regret of the officers and soldiers, who admired and esteemed -their excellent commander.” - - On dark Corunna’s woeful day, - When Moore’s brave spirit passed away, - Our Highland men, they firmly stood, - Nor France’s marshalled armies could - Break through the men of Scotland. - -[Illustration: SIR JOHN MOORE.] - -In this severe fight the loss of the Forty-second exceeded 200 killed -and wounded. In consequence of this victory, the British were enabled to -embark without further molestation from the enemy. The regiment arrived -in England in 1809. As soon as sufficiently recruited—brigaded with the -Seventy-ninth and Ninety-second regiments, constituting the Highland -Brigade—it was embarked with the army which attempted to gain a footing -in Flanders; but failed, rather from the evil effects of the climate, -inducing a malignant disease, than the sword of the enemy. Of 758 men, -which comprised the battalion, 554 were stricken down or disabled in -less than six weeks. Meanwhile, the second battalion, which had joined -the army of Lord Wellington in Portugal, suffered severely from a -similar cause whilst stationed on the banks of the Guadiana River. -Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Blantyre, this battalion was -creditably present in the actions of the Peninsular War, which arrested -the progress of the French under Marshal Massena, at Busaco, and finally -defied their every effort at the formidable, impregnable lines of Torres -Vedras. The battalion won a title to the distinction of “Fuentes -d’Onor,” by gallantly resisting a charge of French cavalry thereat. It -was present at the siege of Ciudad Rodrigo, and, previous to the battle -of Salamanca, was joined by the first battalion from England, with whom -it was consolidated. A recruiting party was sent home to enrol a now -second battalion, afterwards disbanded in 1814. - -It is needless here to detain the reader with a record of the military -transactions of the war. These words—“Pyrenees,” “Nivelle,” “Nive,” -“Orthes,” “Toulouse,” and “Peninsula”—borne upon the colours and -appointments of the regiment, are sufficiently expressive of its -gallantry. At the battle of Toulouse, the public despatch refers to the -conduct of the Forty-second as “highly distinguished throughout the -day;” whilst an officer of the regiment contributes the following -account of its dauntless behaviour on the occasion. In the sixth -division of our army, and in brigade with the Seventy-ninth and -Ninety-first regiments, he says:—“We advanced under a heavy cannonade, -and arrived in front of a redoubt, which protected the right of the -enemy’s position, where we were formed in two lines—the first consisting -of some Portuguese regiments, and the reserve of the Highland Brigade. - -“Darkening the whole hill, flanked by clouds of cavalry, and covered by -the fire of their redoubt, the enemy came down upon us like a torrent; -their generals and field-officers riding in front, and waving their hats -amidst shouts of the multitude, resembling the roar of an ocean! Our -Highlanders, as if actuated by one instinctive impulse, took off their -bonnets, and, waving them in the air, returned their greeting with three -cheers. - -“A death-like silence ensued for some moments, and we could observe a -visible pause in the advance of the enemy. At that moment the light -company of the Forty-second regiment, by a well-directed fire, brought -down some of the French officers of distinction, as they rode in front -of their respective corps. The enemy immediately fired a volley into our -lines, and advanced upon us amidst a deafening roar of musketry and -artillery. Our troops answered their fire only once, and, unappalled by -their furious onset, advanced up the hill, and met them at the charge. -Upon reaching the summit of the ridge of heights, the redoubt which had -covered their advance fell into our possession; but they still retained -four others, with their connecting lines of entrenchments, upon the -level of the same heights on which we were now established, and into -which they had retired. - -“Major-General Pack having obtained leave from General Clinton that the -Forty-second should have the honour of leading the attack, which it was -hoped should drive the French from their strong position, that -distinguished officer exultingly gave the word—‘The Forty-second will -advance.’ We immediately began to form for the charge upon the redoubts, -which were about two or three hundred yards distant, and to which we had -to pass over some ploughed fields. The grenadiers of the Forty-second -regiment, followed by the other companies, led the way, and began to -ascend from the road; but no sooner were the feathers of their bonnets -seen rising over the embankment, than such a tremendous fire was opened -from the redoubts and entrenchments, as in a very short time would have -annihilated them. The right wing, therefore, hastily formed into line, -and, without waiting for the left, which was ascending by companies from -the road, rushed upon the batteries, which vomited forth a most furious -and terrific storm of fire, grape-shot, and musketry. - -“The redoubts were erected along the side of a road, and defended by -broad ditches filled with water. Just before our troops reached the -obstruction, however, the enemy deserted them, and fled in all -directions, leaving their last line of strongholds in our possession; -but they still possessed two fortified houses close by, from which they -kept up a galling and destructive fire. Out of about five hundred men, -which the Forty-second brought into action, scarcely ninety reached the -fatal redoubt from which the enemy had fled. - -“As soon as the smoke began to clear away, the enemy made a last attempt -to re-take the redoubts, and for this purpose advanced in great force. -They were a second time repulsed with great loss, and their whole army -was driven into Toulouse, which they evacuated on the 12th of April, -1814.” - -The peace which crowned these glorious achievements afforded but a brief -interval of repose to our army. In the spring of the following year, -Europe was startled in her dream of fancied security by the sudden and -unexpected return of Napoleon from Elba. In the campaign of Waterloo, -which quickly and decisively broke his power, and almost annihilated the -military strength of imperial France—with which strong, convulsive -effort it hoped to restore its earlier and mightier dominion—the -Forty-second claims a most conspicuous place, especially in the action -of Quatre Bras, so immediately followed by the grander event of -Waterloo. The unexpected and furious attack of Marshal Ney upon the -advanced position of the allies at Quatre Bras, gave the French a -momentary advantage. Roused to arms, and hurried forward to the scene of -conflict, the Highlanders (Forty-second and Ninety-second regiments) -were conspicuous for the promptitude with which they mustered and took -the field, hastening forward to relieve the gallant few that dared to -withstand the impetuous assaults of the French. The good conduct of the -Highlanders, whilst quartered in Brussels, had so won the esteem of the -citizens, that they are said to have mourned for them as a brother, -grieving for their departure—perchance - - “The unreturning brave,—alas! - Ere evening to be trodden like the grass - Which now beneath them, but above shall grow - In its next verdure; when this fiery mass - Of living valour rolling on the foe, - And burning with high hope, shall moulder cold and low! - - “Last noon beheld them full of lusty life; - Last eve, in beauty’s circle proudly gay; - The midnight brought the signal-sound of strife; - The morn the marshalling in arms; the day - Battle’s magnificently-stern array! - The thunder-clouds close o’er it, which, when rent, - The earth is cover’d thick with other clay, - Which her own clay shall cover—heap’d and pent, - Rider and horse,—friend, foe,—in one red burial blent!” - -One historian speaks of the Forty-second as displaying “unparalleled -bravery;” whilst another thus narrates the attack of the Highlanders at -Quatre Bras:—“To the Forty-second Highlanders, and Forty-fourth British -regiment, which were posted on a reversed slope, and in line, close upon -the left of the above road, the advance of French cavalry was so sudden -and unexpected, the more so as the Brunswickers had just moved on to the -front, that as both these bodies whirled past them to the rear, in such -close proximity to each other, they were, for the moment, considered to -consist of one mass of allied cavalry. Some of the old soldiers of both -regiments were not so easily satisfied on this point, and immediately -opened a partial fire obliquely upon the French lancers, which, however, -Sir Denis Pack and their own officers endeavoured as much as possible to -restrain; but no sooner had the latter succeeded in causing a cessation -of the fire, than the lancers, which were the rearmost of the cavalry, -wheeled sharply round, and advanced in admirable order directly upon the -rear of the two British regiments. The Forty-second Highlanders having, -from their position, been the first to recognise them as a part of the -enemy’s forces, rapidly formed a square; but just as the two flank -companies were running in to form the rear face, the lancers had reached -the regiment, when a considerable portion of their leading division -penetrated the square, carrying along with them, by the impetus of the -charge, several men of those two companies, and creating a momentary -confusion. The long-tried discipline and steadiness of the Highlanders, -however, did not forsake them at this critical juncture; these lancers, -instead of effecting the destruction of the square, were themselves -fairly hemmed into it, and either bayoneted or taken prisoners, whilst -the endangered face, restored as if by magic, successfully repelled all -further attempts on the part of the French to complete their expected -triumph. Their commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Robert Macara, -was killed on this occasion, a lance having pierced through his chin -until it reached the brain; and within the brief space of a few minutes, -the command of the regiment devolved upon three other officers in -succession: Lieutenant-Colonel Dick, who was severely wounded, -Brevet-Major Davidson, who was mortally wounded, and Brevet-Major -Campbell, who commanded it during the remainder of the campaign.” Their -subsequent service at Waterloo fully sustained, nay, rather excelled the -heroism of previous achievements. - -[Illustration: SEBASTOPOL, FROM FORT CONSTANTINE.] - -Peace has long reigned over our land, and the after history of the -regiment appears, when shorn of a farther warlike character, devoid of -interest. We only, therefore, mention that, after serving in various -garrisons at home, the regiment was removed in 1826 to Gibraltar, thence -in 1832 to Malta, and thereafter, in 1834, to the Ionian Islands. -Returning home in 1836, it was welcomed by a grateful public. In 1841 it -was again stationed in the Ionian Islands, until removed to Malta in -1843. - -In the Crimean war, the Forty-second, with the Seventy-ninth and -Ninety-third regiments, shared the dangers and the sufferings through -which, as our “Highland Brigade,” they gloriously won a deathless -renown—as the “Rocks of Gaelic Infantry.” The regiment was present at -the battle of the Alma, the siege of Sebastopol, and with the expedition -against Kertch. Many of its soldiers earned, as the reward of personal -courage, the Victoria Cross. - -In July, 1857, the Forty-second proceeded to India, to aid in the -suppression of the mutiny. It still remains in India, being now -stationed at Dugshai, Bengal. It is worthy of remark, that all the -Highland regiments were more or less employed in suppressing this -terrible outbreak. - -In conclusion, these records, if “aught inanimate e’er speaks,” speak in -silent yet living eloquence to the soul, and more than ever endear to us -the soldiers who inherit, and who will not fail to emulate, by their own -good conduct and gallant demeanour, the illustrious and glorious career -of their predecessors. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE SEVENTY-FIRST FOOT; - OR, - GLASGOW HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY. - - CHAPTER XXX. - - “To leave thee behind me my heart is sair pain’d, - But by ease that’s inglorious no fame can be gain’d; - And beauty and love’s the reward of the brave, - And I maun deserve it before I can crave.” - - INDIA—GIBRALTAR—CEYLON—1777–1798. - - -Whilst the American continent was the scene of a sanguinary and bitter -strife, the embers of war were being quickened into flame in another and -far distant province of our vast colonial empire. In India the -usurpation of Hyder Ali had occasioned the interference of the British, -awakening the ill-disguised hatred of the native race against the -grasping policy of the British, whose cupidity had already appropriated -much of their native land, and whose avarice was only too ready to -embrace any farther opportunity for aggrandisement. The incendiaries of -France had been busy sowing the seeds of jealousy and distrust of the -British rule, which soon produced its malignant fruits in the cruel and -remorseless war that ensued. Thus encircled and assailed by enemies from -so many quarters at once, our Government, in its dire extremity, called -upon the patriotism of the country to supply the means of defence. The -result was most satisfactory; and in no case did the appeal receive a -more cordial response than amongst our clansmen, from whence were drawn, -in the course of eighteen months, upwards of 12,500 Highlanders. From -the following list of the regiments raised in 1778 to meet this -emergency, the subject of our present sketch may be selected:— - - 72d Regiment, or Royal Manchester Volunteers, disbanded in 1783. - 73d Highland Regiment, numbered the 71st Regiment in 1786. - 74th Highland Regiment, disbanded in 1784. - 75th Prince of Wales’ Regiment, disbanded in 1783. - 76th Highland Regiment, disbanded in 1784. - 77th Regiment, or Athole Highlanders, disbanded in 1783. - 78th Highland Regiment, numbered the 72d Regiment in 1786. - 79th Regiment, or Royal Liverpool Volunteers, disbanded in 1784. - 80th Regiment, or Royal Edinburgh Volunteers, disbanded in 1784. - 81st Highland Regiment, disbanded in 1783. - 82d Regiment, disbanded in 1784. - 83d Regiment, or Royal Glasgow Volunteers, disbanded in 1783. - -The Earl of Cromarty and his son, Lord MʻLeod, having been partners in -the guilt of rebellion in 1745, were made partners in the punishment -which followed. At length pardoned, Lord MʻLeod was permitted to pass -into honourable exile. He found employment in the Swedish army, where he -rose to the rank of Lieutenant-General. Opportunely venturing to return, -he was unexpectedly received with much favour by the King, and his offer -to raise a Highland regiment on his forfeited estates gladly accepted. -His success was worthy of his zeal; and at Elgin, in 1778, he appeared -at the head of a magnificent corps of 840 Highlanders, 236 Lowlanders, -and 34 English and Irish, which were accordingly regimented as the -Seventy-third, afterwards our Seventy-first Regiment. The success of -this corps induced the formation of a second battalion, which soon -attained its complement. Although styled the “Glasgow Highland Light -Infantry,” that western metropolis can boast no legitimate claim to an -interest in its formation beyond the thirty-four English and Irish -recruits, who, it is said, hailed from Glasgow. It acquired the -property, at a later period, when a second battalion was being grafted -upon the parent stem, when many of its citizens enlisting, manifested so -strong a predilection in its favour, as induced the government to confer -the present title, and ever since the Glasgowegians have proudly adopted -the Seventy-first as their own. - -Almost immediately on its completion, the first battalion was embarked -for India. Landing at Madras in 1780, it became the nucleus for the -Highland Brigade, which the subsequent and successive arrival of the -Seventy-second, Seventy-third, Seventy-fourth, Seventy-fifth, and -Ninety-fourth Highland regiments constituted. These earned distinctions -for gallant service almost exceptional to themselves. It is worthy of -note—eliciting our surprise, yet reflecting infinite credit on our -arms—that notwithstanding the insignificance of the British force, -opposed to the countless hosts of the Indian chiefs—generally as one to -ten—we almost always prevailed. Had the native pride been less rampant, -and the Indian chiefs submitted to the superior generalship of the -French officers sent out to discipline their troops—wherein was -admirable material for good soldiers—the danger to the British would -have been greater, and success more exceptional. Fortunately for us, the -incapacity of these sable chiefs to command, and their exceeding fear of -dictation, lost them many an opportunity, and in the end proved our -safety. It is strangely true of the Indian soldier that, in the field, -when well led, he behaves with the utmost firmness, whilst, in defence -of fortifications or walled towns, he betrays a weakness which -altogether belies any favourable impression of his resolution previously -formed. Notwithstanding the overwhelming superiority of the enemy who, -under Hyder Ali, threatened annihilation to the small force of 4600 men, -including the first battalion of the Seventy-third (as we must as yet -call the Seventy-first), these, under Major-General Sir Hector Munro, -dared to advance into the interior. Meanwhile, a division of 3000 men, -under Lieut.-Colonel Baillie, descending from the north, strove to -effect a junction with the army of General Munro. The hesitation of the -latter, when in presence of the foe, to prosecute his advance, and -secure his junction with the former, placed the small force of Colonel -Baillie in a position of peril. This opportunity, vigorously improved by -Hyder Ali, occasioned its destruction, which, with two companies of the -Seventy-third, and other troops under Lieut.-Colonel Fletcher, had, -despite the treachery of the guides, threaded their way through the -jungle, and arrived as a reinforcement from Major-General Munro, but in -reality as so many more victims who should be engulfed in the fatal ruin -so nigh. The terrible disaster which ensued, and the calamitous result -which yielded so many brave men prisoners into the cruel, merciless -power of Hyder Ali, can never fail to inspire feelings of the truest -sympathy. With a hundred thousand men, he descended with the most -sanguinary fury upon this little and devoted column. Even when the whole -ammunition was, by an unlucky accident, blown into the air in their very -midst, and the British guns silenced, they remained unconquered. The -converging hosts of the enemy drew closer around the little band of -heroes, and poured in upon them a deadly fire of artillery and musketry, -to which they could no longer reply. Reduced to 500 men, “History cannot -produce an instance, for fortitude, and intrepidity, and desperate -resolution, to equal the exploits of this heroic band.... The mind, in -the contemplation of such a scene, and such a situation as theirs was, -is filled at once with admiration, with astonishment, with horror, and -with awe. To behold formidable and impenetrable bodies of horse, of -infantry, and of artillery, advancing from all quarters, flashing savage -fury, levelling the numberless instruments of slaughter, and darting -destruction around, was a scene to appal even something more than the -strongest human resolution; but it was beheld by this little band with -the most undaunted and immoveable firmness.... Like the swelling waves -of the ocean, however, when agitated by a storm, fresh columns -incessantly poured in upon them with redoubled fury, which at length -brought so many to the ground, and weakened them so considerably, that -they were unable longer to withstand the dreadful and tremendous shock; -and the field soon presented a horrid picture of the most inhuman -cruelties and unexampled carnage.”[C] Happy were those who found on the -burning sands of Perambaukam “a soldier’s grave;” happy indeed, compared -with the cruel fate of the survivors, who, reduced from 4000, scarce -mustered 200 prisoners, nearly all of whom were wounded. Colonel -Baillie, stripped, wounded in three places, was dragged into the -presence of the victor, who exulted over him with the imperious tone of -a conqueror. Baillie replied with the true spirit of a soldier, and soon -after died. The remainder, cast into the dungeons of Bangalore, scantily -fed on unwholesome food, were doomed to endure a miserable imprisonment -for three long years. These trials, however, served only to bring out, -in brighter effulgence, the characteristics of the Highland hero. “These -brave men,” says General Stewart, “equally true to their religion and -their allegiance, were so warmly attached to their officers (amongst -whom was one afterwards destined to win a mighty fame as their gallant -leader—Sir David Baird), that they picked out the best part of their own -food and secretly reserved it for their officers; thus sacrificing their -own lives for that of their officers, as the result proved, for out of -111, only 30 feeble and emaciated men ever emerged from that almost -living tomb.” Mrs Grant says in her narrative, “Daily some of their -companions dropped before their eyes, and daily they were offered -liberty and riches in exchange for this lingering torture, on condition -of relinquishing their religion and taking the turban. Yet not one could -be prevailed upon to purchase life on these terms. These Highlanders -were entirely illiterate; scarcely one of them could have told the name -of any particular sect of Christians, and all the idea they had of the -Mahommedan religion was, that it was adverse to their own, and to what -they had been taught by their fathers; and that, adopting it, they would -renounce Him who had died that they might live, and who loved them, and -could support them in all their sufferings. The great outlines of their -religion, the peculiar tenets which distinguish it from any other, were -early and deeply impressed on their minds, and proved sufficient in the -hour of trial. - -Footnote C: - - Narrative of the Military Operations on the Coromandel Coast from 1780 - to 1784, by Captain Innes Monro, of the Seventy-third Regiment. - - ‘Rise, Muses rise, add all your tuneful breath; - These must not sleep in darkness and in death.’ - -“It was not theirs to meet Death in the field of honour; while the mind, -wrought up with fervid eagerness, went forth in search of him. They saw -his slow approach, and though sunk into languid debility, such as -quenches the fire of mere temperament, they never once hesitated at the -alternative set before them.” - - “Billeted by death, he quarter’d here remained; - When the last trumpet sounds, he’ll rise and march again.” - -In 1781, in the army of Lieutenant-General Sir Eyre Coote, the regiment -took the field, although sorely weakened by sickness and the sword. -After considerable man[oe]uvring on both sides, the two armies -confronted each other on the plains of Porto Novo. The British, not -amounting to 8000 men, of which the Seventy-third was the only Line -regiment, were opposed to a vast host, exceeding 100,000. - -Notwithstanding our great inferiority in numbers, the enemy signally -failed in every attempt to annihilate, as he imagined, the heroic band -who fought beneath the banner of Albion. Discouraged and worn out with -these repeated and unavailing assaults, the foe was only too glad to -retire and escape from such a vain struggle, where superior numbers -could make no impression on bravery and discipline, but only entailed -disgrace and defeat. The excellent valour of the regiment on this -critical occasion, received the warmest approbation of the -Commander-in-chief. Sir Eyre Coote was particularly pleased with the -gallantry of one of its pipers, who, amid the hottest of the fire, -ceased not to cheer his comrades by the shrill scream of his bag-pipes, -which was heard even above the din and roar of battle—so pleased, he -exclaimed, “Well done, my brave fellow, you shall have silver pipes when -the battle is over,” a promise which he most munificently fulfilled. Sir -Eyre Coote always retained a warm interest in, strong attachment to, and -confidence in the Highland regiments, which he learned to esteem as the -flower of the British army. Having followed up this great victory by a -series of further minor successes, the army, reinforced by a body of -troops from the Bengal Presidency under Colonel Pearse, anew arrived -upon the blood-stained plains of Perambaukam, so pregnant with -melancholy associations, and which, yet reeking with the gore of the -murdered brave, bore memorials of the disaster which had overtaken so -many of their comrades but a year previous; stirred by these painful -recollections, our army consecrated the spot to avenge thereon the -butchery which had so lately bereaved them of their brethren. The foe, -too, were inspired for the fight, but by a very different feeling. -Superstition bade them believe their gods propitious to the spot, and, -as with them, to give over the British as the victims of a new -sacrifice. Thus impelled, it may well be inferred that the struggle was -severe and bloody, although, as usual, British prowess triumphed. - -To relieve the important fortress of Vellore, our army advanced by the -Pass of Sholingur, where it encountered the enemy. A protracted and -desperate fight ensued, but nothing could withstand the impetuous and -persevering assaults of the British, who ultimately drove the enemy -before them. In the spring of 1782, the relief of Vellore was a second -time accomplished, despite the strenuous efforts of Hyder Ali to prevent -it. The after and unsatisfying inactivity of our army permitted a -powerful French force, landed from the fleet of Admiral Suffrein, to -effect a junction with the Indian army, and these together succeeded in -reducing the important strongholds of Permacoil and Cudalore. These -successes, energetically followed up by Hyder Ali, threatened our utter -destruction, and brought about the battle of Arnee, in which the -Seventy-third was conspicuous under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel -Elphinstone and, more immediately, of Captain the Honourable James -Lindsay. The British, reinforced by the arrival of the Seventy-eighth -(now the Seventy-second) regiment, recently arrived from Europe, were in -a position to assume the offensive, and having anew provisioned Vellore, -undertook the siege of Cudalore, which was only abandoned for lack of -the requisite means of attack, thus postponing its fate for another -year. So deeply interested was the Commander-in-chief, Sir Eyre Coote, -in this undertaking, that, vexed with its miscarriage—esteeming himself -inadequately supported by Government in the attempt—grieved and -disappointed, he fell a prey to melancholy, which, ere an opportunity to -retrieve the present failure had come, the veteran chief had fallen. He -was succeeded in the command by Major-General James Stuart, and the -army, reinforced by the arrival of the Twenty-third Light Dragoons, the -One-hundred-and-first and One-hundred-and-second British regiments, and -the Fifteenth regiment of Hanoverian infantry, resumed the siege of -Cudalore under more auspicious circumstances. The defence was resolutely -maintained by the French under General Bussy. The besiegers so -vigorously pressed the enemy that he was at length compelled to withdraw -within the fortress. The loss on our side was very severe—the -Seventy-third had to mourn a melancholy list of nearly 300 comrades -killed or wounded. The news of a treaty of peace having been signed -between Great Britain and France, snatched the prize from our troops -which we had imagined within our grasp. - -In 1786, the numerical title of the regiment was changed from the -Seventy-third to the Seventy-first, as at present, by the reduction, -etc., of senior corps. - -Nothing of importance falls to be recorded in the course of our -narrative till the year 1790, when Tippoo Saib, the son and successor of -Hyder Ali, encroaching upon the territory of the Rajah of Travancore, a -faithful ally of the British, occasioned our interference, resulting in -a renewal of hostilities. In the army of Major-General Medows, the -Seventy-first and Seventy-second regiments formed the second or Highland -brigade, afterwards increased by the addition of the Seventy-fourth -Highlanders from Madras. As we shall have frequent opportunity of -following the movements of the brigade in after chapters, we will not -here burden our history with a repetition, contenting ourselves with the -simple mention of the chief events that ensued. Under General the Earl -Cornwallis, the Seventy-first was with the army in the various actions -which led to the siege and capture of Bangalore; thence it proceeded -with the expedition intended to act against Seringapatam, but which, -overcome by the force of circumstances, in the meantime retired, -awaiting a more favourable opportunity, when better prepared to -accomplish the design. In the interval, the regiment was creditably -engaged in the reduction of the strong forts of Nundydroog, Savendroog, -etc., which had hitherto hindered our progress. At length, in 1792, the -army resumed the enterprise against Seringapatam. This forward movement -alarmed Tippoo Saib, who, dreading the fate which awaited his capital, -strove to arrest the army by accepting battle. The result proving -unfortunate, the enemy were driven within the island on which the city -stands, and even here, although very strongly posted, the Mysoreans had -become so straitened in their circumstances, and were so pressed by the -British, that, suing for peace, the Sultan was only too glad to purchase -the safety of his capital and preserve the last remnant of his once -mighty dominion by any sacrifice which the conquerors chose to impose. -Disappointed of a further triumph, the army retired, laden with the -spoil which had ransomed the haughty metropolis and its ambitious -prince. - -Holland having caught the revolutionary fever which prevailed in 1793, -and being allied with France, was involved in the war with Britain, -which, arising out of the sins of the Revolution, had already torn from -these states nearly their entire colonial dominions. Pondicherry, on the -Coromandel coast, had succumbed to our arms; and the valuable island of -Ceylon was, in turn, wrested from the Dutch by a British expedition, -including the Seventy-first regiment. This was the last achievement of -any importance which was attained by the corps in India. In 1798, it -received orders to return home, and, after a long voyage, landed in -safety at Woolwich. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - CHAPTER XXXI. - - “Right onward did Clan-Alpine come. - Above the tide, each broadsword bright - Was brandishing like beam of light, - Each targe was dark below; - And with the ocean’s mighty swing, - When heaving to the tempest’s wing, - They hurled them on the foe. - I heard the lance’s shivering crash, - As when the whirlwind rends the ash; - I heard the broadsword’s deadly clang, - As if an hundred anvils rang! - But Moray wheeled his rearward rank - Of horsemen on Clan-Alpine’s flank— - ‘My banner-man advance! - I see,’ he cried, ‘their column shake; - Now, gallants! for your ladies’ sake, - Upon them with the lance!’ - The horsemen dashed among the rout, - As deer break through the broom; - Their steeds are stout, their swords are out, - They soon make lightsome room.” - -GIBRALTAR—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—BUENOS - AYRES—PENINSULA—FLANDERS—WATERLOO—CANADA—WEST INDIES—1778–1862. - - -Whilst the first battalion was gallantly combating its country’s foes on -the plains of India, a second battalion, raised in 1778, had, in 1780, -embarked for Gibraltar. On the voyage, the fleet fell in with a valuable -Spanish convoy of Carracca merchantmen, guarded by several ships of war. -Sir George Rodney, the British admiral, having impressed the -Seventy-first as marines, assailed the enemy, and soon compelled them to -surrender. Arrived off Cape St Vincent, a new and more formidable -antagonist awaited the coming of the British. A powerful Spanish fleet, -under Admiral Don Juan de Langara, appeared in sight, charged with their -destruction. But a very different result was the issue of the collision: -out of eleven line-of-battle ships, comprising the enemy, nearly all -either perished or were captured. Arrived at Gibraltar, the battalion -was engaged in the defence of that important fortress, contributing by -its gallantry to beat off the most stupendous efforts of Spain and -France combined to reduce it. Successively it witnessed the failure of -the tremendous cannonade with which the Spaniards assailed the -fortifications, hoping therewith to render these splendid works a heap -of ruins, no longer defensible even by British valour. In 1781, the -flank companies of the battalion participated in the glory of the sortie -which accomplished the destruction of the numerous and powerful -batteries and immense magazines of the enemy; and finally, in the -following year, it beheld the might of France and Spain discomfited, and -itself, surviving the iron tempest of shot and shell with which the -enemy proposed to exterminate the garrison, was glorified along with the -British troops who dauntlessly maintained the fortress. Ten ponderous -battering ships had been prepared and were supposed to achieve marvels -in the tremendous artillery of the assault. But alas! how oft is the -counsel of the wise mocked and the loftiest designs of man humbled by -the God of battles! Instead of victory, which it was fondly imagined -should crown such gigantic efforts of skill, these floating batteries -were nearly all utterly destroyed by the red-hot shot used for the -purpose by the British. Thus triumphing over the vast efforts of two of -the mightiest military powers of the age, our brave garrison received -the royal thanks, expressive of the people’s gratitude, conveyed through -the Secretary of State for War, in these flattering terms:—“I am -honoured with His Majesty’s commands to assure you, in the strongest -terms, that no encouragement shall be wanting to the brave officers and -soldiers under your command. His royal approbation of the past will no -doubt be a powerful incentive to future exertions; and I have the King’s -authority to assure you, that every distinguished act of emulation and -gallantry, which shall be performed in the course of the siege by any, -even of the lowest rank, will meet with ample reward from his gracious -protection and favour.” Peace at length dawned, and the blockade was in -consequence raised in February, 1783. The second battalion, returning -home, was disbanded at Stirling in the autumn of the same year. - -[Illustration: THE SEVENTY-FIRST, OR GLASGOW HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.] - -The first battalion, which had returned from India, had proceeded to -Scotland to recruit, but, being unsuccessful, passed over to Ireland in -1800, where it received 600 volunteers from the Scots Fencibles. -Afterward, when the peace of Amiens had been transgressed, and a French -invasion seemed imminent, the “Army Reserve Act” occasioned the -formation of a second battalion at Dumbarton in 1804. Enrolled for a -limited time, and restricted to home duty, it was employed in various -garrisons in Scotland, Ireland, and South Britain, and was disbanded at -Glasgow in December, 1815, on the termination of the war. Meanwhile, the -alarm of invasion having passed away, the first battalion, with the -Seventy-second and Ninety-third regiments, formed the second or Highland -brigade, under Brigadier-General Ronald Crawfurd Ferguson, engrossed in -the army of Major-General Sir David Baird, destined to operate against -the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. Having successfully -accomplished a landing in Saldanha Bay, conquered at the battle of -Bleuberg, driven the Dutch army of Lieutenant-General Janssens into the -interior, and advanced upon Cape Town, the fruitlessness of further -resistance becoming evident, the entire colony was surrendered in 1806. -In token of the honour acquired by the regiment in this enterprise, the -words “Cape of Good Hope” have been since borne by permission upon its -regimental colour. No sooner had this conquest been completed than the -Seventy-first was detached, with 200 men of the St Helena -regiment—making a total of 1087 rank and file, in an expedition against -Buenos Ayres, in South America. Commanded by Brigadier-General William -Carr (afterwards Viscount) Beresford, this ill-advised and ill-fated -expedition at first met with considerable success—a bloodless landing -being effected, and the enemy easily broken and dispersed, all promised -to go well. Recovering from their first alarm, and ashamed that such a -handful of British should have so easily assumed to be their masters, -the citizens, gradually drawing together into a formidable phalanx, -resolved to wipe away the disgrace, and achieve their liberty by the -expulsion of the invaders. Driven into the citadel, without hope of -relief, and unable to contend against the hourly increasing enemies that -surrounded them and threatened vengeance upon them, the besieged felt -themselves compelled to surrender. Removed as prisoners into the -interior of the country, the battalion was treated leniently, but the -landing of a second expedition at Monte Video, fated to an issue as -unfortunate, occasioned a more rigorous treatment. Negotiations having -brought about an amicable arrangement, the entire British, released, -agreed to relinquish all hostilities against South America. Unarmed and -ununiformed, the battalion reached Cork in 1807, and was immediately -re-equipped, and presented with new colours by Lieutenant-General Floyd, -who thus addressed it:—“Brave Seventy-first, the world is well -acquainted with your gallant conduct at the capture of Buenos Ayres, in -South America, under one of His Majesty’s bravest generals. - -“It is well known that you defended your conquest with the utmost -courage, good conduct, and discipline to the last extremity. When -diminished to a handful, hopeless of succour, and destitute of -provisions, you were overwhelmed by multitudes, and reduced by the -fortune of war to lose your liberty and your well-defended colours, but -not your honour. Your honour, Seventy-first regiment, remains unsullied. -Your last act in the field covered you with glory. Your generous -despair, calling upon your General to suffer you to die with arms in -your hands, proceeded from the genuine spirit of British soldiers. Your -behaviour in prosperity—your sufferings in captivity—and your faithful -discharge of your duty to your King and country, are appreciated by all. - -“You who now stand on this parade, in defiance of the allurements held -out to base desertion, are endeared to the army and to the country, and -your conduct will ensure you the esteem of all true soldiers—of all -worthy men—and fill every one of you with honest martial pride. - -“It has been my good fortune to have witnessed, in a remote part of the -world, the early glories and gallant conduct of the Seventy-first -regiment in the field; and it is with great satisfaction I meet you -again, with replenished ranks, with good arms in your hands, and with -stout hearts in your bosoms. - -“Look forward, officers and soldiers, to the achievement of new honours -and the acquirement of fresh fame! - -“Officers! be the friends and guardians of these brave fellows committed -to your charge! - -“Soldiers! give your confidence to your officers. They have shared with -you the chances of war; they have bravely bled along with you; they will -always do honour to themselves and you. Preserve your regiments -reputation for valour in the field, and regularity in quarters.” - -Spain and Portugal having been despoiled of their independence by the -perfidious usurpation of France, Britain—allied with the patriots of -the Peninsula in the struggle going on for the emancipation of these -kingdoms from the thraldom of Napoleon—sent an army to Portugal, which -included the first battalion of the Seventy-first, and under the -command of Sir Arthur Wellesley, effected a landing in Mondego Bay in -1808. Through the victories of “Roleia” and “Vimiera,” commemorated -upon the colours of the regiment, the convention of Cintra was -achieved, which expelled the French under Marshal Junot, Duke of -Abrantes, from Portugal. At Vimiera, the Grenadier company of the -Seventy-first, under Captain Forbes, captured a battery of five guns -and a howitzer, which every attempt of the enemy failed to recover. On -the same occasion George Clarke, the piper of the regiment, was -specially commended for his gallantry in resolutely continuing at his -post, although severely wounded, cheering his countrymen by the wild -inspiring music of the bag-pipe. Corporal MʻKay, at the same battle, -was fortunate enough to receive the sword of the French General -Brennier. Advancing upon Madrid, associated in brigade with the -Thirty-sixth and Ninety-second regiments, the Seventy-first was -ultimately joined to the army of Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, -which had promised to relieve the citizens of that metropolis from the -intolerant yoke of France. The corps was with the British army in the -disastrous yet glorious retreat, terminated in the victory of Corunna, -possessing a melancholy interest from the death of the hero whose -genius had accomplished it, and which delivered a British army from a -situation of imminent peril. - -Embarked, the regiment returned to England, and in 1809—a year to be -mournfully remembered, as fatal to the wearing of the kilt in the -army—it was ordered to lay aside the Highland garb, and was uniformed as -a light infantry regiment. Every care was in consequence bestowed to -promote its efficiency. Strengthened, it was associated with the -Sixty-eighth and Eighty-fifth regiments in the light brigade, and was -ordered to accompany the army in the ill-advised expedition, which -wasted a splendid armament in a vain attempt to obtain a footing in -Flanders. The good conduct of the regiment was nevertheless most -conspicuous in the various actions of the brief campaign. - -Returning to England towards the close of the year, in the spring of -1810, the first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and tenth companies were -selected to reinforce the army of Lieutenant-General Viscount -Wellington, then fighting in Portugal. It arrived at a very critical -period in the history of the war, when Marshal Massena, pressing our -troops with overwhelming numbers, they were retreating towards the -impregnable lines of Torres Vedras, defeating the sanguine hopes of the -French general. The Seventy-first, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel the -Hon. Henry Cadogan, was brigaded with the Fiftieth and Ninety-second -regiments under Major-General Sir William Erskine. Whilst maintaining -these formidable defences, the following incident is related of Sir Adam -Ferguson, who was so posted with his company that the French artillery -might operate with fatal effect upon his men, but, for better security, -they were ordered to lie prostrate on the ground. While in this attitude -the captain, kneeling at their head, read aloud the description of the -battle, as introducing our present chapter, and as selected from Sir -Walter Scott’s “Lady of the Lake.” The little volume had just come into -the camp as a stranger, but was soon welcomed as a friend. The listening -soldiers, charmed with the poet’s tale, only interrupted the reading by -an occasional and joyous huzzah whenever the French shot struck the bank -close above them. Wearied, disappointed, and distressed by ravages of -disease amongst his troops, the French Marshal was constrained in turn -to retreat—a retreat which, but for the unslumbering vigilance of his -pursuers, promised to be as successful as the ability with which it was -conducted merited, worthy the genius of Massena—justly esteemed the -right hand of Napoleon. - -In 1811 the regiment was joined by its other companies. In the action of -Fuentes d’Onor it was warmly engaged; repeatedly and powerfully assailed -by the enemy, it was all but overpowered in the defence of the village, -when, happily, the Seventy-fourth and Eighty-Eighth regiments arrived to -its support, and so the post was retained. The corps was afterwards -detached as a reinforcement to the army of Marshal Sir William -Beresford, and subsequently, in the army of Lieutenant-General Rowland -(afterwards Viscount) Hill, was employed in the southern provinces of -the Peninsula, keeping in check the French under Marshal Soult, and -otherwise covering the operations of the grand army of Wellington. It -helped to disperse and destroy a considerable detachment of the enemy -which had been surprised at Arroyo-del-Molinos. It was more especially -commended for the exceeding gallantry it displayed in the capture of -Fort Napoleon, embraced in the action and commemorated in the word -“Almaraz.” At the battle of Vittoria it suffered very severely in the -loss of nearly 400 men and officers; but the most grievous loss was felt -in the death of its Lieutenant-Colonel, the Hon. Henry Cadogan, who -largely enjoyed the esteem of the soldiers. He “fell mortally wounded -while leading his men to the charge, and being unable to accompany the -battalion, requested to be carried to a neighbouring eminence, from -which he might take a last farewell of them and the field. In his dying -moments he earnestly inquired if the French were beaten; and on being -told by an officer of the regiment, who stood by supporting him, that -they had given way at all points, he ejaculated, ‘God bless my brave -countrymen,’ and immediately expired.” The Marquis of Wellington thus -gave effect to his own regrets in the official dispatch communicating -his fall:—“In him His Majesty has lost an officer of great zeal and -tried gallantry, who had already acquired the respect and regard of the -whole profession, and of whom it might be expected, that if he had lived -he would have rendered the most important services to his country.” - -In all the after battles and actions, which resulted in the expulsion of -the French from Spain, and their repeated defeats and ultimate rout on -their native plains, the Seventy-first bore an honourable part, -returning to Britain in 1814, richly laden with a harvest of glory. A -short interval of peace soon recruited the “precious remnant” of the -regiment, and so restored its strength as enabled it once more to go on -foreign service. Ordered to embark for America, it was fortunately -detained by tempestuous weather, and so privileged to win laurels on a -mightier field. Napoleon having escaped from his honourable exile in -Elba, by his presence in France, overturning the ricketty government of -the Bourbon, involved that bleeding country in a universal war, since it -brought down the combined wrath of Europe, whose allied armies now -hastened to arrest and punish the ambitious man who had proved himself -so dire a curse to Christendom. Upon the plains of Waterloo the die for -empire was cast and lost. In that great battle the Seventy-first had a -part, forming with the first battalion of the Fifty-second, and the -second and third battalions of the Ninety-fifth, or Rifles—a light -infantry brigade which sustained the charge of three regiments of French -cavalry: one of cuirassiers, one of grenadiers-à-cheval, and one of -lancers. It also withstood the shock of the grand final charge of the -Old Imperial Guard, witnessing the discomfiture of these choice troops, -so long the citadel of imperial strength, now reeling, broken, dying, -dead—of whom, borrowing the words, it may well be said— - - “They never feared the face of man.” - -This great victory having ruined irretrievably the fortunes of Napoleon, -the allied army, rapidly advancing, entered Paris a second time, and -there dictated the terms of peace. The Seventy-first remained in France -as part of the “army of occupation;” and whilst stationed at the village -of Rombly in 1816, its soldiers were presented with the Waterloo medals -by Colonel Reynell, who thus, addressing the regiment, said:—“These -honourable rewards bestowed by your Sovereign for your share in the -great and glorious exertions of the army of His Grace the Duke of -Wellington upon the field of Waterloo, when the utmost efforts of the -army of France, directed by Napoleon, reputed to be the first captain of -the age, were not only paralysed at the moment, but blasted beyond the -power of even a second struggle. - -[Illustration: - - WATERLOO - 18^{TH} JUNE 1815. - from 4.30 to 6.30 o’clock pm -] - -“To have participated in a contest crowned with victory so decisive, and -productive of consequences that have diffused peace, security, and -happiness throughout Europe, may be to each of you a source of -honourable pride, as well as of gratitude to the Omnipotent Arbiter of -all human contests, who preserved you in such peril, and without whose -protecting hand the battle belongs not to the strong, nor the race to -the swift. - -“I acknowledge to feel an honest, and, I trust, an excusable, -exultation, in having had the honour to command you on that day; and in -dispensing these medals, destined to record in your families the share -you had in the ever-memorable battle of Waterloo, it is a peculiar -satisfaction to me that I can present them to those by whom they have -been fairly and honourably earned, and that I can here solemnly declare, -that in the course of that eventful day I did not observe a soldier of -this good regiment whose conduct was not only creditable to the English -nation, but such as his dearest friends could desire. I trust that they -will act as powerful talismans, to keep you, in your future lives, in -the paths of honour, sobriety, and virtue.” A year later and -Major-General Sir Denis Pack presented new colours to the regiment, and, -alluding to its services, said:—“Never, indeed, did the character of the -corps stand higher; never was the fame of the British arms or the glory -of the British empire more pre-eminent than at this moment, an -enthusiastic recollection of which the sight of these colours must -always inspire.” - -Returning to England in 1818, the Seventy-first remained on home service -until 1824, when it was removed to Canada, and in 1831 was sent to -Bermuda, thence restored to its native land in 1834. It returned to -Canada in 1838, and in 1842 was included in a first and reserve -battalion. Whilst the latter remained in Canada, the former was ordered -to the West Indies, thence to Barbadoes, and in 1847 restored to -England. In 1853 the first battalion proceeded to the Ionian Islands; -and in November, 1854, the reserve battalion, which had recently arrived -from Canada, embarked for the Crimea, followed by the first battalion -from Corfu. Both battalions were subsequently united on arrival at the -seat of war. “SEVASTOPOL” commemorates its service before that place. -The regiment was next stationed at Malta, and was sent thence by -overland route, in January, 1858, to Bombay, and is now at Sealkote, in -the Punjaub. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE SEVENTY-SECOND FOOT; - OR, - DUKE OF ALBANY’S HIGHLANDERS. - - CHAPTER XXXII. - - “We would not die in that man’s company, - That fears his fellowship to die with us. - . . . . . . . . . \ - Then shall our names, - Familiar in their mouths as household words, - Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d - From this day to the ending of the world; - We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. - For he to-day that sheds his blood with me, - Shall be my brother.” - - ORIGIN—CHANNEL ISLANDS—INDIA—CEYLON—1778–1799. - - -The history of the clans presents no more splendid illustration of that -devotion which bound the clansman to his chief, and of the happy -relationship implied therein, than is afforded in the circumstances -attendant upon the origin of the Seventy-second Highlanders. The Earl of -Seaforth, chief of the Mackenzie, had, as a leader in the rebellion of -1715, been banished from his country, his title attainted, and his -estates forfeited, yet, withal, 400 of his late followers and tenants -remitted to him in his exile a large portion of the rents they might -have been liable for had he retained the estate. This most generous -testimony of respect and practical expression of sympathy to the father -was gratefully remembered by the son, and, notwithstanding the changes -which, passing over the face of society, had swept away the old -institution of clanship, induced the grandson, who, restored by purchase -to the family property, and by his acknowledged loyalty, to the honours -of the Earldom of Seaforth, in return for these favours, volunteered to -raise a regiment for the Government. His appeal to his clansmen was -amply successful. The Mackenzies and Macraes, rallying around him as -their chief, gave thereby most hearty and flattering testimony to their -own loyalty to the King, and unimpaired attachment to the family of -Seaforth, which had so long and worthily presided over them. -Accordingly, 1130 men were assembled and enrolled in the regiment—then -known as the Seventy-eighth—at Elgin, in 1778. Marched to Edinburgh, it -was thence removed to the Channel Islands, where its firm attitude, -remarkable in such young soldiers, so won the confidence of the -islanders, and encouraged the militia, as, together with our -Highlanders, enabled them successfully to resist an attempted -debarkation of French troops on the island of Jersey. - -A sister regiment to the Seventy-first, the Seventy-second -(Seventy-eighth) was ordered to follow it to India in 1781, in -fulfilment of the original purpose for which both corps had been raised. -The transport service of those times was miserably inefficient, -especially when compared with the leviathan ships and floating -palaces—the Scotias, Persias, and Great Easterns—which in our day are, -by a patriotic public, ever at the command of our Government for any -sudden emergency. A voyage in a troop-ship eighty years ago ofttimes -consumed more of life than the battle-field; was more fatal than the -dreaded pestilence which lurked in the swamps of the Indies; nay, in -some cases was as cruel in its miseries as the horrors of the Black Hole -of Calcutta. The passage of the Seventy-second Highlanders to India -proved to be such. Two hundred and forty-seven men perished on the -voyage, which was protracted to nearly ten months; and when the regiment -did arrive at Madras, only 369 men were mustered as fit for duty. One -transport having parted from the fleet in a gale, was placed in imminent -peril, being destitute of charts, and her commander utterly unfit for -his position, having hitherto trusted to keep his vessel in the track of -the fleet. By the wise precautions of Sir Eyre Coote, although the -requirements of the service were urgent and entailed an immediate -advance, the Seventy-second regiment was not immediately hurried into -action, but time was allowed it to recruit its strength. In consequence -of these measures, the regiment was soon able to appear in the field -with upwards of 600 men. - -Hyder Ali, who, by usurpation, had arisen from being a mere soldier of -fortune to be the dreaded tyrant of the Mysore, allied with France and -Holland, threatened to expel the British from the Indian continent. - - “’Tis true that we are in great danger, - The greater, therefore, should our courage be.” - -These words of wisdom, from the glowing pen of Shakspere, worthy his -mighty soul, bespeaking in every lineament the true undaunted spirit of -a son of Albion, were acted out to the letter in the bold advance of the -British against this formidable coalition. Our army, under Major-General -Stuart, comprised the Seventy-third (afterwards the Seventy-first), the -Seventy-eighth (afterwards the Seventy-second), and the -One-hundred-and-first regiments, with a considerable body of native -troops and Hanoverians. The strong fortress of Cudalore was the first to -challenge the assault. Defended by a veteran garrison of French, under -General Bussy, it needed the utmost gallantry of our Highlanders—“the -ardour and intrepidity giving presage of the renown they afterwards -acquired”—to force the enemy’s lines, and ultimately compel him to -relinquish the external defences of the place and retire more -immediately within the fortress. Amongst the prisoners was Colonel the -Chevalier de Dumas, conspicuous as “the bravest of the brave,” also “a -wounded young serjeant of very interesting appearance and manners, who -was treated with much kindness by Lieutenant-Colonel Wagenheim, -commanding the detachment of Hanoverians. Many years afterwards, when -the French army entered Hanover, General Wagenheim attended the levée of -General Bernadotte, who referred to the circumstance at Cudalore in -1783, and added—‘I am the individual, who, when a young serjeant, -received kindness from you in India.’” The death of Hyder Ali, and the -withdrawal of France, occasioned the breaking up of this formidable -league against the British power in India, and for a moment the sun of -peace smiled upon our war-worn soldiers. - -The new Sultan of the Mysore, as capricious as his father and -predecessor, broke off the negotiations which had promised a continued -and favourable peace. In consequence, the Seventy-eighth -(Seventy-second) advanced, with the army under Colonel Fullerton, -against the almost impregnable fortress of Palghantcherry, which was won -mainly by the daring of the Honourable Captain Maitland and a company of -the regiment, who, taking advantage of a violent storm, when the enemy, -seeking shelter from the pitiless rain, had left unguarded the covered -way, and thereby affording an opportunity which, improved by Captain -Maitland and his company, gave such a footing within the walls as -terrified the defenders into a speedy surrender. This success was -followed by the fall of Coimbatore, and might probably have been crowned -in the capture of Seringapatam, had not peace interfered, postponing the -fate of the capital for ten years. - -In 1790, the unprovoked aggressions of Tippoo Saib, the ambitious Sultan -of the Mysore, upon the Rajah of Travancore, an ally of the British, -occasioned the renewal of the war. Still associated in a common glory -with their brethren of the Seventy-third (Seventy-first) Highlanders, -the Seventy-eighth (Seventy-second) advanced with the army under -Major-General Medows, which, obtaining possession unopposed of -Coimbatore and capturing Dindigal, proceeded against the powerful -fortress of Palgkantcherry, which, notwithstanding Tippoo Saib’s utmost -efforts to relieve it, was surrendered to the flank companies of the two -Highland regiments, under Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart. - -Aware of his own inferiority in the field, the Sultan dared not hazard a -battle, but omitted no opportunity to harass and annoy our army wherever -superior knowledge of the country, position, or overwhelming numbers -gave him the advantage. The arrival of Colonel Maxwell’s reinforcements -from the Bengal Presidency occasioned the addition of the Seventy-fourth -regiment to the Highland brigade; and, on General the Earl Cornwallis -assuming the command in 1791, he approved this arrangement by retaining -in one brigade the Seventy-first, Seventy-second, and Seventy-fourth -Highlanders. - -Out-man[oe]uvred by the British commander, an entrance was obtained -through an unguarded defile into the enemy’s territory. The siege of -Bangalore was the immediate result, which, despite its powerful -fortifications and the menacing attitude of the Mysore army, which -anxiously strove to relieve it, was gallantly won by storm in March, -1791. Having witnessed the fall of this chief city of his empire, the -Sultan precipitately retreated, closely pursued by the Highland brigade. -The British army thereafter advanced against Seringapatam. Alarmed for -the safety of his capital, Tippoo ventured to try the fate of battle. -Defeated, he failed to arrest our progress, all seemed lost, when -unfortunate circumstances interposed on his behalf, and a second time -rescued the doomed city from our grasp. Several minor enterprises -beguiled the time ere the march upon Seringapatam might be resumed. -Savendroog was successfully stormed, and the strong fort of Outra-Durgum -was captured, chiefly through the heroic ardour of two companies of the -Seventy-second, who, having possessed themselves of the town, pursued -the fugitives to the rock upon which the fort stood. We quote from -Lieutenant Campbell’s Journal:—“Lieutenant MʻInnes, senior officer of -the two Seventy-second companies, applied to Captain Scott for liberty -to follow the fugitives up the rock, saying he should be in time to -enter the first gateway with them. The Captain thought the enterprise -impracticable. The soldiers of MʻInnes’s company heard the request made, -and not doubting of consent being given, had rushed towards the first -wall, and were followed by MʻInnes. The gate was shut: but Lieutenant -MʻPherson arrived with the pioneers and ladders, which were instantly -applied, and our people were within the wall, as quick as thought, when -the gate was unbolted and the two companies entered. The enemy, -astonished at so unexpected an attempt, retreated with precipitation. -MʻInnes advanced to the second wall, the men forced open the gate with -their shoulders, and not a moment was lost in pushing forward for the -third wall; but the road, leading between two rocks, was so narrow that -only two could advance abreast; the pathway was, in consequence, soon -choked up, and those who carried the ladders were unable to proceed; at -the same time, the enemy commenced throwing huge stones in numbers upon -the assailants, who commenced a sharp fire of musketry, and -Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart, who had observed from a distance this -astonishing enterprise, sent orders for the grenadiers not to attempt -anything further. Lieutenant MʻPherson forced his way through the crowd, -causing the ladders to be handed over the soldiers’ heads, from one to -another, and before the colonel’s orders could be delivered, the gallant -Highlanders were crowding over the third gateway. The enemy fled on all -hands; the foremost of our men pursued them closely, and gained the two -last walls (there were five walls to escalade) without opposition. The -garrison escaped by the south-east side of the fort, over rocks and -precipices of immense depth and ruggedness, where many must have lost -their lives. By one o’clock, our two companies were in possession of -every part of the fort, and MʻInnes had planted the colours on the -highest pinnacle, without the loss of a single man. The Kiledar and two -of his people were taken alive. Colonel Stuart declared the business to -be brilliant and successful, beyond his most sanguine hopes.” - -In 1792, the advance upon Seringapatam was renewed. In the glorious -events of the siege, the Seventy-second bore a most conspicuous part, -and largely contributed to the attainment of the victory which destroyed -the power of the Sultan, and made him a suppliant for peace. - -Scarcely had one enemy been overcome, ere a new one appeared—the French, -hurled into fatal antagonism with us because of the unhappy avowal of -sentiments subversive of good order. Accordingly, in 1793, the -Seventy-second was engaged in the siege of Pondicherry—the principal -Indian colony of France; which fell into our hands rather from a mutiny -among its defenders than our own efforts. It is related by Lieutenant -Campbell, that “the moment the piper began to play, the fire from the -enemy slackened, and soon after almost entirely ceased. The French all -got upon the works, and seemed astonished at hearing the bag-pipe.” The -Dutch having allied themselves with the French, paid the penalty of -their folly in the loss of many of their most valuable colonies, -conquered by the British. Ceylon, the principal, perhaps the most -valuable of them, was in consequence assailed by our Indian army, -including the Seventy-second regiment, which, capturing Trincomalee, -Batticaloe, Manaar, and Colombo, reduced the island under British -dominion. This was the closing achievement, for the present, of the -regiment in India. Returning from Ceylon to Pondicherry, thence removed -to Madras in 1798, it was ordered home, and landed at Gravesend. These -many and distinguished services are commemorated in the word -“Hindoostan,” now borne by Royal authority upon its colours and -appointments. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - CHAPTER XXXIII. - - “Then glory, my Jeanie, maun plead my excuse; - Since honour commands me, how can I refuse? - Without it, I ne’er can have merit for thee, - And losing thy favour I’d better not be. - I gae, then, my lass, to win glory and fame, - And if I should chance to come gloriously hame, - I’ll bring a heart to thee with love running o’er, - And then I’ll leave thee and Lochaber no more.” - - CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—MAURITIUS—INDIA—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—1799–1862. - - -The regiment returned to Europe at a very critical period in our -national history, when the rampant passions of revolution, as yet -untamed by adversity, imperiously taxed the nations in their -maintenance. It had no sooner arrived than it was sent to Scotland to -recruit, and thence, in 1801, to Ireland. From the number of new -regiments called into being at this period to meet the necessities of -the times, recruiting went on but slowly. The respite from the dire -calamity of war which the Peace of Amiens afforded, occasioned a -reduction in the establishment of the Seventy-second. The resumption of -hostilities in 1803, not only called for an immediate augmentation of -its strength, but occasioned the addition of a second battalion, which -was employed in various home garrisons, especially in Ireland, -throughout the war, until disbanded in 1816. The immediate peril from a -French invasion having passed away, the Seventy-second was ordered to -join a secret expedition under Lieut.-General Sir Eyre Coote, K.B., but -was ultimately included in the force under Major-General Sir David -Baird, which sailed in 1805, and after viewing the beauties of Madeira, -and landing for a few days’ refreshment at San Salvador in the Brazils, -steered for the coast of Africa, when the object of the expedition was -disclosed by an attack upon the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. -In addition to its old comrades of the Seventy-first, the Seventy-second -was associated with the Ninety-third Regiment in the Highland Brigade of -the army. On the morning of the 6th January, 1806, the British effected -a landing in Lospard’s Bay, despite the efforts of the Dutch to prevent -it. The Highlanders in the van drove the enemy before them, and on -attaining the summit of the Blue Mountains, beheld the Batavian army -awaiting battle on the other side. The position of the enemy was well -chosen, and maintained with determined bravery. The fate of the battle -was only decided in our favour when the Highland Brigade was brought -forward, and “Brigadier-General Ferguson gave the word ‘Charge.’ A loud -British shout instantly rent the air, and the heroic Highlanders closed -with bayonets upon their numerous adversaries, who instantly fled in -dismay, pursued across the deep sands by the victorious Highland -Brigade.” As the army advanced towards Cape Town, the Dutch retired. The -conduct of Lieutenant MʻArthur and thirty men of the regiment in the -capture of Hout’s Bay, was conspicuous for the gallantry it evinced. -These repeated disasters convinced the Dutch of the hopelessness of -resistance against troops accustomed to conquer. Accordingly, -negotiations were entered into which resulted in the surrender of the -colony to the British. - -In 1809 the Seventy-second was ordered to discontinue wearing the -Highland costume, in consequence of the difficulty experienced in -gaining recruits. A year later the regiment was selected to co-operate -with troops from India in an attack upon the valuable French colony of -the Mauritius. The Indian army arriving off the island first, the -Governor determined to maintain the defence to the last extremity, but -the timely arrival of the Seventy-second so discouraged him, that, -abandoning the idea of resistance, he at once surrendered. The corps -remained in garrison at Port Louis until the outbreak of a new war in -America in 1814 occasioned its withdrawal. It accordingly embarked for -that continent, but was detained at the Cape of Good Hope, where, after -a brief service, it was ordered to India, arriving at Calcutta in 1815. -The Rajah of Nepaul having, however, made his peace with the British, -the necessity for its service in that portion of the world no longer -existed, hence it returned to the Cape of Good Hope, calling on the -passage at the Mauritius. Stationed at Algoa Bay, it was thence directed -to occupy a chain of posts along the banks of the Great Fish River, -charged with the protection of the colonists from the numerous predatory -incursions of the Kaffirs. This proved an arduous and dangerous duty; -the soldiers being constantly exposed to a surprise from the swarms of -unseen enemies that ever lurked in the bush around their camp. On one -occasion, in 1819, a Dutch farmer, robbed of his cattle by the Kaffirs, -sought the interference of the military for the recovery of his property -and the punishment of the thieves. Accompanied by a body of armed -farmers, a detachment of the Seventy-second, under Captain Gethin, -overtook the thieves. The little party of soldiers was instantly -enveloped and cruelly butchered by a host of enemies, whilst the -cowardly farmers witnessed the destruction of their friends without -venturing to afford the slightest assistance. Captain Gethin was a -distinguished soldier, and like a brave man “fighting fell,” pierced -with thirty-two wounds. The Seventy-second continued efficiently to -discharge this harassing duty until relieved by the Sixth Regiment in -1821, when it returned home. It was successively stationed at -Portsmouth, Fort Cumberland, Plymouth, and Woolwich. In 1823 it was -removed to the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. - -Although the service of the Seventy-second, hitherto confined to -“Hindoostan” and the “Cape of Good Hope,” recorded upon its colours and -appointments, and embracing in these, actions which had been -comparatively lost sight of in the multitude of grander events -transacted on the battle-fields of Europe, still, the true heroism of -these, to be just, must convince us that the achievements of the -Seventy-second are “second to none,” and well deserving the splendid -compliment at this period conferred upon the regiment by His Grace the -Duke of York and _Albany_, the Commander-in-Chief. It was permitted, in -reward of its valour, to wear its present designation— - - DUKE OF ALBANY’S OWN HIGHLANDERS. - -At the same time it received a further compliment, in the restoration of -the Highland costume, with the difference of _trews_ instead of _kilts_. - -Returning to England from the Channel Islands in 1824, it thence -proceeded to re-visit dear old Scotland. - - “Home of my fathers, my heart clings to thee.” - -Whilst stationed in Edinburgh, the lady of Lieut.-General Sir John Hope -(colonel of the Seventy-second), presented new colours to the regiment. -In 1825 it was sent to Ireland, and stationed successively in Belfast, -Londonderry, and Dublin. Thence it proceeded to England; and whilst -garrisoning the Tower of London, was reviewed, with the First Life -Guards, the Royal Horse Guards, and four battalions of Foot Guards, by -the Duke of Wellington, in presence of Don Miguel of Portugal. In proof -of its efficiency, as worthy to be so associated with our choicest -troops, we quote the words of General Lord Hill, when (the same year) he -inspected the regiment at Canterbury:— - -“That although it had been his lot to see and serve with most of the -regiments in the service, he felt he should not be doing full justice to -the Seventy-second Highlanders, if he did not express his particular -approbation of every thing connected with them, and add, he had never -before seen a regiment their equal in movements, in appearance, and in -steadiness under arms.” - -Having acquired these public honours and Royal favours, the -Seventy-second was once more ordered to the Cape of Good Hope, to arrest -and punish the aggressions of the Kaffirs, who continued to prey upon -the industry of our colonists, and had become a hinderance, by the -terror they inspired, to the progress of the colony. At length the -expulsion from the colony of a vagrant chief, Macomo, who had abused the -British protection, stirred the animosity of earlier years, which, -encouraged by our lenity, unmasked itself in a desolating irruption, -especially evident in and around Graham’s Town, which fell an easy prey -to the rapacious fury of the enemy. To avenge the innocent blood thus -shed, and retaliate the ruin that had been entailed, the Seventy-second -advanced with other troops into Kaffirland, inflicting a severe but just -chastisement for the atrocities that had been committed; taking, -moreover, such pledges from the foe as it was fondly hoped should secure -protection and peace for the future. Having apparently subdued the -spirit of lawless aggression, and restored confidence in the colonists -by a residence of nearly ten years amongst them, the regiment returned -home, and landed at Plymouth in 1840. - -Whilst stationed at Windsor in 1841, it was destined anew to receive a -signal mark of Royal favour—its new colours being presented by the Duke -of Wellington, in the quadrangle of the palace, and in presence of Her -Majesty the Queen, Prince Albert, and the King of Prussia. In presenting -these colours, the Duke of Wellington thus addressed the soldiers:— - -“I have long known the Seventy-second Highland Regiment. Half-a-century -has now nearly elapsed since I had the pleasure of serving in the same -army with them in the plains of Hindoostan; since that period they have -been engaged in the conquest of some of the most valuable colonies of -the British Crown; and latterly, in performing most distinguished -services at the Cape of Good Hope. Fourteen years out of the last -sixteen they have spent on Foreign service; and with only eighteen -months at home for their re-formation and their re-disciplining, appear -in their present high state of regularity and order.... I have made it -my business to inquire particularly, and am rejoiced to find that the -Seventy-second have always commanded that respect and regard, wherever -they have been stationed, to which their high state of discipline and -good order so justly entitle them. You will, I am sure, always recollect -the circumstances under which these colours are now given into your -charge; having been consecrated by one of the highest dignitaries of the -Church, in the presence of Her Majesty, who now looks down upon you, and -of her Royal Visitor; and I give them into your charge, confident that -at all times, under all circumstances, whether at home or abroad, and in -all privations, you will rally round them, and protect them to the -utmost of your power.” - -[Illustration: THE SEVENTY-SECOND (“DUKE OF ALBANY’S”) AND -SEVENTY-FOURTH HIGHLANDERS.] - -After a variety of home services, the regiment was removed, in 1844, to -Gibraltar, and thence, in 1848, to the West Indies. Leaving the West -Indies for North America in July, 1851, it returned home in October, -1854. Proceeding to Malta in January, 1855, and thence, in May -following, to the Crimea, it there gained “SEVASTOPOL” for the -regimental colours. Returning to England at the peace, the -Seventy-second remained at home until August, 1857, when the corps -embarked for Bombay on the breaking out of the Indian mutiny, and served -with distinction in Central India, under Sir Hugh Rose, especially in -the storming of the strongly-fortified town of Awah, being thereafter -associated with the Seventy-first Highland Light Infantry in the -campaign. - -The regiment is still serving in the Bombay Presidency. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - SEVENTY-FOURTH HIGHLANDERS. - - CHAPTER XXXIV. - - “This homage to the chief who drew his sword - At the command of duty; kept it bright - Through perilous days; and soon as Victory smiled - Laid it, unsullied, in the lap of Peace.” - -INDIA—SERINGAPATAM—ASSAYE—1787–1806. - - -The proximity of two such formidable rivals as France and Britain, -notwithstanding the friendly intervention of the Channel, has occasioned -on both sides thereof an almost perpetual series of alarms, jealousies, -and feuds, too often resulting in wars of the most stupendous magnitude, -generally involving in their toils the other kingdoms of Europe. It is -of one such crisis we write, when France, politically meddling with the -affairs of Holland, excited the suspicions of our Government, and -occasioned the combined interference of Britain and Prussia, to -preserve, no doubt, the “_balance of power_.” Contemplating an appeal to -arms, each prepared for the expected struggle. France and Holland -possessing a large colonial empire in India, and both having a rival and -antagonistic interest in the politics of that country to the new-born -power of Britain, each marked that far-off land as an important theatre -of strife. Hence, our legislature determined to strengthen our forces in -that quarter of the British world by the addition of four new regiments, -ordered to be raised in 1787. Two of these, the Seventy-fourth and -Seventy-fifth,[D] were raised amongst the Highlanders of Scotland; and -the others, the Seventy-sixth and Seventy-seventh, in England, or -generally throughout the kingdom. No sooner were these completed—nay, in -the case of the Seventy-fourth, before being completed—than they were -shipped off for immediate service in India; whilst the question of their -maintenance was installed in Parliament as a subject of bitter wrangling -between the home Government and the East India Company, affording a -theme for the genius of Pitt to work upon, and in the end to triumph, in -the passing of the “Declaratory Bill,” which saddled the East India -Company with the expense. This Bill was afterwards confirmed by Acts -passed in 1791, and again in 1793. - -Footnote D: - - The Seventy-fifth has just received the Royal permission to be styled - the Seventy-fifth, or “STIRLINGSHIRE” Regiment. - -Of these regiments, thus raised, the Seventy-fourth claims our present -attention. It was assembled at Glasgow under command of Major-General -Sir Archibald Campbell, K.B., and was largely composed of Argyleshire -Highlanders—the Campbells and their kin. To meet the urgent demand for -reinforcements, every soldier as yet available for duty was at once -forwarded to India, followed by a second instalment of six companies, -which completed the regiment, in 1789. Landed at Madras with an -effective strength of 750 men, the Seventy-fourth, brigaded with the -Seventy-first and Seventy-second Highlanders, joined the army of -Major-General Medows in 1790. The Earl Cornwallis assuming the command, -advanced upon Bangalore, which was taken by storm; thereafter the -regiment was with the Highland Brigade in the fruitless expedition -against Seringapatam. Detached during the winter for service in the -Baramhal district, the Seventy-fourth was very conspicuous for its -spirited but ineffectual attempt to storm Penagra, an almost impregnable -hill fort, which was only saved by the natural obstacles that defended -it, and defied the most desperate efforts of our Highlanders to -surmount. In 1792 the siege of Seringapatam was once more undertaken, -and considerable progress had been achieved, when the intervention of -peace disappointed our army of the anticipated prize. - -Brigaded with the Seventy-second and Seventy-third Highland regiments, -the Seventy-fourth was engaged in the operations which brought about the -surrender of the French settlement of Pondicherry. The garrison, in -consequence, became prisoners of war, but the officers released on -parole were hospitably entertained by the captors. Amid these -hospitalities, an incident occurred which displays in bold relief the -generous gallantry of the officers of the Seventy-fourth. With the -French officers they were present in the theatre, when the former, in -love with the new-born ideas of republicanism, in course of the evening -vehemently called for the revolutionary air “Ca Ira.” This was objected -to by the British; and from the uproar of words, a serious disturbance -arose to break in upon the harmony, and bewilder and terrify the -orchestra. Happily, the senior officer of the Seventy-fourth, stepping -upon the stage, obtained silence, and addressing the audience in a firm -but conciliatory manner, stated that the British officers had agreed not -to insist upon their objections, but were prepared to sacrifice their -feelings on the subject, seeing such might gratify their French friends -and the ladies who had seconded the request. No sooner had the air been -played, amid the acclamations of the French, than the same officer asked -the audience to uncover to the National Anthem—“God save the King.” -Rebuked by this generous forbearance, and heartily ashamed of their -rudeness in so insisting upon their own gratification, the French felt -themselves outdone in gallantry, and only too glad of an opportunity to -repair the discord they had bred, granted a ready consent; and the Royal -Anthem was only the more vociferously welcomed that it had been -forestalled by the revolutionary ditty “Ca Ira.” Ever afterwards the -utmost cordiality subsisted between the representatives of the two -nations. - -In 1798, when the war with France required a great financial effort -adequately to sustain it on our part, and when the patriotism of the -public liberally and voluntarily contributed to the national funds for -the purpose, the men of the Seventy-fourth voted eight days’ pay; the -non-commissioned officers a half-month’s pay; and the commissioned -officers a full month’s pay, towards the vigorous prosecution of the -war—“a war unprovoked on our part, and justified by the noblest of -motives: the preservation of our invaluable constitution.” - -In 1799, with the army of Lieutenant-General Harris, the Seventy-fourth -advanced against Seringapatam, which ultimately fell a conquest to our -arms. The distinguished service of the regiment on this occasion is -recorded in the word “Seringapatam” borne upon its colours. Subsequently -it was engaged against the Polygars; and in 1801 was removed to Bombay -to replace the troops drawn from that Presidency for service in Egypt. -Under Major-General the Hon. Arthur Wellesley, in the invasion of the -Mahratta states, the regiment was most conspicuous for its fortitude in -enduring many severe privations, and refusing withal to petition or -complain when grievances remained unredressed. The capture of the strong -fortress of Ahmednuggur, was but the prelude to the exceeding glory so -soon destined to grace the records of the Seventy-fourth in the victory -of Assaye. - -On the 23d September, 1803, the British army, not exceeding 5000 men, of -which the Nineteenth Dragoons and the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth -Highlanders were the only King’s regiments, came up with the combined -hosts of Scindiah and the Rajah of Berar, amounting together to 40,000 -well-disciplined and excellent troops. Undaunted by this formidable -superiority, Major-General the Hon. Arthur Wellesley at once ordered the -attack, which undertaken with spirit and upheld with heroic gallantry, -soon overcame the resolution and desperate defence of the enemy. The -Seventy-fourth, posted on the right of the second line, prematurely -advancing against the village of Assaye, became exposed to a terrific -tempest of shot and shell; and, moreover, charged by a powerful body of -horse when somewhat confused by the fatal effects of the artillery, was -almost annihilated. True to its duty, and borne forward by an -unconquerable perseverance, the Seventy-fourth struggled on, carried and -maintained the post, although at a fearful sacrifice of human life, -upwards of 400 men and officers being _hors-de-combat_. Of its officers, -the only one escaping scatheless was Quarter-Master James Grant, who -seeing so many of his comrades fall, although by office a non-combatant, -resolved to share with his brethren the dangers and the glory of the -fight, and, accordingly, joining in the terrible _mélée_ of the battle, -resolutely fought till its close, miraculously surviving the disasters -of so severe and fatal a strife. The Major-General thus writes: “Our -loss is great, but the action, I believe, was the most severe that ever -was fought in this country, and, I believe, such a quantity of cannon -and such advantages have seldom been gained, by any single victory, in -any part of the world.” - -On this occasion the valour of the regiment was rewarded by the -exceptional permission to carry a third colour, bearing thereon the -“Elephant” and “Assaye,” specially commemorative of the unparalleled -glory of the day. The inconvenience of a third colour has since brought -about its disallowance as other than an honorary distinction to be borne -only when on peaceful parade. - -The severe losses of the regiment at the battle of Assaye required it -should be released from active duty for a time, to allow these losses to -be repaired, and the wounded to recover and resume their posts. However, -in November of the same year we find it in the field with the army on -the plains of Argaum, burning to avenge, by a new victory, the death of -friends sacrificed at Assaye. Major-General Wellesley, in his official -despatch, particularly commends the perseverance, steadiness, and -bravery of the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth Highlanders as -materially helping to the triumph of Argaum. A variety of minor actions -closed the campaign, crowned by the submission of the enemy. - -Thereafter selected by the Commander-in-Chief, the regiment was detached -with other troops, under his own command, which marching sixty miles in -twenty hours, destroyed a camp of freebooters, which, quartered at -Perinda, had been the pest and terror of the neighbourhood. - -In 1804, the regiment was stationed with the Seventy-eighth and some -native troops for protective purposes in the territory of the Peishwah, -until the war with Holkar anew occasioned it to undertake more active -service. In the capture of Gaulnah, the Seventy-fourth was called upon -to supply volunteers for the forlorn hope. Such was the spirit of the -corps, that the whole regiment spontaneously offered itself. - -After sixteen years’ service in India, during which it was almost always -engaged with an enemy—earning therefrom the name it afterwards -gloriously upheld as the “fighting regiment”—the gallant remnant was -ordered to return home, and, in consequence, embarking at Madras in -September, 1805, landed at Portsmouth in February, 1806. - -[Illustration: DUKE OF WELLINGTON.] - - - - - CHAPTER XXXV. - - “Upon his brow shame is ashamed to sit; - For ’tis a throne where honour may be crowned - Sole monarch of the universal earth.” - - PENINSULA—AMERICA—WEST INDIES—CANADA—“THE WRECK - OF THE BIRKENHEAD”—1806–1862. - - -As soon as the Seventy-fourth had returned, the business of recruiting -occupied the earnest attention of its officers. Removed to Scotland for -this purpose, it failed to complete its establishment, and, in -consequence, was transferred to Ireland to receive its complement by -volunteers from the militia. In 1810 it received orders to prepare for -foreign service; and, accordingly, embarked from Cork for Portugal, -under Lieut.-Colonel the Honourable Robert De Poer Trench, with a total -strength of 730 effectives. Arrived in the Tagus and disembarked, it was -advanced to Viseu. Its junction with the allied army of Lord Wellington -was hailed with delight by that chief, who ever felt a warm interest in -its history, as the “Assaye regiment” whose heroes had won for him his -first great victory. Complimenting Colonel Trench, he said: “If the -Seventy-fourth would behave in that country as they had done in India, -he ought to be proud to command such a regiment.” Included in the third -or well-known “Fighting Division” of Major-General Picton, the -Seventy-fourth was brigaded with the first battalion of the Forty-fifth, -the Eighty-eighth, and three companies of the fifth battalion of the -Sixtieth Regiment. From the concentrated and overwhelming military might -of Napoleon, Marshal Massena was detached at the head of 75,000 -veterans, styled the “Army of Portugal,” charged with the destruction of -the British who had dared to dispute the claims of his master to the -dominion of the Peninsula. In presence of such a superior foe, as -regards numbers, Wellington resolved on retreat; and, accordingly, -withdrawing to his own defences, induced the enemy to draw off in -pursuit. Taking advantage of every position which by natural or -artificial strength afforded an opportunity to check or impede the -pursuit of the French, Lord Wellington frequently severely punished the -temerity of the foe. Thus, in the battle of Busaco, where the -Seventy-fourth for awhile withstood the attack of an entire French -column, until sustained by the Ninth and Thirty-eighth regiments, it -drove the enemy down the hill. - -Finally arrested by the formidable lines of Torres Vedras, the French, -vainly endeavouring to blockade the position, fatally suffered from -disease and want, whilst our troops enjoyed every comfort in abundance -and in safety within the entrenchments. Convinced of the futility of any -attempt to surmount the defences of the position, Marshal Massena was -constrained in turn to retreat, closely pursued along the banks of the -Mondego by the British. With the third division, in the van of the army, -the Seventy-fourth was almost incessantly engaged driving the enemy from -post to post. For the relief of Almeida, Marshal Massena, considerably -reinforced, once more ventured to advance. Encountering the light -companies of the first, third, and fifth divisions, and the second -battalion of the Eighty-third Regiment, in occupation of the village of -Fuentes d’Onor, the French laboured to expel them. Reinforced by the -Twenty-fourth, Seventy-first, and Seventy-ninth regiments, and -ultimately supported by the Forty-fifth, Seventy-fourth, and -Eighty-eighth regiments, the whole of the enemy’s sixth corps was routed -and driven from the village it had at first won. Interrupted in the -siege of Badajoz by the approach of the combined armies of Marmont and -Soult, the British temporarily retired. A similar diversion by the army -of Marshal Marmont in favour of Ciudad Rodrigo, in like manner disturbed -its blockade. Whilst quartered in this vicinity, the third division of -our army, threatened by an attack from a very powerful corps of French, -which, taking advantage of the immediate presence of Marshal Marmont, -had undertaken a sortie from the fortress, retreated. Under command of -General Montbrun, the enemy so severely pressed the British division, -that, in retiring, the Seventy-fourth became separated from the rest, -and was generally believed to have been captured. A long detour, under -the friendly shield of night, enabled the regiment to escape the danger -and rejoin the division in its camp at Guinaldo. Overjoyed in their safe -return, Major-General Picton uttered these memorable words, expressive -of his faith in the valour of our Highlanders, saying, “he thought he -must have heard more firing before the Seventy-fourth could be taken.” - -On the retirement of the French, returning to the duties of the siege, -the regiment, on the 19th of January, was included in the storming party -which, despite the most strenuous resistance of the foe, won Ciudad -Rodrigo. This achievement was immediately followed by the re-investment -of Badajoz; a fortress esteemed impregnable, the more so as it was -defended by some of the choicest troops of France. The progress had been -so satisfactory, and the breaches in the ramparts deemed so far -practicable, that by the 6th April, 1812, the assault was ordered, and -the Herculean duty of storming the defences of the castle committed to -the third division; accomplished, nevertheless, after “a combat so -furiously fought, so terribly won, so dreadful in all its circumstances, -that posterity can scarcely be expected to credit the tale.” Lieutenant -Alexander Grant of the Seventy-fourth, leading the advance, entered the -castle, but fell in the moment of victory. “Foremost in the escalade was -John MʻLauchlan, the regimental piper, who, the instant he mounted the -castle wall, began playing on his pipes the regimental quick step, ‘The -Campbells are coming,’ at the head of the advance along the ramparts, as -coolly as if on a common parade, until his music was stopped by a shot -through the bag; he was afterwards seen by an officer of the regiment -seated on a gun-carriage, quietly repairing the damage, regardless of -the shot flying about him, and presently recommenced his animating -tune.” Although the other assaults were not so successful, still the -triumph of the third and fifth divisions at their several points of -attack so turned the defences of the place, that resistance appearing -hopeless, the fortress was surrendered. - -Various man[oe]uvres at length brought about the battle of Salamanca, -where the French, under Marshal Marmont, were totally defeated, driven -“as it were before a mighty wind without help or stay.” The brunt of the -action was sustained by the French division of General Thomières, -originally 7000 strong, but which, notwithstanding the most splendid -illustration of heroism, was utterly cut to pieces or dispersed. In this -great battle the third division figured conspicuously. Lord Londonderry -writes: “The attack of the third division was not only the most -spirited, but the most perfect thing of the kind that modern times have -witnessed. Regardless alike of a charge of cavalry and of the murderous -fire which the enemy’s batteries opened, on went these fearless -warriors, horse and foot, without check or pause, until they won the -ridge, and then the infantry giving their volley, and the cavalry -falling on sword in hand, the French were pierced, broken, and -discomfited. So close, indeed, was the struggle, that in several -instances the British colours were seen waving over the heads of the -enemy’s battalions;” whilst the advance in unbroken line of the -Seventy-fourth, for upwards of three miles, testified to its efficiency, -and drew forth the plaudits of Major-General Pakenham, then commanding -the division, who vehemently exclaimed, “Beautifully done, -Seventy-fourth! beautiful, Seventy-fourth!” - -The glorious results immediately flowing from this great victory, were -crowned in the capitulation and occupation of Madrid. Whilst stationed -in the capital, the gaieties of which agreeably relieved the hardships -of the camp, our officers at the same time beheld the splendid misery -the tyrant-extortionating rule of France had entailed upon the citizens, -many of whom, once great and opulent, now reduced to abject beggary, -gratefully accepted the assistance of their deliverers. In these deeds -of charity the officers of the Seventy-fourth were not wanting, but, -with those of the Forty-fifth, daily fed about two hundred of the -starving grandees. - -Meanwhile, the converging of the various French armies of the Peninsula -for the relief of Burgos, once more necessitated the retreat of the -British, who, evacuating Madrid, retired towards Portugal, and finally -halted, going into winter quarters, behind the Agueda. The spring of -1813 found the British army largely recruited, and with new energy -prepared to resume the offensive—to begin that victorious march which -stayed not until the heights of Toulouse owned the triumphs of the -British flag. - -At the great battle of Vittoria, which may be said to have broken the -last remnant of French power in Spain, the third division was most -severely engaged; and the gallantry of the Seventy-fourth was anew -conspicuous in its successful attack upon the village of Arinez, whence -it drove out the enemy. In the after advance, over a rugged country, in -pursuit of the retiring columns of the foe, the unbroken line of the -Seventy-fourth attracted general attention, and its admirable order was -highly commended. In the grand attack which completed the ruin of the -French, the third division, being foremost, was assailed by a fiery -storm of artillery and musketry, which made fearful chasms in its ranks. -At length the success of the fourth division from another quarter -compelled the enemy to abandon his strong position, and soon converted -the retreat into a disorderly flight. Marshal Soult was afterwards sent -to command the army in the Peninsula, as “Lieutenant of the Emperor,” -and never was his genius more conspicuous. His master-mind came to the -rescue; he re-organised the broken remnant of the once mighty host, and, -largely reinforced, once more advanced, thereby inspiring new confidence -in his troops, and casting a momentary gleam of hope athwart the -lowering horizon which presaged the storm steadily moving vengefully -towards devoted France. The hope thus excited was speedily dissipated, -and every effort failed to retrieve the disastrous consequences of -Vittoria. Driven successively across the “Pyrenees,” the “Nive,” and the -“Nivelle,” he found a refuge and a rest for his dispirited and wearied -troops within the fortress of Bayonne. At “Orthes” and “Toulouse” -Wellington required a great exercise of his own abilities as a chief to -overthrow the dogged resolution of his great antagonist, who, equal to -the crisis, by prodigies of skill, strove to avert the dissolution of -his master’s empire. In all these closing actions of the war, the -Seventy-fourth, in the “fighting” third division, more than creditably -maintained its part, returning home in 1815 crowned with glory. - -Ireland became thereafter the scene of its more peaceful service. Whilst -stationed at Fermoy in 1818, new colours were presented to the regiment; -and the shreds of the old ones—which had been so victoriously borne in -the battles of the Peninsula—burnt to ashes, had their sacred dust -treasured up in the lid of a gold sarcophagus snuff-box, inlaid with -part of the wood of the colour-staves, and bearing the following -inscription:—“This box, composed of the old standards of the -Seventy-fourth regiment, was formed as a tribute of respect to the -memory of those who fell, and of esteem for those who survived the many -glorious and arduous services on which they were always victoriously -carried, during a period of sixteen years, in India, the Peninsula, and -France. They were presented to the regiment at Wallajahbad in 1802; and -the shattered remains were burned at Fermoy on the 6th of April, 1818.” - -Having thus disposed of this venerable memorial of its early renown, the -regiment embarked at Cork for Halifax, Nova Scotia. Its service in -America and Bermuda in 1825, and again in 1828, affords nothing of -importance to detain the reader. Returning to Ireland in 1830, it was -employed in various garrisons in that country until, ordered on foreign -service, it sailed for the West Indies in 1834. Thence, in 1841, it was -removed to Canada, returning to England in 1845. By desire of the -officers, the Seventy-fourth was restored to its original dignity as a -Highland corps, having the trews instead of the kilt; and in 1846 -re-visited Scotland for a brief period, whence it proceeded to Ireland, -where, associated with the Seventy-fifth and Eighty-eighth regiments, -and other troops, it was encamped in the vicinity of Thurles and -Ballingarry, to overawe the rebellious, and repress the foolish attempt -at insurrection which, stirred by idle demagogues, had excited the -people during the famine of 1848. This military demonstration proved -sufficient to suppress, without blood, these ill-advised seditions. - -One event remains to be recorded in our present sketch, ere we close the -brief summary; one event which alone is all-sufficient to glorify the -Seventy-fourth, although casting a melancholy interest over its history, -yet enshrining the memory of its brave as _heroic_; one event which, -although belonging in common to the records of the Seventy-third and -Ninety-first, as well as other regiments, deserves its place here out of -respect to the lost and gallant officer commanding; one event which -sheds a brighter lustre, as it reveals in truer character the qualities -of the British soldier, than the exciting and sanguinary achievements of -the battle-field; one event which wakes the soul to truest sympathy, and -bids the heart bleed at the recitation of the narrative. - - “—— The youthful and the brave, - With their beauty and renown, - To the hollow chambers of the wave - In darkness have gone down.” - -One event which has bidden a gush of grief for the lost and brave from -the noble-minded of every clime. Such was the wreck of the “Birkenhead.” -This vessel, one of the finest in Her Majesty’s service, with a living -freight of 632 souls, including 14 officers and 458 soldiers, draughts -from various regiments, reinforcements from home on their way to join -their comrades fighting in Kaffirland, reaching Simon’s Bay, had sailed -thence for Algoa Bay on the evening of the 25th February, 1852. - - “Ah no!—an earthly freight she bears, - Of joys and sorrows, hopes and fears; - And lonely as she seems to be, - Thus left by herself on the moonlight sea, - In loneliness that rolls, - She hath a constant company - In sleep, or waking revelry— - Five hundred human souls!” - -[Illustration: WRECK OF THE “BIRKENHEAD.”] - -Striving to quicken the voyage by shortening the passage, the commandant -hugged the shore too closely off Cape Danger, and in doing so the vessel -struck upon a sunken rock whilst steaming at the rate of eight miles an -hour. So tremendous was the shock, that, although the night was clear -and the sea calm, the stately ship was in a moment a broken wreck. The -catastrophe occurred three miles from land, and six hours after -starting. Yet all save the vessel might have been saved, but for the -unfortunate command to back the engines, which had the effect, instead -of easing the vessel, to dash her amidships upon the rocks, -precipitating her fate; so that, in little more than half-an-hour, -breaking in two, she went down, with 9 officers and 349 men, besides -fully 80 of the crew. Whilst these so truly brave men were engulfed the -prey of the insatiate sea, _the weak and helpless—the women and -children, were all saved_, but only by such a noble sacrifice. The heart -sickens as we contemplate so dreadful a scene, thus pathetically and -feelingly narrated in the _New York Express_:— - -“The steamer struck on a hidden rock, stove a plank at the bows, and -went to the bottom, we believe, in half-an-hour’s time. There was a -regiment of troops on board. As soon as the alarm was given, and it -became apparent that the ship’s fate was sealed, the roll of the drum -called the soldiers to arms on the upper deck. That call was promptly -obeyed, though every gallant heart there knew that it was his death -summons. There they stood as if in battle array—a motionless mass of -brave men—men who were men indeed. The ship every moment was going down -and down—but there were no traitors, no deserters, no cravens there! The -women and children were got into the boats, and were all, or nearly all, -saved. There were no boats for the troops—but there was no panic, no -blanched, pale, quivering lips among them!... Men like these never -perish; their bodies may be given to the fishes of the sea, but their -memories are, as they ought to be—immortal!” - -These, records the _Spectator_—“the very men whom we shrank from when we -met them wearing flying ribbons in their battered hats, reeling through -the streets—were the same who went down in the ‘Birkenhead’—as which of -us can feel sure that he would have had nerve to do?—in their ranks, -shoulder to shoulder, standing at ease, watching the sharks that were -waiting for them in the waves—at the simple suggestion of their officers -that the women and children filled the boats, and must be saved first. -No saint ever died more simply; no martyr ever died more voluntarily; no -hero ever died more firmly; no victim ever met his fate in a more -generous spirit of self-immolation.” - -Bravest of the brave, Lieut.-Colonel Seton of the Seventy-fourth, -displayed in his conduct, as commander of the troops, a nobleness, a -true courage, a self-sacrificing devotion, worthy of his country, and -which bespeaks the _man_—the _hero_; and than which history or biography -can furnish no brighter or more illustrious example. It is indeed a pity -so brave a spirit should have fallen; and it shames the living— - - “That instinct - Which makes the honour’d memory of the dead - A trust with all the living—” - -that no suitable memorial marks his fall, save the common tablet of a -common grief for a common loss which stands in the corridor of Chelsea -Hospital, bearing the following inscription:— - -“This monument is erected by command of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, to -record the heroic constancy and unbroken discipline shown by -Lieutenant-Colonel Seton, Seventy-fourth Highlanders, and the troops -embarked under his command, on board the ‘Birkenhead,’ when that vessel -was wrecked off the Cape of Good Hope, on the 26th February, 1852, and -to preserve the memory of the officers, non-commissioned officers, and -men, who perished on that occasion, The names were as follows:— - - “Lieut.-Colonel A. Seton, 74th Highlanders, Commanding the Troops. - Cornet Rolt, Serjeant Straw, and three Privates, 12th Lancers. - Ensign Boylan, Corporal MʻManus, and thirty-four Privates, 2d Queen’s - Regiment. - Ensign Metford and forty-seven Privates, 6th Royals. - Fifty-five Privates, 12th Regiment. - Serjeant Hicks, Corporals Harrison and Cousins, and twenty-six - Privates, 43d Light Infantry. - Three Privates, 45th Regiment. - Corporal Curtis and twenty-nine Privates, 60th Rifles. - Lieutenants Robinson and Booth, and fifty-four Privates, 73d - Regiment. - Ensign Russell, Corporals Mathison and William Laird, and forty-six - Privates, 74th Highlanders. - Serjeant Butler, Corporals Webber and Smith, and forty-one Privates, - 91st Regiment. - Staff-Surgeon Laing. - Staff-Assistant-Surgeon Robertson.” - - “Yet more! the billows and the depths have more! - High hearts and brave are gather’d to thy breast! - They hear not now the booming waters roar— - The battle-thunders will not break their rest. - Keep thy red gold and gems, thou stormy grave! - Give back the true and brave!” - -In the last and most sanguinary war with the Kaffirs of South Africa, -which desolated that valuable colony between 1850 and 1853, the -Seventy-fourth was engaged, and fully sustained its illustrious -character. The enemy, sensible of his weakness, avoided meeting our army -in the field, and maintained a harassing series of skirmishes in the -bush, which proved most annoying and destructive. - -It is remarkable that, in the course of our sketch, we should so -frequently have been pleasingly impressed with the duty of recording the -heroism of the officers of the regiment; and, commanded by such -distinguished chiefs, it is no wonder the corps, moulded in their image, -should fitly follow the good and glorious examples which have rendered -the Seventy-fourth so signally known to fame. In the African campaign, -its commanding officers are mournfully conspicuous as amongst the lost -and brave. Whilst employed in the operations against the Waterkloof Post -in November, 1851, Lieutenant-Colonel Fordyce was killed. - -“At the moment he was hit, he was giving directions to a company of his -own well-loved corps, which was skirmishing in the bush, and the -position of which he wished to alter a little. Whilst raising his arm to -indicate the ground he alluded to, a huge Hottentot stepped rapidly from -a thick clump close by, and delivered the fatal shot; observing, with -characteristic cunning, the irreparable mischief he had done, he -screeched out, in hellish accents, ‘_Johnny, bring stretcher_,’ and, -turning on his heel, dived into the clump again before the infuriated -Seventy-fourth could wreak their vengeance upon him. - -“Simultaneously they madly rushed on, and, in their too eager haste to -renew the carnage, they rendered themselves an easy prey to their savage -foe, who struck down Lieutenants Carey and Gordon, and many brave men, -before they observed the necessity of rallying, when the sad work of -carnage was amply avenged. Such, however, was the number of the wounded, -that a waggon had to be sent from the hill to the spot to carry off the -sufferers to their bivouac. - -“Fordyce lived a quarter of an hour after receiving his death-wound. The -ball had passed through his abdomen; and, as he was borne away in the -consciousness of approaching death, he was just able to utter, in faint -accents, the words—‘_Take care of my poor regiment_—I AM READY,’ when he -passed placidly away. Such was the end of this brave soldier. In life, -straightforward, thoughtful, a friend to the poor and needy, and a truly -Christian man; so in death he was calm, resigned, noble, and mindful of -his duty both to God and man. His latest expression showed that, while -he committed his regiment to the care of those whose duty it was, his -uppermost thoughts lay in the final work of meeting his Maker. Such was -Fordyce, beloved and respected by all who had the good fortune to know -him!” - -The regiment left the Cape for India in November, 1853, and has since -continued in the Madras establishment. During the Indian Mutiny, a -detachment of the Seventy-fourth, in the autumn of 1857, formed part of -a moveable column under Brigadier Whitlock, on field service in the -Kurnool district; and, in November, 1858, the head quarters composed a -portion of a moveable column, under Brigadier Spottiswoode, in the Nizam -country. The regiment is now stationed at Bellary. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH HIGHLANDERS; - OR, - ROSS-SHIRE BUFFS. - - CHAPTER XXXVI. - - “Rouse, rouse, ye kilted warriors! - Rouse, ye heroes of the north! - Rouse and join your chieftain’s banners,— - ’Tis your prince that leads you forth. - - “See the northern clans advancing! - See Glengary and Lochiel! - See the brandish’d broad-swords glancing! - Highland hearts are true as steel.” - - CHANNEL ISLANDS—FLANDERS—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—INDIA—BATAVIA—1793–1817. - - -Already had the noble lords of Seaforth stood forth foremost in the -breach where British liberty, involved in our glorious constitution, was -assailed by aggressive and vindictive foes; already had the beloved -chieftains of the Mackenzie bidden their clansmen rally around the -state, which a few years earlier (1715) they had sworn to overthrow; -already had the regiment they thus contributed, the Seventy-second, -illumined the page of history by the stirring narrative of its brilliant -achievements, and, honoured by a grateful people, returned to its native -land, to rest for a time upon the laurels won on the far-distant plains -of India. Sprung from this race of heroes, as the new-begotten and -second representative of this distinguished family in our army, the -Seventy-eighth has strong claims upon our interest and sympathy—an -interest and sympathy which have been quickened into a warm affection, -finding an echo in the soul of the brave and noble of every land. -Appreciating the gallantry of its services at Lucknow in behalf of -suffering valour and murdered innocence, we hail it with feelings of -national gratitude as the “Saviour of India.” - -Whilst the horrid cruelties perpetrated by the demagogues of Paris -excited the commiseration of beholding Europe for an unfortunate and -misguided people, the victims of their own folly, it at the same time -inspired feelings of fear among the terror-stricken tyrants of the -Continent, and palsied the might of their councils. A momentary -irresolution seized the British Cabinet, until the energy and eloquence -of Pitt awakened the Government to its true duty. The charm which -spell-bound other states, failed to ravish us of our freedom. Thoroughly -aroused from the fatal lethargy into which the nation was being lulled -by false ideas of “liberty, equality, and fraternity”—rightly -interpreted, lust, rapine, and murder—it assumed a sounder policy, -befitting its dignity. Buckling on its armour, Britain fearlessly -challenged this giant iniquity to trespass upon the sacred soil of our -chartered and constitutional liberty. Impelled by a stern necessity, our -country laid aside the beloved garb of peace, and assumed the dread -panoply of war, as our “meteor flag” was unfurled— - - “The flag which braved a thousand years - The battle and the breeze.” - -Fleet after fleet forsook the tranquil bosom of the harbour where -hitherto they had nestled, and struggling with the stormy billows of the -sea, begirt our island home with those “wooden walls” which, defended by -our “hearts of oak,” have so long been our pride, and deemed -impregnable; whilst regiment after regiment mustered on the beach, -daring the foe to set foot upon these hallowed shores. - -In such times the noble lord of Seaforth a second time drew his father’s -sword, and with the valour and loyalty of his house swelling in his -breast, called on his clansmen yet remaining to follow him. Foremost, in -the very van of this army of patriots, was thus marshalled the gallant -subject of our sketch—the Seventy-eighth Highlanders. - -Assembled and embodied at Fort George on the 10th July, 1793, the fine -physical appearance of the regiment was very remarkable—a characteristic -which it has been fortunate always to maintain. - -Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, was the scene of its earliest -service on comparatively peaceful duty. Removed from thence, in 1794, to -Holland, it ultimately joined the allied army, under the Duke of York, -which vainly endeavoured to stem the tide of French aggression, then -inundating the Netherlands, and bereaving these provinces of their -ancient freedom. Engaged in the defence of Nimeguen, it contributed, by -its excellent behaviour, to retard the progress of the enemy, whilst -that fortress held out. Overwhelming might necessitated the evacuation -of the place; the garrison in consequence retired with the army towards -Germany. At Meteren our rearguard was overtaken by the advanced posts of -the enemy, when a bloody action ensued. In the course of the fight the -Seventy-eighth was charged by a regiment of French hussars, who, wearing -a uniform similar to the regiment of Choiseul in the British service, -and the better to deceive our troops, shouting as they advanced, -“Choiseul! Choiseul!”—thus mistaken for friends—were permitted to -penetrate our line, and were upon the Highlanders before their true -character was discovered. Unmasked, in an instant the bold horsemen were -met by a terrific volley of musketry, which, emptying many saddles, -cooled the ardour of the assault, but could not arrest their progress. -Piercing the intervals between the companies of the battalion, the -cavalry furiously rushed upon the Highlanders, trampling them down, but, -being warmly received, failed to overwhelm the gallant Seventy-eighth, -whose firm, unflinching valour was very conspicuous, and altogether -surprising from so young a corps in such trying circumstances. A column -of infantry, which had witnessed the success of the cavalry, now -advanced, big with high hopes, as they supposed, to complete the ruin of -the British. Meanwhile the further career of the hussars had been stayed -by the determined front of a company of the Forty-second Royal -Highlanders, covering the village. Driven back in confusion upon the -advancing infantry, both were finally repulsed, chiefly by the combined -efforts of the Seventy-eighth and Forty-second Highlanders. The British -resuming the retreat, retired to Bremen, whence they took shipping, and -returned home. During this their maiden campaign, the Seventy-eighth was -associated with the Seventy-ninth Cameron Highlanders and the -Forty-second Royal Highlanders. The regiment was remarkable for its -steadiness under fire, and its fortitude in enduring the hardships of a -severe winter under canvas. On this occasion, too, a very melancholy and -humbling testimony is borne by our foes to the prevailing sin of our -British soldiers. The French, who had seduced the soldiers of the old -monarchy by ministering to their evil appetites, sought by a like -artifice to ruin our army; they accordingly bribed the infamous amongst -the Dutch to sell liquors to our troops at a mere bagatelle, with a view -to tempt them and intoxicate them. How truly lamentable to think that -even then this national vice had acquired such a mastery, such a -notoriety, as to be regarded by France as our weakness, and by the -nation as our disgrace! Notwithstanding, we with pleasure record that -the Seventy-eighth was faithful to its duty. Indeed, these seductions -could not prevail against such a corps, whose history had ever been -distinguished by sobriety; so much so, that while it was in India it was -found necessary to restrict its soldiers from selling or giving away -their own allowance of liquor to others. - -Meanwhile a second battalion, raised in 1794, had sailed for, and -participated in, an expedition against the Dutch colony of the Cape of -Good Hope. After a brief struggle the colony was reduced and occupied by -the British, the battalion remaining in the garrison. - -The first battalion, with the army of Lord Moira, was engaged in a -fruitless attempt to succour the Royalists of La Vendée, who yet -withstood the ferocious assaults of the Republicans of Paris. Landing on -the Isle Dieu, the expedition anxiously waited a favourable opportunity -to gain a footing on the mainland. Alas! in vain. The time for action, -frittered away, was not to be recalled. Returning to England, the -battalion was embarked for Bengal. Calling on the way at the Cape of -Good Hope, it was joined by the second battalion, and the two, -consolidated into one regiment, proceeded to India. Arrived in February, -1797, nothing of importance falls to be recorded during its sojourn in -the Bengal Presidency. Removed to Bombay in 1803, it joined the army of -Major-General the Hon. Arthur Wellesley. With the Seventy-fourth -Highlanders, the Eightieth Regiment, the Nineteenth Light Dragoons, and -several native battalions, the Seventy-eighth advanced against the -enemy—Scindia and the Rajah of Berar. - -The strong fortress of Amednuggur was the first obstacle to be overcome -in the line of march. For a while defended resolutely, the struggle was -very severe, but the moment our Highlanders succeeded in scaling the -high and narrow walls encircling it, to the enemy all seemed lost, -defence appeared hopeless, and flight the only refuge. Thus this -important conquest was achieved with comparatively little loss. - -As in previous campaigns, so in the present, the business of the war -seemed to be not so much to overcome but rather to overtake the enemy; -who, sensible of his weakness in the field, strove to avoid the hazard -of a battle, contenting himself with harassing our progress by a -perplexing and incessant guerilla warfare. The persevering energy of the -British commander was not, however, to be so duped of the prize he -sought—the triumph he aspired to. By forced marches he overtook and -surprised the foe by his unexpected presence on the banks of the Kaitna. -Although not yet joined to the reinforcements at hand under Colonel -Stevenson, from Bengal, and fearing the escape of the enemy under cover -of the night, now approaching, the daring impetuosity of Wellesley at -once ordered the attack. Reduced by detachments, the British army did -not exceed 4,700 men, of whom the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth -Highlanders, and the Nineteenth Light Dragoons, were the only line -regiments; whilst the Indian army, encamped in a strong position behind -the almost dry channel of the Kaitna, occupied the village of Assaye, -and presented a formidable array of 30,000 admirable troops, disciplined -and led by European officers, the whole sustained by upwards of 100 -guns. The Seventy-eighth occupied the left of the first line, whilst the -Seventy-fourth, from the second line, ultimately took post on the right. -But for the cowardly flight of the European officers commanding the -Indian infantry, who abandoned their troops at the first onset, the -resistance might have been far more formidable. The enemy’s artillery -was admirably served, and galled the advance of the British line with a -terrible fire, which was only silenced by the death of the gunners, -bayoneted whilst faithfully and steadily fulfilling their duty. In the -ultimate retreat, one brigade refused to yield, although repeatedly -charged by our cavalry; maintaining its order and retiring fighting, -preserved the defeat from becoming a disorderly rout. The struggle was -the most severe, and the achievement the most glorious which had -hitherto marked our Indian warfare; illustrating the determined valour -of which the enemy was capable, whilst anew it honoured the prowess of -our soldiers in the result. - -Strengthened by Colonel Stevenson’s division, now arrived, including the -old Ninety-fourth, or Scots Brigade, Major-General Wellesley continued -to press the retiring foe, until, overtaken at Argaum, he made a brief -stand. In the battle which ensued, whilst the Ninety-fourth occupied the -left of the line, the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth together upon -the other flank, encountered the only considerable attack of the enemy; -which, undertaken by a body of 800 furious fanatics, was sustained with -exceeding valour, until the entire column had fallen before the veterans -of Assaye. Notwithstanding the vigour of the assault, a very trifling -loss was inflicted upon the British, and the enemy otherwise -relinquished the field almost without a blow. - -A quaint story is told by General Stewart of the piper of the -Seventy-eighth, who, when the musicians were ordered at Assaye to attend -to the wounded, esteeming himself included, had in consequence gone to -the rear. This desertion his comrades attributed to fear, and the -unfortunate piper, branded as a coward, felt the rebuke thus stingingly -uttered: “Flutes and hautboys they thought could be well spared, but for -the piper, who should always be in the heat of the battle, to go to the -rear with the _whistlers_, was a thing altogether unheard of.” Bitterly -sensible of the unmerited insult, he gladly availed himself of a -favourable opportunity at the battle of Argaum to blot out the stigma -and redeem his fame. He played with such animation amidst the hottest of -the fire, that, not only restored to his comrades’ confidence, he -entailed the commands of the colonel to be silent, lest the men so -inspired should be urged too soon to the charge. - -The war was soon after brought to a glorious termination by the fall of -Gawilghur. Thereafter removed to Madras, the regiment remained in -quietude till 1811, when, included in the army of Lieutenant-General Sir -Samuel Auchmuty, it sailed with the expedition destined to operate -against the valuable Dutch colony of Java. It required much severe -fighting, especially at and around Cornelis—a very strong position, -where the enemy, with concentrated might, maintained a resolute defence, -only yielding when, with 1000 men killed, the post had become no longer -tenable—ere the island was reduced. In this expedition the -Seventy-eighth lost about 100 officers and men. Although the sword and -the pestilence had each claimed its victims, still they failed to -vanquish our Highlanders. - -On the return voyage to India, a new enemy awaited the gallant -Seventy-eighth, threatening even more fatal results—the sea, the -ever-devouring sea. Six companies of the regiment which had embarked in -the “Frances Charlotte,” transport, when twelve miles from the small -island of Preparos, on the 5th November, 1816, struck upon a sunken -rock. In this awful crisis, when the grim King of Terrors confronted our -soldiers, and this living freight of brave men, women, and children, -seemed about to be engulfed in a watery grave, amid the consternation -and wild dismay inseparable from such a scene, the firm courage of our -Highlanders sustained them equally as amid the roar and excitement of -the battle-field. With heroic gallantry, the soldiers, caring for the -weakness of woman and the helplessness of childhood, nobly hazarding, -prepared to sacrifice their own lives that these might be saved, and so -their duty fulfilled. Instances of manly courage and true heroism like -these, tell us, in unequivocal language, that such are the fruit of no -mere idle sentiment and flitting emotion, but the result of inborn, -genuine character. Whilst the women and children were conveyed in boats -to the island, the men crowded upon a small rocky islet, occasionally -dry at low water, and situated about 150 yards from the wreck. The ship, -full of water, soon after went to pieces, and disappeared beneath the -waves. The miseries of the ship-wrecked, from hunger and thirst, were -very grievous, and so cruel, that, although saved from becoming the prey -of the sea, they seemed but preserved for a more terrible doom. The -gaunt visage of famine appeared to torment the perishing multitude with -the pangs of an unutterable woe, and every ray of hope seemed eclipsed -by the lowering darkness of despair and the dismal shroud of the grave. -But a merciful Providence was nearer to save. A vessel hove in sight, -and, responding to the hail of the men on the rock, sent a boat to their -aid, which took forty of the survivors on board, but by a strange, -unaccountable want of feeling, sailed away without affording further -assistance; leaving behind one of its own boats, which, gone on the -mission of mercy, and whilst loading with a second instalment, had been -upset by over-crowding. Fortunately, all escaped safely, scrambling back -upon the rock. On the 10th of November, a large ship, the “Prince -Blucher,” attracted by the vestiges of the wreck which had floated -seaward across her course, was drawn towards the island, and embarking -as many as possible, sailed for Calcutta; from whence, on news of the -disaster, other vessels were immediately dispatched, which brought off -in safety the remainder of the survivors, who had endured the severest -pinchings of hunger with soldier-like stedfastness for upwards of a -month upon the island. It is interesting to note how both the -Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth Highlanders should thus have -encountered the disasters of the deep, and in these vicissitudes evinced -so worthily the qualities of the soldier and the hero. - -In 1817 the regiment returned to England, and disembarked at Portsmouth. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVII. - - “’Twas a soldier who spoke—but his voice now is gone, - And lowly the hero is lying; - No sound meets the ear, save the crocodile’s moan, - Or the breeze through the palm-tree sighing. - But lone though he rests where the camel is seen, - By the wilderness heavily pacing; - His grave in our bosoms shall ever be green, - And his monument ne’er know defacing.” - - GIBRALTAR—SICILY—MAIDA—EGYPT—WALCHEREN—FLANDERS—1804–1817. - - -Although borrowing a good idea in pursuing a similar plan, we esteem -ourselves excused, and not guilty of too slavish an imitation of General -Stewart’s account of the Seventy-eighth, in his excellent memoirs of the -Highland regiments. Thus, having followed so far the history of the -first battalion, we now devote a chapter to the annals of the second -battalion, in which the distinguished officer above-named served with -honour, exceedingly beloved by the soldiers; and to whom, as an author, -we are largely indebted, having, by the vigour of his pen, rescued from -the shades of oblivion and the crumbling ravages of time the history of -our regiments and the peculiar characteristics of our clans, and so -preserved ever fresh these endeared records of our brave clansmen and -soldiers. Scotland had already largely contributed to the noble army of -defenders which in 1804, during the momentous crisis in our national -history of which that year was the scene, had gathered round the -constitution and challenged the would-be invader. Of the genuine -Highlanders enlisted at this period, the following is a correct record:— - - For the army of reserve, 1651 - - Militia—Inverness, Ross, Argyle, Perth, &c., &c., 2599 - - Supplementary Ditto, 870 - - Canadian Fencibles, 850 - - Second Battalion of the Seventy-eighth Regiment, 714 - - Second Battalion of the Seventy-ninth Regiment, 618 - - Highlanders as substitutes in Militia regiments, 963 - - Recruits enlisted by the parties of the line, not 350 - exactly known, but estimated at, - - ——— - - Total, 8,615 - -The present battalion was the fourth raised by the family of Seaforth -within twenty-five years. It contained many Islesmen, especially from -the island of Lewis. Although to all appearance little else than a -regiment of boys of very tender years, still they had within them the -soul of the man, as after events abundantly proved. Embodied at Fort -George in the winter of 1804–5 with a strength of 850, it was by request -of Major-General Moore placed under his command for purposes of -instruction in the new system of light infantry drill. This was a -fortunate circumstance, and no doubt helped the battalion, not merely in -the acquirement of a thorough military knowledge, but more especially -served to instil a due confidence, which gave it that steadiness in -action for which it was afterwards remarkable. The urgent requirements -of the service having occasioned the removal of the battalion to -reinforce the garrison of Gibraltar, it was early deprived of the -benefits flowing from such an excellent course of training under so able -a master of the science of war. Nevertheless, it had so improved the -advantage which for a brief period it enjoyed, as made it a valuable -addition to the garrison. - -From Gibraltar it proceeded to Sicily, to join the armament, under Sir -John Stuart, destined for a descent upon the mainland of Calabria, in -favour of the exiled monarch of Naples and the patriots of Italy. The -expedition, which sailed from Melazzo in June, 1805, included the -Twenty-seventh, Fifty-eighth, Seventy-eighth, Eighty-first, and -Watteville’s Swiss Regiment, afterwards reinforced by the Twentieth -Regiment. Landing successfully in the bay of St Euphemia, the British -General strove to anticipate the attack of the French under General -Regnier, who, with a force lately augmented to nearly 8000, stood -opposed to the British, who could scarce muster 4000 men, unsustained, -moreover, by cavalry. The enemy occupied a very strong position in the -vicinity of the village of Maida. Affecting to despise the handful of -British who had ventured to challenge the assault, Regnier, forsaking -his strong position, descended to the plains, boasting he should drive -the British into the sea. The two armies advanced in hostile array in -parallel lines across the plain, halting when within a few hundred -yards, and pouring in a deadly volley upon each other. The precision of -the British fire so shattered the first line of the enemy, that, broken, -it retired in confusion upon the second line, and there struggled to -maintain itself against the attack of our first brigade, comprising the -Seventy-eighth and Eighty-first regiments under Brigadier-General -Acland. A Swiss regiment bearing the name of its commanding officer, -Watteville, at this crisis of the fight advanced against the -Seventy-eighth, and mistaken, from its similarity of uniform, for the -corps of the same name, family, and nation in the British service, which -held post in reserve, our Highlanders ceased firing, lest they should -injure their supposed friends. When undeceived, a vigorous fire warmly -hailed the enemy, and drove back the Swiss with great slaughter. Beaten -thus in every quarter, General Regnier proposed, as a last resource, to -try the effect of a flank attack upon the Twenty-seventh regiment. -Providentially, the Twentieth regiment arriving on the field at this -moment, hastened to sustain their comrades, and by their unexpected -appearance so discouraged the foe, that the attack, languidly -undertaken, was speedily given over. The French now gave way at all -points, and retreated precipitately, so swiftly, that without cavalry -they could not be overtaken—General Regnier falling a prisoner into our -hands. - -General Stuart had at first been grievously disappointed in the boyish -appearance of the Seventy-eighth, 600 of whom were under twenty-one -years of age; but now felt constrained to confess their gallant conduct -unsurpassed; having vanquished the veteran troops of France, although -fighting under great disadvantages in the front line of this their -maiden engagement. Unfortunately, the British, unsupported, were unable -to do more than destroy the enemy’s arsenals and magazines at Monte -Leon, ere prudence counselled their return to Sicily. - -Insignificant in itself, the result of the battle of Maida exerted an -important influence over Europe. Although the numbers respectively -engaged were small, still—occurring at a time and in circumstances when -European liberty groaned in chains, and all the blessings which belonged -to it seemed to be eclipsed in the dark night of tyranny, and when the -sovereigns of the Continent had submitted to the imperious yoke of -Bounaparte, when the friendly light of hope, flickering, seemed to die -out—the battle and the victory of Maida revived the drooping spirit of -Freedom, restored to new life the palsied pulse of Europe, and bade her -many peoples awake from the stupor of terror which the shackles of an -iron despotism and the cruel spoilings of rapacious might had imposed! -It required years of sore suffering and desperate struggling ere the -monster which so preyed upon the vitals of liberty could be shaken off; -and, emancipated from the oppressor’s grasp, the nations one by one once -more breathed somewhat of the blessed air of freedom. - -Against their better feelings and judgment the Turks had been cajoled -into an alliance with France, and unwillingly as our enemies, their -territory in Egypt became the theatre of strife, whereon a British army -should again act. Accordingly, in 1807, Lieutenant-General Sir John -Moore arrived in Sicily from England, and assumed the command of the -enterprise. In the army which set sail from Sicily for Egypt, the second -battalion of the Seventy-eighth Highlanders was included. Landed, the -expedition, flattered by various successes, continued to advance towards -Alexandria; but the Turks, in their peculiar mode of warfare, and their -aptness in taking advantage of every favourable circumstance in defence, -proved more terrible enemies than even the French, inflicting severe and -heavy losses upon the British. In an attempt to gain possession of the -town of Rosetta, the Thirty-first Regiment was nearly annihilated by the -fire of the enemy from loop-holed houses in the narrow streets, who -could not be dislodged. This attack in consequence failed; and the -troops had to mourn the loss of its leader, Major-General Wauchope, -whilst his second in command, Brigadier-General Meade, was wounded. - -With hopes of facilitating and securing the friendly and promised aid of -the Mamelukes, a detachment of 720 men, under Lieutenant-Colonel -Macleod, was advanced on the 20th of April to an important outpost of -the army at El Hamet, on the Nile. The detachment, consisting of a party -from De Rolle’s Regiment, two companies of the Thirty-fifth, and five -companies of the Seventy-eighth, was divided into three divisions, and -stationed accordingly. On the morning of the 21st, about seventy large -boats filled with armed men were seen descending the Nile, whilst -several corps of horsemen gathered around the detachment, and at once -assailed the right of the three divisions, at the same time so -surrounding the others as to prevent them rendering any assistance to -one another, or drawing together into one. The right division, -comprising the Highland Grenadiers and a company of the Thirty-fifth, -fought with the fury of lions at bay, and was utterly cut to pieces, -along with its gallant commander, who, whenever he had perceived the -peril of the post, hastened to rescue it or die with the brave. The -little phalanx of heroes, reduced to eleven, attempted to break through -the host of foes which beleaguered them, and so join their comrades in -the centre division. Unfortunately, most of them perished in the -attempt. Captain Mackay, the only surviving officer, was struck to the -ground by a blow on the neck from the scimitar of an Arab horseman in -pursuit. The blow failing to kill, by a miracle of mercy he was saved, -and carried in by his serjeant. The remaining divisions, conscious how -unavailing any resistance would be, surrendered, and after being -brutally plundered, were conducted in triumph prisoners to Cairo, where -the vanity and the hatred of the people were gratified in the parade of -the captives through the principal streets of the city for seven hours; -exposed, moreover, to indignities of the grossest kind—“These,” said -they, “are our British _friends_, who came from their ships to kill us -and our children.” The Pacha, however, sincerely sympathising, behaved -with great kindness, and did his utmost to screen the prisoners from the -blind wrath of the public, expressing his deep regret that Britain -should have become so involved in war with his Government, which had -been long accustomed to regard the British as friends and allies—never -as foes. - -In consequence of the disaster at El Hamet, the siege of Rosetta was -abandoned, and our army, retreating to Alexandria, thence negotiated for -the release of the prisoners, and agreeing to evacuate Egypt, returned -to Sicily. Of the captives thus released, a _drummer_ of the -Seventy-eighth, by name Macleod, who had occasionally assisted the -surgeon of the regiment in applying poultices, etc., choosing to remain -behind in Cairo, by a somewhat extraordinary metamorphosis, set up for a -_physician_, and by consummate assurance attained a large practice and -acquired a larger fortune. From Sicily the battalion was removed to -Lisbon, and thereafter ordered home to England, where it arrived in -1808. Subsequently transferred to Scotland to recruit, it forwarded -large detachments of very superior volunteers from its ranks to the -first battalion, then fighting in India. - -In 1809 a corps of 370 men was battalionized under the Hon. -Lieutenant-Colonel Cochrane, and embarked for Zealand, where it shared -the disasters of the Walcheren expedition, afterward returning to the -Isle of Wight. - -In 1813, as a small corps of 400 Highlanders, the second battalion of -the Seventy-eighth joined the army of Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas -Graham, afterwards Lord Lynedoch, which endeavoured to expel the French -from Holland. On the 13th January, with the second battalion of the -Twenty-fifth and the Thirty-third regiments, it encountered the enemy at -Merexem, where it behaved with signal gallantry—an immediate charge with -the bayonet by the Seventy-eighth, ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel -Lindsay, decided the contest. The enemy was beaten with great slaughter. -At this period the juvenility of the battalion was as remarkable as its -valour—only 43 of its soldiers exceeding twenty-two years of age. The -battalion remained in the Netherlands until after the battle of -Waterloo, but stationed at Nieuport, was deprived of the privilege of -being present on that memorable and glorious field. Nevertheless, it -added to its good name by its excellent conduct, becoming peculiarly -endeared to the Belgians, who spoke of the Highlanders as being “kind, -as well as brave;” “Enfans de la famille;” “Lions in the field and lambs -in the house”—so much so, that the citizens of Brussels petitioned the -mayor to request the General-in-Chief to allow the Seventy-eighth to -remain in garrison in that capital. - -Returning to Scotland in 1816, the battalion was subsequently -incorporated with the first battalion as one regiment on its return from -India—conveying, with its few remaining soldiers, a character for -firmness truly remarkable in such young soldiers, and adding the glories -of Maida and Egypt to those of Assaye and Java, acquired by the first -battalion, and now one in the Seventy-eighth. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XXXVIII. - - But hark! what means yon dismal wail— - The shriek that’s borne upon the gale? - It comes from India’s sultry plain— - It calls for vengeance from the slain, - Nor calls in vain to Scotland. - - ’Tis the destroying hordes of hell, - Whose hearts with fiendish passions swell, - Whose swords on ruined Beauty fell— - The Brave, the Fair, the Weak. Farewell! - Ye’ll be revenged by Scotland. - - Then Scotland, by brave Havelock led, - Rush’d o’er the field of murder’d dead, - Fighting for “bleeding Beauty’s” sake— - The very earth itself might quake - Beneath the wrath o’ Scotland. - - Haste ye to Lucknow’s fainting brave; - Too long they’ve battled with the slave— - The weak and helpless Fair to save - From rapine, ruin, and the grave— - Hope comes wi’ bonnie Scotland. - - And now brave Havelock’s work is done; - He sets like to the evening sun; - By him the crown of glory’s won— - His God, beholding, saith “Well done!” - The Lost—the Loved o’ Scotland. - - PERSIA—INDIA—1817–1862. - - -Escaping from the tedious details of peaceful service which for upwards -of forty years mark the history of the Seventy-eighth, we now follow -that gallant regiment to India—the scene of its early glory, and since -embalmed in our memory, as presenting the most splendid testimony to its -heroic character. - -[Illustration: INDIA.] - -In 1857 we find it transferred from Bombay to Persia, and engaged in the -expedition destined to chastise its vainglorious and presumptuous -monarch. An easy triumph crowned the efforts of our arms. At Koosh-ab -the Seventy-eighth was present with credit; although that success was -achieved rather by diligent perseverance in long marches and battling -with inclement weather, than by any very remarkable feat of arms. This -name and that of “Persia” were gained for the regimental colour during -the campaign, in scenery hallowed by sacred memories, being supposed to -be the site of the garden of Eden. - -But we hasten to look upon a darker picture—to find our Indian empire on -the verge of ruin, convulsed as in the agonies of dissolution; its -native military, whom we had trusted and boasted, become traitors; their -smothered vengeance, cherished through years of duplicity, bursting -forth to deluge our vast dominion, and almost wrest it from us by a -cruel rebellion; all that once gloried in the very name of British -doomed by an unpitying and relentless revenge to utter destruction, -consigned to be the subjects of a gigantic perfidy. The mine had -exploded, and awful were the horrors of the tragedy it revealed! -Helplessness consumed by the devouring sword; beauty wasted by demons of -lust and passion; hopeless bravery sacrificed to satisfy a bloody -appetite—whilst with fiendish shouts the villains gloated over the -murders in which their hands were embrued and which stained their souls, -and rejoiced in the atrocities they had committed. - -Never was the British soldier placed in circumstances so trying, and -never did he display such heroism—a heroism which, equal to the -emergency, was alone able to deliver him from the foul conspiracy of -150,000 armed and trained rebels, who encircled him and thirsted -vehemently for his blood. - -Delhi, the great central tower of rebellious strength, was the scene of -months of hard fighting and sore privation; but over all these British -valour triumphing, was rewarded in the reduction of that important -stronghold, and the utter discomfiture of its daring defenders. But -Lucknow reversed the picture. There we find the British besieged by a -countless host of the enemy; there we regard a handful of brave men -resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible, rather than yield to -the ruthless rebels who in multitudes encompassed the Residency. To save -the brave garrison from the terrible fate which threatened them, and -release the crowd of starving and emaciated women and children who, -claiming the protection of the soldier, had found shelter there—to save -and relieve these, a little army might have been seen advancing by rapid -marches, encountering the greatest dangers, and eagerly pressing onwards -to avenge their slaughtered friends. Stirred to marvellous achievements -by the appalling traces of massacre perpetrated on the helpless and -innocent, and which were too apparent all around—roused to heroic -action, nerved to meet death or conquer in the awful and unequal -struggle, the little army of Brigadier-General Havelock pressed -vigorously forward to help and to avenge. It comprised of _European -Troops_: The third company of the eighth battalion of Royal Artillery, -(76 men); the First Madras Fusiliers, (376 men); the Sixty-fourth -Regiment of Foot, (435 men); the Seventy-eighth Highlanders, (284 men); -the Eighty-fourth Regiment of foot, (190 men); Bengal Artillery, (22 -men); Volunteer Cavalry, (20 men). _Native Troops_: Ferozepore Regiment, -(448 men); the Thirteenth Irregular, and the Third Oude Irregular -Cavalry, (95 men); Galundauze (18 men). - -From Cawnpore the rebels had pushed forward to Futtehpore, purposing to -destroy a small detachment of British under Major Renaul, but these -having succeeded in effecting a timeous junction with the army of -Havelock, the mutineers, amounting to 3,500, were encountered by that -chief, and in a few minutes totally routed. The victory was ascribed by -the conqueror “to the British artillery, to the Enfield rifle, to -British pluck, and to the blessing of Almighty God.” - -On the 15th July Brigadier-General Havelock came up with the enemy first -at the village of Aeng, and next at the bridge over the Pandoo Nudee, -and was successful in each instance. Anew in position under Nena Sahib -(Doondoo Punt), the rebels made a momentary stand at Ahirwa, but were -immediately defeated by a brilliant charge of our Highlanders. The -arch-traitor Nena Sahib, finding himself closely pressed by the British -column, and unable to defend Cawnpore, retired from that fortress, after -having, with savage barbarity, massacred the women and children who by -the foulest perfidy had fallen into his power. The remains of these -victims of his cruelty were afterwards discovered in the bottom of a -well; and the horrors of the tragedy are said so to have moved the soul -of our Highlanders, that, vowing an oath of vengeance on the -blood-stained spot, they were stirred to redeem it on subsequent -occasions. Pursuing the enemy in the course of his memorable march to -Lucknow, Havelock defeated a strong body of rebels gathered near Unao. -Thrice he attacked, and thrice he routed the mutineers who had as often -congregated at Busherut Gunge, and once at Bithoor. Cholera attacking -the British troops, so crippled the little army that, surrounded by -foes, Havelock was compelled to delay his further advance until -reinforced by Sir James Outram. On the arrival of these fresh troops on -16th September, the command, by seniority, devolved upon Sir James -Outram; but with a chivalrous feeling highly to be admired, that -excellent officer waived his claim, desiring Major-General Havelock to -finish the good work he had so well begun and was so nigh gloriously -completing, Sir James serving in subordination as a volunteer. - -“On the 19th and 20th of September, the relieving force, amounting to -about two thousand five hundred men, and seventeen guns, crossed the -Ganges. The Fifth Fusiliers, Eighty-fourth, detachments of the -Sixty-fourth, and First Madras Fusiliers, composed the first infantry -brigade, under Brigadier-General Neill; the Seventy-eighth Highlanders, -Ninetieth Light Infantry, and the Sikh Ferozepore Regiment, made up the -second brigade, under Brigadier Hamilton of the Seventy-eighth; Major -Cooper commanded the artillery brigade, consisting of Captains Maude, -Oliphant, and Major Eyre’s batteries; Captain Borrow commanded the -Volunteers and Irregular Cavalry.” - -[Illustration: - - SIR HENRY HAVELOCK. - THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH, OR “ROSS-SHIRE BUFFS.” -] - -Having distributed the army, Havelock resumed his forward march, and -after encountering several powerful bodies of the rebels, and always -with the same success as hitherto, Lucknow was reached, and the -beleaguered and almost despairing garrison relieved. This happy result -was dearly purchased by the death of Brigadier-General Neill, a most -gallant and able officer. Colonel Hamilton, who led the Seventy-eighth -amid these labyrinthian dangers, won a distinguished name by his valour -and coolness in many critical moments. - -Most deeply regretted, the hero who had achieved this crowning triumph -fell asleep in the very arms of victory. The living exponent of all that -was truly noble, generous, brave, and heavenly, entered into his rest, -there to enjoy the better blessing of his God, to wear the crown of -glory which cannot fade, and which is more to be desired than all the -perishing treasures of earth, the gilded pageant of a world’s renown, or -even the fitful gratitude of his country. Such was the death of Sir -Henry Havelock, which almost immediately followed the final relief of -Lucknow by our deservedly favourite chieftain, Sir Colin Campbell (now -Lord Clyde). - - “Brave Havelock’s gone! let Britain mourn— - Her brightest, boldest hero’s gone; - Strew Indian laurels round his tomb, - For there he glorious triumphs won. - - “There he accomplished deeds of might, - Which stamp’d him bravest of the brave— - Cut through a host, put foes to flight, - And helpless prisoners dared to save. - - “A Christian warrior—stern, yet mild, - He fought for Heaven, his Saviour’s home, - Yet shrunk not from the battle-field, - Where all his talents brightly shone. - - “But now Death’s mandate from on high - His Father called; he was prepared - For mansions sure beyond the sky; - Earth’s honours could not him reward. - - “And now he’s buried with the brave— - His battle’s fought, his vict’ry’s won; - His country’s cause he died to save, - Nor sunk until his work was done. - - “Let England, then, embalm his name— - ’Mongst heroes he may justly shine; - For soldier he of nobler fame— - His banner bore the stamp Divine.” - -In the latter defence of Lucknow the Seventy-eighth sustained a -prominent and a very honourable part, cheerfully enduring the privations -of a straitened and continued siege, and ever foremost in repelling the -foe when he dared to attack. - -The heart of the Scottish people followed with a yearning interest the -movements of the Seventy-eighth throughout this memorable campaign. With -gratitude our countrymen hailed the regiment, when a kind Providence -recently restored it to its native land, where every grade of society -united to do honour to that bravery which so conspicuously graced our -national history upon the dismal page of the Indian mutiny, and in -commemoration thereof a monument has been erected in Edinburgh, an -Illustration of which is given in this work. We close our sketch with -the feeling that words have failed to express the just admiration with -which we must ever regard this, the “scion of the Seaforth,” the -“Saviour of India.” - -[Illustration] - -INAUGURATION OF THE MONUMENT TO THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH, EDINBURGH. - -[Illustration: PRESENTATION PLATE TO THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH AS THE SAVIOURS -OF INDIA.] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE SEVENTY-NINTH FOOT; - OR, - CAMERON HIGHLANDERS. - - - - - CHAPTER XXXIX. - - “There’s many a man of the Cameron clan - That has follow’d his chief to the field; - He has sworn to support him, or die by his side, - For a Cameron never can yield. - - “Oh! proudly they walk, but each Cameron knows - He may tread on the heather no more; - But boldly he follows his chief to the field, - Where his laurels were gathered before.” - - -There is perhaps do name so deeply interesting in the annals of the -Highlanders as that of Cameron; no clan so truly the exponent of all -that is brave and noble, and none whose chief has been so largely the -exemplar in his life of all the god-like qualities of the man, the -patriot, and the hero, and whose memory is so fondly cherished and so -highly revered. Such was the illustrious leader of the clan, Sir Ewen -Cameron of Lochiel— - - “The crested Lochiel, the peerless in might.” - -[Illustration: - - SIR EWEN CAMERON OF LOCHEIL. - THE SEVENTY-NINTH, “OR CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.” -] - -The Camerons by their conspicuous patriotism, marching under the banner -of the Lord of the Isles at the battle of Bannockburn, contributed to -illumine the page of our ancient glory. - - “Bruce, with the pilot’s wary eye, - The slackening of the storm could spy. - ‘One effort more, and Scotland’s free! - Lord of the Isles, my trust in thee - Is firm as Ailsa Rock; - Rush on with Highland sword and targe, - I, with my Carrick spearmen, charge; - Now, forward to the shock!’ - At once the spears were forward thrown, - Against the sun the broadswords shone; - The pibroch lent its maddening tone, - And loud King Robert’s voice was known— - ‘Carrick, press on—they fail, they fail! - Press on, brave sons of Innisgail, - The foe is fainting fast! - Each strike for parent, child, and wife, - For Scotland, liberty, and life— - The battle cannot last!’” - -But the clan attained even a greater reputation from its devoted loyalty -to the Stuarts, and its gallant efforts in their cause, especially when -led by Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel. - -This chief was born in 1629, and educated at Inverary Castle by his -foster-father, the Marquis of Argyll. Fascinated by the chivalrous -bearing of Montrose, at the early age of eighteen he deserted his early -patron, mustered his clansmen, and proceeded to join the rebel army. Ere -he could accomplish his intention, the tide of war had turned against -the Royalists, and swept away the army of Montrose. Retaining his -clansmen in arms around him, he most effectually protected his estates -from the incursions of the soldiers of Cromwell. - -In 1652, the Earl of Glencairn, setting up the Royal standard, received -the ready co-operation of Lochiel against the Republicans. Jealousy and -distrust estranging the Royalist chiefs, creeping into and distracting -their counsels, breaking the bond of union otherwise so mighty an agent -to success—Lochiel, keeping aloof from these troubles at head-quarters, -acting independently, effectively shielded the Royal army in its -consequent weakness, delaying the ruin which ultimately overtook this -unfortunate attempt to restore the kingdom to Charles II. His exploits -savour of the marvellous and romantic; nevertheless, they in truth -displayed the heroism of his character and the genius of a master-mind -in the business of war. On one occasion a party of 300 soldiers had been -sent to ravage his estates around Inverlochy. Hastily collecting -thirty-eight of his clan, with a fearlessness amounting almost to -rashness, despite the remonstrances of the sager veterans of his little -band, to whose experiences he replied, “If every man kills his man, I -will answer for the rest,” he descended upon the unsuspecting troops -with the utmost fury, when a desperate and bloody struggle ensued. But -nothing, not even superior numbers, could withstand so furious an attack -by the Camerons. Steadily fighting, the soldiers slowly retreated to the -boats from which they had landed, leaving 138 of their comrades dead on -the shore, whilst the loss of the Highlanders only amounted to seven -men. - -By many such deeds of daring, in which he always displayed prodigies of -valour, to his foes he appeared a dread avenger, but to his friends he -was known as a sure protector. When all other opposition to its rule had -been overcome by a victorious Protectorate, Lochiel remained in arms for -his King, uncouquered, and seemingly unconquerable. Bribery could not -purchase the submission of so noble a spirit, and persuasion failed to -gain over the allegiance of so faithful an adherent of the exiled -monarch. Fortunately, the good policy of Cromwell effected an honourable -compromise, consistent with the dignity of this brave yet haughty -chieftain, which put an end to the cruel war which had already exhausted -the resources, and if persevered in, must have exterminated the gallant -Camerons. Unable to win his alliance, the Protector wisely contented -himself with a simple peace. - -Consistent with his ancient loyalty, when the Revolution of 1688 had -expatriated the last and degenerate representative of the unfortunate -race of Stuart, and set up a new and a better order of things in the -State by the installation of the family of Orange on the British throne, -Lochiel joined the party of King James, and resolutely determined to -uphold his standard as unfurled in rebellion in 1689. Unsullied by the -baser motives of ambition and revenge which had driven Viscount Dundee -into rebellion, Lochiel devoted his sword to what he esteemed the -righteous cause of his rightful sovereign, who had been set aside by the -claims of a usurper. In the battle of Killiecrankie, the charge of the -Camerons and Highlanders led by Lochiel was irresistible, and -contributed largely to the attainment of the victory. It so happened -(not uncommon in those civil wars) on this occasion that the second son -of Lochiel commanded a company in the opposing army of King William. -Attached to the staff of General Mackay, that commander, on viewing the -array and position of the Highlanders, remarked to the young -Lochiel—“There,” said he, “is your father with his wild savages; how -would you like to be with him?” “It signifies little,” replied the -other, “what I would like; but I recommend it to you to be prepared, or -perhaps my father and his wild savages may be nearer to you before night -than you would like.” And so it happened. Dundee delayed his attack -“till,” according to an eye-witness, “the sun’s going down, when the -Highlandmen advanced on us like madmen, without shoes or stockings, -covering themselves from our fire with their targets. At last they cast -away their muskets, drew their broadswords, and advanced furiously upon -us, broke us, and obliged us to retreat; some fled to the water, some -another way.” - -This great chief died at the ripe age of eighty-nine in 1718, -universally regretted. - -His grandson participating in the rebellion of 1745, occasioned the ruin -of his family, and to a large extent destroyed the military strength of -the clan. Nevertheless, in 1775 we find the Camerons represented by a -company in Fraser’s Highlanders, and as “Lochiel’s men” combatting with -distinction in America, on the side of that Government which a few years -earlier they had conspired to overturn. - -In addition to the Seventy-ninth Regiment, now the only living -representative of the clan in the British army, the Camerons -contributed, in 1799, a corps of fencible militia—the “Lochaber” -Regiment. - -The menacing aspect of affairs abroad, the political wrongs perpetrated -by revolutionary France, and the dark cloud which threatened to envelope -our own land in 1794, occasioned the augmentation of our army; and, in -consequence, the Seventy-eighth (Mackenzie), Seventy-ninth (Cameron), -Ninety-second (Gordon), and Ninety-third (Sutherland) Highlanders sprung -into being about this period. - -Immediately upon the completion of the Seventy-ninth it was hurried into -action, and on the plains of Flanders made its _début_ in arms. It was -with the army of the Duke of York which vainly strove to arrest the -victorious career of the armies of republican France, led by these -famous soldiers, Pichegru, Moreau, Jourdan, and Vandamme. - -Returning home in 1795, it was thence removed to the West Indies, and -for two years was stationed in Martinique. After contributing variously -to recruit other corps, especially the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, -it returned home a mere skeleton, around which, as a nucleus, the -officers succeeded, after many and persevering efforts, in raising a new -Highland corps, under the old designation. - -On attaining a strength of 780 men, chiefly by the zealous exertions of -its original colonel, Allan Cameron of Errach, it was ordered on foreign -service, and so, in 1799, joined the expedition destined to act against -the enemy in Holland. There, placed in the fourth brigade under -Major-General afterwards Sir John Moore, it was associated with the -second battalion of the First Royals, the Twenty-fifth King’s Own -Borderers, the Forty-ninth Foot, and the Ninety-second Gordon -Highlanders. In all the actions which marked this brief and ineffectual -campaign, the Seventy-ninth was worthily distinguished, and won the -memorial thereof now borne upon its colours—“Egmont-op-Zee.” - -In the Egyptian expedition of 1800, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, the -Seventy-ninth was brigaded with the Second or Queen’s and the Fiftieth -Regiments, commanded by the Earl of Cavan. - -Having helped to the deliverance of Egypt from the yoke of France, it -returned to England in 1801. Whilst at home it was increased by a second -battalion raised in 1804, when the vindictive wrath of Napoleon, roused -into madness by the defeat of his armies by the British in Egypt, had -gathered a countless host around Boulogne, whence, looking across, he -longed but once to set foot upon our shores, and then he hoped to blot -us out from the map as a nation, and so satisfy the bitter hatred of -years. Whilst the tempest of human passion stood arrayed in portentous -awfulness on the other side of the Channel, the Seventy-ninth was with -our troops who anxiously waited the result. Suddenly the spirit of the -imperial dream was changed, and the armed multitude, melting away, -reappeared with a real terror upon the devoted plains of Germany. - -Allied with Napoleon, the Danes, in 1807, once more were pressed into a -quarrel with Britain. A British armament appeared upon the coasts of -Denmark. Our army, under Lieutenant-General Lord Cathcart, consisting of -the first battalions of the 2d (Coldstream) and 3d (Scots Fusileers) -Foot Guards; first battalions of the 4th, 7th, 8th, 23d, 28th, 32d, 43d, -50th, 52d (second battalion), 79th (Cameron), 82d, 92d (Gordon), and -five companies of the first and second battalions of the 95th (Rifles), -and several regiments of the King’s German Legion, comprising a total of -28,000, of which 17,000 were British, advanced upon Copenhagen, overcame -all opposition, occupied the capital, arrested the enemy’s fleet, and -having achieved this almost bloodless victory, baffled the deep-laid -schemes of Napoleon, charged with our destruction. - - - - - CHAPTER XL. - - “Though my perishing ranks should be strew’d in their gore, - Like ocean-weeds heaped on a surf-beaten shore, - Lochiel, untainted by flight or by chains, - While the kindling of life in his bosom remains, - Shall victor exult, or in death be laid low, - With his back to the field, and his feet to the foe! - And, leaving in battle no blot on his name, - Look proudly to heaven from the death-bed of fame.” - - PENINSULA—WATERLOO—CRIMEA—INDIA—1808–1862. - - -In 1808 the Seventy-ninth was included in the army of Sir John Moore, -which endeavoured to aid the Spaniards and Portuguese to rescue their -country from the crushing tyranny of France. But what could 25,000 men, -however brave, do against 300,000 veterans, concentrated under the -command of experienced officers, and now advanced to destroy the daring -handful of British who had presumed to penetrate the heart of the -Peninsula? We have already described the masterly man[oe]uvres which -extricated our army from a position of great peril when in presence of -so powerful a foe, and at the battle of Corunna gloriously arrested the -further pursuit of the French. The Cameron Highlanders were brigaded -with the Thirty-sixth and Eighty-second regiments, under -Brigadier-General Fane, but not actively engaged. - -On the return of the regiment to England, it was shortly ordered to -Holland, there to be engaged in a new effort for the deliverance of that -country. Landed with the army of the Earl of Chatham in Walcheren, it -was soon found impracticable to force the position of the French, who, -nearer their own resources than in Spain, were not so easily overcome. -Fever breaking out among the troops, so thinned the ranks, that of near -40,000 effectives, scarce a half returned fit for duty. - -Long and sorely had our soldiers struggled to overcome the gigantic -tyranny of France, but like the many-headed monster of heathen fiction, -no sooner was one head wounded, than a new one appeared to challenge the -attack. So, scarcely had we succeeded in one quarter ere the foe arose -in terrible strength in another. Thus we find our armies, sometimes in -Flanders, sometimes in the Peninsula, sometimes in Egypt, sometimes in -India, and sometimes in America, waging a desperate and incessant war -with this Gorgon-headed enemy. - -In 1810 we once more return to Spain, where happily more permanent -results were to be achieved. Thither the Seventy-ninth had gone to join -the army of Lord Wellington. - -At the battle of Fuentes d’Onor (Fountain of Honour) the conduct of the -regiment was beyond all praise. Occupying that village with the -Seventy-first Highlanders and Twenty-fourth Foot, the Seventy-ninth was -exposed to the most furious assaults of strong columns of French. -Occasionally driven out of the village, yet always returning to recover -it—which an indomitable perseverance ever accomplished—triumphing over -all opposition, this key of the position was ultimately retained. These -regiments thus deservedly acquired the largest share of the glory -flowing from such a victory. - -From the battle of Salamanca it advanced with the army which occupied -Madrid. In the subsequent siege of the strong castle of Burgos, the -valour of the regiment was most conspicuous, and in the several assaults -its losses were very considerable. Unfortunately, the approach of a -powerful relieving force snatched the anticipated prize from our grasp, -arresting the further progress of the siege, and necessitating the -retreat of the British towards Portugal. - -Although for the present retiring, the effects of these campaigns were -very different upon the combatants. The British, elated with hope, -incited to perseverance, brought a new and living energy into the field -when the rest of the winter had passed away and the operations of the -war been resumed in the spring. On the other hand, the French—depressed -by the evil tidings of the Grand Army in Russia; tired, moreover, with -incessant yet fruitless fightings; disunited by discontent, privation, -and jealousy—when the season once more invited action, found their -armies dispirited and disorganised. No wonder, then, that the forward -march of the British led to a series of victories ever gracing our arms, -until, surmounting the natural barriers of the Pyrenees, our troops -descended into the plains of France in the day of that country’s -humiliation. In the various actions of the “Pyrenees,” the Seventy-ninth -was not seriously engaged. - -It was present at the passage of the “Nivelle” and the “Nive.” On the -latter occasion it was specially distinguished for its well-directed -fire, which caused great havoc in the dense masses of the enemy which -strove to defend the passage. - -At the battle of Toulouse, in the brigade of General Pack, with the -Forty-second Royal Highlanders and the Ninety-first (Argyllshire) -Regiment, the Seventy-ninth was engaged in a desperate attack which -carried a redoubt strongly situated, and resolutely defended, on the -crest of a series of heights on the right of the position. A French -officer, witnessing the advance of the Highlanders, exclaimed, “My God! -how firm these _sans culottes_ are!” Another French officer in -conversation said of them, “Ah! these are brave soldiers. I should not -like to meet them unless well supported. I put them to the proof on that -day, for I led the division of more than 5000 men which attempted to -retake the redoubt.” A British officer, high in command, thus yields his -testimony to the valour of the brigade: “I saw your old friends the -Highlanders in a most perilous position; and had I not known their -firmness, I should have trembled for the result.” - -On the abdication of Napoleon, peace for a time dispelled the -thunder-storm of war, and permitted the return of the regiment to -Britain. His escape from Elba again threatened to crush out the reviving -spirit of liberty beneath the iron heel of his sanguinary tyranny. -Happily for Europe and for France, the convulsive effort by which he -strove to redeem and avenge the past was utterly defeated by his total -discomfiture at Waterloo, for ever dissipating his dream of conquest, -and closing his ambitious career. - -Purposing to sever the British from the Prussians, and beat each in -detail ere the Austrian and Russian armies could arrive from Germany to -resume the war, Napoleon, by one of those rapid marches for which he was -so famous, suddenly falling upon and defeating the Prussians at Ligny, -turned with the full weight of his power against the British, who were -already engaged in a desperate struggle with the corps of Marshal Ney at -Quatre Bras—fitly introducing the grander event of Waterloo. Although -impetuously assailed by an immensely superior force, and suffering a -loss of more than 300 men, the Seventy-ninth behaved with the utmost -heroism. - - “And wild and high the ‘Cameron’s gathering’ rose! - The war-note of Lochiel, which Albyn’s hills - Have heard—and heard, too, have her Saxon foes: - How in the noon of night that pibroch thrills, - Savage and shrill! But with the breath which fills - Their mountain pipe, so fill the mountaineers - With the fierce native daring which instils - The stirring memory of a thousand years; - And Evan’s, Donald’s fame rings in each clansman’s ears!” - -In the subsequent battle of Waterloo, it was included in the fifth -division under Sir Thomas Picton, and in the fifth brigade of the army -under Sir James Kempt. Here it was associated with the Twenty-eighth, -Thirty-second, and Ninety-fifth (Rifles) regiments, and posted in -defence of a hedge which the Belgian troops had abandoned early in the -fight. Against this position three powerful columns of the enemy -advanced. “At this moment General Picton was killed, and General Kempt -severely wounded; but the latter never left the field. Like his old -commander, Sir Ralph Abercromby, he allowed no personal consideration to -interfere with his duty; and although unable to sit on horseback from -the severity of the wound, he would not allow himself to be carried away -from his soldiers, whose situation, pressed by a brave and powerful -enemy, required every assistance from his presence and talents. The -enemy, anxious to gain the position behind the hedge, repeated their -attempts, but every attempt was repulsed.” The honourable conduct of the -regiment on this occasion, as a matter of history, has been justly -celebrated. - -Occupying France for a while, the Seventy-ninth returned to Britain in -1818, and has long been peacefully employed. - -In 1854, when the aggressions of Russia called upon the nations “to -defend the right,” the Seventy-ninth, with the Forty-second Royal -Highlanders and the Ninety-third Sutherland Highlanders, formed the -original Highland Brigade in the army of the Crimea. - -At the battle of the Alma, co-operating with the Guards, this brigade, -under Sir Colin Campbell, won a great renown. It was selected, with the -other Highland regiments, under Sir Colin Campbell, to renew the attack -upon the Redan. Fortunately, the retirement of the garrison to the other -side of the harbour afforded a bloodless victory. The regiment was -engaged in the successful expedition against Kertch. - -Released by the conclusion of peace from the toils of war on the distant -plains of the Crimea, the regiment returned home. Shortly thereafter, -the outbreak of the Indian mutiny required its presence in that far-off -province of our empire. Accordingly, embarked, it arrived there in 1858, -and joined the army marching upon Lucknow. On the suppression of the -revolt, it was retained in India; and we doubt not the presence of such -staunch defenders of the British constitution will command peace—the -military fire of “auld langsyne” still burning in the bosom of the -Cameron. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE NINETY-SECOND FOOT; - OR, - GORDON HIGHLANDERS. - - - - - CHAPTER XLI. - - The foe weel kenn’d the tartan front, - Which never shunn’d the battle’s brunt— - The chieftain of our Highland men, - That led them on to vict’ry then, - As aye he cried, “For Scotland.” - -THE GORDON—CORSICA—HOLLAND—EGYPT—COPENHAGEN—SWEDEN—CORUNNA—1794–1809. - - -The Duke of Gordon, rather as the proprietor of a vast domain than the -chief of a clan, enjoyed an almost kingly power in the Highlands. -Amongst his tenants were the Camerons of Lochiel and the Macphersons of -Clunie, whilst his few immediate retainers were chiefly horsemen—almost -the only cavalry known in Highland warfare. The Gordons have ever been -distinguished for devotion to their king and country. The friends of the -Bruce, they were ranged on the side of liberty at Bannockburn. Adherents -of the Stuarts, we cannot but regret the mistaken zeal which so nigh -involved in a like ruin so estimable a family. Happily, a better -knowledge of the failings of the dethroned dynasty showed the -worthlessness of the object of their attachment, and so estranged them -from their cause, that, in 1745, the representative of the Gordons was -found combating on the side of the Government, whilst the clans upon -their estates followed Lochiel and other chieftains, and fought on -behalf of Prince Charles. - -[Illustration: - - DUKE OF RICHMOND. - THE NINETY-SECOND, OR “GORDON HIGHLANDERS.” -] - -Fortunately, Government succeeded in enlisting the loyal services of -this powerful family; and by its influence regiments of Highlanders were -successively raised in 1759, 1779, and 1793 (fencible), all of which -have long ago been disbanded, or, more properly, are now merged and -represented in the subject of our present sketch, the Ninety-second, -raised in 1794. The efforts of the Marquis of Huntly, a captain in the -Scots Fusilier Guards, helped by the Duchess of Gordon, were most active -and successful in the business of recruiting. The Marquis was rewarded -with the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the regiment, embodied at Aberdeen in -June, 1794, and originally numbered the 100th Regiment, afterwards the -Ninety-second. - -In September the regiment was embarked for Gibraltar, where it remained -in garrison, completing its drill, until the following year, when it was -removed to Corsica. With a detachment, in occupation of the island of -Elba, it remained in Corsica so long as the natives were content with -the British rule. When the rising fame of their great countryman, -Napoleon, excited their admiration, and they desired to be merged in the -glory of his “empire,” our Government, convinced of the inutility of -maintaining an expensive garrison in the island, and ever opposed to -repressive measures antagonistic to the feelings of the people, wisely -resolved to leave them to experience the bitterness of imperial tyranny. -Accordingly, the Ninety-second was withdrawn to Gibraltar in 1796. - -In 1798 the regiment returned to England, and thence proceeded to -Ireland, where it was employed in suppressing the miserable attempts at -rebellion got up by the disaffected, and encouraged by France. Although -not actively engaged in the field, its good conduct in garrison was very -commendable, occurring at a time when the disorders of the country -presented many and powerful temptations. Fortunately, the corps was soon -released from the painful duty of appearing in arms against those who -should otherwise have been as brothers. - -Under Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, who commanded the -expedition of 1799 which proceeded against the French in Holland, the -Ninety-second was included in the brigade of Major-General (afterwards -Sir John) Moore, and associated with the First Royal Scots (second -battalion), the Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers, the Forty-ninth Foot, -and the Seventy-ninth Cameron Highlanders. Landed at Helder, it was -engaged in the actions fought around the villages of Crabbendam and -Schagen, and commended for its “noble and steady conduct.” At the battle -of “Egmont-op-Zee,” whilst escorting twenty pieces of artillery to the -front, the Ninety-second was fiercely assailed by a column of 6000 -French. Undaunted, the Highlanders stood the dreadful shock, when -bayonet met bayonet, and hundreds, locked in the fatal embrace, fell the -sacrifice of their own valour. Thus a horrid rampart of dead and dying -humanity lay between the combatants. The carnage was terrible. The -Ninety-second alone had to lament a loss of nearly 300, and amongst -these its brave colonel, the Marquis of Huntly, and Lieutenant-Colonel -Erskine, both wounded. It was the charge of the Ninety-second which -began the action, their steady, persevering gallantry which sustained -it, and their unsurpassed valour which completed the victory. -Major-General Moore, wounded in the conflict, was carried off the field -by two soldiers of the Ninety-second. “We can do no more than take him -to the doctor,” said they; “we must join the lads, for every man is -wanted.” Grateful for this service, Major-General Moore offered to -reward the soldiers who thus probably saved his life, but no claimant -appeared; either the superstition of the Highlander, dreading the curse -which the acceptance of such “blood money” was supposed to entail, or -his native pride, would not allow the acceptance of the gift, or else, -what is more likely, the men, by a glorious death, were now beyond the -rewards of this world. Thus disappointed, Major-General Moore found -another means of commemorating this act of generous devotion, in -selecting a soldier of the Ninety-second as one of the supporters of his -armorial bearings. By the convention of Alkmaar, the army abandoned -Holland to the French; and therewith the Gordon Highlanders returning to -England, were stationed at Chelmsford. - -In 1800 the regiment was engaged in a fruitless enterprise intended to -aid the Royalists of France by a descent upon the coast of that country. -The remainder of the year was spent unaccountably wandering up and down -amongst the garrisons of the Mediterranean—Gibraltar, Minorca, and -Malta. - -In the spring of 1801 a definite purpose was assigned to the regiment, -as part of the expedition assembled in Marmorice Bay, destined, under -Sir Ralph Abercromby, to deliver Egypt from the usurped dominion of -France. Accomplishing a successful landing despite the assaults of a -powerful enemy, whose artillery from the heights above swept the bay of -Aboukir, the Ninety-second, placed in brigade with the First Royal Scots -and the two battalions of the Fifty-fourth Foot, advanced with the army -towards Alexandria. On the 13th of March the French were encountered at -Mandora, where, forming the advanced guard of the left column, the -Gordon Highlanders shared the glory of the action with the Ninetieth -Perthshire Volunteers. “Opposed to a tremendous fire, and suffering -severely from the French line, they never receded a foot, but maintained -the contest alone, until the marines and the rest of the line came to -their support.” - -The Gordon Highlanders were honoured in being selected to furnish a -guard for the head-quarters of the Commander-in-Chief. Sadly reduced by -the inroads of sickness and the sword, the regiment had been ordered to -Aboukir, but the battle of Alexandria occurring ere it had scarce begun -the march, arrested and recalled it to its place in line. The campaign -was closed by the surrender of Alexandria and the submission of 24,000 -veteran troops, who, under General Menou, yet remained to France of the -“Army of Egypt.” - -On the 15th of October, the Gordon Highlanders, embarking from -Alexandria, returned home, calling on the passage at Malta, and finally -arriving at Cork in 1802. The corps remained in the United Kingdom for -the five following years, peacefully garrisoning various towns, during -which period it was increased by the addition of a second battalion, -raised in 1803, but disbanded in 1813. - -In 1807 the first battalion was included with the Forty-third, -Fifty-second, and Ninety-fifth regiments, in the reserve brigade of the -British army of Lord Cathcart, which, invading Denmark a second time, -occasioned the capitulation of Copenhagen, and arrested the Danish -fleet. Returning from this almost bloodless victory, a body of 600 men -of the battalion was shipwrecked in the “Neptunis,” but rescued after -enduring many and sore privations. - -During the following year the Ninety-second was employed, under -Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, in a vain expedition to Sweden. Our -aid being rejected, the army returned home. - -It afterwards proceeded to the Peninsula, where it arrived in time to -learn that the Convention of Cintra had delivered Portugal for the -present from the thraldom of Marshal Junot, the Emperor’s Lieutenant. -Placed in the division of Lieut.-General Sir John Hope, the Gordon -Highlanders advanced therewith into Spain, where a junction was formed -with the army of Sir John Moore. It endured with firmness all the -hardships of a disastrous yet successful retreat, crowning its -perseverance by its gallantry at the battle of Corunna, where it was -called to regret the loss of a gallant officer, Lieut.-Colonel Napier, -and, further, to mourn over the fall of the hero of the campaign, -Lieut.-General Sir John Moore, who terminated a life of honour and a -career of glory on that memorable battle-field. - -This victory secured the unmolested embarkation of the army, which -accordingly sailed for England. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER XLII. - - “And, oh! loved warriors of the minstrel’s land! - Yonder your bonnets nod, your tartans wave! - The rugged form may mark the mountain band, - And harsher features, and a mien more grave. - But ne’er in battle throbbed a heart so brave, - As that which beats beneath the Scottish plaid; - And when the pibroch bids the battle rave, - And level for the charge your arms are laid, - Where lives the desperate foe that for such onset staid?” - - WALCHEREN—PENINSULA—WATERLOO—1809–1862. - - -In 1809 the Ninety-second was engaged under the Earl of Chatham in the -unfortunate expedition to Walcheren, wherein a splendid army in a few -weeks was discomfited by the poisoned breath of the pestilence. Of 1000 -men comprised in the Gordon Highlanders, only 300 returned effective to -England. - -In 1810 the regiment embarked for the Peninsula, and joined the army of -Viscount Wellington in the lines of Torres Vedras. Brigaded with the -Fiftieth and Seventy-first regiments, under Major-General Howard, it -advanced with the army in pursuit of the French under Marshal Messena, -shared the glories of “Fuentes d’Onor,” accomplishing the fall of -Almeida. - -The brigade was afterwards detached as part of the second division of -the army, commanded by Lieutenant-General Hill, which covered the -operations of the grand army under Wellington against the fortresses of -Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. This division, pursuing the enemy towards -Merida, overtook and surprised the bronzed veterans of the fifth French -corps, under General Gerard, when about to decamp from Arroyo del -Molinos. The honour of this feat of arms is mainly due to the -Seventy-first and Ninety-second Highlanders, who, during the raging of a -fearful tempest, and screened by a thick mist, charged into the village. -In the confusion the loss of the enemy was immense; of 3000 only 600 -escaped to tell the tale of the catastrophe. It is said the enemy was -first made aware of his danger by the scream of the bagpipes as they -appropriately played— - - “Hey, Johnnie Cope, are ye waukin’ yet?” - -Driven out at the point of the bayonet, the French were utterly broken -and dispersed. Few events reflect greater credit upon the Gordon -Highlanders than this exploit. - -It was the business of Lieut.-Gen. Hill so to engage the attention of -Marshal Soult, that he should be prevented assisting the army of Marshal -Marmont, opposed to Wellington. By the capture of Forts Napoleon and -Ragusa at “Almaraz,” gallantly accomplished by the brigade, the -separation of the two Marshals was effected, and each forced to follow -his own line of retreat, at every step widening the breach. - -The battle of Salamanca having cleared the way, the British advanced to -Madrid; and, whilst Wellington proceeded against Burgos, Lord Hill -occupied the capital. Tho concentration of the French armies for the -relief of Burgos occasioned the abandonment of that enterprise, and, for -the last time, compelled our army to retire towards Portugal, evacuating -Madrid. “From the 27th October to the 20th November, we were exposed,” -says Lieut.-Col. Cameron, “to greater hardships than I thought the human -frame could bear. In most inclement weather, with the canopy of heaven -for our covering, wet, cold, and hungry, we were generally marching day -and night. Fifteen poor fellows of the Ninety-second fell down, and were -lost. My heart bled for them.” - -On reaching Alba de Tormes, an old Roman town, defended by a ruined -wall, it was deemed necessary to make a stand against the pursuing -enemy, who, urged forward by the vigorous Soult, sorely pressed our -army. Here the brigade, entrusted with the honourable yet difficult duty -of maintaining the rear guard, behaved with extraordinary gallantry. The -scene is thus described by Lieut.-Col. Cameron:—“We did what we could to -improve our situation during the short time left us. I threw an old door -across the place where the gate once had been, and barricaded it with -sticks and stones.... We had not a single piece of ordnance. Just as the -clock of Alba struck two, the French columns moved to the attack, and, -from that time until night, we sustained a hurricane of shot and shell -from twenty pieces of cannon! Their riflemen threw themselves into -ditches and ravines round the walls, but their masses never forsook the -protection of their artillery, which was most dastardly for Soult, with -ten thousand men!” - -“It is said, that on the 8th, a French officer of high rank approached -so close to the position of the Ninety-second that several muskets were -levelled at him, when Cameron, disdaining to take such an advantage, -promptly forbade the firing of a shot. It was Soult who was thus saved.” - -Thus arrested, the French did not again disturb the retreat. Both armies -going into winter quarters, the campaign of 1812 terminated. - -With the first dawn of spring Wellington was again on the move. Having -re-organised his army, and been strengthened by considerable -reinforcements from home, with 78,000 excellent troops, he proceeded to -drive the enemy before him. The French, on the other hand, discouraged -by evil news from Russia, and denied that assistance they needed, -because of the more urgent necessities of the Grand Army, could not be -expected to act with the same energy as heretofore, yet did they exceed -these anticipations. - -At “Vittoria” King Joseph and Marshal Jourdan having gathered together -their utmost disposable force, ventured to try the fate of battle, -hoping to check the progress of the British, or at least secure a safe -retreat, laden, as they were, with the spoil of the Peninsula. But the -battle of Vittoria fatally disappointed them, and rescued the treasures -of Spain from their avaricious grasp. In this battle, the Ninety-second -Highlanders, having been ordered to seize the heights whereon the -village of Puebla was perched, and hold the position to the last, with -persevering valour overcame a determined resistance, pressed up the -sides of the mountain, entered the village with an impetuous charge, -and, after a fierce struggle, drove the enemy out. - -Having gained this great victory, the British now addressed themselves -to the Herculean task of forcing a passage through the defiles of the -“Pyrenees” into France. Notwithstanding the stupendous efforts of -Marshal Soult to retrieve the losses of Vittoria and defend these -natural barriers of his country, the British still pressed “forward.” On -the 20th July, 1813, whilst the brigade was threading its way through -the pass of Maya, it was vigorously attacked by a corps of 15,000 -French, who, forcing back that “fierce and formidable old regiment, the -Fiftieth,” upon the Seventy-first and Ninety-second Highlanders, very -nearly drove them out of the pass. These, however, for _ten hours_ stood -the shock of this formidable assault. “So dreadful was the slaughter, -especially of the Ninety-second, that it is said the advancing enemy was -actually stopped by the heaped mass of dead and dying. Never did -soldiers fight better—seldom so well. The stern valour of the -Ninety-second would have graced Thermopylae.” Of 750 Gordon Highlanders -who were engaged, only 400 survived it scatheless, but these returned in -the truest sense “conquering heroes,” having, when every cartridge was -expended, and in presence of succour, decided the victory as their own -by a desperate charge. Throughout the many conflicts which it needed to -clear a passage through the Pyrenees, and thereafter drive so terrible a -foe successively across the “Nivelle” and the “Nive,” the Ninety-second -always displayed the same desperate resolution and valour. - -At the sanguinary action of St Pierre, which raged with exceeding fury -for three hours, cumbering a little space of one mile with more than -5000 dead and dying, the Ninety-second impetuously charged and destroyed -two regiments of the enemy. Pressing onwards, the Highlanders were -arrested by a fearful storm of artillery, and forced to retreat upon -their comrades of the Seventy-first; who likewise yielding to the iron -tempest, both found shelter and rallied behind their brethren in brigade -of the Fiftieth. “Then its gallant colonel (Cameron) once more led it -down the road, with colours flying and music playing, resolved to give -the shock to whatever stood in the way. A small force was the -Ninety-second compared with the heavy mass in its front, but that mass -faced about and retired across the valley. How gloriously did that -regiment come forth again to charge, with their colours flying and their -national music playing as if going to a review! This was to understand -war. The man who in that moment, and immediately after a repulse, -thought of such military pomp, was by nature a soldier.” - -Excepting at the battle of Toulouse, the Ninety-second was daily engaged -with the enemy, and always with equal credit. - -The abdication and exile of Napoleon spread the calm of peace over the -face of Europe. Alas! that it should have been but as some sweet vision -of the night, doomed to be dissipated by the dawn of the morrow, when -the sterner realities of life, its toils and its wars, anew presented -themselves. The night which had shrouded the destiny of imperial France -was succeeded by a new day happily; but, as a brief winter’s day, when -for a moment a glimpse of sunshine shone upon the spirit of the old -empire, as it seemed to revive beneath the influence of the great -Magician, who was wont to conjure up kingdoms and dynasties by the mere -fiat of his will. Soon we shall find the day-dream of ambition eclipsed -in a darker night. Already, we can almost read the mysterious writing, -prophetically pointing to Waterloo, as more surely sealing the fate of -imperial France. - -In 1815 the rude blast of war once more summoned the Ninety-second to -the field, as the gathering hosts of France and the Allies accepted the -dread arbitration of war on the chivalric field of Flanders. - -In this campaign the Ninety-second was brigaded with the First Royal -Scots, the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, and the Forty-fourth Foot, -under Major-General Sir Denis Pack, and placed in the famous fifth -division of Lieut.-General Sir T. Picton. The same tide of imperial -power, which rose upon the Prussians at Ligny, rolled along towards -Quatre Bras, and dashed its stormy billows in foaming wrath upon the -living rocks of British valour there. As the Gordon Highlanders -encountered the furious onset of the corps of Marshal Ney, Wellington -himself was in their midst, and beheld their splendid valour. Concealed -in a ditch by the road-side, they waited the charge of the French -cavalry, as it ventured to sweep past them in pursuit of the -Brunswickers. Here, however, the pursuit was stayed by a fatal volley -from the Highlanders. At length the Duke gave the word, as he observed -the enemy pushing along the Charleroi Road, “Now, Cameron,” said he, -“now is your time; you must charge these fellows, and take care of that -road.” Soon the massive columns of the foe were broken and hurled back -in confusion, as the Ninety-second emerged from the awful conflict a -bleeding yet victorious remnant, having lost its brave commander, -Lieut.-Colonel Cameron, and nearly 300 comrades. Colonel Cameron was -deeply lamented by the regiment, and the whole army. Temporarily buried -in the vicinity of the field of his latest glory, his remains were -afterwards removed, by his family, to the churchyard of Kilmallie, where -his sacred dust now reposes beside the chieftains of Lochiel. No funeral -in the Highlands was ever so honoured—the great, the noble, the brave, -and upwards of 3000 Highlanders were there to pay the last tribute of -respect to the beloved soldier, now no more. - -[Illustration: FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY WAR.] - -But the great event of these “hundred days” was at hand, as the 18th of -June dawned upon the plains of Waterloo. - -It was late in the day ere the Gordon Highlanders were brought into -action to recover the farm-house of La Haye Sainte, lost by the -Belgians, and which the First Royal Scots and Forty-fourth regiments had -failed to regain, from a column of 3000 French. At this critical moment -Major-General Sir Denis Pack said, “Ninety-second, you must charge, for -all the troops to your right and left have given way.” Although -mustering scarce 300 men, with characteristic dauntlessness, the -Highlanders rushed impetuously to the attack, and in another moment -seemed lost amid the dark masses of the foe. As if moved to help their -countrymen, the Scots Greys came to their aid, or rather to witness and -complete the victory the Highlanders had already won. Together, shouting -“Scotland for ever,” these splendid corps renewed the assault, which -utterly ruined the column of the enemy, the survivors being only too -glad to seek refuge in flight. Sir Denis Pack having witnessed this -magnificent charge and its glorious effects, commending the -Ninety-second, said, “You have saved the day, Highlanders.” Meanwhile, -beholding with unfeigned regret the discomfiture of his troops, the -Emperor, at the same time, felt constrained to admire the valour of the -Highlanders, which had so signally triumphed, exclaiming, “the brave -Scots.” - - And on the plains of Waterloo - The world confess’d the _bravest few_ - Were kilted men frae Scotland. - -Pursuing the enemy, the allies entered Paris in triumph, and thence, on -the surrender of Napoleon, dictated peace. - -Returning to England, the regiment was employed in various home -garrisons, until the year 1819, when it was removed to the West Indies. -During its sojourn there it was almost destroyed by the dreadful ravages -of fever among its soldiers, and returned to England a mere skeleton in -1827. In 1834 it was removed to Gibraltar, and thence, in 1836, to -Malta. Whilst stationed at Malta, it was reviewed by Prince Maximilian -of Bavaria, and further honoured in furnishing a Guard to Her Majesty -the Queen Dowager whilst resident in the island. In 1841 it was removed -to the West Indies, and two years later returned home. In 1851 it -proceeded to Corfu. Removed to Gibraltar in 1853, it embarked thence to -the Crimea, arriving a few days after the fall of Sebastopol. Returning -to Gibraltar in 1856, in 1858 it was despatched, _via_ overland route, -to Bombay. In the suppression of the Indian mutiny it was engaged at -Rajghpur, Mongrowlie, and Sindwah. It still remains in India. - -[Illustration: - - THE NINETY-THIRD SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS. - MONUMENT IN GLASGOW CATHEDRAL TO ITS “CRIMEAN HEROES.” -] - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE NINETY-THIRD FOOT; - OR, - SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS. - - - - - CHAPTER XLIII. - - “Trust in the Lord, for ever trust, - And banish all your fears, - Strength in the Lord Jehovah is, - Eternal as His years.” - - CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—NEW ORLEANS—CRIMEA—INDIAN - MUTINY—1804–1862. - - -General Stuart writes of this most respectable corps:—“None of the -Highland corps is superior to the Ninety-third Regiment. I do not make -comparisons in point of bravery, for, if properly commanded, they are -all brave; but it is in those well-regulated habits, of which so much -has been already said, that the Sutherland Highlanders have for twenty -years preserved an unvaried line of conduct. The light infantry company -of this corps has been nineteen years without having a man punished.” - -Unfortunately, it has not been so highly favoured as many of its -predecessors in having the same rare opportunities for displaying in the -field the sterner qualities of the soldier. Nevertheless, in the few -enterprises in which it has been engaged, it has always shown itself to -be equally meritorious, possessing the same heroic valour which has so -signally glorified the Highland regiments in every corner of the world. - -It was raised in the year 1800, on behalf of the ancient and honourable -family of Sutherland, by Major-General William Wemyss of Wemyss. Of its -original members, 460 were Sutherland men. It still retains its Highland -character, perhaps more so than any other corps, and like many of them, -the Channel Islands witnessed its maiden service. - -When the Peace of Amiens seemed likely to continue its blessings to the -country, and supersede the necessity of an extensive military -establishment, our Government proposed to reduce the strength of the -army, and the Sutherland Highlanders were accordingly ordered home to -Scotland in 1802 for the purpose of disbandment. Ere this could be -accomplished, symptoms of unquiet became too painfully evident in the -political horizon of Europe, which fortunately occasioned the retention -of this excellent regiment intact among the stalwart defenders of our -land at a moment of peril such as never before had threatened our -independence as a nation. - -As the danger for the present somewhat subsided, the Ninety-third, in -1805, was included in the expedition which, under Major-General Sir -David Baird, proceeded against the Dutch colony of the Cape of Good -Hope. With the Seventy-first and Seventy-second regiments it formed the -Highland brigade of Brigadier-General Ferguson, which landed in Lespard -Bay. On this occasion, thirty-five of the Sutherland Highlanders were -drowned by the upsetting of a boat in the surf. The only opposition of -any consequence made by the Dutch Governor, Lieutenant-General Janssens, -was encountered at Blaw Berg, or Blue Mountains, where the irresistible -charge of the Highland Brigade decided the fortune of the battle in our -favour. After this experience of British valour, the Governor -relinquished the contest, and surrendered the colony. - -Retained in the garrison, “being anxious to enjoy the advantages of -religious instruction agreeably to the tenets of their national church, -the men of the Ninety-third Regiment formed themselves into a -congregation, appointed elders of their own number, engaged and paid a -stipend (collected from the soldiers) to a clergyman of the Church of -Scotland, and had Divine service performed agreeably to the ritual of -the Established Church.” Consistent with this excellent conduct, so -gratifying to every thinking man who claims a patriotic interest in the -soldiers of his country, no matter what be his creed, we quote a further -illustration of the godly character of these true soldiers. On their -return from the Cape of Good Hope, when “disembarked at Plymouth in -August, 1814, the inhabitants were both surprised and gratified. On such -occasions it had been no uncommon thing for soldiers to spend in taverns -and gin-shops the money they had saved. In the present case, the -soldiers of Sutherland were seen in booksellers’ shops, supplying -themselves with Bibles, and such books and tracts as they required.” -Mindful of the wants of the “old folks at home,” “during the short -period that the regiment was quartered in Plymouth, upwards of £500 were -lodged in one banking-house, to be remitted to Sutherland, exclusive of -many sums sent home through the post-office and by officers. Some of -these sums exceeded £20 from an individual soldier.” We may well expect -great things from men of such a stamp, no matter what be their -profession—truly in them is exhibited “an honourable example, worthy the -imitation of all.” - -In the eventful times of which we write little rest could be granted to -the soldier. Thus, we find the regiment, within a month after its -arrival at Plymouth, on its way across the Atlantic, as part of the -expedition under Major-General the Hon. Sir Edward Pakenham, destined to -operate against the city of New Orleans. Rendevouzed at Jamaica, the -expedition proceeded thence on the 27th November, and landed at Cat -Island, at the mouth of the Mississippi, on the 13th December, 1814. The -unfavourable nature of the ground, the immediate presence of an enemy -greatly superior in numbers, and having an extended line of formidable -entrenchments whither to retreat, rendered the enterprise one of -difficulty and danger. Commanded by able officers having every -confidence in their soldiers, perhaps overrated as they overtasked their -capabilities, the army fearlessly advanced, surmounting all the -obstacles which lay in the way ere they confronted the citadel of the -American position. Nothing could surpass the heroism of the -Commander-in-Chief, who fell whilst leading the troops to the assault, -nor the gallantry of the officers supporting him, of whom Major-Generals -Gibb and Keane (afterwards Lord Keane) were wounded—the former fatally. -Nothing could excel the dauntless bravery with which the troops followed -their leaders through the murderous tempest of musketry and artillery, -which carried death and destruction into their very midst; yet all was -unavailing, save the attack of Colonel Thornton upon the right of the -enemy—everywhere else these formidable entrenchments proved impregnable -to so small a force, unaided by an adequate artillery. Thus, after a -fearful loss of life and limb, Major-General Sir John Lambert felt -constrained to abandon the attempt and sound the retreat. Weakened by a -loss of upwards of 1500 killed and wounded—nearly a third of which was -sustained by the Ninety-third, proof of the valour of the corps in this -fiery trial—the troops were re-embarked, and bade adieu to the scene of -so terrible a disaster. - -On their return home in 1815, the Sutherland Highlanders were peacefully -employed; for the long period of nearly forty years its history presents -a comparatively uninteresting record of military stations occupied from -time to time, lightened by such glimpses of character as these:—One -inspecting officer reports the Sutherland Highlanders to exhibit a -“picture of military discipline and moral rectitude;” another declares -them “altogether incomparable;” and the colonists of the Cape of Good -Hope lament their loss as “kind friends and honourable soldiers.” Such -are the men whose good conduct in quarters and in peace evince a -sterling character which, never failing in the day of battle, is capable -of sustaining a great renown. - -Passing down the stream of time, we arrive at the year 1854, and follow -the Ninety-third to the Crimea— - - When despot power in pride sent forth - Her slaves from empire of the North, - To crush in her gigantic fold - The nation who its own would hold, - And wad be free like Scotland. - -On leaving Plymouth _en route_ to embark for the seat of war, whilst -other troops in like circumstances manifested a fearless indifference, -striving to kill the thoughts of long farewells by marching to the tune -of “Cheer, boys, cheer,” in keeping with their past history, the -Sutherland Highlanders unostentatiously preferred to chant a hymn of -praise to the God of battles. What a lovely and impressive sight!—lovely -in the sight of God and man, to behold these brave men going forth as -Christian British soldiers beneath the banner of their country, at the -same time the banner of the Cross. - -Thence we learn the secret of that Samson strength, deep-rooted in the -soul, which fixed them like a living rock of Gaelic valour at Balaklava. -They feared not to die, for death to such was welcome, not to satisfy -the cravings of a mere earthly heroism, but because in that grim -messenger they could recognise the herald beckoning their immortal -spirits on high, opening the portals of a bright hereafter to an -emancipated soul. - -In our army, which after a variety of anterior and unimportant movements -landed in the Crimea in September, 1854, with a view to the humbling of -the aggressive might of Russia, the Ninety-third with the Forty-second -and Seventy-ninth formed the original Highland Brigade, so justly -celebrated. No higher compliment to its worth could have been accorded, -than that of being associated in the same division with the brigade of -Guards. Advancing towards Sebastopol, the enemy was discovered in a very -strong position, prepared to dispute the passage of the river Alma. It -needed all the skill of our officers, and a desperate exercise of -bravery on the part of our troops, to drive the enemy from the position; -and the occasion called forth the native energy of the Highlanders, led -by their deservedly favourite chief, Major-General Sir Colin Campbell. - -[Illustration: THE CRIMEA.] - -“Balaklava,” than which no name is more expressive of glory dearly won, -is commemorative of the triumphs of our cavalry—the irresistible charge -of the Heavy Brigade, and the “death ride” of the dauntless Light -Brigade. But another and, if possible, a grander event immortalises the -scene. The story of “_the thin red line_” which the Sutherland -Highlanders presented when, isolated from the army, alone and in line, -they withstood the desperate charge of the Russian cavalry, is an -exploit which must stir the soul of every Scotsman. The cool intrepidity -of Sir Colin Campbell in such trying circumstances, and his unbounded -confidence in the mettle of his Highlanders, most remarkably glorify the -victors in the marvellous result. - - Like billows dashed upon the rock, - Unmoved, ye met the dreadful shock; - When horsemen furious charged your _line_, - Brave Campbell cried, “These men are mine— - “Ye needna fear for Scotland.” - -The brigade was increased to a division by the addition of the -Seventy-first and Seventy-second Highlanders, and was chiefly employed -in reserve, covering Balaklava. In the final bombardment of Sebastopol, -the Highland regiments were selected to make the second assault upon the -Redan, but in the meantime the place was abandoned by the enemy. The -subsequent fall of Sebastopol brought about peace, when the -Ninety-third, released from the stern duties of war, returned home laden -with many honours. - -The awful tragedy of the Indian mutiny, which cast its dismal shadow -over the history of the year 1857, once more called forth the services -of the Ninety-third. It followed its favourite leader, Sir Colin -Campbell, to the plains of India, visiting with a terrible vengeance the -murdering villains, the traitors, and the rebels, as with the army it -advanced to the relief of the beleaguered garrison of Lucknow, yet -struggling for very life. In every instance where the foe was to be -encountered, the Sutherland Highlanders were most conspicuous for their -gallantry. Having finally captured Lucknow, the regiment was engaged in -several harassing conflicts with the enemy, sharing in some of these, -such as Bareilly, with the Ninety-second. Its last action was fought in -December, 1858, near Biswah. It still remains in India, and is now -stationed at Peshawar. - - * * * * * - -Thus we close our History of the Scottish Regiments with this latest -illustration of Highland valour, and we think our readers will admit, -however faulty the writer, the theme at least is worthy of their best -attention, nay, is entitled to their truest sympathy. - - ---------- - - GLASGOW: PRINTED BY THOMAS MURRAY AND SON. - -[Illustration: PRESENTATION OF CRIMEAN MEDALS BY HER MAJESTY, HORSE -GUARDS, LONDON] - - Transcriber’s Note - -This table summarizes the few changes that were made, where the issues -seemed clearly to be attributable to printers errors. - - p. 56 man[oe][vu/uv]res Transposed. - p. 60 Villa Viciosa _sic._ Villaviciosa - p. 192 Nap[eol/ole]on Transposed. - p. 239 rhy[r]me Removed. - p. 248 carry them back.[”] Removed. - p. 311 were not [not] only paralysed Removed. - p. 370 decided the contest.[”] Removed. - p. 385 nuc[el/le]us Transposed. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Scottish Regiments in -the British Army, by Archibald K. 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display: block;} } - .blackletter { font-family: "Old English Text MT", Gothic, serif;} - @media handheld { .blackletter { font-family: "Century Gothic", Gothic, serif;}} - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Scottish Regiments in the -British Army, by Archibald K. Murray - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - -Title: History of the Scottish Regiments in the British Army - -Author: Archibald K. Murray - -Release Date: January 30, 2016 [EBook #51087] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK HISTORY--SCOTTISH REGIMENTS *** - - - - -Produced by KD Weeks, Brian Coe and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='tnotes'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber’s Note</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The positions of the illustrative plates have been adjusted slightly -to fall on paragraph breaks. The very occasional footnotes have -been also moved to fall after the paragraphs in which they are -referenced.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Please see the transcriber’s <a href='#endnote'>note</a> at the end of this -text for details regarding the handling of any textual issues -encountered during its preparation.</p> - -<div class='epubonly'> - -<p class='c000'>The cover image has been fabricated and is placed in the public domain.</p> - -</div> - -</div> - -<div id='frontis' class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/i_a_frontispiece.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div> - <h1 class='c001'><span class='large'>HISTORY</span> <br /> <span class='small'>OF THE</span> <br /> <span class='xlarge'>SCOTTISH REGIMENTS</span> <br /> <span class='small'>IN THE</span> <br /> <span class='large'>BRITISH ARMY.</span></h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div>ARCH. K. MURRAY, ESQ.,</div> - <div><span class='small'>MAJOR OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH LANARKSHIRE VOLUNTEER GUARDS.</span></div> - <div class='c002'><span class="blackletter">Published by Request of his Brother Officers.</span></div> - <div class='c002'>GLASGOW:</div> - <div>THOMAS MURRAY AND SON.</div> - <div>1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c003'>CONTENTS.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='85%' /> -<col width='14%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>Preface</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_3'>3</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>Introduction</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_5'>5</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>Second Royal North British Dragoons, or “Scots Greys,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_13'>13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>“The Guards.” Grenadiers—Coldstreams—Scots Fusiliers</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_41'>41</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The First “Royal Scots,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_78'>78</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Twenty-First Foot, or “Royal North British Fusiliers,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_121'>121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Twenty-Fifth Foot. “King’s Own Borderers,” or Edinburgh Regiment</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_145'>145</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Twenty-Sixth Foot, or “Cameronians,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_169'>169</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>Life Guards. Seventh Hussars—Seventeenth Light Dragoons—Seventieth Foot</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_187'>187</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Seventy-Third Foot—“Perthshire,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_191'>191</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Seventy-Fifth Foot—“Stirlingshire,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_199'>199</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Ninetieth Foot, or “Perthshire Volunteers,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_205'>205</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Ninety-First Foot—“Argyleshire,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_212'>212</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Scots Brigade, or the Old Ninety-Fourth Foot</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_224'>224</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Ninety-Ninth Foot, or “Lanarkshire,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_236'>236</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Old Highland Brigade</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_241'>241</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Forty-Second, or “Royal Highlanders”—“Black Watch,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_250'>250</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Seventy-First, or “Glasgow Highland Light Infantry,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_288'>288</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Seventy-Second, or “Duke of Albany’s Highlanders,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_313'>313</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Seventy-Fourth Highlanders</span>,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_330'>330</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Seventy-Eighth Highlanders, or “Ross-shire Buffs,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_352'>352</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Seventy-Ninth, or “Cameron Highlanders,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_380'>380</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Ninety-Second, or “Gordon Highlanders,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_394'>394</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='sc'>The Ninety-Third, or “Sutherland Highlanders,”</span></td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#Page_409'>409</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c003'>INDEX TO PLATES.</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='71%' /> -<col width='28%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Royal Arms,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#frontis'>Frontispiece</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Scots Dragoon,</td> - <td class='c005'>Fronting page <a href='#i013'>13</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Colours of the “Scots Greys,”</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i033'>33</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Balaklava,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i039'>39</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>“Scots Greys,” 1862,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i040'>40</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Prince Albert,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i041'>41</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Lord Clyde,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i045'>45</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Napoleon,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i066'>66</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Duke of Cambridge,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i074'>74</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>The “Guards’” Monument,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i077'>77</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Gustavus Adolphus,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i082'>82</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Prince de Conde,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i088'>88</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Marshal Turrenne,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i090'>90</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Duke de Schomberg,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i095'>95</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>St Sebastian,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i113'>113</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>The Twenty-first Royal North-British Fusiliers,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i121'>121</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Blenheim,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i127'>127</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Killiecrankie,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i147'>147</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Ancient Badge of the Twenty-fifth,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i156'>156</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Colours of the Twenty-fifth, 2 plates,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i168'>168</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Marquis of Dalhousie,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i184'>184</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Seringapatam,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i196'>197</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Delhi,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i203'>203</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Lord Lynedoch,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i205'>205</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Lucknow,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i211'>211</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Ancient Soldiers,</td> - <td class='c005'>Fronting page <a href='#i224'>224</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Officer of Pikemen,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i232'>232</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Old Highland Brigade, &c.,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i241'>241</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>The Forty-second Royal Highlanders,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i250'>250</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Sir Ralph Abercromby,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i273'>273</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Sir John Moore,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i280'>280</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Sebastopol,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i287'>287</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>The Seventy-first Glasgow Highland Light Infantry,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i300'>300</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Waterloo,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i310'>310</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>The Seventy-second and Seventy-fourth Highlanders,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i329'>329</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Duke of Wellington,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i336'>336</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Wreck of the “Birkenhead,”</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i346'>346</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>India,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i373'>373</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Sir Henry Havelock,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i377'>377</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Monument to the Seventy-eighth,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i378'>379</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Presentation Plate to the Seventy-eighth,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i379'>379</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Lochiel,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i381'>381</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Duke of Richmond,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i394'>394</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>French Revolutionary War,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i407'>407</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>The Ninety-third Sutherland Highlanders,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i409'>409</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Crimea,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i415'>415</a></td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Presentation of Crimean Medals,</td> - <td class='c005'><a href='#i416'>416</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span> - <h2 class='c003'>PREFACE.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In the present Work, the Author, without pretending to -submit anything very startling or original, has endeavoured -to gather from the records of the past such facts as may -enable him, avoiding the tedium of detail, to present to the -reader a brief and, it is hoped, at the same time, a comprehensive -narrative of the origin and principal events in which -our Scottish Regiments have so largely and honourably been -distinguished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is wholly foreign to the purpose of the Author in any -way to overlook the valorous achievements of the English and -Irish Regiments in Her Majesty’s Service, which have alike -contributed to build up the military renown of the British -Army; he only trusts he shall receive that same charitable -indulgence, in his present undertaking, which in like circumstances -he, with every right-hearted Scot, should cordially -extend to brethren of either a sister land or sister isle. It is -in these pages, as a Scotsman, he ventures to give expression -to the nation’s gratitude and honest pride—awards, in the -name of friend and foe, the meed of praise justly due to the -brave soldier who has fought his country’s battles in almost -every land—ofttimes victoriously—at all times honourably.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Author gratefully acknowledges the assistance freely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>rendered him in this compilation by many Officers of the -Regiments described. He feels also considerably indebted to -many very valuable works, on the same and kindred subjects, -for much of his information. Unfortunately, many of these -volumes are now very ancient, others nearly extinct, and -nearly all so expensive as to fail in answering the purpose of -the present Work, by bringing before the public, in a cheaper -and more popular form, the records of those heroic deeds, -the narrative of which <em>ought</em> to be as “household words,” -infusing a thrill of living patriotism and loyalty into the soul.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is hoped, as the grand result of the Work, that Scotsmen, -considering the rich legacy of military glory bequeathed -them by their heroic forefathers, specially registered in these -Scottish Regiments, will be more impressed with the duty -devolving on them to maintain and emulate the same. Whilst -these records may afford knowledge, it is also hoped that they -may awaken a larger sympathy and deeper interest on the part -of the people in those, their brave countrymen, who so well -represent the nation; and if circumstances preclude us from -accepting the “Royal Shilling,” and so recruiting the army, -let us be ready to accept, for the expression of our thoughts -and feelings, that grand channel which, in our time, has been -revived as the exponent of the people’s patriotism and loyalty—<em>the -Volunteer Movement</em>—whether as active or honorary -members, giving effect to our sentiments, and demonstrating, -“by <em>deeds</em> as well as <em>words</em>” that we are in earnest.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span> - <h2 class='c003'>INTRODUCTION.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<p class='c006'>Nature has been aptly represented as a fickle goddess, scattering -her bounties here and there with a partial hand. Some -spots, like very Edens, are blessed with the lavish profusion of -her favours—rich fertility, luxuriant vegetation, warm and -delightful climates. Some, on the other hand, which have not -so shared the distribution of her gifts, represent the barren -wilderness, the sterile desert, the desolate places of our earth—entombed -in a perpetual winter—a ceaseless winding-sheet -of snow and ice seems for ever to rest upon these cold, chilly, -Polar regions: or parched, fainting, dying, dead, where no -friendly cloud intervenes, like the kindly hand of love and -sympathy, to screen the thirsty earth from the consuming rays -of a tropical sun. But, as if by “the wayside,” we gather from -the analogy, that as in the world of man there is a Scripture -proclaiming comfort and blessing to the poor and needy—whilst -it tells the rich how hardly they shall enter into “life”—so in -the world of nature there is an over-ruling, all-wise, all-just -Providence, “Who moves in a mysterious way,” making -ample amends in the result upon the peoples of these climes, -so as yet shall cause “the wilderness to rejoice.” Thus we -find that lands enriched by nature ofttimes produce a people -who, rich in this world’s good things, acquired without much -<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>effort, allow their minds to become so intoxicated with present -delights and indolence, as to fail in cultivating the virtues of -the man. Too frequently the fruits are these—ignorance, -lust, passion, infidelity, and general debility. Whilst the barren, -dreary wilderness, the bleak and desolate mountain-land—like -the poor and needy upon whom Nature has frowned—enjoy -the smile of Providence “in a better portion;” for there, -amid a comparatively poor people, are nurtured all the sterner, -the nobler, the truer, the God-like qualities of the man, the -soldier, and the hero. There, too, hath been the birth-place -and the abiding shrine of freedom—the bulwark and the bastion -of patriotism and loyalty. Ascending higher, these—the -peoples of the rejected and despised places of the earth—have -ofttimes begotten and been honoured to wear the crowning -attribute of piety. Turning to the history of Scotland or of -Switzerland, for illustration, and taking merely a military -retrospect, there it will be found. All centuries, all ages, all -circumstances, are witness to the bravery and the fidelity of -their mountain-soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Scotland, the unendowed by Nature, has been thus largely -blessed by Nature’s God, in yielding a long line of valiant and -illustrious men. Perhaps no nation engrosses so large and -prominent a place in the temple of military fame—none can -boast so bright a page in the history of the brave. Her stern -and rugged mountains, like a vast citadel, where scarce a foeman -ever dared to penetrate, have been defended through centuries -of war against the advancing and all but overwhelming -tide of aggression; besieged, too, by the countless hosts of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>Tyranny, they have still remained impregnable. Her wild and -desolate glens, like great arteries down which hath flowed the -life-blood of the nation, in the living stream—the native and -resistless valour of her clans. Her bleak and dreary heaths -have written on them one dark history of blood—“the martyred -children of the Covenant.” Faithful unto death; “of -whom the world was not worthy.” Her crown oft crushed -beneath a tyrant’s heel—her freedom trampled on—her people -betrayed—all lost but honour. Unscathed, unsullied, she has -triumphed, and still lives to write upon her banner, the -mighty, envied, and thrice-glorious word, “Unconquered.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Armies have a very ancient history. Their origin might be -traced to the very gates of Paradise. When the unbridled lust -and wrathful passions of man were let loose like Furies, to -wander forth upon the earth, then it was that lawless adventurers, -gathering themselves together into armed bands for -hostile purposes, to live and prey upon their weaker brethren, -constituted themselves armies. Passing down the stream of -time, through the Feudal Age, we find one among the many -greater, mightier, wealthier—a giant towering above his fellows—exercised -lordship, levied tribute, military and civil, -over others as over slaves. These were the days of chivalry,—the -Crusades—when cavalry constituted the grand strength -of an army. Here we might begin the history of cavalry as -an important constituent in armies, were such our purpose. -The comparative poverty of our ancient Scottish nobility prevented -them contributing largely to the chivalry of the age. -Almost the sole representative we have of our Scottish Cavalry, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>is the Second Regiment of Royal North British Dragoons, or -Scots Greys—a most worthy representative. The wars of the -Interregnum in Scotland—the times of Wallace and Bruce—when -the feudal lords had nearly all either deserted or betrayed -her, introduce us to a new force, more suited to the independent -character and patriotism of the Scottish people—the formation -of corps of infantry, or armed bands of free burghers. These -were the fruit, to a large extent, of the Magna Charter in -England, and of the struggle for liberty in Scotland. Hence -the wars of Edward the Black Prince with France, distinguished -by the victories of Poitiers, Agincourt, and Cressy, may be -viewed not merely as the epitome of the triumphs of England -over France, but more especially as illustrating the success of -this new force—represented in the English yeomen, burghers, -citizens, and freemen—over the old force, sustained in the -chivalry, the cavalry of France. The result of these successive -defeats, we find, was most disastrous to France. The -jealousy and fear of the nobles and feudal lords had denied the -people the use and the knowledge of arms; so that when themselves -were defeated, France was ruined—since they could -expect no support, as in Scotland, from an unarmed and -unskilled people. They had done what they could to quench -rather than foster the spirit of free patriotism, which in the -nation’s extremity should have been the nation’s refuge—the -soul burning to deliver their land from the yoke of the -stranger. In not a few cases, the French rather sympathised -with, as they sighed for the same blessings of our free-born -English yeomen. Here we would mark, respectively in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>English and Scottish armies, the first formation of that branch -of the service for which the British army has ever been -specially distinguished—<em>the Infantry</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Our reader is no doubt aware of the calamitous results -which flowed from the short-sighted policy of these privileged -orders—the old feudal lords; whose love of a petty despotism -laboured to postpone the day of reckoning “till a more convenient -season”—and so refused the timely surrender of those -privileges and that liberty which the growing wealth and intelligence -of the people claimed. Long, bloody, and unavailing -civil wars have desolated and vexed many countries as the -consequence; and in France the contest attained a fearful -crisis, and the people wreaked a cruel retribution in the awful -horrors of the Revolution.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The increasing importance of commerce, and the growing -desire for wealth in preference to the uncertain and doubtful -lustre of the battle-field, induced men to gather themselves -together, not as formerly for war, but rather for the prosecution -of trade; thus constituting themselves into trade-unions, -communities, burgherates, free townships. Disowning -the bondage of feudalism, as a system peculiarly adapted -for war, and hostile in its spirit to a more peaceful vocation, -they sought and obtained, in their earlier history at -least, royal protection. Independently of their engagements -and allegiance to the throne, these trading communities, aware -of the restlessness, rapacity, and necessities of the old feudal -lords around them, formed themselves into trained bands of -free yeomen, or sort of militia, for the purpose—first, of defending -<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>their own industry, property, and lives; and, secondly, for -the service of their sovereign and country in times of need. -These are amongst the earliest ideas we have of a regiment. At -an earlier age, we find many of the monarchs of Europe retaining -in their service a body of foreign guards, specially entrusted -with the defence of the royal person, so often threatened -through the ambition of the nobles and the turbulence of the -people. In nearly every instance these were composed of -Scottish emigrants, driven from their country by the cruel and -desolating wars which then disturbed her peace, and had proscribed -many of the honourable and brave. We know no -exception in which these corps of guards have not maintained -the Scottish character, nay, been specially distinguished for the -valour and fidelity with which they fulfilled their duty. Thus -originated the First Royals, or Royal Scots Regiment of the -present British army. The free citizens, continuing to prosper -and proportionably growing in power and influence, gradually -insinuated themselves into State affairs. As they grew in -wealth, so unfortunately they increased in pride and arrogance, -forgetting altogether their early humility. They essayed to -be a political as well as a trading community. Having overthrown -the power of feudalism, they threatened to shake the -foundations of the throne. These murmurings speedily -awakened the royal jealousy, and broke in upon the peaceful -harmony of their hitherto successful alliance. The prosperity -and support of these freemen had elevated the might and -majesty of the throne, with which they had been early leagued, -and these together had compelled the old feudal nobility to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>exercise their rule in something more of a constitutional way. -Gladly, therefore, did these last avail themselves of these dissensions -to restore their long-lost power. Uniting with the -crown, whose interests were more peculiarly their own, they -called upon their still adherent tenantry to muster around -them; and thus commenced the sanguinary civil wars, already -in a previous paragraph referred to, between king and -people, which have devastated so many lands. These tenantry, -thus raised, ultimately taken into the royal pay, as -regiments, have gone far to constitute the armies of their -several states.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In conclusion, we would remark, that the wars of the past -have been as it were <em>material</em> contests—wars of matter rather -than of mind—by which we mean that <em>might</em> has been understood -as <em>right</em>; not as now, when <em>right</em> is acknowledged as -<em>might</em>. Formerly it was he who excelled in physical strength -and prowess that was crowned victor; now-a-days the appliances -of mind, the inventive genius of man, have so improved -the art of war, that upon these the result of the contest must -largely depend. Skill and science, developed in a thousand -ways, are the weapons with which our battles are to be -fought and won; and this, too, at a time when man has been -dwarfed in his bodily might by the bloody and protracted -wars of the past, and enervated by the ease and indolence -found in cities, so as to be no longer able for a contest as -of old; and so the providence of God steps in to supply -the vacuum occasioned by decay, and from the rapid march -of civilisation, and the wonderful development of the mind, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>represents to us a better state of things—the triumph of the -<em>mind</em> of the present over the <em>matter</em> of the past. The victories -of the battle-field are being superseded by the triumphs -of the Cabinet. The first Napoleon conquered by the sword—the -present Napoleon conquers by superior craft and intrigue, -whilst we, as a nation, are sitting by to register with an occasional -growl his successes. It has been the knowledge of these -facts—this new system of warfare—that has aroused the -nation to see its danger in time; to feel that “our glory” is -but an ideal security; to know that steam and electricity have -comparatively bridged the sea, and so done away with our best -defence; to learn that the inventions of men comparatively -equalise combatants. It has been the knowledge of these -things, along with indications of a coming struggle casting -its shadow before, that has called the nation, with one -enthusiastic voice, to arms—in our present <em>Volunteer force</em>.</p> -<div id='i013' class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/i_b_013fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SCOTCH DRAGOON 1680.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span><span class='xlarge'>HISTORY OF THE SCOTTISH REGIMENTS.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c008' /> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c003'>SECOND ROYAL NORTH BRITISH DRAGOONS, <br /> <span class='small'>OR</span> <br /> SCOTS GREYS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER I.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Come fill up my cup, come fill up my can,</div> - <div class='line'>Come saddle my horses, and call out my men;</div> - <div class='line'>Unhook the west port and let us gae free;</div> - <div class='line'>For it’s up wi’ the bonnets o’ bonnie Dundee.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>EARLY HISTORY—COVENANTERS—BATTLES OF DRUMCLOG AND -BOTHWELL BRIDGE—ARGYLE’S REBELLION—THE RAID OF -THE MACDONALDS—FLIGHT OF JAMES II.—DUNDEE’S -REBELLION—BATTLES OF KILLIECRANKIE AND CROMDALE—MASSACRE -OF GLENCOE—1660–1693.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The page of history presents to us many dark scenes of -oppression, where one man, trampling upon the rights of -another, and disregarding the heaven-born principle of charity, -has sold his brother into bondage. Nay, more, (as especially -illustrated in the case of Spain groaning beneath the thraldom -of the Papacy), some men have even succeeded in enslaving -<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>the mind; stopping up with vile trash the avenues of -knowledge, and so defacing and ruining that mirror of -the intellect which reflects so much of its Creator, which -originally bore the impress of divinity, and was moulded -in the likeness of God. But the pride of the human heart, -and the unhallowed passion of man, stay not here, but have -attempted more—to subdue the soul—but in vain. It is possible -to fetter or destroy the <em>body</em>, nay, it is even possible to -enslave, or annihilate in madness, the <em>mind</em>, but it is <em>impossible</em> -for man to bind the undying <em>soul</em>. Nevertheless, it has -been the infatuation of tyrants, deluded by false creeds, in -many countries and in many ages, to seek, but in vain, to -usurp the dominion of the <em>soul</em>. The <em>soul</em>, like “the bush -burned but not consumed,” lives still, lives for ever, defying -the fires of persecution, the wasting famine, and the devouring -sword. It comes forth scatheless, purified, living; -having shaken off the corruption of earth, it appears clothed -in the garments of immortality. There can be no better testimony -to the suitableness of the true religion to meet the wants -of man than this—that whilst all others have proved themselves -to be so many systems of tyranny, bereaving man of -his beloved liberty, the religion of Jesus is free, and is always -to be welcomed as the herald of civil and religious liberty; -wherever its blessing rests, its benign influence is felt, and its -glorious light shines.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was in such a time as this in Scotland, when the iron -will of Charles II., already oppressing the persons and the -minds of his people, aspired to the dominion of their soul -<span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>and conscience, by calling upon them to introduce into -their simple forms of worship a host of objectionable -mummeries, savouring of Popery, and threatening thereby -to corrupt the purity of the Presbyterian faith. In vain -they petitioned for liberty of conscience and protested against -these intrusions. Persisting in the introduction of these -idle rites, and denying redress, the monarch preferred plunging -the nation into all the horrors of civil war, rather than -depart from his purpose. To enforce these requirements -the king raised in Scotland two troops of Life Guards, afterwards -disbanded; a regiment of horse, known as Claverhouse’s -Troopers—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The bonnets o’ bonnie Dundee;”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>a regiment of Foot Guards; a regiment of foot, now the -Twenty-first, North British Fusiliers; and, in 1678, two troops -of dragoons, which, increased by the addition of other troops -in 1681, constituted the <em>Royal Regiment of Scots Dragoons</em>, -now known familiarly as the <em>Scots Greys</em>. The corps was -originally commanded by Sir Thomas Dalziel, who in 1681 -was appointed the first colonel of the regiment. He was -always a staunch adherent of the House of Stuart, had been -taken prisoner at the battle of Worcester, but escaping from the -Tower, served with distinction in the Russian army during the -Tartar wars. Returning to Scotland at the Restoration, he was -employed by the king in enforcing his will upon the Presbyterians, -and he discharged his duty with all the scrupulous -exactness of a soldier. To the Covenanters he has left a most -unenviable memory—as a monster of cruelty, devoid of mercy. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>His eccentricities, especially in regard to dress, often excited the -merriment of the Court, and created quite a sensation amongst -the juveniles of the metropolis. He died in 1685.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The early history of the Royal Scots Dragoons is painfully -and intimately associated with the sufferings and trials of the -Covenanters—a page in our history which, would the truth -admit, we would gladly omit. The ignominious duty imposed -upon this gallant regiment, of hunting down the Presbyterians, -and the cruelties which they were called to witness, sometimes -to inflict upon their unhappy brethren, must have been extremely -harrowing and repulsive to the feelings of brave men. -Along with a troop of horse, a troop of the corps was present in -1679, under Graham of Claverhouse, at the battle of Drumclog, -where they were defeated, with the loss of twenty men, by the -superior numbers and desperate valour of the Covenanters, as -also from the unsuitableness of the ground for cavalry to act -upon. The result of this overthrow was a general rising of -the disaffected and oppressed—a motley and undisciplined -army was speedily assembled, better in the use of the tongue -than the sword; and as always happens where that “unruly -member” is in the ascendant, proved the precursor of -party division, and in the end brought ruin to the good cause -in which they had embarked. Foiled in an attack upon Glasgow -by the retiring royal troops, especially the Royal Scots -Dragoons and Scots Foot Guards, the Covenanters took up a -strong position behind the Clyde at Bothwell Bridge, and -there awaited the attack of the royal army, now advancing -from Edinburgh under the Duke of Monmouth. Failing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>in effecting an accommodation, the battle was commenced -by the Royal Scots Dragoons, supported by the Scots Foot -Guards attacking the bridge, which, defended with great -bravery, was only relinquished when the ammunition of the -defenders was exhausted. The loss of this most important -post, as well as the divisions already prevailing amongst the -Covenanters, soon produced a panic which lost the battle, -ruined for the present the cause of liberty of conscience, and -served to add nearly ten years more to their sufferings. In -the pursuit, the troopers of Claverhouse took a cruel revenge -for the defeat of Drumclog, upon the broken and flying -remnant.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Royal Scots Dragoons continuing to be employed in the -humiliating work of persecution, were often roughly handled -by the Presbyterians, especially at Ayr Moss on the 20th July, -1680, where a desperate <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>rencontre</em></span> took place.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Earl of Argyle, a nobleman of great merit, and for some -time enjoying the esteem of his sovereign, being suspected of a -leaning to the Nonconformists, or Covenanters, at the instigation -of the Duke of York was arraigned for treason, and, accordingly, -condemned to death. Escaping to France, Argyle returned in -1685, and landing with a force of 300 men in Argyleshire, -summoned his clansmen, and endeavoured, with little success, -to raise the Presbyterians, and so, setting up the standard of -rebellion, threatened to dethrone James II., who but lately had -succeeded his brother in the throne. After much fruitless -manœuvring, he advanced into the Lowlands, but was met by -the royal troops, including the Royal Scots Dragoons, near -<span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span>Dumbarton, under the Earl of Dumbarton. Attempting to -retreat in the darkness of the night, his guides betrayed him, -his army fell into disorder and disbanded, whilst he himself -was taken prisoner and afterwards executed at Edinburgh. -On the morrow, the Royal Scots Dragoons, assisted by other -troops, attacked a considerable body of the rebels under Sir -John Cochrane, which still remained together in the neighbourhood -in a strongly fortified position. After hard fighting, in -course of which the dragoons dismounted and fought hand to -hand on foot, and after the loss of many officers, among whom -were Sir Adam Blair, Sir William Wallace, and Capt. Clelland, -also Lord Ross wounded, the rebels were driven back and -ultimately dispersed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the death of Lieut.-General Sir Thomas Dalziel, in 1685, -Lord Charles Murray, afterwards the Earl of Dunmore, and -son of the Marquis of Athole, one of the original officers of the -corps, was promoted to the colonelcy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1688 a part of the regiment was called upon to interfere -on behalf of the Government—unfortunately on the wrong -side—in one of those unhappy broils which, as the dregs of -feudalism, still so sorely distressed the Highlands. The -Macintoshes having despoiled the Macdonald of Keppoch of -his estate, during his temporary absence in the Highlands, -the Macdonald, on his return, taking the law—as was usual -in those days, specially amongst the clans—into his own -hand, and taking an ample vengeance, redeemed his own. -The Royal Scots Dragoons were sent to the assistance and for -the release of the Mackintosh, who had been taken prisoner. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span>In retaliation they were inhumanly ordered to destroy all that -pertained to the Macdonald—man, woman, and child. Although -such instructions were quite in keeping with the -character of the Court, happily it was about the last exercise -of a power ever rioting in such acts of merciless cruelty.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The close of the same year brought the Prince of Orange -to our shores, to deliver the land from the bondage of the -Stuarts who had so grievously oppressed it. To meet this -emergency, King James had drawn together to London and -its neighbourhood the whole reliable forces of his kingdom. -Amongst these were the troops of Scottish Life Guards; -Claverhouse’s regiment of horse; Dunmore’s regiment of <em>Royal -Scots Dragoons</em>; the regiment of Scottish Foot Guards; and -two regiments of Scottish Foot—in all, 3,765 men from Scotland. -After a seeming show of resistance, and much manœuvring -in the vicinity of Salisbury, the monarch, dreading the -wrath of an outraged people, fled to France.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Conscience makes cowards of us all.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>When the Prince of Orange, as William III., ascended the -vacant throne, he found many of the troops inclined to dispute -his authority, especially the regiments of Royal Scots -Horse and Royal Scots Dragoons; which still remained together -under the command of Viscount Dundee, and with -the characteristic loyalty of Scotsmen, would still have -maintained the cause of an unworthy and exiled prince, -the degenerate representative of the Bruce of Bannockburn. -The tact of the new monarch succeeded in winning the submission -<span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span>of the Royal Scots Dragoons; but the Royal Scots -Horse, deserting, followed Dundee into Scotland, took part -with him in his subsequent rebellion, and so, sharing his fate, -have been lost to the British army. The Earl of Dunmore, -declining to serve under the new king, was superseded in -the colonelcy of the Royal Scots Dragoons by Sir Thomas -Livingstone, afterwards Viscount Teviot—a Scottish soldier -of distinction, who came over from the continent with the -prince.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To stem the torrent of rebellion which the return of Dundee -to Scotland had excited—especially among the Highland clans, -nearly all of whom were devotedly attached to the Stuarts—the -Royal Scots Dragoons were ordered to return to Scotland. -Throughout the succeeding campaigns the regiment behaved -with signal fidelity and gallantry, with the exception of some -few of its officers who were found guilty of treasonable intercourse -with the rebels—having a sympathy with their old -comrade in arms, Viscount Dundee. Amongst the arrested -were Lieut.-Colonel Livingstone, Captains Murray, Crichton, -and Livingstone. The royal forces under the command of -Major-General Mackay, included, besides the Royal Scots Dragoons, -many regiments since known to fame—Lord Colchester’s -Horse, or the Third (Prince of Wales’) Dragoon Guards; Berkeley’s, -or the Fourth (Queen’s Own Hussars) Dragoons; Sir -James Leslie’s, or the Fifteenth (York, East Riding) Foot; -besides a considerable body of Dutch troops under Colonel -Ramsay. Dundee was joined at Inverness by Macdonald of -Keppoch and his clan, thirsting for revenge because of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>atrocities committed upon them and theirs by the soldiers in -the previous year. After much time spent in marching and -counter-marching in search of, and pursuit of, each other, the -two armies met at the Pass of Killiecrankie, when the death -of Dundee, in the moment of victory, virtually ruined the -Jacobite cause. The Royal Scots Dragoons, although not -present at that disastrous battle, had previously distinguished -themselves in a skirmish with a body of about 500 Highlanders, -chiefly Macleans, who, defeating with great loss, they -dispersed, and, dismounting, pursued among the rocks and -crags of the mountains. In the following year, the rebels -still continuing in arms, under General Canon—who on the -death of Dundee assumed the command—and being recruited -by a body of men from Ireland under General Buchan, took -up a strong post and awaited the attack of the royal forces at -Cromdale. Here, on the morning of the 31st April, they -were suddenly attacked by Sir Thomas Livingstone, at the -head of the Royal Scots Dragoons and other troops, and, amid -the darkness and confusion, totally defeated and dispersed -with great slaughter. The scene was one of consternation and -horror, and had it not been for the merciful intervention of a -mountain mist, as if to befriend her own children in their day -of calamity, would have proved even more fatal to the flying -enemy. In this action the Royal Scots Dragoons took a gallant -part. This victory was quickly followed by the relief of -the castle of Abergeldie, then besieged by the Highlanders, -where two troops of the Royal Scots Dragoons utterly routed -the rebels with great carnage. Unable longer to sustain such -<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>a hopeless struggle, the clans tendered their submission to King -William, which was accepted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the triumph of the Government was stained by a deed -of barbarous cruelty and sin, which remains a blot on the page -of British history, known as “the Massacre of Glencoe.” The -Macdonalds of Glencoe having failed to tender their allegiance -within the prescribed time, although they had done so a few -days afterwards, the whole were treacherously murdered in -cold blood, whilst peaceably sleeping, by a party of soldiers -from Argyle’s regiment, who had been received and hospitably -quartered among them as friends. This inhuman action has -been vainly attempted to be excused, and all authorities have -alike endeavoured to escape the responsibility. We gladly -record that the Royal Scots Dragoons were not called to take -any part in the matter; and their colonel, Sir Thomas Livingstone, -although then Commander-in-Chief in Scotland, has been -fully exonerated from blame by Parliament.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span> -<h3 class='c013'>CHAPTER II.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Loudon’s bonnie woods and braes,</div> - <div class='line in2'>I maun lea’ them a’, lassie;</div> - <div class='line'>Wha can thole when Britain’s faes</div> - <div class='line in2'>Would gi’e Britons law, lassie?”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>WARS OF THE SPANISH SUCCESSION—REBELLION OF 1715—SEVEN\</div> - <div>YEARS’ WAR—1693–1793.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Our last chapter closed the dark record which unhappily -clouds the early history of the Royal Scots Dragoons, and it is -with pleasure we turn from the record of these unnatural and -suicidal wars to narrate the nobler deeds of the regiment on -a nobler field. The accession of William, Prince of Orange, -to the throne, is not to be regarded merely as the triumph of -the Protestant party, but as involving the dawn of freedom to -an oppressed people; as the guarantee of liberty of conscience; -and as the harbinger of peace, especially to distressed Scotland. -In 1694, the Royal Scots Dragoons, accompanied by Cunningham’s -Scots Dragoons—now the Seventh (Queen’s Own) -Hussars—and associated with the First (Royal English), the -Third (King’s Own Hussars), the Fourth (Queen’s Own -Hussars), and the Fifth (Royal Irish Lancers) Dragoons, were -sent over to the Netherlands against the French. Here they -represented the nation with credit, especially at the siege of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>Namur, until the conclusion of peace, four years afterwards, -permitted their return.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Unfortunately, the peace was not of long duration, and -afforded but a short respite, during which the regiment was -remounted on grey horses, as a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>corps élite</em></span>. The question -of the Spanish succession rousing the ambition of France, -the flames of war were again rekindled. Accordingly, in -1702, the regiment was called to maintain the honour of their -country on the plains of Holland. The earlier campaigns were -chiefly made up with a variety of sieges—Venloo, Ruremonde, -Stevenswaert, Liege, Bonn, Huy, Limburg, &c., in all of -which the regiment had a part. Lord Hay, afterwards -Marquis of Tweeddale, this year (1704) purchased the colonelcy -of the regiment. The daring spirit and rising genius -of Marlborough, who then commanded the British army, -aspiring to something mightier, turning his eye towards -Germany, selected a grander field of action—planned a campaign, -which, taking Europe by surprise, fell like a thunderbolt -upon the foe, and produced the most glorious results. The -soldierly bearing of the Royal Scots Dragoons had already -attracted the keen eye of the Commander-in-Chief, and won -for them this tribute to their fidelity and worth, inasmuch as -they were selected to be his own body-guard. They were, -moreover, destined to lead the van, or, at all events, to assume -a first place in the memorable actions of the campaign. Their -firmness and valour helped their great commander to a great -renown, as they were honoured to share with him the dangers -and the glories of the campaign, and so “win laurels that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>shall never fade.” Not less brave, although not so favoured, -were the gallant troops which accompanied the Royal Scots -Dragoons in the marvellous march from the Netherlands to -Germany, and who alike contributed to the success of the -expedition. These comprised the First (King’s), the Third -(Prince of Wales’), the Fifth (Princess Charlotte of Wales’), -the Sixth (Carabineers), the Seventh (Princess Royal’s) Dragoon -Guards, and the Fifth (Royal Irish Lancers) Dragoons; -besides the infantry which followed, including the Foot Guards, -the First (Royal Scots), the Third (East Kent Buffs), the -Eighth (the King’s), the Tenth (North Lincoln), the Fifteenth -(York, East Riding), the Sixteenth (Bedfordshire), the Eighteenth -(Royal Irish), the Twenty-first (Royal North British Fusiliers), -the Twenty-third (Royal Welsh Fusiliers), the Twenty-fourth -(Warwickshire), the Twenty-Sixth (Cameronians), and the -Thirty-seventh (North Hampshire) regiments of Foot. Marlborough -having successfully accomplished with rapidity and -secrecy this masterly manœuvre, and united his army to -the Imperialists—hardly allowing the French and Bavarians -time to know, far less to recover from their surprise—immediately -prepared for action. The assault upon the French -lines on the heights of Schellenberg, and the consequent capture -of Donawerth, was the first event calling forth the bravery -of the Scots Greys. But this was but the precursor to a more -decisive blow. On the 13th of August the French and Bavarians -were encountered in the vicinity of the village of Blenheim. -The struggle was a severe one. The Greys and other -troops attacking the village, which was strongly occupied by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>the French, for long waged a very doubtful conflict; but at -length, by indomitable efforts, they succeeded in driving back -the enemy, and cutting off their retreat—twenty-four battalions -of infantry and twelve squadrons of cavalry surrendered. -The campaign closed with the siege of Landau. -Having delivered Germany from the immediate presence of -the enemy, Marlborough withdrew the British army into -winter quarters in the Netherlands. The only action of importance -which falls to be recorded in the succeeding year is -the victory of Helixem, where the same redoubtable British -cavalry successfully attacked and broke in upon the French -lines.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A mightier achievement awaited the arms of our “gallant -Greys” in 1706. At the battle of Ramilies, after much hard -fighting, the regiment succeeded in penetrating into the village -of Autreglize, inflicting a dreadful carnage, and were honoured -in receiving the surrender of the French “Regiment du -Roi,” with arms and colours. Amid the trophies of the day, -the Greys are said to have taken no fewer than seventeen -standards. At the close of the battle a very curious circumstance -was brought to light, affording an illustrious example -of woman’s love, fidelity, endurance, and heroism. Amongst -the wounded of the Scots Greys, a female (Mrs Davies) was -discovered, who, donning the habiliments of man, had enlisted -in the regiment, braved the perils of Schellenberg and Blenheim, -that in this disguise she might follow her husband, -who was a soldier in the First (Royal Scots) Foot, then with -the army. Her case at once excited the interest and sympathy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>of the whole army; and awakening the generosity of -the officers, especially of the colonel of <em>her</em> regiment, she was -restored to her true position as a woman, lived to be of considerable -service as envoy to the army, and at her death in -1739 was buried with military honours in Chelsea Hospital.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the autumn of this eventful year, the Greys were called -to mourn the death of their colonel, who had been with them -throughout the war, and who was cut off by fever in the midst -of a bright and glorious career. He was succeeded in the -colonelcy by the Earl of Stair. About the same time the -regiment was authoritatively designated the Royal North -British Dragoons, and in 1713 was further registered as the -Second Regiment of Dragoons.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is superfluous to say that, at the battle of Oudenarde, in -1708, the sieges of Lisle and Tournay, and specially at the -battle of Malplacquet in 1709—where, thrice charging the -French household cavalry, they ultimately broke through that -magnificent and hitherto invincible corps—as well as at a -variety of minor engagements, the Greys maintained their -high character. On the peace of Utrecht, in 1713, they returned -to England loaded with the honours of war.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the following year, the Earl of Portmore, a distinguished -one-eyed veteran, was appointed colonel in room of the Earl of -Stair—retired.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The rebellion of 1715, in Scotland, in favour of the Pretender, -again called for the service of the Greys, who, with a -firm fidelity, continued to discharge their duty to the king—notwithstanding -many pressing temptations to desert. Whilst -<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>quartered at Stirling, they dispersed gatherings of rebels at -Kinross and Dunfermline. With the Third (King’s Own -Hussars), the Fourth (Queen’s Own Hussars), the Sixth (Inniskillings), -and the Seventh (Queen’s Own Hussars) Dragoons; -also the Third (East Kent Buffs), the Eighth (the King’s), the -Eleventh (North Devon), the Fourteenth (Buckinghamshire), -the Seventeenth (Leicestershire), the Twenty-first (Royal North -British Fusiliers), the Twenty-fifth (King’s Own Borderers), -and the Thirty-Sixth (Herefordshire) regiments of foot, in all -4000 men, they were present at the drawn battle of Sheriffmuir, -where the enemy mustered fully 10,000 men. The -royalist army was mainly saved from utter defeat by the -dauntless valour of the Greys, who, repeatedly charging the -cavalry and right wing of the rebel army, succeeded in driving -back and ultimately dispersing them, so as to counterbalance -the success of the rebels on the left. Although forced to retreat -for the time, the royalists, recruited by other regiments, -were soon able once more to assume the offensive, and, notwithstanding -the presence of the Pretender himself, ultimately -dispersed the rebel army. A second attempt, aided by a -Spanish force, in 1719, met with the same firmness, and fared -no better. The rebel army, encountering the king’s army—including -the Greys—at Strachell, were completely routed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile the regiment was permitted to enjoy its laurels -in peace. In 1717, General John Campbell had been appointed -colonel of the Scots Greys, in room of the Earl of Portmore—resigned.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1742, France, Prussia, and Bavaria having leagued together -<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>for the destruction of Austria, George II., espousing the -cause of Austria, in person, led an army of 16,000 British -through Flanders into Germany. Of this force the Greys -formed a part, under the command of their own chivalric -monarch. The battle of Dettingen, in 1743, was the first -event of importance in the war, in which the Greys were engaged—successively -charging and defeating the imposing line -of French Cuirassiers, and thereafter the magnificent array of -the French household cavalry; capturing from these last a -white standard—a trophy which never before had been taken -by an enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The army having been withdrawn into Flanders, and placed -under the command of the Duke of Cumberland, achieved -nothing of importance until the disastrous battle of Fontenoy, -in 1745, in which, although no very prominent place had been -assigned the Scots Greys, they nevertheless suffered severely—especially -in the loss of their gallant colonel, General Campbell. -He was succeeded in the colonelcy by the Earl of Stair—reappointed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The rebellion of 1745, in Scotland, occasioning the withdrawal -of a large portion of the army, the following regiments -were left behind to make head against the overwhelming hosts -of France:—the Second (Scots Greys), the Sixth (Inniskillings), -the Seventh (Queen’s Own Hussars) Dragoons; the Eighth -(King’s), the Eleventh (North Devon), the Thirteenth (1st -Somersetshire or Prince Albert’s), the Nineteenth (1st York, -North Riding), the Twenty-fifth (King’s Own Borderers), the -Thirty-second (Cornwall), and the Thirty-third (Duke of Wellington’s) -<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>Foot. These were aided by a few regiments of -Dutch and Hessians. Taking advantage of these circumstances, -the enormous masses of the French under Marshal -Saxe were advanced, with the intent to overwhelm this handful -of brave men. The attack was accordingly made at Roucoux, -but failed; although the British general was forced to -retreat, which was accomplished with success, notwithstanding -the immediate presence of a foe greatly superior in numbers. -It was the intrepidity of the British cavalry which rescued -the army from destruction.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following year the Earl of Crawford was appointed -colonel in room of the then deceased Earl of Stair. He was -an officer of very extensive military knowledge, having served -in many of the continental armies, as a volunteer, with credit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The bloody and glorious battle of Val, fought in 1747, and -which may fitly be considered the closing event of the war, -exhibits in bold relief what may well be esteemed as the -crowning achievement of the Scots Greys. Towards the close -of this desperate fight, the regiment was ordered to charge. -Notwithstanding their resistless bravery and accompanying -success, by which the French cavalry were broken and lost -four standards, these fortunate results and glorious trophies -were dearly won, not merely because of the numerous casualties -which the regiment was called to mourn (157 killed and -wounded), but on account of the loss of that which to a -soldier is dearer than life itself—a standard. It fell into the -enemy’s hands in the confusion of retreat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the conclusion of the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle, in 1749, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span>the regiment returned to England. In the following year the -Earl of Crawford dying, the colonelcy of the regiment was -conferred on the Earl of Rothes, but exchanging into the -Third (Scots Fusiliers) Foot Guards in 1752, he was succeeded -in the command by General Campbell, afterwards Duke -of Argyle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the breaking out of war with France in 1758, whilst a -newly-raised light troop of the regiment was engaged with -other troops in successive descents on the French coast, viz., -St Maloes, Cherbourg, and Lunar, the remainder of the regiment -was sent to Germany, to aid in the liberation of Hanover -from the French yoke. Under the command of the Duke -of Brunswick, the Greys were present at the battles of Bergen -and Minden, but it was not until the assault upon Warbourg -that they seriously encountered the enemy. Their conduct on -the occasion is well described by the Commander-in-Chief -when he says they performed “prodigies of valour.” At -Zierenberg the battle was decided by a brilliant and successful -charge of the Greys and Inniskillings. A variety of -manœuvres and skirmishes continued to agitate the conflict in -the following year, in all of which the regiment upheld its -reputation. The peace of 1763 at length released the regiment -from the turmoil of war, and permitted it to return home -and rest awhile upon its honours.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is interesting to observe that in nearly every instance -the Royal Scots Dragoons shared the dangers and glories of -the conflict with the Royal Irish or Inniskilling regiments of -dragoons. It is still the same. Scotland and Ireland, side by -<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>side, are to be recognised fighting their country’s battles. It -is an ancient and happy alliance which, strengthening with -years, has been of signal service in the past, is blessed in the -present, and promises to be of further use in the future.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1770, on the death of the Duke of Argyle, the Earl of -Panmure was advanced to the colonelcy, and on his death, in -1782, General Preston was appointed colonel, but he in turn -passing away in 1785, made room for General Johnstone.</p> - -<p class='c000'>These were times of peace, and afforded no opportunity -for these venerable soldiers to distinguish their stewardships. -The succeeding chapter introduces us to more stirring times.</p> -<div id='i033' class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/i_b_033fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span> -<h3 class='c013'>CHAPTER III.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“O Fame, stern prompter of most glorious deeds,</div> - <div class='line in2'>What numerous votaries attend thy call!</div> - <div class='line in1'>For thee the poet sings, the hero bleeds,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And warlike kings bid empires rise or fall.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>THE REVOLUTIONARY AND CRIMEAN WARS—1793–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In 1793 the restless and aggressive spirit which sorely troubled -France, developed in the Revolution, once more plunged that -nation into war with Britain; nay, not only so, but sending -forth her revolutionary incendiaries charged with the subversion -of all constitutional government, and seeking to poison the -minds of almost every people, her ruthless and frantic demagogues -virtually declared war against the whole monarchies of -Christendom. Accordingly, a British force, including a portion -of the Greys, was sent to the Netherlands under the -Duke of York. These were chiefly employed in the sieges of -Valenciennes, Dunkirk, Landrecies, etc., which preceded the -double battle of Tournay, fought on the 10th and 22d May, -1794. The Greys and the other British cavalry easily routed -the newly-raised horsemen of the Revolution, which were sadly -degenerated from the splendidly-equipped cavalry of the old -monarchy—long the terror of Europe, and most worthy foes. -The utter bankruptcy of the French nation prevented them -<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>from equipping or maintaining a powerful cavalry, and, in -consequence, we find the armies of the Revolution at that time -very deficient in this branch of the service. Notwithstanding -the excellence of his troops, the Duke of York found his position -untenable, with such a handful, against the overwhelming -hosts of France, which were being daily augmented by a -starving crowd which the Revolution had ruined, and so -forced into the army as the only refuge in those unhappy -times. The British, retreating into Germany, reached Bremen -in 1795, whence the Scots Greys shortly thereafter returned -to England.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Notwithstanding the continuous and bloody wars in which -our country was engaged during the next twenty years, the -Scots Greys were allowed to pine in quietude on home service, -until the campaign of Waterloo called them to take the field.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the meantime, we take opportunity to enumerate the -series of colonels who successively commanded the regiment -during this interval. The Earl of Eglinton, appointed in -1795, was succeeded by that brave and distinguished officer, -Sir Ralph Abercromby, who fell in the arms of victory on -the 28th of March, 1801, at the battle of Alexandria. On his -death, the colonelcy was conferred on a no less distinguished -officer, Sir David Dundas, who continued to command the -regiment until 1813, when, exchanging into the King’s Dragoon -Guards, he was succeeded by the Marquis of Lothian. -This nobleman dying in 1815, made way for an able and -accomplished soldier, Sir James Stewart, who, retaining the -colonelcy for the lengthened term of twenty-four years, lived to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>be the oldest general and the oldest soldier, both in one, in the -British army. In 1839, Sir William Keir Grant was appointed -colonel. As if worthily to recognise the heroic daring of the -regiment at Waterloo, it has continued to be commanded by -veterans who have earned their laurels in that proud field -of fight. Lord Sandys was appointed in 1858, but only -enjoyed the honour for two years, when death laid him low, -and he was in turn succeeded by the present colonel, General -Alex. K. Clarke Kennedy, C.B., K.G. The history of all -these brave officers is replete with deeds of heroism, and it -would have been truly a pleasant duty, had our space admitted, -to have recounted somewhat of their achievements.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the years of their home service, a part of the regiment -was present at the imposing ceremony accompanying -the burial of England’s Naval Hero, Lord Nelson, in 1805. -They were also present at the great review in Hyde Park in -1814, when the allied Sovereigns visited England after the -Treaty of Paris.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The following year witnessed the escape of Napoleon from -Elba, his return to France, and the general and disgraceful -desertion of the French army to their old chief. This untoward -event at once arrested the retiring armies of the allies, -and recalled them again in haste to Paris. The promptitude -and harmony of the measures adopted by the Cabinets of -Britain and Prussia enabled their armies forthwith to take the -field, and so stemming the returning tide of French despotism, -for ever crush the might of the tyrant whose restless ambition, -like an evil spirit, had so long troubled Europe. They -<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>were honoured side by side to fulfil the first and last act in -the short but decisive campaign which followed. Six troops -of the Greys were ordered to the theatre of war, and, landing -in the Netherlands in 1815, were brigaded with the Royals -and their old comrades the Inniskillings, under Sir William -Ponsonby. Anticipating no immediate attack from the French, -and the better to obtain supplies, the Duke of Wellington had -disposed his army as a chain of posts to watch the movements -of the enemy. While separated from the Prussians, under -Blucher, both armies narrowly escaped destruction. The -immediate and personal presence of so able and enterprising -a General as Napoleon, at the head of a powerful and well-appointed -army—consisting largely of the veterans who, -smarting under the disasters of a previous year, burned for -revenge, or of those who, so unfortunately for their chief, had -been too long incarcerated as garrisons in the distant fortresses -of the Oder and Vistula, but who, released on the conclusion -of the late peace, gladly welcomed their old commander, and -followed him to the field with high hopes to retrieve the -defeats of the past—the immediate presence of such an army -rendered the position of the allies one of considerable danger. -On the night of the 15th of June the Greys were unexpectedly -awakened at the village of Denderhautem, to learn that the -enemy was rapidly advancing to surprise and destroy the -scattered fragments of the army in detail. Accordingly, -immediate orders were issued to the various corps to -concentrate in the vicinity of <span class='sc'>Waterloo</span>. A rapid march -of fifty miles brought the Scots Greys, on the evening of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>16th, to Quatre Bras, where some of the British troops were -surprised by a portion of the French army, under Marshal -Ney, and all but cut to pieces. As the eventful morning of -the 18th of June dawned, the British army, having completed -its concentration, was drawn up in all the magnificence of -battle array, and anxiously waited the arrival of their allies. -The Prussians, however, had in the interim been attacked -by Napoleon himself at Ligny, and nearly overthrown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the battle of Waterloo, the Greys occupied a position in -rear of the left centre. It was late in the day when the Earl -of Uxbridge brought the orders for that fatal and memorable -charge, the result of which had such an effect on the battle. -It must have been a splendid sight to have seen these gallant -regiments (the Greys, Royals, and Inniskillings) “hurl them -on the foe;” and it must have been nobly done, since it -specially attracted the attention of the great Napoleon—(particularly -referring to the Greys)—and drew forth from him -those ever-memorable words: “These are splendid horsemen, -but in less than half-an-hour I must cut them to pieces;” -and therewith he did all that human mind could devise, or -human might achieve, to fulfil his boast, and annihilate these -brave soldiers. Despite a dreadful carnage, and the resoluteness -with which the successive columns of the French sustained -the dreadful fight, they could not prevail against our -Gælic infantry, nor dismay the firmness of the British square, -far less withstand the shock of our gallant cavalry—they were -broken; and amidst the terrible confusion which ensued, Sergeant -Ewart, of the Greys, succeeded in capturing the eagle -<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>and colour of the Forty-fifth French regiment—a trophy -which graced the day, and the eagle is a proud emblem on -the regimental guidon. The Ninety-second Highlanders, reduced -to 200 men, had long maintained a terrible conflict -with a column of 2000 of the enemy. At length the Greys, -charging a second time—but with sadly diminished numbers—came -to the assistance of their countrymen, and, together, -nearly annihilated the French. At the grand charge, where -the famous and hitherto invincible Guards of Napoleon were -brought forward for a last effort, the remnant of the Greys, -kept in reserve, awaited the repulse of that dread column, -when, a third time charging, they completed the ruin of their -brave foemen. The loss to the regiment was upwards of 200 -men. After the battle, they continued the pursuit of the -enemy to the very gates of Paris; and, with other cavalry, -contributed to prevent Napoleon re-forming or re-organising -his still formidable legions. On the abdication of that mighty -chief, the Greys returned to England in 1816. Thus, in three -days, was the fate of an empire, nay, of the world, decided by -British valour and Prussian firmness.</p> - -<div id='i039' class='figcenter id004'> -<img src='images/i_b_039fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>BALAKLAVA.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Passing over a long interval of peace—nearly forty years, -during which nothing of sufficient importance transpired -to call the Greys to take the field—we arrive at the time -(1854) of the Crimean war, when Russian ambition, seeking -to overwhelm Turkey in her weakness, was unexpectedly -met and arrested in her unrighteous aggression, by France -and Britain, on the plains of the Crimea. The Greys, as -an after instalment of the British army, were sent out in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>“Himalaya,” and landed in September—a few days after the -battle of the Alma. With the Fourth (Royal Irish) and the -Fifth (Princess Charlotte of Wales’s) Dragoon Guards; and -the First (Royals) and Sixth (Inniskilling) Dragoons, they -formed the heavy cavalry brigade, under Brigadier-General -the Hon. James Scarlett, now Adjutant-General to the Forces -and K.C.B. At the action of Balaklava, fought on the 25th -of October, and which was almost entirely a cavalry one—the -Ninety-third Highlanders being the only infantry regiment -actively engaged, and bearing the word on their colours—the -Scots Greys, with their old comrades, the Inniskillings, -fully sustained the ancient and heroic character of the -regiment. Numbering together about 750 men, they -charged fearlessly upon a body of 3500 of the very choicest -Russian cavalry, defended, moreover, by several batteries; -and, breaking the first line, had already pierced the column -through, when they were aided in the completion of the victory -by the Fourth and Fifth Dragoon Guards. Notwithstanding -the desperate and unequal contest, the loss on the side of the -Greys was very small. In less than five minutes the splendid -array of Russian cavalry was broken and put to flight by -about 1400 of the British cavalry. This splendid achievement -may be considered as the only important event in which our -cavalry assumed a prominent part. The severity of the -weather and the prevalence of disease all but destroyed the -Greys and their no less gallant comrades, and left our country -to lament that so very few of that heroic brigade were spared -to return and receive the thanks of a grateful people. Two -<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>years afterwards, peace restored the remnant of the regiment -to its native land.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In closing our brief record of the Second Regiment of -Royal North British Dragoons, we cannot help remarking on -the almost unbroken success and splendid trophies which have -crowned their arms. Scarcely in a single instance was the -regiment broken or necessitated to retreat for its own sake; -only once did a standard fall into the hands of the enemy, -although in its several campaigns the regiment has been -always actively engaged. The reader must feel that we have -great reason to be proud of our countrymen—and that it is -an honest pride we indulge in—when sustained by such an -unprecedented series of triumphs as it has been our pleasure -to record. There is not a heart in Scotland which does not -beat with affectionate sympathy and respect for the “Scots -Greys;” and be they Englishmen or Irishmen who join the -regiment, we feel sure they do so with a generous spirit of -emulation, and ungrudgingly unite with us in doing honour to -our countrymen, who early won a good name for the regiment -by brave deeds—no idle tale, but recorded in the most prominent -page of the world’s history.</p> -<div id='i040' class='figcenter id005'> -<img src='images/i_b_040fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SCOTS GREY 1862</p> -</div> -</div> -<div id='i041' class='figcenter id006'> -<img src='images/i_b_041fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>H.R.H. THE LATE PRINCE CONSORT, COLONEL OF THE GRENADIER GUARDS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span> - <h2 class='c003'>“THE GUARDS.” <br /> THE GRENADIERS—COLDSTREAMS—SCOTS FUSILIERS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER IV.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Star of the brave! whose beam hath shed</div> - <div class='line'>Such glory o’er the quick and dead;</div> - <div class='line'>Thou radiant and adored deceit!</div> - <div class='line'>Which millions rushed in arms to greet;</div> - <div class='line'>Wild meteor of immortal birth!</div> - <div class='line'>Why rise in Heaven to set on Earth?”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>INTRODUCTION—EARLY HISTORY—THE RESTORATION—TIMES</div> - <div>OF THE STUARTS—THE REVOLUTION—1660–1688.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The very name of “<em>Guards</em>” inspires the idea of all that is -militarily splendid and excellent, great and glorious, noble and -brave, faithful and loyal; and awakens in our minds a host -of most interesting and exciting recollections. Guards are -peculiarly a monarchical and despotic institution, having no -real existence in a Republic or similar form of government. -We would esteem this force as a chosen band of faithful, stalwart, -and splendidly-equipped soldiers, specially charged with -the defence of the throne, and calculated, by their imposing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>array, to add lustre and dignity to the Crown. Apart from -this holiday display, the history of Guards is pre-eminently -distinguished by the most splendid achievements of heroism -and devotion. Their firmness and fidelity have alike rebuked -the arrogance of the nobles who insulted, and stilled the -turbulence of the people who challenged, the prerogative of -the Crown. Nay, more, when the avalanche of revolution, -descending, overthrew the tottering throne, having enjoyed -the smile, unshaken, the Guards encountered the frowning of -fortune; whilst fond memory bids us trace the footprints of -their greatness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But the great Napoleon had a truer conception of what -such a corps ought to be, in the constitution of his Imperial -Guard, which at one time amounted to upwards of 100,000 -of the best troops in the world. Selected not merely for -fidelity or display, each one was a veteran, who, passing -through the fires of battle and inured to war, had won by his -valour the right to a place in the ranks of “the Brave.” No -wonder that Europe trembled when the bearskin of the Guard -was recognised amongst the number of her foes; no marvel -that the charm of invincibility should so long be enjoyed by -this phalanx of warriors, and the halo of victory rest upon -their brows.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Romance presents no scene more deeply touching than is -recorded in the page of history, when, amid the crumbling ruins -of his colossal empire—under the eye and directed by the -transcendent genius of their beloved chief, which never on -any occasion shone forth more conspicuously—the shattered -<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>remnant of the French Guards, faithful amid the faithless, -with unmurmuring constancy and heroic devotion, withstood, -all but alone, the attack of allied Europe; dealing out the -same terrible blows as of old, which, were it possible, must -have rescued their country from the countless hosts which -already desecrated her plains. But the closing scene was -postponed for an after year, when France once more marshalled -around the Guard, and Napoleon cast the fatal die for -empire or ruin. What Austria, Russia, Prussia, nay, banded -Europe, had failed to do, our British soldiers achieved. The -spell was broken, as the Guard was overthrown. Noble and -brave, ever commanding our respect in their life, they were -doubly so in their death. We cannot help according this -tribute to so brave a foe. Nay, we feel honoured as, regarding -their grave on the plains of Waterloo, we shed a tear for the -worthy representative of the Guard; and, lingering beside -the relics of “the mighty dead,” we catch the meaning of their -watchword—</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>“<span class='sc'>The Guard dies, but never surrenders.</span>”</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Guards claim to be of a very ancient origin. Perhaps the -earliest record of such a force is to be found in the Bible, -where—in times of the tyranny of Saul, first king of Israel, -1093 <span class='fss'>B.C.</span>—we read “the goodliest of the young men” (1 Sam. -viii. 11–16; xiv. 52) “were chosen” for himself, and “their -hearts touched” (1 Sam. x. 26), so that “they followed him” -as a guard. Notwithstanding this ill-omened inauguration, -Guards have been perpetuated, and embraced in the military -<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>institutions of the several States which successively attained -the dominion of the known world, especially where victorious -ambition induced them to reject the simplicity of the Republic -and adopt the glitter and the pomp of Imperialism. -In despotic monarchies, princes have generally selected their -Guards from foreigners, as less likely to be affected by the -political struggles which from time to time agitated the nation -and threatened the security of the throne. The Guard thus -selected frequently included exiles of rank—of noble, nay, -royal blood. To the Protestant refugees, which the persecutions -of the Church of Rome had expatriated, the Guard presented -a very general, an honourable, and a secure retreat. -These, as well as the chivalrous and adventurous spirit of -Scotsmen, are foremost amongst the many causes which have -led our countrymen to enlist as the Guard in nearly every -State in Europe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Coming nearer home, and more immediately to our text, -we find, in England, that Henry VII., in 1485, raised a bodyguard -of 50 men, afterwards increased to 200, and styled it -the “Yeomen of the Guard.” In 1550, Edward VI. added a -corps of Horse Guards; whilst, in Scotland, at a very early -period, “the Archers of the Guard” surrounded and upheld -the Sovereign.</p> - -<div id='i045' class='figcenter id005'> -<img src='images/i_b_045fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>LORD CLYDE, COLONEL OF THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The Guards of the present British army, comprised in three -regiments—the first of which containing three, and the others -two battalions each—were raised about the year of the Restoration, -1660. The union, and consequent intermixture of the -peoples of the two, nay, of the three nations, has so assimilated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>the composition of our regiments, that, whatever may -have been their origin, it is exceedingly difficult now to discover -aught of the ancient landmarks—national or county—which -once characterised them. Still, it is our business, in the -present undertaking, to trace these originals, and do justice to -the land, whichever it be, that, in earlier years, contributed its -mite to lay the foundation of the present renown of our army.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the intimate way in which our Guards have always -been associated in duty and a brilliant career of honour, we -have preferred briefly to sketch their history together, rather -than separately and severally. In such a narrative as we have -entered upon, it is scarcely possible to avoid repetition, many -of the regiments having seen the same service. It must -therefore be admitted as a necessary evil; we only trust the -good old story of our nation’s glory will not suffer by being -twice told.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Coldstream, or Second Regiment of Guards—which, -although second in the Army List, is nevertheless the senior—was -raised by General Monk (afterwards Duke of Albemarle) -about the year 1650. They were principally formed from -Fenwick’s and Hesellrigg’s Regiments, and took their name -from their having proceeded from Coldstream on their famous -march to restore the “Merry Monarch!” Born during a time -of war, they were early initiated into its bloody toils. They -formed part of the army of General Monk, which, in name -of Oliver Cromwell, subdued and occupied Scotland. With -the Scottish army, they marched into England in 1660, were -quartered in London, and there effectually helped to maintain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>peace between the factions of the Parliament and army, which -then struggled for the dominion of the State—vacant by the -death of the Protectorate. Ultimately, the intrigue of General -Monk effected the present deliverance of the country from -the disorders which distracted Government, by the restoration -of the monarchy in the person of Charles II. On the disbandment -of the army, Charles, grateful for the good offices -of Monk, retained his—the Coldstream—regiment in his own -service. The alarm attending the insurrection of Venner, in -1660—a fanatic preacher, who was ultimately overpowered, -and his followers, about thirty in number, nearly all slain—presented -a favourable opportunity, which the King was not -slow to improve, for insisting upon Parliament granting him -leave to raise money to maintain an additional military force -for his own and the nation’s safeguard. The result was the -formation of a chosen body of troops, chiefly composed of -Jacobite gentlemen who had shared with him the vicissitudes -of exile, and so constituted the First, or Grenadier Guards, -under Colonel Russell. Two years later, 1662, the resistance -which the unreasonable demands of the King upon the Scottish -Presbyterians stirred up, induced the formation in Scotland, -amongst other troops, of a regiment of Scots Foot Guards—the -Scots Fusilier, or Third Regiment of Guards—the command -being conferred on the Earl of Linlithgow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whilst a small body of the Guards were hotly engaged on -the shores of Africa, heroically defending against the Moors -the fortress of Tangier—the profitless dowry of the Queen of -Charles II.—the main body of the Grenadiers and Coldstreams, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>or, as they were then called, the First and Second Regiments -of Guards, were employed at home sustaining the tottering -throne of the monarch. Failing to profit by the lessons which -a recent adversity were so well fitted to teach, Charles, like -the rest of his unhappy race, devoted to his own indulgence, -plunged heedlessly into all the excesses of folly and passion. -Casting aside or neglecting the cares of his kingdom, so far at -least as they interfered with his own gratification, he consigned -to creatures of his pleasure, to the bigotry of fawning Jesuits, -or the blind fanaticism of a cruel brother (the Duke of York) -the interests, the business, and the duties of royalty. Amid -such dissoluteness and misrule, the Guards, whilst fulfilling -their duty, must ofttimes have been forced to witness the -dark intrigues of a licentious court; nay, more, they were -frequently called to obey officers who had obtained commissions -from their having ministered discreditably to the -passionate appetites of superiors, or as being the fruit of -some unhallowed intercourse. Their duty, too, required they -should guard not merely the Sovereign of a great nation, but -his <em>seraglio</em>—the abandoned crowd who, dishonouring themselves, -dishonoured their sex, preyed upon the honour of the -nation, with undisguised effrontery daily glittered in finery, -and disgraced the palaces of royalty by their presence. Gladly -might the brave and honourable soldier welcome a respite from -such irksome duties and the influences of such evil examples on -the field of battle; but these were times of comparative peace. -It was not until Charles had sunk into the grave, the victim -of his own indulgence, and his brother, the Duke of York, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>had ascended the throne as James II., that the peace was -disturbed—and then but for a moment—by the pretensions -and rebellion of Monmouth, speedily terminated by the battle -of Sedgemoor, in 1685. During the reign of James II., who -departed not from the evil ways of his brother, but added injustice -and cruelty to the lengthy catalogue of royal iniquities, -only one incident would we notice as belonging to the history -of the Coldstreams, and as emphatically declaring how far -even these stood apart from the sins of the age. James had -committed to the Tower the Archbishop of Canterbury and -other six bishops, who dared respectfully to remonstrate with -the King on behalf of their Protestant brethren, injured by -the pretensions of the Roman Catholics. Faithful to their -duty, the Coldstreams nevertheless received these martyrs to -their ancient faith with every token of respect and reverence. -From the heart of many a soldier ascended the prayer, and -from his eye dropped the dewy tear, as he guarded the gloomy -dungeons of their prison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length, when the cup of royal iniquity was full to overflowing, -when the follies and cruelties of the race of Stuart -had alienated the affections of an otherwise loyal people, then -the oppressed, called to arms, with one voice drove the last -and worst representative of that unfortunate family from the -throne. Then, even then, when all else failed him, even his -own children—the Duke of Grafton, Colonel of the Grenadier -Guards, deserting—the Guards, the Coldstreams, remained -faithful, and with their Colonel, Lord Craven (appointed on -the death of Monk, in 1670), at their head, refused to give -<span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span>place to the stranger. Nor did they forsake the unhappy -prince, or for a moment belie their allegiance to him, until -his pusillanimous flight had rendered their services no longer of -advantage to him. Then only did they make their peace with -the new Sovereign—William, Prince of Orange. Respecting -their constancy to the fallen monarch, and recognising the -Guards to be men of worth, the Prince—now the King—retained -their services, nor hesitated to confide his own person -to their keeping, as the faithful body-guard of a constitutional -throne.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Aware that an officer, well versed in military histories, and -to whose kindness we are largely indebted for much valuable -information embraced in this compilation, is now preparing -the annals of the Guards, in separate volumes, we forbear -saying more of the Grenadiers and Coldstreams, esteeming -the history of the Scots Fusilier Guards sufficient for the -purposes of our present undertaking, as being the one regiment -of the three undoubtedly Scottish.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER V.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Caledonians, brave and bold!</div> - <div class='line'>Heroes, never bought or sold!</div> - <div class='line'>Sons of sires, who died of old</div> - <div class='line in2'>To gild a martial story!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>SCOTS FUSILIER GUARDS—SCOTTISH CIVIL WARS—REVOLUTION.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst the Grenadiers and Coldstreams were unwilling witnesses -to the <em>profligacy</em> and <em>lewdness</em> of the Court, the Scots -Foot Guards, since their establishment in 1661, were more -especially the witnesses of its <em>cruelties</em>. The inquisition established -by Royal Commission, and presided over by the then -Duke of York, rioted in the shedding of the blood of “the -faithful,” and with merciless cruelty persecuted and tortured -our Covenanting forefathers. In 1679, the Scots Foot Guards -were called to make their first essay in arms in the defence -of Glasgow. Their firm front, as they withstood the army of -the Covenanters, may be said to have stemmed the torrent of -rebellion, and saved the Government and the royal cause from -the ruin which threatened it. At the battle of Bothwell -Bridge they were charged with the attack upon the bridge, -which, although desperately defended, they ultimately carried. -This single achievement was victory; the terror, the panic -<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>it inspired in the still formidable army of the Covenanters, -led to a disorderly flight, even before the royal troops -could be brought across the river and formed in line of -attack.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Scots Foot Guards continued to be deeply involved in -the strifes of these unhappy times. Towards the close of -their sojourn in Scotland, 200 of the regiment, under Captain -Streighton, associated with a portion of the Scots Greys, were -employed in taking summary and merciless vengeance upon -Macdonald of Keppoch and his unfortunate clan, because of -their recent raid upon the Macintosh. Immediately thereafter, -the imminent danger to the Crown, caused by the -threatened irruption of the Prince of Orange, which was so -soon to overthrow the existing dynasty, induced James to -draw together to London the whole reliable forces of the -kingdom. Accordingly the Scots Foot Guards, under their -colonel, Lieutenant-General Douglas, marched with the Scottish -army southward. Arriving in London towards the close -of October, the regiment, 1251 strong, was quartered in the -vicinity of Holborn. Advanced with the royal army, the Scots -Foot Guards were stationed at Reading. Here, becoming -tainted with the general disaffection then prevalent, a battalion -deserted to the Prince of Orange. The events in the -sequel, bringing about the dissolution of the authority of the -King, and the establishment of the House of Orange under -William and Mary, speedily reunited the battalions of the -regiment under the new authority, and it is hereafter to be -regarded as the Scots Fusilier, or Third Regiment of Guards. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>The title of Scots Fusilier Guards was conferred on them as -late as the 22d April, 1831.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The ambitious views of Louis XIV.—“<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>Le Grand Monarque</em></span>”—of -France were for the moment paralysed, as he -found himself outdone in his calculations by the unexpected -turn of events in England—the overthrow of the Stuarts and -the splendid triumphs of the House of Orange. Nettled by -these disappointments, he readily entertained the schemes of -James, not so much that he desired the restoration of that -imbecile monarch—even although, as hitherto, enjoying the -shadow of independent power, he should continue the tool of -the Jesuits of France—but rather that he might find a favourable -pretext to trouble the House of Orange, whom he had -been long accustomed to regard as his natural and mortal foe. -He aspired, moreover, to unite the Netherlands—the hereditary -dominion of the Stadtholder—to France, perchance to reduce -these sea-girt isles of ours to acknowledge his authority and -become an appanage of his Crown. Whilst James—encouraged -by the fair promises of Louis—laboured to fan into flame the -discontents of the English Jacobites, the Scottish Clans, and -the Irish Papists, Louis prepared formidable armaments by -sea and land, with which he speedily assailed the Netherlands. -Meanwhile, aided by the natural reaction which generally -follows the outburst of strong feelings, James succeeded but -too well in his malignant purpose; in Scotland, by the rebellion -of the Highland Clans, under Viscount Dundee, and in -Ireland, by the rebellion of Irish Papists, under Tyrconnell. -It required all the firmness and ability of William to meet -<span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>this formidable coalition, which threatened his dominions at -home and abroad; but the King, who could point to times in -his eventful history when, with far less promise of a successful -issue, he had overthrown more powerful foes—sustained now, -too, by the veteran experience of Schomberg and the rising -genius of Marlborough—promptly prepared to uphold his -new-gotten and extensive authority as the Champion of the -Protestant cause, a title which he had long enjoyed, and a -faith which, despite the wrathful persecution of kings, he had -owned and protected.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a time, in Scotland, victory seemed indecisive, but -after the death of Dundee at Killiecrankie, the cause of James, -languishing for a while, was at length abandoned as hopeless -by the Clans, and in 1691 the rebellion terminated by their -submission. In Ireland, the success of James was complete, -with the exception of Londonderry and Enniskillen, which, -being resolutely and gloriously defended as the last bulwarks -of Irish Protestantism, still held out. Even the arrival of -Schomberg, in 1689, at the head of a considerable number of -newly-raised regiments of English and French Huguenots, -aided by a Dutch force, failed to do more than awe the -rebels. In the following year William himself joined the -army, with large supplies, and by his presence revived the -spirit of his troops—now increased to 36,000. A battalion -of the Scots Foot Guards at the same time recruiting the -royal army, led by their colonel, General Douglas, were -present at the battle of the Boyne, where they materially contributed -to the overthrow of the Irish rebels. They were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>also present with the army, under Ginkel, which ultimately -dispersed the troops of the malcontents, driving James from -the throne of Ireland, and so united the island once more -to the British Empire.</p> - -<p class='c000'>While these events were taking place at home, Marlborough -had been sent in command of a British contingent, -which comprised, with other troops, a battalion of the Scots -Foot Guards and one of the Coldstream Guards, to act -with the Dutch and German allies, under Prince Waldeck, -against the French in the Netherlands. It is interesting -to note this, as being the first effort in arms of the Scots -Foot Guards upon a foreign shore and against a foreign foe. -In the first action of the campaign, fought at Walcourt, our -Guards were present, but occupied no very important post, -the brunt of the battle having been sustained by the Coldstreams, -under Colonel Talmash, the Sixteenth Regiment of -Foot and the First Regiment of Royal Scots, under Colonel -Hodges. Although forming a part of the Scottish brigade, the -regiment, indeed the army, achieved nothing of importance -until 1692, when King William, having effectually secured -peace at home, placed himself at the head of his forces, infusing -by his presence new energy and life into the war. Notwithstanding -the enthusiasm which pervaded the troops when -William assumed the command, they could make no impression -upon the French army, directed by the abilities of the -Duc de Luxembourg. On the contrary, the allies were -doomed to suffer severe defeats at Steenkirk in 1692, and -Landen in 1693. In the latter, Corporal Trim, in Sterne’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>renowned “Tristram Shandy,” is represented to have been -wounded whilst serving with his master, the kindly-hearted -Uncle Toby, in Leven’s regiment, now the Twenty-fifth King’s -Own Borderers. The after campaigns are unmarked by any -decisive event. The death of Luxembourg, and the incapacity -of his successor—Villeroy—enabled the confederates somewhat -to retrieve the disasters of the past. Soon the almost -impregnable fortress of Namur—bravely defended by Marshal -Bouffleurs, and as bravely assailed by our troops—was, after -a fearful carnage, lost to France. In 1697, weary of a war -which had been fraught with no decided success on either -side, the peace of Ryswick put an end for the present to a -further waste of blood and treasure.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Guards, returning to England, enjoyed but for a -short space a respite from active service. France having for -a moment tasted the sweets of victory, having largely recruited -her armies, thirsted for more blood, longed for new -worlds to conquer; whilst her ambitious lord, grasping, -through minions of his house, the vacant throne of Spain, -once more roused the allied wrath of Europe. During the -previous reign our country had groaned under a shameful -vassalage to France. The gold of the crafty Louis had -outweighed the feeble sense of honour which yet lived and -lurked amid the corrupt Court of James. But the accession -of William to the throne put an end to these traitorous -traffickings for the independency of the land. The new rule -and healthier administration of the House of Orange dispelled -the night of slavery, revived the drooping spirit of liberty, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>and restored the nation to its true manhood. Even now did -she begin to assume that position of first importance among -the continental powers which she has never ceased honourably -to retain. Her alliance was anxiously courted, and her enmity -dreaded by all. With becoming majesty her ministers may -be said to have presided in the councils of the nations. With -terrible might she threw the weight of her sword into the -scale as an arbiter—the defender of the right.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1701 and 1702 the British army was being assembled -in the Netherlands, and posted in the vicinity of Breda—the -Guards forming an important part of the force. Meanwhile -the Dutch and German auxiliaries were drawing -together their several contingents. Difficulties arose amongst -the confederates as to the officer who should assume the -chief command. Happily, however, these were at length -overcome. The Earl of Athlone, as the senior, waving his -claim, the command of the allied army was conferred on -Marlborough, who, in the campaigns which were about to -open, should win laurels of a mighty fame. From the great -number of strong fortresses which studded the plains of the -Netherlands and guarded the frontier, the campaigns were, -in consequence, largely made up of perplexing manœuvres -and sieges. It is, however, worthy of notice that in each -year the might and energy of the combatants were concentrated -into one great fight, rather than a succession of minor -engagements. The character of the country, no doubt, helped -to this mode of warfare. Thus we record, in succession, the -great battles of Blenheim, in 1704; Ramilies, in 1706; Oudenarde, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>in 1708; Malplaquet, in 1709. It is unnecessary to -detail the marchings and counter-marchings of the Guards as -they waited upon the several sieges; sufficient be it to say, -they did “the State some service.” At Nimeguen, with -the First Royals, they rendered essential service in repelling -an unexpected attack of an immensely superior French force, -who had hoped to surprise and proudly capture the allied -chiefs in the midst of their deliberations. In 1703 the strongholds -of Huy and Limburg capitulated to the allies. During -this campaign the Guards were brigaded with the Fifteenth, -Twenty-third, and Twenty-fourth Regiments under General -Withers. But the succeeding year was destined to witness -a far more magnificent achievement—the sudden and rapid -transference of the British army from the plains of the -Netherlands to the valley of the Danube; a movement which, -affording timely succour, and graced by the triumphs of -Schellenberg and Blenheim, restored the sinking fortunes of -the Imperial arms, and proved the deliverance of Germany. -Associated with the First Royals, the Twenty-third Regiment, -with detachments from other corps, the Guards sustained a -terrible fight and suffered a severe loss in storming the heights -of Schellenberg. Their valour on this occasion was most -conspicuous. The furious and repeated assaults of their gallant -foe entailed frequent repulses; still their firmness was -unconquerable; again and again they returned to the attack, -until their perseverance was at length crowned with complete -success in the utter rout of the enemy. But this defeat on -the part of the French and Bavarians was only the prelude to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>a more terrible disaster. The allied army of Germans, Dutch, -Prussians, and British, driving the enemy before them, at -length halted in the neighbourhood of Blenheim, where the -French and Bavarians, largely recruited and strongly posted, -under Marshals Tallard and Marsin, had resolved to try the -issue of battle. In the action which followed, the Guards had -six officers killed and wounded. After the siege and surrender -of Landau, which immediately followed this victory, the -Guards returned with the army to the Netherlands, where, -in the succeeding campaigns, they were hotly engaged, forcing -the enemy’s lines at Helixem, and more especially at the great -pitched contests of Ramilies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet. In -1712 the peace of Utrecht once more restored them to their -native land.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile the Spanish Peninsula was the scene of a conflict, -although conducted on a less gigantic scale, embittered -by the personal presence of the rival sovereigns—Philip of -Bourbon and Charles of Austria. France having espoused the -cause of Philip—which was really the cause of the people—had -so vigorously pressed the allies, that notwithstanding -the presence of a British force, they could hardly maintain a -footing in the Peninsula for themselves, or for Charles as -claimant to the throne. The war is remarkable as developing -the military abilities of two most illustrious soldiers who -successively directed the French armies—the Duke of Berwick -and the Duc de Vendôme. In 1704 Gibraltar had been -captured by a party of British sailors. A portion of the -Guards garrisoned the fortress, and heroically withstood all -<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>the efforts of the Spaniards to recover it. In the following -year the British fleet arrived, and forced Marshal Tessé to -raise the siege, in consequence of which the Guards were -withdrawn to form a part of the expedition under the Earl -of Peterborough, which landed in Catalonia and captured -Barcelona. Soon, however, this transient success was dissipated -by the return of the French and Spanish armies, who -in turn besieged the British. After enduring many privations, -and making a gallant defence, the besieged were relieved in -the eleventh hour by the presence of a British squadron with -reinforcements. But this temporary aid only served, by -elevating the hopes of the garrison, to induce a more serious -disaster, in the utter rout of the allies at the battle of -Almanaza which shortly followed, and virtually gave the -kingdom to the House of Bourbon. Urged by Marlborough, -the British Government were roused to prosecute the war -with greater vigour in Spain than hitherto, as being a diversion -of the utmost importance to the allied operations in the -Netherlands, Germany, and Italy. Accordingly, in 1709 two -formidable armies were sent out, one to act in Portugal, under -Lord Galway, and the other in Spain, under Generals Staremberg -and Stanhope. The latter of these included a battalion -of the Scots Fusilier Guards. Advancing upon Madrid, everything -seemed to promise success to their enterprise—the -speedy downfall of the Bourbon dynasty, and the establishment -of the House of Austria upon the throne. Their advance -was distinguished by the victory of Saragossa, in which the -British captured thirty standards and colours. The French -<span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span>General retiring, waited his opportunity, when, with recruited -ranks, and the popular opinion on his side, he returned and -forced the British, under Staremberg and Stanhope, to make a -precipitate retreat, in course of which General Stanhope, at -the head of 6000 troops, including the Scots Fusilier Guards, -was overtaken at Birhuega by a superior force of the enemy. -The British for two days heroically defended themselves, but -were ultimately forced to surrender. General Staremberg, -however, somewhat repaired the disaster by defeating the -enemy in the battle of Villa Viciosa with great slaughter, -and thus secured for his wearied yet gallant troops a safe -retreat.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1715 the Scots Fusilier Guards were placed in garrison -in Portsmouth and Plymouth. Notwithstanding the rebellions -in Scotland of 1715 and 1719 the regiment continued to be -peacefully employed in the south. In 1722 the colonelcy was -conferred on General St Clair.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER VI.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Heroes!—for instant sacrifice prepared;</div> - <div class='line'>Yet filled with ardour and on triumph bent</div> - <div class='line'>’Mid direst shocks of mortal accident—</div> - <div class='line'>To you who fell, and you whom slaughter spared</div> - <div class='line'>To guard the fallen, and consummate the event,</div> - <div class='line'>Your country rears this sacred monument.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>WAR OF THE AUSTRIAN SUCCESSION—SEVEN YEARS’ WAR—AMERICAN -INDEPENDENCE—FRENCH REVOLUTION—CRIMEA—ANTICIPATED -RUPTURE WITH THE UNITED STATES—1742–1862.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The family feuds which at this time divided the House of -Austria once more kindled the flames of continental war. -In support of the Austrians, George II. sent a British army -into the Netherlands. Assuming himself the command of -the allies, he prepared to combat, on this ancient battlefield, -the confederacy of France, Prussia, and Bavaria. With -the army, the present Scots Fusilier Guards landed in Holland -in 1742, under the Earl of Dunmore. They were present at -the battle of Dettingen in 1743, where the French were -signally defeated. In the following year Marshal Wade -assumed the command of the allies. Nothing of importance -was undertaken until 1745, when the Duke of Cumberland -was appointed to the command;—the Guards were at this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>period brigaded with the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, -(then making their first campaign as the Forty-third Regiment, -or “Black Watch,” which latter title has recently -been confirmed to them.) At the battle of Fontenoy, fought -for the relief of Tournay, this brigade was charged with the -attack upon the village of Veson. Here the French, strongly -entrenched, made a gallant defence, but were forced to yield -to the fierce onset of such a chosen body of troops. The ill -success of the Dutch auxiliaries in other parts of the field, and -the last and desperate charge of Marshal Saxe at the head of -the French Guards, with the Irish and Scottish brigades in -the French service, led on by the young Chevalier, speedily -changed the fortunes of the day, compelled the allies to -retreat, and our brave Guards reluctantly to relinquish the -important post their valour had won.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meantime, Prince Charles Edward having landed in Scotland, -set up the standard of rebellion, and summoned the -tumultuous and fierce array of the clans to do battle for his -pretensions to the throne. The war on the Continent having -occasioned the withdrawal of a large body of the regular -army, the rebels succeeded in driving before them the few -troops which had been left at home. Their progress southward -into England promised the speedy downfall of the House -of Brunswick, and the restoration of that of Stuart. The -timely return of the major part of the army, including the -Scots Fusilier Guards, from Holland, at this juncture, arrested -the advance of the rebels upon London, and occasioned their -precipitate retreat into Scotland. A strong force of the king’s -<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>troops, including a portion of the Guards, advanced in pursuit -of the prince, whilst the remainder, grouped in positions in -and around London, prepared to defend the country from -the threatened descent of the French. The bloody defeat of -Culloden, as it utterly ruined the rebel army, so it terminated -the war, by the dispersion or submission of the clans and the -flight of the prince.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Culloden’s moor! a darker scene</div> - <div class='line'>Of civil strife thy sons have seen,</div> - <div class='line'>When for an exiled Prince ye bled,</div> - <div class='line'>Now mourn alas! your “mighty dead,”</div> - <div class='line in12'>The brave o’ bonnie Scotland.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Peace having been restored at home, the Scots Fusilier -Guards, with other regiments, returned to Holland in 1747, -where the French, in their absence, had made considerable -progress. The only event of importance which occurred in -the campaign was the battle of Val, in which the immense -superiority of the French compelled the retreat of the British, -under the Duke of Cumberland. In 1748 peace was concluded -at Aix-la-Chapelle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Disputes arising as to the boundary line of the British and -French colonies, and neither party accepting a peaceful solution, -war was declared in 1756. Whilst the reputation of the -British arms was being gloriously sustained on the distant -continent of America and in Lower Germany, the Guards -were engaged in frequent descents upon the French coast. At -St Cas they specially distinguished themselves. The peace of -1763 secured to our colonists the quiet possession of the fruits -<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>of their own industry against the cupidity of the French. -Scarcely had this result been attained when difficulties arose -with the colonists themselves, by their refusal to be taxed by -the home government without an equivalent representation. -Our armies were accordingly recalled in 1775 to the American -continent, whilst the colonists, preparing for a vigorous defence, -allied themselves with their late enemies, the French. -The Scots Fusilier Guards formed a part of the British expedition, -and under Clinton, Howe, and Cornwallis, upheld their -ancient reputation for discipline and valour in the fresh and -difficult warfare to which, in the desolate wilds of the New -World, they were called. This unfortunate war, fraught with -disastrous results, and waged with great fury and bitter hate -on both sides, was concluded in 1783, and secured the -independence of the colonists, who formed themselves into a -Republic, under the designation of the United States.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1782 the Duke of Argyll had been promoted to the -colonelcy of the Scots Fusilier Guards.</p> - -<p class='c000'>France, too long enslaved but now suddenly emancipated -from the galling tyranny of “the privileged orders,” -writhing under all the miseries of Revolution, had ruined -every vestige of righteous government, and consigned the -nation to the more cruel bondage of a despot mob. At -length these evil influences were incarnated in the demon -rule of the “Reign of Terror.” Bankrupt in every sense, -to feed the starving crowd who daily clamoured for bread, -proved a task too hard for the wretched creatures who -had been elevated to power through the blood of their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>predecessors, and who called themselves the Government, -whilst the whim of the people continued them in favour. -As they were but the Government of a day, so they cared -little for the consequences beyond their own time. To maintain -their popularity, and if possible avert the fate which -ever threatened them from the blind fury and unbridled -passion of the mob, they gladly entered upon a universal -crusade against the governments and liberties of neighbouring -nations, hoping thereby to direct the merciless wrath of the -people into this new channel, and so save themselves. Soon -the ranks of the armies were recruited by a fierce and -undisciplined multitude. But the very magnitude of these -armaments proved their ruin, and but for the spasmodic -efforts of the Revolutionary tyrants in the national defence, -which achieved marvels, the Revolution must have been -crushed at this early stage. A small British force, including -the Coldstream and Scots Fusilier Guards, was sent over to -the Netherlands, under the Duke of York, who vainly endeavoured -to stem the torrent of aggression in that direction. -Equally fruitless were the attempts of the British Cabinet to -patch up an alliance amongst the nations, so as effectually to -unite them in defending the liberties of Europe. Although the -victory of Lincelles graced our arms, still, alone, our troops -could not hope for success against the immense armaments -that continued to emerge from France. The British were -therefore compelled to recede before the advancing tide, and -postpone “the day of reckoning.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Amongst the many ruthless and reckless, yet bold and able -<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>men which the Revolution produced, none claims such a space -in history, none so suited his times, none was so equal to the -crisis, as Napoleon Bonaparte. His brilliant achievements in -Italy under the Consulate had already taken the public mind -by storm, when in 1801 he invaded Egypt, crossed the sterile -desert, overthrew the feeble cohorts of the Sultan, and -threatened to add Syria to the empire of the French. At -Acre his legions were for the first time arrested by the firmness -of British valour. In 1801 a British army, including -the present Coldstream and Scots Fusilier Guards, was sent to -Egypt, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, to expel the invader. -Thirsting for some new field of conquest to feed his ambition, -Napoleon had returned to France, leaving General Menou to -make good the defence. The defeats of Mandora and Alexandria -effectually broke the already sinking spirit of the -French, and resulted in their abandonment of Egypt. In -consideration of their efforts in this service, the Coldstream -and Scots Fusilier Guards have been allowed the distinction -of “the Sphinx,” with the word “<span class='sc'>Egypt</span>.”</p> - -<div id='i066' class='figcenter id007'> -<img src='images/i_b_066fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>NAPOLEON</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The cloud which for a moment dimmed the lustre of his -arms, as this province was wrested from his sway, was soon -dispelled in the glories that elsewhere crowned his efforts, -especially in Spain, which, by the foulest perfidy, he had -virtually made a portion of his vast empire. Frequent -expeditions had been contemplated—some had sailed, two at -least had landed on the shores of the Peninsula—still nothing -decisive had been accomplished towards aiding the Spanish -and Portuguese in the expulsion of the French. In 1809, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>however, a powerful British force under Sir Arthur Wellesley, -afterwards “the Great Duke,” was sent out, including the -Coldstream and Scots Fusilier Guards. It is unnecessary at -present to follow them throughout the glories of the war, as -we shall have occasion to do so in after chapters; enough for -our purpose to mention the battles of Talavera (1809) and -Barrosa (1811), in which they specially distinguished themselves.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having delivered Spain, Sir Arthur Wellesley, now Lord -Wellington, advanced into France, and sorely pressed the -retiring foe. It needed all the ability of Marshal Soult to -hold together the shattered remnant of his broken and disspirited -army. With masterly tact and skill he preserved a -seeming order in his retreat, so as to save the army from the -ignominy of a flight. Meanwhile, France having exhausted her -resources, her people became tired of the yoke of the Emperor, -who, whilst fortune smiled upon his arms, had been to them a -very god, but now that the spell of victory was broken, was -revealed in truer colours as the ambitious yet mighty despot. -Martial glory, as the ruling passion of the nation, had bewitched -the people, and received in ready sacrifice the best -blood of the land. Long, too long, had the power of Napoleon, -like a dark shadow, rested upon one-half of the known world, -whilst the empty vanity of unhappy France was charmed by -delusive visions of victory. The times were sadly changed. -With a melancholy joy Europe had witnessed the utter ruin -of the splendid and countless host which the fiat of the mighty -chief had pressed into his service. Buried beneath the snows -<span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>of a Russian winter—hurled in confusion back upon his own -land—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,</div> - <div class='line'>Hath melted like snow in the glance of the Lord.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>This appalling catastrophe, combined with British successes -in the Peninsula, had revived the spirit of the -nations, allied them in a holy crusade, and marshalled the -might of Europe in array to crush the tyrant. One by one, -they wrested from his sway the kingdoms he had engulfed, -and which groaned beneath a cruel bondage. Step by step, -their hosts converged, as the tide of war rolled, towards -France. All but alone, with his brave and devoted Guard -driven to bay, he made a desperate but unavailing stand on -the plains of France. In vain he addressed the patriotism of -the people; already the fountain had been dried up by his -incessant wars and the unremitting demands he had made -upon the blood and treasure of the land. Surrendering, at -length, the hopeless contest, abdicating the throne, he passed -into honourable exile in Elba.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ambition, still the tempter, assailing, soon prevailed. -Eluding the vigilance of the British fleet, he succeeded in -escaping into France, accompanied by a few of his old Guard, -who had shared his exile. The mind of the people, which for -more than twenty years had lived amid a wild delirium of -excitement, still lingering upon the threshold of the mighty -past, had not yet learned to submit to the more benignant rule -of peace. The army, unwisely disbanded, or despoiled of those -symbols of glory which their valour had so nobly won—trophies -<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>which, to a soldier, must ever be dear as life itself—were -being consumed by the ennui of idleness, longed for new -employment. Hence the return of Napoleon paralysed resistance -as recalling the military glory of the Empire; awakening -new hopes, promising revenge for the past, employment for -the present, and glory for the future, it stirred within the -bosom of the soldier and the lower classes of the people a -reverence and adoration, almost amounting to idolatry. -Rapidly advancing from stage to stage, as on a triumphal -march, Napoleon found himself once more at Paris—hailed -Emperor—it is true, doubted by the better classes of the -people, but worshipped by the army. His desperate efforts -soon enabled him to take the field, at the head of a powerful -and well-appointed army, with which he proposed to meet in -detail, and so destroy, his numerous and returning enemies. -Unfortunately for him, he chose the Netherlands to be the -scene, and Britain and Prussia the objects, of his first, and, as -the result proved, his last attack. For a moment a gleam of -sunshine shone upon his path, as he attained the victory of -Ligny, over the Prussians under Marshal Blucher. Luring -him to destruction, this flash of success was only the precursor -to the dread thunder of Waterloo. Alarmed by the disastrous -intelligence of the Prussian defeat and the rapid advance -of the French, Wellington, who commanded the British and -other auxiliaries, quickly concentrated his army near the village -of Waterloo. But ere he could accomplish this, Marshal -Ney, at the head of the second French division, had surprised -and fallen upon, with great fury, the British, as they advanced -<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>upon Quatre Bras, on the same day that Ligny was won. -The action was honourably sustained by a few British -Regiments, especially the Twenty-eighth, and the Forty-second, -Seventy-ninth and Ninety-second Highland Regiments. The -heroic stand made by these gave time for the arrival of other -corps, including the Guards—the Scots Fusilier Guards—who -succeeded, after a desperate struggle, in effectually checking -the progress of the French Marshal, and thus depriving him -of a most favourable opportunity of cutting to pieces in detail -our army. Two days later, on the 18th of June, the Duke -had successfully accomplished the concentration of his forces, -which, drawn up in battle array at Waterloo, waited the arrival -of the Prussians, to begin the fight. But Napoleon, perceiving -his advantage in the absence of such an important succour, -rushed eagerly to battle, put forth every effort to achieve -victory, ere Blucher, impeded by the disorders of recent -defeat, could afford any assistance. The Scots Fusilier Guards, -with the Grenadiers and Coldstreams, were stationed in the -chateau and grounds of Hougomont, where they were soon -fiercely assailed by the French, who repeatedly forcing the -gateway, drove the British into the house. Again and again -the enemy were repulsed, but still anew they returned to the -assault. The combat was resolutely maintained, and it was -not until the close of this eventful day, when the French, -repulsed at every point, and gradually relaxing their efforts, -were ultimately driven from the field, that our Guards found -a release from the incessant toils of the fight. The victory -achieved by the British was now completed by the Prussians, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>who continued the pursuit—a pursuit which may be said only -to have ceased at the gates of Paris, when, Napoleon abdicating, -the war was terminated by the restoration of the old -Monarchy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From Mr Carter’s interesting work on “The Medals of -the British Army,” we, by permission, quote the following -refutation in regard to an alleged sum of £500 having -been accorded to a Waterloo veteran:—“A statement has -frequently appeared in the newspapers, which was repeated -after the decease of General Sir James Macdonell, G.C.B., -on the 15th of May, 1857, that five hundred pounds had -been bequeathed to the bravest man in the British army, -and that the two executors called upon the late Duke of -Wellington, to give him a cheque for the money. As the -story went, the Duke proposed that it should be given to Sir -James for the defence of Hougomont, and that upon the -money being tendered to him, he at first declined to receive -it, but that ultimately he shared it with Sergeant-Major -Fraser of the 3d Foot Guards, now the Scots Fusilier Guards.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Having recently seen this statement again in print while -these pages were in preparation, and Sir James Macdonell -having about ten years ago mentioned to me that he had -never received the money, I made further inquiries, from -which I ascertained that Sergeant-Major Ralph Fraser is now -a bedesman in Westminster Abbey. Considering that the -above legacy might possibly have been since received, I called -upon the sergeant-major, who lives at 18 West Street, Pimlico, -and is now in his 79th year, in order to ascertain the fact, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>found that it had not. This gallant and intelligent veteran is -in the full possession of his faculties, and, in addition to his -having aided in closing the gate at Hougomont, can look with -becoming pride on his having shared in the following services:—He -was enlisted in the 3d Foot Guards in 1799, and was -embarked for Egypt in 1801. In the landing at Aboukir -Bay, on the 8th of March of that year, the boat in which -Corporal Fraser was contained sixty persons, officers included; -all except fifteen were destroyed by the resistance of the -enemy. He was present at the battles of the 13th and 21st -March; and in the expedition to Hanover, 1805; bombardment -of Copenhagen, 1807; and from 1809 to 1814 in the -Peninsula, being present at the capture of Oporto, battles of -Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes d’Onor (wounded in the leg and -thigh), sieges of Ciudad Rodrigo, Burgos (again wounded in -the leg), Badajoz, and St Sebastian; battles of Salamanca, -Vittoria, passage of the Nivelle and Nive. He received, in -addition to the Waterloo medal, that for the Peninsular war, -with bars for Egypt, Talavera, Busaco, Fuentes d’Onor, Ciudad -Rodrigo, Salamanca, Vittoria, Nivelle, and Nive. Sergeant-Major -Fraser was discharged in December, 1818.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This account, doubtless, may be traced to the following -circumstance mentioned by Colonel Siborne in his valuable -History of the Waterloo Campaign:—“Early in August of -that year, and while the Anglo-allied army was at Paris, the -Duke of Wellington received a letter from the Rev. Mr -Norcross, rector of Framlingham, in Suffolk, expressing his -wish to confer a pension of ten pounds a year, for life, on -<span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span>some Waterloo soldier, to be named by his Grace. The Duke -requested Sir John Byng (the late Lord Stafford) to choose -a man from the second brigade of Guards, which had so -highly distinguished itself in the defence of Hougomont. -Out of numerous instances of good conduct evinced by several -individuals of each battalion, Sergeant James Graham, of the -light company of the Coldstreams, was selected to receive the -proffered annuity, as notified in brigade orders of the 9th -of August, 1815. This was paid to him during two years, -at the expiration of which period it ceased, in consequence -of the bankruptcy of the benevolent donor.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the heroic character of the battle, our people have -been prevailed on to credit many incidents, which, savouring -of the romantic, suited their tastes, have been accepted as -truisms, but which facts fail to corroborate. “One very -prevailing idea that Wellington gave out the words, ‘Up, -Guards, and at them!’ is not borne out by fact, for it was -afterwards ascertained from the Duke himself that he did not; -and another, the meeting of his Grace and Marshal Blucher at -La Belle Alliance, after the battle, is equally apocryphal. -This, however, is to be one of the designs of the House of -Lords, and will therefore be handed down to posterity as -a fact.” For nearly forty years the Scots Fusilier Guards had -been retained at home, in or around London.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1853, the storm which had been long gathering in the -north—presaging wrath to Liberty and to Man—at length -burst forth, and descending with rapacious might upon the -dominions of the Turkish Sultan, threatened to overwhelm in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>utter ruin the crumbling remnant of the empire of Constantine. -The impatient covetousness of the Czar of Russia had -put forth the hand of the spoiler, intending to appropriate the -realms of the Sultan, and make Constantinople the southern -gate of his colossal empire. Justly alarmed at the already -gigantic power of Russia, which promised further to enlarge -itself at the expense of the feebler Powers around, France and -Britain took up arms, and threw the weight of their potent -influence into the contest on behalf of the oppressed Turks, -whose single arm had hitherto proved equal to the struggle. -Accordingly, France, Turkey, and Britain, ultimately aided by -Sardinia, entered the lists of war, to sustain the liberty of -Europe against the despotism of the North, adopting as their -watchword the memorable words of Lord John Russell, “May -God defend the right.”</p> - -<div id='i074' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/i_b_074fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE. COLONEL Of THE SCOTS FUSILIER GUARDS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The first battalion of the Scots Fusilier Guards, brigaded -with a battalion of the Grenadiers, and another of the -Coldstreams, were embarked for the scene of action, which -ultimately proved to be the Crimea. They sailed from -Portsmouth, in H.M.S. the “Simoom;” and passing successively -from Malta, Gallipoli, and Varna, arrived at length in -the Crimea. The brigade of Guards, and that of the Highlanders, -consisting of the Forty-second, Seventy-ninth, and -Ninety-third, under their favourite chieftain, Sir Colin Campbell, -were closely allied in all the dangers and glories of the -war in the First Infantry division, commanded by his Royal -Highness the Duke of Cambridge. The long peace which -had preceded the outbreak of hostilities, and the cry for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span>“greater public economy,” which it had induced from a people -long accustomed to look only at the arithmetic of pounds, -shillings, and pence, in such vital questions, had in consequence -brought all that magnificent machinery of war, -possessed by our country, to a standstill. It followed, as -a necessary result, when our Cabinet failed to achieve a -peaceful solution of the matters at issue, as had been fondly -anticipated, and we were unexpectedly called to a declaration -of war, it was found impossible at once to set in motion the -vast machinery of war, which had so long been “laid up in -ordinary.” Hence our gallant troops were doomed to pay the -penalty of our ill-judged economy, and endure many and sore -privations—privations which were the more keenly felt, inasmuch -as they were to be endured, amid the snows of a -Crimean winter, by men, too, whose previous life had been -comparatively one of comfort, in no way calculated to fit -the soldier to encounter the pitiless horrors and fatigues of -war. Disease and want, like armed men, entered the camp, -closely followed by their master, the grim King of Terrors—Death; -and thus we have been called to lament, with a truly -bitter sorrow, the loss of our brave countrymen, who, alike in -the hospital as in the battle-field, displayed all the grand and -noble qualities of the soldier and the virtues of the true man. -The conduct of the Guards in their first engagement at the -battle of the Alma is described by Marshal St Arnaud as altogether -“superb.” Lieutenants Lindsay and Thistlethwayte, -were especially distinguished for their heroic defence of -the colours of the Scots Fusilier Guards. At the battle of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>Inkermann, the Guards, having driven the Russians out of a -battery, named the Sandbag Battery, of which they had early -possessed themselves, sustained with desperate gallantry the -impetuous assaults of the enemy, and, although forced for -a moment to give way, were soon again enabled to retrieve -themselves, and maintain possession of the battery, around -which and for which they so bravely contended. Although -stunned by these repeated disasters in the field, yet with that -“dogged obstinacy,” which has characterised the Russians, -conceiving themselves secure behind the battlements of -Sebastopol, they still held out. Strengthened in the idea of -impregnability, from the fact that this vast citadel of Southern -Russia had already withstood six successive bombardments, -defied the combined efforts of the Allies by sea and land, and -yet no sensible impression had been made, or aught of decided -success attained by the besiegers, they hoped that what their -valour could not achieve in the battle-field, the snows of -winter or the stroke of the pestilence would effect—the -destruction of our armies, and their consequent deliverance. -The successive fall of the Mamelon, the Malakoff, and the -Redan, dispelled this illusion, and prudence, rightly esteemed -the better part of valour, induced a timely evacuation ere our -Highland Brigade returned to the assault. Sebastopol no -longer defensible, the enemy sued for peace, which was -granted, and this stronghold of tyranny, dismantled and -abandoned, was assumed to be converted into a haven for -fishermen and traders, rather than the mighty arsenal, whence -had so long issued the formidable fleets which had inspired -<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>terror among weaker and neighbouring states—at least so the -treaty required. Meanwhile our gallant Guards, returning to -England, were welcomed by a grateful country.</p> - -<div id='i077' class='figcenter id008'> -<img src='images/i_b_077fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>MONUMENT TO THE GUARDS, LONDON.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>It is only now, when the audacious impudence of -“Brother Jonathan” had dared to insult our time-honoured -flag—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Which braved a thousand years the battle and the breeze,”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>and thought to bully us out of the glorious charter which has -conferred upon us the “dominion of the seas,” that our Scots -Fusilier Guards were once more called to prepare for action; -and, having gone across the Atlantic as the van of our army, -anxiously waited the signal to avenge, if need be, such unprovoked -insult and aggression. Happily our firm demeanour -has effectually quelled the storm, and impressed wiser and -more wholesome measures, whereby peace has hitherto been -continued.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One sentence only shall express our feelings, as we look -back upon the history of our <em>Scots Fusilier Guards</em>, which we -have here attempted to sketch—Every man has nobly done -his duty.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE FIRST ROYAL REGIMENT OF FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>or,</span> <br /> <span class='large'>ROYAL SCOTS.</span></h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER VIII.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Heroes, in your ancestral line,</div> - <div class='line'>Hallow the shades of “Auld Langsyne;”</div> - <div class='line'>Men who in their country’s story</div> - <div class='line'>Shine brightly on the page of glory,</div> - <div class='line in14'>Noo sleep in bonnie Scotland.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>ANCIENT HISTORY—882–1660.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>As we approach the history of this venerable regiment we -cannot help feeling all those sentiments of reverence and -respect which are the becoming tribute to an honoured old -age—a history which well nigh embraces, as it awakens,</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The stirring memories of a <em>thousand years</em>.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Consistent with the bold and adventurous spirit of the -Scotsman, we find him pushing his fortune in almost every -land under the sun; with a brave and manly heart going -down to the battle of life; blessing, by his industry and enterprise, -many a clime wherein he has settled, and so climbing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>the loftiest pinnacles of greatness; or, by “diligence in business,” -earning the kingdom of a merchant prince. Of all the -many and varied departments of life in which the Scotsman -has been distinguished, he is most pre-eminent in the honourable -profession of a soldier. Driven from his beloved country -by the cruel tyrannies which from time to time oppressed her, -or exiled by the hard necessities of a pinching poverty—wandering -in many lands, the Scotsman nevertheless gratefully -retains the recollection of his fatherland, and, in spirit, -returns with fondness to the endeared associations of home—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The bonnie blithe blink o’ his ain fireside.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Such is the ruling passion which lives in his soul. “Home, -sweet home,” exerting a hallowed, chastening influence upon -his daily life, has nerved the soldier’s arm, and, by its magic -charm, awakened the energies of the man. As a “guiding -star,” it has pointed out the path of honour—like a “ministering -angel,” its soothing influence has at other times calmed -the troubled sea of life, and, though it be but for a moment, -has given something of peace to the weary, as it is intended -to be a foretaste of the blessedness—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“A something <em>here</em> of heaven above.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Already volumes have been written on the martial achievements -of the Scottish nation, and we are fully impressed with -the magnitude of our undertaking when, in these brief pages, -we propose to illustrate the heroic tale of our ancient glory. -Nowhere is there a more perfect representative of our exiles -<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>who have been soldiers, amongst “the bravest of the brave,” -in many lands, than is afforded us in our present sketch of the -<em>First or Royal Scots Regiment of Foot</em>. Many and conflicting -have been the accounts given of their early history. Some -have imagined the present regiment to be the representative -of the Archers of the Scottish Guard, which, in the days of -Bruce, had been associated with Royalty and the defence of -the Scottish throne; others have given their origin to the -Scottish Guard, which had for many years been the Body -Guard of the French kings; but the most complete and -authentic account, derived from many sources, is that given -by Richard Cannon, Esq. of the Adjutant General’s Office, -in the admirable Historical Records of the Royals, wherein -the origin of the regiment is traced to the ingathering -of our exiles, who had hitherto served with great credit as -soldiers, nay as Royal Guards, in the armies of France, Denmark, -Sweden, and the States of Holland, to be formed into -one, the present regiment of First Royal Scots Foot. As early -as the year 882 <span class='fss'>A.D.</span> Charles III., king of France, had selected -from among the exiles a body of Scottish gentlemen, conspicuous -for their fidelity and valour, who enjoyed his special -favour, and were incorporated as a Royal Guard. During the -Crusades these followed Louis IX. into Egypt. They were of -infinite value to France, at a time when the disastrous battle of -Agincourt, fought in 1415, had prostrated her power, and all -but reduced her proud and haughty people to be the vassals -and subjects of triumphant England. The Scots Guards were -retained in the service of Charles VII., and a few years later -<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>were joined by a body of 7000 of their countrymen under the -Earl of Buchan, whose abilities as an officer and valour as a -soldier won for him the thanks of a grateful country, who at -the same time conferred the highest compliment and most -splendid military distinction it was in their power to award, -in creating him Constable of France. The Scottish army -in France was subsequently largely increased by farther -instalments of adventurous exiles from “the fatherland.” -These helped to break the yoke of England upon the Continent, -and specially distinguished themselves at the battles -of Baugé, 1421, Crevan, 1423, and Verneuille, 1424: so much -so, that Charles, appreciating their worth, selected from their -ranks, first in 1422, a corps of Scots Gendarmes, and thereafter, -in 1440, a corps of Scots Guards. On the fair plains -of Italy, so cruelly desolated by the rude hand of war, and so -long the favourite battle-field of princes, whom the poet fitly -styles</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Ambition’s honoured fools”—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>was afforded the scene where, during the wars of Francis I., our -Scottish Guards, by brilliant exploits, earned a great renown. -The story of their fidelity and devotion is written in their -blood, and illustrated in the fatal defeat of Pavia, 1524, where, -in defence of their master, the chivalric Sovereign of France, -whose exclamation of, “We have lost all, save honour,” has -become a household word,—they nearly all perished, and -honourably rest in “a soldier’s grave.” The relics of this -old Scots Guard returning to France, remained the nucleus, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>the root, upon which was formed and ingrafted a new corps -of Scots Guardsmen, whose character and history have been -aptly described by Sir Walter Scott in “Quentin Durward;” -whilst in his “Legend of Montrose” we trace the yearnings -of the mighty soul of the patriot, conjuring into life, by -the magic of his pen and his rare gifts, the story of our -exiled brave, represented in the gallant veteran of Gustavus -Adolphus, “Dugald Dalgetty.” The martial qualities and -gallant bearing of our countrymen had attracted the notice -of Gustavus Adolphus, the warlike King of Sweden, and induced -him to invite to his standard our adventurous soldiers, -who, under so renowned a leader, were destined to add new -lustre to our military annals. On no occasion did the Scots -respond more heartily, or muster so strongly in the foreign -service of any country, as in the present instance. The army -of this “Lion of the North” at one time comprised eighteen -British regiments, of whom <em>thirteen</em> were Scottish; moreover, -his principal officers were Scotsmen.</p> - -<div id='i082' class='figcenter id009'> -<img src='images/i_b_082fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In the marvellous feats of arms which distinguish the -masterly campaigns of Gustavus, our countrymen had ever a -prominent place. Having humbled the pride of Poland, -and crippled the power of Russia by successive defeats, on the -restoration of peace, Gustavus, declaring himself the champion -of the Protestants, turned his arms against the formidable -coalition of the Roman Catholic princes of Germany, headed -by the Emperor. The campaign of 1620 proved unfortunate, -by the total defeat of the Protestant army at Prague, their -consequent retreat, and ultimate disbandment in Holland—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>“O sacred Truth! thy triumph ceased a while,</div> - <div class='line'>And Hope, thy sister, ceased with thee to smile.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Undaunted by these disasters, Gustavus refused to quit the -field, although, for the present, he changed the theatre of war -into Pomerania. From the wreck of the Protestant army, he -carefully selected a chosen body of his favourite Scotsmen, -which, in 1625, he constituted a regiment, conferring the command -on Sir John Hepburn. In the war with Poland which -ensued, the Scots enjoyed, as their gallant demeanour in every -instance well merited, the unbounded confidence of the King. -Subsequently, the King of Denmark sent two Scots regiments, -which had been in his service, to aid the Swedish monarch; -and, in 1628, he further received the very welcome reinforcement -of 9000 Scots and English. The following incident, -occurring about this time, serves to illustrate the cordial relationship -subsisting between this renowned prince and our -adventurous countrymen:—“In a partial action between the -advance-guards, a few miles from Thorn, Gustavus’s hat was -knocked off in a personal encounter with one of the enemy’s -officers named Sirot, who afterwards wore the hat without -knowing to whom it belonged. On the succeeding day, two -prisoners (one a Scots officer named Hume) seeing Sirot -wearing the King, their master’s, hat, wept exceedingly, and -with exclamations of sorrow, desired to be informed if the -King was dead. Sirot, being thus made acquainted with the -quality of his antagonist in the preceding day’s skirmish, -related the manner in which he became possessed of the hat, -upon which they recovered a little from their anxiety and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>surprise.” The success of the Swedish arms at length achieved -a favourable peace, which enabled the King, espousing the -cause of the persecuted Reformers of Germany, once more to -try the issues of war with the Imperialists, and so, if possible, -redeem the disasters of a former campaign. At this period -no fewer than 10,000 Scots and English exiles were in the -Swedish army, and the King had just concluded a treaty -with the Marquis of Hamilton, who had undertaken to enlist -an additional force of 8000 in these Isles.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Next in seniority to the old Scots regiment of Hepburn is -that of Monro, who has written an interesting account of the -achievements of our countrymen in these wars. This last -narrowly escaped an untimely end—a watery grave—having -been shipwrecked near the enemy’s fortress of Rugenwald, on -their passage to Pomerania. Lurking in concealment among -the brushwood on the shore during the day, Monro’s soldiers at -nightfall boldly assaulted the defences of the enemy, and, by -this unexpected attack, succeeded in capturing the fortress, -where, by great efforts, they maintained themselves against a -vastly superior foe until the arrival of Hepburn’s Scots Regiment -relieved them. These two regiments, along with other -two Scots regiments—those of Stargate and Lumsdell—were at -this time brigaded together, and styled the <em>Green Brigade</em>, so -celebrated in the military history of the period. In 1631, at -the siege of Frankfort, this bold brigade accomplished one of -the most daring feats of arms upon record; where—charged -with the assault upon this all but impregnable fortress, defended -by the best troops of the empire—they undauntedly -<span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>entered the breach, and—despite the repeated attacks of -the foe, especially of an Irish regiment, who, amongst the -bravest defenders of the place, twice repulsed the assailants, -and fought with the greatest heroism until nearly all were -either killed or wounded—they, by their valour, effected a -lodgment within the walls. Furiously charged by the splendid -cavalry of the Imperial cuirassiers, our Green Brigade -resolutely maintained the ground they had won. The trophies -of this conquest were immense. The Green Brigade, after -having aided in the reduction of the many strongholds of -Germany, had penetrated with the army into the very heart -of the empire, where they were destined to play a very conspicuous -part in the memorable and momentous battle of -Leipsic. On this occasion, kept in reserve, the Green Brigade -was only brought into action at the eleventh hour, when the -ignoble and cowardly flight of the Saxons, who had been impressed -into the Swedish army, rendered the position of -the army perilously critical. Then our brave Scots, sustained -on either flank by Swedish horse, advanced, speedily -checked the progress of the enemy, retrieved what the Saxons -had lost, and throwing the enemy into confusion, changed the -fortunes of the day. The Imperialists, no longer able to withstand -the repeated and impetuous attacks of our Scottish -brigade, and charged by the Swedish horse, who completed -their ruin, broke and fled. Thus their mighty army, lately -so confident of victory, which a momentary success had -promised, was utterly cut to pieces or dispersed. A variety -of sieges and minor engagements followed this great battle, in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>nearly all of which the Swedes and Scots proved triumphant. -Yet, notwithstanding these series of successes, and the several -and sore defeats of the enemy, the position of Gustavus was -becoming daily, by every new advance, more critical; away -from his arsenals, whilst the enemy, within his own territory, -had ample resources at hand with which to repair defeat, and -thus was becoming hourly more formidable. At Oxenford, -the heroic monarch had only an army of 10,000 men around -him, whilst the Duke of Lorraine was at hand with a well-equipped -force of full 50,000. Still, such was the terror -inspired by the marvellous deeds and the known resolution of -this little band of veterans, that, although the enemy was -in the midst of many advantages, he durst not venture -an attack, and feared to arrest the King in his career of -conquest.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Bavaria had now become the scene of the contest. Soon -that important kingdom was over-run, and—with Munich, -its gorgeous capital—surrendered to the northern army. The -death of Gustavus Adolphus, at the fatal battle of Lutzen, -ruined the hopes of his gallant little army, now sadly reduced -in numbers. The Green Brigade was not present on this -disastrous day. By a process of transfer, not at all uncommon -in those times, the remnant of Swedes and Scots were taken -into the pay of France, and, under the Duke of Saxe-Weimar, -laboured to maintain the cause of the Protestant princes, -which had, for ends of her own, been adopted as the cause of -France. Colonel Hepburn, some time previously, had, by permission -of the King of Sweden, returned to Scotland with the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>Marquis of Hamilton. His parting with his countrymen in -his own regiment is thus quaintly described by Monro:—“The -separation was like the separation which death makes betwixt -friends and the soul of man, being sorry that those who had -lived so long together in amity and friendship, also in mutual -dangers, in weal and in woe, the splendour of our former -mirth was overshadowed with a cloud of grief and sorrows, -which dissolved in mutual tears.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning to France in 1633, Hepburn was appointed colonel -to a new regiment of Scotsmen. By a combination of events, -he at length met with his old regiment in the same army, and -the relics of the Old Scots Brigade. These were subsequently -merged into one large regiment, whose history is hereafter one -with that of France, and whose representative is now the <em>First -Royal Scots Regiment of Foot</em>. By this union, which occurred -in 1635, the regiment so constituted attained the extraordinary -strength of 8316 officers and men. In the following year they -had to lament the loss of their gallant Colonel, who was killed -at the siege of Saverne; he “died extremely regretted in the -army and by the Court of France.” He was succeeded in -the command by Lieut.-Colonel Sir James Hepburn, who survived -his illustrious relative only one year. Lord James -Douglas, son of William, Marquis of Douglas, was promoted -to the vacant Colonelcy, and thereafter the regiment is known -as “Douglas’s Regiment.” In the service of Louis XIII. of -France, the regiment had entered upon a new theatre of action -in the Netherlands, destined to combat the Spaniards, who -then were esteemed to form as soldiers the finest infantry in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span>the world. Against this redoubtable foe our Scotsmen conducted -themselves with credit, being present at the siege of St -Omer, the captures of Renty, Catelet, and at Hesden, under -the eye of the monarch himself. During the minority and -reign of Louis XIV., known as “Louis le Grand,” the regiment -was destined to share the glories of a splendid series of -triumphs, successively won by the illustrious chiefs that then -commanded the armies of France. In 1643, led by Louis le -Bourbon, afterwards Prince of Condé, a leader possessed of all -the heroic qualities of the good soldier, and at the same time -graced by all the rarer virtues of the true man—under him -the regiment served with great distinction in the Netherlands -and Italy. Nine years later, when the factions of “the Court” -and “the Parliament” had stirred up among the people a civil -war, we find the Douglas Regiment, with characteristic -loyalty, on the side of “the Court,” serving their royal master -under that great adept in the art of war, Marshal Turenne, -whose abilities sustained the sinking State; and although -opposed to that justly celebrated soldier, the Prince of Condé, -at length, out-manœuvring the foe, accomplished the salvation -of “the Court,” and, by an honourable peace, secured their -restoration to power. Meanwhile a somewhat analogous civil -strife in England had wholly overturned the old monarchy of -the Stuarts, and inaugurated a new order of things in the -Commonwealth, under Oliver Cromwell, the Protector. Charles -II., and his royal brother, the Duke of York, afterwards James -II., as the surviving heads of their ancient, unfortunate, and -infatuated house, had sought and found an asylum at the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>French Court. In those times of war, employment was readily -found in the French armies for their many adherents, who -had been driven into exile with them. They were formed -into several regiments, who bore an honourable part in the -contest then raging between France and the allied might of -Spain and Austria. In 1656, the fickle Louis, deserting his -old friends, the royalists of England, concluded an alliance -with the more powerful Cromwell—the exiles, in consequence, -changing sides, threw the weight of their arms and influence, -or such as they might still be said to retain, into the scale -with Spain. Many of the British royalist regiments, hitherto -in the service of France, on the command of Charles, exchanged -with their prince, into the service of their late foe, -now their friend. Louis, who could ill afford such a serious -desertion of troops, which had hitherto proved themselves to -be the flower of his army, had taken the precaution to remove, -into the interior, the older Scots regiments, and amongst -others, that of Douglas, which he had justly learned to value -very highly, lest they might be induced to follow their -royalist brethren.</p> - -<div id='i088' class='figcenter id010'> -<img src='images/i_b_088fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>PRINCE DE CONDÉ.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In 1661, immediately after the Restoration, Charles II., -with a view to strengthen his unstable position on the British -Throne, strove to establish an army, and Louis being then -at peace, and, moreover, on good terms with our King, the -regiment of Douglas was called home to these isles, where it -has since been generally known as the <em>First or the Royal -Regiment of Foot</em>, although for a time it was popularly styled -the “<em>Royal Scots</em>.”</p> - -<div id='i090' class='figcenter id011'> -<img src='images/i_b_090fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>MARSHAL TURENNE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span> -<h3 class='c013'>CHAPTER IX.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>... “He lifts on high</div> - <div class='line'>The dauntless brow and spirit-speaking eye,</div> - <div class='line'>Hails in his heart the triumphs yet to come,</div> - <div class='line'>And hears thy stormy music in the drum!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>FRENCH CAMPAIGNS—TANGIER—CIVIL WARS—CONTINENTAL\</div> - <div>WARS—1660–1757.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The regiment, now commanded by Lord George Douglas, -afterwards the Earl of Dumbarton, returned to France in -1662, where it was largely recruited by the incorporation of -General Rutherford’s (Earl of Teviot) regiment of Scots -Guards, and another old Scots regiment, also known as a -“Douglas Regiment,” from its colonel, Lord James Douglas. -The muster-roll thus presented a force of more than 2500 men -and officers, embraced in twenty-three companies. In 1666, -it was recalled to suppress a threatened rebellion in Ireland; -but soon returning, with other British troops, was engaged in -the wars with Holland and the German Empire. Under the -great Turenne they acquired new glory. After his death, in -1675, the foe advanced upon Treves, where the French troops—dispirited -by the loss of their favourite chief, and discouraged -by the retreat which had since been forced upon -them, when his great name was no longer present to infuse -courage in the evil hour and inspire a wholesome terror in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>ranks of the enemy—mutinying, insisted that their commander, -Marshal de Crequi, should deliver up the fortress to -the enemy. But the regiment of Douglas, with characteristic -fidelity, sustained the gallant Marshal in his resolution to -exhaust every means of defence before submitting to the dire -necessity of surrender. Although the issues of the siege were -disastrous, despite the desperate valour which defended the -city—which at length capitulated—still our countrymen, -although prisoners liberated on condition that they should -not again serve in the war for three months, preserved -that priceless jewel, their <em>honour</em>, which, out of the fiery trial, -shone forth only the more conspicuously, both to friend and -foe. Their conduct on this occasion received the thanks of the -King. For a little while, about this period, the regiment was -privileged to serve under another of France’s great captains—the -Marshal Luxembourg. In 1678 the regiment was finally -recalled from the French service, and shortly thereafter sent -out to reinforce the garrison of Tangier, in Africa, the profitless -marriage dowry of the Princess Catherina of Portugal, -who had become the Queen of Charles II. This earliest of our -foreign possessions had involved the nation in an expensive -and cruel war, which it was very difficult adequately to sustain -in those days, when the transport-service was one of -imminent cost and danger; and moreover, news travelling -slowly, we could not, as in the present instance, learn the -straitened circumstances of our armies abroad, so as to afford -that prompt assistance which they urgently needed. Assailed -fiercely by the Moors, who evinced great bravery and resolution, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>the contest proved one of uncommon severity, requiring -every effort of our garrison to maintain even their own. We -extract the following announcement of the arrival of the -Douglas, or, as it was then called, Dumbarton’s Regiment, on -this new and distant scene of conflict, from Ross’ “Tangier’s -Rescue:”—“After this landed the valorous Major Hackett -with the renowned regiment of the Earl of Dumbarton; all of -them men of approved valour, fame having echoed the sound -of their glorious actions and achievements in France and other -nations; having left behind them a report of their glorious -victories wherever they came; every place witnessing and -giving large testimony of their renown: so that the arrival of -this illustrious regiment more and more increased the resolutions -and united the courage of the inhabitants, and added -confidence to their valour.” Also, as further interesting, we -record, from the same author, the stirring address which the -Lieut.-Governor, Sir Palmes Fairborne, is reported to have -made to Dumbarton’s Scots on the eve of battle:—“Countrymen -and fellow-soldiers, let not your approved valour and -fame in foreign nations be derogated at this time, neither -degenerate from your ancient and former glory abroad; and -as you are looked upon here to be brave and experienced -soldiers (constant and successive victories having attended -your conquering swords hitherto), do not come short of the -great hopes we have in you, and the propitious procedures we -expect from you at this time. For the glory of your nation, -if you cannot surpass, you may imitate the bravest, and be -emulous of their praises and renown.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>The excessive cost of maintaining this distant and profitless -possession at length induced King Charles to abandon it; -accordingly the troops were withdrawn and the fortress -destroyed. The “Royal Scots” landed at Gravesend in 1683. -Nothing of importance falls to be narrated during the interval -of peace which followed—the first, and until our day almost -the only, rest which this veteran regiment has been permitted -to enjoy at home. The accession of the Duke of York, as -James II., to the throne, on the death of his brother Charles, -awakened the well-grounded alarm of the Protestants, stirred -up discontents, which were quickened into rebellion by the -landing of the Marquis of Argyll in the West Highlands, and -of a powerful rival—the Duke of Monmouth—in the South -of England. Favoured by a considerable rising of the people, -and encouraged by the fair promises of many of the old Puritan -nobility and gentry—who undertook to join his standard with -their followers, enamoured more of the cause speciously set -forth upon his banner—“<em>Fear none but God</em>”—than of the -man, Monmouth had advanced at the head of a considerable -force to Bridgewater. His vacillating policy ruined his cause, -as it gave time for the assembling of the King’s forces, under -the Earl of Feversham and Lord Churchill, afterwards so -celebrated as the Duke of Marlborough. Amongst these forces -were five companies of the “Royal Scots.” At the battle of -Sedgemoor which ensued, the rebels, deeming to surprise the -royal camp in the night, suddenly descended in great -force, but, arrested by a ditch immediately in front of the -position occupied by the companies of our “Royal Scots,” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>which attempting to cross, they were so hotly received, -although they fought with great fury, that they were driven -back in confusion, and ultimately dispersed or destroyed by -the royal cavalry in the morning. Thus the glory of the fight -belongs chiefly to our countrymen, whose firmness proved the -salvation of the royal army, and, in the end, the destruction -of the rebels and the overthrow of their cause—completed in -the after execution of their leaders, the Duke of Monmouth in -England, and his fellow-conspirator, the Marquis of Argyll, in -Scotland. So highly did James esteem the services of the -“Royal Scots” on this perilous occasion, that, by special warrant, -he ordered that the sum of £397 should be distributed -among the wounded of the regiment. Sergeant Weems was -particularly distinguished in the action, and received accordingly -a gratuity of “Forty pounds for good service in the -action of Sedgemoor, in firing the great guns against the -rebels.”</p> - -<div id='i095' class='figcenter id012'> -<img src='images/i_b_095fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>DUKE OF SCHOMBERG, COLONEL OF THE FIRST ROYALS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>When the Revolution of 1688 promised the downfall of -the house of Stuart, whose power had been so long built upon -the suppressed liberty of the people, the exclusion of James -II.—the degenerate representative of an ancient and once -beloved race—from the throne, as the minion of the Papacy and -the dawn of a better state of things, under the more healthy -rule of the Prince of Orange, the champion of Protestantism, -as monarch of these realms, it might have been deemed excusable -had our “Royal Scots,” from their antecedents on -behalf of the Protestant cause, sided with the Prince. The -result, however, was far otherwise, and affords us another -<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>splendid illustration of the firm fidelity of the soldier in the -sterling devotion of this regiment. The “Royal Scots” had -been James’s favourite regiment, and well they merited that -monarch’s trust. Whilst other troops exhibited a shameful -defection, the “Royal Scots,” with unshaken constancy, adhered -to the desperate fortunes of their infatuated King. Nor when -all else had submitted, save Claverhouse’s Dragoons, and -resistance had been rendered fruitless by the pusillanimous -flight of James, did they see it their duty to exchange into -the service of the new Sovereign. The term “mutiny” is -wrongly applied when given to express their conduct on this -trying occasion. By lenient measures the 500 men and -officers who had refused to tender their submission were at -length induced to make their peace with the new king, who, -appreciating their ancient name for valour, could admire their -unshaken fidelity to one who was even forsaken by his own -children; and therefore gladly retained the regiment to grace -our military annals. Their conduct was at the same time most -exemplary in those days of military license and excess; faithfully -they remained at the post of duty, when other regiments, -breaking from their ranks, shamefully disgraced themselves by -the riot and disorder they everywhere committed. The Earl -of Dumbarton, following King James into France, the vacant -colonelcy was conferred on one of the oldest, ablest, and most -distinguished officers of the age—the veteran Marshal Frederick -de Schomberg.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The arrival of the dethroned James at the Court of France, -whilst it awakened mingled feelings of commiseration and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>contempt in the mind of the crafty Louis, the bitterness of -disappointed ambition roused a spirit of revenge, and was to -be regarded as the signal for war. Accordingly, a powerful -army was advanced towards the frontier, ostensibly to -co-operate in the cause of the exiled monarch, but really to -take advantage of the absence of the Stadtholder, for the -annexation, by way of compensation for his increased power -elsewhere, of his continental dominions in Holland. To divide -attention, and direct the efforts of William away from his own -more immediate designs, the French King, by paltry succours, -helped to bolster up James in his ricketty Irish kingdom. To -meet this combined assault, William, whilst himself was present -with his army in the reduction of Ireland, sent the Earl of -Marlborough with a British army, including the “Royals,” to -co-operate with the Dutch in the defence of their fatherland. -In 1692 he joined the allied army, and himself assumed the -command. In an attempt to surprise the powerful fortress of -Mons, Sir Robert Douglas, who, on the death of the Duke de -Schomberg at the battle of the Boyne, had been promoted to -the colonelcy of the “Royals,” was taken prisoner by the French -cavalry. Released, on payment of the regulated ransom, he -was reserved for a sadder but more glorious fate at the battle -of Steenkirk, where he fell at the head of his regiment, gallantly -fighting for and defending the colours he had rescued from the -foe. General Cannon writes:—“Sir Robert Douglas, seeing the -colour on the other side of the hedge, leaped through a gap, -slew the French officer who bore the colour, and cast it over -the hedge to his own men; but this act of gallantry cost him -<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>his life, a French marksman having shot him dead on the spot -while in the act of repassing the hedge.” The able dispositions -of the French commander, the Marshal de Luxembourg, sustained -by the valour of his troops, compelled the retreat of the -Allied army. Still pressed by the French at Neer-Landen, -notwithstanding the most desperate resistance of our Infantry, -especially the Royals, and Second, or Queen’s Royals, our -army continued to retire. These disasters were somewhat -redeemed by the successes of subsequent campaigns, crowned -in the siege and fall of Namur, a powerful fortress, long -and bravely defended by Marshal Boufflers. The peace of -Ryswick, subscribed in 1697, put an end to the war, and our -army in consequence returned home.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the war of the Spanish Succession, which commenced -in 1701, the Royals were destined to play an important -part. They were present under the great Marlborough -at the several victories of Schellenberg, Blenheim, -Ramilies, Oudenarde, Wynendale, and Malplaquet, which, -distinguishing the war, we have elsewhere already alluded -to. In many of these battles their gallant colonel, Lord -George Hamilton, Earl of Orkney, who had succeeded Sir -Robert Douglas, was present, and led the regiment to the fight. -Their conduct at Wynendale was specially remarkable, where, -in defence of a large and important train of stores, etc., a -British front of 8000 men resisted the combined and repeated -efforts of 22,000 French to capture the stores and treasure. -The war was terminated by the peace of Utrecht, in 1713.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the thirty succeeding years the regiment was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>employed garrisoning various towns, etc., at home, except in -1742, when the second battalion was sent to do duty in the -West Indies. In the following year, disputes arising as to the -Austrian Succession, and our country inclining to the side of -Maria Theresa, Queen of Hungary, whilst France, on the other -hand, had, for political reasons, espoused the cause of its old -ally, the Elector of Bavaria, an appeal was made to arms. -A British force, under our own chivalric King, George II., -had already appeared in Germany, and achieved the signal -victory of Dettingen, when the Royals joined the army in -time to share the disasters of Fontenoy. The rebellion of -Prince Charles Edward subsequently occasioned their recall. -Whilst the first battalion remained in camp under Marshal -Wade, in the south of England, prepared to defend our shores -from the threatened invasion and co-operation of France, the -second battalion, stationed at York, proceeded in pursuit of -the rebels, who, after having penetrated to Derby, finding that -the expected aid from England was not realised, returned to -Scotland, where, joined by a body of recruits, they undertook -the siege of Stirling Castle. In this they were interrupted by -the advance of the King’s army, towards Falkirk, under Lieut.-General -Hawley. Encountering the enemy in the vicinity, a -sanguinary battle ensued, but devoid of any decisive result, -both parties claiming the victory. Whilst some of the King’s -troops were broken by the combined assaults of the elements -and the enemy, the Royals stood fast. The dissensions -which had but lately prevailed to distract the counsels of the -rebels had been hushed by the preponderating eminence of a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>coming struggle, and the promise of plunder as the reward of -victory. Now that the excitement of battle had ceased, the -Royal army retired, and the hopes of booty disappointed, these -evil feelings, more fatal than the sword, burst forth with -renewed virulence, to ruin the interests of the Jacobites, -occasioning the retreat of their broken-hearted Prince, with a -diminished, and disspirited, yet brave and faithful army. -Meanwhile the King’s forces, greatly strengthened by the -arrival of fresh troops, a second time advanced upon the -enemy. Led by the Duke of Cumberland, the advance soon -assumed the character of a pursuit. At length the rebels, -overtaken and driven to bay, made a stand in the neighbourhood -of Inverness, on Culloden Moor, where, notwithstanding -the fiery valour of the clans, they sustained a total defeat, -and were never afterwards able to rally.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“For a field of the dead rushes red on my sight;</div> - <div class='line'>And the clans of Culloden are scattered in fight.</div> - <div class='line'>They rally, they bleed, for their kingdom and crown:</div> - <div class='line'>Woe, woe, to the riders that trample them down!</div> - <div class='line'> . . . . . . . . . .</div> - <div class='line'>’Tis finish’d. Their thunders are hushed on the moors!</div> - <div class='line'>Culloden is lost, and my country deplores.</div> - <div class='line'> . . . . . . . . . .</div> - <div class='line'>Culloden that reeks with the blood of the brave.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Their Prince—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Like a limb from his country cast bleeding and torn,”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>for long lurked a wandering fugitive amongst our Western -Islands, until, through many dangers, he effected his escape to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>France. The Duke of Cumberland, visiting with a cruel revenge -the rebellious clans, nay, in some cases, with barbarous -heedlessness, mingling the innocent with the guilty in a common -ruin, tarnished the lustre of his success, and left behind -a most unenviable memory in these northern provinces.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Rebellion being thus at an end, several of the regiments -which had been withdrawn from the Continent for its suppression -now returned, whilst the first battalion of the -Royals was employed in several descents upon the French -coast with various success. At L’Orient the attempt proved -fruitless; but at Quiberon, sustained by the Forty-second -Royal Highlanders, the destruction of the enemy’s arsenal, -stores, and shipping, was attained. Subsequently the battalion -joined the British army in the Netherlands, and, in 1747, -was greatly distinguished in the heroic defence of Fort Sandberg. -The attack on the part of the French, was made late -in the evening, with more than their wonted impetuosity. -The Dutch garrison, unable to withstand the shock, was signally -routed, and the conquest seemed complete, when the progress -of the enemy was unexpectedly arrested by the Royals, -who, with unflinching obstinacy, maintained the conflict, which -proved of the most sanguinary and desperate character. The -horrors of the fight were deepened by the sable pall of night. -“The morning light had already dawned upon this scene -of conflict and carnage,—between three and four hundred -officers and men of the Royals were <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>hors de combat</em></span>; yet the -survivors,—though standing amidst the dying and the dead, -and being unable to take one step without treading on a killed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>or wounded man,—maintained their ground with resolution, -and continued to pour their fatal volleys upon their opponents, -who had sustained an equal or greater loss, until five o’clock, -when the Royals were relieved by the Highlanders; and the -French, dismayed by the sanguinary tenacity of the defence, -retreated.” Ultimately the fort, rendered untenable, was -abandoned. In 1749, the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle put an -end to the war, when the battalion returning home, was -stationed in Ireland.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER X.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“For pleas of right let statesmen vex their head,</div> - <div class='line'>Battle’s my business, and my guerdon bread;</div> - <div class='line'>And with the sworded Switzer I can say,</div> - <div class='line'>‘The best of causes is the best of pay.’”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>AMERICAN WARS—WEST INDIES—FRENCH REVOLUTION—1755–1804.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The ancient rivalries subsisting between Britain and France, -and which had begotten so many fierce and sanguinary wars -upon the European continent, were now about to be displayed -with even a more exceeding bitterness among the colonists of -the two nations in the New World of America. Disputes arising -as to the boundary line of what they severally claimed as their -territory, the <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>might</em></span> of France assumed to decide the <em>right</em>. -To maintain and defend British interests, an army, comprising -the second battalion of the Royals, and the two newly-raised -regiments of Fraser’s and Montgomery’s Highlanders, was -sent across the Atlantic in 1757. The first attack of this -expedition was made upon the French island of Cape Breton, -which, with its capital, Louisburg, was speedily reduced. In -the following year the Royals were engaged upon the American -continent in a series of actions around the shores of Lake -Champlain, which resulted in the capture of the strong forts -<span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span>of Ticonderago, Crown Point, and ultimately the Isle aux -Noix. Several of the Indian tribes taking advantage of our -apparent embarrassments at this period, instigated by, and in -some cases allied with, the French, threw off the British yoke, -strove to recover their fatherland, or were encouraged, by hope -of plunder, to assail our colonial settlements. Against the -most powerful of these foes—the Cherokees—a few companies -of the Royals, with Montgomery’s Highlanders and other -corps, were detached from the army, and proceeded to -South Carolina. After repeated incursions into the country -of the Cherokees, in which the foe was rarely seen, or -when the Indian army of sable warriors did appear, our -troops achieved an easy and ofttimes a bloodless victory. Still -was our advance characterised by cruel and uncalled-for -severities, and marked by the melancholy spectacle of burning -villages, in which lay “the little all” of these poor creatures. -Unable to withstand our onset, with ruined homesteads, and -threatened with all the miseries of want, their necessities impelled -the Cherokees to sue for peace, which was readily -granted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The conquest of French Canada having been completed in -the surrender of Montreal, several detachments of the Royals -were employed in various expeditions against the French West -Indian Islands, especially Dominica and Martinique, in which -our efforts were successful. But the crowning achievement of -these expeditions was the capture of the Havannah from the -Spaniards, with immense spoil, on the 30th July, 1762. Meanwhile -two companies of the Royals, which had remained on the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>American continent, contributed by their gallantry to repulse -a new attempt of the French to recover their lost footing in -these provinces.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1763 the second battalion returning home, the regiment -was afterwards employed garrisoning our Mediterranean -possessions, Minorca and Gibraltar. During the American -Rebellion a secret treaty having been discovered between the -rebels and Holland, France and Spain, promising aid to, and -otherwise abetting the colonists in their rebellion, the Royals, -with other troops, in 1781, were sent out to assail the West -Indian possessions of these several States. Having possessed -themselves of the island of St Christopher, they were here -attacked by a powerful French expeditionary force which had -landed from the fleet for the recovery of the island. Stationed -on Brimstone Hill with scarce 500 men, without the adequate -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>matériel</em></span> to make good the defence, these brave men nevertheless -resisted for nearly a month the repeated assaults of 8000 -French, aided by a powerful artillery, which played continually -and effectually upon the crumbling defences and the worn-out -defenders. It was not until every means of resistance had -been destroyed, and every hope of relief exhausted, that our -gallant Royals were compelled to surrender.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1782, both battalions were at home, and the Duke of -Argyll having been removed to the Colonelcy of the Third, -or Scots Foot Guards, the Colonelcy of the First Royal Regiment, -or Royal Scots, was conferred upon Lord Adam Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Britain, ever recognised as the guardian of true liberty, -had viewed, with mingled feelings of horror, pity, and alarm, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>the crimes which alike stained and inaugurated the French -Revolution. Our Government, unhappily, mistaking the real -nature and critical importance of the contest, granted a -feeble and tardy aid to the few remaining friends of order, -chiefly represented in the Royalists, who still struggled for -existence in France. Had these succours been commensurate -with the ability of the nation, and afforded promptly and -liberally, France might have been saved from many of those -dire calamities which, like the judgments of Heaven, gathering -in her political horizon, were so soon to visit her in the fury of -the tempest, to cast a blight upon her people and a curse upon -her fair plains. Europe, moreover, might have escaped the -military tyranny of Napoleon, with all its accompanying evils. -Toulon, the principal station for the French Navy on the shores -of the Mediterranean, possessed of large arsenals and extensive -dockyards, and strongly fortified—its citizens had hitherto regarded -with aversion the excesses of blood and rapine in which -the Revolutionists had indulged, and fully sensible of the evils -which must arise from the rule of the democracy, resolved to -declare for the restoration of the old monarchy. In the impending -contest in which they were soon involved by their -resistance to the iron will of the Committee of Public Salvation, -who then assumed to rule France, they invoked, -and not altogether in vain, the aid of the constitutional -Governments around. Accordingly, a mixed force of British, -Spaniards, and Italians, was thrown into the city for its -defence. The second battalion of the Royals formed part -of the British contingent on this occasion. Lieutenant-General -<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>O’Hara commanding, with 12,000 men, for awhile -succeeded in making good the defence, and had well nigh -baffled the utmost efforts of the besiegers, who, under General -Dugommier, had assembled an army of nearly 40,000 Revolutionists. -But the appearance of a young officer in the ranks -of the enemy speedily changed the aspect of affairs. As chief -of the artillery, by a series of bold and judicious movements, -effecting the reduction of the city, he early displayed that -aptness for military combination which revealed the genius of -Napoleon Bonaparte. Dugommier, writing to the Convention, -said—“Reward and promote that young man, for, if you -are ungrateful towards him, he will raise himself alone.” -The following incident, narrated by Sir Archibald Alison, -Bart., in his interesting account of the siege, introduces us -to another of those great military chiefs who were so soon -to glitter in the firmament of the Empire: “Napoleon asked -him what he could do for him. ‘Everything,’ replied the -young private, blushing with emotion, and touching his left -shoulder with his hand—‘you can turn this worsted into -an epaulet.’ A few days after, Napoleon sent for the same -soldier to order him to reconnoitre in the enemy’s trenches, -and recommended that he should disguise himself, for fear of -his being discovered. ‘Never,’ replied he. ‘Do you take me -for a spy? I will go in my uniform, though I should never -return.’ And, in effect, he set out instantly, dressed as he -was, and had the good fortune to come back unhurt. -Napoleon immediately recommended him for promotion, and -never lost sight of his courageous secretary. He was Junot, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>afterwards Marshal of France, and Duke of Abrantes.” Notwithstanding -the utmost bravery on the part of the defenders, -and of the Royals in particular, the fortress had become -no longer tenable from the alarming successes of the enemy. -Accordingly, on the night of the 19th December, 1794, the -army, with as many of the citizens as could be crowded into -the fleet, were embarked, all that might be useful to the foe -was destroyed or committed to the flames, and the city abandoned. -The scene which ensued is one of the most touchingly -interesting and afflicting in the dark story of the Revolution, -especially when considered in the light of the cruel fate which -awaited the unfortunates who could not find room in the fleet, -and who, left behind, must meet the merciless wrath of the -Parisian demagogues. Alison thus pictures the sad episode:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“No words can do justice to the horrors of the scene which -ensued, when the last columns of the allied troops commenced -their embarkation. Cries, screams, and lamentations arose in -every quarter; the frantic clamour, heard even across the -harbour, announced to the soldiers in the Republican camp -that the last hope of the Royalists was giving way. The sad -remnant of those who had favoured the royal cause, and who -had neglected to go off in the first embarkation, came flying -to the beach, and invoked, with tears and prayers, the aid of -their British friends. Mothers, clasping their babes to their -bosoms, helpless children, and decrepid old men, might be seen -stretching their hands towards the harbour, shuddering at -every sound behind them, and even rushing into the waves to -escape the less merciful death which awaited them from their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>countrymen. Some had the generosity to throw themselves -into the sea, to save, by their self-sacrifice, the lives of their -parents, in danger of being swamped in the boats. Vast -numbers perished from falling into the sea, or by the swamping -of boats, into which multitudes crowded, loaded with their -most valuable effects, or bearing their parents or children -on their shoulders. Such as could seize upon boats, rushed -into them with frantic vehemence, pushed from the beach -without oars, and directed their unsteady and dangerous -course towards their former protectors. The scene resembled -those mournful catastrophes recorded by the historians of -antiquity, when the inhabitants of whole cities in Asia Minor -or Greece fled to the sea at the approach of their enemies, and -steered away by the light of their burning habitations. Sir -Sidney Smith, with a degree of humanity worthy of his high -character, suspended his retreat till not a single individual -who claimed his assistance remained on the strand, though the -total number borne away amounted to fourteen thousand eight -hundred and seventy-seven.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Royals were shortly after engaged in a successful -descent upon the island of Corsica. Associated with the Fifty-first -Foot, under the command of our gallant countryman, the -future hero of Corunna, Lieutenant-Colonel Moore, they were -largely instrumental in the reduction of the island, which soon -after acknowledged the British sway. The fortified town of -Calvi, refusing to submit, was besieged, captured, and garrisoned -by the Royals, where they remained until removed to -the island of Elba, in 1796—Corsica being abandoned. In -<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>1797 the corps was stationed at Cascaes, in Portugal, and in -the following year returned to England.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile the disorders which prevailed in France had -induced a spirit of rebellion amongst the coloured population -of her most valuable colony—the island of St Domingo—which, -bursting forth in 1793, resulted in the establishment -of the Black Empire of Hayti. The French colonists having -no faith in, or doubting the ability to help of their home -Government, had solicited the protection of Britain. Accordingly -a British force, including the first battalion of the -Royals from Jamaica (where for the past three years it had -been stationed), was sent to their assistance. The expedition -proved one of extreme difficulty and exceeding danger, and is -replete with interesting incidents. On every occasion the -good conduct of the Royals was most conspicuous, especially -so in the defence of Fort Bizzeton, where Lieutenant Clunes, -with 120 men, repulsed 2000 of the enemy. Major-General -Sir Adam Williamson, in his despatch, stated—“Captain Grant -and his two Lieutenants, Clunes, of the Royals, and Hamilton, -of the Twenty-second Regiment, merit every attention that -can be shown them. They were all three severely wounded -early in the attack, but tied up their wounds, and continued -to defend their posts. It has been a very gallant defence, and -does them great honour.” But the sword was not the only or -the worst enemy our brave countrymen had to encounter in -this sultry and unhealthy clime. A malignant fever, invading -the quarters of our men, slew in two months about 640. -The remains of the battalion returned home in 1797.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>Scarcely had our gallant Royals recruited their ranks, -when the sound of war called them to win new glories on the -field. In 1799 the second battalion, brigaded with the -Ninety-second Gordon Highlanders, formed part of the British -army, which, under that famous chieftain, Sir Ralph Abercromby, -landed in the Netherlands, and strove to expel the -French. The triumph of “Egmont-op-Zee” illustrated “the -gallantry of these brave troops,” which “cannot have been -surpassed by any former instance of British valour.” The -Dutch, for whom these efforts had been made, unheeding to -be <em>free</em>, were at length abandoned to their own infatuation, -in which they soon experienced those bitter fruits which -sprang from the military despotism of Napoleon to curse the -land. On the withdrawal of the army, the second battalion -was successfully employed in several descents upon the coast -of Portugal. In brigade with their old comrades of the -Ninety-second, and two battalions of the Fifty-fourth Foot, -they were included in the British army which, landing at -Aboukir, from one victory to another, vanquished the boasted -“Invincibles” of Napoleon’s grand “Army of the East,” and -were at length hailed as the deliverers of Egypt—having -driven out the French. Whilst these desirable ends were being -accomplished upon the African continent, the first battalion -of the Royals, having embarked for the West Indies, was -reaping a harvest of glory in the reduction of the enemy’s -possessions in that quarter of the world. The most illustrious -of these conquests was that of “St Lucia,” which, inscribed -upon the colours of the regiment, remains to perpetuate the -record of these brave deeds.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XI.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“His signal deeds and prowess high</div> - <div class='line'>Demand no pompous eulogy,—</div> - <div class='line in2'>Ye saw his deeds!</div> - <div class='line'>Why should their praise in verse be sung?</div> - <div class='line'>The name, that dwells on every tongue,</div> - <div class='line in2'>No minstrel needs.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>FRENCH REVOLUTION—CANADA—THE CRIMEA—INDIA—CHINA—1804–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The gigantic proportions which the war in 1804 had -assumed, the imminence of the danger which threatened ourselves -from the overgrown power of Napoleon, and his still -unsatisfied ambition, had thoroughly roused our Government -more completely to arm our people, and occasioned -the raising of many new corps. Aware of the favour in -which our Royal Regiment was held by the people, from the -ancient renown it had acquired, the Government, taking -advantage of this good name, speedily raised and attached -thereto a third and fourth battalion. Returning from the -West Indies, where, for a short time, it had been engaged -in capturing the French and Dutch possessions, the second -battalion embarked for the East Indies, where, for upwards of -five-and-twenty years—returning home in 1831—it remained -actively on duty. Meanwhile, the third battalion, sharing -the glories, was doomed to endure the disasters of the Spanish -<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>campaigns of 1808–9, under that gallant leader, Sir John -Moore—glories which had their consummation in the victory -of Corunna. On this occasion the Royals were brigaded with -our countrymen of the Twenty-sixth Cameronians. The -army, returning to England, was shortly thereafter employed -in a new attempt to expel the French from the Netherlands. -In this unfortunate effort, known as the Walcheren -Expedition, our third battalion had a part. But the day of -better things was now about to dawn, when these repeated -disasters should be redeemed, and the eclipse of the world’s -liberty be dissipated, through the triumphs which, rewarding -the heroic endurance and persevering valour of our soldiers, -should crown our arms. Trained by adversity, our troops -had learned how to conquer. Under Sir Arthur Wellesley, -the third battalion was, with the British army, which, from -“Busaco” to the “Nive,” trod the path of uninterrupted -victory, baffling successively the splendid efforts with which -the genius of Massena, Marmont, Jourdan, and Soult, strove -to preserve for their master the provinces of the Peninsula. -Every attempt to arrest the onward march of British valour -signally failed, entailing upon the foe a series of fatal defeats, -until at length the Peninsula, delivered from the yoke of the -tyrant, our army, in triumph, entered the French territory. -At the siege of St Sebastian our Royals very specially distinguished -themselves, and although suffering a loss of more -than 500 men in the several assaults, nothing could quench -the dauntless spirit which twice stirred them to enter the -deadly breach; but the second time with most splendid -<span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>success, when, overcoming every obstacle, this famous and -gallantly defended fortress was captured.</p> - -<div id='i113' class='figcenter id013'> -<img src='images/i_b_113fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>ASSAULT<br />of<br />S<sup>T</sup>. SEBASTIAN<br />31<sup>st</sup>. August 1813.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“At a Scots corporation dinner, held in London on the -4th of May, 1811, on the health of the Duke of Kent, -the father of our beloved Queen, then Colonel of the Royal -Regiment, being drunk, his Royal Highness rose to return -thanks, and, in the course of his speech, said:—‘My -royal brother has been pleased to praise the regiment in -which I have been employed, and have had the honour to -command, and I too can bear testimony to the spirit and -gallantry of the Scottish soldiers. From the earliest days, -when I commenced my military life, it was always my -utmost aim to arrive at the command of a Scots regiment, -and to bring that regiment into action would have been the -greatest glory I could have attained, as I am well convinced -the officers and men would have justified my most sanguine -expectations; their courage, perseverance, and activity, being -undoubtedly such as may always be relied on; and they are -always able and willing to do their duty, if not more than -their duty.’ His Royal Highness took great interest in the -welfare of the regiment; and he this year presented, by the -hands of Lieutenant-Colonel MʻLeod, a gold medal to Serjeant -Manns of the regiment for the very meritorious manner in -which he had educated upwards of 800 soldiers and soldiers’ -children.” His Royal Highness was the first to establish -regimental schools,—a rich blessing, which will be ever associated -with his memory, conferring as they have done such -priceless benefits upon the army.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>When all Europe had combined in a sacred crusade against -the despotic rule of Napoleon, the fourth battalion of the -Royals was selected to form part of a British force which should -act with the Swedo-German army advancing from Pomerania, -under Bernadotte, upon France. Thus, at the interval of -nearly 300 years, did our Royal Scots revisit the scenes of -their early glory; and, under the same Swedish banner, led -on by the successor of Gustavus Adolphus, once more do -battle for the cause of truth. No doubt, their souls roused -within them, their arms must have been nerved, by the -“stirring memories” of “auld langsyne.” The march of -this battalion through Germany, when called to join the -army of Lieutenant-General Sir Thomas Graham, afterwards -Lord Lynedoch, in the Netherlands, about to attempt the -reduction of the strong fortress of Bergen-op-Zoom, is -marked by the extreme severity of the weather, which -entailed sufferings of the most fatal kind upon our brave -soldiers—upwards of 120 men being lost in the snow. To -the survivors a darker and a sadder fate was near, whilst -these trials served to school them to meet it with the heroic -fortitude of the soldier. In the subsequent attack upon -Bergen-op-Zoom the several companies of the battalion had -struggled with determined yet unavailing valour to dislodge -the French. Our troops could not prevail, as they could not -destroy the strong natural defences of the place. They -suffered a most serious loss from an unseen foe, who visited -their temerity with a fatal fire from their powerful and -numerous batteries. At length, overwhelmed and encompassed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>by foemen, and entangled amongst destructive batteries which -vomited forth death upon our devoted Royals, they were -compelled to surrender, having previously sunk the colours -of the regiment in the river Zoom. Peace being accomplished -by the abdication of Napoleon, the sword of war was for a -moment sheathed. Alas! that it should have been but for -a moment. Soon the dream of a fancied security was -disturbed, as the captive of Elba once more appearing, -the Emperor, idolised by the great army, forged thunderbolts -of vengeance with which he threatened to annihilate -his many foes. Happily, his ambitious career was speedily -terminated, and Europe thereby saved the repetition of the -bloody tragedy of protracted war, so lately and so fondly -believed to be closed. The sudden irruption of the French -army into the Netherlands was met by the bravery of the -British and Prussians, and its progress for ever arrested -by the total defeat of Waterloo. In this campaign the -third battalion of the Royals was honoured to hold a -conspicuous part; especially at Quatre Bras, where it was -the first to check the advance of Marshal Ney, and sustain -with great credit the brunt of his impetuous and repeated -attacks. The following splendid testimony has been recorded -to its valour:—“The third battalion of the Royal Scots -distinguished itself in a particular manner. Being removed -from the centre of the Fifth Division, it charged and routed -a column of the enemy. It was then formed in a square to -receive the cavalry, and though repeated attacks were made, -not the slightest impression was produced. Wherever the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>lancers and cuirassiers presented themselves, they found a -stern and undismayed front, which they vainly endeavoured -to penetrate.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was not alone upon the continent of Europe that the -dire effects of Napoleon’s sway were felt and regretted, but -wherever the foot of civilisation had left its impress. Nor -was it only the pulse of true liberty that beat quickly and -faintly beneath the evil rule of his tyrant spirit, but commerce, -by iniquitous decrees, lay groaning in chains, or eked -out but a sorry existence. The intention of these ill-advised -decrees was the destruction of the maritime and commercial -might of Britain. Our Government sought to retaliate upon -France the evils their imperial monarch had striven to inflict -upon us, by barbarous enactments of a kindred character. -Thus, between the two, the avenues of trade were -all but hedged up—the channels of commercial intercourse -dried up. America had hitherto grown rich upon the poverties -which war had entailed upon the continental nations; -and hence, when her merchants found their trade at an end, -or, at all events, amounting to a thing of peril, her Government -resented such decrees as a personal attack. Retaining -an old grudge arising out of the nature of recent events, and, -moreover, regarding Britain as the chief offender, having -within herself alone the power to set at defiance the attempts -of Napoleon, without adding a new evil to cure the old -iniquity, America declared war against us, and her armies -forthwith proceeded to take possession of Canada. To arrest -the progress of the enemy in this quarter, the first battalion -<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>of the Royals was ordered from the West Indies to -Canada. Although the forces engaged on either side were -trifling in numbers when compared with the vast armaments -which were then contending in Europe, still the contest was -no less sanguinary and bitter, and equally developed the -sterling qualities of our Royal Scots. Arrived in Canada in -1813, the battalion was present with credit at the successful -attacks upon Sackett’s Harbour, Sodius, Niagara, Black Rock, -and Buffalo; but it was not until 1814, that the preponderance -of numbers on the side of the Americans rendering the -contest more unequal, and when victory did not always smile -on our arms—it was then we gather more striking evidence of -the gallant demeanour of the Royals. At Longwood a -superior force of Americans prevailed, and the battalion was -reluctantly withdrawn, having suffered severely, principally in -officers. At Chippewa 6000 Americans assailed a force of -1500 British, including 500 of the Royals. Although repulsed -in the action which ensued, the General Order reports: “It -was impossible for men to have done more, or to have -sustained with greater courage the heavy and destructive fire -with which the enemy, from his great superiority in numbers, -was enabled to oppose them.” The Royals only yielded when -upwards of 300 of their number had been disabled—sufficient -proof of the fierceness of the conflict, and the desperate valour -which sustained it. But a more deadly encounter—though -happily a more successful one—took place at Lundy’s Lane, -where 5000 Americans were opposed to 2800 British, including -at first only three, latterly ten, companies of the Royals. We -<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>cannot do better than quote the description of the battle from -Mr Cannon’s invaluable Records: “About nine in the evening -there was an intermission of firing; but the Americans renewed -the attack soon afterwards with fresh troops, and a fierce -conflict of musketry and artillery followed in the dark. The -Americans charged up the hill; the British gunners were -bayoneted while in the act of loading, and the guns were in -the possession of the enemy for a few moments; but the -troops in the centre, where the three companies of the Royal -Scots were fighting, soon drove back the Americans, and -retook the guns. The storm of battle still raged along the -heights; the muzzles of the British and American artillery -were within a few yards of each other, and the fight was kept -up with a sanguinary obstinacy seldom witnessed. In limbering -up the guns, at one period an American six-pounder was -put by mistake on a British limber, and a British six-pounder -on an American limber. At one moment the Americans had -the advantage; at the next the shout of victory rose from the -British ranks; and about midnight the enemy retreated.” The -troops were thanked for their distinguished bravery in general -orders on the following day; and “the admirable steadiness of -the Royal Scots, under Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, at several very -critical points and movements,” claimed Lieut.-General Drummond’s -particular notice. On this occasion the Royal Scots -had to mourn the loss of many brave officers and gallant men, -nearly 160 being killed, wounded, or prisoners. The siege -and capture of Fort Erie is distinguished not merely for the -gallantry of our Royals, but possesses, moreover, a melancholy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span>interest, from the lamentable catastrophe—the explosion of a -mine—which destroyed many of our brave soldiers, who, -struggling on, had effected a footing in the breach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is interesting to note, about this period, the several -battalions of this ancient regiment, fighting our battles in so -many different corners of the world at the same time, and -each contributing to the national glory and their own marvellous -fame. In 1814 the positions of the battalions were as -follows:—</p> - -<table class='table2' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='47%' /> -<col width='52%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>First Battalion,</td> - <td class='c016'>Canada.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Second Battalion,</td> - <td class='c016'>India.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Third Battalion,</td> - <td class='c016'>Spain and France.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Fourth Battalion,</td> - <td class='c016'>Germany and Holland.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>The war was brought to a termination in 1815, after the -memorable battle of Waterloo, wherein the third battalion of -the Royal Scots immortalised itself, when, peace being concluded, -the Royals returned home, and the third and fourth -battalions were disbanded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Passing over a long interval of comparative peace which -succeeded, like the calm, the storm that but lately raged, we -have only time in our present sketch to note that the Royals -formed part of the British army in the Crimea. The Crimean -campaign gained for them the several distinctions of the -“Alma,” “Inkermann,” and “Sevastopol.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the alarm occasioned by the recent Indian Mutiny, in -1857, the first battalion of the Royals was sent out to reinforce -our army, destined to suppress the Sepoy Revolt. -Afterwards the second battalion formed part of the Chinese -<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>Expedition, which, chastising the perfidy of the boasted -“Celestials,” reduced the “Taku forts,” and occupied Pekin.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We close our narrative of the First Royal Regiment, or -Royal Scots, with these lines from an old military ditty, the -favourite apostrophe of that distinguished veteran and representative -of our old Scots brigade in the Swedish service—Sir -Dugald Dalgetty, the illustrious hero represented by Sir -Walter Scott in his “Legend of Montrose.” Thus he sang -when waiting in the guard-room of Inverary Castle:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“When the cannons are roaring, lads, and the colours are flying,</div> - <div class='line'>The lads that seek honour must never fear dying:</div> - <div class='line'>Then stout cavaliers let us toil our brave trade in,</div> - <div class='line'>And fight for the Gospel and the bold King of Sweden.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> -<div id='i121' class='figcenter id014'> -<img src='images/i_b_121fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p><b>1862.</b> TWENTY-FIRST, OR ROYAL NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS. <b>1678.</b></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE TWENTY-FIRST FOOT, <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> ROYAL NORTH BRITISH FUSILIERS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XII.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The warrior boy to the field hath gone,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And left his home behind him;</div> - <div class='line'>His father’s sword he hath girded on—</div> - <div class='line in2'>In the ranks of death you’ll find him.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>ORIGIN—EARLY SERVICES—CIVIL WARS—WARS OF THE SPANISH -SUCCESSION—WARS OF THE AUSTRIAN SUCCESSION—1678–1748.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Success is too commonly esteemed, by a short-sighted public, -to be the criterion of excellence. It remains, however, to -each of us, an exercise of faith and duty to confute this -popular fallacy, inasmuch as it has wronged, foully wronged, -many a brave heart who, battling with several and powerful -foes, struggling manfully, yet desperately, for the very life, -has as yet failed to rise beyond the surface; and hence the -man bowed down by adversity, as yet unrewarded by a better -success—regarded as nothing beyond the common—this deceitful, -false world cannot recognise the heroic soul in the martyr -<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>to circumstances. Thus it is that the gallant regiment, whose -history we are now about to narrate, is in danger of being -done injustice to, since its history is not always garnished -with splendid success, nor its path to honour strewn with -the glittering distinctions of victory, nor its heroism illustrated -by a long series of triumphs, which gild many a page of our -national history.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This regiment claims an origin co-eval with that of the -Scots Greys and Scots Foot Guards. It was regimented and -commanded by Charles, Earl of Mar, at a time when the -rampant bigotry of the King—oppressing the consciences of -the people, had exiled many of the bravest and best, or driven -them to desperate measures—induced them to draw together -for defence of their liberty and lives. Such was the state of -things in Scotland in 1678 when our Fusiliers were raised to -hunt down our covenanting forefathers, who, for conscience -sake, branded as heretics, endured the cruel ban of the Church -of Rome; who, “not ashamed to own their Lord,” freely resigned -life and property for His sake. The history of the -regiment is one with that of the Scots Greys and Scots Foot -Guards, already in our previous chapters alluded to, where it -may almost be traced page by page; it is therefore needless -for us to repeat the incidents which marked their early -history. They were present at the battle of Bothwell Bridge, -where the Covenanters were signally defeated, and were afterwards -engaged in repressing the Rebellion of Argyll in 1685. -At length the day of retribution arrived, when the voice of -the people declared the sovereignty of the House of Stuart to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>be an intolerant burden no longer to be submitted to,—by a -general rising decreed its overthrow, and by an almost universal -welcome hailed the advent of a better state of things -under the healthier government of the House of Orange. -Amid these changes our Fusiliers remained faithful to James -II. Having marched into England with a strength of 744 -men, under Colonel Buchan, they were stationed in the Tower -Hamlets. The flight of the King rendering all resistance to -the advancing forces of William futile and needless, the -regiment submitted to the victorious party of William and -Mary. Removed to Oxfordshire, the command was conferred on -Colonel O’Farrell. Colonel Buchan, adhering to the fallen fortunes -of James, followed him into exile. His name has acquired -a melancholy interest as the chief who, a few years later, after -the death of Dundee at Killiecrankie, headed the rebel forces -in a vain attempt to restore the dominion of the Stuarts. -Subsequently, in 1689, the regiment embarked at Gravesend -for Flanders, where, under Marlborough, it formed part of -the British division which, with the Dutch, strove to check -the aggressions of the French. In the early part of the -campaign they were associated with their countrymen of the -Third, or Scots Foot Guards, and the First, or Royal Scots -Regiment, besides other British troops. These shared the -glory of the victory of Walcourt, where an attack of the -French under D’Humieres was repulsed. In 1690 the ill -success of the allied general, Prince Waldeck, yielded to the -enemy many and important advantages, especially in the -disastrous battle of Fleurus. In the following year the Scots -<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>brigade was further augmented by the addition of the regiments -of Mackay and Ramsay, known to fame as the Old -Scots Brigade in the Dutch service, or as the Ninety-Fourth -in later times in the British service. To these were added -the Earl of Angus’s regiment of Cameronians, now the -Twenty-sixth, and subsequently the Earl of Leven’s regiment of -King’s Own Borderers, the present Twenty-fifth. The arrival -of King William, who in person assumed the command, as it -set at rest the national jealousies which hitherto prevailed -among the troops, and hushed the petty contests for precedence -on the part of their leaders, infused at the same -time new life and vigour into the movements of the Allies. -In a vain attempt to surprise the fortress of Mons, Colonel Sir -Robert Douglas of the Royals, and Colonel O’Farrell of our -Fusiliers, were taken prisoners by the French, but released on -payment of the customary ransom. Both were destined for -very different fates. The former, as narrated in a previous -chapter, fell, gallantly fighting at the head of his regiment, at -the battle of Steenkirk; the latter, surviving that bloody day, -was reserved to be the unlucky commander who surrendered -the fortress of Deinse, garrisoned by his regiment, to the -enemy without striking a blow in its defence. This denial of -the courage of our Fusiliers under his command, who, with -able hands and ready hearts, might have successfully challenged -the attempts of a numerous foe—whilst they were -delivered over to be prisoners of war—justly received the -severe censure of the King; and, tried by court martial, -Brigadier-General O’Farrell was cashiered, and his command -<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>conferred on Colonel Robert Mackay. Meanwhile, three -years previously, the battle of Steenkirk had been fought, -and the superior numbers of the French, directed by the -ability of the Duke de Luxembourg, had triumphed, notwithstanding -the desperate valour of the British. Our -Fusiliers, with the Royals, formed part of the advanced -guard of our army, and fiercely assailed the French, who, -strongly posted behind a series of thick hedges, poured -in a deadly fire into our ranks. Successively they were -driven from their strong position, but only to take a new -position, equally defensible, behind a second hedge. A third -and a fourth position was assumed and bravely defended, yet -nothing could withstand the onset of our troops. Every -obstacle was overcome, and victory was within our grasp, -when disasters in other parts of the field compelled the abandonment -of all these hard-earned advantages. D’Auvergne -says: “Our vanguard behaved in this engagement to such -wonder and admiration, that though they received the charge -of several battalions of the enemy, one after the other, yet -they made them retreat almost to their very camp;” and the -<cite>London Gazette</cite> records: “The bravery of our men was -extraordinary, and admired by all; ten battalions of ours -having engaged above thirty of the French at one time.” At -the battle of Landen in 1693, brigaded with the Twenty-fifth, -the Twenty-sixth, and the regiments of the Old Scots Brigade, -separated from the army by the prevailing efforts of the -French, they most heroically maintained themselves, until -overwhelming numbers compelled them to retire. With -<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>difficulty they effected their retreat, without disorder, by -fording the river Gheet, and so succeeded in rejoining the -main army. The ignominious surrender of Deinse, and the -consequent dismissal of Colonel O’Farrell, occurring in 1695, -have been already alluded to. Nothing of importance falls to -be recorded in the history of our Fusiliers during the -remainder of the war, which was terminated in 1697 by the -peace of Ryswick. Returning to Scotland, the rest they -enjoyed was but of short duration. Once again the rude -blast of war lashed into fury the ambition of princes. Would -that princes acted out the words of the ballad writer—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Oh, were I Queen of France, or still better, Pope of Rome,</div> - <div class='line'>I would have no fighting men abroad, or weeping maids at home.</div> - <div class='line'>All the world should be at peace, or if kings would show their might,</div> - <div class='line'>I’d have those that make the quarrels be the only ones to fight.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='i127' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_127fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>BLENHEIM. DRAWN FROM NATURE BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MʻNIVEN.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Unhappily, it is not so, and perhaps, however beautiful the -idea, it is better it should be otherwise. In 1702 the war of -the Spanish Succession broke out, which was destined to -witness the splendid successes of a renowned soldier—the -Duke of Marlborough. Brigaded with the second battalion -of the Royals, the Tenth, the Sixteenth, and the Twenty-sixth -regiments, our Fusiliers were present at the siege of Huy, and, -detached from the army, took part in the enterprise which -resulted in the capture of Limburg. But these events, however -glorious, sink into insignificance when compared with -the marvellous achievements which shed a flood of glory upon -our national history, as recorded in the memorable year of -1704. Then the plains of Germany for the first time owned -<span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>the tread not of a mere band of island adventurers, as in the -ancient days of our veteran Royals, but now these plains -resounded with the martial tramp of a British army. In the -attack upon the heights of Schellenberg our Fusiliers bore an -honourable part, but that was but the prelude to the grander -victory of Blenheim, wherein the confederate might of France -and Bavaria succumbed before the allied arms of Britain and -Germany. But this signal triumph was not accomplished -save by the most desperate bravery. “Brigadier-General -Row, (Colonel of the Royal North British Fusiliers,) who -charged on foot at the head of his own regiment with -unparalleled intrepidity, assaulted the village of Blenheim, -advancing to the very muzzles of the enemy’s muskets, and -some of the officers exchanged thrusts of swords through the -palisades; but the avenues of the village were found strongly -fortified, and defended by a force of superior numbers. -Brigadier-General Row led the North British Fusiliers up to -the palisades before he gave the word ‘Fire,’ and the next -moment he fell mortally wounded; Lieutenant-Colonel Dalyel -and Major Campbell, being on the spot, stepped forward to -raise their colonel, and were both instantly pierced by musket-balls; -the soldiers, exasperated at seeing the three field-officers -of the regiment fall, made a gallant effort to force their way -into the village, but this was found impossible, and the regiment -was ordered to retire. The moment the soldiers faced about, -thirteen squadrons of French cavalry galloped forward to charge -them, and one of the colours of the regiment was captured by -the enemy; but the French horsemen were repulsed by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>fire of a brigade of Hessians, and the colour was recovered.” -A second assault failed likewise, so resolute was the defence -of the enemy, but a third attempt, with additional forces, was -crowned with success; the French being driven out of the -village with great loss. There is no more treasured illustration -of the worth of our British soldiers than is recorded in -this famous battle, and no more distinguished honour than -belongs to the regiments who have won a title, by their -presence and brave deeds on the occasion, to share its glory -or bear upon their colours the proud and envied word -“Blenheim.” But this mode of commemorating battles was -not adopted until a later period,—<span class='sc'>Minden</span>, borne by the -Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers, and other corps,—being -the earliest instance of a battle thus emblazoned.<a id='rA' /><a href='#fA' class='c017'><sup>[A]</sup></a> -Throughout the remaining years of the war, graced by -the victories of Ramilies, Oudenarde, and Malplaquet, and -the capture of many of the strong fortresses of the Netherlands, -our Fusiliers maintained their character for bravery -and steadiness, proving themselves in every way worthy -the honours their valour had hitherto won. During this -period they were successively commanded by Viscount Mordaunt, -Brigadier-General De Lalo—a distinguished French -Protestant officer, who fell whilst gallantly leading his regiment -at the battle of Malplaquet—Major-General Meredith, -and the Earl of Orrery. Peace at length terminated the -struggle, and our heroes returned home in 1714. Shortly -afterwards a rebellion broke out in Scotland, under the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>Earl of Mar, son of the Earl of Mar who first commanded -our Fusiliers. Supported largely by the clans, presenting a -formidable array, he advanced into the Lowlands, proclaiming -the Pretender—the son of James II.—to be the -rightful sovereign. His vacillating policy—notwithstanding -the uncertain issues of the battle of Sheriffmuir, where the -royal troops, including our Fusiliers, led by the Duke of -Argyle, encountered the rebels—ruined the cause he had -assumed to maintain; so that when the Pretender joined -his partizans, he found them reduced to such desperate straits, -that whilst prudence counselled, cowardice sought the earliest -opportunity to effect an escape, leaving his friends to suffer -alone the vengeance of the Government. The clans dispersing -or submitting, the rebellion died out in 1716.</p> - -<div class='footnote' id='fA'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#rA'>A</a>. </span>Vide “Curiosities of War,” page 225.</p> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In 1743 the war of the Austrian Succession once more -stirred up the wrathful passions of man, and plunged the -European continent into all the horrors of war. The combatants -were much the same as on previous occasions—France -and Bavaria pitted against Austria and Britain. The Scots -Greys, the Third or Scots Foot Guards, (first battalion,) the -First or Royal Scots, (first battalion,) the Twenty-first or -Royal North British Fusiliers, the Twenty-fifth or King’s Own -Borderers, and the Forty-second or Royal Highlanders, formed -the Scottish regiments embraced in the British army. Under -the eye of their chivalric monarch, George II., who in person -commanded, our Fusiliers were greatly distinguished by their -good conduct, especially at the victory of Dettingen. Subsequently, -under Marshal Wade, the regiment was with the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>army which penetrated into France in 1744. In the following -year, under the Duke of Cumberland, present at the disastrous -battle of Fontenoy, the regiment lost 285 officers and men. -The valour of our troops, and the successes they had achieved, -were negatived, and the battle lost, by the failure of the Dutch -in other parts of the field. So severe had been the losses of -our Fusiliers on this occasion, that, for the sake of being -recruited, the regiment was removed from the army to garrison -Ostend, where, assailed by a very superior French force, it -was compelled to surrender. At this crisis in our country’s -history, the King of France, aiding and abetting the Jacobites, -succeeded but too well in inciting the clans to rebellion -under Prince Charles Edward. These troubles at home -occasioned the recall of the major part of the British army, -and amongst others, our Fusiliers, who, advancing from -Edinburgh, were engaged in the pursuit and ultimate overthrow -of the rebels at Culloden. Thereafter returning to the -continent, the regiment was engaged at the unavailing battle -of Val in 1747, which led to the peace of Aix-la-Chapelle.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span> -<h3 class='c013'>CHAPTER XIII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Ye sons of the strong, when that dawning shall break,</div> - <div class='line'>Need the harp of the aged remind you to wake?</div> - <div class='line'>That dawn never beam’d on your forefathers’ eye,</div> - <div class='line'>But it roused each high chieftain to vanquish or die.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>AMERICA—FRENCH REVOLUTION—WEST INDIES—NEW ORLEANS—CRIMEA—1748–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Restless like the ocean, anew the spirit of ambition, the thirst -for conquest, awakened the flames of war between these ancient -rivals—France and Britain. In those days, when standing -armies were dreaded by a people ever jealous of the prerogative -of the Crown, with whom, moreover, there still lingered the -bitter experience of the past, or the lively, yet painful, recollection -of the tyranny of the Stuarts—in those days our army -was limited. Hence, when war broke out, we find the whole -force of the kingdom called into action, or embarked on foreign -service, leaving to militia and volunteers the defence of “our -hearths and homes”—just as it should ever be. In such -circumstances, in 1761 our Fusiliers were engaged in a -desperate descent upon the French island of Belleisle, situated -in the Bay of Biscay. The natural and artificial defences of -the island had almost defeated the object of the expedition; -and when, after much searching and toil, a landing had been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>effected, the dangers to be encountered required the utmost -steadiness and perseverance to be overcome. The French -made a resolute defence, and only surrendered when their -position had become no longer tenable, and no promise of -relief seemed at hand. Afterwards stationed in England, the -regiment in 1765 was sent out for the occupation of West -Florida in America, whence, in 1770, it was removed to -Quebec. It had been commanded by the Earl of Panmure, -who, in 1738 succeeded the Duke of Argyle in the colonelcy, -and in 1770 he was in turn succeeded by Major-General -the Hon. Alexander Mackay. In 1772 our Fusiliers returned -to England; soon, however, to be recalled to the American -States, to take an active part in the unnatural war which -had arisen out of vexing disputes on the all-important question -of taxation between the Home and Colonial Governments. -Accordingly, in 1776 the regiment was sent out for -the relief of Quebec, then besieged by the Americans. The -timely arrival of such welcome reinforcements, strengthening -and encouraging the garrison, produced an opposite feeling of -weakness and dejection in the ranks of the besiegers, so as to -induce the American General to raise the siege and retire. In -his retreat he was pursued and harassed by the British troops. -In the following year, the Twenty-first, as we shall henceforth -call them, was employed reducing the American forts, -especially Ticonderago, which studded the shores of Lake -Champlain. Ultimately the regiment formed part of an -unfortunate expedition under Lieut.-General Burgoyne, who, -encouraged by previous successes, was tempted to advance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>into the enemy’s territory, away from his own resources, where—notwithstanding -the repeated defeats, especially at Stillwater, -with which our troops visited the temerity of the foe, -and the heroism with which they conquered all obstacles and -endured many sufferings from the pinchings of want, reduced -to about 3500 fighting men, and surrounded by an American -army of fully 16,000—the Twenty-first, with the relics of the -other regiments included in the expedition, were under the -painful necessity of laying down their arms, and surrendering -themselves prisoners of war. This untoward event terminated -for the present the active service of the Twenty-first. The -battalion, on being released, returned to Britain, where it -remained on home duty until 1789, when, embarking for -America, it was employed for nearly four years in that -country.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The French Revolution having, by a flood of evil influences, -submerged well nigh every vestige of living righteousness, -war, with all its horrors, had been accepted as the dire alternative -which, with its fiery deluge, should purge the political -world of the cankering iniquities which hitherto fattened -upon the miseries a tyrant democracy had inflicted upon -civilisation. Unable to cope with the vast armaments which -the revolutionary energy of France had brought into being -and sent forth to convert Christendom to its own dogmas of -“Equality, Fraternity, and Liberty,” and whilst these overran -the Netherlands and other adjacent countries, our Government -directed the efforts of its arms against the French West -Indian Islands, the natives and lower classes of which, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>becoming infected by the republican fever, had assumed to -be free, and in token thereof adopted the tri-colour cockade, -whilst the Royalists, who, as proprietors and capitalists, -had everything to lose, invoked the friendly aid of Britain. -Accordingly, the Twenty-first, proceeding from Canada to the -West Indies with the army under Major-General Bruce, took -part in the first attempt upon the island of Martinique in -1793, which failed. A second attempt in 1794, under General -Sir Charles Grey, was more successful, the Republicans being -overthrown. This desirable result was speedily followed by -the reduction of the islands of St Lucia and Guadaloupe, in -the capture of both of which the Twenty-first was honourably -distinguished. Our possession of Guadaloupe was not long to -be enjoyed. A powerful French fleet from Europe, with a -considerable body of troops on board, arrived and succeeded -but too well in resuscitating the republican interests, and at -length prevailing, the few British defenders, numbering only -125, were forced to surrender to overwhelming odds. In the -fall of Fort Matilda, which terminated our dominion in the -island, the Twenty-first met with another heavy disaster, -which, with the ravages of the yellow fever, had so reduced -the effective strength of the regiment, that in 1796 it was -sent home to recruit, where it soon attained a strength of 800 -men, by volunteers from the Scots Fencible Regiments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whilst stationed at Enniskillen, the good conduct of the -regiment won for our Fusiliers the esteem of the inhabitants, -whose good-will could not fail to be appreciated as a record -of no small importance, considering the excellent regiments, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>which, bearing the name of “Inniskilling,” have ever done -honour by their gallantry to British valour. These good -impressions were deepened, and the deserved esteem of our -Fusiliers greatly increased, by the firm attitude maintained -by the regiment during the Dublin riots of 23d July, 1803. -On this trying occasion, stationed in the Irish metropolis, the -determined front of the Twenty-first, under Major Robertson, -(Lieut.-Colonel Brown having been murdered by the -rioters whilst proceeding to join his regiment,) succeeded -in overawing and reducing to obedience the refractory mob -whose discontents had assumed the dangerous character of -a fierce insurrection, and whose malignity towards Government -had avenged itself in the barbarous murder of the Lord -Chief Justice, Viscount Kilwarden. The good conduct of the -regiment was rewarded with the public thanks, whilst Lieutenant -Douglas and the Adjutant (Brady), as specially distinguished -for activity and judgment, were each presented -with a valuable gift of plate.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The vastly increasing power and menacing attitude -assumed by Napoleon had roused the latent energies of the -nation, and in the exigencies of the times, induced one of -those most splendid efforts of true patriotism of which only -a free nation like our own is capable of producing. The -people as one man rose to arms, and practically illustrated -the fervid eloquence of the immortal Pitt, when, with a -soul pregnant with devotion to his country, he exclaimed—“Were -an enemy on our shores, I <em>never</em> would lay -down my arms. <em>Never! never! never!</em>” whilst the muse -<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>of Campbell summoned the charms of language to aid the -sacred cause:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Rise, fellow-men! Our country yet remains!</div> - <div class='line'>By that dread name we wave the sword on high,</div> - <div class='line'>And swear for her to live, with her to die!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Amongst the many means adopted to secure an effectual -national defence, the increase of our army was deservedly the -chief. From the youth of the counties of Renfrew and Ayr a -second battalion was raised for our Fusiliers in December -1804; but it was not until 1806 called to an active part in -the terrible contest which then shook Europe to its base. The -defence of Sicily for the legitimate sovereignty of Naples, to -which the Twenty-first was called, although a duty but of -minor importance when compared with the mighty events -which were being enacted on the vaster theatre of Europe, -still the result, redundant with glory, served to give hope to -liberty when the threatened night of tyranny had elsewhere -descended to cloud the nationalities of Christendom; whilst -our British soldiers, if aught dare aspire to the title, proved -themselves to be the real “<em>invincibles</em>”—when all else had -been borne down by the legions of France, they alone remained -<em>unconquered</em>. Under Major-General Alexander Mackenzie -Fraser, the first battalion was engaged in the expedition to -Egypt against the Turks; who, in an evil hour, when French -power seemed omnipotent, and French influences in consequence -triumphed, had been pressed into the service of the -Emperor, against their better judgment and truer interests. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span>A single campaign successfully terminated the war, when our -first battalion returned to Sicily.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1809, with the expedition under Sir John Stuart, the -Twenty-first attacked and captured from Murat, vicegerent[*typo for viceregent?] -of Napoleon, styled King of Naples, the islands Ischia and -Procida, containing immense material of war. An attack -upon the castle of Scylla in Calabria failed, and an attempt to -defend the town of Valmi resulted in serious loss to our -gallant Fusiliers—no fewer than 80 officers and men falling -into the hands of the enemy. Imbued, like his great master, -with an insatiate appetite for conquest, and a restless ambition, -Murat vehemently longed for an opportunity to expel the -British from Sicily, and so unite that valuable island to his -new kingdom. Having concentrated a powerful army, and -prepared an immense flotilla of gunboats and transports on -the shores of Calabria, he, on a dark night in September, 1810, -attempted a descent. As the morning dawned it revealed the -enemy to the British, and so interrupted their further transport -and landing. Those who had come over in the night -were so fiercely assailed by the Twenty-first and other -regiments, that, with the sea behind and a powerful enemy -around, without the prospect of relief or any chance of escape, -the French surrendered. The ill success of this well-concerted -expedition, induced Murat to abandon for the present the -idea of extending his territory beyond the mainland. But -our troops were not always thus successful. In 1812 the -grenadiers of the Twenty-first sustained a severe disaster as -part of the British expedition which failed in an attempted -<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>descent upon the Spanish coast at Alicante. In the expiring -agonies of “the empire of Napoleon,” our Fusiliers, although -not seriously exposed to the stern shock of battle, yet helped -materially, by their presence in Italy, and their advance from -Leghorn to Genoa, to drive out the relics of the French “army -of Italy,” and so restore freedom to the oppressed who peopled -those lovely plains. At Genoa the regiment encountered the -enemy and prevailed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile our Government, concentrating the whole -energies of the nation, and labouring to hold together the -discordant materials which composed the Grand Alliance, -strove, by one gigantic, persevering effort, to crush out the -usurped dominion of France—the empire—to dethrone the -tyrant, and liberate Europe. Accordingly, a British force -had been sent to the Netherlands, including the second -battalion of the Twenty-first. It took part in the unfortunate -attack upon Bergen-op-Zoom, where, miscalculating the -strength and resolution of the enemy, who was strongly posted -in a vast citadel of powerful works, the battalion suffered -severely; encompassed by a numerous foe, many were taken -prisoners. The abdication of Napoleon having conferred -peace upon Europe, the second battalion returned with the -army to Britain, whilst the first battalion was embarked for -service in the West Indies.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The innate pride of the Yankee being hurt by our sovereignty -of the seas, determined to dispute our generally acknowledged -title thereto. America in consequence became involved -in war with us. To chasten them for repeated insults which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>they sought to heap upon our flag, a British expedition, -including the first battalion of the Twenty-first, with the -Twenty-ninth and Sixty-second regiments, landed in the Bay -of Chesapeake. Advancing up the river Patuxent to Upper -Marlborough, our army destroyed a numerous fleet of gunboats -which had molested our commercial interests in these -waters. Within sixteen miles of Washington, the troops, -encouraged by the promise of so rich a prize, ventured still -further to advance. Encountering and defeating the American -army at Bladensburg, they entered Washington in triumph. -The Twenty-first, as the van of the British, was the first -to set foot in this haughty metropolis of the New World. -By the hard decrees of war, not only the arsenals, but much of -that which claimed, as public edifices, etc., to beautify and -ornament this splendid city, were given over to destruction; -and having thus avenged the indignities of the past, our army -retired to the fleet at St Benedict. An expedition was afterwards -undertaken against Baltimore; but, although success -crowned our arms whenever or wherever the enemy encountered -our soldiers on any thing like equal terms, especially in -the action which ensued at Godly Wood, still was it impossible -for such a handful of brave men, amidst increasing difficulties -and numerous enemies, to do more; and hence, when our -troops had drawn near to Baltimore, they found that opulent -and populous city so strongly defended by an American army of -15,000, and deprived, moreover, by circumstances of the assistance -of the fleet, it was considered impossible to prosecute -the attack with any prospect of success. Retiring, therefore, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>our army embarked, well satisfied with the results their valour -had already achieved. This battalion of the Fusiliers was -stationed at Jamaica for a time, until a new expedition was -set on foot. The prize in view was the reduction of the great -maritime city of New Orleans, situated below the level of the -Mississippi which flows by to the sea. The Americans, learning -wisdom from the past, and appreciating the value and -importance of this city, had laboured to strengthen its means -of defence, by the construction of vast and formidable -entrenchments which shielded it effectually from assault on -the land side. To make good these defences, a powerful army -of 12,000 men was thrown into the city, commanded by an -able officer—General Jackson. The Britishers who dared to -assail such a powerfully defended city did not exceed 6000 -men, comprising the Fourth, the Seventh, the first battalion -of the Twenty-first, the Forty-third, the Forty-fourth, the -Eighty-fifth, the Ninety-third Highlanders, and the Ninety-fifth -or Rifle Brigade, with a body of seamen from the fleet. -Notwithstanding the disparity in numbers, all might have gone -well in the assault, but for the culpable negligence of those in -charge, who had forgotten to bring up the scaling-ladders, and -ere they could be brought up, our men, unprotected from the -deadly discharge of the enemy’s numerous artillery, helpless -to defend themselves, were mowed down like grass; and yet -their front, though sadly contracted by the loss of upwards of -2000 men, remained firm as ever. Sir Edward Pakenham, -the British commander, and his generals of division, Gibbs -and Keane, had fallen. Major-General Gibbs died of his -<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>wounds, but Major-General Keane became afterwards Lord -Keane. These sore disasters negatived Colonel Thornton’s success -against the battery on the right, and rendered retreat an -absolute necessity, which was ably conducted by Major-General -Sir John Lambert, although in presence of a vastly -superior and victorious enemy. The relics of this gallant -little army, who had dared to assail such strength and numbers, -were embarked in the fleet on the 27th January, 1815. The -total loss of the Twenty-first on this occasion was 451 officers -and men, which serves to show how dreadful was the carnage -throughout, and how desperate the valour that sustained it -without once flinching from duty. Ere peace was concluded, -which happened shortly thereafter, the expedition succeeded -in the capture of Fort Bowyer, near Mobile.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After such severe service, having returned home and -been somewhat recruited by drafts from the second battalion, -although too late to share the glories of the Waterloo campaign, -the battalion was sent to the Netherlands, and thence, -advancing into France, formed part of the “army of occupation” -which remained in that kingdom until peace had not -merely been restored but secured. In 1816 the second battalion -was disbanded at Stirling; and a year later, the first battalion, -returning home, was variously stationed in England. In 1819 -the regiment was sent on foreign service to the West Indies, -where it was successively stationed in Barbadoes, Tobago, -Demerara, St Vincent, and Grenada. Whilst in Demerara a -rebellion of the negroes occurred. The good conduct of the -regiment in suppressing the revolt elicited the commendation -<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>of the King; the Duke of York, commander-in-chief; Sir Henry -Ward, K.C.B., commanding in these islands; and the Court of -Policy of the colony. These were accompanied by more -substantial rewards. “The Court of Policy voted, as a special -and permanent mark of the high estimation in which the -inhabitants of the colony held the services of Lieut.-Colonel -Leahy, the officers, and soldiers, ‘Five Hundred Guineas to be -laid out in the purchase of Plate for the regimental mess,’ and -Two Hundred Guineas for the purchase of a sword for Lieut.-Colonel -Leahy; also Fifty Guineas for the purchase of a sword -for Lieutenant Brady, who commanded a detachment at -Mahaica, and whose cool, steady, and intrepid conduct, aided -by the courage and discipline of his men, gave an early and -effectual check to the progress of revolt in that quarter.” -Returning home in 1828, the regiment was honoured in doing -duty at Windsor Castle, the residence of royalty. In these -times of comparative peace little of interest falls to be narrated. -We find the regiment employed in various garrisons throughout -the kingdom, until, in 1832 and 1833, it was sent out in -charge of convicts to New South Wales, and stationed in the -colonies of Australia and Van Diemen’s Land. In 1839 it -was removed to the East Indies, and was stationed successively -at Chuiswiah, Calcutta, Dinapore, Kamptee, Agra, Cawnpore, -and Calcutta, returning to England in 1848.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1854 Russian aggressions had so stirred the nations in -defence of the right, that Turkey in her weakness found ready -sympathisers. Foremost of these, France and England, side -by side, had sent forth powerful armaments, which, landing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>upon the Crimean peninsula, created a helpful, and, as the -long-expected result proved, a successful diversion in favour -of the oppressed empire of the Sultan. Amongst the brave, -composing the 26,800 British, that landed at Old Fort, were -our gallant Fusiliers, the Twenty-first. In the Fourth -Division, brigaded with the Twentieth, Fifty-seventh, and -Sixty-eighth, they were present in reserve at the Alma, and -in action at Inkermann. It is needless to repeat the details -of the war, seeing especially we must take occasion so frequently -to recur to incidents connected with it; besides, the -general events must be still so fresh in the memories of most -of our readers as to need no repetition here. Enough be it -to say of the conduct of the Twenty-first Royal North British -Fusiliers, that it displayed the same excellence as of old. -Since the return of the regiment to the beloved shores of Old -England, it has enjoyed the peace which its own gallantry had -well contributed to achieve.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the glory of the sun shining through a humid atmosphere -is even more resplendent and more to be admired in the -heaven-bespangled, many-coloured robe of the rainbow than -when he appears in the full strength of noon-day, so valour—true, -genuine valour, the valour of our gallant Twenty-first—is -the more illustrious and meritorious that it is to be found -emerging from amid many vicissitudes and adversities. It is -usually the bravest of the brave that fall. Alas! that so many -who gave fair promise to ornament and illustrate the British -soldier as the hero, should have fallen—buds nipped by the -frost of death. Let it be borne very encouragingly in mind, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>that adversity is the furnace wherein the gold of true valour -is purified—is the schoolmaster which teaches how to win -prosperity. The greatest glory which rests upon the departed -genius of Sir John Moore, is that which pictures him in -adversity in retreat—his lion spirit unsubdued, his towering -abilities shining forth. And so, in closing our record, we -would do justice, not merely to valour gilded by brilliant -victories, but especially testify to true valour incarnated in -the man—the hero ever <em>struggling</em>, not always <em>winning</em>, yet -always <em>worthy</em>, the reward.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE TWENTY-FIFTH FOOT. <br /> KING’S OWN BORDERERS, <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> EDINBURGH REGIMENT.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER XIV.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Many a banner spread, flutters above your head,</div> - <div class='line'>Many a crest that is famous in story;</div> - <div class='line'>Mount and make ready, then, sons of the mountain glen,</div> - <div class='line'>Fight for your king and the old Scottish glory.</div> - <div class='line in6'>March, march, forward in order,</div> - <div class='line in6'>A’ the blue bonnets are over the border.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>ORIGIN—KILLIECRANKIE—IRELAND—NETHERLANDS—SHERIFFMUIR—NETHERLANDS—CULLODEN—1688–1755.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It is recorded of Sir Walter Scott that he claimed descent -from one of the most distinguished families of “the land-louping -gentry” of the Scottish border. The title, “King’s -Own Borderers,” borne by the Twenty-fifth, would induce the -belief that the regiment had sprung from the same source; -and however much we may excuse the military license of the -times, or the marauding propensities of our border countrymen, -and extol their martial achievements, so prolific with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>romantic incident and chivalric feats of daring, we cannot -but question the respectability of such a parentage.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“She’s o’er the border, and awa’ wi’ Jock o’ Hazeldean.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Happily the Twenty-fifth owns a much more recent connection -with the Scottish border, when the feuds which had -disgraced earlier years, by the wrongs and cruelties they -occasioned, were healed, and the failings of the past are forgotten -amid the excellencies and the glories of the present. -The regiment was raised in the City of Edinburgh by the -Earl of Leven, in 1688, from among the noblemen and gentlemen -who had come over from the Continent as the adherents -of William, Prince of Orange. The advent of the House of -Orange, apart from the religious and political liberty it conferred -and assumed to guarantee, had been further hailed by -an emancipated people as restoring to the bosom of their dear -native land, and to the home of their fathers, those “lost and -brave,” who, for conscience’ sake, had endured a long and -painful exile. Consistent with that fidelity which has ever -been a conspicuous jewel in Scottish character, once that the -Reformed faith found an entrance and an abiding-place in the -heart of the Scotsman, nor priest, nor king, nor pope could -drive it out, quench the light of truth, or shake the steadfastness -of the Covenanter. Hence the number of Scottish exiles -was very many, and, in consequence, the return of the refugees -was an event of no common interest in the Scottish -metropolis, diffusing a very general joy throughout the land. -Their first duty fulfilled of thanks and gratitude to God for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>their deliverance, their next duty to their country impelled -them to tender the service of their swords to the king. -Accordingly, their offer being accepted, the embodiment of the -Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers was the result, which in -four hours attained a strength of near a thousand men. Whilst -the Scottish estates hesitated to acknowledge the sovereignty -of William and Mary, and the Duke of Gordon held possession -of the Castle of Edinburgh for King James, the Twenty-fifth -was quartered in the Parliament House. But it was not -until Viscount Dundee, descending into the Lowlands at the -head of the disaffected clans, seriously disturbing the peace of -the land, that the regiment was called into action. Advancing -with the royal army to Killiecrankie, the Borderers bore a -conspicuous and honourable part in the contest which ensued. -Major-General Mackay, in his despatch to the Duke of Hamilton, -stated, “There was no regiment or troop with me but -behaved like the vilest cowards in nature, except Hastings’ -and Lord Leven’s, whom I must praise at such a degree, as I -cannot but blame others.” The regiments thus commended -were the present Thirteenth and Twenty-fifth Foot. Although -borne back by the impetuosity of the Highlanders, and -although the day was lost to the king, still the result—especially -the death of Dundee—proved the ruin of the Jacobites—the -beginning of the end, each successive struggle -which convulsed the nation more effectually serving to destroy -the hopes of the House of Stuart.</p> - -<div id='i147' class='figcenter id016'> -<img src='images/i_b_147fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>PASS OF KILLIECRANKIE</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In 1691 the regiment embarked for Ireland, and was present, -with much credit, at the sieges of Ballymore, Athlone, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>Galway, and Limerick, and at the battle of Aughrim. These -several successes having accomplished the deliverance of that -island from the yoke of James, the regiment with other troops -was sent to England, whence it embarked with the British -army for the Netherlands, to check the progress of the French. -Under the command of King William, the allies made a determined -stand at Steenkirk and again at Landen, but on both -occasions failed to make any decided impression upon the -masses of the enemy commanded by Marshal de Luxembourg, -who continued to advance in spite of the most gallant opposition. -At the siege of Namur, by the explosion of a mine, the -regiment lost twenty officers and 500 men. The gallant -conduct of the allies at this celebrated siege is thus eulogised:</p> - -<p class='c018'>The British were esteemed most bold; -The Bavarians most firm; and -The Brandenburghers most successful;</p> - -<p class='c000'>whilst the French, out of a garrison originally 15,000 strong, -had lost in the defence about two-thirds of their number. -The engineering skill of these great masters of the art—Coehorn -and Vauban, exerted to the utmost on their respective -sides—has preserved no more magnificent testimony to -their several abilities than is found recorded in the assault -and defence. The resolution and ability of Marshal Boufflers, -the French Governor, in so gloriously maintaining the defence, -is not to be overlooked, but merited a better success. Sterne’s -facetious story of “Tristram Shandy”—how questionable so-ever -its discretion in our times, yet replete with much that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>is beautiful, quaint, and true—has borrowed from the ranks -of our Borderers its most noted and popular characters, “Uncle -Toby,” who was wounded in the groin at this siege of Namur, -and his faithful body-servant, “Corporal Trim,” who, two -years previously, had been wounded at the battle of Landen; -both, by the pen of the author, being life pictures of the -veterans of Chelsea. It was during this war that the bayonet, -which had been invented by the French, instead of being fixed -<em>inside</em> the muzzle of the musket, was first used by the French -fixed round the <em>outside</em> of the muzzle, thus enabling the -soldier to charge and deliver fire promptly. Grose, in his -“Military Antiquities,” thus records the introduction of this -improvement:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In an engagement, during one of the campaigns of King -William III. in Flanders, there were three French regiments -whose bayonets were made to fix after the present fashion -(1690), a contrivance then unknown in the British army; one -of them advanced with fixed bayonets against Leven’s (now -the Twenty-fifth) regiment, when Lieutenant-Colonel Maxwell, -who commanded it, ordered his men to ‘screw bayonets’ into -their muzzles, thinking the enemy meant to decide the affair -point to point; but to his great surprise, when they came within -a proper distance, the French threw in a heavy fire, which -for a moment staggered his men, who nevertheless recovered -themselves, charged, and drove the enemy out of the line.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the peace of Ryswick being concluded in 1697, -our Borderers, returning home, were quartered in the disturbed -districts of the North of Scotland. Nothing of importance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>falls to be narrated of the regiment until the Rebellion of -the Earl of Mar, in 1715, called it to take the field. It -was present at the unfortunate battle of Sheriffmuir. The -desertion of the Hon. Captain Arthur Elphinstone to the -rebel army, however it might have been regretted as casting a -shadow over the loyalty of the Twenty-fifth, that doubt has -been dispelled, and the lie contradicted, by the exemplary -fidelity of the regiment on all occasions. Captain Elphinstone, -as Lord Balmarino, in 1746, paid the penalty of his -error by his execution on Tower Hill.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the Spanish War of 1719, the regiment was engaged -in a successful expedition against various towns on the -north-western sea-board of the Peninsula. For several years -thereafter it was variously stationed in Ireland, and, in 1727, -removed to Gibraltar, where, with other corps, it successfully -defended that important fortress against every attempt of the -Spaniards to reduce and regain it. The war of the Austrian -Succession, which began in 1742, occasioning the assembling of -a British and allied army in the Netherlands, our Borderers -were sent thither to reinforce the troops which had already -won the bloody victory of Dettingen. The regiment shared -the glories and sustained the dangers of Fontenoy, which -elicited from Marshal Saxe, the conquering general, the following -graphic and generous testimony to the worth of the -foe he had overthrown:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I question much whether there are many of our generals -who dare undertake to pass a plain with a body of infantry -before a numerous cavalry, and flatter himself that he could hold -<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>his ground for several hours, with fifteen or twenty battalions in -the middle of an army, as did the English at Fontenoy, without -any change being made to shake them, or make them -throw away their fire. This is what we have all seen, but -self-love makes us unwilling to speak of it, because we are well -aware of its being beyond our imitation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Taking advantage of the disasters which had crowded -upon the allied arms in the Netherlands, Prince Charles -Edward had stirred up a formidable Rebellion in Scotland, -chiefly among the Highland clans, in favour of his pretensions, -as the representative of the House of Stuart, to the British -throne. This untoward event occasioned the recall of many -regiments from the Continent, and required those left behind -to confine themselves to the defence of strongly-fortified lines. -The Twenty-fifth was one of those that returned. With the -Twenty-first Royal North British Fusiliers, it formed the rear -guard of the Royal army, advancing in pursuit of the rebels -into Scotland. Too late to take any part in the battle of -Falkirk, the regiment was stationed in Edinburgh, until the -Duke of Cumberland arriving, gave the signal for an immediate -advance upon the enemy, then prosecuting the siege of -Stirling. Interrupted in their enterprise by the near approach -of the Royal army, the rebels retreated precipitately, until, -hemmed in, they made a last and fatal stand on Culloden -Moor, where they were utterly routed with great slaughter. -The most distinguished service performed by a detachment of -300 men of the Twenty-fifth is thus graphically described in -the biography of General Melville:—</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>“The second detachment, consisting of 300 men, commanded -by Sir Andrew Agnew, Lieutenant-Colonel of the -Royal North British Fusiliers, was sent by the route of Dunkeld, -through the Pass of Killiecrankie, to take post in Blair -Castle, the seat of James, Duke of Athole—a very faithful -subject of his Majesty. The garrison was frittered away in -small detachments, for the purpose of intercepting traitorous -correspondence. Early on the morning of the 17th March, -the rebels, in a considerable body, surprised and made prisoners -of several of the outposts, and by break of day closely -invested the castle on all sides, firing upon the out-picquet, -which retired with some difficulty, bringing with it some -horses belonging to the officers, and a small quantity of provisions. -Blair Castle was a very high, irregular building, the -walls of great thickness—having what was called <em>Cumming’s -Tower</em> projecting from the west end of the front of the house, -which faces the north. Adjoining the east gable of the old -castle, a square new building had been begun, but only carried -up a few feet above the beams fixed for the first floor. The -great door in the staircase having been barricaded, and a small -guard placed at it, the garrison was mustered and found to -consist of about 270 rank and file, having only nineteen -rounds of ammunition per man. The men were immediately -posted throughout the castle in the manner best adapted for -its defence, with instructions not to fire unless actually -attacked. For the protection of the new, unfinished building -before mentioned, to which the only communication from the -castle was by ten or twelve steps of a ladder, from a door in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span>the east end; a platform of loose boards was hastily laid on -the joists, and Ensign Robert Melville (afterwards General -Melville) of the Twenty-fifth regiment, with 25 men, was -posted on it, who was not relieved during the whole of the -blockade, which ended 1st April. On the 17th March, a -little after noon, Lord George Murray, a general to the Pretender, -wrote a summons of surrender to Sir Andrew Agnew, -which he could not find a Highlander to deliver, on account of -the well-known outrageousness of Sir Andrew’s temper, but a -pretty girl, who was acquainted with the garrison, undertook -the task, but could hardly find an officer to receive it, for the -reason before mentioned; however, after much entreaty, one -was bold enough to convey the summons, when Sir Andrew, -in so loud a voice, that he was heard distinctly by the girl -outside the castle, desired him to be gone, and tell Lord -George that the ground would, before long, be too hot for him -to stand upon, and any future messenger would be hanged or -shot if sent upon such an errand. Lord George took the hint, -sent no other messenger, but endeavoured to reduce the castle -by famine, knowing it was short of provisions. The rebels -had two field-pieces, from which they fired hot shot upon the -castle, with so little effect that, though some stuck in the roof, -they fell out before the house took fire, and were lifted off -the floors by an iron ladle, which was found in the Duke’s -kitchen, and deposited in the cellars in tubs of wine, as water -could not be spared. The King’s troops, in dread of being -starved, endeavoured to apprise the Earl of Craufurd at Dunkeld -of the state in which they were placed, but they were so -<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>closely hemmed in, that, with great difficulty, the Duke’s gardener, -a loyal man, stole out during the ninth night of the -blockade and rode off through the enemy, fired at from several -places by the Highlanders, from whom he escaped, having -fallen from his horse, and gone on foot to Dunkeld and -apprised the Earl, which was not known for some time; in -the meantime, the garrison had great faith in the good luck -of Sir Andrew, concerning whom many strange stories were -told—such as, that he never was wounded nor sick, nor in any -battle wherein the English were not victorious; therefore, they -were the less surprised when, at break of day on the 1st of -April, not a single Highlander could be seen—Lord George -having taken the alarm and decamped, to avoid encountering -the Earl of Craufurd from Dunkeld. On the morning of the -2d, an officer arrived and announced that the Earl was within -an hour’s march of the castle with a force of cavalry, when Sir -Andrew drew up his men to receive his Lordship, and after -the usual compliments, thus addressed him—‘My Lord, I am -glad to see you; but, by all that is good, you have been very -dilatory, and we can give you nothing to eat.’ To which his -Lordship jocosely replied, with his usual good humour, ‘I -assure you, Sir Andrew, I made all the haste I could, and I -hope you and your officers will dine with me to-day;’ which -they accordingly did, in the summer-house of the Duke’s garden, -where they had a plentiful meal and good wines. The -Earl made so favourable a report of the conduct of Sir Andrew -and the garrison of Blair Castle, that the Duke of Cumberland -thanked them, in public orders, for their <em>steady and gallant</em> -<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span><em>defence</em>, and the gallant commandant was promoted to the -command of a regiment of marines (late Jeffries’). A Highland -pony, belonging to Captain Wentworth of the Fourth -foot, which had been seventeen days (without food) in a -dungeon of the castle, being still alive, was recovered by care -and proper treatment, and became in excellent condition.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having thus effectually suppressed the Rebellion, the -Twenty-fifth, and most of the other regiments, returned to -the Netherlands. Defeated at the battle of Roucoux, the -allies were on the point of falling into confusion, when -Houghton’s British brigade, composed of the Eighth, Thirteenth, -and Twenty-fifth, arriving from Maestricht, immediately -formed as the rear guard, their steady valour effectually -withstanding every attempt of the enemy to break in upon our -line of retreat. In the sanguinary battle of Val, our Borderers -bore a more prominent part with equal credit. This disastrous -war terminated in 1747, with the unsuccessful defence of -Bergen-op-Zoom, which was ultimately taken by the French. -The regiment encountered a variety of misadventures on its -passage home. One transport, containing six and a-half -companies, being shipwrecked on the French coast, yet all -escaping to land, were kindly treated by their recent foes. -The regiment, at length reaching England, was removed to and -variously quartered throughout Ireland.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span> -<h3 class='c013'>CHAPTER XV.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“He’s brave as brave can be;</div> - <div class='line'>He wad rather fa’ than flee;</div> - <div class='line'>But his life is dear to me,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Send him hame, send him hame.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Your love ne’er learnt to flee,</div> - <div class='line'>But he fell in Germanie,</div> - <div class='line'>Fighting brave for loyalty,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Mournfu’ dame, mournfu’ dame.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>GERMANY—MARINE SERVICE—WEST INDIES—EGYPT—WEST</div> - <div>INDIES—GIBRALTAR—1755–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In 1755 the encroachments of France awakened a new -war, in which our Borderers were employed in several -generally successful expeditions against the fortified towns -and arsenals on the coast of France, especially the Isle of -Oleron, St Maloes, and Cherbourg. A few years later, with -the Twelfth, the Twentieth, the Twenty-third, the Thirty-seventh, -and Fifty-first Foot, the Horse Guards, the First and -Third Dragoon Guards, the Second, Sixth, and Tenth Dragoons, -they formed the British army, which, advancing from the -north of Germany, allied with the Germans and other auxiliaries, -latterly served under the command of Prince Ferdinand -of Brunswick. Encountering at first severe reverses, they were -at length rewarded by the victory of Minden. “This was the -first occasion on which the British troops took aim by placing -<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>the butt of the firelock against the shoulder, and viewing -the object along the barrel, when firing at the enemy, in -which mode they had been instructed during the preceding -peace. On former occasions, the firelock was brought up -breast-high, and discharged towards the enemy a good deal -at random; because it was considered a degradation to take -aim according to the present custom. And in this year the -cavalry adopted the trumpet, in place of the side-drum and -hautbois.” Throughout the war, the regiment suffered very -severely, its loss at the battle of Campen alone amounting to -two-thirds of its number. In the Regimental Records, which -afford a most interesting and ably-written account of the -many “brave deeds” of the regiment, as well as a comprehensive, -yet most accurate, record of the wars in which it was -concerned, and to which we are largely indebted, it is recorded: -“1760, December 9, died, in the 34th year of his -age, of the wounds he had received in the battle of Campen, -Henry Reydell Dawnay, Viscount Down, Baron Dawnay of -Cowick, county York, M.P. for that county, Colonel in the -army, and Lieutenant-Colonel commanding the Edinburgh -Regiment, greatly regretted and lamented by every officer -and soldier of the corps, and by all his companions in arms. -His Lordship commanded the regiment in the battle of Minden.” -Notwithstanding the great superiority of the enemy, -ably commanded by the Marshal Duke de Broglio, the allies, -by the most heroic efforts, not merely held their own, but frequently -repulsed the enemy, especially at the battle of Kirch -Deukern, or Fellinghausen, where the French were defeated -<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>with great slaughter. “Hitherto, punishments in the British -army were, to a certain extent, discretionary with commanding -officers of corps, and inflicted by means of switches, generally -willows; but during the present year, regimental courts-martial, -consisting generally of a captain and four subalterns, -were instituted, and punishment with a cat-of-nine-tails introduced.”</p> - -<div id='i156' class='figcenter id017'> -<img src='images/i_b_156fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>ANCIENT BADGE OF TWENTY-FIFTH, OR KING’S OWN BORDERERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>At length, in 1763, peace was restored. The Twenty-fifth, -returning to England, whilst stationed at Newcastle, -buried, with military honours, the shreds of the colours which -they had so honourably fought under at the battles of Fontenoy, -Culloden, Roucoux, Val, Minden, Warbourg, Campen, -Fellinghausen, and Wilhelmsthal. Having replaced the losses -they had suffered in the recent war, and having enjoyed for -several years peaceful and pleasant quarters at home, our -Borderers, in 1768, embarked in H.M.S. “Dorsetshire,” 70 -guns, for Minorca, where they discharged the duties of the -garrison for some time with the Third, Eleventh, Thirteenth, -and Sixty-seventh regiments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The magistrates of Edinburgh having denied a recruiting -party from the regiment the ancient privilege, conferred upon -it by the city in token of its good conduct at Killiecrankie, of -marching at all times through the streets and beating up for -recruits, the ire of the Duke of Richmond, whose brother, Lord -George Lennox, then commanded the regiment, was so stirred -by this indignity, that he applied for leave to have the title -of the regiment changed, and, in accordance therewith, it -was for a while known as the Sussex Regiment—Sussex -<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>being the county where the Lennox family held extensive -estates.</p> - -<p class='c000'>About this period France and Spain, at war with Great -Britain, coveting the possession of Gibraltar, had laid siege to -that powerful fortress. It was no easy thing in those days, -when our navy was comparatively in its infancy, to cope with -the armaments of such powerful neighbours—powerful alike -on land and water, and whose combined fleets had hitherto -“swept the seas.” To throw in reinforcements, and re-victual -Gibraltar, was in consequence a hazardous undertaking; nevertheless -the British fleet, under Lord Howe, not only successfully -accomplished it in spite of the immediate presence of the -Spanish fleet, but signally defeated the foe off Cape St Vincent. -The Twenty-fifth and Twenty-ninth regiments were on this -occasion thrown into the garrison, where they helped in the -successful defence of the fortress, baffling the most gigantic -efforts of the enemy to reduce it.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Twenty-fifth was ordered home in 1792, where it -arrived at a time when our country was in great peril from -internal enemies—the discontents which the fair promises of -the French Revolution had excited, and which proved such a -lamentable delusion, had their effects even amongst “our sober -selves,” begetting a progeny of evils which threatened to -shipwreck our good ship—the Constitution. Happily, the -abilities of our Administration brought the vessel of the -State in safety through the storm. Meanwhile France had -declared war against us, and the tempest, which had been -imminent, descended with terrible fury. Our fleet, which -<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>was then wofully inefficient, was put into commission; but, -for lack of marines, detachments from various regiments, -amongst others the Second (Queen’s), the Twenty-fifth -(Borderers), the Twenty-ninth, and Sixty-ninth, were allotted -to this service. In this new capacity a portion of the Twenty-fifth -was engaged in the several land actions which are recorded -in the fruitless defence of Toulon and conquest of Corsica. -Although this new duty was at first attended with many disagreeables, -it in the end proved a most profitable service to our -soldiers, who soon became reconciled to the change. The spoil -got on the sea by repeated captures far exceeded aught that -might have been expected on shore. On one occasion the “St -George” and “Egmont,” with detachments of the Twenty-fifth -on board as marines, captured the French privateer “General -Dumourier,” with a Spanish prize in tow, the “St Jago”—treasure-ship -containing about one million sterling. Under Lord -Howe this amphibious regiment was present to share the -glories of the fight which almost annihilated the French fleet -off Brest. At length, in 1794, the corps of marines having -been strengthened, the regiment was relieved and returned to -its native element—the land. Still we shall find that its adventures, -as well as misadventures, throughout these records -manifest a strong predilection for the sea—perhaps not of -choice, but certainly of necessity. The loyalty of the regiment -whilst serving as marines was most conspicuous during the -mutiny which, in 1797, threatened very disastrous results.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1795, the regiment was sent to the West Indies; and -whilst stationed in Grenada, rendered most important service -<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>were employed in defending Granada from the incursions of -numerous hordes of brigands who infested it. The heroic defence -of Pilot Hill by the Twenty-fifth, under Major Wright, is -one of the most gallant actions to be found in the records of -our army. Reduced by disease and the sword to about 130 -officers and privates, these brave men refused to yield, well -knowing, moreover, the ferocious character of the enemy -with whom they had to deal. At length, exhausted and -without the means to sustain life or longer maintain the -post, they determined to break through the enemy, which -they successfully accomplished, joining the few British that -yet remained in St George’s, the capital, where they were -hailed by the inhabitants as the saviours of the island; the -ladies, in token of their appreciation of such valour, wore -ribands round their waists—inscribed, “Wright for ever;” -whilst the following address was presented to the relics of -the regiment:—“The inhabitants of this island congratulate -Major Wright of the Twenty-fifth regiment, and his gallant -little garrison of Pilot Hill, on their safe arrival in St -George; and assure him that it was with the most lively sensation -of joy they beheld the landing of a handful of brave -men, whom, a few hours before, they considered as devoted to -the relentless cruelty of a savage and ferocious enemy; and -impressed with a high sense of their meritorious exertions in -defence of that post, and the well-conducted retreat upon the -evacuation of it under the most desperate circumstances, -request his and their acception of this tribute of their approbation -and thanks, so justly due to such bravery and conduct.” -<span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>The arrival of reinforcements enabled the British once more -to take the field, recovering the posts which lack of numbers -had compelled them hitherto to abandon; and in the end, the -brigands, defeated, were dispersed, or craved, by submission, -the clemency of the Government.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile the detachments which had been called in from -the marine service on board the “St George,” the “Egmont,” -the “Gibraltar,” the “Monarch,” the “Stately,” and the “Reunion,” -with a number of recruits obtained chiefly from -among the Dutch sailors, who had become prisoners of war, -were enrolled as a second battalion. Encamped with the army -assembled on Shirley Common, this battalion was, in 1795, -moved to the coast, and embarked on board the “Boddington” -and the “Belfast.” The fleet, containing the army, which -amounted to nearly 26,000 fighting men, consisted of about -300 sail. A variety of accidents arose to detain the expedition, -and ultimately caught in a tempest, the vast armament -was broken or dispersed. In the confusion which ensued, the -“Boddington,” with part of the Twenty-fifth on board, her -officers having opened the sealed orders, and found the West -Indies to be the destination of the expedition, encountering -many perils, at length reached Barbadoes in safety; whilst -the “Belfast,” with the remainder of the regiment, was -captured by a French corvette, the “Decius,” twenty-four -guns. The unfortunate prisoners were treated most cruelly, -and the more so that a conspiracy to rise upon their captors -had been divulged by one of the Dutchmen who had recently -joined the regiment. Landed at St Martin’s, they -<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>were afterwards removed to the common gaol at Guadaloupe, -during the passage to which the men of the regiment rose -against and overpowered the crew of one of the transports, -and succeeded in escaping to the British island of Grenada, -where they joined their comrades of the first battalion who -still survived. The officers remaining prisoners were inhumanly -treated, and only released by exchange, after enduring -for ten months the miseries of confinement on board the -prison hulk “Albion”—a vessel captured from the British. -On their passage to rejoin the regiment which had returned -home, calling at the island of St Christopher, they had the -satisfaction of witnessing the captain and crew of the -“Decius” in irons as prisoners. Unhappily this “chapter of -accidents” had not yet ended. On the homeward voyage -the transports, under convoy of the “Ariadne” frigate, encountered -so severe a tempest that several foundered—the -frigate was under the necessity of throwing her guns overboard; -the “Bee” transport, shifting her ballast, was cast on -her beam ends, and was only saved by a marvel of mercy—saved -from the storm, to become the prey of a French privateer. -Lauded as prisoners in France, the officers were sent -on their parole into Brittany, until regularly exchanged. -On returning, the survivors rejoined the relics of the regiment -in Plymouth lines in 1797. Whilst in garrison here, -along with the Second and Twenty-ninth Foot, and the Down -Militia, the regiment was exposed to the villany of an evil-disposed -and disaffected class—revolutionary incendiaries—the -creatures of an iniquitous delusion, in whose soul the God-like -<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>emotion of patriotism had been stifled, and who appeared -the specious friends yet certain foes of virtue. Armed with -all the seductive attractions of the licentious liberty they -preached, they therewith hoped to ruin our ancient constitution, -and set up in its stead the lying, fatal dogmas of democracy. -To accomplish this end, they strove to destroy the -bulwarks of our strength as a nation by the seduction of -our soldiers and sailors. In the presence of other grievances, -and the absence of immediate redress, these incendiaries had -succeeded but too well in imposing upon the navy, and exciting -a dangerous mutiny, to which we have already referred, -as illustrating the fidelity of the Twenty-fifth, who served as -marines, and who could not be induced to forsake their duty -to their country, nor stain the honour of the regiment by any -defection. We now turn to record the fidelity of the regiment -as equally creditable in the army; and we have -pleasure in adding the following as a testimony of the -loyalty which animated our Borderers. This interesting document—the -production of the Non-Commissioned Officers of -the regiment—affords us an earnest of their anxiety to detect -and bring to punishment the incendiaries who had dared to -sap the allegiance of the soldier:—</p> - -<p class='c019'>“<span lang="la" xml:lang="la"><em>Nemo me impune lacessit.</em></span> The subscribing Non-Commissioned -Officers of H.M. Twenty-fifth regiment of foot, find, -with great regret, that attempts have been made by base and -infamous persons to alienate some of the soldiers of this garrison -from their duty to their King and country, by circulating inflammatory -<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>papers and hand-bills containing the grossest falsehood -and misrepresentation, thereby insulting the character of -the British soldier. In order to bring the incendiaries to the -punishment they so justly deserve, we hereby offer a reward -of ten guineas (to be paid on conviction) to the person or -persons who will inform upon, secure, or deliver over to any -of the subscribers, the author, printer, or distributor of papers -or hand-bills criminal to the military establishment and laws -of the country, or for information against any such person -found guilty of bribing with money, or of holding out any -false allurements to any soldier in this district tending to -injure the good order and discipline of the army; which -reward of ten guineas is raised and subscribed by us for this -purpose, and will immediately be paid on conviction of any -such offenders. God save the King!</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c020'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Signed by the whole of the Non-Commissioned</div> - <div class='line in15'>Officers of the Regiment.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Stationed in Jersey in 1798, on returning to England the -regiment formed part of the army encamped on Barham -Downs and Shirley Common, until embraced in the unfortunate -expedition which, in 1799, under the Duke of York, occasioned -the loss of so much British blood and treasure in a -vain attempt to deliver Holland from the thraldom of France. -Notwithstanding the glory obtained in the battle of Egmont-op-Zee, -little practical good resulted. The Dutch seemed disinclined -to help themselves, and the French were in such force, -whilst our expedition was so inadequate to do more than hold -<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>its own, that retreat and the ultimate abandonment of the enterprise -ensued as a necessary consequence. On the return of the -army, the Twenty-fifth was encamped on Shirley Common, -where the troops assembled were, in 1800, reviewed by the -King, who afterwards engaged in a sham fight with the Duke -of York, and is represented as having beaten him. Shortly -thereafter an expedition sailed under Sir Ralph Abercromby -for Spain, but ill success there led that chief ultimately to -direct his efforts for the expulsion of the French from Egypt. -Here he fell gloriously, at the battle of Alexandria, in the -arms of victory. The Twenty-fifth joined the army towards -the close of the campaign. The surrender of the French -having completed the deliverance of Egypt, the army returned -in part to England, whence, in 1807, the Twenty-fifth was -sent out to the West Indies, where, in 1809, it shared in the -capture of the French island of Martinique.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“In the year 1813, while Lieut.-Colonel Light commanded -the first battalion, Twenty-fifth Foot, in the island of Guadaloupe, -happening to dine with the Governor, he was riding home -to the barracks, distant about one mile from the Governor’s -house, in a violent thunderstorm with heavy rain. A vivid -flash of lightning coming very close to his horse, the animal -took fright, and suddenly sprang over a precipice of fifty-four -feet deep, which lay about five yards from the road on the -right, into a river swelled considerably by the rain. The -horse was killed by the fall, but Lieut.-Colonel Light swam -on shore, with very little injury, and walked home to his -barracks, a quarter of a mile distant from the place.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>“Lord George Henry Lennox, son to Charles, second Duke -of Richmond, and father of Charles, fourth Duke of Richmond, -was colonel of the Twenty-fifth Regiment from 22d December, -1762, to 22d March, 1805 (the day of his death), a space of -forty-two years and three months. His lordship was particularly -attached to the regiment; so much so, that, notwithstanding -his great interest—being a personal friend of the -King (George III.)—his lordship was understood to have -declined being removed to any other corps, although it was at -the time alleged and believed that he had frequently the offer -of a cavalry regiment. Lord George Henry Lennox was truly -a father to the corps—never sparing any expense in its -equipments, and never failing to use all his interest in promoting -the officers to every vacancy which occurred in the -corps; and his lordship has been known, in anticipation of -a failure in this respect with the Commander-in-chief, to -have solicited and succeeded with His Majesty in preventing -promotion in passing out of the regiment”—and in the -word “Minden” being allowed to be borne on its colours and -appointments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having been engaged in nearly all the actions which, one -by one, reduced the French West Indian Islands and placed -them under British rule, the regiment returned to England -in 1816, whilst the second battalion was about the same -time disbanded or merged in the first battalion. After doing -duty in various garrisons in Ireland for nearly ten years, -the regiment, in 1825, once more was sent out to the West -Indies.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>Since its return to Great Britain it has remained on home -service, excepting now, when, again increased to two battalions, -the first is stationed at Gibraltar, whilst the second, -garrisoning Edinburgh Castle, revels in the pleasing associations -of “auld langsyne.”</p> - -<div id='i168' class='figcenter id006'> -<img src='images/i_b_168fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>QUEEN’S COLOURS OF TWENTY-FIFTH, OR KING’S OWN BORDERERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='figcenter id018'> -<img src='images/i_b_169fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>REGIMENTAL COLOURS OF TWENTY-FIFTH, OR KING’S OWN BORDERERS.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE TWENTY-SIXTH FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> CAMERONIANS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XVI.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The Martyr’s Hill’s forsaken,</div> - <div class='line in2'>In simmer’s dusk sae calm,</div> - <div class='line'>There’s nae gath’ring now, lassie,</div> - <div class='line in2'>To sing the e’ening psalm;</div> - <div class='line'>But the martyr’s grave will rise, lassie,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Aboon the warrior’s cairn;</div> - <div class='line'>And the martyr soun’ will sleep, lassie,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Aneath the waving fern.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>ORIGIN AND EARLY HISTORY—DUNKELD—1689–1691.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The bigotry which at various times in our world’s history -has lighted the fires of persecution, has always proved itself -impotent to make men righteous or unrighteous. Rather -has it entailed a curse upon the tyrant whilst inflicting a -woe upon the people who groaned beneath his rule. The -freedom which the accession of the House of Orange conferred -upon every rank of society, and every phase of belief, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span>established the sovereignty of William and Mary, not -merely over the heads of the people, but in the love and -loyalty of their hearts. We have already alluded to the -origin of the Twenty-fifth as expressive of these sentiments, -and we now turn to the history of the Twenty-sixth, or -Cameronians, as furnishing another exponent of the gratitude -and loyalty of the emancipated Covenanters. The origin of -this famous regiment—well worthy, by the lustre of its -deeds, of the pen of a Macaulay to record—has elicited from -that great national historian the following graphic account, -which, as well for the sake of variety as its own excellence, -we are here tempted to quote:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Covenanters of the West were in general unwilling -to enlist. They were assuredly not wanting in courage; and -they hated Dundee with deadly hatred. In their part of the -country the memory of his cruelty was still fresh. Every -village had its own tale of blood. The greyheaded father was -missed in one dwelling, the hopeful stripling in another. It -was remembered but too well how the dragoons had stalked -into the peasant’s cottage, cursing and damning him, themselves, -and each other at every second word, pushing from the -ingle nook his grandmother of eighty, and thrusting their -hands into the bosom of his daughter of sixteen; how the -adjuration had been tendered to him; how he had folded his -arms and said ‘God’s will be done;’ how the colonel had -called for a file with loaded muskets; and how in three -minutes the goodman of the house had been wallowing in a -pool of blood at his own door. The seat of the martyr was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>still vacant at the fire-side; and every child could point out -his grave still green amidst the heath. When the people of -this region called their oppressor a servant of the devil, they -were not speaking figuratively. They believed that between -the bad man and the bad angel there was a close alliance on -definite terms; that Dundee had bound himself to do the -work of hell on earth, and that, for high purposes, hell was -permitted to protect its slave till the measure of his guilt -should be full. But intensely as these men abhorred Dundee, -most of them had a scruple about drawing the sword for -William. A great meeting was held in the parish church of -Douglas; and the question was propounded, whether, at a -time when war was in the land, and when an Irish invasion -was expected, it were not a duty to take arms? The debate -was sharp and tumultuous. The orators on one side adjured -their brethren not to incur the curse denounced against the -inhabitants of Meroz, who came not to the help of the Lord -against the mighty. The orators on the other side thundered -against sinful associations. There were malignants in William’s -army: Mackay’s own orthodoxy was problematical: to take -military service with such comrades, and under such a general, -would be a sinful association. At length, after much wrangling, -and amidst great confusion, a vote was taken; and the -majority pronounced that to take military service would be -a sinful association. There was, however, a large minority; -and, from among the members of this minority, the Earl of -Angus was able to raise a body of infantry, which is still, -after the lapse of more than a hundred and sixty years, known -<span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>by the name of the Cameronian Regiment. The first Lieut.-Colonel -was Cleland, that implacable avenger of blood who -had driven Dundee from the Convention. There was no small -difficulty in filling the ranks, for many west country Whigs, -who did not think it absolutely sinful to enlist, stood out for -terms subversive of all military discipline. Some would not -serve under any colonel, major, captain, serjeant, or corporal -who was not ready to sign the Covenant. Others insisted -that, if it should be found absolutely necessary to appoint any -officer who had taken the tests imposed in the late reign, he -should at least qualify himself for command by publicly confessing -his sin at the head of the regiment. Most of the -enthusiasts who had proposed these conditions were induced -by dexterous management to abate much of their demands. -Yet the new regiment had a very peculiar character. The -soldiers were all rigid Puritans. One of their first acts was to -petition the Parliament that all drunkenness, licentiousness, -and profaneness might be severely punished. Their own conduct -must have been exemplary: for the worst crime which -the most austere bigotry could impute to them was that of -huzzaing on the King’s birth-day. It was originally intended -that with the military organisation of the corps should be -interwoven the organisation of a Presbyterian congregation. -Each company was to furnish an elder; and the elders were, -with the chaplain, to form an ecclesiastical court for the -suppression of immorality and heresy. Elders, however, were -not appointed; but a noted hill preacher, Alexander Shields, -was called to the office of chaplain. It is not easy to conceive -<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>that fanaticism can be heated to a higher temperature than -that which is indicated by the writings of Shields. According -to him, it should seem to be the first duty of a Christian -ruler to persecute to the death every heterodox subject, and -the first duty of a Christian subject to poinard a heterodox -ruler. Yet there was then in Scotland an enthusiasm compared -with which the enthusiasm even of this man was -lukewarm. The extreme Covenanters protested against his -defection as vehemently as he had protested against the -Black Indulgence and the oath of supremacy, and pronounced -every man who entered Angus’s regiment guilty of a wicked -confederacy with malignants.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Immediately after its formation, the regiment, which was -raised to a strength of near 1000 men in a few hours, marched -and was stationed in Edinburgh, where it served to keep -under the rebellious schemes of many a hot-headed Jacobite. -Although Dundee appeared the natural enemy of such a -regiment, still it had not the satisfaction of being present at -Killiecrankie, where that great chieftain fell in what may be -well considered the greatest victory of his life. The disasters of -the fight, and the apparent ruin of the Royal cause, called for -immediate succour being sent to Major-General Mackay; but -the blunders of those in power at Edinburgh, distrusting -Mackay, and, like too many councils, essaying to be generals -as well as statesmen, very nigh consigned our Cameronians to -a cruel fate. Advancing into the heart of the disaffected districts, -and stationed at Dunkeld, the regiment—but for its -dauntless spirit and heroic endurance, and the incapacity -<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>of General Cannon, who had succeeded Dundee in the command -of the rebels—would have been utterly cut to pieces. -The result of the conflict was most glorious, early displaying -the mettle of this gallant regiment. Lord Macaulay thus -summons the rich elegance and might of language to describe -the scene:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Cameronian regiment was sent to garrison Dunkeld. -Of this arrangement Mackay altogether disapproved. He -knew that at Dunkeld these troops would be near the enemy; -that they would be far from all assistance; that they would -be in an open town; that they would be surrounded by a -hostile population; that they were very imperfectly disciplined, -though doubtless brave and zealous; that they were -regarded by the whole Jacobite party throughout Scotland -with peculiar malevolence; and that in all probability some -great effort would be made to disgrace and destroy them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The General’s opinion was disregarded; and the Cameronians -occupied the post assigned to them. It soon appeared -that his forebodings were just. The inhabitants of the -country round Dunkeld furnished Cannon with intelligence, -and urged him to make a bold push. The peasantry of -Athol, impatient for spoil, came in great numbers to swell -his army. The regiment hourly expected to be attacked, -and became discontented and turbulent. The men, intrepid, -indeed, both from constitution and enthusiasm, but not yet -broken to habits of military submission, expostulated with -Cleland, who commanded them. They had, they imagined, -been recklessly, if not perfidiously, sent to certain destruction. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>They were protected by no ramparts: they had a very scanty -stock of ammunition: they were hemmed in by enemies. An -officer might mount and gallop beyond reach of danger in an -hour: but the private soldier must stay and be butchered. -‘Neither I,’ said Cleland, ‘nor any of my officers will, in any -extremity, abandon you. Bring out my horse, all our horses: -they shall be shot dead.’ These words produced a complete -change of feeling. The men answered that the horses should -not be shot, that they wanted no pledge from their brave -Colonel except his word, and that they would run the last -hazard with him. They kept their promise well. The -Puritan blood was now thoroughly up; and what that blood -was when it was up had been proved on many fields of battle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That night the regiment passed under arms. On the -morning of the following day, the twenty-first of August, all -the hills round Dunkeld were alive with bonnets and plaids. -Cannon’s army was much larger than that which Dundee had -commanded, and was accompanied by more than a thousand -horses laden with baggage. Both the horses and baggage -were probably part of the booty of Killiecrankie. The whole -number of Highlanders was estimated by those who saw them -at from four to five thousand men. They came furiously on. -The outposts of the Cameronians were speedily driven in. -The assailants came pouring on every side into the streets. -The church, however, held out obstinately. But the greater -part of the regiment made its stand behind a wall which -surrounded a house belonging to the Marquess of Athole. -This wall, which had two or three days before been hastily -<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>repaired with timber and loose stones, the soldiers defended -desperately with musket, pike, and halbert. Their bullets -were soon spent; but some of the men were employed in -cutting lead from the roof of the Marquess’s house and -shaping it into slugs. Meanwhile all the neighbouring houses -were crowded from top to bottom with Highlanders, who -kept up a galling fire from the windows. Cleland, while -encouraging his men, was shot dead. The command devolved -on Major Henderson. In another minute Henderson fell -pierced with three mortal wounds. His place was supplied -by Captain Munro, and the contest went on with undiminished -fury. A party of the Cameronians sallied forth, -set fire to the houses from which the fatal shots had come, -and turned the keys in the doors. In one single dwelling -sixteen of the enemy were burnt alive. Those who were in -the fight described it as a terrible initiation for recruits. -Half the town was blazing; and with the incessant roar of -the guns were mingled the piercing shrieks of wretches -perishing in the flames. The struggle lasted four hours. By -that time the Cameronians were reduced nearly to their last -flask of powder: but their spirit never flagged. ‘The enemy -will soon carry the wall. Be it so. We will retreat into the -house: we will defend it to the last; and, if they force their -way into it, we will burn it over their heads and our own.’ -But, while they were revolving these desperate projects, they -observed that the fury of the assault slackened. Soon the -Highlanders began to fall back: disorder visibly spread -among them; and whole bands began to march off to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>hills. It was in vain that their general ordered them to -return to the attack. Perseverance was not one of their -military virtues. The Cameronians meanwhile, with shouts -of defiance, invited Amalek and Moab to come back and to -try another chance with the chosen people. But these -exhortations had as little effect as those of Cannon. In a -short time the whole Gaelic army was in full retreat towards -Blair. Then the drums struck up: the victorious Puritans -threw their caps into the air, raised, with one voice, a psalm -of triumph and thanksgiving, and waved their colours, colours -which were on that day unfurled for the first time in the -face of an enemy, but which have since been proudly borne -in every quarter of the world, and which are now embellished -with the ‘Sphinx’ and the ‘Dragon,’ emblems of brave actions -achieved in Egypt and in China.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The Cameronians had good reason to be joyful and -thankful; for they had finished the war.” The loss of the -regiment did not exceed 70 men, whilst the rebels lost 300; -but the death of their brave Commander, Colonel Cleland, -was a source of great regret to the Cameronians. This -desperate resistance, insignificant in itself, so cooled the -fiery zeal of the clans, that, melting away like snow, General -Cannon was compelled to retreat, and, soon without an -army, to submit.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XVII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Farewell! ye dear partners of peril, farewell!</div> - <div class='line in2'>Tho’ buried ye lie in one wide bloody grave,</div> - <div class='line'>Your deeds shall ennoble the place where ye fell,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And your names be enroll’d with the sons of the brave.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>1691–1862—THE NETHERLANDS—REBELLION, 1715—AMERICA—EGYPT—CORUNNA—WALCHEREN—INDIA—CHINA—CANADA.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In 1691 the regiment joined the British army then serving -in Flanders against the French, and, by its steady valour, -fully maintained its character at the battle of Steenkirk and -the siege of Namur. So highly did the King appreciate its -worth, that, when peace induced the Government to disband -many regiments, he retained the Cameronians in his own pay, -on the establishment of the Dutch Estates.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The arrogant pretensions of the House of Bourbon to the -vacant throne of Spain, in opposition to the claims of the -House of Hapsburg, re-kindled the flames of war, and bade -France and Austria, as the principals, seconded by Bavaria -and Britain, engage in mortal combat. Of the British -army sent to Holland in consequence, the Twenty-sixth -formed a part. In 1703, brigaded with the Tenth, the -Sixteenth, the Twenty-first, and the second battalion of the -First Royal Scots, it served with great distinction in the army -<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>of Marlborough at Donawerth, and specially at the battle of -Blenheim, where, suffering severely, it had to lament the loss -of nineteen officers. At the battle of Ramilies, in 1706, -the regiment, after being much exposed throughout the -fight, was engaged in the pursuit of the beaten foe until -midnight. It further shared the sanguinary glories of -Malplaquet ere the war was terminated by the peace of -Utrecht in 1713. Soon after its return home, the infatuation -of the Jacobites, whose licentious habits could not brook to -be bridled by the austere yet healthier <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>morale</em></span> which presided -in the Protestant Court of the House of Hanover—longing -for the restoration of that of Stuart as likely to -afford freer scope for the indulgence of their own evil appetites—organised -a conspiracy, which brought forth the rebellion -of 1715. The Earl of Mar, an imbecile chief and ungrateful -minion of the Court, essayed to be its leader in Scotland, -whilst Sir John Foster and other cavaliers vainly -strove simultaneously to arouse the malignant Jacobitism -which slumbered in the northern counties of England. To -meet the few who had dared to challenge the existing -sovereignty, and under Foster were advancing southward -through Lancashire in hopes of being reinforced by other -malcontents, a body of royal troops was hastily collected, -chiefly cavalry—the Twenty-sixth being the only infantry -regiment. Without order, a distinct plan of action, or any -definite understanding as to a leader, the enemy, who had -taken possession of, and proposed to hold Preston against the -assault of the Royalist army, was easily broken, dispersed, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>their cause utterly ruined. During this unfortunate rebellion, -which occasioned the effusion of much blood, Colonel Blackader—who -had accompanied the Twenty-sixth in its continental -campaigns, where he was ever distinguished among -“the bravest of the brave,” and whose ably-written records have -bequeathed to our day much that is valuable in the thread -of Scottish military history, and interesting in the annals of -the Cameronian regiment—at this period commanded the -Glasgow Volunteers. The rebellion being suppressed, the -regiment was placed upon the Irish establishment, garrisoning -various posts in the emerald isle until the year 1727, when -it was removed to reinforce the troops which then defended -the important fortress of Gibraltar, baffling the most stupendous -efforts of the Spaniards to reduce it. Eleven years later -it was sent to Minorca, and thence returned home in 1754. -This long absence on foreign service was succeeded by an -interval of quietude at home, so far at least as the service of -our Cameronians was concerned. In 1775, the unhappy conflict -began which bereft us of a valuable colony, and severed -us from those who ought to have been one with us as brethren. -Like the Northern States of America <em>now</em>, so we <em>then</em>, in the -pride of our own self-righteous will which had been challenged, -supposed to enforce legislation by the sword. Hence -a British army, including the Twenty-sixth, was sent out to -America. Although at first the progress of our arms was -graced with many successes, still the end proved most disastrous. -The Colonists, sorely schooled in adversity, learned, -through many defeats, how to conquer, the more so when the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>shining abilities of Washington appearing, directed their native -valour and commanded their confidence as well as their -obedience. Shortly after the capture of St John’s, a detachment -of the regiment having been embarked in a vessel for -secret service, the expedition, discovered by the enemy, was -pursued and captured. When escape was seen to be impossible, -and resistance hopeless, to prevent the colours falling -into the hands of the foe, they were wound round a cannon -shot and sunk in the river; and thus, however severe the -dispensation which befel themselves in being made prisoners -of war, the regiment was spared the aggravated pain of seeing -the colours it had followed to so many glorious successes—the -epitome of a soldier’s honour—becoming now, in the hands -of the enemy, the record of its present misfortune. Subsequently -the regiment was engaged with the army, under -Lieut.-General Sir Henry Clinton, during the campaigns of -1777–78.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning home from Halifax, in 1800, the transport, -containing one company of the regiment, under command of -Captain Campbell, was captured by the French privateer -“Grande Decidèe.” With the British army under Sir Ralph -Abercromby—which achieved the deliverance of Egypt—the -Cameronians won a title by distinguished service, to include -“Egypt” among the records of its bravery. Meanwhile, the -necessities of the state were such that, the Government -resolving to strengthen the army, a second battalion was -raised and grafted upon the good old stock of the Twenty-sixth. -In these times of war little rest could be expected. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span>To the brave, the patriot, it was peculiarly a time of action, -not mere idle alarm. Our country rejoiced in the security -which was ensured by an army, of which our Cameronians -were so honoured a representative. Our sovereigns benignantly -smiled upon and proudly felt themselves happy when -they regarded the ranks of these our gallant defenders, nor -feared invasion so long as they possessed the allegiance of -such soldiers. Grieving that so large a kingdom as that of -Spain should have fallen a prey to the rapacious perfidy of -Napoleon, and sympathising with the patriotic efforts which -a spirited people were then putting forth to be free, our -Government had recognised in that peninsula, with its extensive -sea-board, a fair theatre for action, and as the result -proved, a vulnerable point where Europe might strike a fatal -blow at the absorbing dominion of France. Following up -these ideas, and in answer to the earnest petitions for help -from the people themselves, who gathered together into -patriotic bands, yet dared to struggle against the tyranny -which enslaved and ruined all who owned its supremacy, -our Government, in 1808, sent out a British army under -Sir John Moore, which, co-operating with the natives and the -British army of Portugal, it was vainly hoped should expel -the enemy. The Twenty-sixth regiment, included in this -expedition, was doomed to share its cruel disappointments, -yet earn a title to the glory which must ever rest upon the -memory of the soldiers of Corunna. With the native daring -of his race, Sir John Moore advanced with 25,000 men into -the very heart of Spain, and only retreated when the expected -<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>aid from the Spaniards had been dissipated by their -defeat and ruin, and when Napoleon in person, at the head -of an army of 300,000 men, threatened to overwhelm his -little phalanx of British. Then, but not till then, he undertook -that masterly retreat which achieved the salvation of his -brave troops, and in the end loaded himself with honour, as -closing a life of worth, he won the laurel crown, and</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Like a soldier fell”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>in the arms of victory. Lieut.-General Hope thus fitly -records the irreparable loss sustained in the death of Sir -John Moore:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I need not expatiate on the loss which the army and his -country have sustained by the death of Sir John Moore. His -fall has deprived me of a valuable friend, to whom long -experience of his worth had sincerely attached me. But it is -chiefly on public grounds that I must lament the blow. It -will be the conversation of every one who loved or respected -his manly character, that after conducting the army through -an arduous retreat with consummate firmness, he has -terminated a career of distinguished honour, by a death -that has given the enemy additional reason to respect the -name of a British soldier. Like the immortal Wolfe, he is -snatched from his country at an early period of a life spent in -her service; like Wolfe, his last moments were gilded by -the prospect of success, and cheered by the acclamation of -victory; like Wolfe, also, his memory will for ever remain -<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>sacred in that country which he sincerely loved, and which he -had so faithfully served.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The brunt of the action fell upon the Fourth, the Forty-second, -the Fiftieth, the Eighty-first regiments, a portion of -the brigade of the Guards, and the Twenty-sixth regiment. -We are left to regret that the Twenty-sixth had not afterwards -an opportunity to avenge the death of its commander upon the -French—not again being seriously engaged in the desolating -wars of the time, which deluged the Continent with blood ere -a lasting peace had been attained by the triumph of Waterloo. -This blank in the active history of the regiment may be -accounted for from the fact that, after its return to England, -serving with the army in the Walcheren expedition, it -suffered so severely in that unfortunate campaign, that only -ninety effective men returned to represent it. Nevertheless, -in 1811, recruited, it was embarked for Portugal, and in the -following year removed to Gibraltar, where the fatigues of -military duty pressed so severely upon the raw lads who then -constituted the regiment, that sickness appearing, fated many -of those brave youth, who feared not man, to faint and fail in -the presence of this unseen and unrelenting foe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the return of peace the second battalion was reduced. -In 1826 the regiment was sent to India, where it served successively -in the presidencies of Madras and Bengal.</p> - -<div id='i184' class='figcenter id019'> -<img src='images/i_b_184fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>MARQUIS OF DALHOUSIE, LATE COLONEL OF THE 26th CAMERONIANS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>If the sword, the pestilence, or the famine should slay -each their thousands, the vice of intemperance, the crying -iniquity of our land, has slain its tens of thousands. The -throne, the senate, the pulpit, and the press, alike deplore -<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>its ravages; and although differing as to the remedy to be -applied, professedly all declare a crusade against this social -hydra. Exalted, not alone by our own might, or our own -goodness, but by the blessing of God resting upon these, -Britain may well be regarded as the lighthouse, divinely -lighted, shedding abroad upon the tumultuous waste of sin -and ignorance around the saving light of truth and righteousness. -Strange inconsistency! notwithstanding[*N?] all this, our -merchants sacrifice honour at the shrine of gold, and amass -wealth by becoming the moral degenerators of others who -have the sublime virtue—which we lack—to expel by enactment -the drug which would ruin, by the passion it excites, an -intellectual nation. In defiance of these enactments, and -despite our fair professions, we regret to think Britain should -afford countenance to the opium traffic, and lend the might -of her arms to maintain it, although involving a breach of the -law of China, and inflicting upon the Chinese a moral wrong. -Happy are we to know that there were not a few amongst us -who had the courage to repudiate the action of Government -in this matter, and at length awakening our people to the -iniquity, so impressed our rulers as to induce a better policy. -But for the supreme vanity and duplicity of the Chinese, war -might have been averted. Their obnoxious impudence, and -the insults they strove to heap upon us, necessitated the -vindication of our honour, and occasioned the landing of a -British force to chastise their folly and protect British property. -Accordingly, in 1840, the Twenty-sixth, with the -Eighteenth and Forty-ninth regiments, and other Indian -<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>troops, embarked from Madras, and, arriving in China, accomplished -a landing on the island of Chusan. Excepting -in some few cases where the Chinese did behave themselves -like men in the defence of their country, our soldiers victoriously -marched upon the cities of Shanghae and Chin-Keang-foo, -which fell an easy triumph to their daring. The -campaigns afford little to interest us in their record: we are, -therefore, content to say the arduous services of our troops -were rewarded, and, with the Eighteenth, Forty-ninth, Fifty-fifth, -and Ninety-eighth regiments, our Cameronians won the -distinction of the “Dragon.” Returning to Calcutta in 1843, -the Twenty-sixth proceeded thence to England, and in 1850 -garrisoned Gibraltar. In 1853 the regiment embarked for -Canada, and was stationed at Montreal, afterwards, re-embarking, -removed to Bermuda, whence, in 1859, it once more -returned to the beloved shores of our native land. Restored -to Scotland in 1861, garrisoning Edinburgh Castle, the regiment -was welcomed amongst us with every expression of the -highest veneration and heartfelt interest as the representative -of the Cameronians, whose prompt loyalty and patriotism, -more than a hundred and seventy years ago, wrested that -same castle from the dominion of the Stuart, and helped to -give that liberty of faith which we now so abundantly enjoy.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XVIII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Think on Scotia’s ancient heroes,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Think on foreign foes repell’d,</div> - <div class='line'>Think on glorious Bruce and Wallace,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Wha the proud usurpers quell’d.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>LIFE GUARDS—SEVENTH HUSSARS—SEVENTEENTH LIGHT</div> - <div>DRAGOONS—SEVENTIETH FOOT.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Not to exceed the limits we prescribed in setting out, we are -reluctantly compelled, in fulfilling our promise, to group into a -single brief chapter a variety of records incidental to our history.</p> - -<h4 class='c021'>LIFE GUARDS.</h4> - -<p class='c022'>It is only fitting to note, that two troops of Scots Life -Guards, raised in Scotland shortly after the Restoration, and -engaged with the Scots Greys and Claverhouse’s Scots Horse -in putting down Presbyterianism by the sword, were at the -Revolution included in the splendid cavalry of the Life Guards, -which have since been retained in waiting upon the sovereign—their -magnificent equipment and martial appearance, lending -dignity to the pageant of Royalty. Their excellence as soldiers -has been proved in the memorable victory of “Waterloo.”</p> - -<h4 class='c021'>THE SEVENTH HUSSARS—“QUEEN’S OWN.”</h4> - -<p class='c022'>Viscount Dundee’s regiment of Scots Dragoons, or, as -familiarly known in Scottish song, “the bonnets o’ Bonnie -<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>Dundee,” refusing to enter the service of William and -Mary upon the involuntary abdication and flight of James -II., retiring into Scotland, becoming partners in the treason -and rebellion of their fiery leader, involved in his ruin, was -lost to the country. As if to replace this regiment, which -had thus fallen to pieces, the King, in 1690, raised a new -cavalry corps in Scotland, known as Cunningham’s Dragoons. -It shares much of the history, and participates largely in the -honours, which we have already attempted to describe as -belonging to the “Scots Greys.” The regiment was disbanded -in 1713; but, two years later, re-formed from three companies -of the Scots Greys, two companies of the Royal Dragoons, and -one newly raised. As the “Seventh Queen’s Own Hussars,” -it has never since ceased to sustain its early reputation for -steadiness and valour—the tokens of which, emblazoned upon -its colours and appointments, are comprised in these two -words: “Peninsula” and “Waterloo.”</p> - -<h4 class='c021'>SEVENTEENTH LIGHT DRAGOONS.</h4> - -<p class='c022'>Whilst France and Britain fiercely contended as to the -extent of their dominions in the American continent, where -each might well be supposed to have enough and to spare, -Lord Aberdour, in 1759, raised a regiment of cavalry in -Scotland. Light dragoons had just then been introduced -into the service, and proved a most valuable arm thereof. -We have failed to discover precisely in what services this corps -was employed, but are inclined to think, with the Fifteenth -Light Dragoons, the Inniskilling, and Scots Greys, it must -<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>have served in Germany, under the Duke of Brunswick, during -the Seven Years’ War. It was disbanded in 1763.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Seventeenth Lancers, inheriting the martial ardour of -this old regiment, have more than sustained the credit of the -“Seventeenth”—bearing upon its colours and appointments -“The Alma,” “Balaklava,” “Inkermann,” and “Sevastopol”—and -has gained a mightier fame as one of the five regiments -who formed the Light Cavalry Brigade under the Earl of -Cardigan in his memorable charge during the Crimean war, -fitly styled, from its fatal glory—“The Death’s Ride.”</p> - -<h4 class='c021'>THE SEVENTIETH FOOT, OR SURREY REGIMENT.</h4> - -<p class='c022'>The disputes arising in 1758 between France and Britain -as to the boundary line of their American colonies failing to -be amicably adjusted, war was accepted as the stern arbiter. -To meet the emergency, our army was increased, and the—</p> - -<table class='table3' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='37%' /> -<col width='6%' /> -<col width='32%' /> -<col width='9%' /> -<col width='14%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>Second Battalion of the</td> - <td class='c004'>3d</td> - <td class='c023'>Foot constituted the</td> - <td class='c004'>61st</td> - <td class='c024'>Regiment.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>4th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>62d</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>8th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>63d</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>11th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>64th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>12th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>65th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>19th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>66th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>20th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>67th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>23d</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>68th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>24th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>69th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>31st</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>70th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>32d</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>71st</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>33d</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>72d</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>34th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>73d</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>36th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>74th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>37th</td> - <td class='c023'>” ”</td> - <td class='c004'>75th</td> - <td class='c024'>”</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>Thus the Seventieth was born out of the second battalion -of the Thirty-first English Regiment, (raised about the year -1702, during the reign of Queen Anne, and for some time -serving as marines in the fleet). Shortly after its formation, -being stationed in Scotland, and largely recruited in Glasgow, -the Seventieth was styled, in consequence of its interest in that -city and its light grey facings, the “Glasgow Greys.” Ten -years later the facings were changed to black. In 1782, probably -in compliment to its colonel, it became the “Surrey -Regiment.” From some unaccountable reason, in 1812 it was -restored to somewhat of its original character as the “Glasgow -Lowland Regiment;” and again in 1823, likely for recruiting -purposes, it was re-christened the “Surrey”—which designation -it still retains. Although stationed in British America -during the war which raged amid the wilds of the New World, -we do not find it fortunate enough to be engaged. Indeed, -the captures of the islands of Martinique in 1794, and -Guadaloupe in 1810, seem to be the only trophies which it -has been honoured to attain. No doubt its ranks contained -the same brave spirits as have everywhere and always sustained -the credit of the British soldier—yet have these -been destined to reap in quietude a glory by good conduct -no less meritorious, although apparently less lustrous, than -that which is acquired amid the carnage of the battle-field—consecrated -in “the stormy music of the drum,” and proclaimed -in the shrill sound of the trumpet.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE SEVENTY-THIRD FOOT; <br /> ORIGINALLY <br /> SECOND BATTALION <br /> OF THE <br /> FORTY-SECOND ROYAL HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XIX.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Then our sodgers were drest in their kilts and short hose,</div> - <div class='line'>Wi’ their bonnets and belts which their dress did compose,</div> - <div class='line'>And a bag of oatmeal on their backs to make brose.</div> - <div class='line in4'>O! the kail brose o’ auld Scotland,</div> - <div class='line in4'>And O the Scottish kail brose.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>1780–1862—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—INDIA—MANGALORE—SERINGAPATAM—NEW -SOUTH WALES—GERMANY—WATERLOO—CAPE -OF GOOD HOPE.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The immense and increasing territory which circumstances -had placed under British protection, and in the end consigned -to our possession in India, occasioned a considerable increase -of our army in order to maintain these new gotten provinces -against the incursions of neighbouring and powerful tribes. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>Thus, in 1780, a second battalion was raised for the Forty-second -Royal Highlanders, which was ultimately constituted -independently the Seventy-third regiment. The battalion -was embodied at Perth, under Lord John Murray as Colonel, -and Macleod, of Macleod, as Lieut.-Colonel. Amongst its early -officers, Lieutenant Oswald was distinguished as the subject of -a strange speculation which at this time so tickled the brilliant -imaginings of our “literati,” as to call forth from the pen of a -learned doctor an elaborate disquisition, intended to prove -that Napoleon the Great was none else than Lieutenant -Oswald, who, imbibing republican ideas, had passed over to -France, and by a chain of circumstances been elevated from -the command of a republican regiment to be the great captain -and ruler of France. Such marvellous transformations were -by no means uncommon in the then disordered state of -French society. Virtue as well as vice was ofttimes the idol -for a time, to be exalted and adored. But the life and -adventures of Lieutenant Oswald, however notorious, did not -attain such a grand ideal. With his two sons, he fell fighting -at the head of his regiment in La Vendee in 1793.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Scarce had the battalion been completed ere it was shipped -for foreign service. Intended to prosecute an attack upon -the colony of the Cape of Good Hope, the aim of the expedition -was frustrated by the promptitude of Admiral Sufferin, -who commanded the French fleet, and arriving first at the -colony, prevented a landing being successfully effected. The -expedition thus interrupted sailed for India, in the passage -making a valuable capture of richly laden Dutch Indiamen. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span>In the division of the spoil arising, after much disputing, the -soldiers shared. One hundred and twenty officers and men -of the regiment fell a prey to the scurvy and fever on the -voyage, which, from the ignorance and incapacity of the commanders -of the transports, was protracted to twelve months. -The “Myrtle,” without maps or charts, separated from the -fleet in a tempest, was only saved by the cool resolution of -Captain Dalyell, who, amid many perils, succeeded in navigating -the vessel to St Helena, and so rescuing many valuable -lives who otherwise would probably have been lost. Arrived at -Madras, the battalion was immediately advanced into the -interior, where the critical position of British affairs, assailed -by the numerous black legions of Hyder Ali and his son -Tippoo Saib, aided by a French force under General Lally, -rendered the presence of every bayonet of importance. The -utmost efforts of Lieut.-Colonel Thomas Frederick Mackenzie -Humberston could only muster a British force of 2500 men, -of whom 2200 were Sepoys. Nevertheless, with these he -advanced to check the progress of the enemy, who had an -army of 10,000 cavalry and 14,000 infantry. Notwithstanding -this immense superiority in numbers on the part of the -enemy, nothing could daunt our troops; bravely they held -their own, defying the most desperate attempts of the foe -to drive them back. The general order thus records the -action that ensued: “This little army, attacked on ground -not nearly fortified, by very superior numbers, skilfully disposed -and regularly led on; they had nothing to depend on -but their native valour, their discipline, and the conduct of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>the officers. These were nobly exerted, and the event has -been answerable. The intrepidity with which Major Campbell -and the Highlanders repeatedly charged the enemy was -most honourable to their character.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>More effectually to strike at the power of the Sultan by -cutting him off from the source whence he had hitherto drawn -his supplies, a considerable force was ordered to assemble in the -Bombay Presidency, and, under Brigadier-General Matthews, -assail Beddinore. To join this army the battalion was -embarked and sailed for Bombay, whence, advancing into the -country, it effected a junction with the army near Cundapore. -The Highlanders were particularly distinguished in the attack -and capture of a series of forts which impeded the march, and -especially so in the taking of a strong fortress which lay in -the way, named, because of its strength, Hyder Gurr. The -enemy was so impressed by the spirit evinced in these -assaults, that, dreading a further attack, they evacuated -Beddinore without an attempt to defend it, which was immediately -occupied by the British in January, 1783. This -battalion was not of the army which soon after was surrendered -to the enemy by General Matthews, who foolishly -deemed himself too weak to withstand the imposing force -which had surrounded him in Beddinore.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The conduct of Major Campbell, who commanded this -battalion in the defence of Mangalore, stands forth in brilliant -contrast to the errors which led General Matthews to surrender -an equally brave army into the cruel hands of the Mysore -tyrant. With 250 Highlanders and 1500 Sepoys, Major -<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>Campbell, although assailed by an army of 100,000 men, -aided by a powerful artillery, defended Mangalore for nine -months. Throughout the siege the defenders behaved with -the most heroic constancy and gallantry, although experiencing -the pinchings of famine, and exposed to the most cruel -disappointments. Even the Sepoys, emulating the Highlanders, -so distinguished themselves, that, in compliment to -their bravery, our countrymen dubbed one of their regiments -their own third battalion. Truly it was a new and strange -thing to have within the Royal Highland Regiment a cohort -of “brave blacks;” yet it displays a generous sentiment -which reflects honour upon the regiment. Three times did a -British squadron enter the bay, having on board stores and -reinforcements, yet as often did this needed and expected aid -retire without helping these perishing, exhausted brave—out -of respect to the armistice of a faithless foe, which for a time -existed and apparently terminated the siege. Their perfidy -in one instance, scorning the sacredness of treaties, exploded a -mine, which blew into the air the flag of truce then waving -from the British ramparts. Reduced to the last extremities, -shut up to a dark despair, indignant for the seeming neglect of -friends, and dreading the relentless wrath of the enemy, the -brave garrison accepted the only hope of life which yet remained, -by surrender; and, be it said to the honour of the Indian -character—with the generosity which becomes the conquering -soldier in the presence of a brave yet vanquished foe—the terms -imposed were such as enabled the exhausted remnant of the -garrison to retire with all the honours of war. Scarce 500 -<span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>effective men could be mustered to march out of the fortress, -and these so feeble as to be hardly able to bear the weight of -their muskets. Colonel Fullarton, in his interesting volume -upon British India, thus writes: “Colonel Campbell has made -a defence which has seldom been equalled and never surpassed.” -The memorial of this service is still borne alone -upon the colours and appointments of the Seventy-third. So -redundant with honour had been the services of this second -battalion of the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, that when -the army, in 1786, was being reduced, by the disbanding -of second battalions, the representations of the officers of the -regiment were so favourably received by the Government, that -this battalion was retained as an independent corps, under the -command of Sir George Osborn, Bart., thereafter known as the -Seventy-third Regiment. In the division of Major-General -Robert Abercromby, the regiment joined the army of Lord -Cornwallis, which, in 1792, advanced upon Seringapatam; the -attack was only arrested by the proposals of a treaty of -peace. In the brigade of Lieutenant-Colonel David Baird, -the Seventy-third was engaged in the reduction of the -French colony of Pondicherry, and, in 1795, in the army -of Major-General James Stuart, assailed and occupied the -valuable island of Ceylon. At length the arm of vengeance—vengeance -for the murdered brave who had fallen victims -to the cruelty of Hyder Ali in the pestilential dungeons -of Seringapatam—so often threatened, yet always -averted, descended to consume the guilty city and destroy -its merciless ruler. Seringapatam fell before the arms of our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>troops, including the Seventy-third Regiment, in 1799. The -history of the regiment at this period is associated with the -early achievements of the “Great Duke,” then the Honourable -Colonel Arthur Wellesley.</p> - -<div id='i196' class='figcenter id020'> -<img src='images/i_b_196fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>ASSAULT ON THE<br /><span class='small'>ENTRENCHED CAMP<br />OF</span><br />SERINGAPATAM<br />on the night of the 6<sup>th</sup> of Febr.<br />1792</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Returning home in 1805, the regiment proceeded to Scotland -to recruit, and in 1809, despoiled of its Highland -character, laid aside “the garb of old Gaul” and the -designation it had hitherto enjoyed. Increased by the addition -of a second battalion, the first battalion was sent to -New South Wales; whilst the second, remaining at home, was, -in 1813, employed as the solitary representative of the British -army in the north of Germany.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Annual Register gives the following account of the -battle of Gorde, where it fought with honour:—“After landing -at Stralsund, and assisting in completing the works of that -town, Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, with the Seventy-third, was -detached into the interior of the country, to feel for the enemy, -and also to get into communication with Lieutenant-General -Count Wallmoden, which dangerous service he successfully -effected, though he had with great care and caution to creep -with his small force between the large <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>corps d’armée</em></span> of -Davoust and other French Generals at that time stationed -in Pomerania, Mecklenburg, and Hanover. Having joined -Count Wallmoden, the Seventy-third contributed greatly to the -victory that General gained over the French on the plains of -Gorde, in Hanover, where Lieutenant-Colonel Harris, at the -head of his battalion, declining any aid, and at the moment -when the German hussars had been routed, charged up a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>steep hill, took a battery of French artillery, and unfurling -the British colours, at once spread terror amongst that gallant -enemy which feared no others; a panic struck them, and they -fled.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This battalion was also hotly engaged at the desperate -conflict of Quatre Bras, and the decisive victory of Waterloo, -in 1815. In the Kaffir Wars, which desolated South Africa -from 1846–47, and 1850–53, the Seventy-third bore an important -part. It was also present in India during the recent -Sepoy Mutiny. Having abandoned its national character -since 1809, it does not fall within the scope of this work -further to follow the narrative of those achievements that -have never failed worthily to sustain the excellence which—whilst -our own—belonged to it. We are sure that, whoever -they be that now represent the Seventy-third, the perusal -of this imperfect sketch will not make them ashamed of its -Highland origin, but rather incite them to emulate those brave -deeds, the glory of which they are privileged to inherit.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE SEVENTY-FIFTH FOOT; <br /> ORIGINALLY <br /> HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XX.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Courage! Nothing e’er withstood</div> - <div class='line'>Freemen fighting for their good;</div> - <div class='line'>Armed with all their fathers’ fame,</div> - <div class='line'>They will win and wear a name</div> - <div class='line'>That shall go to endless glory,</div> - <div class='line'>Like the gods of old Greek story;</div> - <div class='line'>Raised to heaven and heavenly worth,</div> - <div class='line'>For the good they gave to earth.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>1787–1862—INDIA—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—INDIAN MUTINY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In General Stuart’s admirable and interesting annals of the -Highland Regiments, the brief record of the Seventy-fifth -Highlanders is introduced by a series of wholesome counsels -as to military administration, gathered from his own large -experience and wide field of diligent inquiry, from which we -shall quote a few extracts, as being useful and helpful to our -history. It seems that this regiment, raised by Colonel -Robert Abercromby in 1787 from among his tenantry around -<span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span>Stirling, and the veterans who, in earlier life, had served under -him in the army as a light brigade, had been subjected to -an unusually strict system of discipline, which had operated -prejudicially upon the corps. The system adopted “was formed -on the old Prussian model; fear was the great principle of -action; consequently, it became the first object of the soldiers -to escape detection, more than to avoid crimes.” This system, -when enforced, “was carried into effect by one of the captains -who commanded in the absence of the field-officers. He was -an able and intelligent officer; but he had been educated in a -school in which he had imbibed ideas of correctness which -required no small strength of mind to enforce, and which, -when enforced with severity, tended to break the spirit of the -soldiers to a degree which no perfection in movement can -ever compensate. When applied to the British soldier in particular, -this system has frequently frustrated its own purpose.” -Brotherly-kindness and charity—patience and forbearance—are -virtues which should not be banished, but rather be -exercised, as thoroughly consistent with the best military -institutions. A considerate attention to the wants, nay, the -very weaknesses of the soldier, is likely to accomplish more for -good discipline than the stern frigidity of mere military -despotism. It was in the camp that the iron will of Napoleon, -unbending, achieved a charmed omnipotence over his soldiers, -and by a single simple, pithy sentence fired them with that -ardour and devotion which made Europe tremble beneath the -tread of his invincible legions. The charm was only broken -when the vastness of his dominion had scattered the old -<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>soldiers of the empire, and the feeble conscript failed to sustain -the veteran remnant of “The Guard,” the more especially -at a time when disasters, quickly crowding upon his arms, -and bereft of the invincibility which had hitherto been inseparable -to his presence, no power remained to animate the -soul of the recruit, rudely torn from his home and pressed -into the fatal vortex of the dying army. The marvellous -sway of this great captain over the hearts as well as the wills -of his soldiers teaches many useful lessons, and illustrates -what General Stuart so well observes:—“When a soldier’s -honour is in such little consideration that disgraceful punishments -are applied to trifling faults, it will soon be thought not -worth preserving.” We must have a degree of faith equally in -the honour as well as the loyalty of our soldiers, to help them -to a cheerful and not a Russian stolidness in the discharge -of duty. In the case of the Seventy-fifth “the necessity -of this severe discipline was not proved by the results, when -the regiment passed under the command of another officer. -The system was then softened and relaxed, and much of the -necessity of punishment ceased; the men became more quiet -and regular, and in every respect better soldiers. A soldier -sees his rights respected, and while he performs his duty, he -is certain of being well treated, well fed, well clothed, and -regularly paid; he is, consequently, contented in his mind and -moral in his habits.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length released from the terrors under which, for -eighteen months, the corps had been trained, it embarked -for India, where, with other King’s regiments, chiefly Highland, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>and the British native troops, it was present with great -credit at the several attacks upon Seringapatam, which, in -1799, terminated in the capture of that capital. Subsequently -the Seventy-fifth was engaged with the army under Lord Lake in -the campaigns of Upper India. It was one of the five British -regiments which, in 1805, were so disastrously repulsed in an -attempt upon the strong fortress of Bhurtpore. Returning -to England in 1806, like the Seventy-third, the regiment was -shortly thereafter shorn of its dignity as a Highland corps, -not a hundred Highlanders remaining in its ranks.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We cannot but lament the circumstances which have -bereaved us of an interest in so many regiments once -representatives of our Old Highland Brigade. Believing -our “Scottish Rights Association” to sympathise with us -in these regrets, and believing it to be composed of men -truly in earnest, we commend, to their most serious consideration—not -merely as a theme for eloquent disquisition, -but as a field for action—the revival and preservation, in -their original integrity, of the old Scottish and Highland -regiments. By suggesting some better mode of recruiting -and stirring up our countrymen to rally round the national -colours of those regiments, which still in name belong to us, -they may be prevented from still farther degenerating, and -sharing a similar fate as those who have already been -lopped from the parent stem—lost to our nationality, lost -because of our own apathy, lost in the great sea of British -valour. A very interesting cotemporary work, giving “An -Account of the Scottish Regiments,” published by Mr Nimmo -<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>of Edinburgh, and compiled by an official well versant in -these matters, is now before us, and shows how the tide of -professed improvement, encroaching in this utilitarian age, is -likely soon to obliterate the ancient landmarks. Wave after -wave of civilisation has broken upon the shore of privilege -and custom, hallowed by a venerable age, and, by assimilation, -would sweep away the time-honoured characteristics which -distinguish our Scottish soldiers and people.</p> - -<div id='i203' class='figcenter id021'> -<img src='images/i_b_203fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>ASSAULT<br /><span class='small'>of</span><br /><span class='large'>DELHI.</span><br /><span class='small'>14<sup>th</sup>. September 1857.</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The Seventy-fifth regiment served with distinction at the -Cape of Good Hope during the Kaffir War of 1835, which -threatened to wrest that valuable colony from us. It is also -distinguished for its heroic efforts before Delhi during the -Indian Mutiny, where Lieutenant Wadeson and Private -Patrick Green won the Victoria Cross.<a id='rB' /><a href='#fB' class='c017'><sup>[B]</sup></a> With the Royal -Tiger emblazoned upon its colours—a distinction gained on -the same sultry plains for previous service in India, conferred -in July, 1807—it increased its merited reputation by driving -the enemy before it, at the point of the bayonet, and effecting -the capture of all his guns. The conduct of the little army -which achieved the fall of Delhi is thus eulogised by the Governor-General:—“Before -a single soldier, of the many thousands -who are hastening from England to uphold the supremacy of -the British power, has set foot on these shores, the rebel force, -where it was strongest and most united, and where it had the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>command of unbounded military appliances, has been destroyed -or scattered by an army collected within the limits -of the North-western Provinces and the Punjab alone.</p> - -<div class='footnote' id='fB'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#rB'>B</a>. </span>For these and many other details, the Author is indebted to the “<cite>Medals of -the British Army</cite>,” by Mr Carter, who has therein endeavoured to individualise the -several regiments, and to show the particular deeds, not only of the corps, but also -of the officers and men.</p> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“The work has been done before the support of those -battalions, which have been collected in Bengal from the forces -of the Queen in China, and in Her Majesty’s eastern colonies, -could reach Major-General Wilson’s army; and it is by the -courage and endurance of that gallant army alone; by the -skill, sound judgment, and steady resolution of its brave -commander; and by the aid of some native chiefs, true to -their allegiance, that, under the blessing of God, the head -of rebellion has been crushed, and the cause of loyalty, -humanity, and rightful authority vindicated.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div id='i205' class='figcenter id022'> -<img src='images/i_b_205fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>LORD LYNEDOCH.<br />THE NINETIETH, OR “PERTHSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE NINETIETH FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> PERTHSHIRE VOLUNTEERS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XXI.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“He, in the firmament of honour, stands</div> - <div class='line'>Like a star, fixed, not moved with any thunder</div> - <div class='line'>Of popular applause, or sudden lightning</div> - <div class='line'>Of self-opinion; he hath saved his country,</div> - <div class='line'>And thinks ’twas but his duty.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>1794–1862—GIBRALTAR—MINORCA—EGYPT—WEST INDIES—CRIMEA—INDIAN -MUTINY.</p> - -<p class='c006'>From the wilds of Perthshire have hailed many of the best -and bravest soldiers, whose deeds grace our military annals, -and whose lives have been the embodiment of all that truly -ennobles character and makes the man. Of these there is -none perhaps more justly celebrated than Thomas Graham, -Lord Lynedoch, whose abilities early marked him to be the -leader of the patriotism of his native county, which, in -1794, found its expression in the enrolment of the Ninetieth -<span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span>Regiment of Foot, or Perthshire Volunteers. Shortly -after its formation, the corps was included in the army under -Lord Moira; and in 1795, from the Isle Dieu, proceeded to -reinforce the garrison of Gibraltar. With the Twenty-eighth, -the Forty-second, and the Fifty-eighth regiments, the Ninetieth -formed the force which, under Lieutenant-General Sir Charles -Stuart, in 1798, assailed and captured the island of Minorca -from the Spaniards. A more important service, and more -serious encounter with the enemy, awaited the arms of the -Ninetieth, as part of the expedition of Sir Ralph Abercromby, -which, in 1801, was destined to drive the French out of -Egypt. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Hill, afterwards -Viscount Hill, it was brigaded with the Eighth, the Thirteenth, -and the Eighteenth regiments. At this period the regiment -wore helmets, giving it the appearance of a body of dismounted -cavalry. At Mandora, believing it to be such, and supposing, -in consequence, that being thus out of its own element, the regiment -should lack the wonted steadiness of British infantry, the -French cavalry charged fiercely and repeatedly upon the Ninetieth, -yet always fruitlessly. The phalanx of our Perthshire -men remained firm, whilst many a saddle was emptied by its -murderous fire. It was on this occasion that Sir Ralph Abercromby, -separated from his staff, having his horse shot under -him, was on the point of being captured, when a soldier of the -Ninetieth afforded such prompt assistance, and by heroically -exposing his own life in defence of his commander, accomplished -his rescue. At the same battle, Colonel Hill, who, as the -associate of Wellington, afterwards shared the glory of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>Peninsular campaigns, had his life saved by the fortunate -circumstance of the helmet he wore. “A musket ball struck -it on the brass rim with such force, that he was thrown from -his horse to the ground, and the brass completely indented. -Without this safeguard, the ball would have passed through -his head.” The conspicuous bravery of the Ninetieth and -Ninety-second regiments on this occasion was rewarded by -the honourable distinction of “Mandora,” in addition to the -“Sphinx” and “Egypt,” borne by other corps engaged in the -expedition.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whilst the British were accomplishing glorious results -on the plains of Spain, the Ninetieth was employed, in -1809–10, with the Seventh, Eighth, Thirteenth, Fifteenth, -Twenty-third, Twenty-fifth (flank companies), Sixtieth, Sixty-third, -and First West Indian Regiments, in the reduction of -the valuable island of Martinique. This success was soon -afterwards followed by the capture of Guadaloupe, in which -the Ninetieth bore a conspicuous part. The five and thirty -years which intervene betwixt this and the next active service -in which the regiment was engaged, although a blank so far -as mere fighting is concerned, displayed in its soldiers -excellences not less to be admired than those which manifest -a mere physical might or brute courage. From the -“Account of the Scottish Regiments”—to which we have -already referred—we find that in 1812 the composition of the -regiment in its several battalions was as follows:—English, -1097; Scots, 538; Irish, 486; Foreigners, 24. Total, 2144.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1846 the Kaffirs of South Africa attempted to recover -<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>their ancient territory from British dominion, and accompanied -these attempts with a series of predatory incursions -upon our settlements, especially in the neighbourhood of -Graham’s Town. It became necessary, for the defence of the -colony, to assemble a British army of some strength. Ere -this could be accomplished, much valuable property became -the prey of these savages, and many lives were sacrificed on -the altar of their vengeance. At first the disparity in -numbers was very great—so great as to preclude a decisive -result in our favour—the whole British force scarcely amounting -to 700 men, whilst the enemy possessed 60,000 sable -warriors. Moreover, the peculiarity of the warfare in “the -bush” served somewhat to advantage the foe, and negative -the superiority we might otherwise enjoy, from troops better -armed and disciplined. The assembled British, augmented -by reinforcements from home, comprised, besides Royal -Artillery and Engineers, the Seventh Dragoon Guards, the -Sixth, Twenty-seventh, Forty-fifth, Seventy-third, Ninetieth, -and Ninety-first regiments, the first battalion of the Rifle -Brigade, and the Cape Mounted Riflemen. This army, advancing -in two divisions, after undergoing the most harassing -service, exposed continually to the attack of an unseen and -treacherous enemy, at length so hunted down the guerilla -bands which infested the country, that the Kaffirs were glad -to purchase peace by the surrender, as hostages, of their chief -Sandilli, together with his brother and eighty of his principal -followers. “During this long and protracted desultory -warfare great fatigue and exertions had been undergone with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>the characteristic heroism of the British soldier; and the -humanity and forbearance displayed by him towards the -fickle, treacherous, and revengeful enemy, were as conspicuous -as his bravery.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Ninetieth joined the “army of the Crimea” before -Sebastopol early in December, 1854, and served during that -fatal winter when so many brave men fell the victims of -disease, induced by the hardships to which they were exposed, -and which so abundantly displayed the unmurmuring firmness -of the British soldier, so graciously cheered by the -sympathy of our beloved Queen, who thus beautifully expressing -her feelings, has unwittingly rewarded the heroic -endurance of our soldiers, by conferring, in these words, a -well-merited tribute to their bravery, which must ever be -treasured by our country:—</p> - -<p class='c019'>“Would you tell Mrs Herbert that I begged she would let -me see frequently the accounts she receives from Miss Nightingale -or Mrs Bracebridge, as I hear no details of the wounded, -though I see so many from officers, etc., about the battlefield, -and naturally the former must interest me more than -any one. Let Mrs Herbert also know that I wish Miss Nightingale -and the ladies would tell these poor noble wounded and -sick men that no one takes a warmer interest, or feels more -for their sufferings, or admires their courage and heroism more -than their Queen. Day and night she thinks of her beloved -troops; so does the Prince. Beg Mrs Herbert to communicate -these my words to those ladies, as I know that our sympathy -is much valued by these noble fellows.</p> - -<div class='c025'><span class='sc'>Victoria.</span>”</div> - -<p class='c006'><span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>It was during the third bombardment of Sebastopol, and -in the assault and defence of the fortifications known as the -Quarries, that the Ninetieth first seriously encountered the -Russians. In this attack, which took place on the 7th June, -1855, the regiment was gallantly led by Lieut.-Colonel Robert -Campbell, who fell severely wounded. Belonging to the -Light Division, it afterwards formed part of the assailing -force which so heroically yet unsuccessfully attempted to -carry the powerful defences of the Redan. Fearing the result -of a second assault, sustained by the same impetuous valour, -and incited by the resolve to wipe out the seeming stain of -the previous repulse, the Russians declining the contest, beat a -timely retreat, evacuating that portion of the fortifications -deemed no longer tenable, and by a series of masterly movements -successfully effecting an escape to the other side of the -harbour, from whence the Governor negotiated the surrender -of the entire city. These good tidings, received with joy by -all classes at home, elicited from the Throne the following -expression of our nation’s gratitude to the heroes of the -“Crimean Army:”—</p> - -<p class='c019'>“The Queen has received with deep emotion the welcome -intelligence of the fall of Sebastopol. Penetrated with profound -gratitude to the Almighty, who has vouchsafed this -triumph to the allied army, Her Majesty has commanded me -to express to yourself, and through you to her army, the pride -with which she regards this fresh instance of their heroism. -The Queen congratulates her troops on the triumphant issue -of their protracted siege, and thanks them for the cheerfulness -<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>and fortitude with which they have encountered its toils, and -the valour which has led to its termination. The Queen -deeply laments that this success is not without its alloy, in the -heavy losses that have been sustained; and while she rejoices -in the victory, Her Majesty deeply sympathizes with the noble -sufferers in their country’s cause.”</p> - -<div id='i211' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_211fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>LUCKNOW.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>It remains for us now simply to record the memorable -services of the Ninetieth in that dark period of our country’s -history—the Indian Mutiny. Brigaded with our Highlanders, -“Havelock’s Seventy-eighth—the Saints,” the regiment was -advanced, under Generals Outram and Havelock, for the relief -of Lucknow. Whilst guarding the baggage near the Alumbagh, -the Ninetieth was fiercely attacked by a strong column -of the rebel cavalry, and it was only after a desperate fight and -much loss that the mutineers were repulsed and dispersed. -The further relief of Lucknow being accomplished by Sir -Colin Campbell, now Lord Clyde, the regiment was thereafter -engaged with the Forty-second and Fifty-third storming -the position of the mutineers at the Martinière. The -numerous acts of individual bravery which marked the conduct -of so many of our Perthshire Volunteers have received, -as the reward of distinguished merit, the decoration of the -“Victoria Cross;” whilst Perthshire may well indulge a becoming -pride as she reviews the famous achievements of her -soldier sons.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Courage, therefore, brother-men.</div> - <div class='line'>Cry ‘God!’ and to the fight again.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE NINETY-FIRST FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> ARGYLLSHIRE, ORIGINALLY HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XXII.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The Campbells they are a’ in arms,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Their loyal faith and truth to show,</div> - <div class='line'>With banners rattling in the wind;</div> - <div class='line in2'>The Campbells are coming, O-ho, O-ho!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>1794–1862—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—PENINSULA—CORUNNA—SHIPWRECK—KAFFIR</div> - <div>WARS—INDIAN MUTINY.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>To the cursory reader of Scottish history it appears somewhat -strange that a chief such as the Duke of Argyll, who, -of first importance amongst our Scottish nobility, possessed -of so vast a territory, and exercising an almost regal power—notwithstanding -the military character of his family, and the -many officers of celebrity who have sprung from among his -vassals—should have comparatively failed to induce his -tenantry, so famed for bravery in our national wars, to -assume, as a body of soldiers distinctively belonging to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>clan of Campbell, that prominence in our army to which -their ancient renown entitles them. This may be explained -in the fact that the natives of Argyllshire have always manifested -a strong predilection for the navy rather than the -army, probably arising from the almost insular position of the -county, and the sea-faring life of so many of its people. The -Ninety-first, at first numbered the Ninety-eighth, which now -remains the only, and, in our day, ill-defined representative -of the martial renown of the Campbells, was raised by Lieut.-Colonel -Duncan Campbell of Lochnell, and embodied at -Stirling in 1794. It was almost immediately thereafter -embarked for service at the Cape of Good Hope, where it -remained until that colony was restored to the Dutch in -1801. The severe and constant drain which had drafted -from the scanty population of our Highlands and Lowlands -whole regiments of recruits, had so exhausted the military -resources of our country that, in 1809, it was found impossible -to maintain all the numerous Gaelic corps which then -existed in their original national integrity and completeness. -Hence the Seventy-third, Seventy-fifth, Ninety-first, and the -old Ninety-fourth (Scots Brigade), were of necessity doomed -to lay aside the Highland costume, and, to a great extent, -abandon their Scottish character. This regiment was present -in the brigade of Brigadier-General Craufurd in reserve -at the battles of Roleia and Vimiera in 1808, which seemed -to foreshadow the triumphs of after years. It was also with -the army of Sir John Moore in his disastrous retreat, terminated -so gloriously in the victory of Corunna, the lustre of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>which was only dimmed by the death of the hero, who fell -whilst yet achieving it, and whose decease Marshal Soult, -with a true soldier spirit, alike with ourselves lamented. -Chivalrously he paid the last tribute of military respect to -the departed brave, by firing the funeral salute, and raising -a monument over the grave of his fallen foe. The generous -behaviour of Marshal Soult, notwithstanding his after faults, -must ever command our admiration, and remain a record of -his own nobleness—the tribute of the friend of the brave; -and justified the ovation he received at the hands of the -British public, when he visited our shores as the ambassador -of Louis Philippe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>For a moment the success of the French seemed complete, -and the sway of Napoleon universal; whilst the British army -appeared, as had been often threatened, “driven into the sea.” -But the British meantime returning to England, the chasms -which want, fatigue, and the sword had occasioned in the -recent retreat, were speedily filled up, and now our army -only waited the opportunity when, returning to the Peninsula, -it should avenge the past and deliver the oppressed. Soon, -under Lieutenant-General Sir Arthur Wellesley, landed at -Lisbon, it began that victorious career which, by a perpetual -series of successes, advanced the tide of war through -Spain, and, at length entering France, helped materially to -overthrow the dominion which the Empire had usurped. -Although the Ninety-first claims an interest in the actions of -the “Peninsula,” it was not until the British army was about -entering France that its connection therewith led to conspicuous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>service—the memorials of which are still borne upon -the colours and appointments of the regiment in these words: -the “Pyrenees,” the “Nive,” the “Nivelle,” “Orthes,” and -“Toulouse.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>From these scenes of stirring and thrilling interest, we -turn to record a signal instance of heroism which, occurring -nearer our own time, presents an illustrious example of -the qualities which brightly distinguish the British soldier -far more truly than even the triumphs of the battle-field. -We give the incident as inscribed by order of the Duke of -Wellington in the Records of the Regiment, who declared “he -had never read anything so satisfactory,” that is, in its compilation, -and the marvellous obedience to orders and fidelity -to duty it serves as a report to show:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The reserve battalion of the Ninety-first Regiment -arrived in Table Bay on the 25th of August, 1842, under the -command of Lieut.-Colonel Lindsay.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“On the 27th of August the command of the battalion -and of the detachments embarked on board the ‘Abercrombie -Robinson’ transport, devolved on Captain Bertie Gordon of -the Ninety-first Regiment, Lieut.-Colonel Lindsay and Major -Ducat having landed on that day at Cape Town.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The situation of the transport was considered a dangerous -one from her size (being 1430 tons), and from the insufficient -depth of water in which she had brought up. The port-captain, -who boarded her on the evening of the 25th, advised -the captain to take up another berth on the following day. -This was impossible, for the wind blew strong into the bay -<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>from the quarter which is so much dreaded there, and had -continued to increase in violence during the 26th, 27th, and -28th August.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At eleven o’clock <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, on the night of the 27th, it was -blowing a strong gale, and the sea was rolling heavily into -the bay. The ship was pitching much, and she began to feel -the ground; but she rode by two anchors, and much cable -had been veered out the night before.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Captain Gordon made such arrangements as he could, in -warning the officers, the sergeant-major, and orderly noncommissioned -officers to be in readiness.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“From sunset on the 27th the gale had continued to -increase, until at length it blew a tremendous hurricane; and -at a little after three <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, on the morning of the 28th, the -starboard cable snapped in two; the other cable parted in two -or three minutes afterwards, and away went the ship before -the storm, her hull striking, with heavy crashes, against the -ground as she drove towards the beach, three miles distant, -under her lee.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“About this time the fury of the gale, which had never -lessened, was rendered more terrible by one of the most awful -storms of thunder and lightning that had ever been witnessed -in Table Bay. While the force of the wind and sea was -driving the ship into shoaler water, she rolled incessantly; -and heaved over so much with the back-set of the surf, -that to the possibility of her going to pieces before daylight, -was added the probability of settling down to windward, -when the decks must have inevitably filled, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>every one of the seven hundred souls on board must have -perished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“While in this position the heavy seas broke over her side -and poured down the hatchways. The decks were opening in -every direction, and the strong framework of the hull seemed -compressed together, starting the beams from their places. -The ship had been driven with her starboard-bow towards the -beach, exposing her stern to the sea, which rushed through -the stern ports and tore up the cabin floors of the orlop-deck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The thunder and lightning ceased towards morning, and -the ship seemed to have worked a bed for herself in the sand, -for the terrible rolling had greatly diminished, and there then -arose the hope that all on board would get safe ashore.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At daybreak (about seven o’clock), it was just possible -to distinguish some people on the beach opposite to the wreck. -Owing to the fear of the masts, spars, and rigging falling, as -well as to keep as much top-weight as possible off the ship’s -decks, the troops had been kept below, but were now allowed -to come on deck in small numbers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“An attempt was made to send a rope ashore; and one of -the best swimmers, a Krooman, volunteered the trial with a -rope round his body; but the back-set of the surf was too -much for him. A line tied to a spar never got beyond the -ship’s bows, and one fired from a cannon also failed. One of -the cutters was then carefully lowered on the lee-side of the -ship, and her crew succeeded in reaching the shore with a -hauling line. Two large surf-boats were shortly afterwards -conveyed in waggons to the place where the ship was stranded, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>and the following orders were given by Captain Gordon for -the disembarkation of the troops, viz.:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“1st. The women and children to disembark (of these -there were about seventy). 2d. The sick to disembark after -the women and children. 3d. The disembarkation of the -troops to take place by the companies of the Ninety-first drawing -lots; the detachments of the Twenty-seventh Regiment -and of the Cape Mounted Riflemen taking the precedence. -4th. The men to fall in on the upper deck, fully armed and -accoutred, carrying their knapsacks and great-coats. 5th. -Each officer to be allowed to take a carpet-bag or small portmanteau.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The disembarkation of the women and children and of the -sick occupied from half-past eight until ten o’clock <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> The -detachments of the Twenty-seventh Regiment and of the Cape -Mounted Riflemen followed. That of the Ninety-first was -arranged by the wings drawing lots, and then the companies -of each wing.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At half-past ten <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, one of the surf-boats which had -been employed up to this time in taking the people off the -wreck, was required to assist in saving the lives of those on -board the ‘Waterloo’ convict ship, which was in still more -imminent peril, about a quarter of a mile from the ‘Abercrombie -Robinson.’</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Having now but one boat to disembark four hundred -and fifty men, and the wind and sea, which had subsided a -little since daylight, beginning again to rise, together with the -captain’s apprehension that she might go to pieces before -<span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>sunset—which (however unfounded, as was afterwards proved,) -powerfully influenced Captain Gordon’s arrangements—it -became necessary to abandon the men’s knapsacks, as they not -only filled a greater space in the surf-boats than could be -spared, but took a long time to hand down the ship’s side. -The knapsacks had been brought on deck, but were now, for -these reasons, sent below again, and stowed away in the -women’s standing-berths.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The officers were likewise informed that they would not -be allowed to take more than each could carry on his arm. -The disembarkation of the six companies went on regularly, -but slowly, from eleven <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> until half-past three <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>; there -being but one boat, which could only hold thirty men at a -time. At half-past three <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, the last boat-load left the ship’s -side. It contained those of the ship’s officers and crew who -had remained to the last; the sergeant-major of the reserve -battalion Ninety-first; one or two non-commissioned officers, -who had requested permission to remain; Captain Gordon, -Ninety-first Regiment; and Lieutenant Black, R.N., agent of -transports. This officer had dined at Government House the -night before, but came on board the wreck with one of the -first surf-boats that reached it on the following morning.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Nearly seven hundred souls completed their disembarkation -after a night of great peril, and through a raging surf, -without the occurrence of a single casualty. Among them -were many women and children, and several sick men, of -whom two were supposed to be dying.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Although it had been deemed prudent to abandon the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span>men’s knapsacks and the officers’ baggage, the reserve battalion -of the Ninety-first Regiment went down the side of that -shattered wreck, fully armed and accoutred, and, with the -exception of their knapsacks, ready for instant service. It -would be difficult to praise sufficiently the steady discipline of -that young and newly-formed battalion, thus severely tested -during nearly seventeen hours of danger; above eight of which -were hours of darkness and imminent peril. That discipline -failed not, when the apparent hopelessness of our situation -might have led to scenes of confusion and crime. The double -guards and sentries which had at first been posted over the -wine and spirit stores, were found unnecessary, and they were -ultimately left to the ordinary protection of single sentries.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Although the ship was straining in every timber, and -the heavy seas were making a fair breach over us, the companies -of that young battalion fell in on the weather-side of -the wreck, as their lots were drawn, and waited for their turn -to muster at the lee-gangway; and so perfect was their confidence, -their patience, and their gallantry, that although -another vessel was going to pieces within a quarter of a mile -of us, and a crowd of soldiers, sailors, and convicts were -perishing before their eyes, not a murmur arose from their -ranks when Captain Gordon directed that the lot should not -be applied to the detachments of the Twenty-seventh Regiment -and Cape Mounted Riflemen, but that the Ninety-first should -yield to them the precedence in disembarking from the wreck.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The officers of the Ninety-first Regiment who disembarked -with the battalion were Captains Gordon and Ward, Lieutenant -<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>Cahill, Ensigns MʻInroy and Lavers, and Assistant-Surgeon -Stubbs. If from among the ranks of men who all behaved so -well, it were allowable to particularise any, the names of -Acting Sergeant-Major Murphy, Colour-Sergeant Philips, -Sergeant Murray, and Corporal Thomas Nugent, deserve this -distinction. It was through the first that Captain Gordon -communicated his orders, and carried them into execution. -Every order he (Sergeant-Major Murphy) received was obeyed, -during the confusion of a wreck, with the exactness of a -parade-ground. He never left the particular part of the ship -where he had been stationed, during the darkness and terror -of the night, although a wife and child seemed to claim a -portion of his solicitude; and when he received permission to -accompany them into the surf-boat, he petitioned to be allowed -to remain with Captain Gordon to the last.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The two sergeants were young lads, barely twenty-two -years of age. They had married shortly before the battalion -embarked at Kingstown, and their wives (quite girls) were -clinging to them for support and comfort when the ship parted -from her anchors. The guards were ordered to be doubled, -and additional sergeants were posted to each. This brought -Sergeants Philips and Murray on duty. Without a murmur -they left their wives and joined the guards of the lower deck. -Their example of perfect obedience and discipline was eminently -useful.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And, if an officer’s name may be mentioned, the conduct -of Assistant-Surgeon Stubbs well deserves notice. He was in -wretched health; but on the first announcement of danger he -<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>repaired to the sick-bay, and never left his charge until they -were all safely landed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And, though last in this narrative, the beautiful calmness -and resignation of the soldiers’ wives ought to be ranked -among the first of those ingredients of order which contributed -to our safety. Confusion, terror, and despair, joined to the -wildest shrieks, were fast spreading their dangerous influence -from the women’s quarter when Captain Gordon first descended -among the people on the lower decks. A few words sufficed -to quiet them, and from that moment their patience and submission -never faltered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“By half-past three <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the bilged and broken wreck was -abandoned with all the stores and baggage—public and regimental—to -the fast-increasing gale, and to the chances of the -approaching night.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The excellent conduct of the Ninety-first throughout the -Kaffir Wars of 1846–47, and again in 1850–53, received, with -the army, the grateful thanks of the country, conveyed through -the Government, in these expressive terms, to Lieutenant-General -the Hon. Sir George Cathcart:—“The field of glory -opened to them in a Kaffir war and Hottentot rebellion, is -possibly not so favourable and exciting as that which regular -warfare with an open enemy in the field affords, yet the -unremitting exertions called for in hunting well-armed yet -skulking savages through the bush, and driving them from -their innumerable strongholds, are perhaps more arduous -than those required in regular warfare, and call more constantly -for individual exertion and intelligence. The British -<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>soldier, always cheerfully obedient to the call, well knows that, -when he has done his duty, he is sure to obtain the thanks -and good opinion of his gracious Queen.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The subsequent foreign service of the Ninety-first has -been in the Mediterranean, and in September, 1858, it proceeded -overland to India.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE SCOTS BRIGADE; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> THE OLD NINETY-FOURTH FOOT.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXIII.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“When midnight hour is come,</div> - <div class='line in2'>The drummer forsakes his tomb,</div> - <div class='line'>And marches, beating his phantom-drum,</div> - <div class='line in2'>To and fro through the ghastly gloom.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“He plies the drum-sticks twain,</div> - <div class='line in2'>With fleshless fingers pale,</div> - <div class='line'>And beats, and beats again, and again,</div> - <div class='line in2'>A long and dreary reveil!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Like the voice of abysmal waves</div> - <div class='line in2'>Resounds its unearthly tone,</div> - <div class='line'>Till the dead old soldiers, long in their graves,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Awaken through every zone.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>When we regard the battle-fields of earth, and think of the -mighty dead who slumber there, apart from feelings of -sentimental or real respect for the sacred dust, imagination -animates the scene, as Memory, conjuring up from the graves -of the past, bids us confront the soldiers who lived, and fought, -and have long since died to “gild a martial story.” Yet it is -<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>our business, in the present undertaking, to gather from the -mouldering records of a bygone age, the truth, and rescue -from the shades of oblivion that “martial story” which -belongs to the soldiers of Scotland.</p> - -<div id='i224' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_224.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>MUSKETEERS OR FUSILIERS AND CAVALRY, ABOUT 1650.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The Old Scots Brigade claims an antiquity of nearly 300 -years, and only yields in prominence to that of the Royal -Scots, which in previous chapters we have discussed. The -love of adventure, the hope of gain, and the troubles at home -having variously conspired to expatriate many Scotsmen, -these readily found employment in the armies of the Continent, -wherein, conspicuous for fidelity and bravery, their -services were highly appreciated, frequently honoured as a -distinctive, select corps, or as a body of royal guards. In -the States of Holland, about the year 1568, our countrymen -were included in numerous independent companies of soldiers, -which, in 1572, united into several regiments, constituted one -brigade—the Old Scots Brigade—the strength of which varied -from four to five thousand men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The first mention we find of their distinguished behaviour -was at the battle of Reminant, near Mechlin, in the year 1578; -the most bloody part of the action, says Meteren, a Dutch -historian, was sustained by the Scotch, who fought without -armour, and in their shirts, because of the great heat of the -weather. After an obstinate engagement, the Spaniards, commanded -by Don Juan of Austria, were defeated.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Throughout the long and sanguinary wars which ultimately -resulted in the deliverance of Holland from the dominion -of Spain, the valiant behaviour of the Scots was very remarkable, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>and is honourably recorded in most of the old histories -of the period. The brigade was originally commanded by -General Balfour, and under him by Colonel Murray and -Walter Scott, Lord of Buccleugh. It learned the business of -war under those great masters of the art, the Princes Maurice -and Frederick Henry of Orange. Its early history is one with -that of the present Fifth and Sixth Regiments of the line, -which then constituted the English Brigade, long commanded -by the noble family of De Vere, afterward the illustrious -House of Oxford. “King James VI. of Scotland having invited -the States-General to be sponsors to his new-born son, -Prince Henry, on the departure of the ambassadors, fifteen -hundred Scots were sent over to Holland to augment the -brigade.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the battle of Nieuport, in 1600, the firmness of the -Scots Brigade saved the army of Prince Maurice from imminent -danger, and contributed largely in attaining the -victory gained over the Spanish army of the Archduke Albert -of Austria. “After having bravely defended the bridge like -good soldiers, they were at length forced to give way, the -whole loss having fallen on the Scots, as well on their chiefs -and captains as on the common soldiers, insomuch that eight -hundred of them remained on the field, amongst whom were -eleven captains, and many lieutenants and other officers.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the siege of Ostend the Scots, by their unflinching -steadiness, helped so materially in the defence that the giant -efforts of the enemy under the Marquis Spinola, one of the -ablest of the Spanish Generals, failed to accomplish its reduction -<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>by force of arms. A capitulation, honourable alike -to besieger and besieged, was agreed upon; “and the garrison -marched out with arms, ammunition, and baggage, drums -beating, and colours flying, after having held out three years -and three months.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“According to a memorial found in the pocket of an -officer of Spinola’s suite, after he was killed, the number -of slain on the side of the Spaniards amounted in all to -seventy-six thousand nine hundred and sixty-one men. The -loss on the part of the States was not less than fifty -thousand. When the remaining garrison, which consisted -of only three thousand men, arrived at Sluice in Flanders, -Prince Maurice received them with the pomp of a triumph; -and both officers and private men were promoted or otherwise -rewarded.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The gallant conduct of Colonel Henderson, who commanded -the brigade in the defence of Bergen-op-Zoom in 1621, is -worthy of note. At the siege of Bois-le-duc in 1629 we find -the brigade composed of three regiments, respectively commanded -by Colonels Bruce, Halket, and Scott (Earl of Buccleugh, -son of the Lord of Buccleugh previously mentioned). -We do not pretend here to follow the narrative of sieges -and battles in which the brigade was at this period engaged. -We shall only further mention that at the siege of -Sas-van-Ghent in 1644, Colonel Erskine, at the head of one of -the Scots regiments, won great renown by his excellent -bravery, being foremost in effecting the passage of the river -Lys; and again, at the siege of Ghent, Colonel Kilpatrick and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>another Scots regiment fulfilled a similar mission with equal -credit. The peace of Munster, concluded in 1648, gave an -honourable issue to the contest in favour of the Dutch, who, -for a little while, were permitted to enjoy repose from the -horrid turmoil of war.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The British Revolution, which drove Charles II. from -the throne of his father and established instead the Protectorate -of Cromwell, occasioning his exile—a king without -a kingdom or a throne—his Scots partizans, sharing his -banishment, greatly recruited the Brigade, where many of -them gladly found refuge and honourable employment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Cromwell, in the plenitude of power, insisted upon the -Dutch Estates declaring the exclusion of the House of Orange -from the Stadtholdership, thereby hoping to break what -appeared to be an antagonistic power to his rule, because of -the bond which, by marriage, united the families of Orange -and Stuart, imagining, in the blindness of bigotry, thereby to -crush out the last remnant of Jacobitism, and extirpate the -creed which had inflicted so many and grievous evils upon -his country. The effect of this unfortunate exclusion Act was -immediately felt throughout the States of Holland in the confusion -and distress which it entailed. Taking advantage of -these circumstances, and the imbecility of its rulers, the crafty -and ambitious monarch of France, Louis XIV., without provocation, -and with no other aim than his own aggrandisement, -at once invaded Holland with three vast armies, under three -of the greatest soldiers of the day—Condé, Turenne, and -Luxembourg. With these difficulties and dangers the embarrassments -<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>of the State so increased that its feeble rulers in this -hour of terror implored the aid of William, Prince of Orange, -readily restoring all the rights they had formerly despoiled -him of, and conferring upon him the powers of a Dictatorship. -The genius of William proved equal to the emergency. At -once he set to work, restoring the army to its ancient vigour, -and reforming all manner of abuses which had crept into the -government.</p> - -<p class='c000'>We are happy to record that, however weak and faulty -the Dutch army had become, the Scots Brigade retained its -effectiveness, despite the languor of the State, and, in consequence, -particularly enjoyed the Prince’s confidence on his -restoration. It was commanded by Colonels Sir Alexander -Colyear (Robertson), Graham, and Mackay, in 1673. United -into one British brigade, the three Scots and the three -English regiments served together under Thomas Butler, -Earl of Ossory, throughout the wars with France. On the -death of the Earl of Ossory in 1680, the command was -conferred upon Henry Sidney, Earl of Romney.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the outbreak of Monmouth’s Rebellion in England and -Argyll’s Rebellion in Scotland, King James II. sent for the -three Scots regiments, then serving in Holland, which, on -being reviewed by the King on their arrival at Gravesend, -drew forth the following compliment, expressed in a letter of -thanks to the Prince of Orange for his prompt aid—“There -cannot be, I am sure, better men than they are; and they -do truly look like old regiments, and one cannot be better -pleased with them than I am.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>Colonel Hugh Mackay, who commanded the brigade on -this occasion, was promoted to the rank of Major-General.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the return of these regiments to Holland, the perfidy -and ingratitude of James gradually oused out and revealed his -truer character. Rightly esteeming the value of such soldiers -to the Prince of Orange, and ever jealous of that Prince’s -increasing power, he vainly attempted to seduce the brigade -and persuade it to exchange into the service of the King of -France. He was further extremely mortified to find that, apart -from the influence of the Prince, the men declined to serve -under the Roman Catholic officer he proposed to appoint. -When dangers thickened around himself, he earnestly desired -its return; alas, too late! already sickened with his unworthy -conduct, the brigade refused to obey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the subsequent Revolution the English and Scots -brigades were of essential service to the Prince of Orange—“commanded -by General Mackay, a Scotsman of noble family, -sailed under the red flag.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the battle of Killiecrankie the Scots Brigade was present, -but unable to withstand the furious onset of the Highlanders, -betrayed a weakness altogether inconsistent with its -previous reputation, being utterly routed and dispersed. It is -very remarkable that Viscount Dundee and General Cannon, -who commanded the rebels, had both previously served in the -Scots Brigade. Afterwards, employed with the Royal army -in Ireland, it somewhat redeemed its character by good conduct -at the siege of Athlone and the battle of Aghrim, at both which -it held the post of peril and of honour with great credit. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>Peace having been restored to unhappy Ireland, the brigade -was sent to join the British army in Flanders, and at the -battle of Steenkirk suffered severely, especially in the death of -General Mackay, who finished a career of honour on that -bloody field. The retreat of the allied army in 1695 was -successfully covered by the Scots under Brigadier Colyear, -afterwards Earl of Portmore. On the death of Brigadier -Æneas Mackay, at the siege of Namur, the command of the -Scots regiments was conferred on Robert Murray of Melgum, -afterwards General Count Murray, Commander-in-Chief of the -Emperor Joseph’s forces in the Netherlands, and acting -Governor-General of these provinces. On the Peace of Ryswick -in 1697, the Scots Brigade returned with the army to Britain, -and was stationed in Scotland until 1698, when it was restored -to the service of Holland.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the Wars of the Succession the Brigade was -increased by the addition of three new Scots regiments, and -the command conferred on John, Duke of Argyll—the “Great -Argyll”—of whom it is well said—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Argyll, the State’s whole thunder born to wield,</div> - <div class='line'>And shake alike the Council and the Field.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>It was hotly engaged in all the great actions of the war, and -amongst the fearful carnage of Malplaquet mourned the loss -of a brave officer, John, Marquis of Tullibardine, eldest son of -the Duke of Athole. On the conclusion of hostilities, in 1713, -the three new regiments of the brigade were disbanded. The -peace was not again seriously disturbed until 1745, when the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>outbreak of war occasioned the increase of the brigade by the -addition of second battalions, and a new regiment under command -of Henry Douglas, Earl of Drumlanrig. The total -strength of the brigade at this time rose to about 6000 men. -At the battle of Roucoux five battalions of the Scots, forming -the extremity of the left infantry wing, covered the retreat of -the troops from the villages abandoned in front. “An officer -who was present relates that General Colyear’s regiment, in -which he then served as an Ensign, was drawn up on the -ridge of a rising ground, the slope of which was to the rear, -so that by retiring a few paces the cannon-balls must have -passed over their heads; but it was thought requisite that they -should appear in full view of the French, who kept up an -incessant fire of their artillery upon them for more than two -hours, without ever advancing near enough to engage with -small arms. The ardour of British soldiers to charge an enemy -by whose fire they saw their comrades fall on every side, may -easily be conceived, but was so much restrained by the authority -of their officers, that the whole brigade seemed immoveable, -except when the frequent breaches which the cannon -made in the ranks required to be closed up. The intrepidity -and perfect order which those battalions then showed, were -greatly extolled ever after by the Prince of Waldeck, and -likewise by Baron d’Aylva, a Dutch General of distinguished -reputation, who happened to have the command of that part -of the army. He had before shown a violent prejudice against -the Scots,” but their gallantry on that memorable occasion so -impressed him, that ever after he regarded the Scots with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>peculiar favour, and on one occasion in his presence, a certain -Prince having observed that the Scottish soldiers were not of -such a size as those of some German regiments, the General -replied, “I saw the day that they looked taller than any of -your grenadiers.”</p> - -<div id='i232' class='figcenter id023'> -<img src='images/i_b_232fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>OFFICER OF PIKEMEN, 1650.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In the defence of Bergen-op-Zoom, two of the Scotch battalions, -supported by a Dutch battalion of infantry, made a -most determined stand, refusing for a long time to yield ground -to the enemy, until superior numbers compelled them to retire. -Some idea of the severity of the struggle may be formed from -the fact that Colyear’s battalion, which had gone into action -660 strong, could only muster 156 men afterwards. It is -thus described by an old writer:—“Overpowered by numbers, -deserted, and alone, the Scotch assembled in the market-place -and attacked the French with such vigour that they drove -them from street to street, till fresh reinforcements pouring in -compelled them to retreat in their turn, disputing every inch -as they retired, and fighting till two-thirds of their number -fell on the spot, valiantly bringing their colours with them, -which the grenadiers twice recovered from the midst of the -French at the point of the bayonet. ‘Gentlemen,’ said the -conquering General to two officers who had been taken -prisoners—Lieutenants Travers and Allan Maclean—‘had all -conducted themselves as you and your brave corps have done, -I should not now be master of Bergen-op-Zoom.’”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Succeeding the sunshine of victory, there arose a cloud -upon its history which we wish, for the credit of our Government, -we could omit to record. Denied the privilege of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>further recruiting at home, the States of Holland insisted -upon the admission of foreigners into its ranks, and thus -to a great extent its Scottish character was destroyed. -When war broke out and our country needed troops, our -Scotsmen repeated the petition that their brigade should be -recalled for the service of their own land. The request was -refused, whilst regiments were raised in Scotland, and even -German auxiliaries enrolled upon the British establishment, -rather than do what appears only an act of justice to the -soldiers of the Old Scots Brigade. As if further to exasperate -the Scots, when war was declared between Britain and Holland, -and our brigade thus placed in a cruel dilemma, unheeded, -it was surrendered to the enemy, who, almost as prisoners -of war, sent it to garrison distant fortresses on the inland -frontier. At length recalled by George III. in 1793, it was, -in 1795, sent to reinforce the garrison of Gibraltar, and in the -following year was removed to the Cape of Good Hope. In -1798 it was transferred to India, where it shared with the -Highland regiments the glory of “Seringapatam” in 1799, -and the battle of “Argaum” in 1803; the former being afterwards -authorised for the colours and appointments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning home in 1808 as the Ninety-fourth regiment, it -was actively and creditably engaged in the various actions of -Spain and the South of France, and received permission to -bear on its colours the words—“Ciudad Rodrigo,” “Badajoz,” -“Salamanca,” “Vittoria,” “Nivelle,” “Orthes,” and “Toulouse,” -and also the inscription of “Peninsula.” In the defence of -Cadiz it suffered very severely, and amongst its brave was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span>found a heroine—a sergeant’s wife, who on this occasion displayed -a remarkable degree of cool courage, which is fitly -described in Mr Carter’s admirable work, “Curiosities of War.” -The regiment was disbanded at Belfast in 1818. A new -regiment, raised six years afterwards, now bears the number -of the Ninety-fourth, but as yet has had no opportunity to -distinguish itself. We only hope it may emulate, nay, if -possible excel, the deeds of the Old Scots Brigade, which so -worthily sustained the characteristic valour of the Scot.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE NINETY-NINTH FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> LANARKSHIRE.</h2> -</div> -<hr class='c007' /> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XXIV.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“How sleep the brave, who sink to rest,</div> - <div class='line'>By all their country’s wishes blest!</div> - <div class='line'>When spring, with dewy fingers cold,</div> - <div class='line'>Returns to deck their hallow’d mould,</div> - <div class='line'>He there shall dress a sweeter sod,</div> - <div class='line'>Than Fancy’s feet have ever trod.</div> - <div class='line'>By fairy hands their knell is rung,</div> - <div class='line'>By forms unseen their dirge is sung;</div> - <div class='line'>There Honour comes, a pilgrim gray,</div> - <div class='line'>To bless the turf that wraps their clay,</div> - <div class='line'>And Freedom shall awhile repair</div> - <div class='line'>To dwell, a weeping hermit, there!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>1824–1862—COLONIAL EMPIRE—SOLDIER’S LETTER—CHINA.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>However deeply interested we may personally feel in Lanarkshire, -and however proud we may be of the many gallant -soldiers who have gone forth from us to fight the battles of -our one country, still to the Ninety-ninth the relationship -indicated above exists scarcely but in name. Nay, even as a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>Scottish regiment its present composition would belie its -seeming nativity. As in the case of many other regiments, so -with it, these titles have been mostly attached for purposes of -recruiting, and seldom bestowed to record the origin of the -corps. Nevertheless, it is looked for as a consequence that -the designation thus conferred should serve to stimulate the -youth of Lanarkshire, bid them rally round the Ninety-ninth, -and thus constituting it their own, immortalise its number by -distinguished service in its ranks.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The regiment was raised in 1824, along with the present -Ninety-fourth, Ninety-fifth, Ninety-sixth, Ninety-seventh, and -Ninety-eighth regiments, at a time when our vast colonial -empire demanded an augmentation of our army to ensure its -adequate defence. Notwithstanding the anxiety of the Ninety-ninth -to be released from the monotony of a passive service, -and engage in the more stirring scenes of battle peculiar -to the soldier, its brief history displays few events specially -calling for notice, having been doomed to quietude, and denied -by circumstances an opportunity of distinguishing itself during -the Indian or Crimean wars. The following remarkable letter -from one of its soldiers, extracted from Mr Carter’s interesting -volume, the “Curiosities of War,” is truly a curiosity:—</p> - -<p class='c019'>“<span class='sc'>My Lord Duke</span>,—I mean to take the liberty of writing -these few lines before your Grace, flying under the protection -of your wings, and trusting in your most charitable heart for -to grant my request.</p> - -<p class='c026'><span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>“May it please your Grace to reject me not, for the love -of the Almighty God, to whom I pray to reward your soul -in heaven.</p> - -<p class='c026'>“My Lord Duke, I shall convince you that I am a pt<sup>e</sup>. -soldier in the 99th depôt, at Chatham, a servant to Her -Majesty since the 29th of September, 1846; likewise that I -was born of poor parents, who were unable to provide any -means of education for me but what I scraped by over-hours -and industry, till I grew thus eighteen years of age, and was -compelled to quit their sight and seek my own fortune.</p> - -<p class='c026'>“I think I am possessed of honesty, docility, faithfulness, -high hopes, bold spirit, and obedience towards my superiors. -I partly know the Irish language, to which I was brought up, -and am deficient of the English language, that is, of not being -able of peaking [<em>qy.</em> speaking] it correctly. One of my past -days, as I was guiding a horse in a solitary place, unexpectedly -I burst into a flow of poetry, which successfully came from my -lips by no trouble. From thence I wrote during the following -year a lot of poems, some of which, it was given up, being the -best composed in the same locality for the last forty years past. -However, I did no treason, but all for the amusement of the -country.</p> - -<p class='c026'>“My Lord, I mean to shoe a little proof of it in the following -lines:—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c027'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Once from at home, as I did roam my fortune for to try,</div> - <div class='line'>All alone along the road, my courage forcing high;</div> - <div class='line'>I said sweet home, both friends and foes, I bid you all good-bye.</div> - <div class='line'>From thence I started into Cork and joined the 99th.</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>This famous corps, which I adore, is brave and full of might,</div> - <div class='line'>With fire and sword, would fight the foe, and make their force retire.</div> - <div class='line'>Supplied are those with Irish Poet for to compose in rhyme,</div> - <div class='line'>I pray to God his grace upon the flaming 99th.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c026'>“My Lord, to get an end to this rude letter, my request, -and all that I want, is twelve months’ leave, for the mere purpose -of learning both day and night, where I could accommodate -myself according to my pay, at the end of which twelve -months I might be fit for promotion in the protection of -Her Majesty.</p> - -<div class='c025'>“Your most obedient Servant,</div> -<div class='c025'>“—— ——”</div> - -<p class='c006'>Public opinion is inclined to regard a war with China as -something ridiculous; to smile at the odd equipment of its -“Braves,” and laugh at the absurd pretensions of its “Celestials.” -We fancy its hosts, like a summer cloud, as something -to be at once dissipated by the first breath of the Western -breeze. In this we have deceived ourselves, and on more than -one occasion paid the penalty of our folly in the blood of the -gallant few, who, overwhelmed by countless numbers, the -victims of a matchless perfidy, have fallen as exposed to an -almost certain destruction. Alone, as in a nest of hornets, we -felt the sting of defeat when we had supposed an easy victory. -Our discipline, our bravery, and our superior arms, failed to -grasp the success we had imagined was to be had for the -mere taking. The truth was revealed when too late; we had -underrated the valour of the foe, and too much despised their -means of defence; then we learned by a bitter experience that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span>our handful of brave men, in the language of Pitt, “were -capable of achieving everything <em>but impossibilities</em>.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Ninety-ninth was engaged in the recent Chinese war, -but only in time to share the concluding glories of the campaign -which crowned a severe and harassing contest in the -capture of Pekin. The good conduct of the regiment on this -occasion amply demonstrated the excellence of the corps—of -what honourable service it was capable, and betokened an -illustrious history, which may yet render it famous as the -Lanarkshire regiment, and fill a larger space in the national -records of “<cite>Our Brave</cite>.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Great acts best write themselves in their own stories;</div> - <div class='line'>They die too basely who outlive their glories.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='i241' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_241fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>OLD HIGHLAND BRIGADE AND LIFE GUARDSMAN.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE OLD HIGHLAND BRIGADE.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XXV.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“In the garb of old Gaul, with the fire of old Rome,</div> - <div class='line'>From the heath-cover’d mountains of Scotia we come,</div> - <div class='line'>Where the Romans endeavour’d our country to gain,</div> - <div class='line'>But our ancestors fought, and they fought not in vain.</div> - <div class='line in2'>Such is our love of liberty, our country and our laws,</div> - <div class='line in2'>That, like our ancestors of old, we’ll stand in freedom’s cause,</div> - <div class='line in2'>We’ll bravely fight like heroes bold for honour and applause,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And defy the French, with all their art, to alter our laws.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>LOUDON’S—MONTGOMERY’S—FRASER’S—KEITH’S—CAMPBELL’S—DUKE -OF GORDON’S—JOHNSTONE’S—FRASER’S—MʻDONALD’S.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Passing through the glens of the Grampians, northwards or -westwards, we are introduced to the sterner grandeur of the -Scottish Highlands. Having briefly viewed the glorious -records of our Lowland regiments, we feel as more immediately -in the heart of our subject when, entering upon -its second part, we propose to give an account of our Highland -regiments. We think we cannot fairly be challenged for -an undue partiality to the latter, or be thought guilty of -injustice to the former, in yielding the prominence to the -Highlanders, because they retain more of the national characteristics, -whilst the Lowlanders, intermingled with others, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>have sadly degenerated from the original purity of the Scottish, -if indeed they have not already forfeited every claim, -beyond the name, to be included in the catalogue of Scottish -regiments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The romantic story of the clans bids us return to the -feudal age, when strange but true war revealed itself to be the -unwitting civiliser of the ancient world; apparently the -harbinger of evil, yet in reality the herald of good—the -purifier—the evil out of which, in the mysterious providence -of God, blessing should in the end abundantly flow. In the -Highlands the memorials of these barbaric times of civil strife -among the clans are sadly ample and very evident; scarce a -dell but bears traces of the ruin which fire and sword had -inflicted; scarce a glen but has its tale of woe; scarce a heath -but beneath the cairn gathers to its shaggy bosom the ashes of -some warrior chief. But there were also times in our history -when the stormy tempest of angry passion was at least for the -moment hushed, and the fiery valour of the clans, gathered -into one, descended from the Highlands, resistless as the mountain -torrent, to do battle for Scottish freedom in the day of -Scotland’s need. And thus their gallant demeanour upon the -field of Bannockburn has waked the muse of Scott to immortalise -their fame, as he beautifully tells of our “Scottish Chiefs” -in his “Lord of the Isles.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The devoted loyalty of the clans to the unhappy Stuarts -has given to their history a melancholy interest, and claims -our admiration, because of the dauntless resolution with which -they vainly strove to maintain the falling fortunes of that -<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>degenerate race, although manifested on the wrong side; furnishing, -moreover, a theme for song which has given birth to -some of the most touching lyrics of our bards.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Shortly after the battle of Culloden the fighting strength -of the various clans was rated by Lord Forbes for the Government -as follows:—</p> - -<table class='table4' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='83%' /> -<col width='16%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Argyle, 3000</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Breadalbane, 1000</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Lochnell and other Chieftains of the Campbells, 1000</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Macleans, 500</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Maclachlans, 200</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Stewart of Appin, 300</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Macdougals, 200</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Stewart of Grandtully, 300</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Clan Gregor, 700</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Duke of Athole, 3000</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Farquharsons, 500</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Duke of Gordon, 300</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Grant of Grant, 850</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Macintosh, 800</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Macphersons, 400</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Frasers, 900</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Grant of Glenmorriston, 150</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Chisholms, 200</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Duke of Perth, 300</td></tr> - <tr><td class='c028' colspan='2'>Seaforth, 1000</td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Cromarty, Scatwell, Gairloch, and other Chieftains of the Mackenzies,</td> - <td class='c005'>1500</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Menzies,</td> - <td class='c005'>300</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Munroes,</td> - <td class='c005'>300</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Rosses,</td> - <td class='c005'>500</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Sutherland,</td> - <td class='c005'>2000</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Mackays,</td> - <td class='c005'>800</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Sinclairs,</td> - <td class='c005'>1100</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Macdonald of Slate,</td> - <td class='c005'>700</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Macdonald of Clanronald,</td> - <td class='c005'>700</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>Macdonell of Glengary,</td> - <td class='c005'>500</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Macdonell of Keppoch,</td> - <td class='c005'>300</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Macdonald of Glencoe,</td> - <td class='c005'>130</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Robertsons,</td> - <td class='c005'>200</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Camerons,</td> - <td class='c005'>800</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>MʻKinnon,</td> - <td class='c005'>200</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Macleod,</td> - <td class='c005'>700</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>The Duke of Montrose, Earls of Bute and Moray, Macfarlanes, Colquhouns, MʻNeils of Barra, MʻNabs, MʻNaughtans, Lamonts, etc., etc.,</td> - <td class='c005'>5600</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>31,930</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>Government, awakened to the danger which threatened the -peace of the country whilst the fiery valour of the clans, unrestrained, -ran wild—save for the chieftain who exercised a -species of independent sovereignty, not always for the weal of -the State—wisely determined to enlist the sympathy of these -petty tyrants on its side, and present a more useful and nobler -field for the employment and development of that exceeding -bravery and martial spirit which have ever characterised the -clans, and the efforts of which had, when embraced in the rebel -army of the Stuarts, justly caused most serious alarm. “I -sought for merit,” said the great Chatham, “wherever it was -to be found; it is my boast that I was the first minister who -looked for it and found it in the mountains of the North. I -called it forth, and drew into your service a hardy and intrepid -race of men, who, when left by your jealousy, became a prey -to the artifice of your enemies, and had gone nigh to have -overturned the State.... These men were brought to -combat on your side, have served with fidelity, have fought -with valour, and conquered for you in every part of the world.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span>About the year 1740, a variety of companies of Highlanders, -known as the “Black Watch,” were regimented, and, under -the Earl of Crawford, formed the <em>Royal Forty-second Highlanders</em>, -whose history will be treated in succeeding chapters; -meanwhile, we shall shortly enumerate the several corps, since -disbanded, which at several periods constituted the Highland -Brigade. The oldest of these</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='sc'>Loudon’s Highlanders</span>,</p> - -<p class='c000'>was raised by the Earl of Loudon, a nobleman of great influence -in the Highlands, in 1745. In its short but eventful -career, the regiment served with credit and fidelity during the -rebellion of 1745, and afterwards with equal distinction with -the allied army in Holland. At the battle of Preston it was -unfortunately captured. Having completed its term of service, -the regiment was disbanded in 1748.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the outbreak of the American war, the Government -again appealed to the clans to enrol beneath the British banner, -and on no occasion with more splendid success. Of the regiments -then embarked were</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='sc'>Montgomery’s Highlanders</span>,</p> - -<p class='c000'>raised in 1757 by Archibald Montgomery, afterwards Earl of -Eglinton, and which served with its cotemporary,</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='sc'>Fraser’s Highlanders</span>,</p> - -<p class='c000'>in America throughout the war. This last was raised, hence -<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>its title, by Sir Simon Fraser, son of Lord Lovat, a chieftain -enjoying largely the confidence of the clans, yet dispoiled of -his lands and destitute of funds by the misfortunes of the -recent rebellion, in which he had figured conspicuously among -the Jacobites.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Immediately upon their embodiment, these two regiments -were embarked for America at Greenock. Associated in the -British army, they were honourably distinguished in the contest -which ensued. Their disbandment took place respectively -in 1775 and 1763. Hostilities having extended to the continent -of Europe, and the Government thoroughly appreciating -the value of the Highland soldier, resolved to enrol, in 1759, -other two regiments for service in Germany, respectively</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>The Eighty-Seventh</span>, or <span class='sc'>Keith’s Highlanders</span>; and</div> - <div class='line'><span class='sc'>The Eighty-Eighth</span>, or <span class='sc'>Campbell’s Highlanders</span>.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>These so seasonably impressed the enemy with the might of -Scottish valour, that it is alleged the French so magnified -the numbers of our Highlanders as to imagine our army contained -twelve instead of two battalions of kilted warriors. A -French officer, lamenting his own little stature and wishing he -had been a six-foot grenadier, is reported to have become quite -reconciled with himself, “when,” as he expresses it, “he had -seen the wonders performed by the little mountaineers.” One -of the journals of the day has this curious account of our -Highlanders:—“They are a people totally different in their -dress, manners, and temper from the other inhabitants of -Great Britain. <em>They are caught in the mountains when young</em>, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>and still run with a surprising degree of swiftness. As they -are strangers to fear, they make very good soldiers when -disciplined.” Accustomed to regard retreat as equivalent to -defeat, as something cowardly, it was with great reluctance -our mountaineers yielded obedience to such commands.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>The <span class='sc'>Eighty-Ninth</span>, or <span class='sc'>Duke of Gordon’s Highlanders</span>,</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>was raised by His Grace, upon his extensive estates, in 1759, -and was destined for service in India. Also, raised in 1760,</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>The <span class='sc'>Hundred-and-First</span>, or <span class='sc'>Johnstone’s Highlanders</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>These, with other Highland corps, were disbanded on the conclusion -of the war in 1763, but not without having won the -nation’s confidence—deserving well of the country, whose -gratitude followed them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A few years later and a new American war burst forth, -intensified in its virulence by its civil character. In the -attempts made to suppress the rebellion of the colonists the -old Highland brigade, re-assembled, was highly distinguished.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Sir Simon Fraser of Lovat, who had already shown his -forwardness in raising the clans in 1757 and ranging them in -regiments in defence of the State, now restored to the patrimony -which the rebellion of his predecessor had forfeited, was -again the first to gather around him a regiment of clansmen, -known as</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>The <span class='sc'>Seventy-First</span>, or <span class='sc'>Fraser’s Highlanders</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>This corps was engaged in the very hottest of the contest, -especially in and around Savannah and Charleston. One only -instance, illustrative of the excellence of the regiment, we have -space to quote:—At Stone Ferry, assailed by 2000 Americans, -Captain Campbell, with 59 men and officers, heroically maintained -his post, until only seven soldiers were left standing—the -rest being either killed or wounded. To most of the men -this was their first encounter with the enemy; “they had not -yet learned to retreat,” nor had they forgotten what had been -always inculcated in their native country, that “to retreat was -disgraceful.” When Captain Campbell fell, he desired such of -his men as were able to make the best of their way to the -redoubt, but they refused to obey, as it would bring lasting -disgrace upon them all to leave their officers in the field with -none to carry them back. The seven men retired carrying -their wounded officers with them, and accompanied by those -of the soldiers who were able to walk. Fraser’s Highlanders -closed a brilliant career as part of the unfortunate garrison of -Yorktown, who were obliged to capitulate, and so, as prisoners -of war, only restored to their liberty and country on the conclusion -of the war, when they were disbanded. In this last -disaster, Fraser’s Highlanders became associated with another -body of Highlanders,</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>The <span class='sc'>Seventy-Sixth</span>, or <span class='sc'>MʻDonald’s Highlanders</span>,</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>which had been engaged in the war, although at first on a -different field.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>The <span class='sc'>Seventy-Fourth</span>, or <span class='sc'>Argyllshire Highlanders</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>served at the same period with the British army of the north -on the frontiers of Canada. Acting with these were two -battalions of Highland emigrants, mostly veterans of the -previous war, who, serving in the Highland brigade of that -time, had thereafter accepted the bounty of Government and -settled in America, known as the</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>Royal Highland Emigrant Regiment</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Besides these, the wars of the time induced the formation of the</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>Atholl Highlanders</span> and <span class='sc'>Aberdeenshire Highlanders</span>;</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>and, when the French Revolution further enveloped the -world in the flames of war,</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>The <span class='sc'>Ninety-Seventh</span>, or <span class='sc'>Strathspey Highlanders</span>; and</div> - <div>The <span class='sc'>Hundred-and-Sixteenth</span>, or <span class='sc'>Perthshire Highlanders</span>;</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>constituted a part of the old Highland Brigade. Without -more extended detail or enumeration of the many Highland -corps once on our army establishment—now disbanded—esteeming -we have sufficiently recorded the story of the old -brigade, to enable the reader to feel it worthy his attention, -as replete with incidents of heroism and daring scarcely ever -surpassed—we come to the consideration of the present Highland -Brigade.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE HIGHLAND BRIGADE. <br /> THE FORTY-SECOND FOOT; <span class='small'>OR,</span> ROYAL HIGHLANDERS—“BLACK WATCH.”</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c029'>CHAPTER XXVI.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Awake on your hills, on your islands awake,</div> - <div class='line'>Brave sons of the mountain, the frith, and the lake!</div> - <div class='line'>’Tis the bugle—but not for the chase is the call;</div> - <div class='line'>’Tis the pibroch’s shrill summons—but not to the hall.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“’Tis the summons of heroes for conquest or death,</div> - <div class='line'>When the banners are blazing on mountain and heath:</div> - <div class='line'>They call to the dirk, the claymore, and the targe,</div> - <div class='line'>To the march and the muster, the line and the charge.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>“BLACK WATCH”—FONTENOY—REBELLION 1745—AMERICA—1729–1760.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>This distinguished regiment has long deservedly enjoyed the -public favour. It is the link which binds us to the Old -Highland Brigade, of which it remains the only and worthy -representative. Mr Cannon, in his Military Records, thus -introduces his account of the regiment by the following -<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>eulogy on the excellence of our Highland soldiers: “The -Highlanders of Scotland have been conspicuous for the possession -of every military virtue which adorns the character of -the hero who has adopted the profession of arms. Naturally -patient and brave, and inured to hardship in their youth -in the hilly districts of a northern climate, these warlike -mountaineers have always proved themselves a race of -lion-like champions, valiant in the field, faithful, constant, -generous in the hour of victory, and endued with calm perseverance -under trial and disaster.” As already noted, the -Government had wisely determined more largely to enlist the -sympathy and good services of the clans on their side; and, in -consequence, had armed a certain proportion of the well-affected -clans—such as the Campbells, the Frasers, the Grants, -and the Munroes—who, formed into independent companies -under the command of their own or other well-known -chieftains, were quartered in the more troubled districts of -the Highlands, where the Jacobite clans of Cameron, Stuart, -MʻIntosh, MʻDonald, and Murray rendered their presence -necessary for maintaining order and preventing any sudden -rising, as well as for the protection of property in those -lawless times. They were called the “Freicudan Dhu,” or -“Black Watch,” from the sombre appearance of their tartan -uniform, compared with the scarlet coats of the regular -soldiers. They were mostly composed of the sons of the -landed gentry, as the Government felt that care was necessary, -especially in this their first experiment, in selecting individuals -who had something at stake in the common country, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>and consequently affording some guarantee for their fidelity. -The success of the experiment was soon abundantly manifest; -and whilst, in 1729, the “Black Watch” consisted only of -six companies, ten years later these were assembled at -Perth, augmented to ten companies, and regimented as the -Highland Regiment, under the Earl of Crawford. The -original high character of this famous regiment has never -been excelled; no, not even by the Royal Guards. Nearly -all its members were six feet in height—illustrious for -physical prowess and might—highly connected, as may -be well inferred from the fact that many, when proceeding -to drill, went on horseback, followed by servants bearing -their firelock and uniform. On one occasion the King, -having heard of the splendid physical appearance of the -men, desired to see a specimen; and accordingly three -were sent up to London. One of these, Grant of Strathspey, -died on the way; the other two, MʻGregor and -Campbell, were presented to His Majesty, and, in presence -of the King, the Duke of Cumberland, Marshal Wade, and -other officers, performed the broadsword exercises and -that of the Lochaber axe. Their dexterity and skill so -pleased His Majesty that he gave each a gratuity of one -guinea—a large sum in those days—imagining he had -appropriately rewarded them; but such was the character of -these men—above want, generally in good circumstances—that -each bestowed his guinea upon the porter at the palace -gate as he passed out. There is one feature which we -record with more peculiar pleasure, as leaving a mightier -<span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>impress of character upon these gallant men, and we quote it in -the words of an English historian who was evidently no friend -of theirs, yet wondrously surprised, as he relates, “to see these -savages, from the officer to the commonest man, at their -several meals, first stand up and pull off their bonnets, and -then lift up their eyes in the most solemn and devout -manner, and mutter something in their own gibberish, by -way, I suppose,” says he, “of saying grace, as if they had been -so many Christians.”</p> - -<div id='i250' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_250fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>THE “BLACK WATCH,” OR FORTY-SECOND ROYAL HIGHLANDERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The idea that they should only serve in their own country -had so strongly possessed the minds of many, that, when -marched into England, and learning they were destined for -service in the West Indies—a place associated in their minds -only as a place of punishment for felons and the like—the -regiment mutinied; but by a judicious blending of firmness -and lenity on the part of Government, this splendid -corps was not only brought to submit, but preserved to -win honour for our country, and amply redeem, by brave deeds, -the faults which for a moment clouded its early history.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1743 the Highlanders joined the British army in -Flanders, where their conduct was so exemplary that the -Elector Palatine specially thanked our King “for the excellent -behaviour of the regiment while in his territories, and for -whose sake,” he added, “I will always pay a respect and -regard to a Scotsman in future.” Of their valour, no higher -tribute can be paid than to say that at the battle of Fontenoy, -where the regiment made its first essay in arms, our -Highlanders were placed in brigade with the veterans of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>British Guards. The result proved them to be every way worthy -of the compliment. Truly they presented the choicest troops of -the land, and eminently their success, like a meteor flash, -for a moment lighted up the fortunes of battle and promised -victory. Alas! all in vain; the disasters in other parts of the -field compelled retreat. Marshal Saxe, who commanded the -French on this occasion, with all the generosity which becomes -a soldier, and who could distinguish valour even in a foeman, -said of the Highlanders—“These furies rushed in upon us -with more violence than ever did a sea driven by a tempest.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The rebellion of Prince Charles Edward in 1745 occasioned -the recall of the Forty-second, or, as it was then designated, -the Forty-third, from the Continent, the scene of its early -glory. With the army, the regiment was encamped in the -south of England, prepared to dispute the menaced landing -of a French force upon our coasts, which the rebels hoped -should effect a favourable diversion. Meanwhile, three new -companies which had not as yet joined the regiment, -served in the royal army against the rebels—one company -being taken prisoner at the battle of Prestonpans. The -internal peace of the country being secured by the decisive -victory of Culloden, many of the regiments returned to Flanders; -whilst the Highlanders, with 2000 of the Foot Guards -and other troops, attempted a descent upon the French coast, -but failed to accomplish that success which had been anticipated, -from the superior strength of the enemy. In the -attack upon port L’Orient, assuming the disguise of Highlanders, -a body of French, in a sally, succeeded in approaching -<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>the British lines, and had nearly entered them when -discovered. They experienced the deadly wrath of our true -Highlanders, whose blood was roused because of the indignity -offered to the kilts in the foe attempting to deceive our troops -thereby. The result proved that it needed more than the -tartans to constitute the genuine Highlander—the dauntless -native courage being wanting.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning home, the regiment was stationed a while in -Ireland, until removed to reinforce the army fighting in -Flanders, in alliance with the Austrians and Dutch, against -the French. Excepting, however, at the siege of Hulst, and -covering the embarkation of the army for South Beveland, -the regiment was little engaged in these campaigns, being kept -in reserve in South Beveland. Returning to Britain in 1749, -the Highlanders were variously stationed in Ireland during -the following six years. In 1756, the outbreak of hostilities -in America between the British and French colonists called -for the immediate presence of a British army, of which -the Forty-second formed a part. On their arrival, the -strangeness of their garb excited the interest of “the Indians, -who flocked from all quarters to see the strangers, who, they -believed, were of the same extraction as themselves, and therefore -received them as brothers.” Landed in America, Lord -Loudon, as commander-in-chief, hesitated to advance against -the enemy until his soldiers had acquired some knowledge of -the novel warfare of the bush in which they were to be so -much engaged. The enemy, meanwhile, reaped many valuable -advantages from the precious moments thus lost through the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>over-cautiousness and procrastination of the British commander.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1758, with the Twenty-seventh, the Forty-fourth, the -Forty-sixth, the Fifty-fifth, two battalions of the Sixtieth, and -upwards of 9000 provincials, the Forty-second formed the division -of our army, under Major-General James Abercromby, -which attempted the reduction of the strong fort of Ticonderoga, -on Lake Champlain. The obstacles to be overcome, and the -strength of the garrison were such, that the utmost and repeated -efforts of our soldiers failed to effect its capture. The distinguished -bravery of the Forty-second is thus commemorated -by an eye-witness:—“With a mixture of esteem, grief, and envy, -I consider the great loss and immortal glory acquired by the -Scots Highlanders in the late bloody affair. Impatient for -orders, they rushed forward to the entrenchments, which many -of them actually mounted. They appeared like lions, breaking -from their chains. Their intrepidity was rather animated -than damped by seeing their comrades fall on every side. I -have only to say of them, that they seemed more anxious to -revenge the cause of their deceased friends, than careful to -avoid the same fate.” Their valour was further rewarded by -an order to dignify the regiment with the title of the “<em>Royal</em>” -Highlanders. So desperate was the fight, that the loss of the -regiment exceeded 650 men and officers. It was here that -the gallant and brave Brigadier-General Viscount Howe, of -the Fifty-fifth regiment, met his death: he who had been “the -life and soul of the expedition,” and was peculiarly the -favourite of the soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span>In October, 1758, a second battalion was raised at Perth -and grafted upon the good old stock of the Royal Highlanders. -Soon after its formation, it was embarked for Barbadoes, -where it joined the expedition under Major-Generals Hopson -and Barrington, which was baffled in an attempt upon the -French Island of Martinique. This reverse was, however, -somewhat avenged by a more successful attack upon the -Island of Guadaloupe, which, after four months’ hard fighting -and much suffering from the insalubrity of the climate, was -surrendered to the British. The defence is remarkable as -affording a striking instance of female heroism in the person -of Madame Ducharmey, who, arming her negroes when others -had retired, refused to yield, resolutely defending the island -for some time.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Removed from the West Indies to the continent of America, -the second battalion was at length united to the first. These -formed part of the expeditionary force, under General Amherst, -which, advancing, occupied the strong fortresses of Ticonderago, -Crown Point, and Isle aux Noix, successively evacuated -by the French. In the campaign of 1760 our Highlanders -were with the army which, crossing Lake Ontario, descended -the St Lawrence, effected the surrender of Montreal, and in -its fall sealed the subjugation of the entire province of -Canada.</p> - -<p class='c030'><span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>CHAPTER XXVII.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“For gold the merchant ploughs the main,</div> - <div class='line in2'>The farmer ploughs the manor;</div> - <div class='line'>But glory is the sodger’s prize,</div> - <div class='line in2'>The sodger’s wealth is honour.</div> - <div class='line'>The brave poor sodger ne’er despise,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Nor count him as a stranger:</div> - <div class='line'>Remember he’s his country’s stay,</div> - <div class='line in2'>In day and hour o’ danger.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>MARTINIQUE—HAVANNAH—BUSHYRUN—ILLINOIS—AMERICAN</div> - <div>REVOLUTION—HALIFAX—CAPE BRETON—1762–1769.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Its sobriety, abstemious habits, great activity, and capability -of bearing the vicissitudes of the West Indian climate, had commended -the selection of the Forty-second as part of an expedition -then assembling at Barbadoes for a renewal of the attack -upon the valuable island of Martinique, which, after some severe -fighting, was surrendered, in 1762, by the French governor to -the British commander, Major-General the Honourable Robert -Monckton. Scarcely had the rude tempest of war subsided in -its wrath, and the genial calm of peace asserted its blessed influence -over the nation, ere that tranquillity was again disturbed by -the malignant passions which unhappily prevailed, and launched -our country into antagonism with Spain. Reinforced by fresh -troops from home—including our Highlanders—the British -army of the West Indies, under the Earl of Albemarle, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>embarking, effected a landing on the Spanish island of Cuba, -and gloriously captured its wealthy metropolis, acquiring -therein prize-money to the enormous extent of three millions -sterling. After achieving this very successful result, the -regiment, embraced in one battalion, returned to the continent -of America, where it was employed in most harassing duty, -checking and punishing the depredatory incursions of the -Indians, who were ever on the alert to avenge themselves on -the white men of the colony, whom they could not help -regarding, and not altogether unreasonably, as their spoilers, -and hence their natural enemies. At Bushyrun the Forty-second -encountered the army of red warriors, and inflicted a -severe defeat, which so sorely distressed them, that, tendering -their submission, a favourable peace was thereupon secured. -Thereafter a party of a hundred men, detached from the -regiment, under Captain, afterwards General Sir Thomas -Stirling, was engaged in an exploring expedition, journeying -3000 miles in ten months, as far as Fort Charteris on the -Illinois; and notwithstanding all the difficulties and dangers -encountered in the way, returning to head-quarters safe and -sound. At length, after these many faithful and arduous -services, the regiment received the order to return home. -Enjoying the esteem of the colonists, its departure was most -deeply regretted. The regiment reached Cork in October, -1767, and remained on duty in Ireland for about twelve -years, whence it was removed to Scotland in 1775, to be -recruited. Scarcely had its establishment been completed -when the American Revolution, involving our country in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>a new war, occasioned its recall to that continent. On -the eve of its departure from Greenock, the regiment comprised -931 Highlanders, 74 Lowlanders, 5 Englishmen (in -the band), 1 Welshman, and 2 Irishmen—ample evidence of -its genuine Highland character. In the passage outwards -the fleet was separated in a tempest, and a company of -the Forty-second, which had been quartered on board the -“Oxford” transport, was so unfortunate as to be captured by -an American privateer. Retained as prisoners on board the -“Oxford,” the soldiers succeeded in overpowering the crew, -and, assuming the command of the vessel, navigated it -to the Bay of Chesapeake, unwittingly to find themselves -in the enemy’s grasp, who held possession of the bay. As -captives, our Highlanders were removed into the interior -of the continent, where every attempt was made to seduce -them from their allegiance, and tempt them to enter the -American service, but, “true to their colours,” without avail. -Meanwhile, the rest of the regiment had joined the British -army in Staten Island, under General the Honourable Sir -William Howe.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the whole course of the war which followed, it -may with truth be averred that no one regiment was more -constantly employed, serving chiefly with one or other of -the flank corps, and that no regiment was more exposed to -danger, underwent more fatigue, or suffered more from both.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The events of the war are so much a matter of history, -that we forbear to detain the reader with more than a mere -enumeration of those in which the Forty-second bore a conspicuous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>part. Having, through the battle of Brooklyn, -achieved the capture of Long Island, landing with the British -army on the mainland, the Highlanders were present with -distinction at the siege of Fort Washington, the capture of -Fort Lee, the re-taking of Trenton, but especially in the -affair of Pisquata, where, assailed by overwhelming numbers, -the gallantry of the regiment was beyond all compliment. -The Forty-second was also present, although in a subordinate -position, at the battle of Brandywine, where General -Washington was defeated. On the 20th September, 1777, -it was detached with the first battalion of Light Infantry and -the Forty-fourth regiment, to surprise a strong force of Americans -which lay concealed in the recesses of the forest in the -neighbourhood of the British camp, purposing to annoy the -army and cut off stragglers. The surprise—effected with -scarcely any loss—favoured by the darkness of the night, -was successful. The enemy, wholly unsuspecting, was utterly -dispersed with great slaughter. The regiment was further -engaged in the attack upon Billingspoint and the defence of -Germanstown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At length allied with France, the Americans were so -helped and encouraged that it became necessary to concentrate -the British army, and, in consequence, relinquishing -many of their more distant conquests, our troops retired to the -sea coast to oppose the threatened debarkation of a French force -from their fleet which cruised off the coast. Dispersed by a -storm, this armament failed to afford that assistance which -had been anticipated, compelling General Sullivan, who -<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>commanded an auxiliary army of Americans, to abandon the -siege of Nieuport, in Rhode Island, and beat a precipitate -retreat to the mainland. Meanwhile, the Forty-second, -with the Thirty-third, Forty-sixth, and Sixty-fourth regiments, -successfully accomplished the destruction of the -arsenals and dockyards of Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard. -At Stoneypoint and Vereplanks, after a desperate struggle, -the persevering efforts of the Royal Highlanders were rewarded -with complete success. Under General Sir Henry -Clinton, the regiment formed a part of the expedition which -undertook and achieved the siege of Charlestown. The -increasing force and daring of the enemy, inspired and sustained -by the genius of Washington, glorying in the disaster -of Yorktown, where a British army was forced to surrender, -induced peace, which, concluded in 1782, put an end to -further hostilities. The regiment served for a while thereafter -in Halifax, and, ere it returned home in 1789, garrisoned -the island of Cape Breton. Whilst in Nova Scotia, in 1785, -Major-General John Campbell, in presenting a new set of -colours to the regiment, thus ably addressed it—an address -which, in its excellence, lives to encourage our army, and -than which we are convinced no better epitome of a soldier’s -duty exists:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I congratulate you on the service you have done your -country, and the honour you have procured yourselves, by -protecting your old colours, and defending them from your -enemies in different engagements during the late unnatural -rebellion.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>“From those ragged, but honourable remains, you are -now to transfer your allegiance and fidelity to these new -National and Regimental Standards of Honour, now consecrated -and solemnly dedicated to the service of our King -and Country. These colours are committed to your immediate -care and protection; and I trust you will, on all -occasions, defend them from your enemies, with honour to -yourselves and service to your country—with that distinguished -and noble bravery which have always characterised -the <span class='sc'>Royal Highlanders</span> in the field of battle.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“With what pleasure, with what peculiar satisfaction—nay, -with what pride, would I enumerate the different -memorable actions where the regiment distinguished itself. -To particularise the whole would exceed the bounds of this -address; let me therefore beg your indulgence while I take -notice only of a few of them.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“And, first, the conduct of the regiment at the battle of -<em>Fontenoy</em> was great and glorious! As long as the bravery of -the fifteen battalions in that conflict shall grace the historic -page, and fill the breast of every Highlander with pleasure -and admiration, so long will the superior gallantry of the -Forty-second Regiment bear a conspicuous part in the well-fought -action of that day, and be recorded in the annals of -Fame to the latest posterity!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I am convinced that it will always be a point of honour -with the corps, considered as a collective body, to support and -maintain a <em>national</em> character!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“For this purpose you should ever remember that, being -<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>a national and reputable corps, your actions as citizens and -civil subjects, as well as your conduct as soldiers, will be -much observed—more than those of any other regiment in -the service. Your good behaviour will be handed down -with honour to posterity, and your faults, if you commit any, -will not only be reported, but magnified, by other corps who -are emulous of your <em>civil</em> as well as of your <em>military</em> character. -Your decent, sober, and regular behaviour in the different -quarters you have hitherto occupied, has rendered you the -distinguished favourites of their respective inhabitants. For -the sake, then, of your country—for the sake of your own -established character, which must be dearer to you than -every other consideration—do not tarnish your fame by a -subsequent behaviour less manly!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Do not, I beseech you, my fellow-soldiers, allow your -morals to be corrupted by associating with low, mean, or bad -company. A man is always known by his companions; and -if any one among you should at any time be seen spending -his money in base, worthless company, he ought to be set up -and exposed as an object of regimental contempt!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“To conclude: As you have, as soldiers, displayed sufficient -valour in the field by defeating the enemies of your -country, suffer me to recommend to you, as Christians, to use -your best endeavours, now in the time of peace, to overcome -the enemies of your immortal souls! Believe me, my fellow-soldiers, -and be assured, that the faith and virtues of a -Christian add much to the valour, firmness, and fidelity of a -soldier. He, beyond comparison, has the best reason, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>the strongest motive, for doing his duty in scenes of danger, -who has nothing to fear, but every thing to hope, in a future -existence.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Ought you not, therefore, to be solicitous to adorn your -minds with, at least, the principal and leading Christian virtues, -so that if it should be your fate hereafter to fall in the field -of battle, your acquaintances and friends will have the joyful -consolation of hearing that you leave an unspotted name, and -of being assured that you rose from a bed of honour to a -crown of immortality.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“O! to see his tartan trews,</div> - <div class='line'>Bonnet blue, and laigh-heel’d shoes,</div> - <div class='line'>Philabeg aboon his knee!</div> - <div class='line'>That’s the lad that I’ll gang wi’.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>THE HIGHLANDS—FRENCH REVOLUTION—FLANDERS—GERMANY—WEST -INDIES—GIBRALTAR—MINORCA—EGYPT—EDINBURGH—1789–1803.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The honourable bearing of the Royal Highlanders throughout -the war had been so conspicuous as to win for them the -hearty esteem of their countrymen. Hence their return was -welcomed by all classes, and their progress northward was -little else than a triumphal march. At Glasgow, the joy -of the people was unbounded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whilst stationed in Scotland, the regiment was called to -fulfil a most painful duty, in the suppression of the riots -which had arisen in the Highlands from the expulsion of the -poorer peasantry from the haunts and homes of “auld langsyne.” -From a long and quiet possession, they had come to -consider such as their own, and therefore were disposed to -resist the right of the legal proprietor, who desired to -disencumber his estates of the unproductive poor, and render -these lands remunerative, rather than, as hitherto, a barren -burden.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span>To curb the furious passions which the evil genii of the -French Revolution had let loose, wherewith to plague Christendom, -the might of Britain was called to the rescue. The -Forty-second, largely recruited, was accordingly embarked at -Hull, and joined the British army fighting under the Duke of -York in Flanders. Soon, however, the regiment was recalled, -to form part of a meditated enterprise against the French -West Indian Islands. This scheme being abandoned for the -present, it was engaged in a vain attempt to aid, by a descent -on the French coast, the Vendean royalists, who yet dared -manfully, but, alas! ineffectually, to struggle against the -sanguinary tyranny of the Revolution, for liberty and righteousness. -Returning to Flanders, the regiment was doomed to -share the retrograde movement which had been necessitated -by the overwhelming superiority of the enemy, and the listless -indifference, nay, even hate, of the Dutch, whose cause we had -assumed to espouse. Retreating through Germany to Bremen, -the sufferings of the army were severe, but endured with a -fortitude which well commanded the admiration of friend and -foe. Never were the capabilities of the Highland soldier more -thoroughly tested, and more triumphantly apparent, than in -the midst of the fatigues of an incessant warfare, the severities -of a bitter winter, and the discouraging prospects of retreat. -Under these cruel circumstances, whilst other regiments -counted their losses by hundreds, the Forty-second only lost -twenty-five men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning to England, the regiment was once more -included in the long-contemplated West Indian expedition. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span>A vast armament had been assembled in 1795, and sailed at -first prosperously, only to be dispersed and driven back with -heavy loss by a furious tempest which almost immediately -arose. A second attempt, promising as favourably, encountered -a like catastrophe, but not so fatal. Although dispersed, some -of the transports continued the voyage, others returned to -port, and some few became the prey of the enemy’s privateers. -Providence seemed to be adverse to the expedition, or in -friendly warning indicated the coming struggle—when hearths -and homes, menaced by a relentless, dangerous foe, needed -that a large portion of this ill-omened expedition should be -retained for the defence of our own shores, and play a more -important part in the exciting events of the Revolutionary -War. Five companies of the Royal Highlanders were thus -detained at home, and soon afterwards removed for service to -Gibraltar. The other five companies of the regiment, embarked -in the “Middlesex,” East Indiaman, battling the tempest, -completed the voyage, and rendezvoused at Barbadoes, whence -they proceeded, with what remained of the vast armament, -against the French island of St Lucia, which, after some sharp -fighting, was wrested from the Republicans. In the subsequent -attack upon the island of St Vincent, the Highlanders -were praised for the “heroic ardour” they always displayed, -but especially illustrated in the attack upon the post of New -Vigie, on the 10th June, 1796, on which occasion Major-General -David Stewart relates the following episode of the -wife of a soldier of our Royal Highlanders:—“I directed her -husband, who was in my company, to remain behind in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>charge of the men’s knapsacks, which they had thrown off to -be light for the advance up the hill. He obeyed his orders; -but his wife, believing, I suppose, that she was not included -in these injunctions, pushed forward in the assault. When -the enemy had been driven from the third redoubt, I was -standing giving some directions to the men, and preparing to -push on to the fourth and last redoubt, when I found myself -tapped on the shoulder, and turning round, I saw my -Amazonian friend standing with her clothes tucked up to the -knees, and seizing my arm, ‘Well done, my Highland lads!’ -she exclaimed, ‘see how the brigands scamper like so many -deer!’ ‘Come,’ added she, ‘let us drive them from yonder -hill.’ On inquiry, I found she had been in the hottest fire, -cheering and animating the men, and when the action was -over, she was as active as any of the surgeons in assisting the -wounded.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Allied with the Caribbee Indians, the Republicans, driven -from the open plain and the regular strongholds of the island, -found a refuge in the woods, where, screened by the luxuriant -foliage of the forest, or perched in unassailable positions, they -maintained a guerilla warfare, which to our troops proved of -the most trying and harassing kind, similar in character to -that sustained by our Highlanders in the backwoods during -the American war. Mr Cannon, in his valuable official -records of the regiment, gives the following description illustrative -of the general character of the contest:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The out-posts being frequently alarmed by parties of the -enemy firing at the sentries in the night, a serjeant and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>twelve Highlanders, under Lieutenant David Stewart, penetrated -the woods at nine o’clock in the evening, with short -swords to cut their way through the underwood, to discover -the post or camp from whence these nightly alarms came. -After traversing the woods all night, an open spot, with a -sentry, was discovered; this man fired his musket at a dog -which accompanied the soldiers, and then plunged into the -wood, as the Serjeant rushed forward to cut him down. The -soldiers were on the edge of a perpendicular precipice of great -depth, at the bottom of which was seen a small valley crowded -with huts, from whence issued swarms of people on hearing -the report of their sentry’s musket. Having made this -discovery, the soldiers commenced their journey back; but, -when about half way, they were assailed by a fire of musketry -on both flanks, and in the rear. The Caribbees were expert -climbers; every tree appeared to be manned in an instant; -the wood was in a blaze, but not a man could be seen—the -enemy being concealed by the thick and luxuriant foliage. -As the Highlanders retreated, firing from time to time at the -spot from whence the enemy’s fire proceeded, the Caribbees -followed with as much rapidity as if they had sprung from -tree to tree like monkeys. In this manner the retreat was -continued, until the men got clear of the woods.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The reduction of the island being at length completed, the -five companies of the Forty-second were employed in an -ineffectual attack upon Porto Rico. In 1797, from Martinique -the companies returned home, and, on reaching Portsmouth, -presented a clean bill of health—somewhat extraordinary in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>circumstances, yet silently but unmistakeably testifying to the -good conduct of the corps, and the completeness of its economy. -In 1798 the several companies were united at Gibraltar, -whence the regiment proceeded, with other troops, under -Lieut.-General the Honourable Sir Charles Stewart, against -the Spanish island of Minorca, which, with its capital, -Ciudadella, was speedily surrendered, although the defending -force exceeded in number the attacking force; the Spaniards, -by the admirable dispositions of the British, being deceived -as to our actual strength. This achievement was but the -presage to a more glorious enterprise. The ambition of -Napoleon had pictured for himself an Eastern Empire; and to -work out the realisation of his dream, he had transported the -veterans of Italy into Egypt, as the basis of his operations. -Already had the burning sands of the dreary desert wasted -the strength of this “Army of the East,” and his conquering -legions been arrested in their triumphal career by the stern -decrees of Nature’s God, when our island-might dared to -challenge the boasted “Invincibles” of France. The Forty-second -was included in the expedition which, under Sir Ralph -Abercromby, was so long detained and tossed upon the treacherous -waves of the Mediterranean, the slave of a cruel uncertainty -as to its destination. At length the fleet cast anchor -in Aboukir Bay, and despite the proud array of horse, foot, -and artillery which lined the beach and manned the hills -environing the bay—each of which contributed its deadliest -thunder to daunt or destroy our gallant army—the British -successfully effected a landing in March, 1801, gained a victory -<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>which, apart from the honour accruing to our arms, served -to revive the fainting spirit of Europe, and gave a glimpse of -hope to the enthralled who had been crushed by the military -tyranny of France.</p> - -<div id='i273' class='figcenter id024'> -<img src='images/i_b_273fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SIR RALPH ABERCROMBY.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Passing over the action of Mandora, we arrive at the -battle of Alexandria, wherein the valour of the Royal Highlanders, -associated with the Twenty-eighth regiment, has never -been excelled. Posted amid the ruins of an old Roman -palace, and looking down upon the classic memorials of a -by-gone age, the Forty-second, on the morning of the 21st -March, 1801, awaited with portentous silence the approach -of the foe, who, concealed by a thick mist, advanced, purposing -to surprise our position. The assault was conducted -with the wonted impetuosity of the French, and the defence -maintained with characteristic firmness by the British. Amid -the confusion of the fight, the uncertain light of the morning, -and whilst our troops were hotly engaged at all points, the -famed “Invincible Legion” of Napoleon crept silently and -unnoticed to the rear of our Highlanders, cutting the wings -of the regiment asunder. A desperate and deadly fight -ensued, when these redoubtable troops discovered and encountered -each other. The French, entering the ruins of the -palace, displayed a valour worthy the title they bore, and -which, in other circumstances, might have won that better -success which such heroic bravery merited as its reward. -Exhausted and overpowered, with 650 fallen, the relics of the -“Invincibles,” of whom there remained but 250, surrendered -to our Highlanders. Scarce had the regiment achieved this -<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>splendid result, ere it was anew assailed by a fresh and -more powerful, but not braver column of the enemy. At -length these repeated and resolute attacks of cavalry, infantry, -and artillery, broke the array of the Forty-second. To all -appearance flight seemed the only refuge, and prudence might -have urged the same as being the better part of valour. The -French cavalry at this critical moment charged the regiment, -deeming an easy conquest at hand, but nothing daunted, grouped -into small detached parties, the Highlanders faced about and -fearlessly encountered the foe. Sir Ralph Abercromby, witnessing -the gallant behaviour of his countrymen in such a -crisis, unable to reinforce them with troops, hastened to the -spot to encourage, by his presence, these brave men, exclaiming, -with patriotic fervour, “My brave Highlanders, remember -your country, remember your forefathers!” Thus -nerved to resistance, and cheered to know that so beloved -a commander beheld with pride and grateful affection -their efforts, the result was soon gloriously evident in the -retreat, flight, and ruin of the cavalry, who imagined they -would have annihilated the broken, bleeding remnant. During -the fight, Sir Ralph Abercromby was furiously assailed by -two dragoons. “In this unequal conquest he received a blow -on the breast; but with the vigour and strength of arm for -which he was distinguished, he seized on the sabre of one of -those who struggled with him, and forced it out of his hand. -At this moment a corporal of the Forty-second, seeing his -situation, ran up to his assistance, and shot one of the -assailants, on which the other retired.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>“The French cavalry charged <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>en masse</em></span>, and overwhelmed -the Forty-second; yet, though broken, this gallant corps was -not defeated; individually it resisted, and the conduct of each -man exalted still more the high character of the regiment.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Towards the close of the battle the Highlanders, having -expended their last cartridge, were on the point of being -annihilated—although still resolutely resisting with the bayonet—when -the French, repulsed everywhere, relaxed their efforts, -and gradually retired. The loss of the regiment, in killed -and wounded, exceeded 300 men; but the most grievous loss -of all, felt by every rank, was the fall and subsequent death -of Sir Ralph Abercromby.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is unnecessary here further to detail the various events -which marked the progress of the British arms in Egypt—crowned -in the conquest of its two capitals, Cairo and -Alexandria, accomplishing the extinction of the French -dominion in the land, and for ever dissipating the dream of -Napoleon, which had promised an Eastern Empire—an idea -early and fondly nurtured, but, like the toy of a child, as -quickly cast away when it failed to please, and, by that despot, -abandoned when circumstances presented an easier path and -more glorious results to his ambition in the crown of France.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the return of the Royal Highlanders, every compliment -was lavished upon the regiment by a grateful country. -Whilst at Edinburgh in 1802, Lieutenant-General Vyse, in -presenting a new set of colours, thus closed his address to -the regiment:—“Remember that the standards which you -have this day received are not only revered by an admiring -<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>world, as the honourable monuments and trophies of your -former heroism, but are likewise regarded by a grateful -country as the sacred pledges of that security which, under -the protection of heaven, it may expect from your future -services.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“May you long, very long, live to enjoy that reputation -and those honours which you have so highly and so justly -merited; may you long participate and share in all the -blessings of that tranquillity and peace which your labours -and your arms have restored to your native country; but -should the restless ambition of an envious and daring enemy -again call you to the field, think then that you behold the -spirit of those brave comrades who so nobly, in their country’s -cause, fell upon the plains of Egypt, hovering round these -standards—think that you see the venerable shade of the -immortal Abercromby leading you again to action, and -pointing to that presumptuous band whose arrogance has -been humbled, and whose vanity has been compelled, by -your intrepidity and courage, to confess that <em>no human force -has been ‘invincible’ against British valour</em>, when directed by -wisdom, conducted by discipline, and inspired by virtue.”</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XXIX.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“When wild war’s deadly blast was blawn,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And gentle peace returning,</div> - <div class='line'>And eyes again with pleasure beam’d</div> - <div class='line in2'>That had been blear’d wi’ mourning,</div> - <div class='line'>I left the lines and tented field,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Where lang I’d been a lodger,</div> - <div class='line'>My humble knapsack a’ my wealth,</div> - <div class='line in2'>A poor but honest sodger.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>THREATENED INVASION—THE PENINSULAR WAR—CORUNNA—TOULOUSE—QUATRE -BRAS—WATERLOO—CRIMEA—INDIA—1803–1862.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The peace of Amiens in 1803, which for a short period released -our army from the bloody toils of war, was but as the -portentous calm presaging the lowering storm, when the waves -of angry passion, lashed into fury, should beat upon the shore -of every continent of the world. The pride of France had been -humbled, and the ambitious schemes of her haughty despot -thwarted by British valour, which, upon the plains of Egypt, -had wrested from veteran legions their boasted “invincibility.” -The French navy, moreover, had been swept from the seas -and all but exterminated—there remaining not an armament -in Europe which could dare to dispute the British ocean -<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>sovereignty. Stung by the remembrance of many defeats by -sea and land—the painful recollection of which ever and -anon haunted and troubled the dreamer of universal empire, -begetting</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The vengeance blood alone could quell”—</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>a spirit of malignity was awakened in the mind of Napoleon. -These combined occasioned the concentration of the giant -might of his empire upon the western shores of France, -purposing therewith to crush, were it possible, the only -power which, amidst the general wreck of nations, yet lived -to challenge his assumed omnipotence. Vainly he hoped to -bridge the channel, or, as he termed it, the “ditch,” which -divided this beloved land from our natural rival and implacable -enemy, France. Loudly he threatened that, with -an army of 600,000 men, he would land to desolate our -homes, and overwhelm our country in a doom as awful as -had hitherto befallen less favoured countries. But apart from -the “ditch,” which proved an impassable gulf to the mightiest -efforts of his power, the patriotism of our people, appreciating -the emergency, was equal to the danger, and in 1804 achieved -the following magnificent result:—</p> - -<table class='table5' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='75%' /> -<col width='25%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Army in the British Isles,</td> - <td class='c005'>129,039</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c031'>Colonies,</td> - <td class='c005'>38,630</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c031'>India,</td> - <td class='c005'>22,897</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c031'>Recruiting,</td> - <td class='c005'>533</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Militia in Great Britain,</td> - <td class='c005'>109,947</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>————</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>301,046</td> - </tr> - <tr><td> </td></tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'><span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>Regular and Militia,</td> - <td class='c005'>301,046</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Volunteers in Great Britain,</td> - <td class='c005'>347,000</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>————</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c032'>Total in Great Britain,</td> - <td class='c005'>648,046</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Irish Volunteers,</td> - <td class='c005'>70,000</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Military,</td> - <td class='c005'>718,046</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Navy,</td> - <td class='c005'>100,000</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c032'>Grand Total in arms,</td> - <td class='c005'>818,046</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>————</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>In this vast armament we must include a second battalion -raised in 1803, and attached to the Royal Forty-second. In -1805 the first battalion was removed to Gibraltar. Napoleon, -disappointed in his favourite scheme of effecting our conquest, -suddenly directed his march eastward, launching the thunderbolts -of war with remorseless wrath upon the devoted -sovereignties of Germany, yea, piercing, in his aggressions, the -gloomy wilds of Russia. By a crooked policy, begetting a -matchless perfidy, Napoleon had found further employment -for the myriad spoilers who looked to him for prey, in the -invasion and appropriation of Spain and Portugal. In this -crisis of their country’s calamity, the patriots of the Peninsula -invoked the friendly aid of Britain, as alone able to help them -in the unequal yet protracted struggle for independence they -maintained. Ever the champion of the weak and oppressed, -Britain descended to the rescue; and in accordance therewith, -a British army, under Sir Arthur Wellesley, landed in Portugal -in 1808. The first battalion of the Forty-second was ordered -to join this expedition from Gibraltar, but reached too late -to participate in the glories of Roleia and Vimiera. The -<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>deliverance of Portugal being for the time accomplished, the -Forty-second thereafter joined the army of General Sir John -Moore, which attempted to drive the French from Spain. -Inadequately supported, this gallant chief failed to do more -than penetrate into the interior, occasioning the concentration -of the several French armies to repel him. Unable to cope -with such a vast superiority, retreat was inevitable. Shattered -by the vicissitudes of the war, his army retired to the sea -coast, hotly pursued by a powerful French force under Marshal -Soult. At length halting near Corunna, the British, in defence -of their embarkation, accepted battle from the French, which, -whilst victory crowned our arms, was dearly bought in the -death of Sir John Moore. Brigaded with the Fourth and -Fiftieth regiments, under Major-General Lord William Bentinck, -and in the division of Sir David Baird, these regiments -sustained the weight of the attack. Twice on this memorable -day did the Commander-in-Chief address himself to the Highlanders. -In the advance to recover the lost village of Elvina, -he uttered these thrilling words, awakening the recollection of -the time when he himself had led them to victory—“Highlanders,” -he said, “remember Egypt!” And again, when -sorely pressed by the enemy, having expended their whole -ammunition, he thus distinguished them:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“‘My brave Forty-second, join your comrades, ammunition -is coming, and you have your bayonets.’ At the well-known -voice of their general, the Highlanders instantly sprang -forward, and closed upon the enemy with bayonets. About -this period Sir David Baird was wounded, and forced to quit -<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>the field, and soon afterwards Sir John Moore was struck to -the ground by a cannon ball. He was raised up, his eyes -were steadily fixed on the Highlanders, who were contending -manfully with their numerous antagonists, and when he was -assured that the Forty-second were victorious, his countenance -brightened up, he expressed his satisfaction, and was removed -to the rear, where he expired, to the great regret of the officers -and soldiers, who admired and esteemed their excellent commander.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>On dark Corunna’s woeful day,</div> - <div class='line'>When Moore’s brave spirit passed away,</div> - <div class='line'>Our Highland men, they firmly stood,</div> - <div class='line'>Nor France’s marshalled armies could</div> - <div class='line in6'>Break through the men of Scotland.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='i280' class='figcenter id025'> -<img src='images/i_b_280fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SIR JOHN MOORE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In this severe fight the loss of the Forty-second exceeded -200 killed and wounded. In consequence of this victory, the -British were enabled to embark without further molestation -from the enemy. The regiment arrived in England in 1809. -As soon as sufficiently recruited—brigaded with the Seventy-ninth -and Ninety-second regiments, constituting the Highland -Brigade—it was embarked with the army which attempted to -gain a footing in Flanders; but failed, rather from the evil -effects of the climate, inducing a malignant disease, than the -sword of the enemy. Of 758 men, which comprised the -battalion, 554 were stricken down or disabled in less than -six weeks. Meanwhile, the second battalion, which had joined -the army of Lord Wellington in Portugal, suffered severely -from a similar cause whilst stationed on the banks of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>Guadiana River. Commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel Lord -Blantyre, this battalion was creditably present in the actions -of the Peninsular War, which arrested the progress of the -French under Marshal Massena, at Busaco, and finally -defied their every effort at the formidable, impregnable lines -of Torres Vedras. The battalion won a title to the distinction -of “Fuentes d’Onor,” by gallantly resisting a charge of -French cavalry thereat. It was present at the siege of -Ciudad Rodrigo, and, previous to the battle of Salamanca, -was joined by the first battalion from England, with whom -it was consolidated. A recruiting party was sent home to -enrol a now second battalion, afterwards disbanded in 1814.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is needless here to detain the reader with a record -of the military transactions of the war. These words—“Pyrenees,” -“Nivelle,” “Nive,” “Orthes,” “Toulouse,” and -“Peninsula”—borne upon the colours and appointments of -the regiment, are sufficiently expressive of its gallantry. At -the battle of Toulouse, the public despatch refers to the -conduct of the Forty-second as “highly distinguished throughout -the day;” whilst an officer of the regiment contributes -the following account of its dauntless behaviour on the -occasion. In the sixth division of our army, and in brigade -with the Seventy-ninth and Ninety-first regiments, he says:—“We -advanced under a heavy cannonade, and arrived in -front of a redoubt, which protected the right of the enemy’s -position, where we were formed in two lines—the first -consisting of some Portuguese regiments, and the reserve -of the Highland Brigade.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>“Darkening the whole hill, flanked by clouds of cavalry, -and covered by the fire of their redoubt, the enemy came -down upon us like a torrent; their generals and field-officers -riding in front, and waving their hats amidst shouts -of the multitude, resembling the roar of an ocean! Our -Highlanders, as if actuated by one instinctive impulse, took -off their bonnets, and, waving them in the air, returned their -greeting with three cheers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“A death-like silence ensued for some moments, and we -could observe a visible pause in the advance of the enemy. -At that moment the light company of the Forty-second -regiment, by a well-directed fire, brought down some of the -French officers of distinction, as they rode in front of their -respective corps. The enemy immediately fired a volley into -our lines, and advanced upon us amidst a deafening roar of -musketry and artillery. Our troops answered their fire only -once, and, unappalled by their furious onset, advanced up the -hill, and met them at the charge. Upon reaching the summit -of the ridge of heights, the redoubt which had covered their -advance fell into our possession; but they still retained four -others, with their connecting lines of entrenchments, upon the -level of the same heights on which we were now established, -and into which they had retired.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Major-General Pack having obtained leave from General -Clinton that the Forty-second should have the honour of -leading the attack, which it was hoped should drive the -French from their strong position, that distinguished officer -exultingly gave the word—‘The Forty-second will advance.’ -<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>We immediately began to form for the charge upon the -redoubts, which were about two or three hundred yards -distant, and to which we had to pass over some ploughed -fields. The grenadiers of the Forty-second regiment, followed -by the other companies, led the way, and began to -ascend from the road; but no sooner were the feathers of -their bonnets seen rising over the embankment, than such a -tremendous fire was opened from the redoubts and entrenchments, -as in a very short time would have annihilated them. -The right wing, therefore, hastily formed into line, and, -without waiting for the left, which was ascending by companies -from the road, rushed upon the batteries, which vomited -forth a most furious and terrific storm of fire, grape-shot, and -musketry.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The redoubts were erected along the side of a road, and -defended by broad ditches filled with water. Just before our -troops reached the obstruction, however, the enemy deserted -them, and fled in all directions, leaving their last line of -strongholds in our possession; but they still possessed two -fortified houses close by, from which they kept up a galling -and destructive fire. Out of about five hundred men, which -the Forty-second brought into action, scarcely ninety reached -the fatal redoubt from which the enemy had fled.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“As soon as the smoke began to clear away, the enemy -made a last attempt to re-take the redoubts, and for this purpose -advanced in great force. They were a second time repulsed -with great loss, and their whole army was driven into -Toulouse, which they evacuated on the 12th of April, 1814.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>The peace which crowned these glorious achievements -afforded but a brief interval of repose to our army. In -the spring of the following year, Europe was startled in -her dream of fancied security by the sudden and unexpected -return of Napoleon from Elba. In the campaign of -Waterloo, which quickly and decisively broke his power, -and almost annihilated the military strength of imperial -France—with which strong, convulsive effort it hoped to -restore its earlier and mightier dominion—the Forty-second -claims a most conspicuous place, especially in the action of -Quatre Bras, so immediately followed by the grander event of -Waterloo. The unexpected and furious attack of Marshal -Ney upon the advanced position of the allies at Quatre Bras, -gave the French a momentary advantage. Roused to arms, -and hurried forward to the scene of conflict, the Highlanders -(Forty-second and Ninety-second regiments) were conspicuous -for the promptitude with which they mustered and took the -field, hastening forward to relieve the gallant few that dared -to withstand the impetuous assaults of the French. The good -conduct of the Highlanders, whilst quartered in Brussels, had -so won the esteem of the citizens, that they are said to have -mourned for them as a brother, grieving for their departure—perchance</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in8'>“The unreturning brave,—alas!</div> - <div class='line in4'>Ere evening to be trodden like the grass</div> - <div class='line in4'>Which now beneath them, but above shall grow</div> - <div class='line in4'>In its next verdure; when this fiery mass</div> - <div class='line in4'>Of living valour rolling on the foe,</div> - <div class='line'>And burning with high hope, shall moulder cold and low!</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in4'><span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>“Last noon beheld them full of lusty life;</div> - <div class='line in4'>Last eve, in beauty’s circle proudly gay;</div> - <div class='line in4'>The midnight brought the signal-sound of strife;</div> - <div class='line in4'>The morn the marshalling in arms; the day</div> - <div class='line in4'>Battle’s magnificently-stern array!</div> - <div class='line in4'>The thunder-clouds close o’er it, which, when rent,</div> - <div class='line in4'>The earth is cover’d thick with other clay,</div> - <div class='line in4'>Which her own clay shall cover—heap’d and pent,</div> - <div class='line'>Rider and horse,—friend, foe,—in one red burial blent!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>One historian speaks of the Forty-second as displaying -“unparalleled bravery;” whilst another thus narrates the -attack of the Highlanders at Quatre Bras:—“To the Forty-second -Highlanders, and Forty-fourth British regiment, which -were posted on a reversed slope, and in line, close upon the -left of the above road, the advance of French cavalry was -so sudden and unexpected, the more so as the Brunswickers -had just moved on to the front, that as both these bodies -whirled past them to the rear, in such close proximity to each -other, they were, for the moment, considered to consist of one -mass of allied cavalry. Some of the old soldiers of both -regiments were not so easily satisfied on this point, and -immediately opened a partial fire obliquely upon the French -lancers, which, however, Sir Denis Pack and their own officers -endeavoured as much as possible to restrain; but no sooner -had the latter succeeded in causing a cessation of the fire, -than the lancers, which were the rearmost of the cavalry, -wheeled sharply round, and advanced in admirable order -directly upon the rear of the two British regiments. The -Forty-second Highlanders having, from their position, been -the first to recognise them as a part of the enemy’s forces, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>rapidly formed a square; but just as the two flank companies -were running in to form the rear face, the lancers -had reached the regiment, when a considerable portion of -their leading division penetrated the square, carrying along -with them, by the impetus of the charge, several men of those -two companies, and creating a momentary confusion. The -long-tried discipline and steadiness of the Highlanders, however, -did not forsake them at this critical juncture; these -lancers, instead of effecting the destruction of the square, -were themselves fairly hemmed into it, and either bayoneted -or taken prisoners, whilst the endangered face, restored as if -by magic, successfully repelled all further attempts on the -part of the French to complete their expected triumph. -Their commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Robert -Macara, was killed on this occasion, a lance having pierced -through his chin until it reached the brain; and within -the brief space of a few minutes, the command of the -regiment devolved upon three other officers in succession: -Lieutenant-Colonel Dick, who was severely wounded, Brevet-Major -Davidson, who was mortally wounded, and Brevet-Major -Campbell, who commanded it during the remainder -of the campaign.” Their subsequent service at Waterloo -fully sustained, nay, rather excelled the heroism of previous -achievements.</p> - -<div id='i287' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_287fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SEBASTOPOL, FROM FORT CONSTANTINE.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Peace has long reigned over our land, and the after history -of the regiment appears, when shorn of a farther warlike -character, devoid of interest. We only, therefore, mention -that, after serving in various garrisons at home, the regiment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>was removed in 1826 to Gibraltar, thence in 1832 to Malta, -and thereafter, in 1834, to the Ionian Islands. Returning -home in 1836, it was welcomed by a grateful public. In -1841 it was again stationed in the Ionian Islands, until -removed to Malta in 1843.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the Crimean war, the Forty-second, with the Seventy-ninth -and Ninety-third regiments, shared the dangers and -the sufferings through which, as our “Highland Brigade,” -they gloriously won a deathless renown—as the “Rocks of -Gaelic Infantry.” The regiment was present at the battle of -the Alma, the siege of Sebastopol, and with the expedition -against Kertch. Many of its soldiers earned, as the reward -of personal courage, the Victoria Cross.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In July, 1857, the Forty-second proceeded to India, to aid -in the suppression of the mutiny. It still remains in India, -being now stationed at Dugshai, Bengal. It is worthy of -remark, that all the Highland regiments were more or less -employed in suppressing this terrible outbreak.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In conclusion, these records, if “aught inanimate e’er -speaks,” speak in silent yet living eloquence to the soul, and -more than ever endear to us the soldiers who inherit, and who -will not fail to emulate, by their own good conduct and -gallant demeanour, the illustrious and glorious career of their -predecessors.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE SEVENTY-FIRST FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> GLASGOW HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXX.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“To leave thee behind me my heart is sair pain’d,</div> - <div class='line'>But by ease that’s inglorious no fame can be gain’d;</div> - <div class='line'>And beauty and love’s the reward of the brave,</div> - <div class='line'>And I maun deserve it before I can crave.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>INDIA—GIBRALTAR—CEYLON—1777–1798.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst the American continent was the scene of a sanguinary -and bitter strife, the embers of war were being quickened into -flame in another and far distant province of our vast colonial -empire. In India the usurpation of Hyder Ali had occasioned -the interference of the British, awakening the ill-disguised -hatred of the native race against the grasping policy of the -British, whose cupidity had already appropriated much of -their native land, and whose avarice was only too ready to -embrace any farther opportunity for aggrandisement. The -incendiaries of France had been busy sowing the seeds of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>jealousy and distrust of the British rule, which soon produced -its malignant fruits in the cruel and remorseless war that -ensued. Thus encircled and assailed by enemies from so many -quarters at once, our Government, in its dire extremity, called -upon the patriotism of the country to supply the means of -defence. The result was most satisfactory; and in no case did -the appeal receive a more cordial response than amongst our -clansmen, from whence were drawn, in the course of eighteen -months, upwards of 12,500 Highlanders. From the following -list of the regiments raised in 1778 to meet this emergency, -the subject of our present sketch may be selected:—</p> - -<table class='table6' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='43%' /> -<col width='28%' /> -<col width='28%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>72d Regiment, or Royal Manchester Volunteers,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1783.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>73d Highland Regiment,</td> - <td class='c004'>numbered the 71st</td> - <td class='c016'>Regiment in 1786.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>74th Highland Regiment,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1784.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>75th Prince of Wales’ Regiment,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1783.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>76th Highland Regiment,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1784.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>77th Regiment, or Athole Highlanders,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1783.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>78th Highland Regiment,</td> - <td class='c004'>numbered the 72d</td> - <td class='c016'>Regiment in 1786.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>79th Regiment, or Royal Liverpool Volunteers,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1784.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>80th Regiment, or Royal Edinburgh Volunteers,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1784.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>81st Highland Regiment,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1783.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>82d Regiment,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1784.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004' colspan='2'>83d Regiment, or Royal Glasgow Volunteers,</td> - <td class='c016'>disbanded in 1783.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>The Earl of Cromarty and his son, Lord MʻLeod, having -been partners in the guilt of rebellion in 1745, were made -partners in the punishment which followed. At length -pardoned, Lord MʻLeod was permitted to pass into honourable -exile. He found employment in the Swedish army, -where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant-General. Opportunely -venturing to return, he was unexpectedly received -<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>with much favour by the King, and his offer to raise a -Highland regiment on his forfeited estates gladly accepted. -His success was worthy of his zeal; and at Elgin, in 1778, -he appeared at the head of a magnificent corps of 840 -Highlanders, 236 Lowlanders, and 34 English and Irish, -which were accordingly regimented as the Seventy-third, -afterwards our Seventy-first Regiment. The success of this -corps induced the formation of a second battalion, which -soon attained its complement. Although styled the “Glasgow -Highland Light Infantry,” that western metropolis can -boast no legitimate claim to an interest in its formation -beyond the thirty-four English and Irish recruits, who, it is -said, hailed from Glasgow. It acquired the property, at a -later period, when a second battalion was being grafted upon -the parent stem, when many of its citizens enlisting, manifested -so strong a predilection in its favour, as induced the -government to confer the present title, and ever since the -Glasgowegians have proudly adopted the Seventy-first as -their own.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Almost immediately on its completion, the first battalion -was embarked for India. Landing at Madras in 1780, -it became the nucleus for the Highland Brigade, which the -subsequent and successive arrival of the Seventy-second, -Seventy-third, Seventy-fourth, Seventy-fifth, and Ninety-fourth -Highland regiments constituted. These earned distinctions -for gallant service almost exceptional to themselves. -It is worthy of note—eliciting our surprise, yet reflecting -infinite credit on our arms—that notwithstanding the insignificance -<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>of the British force, opposed to the countless hosts of -the Indian chiefs—generally as one to ten—we almost always -prevailed. Had the native pride been less rampant, and the -Indian chiefs submitted to the superior generalship of the -French officers sent out to discipline their troops—wherein -was admirable material for good soldiers—the danger to the -British would have been greater, and success more exceptional. -Fortunately for us, the incapacity of these sable chiefs to -command, and their exceeding fear of dictation, lost them -many an opportunity, and in the end proved our safety. -It is strangely true of the Indian soldier that, in the field, -when well led, he behaves with the utmost firmness, whilst, -in defence of fortifications or walled towns, he betrays a -weakness which altogether belies any favourable impression of -his resolution previously formed. Notwithstanding the overwhelming -superiority of the enemy who, under Hyder Ali, -threatened annihilation to the small force of 4600 men, including -the first battalion of the Seventy-third (as we must as yet -call the Seventy-first), these, under Major-General Sir Hector -Munro, dared to advance into the interior. Meanwhile, a division -of 3000 men, under Lieut.-Colonel Baillie, descending from -the north, strove to effect a junction with the army of General -Munro. The hesitation of the latter, when in presence of the -foe, to prosecute his advance, and secure his junction with the -former, placed the small force of Colonel Baillie in a position -of peril. This opportunity, vigorously improved by Hyder -Ali, occasioned its destruction, which, with two companies of -the Seventy-third, and other troops under Lieut.-Colonel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>Fletcher, had, despite the treachery of the guides, threaded -their way through the jungle, and arrived as a reinforcement -from Major-General Munro, but in reality as so many -more victims who should be engulfed in the fatal ruin so -nigh. The terrible disaster which ensued, and the calamitous -result which yielded so many brave men prisoners into -the cruel, merciless power of Hyder Ali, can never fail to -inspire feelings of the truest sympathy. With a hundred -thousand men, he descended with the most sanguinary fury -upon this little and devoted column. Even when the whole -ammunition was, by an unlucky accident, blown into the air -in their very midst, and the British guns silenced, they -remained unconquered. The converging hosts of the enemy -drew closer around the little band of heroes, and poured in -upon them a deadly fire of artillery and musketry, to which -they could no longer reply. Reduced to 500 men, “History -cannot produce an instance, for fortitude, and intrepidity, and -desperate resolution, to equal the exploits of this heroic band.... -The mind, in the contemplation of such a scene, and -such a situation as theirs was, is filled at once with admiration, -with astonishment, with horror, and with awe. To behold -formidable and impenetrable bodies of horse, of infantry, and -of artillery, advancing from all quarters, flashing savage fury, -levelling the numberless instruments of slaughter, and darting -destruction around, was a scene to appal even something -more than the strongest human resolution; but it was beheld -by this little band with the most undaunted and immoveable -firmness.... Like the swelling waves of the ocean, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>however, when agitated by a storm, fresh columns incessantly -poured in upon them with redoubled fury, which at length -brought so many to the ground, and weakened them so considerably, -that they were unable longer to withstand the dreadful -and tremendous shock; and the field soon presented a horrid -picture of the most inhuman cruelties and unexampled carnage.”<a id='rC' /><a href='#fC' class='c017'><sup>[C]</sup></a> -Happy were those who found on the burning sands of -Perambaukam “a soldier’s grave;” happy indeed, compared with -the cruel fate of the survivors, who, reduced from 4000, scarce -mustered 200 prisoners, nearly all of whom were wounded. -Colonel Baillie, stripped, wounded in three places, was dragged -into the presence of the victor, who exulted over him with the -imperious tone of a conqueror. Baillie replied with the true -spirit of a soldier, and soon after died. The remainder, cast -into the dungeons of Bangalore, scantily fed on unwholesome -food, were doomed to endure a miserable imprisonment for -three long years. These trials, however, served only to bring -out, in brighter effulgence, the characteristics of the Highland -hero. “These brave men,” says General Stewart, “equally -true to their religion and their allegiance, were so warmly -attached to their officers (amongst whom was one afterwards -destined to win a mighty fame as their gallant leader—Sir -David Baird), that they picked out the best part of their own -food and secretly reserved it for their officers; thus sacrificing -their own lives for that of their officers, as the result proved, -for out of 111, only 30 feeble and emaciated men ever -<span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span>emerged from that almost living tomb.” Mrs Grant says in -her narrative, “Daily some of their companions dropped -before their eyes, and daily they were offered liberty and -riches in exchange for this lingering torture, on condition of -relinquishing their religion and taking the turban. Yet not -one could be prevailed upon to purchase life on these terms. -These Highlanders were entirely illiterate; scarcely one of them -could have told the name of any particular sect of Christians, -and all the idea they had of the Mahommedan religion was, -that it was adverse to their own, and to what they had been -taught by their fathers; and that, adopting it, they would renounce -Him who had died that they might live, and who -loved them, and could support them in all their sufferings. -The great outlines of their religion, the peculiar tenets which -distinguish it from any other, were early and deeply impressed -on their minds, and proved sufficient in the hour of -trial.</p> - -<div class='footnote' id='fC'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#rC'>C</a>. </span>Narrative of the Military Operations on the Coromandel Coast from 1780 to -1784, by Captain Innes Monro, of the Seventy-third Regiment.</p> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>‘Rise, Muses rise, add all your tuneful breath;</div> - <div class='line'>These must not sleep in darkness and in death.’</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“It was not theirs to meet Death in the field of honour; -while the mind, wrought up with fervid eagerness, went forth -in search of him. They saw his slow approach, and though -sunk into languid debility, such as quenches the fire of mere -temperament, they never once hesitated at the alternative set -before them.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Billeted by death, he quarter’d here remained;</div> - <div class='line'>When the last trumpet sounds, he’ll rise and march again.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In 1781, in the army of Lieutenant-General Sir Eyre -<span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>Coote, the regiment took the field, although sorely weakened -by sickness and the sword. After considerable manœuvring -on both sides, the two armies confronted each other on the -plains of Porto Novo. The British, not amounting to 8000 -men, of which the Seventy-third was the only Line regiment, -were opposed to a vast host, exceeding 100,000.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Notwithstanding our great inferiority in numbers, the -enemy signally failed in every attempt to annihilate, as he -imagined, the heroic band who fought beneath the banner of -Albion. Discouraged and worn out with these repeated and -unavailing assaults, the foe was only too glad to retire and -escape from such a vain struggle, where superior numbers -could make no impression on bravery and discipline, but only -entailed disgrace and defeat. The excellent valour of the regiment -on this critical occasion, received the warmest approbation -of the Commander-in-chief. Sir Eyre Coote was particularly -pleased with the gallantry of one of its pipers, who, amid the -hottest of the fire, ceased not to cheer his comrades by the -shrill scream of his bag-pipes, which was heard even above the -din and roar of battle—so pleased, he exclaimed, “Well done, -my brave fellow, you shall have silver pipes when the battle is -over,” a promise which he most munificently fulfilled. Sir Eyre -Coote always retained a warm interest in, strong attachment -to, and confidence in the Highland regiments, which he learned -to esteem as the flower of the British army. Having followed -up this great victory by a series of further minor successes, -the army, reinforced by a body of troops from the Bengal -Presidency under Colonel Pearse, anew arrived upon the blood-stained -<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>plains of Perambaukam, so pregnant with melancholy -associations, and which, yet reeking with the gore of the murdered -brave, bore memorials of the disaster which had overtaken -so many of their comrades but a year previous; stirred by these -painful recollections, our army consecrated the spot to avenge -thereon the butchery which had so lately bereaved them of their -brethren. The foe, too, were inspired for the fight, but by a -very different feeling. Superstition bade them believe their -gods propitious to the spot, and, as with them, to give over -the British as the victims of a new sacrifice. Thus impelled, -it may well be inferred that the struggle was severe and bloody, -although, as usual, British prowess triumphed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>To relieve the important fortress of Vellore, our army advanced -by the Pass of Sholingur, where it encountered the -enemy. A protracted and desperate fight ensued, but nothing -could withstand the impetuous and persevering assaults of the -British, who ultimately drove the enemy before them. In the -spring of 1782, the relief of Vellore was a second time accomplished, -despite the strenuous efforts of Hyder Ali to prevent -it. The after and unsatisfying inactivity of our army permitted -a powerful French force, landed from the fleet of -Admiral Suffrein, to effect a junction with the Indian army, -and these together succeeded in reducing the important strongholds -of Permacoil and Cudalore. These successes, energetically -followed up by Hyder Ali, threatened our utter destruction, -and brought about the battle of Arnee, in which the Seventy-third -was conspicuous under the leadership of Lieutenant-Colonel -Elphinstone and, more immediately, of Captain the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>Honourable James Lindsay. The British, reinforced by the -arrival of the Seventy-eighth (now the Seventy-second) regiment, -recently arrived from Europe, were in a position to assume -the offensive, and having anew provisioned Vellore, undertook -the siege of Cudalore, which was only abandoned for lack of -the requisite means of attack, thus postponing its fate for -another year. So deeply interested was the Commander-in-chief, -Sir Eyre Coote, in this undertaking, that, vexed with its -miscarriage—esteeming himself inadequately supported by -Government in the attempt—grieved and disappointed, he -fell a prey to melancholy, which, ere an opportunity to -retrieve the present failure had come, the veteran chief had -fallen. He was succeeded in the command by Major-General -James Stuart, and the army, reinforced by the arrival of the -Twenty-third Light Dragoons, the One-hundred-and-first and -One-hundred-and-second British regiments, and the Fifteenth -regiment of Hanoverian infantry, resumed the siege of Cudalore -under more auspicious circumstances. The defence was -resolutely maintained by the French under General Bussy. -The besiegers so vigorously pressed the enemy that he was at -length compelled to withdraw within the fortress. The loss -on our side was very severe—the Seventy-third had to mourn -a melancholy list of nearly 300 comrades killed or wounded. -The news of a treaty of peace having been signed between -Great Britain and France, snatched the prize from our troops -which we had imagined within our grasp.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1786, the numerical title of the regiment was changed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>from the Seventy-third to the Seventy-first, as at present, by -the reduction, etc., of senior corps.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Nothing of importance falls to be recorded in the course of -our narrative till the year 1790, when Tippoo Saib, the son -and successor of Hyder Ali, encroaching upon the territory of -the Rajah of Travancore, a faithful ally of the British, occasioned -our interference, resulting in a renewal of hostilities. -In the army of Major-General Medows, the Seventy-first and -Seventy-second regiments formed the second or Highland -brigade, afterwards increased by the addition of the Seventy-fourth -Highlanders from Madras. As we shall have frequent -opportunity of following the movements of the brigade in after -chapters, we will not here burden our history with a repetition, -contenting ourselves with the simple mention of the chief -events that ensued. Under General the Earl Cornwallis, -the Seventy-first was with the army in the various actions -which led to the siege and capture of Bangalore; thence it -proceeded with the expedition intended to act against Seringapatam, -but which, overcome by the force of circumstances, -in the meantime retired, awaiting a more favourable opportunity, -when better prepared to accomplish the design. In -the interval, the regiment was creditably engaged in the reduction -of the strong forts of Nundydroog, Savendroog, etc., -which had hitherto hindered our progress. At length, in 1792, -the army resumed the enterprise against Seringapatam. This -forward movement alarmed Tippoo Saib, who, dreading the -fate which awaited his capital, strove to arrest the army by -accepting battle. The result proving unfortunate, the enemy -<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>were driven within the island on which the city stands, and -even here, although very strongly posted, the Mysoreans had -become so straitened in their circumstances, and were so -pressed by the British, that, suing for peace, the Sultan was -only too glad to purchase the safety of his capital and preserve -the last remnant of his once mighty dominion by any sacrifice -which the conquerors chose to impose. Disappointed of a -further triumph, the army retired, laden with the spoil which -had ransomed the haughty metropolis and its ambitious prince.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Holland having caught the revolutionary fever which prevailed -in 1793, and being allied with France, was involved in -the war with Britain, which, arising out of the sins of the Revolution, -had already torn from these states nearly their entire -colonial dominions. Pondicherry, on the Coromandel coast, had -succumbed to our arms; and the valuable island of Ceylon -was, in turn, wrested from the Dutch by a British expedition, -including the Seventy-first regiment. This was the last -achievement of any importance which was attained by the corps -in India. In 1798, it received orders to return home, and, -after a long voyage, landed in safety at Woolwich.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span> -<h3 class='c013'>CHAPTER XXXI.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Right onward did Clan-Alpine come.</div> - <div class='line in2'>Above the tide, each broadsword bright</div> - <div class='line in2'>Was brandishing like beam of light,</div> - <div class='line in4'>Each targe was dark below;</div> - <div class='line in2'>And with the ocean’s mighty swing,</div> - <div class='line in2'>When heaving to the tempest’s wing,</div> - <div class='line in4'>They hurled them on the foe.</div> - <div class='line'>I heard the lance’s shivering crash,</div> - <div class='line'>As when the whirlwind rends the ash;</div> - <div class='line'>I heard the broadsword’s deadly clang,</div> - <div class='line'>As if an hundred anvils rang!</div> - <div class='line in2'>But Moray wheeled his rearward rank</div> - <div class='line in2'>Of horsemen on Clan-Alpine’s flank—</div> - <div class='line in4'>‘My banner-man advance!</div> - <div class='line in2'>I see,’ he cried, ‘their column shake;</div> - <div class='line in2'>Now, gallants! for your ladies’ sake,</div> - <div class='line in4'>Upon them with the lance!’</div> - <div class='line'>The horsemen dashed among the rout,</div> - <div class='line in2'>As deer break through the broom;</div> - <div class='line'>Their steeds are stout, their swords are out,</div> - <div class='line in2'>They soon make lightsome room.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>GIBRALTAR—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—BUENOS AYRES—PENINSULA—FLANDERS—WATERLOO—CANADA—WEST -INDIES—1778–1862.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst the first battalion was gallantly combating its -country’s foes on the plains of India, a second battalion, -raised in 1778, had, in 1780, embarked for Gibraltar. On the -voyage, the fleet fell in with a valuable Spanish convoy of -Carracca merchantmen, guarded by several ships of war. Sir -<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>George Rodney, the British admiral, having impressed the -Seventy-first as marines, assailed the enemy, and soon compelled -them to surrender. Arrived off Cape St Vincent, a new -and more formidable antagonist awaited the coming of the -British. A powerful Spanish fleet, under Admiral Don Juan -de Langara, appeared in sight, charged with their destruction. -But a very different result was the issue of the collision: out -of eleven line-of-battle ships, comprising the enemy, nearly all -either perished or were captured. Arrived at Gibraltar, the -battalion was engaged in the defence of that important -fortress, contributing by its gallantry to beat off the most -stupendous efforts of Spain and France combined to reduce it. -Successively it witnessed the failure of the tremendous cannonade -with which the Spaniards assailed the fortifications, hoping -therewith to render these splendid works a heap of ruins, no -longer defensible even by British valour. In 1781, the flank -companies of the battalion participated in the glory of the -sortie which accomplished the destruction of the numerous -and powerful batteries and immense magazines of the enemy; -and finally, in the following year, it beheld the might of -France and Spain discomfited, and itself, surviving the iron -tempest of shot and shell with which the enemy proposed to -exterminate the garrison, was glorified along with the British -troops who dauntlessly maintained the fortress. Ten ponderous -battering ships had been prepared and were supposed to -achieve marvels in the tremendous artillery of the assault. -But alas! how oft is the counsel of the wise mocked and the -loftiest designs of man humbled by the God of battles! -<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>Instead of victory, which it was fondly imagined should crown -such gigantic efforts of skill, these floating batteries were -nearly all utterly destroyed by the red-hot shot used for the -purpose by the British. Thus triumphing over the vast -efforts of two of the mightiest military powers of the age, our -brave garrison received the royal thanks, expressive of the -people’s gratitude, conveyed through the Secretary of State -for War, in these flattering terms:—“I am honoured with -His Majesty’s commands to assure you, in the strongest terms, -that no encouragement shall be wanting to the brave officers -and soldiers under your command. His royal approbation of -the past will no doubt be a powerful incentive to future exertions; -and I have the King’s authority to assure you, that -every distinguished act of emulation and gallantry, which shall -be performed in the course of the siege by any, even of the -lowest rank, will meet with ample reward from his gracious -protection and favour.” Peace at length dawned, and the -blockade was in consequence raised in February, 1783. The -second battalion, returning home, was disbanded at Stirling in -the autumn of the same year.</p> - -<div id='i300' class='figcenter id011'> -<img src='images/i_b_300fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>THE SEVENTY-FIRST, OR GLASGOW HIGHLAND LIGHT INFANTRY.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The first battalion, which had returned from India, had -proceeded to Scotland to recruit, but, being unsuccessful, -passed over to Ireland in 1800, where it received 600 volunteers -from the Scots Fencibles. Afterward, when the peace of -Amiens had been transgressed, and a French invasion seemed -imminent, the “Army Reserve Act” occasioned the formation -of a second battalion at Dumbarton in 1804. Enrolled for a -limited time, and restricted to home duty, it was employed in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>various garrisons in Scotland, Ireland, and South Britain, and -was disbanded at Glasgow in December, 1815, on the termination -of the war. Meanwhile, the alarm of invasion having -passed away, the first battalion, with the Seventy-second and -Ninety-third regiments, formed the second or Highland -brigade, under Brigadier-General Ronald Crawfurd Ferguson, -engrossed in the army of Major-General Sir David Baird, -destined to operate against the Dutch colony at the Cape -of Good Hope. Having successfully accomplished a landing -in Saldanha Bay, conquered at the battle of Bleuberg, driven -the Dutch army of Lieutenant-General Janssens into the interior, -and advanced upon Cape Town, the fruitlessness of -further resistance becoming evident, the entire colony was -surrendered in 1806. In token of the honour acquired by the -regiment in this enterprise, the words “Cape of Good Hope” -have been since borne by permission upon its regimental colour. -No sooner had this conquest been completed than the Seventy-first -was detached, with 200 men of the St Helena regiment—making -a total of 1087 rank and file, in an expedition against -Buenos Ayres, in South America. Commanded by Brigadier-General -William Carr (afterwards Viscount) Beresford, this ill-advised -and ill-fated expedition at first met with considerable -success—a bloodless landing being effected, and the enemy easily -broken and dispersed, all promised to go well. Recovering from -their first alarm, and ashamed that such a handful of British -should have so easily assumed to be their masters, the citizens, -gradually drawing together into a formidable phalanx, resolved -to wipe away the disgrace, and achieve their liberty by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span>expulsion of the invaders. Driven into the citadel, without -hope of relief, and unable to contend against the hourly increasing -enemies that surrounded them and threatened vengeance -upon them, the besieged felt themselves compelled -to surrender. Removed as prisoners into the interior -of the country, the battalion was treated leniently, but the -landing of a second expedition at Monte Video, fated to an -issue as unfortunate, occasioned a more rigorous treatment. -Negotiations having brought about an amicable arrangement, -the entire British, released, agreed to relinquish all -hostilities against South America. Unarmed and ununiformed, -the battalion reached Cork in 1807, and was immediately -re-equipped, and presented with new colours by Lieutenant-General -Floyd, who thus addressed it:—“Brave Seventy-first, -the world is well acquainted with your gallant conduct at the -capture of Buenos Ayres, in South America, under one of His -Majesty’s bravest generals.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is well known that you defended your conquest with -the utmost courage, good conduct, and discipline to the last -extremity. When diminished to a handful, hopeless of succour, -and destitute of provisions, you were overwhelmed by -multitudes, and reduced by the fortune of war to lose your -liberty and your well-defended colours, but not your honour. -Your honour, Seventy-first regiment, remains unsullied. Your -last act in the field covered you with glory. Your generous -despair, calling upon your General to suffer you to die with -arms in your hands, proceeded from the genuine spirit of -British soldiers. Your behaviour in prosperity—your sufferings -<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>in captivity—and your faithful discharge of your duty to your -King and country, are appreciated by all.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“You who now stand on this parade, in defiance of the -allurements held out to base desertion, are endeared to the -army and to the country, and your conduct will ensure you -the esteem of all true soldiers—of all worthy men—and fill -every one of you with honest martial pride.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It has been my good fortune to have witnessed, in a -remote part of the world, the early glories and gallant conduct -of the Seventy-first regiment in the field; and it is with great -satisfaction I meet you again, with replenished ranks, with -good arms in your hands, and with stout hearts in your -bosoms.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Look forward, officers and soldiers, to the achievement of -new honours and the acquirement of fresh fame!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Officers! be the friends and guardians of these brave -fellows committed to your charge!</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Soldiers! give your confidence to your officers. They -have shared with you the chances of war; they have bravely -bled along with you; they will always do honour to themselves -and you. Preserve your regiments reputation for -valour in the field, and regularity in quarters.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Spain and Portugal having been despoiled of their independence -by the perfidious usurpation of France, Britain—allied -with the patriots of the Peninsula in the struggle going -on for the emancipation of these kingdoms from the thraldom -of Napoleon—sent an army to Portugal, which included the first -battalion of the Seventy-first, and under the command of Sir -<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>Arthur Wellesley, effected a landing in Mondego Bay in 1808. -Through the victories of “Roleia” and “Vimiera,” commemorated -upon the colours of the regiment, the convention -of Cintra was achieved, which expelled the French under -Marshal Junot, Duke of Abrantes, from Portugal. At -Vimiera, the Grenadier company of the Seventy-first, under -Captain Forbes, captured a battery of five guns and a -howitzer, which every attempt of the enemy failed to recover. -On the same occasion George Clarke, the piper of the regiment, -was specially commended for his gallantry in resolutely -continuing at his post, although severely wounded, -cheering his countrymen by the wild inspiring music of the -bag-pipe. Corporal MʻKay, at the same battle, was fortunate -enough to receive the sword of the French General Brennier. -Advancing upon Madrid, associated in brigade with the -Thirty-sixth and Ninety-second regiments, the Seventy-first -was ultimately joined to the army of Lieutenant-General -Sir John Moore, which had promised to relieve the citizens -of that metropolis from the intolerant yoke of France. The -corps was with the British army in the disastrous yet glorious -retreat, terminated in the victory of Corunna, possessing a -melancholy interest from the death of the hero whose genius -had accomplished it, and which delivered a British army -from a situation of imminent peril.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Embarked, the regiment returned to England, and in -1809—a year to be mournfully remembered, as fatal to the -wearing of the kilt in the army—it was ordered to lay aside -the Highland garb, and was uniformed as a light infantry -<span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>regiment. Every care was in consequence bestowed to promote -its efficiency. Strengthened, it was associated with the -Sixty-eighth and Eighty-fifth regiments in the light brigade, -and was ordered to accompany the army in the ill-advised -expedition, which wasted a splendid armament in a vain -attempt to obtain a footing in Flanders. The good conduct -of the regiment was nevertheless most conspicuous in the -various actions of the brief campaign.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning to England towards the close of the year, in -the spring of 1810, the first, second, third, fourth, sixth, and -tenth companies were selected to reinforce the army of -Lieutenant-General Viscount Wellington, then fighting in -Portugal. It arrived at a very critical period in the history -of the war, when Marshal Massena, pressing our troops with -overwhelming numbers, they were retreating towards the -impregnable lines of Torres Vedras, defeating the sanguine -hopes of the French general. The Seventy-first, commanded -by Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. Henry Cadogan, was brigaded -with the Fiftieth and Ninety-second regiments under Major-General -Sir William Erskine. Whilst maintaining these -formidable defences, the following incident is related of -Sir Adam Ferguson, who was so posted with his company -that the French artillery might operate with fatal effect upon -his men, but, for better security, they were ordered to lie -prostrate on the ground. While in this attitude the captain, -kneeling at their head, read aloud the description of the battle, -as introducing our present chapter, and as selected from Sir -Walter Scott’s “Lady of the Lake.” The little volume had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>just come into the camp as a stranger, but was soon welcomed -as a friend. The listening soldiers, charmed with the poet’s -tale, only interrupted the reading by an occasional and joyous -huzzah whenever the French shot struck the bank close above -them. Wearied, disappointed, and distressed by ravages of -disease amongst his troops, the French Marshal was constrained -in turn to retreat—a retreat which, but for the -unslumbering vigilance of his pursuers, promised to be as -successful as the ability with which it was conducted merited, -worthy the genius of Massena—justly esteemed the right hand -of Napoleon.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1811 the regiment was joined by its other companies. -In the action of Fuentes d’Onor it was warmly engaged; repeatedly -and powerfully assailed by the enemy, it was all but -overpowered in the defence of the village, when, happily, the -Seventy-fourth and Eighty-Eighth regiments arrived to its -support, and so the post was retained. The corps was afterwards -detached as a reinforcement to the army of Marshal -Sir William Beresford, and subsequently, in the army of -Lieutenant-General Rowland (afterwards Viscount) Hill, -was employed in the southern provinces of the Peninsula, -keeping in check the French under Marshal Soult, and otherwise -covering the operations of the grand army of Wellington. -It helped to disperse and destroy a considerable detachment -of the enemy which had been surprised at Arroyo-del-Molinos. -It was more especially commended for the exceeding -gallantry it displayed in the capture of Fort Napoleon, -embraced in the action and commemorated in the word -<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>“Almaraz.” At the battle of Vittoria it suffered very severely -in the loss of nearly 400 men and officers; but the most -grievous loss was felt in the death of its Lieutenant-Colonel, -the Hon. Henry Cadogan, who largely enjoyed the esteem of -the soldiers. He “fell mortally wounded while leading his -men to the charge, and being unable to accompany the battalion, -requested to be carried to a neighbouring eminence, -from which he might take a last farewell of them and the -field. In his dying moments he earnestly inquired if the -French were beaten; and on being told by an officer of the -regiment, who stood by supporting him, that they had given -way at all points, he ejaculated, ‘God bless my brave countrymen,’ -and immediately expired.” The Marquis of Wellington -thus gave effect to his own regrets in the official dispatch -communicating his fall:—“In him His Majesty has lost an -officer of great zeal and tried gallantry, who had already acquired -the respect and regard of the whole profession, and of -whom it might be expected, that if he had lived he would have -rendered the most important services to his country.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In all the after battles and actions, which resulted in the -expulsion of the French from Spain, and their repeated defeats -and ultimate rout on their native plains, the Seventy-first -bore an honourable part, returning to Britain in 1814, -richly laden with a harvest of glory. A short interval of -peace soon recruited the “precious remnant” of the regiment, -and so restored its strength as enabled it once more to go on -foreign service. Ordered to embark for America, it was -fortunately detained by tempestuous weather, and so privileged -<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>to win laurels on a mightier field. Napoleon having escaped -from his honourable exile in Elba, by his presence in -France, overturning the ricketty government of the Bourbon, -involved that bleeding country in a universal war, since it -brought down the combined wrath of Europe, whose allied -armies now hastened to arrest and punish the ambitious man -who had proved himself so dire a curse to Christendom. -Upon the plains of Waterloo the die for empire was cast and -lost. In that great battle the Seventy-first had a part, forming -with the first battalion of the Fifty-second, and the second and -third battalions of the Ninety-fifth, or Rifles—a light infantry -brigade which sustained the charge of three regiments of -French cavalry: one of cuirassiers, one of <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">grenadiers-à-cheval</span>, -and one of lancers. It also withstood the shock of the grand -final charge of the Old Imperial Guard, witnessing the discomfiture -of these choice troops, so long the citadel of imperial -strength, now reeling, broken, dying, dead—of whom, borrowing -the words, it may well be said—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“They never feared the face of man.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>This great victory having ruined irretrievably the fortunes of -Napoleon, the allied army, rapidly advancing, entered Paris a -second time, and there dictated the terms of peace. The -Seventy-first remained in France as part of the “army of -occupation;” and whilst stationed at the village of Rombly in -1816, its soldiers were presented with the Waterloo medals by -Colonel Reynell, who thus, addressing the regiment, said:—“These -honourable rewards bestowed by your Sovereign for -<span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>your share in the great and glorious exertions of the army of -His Grace the Duke of Wellington upon the field of Waterloo, -when the utmost efforts of the army of France, directed by -Napoleon, reputed to be the first captain of the age, were -not only paralysed at the moment, but blasted beyond the -power of even a second struggle.</p> - -<div id='i310' class='figcenter id026'> -<img src='images/i_b_310fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>WATERLOO<br />18<sup>TH</sup> JUNE 1815.<br />from 4.30 to 6.30 o’clock pm</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“To have participated in a contest crowned with victory -so decisive, and productive of consequences that have diffused -peace, security, and happiness throughout Europe, may be to -each of you a source of honourable pride, as well as of gratitude -to the Omnipotent Arbiter of all human contests, who -preserved you in such peril, and without whose protecting -hand the battle belongs not to the strong, nor the race to the -swift.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I acknowledge to feel an honest, and, I trust, an excusable, -exultation, in having had the honour to command you -on that day; and in dispensing these medals, destined to record -in your families the share you had in the ever-memorable -battle of Waterloo, it is a peculiar satisfaction to me that I can -present them to those by whom they have been fairly and -honourably earned, and that I can here solemnly declare, that -in the course of that eventful day I did not observe a soldier -of this good regiment whose conduct was not only creditable -to the English nation, but such as his dearest friends could desire. -I trust that they will act as powerful talismans, to keep -you, in your future lives, in the paths of honour, sobriety, and -virtue.” A year later and Major-General Sir Denis Pack -presented new colours to the regiment, and, alluding to its -<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>services, said:—“Never, indeed, did the character of the corps -stand higher; never was the fame of the British arms or the -glory of the British empire more pre-eminent than at this -moment, an enthusiastic recollection of which the sight of -these colours must always inspire.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning to England in 1818, the Seventy-first remained -on home service until 1824, when it was removed to Canada, -and in 1831 was sent to Bermuda, thence restored to its -native land in 1834. It returned to Canada in 1838, and in -1842 was included in a first and reserve battalion. Whilst -the latter remained in Canada, the former was ordered to the -West Indies, thence to Barbadoes, and in 1847 restored to -England. In 1853 the first battalion proceeded to the Ionian -Islands; and in November, 1854, the reserve battalion, which -had recently arrived from Canada, embarked for the Crimea, -followed by the first battalion from Corfu. Both battalions -were subsequently united on arrival at the seat of war. -“<span class='sc'>Sevastopol</span>” commemorates its service before that place. The -regiment was next stationed at Malta, and was sent thence by -overland route, in January, 1858, to Bombay, and is now at -Sealkote, in the Punjaub.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE SEVENTY-SECOND FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> DUKE OF ALBANY’S HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXXII.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“We would not die in that man’s company,</div> - <div class='line'>That fears his fellowship to die with us.</div> - <div class='line'>. . . . . . . . . \</div> - <div class='line in18'>Then shall our names,</div> - <div class='line'>Familiar in their mouths as household words,</div> - <div class='line'>Be in their flowing cups freshly remember’d</div> - <div class='line'>From this day to the ending of the world;</div> - <div class='line'>We few, we happy few, we band of brothers.</div> - <div class='line'>For he to-day that sheds his blood with me,</div> - <div class='line'>Shall be my brother.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>ORIGIN—CHANNEL ISLANDS—INDIA—CEYLON—1778–1799.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The history of the clans presents no more splendid illustration -of that devotion which bound the clansman to his chief, -and of the happy relationship implied therein, than is afforded -in the circumstances attendant upon the origin of the Seventy-second -Highlanders. The Earl of Seaforth, chief of the -Mackenzie, had, as a leader in the rebellion of 1715, been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>banished from his country, his title attainted, and his estates -forfeited, yet, withal, 400 of his late followers and tenants -remitted to him in his exile a large portion of the rents they -might have been liable for had he retained the estate. This -most generous testimony of respect and practical expression of -sympathy to the father was gratefully remembered by the son, -and, notwithstanding the changes which, passing over the face of -society, had swept away the old institution of clanship, induced -the grandson, who, restored by purchase to the family property, -and by his acknowledged loyalty, to the honours of the -Earldom of Seaforth, in return for these favours, volunteered -to raise a regiment for the Government. His appeal to his -clansmen was amply successful. The Mackenzies and Macraes, -rallying around him as their chief, gave thereby most hearty -and flattering testimony to their own loyalty to the King, and -unimpaired attachment to the family of Seaforth, which had -so long and worthily presided over them. Accordingly, 1130 -men were assembled and enrolled in the regiment—then known -as the Seventy-eighth—at Elgin, in 1778. Marched to Edinburgh, -it was thence removed to the Channel Islands, where -its firm attitude, remarkable in such young soldiers, so won -the confidence of the islanders, and encouraged the militia, as, -together with our Highlanders, enabled them successfully to -resist an attempted debarkation of French troops on the island -of Jersey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A sister regiment to the Seventy-first, the Seventy-second -(Seventy-eighth) was ordered to follow it to India in 1781, in -fulfilment of the original purpose for which both corps had -<span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span>been raised. The transport service of those times was miserably -inefficient, especially when compared with the leviathan -ships and floating palaces—the Scotias, Persias, and Great -Easterns—which in our day are, by a patriotic public, ever at -the command of our Government for any sudden emergency. -A voyage in a troop-ship eighty years ago ofttimes consumed -more of life than the battle-field; was more fatal than the -dreaded pestilence which lurked in the swamps of the Indies; -nay, in some cases was as cruel in its miseries as the -horrors of the Black Hole of Calcutta. The passage of the -Seventy-second Highlanders to India proved to be such. Two -hundred and forty-seven men perished on the voyage, which -was protracted to nearly ten months; and when the regiment -did arrive at Madras, only 369 men were mustered as fit for -duty. One transport having parted from the fleet in a gale, -was placed in imminent peril, being destitute of charts, and -her commander utterly unfit for his position, having hitherto -trusted to keep his vessel in the track of the fleet. By the -wise precautions of Sir Eyre Coote, although the requirements -of the service were urgent and entailed an immediate advance, -the Seventy-second regiment was not immediately hurried -into action, but time was allowed it to recruit its strength. -In consequence of these measures, the regiment was soon able -to appear in the field with upwards of 600 men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Hyder Ali, who, by usurpation, had arisen from being a -mere soldier of fortune to be the dreaded tyrant of the Mysore, -allied with France and Holland, threatened to expel the -British from the Indian continent.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>“’Tis true that we are in great danger,</div> - <div class='line in2'>The greater, therefore, should our courage be.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>These words of wisdom, from the glowing pen of Shakspere, -worthy his mighty soul, bespeaking in every lineament -the true undaunted spirit of a son of Albion, were acted out -to the letter in the bold advance of the British against this -formidable coalition. Our army, under Major-General Stuart, -comprised the Seventy-third (afterwards the Seventy-first), -the Seventy-eighth (afterwards the Seventy-second), and the -One-hundred-and-first regiments, with a considerable body of -native troops and Hanoverians. The strong fortress of Cudalore -was the first to challenge the assault. Defended by a -veteran garrison of French, under General Bussy, it needed -the utmost gallantry of our Highlanders—“the ardour and -intrepidity giving presage of the renown they afterwards -acquired”—to force the enemy’s lines, and ultimately compel -him to relinquish the external defences of the place and -retire more immediately within the fortress. Amongst the -prisoners was Colonel the Chevalier de Dumas, conspicuous as -“the bravest of the brave,” also “a wounded young serjeant of -very interesting appearance and manners, who was treated -with much kindness by Lieutenant-Colonel Wagenheim, commanding -the detachment of Hanoverians. Many years afterwards, -when the French army entered Hanover, General Wagenheim -attended the levée of General Bernadotte, who referred -to the circumstance at Cudalore in 1783, and added—‘I -am the individual, who, when a young serjeant, received -kindness from you in India.’” The death of Hyder Ali, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span>the withdrawal of France, occasioned the breaking up of this -formidable league against the British power in India, and for -a moment the sun of peace smiled upon our war-worn -soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The new Sultan of the Mysore, as capricious as his father and -predecessor, broke off the negotiations which had promised a -continued and favourable peace. In consequence, the Seventy-eighth -(Seventy-second) advanced, with the army under -Colonel Fullerton, against the almost impregnable fortress of -Palghantcherry, which was won mainly by the daring of the -Honourable Captain Maitland and a company of the regiment, -who, taking advantage of a violent storm, when the enemy, -seeking shelter from the pitiless rain, had left unguarded the -covered way, and thereby affording an opportunity which, -improved by Captain Maitland and his company, gave such -a footing within the walls as terrified the defenders into -a speedy surrender. This success was followed by the fall -of Coimbatore, and might probably have been crowned in the -capture of Seringapatam, had not peace interfered, postponing -the fate of the capital for ten years.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1790, the unprovoked aggressions of Tippoo Saib, the -ambitious Sultan of the Mysore, upon the Rajah of Travancore, -an ally of the British, occasioned the renewal of the war. -Still associated in a common glory with their brethren of the -Seventy-third (Seventy-first) Highlanders, the Seventy-eighth -(Seventy-second) advanced with the army under Major-General -Medows, which, obtaining possession unopposed of Coimbatore -and capturing Dindigal, proceeded against the powerful -<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>fortress of Palgkantcherry, which, notwithstanding Tippoo -Saib’s utmost efforts to relieve it, was surrendered to the flank -companies of the two Highland regiments, under Lieutenant-Colonel -Stuart.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Aware of his own inferiority in the field, the Sultan -dared not hazard a battle, but omitted no opportunity to -harass and annoy our army wherever superior knowledge of -the country, position, or overwhelming numbers gave him the -advantage. The arrival of Colonel Maxwell’s reinforcements -from the Bengal Presidency occasioned the addition of the -Seventy-fourth regiment to the Highland brigade; and, on -General the Earl Cornwallis assuming the command in 1791, -he approved this arrangement by retaining in one brigade -the Seventy-first, Seventy-second, and Seventy-fourth Highlanders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Out-manœuvred by the British commander, an entrance was -obtained through an unguarded defile into the enemy’s territory. -The siege of Bangalore was the immediate result, which, -despite its powerful fortifications and the menacing attitude of -the Mysore army, which anxiously strove to relieve it, was -gallantly won by storm in March, 1791. Having witnessed -the fall of this chief city of his empire, the Sultan precipitately -retreated, closely pursued by the Highland brigade. The -British army thereafter advanced against Seringapatam. -Alarmed for the safety of his capital, Tippoo ventured to try -the fate of battle. Defeated, he failed to arrest our progress, -all seemed lost, when unfortunate circumstances interposed on -his behalf, and a second time rescued the doomed city from -<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span>our grasp. Several minor enterprises beguiled the time ere -the march upon Seringapatam might be resumed. Savendroog -was successfully stormed, and the strong fort of Outra-Durgum -was captured, chiefly through the heroic ardour of -two companies of the Seventy-second, who, having possessed -themselves of the town, pursued the fugitives to the rock upon -which the fort stood. We quote from Lieutenant Campbell’s -Journal:—“Lieutenant MʻInnes, senior officer of the two -Seventy-second companies, applied to Captain Scott for liberty -to follow the fugitives up the rock, saying he should be in -time to enter the first gateway with them. The Captain -thought the enterprise impracticable. The soldiers of MʻInnes’s -company heard the request made, and not doubting of consent -being given, had rushed towards the first wall, and were -followed by MʻInnes. The gate was shut: but Lieutenant -MʻPherson arrived with the pioneers and ladders, which were -instantly applied, and our people were within the wall, as -quick as thought, when the gate was unbolted and the two -companies entered. The enemy, astonished at so unexpected -an attempt, retreated with precipitation. MʻInnes advanced -to the second wall, the men forced open the gate with their -shoulders, and not a moment was lost in pushing forward for -the third wall; but the road, leading between two rocks, was -so narrow that only two could advance abreast; the pathway -was, in consequence, soon choked up, and those who carried -the ladders were unable to proceed; at the same time, the -enemy commenced throwing huge stones in numbers upon the -assailants, who commenced a sharp fire of musketry, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>Lieutenant-Colonel Stuart, who had observed from a distance -this astonishing enterprise, sent orders for the grenadiers not -to attempt anything further. Lieutenant MʻPherson forced -his way through the crowd, causing the ladders to be handed -over the soldiers’ heads, from one to another, and before the -colonel’s orders could be delivered, the gallant Highlanders -were crowding over the third gateway. The enemy fled on -all hands; the foremost of our men pursued them closely, and -gained the two last walls (there were five walls to escalade) -without opposition. The garrison escaped by the south-east -side of the fort, over rocks and precipices of immense depth -and ruggedness, where many must have lost their lives. By -one o’clock, our two companies were in possession of every -part of the fort, and MʻInnes had planted the colours on the -highest pinnacle, without the loss of a single man. The Kiledar -and two of his people were taken alive. Colonel Stuart -declared the business to be brilliant and successful, beyond his -most sanguine hopes.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1792, the advance upon Seringapatam was renewed. -In the glorious events of the siege, the Seventy-second bore -a most conspicuous part, and largely contributed to the attainment -of the victory which destroyed the power of the Sultan, -and made him a suppliant for peace.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Scarcely had one enemy been overcome, ere a new one -appeared—the French, hurled into fatal antagonism with us -because of the unhappy avowal of sentiments subversive of -good order. Accordingly, in 1793, the Seventy-second was -engaged in the siege of Pondicherry—the principal Indian -<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>colony of France; which fell into our hands rather from a -mutiny among its defenders than our own efforts. It is -related by Lieutenant Campbell, that “the moment the piper -began to play, the fire from the enemy slackened, and soon after -almost entirely ceased. The French all got upon the works, -and seemed astonished at hearing the bag-pipe.” The Dutch -having allied themselves with the French, paid the penalty of -their folly in the loss of many of their most valuable colonies, -conquered by the British. Ceylon, the principal, perhaps the -most valuable of them, was in consequence assailed by our -Indian army, including the Seventy-second regiment, which, -capturing Trincomalee, Batticaloe, Manaar, and Colombo, -reduced the island under British dominion. This was the -closing achievement, for the present, of the regiment in India. -Returning from Ceylon to Pondicherry, thence removed to -Madras in 1798, it was ordered home, and landed at Gravesend. -These many and distinguished services are commemorated in -the word “Hindoostan,” now borne by Royal authority upon -its colours and appointments.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span> -<h3 class='c013'>CHAPTER XXXIII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Then glory, my Jeanie, maun plead my excuse;</div> - <div class='line'>Since honour commands me, how can I refuse?</div> - <div class='line'>Without it, I ne’er can have merit for thee,</div> - <div class='line'>And losing thy favour I’d better not be.</div> - <div class='line'>I gae, then, my lass, to win glory and fame,</div> - <div class='line'>And if I should chance to come gloriously hame,</div> - <div class='line'>I’ll bring a heart to thee with love running o’er,</div> - <div class='line'>And then I’ll leave thee and Lochaber no more.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—MAURITIUS—INDIA—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—1799–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The regiment returned to Europe at a very critical period in -our national history, when the rampant passions of revolution, -as yet untamed by adversity, imperiously taxed the nations -in their maintenance. It had no sooner arrived than it was -sent to Scotland to recruit, and thence, in 1801, to Ireland. -From the number of new regiments called into being at this -period to meet the necessities of the times, recruiting went on -but slowly. The respite from the dire calamity of war which -the Peace of Amiens afforded, occasioned a reduction in the -establishment of the Seventy-second. The resumption of -hostilities in 1803, not only called for an immediate augmentation -of its strength, but occasioned the addition of a second -battalion, which was employed in various home garrisons, -especially in Ireland, throughout the war, until disbanded in -1816. The immediate peril from a French invasion having -<span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>passed away, the Seventy-second was ordered to join a secret -expedition under Lieut.-General Sir Eyre Coote, K.B., but -was ultimately included in the force under Major-General Sir -David Baird, which sailed in 1805, and after viewing the -beauties of Madeira, and landing for a few days’ refreshment at -San Salvador in the Brazils, steered for the coast of Africa, -when the object of the expedition was disclosed by an attack -upon the Dutch colony at the Cape of Good Hope. In addition -to its old comrades of the Seventy-first, the Seventy-second was -associated with the Ninety-third Regiment in the Highland -Brigade of the army. On the morning of the 6th January, -1806, the British effected a landing in Lospard’s Bay, despite -the efforts of the Dutch to prevent it. The Highlanders in -the van drove the enemy before them, and on attaining the -summit of the Blue Mountains, beheld the Batavian army -awaiting battle on the other side. The position of the enemy -was well chosen, and maintained with determined bravery. -The fate of the battle was only decided in our favour when -the Highland Brigade was brought forward, and “Brigadier-General -Ferguson gave the word ‘Charge.’ A loud British -shout instantly rent the air, and the heroic Highlanders closed -with bayonets upon their numerous adversaries, who instantly -fled in dismay, pursued across the deep sands by the victorious -Highland Brigade.” As the army advanced towards Cape -Town, the Dutch retired. The conduct of Lieutenant -MʻArthur and thirty men of the regiment in the capture -of Hout’s Bay, was conspicuous for the gallantry it evinced. -These repeated disasters convinced the Dutch of the hopelessness -<span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>of resistance against troops accustomed to conquer. -Accordingly, negotiations were entered into which resulted in -the surrender of the colony to the British.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1809 the Seventy-second was ordered to discontinue -wearing the Highland costume, in consequence of the difficulty -experienced in gaining recruits. A year later the regiment -was selected to co-operate with troops from India in an attack -upon the valuable French colony of the Mauritius. The Indian -army arriving off the island first, the Governor determined to -maintain the defence to the last extremity, but the timely -arrival of the Seventy-second so discouraged him, that, -abandoning the idea of resistance, he at once surrendered. -The corps remained in garrison at Port Louis until the -outbreak of a new war in America in 1814 occasioned its -withdrawal. It accordingly embarked for that continent, but -was detained at the Cape of Good Hope, where, after a brief -service, it was ordered to India, arriving at Calcutta in 1815. -The Rajah of Nepaul having, however, made his peace with -the British, the necessity for its service in that portion -of the world no longer existed, hence it returned to the -Cape of Good Hope, calling on the passage at the Mauritius. -Stationed at Algoa Bay, it was thence directed to occupy a -chain of posts along the banks of the Great Fish River, charged -with the protection of the colonists from the numerous predatory -incursions of the Kaffirs. This proved an arduous and -dangerous duty; the soldiers being constantly exposed to -a surprise from the swarms of unseen enemies that ever -lurked in the bush around their camp. On one occasion, in -<span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span>1819, a Dutch farmer, robbed of his cattle by the Kaffirs, -sought the interference of the military for the recovery of his -property and the punishment of the thieves. Accompanied -by a body of armed farmers, a detachment of the Seventy-second, -under Captain Gethin, overtook the thieves. The -little party of soldiers was instantly enveloped and cruelly -butchered by a host of enemies, whilst the cowardly farmers -witnessed the destruction of their friends without venturing -to afford the slightest assistance. Captain Gethin was a -distinguished soldier, and like a brave man “fighting fell,” -pierced with thirty-two wounds. The Seventy-second continued -efficiently to discharge this harassing duty until relieved -by the Sixth Regiment in 1821, when it returned home. It -was successively stationed at Portsmouth, Fort Cumberland, -Plymouth, and Woolwich. In 1823 it was removed to the -Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although the service of the Seventy-second, hitherto -confined to “Hindoostan” and the “Cape of Good Hope,” -recorded upon its colours and appointments, and embracing in -these, actions which had been comparatively lost sight of in -the multitude of grander events transacted on the battle-fields -of Europe, still, the true heroism of these, to be just, must -convince us that the achievements of the Seventy-second are -“second to none,” and well deserving the splendid compliment -at this period conferred upon the regiment by His Grace -the Duke of York and <em>Albany</em>, the Commander-in-Chief. It -was permitted, in reward of its valour, to wear its present -designation—</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span><span class='sc'>Duke of Albany’s own Highlanders.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>At the same time it received a further compliment, in the -restoration of the Highland costume, with the difference of -<em>trews</em> instead of <em>kilts</em>.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning to England from the Channel Islands in 1824, it -thence proceeded to re-visit dear old Scotland.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Home of my fathers, my heart clings to thee.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Whilst stationed in Edinburgh, the lady of Lieut.-General -Sir John Hope (colonel of the Seventy-second), presented new -colours to the regiment. In 1825 it was sent to Ireland, and -stationed successively in Belfast, Londonderry, and Dublin. -Thence it proceeded to England; and whilst garrisoning the -Tower of London, was reviewed, with the First Life Guards, -the Royal Horse Guards, and four battalions of Foot Guards, -by the Duke of Wellington, in presence of Don Miguel of -Portugal. In proof of its efficiency, as worthy to be so -associated with our choicest troops, we quote the words of -General Lord Hill, when (the same year) he inspected the -regiment at Canterbury:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“That although it had been his lot to see and serve with -most of the regiments in the service, he felt he should not be -doing full justice to the Seventy-second Highlanders, if he did -not express his particular approbation of every thing connected -with them, and add, he had never before seen a regiment their -equal in movements, in appearance, and in steadiness under -arms.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>Having acquired these public honours and Royal favours, -the Seventy-second was once more ordered to the Cape of -Good Hope, to arrest and punish the aggressions of the Kaffirs, -who continued to prey upon the industry of our colonists, and -had become a hinderance, by the terror they inspired, to the -progress of the colony. At length the expulsion from the -colony of a vagrant chief, Macomo, who had abused the -British protection, stirred the animosity of earlier years, -which, encouraged by our lenity, unmasked itself in a desolating -irruption, especially evident in and around Graham’s -Town, which fell an easy prey to the rapacious fury of the -enemy. To avenge the innocent blood thus shed, and retaliate -the ruin that had been entailed, the Seventy-second advanced -with other troops into Kaffirland, inflicting a severe but just -chastisement for the atrocities that had been committed; -taking, moreover, such pledges from the foe as it was fondly -hoped should secure protection and peace for the future. -Having apparently subdued the spirit of lawless aggression, and -restored confidence in the colonists by a residence of nearly ten -years amongst them, the regiment returned home, and landed -at Plymouth in 1840.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whilst stationed at Windsor in 1841, it was destined anew -to receive a signal mark of Royal favour—its new colours -being presented by the Duke of Wellington, in the quadrangle -of the palace, and in presence of Her Majesty the Queen, -Prince Albert, and the King of Prussia. In presenting these -colours, the Duke of Wellington thus addressed the soldiers:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“I have long known the Seventy-second Highland Regiment. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>Half-a-century has now nearly elapsed since I had the pleasure -of serving in the same army with them in the plains of -Hindoostan; since that period they have been engaged in the -conquest of some of the most valuable colonies of the British -Crown; and latterly, in performing most distinguished services -at the Cape of Good Hope. Fourteen years out of the last -sixteen they have spent on Foreign service; and with only -eighteen months at home for their re-formation and their re-disciplining, -appear in their present high state of regularity -and order.... I have made it my business to inquire -particularly, and am rejoiced to find that the Seventy-second -have always commanded that respect and regard, wherever -they have been stationed, to which their high state of discipline -and good order so justly entitle them. You will, I am sure, -always recollect the circumstances under which these colours -are now given into your charge; having been consecrated by -one of the highest dignitaries of the Church, in the presence of -Her Majesty, who now looks down upon you, and of her Royal -Visitor; and I give them into your charge, confident that at all -times, under all circumstances, whether at home or abroad, and -in all privations, you will rally round them, and protect them -to the utmost of your power.”</p> - -<div id='i329' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_329fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>THE SEVENTY-SECOND (“DUKE OF ALBANY’S”) AND SEVENTY-FOURTH HIGHLANDERS.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>After a variety of home services, the regiment was removed, -in 1844, to Gibraltar, and thence, in 1848, to the West Indies. -Leaving the West Indies for North America in July, 1851, it -returned home in October, 1854. Proceeding to Malta in -January, 1855, and thence, in May following, to the Crimea, -it there gained “<span class='sc'>Sevastopol</span>” for the regimental colours. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span>Returning to England at the peace, the Seventy-second -remained at home until August, 1857, when the corps -embarked for Bombay on the breaking out of the Indian -mutiny, and served with distinction in Central India, under -Sir Hugh Rose, especially in the storming of the strongly-fortified -town of Awah, being thereafter associated with the -Seventy-first Highland Light Infantry in the campaign.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The regiment is still serving in the Bombay Presidency.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span> - <h2 class='c003'>SEVENTY-FOURTH HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXXIV.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“This homage to the chief who drew his sword</div> - <div class='line'>At the command of duty; kept it bright</div> - <div class='line'>Through perilous days; and soon as Victory smiled</div> - <div class='line'>Laid it, unsullied, in the lap of Peace.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>INDIA—SERINGAPATAM—ASSAYE—1787–1806.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The proximity of two such formidable rivals as France and -Britain, notwithstanding the friendly intervention of the -Channel, has occasioned on both sides thereof an almost -perpetual series of alarms, jealousies, and feuds, too often -resulting in wars of the most stupendous magnitude, generally -involving in their toils the other kingdoms of Europe. It is -of one such crisis we write, when France, politically meddling -with the affairs of Holland, excited the suspicions of our -Government, and occasioned the combined interference of -Britain and Prussia, to preserve, no doubt, the “<em>balance of -power</em>.” Contemplating an appeal to arms, each prepared for -the expected struggle. France and Holland possessing a -large colonial empire in India, and both having a rival and -antagonistic interest in the politics of that country to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>new-born power of Britain, each marked that far-off land -as an important theatre of strife. Hence, our legislature -determined to strengthen our forces in that quarter of the -British world by the addition of four new regiments, ordered -to be raised in 1787. Two of these, the Seventy-fourth and -Seventy-fifth,<a id='rD' /><a href='#fD' class='c017'><sup>[D]</sup></a> were raised amongst the Highlanders of Scotland; -and the others, the Seventy-sixth and Seventy-seventh, -in England, or generally throughout the kingdom. No sooner -were these completed—nay, in the case of the Seventy-fourth, -before being completed—than they were shipped off for -immediate service in India; whilst the question of their -maintenance was installed in Parliament as a subject of bitter -wrangling between the home Government and the East India -Company, affording a theme for the genius of Pitt to work -upon, and in the end to triumph, in the passing of the -“Declaratory Bill,” which saddled the East India Company -with the expense. This Bill was afterwards confirmed by -Acts passed in 1791, and again in 1793.</p> - -<div class='footnote' id='fD'> -<p class='c000'><span class='label'><a href='#rD'>D</a>. </span>The Seventy-fifth has just received the Royal permission to be styled the -Seventy-fifth, or “<span class='sc'>Stirlingshire</span>” Regiment.</p> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Of these regiments, thus raised, the Seventy-fourth claims -our present attention. It was assembled at Glasgow under -command of Major-General Sir Archibald Campbell, K.B., -and was largely composed of Argyleshire Highlanders—the -Campbells and their kin. To meet the urgent demand for -reinforcements, every soldier as yet available for duty was at -once forwarded to India, followed by a second instalment -of six companies, which completed the regiment, in 1789. -<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>Landed at Madras with an effective strength of 750 men, the -Seventy-fourth, brigaded with the Seventy-first and Seventy-second -Highlanders, joined the army of Major-General Medows -in 1790. The Earl Cornwallis assuming the command, -advanced upon Bangalore, which was taken by storm; thereafter -the regiment was with the Highland Brigade in the -fruitless expedition against Seringapatam. Detached during -the winter for service in the Baramhal district, the Seventy-fourth -was very conspicuous for its spirited but ineffectual -attempt to storm Penagra, an almost impregnable hill fort, -which was only saved by the natural obstacles that defended -it, and defied the most desperate efforts of our Highlanders to -surmount. In 1792 the siege of Seringapatam was once more -undertaken, and considerable progress had been achieved, -when the intervention of peace disappointed our army of the -anticipated prize.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Brigaded with the Seventy-second and Seventy-third -Highland regiments, the Seventy-fourth was engaged in the -operations which brought about the surrender of the French -settlement of Pondicherry. The garrison, in consequence, -became prisoners of war, but the officers released on parole -were hospitably entertained by the captors. Amid these -hospitalities, an incident occurred which displays in bold -relief the generous gallantry of the officers of the Seventy-fourth. -With the French officers they were present in the -theatre, when the former, in love with the new-born ideas of -republicanism, in course of the evening vehemently called for -the revolutionary air “Ca Ira.” This was objected to by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>British; and from the uproar of words, a serious disturbance -arose to break in upon the harmony, and bewilder and terrify -the orchestra. Happily, the senior officer of the Seventy-fourth, -stepping upon the stage, obtained silence, and addressing -the audience in a firm but conciliatory manner, stated that -the British officers had agreed not to insist upon their objections, -but were prepared to sacrifice their feelings on the -subject, seeing such might gratify their French friends and -the ladies who had seconded the request. No sooner had the -air been played, amid the acclamations of the French, than -the same officer asked the audience to uncover to the National -Anthem—“God save the King.” Rebuked by this generous -forbearance, and heartily ashamed of their rudeness in so -insisting upon their own gratification, the French felt themselves -outdone in gallantry, and only too glad of an opportunity -to repair the discord they had bred, granted a ready -consent; and the Royal Anthem was only the more vociferously -welcomed that it had been forestalled by the revolutionary -ditty “Ca Ira.” Ever afterwards the utmost cordiality subsisted -between the representatives of the two nations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1798, when the war with France required a great -financial effort adequately to sustain it on our part, and when -the patriotism of the public liberally and voluntarily contributed -to the national funds for the purpose, the men of the -Seventy-fourth voted eight days’ pay; the non-commissioned -officers a half-month’s pay; and the commissioned officers a -full month’s pay, towards the vigorous prosecution of the -war—“a war unprovoked on our part, and justified by the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>noblest of motives: the preservation of our invaluable constitution.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1799, with the army of Lieutenant-General Harris, -the Seventy-fourth advanced against Seringapatam, which -ultimately fell a conquest to our arms. The distinguished -service of the regiment on this occasion is recorded in -the word “Seringapatam” borne upon its colours. Subsequently -it was engaged against the Polygars; and in 1801 was -removed to Bombay to replace the troops drawn from that -Presidency for service in Egypt. Under Major-General the -Hon. Arthur Wellesley, in the invasion of the Mahratta states, -the regiment was most conspicuous for its fortitude in -enduring many severe privations, and refusing withal to -petition or complain when grievances remained unredressed. -The capture of the strong fortress of Ahmednuggur, was but -the prelude to the exceeding glory so soon destined to grace -the records of the Seventy-fourth in the victory of Assaye.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the 23d September, 1803, the British army, not -exceeding 5000 men, of which the Nineteenth Dragoons and -the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth Highlanders were the -only King’s regiments, came up with the combined hosts of -Scindiah and the Rajah of Berar, amounting together to 40,000 -well-disciplined and excellent troops. Undaunted by this -formidable superiority, Major-General the Hon. Arthur Wellesley -at once ordered the attack, which undertaken with -spirit and upheld with heroic gallantry, soon overcame the -resolution and desperate defence of the enemy. The Seventy-fourth, -posted on the right of the second line, prematurely -<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>advancing against the village of Assaye, became exposed to a -terrific tempest of shot and shell; and, moreover, charged by -a powerful body of horse when somewhat confused by the -fatal effects of the artillery, was almost annihilated. True to -its duty, and borne forward by an unconquerable perseverance, -the Seventy-fourth struggled on, carried and maintained the -post, although at a fearful sacrifice of human life, upwards of -400 men and officers being <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>hors-de-combat</em></span>. Of its officers, -the only one escaping scatheless was Quarter-Master James -Grant, who seeing so many of his comrades fall, although by -office a non-combatant, resolved to share with his brethren the -dangers and the glory of the fight, and, accordingly, joining in -the terrible <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>mélée</em></span> of the battle, resolutely fought till its close, -miraculously surviving the disasters of so severe and fatal a -strife. The Major-General thus writes: “Our loss is great, -but the action, I believe, was the most severe that ever was -fought in this country, and, I believe, such a quantity of -cannon and such advantages have seldom been gained, by any -single victory, in any part of the world.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On this occasion the valour of the regiment was rewarded -by the exceptional permission to carry a third colour, bearing -thereon the “Elephant” and “Assaye,” specially commemorative -of the unparalleled glory of the day. The -inconvenience of a third colour has since brought about its -disallowance as other than an honorary distinction to be borne -only when on peaceful parade.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The severe losses of the regiment at the battle of Assaye -required it should be released from active duty for a time, to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>allow these losses to be repaired, and the wounded to recover -and resume their posts. However, in November of the same -year we find it in the field with the army on the plains of -Argaum, burning to avenge, by a new victory, the death of -friends sacrificed at Assaye. Major-General Wellesley, in his -official despatch, particularly commends the perseverance, -steadiness, and bravery of the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth -Highlanders as materially helping to the triumph of -Argaum. A variety of minor actions closed the campaign, -crowned by the submission of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thereafter selected by the Commander-in-Chief, the -regiment was detached with other troops, under his own -command, which marching sixty miles in twenty hours, -destroyed a camp of freebooters, which, quartered at Perinda, -had been the pest and terror of the neighbourhood.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1804, the regiment was stationed with the Seventy-eighth -and some native troops for protective purposes in the -territory of the Peishwah, until the war with Holkar anew -occasioned it to undertake more active service. In the capture -of Gaulnah, the Seventy-fourth was called upon to supply -volunteers for the forlorn hope. Such was the spirit of the -corps, that the whole regiment spontaneously offered itself.</p> - -<p class='c000'>After sixteen years’ service in India, during which it was -almost always engaged with an enemy—earning therefrom the -name it afterwards gloriously upheld as the “fighting regiment”—the -gallant remnant was ordered to return home, and, in -consequence, embarking at Madras in September, 1805, landed -at Portsmouth in February, 1806.</p> - -<div id='i336' class='figcenter id027'> -<img src='images/i_b_336fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>DUKE OF WELLINGTON.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XXXV.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Upon his brow shame is ashamed to sit;</div> - <div class='line'>For ’tis a throne where honour may be crowned</div> - <div class='line'>Sole monarch of the universal earth.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>PENINSULA—AMERICA—WEST INDIES—CANADA—“THE WRECK</div> - <div>OF THE BIRKENHEAD”—1806–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>As soon as the Seventy-fourth had returned, the business -of recruiting occupied the earnest attention of its officers. -Removed to Scotland for this purpose, it failed to complete its -establishment, and, in consequence, was transferred to Ireland -to receive its complement by volunteers from the militia. In -1810 it received orders to prepare for foreign service; and, -accordingly, embarked from Cork for Portugal, under Lieut.-Colonel -the Honourable Robert De Poer Trench, with a total -strength of 730 effectives. Arrived in the Tagus and disembarked, -it was advanced to Viseu. Its junction with the -allied army of Lord Wellington was hailed with delight by -that chief, who ever felt a warm interest in its history, as the -“Assaye regiment” whose heroes had won for him his first -great victory. Complimenting Colonel Trench, he said: “If -the Seventy-fourth would behave in that country as they had -done in India, he ought to be proud to command such a -regiment.” Included in the third or well-known “Fighting -Division” of Major-General Picton, the Seventy-fourth was -<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>brigaded with the first battalion of the Forty-fifth, the Eighty-eighth, -and three companies of the fifth battalion of the -Sixtieth Regiment. From the concentrated and overwhelming -military might of Napoleon, Marshal Massena was detached at -the head of 75,000 veterans, styled the “Army of Portugal,” -charged with the destruction of the British who had dared -to dispute the claims of his master to the dominion of the -Peninsula. In presence of such a superior foe, as regards numbers, -Wellington resolved on retreat; and, accordingly, withdrawing -to his own defences, induced the enemy to draw off -in pursuit. Taking advantage of every position which by -natural or artificial strength afforded an opportunity to check -or impede the pursuit of the French, Lord Wellington frequently -severely punished the temerity of the foe. Thus, in -the battle of Busaco, where the Seventy-fourth for awhile -withstood the attack of an entire French column, until sustained -by the Ninth and Thirty-eighth regiments, it drove the -enemy down the hill.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Finally arrested by the formidable lines of Torres Vedras, -the French, vainly endeavouring to blockade the position, -fatally suffered from disease and want, whilst our troops -enjoyed every comfort in abundance and in safety within the -entrenchments. Convinced of the futility of any attempt to -surmount the defences of the position, Marshal Massena was -constrained in turn to retreat, closely pursued along the banks -of the Mondego by the British. With the third division, in -the van of the army, the Seventy-fourth was almost incessantly -engaged driving the enemy from post to post. For the relief -<span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>of Almeida, Marshal Massena, considerably reinforced, once -more ventured to advance. Encountering the light companies -of the first, third, and fifth divisions, and the second battalion -of the Eighty-third Regiment, in occupation of the village of -Fuentes d’Onor, the French laboured to expel them. Reinforced -by the Twenty-fourth, Seventy-first, and Seventy-ninth -regiments, and ultimately supported by the Forty-fifth, -Seventy-fourth, and Eighty-eighth regiments, the whole of the -enemy’s sixth corps was routed and driven from the village -it had at first won. Interrupted in the siege of Badajoz by the -approach of the combined armies of Marmont and Soult, the -British temporarily retired. A similar diversion by the army -of Marshal Marmont in favour of Ciudad Rodrigo, in like -manner disturbed its blockade. Whilst quartered in this -vicinity, the third division of our army, threatened by an -attack from a very powerful corps of French, which, taking -advantage of the immediate presence of Marshal Marmont, -had undertaken a sortie from the fortress, retreated. Under -command of General Montbrun, the enemy so severely pressed -the British division, that, in retiring, the Seventy-fourth -became separated from the rest, and was generally believed to -have been captured. A long detour, under the friendly shield -of night, enabled the regiment to escape the danger and rejoin -the division in its camp at Guinaldo. Overjoyed in their -safe return, Major-General Picton uttered these memorable -words, expressive of his faith in the valour of our Highlanders, -saying, “he thought he must have heard more firing before -the Seventy-fourth could be taken.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>On the retirement of the French, returning to the duties -of the siege, the regiment, on the 19th of January, was -included in the storming party which, despite the most -strenuous resistance of the foe, won Ciudad Rodrigo. This -achievement was immediately followed by the re-investment -of Badajoz; a fortress esteemed impregnable, the more so as it -was defended by some of the choicest troops of France. The -progress had been so satisfactory, and the breaches in the ramparts -deemed so far practicable, that by the 6th April, 1812, the -assault was ordered, and the Herculean duty of storming the -defences of the castle committed to the third division; -accomplished, nevertheless, after “a combat so furiously -fought, so terribly won, so dreadful in all its circumstances, -that posterity can scarcely be expected to credit the tale.” -Lieutenant Alexander Grant of the Seventy-fourth, leading -the advance, entered the castle, but fell in the moment of -victory. “Foremost in the escalade was John MʻLauchlan, -the regimental piper, who, the instant he mounted the castle -wall, began playing on his pipes the regimental quick step, -‘The Campbells are coming,’ at the head of the advance along -the ramparts, as coolly as if on a common parade, until his -music was stopped by a shot through the bag; he was afterwards -seen by an officer of the regiment seated on a gun-carriage, -quietly repairing the damage, regardless of the shot -flying about him, and presently recommenced his animating -tune.” Although the other assaults were not so successful, -still the triumph of the third and fifth divisions at their -several points of attack so turned the defences of the place, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>that resistance appearing hopeless, the fortress was surrendered.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Various manœuvres at length brought about the battle of -Salamanca, where the French, under Marshal Marmont, were -totally defeated, driven “as it were before a mighty wind -without help or stay.” The brunt of the action was sustained -by the French division of General Thomières, originally 7000 -strong, but which, notwithstanding the most splendid illustration -of heroism, was utterly cut to pieces or dispersed. In this -great battle the third division figured conspicuously. Lord -Londonderry writes: “The attack of the third division was -not only the most spirited, but the most perfect thing of the -kind that modern times have witnessed. Regardless alike of -a charge of cavalry and of the murderous fire which the -enemy’s batteries opened, on went these fearless warriors, -horse and foot, without check or pause, until they won the -ridge, and then the infantry giving their volley, and the -cavalry falling on sword in hand, the French were pierced, -broken, and discomfited. So close, indeed, was the struggle, -that in several instances the British colours were seen waving -over the heads of the enemy’s battalions;” whilst the advance -in unbroken line of the Seventy-fourth, for upwards of three -miles, testified to its efficiency, and drew forth the plaudits -of Major-General Pakenham, then commanding the division, -who vehemently exclaimed, “Beautifully done, Seventy-fourth! -beautiful, Seventy-fourth!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The glorious results immediately flowing from this great -victory, were crowned in the capitulation and occupation of -<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>Madrid. Whilst stationed in the capital, the gaieties of which -agreeably relieved the hardships of the camp, our officers -at the same time beheld the splendid misery the tyrant-extortionating -rule of France had entailed upon the citizens, -many of whom, once great and opulent, now reduced to -abject beggary, gratefully accepted the assistance of their -deliverers. In these deeds of charity the officers of the -Seventy-fourth were not wanting, but, with those of the -Forty-fifth, daily fed about two hundred of the starving -grandees.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile, the converging of the various French armies of -the Peninsula for the relief of Burgos, once more necessitated -the retreat of the British, who, evacuating Madrid, retired -towards Portugal, and finally halted, going into winter -quarters, behind the Agueda. The spring of 1813 found the -British army largely recruited, and with new energy prepared -to resume the offensive—to begin that victorious march which -stayed not until the heights of Toulouse owned the triumphs -of the British flag.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the great battle of Vittoria, which may be said to have -broken the last remnant of French power in Spain, the third -division was most severely engaged; and the gallantry of the -Seventy-fourth was anew conspicuous in its successful attack -upon the village of Arinez, whence it drove out the enemy. -In the after advance, over a rugged country, in pursuit of the -retiring columns of the foe, the unbroken line of the Seventy-fourth -attracted general attention, and its admirable order was -highly commended. In the grand attack which completed -<span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>the ruin of the French, the third division, being foremost, was -assailed by a fiery storm of artillery and musketry, which -made fearful chasms in its ranks. At length the success of -the fourth division from another quarter compelled the enemy -to abandon his strong position, and soon converted the retreat -into a disorderly flight. Marshal Soult was afterwards sent -to command the army in the Peninsula, as “Lieutenant of the -Emperor,” and never was his genius more conspicuous. His -master-mind came to the rescue; he re-organised the broken -remnant of the once mighty host, and, largely reinforced, once -more advanced, thereby inspiring new confidence in his troops, -and casting a momentary gleam of hope athwart the lowering -horizon which presaged the storm steadily moving vengefully -towards devoted France. The hope thus excited was speedily -dissipated, and every effort failed to retrieve the disastrous -consequences of Vittoria. Driven successively across the -“Pyrenees,” the “Nive,” and the “Nivelle,” he found a refuge -and a rest for his dispirited and wearied troops within the -fortress of Bayonne. At “Orthes” and “Toulouse” Wellington -required a great exercise of his own abilities as a chief to -overthrow the dogged resolution of his great antagonist, who, -equal to the crisis, by prodigies of skill, strove to avert the -dissolution of his master’s empire. In all these closing actions -of the war, the Seventy-fourth, in the “fighting” third division, -more than creditably maintained its part, returning home in -1815 crowned with glory.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Ireland became thereafter the scene of its more peaceful -service. Whilst stationed at Fermoy in 1818, new colours -<span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span>were presented to the regiment; and the shreds of the old -ones—which had been so victoriously borne in the battles of -the Peninsula—burnt to ashes, had their sacred dust treasured -up in the lid of a gold sarcophagus snuff-box, inlaid with part -of the wood of the colour-staves, and bearing the following -inscription:—“This box, composed of the old standards of the -Seventy-fourth regiment, was formed as a tribute of respect -to the memory of those who fell, and of esteem for those who -survived the many glorious and arduous services on which -they were always victoriously carried, during a period of sixteen -years, in India, the Peninsula, and France. They were -presented to the regiment at Wallajahbad in 1802; and the -shattered remains were burned at Fermoy on the 6th of April, -1818.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having thus disposed of this venerable memorial of its -early renown, the regiment embarked at Cork for Halifax, -Nova Scotia. Its service in America and Bermuda in 1825, -and again in 1828, affords nothing of importance to detain the -reader. Returning to Ireland in 1830, it was employed in -various garrisons in that country until, ordered on foreign -service, it sailed for the West Indies in 1834. Thence, in -1841, it was removed to Canada, returning to England in -1845. By desire of the officers, the Seventy-fourth was -restored to its original dignity as a Highland corps, having -the trews instead of the kilt; and in 1846 re-visited Scotland -for a brief period, whence it proceeded to Ireland, where, -associated with the Seventy-fifth and Eighty-eighth regiments, -and other troops, it was encamped in the vicinity of Thurles -<span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span>and Ballingarry, to overawe the rebellious, and repress the -foolish attempt at insurrection which, stirred by idle demagogues, -had excited the people during the famine of 1848. -This military demonstration proved sufficient to suppress, -without blood, these ill-advised seditions.</p> - -<p class='c000'>One event remains to be recorded in our present sketch, -ere we close the brief summary; one event which alone is -all-sufficient to glorify the Seventy-fourth, although casting a -melancholy interest over its history, yet enshrining the memory -of its brave as <em>heroic</em>; one event which, although belonging in -common to the records of the Seventy-third and Ninety-first, -as well as other regiments, deserves its place here out of -respect to the lost and gallant officer commanding; one event -which sheds a brighter lustre, as it reveals in truer character -the qualities of the British soldier, than the exciting and -sanguinary achievements of the battle-field; one event which -wakes the soul to truest sympathy, and bids the heart bleed at -the recitation of the narrative.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“—— The youthful and the brave,</div> - <div class='line in2'>With their beauty and renown,</div> - <div class='line'>To the hollow chambers of the wave</div> - <div class='line in2'>In darkness have gone down.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>One event which has bidden a gush of grief for the lost and -brave from the noble-minded of every clime. Such was the -wreck of the “Birkenhead.” This vessel, one of the finest in Her -Majesty’s service, with a living freight of 632 souls, including -14 officers and 458 soldiers, draughts from various regiments, -reinforcements from home on their way to join their comrades -<span class='pageno' id='Page_346'>346</span>fighting in Kaffirland, reaching Simon’s Bay, had sailed thence -for Algoa Bay on the evening of the 25th February, 1852.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Ah no!—an earthly freight she bears,</div> - <div class='line'>Of joys and sorrows, hopes and fears;</div> - <div class='line'>And lonely as she seems to be,</div> - <div class='line'>Thus left by herself on the moonlight sea,</div> - <div class='line'>In loneliness that rolls,</div> - <div class='line'>She hath a constant company</div> - <div class='line'>In sleep, or waking revelry—</div> - <div class='line'>Five hundred human souls!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='i346' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_346fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>WRECK OF THE “BIRKENHEAD.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Striving to quicken the voyage by shortening the passage, -the commandant hugged the shore too closely off Cape Danger, -and in doing so the vessel struck upon a sunken rock whilst -steaming at the rate of eight miles an hour. So tremendous -was the shock, that, although the night was clear and the sea -calm, the stately ship was in a moment a broken wreck. The -catastrophe occurred three miles from land, and six hours after -starting. Yet all save the vessel might have been saved, but -for the unfortunate command to back the engines, which had -the effect, instead of easing the vessel, to dash her amidships -upon the rocks, precipitating her fate; so that, in little more -than half-an-hour, breaking in two, she went down, with 9 -officers and 349 men, besides fully 80 of the crew. Whilst -these so truly brave men were engulfed the prey of the -insatiate sea, <em>the weak and helpless—the women and children, -were all saved</em>, but only by such a noble sacrifice. The heart -sickens as we contemplate so dreadful a scene, thus pathetically -and feelingly narrated in the <cite>New York Express</cite>:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“The steamer struck on a hidden rock, stove a plank at -<span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span>the bows, and went to the bottom, we believe, in half-an-hour’s -time. There was a regiment of troops on board. As soon as -the alarm was given, and it became apparent that the ship’s -fate was sealed, the roll of the drum called the soldiers to arms -on the upper deck. That call was promptly obeyed, though -every gallant heart there knew that it was his death summons. -There they stood as if in battle array—a motionless mass of -brave men—men who were men indeed. The ship every -moment was going down and down—but there were no -traitors, no deserters, no cravens there! The women and -children were got into the boats, and were all, or nearly all, -saved. There were no boats for the troops—but there was no -panic, no blanched, pale, quivering lips among them!... -Men like these never perish; their bodies may be given to the -fishes of the sea, but their memories are, as they ought to be—immortal!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>These, records the <cite>Spectator</cite>—“the very men whom we -shrank from when we met them wearing flying ribbons in -their battered hats, reeling through the streets—were the same -who went down in the ‘Birkenhead’—as which of us can feel -sure that he would have had nerve to do?—in their ranks, -shoulder to shoulder, standing at ease, watching the sharks -that were waiting for them in the waves—at the simple -suggestion of their officers that the women and children filled -the boats, and must be saved first. No saint ever died more -simply; no martyr ever died more voluntarily; no hero ever -died more firmly; no victim ever met his fate in a more -generous spirit of self-immolation.”</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span>Bravest of the brave, Lieut.-Colonel Seton of the Seventy-fourth, -displayed in his conduct, as commander of the troops, -a nobleness, a true courage, a self-sacrificing devotion, worthy -of his country, and which bespeaks the <em>man</em>—the <em>hero</em>; -and than which history or biography can furnish no brighter -or more illustrious example. It is indeed a pity so brave a -spirit should have fallen; and it shames the living—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in18'>“That instinct</div> - <div class='line'>Which makes the honour’d memory of the dead</div> - <div class='line'>A trust with all the living—”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>that no suitable memorial marks his fall, save the common -tablet of a common grief for a common loss which stands -in the corridor of Chelsea Hospital, bearing the following -inscription:—</p> - -<p class='c000'>“This monument is erected by command of Her Majesty -Queen Victoria, to record the heroic constancy and unbroken -discipline shown by Lieutenant-Colonel Seton, Seventy-fourth -Highlanders, and the troops embarked under his command, on -board the ‘Birkenhead,’ when that vessel was wrecked off the -Cape of Good Hope, on the 26th February, 1852, and to -preserve the memory of the officers, non-commissioned officers, -and men, who perished on that occasion, The names were as -follows:—</p> - - <ul class='c033'> - <li>“Lieut.-Colonel A. Seton, 74th Highlanders, Commanding the Troops. - </li> - <li>Cornet Rolt, Serjeant Straw, and three Privates, 12th Lancers. - </li> - <li>Ensign Boylan, Corporal MʻManus, and thirty-four Privates, 2d Queen’s Regiment. - </li> - <li>Ensign Metford and forty-seven Privates, 6th Royals. - </li> - <li>Fifty-five Privates, 12th Regiment. - </li> - <li>Serjeant Hicks, Corporals Harrison and Cousins, and twenty-six Privates, 43d Light - Infantry. - </li> - <li>Three Privates, 45th Regiment. - </li> - <li>Corporal Curtis and twenty-nine Privates, 60th Rifles. - </li> - <li>Lieutenants Robinson and Booth, and fifty-four Privates, 73d Regiment. - </li> - <li>Ensign Russell, Corporals Mathison and William Laird, and forty-six Privates, 74th - Highlanders. - </li> - <li>Serjeant Butler, Corporals Webber and Smith, and forty-one Privates, 91st Regiment. - </li> - <li>Staff-Surgeon Laing. - </li> - <li>Staff-Assistant-Surgeon Robertson.” - </li> - </ul> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span>“Yet more! the billows and the depths have more!</div> - <div class='line in2'>High hearts and brave are gather’d to thy breast!</div> - <div class='line'>They hear not now the booming waters roar—</div> - <div class='line in2'>The battle-thunders will not break their rest.</div> - <div class='line'>Keep thy red gold and gems, thou stormy grave!</div> - <div class='line in20'>Give back the true and brave!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In the last and most sanguinary war with the Kaffirs of -South Africa, which desolated that valuable colony between -1850 and 1853, the Seventy-fourth was engaged, and fully -sustained its illustrious character. The enemy, sensible of his -weakness, avoided meeting our army in the field, and maintained -a harassing series of skirmishes in the bush, which -proved most annoying and destructive.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It is remarkable that, in the course of our sketch, we -should so frequently have been pleasingly impressed with the -duty of recording the heroism of the officers of the regiment; -and, commanded by such distinguished chiefs, it is no wonder -the corps, moulded in their image, should fitly follow the good -and glorious examples which have rendered the Seventy-fourth -<span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>so signally known to fame. In the African campaign, its -commanding officers are mournfully conspicuous as amongst -the lost and brave. Whilst employed in the operations -against the Waterkloof Post in November, 1851, Lieutenant-Colonel -Fordyce was killed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“At the moment he was hit, he was giving directions to a -company of his own well-loved corps, which was skirmishing -in the bush, and the position of which he wished to alter a -little. Whilst raising his arm to indicate the ground he -alluded to, a huge Hottentot stepped rapidly from a thick -clump close by, and delivered the fatal shot; observing, with -characteristic cunning, the irreparable mischief he had done, -he screeched out, in hellish accents, ‘<em>Johnny, bring stretcher</em>,’ -and, turning on his heel, dived into the clump again before -the infuriated Seventy-fourth could wreak their vengeance -upon him.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Simultaneously they madly rushed on, and, in their too -eager haste to renew the carnage, they rendered themselves an -easy prey to their savage foe, who struck down Lieutenants -Carey and Gordon, and many brave men, before they observed -the necessity of rallying, when the sad work of carnage was -amply avenged. Such, however, was the number of the -wounded, that a waggon had to be sent from the hill to the -spot to carry off the sufferers to their bivouac.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“Fordyce lived a quarter of an hour after receiving his -death-wound. The ball had passed through his abdomen; -and, as he was borne away in the consciousness of approaching -death, he was just able to utter, in faint accents, the words—‘<em>Take -<span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span>care of my poor regiment</em>—<span class='sc'>I am ready</span>,’ when he -passed placidly away. Such was the end of this brave soldier. -In life, straightforward, thoughtful, a friend to the poor and -needy, and a truly Christian man; so in death he was calm, -resigned, noble, and mindful of his duty both to God and man. -His latest expression showed that, while he committed his -regiment to the care of those whose duty it was, his uppermost -thoughts lay in the final work of meeting his Maker. Such -was Fordyce, beloved and respected by all who had the good -fortune to know him!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The regiment left the Cape for India in November, 1853, -and has since continued in the Madras establishment. During -the Indian Mutiny, a detachment of the Seventy-fourth, in -the autumn of 1857, formed part of a moveable column under -Brigadier Whitlock, on field service in the Kurnool district; -and, in November, 1858, the head quarters composed a portion -of a moveable column, under Brigadier Spottiswoode, in the -Nizam country. The regiment is now stationed at Bellary.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH HIGHLANDERS; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br />ROSS-SHIRE BUFFS.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c009'>CHAPTER XXXVI.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Rouse, rouse, ye kilted warriors!</div> - <div class='line in2'>Rouse, ye heroes of the north!</div> - <div class='line'>Rouse and join your chieftain’s banners,—</div> - <div class='line in2'>’Tis your prince that leads you forth.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“See the northern clans advancing!</div> - <div class='line in2'>See Glengary and Lochiel!</div> - <div class='line'>See the brandish’d broad-swords glancing!</div> - <div class='line in2'>Highland hearts are true as steel.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>CHANNEL ISLANDS—FLANDERS—CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—INDIA—BATAVIA—1793–1817.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Already had the noble lords of Seaforth stood forth foremost -in the breach where British liberty, involved in our glorious -constitution, was assailed by aggressive and vindictive foes; -already had the beloved chieftains of the Mackenzie bidden -their clansmen rally around the state, which a few years earlier -(1715) they had sworn to overthrow; already had the regiment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>they thus contributed, the Seventy-second, illumined the page -of history by the stirring narrative of its brilliant achievements, -and, honoured by a grateful people, returned to its native -land, to rest for a time upon the laurels won on the far-distant -plains of India. Sprung from this race of heroes, as the new-begotten -and second representative of this distinguished -family in our army, the Seventy-eighth has strong claims -upon our interest and sympathy—an interest and sympathy -which have been quickened into a warm affection, finding -an echo in the soul of the brave and noble of every land. -Appreciating the gallantry of its services at Lucknow in behalf -of suffering valour and murdered innocence, we hail it with -feelings of national gratitude as the “Saviour of India.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Whilst the horrid cruelties perpetrated by the demagogues -of Paris excited the commiseration of beholding Europe for an -unfortunate and misguided people, the victims of their own -folly, it at the same time inspired feelings of fear among the -terror-stricken tyrants of the Continent, and palsied the might -of their councils. A momentary irresolution seized the British -Cabinet, until the energy and eloquence of Pitt awakened the -Government to its true duty. The charm which spell-bound -other states, failed to ravish us of our freedom. Thoroughly -aroused from the fatal lethargy into which the nation was -being lulled by false ideas of “liberty, equality, and fraternity”—rightly -interpreted, lust, rapine, and murder—it assumed a -sounder policy, befitting its dignity. Buckling on its armour, -Britain fearlessly challenged this giant iniquity to trespass -upon the sacred soil of our chartered and constitutional -<span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>liberty. Impelled by a stern necessity, our country laid aside -the beloved garb of peace, and assumed the dread panoply of -war, as our “meteor flag” was unfurled—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The flag which braved a thousand years</div> - <div class='line in2'>The battle and the breeze.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Fleet after fleet forsook the tranquil bosom of the harbour -where hitherto they had nestled, and struggling with the -stormy billows of the sea, begirt our island home with those -“wooden walls” which, defended by our “hearts of oak,” have -so long been our pride, and deemed impregnable; whilst -regiment after regiment mustered on the beach, daring the foe -to set foot upon these hallowed shores.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In such times the noble lord of Seaforth a second time -drew his father’s sword, and with the valour and loyalty of -his house swelling in his breast, called on his clansmen yet -remaining to follow him. Foremost, in the very van of this -army of patriots, was thus marshalled the gallant subject of -our sketch—the Seventy-eighth Highlanders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Assembled and embodied at Fort George on the 10th July, -1793, the fine physical appearance of the regiment was very -remarkable—a characteristic which it has been fortunate -always to maintain.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Guernsey, one of the Channel Islands, was the scene of its -earliest service on comparatively peaceful duty. Removed -from thence, in 1794, to Holland, it ultimately joined the -allied army, under the Duke of York, which vainly endeavoured -to stem the tide of French aggression, then inundating -the Netherlands, and bereaving these provinces of their ancient -<span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span>freedom. Engaged in the defence of Nimeguen, it contributed, -by its excellent behaviour, to retard the progress of the enemy, -whilst that fortress held out. Overwhelming might necessitated -the evacuation of the place; the garrison in consequence -retired with the army towards Germany. At Meteren our -rearguard was overtaken by the advanced posts of the enemy, -when a bloody action ensued. In the course of the fight the -Seventy-eighth was charged by a regiment of French hussars, -who, wearing a uniform similar to the regiment of Choiseul -in the British service, and the better to deceive our troops, -shouting as they advanced, <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">“Choiseul! Choiseul!”</span>—thus mistaken -for friends—were permitted to penetrate our line, and -were upon the Highlanders before their true character was discovered. -Unmasked, in an instant the bold horsemen were -met by a terrific volley of musketry, which, emptying many -saddles, cooled the ardour of the assault, but could not arrest -their progress. Piercing the intervals between the companies -of the battalion, the cavalry furiously rushed upon the Highlanders, -trampling them down, but, being warmly received, -failed to overwhelm the gallant Seventy-eighth, whose firm, -unflinching valour was very conspicuous, and altogether surprising -from so young a corps in such trying circumstances. -A column of infantry, which had witnessed the success of the -cavalry, now advanced, big with high hopes, as they supposed, -to complete the ruin of the British. Meanwhile the further -career of the hussars had been stayed by the determined front -of a company of the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, covering -the village. Driven back in confusion upon the advancing infantry, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>both were finally repulsed, chiefly by the combined -efforts of the Seventy-eighth and Forty-second Highlanders. -The British resuming the retreat, retired to Bremen, whence -they took shipping, and returned home. During this their -maiden campaign, the Seventy-eighth was associated with the -Seventy-ninth Cameron Highlanders and the Forty-second -Royal Highlanders. The regiment was remarkable for its -steadiness under fire, and its fortitude in enduring the hardships -of a severe winter under canvas. On this occasion, too, -a very melancholy and humbling testimony is borne by our -foes to the prevailing sin of our British soldiers. The French, -who had seduced the soldiers of the old monarchy by ministering -to their evil appetites, sought by a like artifice to ruin -our army; they accordingly bribed the infamous amongst the -Dutch to sell liquors to our troops at a mere bagatelle, with a -view to tempt them and intoxicate them. How truly lamentable -to think that even then this national vice had acquired -such a mastery, such a notoriety, as to be regarded by France -as our weakness, and by the nation as our disgrace! Notwithstanding, -we with pleasure record that the Seventy-eighth -was faithful to its duty. Indeed, these seductions could not -prevail against such a corps, whose history had ever been -distinguished by sobriety; so much so, that while it was -in India it was found necessary to restrict its soldiers -from selling or giving away their own allowance of liquor -to others.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Meanwhile a second battalion, raised in 1794, had sailed -for, and participated in, an expedition against the Dutch -<span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span>colony of the Cape of Good Hope. After a brief struggle the -colony was reduced and occupied by the British, the battalion -remaining in the garrison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The first battalion, with the army of Lord Moira, was -engaged in a fruitless attempt to succour the Royalists of La -Vendée, who yet withstood the ferocious assaults of the -Republicans of Paris. Landing on the Isle Dieu, the expedition -anxiously waited a favourable opportunity to gain a -footing on the mainland. Alas! in vain. The time for -action, frittered away, was not to be recalled. Returning to -England, the battalion was embarked for Bengal. Calling on -the way at the Cape of Good Hope, it was joined by the -second battalion, and the two, consolidated into one regiment, -proceeded to India. Arrived in February, 1797, nothing of -importance falls to be recorded during its sojourn in the -Bengal Presidency. Removed to Bombay in 1803, it joined -the army of Major-General the Hon. Arthur Wellesley. With -the Seventy-fourth Highlanders, the Eightieth Regiment, the -Nineteenth Light Dragoons, and several native battalions, the -Seventy-eighth advanced against the enemy—Scindia and the -Rajah of Berar.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The strong fortress of Amednuggur was the first obstacle -to be overcome in the line of march. For a while defended -resolutely, the struggle was very severe, but the moment our -Highlanders succeeded in scaling the high and narrow walls -encircling it, to the enemy all seemed lost, defence appeared -hopeless, and flight the only refuge. Thus this important -conquest was achieved with comparatively little loss.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span>As in previous campaigns, so in the present, the business of -the war seemed to be not so much to overcome but rather to -overtake the enemy; who, sensible of his weakness in the field, -strove to avoid the hazard of a battle, contenting himself with -harassing our progress by a perplexing and incessant guerilla -warfare. The persevering energy of the British commander -was not, however, to be so duped of the prize he sought—the -triumph he aspired to. By forced marches he overtook and -surprised the foe by his unexpected presence on the banks of -the Kaitna. Although not yet joined to the reinforcements at -hand under Colonel Stevenson, from Bengal, and fearing the -escape of the enemy under cover of the night, now approaching, -the daring impetuosity of Wellesley at once ordered the -attack. Reduced by detachments, the British army did not -exceed 4,700 men, of whom the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth -Highlanders, and the Nineteenth Light Dragoons, were -the only line regiments; whilst the Indian army, encamped in -a strong position behind the almost dry channel of the Kaitna, -occupied the village of Assaye, and presented a formidable -array of 30,000 admirable troops, disciplined and led by -European officers, the whole sustained by upwards of 100 -guns. The Seventy-eighth occupied the left of the first line, -whilst the Seventy-fourth, from the second line, ultimately -took post on the right. But for the cowardly flight of the -European officers commanding the Indian infantry, who -abandoned their troops at the first onset, the resistance -might have been far more formidable. The enemy’s artillery -was admirably served, and galled the advance of the British -<span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span>line with a terrible fire, which was only silenced by the death -of the gunners, bayoneted whilst faithfully and steadily -fulfilling their duty. In the ultimate retreat, one brigade -refused to yield, although repeatedly charged by our cavalry; -maintaining its order and retiring fighting, preserved the -defeat from becoming a disorderly rout. The struggle was -the most severe, and the achievement the most glorious which -had hitherto marked our Indian warfare; illustrating the -determined valour of which the enemy was capable, whilst -anew it honoured the prowess of our soldiers in the result.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Strengthened by Colonel Stevenson’s division, now arrived, -including the old Ninety-fourth, or Scots Brigade, Major-General -Wellesley continued to press the retiring foe, until, -overtaken at Argaum, he made a brief stand. In the battle -which ensued, whilst the Ninety-fourth occupied the left of -the line, the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth together upon -the other flank, encountered the only considerable attack of -the enemy; which, undertaken by a body of 800 furious -fanatics, was sustained with exceeding valour, until the entire -column had fallen before the veterans of Assaye. Notwithstanding -the vigour of the assault, a very trifling loss was -inflicted upon the British, and the enemy otherwise relinquished -the field almost without a blow.</p> - -<p class='c000'>A quaint story is told by General Stewart of the piper of -the Seventy-eighth, who, when the musicians were ordered at -Assaye to attend to the wounded, esteeming himself included, -had in consequence gone to the rear. This desertion his -comrades attributed to fear, and the unfortunate piper, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>branded as a coward, felt the rebuke thus stingingly uttered: -“Flutes and hautboys they thought could be well spared, but -for the piper, who should always be in the heat of the battle, to -go to the rear with the <em>whistlers</em>, was a thing altogether unheard -of.” Bitterly sensible of the unmerited insult, he gladly availed -himself of a favourable opportunity at the battle of Argaum -to blot out the stigma and redeem his fame. He played with -such animation amidst the hottest of the fire, that, not only -restored to his comrades’ confidence, he entailed the commands -of the colonel to be silent, lest the men so inspired should be -urged too soon to the charge.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The war was soon after brought to a glorious termination -by the fall of Gawilghur. Thereafter removed to Madras, the -regiment remained in quietude till 1811, when, included in -the army of Lieutenant-General Sir Samuel Auchmuty, it -sailed with the expedition destined to operate against the -valuable Dutch colony of Java. It required much severe -fighting, especially at and around Cornelis—a very strong -position, where the enemy, with concentrated might, maintained -a resolute defence, only yielding when, with 1000 men -killed, the post had become no longer tenable—ere the island -was reduced. In this expedition the Seventy-eighth lost about -100 officers and men. Although the sword and the pestilence -had each claimed its victims, still they failed to vanquish our -Highlanders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the return voyage to India, a new enemy awaited the -gallant Seventy-eighth, threatening even more fatal results—the -sea, the ever-devouring sea. Six companies of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>regiment which had embarked in the “Frances Charlotte,” -transport, when twelve miles from the small island of Preparos, -on the 5th November, 1816, struck upon a sunken -rock. In this awful crisis, when the grim King of Terrors -confronted our soldiers, and this living freight of brave -men, women, and children, seemed about to be engulfed in -a watery grave, amid the consternation and wild dismay -inseparable from such a scene, the firm courage of our -Highlanders sustained them equally as amid the roar and -excitement of the battle-field. With heroic gallantry, the -soldiers, caring for the weakness of woman and the helplessness -of childhood, nobly hazarding, prepared to sacrifice -their own lives that these might be saved, and so their duty -fulfilled. Instances of manly courage and true heroism like -these, tell us, in unequivocal language, that such are the fruit of -no mere idle sentiment and flitting emotion, but the result of -inborn, genuine character. Whilst the women and children -were conveyed in boats to the island, the men crowded upon a -small rocky islet, occasionally dry at low water, and situated -about 150 yards from the wreck. The ship, full of water, -soon after went to pieces, and disappeared beneath the waves. -The miseries of the ship-wrecked, from hunger and thirst, were -very grievous, and so cruel, that, although saved from becoming -the prey of the sea, they seemed but preserved for a more -terrible doom. The gaunt visage of famine appeared to torment -the perishing multitude with the pangs of an unutterable woe, -and every ray of hope seemed eclipsed by the lowering darkness -of despair and the dismal shroud of the grave. But a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span>merciful Providence was nearer to save. A vessel hove in -sight, and, responding to the hail of the men on the rock, sent -a boat to their aid, which took forty of the survivors on -board, but by a strange, unaccountable want of feeling, sailed -away without affording further assistance; leaving behind one -of its own boats, which, gone on the mission of mercy, and -whilst loading with a second instalment, had been upset by -over-crowding. Fortunately, all escaped safely, scrambling -back upon the rock. On the 10th of November, a large ship, -the “Prince Blucher,” attracted by the vestiges of the wreck -which had floated seaward across her course, was drawn -towards the island, and embarking as many as possible, sailed -for Calcutta; from whence, on news of the disaster, other -vessels were immediately dispatched, which brought off in -safety the remainder of the survivors, who had endured the -severest pinchings of hunger with soldier-like stedfastness for -upwards of a month upon the island. It is interesting to note -how both the Seventy-fourth and Seventy-eighth Highlanders -should thus have encountered the disasters of the deep, and in -these vicissitudes evinced so worthily the qualities of the -soldier and the hero.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1817 the regiment returned to England, and disembarked -at Portsmouth.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XXXVII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“’Twas a soldier who spoke—but his voice now is gone,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And lowly the hero is lying;</div> - <div class='line'>No sound meets the ear, save the crocodile’s moan,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Or the breeze through the palm-tree sighing.</div> - <div class='line'>But lone though he rests where the camel is seen,</div> - <div class='line in2'>By the wilderness heavily pacing;</div> - <div class='line'>His grave in our bosoms shall ever be green,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And his monument ne’er know defacing.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>GIBRALTAR—SICILY—MAIDA—EGYPT—WALCHEREN—FLANDERS—1804–1817.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Although borrowing a good idea in pursuing a similar plan, -we esteem ourselves excused, and not guilty of too slavish an -imitation of General Stewart’s account of the Seventy-eighth, -in his excellent memoirs of the Highland regiments. Thus, -having followed so far the history of the first battalion, we -now devote a chapter to the annals of the second battalion, in -which the distinguished officer above-named served with -honour, exceedingly beloved by the soldiers; and to whom, -as an author, we are largely indebted, having, by the vigour -of his pen, rescued from the shades of oblivion and the -crumbling ravages of time the history of our regiments and -the peculiar characteristics of our clans, and so preserved ever -fresh these endeared records of our brave clansmen and -soldiers. Scotland had already largely contributed to the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>noble army of defenders which in 1804, during the momentous -crisis in our national history of which that year was the scene, -had gathered round the constitution and challenged the would-be -invader. Of the genuine Highlanders enlisted at this -period, the following is a correct record:—</p> - -<table class='table7' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='83%' /> -<col width='16%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>For the army of reserve,</td> - <td class='c005'>1651</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Militia—Inverness, Ross, Argyle, Perth, &c., &c.,</td> - <td class='c005'>2599</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Supplementary Ditto,</td> - <td class='c005'>870</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Canadian Fencibles,</td> - <td class='c005'>850</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Second Battalion of the Seventy-eighth Regiment,</td> - <td class='c005'>714</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Second Battalion of the Seventy-ninth Regiment,</td> - <td class='c005'>618</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Highlanders as substitutes in Militia regiments,</td> - <td class='c005'>963</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>Recruits enlisted by the parties of the line, not exactly known, but estimated at,</td> - <td class='c005'>350</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'></td> - <td class='c005'>———</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c034'>Total,</td> - <td class='c005'>8,615</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c000'>The present battalion was the fourth raised by the family -of Seaforth within twenty-five years. It contained many -Islesmen, especially from the island of Lewis. Although to all -appearance little else than a regiment of boys of very tender -years, still they had within them the soul of the man, as after -events abundantly proved. Embodied at Fort George in the -winter of 1804–5 with a strength of 850, it was by request of -Major-General Moore placed under his command for purposes -of instruction in the new system of light infantry drill. This -was a fortunate circumstance, and no doubt helped the -battalion, not merely in the acquirement of a thorough -military knowledge, but more especially served to instil a due -confidence, which gave it that steadiness in action for which it -was afterwards remarkable. The urgent requirements of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span>service having occasioned the removal of the battalion to -reinforce the garrison of Gibraltar, it was early deprived of -the benefits flowing from such an excellent course of training -under so able a master of the science of war. Nevertheless, it -had so improved the advantage which for a brief period it -enjoyed, as made it a valuable addition to the garrison.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From Gibraltar it proceeded to Sicily, to join the armament, -under Sir John Stuart, destined for a descent upon the -mainland of Calabria, in favour of the exiled monarch of -Naples and the patriots of Italy. The expedition, which sailed -from Melazzo in June, 1805, included the Twenty-seventh, -Fifty-eighth, Seventy-eighth, Eighty-first, and Watteville’s -Swiss Regiment, afterwards reinforced by the Twentieth -Regiment. Landing successfully in the bay of St Euphemia, -the British General strove to anticipate the attack of the -French under General Regnier, who, with a force lately -augmented to nearly 8000, stood opposed to the British, who -could scarce muster 4000 men, unsustained, moreover, by -cavalry. The enemy occupied a very strong position in the -vicinity of the village of Maida. Affecting to despise the -handful of British who had ventured to challenge the assault, -Regnier, forsaking his strong position, descended to the plains, -boasting he should drive the British into the sea. The two -armies advanced in hostile array in parallel lines across the -plain, halting when within a few hundred yards, and pouring -in a deadly volley upon each other. The precision of the -British fire so shattered the first line of the enemy, that, -broken, it retired in confusion upon the second line, and there -<span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span>struggled to maintain itself against the attack of our first -brigade, comprising the Seventy-eighth and Eighty-first -regiments under Brigadier-General Acland. A Swiss regiment -bearing the name of its commanding officer, Watteville, -at this crisis of the fight advanced against the Seventy-eighth, -and mistaken, from its similarity of uniform, for the -corps of the same name, family, and nation in the British -service, which held post in reserve, our Highlanders ceased -firing, lest they should injure their supposed friends. When -undeceived, a vigorous fire warmly hailed the enemy, and -drove back the Swiss with great slaughter. Beaten thus in -every quarter, General Regnier proposed, as a last resource, to -try the effect of a flank attack upon the Twenty-seventh -regiment. Providentially, the Twentieth regiment arriving -on the field at this moment, hastened to sustain their comrades, -and by their unexpected appearance so discouraged the foe, -that the attack, languidly undertaken, was speedily given -over. The French now gave way at all points, and retreated -precipitately, so swiftly, that without cavalry they could not -be overtaken—General Regnier falling a prisoner into our -hands.</p> - -<p class='c000'>General Stuart had at first been grievously disappointed in -the boyish appearance of the Seventy-eighth, 600 of whom -were under twenty-one years of age; but now felt constrained -to confess their gallant conduct unsurpassed; having vanquished -the veteran troops of France, although fighting under -great disadvantages in the front line of this their maiden -engagement. Unfortunately, the British, unsupported, were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span>unable to do more than destroy the enemy’s arsenals and -magazines at Monte Leon, ere prudence counselled their return -to Sicily.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Insignificant in itself, the result of the battle of Maida -exerted an important influence over Europe. Although the -numbers respectively engaged were small, still—occurring at a -time and in circumstances when European liberty groaned in -chains, and all the blessings which belonged to it seemed to be -eclipsed in the dark night of tyranny, and when the sovereigns -of the Continent had submitted to the imperious yoke of -Bounaparte, when the friendly light of hope, flickering, seemed -to die out—the battle and the victory of Maida revived the -drooping spirit of Freedom, restored to new life the palsied -pulse of Europe, and bade her many peoples awake from the -stupor of terror which the shackles of an iron despotism and -the cruel spoilings of rapacious might had imposed! It -required years of sore suffering and desperate struggling ere -the monster which so preyed upon the vitals of liberty could -be shaken off; and, emancipated from the oppressor’s grasp, -the nations one by one once more breathed somewhat of the -blessed air of freedom.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Against their better feelings and judgment the Turks had -been cajoled into an alliance with France, and unwillingly as -our enemies, their territory in Egypt became the theatre of -strife, whereon a British army should again act. Accordingly, -in 1807, Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore arrived in Sicily -from England, and assumed the command of the enterprise. -In the army which set sail from Sicily for Egypt, the second -<span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span>battalion of the Seventy-eighth Highlanders was included. -Landed, the expedition, flattered by various successes, continued -to advance towards Alexandria; but the Turks, in their -peculiar mode of warfare, and their aptness in taking advantage -of every favourable circumstance in defence, proved more -terrible enemies than even the French, inflicting severe and -heavy losses upon the British. In an attempt to gain possession -of the town of Rosetta, the Thirty-first Regiment was -nearly annihilated by the fire of the enemy from loop-holed -houses in the narrow streets, who could not be dislodged. -This attack in consequence failed; and the troops had to -mourn the loss of its leader, Major-General Wauchope, whilst -his second in command, Brigadier-General Meade, was wounded.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With hopes of facilitating and securing the friendly and -promised aid of the Mamelukes, a detachment of 720 men, -under Lieutenant-Colonel Macleod, was advanced on the 20th -of April to an important outpost of the army at El Hamet, on -the Nile. The detachment, consisting of a party from De -Rolle’s Regiment, two companies of the Thirty-fifth, and five -companies of the Seventy-eighth, was divided into three -divisions, and stationed accordingly. On the morning of the -21st, about seventy large boats filled with armed men were -seen descending the Nile, whilst several corps of horsemen -gathered around the detachment, and at once assailed the right -of the three divisions, at the same time so surrounding the -others as to prevent them rendering any assistance to one -another, or drawing together into one. The right division, -comprising the Highland Grenadiers and a company of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span>Thirty-fifth, fought with the fury of lions at bay, and was -utterly cut to pieces, along with its gallant commander, who, -whenever he had perceived the peril of the post, hastened to -rescue it or die with the brave. The little phalanx of heroes, -reduced to eleven, attempted to break through the host of foes -which beleaguered them, and so join their comrades in the -centre division. Unfortunately, most of them perished in the -attempt. Captain Mackay, the only surviving officer, was -struck to the ground by a blow on the neck from the scimitar of -an Arab horseman in pursuit. The blow failing to kill, by a -miracle of mercy he was saved, and carried in by his serjeant. -The remaining divisions, conscious how unavailing any resistance -would be, surrendered, and after being brutally plundered, -were conducted in triumph prisoners to Cairo, where -the vanity and the hatred of the people were gratified in the -parade of the captives through the principal streets of the city -for seven hours; exposed, moreover, to indignities of the -grossest kind—“These,” said they, “are our British <em>friends</em>, -who came from their ships to kill us and our children.” The -Pacha, however, sincerely sympathising, behaved with great -kindness, and did his utmost to screen the prisoners from the -blind wrath of the public, expressing his deep regret that -Britain should have become so involved in war with his -Government, which had been long accustomed to regard the -British as friends and allies—never as foes.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In consequence of the disaster at El Hamet, the siege of -Rosetta was abandoned, and our army, retreating to Alexandria, -thence negotiated for the release of the prisoners, and -<span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span>agreeing to evacuate Egypt, returned to Sicily. Of the captives -thus released, a <em>drummer</em> of the Seventy-eighth, by name -Macleod, who had occasionally assisted the surgeon of the -regiment in applying poultices, etc., choosing to remain behind -in Cairo, by a somewhat extraordinary metamorphosis, set up -for a <em>physician</em>, and by consummate assurance attained a large -practice and acquired a larger fortune. From Sicily the battalion -was removed to Lisbon, and thereafter ordered home to -England, where it arrived in 1808. Subsequently transferred -to Scotland to recruit, it forwarded large detachments of very -superior volunteers from its ranks to the first battalion, then -fighting in India.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1809 a corps of 370 men was battalionized under the -Hon. Lieutenant-Colonel Cochrane, and embarked for Zealand, -where it shared the disasters of the Walcheren expedition, -afterward returning to the Isle of Wight.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1813, as a small corps of 400 Highlanders, the second -battalion of the Seventy-eighth joined the army of Lieutenant-General -Sir Thomas Graham, afterwards Lord Lynedoch, -which endeavoured to expel the French from Holland. On -the 13th January, with the second battalion of the Twenty-fifth -and the Thirty-third regiments, it encountered the -enemy at Merexem, where it behaved with signal gallantry—an -immediate charge with the bayonet by the -Seventy-eighth, ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel Lindsay, -decided the contest. The enemy was beaten with great -slaughter. At this period the juvenility of the battalion was -as remarkable as its valour—only 43 of its soldiers exceeding -<span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span>twenty-two years of age. The battalion remained in the -Netherlands until after the battle of Waterloo, but stationed -at Nieuport, was deprived of the privilege of being present on -that memorable and glorious field. Nevertheless, it added to -its good name by its excellent conduct, becoming peculiarly -endeared to the Belgians, who spoke of the Highlanders as -being “kind, as well as brave;” <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">“Enfans de la famille;”</span> “Lions -in the field and lambs in the house”—so much so, that the -citizens of Brussels petitioned the mayor to request the -General-in-Chief to allow the Seventy-eighth to remain in -garrison in that capital.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning to Scotland in 1816, the battalion was subsequently -incorporated with the first battalion as one regiment -on its return from India—conveying, with its few remaining -soldiers, a character for firmness truly remarkable in such -young soldiers, and adding the glories of Maida and Egypt to -those of Assaye and Java, acquired by the first battalion, and -now one in the Seventy-eighth.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XXXVIII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>But hark! what means yon dismal wail—</div> - <div class='line'>The shriek that’s borne upon the gale?</div> - <div class='line'>It comes from India’s sultry plain—</div> - <div class='line'>It calls for vengeance from the slain,</div> - <div class='line in16'>Nor calls in vain to Scotland.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>’Tis the destroying hordes of hell,</div> - <div class='line'>Whose hearts with fiendish passions swell,</div> - <div class='line'>Whose swords on ruined Beauty fell—</div> - <div class='line'>The Brave, the Fair, the Weak. Farewell!</div> - <div class='line in16'>Ye’ll be revenged by Scotland.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Then Scotland, by brave Havelock led,</div> - <div class='line'>Rush’d o’er the field of murder’d dead,</div> - <div class='line'>Fighting for “bleeding Beauty’s” sake—</div> - <div class='line'>The very earth itself might quake</div> - <div class='line in16'>Beneath the wrath o’ Scotland.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Haste ye to Lucknow’s fainting brave;</div> - <div class='line'>Too long they’ve battled with the slave—</div> - <div class='line'>The weak and helpless Fair to save</div> - <div class='line'>From rapine, ruin, and the grave—</div> - <div class='line in16'>Hope comes wi’ bonnie Scotland.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>And now brave Havelock’s work is done;</div> - <div class='line'>He sets like to the evening sun;</div> - <div class='line'>By him the crown of glory’s won—</div> - <div class='line'>His God, beholding, saith “Well done!”</div> - <div class='line in16'>The Lost—the Loved o’ Scotland.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>PERSIA—INDIA—1817–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Escaping from the tedious details of peaceful service which -for upwards of forty years mark the history of the Seventy-eighth, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span>we now follow that gallant regiment to India—the -scene of its early glory, and since embalmed in our memory, -as presenting the most splendid testimony to its heroic -character.</p> - -<div id='i373' class='figcenter id028'> -<img src='images/i_b_373fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>INDIA.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In 1857 we find it transferred from Bombay to Persia, -and engaged in the expedition destined to chastise its vainglorious -and presumptuous monarch. An easy triumph crowned -the efforts of our arms. At Koosh-ab the Seventy-eighth was -present with credit; although that success was achieved rather -by diligent perseverance in long marches and battling with -inclement weather, than by any very remarkable feat of arms. -This name and that of “Persia” were gained for the regimental -colour during the campaign, in scenery hallowed by -sacred memories, being supposed to be the site of the garden -of Eden.</p> - -<p class='c000'>But we hasten to look upon a darker picture—to find our -Indian empire on the verge of ruin, convulsed as in the agonies -of dissolution; its native military, whom we had trusted and -boasted, become traitors; their smothered vengeance, cherished -through years of duplicity, bursting forth to deluge our vast -dominion, and almost wrest it from us by a cruel rebellion; -all that once gloried in the very name of British doomed by -an unpitying and relentless revenge to utter destruction, consigned -to be the subjects of a gigantic perfidy. The mine had -exploded, and awful were the horrors of the tragedy it -revealed! Helplessness consumed by the devouring sword; -beauty wasted by demons of lust and passion; hopeless -bravery sacrificed to satisfy a bloody appetite—whilst with -<span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span>fiendish shouts the villains gloated over the murders in which -their hands were embrued and which stained their souls, and -rejoiced in the atrocities they had committed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Never was the British soldier placed in circumstances so -trying, and never did he display such heroism—a heroism -which, equal to the emergency, was alone able to deliver him -from the foul conspiracy of 150,000 armed and trained rebels, -who encircled him and thirsted vehemently for his blood.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Delhi, the great central tower of rebellious strength, was -the scene of months of hard fighting and sore privation; but -over all these British valour triumphing, was rewarded in the -reduction of that important stronghold, and the utter discomfiture -of its daring defenders. But Lucknow reversed the -picture. There we find the British besieged by a countless -host of the enemy; there we regard a handful of brave men -resolved to sell their lives as dearly as possible, rather than -yield to the ruthless rebels who in multitudes encompassed the -Residency. To save the brave garrison from the terrible fate -which threatened them, and release the crowd of starving and -emaciated women and children who, claiming the protection of -the soldier, had found shelter there—to save and relieve these, -a little army might have been seen advancing by rapid -marches, encountering the greatest dangers, and eagerly pressing -onwards to avenge their slaughtered friends. Stirred to -marvellous achievements by the appalling traces of massacre -perpetrated on the helpless and innocent, and which were -too apparent all around—roused to heroic action, nerved -to meet death or conquer in the awful and unequal struggle, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span>the little army of Brigadier-General Havelock pressed vigorously -forward to help and to avenge. It comprised of -<em>European Troops</em>: The third company of the eighth battalion -of Royal Artillery, (76 men); the First Madras Fusiliers, (376 -men); the Sixty-fourth Regiment of Foot, (435 men); the -Seventy-eighth Highlanders, (284 men); the Eighty-fourth -Regiment of foot, (190 men); Bengal Artillery, (22 men); -Volunteer Cavalry, (20 men). <em>Native Troops</em>: Ferozepore -Regiment, (448 men); the Thirteenth Irregular, and the Third -Oude Irregular Cavalry, (95 men); Galundauze (18 men).</p> - -<p class='c000'>From Cawnpore the rebels had pushed forward to Futtehpore, -purposing to destroy a small detachment of British under -Major Renaul, but these having succeeded in effecting a -timeous junction with the army of Havelock, the mutineers, -amounting to 3,500, were encountered by that chief, and in a -few minutes totally routed. The victory was ascribed by the -conqueror “to the British artillery, to the Enfield rifle, to -British pluck, and to the blessing of Almighty God.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the 15th July Brigadier-General Havelock came up with -the enemy first at the village of Aeng, and next at the bridge -over the Pandoo Nudee, and was successful in each instance. -Anew in position under Nena Sahib (Doondoo Punt), the -rebels made a momentary stand at Ahirwa, but were immediately -defeated by a brilliant charge of our Highlanders. The -arch-traitor Nena Sahib, finding himself closely pressed by the -British column, and unable to defend Cawnpore, retired from -that fortress, after having, with savage barbarity, massacred -the women and children who by the foulest perfidy had fallen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span>into his power. The remains of these victims of his cruelty -were afterwards discovered in the bottom of a well; and the -horrors of the tragedy are said so to have moved the soul of -our Highlanders, that, vowing an oath of vengeance on the -blood-stained spot, they were stirred to redeem it on subsequent -occasions. Pursuing the enemy in the course of his -memorable march to Lucknow, Havelock defeated a strong -body of rebels gathered near Unao. Thrice he attacked, and -thrice he routed the mutineers who had as often congregated -at Busherut Gunge, and once at Bithoor. Cholera attacking -the British troops, so crippled the little army that, surrounded -by foes, Havelock was compelled to delay his further -advance until reinforced by Sir James Outram. On the -arrival of these fresh troops on 16th September, the command, -by seniority, devolved upon Sir James Outram; but with a -chivalrous feeling highly to be admired, that excellent officer -waived his claim, desiring Major-General Havelock to finish -the good work he had so well begun and was so nigh gloriously -completing, Sir James serving in subordination as a volunteer.</p> - -<p class='c000'>“On the 19th and 20th of September, the relieving force, -amounting to about two thousand five hundred men, and -seventeen guns, crossed the Ganges. The Fifth Fusiliers, -Eighty-fourth, detachments of the Sixty-fourth, and First -Madras Fusiliers, composed the first infantry brigade, under -Brigadier-General Neill; the Seventy-eighth Highlanders, -Ninetieth Light Infantry, and the Sikh Ferozepore Regiment, -made up the second brigade, under Brigadier Hamilton of the -Seventy-eighth; Major Cooper commanded the artillery brigade, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>consisting of Captains Maude, Oliphant, and Major Eyre’s -batteries; Captain Borrow commanded the Volunteers and -Irregular Cavalry.”</p> - -<div id='i377' class='figcenter id029'> -<img src='images/i_b_377fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SIR HENRY HAVELOCK.<br />THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH, OR “ROSS-SHIRE BUFFS.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Having distributed the army, Havelock resumed his forward -march, and after encountering several powerful bodies of -the rebels, and always with the same success as hitherto, -Lucknow was reached, and the beleaguered and almost -despairing garrison relieved. This happy result was dearly -purchased by the death of Brigadier-General Neill, a most -gallant and able officer. Colonel Hamilton, who led the -Seventy-eighth amid these labyrinthian dangers, won a distinguished -name by his valour and coolness in many critical -moments.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Most deeply regretted, the hero who had achieved this -crowning triumph fell asleep in the very arms of victory. The -living exponent of all that was truly noble, generous, brave, -and heavenly, entered into his rest, there to enjoy the better -blessing of his God, to wear the crown of glory which cannot -fade, and which is more to be desired than all the perishing -treasures of earth, the gilded pageant of a world’s renown, or -even the fitful gratitude of his country. Such was the death -of Sir Henry Havelock, which almost immediately followed -the final relief of Lucknow by our deservedly favourite chieftain, -Sir Colin Campbell (now Lord Clyde).</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Brave Havelock’s gone! let Britain mourn—</div> - <div class='line in2'>Her brightest, boldest hero’s gone;</div> - <div class='line'>Strew Indian laurels round his tomb,</div> - <div class='line in2'>For there he glorious triumphs won.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>“There he accomplished deeds of might,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Which stamp’d him bravest of the brave—</div> - <div class='line'>Cut through a host, put foes to flight,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And helpless prisoners dared to save.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“A Christian warrior—stern, yet mild,</div> - <div class='line in2'>He fought for Heaven, his Saviour’s home,</div> - <div class='line'>Yet shrunk not from the battle-field,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Where all his talents brightly shone.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“But now Death’s mandate from on high</div> - <div class='line in2'>His Father called; he was prepared</div> - <div class='line'>For mansions sure beyond the sky;</div> - <div class='line in2'>Earth’s honours could not him reward.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“And now he’s buried with the brave—</div> - <div class='line in2'>His battle’s fought, his vict’ry’s won;</div> - <div class='line'>His country’s cause he died to save,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Nor sunk until his work was done.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Let England, then, embalm his name—</div> - <div class='line in2'>’Mongst heroes he may justly shine;</div> - <div class='line'>For soldier he of nobler fame—</div> - <div class='line in2'>His banner bore the stamp Divine.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In the latter defence of Lucknow the Seventy-eighth sustained -a prominent and a very honourable part, cheerfully -enduring the privations of a straitened and continued siege, -and ever foremost in repelling the foe when he dared to -attack.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The heart of the Scottish people followed with a yearning -interest the movements of the Seventy-eighth throughout this -memorable campaign. With gratitude our countrymen hailed -the regiment, when a kind Providence recently restored it to -its native land, where every grade of society united to do -honour to that bravery which so conspicuously graced our -<span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span>national history upon the dismal page of the Indian mutiny, -and in commemoration thereof a monument has been erected -in Edinburgh, an Illustration of which is given in this work. -We close our sketch with the feeling that words have failed to -express the just admiration with which we must ever regard -this, the “scion of the Seaforth,” the “Saviour of India.”</p> - -<div id='i378' class='figcenter id030'> -<img src='images/i_b_378fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<p class='c000'>INAUGURATION OF THE MONUMENT TO THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH, EDINBURGH.</p> - -<div id='i379' class='figcenter id012'> -<img src='images/i_b_379fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>PRESENTATION PLATE TO THE SEVENTY-EIGHTH AS THE SAVIOURS OF INDIA.</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE SEVENTY-NINTH FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br />CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XXXIX.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“There’s many a man of the Cameron clan</div> - <div class='line in2'>That has follow’d his chief to the field;</div> - <div class='line'>He has sworn to support him, or die by his side,</div> - <div class='line in2'>For a Cameron never can yield.</div> - </div> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Oh! proudly they walk, but each Cameron knows</div> - <div class='line in2'>He may tread on the heather no more;</div> - <div class='line'>But boldly he follows his chief to the field,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Where his laurels were gathered before.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>There is perhaps do name so deeply interesting in the annals -of the Highlanders as that of Cameron; no clan so truly the -exponent of all that is brave and noble, and none whose chief -has been so largely the exemplar in his life of all the god-like -qualities of the man, the patriot, and the hero, and whose -memory is so fondly cherished and so highly revered. Such -was the illustrious leader of the clan, Sir Ewen Cameron of -Lochiel—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“The crested Lochiel, the peerless in might.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='i381' class='figcenter id031'> -<img src='images/i_b_381fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>SIR EWEN CAMERON OF LOCHEIL.<br />THE SEVENTY-NINTH, “OR CAMERON HIGHLANDERS.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span>The Camerons by their conspicuous patriotism, marching -under the banner of the Lord of the Isles at the battle of -Bannockburn, contributed to illumine the page of our ancient -glory.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Bruce, with the pilot’s wary eye,</div> - <div class='line'>The slackening of the storm could spy.</div> - <div class='line in2'>‘One effort more, and Scotland’s free!</div> - <div class='line in2'>Lord of the Isles, my trust in thee</div> - <div class='line in6'>Is firm as Ailsa Rock;</div> - <div class='line in2'>Rush on with Highland sword and targe,</div> - <div class='line in2'>I, with my Carrick spearmen, charge;</div> - <div class='line in6'>Now, forward to the shock!’</div> - <div class='line in2'>At once the spears were forward thrown,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Against the sun the broadswords shone;</div> - <div class='line in2'>The pibroch lent its maddening tone,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And loud King Robert’s voice was known—</div> - <div class='line in2'>‘Carrick, press on—they fail, they fail!</div> - <div class='line in2'>Press on, brave sons of Innisgail,</div> - <div class='line in6'>The foe is fainting fast!</div> - <div class='line in2'>Each strike for parent, child, and wife,</div> - <div class='line in2'>For Scotland, liberty, and life—</div> - <div class='line in6'>The battle cannot last!’”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>But the clan attained even a greater reputation from its -devoted loyalty to the Stuarts, and its gallant efforts in their -cause, especially when led by Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This chief was born in 1629, and educated at Inverary -Castle by his foster-father, the Marquis of Argyll. Fascinated -by the chivalrous bearing of Montrose, at the early age of -eighteen he deserted his early patron, mustered his clansmen, -and proceeded to join the rebel army. Ere he could accomplish -his intention, the tide of war had turned against the Royalists, -and swept away the army of Montrose. Retaining his clansmen -<span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>in arms around him, he most effectually protected his -estates from the incursions of the soldiers of Cromwell.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1652, the Earl of Glencairn, setting up the Royal -standard, received the ready co-operation of Lochiel against -the Republicans. Jealousy and distrust estranging the Royalist -chiefs, creeping into and distracting their counsels, breaking -the bond of union otherwise so mighty an agent to success—Lochiel, -keeping aloof from these troubles at head-quarters, -acting independently, effectively shielded the Royal army in -its consequent weakness, delaying the ruin which ultimately -overtook this unfortunate attempt to restore the kingdom to -Charles II. His exploits savour of the marvellous and -romantic; nevertheless, they in truth displayed the heroism of -his character and the genius of a master-mind in the business -of war. On one occasion a party of 300 soldiers had been -sent to ravage his estates around Inverlochy. Hastily collecting -thirty-eight of his clan, with a fearlessness amounting -almost to rashness, despite the remonstrances of the sager -veterans of his little band, to whose experiences he replied, -“If every man kills his man, I will answer for the rest,” he -descended upon the unsuspecting troops with the utmost fury, -when a desperate and bloody struggle ensued. But nothing, -not even superior numbers, could withstand so furious an -attack by the Camerons. Steadily fighting, the soldiers slowly -retreated to the boats from which they had landed, leaving -138 of their comrades dead on the shore, whilst the loss of -the Highlanders only amounted to seven men.</p> - -<p class='c000'>By many such deeds of daring, in which he always -<span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span>displayed prodigies of valour, to his foes he appeared a dread -avenger, but to his friends he was known as a sure protector. -When all other opposition to its rule had been overcome by a -victorious Protectorate, Lochiel remained in arms for his King, -uncouquered, and seemingly unconquerable. Bribery could -not purchase the submission of so noble a spirit, and persuasion -failed to gain over the allegiance of so faithful an -adherent of the exiled monarch. Fortunately, the good -policy of Cromwell effected an honourable compromise, consistent -with the dignity of this brave yet haughty chieftain, -which put an end to the cruel war which had already -exhausted the resources, and if persevered in, must have -exterminated the gallant Camerons. Unable to win his -alliance, the Protector wisely contented himself with a simple -peace.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Consistent with his ancient loyalty, when the Revolution of -1688 had expatriated the last and degenerate representative of -the unfortunate race of Stuart, and set up a new and a better -order of things in the State by the installation of the family of -Orange on the British throne, Lochiel joined the party of King -James, and resolutely determined to uphold his standard as -unfurled in rebellion in 1689. Unsullied by the baser motives -of ambition and revenge which had driven Viscount Dundee -into rebellion, Lochiel devoted his sword to what he esteemed -the righteous cause of his rightful sovereign, who had been set -aside by the claims of a usurper. In the battle of Killiecrankie, -the charge of the Camerons and Highlanders led by -Lochiel was irresistible, and contributed largely to the attainment -<span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>of the victory. It so happened (not uncommon in those -civil wars) on this occasion that the second son of Lochiel -commanded a company in the opposing army of King William. -Attached to the staff of General Mackay, that commander, on -viewing the array and position of the Highlanders, remarked -to the young Lochiel—“There,” said he, “is your father with -his wild savages; how would you like to be with him?” “It -signifies little,” replied the other, “what I would like; but I -recommend it to you to be prepared, or perhaps my father -and his wild savages may be nearer to you before night than -you would like.” And so it happened. Dundee delayed his -attack “till,” according to an eye-witness, “the sun’s going -down, when the Highlandmen advanced on us like madmen, -without shoes or stockings, covering themselves from our fire -with their targets. At last they cast away their muskets, -drew their broadswords, and advanced furiously upon us, -broke us, and obliged us to retreat; some fled to the water, -some another way.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>This great chief died at the ripe age of eighty-nine in 1718, -universally regretted.</p> - -<p class='c000'>His grandson participating in the rebellion of 1745, -occasioned the ruin of his family, and to a large extent -destroyed the military strength of the clan. Nevertheless, in -1775 we find the Camerons represented by a company in -Fraser’s Highlanders, and as “Lochiel’s men” combatting -with distinction in America, on the side of that Government -which a few years earlier they had conspired to overturn.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In addition to the Seventy-ninth Regiment, now the only -<span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>living representative of the clan in the British army, the -Camerons contributed, in 1799, a corps of fencible militia—the -“Lochaber” Regiment.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The menacing aspect of affairs abroad, the political -wrongs perpetrated by revolutionary France, and the dark -cloud which threatened to envelope our own land in 1794, -occasioned the augmentation of our army; and, in consequence, -the Seventy-eighth (Mackenzie), Seventy-ninth (Cameron), -Ninety-second (Gordon), and Ninety-third (Sutherland) Highlanders -sprung into being about this period.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Immediately upon the completion of the Seventy-ninth it -was hurried into action, and on the plains of Flanders made -its <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>début</em></span> in arms. It was with the army of the Duke of York -which vainly strove to arrest the victorious career of the -armies of republican France, led by these famous soldiers, -Pichegru, Moreau, Jourdan, and Vandamme.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning home in 1795, it was thence removed to the -West Indies, and for two years was stationed in Martinique. -After contributing variously to recruit other corps, especially -the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, it returned home a mere -skeleton, around which, as a nucleus, the officers succeeded, -after many and persevering efforts, in raising a new Highland -corps, under the old designation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On attaining a strength of 780 men, chiefly by the zealous -exertions of its original colonel, Allan Cameron of Errach, it -was ordered on foreign service, and so, in 1799, joined the -expedition destined to act against the enemy in Holland. -There, placed in the fourth brigade under Major-General afterwards -<span class='pageno' id='Page_386'>386</span>Sir John Moore, it was associated with the second battalion -of the First Royals, the Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers, -the Forty-ninth Foot, and the Ninety-second Gordon -Highlanders. In all the actions which marked this brief and -ineffectual campaign, the Seventy-ninth was worthily distinguished, -and won the memorial thereof now borne upon its -colours—“Egmont-op-Zee.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the Egyptian expedition of 1800, under Sir Ralph -Abercromby, the Seventy-ninth was brigaded with the Second -or Queen’s and the Fiftieth Regiments, commanded by the Earl -of Cavan.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having helped to the deliverance of Egypt from the -yoke of France, it returned to England in 1801. Whilst at -home it was increased by a second battalion raised in 1804, -when the vindictive wrath of Napoleon, roused into madness -by the defeat of his armies by the British in Egypt, had -gathered a countless host around Boulogne, whence, looking -across, he longed but once to set foot upon our shores, and -then he hoped to blot us out from the map as a nation, and -so satisfy the bitter hatred of years. Whilst the tempest of -human passion stood arrayed in portentous awfulness on the -other side of the Channel, the Seventy-ninth was with our -troops who anxiously waited the result. Suddenly the spirit -of the imperial dream was changed, and the armed multitude, -melting away, reappeared with a real terror upon the devoted -plains of Germany.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Allied with Napoleon, the Danes, in 1807, once more were -pressed into a quarrel with Britain. A British armament -<span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>appeared upon the coasts of Denmark. Our army, under -Lieutenant-General Lord Cathcart, consisting of the first battalions -of the 2d (Coldstream) and 3d (Scots Fusileers) Foot -Guards; first battalions of the 4th, 7th, 8th, 23d, 28th, 32d, -43d, 50th, 52d (second battalion), 79th (Cameron), 82d, 92d -(Gordon), and five companies of the first and second battalions -of the 95th (Rifles), and several regiments of the King’s German -Legion, comprising a total of 28,000, of which 17,000 -were British, advanced upon Copenhagen, overcame all opposition, -occupied the capital, arrested the enemy’s fleet, and having -achieved this almost bloodless victory, baffled the deep-laid -schemes of Napoleon, charged with our destruction.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XL.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Though my perishing ranks should be strew’d in their gore,</div> - <div class='line'>Like ocean-weeds heaped on a surf-beaten shore,</div> - <div class='line'>Lochiel, untainted by flight or by chains,</div> - <div class='line'>While the kindling of life in his bosom remains,</div> - <div class='line'>Shall victor exult, or in death be laid low,</div> - <div class='line'>With his back to the field, and his feet to the foe!</div> - <div class='line'>And, leaving in battle no blot on his name,</div> - <div class='line'>Look proudly to heaven from the death-bed of fame.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>PENINSULA—WATERLOO—CRIMEA—INDIA—1808–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In 1808 the Seventy-ninth was included in the army of Sir -John Moore, which endeavoured to aid the Spaniards and -Portuguese to rescue their country from the crushing tyranny -of France. But what could 25,000 men, however brave, do -against 300,000 veterans, concentrated under the command of -experienced officers, and now advanced to destroy the daring -handful of British who had presumed to penetrate the heart -of the Peninsula? We have already described the masterly -manœuvres which extricated our army from a position of great -peril when in presence of so powerful a foe, and at the battle -of Corunna gloriously arrested the further pursuit of the -French. The Cameron Highlanders were brigaded with the -Thirty-sixth and Eighty-second regiments, under Brigadier-General -Fane, but not actively engaged.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the return of the regiment to England, it was shortly -ordered to Holland, there to be engaged in a new effort for -the deliverance of that country. Landed with the army of the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>Earl of Chatham in Walcheren, it was soon found impracticable -to force the position of the French, who, nearer their own -resources than in Spain, were not so easily overcome. Fever -breaking out among the troops, so thinned the ranks, that of -near 40,000 effectives, scarce a half returned fit for duty.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Long and sorely had our soldiers struggled to overcome -the gigantic tyranny of France, but like the many-headed -monster of heathen fiction, no sooner was one head wounded, -than a new one appeared to challenge the attack. So, scarcely -had we succeeded in one quarter ere the foe arose in terrible -strength in another. Thus we find our armies, sometimes in -Flanders, sometimes in the Peninsula, sometimes in Egypt, -sometimes in India, and sometimes in America, waging a -desperate and incessant war with this Gorgon-headed enemy.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1810 we once more return to Spain, where happily -more permanent results were to be achieved. Thither the -Seventy-ninth had gone to join the army of Lord Wellington.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the battle of Fuentes d’Onor (Fountain of Honour) the -conduct of the regiment was beyond all praise. Occupying -that village with the Seventy-first Highlanders and Twenty-fourth -Foot, the Seventy-ninth was exposed to the most furious -assaults of strong columns of French. Occasionally driven out -of the village, yet always returning to recover it—which an -indomitable perseverance ever accomplished—triumphing over -all opposition, this key of the position was ultimately retained. -These regiments thus deservedly acquired the largest share of -the glory flowing from such a victory.</p> - -<p class='c000'>From the battle of Salamanca it advanced with the army -<span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>which occupied Madrid. In the subsequent siege of the strong -castle of Burgos, the valour of the regiment was most conspicuous, -and in the several assaults its losses were very considerable. -Unfortunately, the approach of a powerful relieving -force snatched the anticipated prize from our grasp, arresting -the further progress of the siege, and necessitating the retreat -of the British towards Portugal.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Although for the present retiring, the effects of these -campaigns were very different upon the combatants. The -British, elated with hope, incited to perseverance, brought a -new and living energy into the field when the rest of the -winter had passed away and the operations of the war been -resumed in the spring. On the other hand, the French—depressed -by the evil tidings of the Grand Army in Russia; -tired, moreover, with incessant yet fruitless fightings; disunited -by discontent, privation, and jealousy—when the season once -more invited action, found their armies dispirited and disorganised. -No wonder, then, that the forward march of the British -led to a series of victories ever gracing our arms, until, surmounting -the natural barriers of the Pyrenees, our troops -descended into the plains of France in the day of that country’s -humiliation. In the various actions of the “Pyrenees,” the -Seventy-ninth was not seriously engaged.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was present at the passage of the “Nivelle” and the -“Nive.” On the latter occasion it was specially distinguished -for its well-directed fire, which caused great havoc in the -dense masses of the enemy which strove to defend the passage.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the battle of Toulouse, in the brigade of General -<span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>Pack, with the Forty-second Royal Highlanders and the -Ninety-first (Argyllshire) Regiment, the Seventy-ninth was -engaged in a desperate attack which carried a redoubt strongly -situated, and resolutely defended, on the crest of a series of -heights on the right of the position. A French officer, -witnessing the advance of the Highlanders, exclaimed, “My -God! how firm these <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><em>sans culottes</em></span> are!” Another French -officer in conversation said of them, “Ah! these are brave -soldiers. I should not like to meet them unless well supported. -I put them to the proof on that day, for I led the division of -more than 5000 men which attempted to retake the redoubt.” -A British officer, high in command, thus yields his testimony -to the valour of the brigade: “I saw your old friends the -Highlanders in a most perilous position; and had I not known -their firmness, I should have trembled for the result.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the abdication of Napoleon, peace for a time dispelled -the thunder-storm of war, and permitted the return of the -regiment to Britain. His escape from Elba again threatened -to crush out the reviving spirit of liberty beneath the iron heel -of his sanguinary tyranny. Happily for Europe and for -France, the convulsive effort by which he strove to redeem -and avenge the past was utterly defeated by his total discomfiture -at Waterloo, for ever dissipating his dream of conquest, -and closing his ambitious career.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Purposing to sever the British from the Prussians, and beat -each in detail ere the Austrian and Russian armies could arrive -from Germany to resume the war, Napoleon, by one of those -rapid marches for which he was so famous, suddenly falling -<span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span>upon and defeating the Prussians at Ligny, turned with the -full weight of his power against the British, who were already -engaged in a desperate struggle with the corps of Marshal Ney -at Quatre Bras—fitly introducing the grander event of Waterloo. -Although impetuously assailed by an immensely superior -force, and suffering a loss of more than 300 men, the Seventy-ninth -behaved with the utmost heroism.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>“And wild and high the ‘Cameron’s gathering’ rose!</div> - <div class='line in2'>The war-note of Lochiel, which Albyn’s hills</div> - <div class='line in2'>Have heard—and heard, too, have her Saxon foes:</div> - <div class='line in2'>How in the noon of night that pibroch thrills,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Savage and shrill! But with the breath which fills</div> - <div class='line in2'>Their mountain pipe, so fill the mountaineers</div> - <div class='line in2'>With the fierce native daring which instils</div> - <div class='line in2'>The stirring memory of a thousand years;</div> - <div class='line'>And Evan’s, Donald’s fame rings in each clansman’s ears!”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>In the subsequent battle of Waterloo, it was included in -the fifth division under Sir Thomas Picton, and in the fifth -brigade of the army under Sir James Kempt. Here it was -associated with the Twenty-eighth, Thirty-second, and Ninety-fifth -(Rifles) regiments, and posted in defence of a hedge which -the Belgian troops had abandoned early in the fight. Against -this position three powerful columns of the enemy advanced. -“At this moment General Picton was killed, and General Kempt -severely wounded; but the latter never left the field. Like his -old commander, Sir Ralph Abercromby, he allowed no personal -consideration to interfere with his duty; and although unable -to sit on horseback from the severity of the wound, he would -not allow himself to be carried away from his soldiers, whose -situation, pressed by a brave and powerful enemy, required -every assistance from his presence and talents. The enemy, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_393'>393</span>anxious to gain the position behind the hedge, repeated their -attempts, but every attempt was repulsed.” The honourable -conduct of the regiment on this occasion, as a matter of history, -has been justly celebrated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Occupying France for a while, the Seventy-ninth returned -to Britain in 1818, and has long been peacefully employed.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1854, when the aggressions of Russia called upon the -nations “to defend the right,” the Seventy-ninth, with the -Forty-second Royal Highlanders and the Ninety-third Sutherland -Highlanders, formed the original Highland Brigade in the -army of the Crimea.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the battle of the Alma, co-operating with the Guards, -this brigade, under Sir Colin Campbell, won a great renown. -It was selected, with the other Highland regiments, under Sir -Colin Campbell, to renew the attack upon the Redan. Fortunately, -the retirement of the garrison to the other side of the -harbour afforded a bloodless victory. The regiment was -engaged in the successful expedition against Kertch.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Released by the conclusion of peace from the toils of war -on the distant plains of the Crimea, the regiment returned -home. Shortly thereafter, the outbreak of the Indian mutiny -required its presence in that far-off province of our empire. -Accordingly, embarked, it arrived there in 1858, and joined -the army marching upon Lucknow. On the suppression of -the revolt, it was retained in India; and we doubt not the -presence of such staunch defenders of the British constitution -will command peace—the military fire of “auld langsyne” still -burning in the bosom of the Cameron.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_394'>394</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE NINETY-SECOND FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> GORDON HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XLI.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>The foe weel kenn’d the tartan front,</div> - <div class='line'>Which never shunn’d the battle’s brunt—</div> - <div class='line'>The chieftain of our Highland men,</div> - <div class='line'>That led them on to vict’ry then,</div> - <div class='line in11'>As aye he cried, “For Scotland.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>THE GORDON—CORSICA—HOLLAND—EGYPT—COPENHAGEN—SWEDEN—CORUNNA—1794–1809.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The Duke of Gordon, rather as the proprietor of a vast domain -than the chief of a clan, enjoyed an almost kingly power in the -Highlands. Amongst his tenants were the Camerons of -Lochiel and the Macphersons of Clunie, whilst his few -immediate retainers were chiefly horsemen—almost the only -cavalry known in Highland warfare. The Gordons have ever -been distinguished for devotion to their king and country. -The friends of the Bruce, they were ranged on the side of -liberty at Bannockburn. Adherents of the Stuarts, we cannot -but regret the mistaken zeal which so nigh involved in a like -ruin so estimable a family. Happily, a better knowledge of -the failings of the dethroned dynasty showed the worthlessness -of the object of their attachment, and so estranged them from -their cause, that, in 1745, the representative of the Gordons -<span class='pageno' id='Page_395'>395</span>was found combating on the side of the Government, whilst -the clans upon their estates followed Lochiel and other chieftains, -and fought on behalf of Prince Charles.</p> - -<div id='i394' class='figcenter id032'> -<img src='images/i_b_394fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>DUKE OF RICHMOND.<br />THE NINETY-SECOND, OR “GORDON HIGHLANDERS.”</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Fortunately, Government succeeded in enlisting the loyal -services of this powerful family; and by its influence regiments -of Highlanders were successively raised in 1759, 1779, and -1793 (fencible), all of which have long ago been disbanded, or, -more properly, are now merged and represented in the subject -of our present sketch, the Ninety-second, raised in 1794. The -efforts of the Marquis of Huntly, a captain in the Scots Fusilier -Guards, helped by the Duchess of Gordon, were most active -and successful in the business of recruiting. The Marquis -was rewarded with the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the regiment, -embodied at Aberdeen in June, 1794, and originally numbered -the 100th Regiment, afterwards the Ninety-second.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In September the regiment was embarked for Gibraltar, -where it remained in garrison, completing its drill, until the -following year, when it was removed to Corsica. With a -detachment, in occupation of the island of Elba, it remained -in Corsica so long as the natives were content with the British -rule. When the rising fame of their great countryman, -Napoleon, excited their admiration, and they desired to be -merged in the glory of his “empire,” our Government, convinced -of the inutility of maintaining an expensive garrison in -the island, and ever opposed to repressive measures antagonistic -to the feelings of the people, wisely resolved to leave them to -experience the bitterness of imperial tyranny. Accordingly, -the Ninety-second was withdrawn to Gibraltar in 1796.</p> - -<p class='c000'><span class='pageno' id='Page_396'>396</span>In 1798 the regiment returned to England, and thence -proceeded to Ireland, where it was employed in suppressing -the miserable attempts at rebellion got up by the disaffected, -and encouraged by France. Although not actively engaged -in the field, its good conduct in garrison was very commendable, -occurring at a time when the disorders of the country -presented many and powerful temptations. Fortunately, the -corps was soon released from the painful duty of appearing in -arms against those who should otherwise have been as brothers.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Under Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby, who -commanded the expedition of 1799 which proceeded against -the French in Holland, the Ninety-second was included in the -brigade of Major-General (afterwards Sir John) Moore, and -associated with the First Royal Scots (second battalion), the -Twenty-fifth King’s Own Borderers, the Forty-ninth Foot, and -the Seventy-ninth Cameron Highlanders. Landed at Helder, -it was engaged in the actions fought around the villages of -Crabbendam and Schagen, and commended for its “noble and -steady conduct.” At the battle of “Egmont-op-Zee,” whilst -escorting twenty pieces of artillery to the front, the Ninety-second -was fiercely assailed by a column of 6000 French. -Undaunted, the Highlanders stood the dreadful shock, when -bayonet met bayonet, and hundreds, locked in the fatal -embrace, fell the sacrifice of their own valour. Thus a horrid -rampart of dead and dying humanity lay between the -combatants. The carnage was terrible. The Ninety-second -alone had to lament a loss of nearly 300, and amongst -these its brave colonel, the Marquis of Huntly, and Lieutenant-Colonel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_397'>397</span>Erskine, both wounded. It was the charge -of the Ninety-second which began the action, their steady, -persevering gallantry which sustained it, and their unsurpassed -valour which completed the victory. Major-General Moore, -wounded in the conflict, was carried off the field by two -soldiers of the Ninety-second. “We can do no more than -take him to the doctor,” said they; “we must join the lads, -for every man is wanted.” Grateful for this service, Major-General -Moore offered to reward the soldiers who thus -probably saved his life, but no claimant appeared; either the -superstition of the Highlander, dreading the curse which the -acceptance of such “blood money” was supposed to entail, or -his native pride, would not allow the acceptance of the gift, or -else, what is more likely, the men, by a glorious death, were -now beyond the rewards of this world. Thus disappointed, -Major-General Moore found another means of commemorating -this act of generous devotion, in selecting a soldier of the -Ninety-second as one of the supporters of his armorial bearings. -By the convention of Alkmaar, the army abandoned -Holland to the French; and therewith the Gordon Highlanders -returning to England, were stationed at Chelmsford.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1800 the regiment was engaged in a fruitless enterprise -intended to aid the Royalists of France by a descent upon the -coast of that country. The remainder of the year was spent -unaccountably wandering up and down amongst the garrisons -of the Mediterranean—Gibraltar, Minorca, and Malta.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the spring of 1801 a definite purpose was assigned to -the regiment, as part of the expedition assembled in Marmorice -<span class='pageno' id='Page_398'>398</span>Bay, destined, under Sir Ralph Abercromby, to deliver Egypt -from the usurped dominion of France. Accomplishing a -successful landing despite the assaults of a powerful enemy, -whose artillery from the heights above swept the bay of -Aboukir, the Ninety-second, placed in brigade with the First -Royal Scots and the two battalions of the Fifty-fourth Foot, -advanced with the army towards Alexandria. On the 13th -of March the French were encountered at Mandora, where, -forming the advanced guard of the left column, the Gordon -Highlanders shared the glory of the action with the Ninetieth -Perthshire Volunteers. “Opposed to a tremendous fire, and -suffering severely from the French line, they never receded a -foot, but maintained the contest alone, until the marines and -the rest of the line came to their support.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>The Gordon Highlanders were honoured in being selected -to furnish a guard for the head-quarters of the Commander-in-Chief. -Sadly reduced by the inroads of sickness and the -sword, the regiment had been ordered to Aboukir, but the -battle of Alexandria occurring ere it had scarce begun the -march, arrested and recalled it to its place in line. The campaign -was closed by the surrender of Alexandria and the -submission of 24,000 veteran troops, who, under General -Menou, yet remained to France of the “Army of Egypt.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On the 15th of October, the Gordon Highlanders, embarking -from Alexandria, returned home, calling on the passage at -Malta, and finally arriving at Cork in 1802. The corps -remained in the United Kingdom for the five following years, -peacefully garrisoning various towns, during which period it -<span class='pageno' id='Page_399'>399</span>was increased by the addition of a second battalion, raised -in 1803, but disbanded in 1813.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1807 the first battalion was included with the Forty-third, -Fifty-second, and Ninety-fifth regiments, in the reserve -brigade of the British army of Lord Cathcart, which, invading -Denmark a second time, occasioned the capitulation of Copenhagen, -and arrested the Danish fleet. Returning from this -almost bloodless victory, a body of 600 men of the battalion -was shipwrecked in the “Neptunis,” but rescued after enduring -many and sore privations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>During the following year the Ninety-second was employed, -under Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore, in a vain expedition -to Sweden. Our aid being rejected, the army returned home.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It afterwards proceeded to the Peninsula, where it arrived -in time to learn that the Convention of Cintra had delivered -Portugal for the present from the thraldom of Marshal Junot, -the Emperor’s Lieutenant. Placed in the division of Lieut.-General -Sir John Hope, the Gordon Highlanders advanced -therewith into Spain, where a junction was formed with the army -of Sir John Moore. It endured with firmness all the hardships -of a disastrous yet successful retreat, crowning its perseverance -by its gallantry at the battle of Corunna, where it was called -to regret the loss of a gallant officer, Lieut.-Colonel Napier, -and, further, to mourn over the fall of the hero of the campaign, -Lieut.-General Sir John Moore, who terminated a life -of honour and a career of glory on that memorable battle-field.</p> - -<p class='c000'>This victory secured the unmolested embarkation of the -army, which accordingly sailed for England.</p> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_400'>400</span> -<h3 class='c014'>CHAPTER XLII.</h3> -</div> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in2'>“And, oh! loved warriors of the minstrel’s land!</div> - <div class='line in4'>Yonder your bonnets nod, your tartans wave!</div> - <div class='line in2'>The rugged form may mark the mountain band,</div> - <div class='line in4'>And harsher features, and a mien more grave.</div> - <div class='line in2'>But ne’er in battle throbbed a heart so brave,</div> - <div class='line in4'>As that which beats beneath the Scottish plaid;</div> - <div class='line in2'>And when the pibroch bids the battle rave,</div> - <div class='line in4'>And level for the charge your arms are laid,</div> - <div class='line'>Where lives the desperate foe that for such onset staid?”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>WALCHEREN—PENINSULA—WATERLOO—1809–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>In 1809 the Ninety-second was engaged under the Earl of -Chatham in the unfortunate expedition to Walcheren, wherein -a splendid army in a few weeks was discomfited by the poisoned -breath of the pestilence. Of 1000 men comprised in the Gordon -Highlanders, only 300 returned effective to England.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1810 the regiment embarked for the Peninsula, and -joined the army of Viscount Wellington in the lines of Torres -Vedras. Brigaded with the Fiftieth and Seventy-first regiments, -under Major-General Howard, it advanced with the army -in pursuit of the French under Marshal Messena, shared the -glories of “Fuentes d’Onor,” accomplishing the fall of Almeida.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The brigade was afterwards detached as part of the second -division of the army, commanded by Lieutenant-General Hill, -which covered the operations of the grand army under Wellington -against the fortresses of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz. -This division, pursuing the enemy towards Merida, overtook -and surprised the bronzed veterans of the fifth French corps, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_401'>401</span>under General Gerard, when about to decamp from Arroyo -del Molinos. The honour of this feat of arms is mainly due -to the Seventy-first and Ninety-second Highlanders, who, -during the raging of a fearful tempest, and screened by a thick -mist, charged into the village. In the confusion the loss of -the enemy was immense; of 3000 only 600 escaped to tell -the tale of the catastrophe. It is said the enemy was first -made aware of his danger by the scream of the bagpipes as -they appropriately played—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Hey, Johnnie Cope, are ye waukin’ yet?”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Driven out at the point of the bayonet, the French were -utterly broken and dispersed. Few events reflect greater -credit upon the Gordon Highlanders than this exploit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was the business of Lieut.-Gen. Hill so to engage the -attention of Marshal Soult, that he should be prevented assisting -the army of Marshal Marmont, opposed to Wellington. -By the capture of Forts Napoleon and Ragusa at “Almaraz,” -gallantly accomplished by the brigade, the separation of the -two Marshals was effected, and each forced to follow his own -line of retreat, at every step widening the breach.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The battle of Salamanca having cleared the way, the -British advanced to Madrid; and, whilst Wellington proceeded -against Burgos, Lord Hill occupied the capital. Tho -concentration of the French armies for the relief of Burgos -occasioned the abandonment of that enterprise, and, for the -last time, compelled our army to retire towards Portugal, -evacuating Madrid. “From the 27th October to the 20th -November, we were exposed,” says Lieut.-Col. Cameron, “to -<span class='pageno' id='Page_402'>402</span>greater hardships than I thought the human frame could bear. -In most inclement weather, with the canopy of heaven for our -covering, wet, cold, and hungry, we were generally marching -day and night. Fifteen poor fellows of the Ninety-second fell -down, and were lost. My heart bled for them.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>On reaching Alba de Tormes, an old Roman town, defended -by a ruined wall, it was deemed necessary to make a stand -against the pursuing enemy, who, urged forward by the vigorous -Soult, sorely pressed our army. Here the brigade, entrusted -with the honourable yet difficult duty of maintaining the rear -guard, behaved with extraordinary gallantry. The scene is -thus described by Lieut.-Col. Cameron:—“We did what we -could to improve our situation during the short time left us. -I threw an old door across the place where the gate once had -been, and barricaded it with sticks and stones.... We -had not a single piece of ordnance. Just as the clock of Alba -struck two, the French columns moved to the attack, and, -from that time until night, we sustained a hurricane of shot -and shell from twenty pieces of cannon! Their riflemen -threw themselves into ditches and ravines round the walls, -but their masses never forsook the protection of their artillery, -which was most dastardly for Soult, with ten thousand men!”</p> - -<p class='c000'>“It is said, that on the 8th, a French officer of high rank -approached so close to the position of the Ninety-second that -several muskets were levelled at him, when Cameron, disdaining -to take such an advantage, promptly forbade the firing -of a shot. It was Soult who was thus saved.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thus arrested, the French did not again disturb the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_403'>403</span>retreat. Both armies going into winter quarters, the campaign -of 1812 terminated.</p> - -<p class='c000'>With the first dawn of spring Wellington was again on -the move. Having re-organised his army, and been strengthened -by considerable reinforcements from home, with 78,000 -excellent troops, he proceeded to drive the enemy before him. -The French, on the other hand, discouraged by evil news -from Russia, and denied that assistance they needed, because -of the more urgent necessities of the Grand Army, could not -be expected to act with the same energy as heretofore, yet -did they exceed these anticipations.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At “Vittoria” King Joseph and Marshal Jourdan having -gathered together their utmost disposable force, ventured to -try the fate of battle, hoping to check the progress of the -British, or at least secure a safe retreat, laden, as they were, -with the spoil of the Peninsula. But the battle of Vittoria -fatally disappointed them, and rescued the treasures of Spain -from their avaricious grasp. In this battle, the Ninety-second -Highlanders, having been ordered to seize the heights whereon -the village of Puebla was perched, and hold the position to -the last, with persevering valour overcame a determined resistance, -pressed up the sides of the mountain, entered the -village with an impetuous charge, and, after a fierce struggle, -drove the enemy out.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Having gained this great victory, the British now addressed -themselves to the Herculean task of forcing a passage through -the defiles of the “Pyrenees” into France. Notwithstanding -the stupendous efforts of Marshal Soult to retrieve the losses -<span class='pageno' id='Page_404'>404</span>of Vittoria and defend these natural barriers of his country, -the British still pressed “forward.” On the 20th July, 1813, -whilst the brigade was threading its way through the pass of -Maya, it was vigorously attacked by a corps of 15,000 French, -who, forcing back that “fierce and formidable old regiment, -the Fiftieth,” upon the Seventy-first and Ninety-second Highlanders, -very nearly drove them out of the pass. These, -however, for <em>ten hours</em> stood the shock of this formidable -assault. “So dreadful was the slaughter, especially of the -Ninety-second, that it is said the advancing enemy was -actually stopped by the heaped mass of dead and dying. -Never did soldiers fight better—seldom so well. The stern -valour of the Ninety-second would have graced Thermopylae.” -Of 750 Gordon Highlanders who were engaged, only 400 survived -it scatheless, but these returned in the truest sense -“conquering heroes,” having, when every cartridge was expended, -and in presence of succour, decided the victory as -their own by a desperate charge. Throughout the many conflicts -which it needed to clear a passage through the Pyrenees, -and thereafter drive so terrible a foe successively across the -“Nivelle” and the “Nive,” the Ninety-second always displayed -the same desperate resolution and valour.</p> - -<p class='c000'>At the sanguinary action of St Pierre, which raged with -exceeding fury for three hours, cumbering a little space of one -mile with more than 5000 dead and dying, the Ninety-second -impetuously charged and destroyed two regiments of the -enemy. Pressing onwards, the Highlanders were arrested by -a fearful storm of artillery, and forced to retreat upon their -<span class='pageno' id='Page_405'>405</span>comrades of the Seventy-first; who likewise yielding to the -iron tempest, both found shelter and rallied behind their -brethren in brigade of the Fiftieth. “Then its gallant -colonel (Cameron) once more led it down the road, with -colours flying and music playing, resolved to give the shock -to whatever stood in the way. A small force was the Ninety-second -compared with the heavy mass in its front, but that -mass faced about and retired across the valley. How gloriously -did that regiment come forth again to charge, with their colours -flying and their national music playing as if going to a review! -This was to understand war. The man who in that moment, -and immediately after a repulse, thought of such military -pomp, was by nature a soldier.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Excepting at the battle of Toulouse, the Ninety-second was -daily engaged with the enemy, and always with equal credit.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The abdication and exile of Napoleon spread the calm of -peace over the face of Europe. Alas! that it should have been -but as some sweet vision of the night, doomed to be dissipated -by the dawn of the morrow, when the sterner realities of life, -its toils and its wars, anew presented themselves. The night -which had shrouded the destiny of imperial France was succeeded -by a new day happily; but, as a brief winter’s day, when -for a moment a glimpse of sunshine shone upon the spirit of -the old empire, as it seemed to revive beneath the influence of -the great Magician, who was wont to conjure up kingdoms -and dynasties by the mere fiat of his will. Soon we shall -find the day-dream of ambition eclipsed in a darker night. -Already, we can almost read the mysterious writing, prophetically -<span class='pageno' id='Page_406'>406</span>pointing to Waterloo, as more surely sealing the fate -of imperial France.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In 1815 the rude blast of war once more summoned the -Ninety-second to the field, as the gathering hosts of France -and the Allies accepted the dread arbitration of war on the -chivalric field of Flanders.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In this campaign the Ninety-second was brigaded with the -First Royal Scots, the Forty-second Royal Highlanders, and -the Forty-fourth Foot, under Major-General Sir Denis Pack, -and placed in the famous fifth division of Lieut.-General Sir T. -Picton. The same tide of imperial power, which rose upon -the Prussians at Ligny, rolled along towards Quatre Bras, -and dashed its stormy billows in foaming wrath upon the -living rocks of British valour there. As the Gordon Highlanders -encountered the furious onset of the corps of Marshal -Ney, Wellington himself was in their midst, and beheld their -splendid valour. Concealed in a ditch by the road-side, they -waited the charge of the French cavalry, as it ventured to -sweep past them in pursuit of the Brunswickers. Here, -however, the pursuit was stayed by a fatal volley from the -Highlanders. At length the Duke gave the word, as he -observed the enemy pushing along the Charleroi Road, “Now, -Cameron,” said he, “now is your time; you must charge these -fellows, and take care of that road.” Soon the massive -columns of the foe were broken and hurled back in confusion, -as the Ninety-second emerged from the awful conflict a bleeding -yet victorious remnant, having lost its brave commander, -Lieut.-Colonel Cameron, and nearly 300 comrades. Colonel -<span class='pageno' id='Page_407'>407</span>Cameron was deeply lamented by the regiment, and the whole -army. Temporarily buried in the vicinity of the field of -his latest glory, his remains were afterwards removed, by his -family, to the churchyard of Kilmallie, where his sacred dust -now reposes beside the chieftains of Lochiel. No funeral in the -Highlands was ever so honoured—the great, the noble, the -brave, and upwards of 3000 Highlanders were there to pay -the last tribute of respect to the beloved soldier, now no more.</p> - -<div id='i407' class='figcenter id033'> -<img src='images/i_b_407fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>FRENCH REVOLUTIONARY WAR.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>But the great event of these “hundred days” was at hand, -as the 18th of June dawned upon the plains of Waterloo.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was late in the day ere the Gordon Highlanders were -brought into action to recover the farm-house of La Haye -Sainte, lost by the Belgians, and which the First Royal Scots -and Forty-fourth regiments had failed to regain, from a column -of 3000 French. At this critical moment Major-General Sir -Denis Pack said, “Ninety-second, you must charge, for all -the troops to your right and left have given way.” Although -mustering scarce 300 men, with characteristic dauntlessness, -the Highlanders rushed impetuously to the attack, and in -another moment seemed lost amid the dark masses of the -foe. As if moved to help their countrymen, the Scots -Greys came to their aid, or rather to witness and complete -the victory the Highlanders had already won. Together, -shouting “Scotland for ever,” these splendid corps renewed -the assault, which utterly ruined the column of the enemy, -the survivors being only too glad to seek refuge in flight. -Sir Denis Pack having witnessed this magnificent charge -and its glorious effects, commending the Ninety-second, said, -<span class='pageno' id='Page_408'>408</span>“You have saved the day, Highlanders.” Meanwhile, beholding -with unfeigned regret the discomfiture of his troops, the -Emperor, at the same time, felt constrained to admire the -valour of the Highlanders, which had so signally triumphed, -exclaiming, “the brave Scots.”</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>And on the plains of Waterloo</div> - <div class='line'>The world confess’d the <em>bravest few</em></div> - <div class='line in8'>Were kilted men frae Scotland.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>Pursuing the enemy, the allies entered Paris in triumph, -and thence, on the surrender of Napoleon, dictated peace.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Returning to England, the regiment was employed in -various home garrisons, until the year 1819, when it was -removed to the West Indies. During its sojourn there it was -almost destroyed by the dreadful ravages of fever among its -soldiers, and returned to England a mere skeleton in 1827. -In 1834 it was removed to Gibraltar, and thence, in 1836, to -Malta. Whilst stationed at Malta, it was reviewed by Prince -Maximilian of Bavaria, and further honoured in furnishing -a Guard to Her Majesty the Queen Dowager whilst resident -in the island. In 1841 it was removed to the West -Indies, and two years later returned home. In 1851 it proceeded -to Corfu. Removed to Gibraltar in 1853, it embarked -thence to the Crimea, arriving a few days after the fall of -Sebastopol. Returning to Gibraltar in 1856, in 1858 it was -despatched, <em>via</em> overland route, to Bombay. In the suppression -of the Indian mutiny it was engaged at Rajghpur, Mongrowlie, -and Sindwah. It still remains in India.</p> - -<div id='i409' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_409fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>THE NINETY-THIRD SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.<br />MONUMENT IN GLASGOW CATHEDRAL TO ITS “CRIMEAN HEROES.”</p> -</div> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c002' /> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' id='Page_409'>409</span> - <h2 class='c003'>THE NINETY-THIRD FOOT; <br /> <span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> SUTHERLAND HIGHLANDERS.</h2> -</div> - -<h3 class='c015'>CHAPTER XLIII.</h3> - -<div class='lg-container-b c010'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>“Trust in the Lord, for ever trust,</div> - <div class='line in2'>And banish all your fears,</div> - <div class='line'>Strength in the Lord Jehovah is,</div> - <div class='line in2'>Eternal as His years.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c012'> - <div>CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—NEW ORLEANS—CRIMEA—INDIAN</div> - <div>MUTINY—1804–1862.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>General Stuart writes of this most respectable corps:—“None -of the Highland corps is superior to the Ninety-third -Regiment. I do not make comparisons in point of -bravery, for, if properly commanded, they are all brave; but -it is in those well-regulated habits, of which so much has been -already said, that the Sutherland Highlanders have for -twenty years preserved an unvaried line of conduct. The -light infantry company of this corps has been nineteen years -without having a man punished.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>Unfortunately, it has not been so highly favoured as many -of its predecessors in having the same rare opportunities for -displaying in the field the sterner qualities of the soldier. -Nevertheless, in the few enterprises in which it has been -<span class='pageno' id='Page_410'>410</span>engaged, it has always shown itself to be equally meritorious, -possessing the same heroic valour which has so signally glorified -the Highland regiments in every corner of the world.</p> - -<p class='c000'>It was raised in the year 1800, on behalf of the ancient -and honourable family of Sutherland, by Major-General -William Wemyss of Wemyss. Of its original members, 460 -were Sutherland men. It still retains its Highland character, -perhaps more so than any other corps, and like many of them, -the Channel Islands witnessed its maiden service.</p> - -<p class='c000'>When the Peace of Amiens seemed likely to continue its -blessings to the country, and supersede the necessity of an -extensive military establishment, our Government proposed to -reduce the strength of the army, and the Sutherland Highlanders -were accordingly ordered home to Scotland in 1802 -for the purpose of disbandment. Ere this could be accomplished, -symptoms of unquiet became too painfully evident in -the political horizon of Europe, which fortunately occasioned -the retention of this excellent regiment intact among the -stalwart defenders of our land at a moment of peril such as -never before had threatened our independence as a nation.</p> - -<p class='c000'>As the danger for the present somewhat subsided, the -Ninety-third, in 1805, was included in the expedition which, -under Major-General Sir David Baird, proceeded against the -Dutch colony of the Cape of Good Hope. With the Seventy-first -and Seventy-second regiments it formed the Highland -brigade of Brigadier-General Ferguson, which landed in -Lespard Bay. On this occasion, thirty-five of the Sutherland -Highlanders were drowned by the upsetting of a boat in the -<span class='pageno' id='Page_411'>411</span>surf. The only opposition of any consequence made by the -Dutch Governor, Lieutenant-General Janssens, was encountered -at Blaw Berg, or Blue Mountains, where the irresistible charge -of the Highland Brigade decided the fortune of the battle in -our favour. After this experience of British valour, the Governor -relinquished the contest, and surrendered the colony.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Retained in the garrison, “being anxious to enjoy the -advantages of religious instruction agreeably to the tenets of -their national church, the men of the Ninety-third Regiment -formed themselves into a congregation, appointed elders of -their own number, engaged and paid a stipend (collected -from the soldiers) to a clergyman of the Church of Scotland, -and had Divine service performed agreeably to the -ritual of the Established Church.” Consistent with this -excellent conduct, so gratifying to every thinking man who -claims a patriotic interest in the soldiers of his country, no -matter what be his creed, we quote a further illustration of the -godly character of these true soldiers. On their return from -the Cape of Good Hope, when “disembarked at Plymouth in -August, 1814, the inhabitants were both surprised and gratified. -On such occasions it had been no uncommon thing -for soldiers to spend in taverns and gin-shops the money -they had saved. In the present case, the soldiers of Sutherland -were seen in booksellers’ shops, supplying themselves -with Bibles, and such books and tracts as they required.” -Mindful of the wants of the “old folks at home,” “during -the short period that the regiment was quartered in Plymouth, -upwards of £500 were lodged in one banking-house, to be -<span class='pageno' id='Page_412'>412</span>remitted to Sutherland, exclusive of many sums sent home -through the post-office and by officers. Some of these sums -exceeded £20 from an individual soldier.” We may well -expect great things from men of such a stamp, no matter what -be their profession—truly in them is exhibited “an honourable -example, worthy the imitation of all.”</p> - -<p class='c000'>In the eventful times of which we write little rest could -be granted to the soldier. Thus, we find the regiment, within -a month after its arrival at Plymouth, on its way across the -Atlantic, as part of the expedition under Major-General the -Hon. Sir Edward Pakenham, destined to operate against the -city of New Orleans. Rendevouzed at Jamaica, the expedition -proceeded thence on the 27th November, and landed at Cat -Island, at the mouth of the Mississippi, on the 13th December, -1814. The unfavourable nature of the ground, the immediate -presence of an enemy greatly superior in numbers, and having -an extended line of formidable entrenchments whither to retreat, -rendered the enterprise one of difficulty and danger. Commanded -by able officers having every confidence in their soldiers, -perhaps overrated as they overtasked their capabilities, the army -fearlessly advanced, surmounting all the obstacles which lay in -the way ere they confronted the citadel of the American position. -Nothing could surpass the heroism of the Commander-in-Chief, -who fell whilst leading the troops to the assault, nor the gallantry -of the officers supporting him, of whom Major-Generals -Gibb and Keane (afterwards Lord Keane) were wounded—the -former fatally. Nothing could excel the dauntless bravery with -which the troops followed their leaders through the murderous -<span class='pageno' id='Page_413'>413</span>tempest of musketry and artillery, which carried death and -destruction into their very midst; yet all was unavailing, save -the attack of Colonel Thornton upon the right of the enemy—everywhere -else these formidable entrenchments proved impregnable -to so small a force, unaided by an adequate artillery. -Thus, after a fearful loss of life and limb, Major-General Sir John -Lambert felt constrained to abandon the attempt and sound -the retreat. Weakened by a loss of upwards of 1500 killed -and wounded—nearly a third of which was sustained by the -Ninety-third, proof of the valour of the corps in this fiery trial—the -troops were re-embarked, and bade adieu to the scene of -so terrible a disaster.</p> - -<p class='c000'>On their return home in 1815, the Sutherland Highlanders -were peacefully employed; for the long period of nearly forty -years its history presents a comparatively uninteresting record -of military stations occupied from time to time, lightened -by such glimpses of character as these:—One inspecting officer -reports the Sutherland Highlanders to exhibit a “picture of -military discipline and moral rectitude;” another declares them -“altogether incomparable;” and the colonists of the Cape of -Good Hope lament their loss as “kind friends and honourable -soldiers.” Such are the men whose good conduct in quarters -and in peace evince a sterling character which, never failing in -the day of battle, is capable of sustaining a great renown.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Passing down the stream of time, we arrive at the year -1854, and follow the Ninety-third to the Crimea—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>When despot power in pride sent forth</div> - <div class='line'>Her slaves from empire of the North,</div> - <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_414'>414</span>To crush in her gigantic fold</div> - <div class='line'>The nation who its own would hold,</div> - <div class='line in10'>And wad be free like Scotland.</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>On leaving Plymouth <em>en route</em> to embark for the seat of war, -whilst other troops in like circumstances manifested a fearless -indifference, striving to kill the thoughts of long farewells by -marching to the tune of “Cheer, boys, cheer,” in keeping with -their past history, the Sutherland Highlanders unostentatiously -preferred to chant a hymn of praise to the God of battles. -What a lovely and impressive sight!—lovely in the sight of -God and man, to behold these brave men going forth as -Christian British soldiers beneath the banner of their country, -at the same time the banner of the Cross.</p> - -<p class='c000'>Thence we learn the secret of that Samson strength, deep-rooted -in the soul, which fixed them like a living rock of -Gaelic valour at Balaklava. They feared not to die, for death -to such was welcome, not to satisfy the cravings of a mere -earthly heroism, but because in that grim messenger they could -recognise the herald beckoning their immortal spirits on high, -opening the portals of a bright hereafter to an emancipated soul.</p> - -<p class='c000'>In our army, which after a variety of anterior and unimportant -movements landed in the Crimea in September, 1854, with -a view to the humbling of the aggressive might of Russia, the -Ninety-third with the Forty-second and Seventy-ninth formed -the original Highland Brigade, so justly celebrated. No higher -compliment to its worth could have been accorded, than that of -being associated in the same division with the brigade of Guards. -Advancing towards Sebastopol, the enemy was discovered in a -<span class='pageno' id='Page_415'>415</span>very strong position, prepared to dispute the passage of the -river Alma. It needed all the skill of our officers, and a -desperate exercise of bravery on the part of our troops, to -drive the enemy from the position; and the occasion called -forth the native energy of the Highlanders, led by their -deservedly favourite chief, Major-General Sir Colin Campbell.</p> - -<div id='i415' class='figcenter id034'> -<img src='images/i_b_415fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>THE CRIMEA.</p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>“Balaklava,” than which no name is more expressive of -glory dearly won, is commemorative of the triumphs of our -cavalry—the irresistible charge of the Heavy Brigade, and -the “death ride” of the dauntless Light Brigade. But -another and, if possible, a grander event immortalises the -scene. The story of “<em>the thin red line</em>” which the Sutherland -Highlanders presented when, isolated from the army, alone -and in line, they withstood the desperate charge of the -Russian cavalry, is an exploit which must stir the soul of -every Scotsman. The cool intrepidity of Sir Colin Campbell -in such trying circumstances, and his unbounded confidence in -the mettle of his Highlanders, most remarkably glorify the -victors in the marvellous result.</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c012'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>Like billows dashed upon the rock,</div> - <div class='line'>Unmoved, ye met the dreadful shock;</div> - <div class='line'>When horsemen furious charged your <em>line</em>,</div> - <div class='line'>Brave Campbell cried, “These men are mine—</div> - <div class='line in10'>“Ye needna fear for Scotland.”</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>The brigade was increased to a division by the addition of -the Seventy-first and Seventy-second Highlanders, and was -chiefly employed in reserve, covering Balaklava. In the final -bombardment of Sebastopol, the Highland regiments were -<span class='pageno' id='Page_416'>416</span>selected to make the second assault upon the Redan, but in -the meantime the place was abandoned by the enemy. The -subsequent fall of Sebastopol brought about peace, when the -Ninety-third, released from the stern duties of war, returned -home laden with many honours.</p> - -<p class='c000'>The awful tragedy of the Indian mutiny, which cast its -dismal shadow over the history of the year 1857, once more -called forth the services of the Ninety-third. It followed its -favourite leader, Sir Colin Campbell, to the plains of India, -visiting with a terrible vengeance the murdering villains, the -traitors, and the rebels, as with the army it advanced to the -relief of the beleaguered garrison of Lucknow, yet struggling -for very life. In every instance where the foe was to be -encountered, the Sutherland Highlanders were most conspicuous -for their gallantry. Having finally captured Lucknow, -the regiment was engaged in several harassing conflicts with -the enemy, sharing in some of these, such as Bareilly, with the -Ninety-second. Its last action was fought in December, 1858, -near Biswah. It still remains in India, and is now stationed -at Peshawar.</p> - -<hr class='c035' /> - -<p class='c000'>Thus we close our History of the Scottish Regiments with -this latest illustration of Highland valour, and we think our -readers will admit, however faulty the writer, the theme at -least is worthy of their best attention, nay, is entitled to their -truest sympathy.</p> - -<hr class='c036' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>GLASGOW: PRINTED BY THOMAS MURRAY AND SON.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div id='i416' class='figcenter id015'> -<img src='images/i_b_416fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic002'> -<p>PRESENTATION OF CRIMEAN MEDALS BY HER MAJESTY, HORSE GUARDS, LONDON</p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='tnotes'> - -<p class='c000'><a id='endnote'></a></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='large'>Transcriber’s Note</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c000'>This table summarizes the few changes that were made, where the issues -seemed clearly to be attributable to printers errors.</p> - -<table class='table8' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='17%' /> -<col width='44%' /> -<col width='37%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 56</td> - <td class='c004'>manœ[vu/uv]res</td> - <td class='c016'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 60</td> - <td class='c004'>Villa Viciosa</td> - <td class='c016'><em>sic.</em> Villaviciosa</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 192</td> - <td class='c004'>Nap[eol/ole]on</td> - <td class='c016'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 239</td> - <td class='c004'>rhy[r]me</td> - <td class='c016'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 248</td> - <td class='c004'>carry them back.[”]</td> - <td class='c016'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 311</td> - <td class='c004'>were not [not] only paralysed</td> - <td class='c016'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 370</td> - <td class='c004'>decided the contest.[”]</td> - <td class='c016'>Removed.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c004'>p. 385</td> - <td class='c004'>nuc[el/le]us</td> - <td class='c016'>Transposed.</td> - </tr> -</table> - -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of History of the Scottish Regiments in -the British Army, by Archibald K. 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