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'Tis wonderful That an invisible instinct should frame them To loyalty unlearned ; honour untaught ; Civility not seen from others ; valour That wildly grows in them, but yields a crop As if it had been sowedi Shakespeare. THIRD EDITION. VOL. I. EDINBURGH : PRINTED FOR ARCHIBALD CONSTABLE AND CO. EDINBURGH* LONGMAN, HURST, REES, ORME, BROWN AND GREEN ' AND HURST, ROBINSON, AND CO. LONDON. 1825. y/ PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. I AM unwilling to lay the following Sketches before the public, without offering a few observa- tions explanatory of the circumstances under which the work was originally undertaken. This is the more necessary, as it will serve, in some measure, to account for imperfections of style and compo- sition, and afford me an opportunity of apolo- gizing for the freedom with which 1 have pre- sumed to offier opinions, probably not always agree- able, nor suited to many preconceived notions re- specting the character, capability, and condition of the Highlanders. Any literary inaccuracies or defects which the more learned reader may disco- ver, proceed from the inexperience of a plain prac- tical soldier, who passed twenty-five years of his life in barracks, in military quarters, and in camps ; accustomed, perhaps, to notice passing events, and to exercise his memory, but without the least anti- cipation or intention of attempting to arrange his recollections in their present form. I have in fact been led on by circumstances to make the attempt without any premeditated plan. My statements' however, are grounded on authentic documents • on communications from people in whose intelli- gence and correctness I place implicit confidence • on my own personal knowledge and observation • ^''^^•u'?,-*^^ ™^'^ ""^ ^""^"^^ information, of great credibihty and consistency, preserved among the VI IMIEFACE. Hi^rhlandcis of the Inst century. From the con- lldcnee derived from tliese cireumstiinccs, I fear I have hccn led to attacli more importance to the 8ul)ject than will jrcnerally he admitted to belong to it, and to express myself with a freedom and warmth which many may consider reprehensible. If I an' found to have erred in this respect, and to have expressed myself in language unsuitable to the subject, or unbecoming the chamcter which I am ambitious to maintain, my only defence is—an lionest and perfect conviction of the truth of all I have advanced, and of the vital importance attach, ed to several points touched upon, both in the Sketches and in the Military History. Ihe origin of these Sketches and Military De- tails was simply this :— When the Forty-second regiment was removed from Dublin to Donagha- dee in the year 1771, the baggage was sent round by sea. The vessel having it on board was unfor- tunately driven on shore by a gale of wind, and wrecked ; the greater part of the cargo and bag- gage was lost, and the portion saved, especially the regimental books and records, was much injured. A misfoitune somewhat similar occurred, when the aiiuy, under the Earl of Moira, landed' at Os- tend in Jmie 1794. The transports were ordered round to Helvoetsluys, with orders to wait the fur- ther movements of the troops. But the vessels had not been long there, when the enemy invaded Hol- land in great force, and, entering Helvoetsluys seized on the transports in the harbour. Among the number of vessels taken were those which had conveyed the Forty-second to Flanders, having on board every article of regimental baggage, except PREFACK. Vll the knapsacks with whicli the oflicers and soldicm had landed at Ostend in light marching order. Along with the baggage, a well-selected library, and, what was more to be regretted, all that re- mained of the historical records of the regiment, from the period of its formation till the year 179^, fell into the hands of the enemy. After the conclusion of the late war, his lioyal Highness the Commander-in-Chief directed that the Forty. second should draw up a record of its services, and enter it in the regimental books, for the information of those who should after- wards belong to the corps. As none of the of- ficers who had served previously to the loss of the records in I794 were then in the regiment, some difficulty arose in drawing up the required statement of service ; indeed, to do so correctly was found impossible, as, for a period of fifty-four years previous to 1793, the materials were very defective. In this situation, the commanding of- ficer, in the year 1817, requested me to supply him with a few notices on the subject. After some hesitation and delay, I commenced ; but merely with the intention of noting down as much as would cover about thirty or forty pages of the record book. I did not, indeed, expect that my knowledge of the subject would enable me to ex- tend my statement to greater length, especially as I had kept no journal, and had never even been in the habit of taking any notes or memorandums of what I had heard or seen : but as I proceeded, I found that I knew more, and had a better recol- lection of circumstances, than I was previously aware of, although, in the multiplicity of facts I viti FRUFACIC. have had to state, some inaccuracies may after- wards be discovered. I had, indeed, possessed considerable advantages. Several old officers of great intelligence belonged to the regiment when I joined it. One of these had not been a week absent from the day he entered in the year I755. His wife, too, who was a widow when he married her, had joined the regiment with her first hus- band m the year 1744, and had been equally close in her attendance, except in cases where the pre- sence of females was not allowed. She had a clear recollection of much that she had seen and heard, and related many stories and anecdotes w'.th the animated and distinct recitation of the Highland senachies. Another officer, of great judgment, and of a most accurate and retentive memory, had joined the regiment in the year 1766 ; and a third m 1769. I had also the advantage of being ac- quainted with several Highland gentlemen who had served as private soldiers in the regiment when first organized. The information I received from these different sources, together with that which I otherwise acquired, led me on almost in- sensibly till the narrative extended to such length, that I had some difficulty in compressing the ma- terials into their present size. It then struck me that I could, without much difficulty, give similar details of the service of the other Highland regi- ments. In the course of this second investigation I met m all of them much of the same character and principles. The coincidence was indeed strik- mg, and proved that this similarity of conduct and character must have had some common origin to discover the nature of which appeared an ob' PREFACE. IX ject worthy of inquiry. Tlic closest investigation only contirmed the opinion T had before enter- tained, that the strongly marked difference be- tween the manners and conduct o^ the mountain clans and those of the Lowlanders, and of every other known country, originated in the patriarchal form of government, which differed so widely from the feudal system of other coimtries. I, therefore, attempted to give a sketch of those manners and institutions by which this distinct character was formed ; and, having delineated a hasty outline of the past state of manners and character, the transition to the changes that had been produced, and the present condition of the same people, was obvious nnd natural. Hence I have been led on, step by step, from one at- tempt to another, till the whole attjiined its present form. A work, thus undertaken as it were by accident, and without any previous plan or design, one part of the subject naturally leading to the other, may claim some indulgence for a writer whose only qua- lification is a tolerably intimate knowledge of the subject, conjoined with a great and earnest desire to do it justice. I trust, therefore, that, from the enlightened reader who takes these circumstances into consideration, and reflects on the difficulties which a plain soldier, unaccustomed to composi- tion, had to encounter, in making such an attempt as that now respectfully, and with great diffidence, submitted to the Public, I shall meet with that li- beral share of indulgence which I so much require, and which, all circumstances considered, will not, I trust, be denied me. Garth, 24M April, 1822. . PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. These Sketches, which, with extreme diffidence, I lately submitted to public notice, having met with a more favourable reception than I could ever have ventured to expect, and a large impression having been rapidly disposed of, I am now encou- raged to offer a Second Edition, with a degree of satisfaction which I could neither have hoped for nor anticipated. I have been farther gratified, by receiving numerous communications, confirming the general correctness of the great multiplicity of facts and circumstances which I have had occasion to detail. In a few instances, indeed, the friendly observations of others have enabled me to cor- rect some errors of no great importance, being principally mistakes in dates and omissions of names, of which I have gladly availed myself in this edition. It cannot but be satisfactory, that more numerous alterations have not yet proved necessary; as, in the great mass of statements I have heard, not always coinciding in terms or in XII PREFACE. circumstances, I frequently experienced extreme difficulty in detailing military operations in such a manner as to afford satisfaction, or appear cor- rect, to all who were present; every moment, every change of position, often assuming a differ- ent aspect, according to the distance, particular sta- tion, and capability of the observer to form a cor- rect judgment of what passed under his notice. I therefore publish the Second Edition without any material alterations, except a few additional anecdotes and observations, which, from the neces- sity of compression, and other circumstances, I was obliged to leave out in the first impression of the work. ^^dinburgh, June 25, 1822, PREFACE TO THE I'HIRD EDITION. A Second Edition of 1300 copies having been rapidly thrown off, while the demand for the work continued in a great measure unabated, I made early preparations for a Third Edition, the printing of which was forthwith commenced. But owing to the distance of Garth from the Press, and hav- ing no daily Post, with other causes of interrup- tion, this proceeded so slowly that the publica- tion of the present Edition has, in consequence, been delayed for more than a year beyond the time at which, in justice to the work, it ought to have appeared. The delay thus occasioned has, however, been attended with one important advan- tage ; it has afforded me time and ample opportu- nities of re-examining my statements, and of apply- ing corrections, where such appeared necessary. If I have seen cause to make but few alterations, with hardly a qualification, even in those economi- cal views which are, of course, most liable to be disputed, it is solely because the result of the most minute inquiries, and of personal observation, has strikingly confirmed the general accuracy of my XIV PREFACE. Statements and reasonings, and aftbrds me addi- tional confidence in the truth and justness of the opinions which I was previously led to maintain. I employed three months of 1833 in this personal investigation, and travelled upwards of one thou- sand miles through the Highlands, always commu- nicating with the most intelligent, and those best qualified by their judgment, general intelligence, and local knowledge, to give the most correct in- formation, and unprejudiced opinions, on the sub- jects of my inquiries. Receiving the fullest con- firmation from such men, I have now the more sa- tisfaction in adding, that while I thus exerted my- self to render the present Edition as correct as pos- sible, the alterations are so few and unimportant as not to diminish in any degree, the value and gene- ral accuracy of the former Editions. 1^'' CONTENTS OF VOLUME FIRST. PART I. Section ] Page Geographical Situation and Extent of the Highlands— Cel tic Kingdom ..... 2. System of Clanship— Patriarchal Sway of the Chiefs— Con- sequences of this System— Effects of the want of Laws, and of coni^ant agitation and alarms on the Character of the People . . . . . 3. Devoted Obedience of the Clans— Spirit of Independence- Fidelity 4i. Arms — Warlike Array .... 5. Highland Garb ..... 6. Bards— Pipers — Music .... 7. General Means of Subsistence— Checks on Population— Sa- lutary Influence of Custom in the Absence of Laws a Love of Country— Early Associations— Traditional Tales and Poetry . . . . . 9, Disinterested, but mistaken, Loyalty and Fidelity— Conduct •nl745 102 10. Abolition of Hereditary Jurisdictions— F : arming Act- Suppression of the Highland Garb . . , 119 3 23 49 71 77 84 90 96 PART II. PRESENT STATE AND CHANGES OF CHARACTER, MAN- NERS, AND PERSONAL APPEARANCE. Section 1. InfluenceofPoliticaland Economical Arrangements Change in the Character of the Clans— Introduction of Fanaticism in Religion 125 2. Causes and Consequences of these Changes — State when placed on small lots of Land— Poverty followed b, Demoraliza- *i°" . 143 xvi CONTENTS. Sect ION 3. Beneficial Results of Judicious Arrangements, and of allow- ing time to acquire a knowledge of Agricultural Improve- ments — Emig.-ation— Agricultural Pursuits promote Inde- pendence and prevent Pauperism 4. Illicit Distillation— Consequences of reducing the Highland- ers from the condition of Small Tenantry— Policy of retain- ing an Agricultural Population PART III. Page 177 199 MILITARY ANNALS. Sectiom 1. Black Watch — Independent Companies— Embodied into a Regiment at Taybridge in 1740— March to England- Review — Mutiny ..... 2. Embarked for Flanders, 1743— Battle of Fontenoy— Return to Britain in 1745— Three Additional Companies— Battle of Prestonpans — Descent on the Coast of France, 1746 Return to Ireland— Embark for Flanders, 1747— Thence for Ireland in 1749— The Number changed from the 43d to the 42d Regiment — Character of the Regiment 271 3. Embark for North America in 1756— Expedition against ' Louisbourg in 1757— Attack on Ticonderoga and Louis- bourg in 1758— On Fort du Quesne— On Martinique and Guadaloupe in 1759 .... 4. Operations under General Amherst in North America ir 1760— Expedition under General Wolfe — Battle of the Heights of Abraham— Death of General Wolfe— Battle of Quebec— Fraser's Highlanders 5. Montgomery's Highlanders— Dominique taken in 1761— Martinique in 1762— -Havannah taken in 1762 . 349 6. Fraser's, Montgomery's, and Royal Highlanders— St John's Newfoundland, 1762— Bushy Run, 1763— Fort Pitt, 1764 —Ireland, 1767— Scotland, 1775 7. Highlanders embark for America in 1775 — Battle of Brook- lyn, 1776— Battle of White Plains— Capture of Fort ' Washington, 1777— Hessians surprised at Trenton— Pis- quatua— Battle of Brandy-wine — General Wayne sur- prised—Attack of German Town— White Marsh— Battle of Monmouth, 1778— Rhode Island— Verplanks— Stony Point— Detachment of Recruits from London— Conse- quences— Charlestown taken, 1780— Some Highlanders deserted jn 1783— Stationed in Halifax, 1786— Embark for England in 1789— Rct\irn to Scotland in 1790 373 304 331 362 CONTENTS. xvu Page SxcTlON 8. Duties of the Regiment in Scotland— .DisturbhUcfes iii tloss- shire in 1792— Embark for Flanders in IWS—Join tlie Allied Army at Menin— Relief of Nieuport— Return to England— Embark for the Coast of France— £mbark for Flanders in June 1T94«— Nimegueft— Dlstresrfng March to Bremen — Return to England— Regiments augmented by Drafb from the newly ratsed Corps , . 41 3 9. EmbaA for the West Indies in 1793— Fle« scattered In a succession of Gales — One Division of the Highlanders driven back, the other reaches Bailiadoes— Attack on St Lucia tod St Vintent Ih 1796— Porto Rico, 1797— Re- turn to England, and thence sail for Gibraltar— ExpedU tion against Minorca tn 1798— Expedition against Cadiz in 1800— Malta 459 10. Expedition to Egypt in 1801— Landing at Aboukir— Battle of the 13th of March— 90th and 92d Regiments lead the AttaA— Battle of Alexandria— Surrender of Cairo— Sur- render of Alexandria— Indian; Army . . 459 11. England— Hi^land Society— Reviewed by the King- March to Scotland— Reception— Recruits— 2d Battalion added in 1803— March to England— EmbarkYor Gibral- tar in 1803— Spain, 1808— Battle of Corunna, 1809— Return to England • • . . . fi04 APPENDIX. A, Parallel Roads . . ^ B, Ancient League between France and Scotland * ? D, War Cries, Signals, and Distinguishing Marks of the Clans m E, Feuds— Garth and Macivor . . ' i F, Characteristic Anecdotes , , * ^ G, Sketch of the Life and Character of Rob Roy . '. 17 H, John Dhu Cameron, or Sergeant Mor . . ' a» I, Highland Armour . . ] ' * K, Bows and Arrows ' * 37 VOL, I. 5 XVlll appei;dix. HI L, Highland Garb M, Weddings N, ' Music O, . Game I'agc 28 30 31 33 34. 35 36 P, Honourable manner of Contracting Bargains , Q, Patronymics ... B, Spelling of the Name of Stewart S, State of Education in the Highlands in tlie Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries , , , • . . 37 T, Second.sight . , . , .4.1 •, Pr^udiced Views of Highland Character , . 42 U, Lord President Forbes . . . . 44 V, Supposed Ferocity of the Highlanders , . . 46 W, Disinterested Attachment, and Liberal Pecuniary Support afforded to Chiefs and Landlords when in Distress , . 43 X, Equality of Property, and Operation of the New Systems . 49 y. Report of Highland Convicts .... 50 Z, Ancient Cultivation • • . . . 52 A A, Respectability and Independence of small Farmers in comparison with Day-labourers . . . . . 54 BB, Comparative Produce from Cultivation, and from Land in the state of Nature » • • • « CC, Poor, andPoors* Funds • • • » » DD, Letting Lands by Auction, Advertisements, or Private Offers EE, Influence of Public Opinion • . . . FF, Religious Education— Gaelic Schools GG, The best Soldiers destroyed by inattention to their FeeL'ngs and Dis- positions - • . . HH, Remarkable Instance of Military Talent exhibited both in the Plans of the Commandersi and in their Execution . 65 J I, Earl of Crawfurd, Colonel of the Highland Regiment . 66 55 57 58 59 60 63 1 i i NOTES EXPLANATORY OF THE MAP OF THE CLANS. It is proper to state, that the divisions into which tlie clans are arranged on the Map, are not intended to indicate that the chiefs, or heads of tlie principal branches of all the clans, were the sola proprietors of the lands classed under their respective names. In several instances, they were only occnpiers and tenants at will of the lands on which they and their forefathers had lived for ages. But while the clansmen obeyed and followed the chiefs of their family and kindred, the superiors and proprietors of their lands seldom held any authority or feudal control, except in cases where the superior and his people entertained similar political views and sentiments.* The lands thus occupied by different clans and tribes, either as proprietors or tenants, are generally called their *' Country " or territory ; Brae Lochaber, for example, which was occupied for nearly five hundred years by the Macdonells of Kep- poch, and their numerous descendants, is called " Keppoch's Country, " although the fee-simple of tlie property had been vested for the greater part of the period in the families of Gor- don and Mackintosh. Tlie Dukes of Gordon and Argyle were feudal superiors of the whole of the Camerons' Country, the for- mer nobleman being also proprietor of part of the lands, as also of a considerable portion of Badenoch, the " Country of the Mac- phersons, " many of whom are his Grace's tenants. Indeed, this clan is so numerous in that extensive district, that, except in the * Notliiiig can be more erroneous than an opinion, often repeated, and lliert'fore sometimes believed, that whatever side the feudal superior took in any great political question or contest, he was invariably followed by his sub- servient adherents. Many instances to the contrary are stated in these Sket- dies, and I could produce many more, all highly creditable to the spirit of independence which long distinguished the clansmen. EXPLANATION OP THE MAP. CMC of An accidental emigration from the Duke's Lowland efltate«, there is not a tenant of the name of Gordon throughout ita whole extent. The Duke of AthoU possesses a very extensive property iu Athole; but the district has, for centuries, been called the Country of the Stewarts, Robertsons, Fergusons, &c. With the exception of the Duke, than is not in the whole district a proprietor or occupier of hind of t)ie name of Murray ; but many descendants, whose fore- fathers sprung from the AthoU family prior to the change of their name from Stewart to Murray, are still resident in the clens of A^h((ae, Pwt of two large pariskeB on the estate of Sutherland, including 'Strathnaver, from which the earldom of Sutherland derives its se- tondary title, is siAnatedi in Lord Reay's Country, or, as it is called m Gaelic, tke Territory of the Mackays. The ranks of the Suther. land regin^eot of 1798 bore evidence to the propriety of this appel- lation, as.o^ huM(Ared and fimr Wittiam Mackays, almost all of thcw firom Strathaaveif, were in the corps, and: seventeen in one com- pa«y, Cafrtain '"ackviUe Sutherland'*!. The smaU dans of Maclarens of Balquhidder in Perthshire, Mac- intyres of Axgyle, Ma^reas of Ross, Gunns of Sutheriand, and seve- ?al othsra, were not propidetois, but, from the earliest history of the flwis, tiH a very recent period, oGcunied their lands in undisturbed eujiceHsiou. In defiainj? the divisions and different territories on the Map, it wa^ imposHibte to attain the correctness of a measured plan; conse- quently, there are some laige estates, belonging to other proprietors, included in districts designated as the territory of a particular chm; Iw^ I hope this outline wUl aSbrd a general, and tolerably correct,* idea of the locjjity of the Highland clans, and will tend to illustrate the Lord President Forbes's Memorial on theu- Territories, Military Force, and Patronymics. As this document, which will be seen in the Appendix, was di-awn up in. 1746 and 1747, the divisions are in general made to suit that period. Thus the estates attached to thg Caetles of Comrie and Sliian, and the lands of Aberieldy, are includ- ed in the Country of Menzies, as they were in 1746, although they are now the property of the Eail of Breadalbane. There have been many other changes of property since that period, which it is unne- cessary to mention. M\. REFERENCES TO THR MAP OF THE CLANS. No. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. SiNCLAIRS. Mackays. SuTHERLANDS, mcluduig the GuNNS, or Clan*Guinn. Rosses; fonnerly, when the chiefs of this ckui were Earla oi Ross, they possessed a large portion of the county. MUNROES. Mackenzies, includuig their ancient followers, llb» Macraes, Maclennans, &c. Macleods. This clan formerly possessed the Island of Lewis, and the district of Assynt, in the county of Roas. Macdonalds of Sleate. MACKINNONS. Macdonells of Glengarry. Macdonald of Clanronald. * Camerons. Macdonells of Keppoch. Macphersons. Frasers. Grant of Glenmoriston. Chisholms. Mackintoshes, including the Macgiluvrays, Macbeans, and Macqueens. Grants of Grant. Gordons. In Glenlivet, and in the Braes of Moray, BanfF, and Aberdeen, the Gordons, Stewarts, and Forbeses, are so intermixed, that their lands cannot be separately classed. Farquharsons. Stewarts of Athole, including the Robertsons, Fergusons, Rattrays, Spaldings; also the Stewarts of Grandtully. Robertsons. • Although the chieftains of Macdonald are separately numbered, agreeably to the President's Memorial, they form only one clan. The branches of the Stewart family aie likewise numbered separately, although they are but on« clan. This applies to other clans when the name is repeated. nEFEUENrES TO THE MAP. .« No. 24. MEK2IES. It hafl Uoon mentioii.Ml tliat Glonquauh, and ofliei partH of tlio ...Htato «f lireadulhane, were tliw property uf tiiJH *l'"'*, P'^y ''*^*' «'•*» •'«•'" for a lonK Fri<»l NiippriorH of part of Glenlyon. Tlio Macdiaumid.s, in th*. lattor kI«'m, aro cou- 8Hler«d one of the uiohI ancient names in the llitfhiai'ds. 25. Macnabs. 26. Macgheoohs. Tliis clan was once nuinerouH in Balquhidder and Monteith, bIho in Glenorchy, and tJiey aro Htill in irreat nuinberH in the dJHtrict of Feanian, on the north Hif, and two others in his immediate neighbouriiood, they cannot be distinguished. The Macdougalls once possessed the whole of the district of Lorn. Tliese ( >• ntrics were afterwards transferred to the Stewart family, anu from .hem, by mar-'age, to the Camp- bells. 37. Macdonalds of Gienco. 38. Stewarts of Appin. 39. Macleans, including the Macquarjiies. Morvcn on the Main- land, and pait of tlie Isle of Mull, now the i)roperty of the Duke of Argyle, was formeriy the inlieritance of this dan. 40. Macneills of Barra. iiiii Mm TART L A SKETCH OF THE MORAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTER, AND OF THE INSTITUTIONS AND CUSTOMS OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE HIGHLANDS OF SCOTLAND. f I i /I ' i| l^ i u ill \ V). r >f^<^;/-<- i/ U^'^-iJ^. /€-c<-. ^ 7Z A. SKETCHES OF THE HIGHLANDERS. VOL. 1. 1 i PART I. SKETCHES OF THE HIGHLANDERS. SECTION I. Geographical Situation and Extent of the Highlands of Scotland-^ Inhabitants— Character — Antiquities. The tract of country known by the name of :^e Highlands of Scotland, constitutes the northern portion of Great Bri- tain. Its maritime outline is bold, rocky, and, in many places, deeply indented by bays and arms of the sea. The northern and western coasts are fringed with groups or clusters of islands, while the eastern and southern bounda- ries are distinguished from that part of Scotland denomi- nated the Lowlands, by the strong and peculiar features impressed on them by the hand of Nature. A range of mountains known in Roman history by the name of Mons Grampius, at a later period called Gransbane, * and now the Grampians, constitutes the line of demarcation between these * Both derived from the Gaelic garu-bein, the rugged mountains. A 2 ; > 4 GRAMPIANS. 1 two distinct parts of the kingdom. Within this range, as every clas^iical reader knows, is the scene of that noble stand for liberty and independence, made by the Caledonians against the invasion of the Romans. The physical struc- ture of the Grampian boundary is as remarkable as the ge- neral direction is striking, regular, and continuous. It forms, as it were, a lofty and shattered rampart, commencing north of the river Don, in the county of Aberdeen — extending a- cross the kingdom in a diagonal direction, till it terminates in the south-west, at Ardmore, in the county of Dumbar- ton — and presenting to the Lowlands throughout, a front, bold, rocky, and precipitous. The Grampian range con- sists of rocks of primitive formation. The front towards the south and east presents, in many places, a species of breccia. In the centre, and following the line of the range, is a remarkable bed of valuable limestone, * with many strata of marble f and slate. In the districts of Fortingall, Glen- lyon, and Strathfillan, are found quantities of lead and sil- ver ore ; and over the whole extent are numerous detached masses of red and blue granite, garnets, amethysts, rock crystals, and pebbles of great variety and brilliancy. The continuation of this great chain, is broken by straths and glens, formed originally by the rivers and torrents to which they now afford a passage. The principal straths are on the rivers Leven, Earn, Dee and Don. But besides these great straths, there are many other glens and valleys, • This great bed of limestone is first seen in Aberdeenshire. It sometimes rises to the surface for many miles, then sinks and disappears)- following, as it were, the undulated and irregular direction of the surface of the mountainous country through which it passes. It runs from Brae-Mar to Athole, through the great forest, crossing the river Garry at Blair Castle, and the Tummel near the foot of Shichallain ; and, taking a south-westerly direction, by Garth, Fortingall, and Breadalbane, passes through the centre of Lochtay, and the west end' of Locheam, and thence stretches through Monteith and Dumbar- tonshire, till it is lost in the Atlantic, north of the Clyde. f This marble takes a fine polish. The prevailing colours are blue, green and brown, intermixed with streaks of pure white. In Glentilt, within tlie forest of Athole, a quarry of green marble has lately been opened, and wrought to advantage. yfw 1 \ STRATHS AND TASSBS. 5 the lower entrances of which are so rugged and contracted, as to have been almost impassable till opened by art. These are known by the name of Passes, and are situated both on the verge of the outward line, and in the interior of the range. The most remarkable are Bealmacha upon Lochlo- mond, Aberfoyle a'd Leny in Montdth, the Pass of Glen-' almond above Crieff, the entrance into Athole near Dun- keld, and those formed by the rivers Ardle, Islay, and South and North Esk. By the excellent roads now constructed along their sides, these passes, formerly so difficult to pene- trate, furnish the easiest entrance for horses, and the only one for carriages. Immediately within the external bound- ary, are also many strong and defensible passes, such as Kil- licrankie, and the entrances into Glenlyon, Glenlochy, Glen- ogle, 8f.c. * On the line of the Grampians, are many insulated moun- tains of considerable altitude, such as Benlomond, Benlawers, Shichallain, &c. The views of the Highlands obtained on a clear day from the summits of these mountains, are peculiar- ly imposing and magnificent, f But when covered with clouds, or skirted with mists, their summits are often scarce- ly distinguishable from the vapours which envelope them ; while their bleak and barren aspect, and the deep rocky * An apology may be necessary for stating facts so generally known. But these boundaries formed one of the principal causes which preserved the Highlanders a distinct race from the inhabitants of the plains. For seven cen- turies, Birnam Hill, and the rocks westward of Dungarth Hill, at the entrance into Athole, formed the boundarj- between the Lowlands and Highlands, and between the Saxon and Gaelic languages. On the south and east of these boundaries, breeches are worn, and the Scotch Lowland dialect spoken, with as broad an accent as in Mid-Lothian. On the north and west are found the Gaelic, the kilt, and the plaid, with all the peculiarities of the Highland cha- racter. The Gaelic is the dialect in common use among the people on the Highland side of the boundary. This applies to the whole range of the Gram- pians : for example, at General Campbell's gate, at Moniie, nothing but Scotch is spoken, while at less than a mile distant, on the hill to the northward, we meet with the Gaelic. t With a good glass Arthur's Seat and the higher grounds in the neighbour- hood of Edinburgh are clearly dibtinguishable. 1 1 O GENERAL ASPECT, channels with which they are furrowed, testify the violence of the tempests which have swept over them. Towards their pointed summits there is little vegetative mould ; but lower down we meet with a thin covering of stunted heath, inhabited only by birds of prey, and by the white hare and ptarmigan. Still farther down is the region of the moun- tain deer and muirfowl, producing more luxuriant heath in- termixed with nourishing pasture, and supporting numerous flocks of sheep. Towards the base are many romantic glens, watered by mountain streams, or diversified by wind- ing lakes, and in some places beautifully wooded, and capa- ble of producing various kinds of grain. Many of these glens contain a crowded population, and an unexpected number of flocks and herds, the principal source of the riches of the country. The space which the Gaelic population occupied within the mountains, includes the counties of Sutherland, Caith- ness, Ross, Inverness, Cromarty, Nairn, Argyle, Bute, the Hebrides, and part of the counties of Moray, Banff, Stir- ling, Perth, Dumbarton, Aberdeen, and Angus. It may be defined by a line drawn from the western opening of the Pentland Frith, sweeping round St Kilda, so as to include the whole cluster of islands to the east and south, as far as Arran ; then stretching to the Mull of Kintyre, re-entering the main land at Ardmore in Dumbartonshire, following the southern verge of the Grampians to Aberdeenshir^ cutting off the Lowland districts in that country, and in Banff and Elgin, and encling on the north-east point of Caithness. * Throughout its whole extent this county dis- plays nearly the same features. * Tlie names of places In this county denote a considerable mixture of Gothic and Danish. The same observation applies to the Isle of Skye, although in that island the language and manners of the people are as purely Celtic as any now in existence. In Caithness, however, two-thirds of the inhabitants speak the dialect of the Lowland Scots. Part of that country bordering on the sea coast is an uninterrupted ilat of great extent. In that portion the Lowland garb is worn, und Scotch spoken ; but at the commencement of the hiah and mouu- CHARACTER. 7 The means of subsistence are necessarily limited to the pro- duce of mountain pasture, and to the grain that can be rais- ed in a precarious climate ; and that, too, only on detached patches of land along the banks of rivers, in the glens and plains, or on the seacoast. Though the lakes and rivers in the interior, and the arms of the sea, with which the coast is indented, abound with fish, the distribution of this benefit among the general population is necessarily limited by the difficulties peculiar to so mountainous a region. The same cause precludes much intercourse with the Lowlands, and the importation of commodities so bulky as provisions. The inland parts of the country must therefore, in a great de- gree, depend on their own resources ; and hence the num- ber of inhabitants must be small in proportion to the area of territory. From these circumstances, as well as from the seques- tered situation in which the inhabitants were placed, a pe- culiar character and distinctive manners naturally originat- ed. The ideas and employments, which their seclusion from the world rendered habitual, — the familiar contempla^ tion of the most sublime physical objects, — the habit of con- centrating their affections within the precincts of their own glens, or the limited circle of their own kinsmen, — and the necessity of union and self*-dependence io all difficulties and tainous country, we meet with the Gaeh'c ; and formerly the Highland dress was worn. It would therefore appear, that this low and accessible district must at an early period have been invaded and occupied by strangers, whose progress into the interior was arrested when the natural conformation of the country enabled tha original inhabitants to defend themselves, and prevent farther intrusion ; other* wise it is not easy to account for the singular circumstance of an insulated dis« trict, situated 150 miles within the boundary of the Gaelic language, being in- habited by people differing in dress, habits, and dialect, from all around, them. A small district in the county of Cromarty, of five miles in length, and less than half a mile in breadth, presents the same singularity, the inhabitants hav- ing for ages spoken a language of which few or none of those around them under- stand a sentence. It is the same to this day, so remarkably has iii distinction of languages buen presewcd, by people who, from close neigblx urbood, must hpld frccjuent intercourse. 8 ORIGIN. dangers, combined to form a peculiar aud original charac- ter. A certain romantic sentiment, the offspring of deep and cherished feeling, — strong attachment to their country and kindred, — and a consequent disdain of submission to strangers, formed the character of independence ; while an. habitual contempt of danger was nourished by their solitary musings, of which the honour of their clan, and a long de- scent from brave and warlike ancestors, formed the frequent theme. Thus, their exercises, their amusements, their modes of subsistence, their motives of action, their prejudices, and their superstitions, became characteristic, permanent, and peculiar. Promptitude in decision, fertility in resource, ardour in friendship, and a generous enthusiasm, were qualities which naturally resulted from such a situation, such modes of life, and such habits of thought. Feeling themselves, in a man- ner, separated by Nature from the rest of mankind, and distinguished by their language, manners, and dress, they considered themselves the original possessors of the coun- try, and regarded the Saxons of the Lowlands as strangers and intruders. Whether the progenitors of this singular race of people were the aborigines of the Highlands of Scotland, is a ques- tion which it is now impossible to decide. But the earliest authentic records which history ifFords of the trpiisactions of different tribes and nations, contain descripiions of the character, and accounts of the migratior " *"- Celts. Among this widely diffused race, though the . , .consi- derable varieties, arising from climate and sit;, ill, in the case of all those to whom the denomination . . ds ex- tended, there might be traced indelible marks of affinity, as well as a striking difference from other tribes. Ccesar, in his Commentaries, informs us, that, in his time, they form- ed the most considerable portion of the population of Gaul. Indeed, many circumstances render it probable, that the Celtic tribes emigrated originally from the eastern provin- ces of Europe, retaining, in their progress westward, their DRUIDS^ '^1 religion, manners, and language. Traces of this migration may be discovered in the names of Albania, Iberia, Dalma- tia, Caramania, * &c. as well as in many appellations which we still recognise in the western parts of Europe, all of which were once, and some still are, in part, inhabited by Celts. The most luminous and distinct account of the govern- ment, manners, and institutions of this remarkable people, as they existed in Gaul, as well as the most authentic his- tory of some of their enterprises and transactions, is to be found in Caesar's Commentaries on the Gallic War. The separation of a distinct class of men called the Druids, whom he describes f as the ministers of their religion, and the depositaries of their sciences and laws, — the retired and contemplative modes of life to which this order devot- ed themselves, — the mystery which they affected, — the re- verence in which they were held, — the direction of their stu- dies to the natural sciences, particularly to astronomy, — their opinions concerning a Providence, — and, above all, their doctrine of transmigration, with their pretensions to prophetical knowledge, — all strongly remind us of the cha- racter and institutions of the Magi. The worship of Bel, or Baal, t some traces of which still remain in the Highlands, is unquestionably of Eastern ori- ni * Albani, Dalmat, Corrimoni, &c. are names quite common in the High- lands. f See Book vi. Chapters 13, 14., and 16, of his Oomm. de Bello Gallico. ^ The anniversary of Bel (in Gaelic Bealdin) was celebrated by shepherds and children with a feast of milk, eggs, butter, cheese, &c. These remains of ancient superstitions were accompanied with many ceremonies and oflferings for the protection of their flocks from the storms, eagles and foxes. This festival was held on May-day. When all was ready, a boy stood up, holding in his left hand a piece of bread, covered with a kind of hasty pudding, or custard of eggs, milk, and butter; and turning his face towards the East, he threw a piece over his left shoulder, and cried, « This to you, O Mists and Storms, that ye be favourable to our corns and pasture: This to thee, O Eagle, that thou mayest spare our lambs and kids : This to thee, O Raven," &c. These su- perstitious rites were common tliirty years ago, but they have now disappeared even among children. Similar to this festival was the Sam-huiu; or fire of peace. Mi It I , ! / 'i ? 10 LANGUAGE. gin. * The Highland superstitions concerning th» enchant- ments of the Daoni-Si, or fairies, cannot fail to bring tu the recollection of the classical reader the incantations of Medea, Queen of Colchis, f The language of the Scotch Highlanders affords strong evidence of Oriental origin. It is well known, that, in the languages of Asia, the Hebrew for example, the present tense of the veV-b is wanting, and is supplied by inference or circumlocution. This is also the case in the Irish, the Welsh, and the Gaelic, which indeed are kindred dialects. The Gaelic presents in its construction the most prominent features of a primitive language, being for the most part monosyllabic, and, with few exceptions, having no word to express abstract ideas, or such terms of art as were unknown to a primitive people. But to whatever conclusion we may arrive concerning the origin and early migrations of the Celtic race, it is certain that tribes described as Celtic, and exhibiting every indica- tion of their having sprung from a common stock ; preserv- ing themselves unmixed in blood and unconnected in in- stitutions with strangers, and retaining their own manners «he origin of which tradition ascribes to the Druids, who assembled the people in the open air for the purpose of administering justice. In many parts of the country are still seen the small conical hills on which these courts are said to have been held, and which are called Tomvoide, i. e. the Court Hill. Tliree of these conical court hills are near the Point of Lyon, where that river enters the Tay, tliree miles above Castle Menzies. Tlie ar liversary of these meetings was cele- brated on the 1st of November, the Halloween of the Lowlands. Immediately after dusk, large fires were kindled in conspicuous places in every hamlet. Tlie inhabitants at the same time assembled, and the night was passed in dancing, and the observance of numberless ceremonies and superstitions, the principal object of which was, to discover occult events, and pry into futurity. These superstitious rites are admirably described by Bums in his " Halloween," and are in every respect the same as those practised in the Highlands. • See Dr Graham's (of Aberfoyle) able and learned Essay on the Authen- ticity of Ossian. f See Ovid's Met. Lib. vii. fab. 2, and compare the description of Medea's cauldron, and its effects, with the fairy tale related by Dr Graham in his ele- gant and cnttrtoiniug work, entitled, " Ficluresriue Sketches of Tertlishire. " MIGRATIONS. 11 ancl language, were extensively difiused over the west of Europe. From the Straits of Gibraltar to the northern ex- tremity of Scotland, not merely on the seacoast, but to a considerable distance into . e interior, we find traces of their existence, and memorials of their history, deducible not only from the testimony of ancient writers, but from the names of mountains and rivers, the most permanent vestiges of the original language of a country. Thus, wc have, in France, the Garonne, in Gaelic Garu-avon, rough or rapid river; the Seine, the Sequana of Cnesar, the Seuin-avon, or si- lent running river : in Lombardy, the Eridanus, the Ard- an-er-avon, or east running river : and in Scotland, lar-avon, or Irvine, the west running river. * But it would be end- less to follow the derivations in Scotland, where a great ma- jority of ancient names of places, rivers, and mountains, is unquestionably Celtic. Thus, even in the Lothians and Berwickshire, we have Edinburgh, Dalkeith, the river Esk, Inveresk, Inverleith, Balgone, Dunbar, Dunse, Dunglass, Drumore, Mordun, Drumseugh, Dundas,f Dalmeny, A- bercorn, Garvald, Innerwick, Cramond, Corstorphine, and Dunian, in Roxburgh, with many others as purely Celtic as any names within the Grampians. In Galloway, and the western districts, Celtic names are almost the only ancient appellations of places, and of the common people, the de- scendants of the earliest inhabitants of whom we have au- thentic accounts. Some may smile at derivations like these; but others, again, will trace, in such affinities of language, if not the only, at least the surest vestiges that still remain, of the vicissitudes and affiliations of nations whose annals extend • In Gaelic, Er is east ; lar west. Tlius we have laragael or Argyle, that is Western Gael ; lar, or Ayr, the West country ; the Err, Earn, &c. streams running eastward. f Dundas, Dun-dos, a hill with a tuft of wood. This etymon bears an ana- logy to the heraldic bearings of Dundas, (a tuft of wood with a lion attempt- ing to push through it), a family as ancient as the period when the Gaelic wjis tlic language of Mid-Lothian. The old Castle of Dundas has stood eight hundred years. 18 MIGRATIONS. I r beyond the reach of authentic history. Unhickily for the inquirer into Celtic antiquities, such vestiges form almost the only basis on which his conclusions or conjectures can rest. Amongst ancient authors, such subjects of research excited little attention; and long before the period at which modern history commences, they had been almost annihi- lated by the fierce and more numerous tribes, who occupied great part of the country possessed by the ancient Celts. When the Celts migrated to the westward, tribes of a very different language and character advanced upon their set- tlements, and spread farther to the northward. These tribes, denominated Teutones * and Goths, had probably their original seats in Scythia. They gradually occupied Hungary, Germany, and Scandinavia, encroaching every- where upon the territories of the Celts, overturning the Ro- man empire itself, and at length establishing themselves in Italy, Spain, Gaul, and the eastern districts of Britain. By these invasions, the Celts were either driven westward, or intermixed with heir invaders. Their name and national distinctions were lost, excepting in a few inaccessible re- gions on the shores of the Atlantic, from which they could not be dislodged. There they still remain detached por- tions of an original race, pi ^serving their physical confor- mation, and their peculiar institutions, nearly unchanged, until within the last fifty years ; and &ce as easily distinguish- able from the general mass of the population with which they are combined in political union, as they were from the Scythian and German tribes in the days of Cjesar. In the provinces of Gallicia and Biscay in the west, and in the valleys of the Pyrenees in the south of France, and north of Spain, the inhabitants, differing, as they evidently ■P m * Mr Grant, of Corrimonie, in his learned work, entitled, " Tlioughts on the Gael," gives an etymology of the appellation Teutones, which he conjee- tures to have been the name given by the Gaelic emigrants from the east to the hordes which advanced in the same direction, upon their northern borders, peopling Russia and Scandinavia. These were caUed Tuadaoinc, that is, Mm of the Norths or Teutones. MIGRATIONS. 13 do, in manners and appearance, from the other subjects of the respective kingdoms to which they belong, exhibit a striking confirmation of this hypothesis. But it is in Lower Drctagne, in Wales, in the Isle of Man, in Ireland, and in the Highlands of Scotland, that the most distinct traces of the Celtic manners and language are to be found. In man- ners, indeed, the inhabitants of Dretagne bear but a faint resemblance to their Celtic brethren of other countries ; but the similarity of their language proves, that originally it was the same with that now spoken in Ireland, the High- lands of Scotland, &c. In language, however, the Galli- cians differ less from their fellow subjects of the Spanish monarchy, than they do in physical formation, and peculiar customs. The Biscayans are remarkable for thoir difference in both respects; and the Basques, or inhabitants of the western Pyrenees, are distinguishable from the subjects of the two kingdoms to which they belong, by their bodily ap- pearance and habits, as well as by a high spirit of independ- ence, and pride of ancestry, — and, in many respects, they exhibit striking marks of an original and unmixed race. * Many points of resemblance between the Basques and Scottish Highlanders may, no doubt, be attributed as much to similarity of situation, as to a common origin. . Simi- larity of situation, however, will not account for the remark- able traits of resemblance between the inhabitants of La Vendee and those of the north of Scotland. Widely as they differ in their external features, the manners and customs of the people of both countries are so nearly similar, that a Highlander, in reading the Memoirs f of the Wars in La Vendee during the French Revolution, would almost think he was perusing the history of the events of the years 1745 • The Basques wear a blue bonnet of the same form, texture and colour, as that worn by the Scottish Highlanders; and in their erect air, elastic step, and general appearance, bear a remarkable resemblance to the ancient race of High- landers, wliosc manners and habits remained unchanged till towards the com- mencement of the late reign, but of which scarcely a trace now remains. f Memoirs of Madame Larocbejaquclin. Edinburgh, 1816. I It A 14 CELTS. ! 1'^ u, i and 1 740, in Scotland. In the picture which has been drawn of the zeal with which the followers and adherents of the Seigneurs crowded round the castles of their Lords; in the cordial affection and respectful fan^'liarity subsisting between them; in their pastoral modes of life, and love of the chase; in the courage with which they took the field, and the per- severance with which they maintained their ground against disciplined armies ; in their invincible fidelity to the cause they had espoused ; in their remarkable forbearance from pillage or wanton destruction, in which they exhibited a noble contrast to the ferocious rapacity of the republican troops; and in their kindness to their prisoners,~we are strikingly reminded of the chiefs, the clanships, and the war- fare of the Scotch mountai^^eers. In tracing the remains of the Celtic race, we find that in a great proportion .of Wales, in the Isle of Man, and in Ireland, the language is still preserved ; * but, owing to a greater admixture with strangers, at an earlier period, an- cient mannerr, are much changed, whereas, in the High- lands of Scotland, which successfully resisted their intru- sion, and were never subdued by either Roman or Goth, and where the repeated attacks of Danes and Norwegians were uniformly repulsed, the remains of the language, man- ners, superstitions, and mythology of the Celts, are found in greater purity and originality, than in any other country. The earliest historical records bear testimony to the war- like spirit of the people; while the facts disclosed by the Roman historians, prove that their commanders in Britain found the Caledonians very formidable enemies; and it is not to be supposed that they would record defeats and dis- appointment* which did not befall them. According to Ta- citus, the celebrated Caledonian general, Galgacus, brought • It is observed by air Grant of Corrimonle, that, in Connaught, and t!ie west of Ireland, to which strangers had least access, the language still spoken differs very little from that of the Scotch Highlanders. The correctness of Uiis observation I have had an opportunity of noticing intoy intercourse with Irish ioldicrs, to whom I have often acted as interpreter. .**: I CELTIC KINGDOM. 15 Against Agricola an army of upwards of 30,000 men, of whom 10,000 were left dead on the field of battle; which sufficiontly demonstrates their numbers, their firmness, and their spirit of independence. Though defeated, they were not stibdued, and, after three years of persevering warfare, the Roman general was forced to relinquish the object of his expedition. Exasperated by this obstinate resistance, the Emperor Severus determined to extirpate a people who had thus prevented his countrymen from becoming tlie con- querors of Europe. Having collected a large body of troops, he took the command in person, and entered the mountains of the Caledonians. Notwithstanding his im- mense preparations, however, he was completely defeated, and driven back to the plains with the loss of 50,000 men ; and subsequently, while one legion was found sufficient to keep the southern parts of the country in subjection, two were required to repel the incursions of the Gael. Some centuries posterior to this, we find the people form- ing a separate kingdom, confined within the Grampian boundaries. * This has been always known as the kingdom of the Scots ; but to the Highlanders, only as that of the Gael, or Albanich. f The whole country immediately be- yond the Grampian range, (that is, the Lowlands of Perth, Angus, and Mearns), was in possession of the Picts. Aber- nethy, said to have been their capital, % is only twenty miles • This, according to tlie traditions of tlie Highlanders, is the era of Ossian, •when they had a kingly government within the mountains, with all the conse- quent chivalry, heroism, and rivalry of young men of family. See Appendix, A. t The epithets England and Scotland, or Scots and English, are totally un- known in Gaelic, The English are Sassanachs, the Lowland Scots are Guals, the low country is Gualdach, (the Country of Strangers), the Highlanders are Gael and Albanich, and the Highlands Gaeldach. t There are remarkable subterranean ruins in Abernethy. f nese have only been partially examined ; 'but they seem of great extent. Tlie stones consist of the same red freestone which abounds in the neighbourhood, and have been prepared and squared for building, but not cut into an ornamental form ; at least as far as they have be«n examined. The mortar, as in all old buildings, is so hardened by time, that the stones give way to a blow, while the cement r., ii i! 16 SEAT OF GOVERNMENT REMOVED. distant from Birnam hill, the outward boundary at that en- trance into the Highlands; and Brechin, supposed to have been another of their towns, is nearly the same distance from the eastern boundary. These two nations of Picts and Scots, the one inhabiting the lowland territory, and the other the mountainous re- gion, differing considerably in manners, but speaking the same language, * were sometimes in alliance, but more fre- quently in a state of hostility, till the succession of Kenneth Macalpin, in right of his mother, to the throne of the Picts, A. D. 843, when the Scots and Picts were finally united un- der one sovereign. Gaelic continued to be the language of the Court and of the people till the reign of Malcolm III. surnamed Caenmor, who had married the sister of Edgar Etheling, A. D. 1066. From that period the Gae ic lan- guage was gradually superseded by the Saxon, until it en- tirely disappeared in the Lowlands. Towards the close of the eighth century, ambassadors, it is said, were sent by Charlemagne to Achaius, King of the Scots, or, according to the Highlanders, Righ na Gael, or Albanich, i. e. King of the Gael, or of Albany. The result of this friendly communication is stated to have been an alli- ance between France and Scotland, f This is indeed in- volved in all the uncertainty of early tradition : yet it is re- resists. As a striking instance of the revolutions of time, even in a country not subjected to violent convulsions of tlie earth, all these buildings are com- pletely covered, in some parts to a considerable depth, with the soil, which con- sists of a dry loam, occasionally intermixed with gravel. The surface is quite smooth, producing crops of corn and hay, and showing no vestige of what is underneath, except where holes have been dug when the proprietor, Mr Pater, son of Carpow, a few years ago, made use of some of the stones for building a new house. The whole deserves the notice of the antiquary. * That the Picts, inhabiting the low and fertile districts on the east of Scot- land, and to the north of the Roman province, were Gael, or Cells, and tliat they spoke the Gaelic language, seems to be cleariy proved by Mr Grant, in his « Thoughts on the Gael. " If the Picts spoke a language different from the Celtic, every trace of it has disappeared ; the names of towns, rivers, mountains, valleys, &c. being either Celtic or Saxon. f See Appendix, B. h Ml ment of the College of Icolm-kiil, at a period, whon darfeneffl^ prevailed in other parts of Europe, a considerable portion of learning must be admitted to have been diffused. Hence the feelings of even Dr Johnson were powerfully awakcn*- ed by the associations naturally arising from the sight of this celebrated spot. " We wtre now," says he, " tread- ing that illustrious island, which was once the luminary of the Caledonian regions, whence savage clans and roving barbarians derived the benefit of knowledge, and the bless- ings of religion. To abstract the mind from all local emo- tion would be impossible, if it were endeavoured, and would be foolish, if it were possible. Whatever withdraws us from the power of our senses, whatever makes the past, the dis- tant, or the future, predominate over the present, advances us in dignity of thinking beings. Far from me, and from my friends, be such frigid philosophy, as would conduci us, indifferent and unmoved, over any ground which has been dignified by wisdom, bravery, or virtue. That man is little to be envied, whose patriotism would not gain force on the plains of Marathon, or whose piety would not grow warm among the ruins of lona, '* Such a seat of learning and piety ccuTd not fail to in- fluence the manners of the people. Inverlochay, their ca- pital, maintained a considerable intercourse with France and Spain. * Yet, of the progress made in the arts by the Scots of that remote period, no specimens have descended to our times except the remains of their edifices. The Cas- tle of Inverlochay, although it has been in ruins for nearly five hundred years, is still so entire as to have furnished a model for the present Castles of Inverary and Taymouth ; so far had our ancestors, at a very early period, advanced in the knowledge and practice of architecture, or rather so small has the advancement yet been, that models are still taken from the works of " savage clans and roving barbarians. " -j; The • HoUingshcd Chronicles. t Modern arcliitccts of the first ceTehrity have not JistTaineJ to imitate the •rntunental and majjnificent designs- of the " dark ages, " when req^uired to VESTIGES OF ARCHITECTURE. 19 ow warm underground foundations round that part of Inverlochay which is still standing, show that it was originally of great extent. Dunstaffhage Castle, which has been also in ruins for many centuries, exhibits equal strength of walls, but not the same regularity of plan. This may have been owing to its situation, as it is built on a rock, to the edges and incur- vations of which the walls have been adapted. Urquhart Castle, which has likewise stood in ruins for many centuries* is one of the finest specimens of castle building in the coun- try. But it must be confessed that Scotland in general, and particularly the Highlands, possesses no castles that can bear comparison with the splendid baronial residences of the more wealthy nobility of England and Wales. In many parts of the Highlands, however, ruins and foundations of places of strength, and of castles, are so fre- quent, as to exhibit proofs of the existence of a population more numerous than that of latter ages. The marks and traces of the plough also evidently demonstrate that culti- ;Mtion was, at one period, more extended than at present. Fields on the mountains, now bleak and desolate, and co- vered only with heath and fern, exhibit as distinct ridges of the plough as are to be seen on the plains of Moray. • produce plans for public and t>rivate buildings of more than usual elegance; but, seeing that the specimens they exhibit in different parte of the country, are so inferior to the originals they attempt to copy, perhaps the harsh epithets of igno- ranee and barbarity, so often applied to those ages, might be somewhat soften- ed. Tlie men who designed and erected the cathedrals of Elgin and Dunkeld. could not be so savagely ignorant as they have been represented. They cer- tainly were not ignorant of one elegant branch of the fine arts, as is proved by the superb and magnificent edifices they built and consecrated to Divine Wor- ship; an example Which might be imitated with advantage by their Presbyterian descendants, of whom it has been said, that the «' Scotch build castles and fine houses for themselves, and barns for the worsliip of God ! " • It has been said, in accounting for the existence of these marks of more extended cultivation, that, in ancient times, the valleys were thickly wooded, and much infested with wolves and other wild animals; and that the inhabi- tants were, in some measure, compelled to cultivate the high grounds, which were more clear of woods and wild beasts. But as wolves could not be such objects of terror to an armed population, and as it is not probable men were so B 2 'i \ 20 ANCIENT POPULATION. til Woods and cultivation gave a genial warmth to the climate, which planting and other improvements would probably yet restore. As an instance of these marks of the ancient po- pulation, I shall confine my observations to one district. In a small peninsula, situated between the rivers Tummel and Garry, extending from Strowan, four miles west from Blair Athole, to the Port of Lochtummel, about ten miles in length, and four miles in breadth, ending at the Point of Irvergarry. b Jow the Pass of Killiekrankie, there are so ,-jundations of ancient habitations, (and these of ap- p; 1 t note), as to indicate a remarkably numerous popula- tion. They are nineteen in number. One circular build- ing, near the house of Fincastle, is sixty-two feet in diame- ter; the walls are seven and f. half feet thick, and a height of five feet is still remaining. In the district of Foss there are four. On the estate of Ga) th there are eight, some with walls nine feet thick ; the stones in two of which are so weighty, that they could scarcely have been raised to the walls without the aid of machinery. In Glenlyon * there are seven ; and, in a word, they are scattered all over the country. Respecting these buildings, various opinions are entertained ; but one thing is certain, that they must have been erected at a great expense of labour, and that a nu- merous people only would have required so many buildings, either for shelter or defence. Tradition assigns them to the age of Ossian, and they are accordingly denominated void of coirnon sense, however savage they might be, as to cultivate the more barren and v posed parts of a country, and leave the warm and sheltered un- touched ; it may, with some confidence, be supposed, that a stronger necessity than the dread of savage animals compelled the inhabitants to cultivate, as high as the soil and climate would produce any return for their labour. Being shut up in their mountains by the hostility of their neighbours on the plains, from whom no supply could be obtained except by force of arms, the number of inhabitants required that every spot capable of cultivation should be render- ed as productive as possible : hence the higher parts were necessarily cleared and cultivated, when the low grounds were found insufficient. * In ancient poetry, it is stated that the Fingallians had twelve castles in Glenlyon, but the ruins of seven only are visible at this day. •».•-■ k« INSTITUTION OF CHIEFS. n te climate, abably yet icient po- strict. In mmel and rom Blair miles in 2 Point of re are so !se of ap- s popula- lar build- in diame- 1 a height i'oss there iome with :h are so id to the n * there I over the nions are lust have lat a nu- )uildings, them to ominated Chaistail na Fiann, « the Castles of the Fingallians. " The adjacent smaller buildings are pointed out by names expres- sive of the purposes to which they were appropriated. In Glenlyon, for instance, is shown the kennel for Fingal's dogs, and the house for the principal hunters. All this, to be sure, is tradition, and will be received as such ; but the traces of a numerous population in former times, are never- theless clear and incontrovertible. But, whatever might have been the population and state of civilization of ancient Albion, the country was destined to experience one of those revolutions which are so frequent in human affairs. The extension of their dominions occasion- ed the frequent absence of the kings from the ancient seat of their government. At length when, about the year 1060, the Court was removed by Malcolm Ceanmor, never to re- turn to the mountains, the sepulchres, as well as the resi- dence of the future kings of Scotland, were henceforth de- stined to be in the south; and Dunfermline became the royal cemetery instead of Icolm-kill, where so many kings, chiefs, bishops, eminent ecclesiastics, and men of learning, lie entombed. That university, which had for ages been the fountain whence religion and learning were diffused among the people, was now deserted. The removal of the seat of authority was speedily followed by the usual conse- quences. The Highlanders were impoverished. Nor was this the only evil that resulted from the transference of the seat of government. The people, now beyond the reach of the laws, became fierce and turbulent, revenging in person those wrongs for which the administrators of the laws were too distant and too feeble to afford redress. Thence arose the institution of chiefs, who naturally became the judges and arbiters in the quarrels of their clansmen and followers, and who, surrounded by men devoted to the defence of their rights, their property, and their power, established within their own territories a jurisdiction almost wholly indepen- dent of their liege lord. * • In 1037 Malcolm Ceanmor formed several thaneships throughout the kiiigr m * ■tl I'i i ): i ' 22 ANCIENT POPULATION. dom into lordships and earldoms; those in the Highlands were said to be Monteith. Lennox. Athole. Mar, Moray. Ross, Caithness, Badenoch, and Sutherland. Many descendants of these noble families still exist in the oun- try; but there is no representative of any in a direct line, except the present Countess of Sutherland, whose title, the most ancient in the kingdom will soon merge in tlie superior title to which the son will succeed. It is a curious cu-cumstance, that, although there exists only one direct descendant of the thanes who were promoted on the occasion above menUoned, the famiUes of many of those who remained as thanes, such as Mackintosh. Campbell, Mao- dougal, Maclean, Cameron, Menzies, Qrant, &c., are to be traced in direct and unbroken male lineage, down to the present day. The direct succession of the Lords of the Isles ended in the fifteenth century; yet there are many thousands of their descendants, besides numerous descendants of several other families of that early period, cadets and branches of which have come down in pineal descent, although that of the chiefs has been interrupted. SYSTEM OF CLANSHIP. 23 SECTION II. System of Clanship — Consequences of this system — Effects of the tvant of Lam on the Manners and Character of the People, The divisio). of the people into clans and tribes, under separate chiefs, whose influence remained undiminished till after the year 1748, constitutes the most remarkable cir- cumstance in their political condition, and leads directly to the origin of many of their peculiar sentiments, customs, and institutions. The nature of the country, and the mo- tives which induced the Celts to make it their refuge, almost necessarily prescribed the form of their institutions. Un- equal to contend with overwhelming numbers, who drove them from the plains, and, anxious to preserve their inde- pendence, and their blood uncontaminated by intermixture with strangers, they defended themselves in those strong holds, which are, in every country, the sanctuaries of na- tional liberty, and the refuge of those who resist the oppres- sion and domination of a more powerful neighbour. Thus, in the absence of their monarchs, and defended by their barrier of rocks, they did not always submit to the authori- ty of a distant government, which could neither enforce obe- dience, nor afford protection. The division of the country into so many straths, valleys, and islands, separated from one another by mountains or arms of the sea, gave rise, as a matter of necessity, to various little societies ; and indi- viduals of superior property, courage, or talent, under whose banners they had fought, or under whose protection they had settled, naturally became their chiefs. Tiieir secluded situation rendered general intercourse difficult, while the impregnable ramparts with which they were surrounded made defence easy. 94 CONSANcnriNITY. Kvory .mnll «ocl«ty lm,I nm.H M.^cirnt for Its own pro- tec .on, „rt.H«„H Hkiin.1 cno.,„I, tolmniHl. the nulo mnnu- ac urcH p,„„.ed within their own territory. p„Hture for the r cattle wocul for every purpone, moss nn,l turf lor fuel, .md .p„co for their hunting excurnions. As there w„, To- tung to ten.pt then, to change their rcMclence, to court the v.»UH of strangers, or to solicit the means of general com- nunncation, every society becnn.e insulated. The whole race was thus broken into many in.lividual mas.es, posses ! inf? « contmun.ty of customs and character, but placed un- der d.flerent jurisdictions. Thus every district'becam ' a PC ty Independent state. The government of each com- rrLv' r r; """ »'"»'*'"'**^''«'' • « ^^n of hereditary mo- narchy. founded on custom, and allowed by general consent. r«U.er than re«nlated by laws. Many members of eanlcl „* cons dererdmg no protection, clans and individuals, when oppres- cd or n.suUed, were obliged to revenge, or seek for rX s in he,r own persons, and thence turbulence, aggression, and reprisals necessarily resulted. In this state of agitatln! • The ftnulal system, which hnd obtahml .«ch gceral l„H„o„ro over „n .i «,t and ,„„U. of Eu«„H,. did .,„» extend to the ln«cce«i loTs 2 Jl L '" renuuns of .he Celts had U.ken shelter. I„ Wales iri? I *'""''*. '*''"" »''» .nd nnddle hon.o. of S..t.«nd. and in t. e Hi; ,'.. "^tli"' I ^ '""" men. was universal. (,p,K«ed to this was the ^.Z It . V„ T i'"'""' vaders who established it as fi.r .s ti.cir power 1 7 e 1 T T '"" licy of the S.H>tUsh legislature to opj^se L feudal go e"lan 1"*^ T power exer^iscHi by U.e chief. J,.rc sau,.unis, over I o3" 1 r''" ' ': hUclan. while the ,H,wer assumed by U.e feudal suLr^oT Ir TT "' disregarded. 1„ this manner the Duke of Gordon eZ7 '' """ and estates held by the Camerons, Macphersot M^-^^^^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^ '' '"l '""^ others, had no vassalage or command over these lans who ,w„v T ''."; omors of U.eir ,.urlarch.l chiefs. LoOlel. Clunie, K^ t ' """""' ""' own pro- lo mnnu- Hturc for r lor fuel, wna no- :oiirt tho 'ral com- ic whole posscflg- nccd uii- ccnmc a :h com- nry mo- consent, nrh clnn and de- tliis fa- tions of irniony, n occa- iic state opprcs- redress Msions, itatiun, cr nil (ho 'liero llio ' western govern- Axon in- ', the po- port tho (rvice of old was le lands "h, and ived tho CONSANGUINITY. 25 all knowlcdji^e of letters was lost, except among a few; but a kind of traditionary lore, scarcely less efficient, was preserv- ed by means of the Bards and Senachies, or the Elders of Clans and Tribes. With very few laws, and no controlling power to enforce the execution of the few they had, they presented the rare spectacle of a people so beneficially in- fluenced by the simple institutions and habits which they had formed for themselves, that, with all the defects conse- quent on such a state, they were prepared, with a little culti- vation, to become valuable members of society. In this insulated state, with a very limited admission of strangers, intermarriages and consanguinity were the natu- ral consequence ; and many members of the clan bore the same name with the chief. * In this manner a kind and • A Huppoiiitlon has been entertained, that many chonged their names, and assumed names diHerent from that of the clan or family. This was not fVe- quent, and proceedud from a custom, (very necessary where so many were of the same name), of adding a distinguishing denomination to the Christian name; and sometimes when a man, from respect or gratitude, named his child after a friend, it was continued to the descendants. But instances abound of the wide extension of the same name and clan by lineal descent Of these the following is one : James Stewart, son of Alexander Stewart, Earl of Buchan and Bade- noch, commonly called the Wolf of Badenoch, second son of King Robert II., first of the Stewarts, is said to have built the Castle of Garth, and settled there some time after the year 1390. f There are now living in the district of Athole, within its ancient boundary, I937 persons of the name of Stewart, de- scendants of this man, in the male line, besides numbers in other parts of the kingdom. The descendants through the female lino being considerably more numerous, as few women leave the country, in proportion to the numl»er of men who enter the army, and resort to different parts of the world, we have thus upwards of 4000 persons now living in one district, descended of this individual. t In the Cathedral of Dunkeld, there is a statue in armour of this « Wolf of Badenoch." or Aiastcr Mor Macin-Iligh, " Alexander the King's son," as he is called in the Highlands. The sUtue seems to have been designed as part of a tomb, but is now greatly mutilated. The Earl of Buchan died in 1394. His descendants, now resident in Athole, are so numerous, that if each sub- scribed one shilling, this tomb and statue of their common ancestor might be completely repaired and restored to its original state, and would form an ele- gant, and interesting ornament to the magnificent ruin, in which it has lain up. wards of four hundred years. 86 mimtahy stuengtii or the clans. i; I ifi cordial intimacy, nnd a disposition towards mutual support, were preserved, i„ a „,„nner totally unknown in .nodern times. To all, the clucf • stood in the several relations of Fn^of this nature are easily ascrtafncd fn .he Ilighlan.!,. wheredccent from lK)nourabIe anm,or« .h not forg„„c„ or ncglccU-d hy ,|.„ poorest individual h rnoy therefore he ..eiieved. U.at, ,„ rom,er Un,e J.he hind of\^ I J c one and Mrong in societies .here .o .ueh in.portance wa, attached tocTnl „ u h ■ r ': '""" ""•■«^'' •"''' '"" ■"»- "-•-' na.e.and p p^ n.u,t Lave been r.n.ov.d by violence, or extirpated to .ake rootn for the .no e recent dan,. , h.s opinio,, see., founded o„ conjecture rather ti.an fact. Such ch gos often occur fro. natural causes. --. name of Cunnison or Mac' con c„ ^,, p,,„,„., .„ ^,,,,^ ,, ^,,^ ^^^^^^^ ^, ^^^ a ce tur ,, ; yet not an individual of that na.e now regains. AH died out wit outv.olenceor expuU.on. In the ««me period there were twenty.four .n,aU landed propr.etors, (or w.hetters. as they were called), of the naJeof Maca^ ben Breadalbane; but not a n,an of that na.e is now to be found, nor is U.ere even a trad.t.on of one of then, l:avi„g ever been extirpated, or the r lands .a en n^o™ the. by force All became extinct by natura'l cau.s. O ^ these Mere were at that t.n,e eighty persons of .y own name and descent, but when I went there two years ago. there was not a human being of t„y na^e rem„i" In the former editions M-Cairbre was by mistake spelt M.Rabie. Great "om7- T "n " 'V"'''"" '" '" ''"'"'"'''' ■' ^"^y «- -•'» '° ^^ ''-ended from Ca.rbre Rua. frequently mentioned by Ossian. Archibald Fletcher Es, advoca e .s descended from the M^Cairbres in the female line, and in failure of' the male hne. may be considered as their representative • It may be proper to mention, that many families of the same descent had two names, one common to the whole clan, as Macdonald. Macleod. Ic Je ot er to d.st.ngu.sh a branch, which last was called the tun sloine, or g „e logi! ca, surname, taken from the Christian name, or whatever desigLtio' marked Campbell of Strachuris always called Macarstair or Macarthur, Campbell oj Askn.h. Macvor. and a tribe of the Robertsons in Perthshire descend ns Irom Strowan. are also called Clanivor; a tribe descended fro; Stewa of MILITARY STRENGTH OF THE CLANS. «7 landlord, leader, and judge. He could call out the young men to attend him at the chase, or to fight under his ban- ners — a mandate which generally met with ready obe- dience. The zeal and courage which the Highlanders displayed in the cause of the Stuart princes, particularly in 1745, ex- cited such alarm, and produced such extraordinary efTccts, as to give an exoggerated idea of their numbers, The pe- culiarity of their situation, and the sources of their power, which could no longer be despised, were minutely examined, and a Memorial, * said to have been drawn up by the Lord President Forbes of Culloden, was transmitted to Govern- ment, detailing the force of every clan, the tenures of every chieftain, and the amount of retainers which he could bring into the field. This enumeration proceeds on the supposi- Garth arc Clati Duilach, from Ihcir immediate ancestor, who was so denomi- nated from his blacic eyes. Anollier tribe of the same family are called Camu- chas, or Crookshanks, from a bend or deformity in his leg, by which tlieir an- cestor was distinguished from others of his name. A class of the Stewarts of Appin arc called Combich ; and in this manner, through nearly all the clans, tribes, and families in the Highlands ; never, at the same time, forgetting the proper surname of their chief, or stem of their family. Thus, all the Macar- thurs of Strachurfarc Campbells, as arc all the Macivors of Argyleshire ; while the Macivors of Athole and Breadalbanc are Robertsons, and the Duilach, Camachaa, and Combich, are Stewarts, and so sign their names, and are desig- nated in all writings, while in common conversation the bun sloinc, or genea- logical surname, is their usual appellation. To a stranger, the accuracy with which these genealogical connections were preserved may appeal ridiculous, but the people filled up many idle hours very innocently with matters of this kind, never failing to bring forward the best traits in the character of tlieir relaUons*. Few men disclaim a relationship to persons of honour, worth, or high station. No claims of this nature were allowed by the Highlanders to sleep ; and it is to be wished their conduct would continue, as formerly, to bo influenced by the dread of disgracing the honourable race whose blood they believed filled their veins. t There is a very ancient clan of this name, quite distinct from the branch of the Campbells. The Chief's estate lay on the side of Loch-owe in Argyle. sliire, ^ • Sec Appendix, C. ■) t ;: m m H 1 28 MILITARY STRENGTH OP THE CLANS. tion that the chieftain calculated upon the military services of the youthful, the most hardy, and the bravest of his fol- lowers, omitting those who were infirm from age, those who, from tender years, or natural inability, were unable to carry arms, and those whom it was found necessary to leave at home, for conducting the business of the country. Besides the clans enumerated in this curious document, there were a number of independent gentlemen, who had many follow- ers, as also several small clans, or « tribes" as they are com- monly called, which have been omitted in the Lord Presi- dent's report. After treating of the general character of the Highland- ers, the Memorial particularizes each clan, and subjoins statements of their respective forces, as under. * In the enumeration below, the reader will find exhibited in one view the power by which this mixture of patriarchal and feudal government was supported. When the kindred and followers of the chief saw him thus surrounded by a body so numerous, faithful, and brave, they could conceive • Duke of Argyll . , Breadalbane . • • • Lochnell and other chieftains of the Campbells Macleans " • • Maclachlans , , Stewart of Appin Macdougals Stewart of Grandtully , , Glan Gregor , Duke of Athole , , Farquharsons . , , Grant of Gordon , Grant of Grant , Macintosh • • • . Macphersons , Frasers Grant of Glenmorribton , , Chisholms 3000 1000 1000 500 200 aoo 200 300 700 3000 SOO 300 850 800 400 900 150 200 MILITARY STRENGTH OP THE CLANS. 29 no power superior to his ; * and how far soever they looked back into the history of their tribe, they found his progeni- tors at their head. Their tales, traditions, and songs, con- tinually referred to the exploits or transactions of the same Duke of Perth .... Seaforth .... Cromarty, Scatwell, Gairlocb, and other chieftains of the Mackenzies . • . Menzies's . ... Munro's .... Ross's .... Sutherlands . . . . Mackays .... Sinclairs . . . . Macdonald of Slate ^— — ^-— Clanranald . , — — ^— — Glengary . . , — — Keppoch ^———^^ Glencoe . , . Robertsons . , ■ . , Caraerons .... M'Kinnons . . . . Macleods .... The Duke oi' Montrose, Earls of Bute and Moray, Mac- farlanes, Colquhouns, M'Neils of Barra, M'Nabs, Mt before given any proof of their valour, and were ambitious of such an opportunity to signalize themselves. It was usual for the chief to make adesp«ra*e incursion vpon some neighlM,ur or pther, that they were in feud with, and they were ob- liged to bring, by open force, the cattle they found in the land they attacked, or to die m tfee attempt. After th^ performance of this achievement, the youn« chieftain w^ ever afte. reputed valiant, and worthy of government, and such as were of his retinue acquired Uie Uke reputation. This custom bemg reci- procally used among them, was not reputed robbery; for tlu. damage which one tnbe sustained by the inauguration of the chieftain of another was repaired when their chieftain came in his turn to make his specimen ; but I have not heard of an instance of this pracUce for these sijity years since." Maitia'. Description ofUie Western Islands. London, printed 170a MODE OF SUPPORTING WARrAIlE. 37 where less vigilance was exercised in protecting it. Re- garding every Lowlartder as art alien, and his cattle as fair spoil of war, they considered no law for his protection as binding. The Lowlanders, on the other hand, regarded their neighbours of the mountains as a lawless banditti, whom it was dangerous to pursue to their fastnesses, in or- der to recover their property, or to punish aggressions. Yet, except against the Lowlanders, or a hostile clan, these freebooters maintained, in general^ the strictest ho- nesty towards one another, and inspired confidence in their integrity. In proof of this, it may be mentioned, that ih- stances of theft from dwelling-houses scarcely ever occurred, and highway robbery was totally unknown, except in one case so recent as thfl year 1770j when a man of education, and of respectable family, but of abandoned character^ fortun- ed and headed a gang of robbers. • In the interior of theit own society, all property was safe, without the usual security of bolts, bars and locks, f An open barn, or shed, was the • His name was Mackintosh. He was a man of education, and knowledge of the world, who disgraced the respectable family from which he was descend- ed, and the community to which he belonged. He was bred in a school such as tlie Highlands had rarely witnessed. His father, who, by a base stratagem, had usurped possession of an estate to which he had no right, lived, after the death of his wife, in a kind of seraglio, despised and shunned by the neigh- bouring gentry, though his abilities were good, and his manners prepossessing. He was the Colonel Charteris of his district, with this honourable distinction in favour of the Highlandersj that he was shunned, as much as the other was countenanced. This example accounts too well for the bold profligacy of his heir, who excelled in all personal accomplishments, possessed engaging and elegant manners, and was remarkably handsome. The last exploit of this man was an attempt to rob Sir Hector MunJo on his journey to the North, after his return from India in 1770. Mackintosh escaped to America, and afterwards joined Washington's army. One of his accomplices was taken and executed at Inverness in 1773. , . . t A late scientific tourist gives an unintentional testimony to the probity and honesty of the people towards one another. Noticing the wretched dwellings of the inhabitants of St Kilda, with an interior dark and smoky, he adds, « Each house has a door with a lock and key, a luxuri/ quite unknown in other parts of the Ilishlands. " It were well that this luxury should long continue unknown, and n i( u 38 MODE OF SUPPORTING WARFARE. common summer receptacle of their clothes, cheese, and every thmg that required air; and although iron bars and gates were necessary to protect the houses and castles of the chiefs and lairds from hostile inroads, when at feud, no security was required in time of peace , and while the castle gates were open, the dwellings of the people had no safeguard. • But on the other hand, open depredations were carried on with that the people 'shoulrl remain ignorant of the necessity of securing their hoosw. If the progress of civilization, as the change of manners is called, compel the Highlanders to lock their doors against nightly depredators, it may create a question, whetlier ignorance and integrity, or knowledge and knavery, be pre- ferable; or whether people can indeed be called ignorant, who are attentive to their rehgous duties,_who exercise the moral virtues of integrity and filial re- ▼erence,-who are loyal to their king, brave and honourable in the field, and equally firm in opposing an enemy and in supporting a friend. If these trait? of character are exhibited by a people called ignorant and unciviUzed, the terms may have perhaps been misapplied. On this subject Martin says of the High- landers of the seventeenth century, «« I am not ignorant that foreigners have been tempted, from the sight of so many wild hills, to imagine that the inhabit tants, as well as the places of their residence, are equally barbarous, and to this opinion their habit as well as their language has contributed. The like is sup- posed by many that Uve in the south of Scotland ; but the lion is not fierce as he IS painted, neither are the people here so barbarous as people imagine. The inhabitants have humanity, use strangers hospitably and charitably. I could bring several instances of barbarity and theft by stranger seamen in the Isles, but there is not one instance of any injury offered by the islanders to any seaman or stranger. For the humanity and hospitable temper of the islanders to sail- ors I shall only give two instances. " f * My father, sUll adhering to old customs, does not lock his doors to this day. I know not how long this custom may with safety be continued : recent symptoms of a deplorable change in morals will undoubtedly compel people to guard their property with more care. It will then be no longer, as I have known It, that gentlemen have been half their lives in the commission of the peace, without having occasion to act against a criminal, unless in issuing war- rants to recover the fines of Excise Courts, or on account of assaults on Excise officers, and accidental frays. Clotlies and linens will no longer be seen dry. ing and bleaching in all parts of the country, and at all hours, without guard or proiect.on ; nor open sheds hung round with all the Sunday's apparel of the lads and lasses. The rude Highlanders are undergoing a process of civiliza- t See Appendix F. CREACHS. 39 systematic order, and they saw no greater moral turpitude in levying a crcacht * heading a foray, or in ** lifting'* the cattle which " cropped the grass of an enemy," than we now discover in the reprisals and exploits of our men of war and privateers, or in the killing of deer and game, the latter of which subjects the offenders to punishment, if detected, while no shame or disgrace attaches to the deed, whether discovered or not. - In a country in which the ablest and most active of the people despised the labour necessary to raise their subsist- ence from the soil, and in which the use of arms was thought the most honourable occupation, every excuse was eagerly seized for commencing hostilities. If overtaken in their de- predations, the plunderers were generally prepared for re- sistance, and for ennobling an act of robbery, by the intre- tipn by new manners, new morals, and new religion, the progress of which is at once rapid and deplorable. An inquiry into the cause of this loss of principle and morals in an age when so much is done to enlighten and educate, would certainly be e^ctreinely interesting. * Creach is a yery appropriate term, and means, to impoverish. If tliere was much resistance in these forays, and if lives were lost, great destruction fre- quently ensued in revenge for the loss sustained; but in common incurious, either against the Lowlanders, or rival tribes, personal hostilities were avoided except in retaliation of some previous death or insult. The creachs of the Highlanders, though sufficiently calamitous, were trifling when compared with the raids or forays on the borders of England and Scotland. The following ac- count of the devastation committed by the English upon the Scotch, in the year 1544, will serve as a specimen of the miseries to which the border countries were exposed. The sum-total of mischief done in different forays, from the 2d of July to the 17th of November of that year, is thus computed :— » Towns, towers, steads, parish clmr«*es, castle houses, cast down and burnt, 192 ; Scou slain, 403; prisoners taken, 816; nolts, i. e. horned cattle, taken, 10,386; sheep, 12,498; nags and geldings, 1296; goats, 200; bolls of oorn, 850 ; in- sight gear, (i, e. household furniture,) not reckoned." In another inroad by the Earl of Hertford, in the year 1545. he burnt, rased, and destroyed in the counUes of Berwick and Roxburgh, " Monasteries and friars' houses, 7 ; cas- ties, towers, and piles, 16; market t. vns, 5; villages, 243; milns, 13; hospi- tals, 3. All these were cast down and burnt." As the Scots were equally ready and skilful in this irregular warfare, we have many similar instances of the damage done in Uieir wasteful and destructive raids or inroads into England. 40 1 '' m I K£ARNACIIS. pidity of their defence. Such an event, however, was ra- ther avoided than courted ; and the rapidity of their retreat, joined to the acuteness of their vision, formed generally their beat security, as well as one of their readiest means for recovermg their cattle. It is said, that habit had rendered their sight so acute, that, wher^ a common observer could perceive nothing, they could trace the cattle, by the yielding of the heath over which they had passed. If cattle were thus traced to a man's property, without any marks of their hav- ing proceeded beyond his boundary, he was held responsi- ble, and an immediate quarrel ensued, unless he agreed to make ample restitution, or compensation for the loss. Besides those persons who committed occasional spolia- tions, which they did not regard as dishonourable, and which they exercised at tilnes as the means of weakening or punish- ing their enemies, there was a peculiar class, called Kear^ nachs. This term, originally applied to the character of sol- diers, was equivalent to the catherons of the Lowlands, the kernes of the English, and the catervt« of the Romans,— de- nominations, doubtless, of the same import. * In their best * It has be€n suggested by a learned author, that the Lake, celebrated in the Poem of the " Lady of the Lake," and known by the name of Loch JCatrine, derives iu name from the word above mentioned, and is tiie Loch of Kearnachs, or Catherons.-Some of these kearnachs died in my remembrance. They had completely abandoned their old habits, and lived a quiet domestic life, but retained much of the chivalrous spirit of their youth, and were respected in the country. One man was considered an exception to this general description, as U was supposed that he was not altogether convinced of the turpitude of cattle- lifting. However, as he had the character of being a brave soldier, these sus- picions against his moral opinions were less noticed. His name was Robert Roberteon, but he was called in the country Rob Bane. He was very old when I knew him, but he had not lost the fire and animaUon of eariier years— la autumn 1746, a party, consisting of a corporal and eight soldiers, marching north to Inverness, after passing Tummel Bridge, halted on the road-sidu and placed their arms against a large stone some yards behind them. Robert.*Bane observed the soldiers, and the manner in which they disposed of their Irms. This, as he said, was a good opportunity to make a dash at his old friends the Seidaran dearag, or red coat soldiers, whom he had met at Gladsmuir, Falkirk and Culloden. None of his neighbours were at home to assist him; but he' salhed out by himself, armed iviUi his gun, pistols, and broadsword, and, pro- fiLACK-MAIL. 41 days, the keornochg were a select band, and were employed ill all enterprises where uncommon danger was to be en- countered, and more than common honour to be acquired. Latterly, however, their employments were less laudable, and consisted in levying contributions on their Lowland neighbours, or in making them pay tribute, or Black Mail • for protection. The sons of the tacksmen, or second order of gentry, frequently joined these parties, and considered their exploits as good training in the manly exercises pro- per for a soldier. The Highlanders of the counties of Perth, Stirling, and Dumbarton, inhabiting chiefly a border country, had the cecding with great caution, got close to the party undiscovered, when he made a widden spring, and placed himself between tlie soldiers and their arms. Brand, ishinghig sword in one hand, and pointing his gun with the other, he called out to them in broken English, to surrender instantly, or he would call his party, who were in the wood behind, and would kill them all. The aoldiers were so taken by surprise, that they permitted the kearnach to carry off their arms for the purpose of delivering them, as he said, to his companions in the wood. He quickly returned, however, and desiring the soldiers to follow him quietly, else those in the woods would be out, he conducted them to Tummel Bridge inn, where he left them, and repairing to the wood, took possession of the arms as fair spoil of war. The soldiers soon discovered tlie truth, and hurried back to recover their arms, and get hold of the man who, by his address and courage had thus disgraced them ; but the kearnach had taken care to place himself and his prize out of danger. When the soldiers reached Inverness, they were tried and punished for the loss of their arms. In the course of the following year, Bane went to Inverness, not expecting that he would be recognised ; but he was mistaken. The day he arrived he met one of the soldiers who knew him, and instantly lay- ing hold of him, called for assistance, secured, and sent him to jail. While he lay tliere, three men who were confined in the same room, broke through the pri- son wall and made their escape. He refused to accompany them, saying that he took nothing from his prisoners but their arms, which he considered as no crime, and, therefore, had no occasion to fear or to escape from punishment. The circumstance coming to the knowledge of his Clansman, Mr Robertson of Inches, who lived in the neighbourtiood, he made so favourable a representation of his case, that the kearnach was liberated without trial, and allowed to return home as a reward for his conduct in not availing himself of such an opportunity of escaping the intended punishment, which in those days was sometimes very summary, • See Appendix, G, 42 HOSTILE EXPEDITIONS. (I ; it'- ll- * most frequent encounters with their southern neighbours, and also skirmishes with the Lochabcr, Badenoch, and northern kearnachs, whom on their return from their expe- ditions to the south, thej somethnes attacked, with an in- tention of stripping them of their booty, either on their own account, or for the purpose of restoring it to the owners. The borderers being thus placed in the centre of agita- tion, and haring arms always ready, were prepared to turn out whenever their services might be required. The clan Farquharson, and the Highlanders of Braemar, placed irk the same circumstances with regard to the Lowlands of the counties of Banff, Aberdeen, and Kincardine, as the Athole Highlanders were in regard to those of Perth, Stirling, and Angus, acquired similar habits; and both of them being ac- •tuated by similar political principles, they generally took the field together on all important occasions. An instance of the warlike disposition thus cherished, appeared in the rebellion during the reign of Charles I., when the Marquis of Montrose always found « his brave Atholemen " his ne- ver- failing, support, both in hk numerous victories, and un^ der his greatest reverses. At his call they were always ready. On one occasion, being dressed in the common Highland garb, and attended only by the Laird of Inchbrakie and one servant, he came among them so unexpectedly, that some Jrish soldiers who had been sent oyer by the Earl of An- trim, under Macdonnell, * (or Alister M'CoIla, as he was called by the Highlanders,) « could hardly be persuaded the man they saw was the Marquis of Montrose, till he was saluted by the Atholemen, who knew him perfectly, and almost paid him the honours of a guardian angel ; " f and the following day, « the Atholemen, to the number of eight *» This brave loyalist, and able partisan, was a native of the county of An- tfim. The Marquis of Montrose placsd the utmost confidence in his talents and intrepidity, intrusting to his command the most difficult enterprises. To tliis day his memory is lield in the highest veneraUonby the Highlanders, who retain many traditional anecdotes of him. t Bidiop Wisliart's Memoirs of Montrose. HOSTILE EXPEDITIONS. 43 hundred, put themselves in arms, and offered their services most cheerfully to Montrose. ^' In the same manner we find (as will be afterwards noticed), that " fifteen hundred men of Athole, as reputable for arms as any in the king- dom," * joined Lord Dundee to support King James. The storming of the town of Dundee, and the skilful and mas- terly retreat effected by Montrose and his Atholemen in the face of a greatly superior force, affords another instance in point, and is the only further example of the same kind which I shall adduce. In the year 16*5, Montrose, being deceived by false information from his spies, mistook the motions of the enemy, and resolving to punish the town of Dundee, " a most seditious town, being the securest haunt and receptacle of the rebels in those parts, and a place that had contributed as much as any other towards the rebellion," marched from Dunkeld, at twelve o'clock at night, with one hundred and fifty horse, six hundred Atholemen, and a detachment of Irish, and reaching Dundee at ten o'clock next morning, instantly stormed and carried the town; but he had scarcely taken possession, when he received information that General Baillie and Colonel Hurry, two veteran and experienced officers, with eight hundred horse, and three thousand infantry, were on their march towards him, and within little more than a mile of the town. Montrose im- mediately recalled his men, and marched off pursued by the enemy, who, dividing their force, sent one part to inter- cept, and the other to pursue him. During the retreat he occasionally halted, and opposed their successive attacks, and by a circuitous route regained the Grampians through the pass of Glen Esk, with a trifling loss.—" And this was that so much talked-of expedition to Dundee, infamous in- deed for the mistakes of the scouts, but as renowned as any for the valour, constancy, and undaunted resolution of the General ; and admirable for the hardiness of the soldiers in encountering all extremities with patience : for threescore * General Mackay's Blemoirs. HOSTILE EXPEDITIONS. i I i ■*, r/ ^' ii 1 .1 miles together (Scotch miles, equal to ninety English), they had been often in fight, always upon their march, without either meat or sleep, or intermission, or the least refresh- ment J which, whether foreign nations or aftertimes will be- lieve, I cannot tell ; but, I am sure, I deliver nothing but what is most certain of my own knowledge: And truly, amongst expert soldiers, and those of eminent note, both of England, Germany, and France, I have not seldom heard this expedition of Montrose preferred to his greatest vie- tory."* The endless feuds between the Argyle and Atholemen assisted in preserving the military spirit and the use of arms. In the charter-chest of Stewart of Ballechin there is a commission to his ancestor, the Laird of Ballechin, from the Marquis of AthoU, then Lord- Lieutenant of Argyleshire, dated in 1685, authorizing him to march with a strong body of Atholemen into that county, and to take posses- sion of the property of the Marquis of Argyll, and of seve- ral gentlemen then attainted for rebellion. In what spirit these orders were carried into effect, will appear from the circumstance that eighteen gentlemen, of the name of Camp- bell, were executed at Inverary. The commission granted to Ballechin is highly curious, and prescribes all the in- tended operations and proposed plans with great accuracy and precision, f ♦ Dr Wishart, Bishop of Edinburgh's Memoirs of Ae Marquis of Mon- trose. t I am informed by my friend Mr Stewart of Ballechin, that, in the preced- mg editions, I had misapprehended the nature of this document ; and that it was a commission from the Marquis of Atholl as Lord Lieutenant of Argyle- shire to his ancestor, under the authority of which he taarthed into that county, wid, taking possession of Inverary, held courts there. Many were tried on a charge of rebellion, and refusing to take the Test Oath ; and eighteen men were executed. I find also that Ballechin got a charter from the Crown in 1685, containing a grant of a considerable portion of lands in Arg^ .eshire. Having only had a cursory glance of these documents a number of years ago, it is probable I may not have had a proper recollection of their real import. But in whatever view this transaction is considered, whether as a feudal in- i EFFECTS OF THE WANT OF LAWS. 45 How little the Highlanders were accustomed to attach any ideas of moral turpitude to such exploits, may be learn- ed from the conduct and sentiments of several of those free- booters, who, at no very distant period, became the victims of a more regular administration of the laws, and who were unable to comprehend in what their criminality consisted. After the troubles of 1745, many who had been engaged in them, afraid to return to their own country, over which the king's troops virere dispersed, and having no settled resi- dence or means of support, formed several associations of freebooters, which laid the borders of the Highlands under contribution. An active leader among these banditti, Donald Cameron, or Donald Bane Leane, was tried in Perth for cattle steal- ing, and executed at Kinloch Rannoch in 1752, in order to strike terror into his band in that district. At his execu- tion he dwelt with surprise and indignation on his fate. He had never committed murder, nor robbed man or house, or taken any thing but cattle off the grass of those with whom he was at feud ; why therefore punish him for doing that which was a common prey to all? Another freebooter, Alexander Stewart, (commonly called Alister Breac, from his being marked with the small pox), was executed in 1753. He was despised as a pitiful thief, who deserved his fate, because ho committed such acts as would have degraded a genuine Kearnach. road, or ft proceeding under authority, it equally proves the Object for which I introduced the subject ; — namely, to show, in a strong light, the fatal effects which may be expected when a weak and inefficient government is unable te execute an important micasur.>, except by employing the inhabitants of one dis- trict to coerce and punish those of another ; thus adding fresh matter of irrita- tion and hostility to former feuds, and exciting a spirit of revenge and retalia- tion—a feeling which would not have existed, at least in the same degree, had a sufficient force, from a distant country, been employed. Were the weavers of Glasgow sent to quell a riot or insurrection among the weavers of Paisley, and were they to hang a number of the rioters, the heart-burnings, jealousies, and spirit of revenge, which such rencounters would occasion, may easily be imagined. 46 COMPENSATION FOR INJUUIES. i I h I I tf But they were not the actors alone who attached no eri- mrnality, or at least disgrace, to the « lifting of cattle," as we find from a letter of Field Marshal Wade to Mr Forbes of CuUoden, then Lord Advocate, dated October 1729, de- scribing an entertainment given him on a visit to a party of Kearnachs. The Marshal says, « The Knight aad I travelled m my carriage with great ease and pleasure to the feast of oxen which the highwaymen had prepared for us, opposite Lochgarry, where we found four oxen roasting at the same time, in great order and solemnity. We dined in a tent pitched for that purpose. The beef was excellent; and we had plenty of bumpers, not forgetting your Lord- ship's and Culloden's health ; and, after three hours' stay, took leave of owr benefactors, the highxmymcn, * and arrived at the hut at Dalnachardoch before it was dark. " f The constant state of warfare, aggression, and rapine, in which the clans lived, certainly tended to improve their in- genuity, and inured them to hardships and privations,- which, indeed^ their abstemious mode of living, and their constant exposure to all varieties of weather in their loose and light dress, enabled them to bear without inconveni- ence. X On the other hand, this incessant state of warfare ♦ The Marshal had not at this period been lohg enough in the Highlands to distinguish a kearnach, or «« lifter of cattle, " from a highwayman. No such character as the latter then existed in the coutitry ; and it may be presumed he did not consider these men in the light which the word would indicate— for certainly the Commander-in-Chief would neither have associated with men whom he supposed to be really highwaymen, nor partaken of their hospitality t Culloden Papers. t Habituated as the people were, from the nature of the country, and their pastoral employment, to traverse extensive tracts exposed to tempests and floods and to cross rapid torrents, and dangerous precipices, the young Highlander ac quired a presence of mind which prepared him fo. becoming an active and in. teiligent soldier, particularly in that independent species of warfare practised in the woods of America, and lately so much in use with our light troops, in which men must depend upon their own resources and personal exertions. These habits are not so readily acquired in a level country, where there are fe.. natu- ral obstructions or difficulties, and these ky, easily surmountable by art In Mr Jamieson's excellent eOiUon of Burt's Letters, the following instance EFFECTS OF THE WANT OF LAWS. 47 gave a cast of savage ferocity to their character, while theif quarrels and hereditary feuds kept them in a state of alarm and disquietude, and obliged them to have recourse to stra- tagems and intrigues. These naturally gave rise to habits of duplicity, which had a baneful influence on their morals. Whilst a sumnr.ary and arbitrary course of proceeding was sanctioned by ideas of honour, passion had no check from legal control, and retaliation must have frequently been ac- companied by licentious cruelty, and a disregard of all mo- deration and justice. * To avoid the disoi'ders produced is given of presence of mind in a Highland lad, who, with a Lowland farmer, was crossing a mountain stream, in a glen, at the upper end of which a water- spout had fallen. The Highlander had reached the opposite bank, but the farmer was looking about and loitering on the stones over which he was step- ping, wondering at a sudden noise he heard, when the Highlander cried out, *' Help, help, or I am a t^aadman," and fell to the ground. The farmer sprung to his assistance, and had hardly reached him when the torrent came-down, sweeping over the stones, with a fury which no human force could have with- stood. The lad had heard the roaring of the stream behind the rocks, which intercepted its view from the farmer, and fearing that he might be panic struck if he told him of his danger, took this expedient to save him. A young man like this might have been trusted on an out-post in front of an enemy ; and, pos- sessing such presence of mind, would have been equally capable of executing his own duties, and of observing the movements and intentions of the enemy. * An old historian has drawn the following picture of the state of Scotland after the murder of James I., and during the minority of his son, James IL, under the administration of Livingston of Callander, the governor, and the Lord Cliancellor Crichton, the imbecillity of whose government was such as to leave the turbulence of the nobility without controL The strong arm of the law had never been felt in the Highlands, and hence arose the summary modes of avenging private wrongs, to which the people had recourse in the absence of judicial redress. Tet they may be said to have lived in a state of peace and re- pose, compared with the distractions and turbulence of the south, whenever the laws and u.a executive authority were for a time suspended. " Through this manner, '' says the author, " the whole youth of Scotland began to rage in mischief; foi" as long as there was no man to punish, much herships and slaughter was in the land and boroughs, great cruelty of nobles aniong them- selves, for slaughters, theft, and murder, were there patent ; and so continually, day by day, that he was esteemed the greatest man of renown and fame that was the greatest brigand, thief, or murderer, "Uut they were the cause of this mischief that were the governors and magistrates of the realm. And this op' i! ^ if 48 COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES. by perpetual strife, a plan was adopted for compensating injuries by a composition in cattle. The amount of the re- paration to be made was generally determined by the prin- cipal men of the tribes, according to the rank and wealth of the parties, and the nature of the injury. Thus the ag- gressions of the rich could not escape with impunity; and, complete redress being the object of the arbiters, the com- position was considered more honourable, as well as afford- ing greater security against future encroachments, in pro- portion to the largeness of its amount. These ransoms, or compensations, were called Erig, pression and mischief reigned not only m the south-west parts, but also the men of the Isles invaded sundry parts of Scotland at that Ume, both by fire and sword, and especially tlie Lennox was wholly overthrown. Traitors became so proud and insolent, that they burned and berried the country wherever they came, and spared neither old nor young, bairn or wife, but cruelly would bflrn their houses and them together if they made any obstacles. Thus they raged through the country without any respect either to God or man. " Of the reign of James V. the same author writes, •« the King went to the south with 12,000 men, and after this hunting he hanged Johnnie Armstrong, Laird of Kilnocky, over the gate of his, castle, and his accomplices, to the num- ber of thirty-six persons, for which many Scotchmen heartily lamented, for he was the most redoubted chieftain that had been for a long time on Uie borders of Scotland or of England. It is said, that, from the borders to Newcastle, every man of whatsoever estate paid him tribute to be free of his trouble. This bemg done, the king passed to the Isles, and there held justice courts, and then punished both thief and traitor, according to their deserts; syne brought many of the great men of the Isles capUve with him, such as Macconnells, Macleod of the Lewis, Macneils, Maclean, Macintosh, Johu Muidart, Mackay, Mac- kenzie, with many others that I cannot rehearse at this time, some of them to be put in wards, and some bad in courts, and some he took in pledges for good rule in time coming; so he brought the Isles in good rule and peace both north and south, whereby he had great profit, service, and obedience of people a long time thereafter; and as long as he had the heads of the country in subjection, they lived in great peace and rest, and there was great riches and policy by the king's justice."! ^ 3 i ^^ t Lindsay of Pitscottie's History of Scotland. JURISDICTION OF THE CHIEFS. 49 SECTION III. Devoted obedience of the Clans — Spirit qflndepenuk nce — Fidelity. The chief generally resided among his retainers. His castle was the court where rewards were distributed, and the most enviable distinctions conferred. All disputes were settled by his decision ; * and the prosperity or poverty of his tenants depended on his proper or improper treatment of them. These tenants followed his standard in war, at- tended him in his hunting excursions, supplied his table with the produce of their farms, and assembled to reap his corn, and to prepare and bring hoine his fuel. They look- ed up to him as their adviser and their protector. The ca- dets of his family, respected in proportion to the proximity of the relation in which they stbod to him, bedame a species of sub-chiefs, scattered over different piarts bf his domains^, holding their lands and properties of him, with a sort of sub- ordinate jurisdiction over a portion of his people ; and were ever ready to afford him their counsel and assistance in all emergencies. Great part of the rent of land was paid in kind, and ge- nerally consumed where it was produced. One chief was distinguished from another, not by any additional splendour of dress or equipage, but by having a greater number of fol- * During fifty-five years, in which the ]ate Mr Campbell of Achallader had the charge of Lord Breadalbane's estate, no instance occurred of tenants going to law. Their disputes were referred to the amicable decision of the noble proprietor and his deputy ;]^and as the confidence of the people in the honour and probity of both was unlimited, no man ever dreamed of an appeal from their decision. Admitting even that their judgment might occasionally be er- roneous, the advantages of these prompt and final decisions, to a verj numer- ous tenantry, among whom many causes of diiference naturally arose fromi their mixed and minute possessions, were incalculable. VOL. I. D f 1 f f r ■ 1 \ ■ ^ r l.-< . yj ii'M, ■^ If. 50 JURISDICTION OF THE C TFEFS. lowers, * by entertaining a greater number of guests, and by the exercise of general hospitality, kindness, and condescen- sion. What his retainers gave from their individual property was spent amongst them in the kindest and most liberal man- ner. At the castle every individual was made welcome, and was treated according to his station, with a degree of courtesy and regard to his feelings unknown in many other countries, f This condescension, whilst it raised the clansman in his own estimation, and drew closer the ties between him and his superior, seldom tempted him to use any improper familiarities. He believed himself well born, :|: [and was » Macdonell of Keppoch being questioned as to the amount of his income, " I can call out and command 500 men," was the answer. t Dr Johnson, noticing this interchange of kindness and affectionate fami- liarity between the people and their landlords, thus describes a meeting be- tween the young Laird of Coll, (elder brother of the present,) and some of his attached and dutiful retainers :-,« Wherever we moved," says the Doctor, " we were pleased to see the reverence with which his subjects regarded him. He did not endeavour to dazzle them by any magnificence of dress : his only dis- tmction was a feather in his bonnet ; but as soon as he appeared, they forsook their work and clustered round him ; he took them by the hand, and they were mutually delighted. He has the proper disposition of a chieftain, and seems desirous to continue the custom of his house. The bagpiper played regularly when dinner was served, whose person and address made a good appearaoce, and brought no disgrace on the family of Rankin, which has long supplied the Lairds of Coll with hereditary music."— Doctor Johnson's Tour. * This pride or ancestry, when directed as it was among this people, produc ed very beneficial effects on thoir character and conduct. It formed strong at- tachments, led to the performance of laudable and heroic actions, and enabled the poorest Highlander begging his bread to support his hardships without a murmur. Alexander Stewart claimed a descent from one of the first families in the kingdom, and through them from the Kings of Scotland; but being poor and destitute, he went about the country as a privileged beggar. He took no . ..nej', nor any thing but a dinner, supper, or night's accommodation, such as a man of his descent might expect on the principles of hospitality. He ne- vt.r complained of bad fare, lodging, or any other privation. Seeing (he said) that one king of his family and name had been assassinated, another had died m a wretched cottage or mill, a queen and a king of the same blood had lost their heads upon the scaffold, and the descendants of these kings, exiles from the country of their fathers, had been supported by the benevolence of strangers- and seeing that eminent men of his blood had endured misfortunes and want JURISDICTION OP THE CHlEFSr. 51 taught to respect himself iii the respect which he showed to his chief; and thus, instead of complaining of the difiFerence of station and fortune, or considering a ready obedience to his chieftain's call as a slavish oppression, he felt convinced that he was supporting his own honour in showing his gra- titude and duty to the generous head of his family. " Hence, the Highlanders, whom more savage nations called savage, carried in the outward expression of their manners the po- liteness of courts without their vices, and in their bosoms the high point of honour without its follies." * *» Nothing, *' says Mrs Grant, " can be more erroneous than the prevalent idea that a Highland chief was an ignorant and unprincipled tyrant, who rewarded the abject submis- sion of his followers with relentless cruelty and rigorous op- pression. If ferocious in disposition, or weak in under- standing, he was curbed and directed by the elders of his tribe, who, by inviolable custom, were his standing coun- sellors, without whose advice no measure of any kind was decided. " f But though the sway of the chief was thus mild in prao- with firmness and resignation,— ought not he to do the same ? and would he dl'* -redit his honojirable descent by unavailing complaints against that Provi- dence which suffered the high as well as the low to be visited by misfortune ? These may be called prejudices, but it were well if all prejudices had a similar effect in making men contented under poverty and destitution ; and when such are their effects, perhaps the term prejudice, as usually under- stood, does not apply. Alexander Macleod, from the Isle of Skye, was some years ago seized with a fatal illness in Glenorchy, where he died. When he found his end ap- proaching, he earnestly requestcni that he might be buried in the burying- ground of the principal family of the district, as he was descended from one as ancient, warlike, and honourable ; and stated that he could not die in peace if he thought his family would be dishonoured in his person, by his being buried in a mean and improper manner. Although his request could not be com- plied with, he was buried in a comer of die churchyard, where his grave is preserved in its original state by Dr Macintyre, the venerable pastor of Glen- orchy. » Dalrymple's Memoirs. f Mrs Grant's Superstitions of the Highlanders. d2 58 JURISDICTION OF THE CHIEFS. I 'v ri tice, It was ,n its nature arbitrary, and, on proper occasions, ivas exercised with full severity. There is still to be seen amongthe papers of the family of Pe. .h, an application from the town of Perth to Lord Drummond, dated in 1707, re- questing an occasional use of his Lordship's executioner. >-vho was considered an expert operator. The request was gran ed, his Lordship reserving to himself the power of recalling h.m whenever he had occasion for his services, ^ome time before the year 1745, the Lord President For- bes, travel ing from Edinburgh to his seat at Culloden. dined on nis way at the Castle of Blair Athole, with the Duke of Atholl. In the course of the evening a petition round to the President, and said, « My Lord, here is a pe- iTtrA^'"''" T""' ''^''"' Commissary Bisset, my ba- ron badie, * has condemned to be hanged; and as he is a clever felow and is strongly recommended to mercy, I am said the President, « that, after condemnation, no man can '"fnTel"h "JJ^^"*^-" "A«tothat,"repli;dtheDuke! I sLlV. '' V P""^'' "' P""'^*^'"^' '' ''^b»t right tha I should have the power to pardon;" and calling upon a servant who was in waiting, « Go, » said he, « sen^d an ex! press to Logierait, and order Donald Steward presenUv un der sentence, to be instantly set at liberty, "f I ^T'e T""'. *! !'°™ *^ "^''^''^ ^"*«"'y -«« occasionally dele^rated. hlom nf > l;.,» „^ J !• <""'y. -tnaeea, the whole was no bad em- ..ge,<,ftorim»H„gd„a„.„„f ai, powerful «„ml,6«b,Ja^„„,^ JURISDICTION OF THE CHIEFS. 53 Independently of that authority which the chiefs acquired by ancient usnge and the weakness of the genera! govern- ment, the lords of regality, and groat barons and chiefs, possessed the rights of jurisdiction, both in civil and criminal matters, and either sat in judgment themselves, or appoint- ed judges of their own choice, and dependant upon their authority. Freemen could be tried i,y none but lieir peers. The vassals were bound to attend the courts of their cliief^ nnd, among other things, to assist as jurymen in the trials of delinquents. When they assembled on these occasions, they established among themselves such regulations as, in their opinion, tended to the welfare of the community; and, whenever it became necessary, they voluntarily granted such supplies as they thought the necessity of their superiors required. Their generosity was particularly shown on the marriage of the chief, and in the portioning of his daugh- ters and younger sons. These last, when they settled in life, frequently found themselves supplied with the essential necessaries of a family, and particularly with a stock of cat- tle, whichj in hose patriarchal days, constituted the princi- pal riches of the country. * The laws which the chief had to administer were ex- tremely simple. Indeed, his sway was chiefly paternal. Reverence for his authority, and gratitude for his protec- tion, which was generally extended to shield the rights of his clansmen against the aggression of strangers, were the and many recollcctioas of the power and ^tgoity to which it owed iii foun- dation obliterated. * The above li ormation I received from several old gentlemen who remem« bered the practice. These were intelligent persons, much habituated to con, versation, faithful in recollection, and clear in the communication of tlieir knowledge, from having been chroniclers of what to them was of the greatest importance,— the history, the policy, the biography, and the character of their ancestors and contemporaries. To a common observer, no part of their com- munication would have appeared more extraordinary than the control exercis- ed by the lildei-s or Seniors of the clan or i! frict, the ready obedience yielded to their judgment and remonstrance, and the firmness and indepeudence of sa- gacious peasants, in setting effective limit;* to arbitrary power. • t i'r:'V. 5 - * 94 OBEDIENCE OF THE CLANS. natural result of his patriarchal rule. This constituted an efficient control, without many examples of severity. At the same time, the mutual dependence of the clansmen on one another, and tlieir frequent meetings for consulting on their common interests, or for repelling common danger, tended to produce and cherish the social and domestic vir^ tues, together with that ease and familiarity which, when well regulated, prove a source of much endearment, and render it necessary for every individual to cultivate a cor- responding spirit of civility and complaisance. These man- ners and dispositions, both of the people and their superiors, furnish a ready explanation of the zeal with which the for- mer followed their chiefs, protected their persons, and sup- ported the honour of their country and name. In the battle of Inverkeithing, between the Royalists and Oliver Cromwell's troops, five hundred of the followers of the Laird of M*Lean were left dead on the field. In the heat of the conflict, seven brothers of the clan sacrificed their lives in defence of their leader. Sir Hector Maclean. Be- ing hard pressed by the enemy, he was supported and cover- ed from their attacks by these intrepid men ; and as one brother fell, another came up in succession to cover him, crying « Another for Hector. " This phrase has con- tmued ever since as a proverb or watch-word when a man encounters any sudden danger that requires instant suc- <;our. The late James Menzies of Culdares, having engaged in the rebellion of 1715, and been taken at Preston in Lan- cashire, was carried to London, where he was tried and con- demned, but afterwards reprived.* Grateful for this cle- » T«-o brothers of Culdares were taken prisoners at the same Ume, and sent to Carlisle Castle. After a confinement of some months they were releas. ed m consideration of their yo.th and inexperience ; and immediately set off to London to v.sit their brother, then under sentence of death. BeinR hand- sorneyoungmen. with fresh complexions, they disguised themselves inwomen's clothes, and pretending to be Mr Menzies's sisters, were admitted to visit him fn prison. They then proposed that one of them should exchange clothes with |1 li^ ! f FIDELITY. 55 mency, he remained at home in 174-5, but, retaining a pre> dilection for the old cause, he sent a handsome charger as a present to Prince Charles when advancing through Eng- land. The servant who led and delivered the horse was taken prisoner, and carried to Carlisle, where he was tried and condemned. To extort a discovery of the person who 3cnt the horse, threots of immediate execution in case of refusal, and offers of pardon on his giving information, wers ^eld out ineffectually to the faithful messenger. He kw\\r, he said, what the consequence of a disclosure would be to his master, and his own life was nothing in the comparison. "When brought out for execution, he was again pressed to inform on his master. He asked if they were serious in sup- posing him such a villain. If he did what they desired, and forgot his master and his trust, he could not return to his native country, for Glenlyon would be no home or country for him, as he would be despised and hunted out of the Glen. Accordingly, he kept steady to his trust, and was executed. This trusty servant's name was John Mac- naughton, from Glenlyon in Perthshire;. he deserves to be mentioned, • both on account of his incorruptible fidelity, their brother^and that he should escape in this disguise. But this he peremp- torily refused, on the ground that, a'fter the lenity shown them, it would be most ungrateful to engage in such an affair; which, besides, might be produc- tive of unpleasant consequences to the young man who proposed to remain in prison, particularly as he was so lately under a charge of treason and rebellion. They were obliged to take, what they believed to be, their last farewell of their brother, whose firmness of mind, and sense of honour, the immediate prospect of death could not shake. However, he soon met with his reward : he received an unconditional pardon, returned to Scotland along with his bro- thers, and lived sixty years afterwards in his native glen, — an honourable spe- cimen of an old Highland Patriarch, beloved by his own people, and respected by all witliin the range of his acquaintance. He died in 1776. • A picture of Prince Charles, mounted on this horse, is in my possession, being a legacy from the daughter of Mr Menzies. A brother of Macnaiightou lived for many years on the estate of Garth, and died in 1790. He always went about armed, at least so far armed, that when debarred wearing a sword or dirk, he slung a large knife in his belt He was one of the last I recollect of the ancient race, and gave a very favourable hnpresi^ion of tl.eir general 1 50 riDEi,ixy. ^1 '* « - ! S if f . I: ■ '■? I and of his testimony to the hpnoumble principles of thp people, and to their detestation of a breach of tr«$t to a kind and honourable mpj^'^r, however great might be the jrisk, or however fetal the consequences to the individual liifnisejf. manner and appearance. By trade he was a smith ; and although of the low est order of the people, he walked about with an air and manner that nugh^ have become a Field- Marshal. He spoke with great force and fluency of language and, although most respectful to those to whom he thought respc.. due, ho had an appearance of independence and ease, that stri^ngers, igno- rant of the language and character of the people, n,ight have supposed 'toL. ceed from .n,pudence. As he always carried arms when legally permitted «, he showed on one occasion that he knew how to handle them. When the Black Watch was quartered on the banks of the rivers Tay and Lyon in 17*1 ^affray arose between a few of the soldiers and some of the people at a ««; at Kepmore. Some of the Breadalbane men took the part of the soldier?, and, ^ many were armed, swords were quickly drawn, and one of the fonner killed when their opponents, with whom was Maonaughton, and a smith, (to whom he was U,en an apprentice,) retreated and fled to the ferryboat Loss the Tay. There was no bndge, and the fenyman seeing the fray, chained his boat Macnaughton was U,e fir.t at the river side, and leaping'into the boat foUowed by lus master the smith, with a single stroke of his broadsword he cu the chain and cros^ng theriver, fixed the boat on the opposite side,-^nd thus ErSl'.T T""' indeed, no further steps were taken. The Earl of Bre^lbane, who was then at Taymouth, was immediately sent for. Pn mqmrjr, he found that the whole had originated from an accidental refl J. n r ' " "'^" "' °"^ °' *^ Argyle companies against the Atholemen, then supposed to be Jacobites, and that it was difficult to ascertain who^ gave the fatal blow. The man who was killed was an old warrior of nearly eighty years of age. He had been with Lord Breadalbane's men, un- der Campbell of Glenlyon, at the battle of Sheriffinuir ; and, as his sidl lost their cause, he swore never to shave again. He kept his word, and as his beard grew ull .t reached his girdle, he got the name of Padric na Phaisai« •Peter wxth the Beard." Lachlan Maclean, pre.ntly liv:ng^ neT S bndge, ,n lus mnety-fifth year, and in perfect possession of aU his faculties was present at tliis affray. ' _ This intelligent old man died since the publicaUon of the former editions .n his n.nety-seventh year, and. as is very common witl, men of his strength of.consutution, preserved his faculties to his last hour. I happened to call Vpon h.m a week previous to his deatlu He was then in perfect health, and. besides repeating the above story and some others with his usual accuracy, he recited several portions of O^ian's poems with remarkable spirit and a4na. tion, warming as he piocewlcd in his recitaUon. FIDELITY. 5Z For the further exemplification of this attachment of Highlanders to their superiors, I may refer to the celerity with which regiments were raised by them, even in mere peaceable tipnes, when the spirit of clanship had ^een con-^ siderably broken, and the feudal tenures in a great treasure dissfllved. Of :,his some remarkable instances will be found in the history of the Higfiland regipients^ We have inpu-. inerable examples, too, of the force of thpt disinterested Qn delity which, till a very recent period, spurred on the High<^ landers to follow their chieftains to the cannon's mouthy and produced displays of national feeling and intrepidity, which have procured for them a name aqd character not to b? soori forgotten. The promptitude and z^al with which they formerly adopted the quarrels of their chiefs, and obeyed the slightest signal for action, are described in the following verses with an ardour and rapidity which pre- sent as lively and graphical a picture as words can con- vey. << He whistled shrill. And he was answered from the bill ; Wild as the scream of the curlew From crag to crag tlie signal flew ; Instant tliro* copse and heath arose Bonnets and spears and bended bows, On right, on left, above, below. Sprung up at once the lurking foe ; From shingles green the lances star^ The bracken bush sends forth the dart, The rushes aud the willow wand Are bristling into axe and brand. And every tuft of broom gives life To plaided warriors, armed for strife. That whistle garrisoned the glen With full four hundred fighting men, As if tho yawning hill to ueavea A subterranean host had given. Watching their leaders' beck and will, All silent then tlicy stood, and still. Like the loose crags, whose Uireatcniug m»ss, Long tottering o'er the hollow pass. As if an infant's touch could urge Their headlong passage down the verge; 58 U ly Ml SPIRIT OF INDEPENDENCE. With step and weapon forward flang, Upon tLe mouqtain&' sides they hung. " • Yet the Strength of this attachment and zeal did not ex- tinguish the proper sense of independence. In some in- stances they even proceeded so far as to depose such chiefs as had degraded their name and family, or were unfit for their situations, transferring their allegiance to the next in sue cession, ,f more deserving. This happened in the case of Ae families of Macdonald of Clanranald and Macdonell of Keppoch. Two chiefs were deposed and set aside. The rejected chief of the former clan was killed, without issue, in an attempt to preserve his estate and authority ,-+ the de- scendants of the latter are still in existence. But, even when they did not resort to such severe measures, their chieb were often successfully opposed. J • Lady of the Lake. It may be thought absurd to quote a poetical description to authenticate a weH- known fact That, however, being estabHshed. the poetical descriptiontn^te ly .ntroduced. because the delineation is perfect, and the ardour and rapidU^f ^ed.ct.on present a livelier picture of what actually existed, than anyo*er Zoo ZT^'' ■ ^ '"' "'■^^'^^^ consun,.ate judgmentin seizing, L the pocTcal. '""' ' """""'^°'='' ^" ^''^ ^^S*'-^ degree picturesque and .hL?M'"'"^'''f "^ Clanranald was supported by his friend and brother ch.ef Lord Lovat, and the clan Fraser. As was usual in those tinges, the cues t.on was deeded by the sword. The strength of both sides being Istered a d.perateconfl.ct ensued, and the Macdonalds confirmed their independence by Tictory. Th ,. hereditary chief was killed, together with his friend Lord Lovat .nd a great number of followers of each party. The next in succession cot «dered as more deserving, was appointed to head the clan. In this battle, which took place .n July ,544. the combatants threw off their jackets and ve^ts a^J foug t ,n teir shirts. From this circumstance it has been called ^ar „a i^ the «« Battle of the Shirts. " * J A son of a former Laird of Grant, known in tradition by the name of Uird Humphry, presented, in his conduct and fate, astriking illustration of the pow. handed «"' r r «'^™'^'-''-«^--. -"-«-"s. open-hearted, and open rcsZ^ , rr™'""* '"'"""^' '" '•■"^'"'^ "^'^""■''- -d depraved, lost .» rcpect for h« father, and used to go about with a number of 1 you^g m,a INDEPENDENCE. 09 About the year 1460, the head of the family of Stewart of Garth was not only deprived of his authority by his friends and kindred, but confined for life on account of his ungo- vernable passions and ferocious disposition. The cell in the Castle of Garth in which he was imprisoned, was till lately regarded by the people with a kind of superstitious terror. This petty tyrant was nicknamsd the " Fierce Wolf}* per- haps from his being a character similar to that of his imme- diate predecessor Aiaster Mor Mac in Rhi, the " Wolf of Badenoch, " noticed in page 25; and if the traditionary stories related of him have any claim to belief, the appel- lation was both deserved and characteristic. The clan M^Kenzie possessed such influence over their chief, the EarJ of Scaforth, that they prevented him from der-olishing Brahan Castle, the principal seat of the family. So. i time previous to the year 1 570 the Laird of Glenorchy, ancestor of the Earl of Breadalbane, resolved to build a cas- tle on a small knoll, high upon the side of Lochtay, and ac- cordingly laid the foundation, which i.s still to be seen. * This situation was not agreeable to his advisers, who inter- fered, andinduced him to change his plan, and build the Castle of Balloch, or Tay mouth. It must be confessed that the clan showed more taste than the Laird in fixing on a si- tuation for the family mansion, f truned up to unbounded licentlousnf ss. These dissolute youths visited In fa- milies, remained until every thing was consumed, and after every kind of riot- ous insult, removed to treat another in the same manner, till they became the pest and annoyance of the whole country. Laird Humphry had, in the rnean- time, incurred many heavy debts. The Elders of the clan bought up thes« debts, which gave them fuU power over him ; they then put aim in prison ip Elgin, where Uiey kept him during the remainder of his life, leaving the man- agement of the estate in the hands of his younger brother. The debts were made a pretext for confining him, the Elders not choosing to accuse him of va- rious crimes of which he had been guilty, and the consciousnsss of which made him submit more quietly to the restraint. * At a short distance from the present hermitage at Taymouth. t This fact vindicates the taste of the chief from the reflections thrown out against it by all tourists, yretcnding to tliat faculty, who have uniformljr blam- i^ 60 INDEPENDENCE, &C. ■i^ n it I In this manner it required much kindness and conde- scension on the part of the chief to maintain his influence with his clan, who all expected to be treated with the affabi- lity and courtesy due to gentlemen. « And as the meanest among them," says the author of the Letters before mention- ed, *' pretended to be his relations by consanguinity, they in- sisted on the privilege of taking him by the hand wherever they met him. Concerning this last (he adds) I once saw a number of very discontented countenances, when a cer- tain Lord, one of the chiefs, endeavoured to evade this ceremony. It was in the presence of an English gentle- man, of high station, from whom he would willingly have concealed the knowledge of such seeming familiarity with slaves of wretched appearance ; and thinking it, I suppose ed his choice of so low a situation. His memory would have escaped these re- flections, had it been known that the choice was made in due respect to the will ©f the « Sovereign people," who said, that if he built his castle on the edge of his estate, which was the site they proposed, his successors must of necessity ex- ert themselves to extend their property eastward among the Menzies's and Stew- arts of Athole. This extension, however, was slow, for it was not Sill one hun- dred aad seventy years afterwards, that the late Lord Breadalbane got possess- ion of the lands close to Taymouth. But the present Earl has fulfilled the ex- pectations of his ancient clan, by extending his estate eight miles to the east- ward. Previous to this extension, so circumscribed was Lord Breadalbane, that the pleasure-grounds on the north bank of the Tay, as well as those to the eastvfard of the castle, were the property of gentlemen of the name of Menzies. The son of Sir Colin Campbell, who built the Castle of Taymouth, pos- sessed seven castles, viz. Balloch or Taymouth, Finlarig, Edinample, Lochdo- chart, Culchurn, Achallader, and Barcaldine. Except Lochdochart, these were handsome edifices, and gave the name of Donach na Castail, or «• Duncan of the Castles, " to Sir Duncan Campbell, the Laird of Glenorchy and first Ba- ronet of the family. He was also distinguished by the name of Duncan Dhu ma curie, from his dark complexion, and the cap or cowl he constantly wore, in- stead of the bonnet, to which only the eyes of the people were in those days ac- customed. His picture, now in Taymouth, painted by Jamieson, the Scottish Vandyke, represents him in this black cap He was a liberal patron of this ar- tist, tlie most eminent of his day in Scotland. There are several specimens cf his art in Teymouth. Sir Duncan Campbell also planted and laid out several cf these noble avenues at Taymouth and Finlarig, which are now so ornamen- tal, and show to how great a size trees grow even in these elevated glens. INCOERrPTIBLE TIDELITY. 61 a kind of contradiction to what he had oftdii boasted at other times, viz. his despotic power in his clan. " This condescension on the part of the chiefs gave a fdel* ing of «;elf-respect to the people, and contributed to pro- duce that honourable principle of fidelity to superiors and to their trust which I have already noticed, and which was so generally and so forcibly nbibed, that the man who be- trayed his trust was considered unworthy of the name which he bore, or of the kindred to which he belonged. This in- teresting feature in the character of the Scotch Mountain- eers is ivell known ; but it may be gratifying to notice a few more examples of the exercise of such an honourable prin- ciple amongst a race which has often been considered as fe- rocious and uncivilized. Honour and firmness sufficient to withstand temptation may in general be expected it the higher classes of society ; but the voluntary sacrifice of life and fortune is a species of self-devotion and heroism not often displayed even in the best societies. All who are acquainted with the events of the unhappy insurrection of 1745, must have heard of a young gentleman of the namd of M'Kenzie, who had so re- markable a resemblance to Prince Charles Stuart, as to give rise to the mistake to which he cheerfully sacrificed his life, continu' ig the heroic deception to the last^ and exclaiming, with his expiring breath, " Villains, you have killed your Prince ! " Such an instance of heroic devotion would per- haps appear extravagant even in poetry or romance. * * The similarity of personal appearance was said to be quite remarkable. The young gentleman was sensible of this, and at different times endeavoured to divert the attention of the troops in pursuit of the fugitive prince to an op- posite quarter of the mountains to that in which he knew Charles Edward was concealed after the battle of Culloden. This he effected by showing his per- son in such a vay as that he could be seen, and then escaping by the passes or woods, through which he could not be quickly followed. On one occe so opportunely ; sit down and take a share of our beef; I wish your master Prince Charles had as good." After they had dined, the Highlander led the Prince out of sight of his companions, and, throwing himself on his knees, begged pardon in the humblest man- ner for the freedom he had taken in addressing him as an Irishman ; which, he stated, he did, because he knew not whether the Prince might desire to trust his companions. Charles answered, that he had no desire to conceal himself from them ; however, the Highlander, more cautious, went and spoke to each of the men separately, informing them who their guest was, and that he expected they would be faithful to him. The instant every man was informed, he VOL. I. E es iNConnupTinLE fidklitt. lii- fii Ij :f|f' \ 1 " :.:_:, i 1 flew with B4genM!88 to thr Prince, and assured him ihat no reward) not ail the Itiiigdom of Scotland could give, would induce them to betray him,— a crime which wouM render them infamous, banish them tor ever from their native conn- try, and cause them l. be disowned by their iv ndred and friends. * The iittpHfed pflnlehment of treachery wbs a ki«d of out- lawry or banishment from the belot^ni society, in which at fection and good opinion were of audi vital importance. Whilst the bve of c -untry and kindred, and dre«d of the ittfemy which nevitabJy followed treachery, acted thus pow- ^fully, the superstitions of the people confirmed the one and strtrngkhened the other. A noted freebooter, John Du Ga- merort, f or the Sergeant Mor, as he was called, was appre- hended by i party of Lieutenam He< or Monro's detach- ment, which had been removed from BaJenoch to Rannoch in the year 1 753. It was generally believed in iL country, that this man was betrayed by a false friend, to whose house he had resorted for shelter in severe weather. Tlie truth of this allegation, however, was never fully established. But the supposed treacherous friend was heartily despised ; ^nd having lost all his property by various misfortunes, he kft the country in extreme poverty, although he rented from government a farm on advantageous terms, on the forfeited estate of Strowan. The favour shown him by government gave a degree of confirmation to the suspicions raised against him; and the£rm belief of the people to this day is, that his misfortunes were a just judgment upon him for his breach of trust towards a person who had, without suspicion, re- posed confidence in him. Such were the principles which, without the restraints of • He remained some time with these men, who supplied him with all the comforU they could command, and, among other things, plundered an officer's baggage to procure him a change of linen,— a luxury to which he had for some time been a stranger. Tim robbery made a ncise at the time, and was fre- quently mentioned as an instance of the thievish disposition of the Highlanders. t See Appendix, H. .^ Jaa^StaaS^^aiS^I^ DESEBTION OF A ClilEF. m Iaw, gave » k>«i(] of chivalrous tone to the feelings of the people, and combiaed cordial affection and obedience ^o bu^ pAriors, with that spirit of independence which disdained to yieid submiwion to the unworthy. I have already noticed instances »>f the deposition of worthless chiefs :.-r-the foil- lowing is a remarkable one of the drs rtioa of a chief by hii people. Powerful in point of nifluenco end property, nei» tbar tbbl«d to serve the government of William, When in iiont cf Blair Castle, their real destination was disclosed to them by Lord Tullihardine. Instantly they rushed from their ranks, ran to the adjoining stream of Ba- Rovy, and, fiUing their bonnets with water, drank to th« health gi King James ; and then» with colours flying, and pipes playing, " fifteen hu4ulred of the men of Athole, as reputable for arms as any in the kingdom,"* put themselves under the command of the Laird of Ballechijn, and marched off to join Lord Dundee, whose chivalrous bravery, and hei'oic and daring exploits, bad excited their admiration more than those of any other warrior since the days of Mon- trose, f They knew him not as the " Bloody Clavers '' of the southern and western districts; on the contrary, to the JEIighlanders, he was always kind and condescending. Soon after thi: defection, the battle of Killicrankie, or of Renro- ne, (as ike Highlanders call it), was fought, when one of those incidents occurred which were too frequent in turbu- * General Mackay'p Memoirs. f In this instancei the parsmovint principle of loyalty triumphed over feudal influence. e3 IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-S) 1.0 ll.2i 2.2 1.1 I '^ M- 11^ % /A ///// Photographic Sciences Corporation ^% \ ^\ \ \ \ ;\ '^qO >%^^ W.^^ 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716)875-4503 ^.4i. 1 PTT- t^. 68 BATTLE OF KILLIECilANKIE. li'm u :f ^1 *l ^^ lent times. Sir Ewen Cameron of Lochiel, with his clan, had joined Lord Dundee in the service of the abdicated king, while his second son, a captain in the Scotch Fusi- leers, was under General Mackay on the side of govern- ment. As the General was reconnoitring the Highland army drawn up on the face of a hill, a litUe above the house ot Urrard, and to the westward of the great Pass, he turned round to young Cameron, who stood next to him, and, pointing to the Camerons, «« There, " said he, « is your fa- ther with his wild savages ; how would you like to be with him?" « It signifies little," replied the other, « what I would like ; but I recomraeud 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 happen- ed. Dundee delayed his attack «« till, " according to an eyewitness, « tlia sun's going down, when the Highlandmen advanced on us like madmen, without shoes or stocking?, 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. " * In short, the charge was like a torrent, and the route com- plete; but Dundee fell early in the attack, f The con- sternation occasioned by the death of the General pre- * The author of the Memoirs of Lord Dundee, speaking of this battle, says, « Then the Highlanders fired, threw down their fusils, rushed in with sword, target, and pistol, upon the enemy, who did not maintain their ground two mi- nutes after the Highlanders were amongst them; and I dare be bold to say, tliere were scarce ever such strokes given in Europe, as were given that day by the Highlanders. Many of General Mackay's officers and soldiers were cut down through the skull and neck to the very breast ; others had skulls cut oft-above their ears, Uke night-caps ; some soldiers had both their bodies and cross-belts cut through at one blow; pikes and smaU swords were cut like willows; and whoever doubts of this, may consult the witnesses of the tra- gedy." t It has generally been believed that Lord Dundee was killed at the close of the action; but the following extract of a letter from James VII. to Stewart of Ballechin, who commanded the Atholemen after their desertion from Lord Tullibardine, shows that he fell early. Si KILLIECRANKIE. 69 vented an immediate pursuit through the .'rreat Paw. Had they been closely followed, and had a few men been placed at the southern entrance, not a man of the king's troops would have escaped. This uninterrupted retreat caused General Mackay to conclude, that some misfortune had befallen Lord Dundee. " Certainly," said he, " Dun- dee has been killed, or I should not thus be permitted to re- treat. " The 21st, or Scotch Fusileers, was on the left of General Mackay's front line, Hastings' and Leslie's (now the 13th and 15th) regiments ia the centre, and Lord Leven's (now the 25i;h) on the right ; the whole consisting of two regiments of cavalry, and nine battalions or detachments of infantry, the strength of which is not particularly specified. After the right of the line had given way, the regiments on the centre and left (the left being covered by the river Garry, and the right by a woody precipice below the House of Ur- " From our Court at DuMin Castle, the last day of «« James R. Nwember 1689, and the fifth year of our reign. ** The news we have fieoeived of the brave Viscount Dundee's death has most sincerely afiect'^d us. But we are resolved, by extraordinary maiks of favour, to make his family conspicuous, when (he world may see lasting honours and happiness are to be acquired by the brave and loyal. What he has so happily be« gun, and you so successfully maintained, by a thorough defeat of your enemies, we shall not doubt a generous prosecution of, when we consider that the Highland loyalty is inseparably annexed to tti9 persons of their kings : Nor no ways fear the event, whilst the justice of our cause shall be seconded by so many bold and daring assertors of our royal right. If their courage and yours, and the rest of the commanders under you, were not steady, the loss you had in a General you loved and confided in, at your entrance into action, with so great inequality of numbers, were enough to bafiBe you ; but you have showed yourselves above surprise, and given us proof that we arc, in a great measure, like to owe the re- establishment of our monarchy to your valour. We are therefore resolved to send immediately our Right Trusty the Earl of Seafortb, to head his friends and followers ; and as soon as the season will permit the shipping of horse, our be- loved natural son, the Duke of Berwick, with considerable succours, will be sent to your assistance. " • • * • Addressed •' To our Trusty and well beloved Cousin, Stewart of Ballcchap, ' 16 ATTACHMENT OF A fdSfEil BROTHER. rard) stood their grouti r Hi to be considered, that, as the Highlanders are circumstonced at present, it is, at leabt it seems to mo to be, an utter im- possibility, without tlie advontsge of this dress, for the in- habitants to tend their cattle, and go through the other parts of their business, witliout which they could not sub- sist, not to speak of paj-ing rents to their landlords. " The following account of the dress u from an author who wrote prior to the year 1597. « They, " the High- landers, « delight in marbled clotlis, especially that have long stripes of sundrie colours; • they love chiefly purple and blue ; their predeceswjrs used short mantles, or plaids of divers colours, sundrie ways divided, and among aomo the same custom is observed to this day; but, for the most part now, they are brown, most near to the colour of the hadder, to the effect when they lye among the haddera, the bright colour of their plaids shall not bewray them, wiUi tlie which rather coloured than clad, th«y suffer the most cruel tern- pests tbat blow in the open fiel 's, in such sort, that in a night of snow they sleep sound. " f Tlie dress of the High- landers was so p.-MJuliariy accommodated to the warrior, the hunter, and the shepherd, that, to say nothing of the cruel- ty and impolicy of opposing national predilections, much dissatisfaction was occasioned by its suppression, and the ri- gour with which the change was enforced. People in a state of imperfect civilization retain as mwch of their ancient habits, as to distinguish them strongly from the lower or- dws in more advanced society. The latter, more laboriow, kis high-minded, and more fitudious of convenience and • From «' Remarks on the Chartularie. of Aberdeen, " by John Graham Dalyell, Esquire, we learn that these Chartularies contain general Statutes and Canons of the Scottish Church for the years 1242 and 1249, as also private re- gulations and ordinances for the See of Aberdeen from 1256 downwards. In these ordinances it is enacted, that " Ecclesiastics are to be suitably apparelled, avoiding red, green, and striped clothing, and their garments shall not be short- er than to the mtddle of the kg, " that is, they ate not ,to wear tartan plaids, and kilts. t CertayneMattere concerning Scotland. London, printed WOJ. IIICnLAND CARD. 79 comfort) ore lest solicitous about personal appeamncc, and less willing to bear personal privations in regnrd to food and accommodation. To ^luch privations the former rea- dily subniit, that thej may be enabled to procure arms and habiliments which may sot off to advantage a person unbent and unsubdued by conscious inferiority) with limbs un- shackled, and accustomed to move with ease and grace. The point of personal decoration once secured, it mattered not to the Highlander that his dwelling was mean, his do^ mestic utensils scanty, and of the simplest construction, and his household furniture merely such as could be prepared by his own hands. He was his own cooper, carpenter, and shoemaker, while his wife improved the value of his dress by her care and pride in preparing the materials. To be his own tailor or weaver he thought beneath him ; these oc- cupations were left to such as, from deficiency in strength, courage, or natural ability, were disqualified for the field or the chase. Gentlemen on horseback, old men, and others, occasionally wore the truis. * These were both breeches and stockings in one piece, made to fit perfectly close to the limbs, and were always of tartan, though the coat or jacket was sometimes of green, blue, or black cloth. The waist- coat and short coat were adorned with silver buttons, tas- sels, embroidery, or lace, according to the fashion of the times, or the taste of the weaver. But the arrangements of the belted plaid were of the greatest importance in the toilet of a Highlandman of fashion. This was a piece of tartan two yards in breadth, and four in length, which sur- rounded the waist in large plaits, or folds, adjusted with great nicety, and confined by a belt, buckled tight round the body, and while the lower part came down r;o the knees, the other was drawn up and adjusted to the left shoulder, leaving the right arm uncovered, and at full liberty. In wet weather, the plaid was thrown loose, and covered both * See Appendix, L. My grandfather always wore the Highland gaib ex- cept when in mourning ; that is, the truis on horseback, and the kilt when at home. 80 HIGHLAND CARD. Ill' rH> Wi ■»,■ ■ U : ^n 'I V 1 1 I shoulders and body ; and when the use of both arms was required, it was fastened across the breast by a large silver bodkin, or circular brooch, often enriched with precious stones, or imitations of them, having mottos engraved, con- sisting of allegorical sentences, or mottos of armorial bear- mgs. These were also employed to fix the plaid on *he lett shoulder. A large purse of goat's or badger's skin, . answering the purpose of a pocket, and ornamented w ith a silver or brass mouth-piece, and many tassels, hung be- lore. A dirk, with a knife and fork stuck in the side ot the sheath, and sometimes a spoon, together with a pair ot steel pistols, were essential accompaniments. The bon- net, which gentlemen generally wore with one or more feathers, completed the national garb. The dress of the common people differed only in the deficiency of finer or brighter colours, and of silver ornaments, being otherwise essentially the same; a tuft of heather, pine, holly, oak, &c. supplying the place of feathers in the bonnet. The garters were broad, and of rich colours, wrought in a small primitive kind of loom, the use of which is now lit- rte known,--and formed a close texture, which was not lia- bie to wrinkle, but which kept the pattern in full display, f The silver buttons t were frequently found among the bet- * n,e lacUes have recently adopted this purse, as a substitute for the female rocket, ^hich has disappeared. The form and mouth-pieces of the Reticule are a perfect ™odeI of the Highlanders' purses. In 182^ the ladies hf; ar^ tf^er followed the fashion of the ancient Highlanders, by adopting, as a new a U,at used .n old t.mes, only that the modem belt is of course not so broad, ar.d the size of the buckle is less, t These garters are still made ou the estate of General Campbell of Monzie and on the banks of Lochow in Argyleshire. ' si '?' TT "' *' '"'^"'"•^ ""-^'"^"^^ "f ^^^'''^y^ -d Monroe's, who to rich buttons, wore a gold chain round the neck to secure th. owner .n case of being wounded or taken prisoner, good treatment, or payment for future ransom." I„ U.e H.ghlands, buttons of large size, and of s«ver -re worn, that, in the cent of falling i„ battle, or dying i„ a strangeco ^I m^Btsmastm mciILAND GARB. 81 ter and more provident of the lower ranks,— an inheri- tance often of long descent. § The belted plaid, which was generally double, or in two folds, formed, when let down so as to envelop the whole person, a shelter from the storm, and a covering in which the wearer wrapt himself up in full security, when he lay down fearlessly among the heather. This, if benighted in his hunting excursions, or on a dis- tant visit, he by no means considered it a hardship; nay, so little was he disturbed by the petty miseries which many feel from inclement weather, that, in storms of snow, frost, or wind, he would dip the plaid in water, and, wrapping himself up in it when moistened, lie down on the heath. The plaid thus swelled with moisture was supposed to re- sist the wind, so that the exhalation from the body during sleep might surround the wearer with an atmosphere of warm vapour. Thus their garb contributed to form their constitutions in early life for the duties of hardy soldiers, while their habits, their mental recollections^ and the fear- less spirit they nourished, rendered them equally intrepid in the attack, and firm in resisting an enemy. In dyeing and arranging the various colours of their tar- tans, they displayed no small art and taste, preserving at the same time the distinctive patterns (or sets, as they were called) of the different clans, tribes, families, and districts. and at a distance from their friends and their home, the value of the buttons might defray the expenses of a decent funeraL § « The women, " says Martin, « wore sleeves of scarlet cloth, closed at the end as men's vests, with gold lace round them, having plate buttons set with fine stones. The head dress was a tine kerchief of linen strait about the head. -♦ The plaid was tied before on the breast, with a buckle of silver or brass, according to the quality of the person. I havt ^een some of the former of one hundred merks value, with the figures of various animals curiously en- graved. A lesser buckle was worn in the middle of the larger. It had in the centre a large piece of crystal, or some finer stone, and this was set round vrith several precious stones of a lesser size. " • This is still worn by old women in Breadalbane, Fortingal, and other dis* tncts m Perthshire ; and the silver buckles or brooch, richly ornamented with stones, are still preserved in families as relics of ancient fashions. VOL, I, J, 82 OP THE COSTUME. > I! 1« «■ I f ' I I" U- Thus a Macdonald, a Campbell, a Mackenzie, &c. was knov/n by his plaid ; aud in like manner the Athole, Glen- orchy, and other colours of different districts, were easily distinguishable. Besides those general divisions, indus- trious housewives had patterns, distinguished by the set, superior quality, and fineness of the cloth, or brightness and variety of the colours. In those times when mutual attachment and confidence subsisted between the proprie- tors and occupiers of land in the Highlands, the removal of tenants, except in remarkable cases, rarely occurred, and consequently, it was easy to preserve and perpetuate any particular se cumbrous pomp, and indolent effeminacy of Oriental cus- toms : it impedes motion, and incumbers the form which it * At Inch Ewan, in Breadalbane, a Family of the name of Macnab occupied the same farm, for nearly four centuries, till within these few years, the last occupier resigned. A race of the name of Stewart, in Glenfinglas, in Menteith, has for several centuries possessed the same farms, and, from the character and dispoution of the present, noble proprietor, (the Earl of Moray) it is probable that, without some extraordinary cause, this respect- able and prosperous community will not be disturbed. It would be end- less to give instances of the great number of years during which the same families possessed their farms, in a succession as rcgtular and unbroken as that of tlie landlords. The family of Macintyre possessed tlie farm uf Glenoe, in Netlier Lorn, from about the year 1300 :lcwn till I8I0. They were originally foresters of Stewart Lord Lcrn, awl were continued in their possession and employments after tlie succession of the Glenorcby and Breadalbane families to this estate by a marriage with a co-heiress of the last Lord Lorn of the Stew- art family in the year 1435. U il 3i OP THE €OSTUME. 83 envelops. In one corner of Great Britain, he continues, a dress is worn by which these two extremes are avoided : it has the easy folds of a drapery, which takes away from the constrained and angular air of the ordinary habits, and is, at the same time, sufficiently light and succinct to answer all the purposes of activity and ready motion. With some obvious and easy alterations, he thinks it might, in many caseS) be adopted with advantage* f 2 84 BARDS— PIPERS. SECTION VI. Bards — Pipers — Music. k I Mti While the common people amused themselves, as I will have occasion to notice afterwards, with recitals of poetry and imaginary or traditionary tales, every chief had his bard, whose office it was to oele.brate the warlike deeds of the family and of individuals of the clan ; to entertain the festive board with the songs of Ossian, of UUin, and of Oran ; and to raise the feelings and energies of the hearers by songs and narratives, in which the exploits of their an- cestors aud kinsmen were recorded. The bards were an important order of men in Highland society. In the ab- sence of books they constituted the library, and concentrat- ed the learning of the tribe. By retentive memories, indis- pensable requisites in their vocation, they became the living chronicles of past events, and the depositaries of popular poetry. They followed the clans to the field, where they eulogized the fame resulting from a glorious death, and held forth the honour of expiring in the arms of victory in defence of their beloved country, as well as the disgrace at- tending dastardly conduct, or cowardly retreat. Before the battle they passed from tribe to tribe, and from one party to another, giving to all exhortations and encouragement ; and when the commencement of the fight rendered it im- possible for their voice to be heard, they were succeeded by the pipers, who, with their inspiring and warlike strains, kept alive the enthusiasm which the bard had inspired. When the contest was decided, the duties of these two public functionaries again became important. The bard was employed to honour the memory of the brave who had fallen, to celebrate the actions of those who survived, and to excite them to future deeds of valour. The piper, in !iM IMPORTANCE Or THEIU OFflCE. 85 his turn, was called upon to sound mournful lamentations for the slain, and to remind the survivors how honourably their friends had died. By connecting the past with the present, by showing that the warlike hero, the honoured chief, or the respected parent, who, though no longer pre- sent to his friends, could not die in their memory ; and that, though dead, he still survived in fame, and might sympa- thize with those whom he had left behind, a magnanimous contempt of death was naturally produced, and sedulously cherished. It has thus become a singular and characte- ristic feature of Highland sentiment, to contemplate with easy familiarity the prospect of death, which is considered as merely a passage from this to another state of existence, enlivened with the assured hope of meeting their friends and kindred who had gone before them, and of being fol- lowed by those whom they should leave behind. The effect of this sentiment is perceived in the anxious care with which they provide tlie necessary articles for a proper and becoming funeral. Of this they speak with an ease and freedom, equally remote from affectation or presumption, and pro- portioned solely to the inevitable certainty of the event itself. Even the poorest and most destitute endeavour to lay up som^^hing for this last solemnity. To be consigned to the grave among strangers, without the attendance and sympathy of friends, and at a distance from their family, was considered a heavy calamity j * and even to this day, • This feeling still exists with considerable force, and may afford an idea of the despair which must actuate people when they can bring themselves to emi- grate from a beloved country, hallowed by the veraains of their forefathers, and where they so anxiously desired that their own bones might be laid. Lately, a woman aged ninety-one, but in perfect health, and in possession of all her faculties, went to Pcrtli from her house in Strathbrane, a few miles above Dunkeld. A few days after her arrival in Perth, where she luid gone to visit a daughter, she Iiad a sliglit attack of fever. One evening a considerable quantity of snow had fallen, and she expressed great anxiety, particularly when told that a heavier fall was expected. Next morning her bed was found empty, and no trace of her could i-.e discovered, till the second day, when she sent word that she bad slipt out v. , c house at midnight, set off on foot Uirough the 86 IDEA OP DEATH FAMILIAR. ! if: Lk. it, u: people make the greatest exertions to carry home the bodies of such relations as happen to die far from the ground hal- lowed by the ashes of their forefathers. ** A man well known to the writer of these pages," says Mrs Grant, " was remarkable for his filial affection, even among the sons and daughters of the mountains, so distinguished for that branch of piety. His mother being a widow, and having a numer-^ ous family, who had married very early, he continued to live single, that he might the more sedulously attend to her comfort, and watch over her declining years with the ten- derest care. On her birth-day, he always collected his bro- thers and sisters, and all their families, to a sort of kindly feast, and in conclusion, gave a toast, not easily translated from the emphatic language, without circumlocution,— y4n easy and decorous departure to my mother^ comes nearest to it. • This toast, which would shake the nerves of fashion- able delicacy, was received with great applause, the old wo- man remarking, that God had been always good to her, and she hoped she would die as decently as she had lived ; for it is thought of the utmost consequence to die decently." The ritual of decorous departure, and of behaviour to be observed by the friends of the dying on that solemn occa- sion, being fully established, nothing is more common than to take a solemn leave of old people, as if they were going snow, and never stopped till she reached home, a distance of twenty miles. When questioned some time afterwards why she went away so abruptly, she answered, " If my sickness had increased, and if I had died, they could not have sent my remains home through the deep snows. If I had told my daugh- ter, perhaps she would have locked the door upon me, to prevent my going out in the storm, and God forbid that my bones should lie at such a distance from home, and be buried among OauU-na macliair, ' the strangers of the plain.' " Now, since this woman, who was bom on the immediate borders of the plains had such a dread of leaving her bones among strangers, as she considered a people whom she was accustomed to meet frequently, and among whom her daughter and family resided; how much stronger must this feeling be in the central and northern Highlands, where the majority of the people never saw the plains or their inhabitants ! • " Crioch Onerach !" may you have an honourable exit or death, is a com- mon expression to a friend, in return for a kindly word or action. PECULIAR CHARACTER. 87 on a journey, and pretty much in the same terms. Pcopit frequently send conditional messages to the departed. If you are permitted^ tell my dear brother ^ that I have merely endu- red the world since he left it, and that J have been very kind to every creature he used to cherish, for his sake. I have, indeed, heard a person of a very enlightened mind, seriously give a tiiessage to an aged person, to deliver to a child he had lost not long before, which she as seriously promised to deliver* with the wonted salvo, if she tvas permitted, " * Speaking in this manner of death as a common casualty, a Highlander will very gr«»^ jly ask you where you mean to be buried, or whether you would prefer such a place of interment, as be- ing near to that of your ancestors. With this freedom from the fear of death, they were, and still are, enthusiastically fond of music and dancing, and eagerly availed themselves of every opportunity of indulging this propensity, f Possessing naturally a good ear for mu- sic, they displayed great agility in dancing. Their music was in unison with their character. They delighted in the warlike high-toned notes of the bagpipes, and wei'e particu- larly charmed with solemn and melancholy airs, or Laments (as they call them) for their deceased friends, — a feeling, of which their naturally sedate and contemplative turn of mind rendered them peculiarly susceptible ; while their sprightly reels and strathi^eys were calculated to excite the most ex- hilarating gaiety, ,and to relieve the heart from the cares and inquietudes of life. % * Mrs Grant's Superstitions of the Highlanders. f At harvest- home, halloween, christenings, and every holiday, the people assembled in the evenings to dance. At all weddings, pipes and fiddles were indispensable. These weddings were sometimes a source of emolument to the young people, who supplied the dinner and liquors, while the guests paid for the entertainment, more agreeably to their circumstances and inclinations than in propoition to the value of the entertainment itself. Next morning the relations and most intimate friends of the parties re-assembled with offerings of a cow, calf, an article of furniture, or whatever was thought necessary for assisting the establishment of a joung housekeeper. See Aiipeudix, M. \ S«e Appendix, N. hill- 88 SUPERSTITIONS. i i' -J Such were and still are some of the most striking and pe- culiar traits in the character of this people. " Accustomed to traverse tracts of country, which had never been subjected to the hands of art, contemplating every day the most diversified scenery, surrounded every where by wild and magnificent objects, by mountains, lakes, and forests, the iqind of the Highlander is expanded, and partakes in some measure of the wild sublimity of the objects with which he is conversant. Pursuing the chase in regions not peopled^ according to their extent, he often finds himself alone, in a gloomy de- sart, or by the margin of the dark frowning deep ; his ima- gination is tinged with pleasing melancholy ; he finds so- ciety in the passing breeze, and he beholds the airy forms of his fathers descending on the skirts of the clouds. When the tempest howls over the heath, * and the elements are mixed in dire uproar, he recognises the airy spirit of the storm, and he retires to his cave. Such is, at this day, the tone of mind which, characterizes the Highlander, who has * Previous to a tempest, some mountains in the Highlands emit a loud hol- low noise like tlie roaring of distant thunder; and the louder the noise, the more furious will be the tempest, which it generally precedes about twelve or twenty-four hours. From thb warning, when «« the spirit of the mountain shrieks, " • the superstitious minds of the Highlanders presage many omens. Beindouran in Glenorchy, near the confines of Perth and Argyle, emits this noise in a most striking manner. It is remarkable that it is emitted only pre- vious to storms of wind and rain. Before a fall of snow, however furious the tempest, the mountain, which is of a conical form, and 3500 feet in height, is silent In the same manner several of the great waterfalls in the Highland ri- vers and streams give signals of approat Mng tempests and heavy falls of rain. Twonty-four or thirty hours previous to a storm, the great falls on the river Tummel, north of Shichallain, emit a loud noise, which is heard at the distance of several miles. The longer the course of the preceding dry weather, the louder and the more similar to a continued roll of distant thunder is the noise ; consequently, it is louder in summer than in winter. When the rain com- mences the noise ceases. It forms an unerring barometer to the neighbouring farmers. Why mountains and waterfalls in serene mild weather emit such re- markable sounds, and are silent in tempests and rains, might form an interest- ing subject of physical inquiry. O; ssian. (■a^i 1 1 SUPERSTITIONS. not lost the distinctive marks of his race by commerce with strangers, and such, too, has been the picture which has been drawn by Ossian. " ♦ Such scenes as these impressed the warm imaginations of the Highlanders with sentiments of awe and sublimity; and, without any moroseness or sul- lenness of disposition, produced that serious turn of think- ing so remarkably associated with gaiety and cheerfulness. • Dr Graham of Aberfoyle, on the Authenticity of Ossian. 90 MEANS OF SUBSISTENCE. ■.V, - tl to SECTION VII. General means qf Subsistence — FUial Affection — In/hence of CuP' torn— 'Disgrace attached to Cowardice, Sfc* In former times the population, which, as already stated, appears to have been greater than at a later period, would seem at first sight to hare greatly exceeded the means of subsistence, in a country possessing so small an extent of land fit for cultivation. Their small breed <^ cattle throve upon the poorest herbage, and was, in every respect, well calculated for the country. In summer, the people sub- sisted chiefly on milk, prepared in various forms ; while in winter they lived, in a great measure, on animal food : the spring was with them a season of severe abstinence. Many were expert fishers and hunters. In those primitive times, the forests, heaths, and waters, abounding with game and fish, were alike free to all, and contributed greatly to the support of the inhabitants. Now, when mountains and rivers are guarded with severe restrictions, fish and game are become so scarce, as to be of little benefit to the peo- ple, and to form only a few weeks' amusement to the pri- vileged. * The little glens, as well as the larger straths, were, how- ever, peopled with a race accustomed to bear privations with patience and fortitude. Cheered by the enjoyment of a sort of wild freedom, cordial attachments bound their little societies together. A great check to population was, however, found in those institutions and habits, which, ex- cept in not preventing revengeful retaliation and spoliations Qf cattle, served all the purposes for which laws are com- inonly enforced. * See .Appendix, O. !.! CHECKS ON POPULATION. 91 While the country was portioned out amongst numerous tenants, none of their sons were allowed to marry till they had obtained a house, a farm, or some certain prospect of set- tlement, unless, perhaps, in the case of a son, who was ex- pected to succeed his father. Cottagers and tradesmen were also discouraged from marrying, till they had a house, and the means of providing for a family. These customs are now changed. The system of converting whole tracts of country into one farm, and thq practice of letting lands to the highest bidder, without regard to the former occu- piers, and their future ruin or prosperity, occasions gloomy prospects, and the most fearful and ft ■>•■ •i ■■ ' i .'. I .■': 1 * i 3U : i )f! 1. SECTION VIII. Love ofCountry^Social Meetings-^ Traditional Tales andPoetri/. It has often been remarked, that the inhabitants of moun- tainous and romantic regions are of all men the most enthu- siastically attached to their country. The Swiss, when at a distance from home, are sometimes said to die of the wa- ladie dupays. * The Scotch Highlanders entertain similar feelings. The cause of this attachment to their native land is the same in all. In a rich and' champaign country, with no marked or striking features, no deep impression is made on the imagination by external scenery. Its fertility is the only quality for which the soil is valued ; and the only hope entertained from it is realized by an abundant crop. In such a country, the members of the community do not im- mediately depend for their happiness on mutual assistance cr friendly intercourse; and thus an exclusive selfishness is apt to supplant the social affections. Hence, too, in the ordinary tenor of life, we seldom find amongst them any thing calculated to catch the imagination, to excite the feel- ings, or to give an interest to the records of memory;— no striking adventures — no daring or dangerous enterprises. Amongst them we seldom hear «« Of moving accidents by flood and field, Of hair-breadth 'scapes 1* th' imminent deadly breach. " To the Highlanders such scenes and subjects were con- genial and familiar. The kind of life which they led expos- * During last war a Swiss soldier, confined in the French prison at Perth, yia& long in a lingering sickly state, from no other cause that the surgeon could discover but a constant longing and sighing for his native country. I have frequently met vyith instances of the same kind among Highland recruits. if LOCAL ATTACHMENTS. 97 ed them to vicissitudes and dangers, which they shared in common. They had perchance joined in the chase or in the foray together, and remembered the adventures in which they all had participated. Their traditions referred to a common ancestry ; and their songs of love and valour found an echo in general sympathy. In removing from their homes, such a people do not merely change the spot of earth on which they and their ancestors have lived. Mercenary and selfish objects are forgotten in the endear- ing associations entwined round the objects which they have abandoned. Among a people who cannot appreciate his amusements, his associations, and his taste, the expatriated Highlander naturally sighs for his own mountains. Even in removing from one part of the Highlands to another, the sacrifice was regarded as severe. * The poetical propensity of the Highlanders, which in- deed was the natural result of their situation, and their pe- culiar institutions, is generally known. When adventures abound they naturally give fervour to the poet's song ; and the verse which celebrates them is listened to with sympa- thetic eagerness by those who have similar adventures to record or to repeat. Accordingly, the recitation of their traditional poetry was a favourite pastime with the High- landers when collected round their evening fire. The per- son who could rehearse the best poem or song, and the longest and most entertaining tale, whether stranger, or A single anecdote, selected from hundreds with which eveiy Highlander is familiar, will show the force of this local attachment. A tenant of my fa- ther's, at the foot of Shichallain, removed, a good many years ago, and follow- ed his son to a farm which he had taken at some distance lower down the coun- try. One morning the old man disappeared for a considerable time, and being asked on his return where he had been, he replied, « As I was sitting by the side of the river, a thought came across me, that, perhaps, some of the waters - from Shichallain, and the sweet fountains that watered the farm of my fore- fathers, might now be passing by me, and that if I bathed they might touch my skin. I immediately stripped, and, from the pleasure I felt in being surround, ed by the pure waters of Leidnabreilag, (the name of the farm), I could not tear myself away sooner. " VOL. I. *. <'3 I 98 TRADITIONAL POETRY. "m t i friend, was the most acceptable guest. * When a stranger appeared, after the usual introductory compliments, the first question was, " Bheil dad agud air na Fian ? " Can you speak of the days of Fingal ? If the answer was in the affirmative, the whole hamlet was convened, and midnight was usually the hour of separation. At these meetings the women regularly attended, and were, besides, in the habit of assembling alternately in each other's houses, with their distaffsj or spinning-wheels, when the best singer, or the most amusing reciter, always bore away the palm. The powers of memory and fancy thus acquired a strength unexampled among the peasantry of any other country, where recitation is not practised in a similar way, * When a boy I took great pleasure in hearing these recitations, and now reflect, with much surprise, on the ease and rapidity with which a person could continue them for hours, without hesitation and without stopping, except to give the argument or prelude to a new chapter or subject One of the most remarkable of these reciters in my time was Duncan Macintyre, a native of Glenlyon in Perthshire, who died in September 1816, in his 93d year. His memory was most tenacious ; and the poems, songs, and tales, of which he re- tained a perfect remembrance to the last, would fill a volume. Several of the poems are in possession of the Highland Society of London, who settled a small annual pension on Macintyre a few years before his death, as being one of the last who retained any resemblance to the ancient race of Bards. When any surprise was expressed at his strength of memory, and his great store of an- cient poetry, he said, that in his early years, he knew numbers whose superior stores of poetry would have made his own appear as nothing. This talent was so general, that to multiply instances of it may appear superfluous. A few years ago, the Highland Society of London sent the late Mr Alex- andcr Stewart • through the Southern Highlands to collect a few remains of Gaelic poetry. When he came to my father's house, a young woman in the im- mediate neighbourhood was sent for, from whose recitations he wrote down upwards of 3000 lines ; and, had she been desired, she could have given him as many more. So correct was her memory, that, when the whole was read over to her, the corrections were trifling. When she stopped to give the transcriber time to write, she invariably took up the word immediately following that at which she stopped. This girl had peculiar advantages, as her father and mother possessed great stores of Celtic poetry and traditions. Several specimens are in possession of the Highland Society of London. " He was grandson to the man who bathed in his native waters. ii r i POWERS 01' MEMORY. 90 and where, every thing being committed to paper, the exer- cise of memory is less necessary. It is owing to this ancient custom that we still meet with Highlanders who can give a connected and minutely accurate detail of the history, ge- nealogy, feuds, and battles of all the tribes and families in every district, or glen, for many miles iound, and for a pe- riod of several hundred years. They illustrated these details by a reference to any remarkable stone, cairn,* tree, or stream, within the district ; connecting with each some kin- dred story of a fairy or ghost, or the death of some person who perished in the snow, by any sudden disaster, or by some accidental rencounter, and embeilishLjg each with some tradition or anecdote. Such topics formed their or- dinary subject of conversation. In the Lowlands, on the other hand, it is difficult to find a person, in the same sta- tion of life, who can repeat from memory more than a few verses of a psalm or ballad, and who, instead of giving an historical detail of several ages, and changes of families, is generally dumb, or perhaps answers with a vacant stare of surprise when such questions are asked. The bare descrip- tion, however, of such rencounters or accidents, among a people merely warlike, how impetuous aiid energetic soever in character, would have proved exceedingly monotonous, or fit only to amuse or interest persons possessed of few ideas and obtuse feelings; but in the graphic delineations of the Celtic narrator, the representation of adventures, whether romantic or domestic, was enlivened by dramatic sketches, which introduced him occasionally as speaking or convers- ing in an appropriate and characteristic manner. This, among people accustomed to embody the expressions of pas- sion and deep %eling in a powerful and pathetic eloquence, * A heap of stones was thrown over the spot where a person happened to be killed or buried. Every passenger added a stone to this heap, which was call- ed a Cairn. Hence the Highlanders have a saying, when one person serves an- other, or shows any civiUty, «« I will add a stone to your cairn j" in other words I will respect your memory. G2 100 LANGUAGE, I '1-1 I ''I m i ) tn \ i''" i , f; ±- It ■ gave life and vigour to the narratives, and was, in fact, tl*e spirit by which these narratives were at once animated and preserved.* By this manner of passing their leisure time, and byhabi- t'lal intercourse with their superiors, they acquired a great degree of natural good breeding, together with a fluency of nervous, elegant, and grammatical expression, not easily to be conceived or understood by persons whose dialect has been contaminated by an intermixture of Greek, Latin, and French idioms. Their conversations were carried on with a degree of ease, vivacity, and freedom from restraint, not usually to be met with in the lower orders of society. The Gaelic language is singularly adapted to this colloquial ease, frankness, and courtesy. It contains expressions better calculated to mark the various degrees of respect and de- ference due to age, rank, or character, than are to be found in almost any other language. These expressions are, in- deed peculiar and untranslatable. A Highlander was ac- customed to stand before his superior with his bonnet in his hand, if so permitted, (which was rarely the case, as hvf su- periors chose to be outdone in politeness by the people,) and his plaid thrown over his left shoulder, with his right arm in full action, adding strength to his expressions, while he preserved a perfect command of his mind, his words, and manners. He was accustomed, without showing the least bashful timidity, to argue and pass his joke (for which the language is also well adapted) with the greatest freedom,, naming the person whom he addressed by his most familiar appellation, f Feeling thus unembarrassed before his supe- * Martin, speaking of the Highlanders of his time, says, « Several of both sexes have a quick vein of poesy ; and in their language (which is very empha- tic) they compose rhymes and verse, both of which powerfully affect the fancy, and, in my judgment, (which fs not singular in this matter), with as great force as that of any ancient or modem poet I ever yet read. They have generally- very retentive memories. " f If the individuat was a man of landed property, or a tacksman of an old family, he was addressed by the name of his estate or farm ; if otherwise, by hi* Christian name or patronymic. From these patronymics many of our most i MANNERS. 101 rior, he never lost the air of conscious independence and confidence in himself, which were acquired by his habitual use of arms; "a fashion," as is observed by a celebrated wri- ter, " which, by accustoming them to the instruments of death, remove the fear of death itself, and which, from the danger of provocation, made the common people as polite and as guarded in their behaviour as the gentry of other countries." * ancient families, such as the Macdonalds, Macdougals, Macgregors, and others of the western and southern clans, assumed their names, as well as the moremo> dcrn clans of the southern Highlanders, the Robertsons and Farquharsons, the latter changing the Celtic mac to the Scottish son, as the Fergusons have done, although this last is supposed to be one of the most ancient names of any, as pronounced in Gaelic, in which language the modern name Ferguson is totally unknown. The last instance I knew of a person assuming the pa- tronymic as a surname, was the late General Reid, who died Colonel of the 88th regiment in 1806, and whom I shall have occasion to mention as an offi- cer cf the 42d regiment, and as one of the most scientific amateur musicians of his time. He was son of Alexander Robertson of Straloch, whose forefathers, for more than three centuries, were always called Barons Rua, Roy, or Red. The designation was originally assumed by the first of the family having red hair, and having got a royal grant of a barony. Although the representative of the family was in all companies addressed as Baron Rua, and as I have said, was known by no other name, yet his signature was always Robertson, all the younger children bearing that name. General Reid never observed this rulo; and being the heir of the family, was not only called Reid, but kept the name and signature of Reid: why he added the letter i to Red I know n.)t. The celebrated ITeamach, Robert Rua Macgregor, sometimes signed Rob Roy, or Red Robert, f ♦ Sir John Dalrymplu's Memoirs of Great Britain. I See Appendix, Q. 102 ATTACHMENT TO THE ANCIENT llOYAL RACE- SECTION IX. Attachment to the Exiled Family — Political differences between the Lowlanders and the Highlanders— Disinterested but mistaken feeling of Loyalty — Military conduct. Under the House of Stuart, * the Highlanders enjoyed a degree of freedom suited to the ideas of a high-spirited people, proud of having, for a series of ages, maintained their independence. The occasional interference of the royal authority, and the policy frequently pursued, of em- ploying one chief to punish another, and of rewarding the successful rival with a share of the lands forfeited by the vanquished, had a greater tendency to perpetuate than to allay the endless feuds between different clans and districts. It had another effect ; it turned the exasperation of the sub- dued clan against those who attacked them, and directing it from the person of a distant sovereign, whose power was sometimes so weak that he had no other means of establishing his authority than that of setting the clans in opposition to each other. In this state of hostility, their rage and irrita- tion being expended against their neighbours and rivuls, the part the Sovereign had taken attracted little notice; and thus loyalty and attachment to his person continued un- shaken. Of this we have striking instances in the case of the Macdonalds of Cantyre and Islay, and the Macleans of Douart, whose lands were forfeited and granted to the Earl of Argyll in consequence of some acts of violence commit- ted in the course of their mutual feuds; and yet no people in the Highlands retained a stronger or more lasting attach- ment and loyalty than these two clans. The case was the same with the Macleodsof the Lewis, whose lands were granted to * See Appendix, R. f , ATTACHMENT TO THE STUART FAMILY. 103 the Mackenzics; and it is not a little remarkable that the Mac- donalds, Macleans, and Macleods, with all their reverses and forfeitures, preserved a kind of enthusiastic loyalty to their an- cient sovereignsand their descendants, — an attachment which was early forgotten by those who were more favoured, and were enriched by the grants of their estates. The actual interference of the sovereign or any distant authority being little felt by the Highlanders, it contributed to give them an idea of independ- ence, and fostered a kindly feeling towards the King, whose severity was not immediately felt, as few mandates came di- rectly from him. Thus a species of freedom and independence continued with little interruption, and always accompanied with loyalty and a high spirit, till after the reign of Charles I. and during the Commonwealth, when Oliver Cromwell planted garrisons in the heart of their country to punish them for their loyalty during the civil wars. It was then that they began to find their independence lowered, and their freedom restrained. This restraint, however, conti- nued only during the period of the Usurpation ; for soon after the Restoration, the garrisons were withdrawn by Charles II. in consideration of the eminent services render- ed to his father and himself in their adversity. The sub- sequent measures adopted by King William helped greatly to awaken and confirm the attachment of the Highlanders to their ancient kings, while it increased their aversion to the new monarch. To these causes may in part be ascribed the eagerness with which the Highlanders strove for the restoration of the.r ancient line of sovereigns. Another source of this at- tachment may be traced to the feudal system itself. When we take into account the implicit devotion of the clans to the interests and the honour of their chiefs, we may cease to wonder at their respect for a family, between which and many of their chiefs a connection by birth, marriage, and hereditary descent, was known to subsist. This connection was nearly similar to that between the chief and many members of his clan. The doctrine of hereditary succession. It ) Us I 104 JAIOBIIK SONGS. and indefeasible right, never, in its abstract sense, formed any part of their system. Acute and intelligent in regard to all objects within their view, they had but vague and in- definite ideas of the limits of royal power and prerogative. Their loyalty, like their religion, was a strong habitual at- tachment ; the object of which was beyond the reach of their observation, but not beyond that of their affections. The Stuarts were the only kings their fathers had obeyed and served. Of the errors of their government in regard to the English, and Saxons of the Lowlands, they were either ignorant or unqualified to judge. Poetry was here a powerful auxiliary to prejudice. Burns has said, that "the Muses are all Jacobites. " *' There are few Scotchmen, even of the present day," says Laing in his History of Scotland, « whose Iiearts are not warmed by the songs which celebrate their independ- ence, under their ancient race of kings." The sympathy which we naturally cherish, when the mighty are laid low, the ge- nerous indignation excited by the abuse of power, or by in- sulted feeling,— and the tender anguish with which the vic- tims of mistaken principle looked back from a foreign shore, where they wandered in hopeless exile, to the land of their forefathers;— these and similar themes were more suscepti- ble of poetical embellishment than the support of a new and ill-understood authority ; a subject not of feeling, but of that cool and abstract reasoning which was the more unpoetical for being sound and conclusive. Accordingly, we find, that the whole power of national song, during that period, in- clined towards the ancient dynasty ; and the whole force of the ludicrous, the popular, and the pathetic, volunteered in the Jacobite service. It is beyond question, that the merit of these Jacobite songs eclipsed, and still eclipses, every at- tempt at poetry on the other side, which has produced little beyond a few scraps of verses, in ridicule of the bare knees, the kilts, and bad English of the Higlilanders. * • Now, as the House of Hanover has not more loyal or devoted subjects than the descendants of the honourable old Jacobites, it may be permitted to notice a few of those jiopulur songs which so powerfully allectcd many of the if nKLFcioy. 105 The last great cause which I shall mention of the attach- ment of the Highlanders to the House of Stuart, was tho difJerence of religious feelings and prejudices that distin- guished them from their brethren of the Soulli This dif- ference became striking at the Reformation, and continued during the whole of the subsequent century. While many Lowlanders were engaged in angry theological controver- sies, or adopted a more sour and forbidding demeanour, the Highlanders retained much of their ancient superstitions, and, from their cheerful and poetical spirit, were averse to long faces and wordy disputes. They were, therefore, more inclined to join the Cavaliers than the Roundheads, and were, on one occasion, employed by the ministry of Charles II. to keep down the republican spirits in the West of Scot- land. The same cause, among others, had previously in- duced them to join the standard of Montrose. • It has been said by a celebrated author, * that the High- lands of Scotland is the only country in Europe that has never been distracted by religious controversy, or suffered from religious persecution.! This is easily accounted for. last generation, and which continue to afford occasional amusement and pastime to the present •._«« Hey Johnnie Cope, are ye wauken yet ? " « Hame, hame, it's hame I would be. For I'm wearied of my life in this foreign countric; " « A health to them that I lo'edear; " " Kenmure'sonandawa ; " " Tlie King shall enjoy his ain ; "-all of which ^poke to the heart in the strong and simple language best suited to awaken its most powerful emotions. When it is consi- dered how many feel, and how few reason, the power of popular poetry will bo easily . derstood. Of this the government in 1746 seemed to be fully sen- sible; for great numbers of the popular ballads and songs were bought up and publicly burnt * Dalrymple's Memoirs. t Although they never suffered from religious persecutions, they sometimes resisted a change in the mode of worship. The last Episcopal clergyman of the parish of Glenorchy, Mr David Lindsay, was ordered to surrender hi. charge to a Presbyterian minister then appointed by the Duke of Argyll. When the new clergyman reached the parish to take possession of his living notanu^dividual would speak to him, and every door was shut against hi.n except Mr Lindsay's, who received him kindly. On Sunday .he new clur-y- man went to church, accompanied by his predecessor. The whole popniatton cfth.. district were as.einblcd, but they would not enter the church. xNo .>er- lOG HE LI G ION. |l ' The religion of the Highlanders was fonnded on the sim- plest principles of Christianity, and cherished by strong feeling. On this, also, was grounded a moral education, without letters, (so far as regarded the lower orders I mean ; the middle * and higher classes having, for many genera- tions, been well educated,) and transmitted to them from their forefathers, with which was mixed a degree of honour- able feeling f which never forsook them in public hfe, whe- »on (poke to the new minister, nor was tlicre the least noise or violence, till he attempted to enter the church, when he was surroundeil by twelve men fully armed, who told him he must accompany them ; and, disregarding all Mr Lindsay's prayers and entreaties, they ordered the piper to play the march of death, and marched away with the minister to the confines of the parish. Hero they made him swear on the Bible that ho would never return, or attempt to disturb Mr Lindsay. He kept his oath. The synod of Argyle were highly in- censed at this violation of their authority; but seeing that the people were deter- mined to resist, no farther attempt was made, and Mr Lindsay lived thirty years afterwards, and died Episcopal minister of Glenorchy, loved and revered by his flock. * See Appendix, S. t One instance of the force of principle, founded on a sense of honour, and iu consequent influence, was exhibited in the year 1745, when the rebel army lay at Kirkliston, near the seat of the Earl of Stair, whose grandfather, when Secretary of State for Scotland in 1692, had transmitted to Campbell of Glen- Jyon, the orders of King William for the massacre of Glenco. Mardonald of Glenco, the immediate descendant of the unfortunate gentleman, who, with all his family, (except a child carried away by his nurse in the dark), fell a sacri- fice to this horrid massacre, had joined the rebels with all his followers, and was then in West Lothian. I'rince Charles, anxious to save the house and property of Lord Stair, and to remove from his followers all excitement to re- \enge, but at the same time not comprehending their true character, proposed that the Glenco men should be marched to a distance from Lord Stair's house and parks, lest the remembrance of the share which his grandfather had had in the order for extirpating the whole clan should now excite a spirit of revenge. When the propose! was communicated to the Glenco men, they declared, that, if that was the case, they must return home. If they were considered so dis- ] honourable as to take revenge on an innocent man, they were not fit to remain 1 with honourable men, nor to support an honourable cause; and it was not I witljout much explanation, and great persuasion, that they were prevented from marching away the following morning. When education is founded on such principles, the happiest effects arc to be expected. ' t A heligion. lOI thcr engaged in open rebellion, as in 1745, or as loyal sub- jects fighting the battles of their country, in after periods. " The two principal distinctions in the religion of the Highlanders are the Presbyterian and the Roman Catho- lic. The latter, with few exceptions, is confined to the county of Inverness, particularly to the districts of Locha- ber, Moidart, Arasaik, Morrer, Knoidart, and Strath Glass, and to the islands of Cannay, Eig, South Uist, and Barra, where the adherents to the religion of their ances- tors are equal, if not superior in number, to the disciples of the Hcformation. There are likewise a few Episcopalians, chiefly among the gentry. " The religion of a Highlander is peaceable and unobtru- sive. He never arms himself with quotations from Scrip- ture to carry on offensive operations. There is no induce- ment for him to strut about in the garb of piety, in order to attract respect, as his own conduct insures it. Not be- ing perplexed by doubt, he wants no one to corroborate his faith. Upon such a subject, therefore, he is silent, un- less invited to conversation, and then he entertains it with solemnity and reverence. The relationship between him and his Creator is more in his heart than on his tongue. I believe his religious feelings to be as sincere as they are simple and unassuming, and that moral precepts are more congenial to his disposition than mysteries. " Another circumstance, still more astonishing, is, that Protestants and Papists, so often pronounced to be eternal- ' ly inimical, live here in charity and brotherhood. On nei- ther side is humanity forgotten in their doctrine of divinity. In Fort William there is the Scotch church, and the Epis- copal and the Roman Catholic chapels. The inhabitants of the town, and of the neighbourhood, know no division, ex- cept at the doors of their respective places of worship. * • Pennant, speaking of the island of Cannay, says, «' The minister and the Popish priest reside in Eig ; but, by reason of the turbulent seas that divide these isles, are very seldom able to attend their flocks. I admire the modera- tion of their congregations, who attend the preaching of either indifferently as. they liappen to arrive. " »:lil4 ff !'?r ^ 108 RELIGION. On a Sunday morning they may be seen in the street, and approaching by the several roads, conversing together * in unity of spirit and in the bond of peace, ' till the time ar- rives for their separation, when each man bends his course according to the dictates of his own conscience, without ncte or comment from the others; and when the assemblies are dismissed, they meet again as cordially as they parted. The advocate for intolerance will say, such a people must either be lukewarm and indifferent, or the thing is impossible. Not at all. They are truly earnest in their devotion. The same spirit of charity is diffused throughout families. A master does not require his servants to think as he thinks j he merely requires them to do as they are bid. A husband is not offended because his wife loves consubstantiation bet- ter than transubstantiation, provided she loves him. As for their children, they easily come to an agreement about them, if they agree in every thing else. ' I visited a family, where the master of the house and his sons are Roman Ca- tholics, his wife and daughter Episcopalians, and the tutor a Presbyterian. What a mixture ! And does it not lead to confusion and wrangling ? By no means ; quite the con- trary. It is a daily lesson of good-will and kind-hearted forbearance, and every one in the house is benefited by it. '? This ,was the state of religion, liberality, and Christian charity among different sects twenty years ago. In more ancient times, the minds and principles of the Highlanders were mftuenced and guided by their institutions ; by their notions, that honour, or disgrace, communicated to a whole family or district; by their chivalry, their poetry, and tra- ditionary tales : in latter periods the labours of the parish ministers have, by their religious and moral instructions, reared an admirable structure on this foundation. No re>- ligious order, in modem times, have been more useful and exemplary, by their instructions and practice, than the Scotch parochial clergy. Adding example to precept, they have taught the pure doctrines of Christianity in a man- ner clear, simple, and easily conipiehendcd by their flock. RFXIGION. 109 Thus, the religious tenets of the Highlanders, guided by their clergy, were blended with an impressive, captivating, and, if I may be allowed to call it so, a salutary superstition, inculcating on the minds of all, that an honourable and well spent life entailed a blessirg on descendants, while a curse would descend on the successors of the wicked, the oppres- sor, and ungodly. * These, with a belief in ghosts, dreanif. • Tlie belief that the punishment of the cruelty, oppression, or miscon> duct of an individual descended as a curse on his children, to the third and fourth generation, was not confined to the common people. All ranks were influenced by it; and many believed, that if the curse did not fall upon the first or second generation, it would inevitably descend upon the succeeding. The late Colonel Campbell of Olenlyon retained this belief through a course of thirty years' intercourse with the world, as an officer of tlie 4-2d regiment, and of Marines. He was grandson of the Laird of Glenlyon, who commanded the military at the massacre of Glenco, and who lived in the laird of Glenco's house, where he and his men were hospitably entertained during a fortnight prior to the execution of his orders. Cblonel Campbell was an additional captain in the 4.2d regiment in 1748, and was put on half pay. He then entered the Ma- rines, and in 1762 was Major, with the brevet rank of Lieutenant Colonel, and commanded 800 of his corps at the Havannah. In 1771, he was ordered to superintend the execution of the sentence of a court-marshal on a soldier of marines, condemned to be shot. A reprieve was sent ; but the whole ceremony of the execution was ordered to proceed until the criminal should be upon his knees, with a cap over his eyes, prepared to receive the volley. It was then that he was to be informed of his pardon. No person was to be told previously, and Colonel Campbell was directed not to inform even the firing party, who were warned that the signal to fire would be the waving of a white handkerchief by the com- manding officer. When all was prepared, the clergyman having left the pri- soner on his knees, in momentary expectation of his fate, and the firing party looking with intense attention for tire signal, Colonel Campbell put his hand into his pocket for the reprieve; but in pulling out the packet, the white handkerchief accompanied it, and catching the eyes of the party, they fired, and the unfortunate prisoner was shot dead. The paper dropped through Colonel Campbell's fingers, and, clapping his hand to his forehead, he exclaimed, " The curse of God and of Glenco is here ; 1 am an unfortunate ruined man." He desired the soldiers to be sent to the barracks, instantly quitted the parade, and soon afterwards retired from the service. This retirement was not the result of any reflection, or reprimand on account of this unfortunate aflTair, as it was known to be entirely accidental. 110 POLITICAL FEELINGS. 1; 1 and second sighted visions,* served to tame the turbulent and soothe the afflicted, and differed widely from the gloomy inflexible puritanipm of many parts of the south. The de- mure solemnity und fanaticism of the plains, offered a cease- less subject of ridicule and satire to the poetical imaginations of the mountainers. The truth is, that no .two classes of people of the same country, and in such close neighbourhood, could possibly present a greater contrast than " the wild and brilliant picture of the devoted valour, incorruptible fidelity, patriarchal brotherhood, and savage habits of the Celtic clans on the one hand ; and the dark, untractable, domineer- ing bigotry of the Covenanters, on the other." f Differing so widely in their manners, they heartily de- spised and hated each other. " The Lowlander considered the Highlander as a fierce and savage depredator, speaking a barbarous language, inhabiting a gloomy and barren re- gion, which fear and prudence forbade all strangers to ex- plore. The attractions of his social habits, strong attach- ment, and courteous manners, were confined to his glens and kindred. All the pathetic and sublime records were concealed in a language difficult to acquire, and utterly de- spised as the jargon of barbarians by their southern neigh- bours. If such was the light in which the cultivators of the soil regarded the hunters, graziers, and warriors of the mountains, their contempt was amply repaid by their high- spirited neighbours. The Highlanders, again, regarded the Lowlanders as a very inferior mongrel race of intruders, sons of little men, without heroism, without ancestry, or but the impression on his mind, was never effaced. Nor is the massacre, and the judgment which the people beheve has fallen on the descendants of the principal actors in this tragedy, effaced from their recollection. They care- fully note, that, while the family of the unfortunate gentleman who suffered is still entire, and his estate preserved in direct male succession to his posterity ; the case is very different with the family, posterity, and estates of the laird of Glenlyon, and of those who were the principals, promoters, and actors in this infamous affair. * See Appendix, T. | Edinburgh Review. POLITICAL PRINCIPLES. Ill ^mineer- genius; mechanical drudges, &c. &c., who could neither sleep upon the snow, compose extempore songs, recite long tales of wonder or of woe, or live without bread and with- out shelter for weeks together, following the chase. What- ever was mean or effeminate, whatever was dull, slow, me- chanical, or torpid, was in the Highlands imputed to the Lowlanders, and exemplified by allusions to them ; while, in the Low country, every thing ferocious or unprincipled, every species of awkwardness or ignorance, of pride, or of insolence, was imputed to the Highlanders." • These mu- tual animosities and jealousies, long sustained, operated as a check to a more free communication, and cherished the affections of the Highlanders to the exiled family. Their frequent contentions with the peasantry of the plains adja- cent to the mountains, and the comparison of their own constancy and loyalty with what they regarded as the time- lerving disposition of the Lowlanders, exalted them in their own estimation, and contributed, by a feeling of personal pride, to confirm them in their political predilections. This attachment, too, will appear the less surprising if we bear in mind, that the Highlanders, far distant from the seat of government, and not immediately affected by the causes which produced the Revolution in England, were imperfectly acquainted with the circumstances which led to that event. Hence we may discover an apology for their subsequent conduct, as proceeding more from a mistaken loyalty, than from a turbulent restless spirit. Since this ad- herence to the House of Stuart produced most important consequences, as affecting the Highlanders, and led to measures on the part of government, which have conduced so materially to change the character and habits of the peo- ple; we may shortly examine the causes and motives in which it originated, and the manner in which it displayed itself. With few exceptions, the Highlanders were of high mo- * Mrs Grant's Superstitions of the Highlanders. IIQ POLITICAL PRINCIPLES. r; I. M I: narcliicnl notions. Opposed to these was the family of Arfjyll, which took the lead in the interest of the Cove- nanters and Puritans, and which, during two-thirds of the seventeenth century, was at feud with the families of AthoII, Hnntly, Montrose, and Airley. This opposition of religious feeling and political principles, the warlike habits of the Highlanders, and the natural conformation of the country, suddenly rising from the plains into mountains difficult of occesp, and of exterior communication, combined to keep up that difference of character already noticed, which, though so distinctly marked, was divided by so slight a line, as the small stream or burn of Inch Ewan below the bridge of Dunkeld, the inhabitants on each side of which present per- fect characteristics of the Saxons and Celts. * One of the most remarkable of the latter was the celebrated Neil Gow, whose genius has added fresh spirit to the cheerful and exhilarat- ing music of Caledonia, and who, although he was born, and, during the period of a long life, lived within half a mile of the Lowland border, exhibited a perfect specimen of the genuine Highlander in person, garb, principles, and cha- racter. While both sides of this line differed so widely, the lan- guage of the northern division, together with their chivalry, their garb, their arms, and their Jacobite principles, kept them too well prepared, and made them too ready to join in the troubles that ensued. The disarming acts of 1716 end 1725, with various irritating causes, contributed to keep alive these feelings, and to encourage the hopes of the exil- ed family. These hopes led to the Rebellion of 1745, when Charles Edward landed in the West Highlands without men or money, trusting to that attachment which many were supposed to cherish to his family; and committing to their charge bis honour, his life, and his hopes of a crown, • The author of Waverley has, with great spirit and humour, given an ad- mirable delineation of this difference of character, in the account of Waverley'a journey from Glenquaich, and his rencounter with GilAllan, the evangelical landlord of the Seven-branched Golden Candlesticks at CrlefT. Jfcs. POLITICAL PRINCIPLES. 113 he threw himself among them, and called upon them to support his claims. This confidence touched the true string, and made a powerful appeal to that fidelity which had descended to them, as it were, in trust from their fore- fathers. * Seeing a descendant of their ancient kings among them, confiding in their loyalty, and believing him unfor- tunate, accomplished, and brave, "Charles soon found himself at the head of some thousands of hardy mountain- eers, filled with hereditary attachment to his family, and ardently devoted to his person, in consequence of his open and engaging manners, as well as having assumed the ancient military dress of their country, which added new grace to his tall and handsome figure, at the same time that it borrowed dignity from his princely air; and who, from all these motives, were ready to shed the last drop of their blood in his cause j and descending from the mountains with the rapidity of a torrent at the head of his intrepid Highlanders, he took possession of Dunkeld, Perth, &c. &c. " f • It was not without reason, he relied on this loyal attacliment to his person and family. The numerous anecdotes in proof of this attachment, are so re- iharlcable, as to appear almost incredible to those unacquainted with the man- ners and feelings of the Highlanders* When the late Mr Stewart of Ballchulish returned home, after having completed a course of general and classical education at Glasgow and Edin- burgh, he was a promising young man. A friend of the family happeninij to visu his father, who had "6em out" in 1715 and 1745, congratulated th. old gentleman on the appearance and accomplishmente of his son. To this he answered, that the youth was all he could wish for as a son ; and " next to the happmess of seeing Charles restored to the throne of his forefathers, is the pro- mise my son affords of being an honour to his family. " A song or ballad of that period, set to a melancholy and beautiful air, was exceedmgly popular among the Highlanders, and sung by all classes. It is in Gaelic, and cannot be translated without injury to the spirit and effect of the composition. One verse, alluding to the conduct of the troops after the sup- pression of the rebellion, proceeds thus: " Tfaey ravaged and Surnt my conn- try; they murdered my father, and carried off my brothers j they ruined my kindred, and broke the heart of my mother ;_but all, all could I bear with- out murmur, if I saw my king restored to his own. " f Letters of a Nobleman to his Son. VOL. I. n 114t REBELLION IN 1745. i 'i P'!l fi ' l!K So universal and ardent was this feeling, that had it not been for the wisdom and influence of the Lord President Forbes, * a general rising of the Highlanders would pro- bably have ensued. This will appear the more remarkable, if it be true, as is insinuated by that eminent person, that there was no previous plan of operations, or connected scheme of rebellion j although, had there really been a preconcerted scheme of any kind, it will be allowed, that the Lord Presi- dent of the Court of Session was not the person to whom trea- sonable plots would haveb^ -;^'.;scbsed, how intimate soever he might be with the per :vc icerned. The whole, how- ever, would seem to have ..i a sudden ebullition of loy- alty, long cherished in secret, and cherished the more in- tensely, for the very reason that it was secret and perse- cuted. The Lord President, in a letter to Sir Andrew Mitchell, dated September 1745, gives the following ac- count of the spirit then displayed in the North : « All the Jacobites, how prudent soever, became mad, all doubtful peopie became Jacobites, and ail bankrupts became he- roes, and talked of nothing but hereditary right and vic- tory. And what was more grievous to men of gallantry, and, if you believe me, more mischievous to the public, all the fine ladies, f if you except one or two, became passion- • See Appendix, U. t 01 all the fine ladies, few were more accomplished, more beautiful, or more enthusiastic, than the Lady Mackintosh, a daughter of Farquhareon of Invercauld. Her husband, the Laird of Mackintosh, had this year been ap- pointed to a company in the then 43d, now 42d, Highland regiment; and, restrained by a sense of duty, he kept back hi^ leople, who were urgent to be led to the field. These restraints bad no influence on his lady, who took the com* mand of the clan, and joined the rebels, by whom her husband was taken pri- soner,— when the Prince gave him in charge to his wife, saying, «* that h& could not be in better security, or more honourably treated. " One morning when Lord Loudon lay at Inverness with the royal army, he received informa- tion that the Pretender was to sleep that night at Moy Hall, the seat of Mac- kintosh, with a guard of two hundred of Mackintosh's men. ExpecUng to put a speedy end to the rebellion by the capture of the person who was the prime mover of the whole. Lord Loudon assembled his troops, and marched to Moy Hall. The commandress, however, was not to be taken by surprise; and she bad no want of faithful scoute to give her full icformatioa of all xoovementt REBELLION IN 1745. 115 ately fond of the young Adventurer, and used all their arts and industry for him, in the most intemperate manner. Under these circumstances, I found myself almost alone, without troops, without arms, without money or credit, pro- vided with no means to prevent extreme folly, except pen and ink, a tongue, and some reputation ; and if you will ex- cept Macleod (the Laird of Macleod), whom I sent for from the Isle of Skye, supported by nobody of common sense or courage. " During the progress of this unfortunate rebellion, the moral character of the great mass of the Highlanders engag- ed in it was placed in a most favourable point of view. The noblemen and gentlemen too, who took a lead in the cause, were generally actuated by pure, although mistaken motives of loyalty and principle. Some of them might be stung by the remembrance of real or supposed injuries, by dis- or intended attacks. Without giving notice to her guest of his danger, she with great, and, as it happened, successful temerity, sallied out with her men, and took post on the high road, at a short distance from the house, placing Small parties two and three hundred yards asunder. When Lord Loudon came within hearing, a command was passed from man to man, in a loud voice, along a distance of half a mile : The Mackintoshes, Macgillivrays, and Macbeans, to form instantly on the centre,— -the Macdonalds on the right,— the Frasers on the left ; and in this manner were arranged all the clans in or- der of battle, in full hearing of the Commander-in-chief of the royal army, who, believing the whole rebel force ready to oppose him, instantly faced to the right about, and retreated with great expedition to Inverness; but not thinking himself safe there, he continued his route across three arms of the sea to Su- therland, a distance of seventy miles, where he took up his quarters. Such was the terror inspired by the Highlanders of that day, even in mili- tary men of experience like Lord Loudon. It was not till the following morning that Lady Mackintosh informed her guest of the risk he had run. One of the ladies noticed by the President, finding she could not prevail upon her husband to join the rebels, though his men were ready; and perceiving, one morning, that he intended to set off for Culloden with the '^ffer of his services as a loyal subject, contrived, while making tea for breakfast, to pour, as if by accident, a quantity of scalding hot water on his knees and legs, and thus ef- fectually put an end to all active movements on his part for that season, while she d atched his men to join the rebels under a commander more obedient te her wishes. H 2 116 REBELLION IN 1745. ^BHi' ■ ;l ■i' i H:iiil i 1 ■i :i '1 1 ' I appointed ambition, or excited by delusive hopes ; yet the ^ greatest proportion even of these staked their lives and for- ' tunes in the contest, from a disinterested attachment to an j unfortunate prince, for whose family their fathers had suf- fered, and whose pretensions they themselves were taught to consider as just. Into these principles and feelings, the mass of the clansmen entered with a warmth and zeal un- ' mixed with, or unsullied by, motives of self-interest or ag- grandizement ; for whatever their superiors might expect, they could look for nothing but that satisfaction and self- approbation which accompany the consciousness of sup- porting the oppressed. They were therefore misguided, ra- ther than criminal, and to their honour it ought to be re- membered, that though engaged in a formidable civil war, which roused the strongest passions of human nature, and though unaccustomed to regular discipline, or military con- trol, though they were in a manner let loose on their coun- trymen, and frequently flushed with victory, and elated with hopes of ultimate success, they committed comparative- ly very few acts of wanton plunder, or gratuitous violence. They withstood temptations, which, to men in their situation, might have appeared irresistible; and when they marched in- to the heart of England through fertile and rich districts, presenting numberless objects of desire, and also when in the northern parts of the kingdom, often pinched with hun- ger, and exposed throughout a whole winter to all the in- clemencies of the weather, without tents, or any covering save what chance afforded; in these trying circumstances, acts of personal violence and robbery were unheard of, except among a few desperate followers, who joined more for the sake of booty, than from other and better motives. Private revenge, or unprovoked massacre,* wanton depredation, the burning of private houses, or destruction of property, were entirely unknown. When the cravings of hunger, or the want of regular sypplies in the north of Scotland, compel- • Set Appendix, V. REBELLION IN 1745. of food, they li 117 led them to go in quest of food, they limited their demands by their necessities, and indulged in no licentious excess. The requisitions and contributions exacted and levied by the rebel commanders, were the unavoidable consequences of their situation, and did not in any manner affect the charac- ter of the rebel army, which conducted itself throughout with a moderation, forbearance, and humanity, almost un- exampled in any civil commotion. In a military point of view, they proved themselves equally praiseworthy. Neither in the advance into England, to wj,hin a hundred and fifty miles of London, nor in the retreat, when pursued by a su- perior army while another attempted to intercept them, did they leave a man behind by desertion, and few or none by sickness. They carried their cannon along with them, and the retreat " was conducted with a degree of intrepidity, regularity, expedition and address, unparalleled in the his- tory of nations, by any body of men under circumstances . equally adverse." • When such were the character and conduct of the rebel army, —irreproachable in every respect, except in the act of rebellion,— it is to be lamented that their enlightened and disciplined conquerors did not condescend to take a lesson of moderation from these uncultivated savages, (as they call- ed them ;) and that they sullied their triumphs, by devasta- tion and cruelty inflicted on a defenceless enemy. As to the burning of the castles of Lovat, Lochiel, Glengarry, Clunie, and others, some apology may be found in the e:fpediency of punishing men, who, from the circle in which they moved, and their general intelligence and knowledge of the world, must have known the stake which they hazarded, and the consequences of a failure. Not so with their followers, who acted from a principle of fidelity and attachment, which had withstood the lapse of so many years of absence and exile, and which, by gentle treatment, might have been turned in- to the proper channel. Instead of this, a line of conduct i I • Lelters from « Nobleman to hii Son. 118 REBELLION IN 1745. w was pursued infinitely more ferocious und barbarous, than the worst acts of the poor people, to whom these epithets were so liberally applied. These cruelties compelled many of the followers of the rebel army, afraid of punishment, and unwilling to return to their homes, to form themselves into bands of freeboot- ers, who frepuented the mountains of Athole, Breadalbanc, and Monteith, districts which form the border country, and often laid the Lowlands under contributions; defying the exertions of their Lowland neighbours, assisted by small garrisons, stationed in different parts of the country, to check their depredations. The harsh measures afterwards pursued were more calculated to exasperate, then to allay the discontents which they were intended to remove, and were perhaps less excusable as being more deliberate. V ^> t ■-> ABOLITION OF HEREDITARY JURISPRUDENCE, 113 SECTION X. Abolition of Hereditary Jurisdiction— Suppression ijf the High" land Garb. The alarm occasioned by this insurrection, determined government to dissolve the patriarchal system in the High- lands, the nature, as well as the danger of which, had the power of the clans been properly directed, was now exhibit- ed to the country. It would appear that it was considered impracticable to effect this dissolution of clanship, fidelity, and mutual attachment, between the Highlanders and their chiefs, by a different and improved modification of the system and state of society ; and, unfortunately, no course was pursued short of a complete revolution. For this pur- pose, an act was passed in 174-7, depriving all chiefs and landholders of their jurisdictions and judicial powers ; and in August of the same year, it was also enacted, that any person in the Highlands, possessing or concealing any kind of arms, should be liable in the first instance, to a severe fine, and be committed to prison without bail till payment. If the delinquent was a male, and unable to pay the fine, he was to be sent to serve as a soldier in America, or, if unfit for service, to be imprisoned for six months ; if a female, she was, besides the fine and imprisonment till payment, to be detained six months in prison. Seven years* transporta- tion was the punishment for a second offence. The Highland garb was proscribed by still severer penal- ties. It was enacted, that any person within Scotland, whe- ther man or boy, (excepting officers and soldiers in his Majesty's service,) who should wear the plaid, philibeg, trews, shoulder belts, or any part of the Highland garb ; or should use for great coats, tartans, or party coloured plaid, or stuffs; should, without the alternative of a fine, be im- prisoned, on the first conviction, for six months without Flit r: PI m 120 DISARMING ACT. bail, and on the gecond conviction be tran«ported for seven years. • The necessity of these measures is the best apology for their severity; but, however proper it may have been to dissolve a power which led to such results, and to deprive men of authority and their followers of arms, which they so illegally used, the same necessity does not appear to extend to the garb. « Even the loyal clans," says Dr Johnson, " murmured with an appearance of justice, that, after hav- ing defended the king, they were forbidden to defend them- selves, and that the swords should be forfeited which had been legally employed. It affords a generous and manly pleasure, to conceive a little nation gathering its fruits and tending its herds, with fearless confidence, though it is open on every side to invasion ; where, in contempt of walls and trenches, every man sleeps secufdy with his sword beside him, and where all, on the first approach of hostility, come together at the call to battle, as the summons to a festival show, committing their cattle to the care of those, whom age or nature had disabled to engage the enemy ; with that competition for hazard and glory, which operate in men that fight under the eye of those whose dislike or kindness they have always considered as the greatest evil, or the greatest good. This was in the beginning of the present century: in the state of the Highlanders every man was a soldier, who partook of the national confidence, and inte- rested himself in national honour. To lose this spirit, is to lose what no small advantage will compensate, when their pride has been crushed by the heavy hand of a vindictive • Considering the severity of the law against this garb, nothing but tha strong partiality of the people could have prevented its going entirely into dis- use. The prohibitory laws were so long in force, that more than :«ro.thirds of the generation who saw it enacted had passed away before the repeal. The youth of the latter period knew it only as an illegal garb, to be worn by stealth under the fear of imprisonment and transportation. Breeches, by force of ha- bit, had become so common, that it is remarkable how the plaid and philibcg were resumed at all. lilUlJLANO GAIIB. 121 conqueror, whose severities have been followed by laws, which, though they cannot be called cruel, have produced much discontent, because they operate on the surface of life, and make every eye bear witness to subjection. If the policy of the disarming act appears somewhat problemati- cal, what must we think of the subsequent measure of l?*?, to compel the Highlanders to lay aside their national dress ? It is impossible to read this latter act, without considering it rather as an ignorant wantonness of power, than the pro- ceeding of a wise and a beneficent legislature. To be com- pelled to wear a new dress has always been found painful."* So the Highlanders found ; and it certainly was not con- sistent with the boasted freedom of our country, (and in that instance, indeed, it was shown that this freedom was only a name) to inflict, on a whole people, the severest punishment short of death, for wearing a particular dress. Had the whole race been decimated, more violent grief, indignation and shame, could not have been excited among them, than by be- ing deprived of this long inherited costume. This was an en- croachment on the feelings of a people, whose ancient and maitial garb had been worn from a period reaching back beyond all history or eyep tradition, f • Dr Johnson's Journey to the Highlands. t Some opinii may be formed of the importance which Government at- tathed to the garb by the tenor of the following oath: administered in 1747 and 1743 in Fort William and other places where the people were assembled for the purpose ; those who refused to take it being treated as rebels: «« I. A. B., do swear, and as I shall answer to God at the great day of judgment, I have not.'nor shall have, in my possession any gun, sword, pistol, or arm whatsoever, and never use tartan, plaid, or any part of the Highland garb ; and if I do so, may I be cursed in my undertakings, family and property,_may 1 never see my wife and children, father, mother, or relations.-may I be kiUed in battle as a coward, and lie without Christian burial in a stnmge land, far from the graves of my forefathers and kindred ; may all this come across me if I break my oath." The framers of this oath understood the character of the Highlanders. Th^ abolition of the feudal power of the chiefs, and the disarming act had little in- fluence on the character of the people in comparison of the grief, indignaUo^» and disaflection occasioned by the loss of their garb. 122 SUPPRESSION or THE m i i^'i i '. 1 1 W: 1; :lf 1. I The obstinacy with which the law was resisted, proceed- ed no less from their attachment to their proscribed garb, than from the irksomeness of the dress forced upon them. Habituated to the free use of their limbs, the Highlanders could ill brook the confinement and restraint of the Lowland dress, and many were the little devices which they adopted to retain their ancient garb, without incurring the penalties of the act, devices which were calculated rather to excite a smile, than to rouse the vengeance of persecution. Instead of the prohibited tartan kilt, some wore pieces of a blue, green, or red thin cloth, or coarse camblet, wrapped round the waist, and hanging down to the knees like the/ealdag.'* The tight breeches were particularly obnoxious. Some who were fearful of offending, or wished to render obedience to * The fealdag was the same as the philibeg, only not plaited. The mode of sewing the kilt, into plaits or folds, in the same manner as the plaid, is said to have been introduced by an Englishman of the name of Parkinson, early in the last century, which has given rise to an opinion entertained by many, that the kilt is modern, and was never known till that period. This opinion is founded on a memorandum left by a gentleman whose name is not mentioned, and published in the Scots Magazine. To a statement totally unsupported, little credit can of course be attached; and it may, surely with as much reason, be supposed, that breeches were never worn till the present cut and manner of wearing them came into fashion. As the Highlanders had sufficient ingenuity to think of plaiting the plaid, it is likely they would be equally ingenious in forming the kilt; and as it is improbable that an active light-footed people would go about on all occasions, whether in the house or in the field, encum- bered with twelve yards of plaid, (to say nothing of the expense of such a quan- tity), I am less willing to coincide in the modern opinion, founded on such a slight unauthentiCated notice, than in the universal belief of the people, that the philibeg has been part of their garb, as far back as tradition reaches. Since the pnblication of the former editions, several friends have represented to me, that a more decided contradiction ought to be given to the story of Parkinson and his supposed invention of the kilt^ which, they say, is totally un- founded. The truth is, the thing is not worth contradicting. If the story were true, which it is not, the whole would amount to this,— that in the reign of George II. the Highlanders began to wear four yards of tartan instead of twelve, as was their practice in former reigns. This is one of the arguments brought forward by some modern authors, to prove that the Highland garb is of recent introduction. HIGHLAND GARB. 123 the law, which had not specified on what part of the body the breeches were to be worn, satisfied themselves with hav- ing in their possession this article of legal and loyal dress, which, either as the signal of their submission, or more pro- bably to suit their own convenience when on journeys, they often suspended over their shoulders upon their sticks; others, who were either more wary, or less submissive, sew- ed up the centre of the kilt, with a few stitches between the thighs, which gave it something of the form of the trowsers worn by Dutch skippers. At first these evasions of the act were visited with considerable severity; but at length the officers of the law seem to have acquiesced in the interpreta- tion put by the Highlanders upon the prohibition of the act. This appears from the trial of a man of the name of M«Alpin, or Drummond Macgregor, from Breadalbane, who was acquitted, on his proving that the kllt had been stitched up in the middle. * This trial took place in 1757, and was the first instance of relaxation in enforcing the law of 1747. t The change produced in the Highlands, by the disarming and proscribing acts, was accelerated by the measures of government for the abolition of hereditary jurisdictions, and • This very strong attachment to a habit which they thought graceful and convenient, is not singular among an ancient race, proud of their independence, manners, customs, and long unbroken descent. It is in every one's memory, that a dangerous mutiny was produced at Vellore, in the East Indies, by insist- ing on an alteration in the dress of the native troops, in the adjustment of their turbans, and in the cut of their whiskers. There was, perhaps, a religious feel- ing mixed with this opposition; yet whiskers and turbans seem of less import- ance than a whole garb, such us that the use of which the Highlanders were prohibited. f Although the severity of this « ignorant wantonness of power " began to be relaxed in 17S7, it was not till the year 1782 that an act, so ungenerous in it- self, so unnecessary, and so galling, was repealed. In the session of that year, the present Duke of Montrose, then a member of the House of Commons, brought in a bill to repeal all penalties and restrictions on the Celtic garb. The motion was seconded by the Earl of Lauderdale, then Lord Maitland, an4 passed without a dissenting voice. 1 124> HIGHLAND GARB. the consequent overthrow of the authority of the chiefs. This was the last act of government which had any influ- ence upon the Highland character. Subsequent changes are to be traced to causes, which owe their existence chiefly to the views and speculations of private individuals. Into the order of these causes, and their practical operations and effects, I shall now shortly inquire. PART 11. PBESENT STATE, AND CHANGE OF CHARACTER AND MANNERS. SECTION I. Influence of Political and Economical Arrangements— Change in the Character of the Clans— Introduction of Fanaticism in Religion. It will be perceived that the preceding Sketch of the cus- toms, manners, and character of the inhabitants of the High- lands of Scotland refers rather to past than present times. A great, and, in some respects, a lamentable change, has been produced ; and the original of the picture which I have attempted to draw is suffering daily obliterations, and is, in fact, rapidly disappearing. Much of the romance and chi- valry of the Highland character is gone. The voice of the bard has long been silent; poetry, tradition, and song, are vanishing away. To adopt the words of Mrs Grant, " The generous and characteristic spirit, the warm affection to his family, the fond attachment to his clan, the love of story and song, the contempt of danger and luxury, the mystic superstition equally awful and tender, the inviolable fidelity to every engagement, the ardent love of his native heaths and mountains, " will soon be no longer found to 126 EFFECTS OF THE UNION. m J U \- ■• ;iiv i r exist among the Highlanders, unless the change of charac- ter which is now in rapid progress be checked. Of this change there was no symptom previous to the year 174-5, and scarcely a faint indication till towards the year 1770. The Union, which has had the happiest eflfect in contributing to the prosperity of both kingdoms, seen.ed at first, and indeed for many years afterwards, to paralyze the energies, and break the spirit of Scotchmen. The peo- ple in general imagined, that, by the removal of their court and parliament, they had lost their independence. The subsequent decrease of trade contributed to exasperate and to increase their aversion to the measure j and from this pe- riod, the country seems to have remained stationary, if not to have retrograded, till about the commencement of the late . .ign, when a spirit of improvement, both in agricul- ture and commerce, and a more extensive intercourse with the world, infused new life and vigour into the general mass of the population. While this was the effect of the Union in the southern and lowland parts of Scotland, its operation upon the north was much slower and more imperceptible. There the in- habitants retained their ancient pursuits, prejudices, lan- guage, and dress; with all the peculiarities of their original character. But a new era was soon to commence. The primary cause, both in time and importance, which contri- buted to produce a remarkable change in the Highlands, was the legislative measures adopted subsequent to the year 1745. This cause, however, had so little influence, that, as I have already noticed, its operation was for many years im- perceptible ; yet an impulse was given which, in the pro- gress of events, and through the co-operation of many colla- teral and subordinate causes, has effected a revolution, which could not have been fully anticipated, or indeed thought possible in so short a period of time. This change appears in the character and condition of the Highlanders, and is indicated, not only in their manners and persons, but in the very aspect of their country. It has reduced to a state of CHANGE or MANNERS. 127 nature, lands that had long been subjected to the plough, and which had afForded the means of support to a moral, happy, and contented population ; it has converted whole glens and districts, once the abode of a brave, vigorous, and independent race of men, into scenes of desolation ; it has torn up families which seemed rooted, like Alpine plants, in the soil of their elevated region, and which, from their habits and principles, appeared to be its original possessors, as well as its natural occupiers,— and forced them thence, pennyless and unskilful, to seek a refuge in manufacturing towns, or, in a state of helpless despair, to betake themselves to the wilds of a far distant land. The spirit of speculation has invaded those mountains which no foreign enemy could penetrate, and expelled a brave people whom no warlike in- truder could subdue. I shall now briefly advert to the circumstances which have led to the system of managing Highland estates, re- cently adopted by many proprietors, adding a few observa- tions on the manner in which it has been carried into effect, and on its certain or probable consequences, as these affect the permanent prosperity of the landlord, improve or de- teriorate the character and condition of the people, and in- fluence their loyalty to the king, respect for the laws, and attachment to the higher orders. A striking feature in the revolutionized Highland charac- ter is, the comparative indifference of the people towards chiefs and landlords. Formerly, their respect and attach- ment to their chiefs formed one of the most remarkable traits m their character; and such, indeed, were their reverence and affection for their patriarchal superiors, that, to swear by the hand of their chief, was a confirmation of an aver- ment; and "May my chief have the ascendant," was a common expression of surprise. * It is remarkable how • Martin say?, « The islanders have a great respect for their chiefs and heads of tribes and they conclude grace after every meal, with a petition to God for their welfare and prosperity. Neither will they, as far as in them lies, suffer them to sink under any misfortune, but, in case of decay of estate, make a vo- 128 CHANGE CF MANNERS. M ■ '} i! Ili* In m little this kindly disposition of the people was, for many years after the abolition of the hereditary jurisdictions, in- fluenced or impaired by an act which deprived the chiefs of their power, and released the clans from all compulsive obedience to these patriarchal rulers. Notwithstanding this, they still performed their services as before, and admitted the arbitration of their chiefs, when they had no more power or authority over them, than gentlemen of landed property in England or Ireland possess over their tenants. When a chief, his son, or friends, wished to raise a regi- ment, company, or smaller number of men, to entitle him to the notice of gcernment, the appeal was seldom made in vain. The same attachment was even displayed towards those whose estates were confiscated to government, and who, as outlaws from their country, became the objects of that mixture of compassion and respect which generous minds accord to the victims of principle. The rights of their chiefs and landlords, in these unhappy circumstances, they regarded as unalienable, unless forfeited by some vice or folly. The victims of law were not merely respected as chiefs, but revered as martyrs, and those to whom self-de- nial was at all times familiar, became more rigidly abstemi- ous in their habits, that they might, with one hand, pay the rent of the forfeited land to the Crown, * and with the other supply the necessities of their exiled chiefs ; while the young men, the sons of their faithful and generous tenan- try, were ready with the«r personal services to forward the welfare, and procure military rank and commissions for the sons of the unfortunate individuals who had lost their e- states. f luntary contribution in their behalf, as a common iutf to support the credit of their families. " • See Appendix, W. f It will be seen in the Appendix, that, in many cases, the tenants on the forfeited estates remitted to their attainted landlords, when in exile, the rents which they formerly paid them, government, at the same time, receiving th« full rents of the new leases. This generosity was exhibited on many other oc- •i S: CHANGE OF MANNERS. 129 It cannot be doubted, that, by condescension and kind- ness, this feeling might have been perpetuated, and that the Highland proprietors, without sacrificing any real advan- tage, would have found in the voluntary attachment of their tenants, a grateful substitute for the loyal obedience of their clans. * Amid the gradual changes and improvements of casions, when the objects of their affection and respect required assistance. In the year 1757, Colonel Fraser, the son of Lord Lovat, without an acre of land, found himself, in a few weeks, at the head of nearly 800 men from his father's estate, (then forfeited,) and the estates of the gentlemen of the clan. About the same period, and previously, numerous deUehments of young men were sent to the Scotch Brigade in Holland, to procure commissions for the gentle- men who had lost their fortunes. In the year 1777, Lord Macleod, eldest son of the Earl of Cromarty, (attainted in 1746), found his influence as effective as when his family were in full possession of their estate and honours. By the support of the Mackeniies, and other gentlemen of his clan, 900 Highlanders were embodied under his command, although he was personally unknown to the greater part of them, having been thirty years in exile. Beside? these 90O, there were 870 Highlanders raised for his regiment in different parts of the North. * In the yeai 1776, the late Lochicl was a lieutenant in the 30th regi- ment, having returned from France after his father's death, and obtained a commission. This lieutenancy was his only fortune after the forfeiture of his estate. The followers of his father's family raised 130 men to obtain for him a company in the 71st regiment Macpherson of Cluny, also without a shilling, raised 140 men, for -vhich he was appointed major to the 71st, ind thus secured an independency till his family estate was restored in 1783. It is unnecessary to give more instances of this disposition, which formed so distinguished a trait in the character of the Highlanders of the last generation. • The following is one of many existing proofs of permanent respect and at- tachment, testified by the Highlanders to their landlords. A gentleman pos- sessing a considerable Highland property, and descended from a warlike and honourable line of ancestors, long held in respect by the Highlanders, fell into difficulties come years ago. In this state, he was the more sensible of his mis- fortune as his estate was very improvable. In fact, he attempted some improve- ments, but employed more labourers than he could easily afford to pay. But, notwithstanding the prospect of irregular payments, such was the attachment of the people to the representaUve of a respectable house, that they were ready at his call, and often left the employment of others, who paid regularly, to carry on his operations. To this may be added a circumstance, which will appear the more marked, to such as understand the character of the Highlanders, and know how deeply they feel any neglect in returning civility on the part of VOL. I. • See Article Macleod's Highlanders, Second Volume. I' * 130 CHANGE or MANNERS. ^1 !■' «i) the age, might not the recollections and most approved vir- tues and traits of chivalrous times have been retained, along with something of the poetry of the Highland character in the country of Ossian ? And if unable to vie with their Southern neighbours in luxury or splendour, might not gen- tlemen have possessed in their mountains a more honour- able distinction, — that of commanding respect without the aid of wealth, by making a grateful people happy, and thus uniting true dignity with humanity ? This many gentlemen have accomplished, and in the full enjoyment of the con- fidence, fidelity, and gratitude of a happy and prosperous tenantry, are now supporting a manly and honourable in- dependence, while others have descended fro/n their envi- able eminence for an immediate or prospective addition to their rent-rolls, — an addition which the short respite or de- lay, so necessary in all improvements and considerable changes, would have enabled their ancient adherents to have contributed.* By many proprietors, no more attention their superiors. If a gentleman pass a countryman tvithout returning i.is sa- lute, it furnishes matter of observation *o a whole district. The gentleman now in question, educated in the South, and ignorant o'the language and cha- racter of the people, and of their peculiar way of thinking, paid so little regard to tnt'ir feelings, that although a countryman pulled off' bis bonnet almost as soon as he appeared in sight, the respectful salute generally passed unnoticed: yet this was overiooked in remembrance of his family, in the same manner that generous minds extend to the children the gratitude due to the parents. * Most of the evils which press upon the present age, and which lately de- solated Europe, Imve arisen from the very cause, which has produced such violent changes among the mountains of Scotland ; namely, an impatience to obtain too soon, and without due preparation, the advantages that were con- templated, and, from an attempt to accomplish at once, what no human power can effect without the slow but certain aid of time. As an instance of the re- sult of the modem method of management, in hurrying on improvements, with- out regard to the sacrifice of tlie happiness of others, contrasted with tlie effects of improving with moderation and as time and circumstances admitted, I shall state the results of the opposite lines of conduct followed by two Highland proprietors. One of these gentlemen obtained possession of his father's estate, and employed an agent to arrange the farms on a new plan. The first princi- ple was to consider his lands as an article of commerce, to be disposed of to the highest bidder. The old tenants were accordingly removed. New one* ill CHANGE OF MANNERS. 131 has been shewn to the feelings of the descendants of their fathers' clansmen, than if the connection between the fa- niilies of the superiors and the tenantry had commenc- ed but yesterday. By others, again, the people have been preserved entire, the consequence of which has been, that they have lost nothing of their moral habits, retain much of the honourable feelings of former times, and are improv- ing in industry and agricultural knowledge ; these kind and considerate landlords, having commenced with the improve- ment of the people as the best and most permanent foundation oflered, and rents, great beyond all precedent, were promised. Two rents were paid j the tliird was deficient nearly one half, and the fourth failed en- tirely, or was paid by the sale of the tenant's stock. Fresh tenants were then to be procured. This was not so easy, as no abatement was to be given : hence, a considerable proportion of the estate remained in the proprietor's hands. After the second year, however, the whole farms were again let, but another failure succeeded. The same process was again gone through, and with similar results, to the great discredit of the farms, as few would again at- tempt to settle, without a great reduction of rent, where so many had failed. But, in all those difficulties, there was no diminution in the landlord's expenses. Indeed, they were greatly extended by fresh speculations and dreams of in- creased income. "Without detailing the whole process, I shall only add, that his creditors have done with the estate what be did with tlie farms— offered it to the highest bidder. The other gentleman acted differently. When he succeeded his father, he raised his rents according to the increased value of produce. This continuing to rise, he showed his people, that as a boll of grain, a cow or sheep, obtained one or two hundred per cent, higher price than formerly, U was but just that they should pay rent in proportion. In this they cheer- fully acquiesced, while they followed his directions and example in improving their land. He has not removed a tenant. In cases where he thought them too crowded, he, on the decease of a tenant, made a division of his land amongst the others. This was the only alteration as far as regarded the re- moval of the ancient inhabitants, who are contented and prosperous, paying adequate rents so regularly (o their landlord, that he has now saved money sufficient to purchase a lot of his neighbour's estate ; and he has also the hap- piness of believing, that no emissary sowing the seeds of sedition against the king and government, or of disaffection to the established church, will find countenance, or meet with hearers or converts among his tenantry, whose easy circumstances render them loyal, and proof against all the arts of the turbulent and factious, wheUier directed against the king, the church, or Uieir immediate superiors. i3 11 vy . . 132 CHANGE OF MANNETIS. '1^ for the improvement of their lands, instead of followinff the new system, which seems to consider the population of a glen or district in the same light as the flocks that range the hills, to be kept in their habitations so long as they are thought profitable, and when it is believed that they have ceased to be so, to be ejected to make room for strangers. * But those whose families and predecessors had remained for ages, on a particular spot, considered them- selves entitled to be preferred to strangers, when they offered equally high rents for their lands. Men of sup- posed skill and capital were, however, invited to bid against them ; and these, by flattering representations of their own ability to improve the property, and by holding out the prejudices, indolence, and poverty of the old tenantry, as rendering them incapable of carrying on improvements, or paying adequate rents, frequently obtained the preference. In many cases even secret offers have been called for, and received, the highest constituting the best claim ; f and notwithstanding the examples exhibited by those true pa- • See Appendix, X. f Nothing, in the policy pursued in the management of Highland estates, has been more productive of evil than this custom, introduced along with the new improvements, of letting farms by secret offers. It has generated jealousy, hatred, asd distrust, setting brother against brother, friend against friend ; and, wherever it has prevailed on large estates, has raised such a ferment in the country as will require years to allay. Sir George Mackenzie, in his Report of the County of Ross, with reference to this manner of letting farms, thus feel- ingly expresses himself: « No exaggerated picture of distress can be drawn to convey to the feeling mind the horrible consequences of such conduct as has been mentioned, towards a numerous tenantry. Whatever difference of opinion may exist respecting the necessity of reducing the numbers of occupiers of land in the Highlands, there can exist but one on conduct such as has been de- scribed,— that it is cruelly unjust and dishonourable, esjecially if, as too often happens, the old tenants are falsely informed of offers having been made. Such a deception is so mean, that its having been ever practised, is enough to bring indelible disgrace on us all. " Certainly such proceedings must be repugnant to every honourable and enlightened mind. But the disgrace attaches only to those who practise such infamous deceptions. There are many honourable men in the Highlands, who wish for nothing but a fair and honest value for their lands, and would as soon take the money out of their tenants* pockets as act in this manner. CHANGE OF MANNERS. 183 triots, who, by giving time and encouragement, showed at once the capability of their lands and of their tenants, yet, to one of these strangers, or to one of their own richer or more speculating countrymen, were surrendered the lands of a whole valley, peopled, perhaps, by a hundred families. An indifference, if not an aversion, to the families of the landlords who acted in this manner, has too frequently been the natural result ; and, in many places, the Highland pro- prietors, from being the objects of greater veneration with the people than those of any other part of the kingdom, per- haps of Europe, have entirely lost their affections and fide- lity. But while many have thus forfeited that honourable influ- ence, (and what influence can be more honourable than that which springs from gratitude and a voluntary affectionate obedience?) which their predecessors enjoyed to such a degree, that to this day the most affectionate blessings are poured out on their memory, as often as their names are mentioned ; the system which has so materially contributed to this change, has not been followed by advantages in any way proportionate to the loss. On the contrary, the result has, in too many cases been, bankruptcy among tenants, di- mmution of honourable principles, and irregularity in the payment of rents, which, instead of improving, have embar- rassed the condition of the landlord. In some cases, these proceedings have been met by resist- ance on the part of the tenants, and occasioned serious tu- mults. * In most instances, however, the latter have sub- • The leading circumstances of one of these tumults will be seen in the ac count of the military services of the 42d regiment, In the year 1792, a nu- merous body of tenantry, in the county of Boss, were removed on account of vvhat was called an improved plan, in the advantages of which the people were to have no share. Their welfare, as in too many case, in the Highlands, fom^ed no van oftkn plan. They were all ejected from their farms. It was some years be- fore the result could be fully estimated, so far as regarded the welfare of the . xnd- lords. The rum of the old occupiers was immediate. Totheproprieto- the same result, though more slowly produced, seems equally certain. In one district, improved m this merciless manner, the estates of five ancient families, who for several centuries, had supported an honourable and respected name, are all i« i 4^ H II |.n 134 CHANCE OP MANNERS, mitted with patient resignation to their lot ; and, by their manner of bearing this treatment, showed how little they de- served it. But their character has changed with their situa- tions. The evil is extending, and the tenants of kind and patriotic landlords seem to be, in no small degree, affected by the gloom and despondency of those who complain of harsh treatment, and who, neglected and repulsed by their natural protectors, while their feelings and attachment were still strong, have, in too many instances, sought consolation in the doctrines of ignorant and fanatical spiritual guides, capable of producing no solid or beneficial impression on the ardent minds of those to whom their harangues and ex- hortations are generally addressed. The natural enthusiasm of the Highland character has, in many instances, been con- verted Into a gloomy and morose fanaticism. Traditional potsession of one individual, who, early in tlie late war, amassed a large for- tune in a public department abroad. The original tenants were first dispos- sessed, and the lairds soon followed. May I not hazard a supposition, that, if these gentlemen had permitted their people to remain, and if ihey had followed the example of their ancestors, who preserved their estates for two, three, and four hundred years, they too might have kept possession, and bequeathed them to their posterity ? The new proprietor has made great and extensive improve- nients. It is said, that he has laid out thirty thousand pounds on two of these estates. Some very judicious men think, that if the numerous old hardy and vigorous occupiers had been retained, and encouraged by the application of one-third of :his sum, such effectual assistance, with their abstemious hnbits and personal labour, would have enabled them to execute the same improvements, and to pay as high rents as the present occupiers. To be sure their houses would have been small, and their establishments mean in comparison of those of the present tenants ;, but, to balance the mean appearance of their houses, they would have cost the landlord little beyond a small supply of wood. We should then have seen these districts peopled by a high-spirited independent peasantry, instead of miserable day-labourers and cottars, who are now dependent on the great farmer for their employment and daily bread, and who, sensible of their dependence, must cringe to those by offending whom, they would deprive themselves of the means of subsistence. When no tie of mutual attachment exists, as in former days, the modern one is easily broken. A look that may be construed into insolence is a sufficient cause of dismissal. Can we expect high-spirited chivalrous soldiers, preferring death to defeat and disgrace, from m(h a population, and such habits as these ? 11 I t-s i ftfi ClUNGE OF MANNERS. 135 history and native poetry, which reminded them of other times, are ncj,Mcctcd. Theological disputes, of interminable duration, now occupy much of the time formerly devoted to poetical recitals, and social meetings. These circumstances have Ulunted their romantic feelings, and lessened their taste for the works of imagination. " Among the causes, " says Dr Smith, ** which make our ancient poems vanish so ra- pidly, poverty and the iron rod should in most places have a large share. From the baneful shades of these murderers of the Muse, the light of the song must fast retire. No o- ther reason need be asked why the present Highlanders ne- glect so much the songs of their fathers. Once the humble but happy vassal sat at his ease at the foot of his gray rock, or green tree. Few were his wants, and fewer still his cares, for he beheld his herds sporting round him on his then unmeasured mountains. He hummed the careless song, and tuned the harp of joy, while his soul in silence blessed his chieftain. Now I was going to draw the compa- rison, — Sed Cynthius aurem vellit, et admonuit. " • In the same manner, and from the same cause, their taste for music, dancing, and all kinds of social amusement, has been chilled. Their evening meetings are now seldom held, and when they do occur, instead of being enlivened with the tale, the poem, or the song, they are too frequently exaspe- rated with political or religious discussions, or with com- plaints against their superiors, and the established clergy, which have altogether exerted a baneful instead of a salu- tary influence on their general manners, as well as on that natural civility, which, in the last age, never permitted a Highlander to pass any person of respectable appearance without a salute, or some civil observation, whereas at present, so great is the change of manners, that instead of the cor- dial greetings of former times, a Highlander will frequently pass his immediate superior without the slightest notice. Even the aspect of the Highlander, his air, and his carriage, have • See Ileport of the County of Argyle, drawn up for the Board of Agricul- ture. 'I (i Vs 'k' I ;. Id ;!' 136 CHANGE OF MANNERS. undergone a marked change. + Formerly the bonnet was worn with a gentle inclination over the left or right eye- brow, and the plaid was thrown over the left shoulder (the right arm being exposed, and at full liberty) with a careless air, giving an appearance of ease not distant from grace, ^ while the philibeg gave a freedom to the limbs, and showed them to advantage. At present, as the Highland dress ia almost exclusively confined to the lower orders, a degree of vulgarity is attached to it, which makes it unfashionable in the eyes of young men, who awkwardly imitate the gen- try, and their Southern neighbours, and in their slouched hats and misshapen pantaloons offer a most unseemly con- trast to the airy garb and martial appearance of their fore • fathers. Along the line of the Grampians, the Gaelic has nearly kept its ground, and is, to this day, spoken in the same dis- tricts to which it was limited, after it had ceased to be the prevailing language of Scotland seven hundred years ago. But, although it is universally spoken in common discourse, the Gaelic of the counties of Dumbarton, Stirling, and Perth, and, in short, of all the Highlands bordering on the Low- lands, is corrupted by a considerable admixture of English words, ill chosen and ill applied. The cbief causes of this f The difference in the personal appearance of the people is remarkable, and forms an interesting subject for a philosophic inquiry. The causes of the change in character and manners are evident, but those which Iiave affected personal appearance are rot equally clear. Persons who remember the remains of the chivalrous race, whose character I have attempted to delineate, will not now dis- cover any of those martial patriarchal figures, remarkable for an erect inde- pendent air, an iiase of manners, and fluency of language and expresbion, rarely to be found among any peasantry. Even in my own time I remem- ber many, such as I now describe, who, with kindly dispositions and warm at- tachment to my family and forefathers, never failed, when I met them, to re- mind me 07 their honourable character and name. In the districts where these persons lived, we now see only plain homespun folks. To what can this change be attributed ? Not surely to the " progress of improvement "— seeing that their personal appearance is as much deteriorated as their condition. Many observe, and with great reason, that the tacksmen and second order of gentry are more changed than the lower orders, and are every w.iy diflerent from the gentkmen tacksmen of former times. CHANGE OF MANNERS. 137 corruption are the practice, universal in schools, of teaching children to read English, the more general intercourse with the South, which has lately prevailed, and the introduction of many articles of refinement and luxury, unknown when the Gaelic was in its original purity. Successful attempts have recently been made to methodize the structure of the language, to digest the rules of its composition, and, alongst with the collection of ancient works, to give the means of reading and understanding them by a grammar and dic- tionary. But if the process continues, which has for some time been going forward, the Gaelic, it is to be feared, will gradually become a dead language. In the remote glens and mountains it might have been preserved for ages, as an inte- resting monument of a most ancient and original language, retaining its peculiar modes and forms of expression unaf- fected by the progress of time, he great innovator in other spoken languages : but the system of modern Highland im- provement, marked by an aversion, inveterate as it seems unarcountable and causeless, to the ancient inhabitants, their customs, language, and garb, is now extending to the most distant corri and glen, and will probably root out the lan- guage of the country, together with a great proportion of the people who speak it. * I have already mentioned, that the Highlanders, though Presbyterians, did not, in former times, rigidly adhere to • Many of the common people begin to despise their native language, as they see gentlemen endeavouring to prevent their children frcm acquiring the know- ledge of the Gaelic, which has been spoken in their native country for a time beyond the reach of record and even tradition. In order that their children may not hear spoken the language of their forefathers, from a dread of their acquiring the accent, they employ Lowland servants, forgetting that people who know not a word of the Gaelic, invariably catch the accent, merely from the ear being accustomed to the sound. Landlords are thus deprived of the power of holding that free and confidential communication with their tenants, which is necessary to acquire a knowledge of their character, dispositions, and talents; and being compelled to trust to interpreters, tliey are led into much misconcep- tion in regard to their tenants, and these again into frequent misappruhension and prejudiced notions of the character and turn of tliinking of tlicir landlord. I Ij:*!' 138 CHANGE OF MANNERS. r ifjii 11 hi 1 ,| it fi' h ' 'I \ ii «. ; the tenets of that church. For several ages after the Re- formation, tliey evinced a strong predilection to the Episco- palian form of worship. In many parishes, the Presbyte- rian clergy were not established till the reigns of George I. and II. ; but whether of the Church of England or of Scot- land, the people retained a portion of their ancient super- stitions. With these superstitions was blended a strong sen- timent of piety, which made them regular attendants on di- vine worship and the ordinances of religion, at the expense of much bodily fatigue and personal inconvenience. f Guid- ed by the sublime and simple truths of Christianity, they were strangers to the very existence of the sects that have branched off from the national church. In this respect, their character and habits have undergone a considerable altera- tion since they began to be visited by itinerant missionaries, and since the gloom spread over their minds has tended to depress their spirit. The missionaries, indeed, after having ventured within the barrier of the Grampians, found a har- vest which they little expected, and amoiigst the ignorant and unhappy, made numerous proselytes to their opinions. These converts losing, by their recent civilization — as the changes which have taken place in their opinions are called— a great portion of their belief in fairies, ghosts, and the se- cond sight, though retaining their appetite for strong im- pressions, havq readily supplied the void with the visions and inspirations cf the " new light,":]: and, in this mystic f In the parish where I passed my early years, the people travelled sir, sc- Tcn, and twelve miles to church, and returned the same evening every Sunday in summer, and frequently in winter. A chapel of ease and an assistant cler- gyman are now established, and the people have not to travel so far. I do not give this as a singular instance ; the case ivas the same in all extensive parishes, and continues to be so wh^T^ no chapel of ease is established. I Thus have been extirpated the innocent, attractive, and often sublime su- perstitions of the Highlanders— superstitions which inculcated no relentless intolerance, nor impiously dealt out perdition and Divine wrath against rival sects — superstitions which taught men to believe, that a dishonourable act at- tached disgrace to a whole kindred and district, and that murder, treachery, oppression, and all kinds of wickedness, would not only be punished in the CHANGE OF MANNERS. 139 lore, have shown themselves such adept?, as even to astonish their new instructors. Indeed, the latter have, in many cases, been far outdone by the wild enthusiasm and roman- tic fancy of those disciples whose minds they had first agi- tated. The ardour of the Highland character remains ; it has only taken another and more dangerous direction, and, when driven from poetical recitals, superstitious traditions, and chivalrous adventures, has found a vent in religious rav- ings, and in contests with rival sects. These enthusiastic notions are observed to be most fervent amongst young wo- men. A few years ago, an unfortunate girl in Breadalbane became so bewildered in her imagination by the picture drawn of the punishment of unbelievers, that she destroyed herself in a fit of desperation ; a rare, and, till lately, the only instance of this crime in the Flighlands. The powerful and gloomy impressions which the doc- trines of some of these teachers have made, are evidently owing to an alteration in the stat^ of their proselytes, whose strong feelings, irritated by many causes, seek refuge and consolation in powerful emotions. It is well known, that no person of the transgressor hims<;ir, but would be visited on future generations. When the Highlander imagined that he saw the ghost of his father frowning upon him from the skirts of the passing clouds, or that he heard his voice In the bowlings of the midnight tempest, or when he found his imagination awed by the recital of fairy tales of ghosts, and visions of the second sight, his heart was subdued; and when he believed that his misdeeds would be visited on his succeeding generations, who would also be rewarded and prosper in consequence of his good actions, he would either be powerfully restrained or encouraged. When so much—perhaps too much— has been done to destroy these feelings, it were well that some pains were taken to substitute good principles in their room. But I fear that many of the new teachers think more of implicit faith in their own particular doctrines, than of good works in their disciples ; and that morals are in general left to the teaching and control of the laws. I ti'ust I shall not be thought too partial to the ancient and innocent superstitions of my countrymen, if I wish that the restraints on vice were more numerous than the laws afford; and confess my belief, that the fear of a ghost is as honourable and legitimate a check as the fear of the gallows, and the thoughts of bringing dishonour on a man's country, name and kindred, fully as respectable as the fear of Uridcwell, Botany Bay, or the executioner's whip. If! ;ii 1^ 140 CHANGE OF MANNERS. li < itinerant preacher ever gained a footing among the Highland- ers, till recent changes in their situation and circumstances paved the way for fanaticism. Some of these new teachers are, no doubt, zealous and conscientious men, but others again are rash, illiterate, ignorant of human nature, and vulgar ; very incapable of filling the situation they have assumed, flnd peculiarly unqualified for the instruction of a people, sensitive and imaginative, devout in their habits of thinking, and blameless in their general conduct. The same force of language and terrors of denunciation, which are barely ade- quate to produce compunction in the mind of the reckless and godless reprobate, are sufficient to plunge in utter de- spondency, a tender conscience, and a mind accustomed to regard the doctrines of religion with deep and mysterious awe. Some of these religious reformers, as they wish to be considered, intermix their spiritual instructions with reflec- tions on the incapacity and negligence of the clergymen of the established church, and on the conduct of landlords, " hom they compare to the taskmasters of Egypt : And it is an important fact, that, wherever the people are rendered contented and happy in their external circumstances, by the judicious and humane treatment of their landlords, and wherever they are satisfied with the parish minister in the discharge of his pastoral duties, no itinerant preacher has ever been able to obtain a footing, and the people retain much of their original manners, devoutly and regularly at- tending the parish church. * • The inhabitants of a border strath (Strathbrane in the parish of Little Dunkeld, the property of Sir George Stewart of GrandtuUy, Bart.^, in Iho Highlands of Perthshire were, about thirty years ago, considered the most de- generate and worst principled race in the country. Less regular in their at- tendance on church, litigious, almost the only smugglers in the country, horse- dealers (or horse-coupcrs, as they are called in Scotland), and, as was said, giv- ing employment to more than one lawyer in the neighbouring town of Dun- Iceld; these i>eople have, for many years, been blessed with a humane and in- dulgent landlord, and a conscientious, able, und zealous clergyman, (the late Dr Irvine.) The consequences have been striking and instructive. While the population in manv other parts of the country are deteriorated in character, these are iuipruviug in morals, industry, and prosperity. Regular in tlieir at-. M CHANGE OF MANNERS. 141 While these seem to be the efFects of religion an^ exter* nal circumstances combined, the differences and mutual re- criminations which have taken place between the establish- ed church and the sects which have branched off from it, are apparently tending to the most deplorable results in the Highlands, where the gospel, as explained by their clergy, was formerly believed with the most implicit faith; but now, that they see new preachers come among them, arid hear the doctrines and lessons of the regular clergy de- rided, and described as unchristian and unsound, and that, as sometimes happens, the parish minister retorts on the in- truders, they know not what or whom to believe, and there are many instances of the doubt thus thrown on reli- gious doctrines, ending in loss of all respect for, or belief in, any religion whatever.* Yet though many Highlanders are thus changed, and have lost much of their taste for the poetry and romantic amusements of their ancestors, though their attachment to superiors has decayed, and the kindness, urbanity, and respect with which all strangers were treated, have con- siderably abated,-notwithstanding all these, and several other changes for the worse, they still retain the inesti- mable virtues of integrity and charity ; f their morality is tendance on church, they have lost thcV litigious disposition, the minister hav- •ngever^een zoalous and successful in deciding and composing their differ- ences, .hey are clearing and improving their lands, paying their rents regu- larly, and are lutle addicted to smuggling. Itinerant preachers have in vai« attempted to show themselves in this populous thriving district, which contain. too t T "'". "''"' ''''""^'" '" ''''' ^''^'"P'-y ">— ; on farms, too the smalh,essof which might seerr, i.credihle to those statistical econo^ the nat es, or the.r exnrt.ons v.hen thus kindly treated by a patriotic landlord, tation? h " ^consequences of ignorant zeal, and unchristian dispu- tet ons there are many instances ; and many persons whom I knew to have bL„ once of rehg.„us hab.ts, regular and exemplary in their attendance at church were some years ago induced to quit the established clergyman, and to Mi.: LJ r r T" -"""^ '''^™ •^'^^' ""'^ ^PP--^'^ «^'-ti.fied with both churches, they have given up all attendance on Divine Service, and re- nounced even the sembliince of religion, t It iua principle among the Highlanders never to allow poor and distressed 142 CHANGE OF MANNERS. sufficiently proved by the records of the courts of jus- lice ; * tlieir liberality to the poor, and the independent spirit of the poor themselves, are likewise sufficiently evin- ced by the trifling and almost nominal amount of the pub- lic funds for their relief; and their conduct in the field, and their general qualities of firmness, spirit, and courage, will appear in the subsequent annals. > persons to apply in vain, or to pass their door'vrithout afTording them some charitable assistance. This disposition is so well icnown, that the country bor- dering on the Lowlands is overwhelmed with shoals of beggars ; an evil which has increased since the societies for the suppression of mendicity were establish- ed in the South. This is a heavy charge on the benevolence of the people, and calls for the prompt interference of the landlords. If they would establish checks in the great passes and entrances into the country, to stop those sturdy beggars and strangers, who are so numerous, while the native beggars are so few, the people would easily support their own poor without any assistance whatever. Travelling some years ago through a high and distant glen, I saw a poor man, wii's , wife and four children, resting themselves by the road-side. Per- ceiving, by their appearance, that they were not of the country, I inquired whence they came. The man answered, from West Lothian. I expressed my surprise how he would leave so fine and fertile a country, and come to these wild glens. " In tliat fine country, " answered the man, " they give me the cheek of the door, and hound the constables after me ; in this poor country, as you, Sir, call it, they give me and my little ones the iire-side, with a share of what they have. " • Si s Appendix. la . M I ■»* CAUSES AND CONSEQUEXCES OF THIS CHANGE. 143 SECTION n. Causes and Consequences of this Change— State tvhen placed on small Lots of Land— Poverty folloixed by Demoralization. Having thus hastily glanced at some of the changes, which Highland manners have undergone during the last fifty years, it may be interesting to trace the causes by which those changes have been produced. When High- land proprietors, ceasing to confine themselves within the limits of the Grampians, began to mingle with the world, and acquire its tastes and manners, they became weary of a constant residence on their estates, and wished for a more enlarged and varied society than a scanty and monotonous neighbourhood afforded, f Those who could afford the ex* pense removed to London or Edinburgh, for at least the winter months ; and their sons who formerly remained at home till sent to the universities to finish their education, now accompanied their parents at so early an age, that they lost the advantages of founding their classicd attain- ments on the generous enthusiasm and the amor patricc as- t To those who live in the busy world, and are hurried round by its a-ita- tions,. ,t is difficult to form an idea of the means by which time may be filled up, and mterest excited in families, who, through choice or necessity, dwell among their own people. The secret lies in the excitement of strong attach- ment. To be in the centre of a social circle, where one is beloved and useful -to be able to mould the characters and direct the passions by which one il surrounded, creates, in those whom the world has not hardened, a powerful interest m the most minute circumstance which gives pleasure or pain to any mdiv.dual in that circle, where so much affection and goodwill are concentrat ed. The mnid is stimulated by stronger excitements, and a greater varietv of enjoyments, than matters of even the highest importance can produce in those who are rendered callous, by living among the selfish and the frivolous It is not the importance of the objects, but the value at which they pre estimated, that renders their moral interest permanent and salutary. tt.i.ll •> i m n. i'iii 144 CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES cribecl to mountaineers. But the Highland youth were now, in many cases, early alienated from their clans^ and from those renrjons in which warm affections and cordial intimacies subsisted between the gentry and the people ; and the nevr tastes which they acquired were little calculated to cherish those sympathies and affections which indescribably endear the home of our youth. Thus initiated into the routine of general society, when they occassionally returned to their native glens they felt the absence of the variety of town amusements, and had also lost that homefelt dignity and those social habits which formerly gave a nameless charm to the paternal seat of a Highland landlord, while he maintain- ed an easy intercourse with the neighbouring proprietors, with the old retainers of the family, and with gentlemen far- mers, or, as they are styled in the expressive language of patriarchal brotherhood, " friendly tenants." * These ;■ 1 :■ j 1 ■ ''■ .'' , r ki: i{ -.1 1 '. ti ' • The extinction of the respectable race of tacksmen, or gentlemen far- mers, where it has taken place on extensive estates, is a serious loss to the peo- ple. Dr Johnson, speaking of the removal of the tacksmen, as it was supposed they could not pay equally high rents with men who lived in an inferior style, and who required less education for their children, thus expresses himself: •♦ The commodiousness of money is indeed great, but there are some advan- tages which money cannot buy, and which, therefore, no wise man will, by the love of money, be tempted to forego," The soundness of this opinion Las been fully confirmed ; the rank and influence which these respectable men held are now void, — their places being, in most cases, lilled up by shepherds and graziers from the South, or by such natives as had capital or credit enough to undertake Iheir farms. This new class being generally without birth, education, or any of the qualifications requisite to secure the respect of the people on those great estates, where there are no resident proprietors, the inhabitants are left without men of talent, or of sufficient influence, from rank or education, to settle the most ordinary disputes, or capable of acting as justices of the peace, and of signing those certificates and aflicwits, which the law in so many instances re- quires. In extensive districts, contfuning two, three, and four thousand per- sons each, not more than one, or two at the utmost, or perhaps none, of the an- cient rank of gentlemen tacksmen remain, although once so numerous, that on the estates of Macdonald and Macleod, there were upwards of sixty, who, as I am informed by my friend Lord Bannatyne, (and many of them were of his intimate acquaintance,) « were in general liberally educated, possessing the OF THIS CHANGE. 143 were no longer companions suited to the newly acquire*! tastes and habits. The minds of landlords were directed to the means of increasing their incomes, and of acquirintr the funds necessary to support their new and more expensive mode of life in a distant country, while their own was im- poverished by this constant drain of its produce. The system of agriculture which formerly prevailed in the Highlands was well adapted to the character and habits of the people, and was directed to the cultivation of grain, and the rearing of cattle and goats. The value of sheep not be- ing then well understood, they only formed a secondary ob- ject. During the summer months the herds were driven to the shealings, or patches of pasture along the margins of the mountain streams. Temporary huts were erected to shelter those whc tended the hards and flocks and managed the dairy, the i)roduce of which, and the cattle, the goats, and the few sheep which they could dispose of, formed the only the manners and spirit of gentlemen ." It was the same in many other districts, but the few of this description of gentlemen farmers who remain, are the only individuals capable of acting as justices of the peace; and pensioners and others, who wish to make affidavits, must travel thirty or forty miles for that purpose. Fortunately for the people of many Highland districts, their original habits are still so strong and so well preserved, that magistrates have hitherto been sel- dom necessary for other purposes. The want of magistrates, therefore, is a trifling grievance in comparison of leaving a population so numerous and virtu- ous, open to an inundaUon of political and religious tracts, of ignorant and pretended teachers of the gospel, and of agents of the white slave trade, the last of whom induce many unfortunate creatures to emigrate to America, and to sell the reversion of their persons and labour for the passage, which they can- not otherwise obtain. Of the religious and poliUcal tracts industriously distri- buted among these people, they cannot discriminate the truth from what may be intended to deceive and inflame. The itinerant preachers of the '• New Light" disseminate hostility to the character and doctrines of the esublished clergy; while the agents of the emigrant vessels are most active in contrasting^ the boasted happiness, ease, and freedom, to be enjoyed in America, with what they call the oppression of their landlords. To all this delusion these unfortu- nate people are exposed, while the new system of statistical economy, with its cold unrelenting merciless spirit, has driven away those who contributed so ma- terially to maintain the moral and physical energies of the state, by the influ- ence they exerted over the minds and acuons of the people. VOL. I. It a i I 146 ACRICULTURF. f':i (t I .i ^ I h ' 1 sources of their wenlih, the produce of the arable land l>c- ing seldom sufficient to supply the wants of a family. Lat- terly grazing appears to have almost superseded agriculture. When a farmer could afford to enlarge his possession, he usually did so, by adding to the number of bis live stock, and neglectlncT rultivation, which at an early period was greatly m Oil' ,;tf usi/e. * While this cuniinued to be the prevailing practice among the farmers of the Highlands, the improvements in agricul- ture in England, which had their origin in the reign of Elizabeth and James I., were matured and reduced to sys- tem in the reign of hi ^ .,a Jh. .les I. The extension of these to the northward seems, however, to have been gra- dual. From the reign of James I. of England, so slow was the march of improvement, tha^ it did not extend to Scotland till 140 years thereafter. Potatoes, which were known in England in the time of Sir Walter Raleigh, were not introduced into Scotland, except as a rare garden ve- getable, till after the commencement of the reign of George Ill.f In East Lothian, as late as the year 1740, few carts were to be seen, and none adapted for heavy and distant con- veyances. Fifty years ago field turnips were in very limited use, and it is not many years since they were generally cul- tivated; yet field- turnips, potatoes, and sown grass, were quite common in England a century before. In the year 1760, the Lothian farmers were as prejudiced in favour of old customs, and as backward in adopting modern improve- ments, as the most uncultivated of the Highlanders. One • See Appendix, Z, t In the Transactions of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, it is stated that Mr Prentice, in the neighbourhood of Kilsyth, was the first person who planted po- tatoes in the open field in Scotland: He died in 1792. It was not till after the year 1770, that my father planted potatoes, which were the first raised in the field in his district ; and it required some Ume and pcrsuawon to induce his servants to eat them. This vegetable, which is now the principal food of the Highland peasantry, was then considered as incapable of supporting a man employed in active labour. AGRICULTURE. 147 of the most opulent, extensive, and enlightened farmers in the county of Penh, was twenty years a cultivator before he could overcome hin prejudices so far as to enter upon the hew system ; and it was not till after the -year 1770 that Mr John White, at Kirkton of Mailler, in Strathearn, first In- troduced the green crop system into Perthshire. • The farmer who first commenced the system of dry fallow in East Lothian only died in the late reign. This new mode of agriculture was considered so extraordinary, that for some time it was looked upon as the result of a disordered intel- lect, even in the now highly cultivated district of the Lo- thians. f • So backward was -agriculture in the Carse of Cowrie, in the year 1756 that a gentleman who, by hh abilities, had risen to the highest dignity in the law, walking with a friend through his fields, where his servants were weeding the corn, expressed great gratitude to Providence for raising such a quantity of thistles; « as otherwise, " said the Lord President, " how could wo in this district, where we cannot allow our good corn land to be in pasture, find summer food for our working horses? " t Had the Lothian gentlemen of that period ejected the bulk of the ancient inhabitants, as mdolent, prejudiced, ignor- t, and worthless, as the Highland- ers are characterized by the supporters o. Ae depopulating system, placing those allowed to remain, on barren and detached patches of land;_and had they invited strangers from England, France, or Flanders, to supply the place of the extirpated inhabitants, would there not have been the same senseless clamour, (as the expression of the indignant feelings, roused by various cruel and unnecessary measures pursued in the Highlands, is caUed), although in the fertile soil of the Lothian., near the consumpti<.n of great cities, with the command of manure and water carriage, large establishments, and farms of one or two hundred arable acres, may be suitable to the circumstances and si- tuation of the countrj- ? But what are the consequences even i.. that fertile country ? People are so scarce, that, witliout assistance from other countries their field labour and harvest could not be . complished. It may indeed be a' quest,on,-if the whole kingdom were in similar circumstances, and had as few inhabitants comparatively as the Lothians, where part of the autumn labour Is performed by Highlanders, (principally women, who travel southward upwards f 100, and numbers 200 miles),-.whence could a supply be obtained ? If then large farms cause a deficiency of necessary labourers, even in the fertile landl of the Lothians, how unsuitable and ruinous to the barren Highlands must a system be, which leaves not a sufficiency of hands, in a country with . h nar- row stripes of arable land, that a farm of 300 acres would stretch along the Kg i' I U *• ; 1 \ i V. I i '' I 148 AGRICULTURE. Whilst agriculture in Scotland was thus slowly advancing, it was suddenly accelerated by the epirit of enterprise which burst forth after the Seven Years' War. In the Lowlands, however, the people were allowed time to overcome old ha- bits, and to acquire a gradual knowledge of the new im- provements. But many Highland landlords, in their inter- course with the South, seeing the advantages of these im- provements, and the consequent increase of rents, com- menced operations in the North with a precipitation which has proved ruinous to their ancient tenants, and not always productive of advantage to themselves ; — a consequence to be expected, when, as has been remarked by Mr Pennant, in his Tour through the Highlands, *< they attempted to empty the bag before it was filled. " The people, unwilling to change old institutions and habits, as if by word of command ; unable, or perhaps averse, t6 pay the new rents, without being allowed time to prepare for the demand ; and seeing, as it often happened, their offers of a rent equal to that of the strangers rejected, were rendered desperate. Irritated by the preference thus given, and by the threats of expulsion, their despondency and discontent must cease to astonish. The natural consequence is, a check to exertion, or of any attempt to improve. When this seeming indolence shows itself, gentlemen, and those by whom they often allow themselves to be influenced, and to whom they frequently yield their better judgment and kind- lier feelings, declare, that so long as such a lazy incorrigible race remains, they cannot enjoy the value of their lands. In this opinion they are confirmed by persons who argue, that whole side of a district? From the uncertainty of the climate, the want of an immediate and eiRcient supply of hands would be ruinous. The North having no towns or villages whence assistance could be obtained, if the arable lands in the Highlands contained as few inhabitants as the Lothians, the prin- cipal parts must be kept in pasture, and one-half of what the soil would pro- duee lost ; for, even in the Highlands, where the cultivation of the valleys is well managed, and the supply of labourers sufficient, it is beyond all proportion the most profitable, notwithstanding the comparatively barren soil, and back- ward uncertain climate. CHANCE OF TENANTRY. 149 the prosperity of the state calls for such measure-, at the «ame t.me that they acknowledge the harshness of these mea- sures in themselves, and profess their sympathy with the people, who are thus reduced to poverty, and its too fre- quent consequences, immorality and crime; forgetting that t can never be for the weli-being of any state to deteriorate the character of, or to extirpate a brave, loyal, and moral people. Its best supporters in war, and the most orderly, contented, and economical in peace. These reasoners found their arguments on general principles; and, without taking Jito consideration, or perhaps unacquainted with the pecu- lar circumstances of the case, with the nature of the coun- try, its uncertain humid climate, or the hardihood and ca- pability of the inhabitants, if properly managed,-and keep- ing entirely out of view, also, the reduced condition of the people, an omission not to be expected in an enlightened age;-they endeavour to prove, that if one family can ma- nage a tract of country, * it is an useless waste of labour to tl '^ '*r" '?"'''' *''"* '^'"'^'''^ '^""''^ be invented to carry on manu- facu.res of every description without the intervention of hu^ar^abouHnd S^l^rT , "7"^'''''*'^""^""^^'''" ^' '^^ -•'''^^♦-^^ o^ Great Bntain the so. turned to pasture, and little manual, manufacturing, or agri- cultural labour left for the working population, which would thust thrown •die; would such a sacrifice of productive labour be proper, and would th^ hei,e necessaiy consequence of a want of employment ? for. if the population ei? Zt T '"'"r '''^^ ^"" •'"•^ "' manufactures to be consul ed ? The question ,s as applicable to the northern portion as to the whole em- pu-e; and^ .t would be ruinous to the lower orders to put an end to all agri- cultural labour m the South, so it must be to the people of the North, ifZ ntlr'?7 """'''"*" ''"^"" ^""^ '"'«^ ^--- I" «- -e, the peopl must be sent to the colonies, as the Lowlands offer no encouragement for extensive emigration from the Highlands. If allowed to remain in their nauve country, withoutany support but daily labour, in acountry where, under- such management, all, except a few men of capital, must be dayTlabourers. and under a system wluch yields but little employment, when even'that litt e fl^ bl^hed. and the lower orders in the Highlands become paupers, as is the cate ..th one-seventh of the population of England ; a state'of 'de^adaUon nnp 150 CHANGE OF TENANTRY. if ^ . '^ i ■ . 1 1^ I',! ! I f. r H ' ^1 ; I !■ i allow it, as was formerly, and is still the case in many parts of the Highlands, to be occupied by many families possessing much economy and industry, though with little c.pitaL But whatever be the capital of farmers, or the size of farms, rents must be according to the value of the produce. While the staple and only article of export from the High- lands was so low that the price of the be£t ox did not exceed thirty shillings, and a sheep half-a-crown, the rents were in proportion to, but not lower than, those in the most fertile districts of Scotland * at the same period. But when a great demand and increased prices led to the prosperity of the te- nants, it was natural for proprietors to raise their rents, and to attempt those improvements and changes which the pro- gress of agricultural knowledge and the wealth of the coun- try suggested. This was the just and natural progress of events, and would of itself have been the cause of many changes in the manners and condition of the Highlanders ; and, judging from numerous examples, might have been effected without injury to the original tenants, and to the great and permanent advantage of the proprietors. Rents might have been gradually increased with the increasing vajue of produce, and improved modes of rallelet^ in the Christian world. And yet this is the state to the completion of M^hich, so much has been said and written, to prevail upon the Highland pro- prietors to reduce the ancient occupiers of their land. " In the year 1785, some of the best lands on Lord Kinnaird's estate in the Carse of Gowrie were rented on old leases of fifty-nine years, at four pounds Spots, or six shillings and eightpence the acre. The present rent is ^£6 Sterling per acre. The difference of the present rents and of those paid seventy years ago, on the estates of Lords Kinnoull, Gray, and others in the Lowlands, are similar. In those days they were equally low with the rents in the Highlands, which were of more value to the proprietors than they would seem, by merely looking to the money reiit, as much was paid in kind, and in personal services. It is said that Stewart of Appin received as rent an ox or cow for every week, and a goat or wether for every day in the year, with fpwls and smaller articles innumerable. When the money rent and personal service for warlike and do- n^estic purposes are added, the provisions gave the laird abundance, the money independence, and the personal services dignity and security in turbulent ages, when the laws wpre too weak to aflbrd protection, CHANCE OF TENANTRY. 151 cultivation introduced, without subverting the character- istic dispositions of a race of men who inherited from their ancestors an attachment seldom equalled, and still more seldom exceeded, either in fideb'ty or disinterested- ness. By taking advantage of this honourable disposi- tion, (for what can be more honourable than that disinte- rested fidelity to which life and fortune were sacrificed ?) the tenants might have been induced to pay adequate rents tor their lands, without the necessity of depopulating whole districts; the farms, too, might have been gradually enlarg- ed^the mode of husbandry altered— sheep stock intro- duced-lhe surplus population, if such there was, employed in clearing and improving the land fit for cultivation, or induced to change their residence from one district to an- other, or to transfer their industry from the land to the fisheries, or to trades or handicrafts, without being driven at once from their usual means of subsistence and from their native districts, « The forcible establishment of ma- nufactories and of fisheries," says a learned author on the rural economy of the Highlands, « are projects only of in- • It may be considered unnecessary to multiply examples of disinterested attachment; but the traits they disclose are of such a nature, as must be grati- fying to all who respect the best characteristics of human nature. A few years ago, a gentleman of an ancient and honourable family got so much in- volved m debt, that he was obliged to sell his estate. One-third of the debt consisted of money borrowed in small sums from his tenants, and from the country people in the neighbourhood. The interest of these sums was paid ^ery irregularly. Instead of complaining of this incoavenience. his creditors among h.s people kept at a distance, let-, their demands might add to the diffl- cult.es of the man whose misfortunes they so much lamented ; and many de- clared, that if their money could contribute to save the estate of an honourable family they would never ask for principal or interest. Speaking to several of these people on this subject, the uniform answer which I received uas nearly m tlie following words : « God forbid that I should distress the honourable gentleman ; if my money could serve him, how could I bestow it better ? He and his family have ever been kind._he will do more good with the money than ever I can,_I can live without it.- 1 can live on potatoes and milk, but ho cannot ;-to see his family obliged to quit the house of lus forefathers, U cause of grief to us all. " "»ii«.ri., is s ■ ' ■ fi • V ( : IB 152 CKINGF. OF TENANTRY. considerate benevolence ; it is only by the gradual change of opinions anA practices, by the presentation of new mo- tives, and the creatbn of new desires, that the state of so- ciety must be changed. All that which ought to follow will proceed in its natural order, without force, without loss, and without disappointment."* This would, no doubt, have been the case in the Highlands, where a gradual, prudent, and proper change would not have excited riots among a people distinguished for their hereditary obedience to their superiors, nor rendered it necessary to eject them from their possessions by force, or, as in some instances, by burn- ing their houses about their ears, and driving them out, homeless and unsheltered, to the naked heath. It was a cold-hearted spirit of calculation, from before which huma- nity, and 'every better feeling, shrunk, that induced men to set up for sale that loyalty, fidelity, and affection, which, as they cannot be purchased, are above all price, f • Dr Macculloch's Description of the Western Islands of Scotland. f The same disposition is seen in the sale of woods which beautified the country, and gave an appearance of antiquity and pre-eminence to gentlemen's, seats. The destruction of old timber has, for some years past, been so great, that, if continued, Dr Johnson's remark, " that no tree in Scotland is older than the Union," will have too much the air of truth. Noble trees, of the age, and growth of centuries, which gave dignity to the seats they ornamented, have been levelled to the ground, and sold for a trifle, as the age that made them so venerable diminished their value as timber. It would be trifling with common sense, to dispute the propriety of cutting and selling wood as an ar- ticle produced by the soil, but that cannot be applied to woods planted for or- nament and shelter, more particularly in Scotlaiid, now bare and destitute of wood, although once abounding with the noblest forests. There are few countries where the woods have a more striking effect than in the Highlands of Scotland, from the contrast they form to the bleak and barren mountaiiin which inclose them. Whether trees are found in natural woods, covering the boldest and most precipitous rocks, or in those ancient avenues and groves around gentlemen's seats in the glens, they alike excite the surprise of the stranger, who does not expect to see such strength of vegetation, and bright- ness of verdure, in the centre of mountains, which, on the first approach, look so dreary and forbidding. Every man of taste must deplore the loss of woods and picturesque scenery which animated the poet, and delighted the painter, Jn former ages, these trees were preserved and venerated j and by the recoU CHANGE OP TENANTRY. 153 But, though the introduction of a few men of agricultural cxperie-.e and judgment into the Highlands, might be a judicious measure, as their knowledge and example would readily spread among the natives, this cannot justify the en- tire removal or ejection of the ancient inhabitants. In se- veral cases, those who promoted these improvements, by the costly sacrifice of turning adrift from their lands a people whQ considered themselves born to love and honour their superiors, reasoned so speciously on the expected advan- tages of this course of policy, as to extinguish in themselves and others those feelings of remorse and compunction, ^hich the price at which they were to be purchased might have been calculated to excite. Thus was identified with national advantages the system at which individual benevo- ence revolted, but which, it was pretended, was to support hberal and enlighten. ' )rinciples, and to achieve a con- quest over all deep-rooted prejudices, and stubborn long- descended customs ; and many have been induced, more from authority and fashion than from sordid motives, to. follow the example. In this manner the system has spread with a fatal rapidity, allowing no time for the better feel- ings of thos. who have been drawn into it, perhaps un- warily, to operate; and it is certain that there is no re- cent instance in which so much unmerited suiFering has produced so little compassion, or reprobation for the au- lections of the length of time they had sheltered and thrown an air of dignity aud .mportance over ihe castles and seats of ancient fan,ilies, .he respect of the people for the.r owners was increased and preserved. But such reccllections are now out of fashion ; the trees are valued according to the money they brin^ and, l^ke the fidelity of the Jan.nen, are sold to the higheH bidder. And so IS disposed of much of the respect and esteem of the lower orders for their su penors. who thus, for the sake of a small acquisition of money, easily spent and soon forgotten, destroy for ever the magnificent ornaments reared by their forefathers, which no wealth can purchase, and which proved the antLity and respectab.!.ty of the families who possessed them. No person of t^te cal v.ew without a feeling of reverence, an ancient mansion, embosomed in groZ Of tall trees or avenues, the growth of centuries, with noisy rooks clusTerin. and cawmg on their tops, as if they wm inhabitants of another and higher rj! y^ 154 CHANGE OP TENANTRY. # ii thors. The cruelty of removing the slaves on one West In- dia estate to another, perhaps scarcely jSve miles distant, is frequently reprobated in the strongest terms, and attempts are made to procure acts of Parliament to prevent the removal of a slave from his usual residence ; yet the ejectment or emigration of the Highlanders, their total ruin and banish- ment from their native land, is viewed with apathy, and their feelings of despair deemed unworthy of notice. The negroes, with little local attachment, may be as happy on their new as on their former plantations, as they are pro- bably deprived of no former comfort, and merely subjected to a change of residence. The Highlander, with the strong- est local attachment, confirmed by numberless anecdotes of former ages, cherishes with reverence the memory of his ancestors. With these attractions to his native country, he is deprived of his means of livelihood, driven from his house and his ancient home, and forced to take shelter in a foreign land, or in a situation so new to him, that all his ha- bits must undergo a total change ; and yet this appears so just and proper, that strangers, ignorant of the national character of this country, and witnessing the apathy with which the misery of the unfortunate Highlanders is beheld, might suppose that the inhabitants are void of all humanity ; and, while the press is often employed in exposing and re- prehending political delinquencies, the oppressions, forcible ejectments, and burnings out of the Highlanders, pass unnoticed, however rapidly such cruel measures lead to poverty, immorality, and crime. Indeed, so little do such considerations affectsomeof our modern philanthropists, that the conduct of those who have made desokte wastes of many once happy communities in Inverness, and other counties, is applauded; while they violently declaim against a similar line of conduct, when the inhabitants of the West Indies are in question. A very honourable and humane friend of mine, -vho has exerted himself powerfully in the cause of the poor ne- groes, told me, not longago-^and was not well pleased because I did not coincide in his opinion,-— that Sutherland contain- ed 20,000 inhabitants too man^, and that they ought to be re- CHANGE OF TENANTRY. 155 moved without delay, and sent to the colonies. * As two- thirds of these people are unable to pay for their passage, they must bmd themselves to serve for a term of years the person who pays for them, and who again disposes of them to the highest bidder ; f a species of slavery not very agree- able to the dispositions of the mountaineers, and which I did not expect that my philanthropic friend, who "^as such an abhorrence of slavery of every kind, would have proposed • Mr Foster AUeyne, of Barbadoes, has a population of nearly 1200 negroes on his estate in that i.land, which has been in his family since the reign of Charles I. By overcropping and mismanagement during his ab- sence, the soil, wWchwas favourable for sugar, had become totally unfit for producmg that valuable article ; he therefore turned his attenUon to the raising of provisions, the cultivation of which is less laborious, and requires little more than half the number of hands necessary for sugar ; consequently, he might hnve disposed of the surplus population, to the amount of nearly 500 p-^rsons. How did this honourable and humane gentleman act in these circumstances, while several Highland proprietors, in similar cases, found no difficulty or hesiution i •« 7 cannot find in my heart, " said he. " to part with any of these poor faith- ful creatures, all of whom have been born on my property, where their fntheni have served mine for generations (there has been no addition by purchase since the year 1744, when a few were added for some special purpose), and they shall remain undisturbed while I remain." From a very extensive and intimate ^owledge of many colonies, acquired in the course of military service in the West Indies, at difft ent periods, I could cite many pleasing instances of this kind regard to the feelings of neg.oes Were clansmen treated with the same fatherly kindness displayed by t.., - . deman, landlords would ever be exempt-, ed from witnessing such horrible excesses as have been exhibited by the Iri.h peasantry. When attempts are made to establish ve^r laudable regulations, in order to prevent the removal of negroes from their original homes, why is humanity so blind as not to see the cruelty of transporting ao.OOO Highlander, from their ZZZ T / ''Tu'"! ' ^"■''^'' *' •^^^^"'^^^ "'^ d^P-'PoJation may say. as he defenders of the slave trade did of that atrocious and inhuman traffic that transportation will improve their condition, and that they will be more comfortable ui the colonies than in their native country. This may be true as far as regards some Highlanders, whose condition may easily be improved fas m many cases it cannot well be worse); but does the misery of the unfortu «ate c. t... during the progress of this improvement and transportation to a foreiiu In.v^ destine no consideration ? t Ser; i'orkinson's Tour and other works on North America. 156 CHANGE OF TENANTRY. H I "J for them. Slavery is already too common in America, where every sixth individual is in that degraded condition. Although the term of the emigrant's bondage is only tem- porary, yet slavery of any kind is not calculated to procure the means, or foster the spirit of independence ;—it must,' therefore, be matter of regret, that our countrymen are compelled to become bondsmen in a foreign country, even in a land of liberty such as America,— if that can be called a land of liberty where slavery exists to such a lamentable extent. The late transfer of 3000 subjects between the sovereign* of Baden and Bavaria has been arraigned in the strongest language by some of our journalists. Yet these people re- tain, as before, possession of their property and their native homes, and hava only to suffer in their feelings by being trsnsferred from the government of one sovereign to that of another; a matter that seems to be of little consequence amorgst the contiguous principalities of Germany. The Highla:i(-c s are not only forced to transfer their allegiance to another government, but to transport themselves to dis- tant regions;— and yet no reprobation follows. While the misery of a blameless and unoffending people thus excites so little pity, and while the depopulation of a glen is viewed with indifference, or hailed as an advantage, like ridding pasture ground of foxes and other vermin ; it is no wonder that proprietors should be encouraged to pro- ceed, not only without regret, but even with self-gratula- tion. * A late author, describing the state of the agricul- • To aebrd an idea of the extent of the newly established farms, and the consequent depopulation of the country, we may produce, as an instance, an advertisement in the Inverness newspapers of a Highland farm to be let, de- scribed as consisting of 1000 arable acres, near the dwelling-house (the number of arable acres at a greater distance is not stated) of the first quality, and with a full supply of drifted sea-weed on the shore, and which may, as stated in the advertisement, " be laboured to the greatest advantage. " " The hill pastures," it is added, " stocked with Cheviot sheep, are of the first quality in the coun- try, and extend 30 milei along the sea-coast. '" It is impossible to read this ad- vertisement, without commiseration for the fate of those who formerly occupied CHANGE 01 TENANTRT. 157 tural population in England in the reign of Henry VIII «r»dedT„,„ K '""^'"' P'^'-'-y »'"« *"• «' ™« de^ Torant ^T '^"T"^ Englishmen, they . .„ too S. revrenc^or r ■ '"?''<"»"«'=. -d PO^-'ed too n,„fh biisheH"' I joL ""'""^''ef ""s. 'herefore, esta- ou" men in E„"l ?''"°°"" **""• °"« "' "■" ">''»' virtu- ous men in England, an eyewitness of what he describes g.v a v.ew of the state of the people at that periot whS h.,t::'or\erd 1 ""=•,■""' "'""^ "umanrperscin, who 11.S seen or heard of similar scenes in the Highlands. Sneak- .1^ of engrossing farms, by which small tenants were cot on atdenurr ^'"'"'"•"""'+ "'^'"8 '"' their su;port on accidental circumstances, a situation more denendant fore, that one covetous and unsatiable cormorant, a^d vT;^ population. ZLr^J^rZZ'' • t' "'""'*^' *° ^"''P°^* '*' --* Cheviot sheep, an L pel; t stl «" "'""^ "' " "'"'"'^'''•"^ ^«^ nes3 and variety infTiior Jr. !'" ""'"' ""'^ '^ P'^'"'^' ^o' "ch- u Yuneiy, mteuor to none in the Highlands " Thi. «, » ^ • .. striking example of the fore of th.t H„i • • ^* furnishes a feelings of even good men Tndb'd 1 I' T"*"™ "'"' "^"""^^^ ^« nantry. Part of^He iL;! 0^^^ Jir ^ l^^f "'"^ <'^ '^^ ^i-ed te- diera. have contributed to make .rJCtfLTr-r" T' "'"' " "'" over all Europe, is now without ai^ iM ^*'"°"'""* *""* '^P«'='«d faaiilies. But then hi T t , J ; ' ''"P' *'^ ^''^^'^^^'^^ «"•* »»>«« be although all thra^ent Zt^^Z::^''^' "^" "' : '' ' ^""^'^ ed for sheep and cattle doe« n„f 7 '7'^'"«^- The quantity of grass requir- by a number of teTal '"' °" ^"^ '^"' ''^'"^ occupied by onV. or only fed tho. who wJ^^oor Id tlLT'. 7 ""' "'^^ "^^ '""""'*"- t See Appendix, AA. 1.58 CHANGE OF TENANTRY. mi pinguc of his native country, may compass about and in- close many thousand acres of ground together within one pale, or hedge, the husbandmen be thrust out of their own, or else, either by force, or fraud, or by violent oppression, they be put beside, or by wrongs and injuries they be so wearied, that they be compelled to sell all ; by one means, therefore, or another, either by hook or crook, they must needs depart away, poor wretched souls 1 men, women, hus- bands, wives, fatherless children, widows, woful mothers, with their young babes, and their whole household, small in substance, but much in numbers, as husbandry requireth many hands. Away they trudge, I say, out of their known and accustomed houses, finding no place to rest on. AH their household stuff, which is very little worth, though it may well abide the sale, yet being suddenly thrust out, they be constrained to sell it for a thing of nought, and when they have wandered till that be spent, what can they do but steal, and then, justly perhaps, be hanged, or else go about begging. And yet then, also, they may be cast into prison as vagabonds, because they go about and work not, when no man will set them at work, though they never so willingly proffer themselves thereto. For one shepherd, or herdsman, is enough to eat up that with cattle which occu- pied numbers, whereas about husbandry many hundreds were requisite. And this is also the cause why victuals now in many places be dearer ; besides this, the price of wool ii; so risen, that poor folks, which were wont to work it and make cloth thereof, be now able to buy none at all, and by this means very many be forced to forsake work, and give themselves to idleness. " * * This picture of misoy, d^gradatiod, and vice, to which the brave, the ge^ nerous, the independent peasantry of England were reduced, was written more than two centuries ago, when no inaermedialc str ti )n was left in the agricultu- ral population between wealthy yeomen and dry-labourers. It bears too strik- ing a resemblance to later scenes in some Highland glens ; and as it was tbe origin of the English poor-rates, are not simibu- results to be dreaded in the Highlands, by depriving the bulk of the people of alt permanent property or CHANGE OP TENANTRT. 591 menu t' l^l °^"'°'* "'"' '"""""^ "'»"" '""P'oye. ment^ ,„ „h,ch » few „f ,he people were to have a sHt; «l.at would have been .hown lo Mrangers, miRht have been « was, however, unfortunately the natural consequence, of ft i„Tcr/b''' r/"'"""'' """ f'- ■»» ofTblt reelings could be induced to underuke their execution The respectable gentlemen, • who, in so many c«e^Tad ™: merly consented to undertake the management of klhland execution of the new measure, incompatible with their sense of humanity ^d du^ to a higher power than their em^" were supphea by persons cast in a coarser mould, and gc Several years previous to the death of GeorffP T^r^ t -.^i . h« opinion, at some length, he concluded : « But of all T « '^'^"'^ f'^'-'g Such were the gentlemen who formerly managed erelt H.Vhl ^ With their superior rank in sorJpfv / • ^^^ ^^"^ ^'«'''and estates. 1 J . ""^'y' (*"""PO»''ant point in the eves nf.h-. IT- 1 landers, whose feelines are hurt «,!,«„ .i. ^ '"'- *^«''- racter and families in the country. Whv L »h . I ^"* "'"'■ why do independent men refuse ^^^^11 T ^'T "'" '"^"^'''^ ^^'^ remembrance, the tenants on IT Z/^' ""'^ «^«" '^'"'in my ow» fortu„ate,in heeJe hanoine-^ -^^ '""''"' """""' "'°^' , me ease, happmess, and comfort they cnioved H^™ ^ • , pen, that, in this respect, there is a t^f.i ,, o *^°^ " ''^P" «nd feelings of the people? ^ '''"'«' «ndrevolaUon in the vi«w. -1! ?|K ifaM f 'i 1 .1^ 1; > • r li ii "i 160 CHANGE OF TENANTRT* nerally strangers to the country ; who, detesting the people, and ignorant of their character, capability, and language, quickly surmounted every obstacle, and hurried on the change, without reflecti, » on the distress of which It might be productive, or allowing the kindlier feelinps of landlords to operate in favour of their ancient tenantry. *• Men of this cast," says a reverend author, " overturn every thing," To attempt a new system, and to become acceptable tenants, was considered impossible with men so prejudiced, incur- ably indolent and ignorant, as the old occupiers were de- scribed, they were therefore in too many cases removed from the fertile and cultivated farms ; some left the country, and others were offered limited portions of land on unculti- vated moors, on which they were to form a settlement ; and thus, while particular districts h.^ve been desolated, the gross numerical population, has in some manner been pre« served, and has afforded a ready answer to those who have thus acted, " I have not rooted out my people, I have only changed my system ; they are as numerous as ever." Many judicious men, however, doubt the policy of these measures, and dread their consequences on the condition and habitei of the people. The following account of their situation is from the respectable and intelligent clergyman of an exten- sive parish in the county of Ross. " When the valleys and higher grounds were let to the shepherds, the whole popula- tion was drawn down to the sea-shore, where they were crowd- ed on small lots of land, to earn their subsistence by labour {where all are labourers and f eta employers) and by sea- fish- ing, the latter so little congenial to their former habits, This cutting down farms into lots * was found so profitable, that over the whole of this district, the sea-coast, where the • It will be observed, that these one or two acre lots are forming as an im- proved system, in a country where many loud complaints are daily made of sur- plus population, and of the misery of the people on their old farms of five, ten, fifteen, twenty, and more, arable acres, jwith pasture in proportion ; and yet in a country without regular employment, and without manufactures, a family is to be supported on one or two acres ! ! CHANGE OF TE>fANTRT4 161 •hoi-e Is accessible, is thickly studded with wretched mH. ges, crowded with starvini/ inhabitnnf- a "^'T **" tenants whn .. a u^ «nnabitants. Ancient respectable tenants, who passed the greater part of life in the en ovm.n! and, for iIh» aoeommodation. « calcal.tion « made ThatT. noTLTr ""1 "^^ r" -"^ *= -"'«=" X' . .^-1 ."^ .""' ^'"^""" "■=««"' 'hus drawing ^ erv ftt'oilvfi r """"' '*'""'• '^'•"^ ">« •■"ring fi*,h! ery (the only fishery prosecuted on this coast) succeeds th.* ■uffer; bm when the fishing fails, they fall i„ arrears Tnd are sequestra, K and their stock sold to pay the rent ,h.^, lots g,ven to others, and they and their'fli, "^ 'n^e^' mis, has. for a succession of years, been very defecUr- anH some of them possessed capital, l.ora converting their fa™ stock mto cash, but this has been long exhausted. I isZ tressmg to view the general poverty of this class of n^n aggravated by their having once en^ed abutZ« [ndt' dependence; and we cannot sufficiently admire their m^J and patient spirit supported by the powerful infle„ce„f rel,g,ous and moral principle. There are still a few slu tenants on the old system, occupying the same farmTo nTy ^'ssXT^r^ "■" '" ''-'" -" ''"^"« -» *« - fro'l^h— i i" Glenelg, emigration has been very limited from this side of the island, owing to their nowerful TlT of the violent changes, they had sufficient prLrty to Iran, por and settle their families comfortably in Am«ica 2 could not tear themselves awav • ,nH S ui^ f ' '^ for a change, they haveTot Thf ^ower. » • ' "'*'"'«'' "«" vol.. .. ' ''"'" '""' °' °°'"''=' '»'''!"" »f Iwl.*.. I4 #, IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 I" u Ii4 2.2 1.8 6" L25 11114 IIIIII.6 'V^ 7 '^# vV /A Photographic Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN SiaEET WEBSTER, N.Y. M580 (716) 872-4503 ' V.> 162 CHANGE OF TENANTRY. i; \ ' fii't H!fl i3 This mode of giving all the good and cultirat3d land Co a few rich individuals, and of subdividing small portions of barren moor or of inferior soil among the previous occu<* piers, in a country without any permanent means of subsis- tence beyond the scanty and precarious produce of those unreclaimed patches, is a line of policy, which could not fail to excite universal surprise, did we not yearly witness so many theoretical schemes, often inconsistent with each other, and so little regard for the happiness of the people. But leaving out of view the consideration that, from the preva- lence of turning corn lands into pasture, the demand for la- bour is diminished while the number of labourers is increas- ed, it can scarcely be expected that a man who bad once been in the condition of a farmer, possessed of land, and of considera'fie propeity in cattle, horses, sheep, and money; often er .ploying servants himself, conscious of his independ- ence, and proud of his ability to assist others ; should without the most poignant feelings, descend to the rank of a hired la- bourer, even where labour and payment can be obtained, more especially if he must serve on the farms or in the country where he formerly commanded as master. It is not easy for those who live in a country like England, where so many of the lower orders have nothing but what they acquire by the labour of the passing day, and possess no permanent property or share in the agricultural produce of the soil, to appreci- ate the nature of the spirit of independence, which is gene- rated in countries where the free cultivators of the soil con- stitute the major part of the population. It can scarcely be imaginpJ how proudly a man feels, however small his pro- perty may be, when he has a spot of arable and pasture land, stocked with corn, horses, and cows ; a species of pro- perty which, more than any other, binds him, by ties of in- terest and attachment, to the spot with which he is connect- ed. He considers himself an independent person, placed in a station in society far above the day- labourer, who has no stake in the permanency of existing circumstances, beyond the prospect of daily employment ; his indepenlence being CHANOE OF VENANTRY. I53 we«are of the state, by supporting which he rendm hU own property „ore «cure, „d, although the vdue of the X- .ndToZ /J"*' " '' ""y ''•y » W' view; il Zl ^ve™»ent and .ho« l.ws which Lder i, secuT Such " U^isu end day-labourers, may smile at this union of iX pendence and c^uparati™ poverty. But. U,.t the ^^u pr;riTntre';::'f.:i-j;--viCi„ J.z;^.t^ rvlzi'r.*' ""^'"^ ""' - '■"•"-"""on. raoit, dr?p.^feTwtX'' 3rt^raS'r ^ruerrfrimT'-^.' --- j-i-emrant ih«: Kt^uemen, trom their situations in lift. i,„„ • ,. interest in fh» ^^*^ ■ . "°"* *" "'®» have no immediate «.y be consilerZTrd^'^"™^^^;'*. *''' ^^--y « letter from a friend, as ZlT.U ! ?"« *"'"'=' <* «s of this descripfW Spetiinltf fh ! f'"'"'^ ''"'^"'' •llotments. he savs « I ./ f .' '""'°" "" *" "=" wretched ^eopirexhibit 1/ '' ""'' "" y"" '^' *=» povertv ,n^^h . /^'y symptom of the most abject poverty, and the most helpless disf^ss. Their miseS l2 164 CHANGE or TF-NANTRY. lA 'irm 1 i i -e lote in the moors, notwithstanding their utmoxt labour and strictest economy, have not yielded them a sufficient crop for the support of their families, for three months. The little money they were able to derive from the sale of their stock has, therefore, been expended in the purchase of ne- cessaries, and is now wholly exhausted.* Though they have now, therefore, overcome all their scruples about leav- ing their native land, and possess the most ardent desire to emigrate, in order to avoid the more intolerable evils of starvation, and have been much encouraged by the favour- able accounts they have received from their countrymen al- ready in America, they cannot possibly pay the expense of transporting themselves and their families thither. " f Well might the old Highlander thus warn his country- men—" Take care of yourselves, for the law has reached Ross- shire. " He had more cause for alarm for his poste- rity than he was aware of. Little could he calculate, when his fears were excited by vague ideas of a change ; little could he anticipate that the introduction of civil order, and the extension of legal authority, which, in an enlightened age, tend to advance the prosperity, as well as promote the se- curity of a nation, should have been to his countrymen either the signals of banishment from their native country, or the means of lowering the condition of those who were permitted to remain. With more reason it might have been expected that the principles of an enlightened age would have gradually introduced beneficial changes among the ancient race ; that they would have softened down the harsher features of their character, and prepared them for • When whole districts are depopulated at once, their pecuniary losses, and the distress of those ejected, are increased by the circumatance of all selling off their stock and furniture at the same time, as consequently there can be but few purchasers. Their moveables will not suit the establishments of the capi- talists ; and, while the ejected te^rants must leare them unsold, or accept of a nominal price, they are deprived of this small and last resource for transporting themselves to a foreign country, where a virtuous, high-spirited, brave people, are not considered as a nuisance or a burthen on the soil t Letter from a gentleman in the county of Ross, nmn'rjwfifmm CHANGE or TENANTRY. ^bs habits better suited to the cultivation of the soil th«„ .i, indolent freedom of a pastoral life. Instead of thL *»• system, whatever may be its intrinsic m L o d^f^'^'^ T m too many cases, been carried into executL • ^ ner which has excited the strong rrnTZ't ^ "'""' sensations in the breasts nf fl»« u ? °*' mdignant e^r pu«„U of . p.„spee.lve :Znr4et I™^; '"^» consequences which have resumed i.n^ HT ^**® good moraU, .„d undermh^ loX toZl- "^f "« «pect for comtituted auU.oru/ ' ^ *" ^'"^' ""^ "'' those iraprove,„ents Uichf^stad of b!!!^ • "^ r^''^ °' capital alone, should equa |y dTs'll I- '"5 ** ■»" »' all. In the pn«ecu.iol of'^^hr^eat cha„ T'^' '" taken place in different Darts rf .?. w u ?" "'»<''• hare that, in n,any ins.a„ces?.rol„al th h^" ''°''''' "PP'" thought of, nor included ntheTtemlr" """ """ ductive of such wealth to"he laSd t J" '? "^ ""^ and the countiy at large. Strangers wWe can""? "P"^* as agents in .he execution of thf ITs "S 1 '° """ placed, as farmers, on larae estahlUh T °*'" ""« for which whole glens -rni^'^Jr^Vr^ltr"" who, in some instances. resistpH th T '"^^^^tants, -hed.. These peopC«!:i^\nTerr:^^^^^^^^ W ii* 166 CHANGS OF TIN AN TRY. ■J, I D their poverty and ignorance of modern agriculturef could not believe that such harsh measures proceeded from their honoured superiors, whose conduct had hitherto been kind and paternalf and to whom they themselves had ever been attached and faithful. The whole was, therefore, attributed to the acting agents, and against them their indignation wa» principally directed ; and, in some instances, their resistance was so obstinate, that it became necessary to enforce the or- ders " vi et armis" and to have recourse to an obsolete mode of ejectment, by setting their houses on fire. This last species of legal proceeding was so conclusive, that even the stubborn Highlanders, with all their attachment to the homes of their fathers, were compelled to yield. * are unacquainted with the people. An instance of this feeling has been already given, and I could add many more, all evincing an unconquerable attach- ment to the siKJt where they first drew breath. I shall state two oases of men Tvho wem to have died of what is commonly called a broken heart, originating in grief for the loss of their native homes. I knew them intimately. They were respectable and judicious men, and occupied the fa.ms on which they were bom till far advanced in life, when they were removed. They afterwards got farms at no great distance, but were afflicted with a deep despondency, gave up their usual habits, and seldom spoke with ary seemin<]; satisfaction, except when the subject ' urned on their former life, and the spot which they had left, lliey appeared to be much relieved by walking to tlie tops of the neighbouring hills, and gazing for hours in the direction of their late homes ; but in a few months their strength totally failed, and without any pain or com- plaint, except mental depression, one died in a year, and the other in eighteen months. I have mentioned these men together, as there was such a perfect si- milarity in their cases ; but they were not acquainted with each other, nor of the same district. When they suffered so much by removing from their ancient homes only to another district, how much more sr a must Uieir feelings have been had they been forced to emigrate, unless, perhaps, distance and new objects would have diverted their attention from the cause of their grief? But be that ta it may, the cause is undoubted. - * The author of Guy Mannering has alluded to this *' summary and effec- tual mod? of ejectment still practised in the north of Scotland when a tenant proves refractory, " in his admirable description of the ejectment of the colony of Demcleugh. 'V«'hen this picture of fictitious distress, of which a lawless race Mtere the supposed objects, has created a powerful sensation wherever our lan- guage is understood; what heart shall withhold its sympathy fiora real distress, CUANGfi or TENANTRY. 167 Some of the ejected tenants were allowed small allotments < of land ; some half an acre, others two acres of moor, which I 12T !,V"'^^^«t« i»to arable land; and the improve- 1. , / J ZT^if ^T '"'^'^^^ '^'°'' ^"'"'"-y -i««'™«"ts have ' ^ r *'J been highly eulogized, and references made to their effects, Vw4 x^r m contrast to the former uncultivated state of the country. - A* f^ Many people are, however, inclined to doubt the advan- V'^>^^^' tages of improvements which call for such frequent apolo- gies; for ,f the advantages to the people were so evident, could n'^ri! T' "''"'"'"' ^'^ ^^«" P"""«^' vindication couiu not have been necessary, line ot proceeding was pursued with regard to these brave, unfortunate, and well- principled people, as excited so strong «nd general a sensation in the public mind. It is no less ta be deplored, that any conduct sanctioned by authority, even although productive of ultimate advantage, (and how it can produce any advantage beyond what might have been ob- tamed by pursuing a scheme of conciliation and encourage- ment, IS a very questionable point), * should have, in The when faithful, blameless, and industrious beings are treated in the same m«,. ne. wuhout the .me provocation, and without any cause except th^desiTeo; rbrl" V? '""'"'' '"' "'"^' '"^^"-^ °' " ^•'■'^y ''-'^^ '^'^^ '«» •'a'e want, ed br ad before ye wanted sunkets, " more than twice thirty thousand have been turned adrift in different parts of the North ? l.nd.'^anf !f Th"^- "' '"*"'" "' *' "^''^''^ °' ""•" *»"""*» •« ^^e High- Jan ;h!h '" V""™'"'"' °' '""''' ""'' ""'* "^■^'^^ "y ^" »*er mefn, than the burmng decrees. The tenant of a friend of mine, when he first to^k • b.s farm, paxd a rent of L.8. 1(^. This rent has been gradually augmented iTnl d' T ? V° ''■''' ""' '-' ^^•'•''"^ '^^ - encouragement Cm le' andlord. who. by the industry and improvements of his tenant, has received an .no^ase of more than 1000 per cent, in less than forty yea«. On .nZerZ Uitenmeteen small tenants paid, in the year 1784. a joint rent of L.57. i^ b. been ra.sed by degrees, without a shilling given in assistance, fo i^pr^e n>ente. wh.ch h,ve been considerable, to L.371. The number o^ acres i'Tir which are suuated in a high district, and with no pasture for sheep. SJa^ not insulated facts. I could produce many, to show that indust.^ whh Z U nXod'T' '^'"^ ""'^ ''^" ^""^--'^^ ^- ^'^ incre7^d lump tK.n of prod by so many occupanU ; and thct by judicious management 7o the quamuy of fertile land, contribute to secure the permanent welfare bo^ oi 168 CHANGE OF TENANTRY. I I 1 il ! '*!:i I' 'i ■■ II ^1' f / ilrst instance, inflicted such general misery. This regret inust be greatly increased, by the belief that these proceed- ings originated in mistaken notions, founded on malignant and persevering misrepresentations, calculated to give the proprietors a most unfavourable impression of the character and capability of the native inhabitants; who were describ, ed as being in a state of misery, without religion or morali- ty, and totally unfit for any good purpose. These preju- diced and unfounded statements were followed up by flatt tering views of the prosperity and happiness to be expected from" the proposed plans for their future establishment. Those whc thus vilified the poor people, and who strongly advocated the adoption of these new plans, were well a- ware of the partiality, patriarchal kindness, and protection exercised by the proprietors; and knew that no proposal for their entire ejectment and expatriation, nor even for their removal to the situations proposed to them, would be received, unless the former favourable opinion had been changed and obliterated. To this point, therefore, the at- tention of the promoters of these violent changes was parti- cularly directed, till at length they succeeded in procuring the removal of the native farmers, and the introduction of a f\ new order of tenantry. This system of overlooking the ori- ''^ ginal occupiers, and of giving every support to strangers, has been much practised in different Highland counties; and on one great estate, the suppo.^ which has been given to farmers of capital, as well in the amount of the sums ex- pended on improvements, as in the liberal abatement of rents, is, I believe, unparalleled in the United Kingdom, and aflbrds additional matter of regret, that the delusions practised on a generoqs and public-spirited landholder, have the landholder and of the country. What men can pay better rents than those who live nine months in the year on potatoes and milk, on bread only when po- tatoes fail, and on butcher meat seldom or never * Who are better calculated to make good soldierii, than men trained up to such habits, and contented with such modorate comforts i And who are likely to make more loyal and happy subjects, contented with their lot, and true to their king, and to their imme? diate superiors i M ClUNGE OF TENANTRY. 169 a^ea^a«^7r ? ^""rV"'''''^""y ^Hed, that it would tiTn. UA ''^T« °^ ^^"""'" ''•"^"«»« '«'^«'^« the native tenantry had ceased to exist. To them any uncultivatii smljr 1«^°<>'^-^' ^o-ver small, L conS sufficent for the support of a family; while the most la- v«h encouragement was given to the new tenants, on ^om, and on the erection of buildings, the improve- nient of lands, roads, bridges, &c. upwards of 210,000/. ,\ have been expended since the year 1808. With this proof ^ of unprecedented liberality, it cannot be sufficiently lament- ed that an estimate of the character of these poor people was taken from the misrepresentations of interested persons, instead of judging from the conduct of the same men when brought out mto the world, where they obtained a nam. and character which has secured the esteem and approba- •on of men h.gh m honour and rank, and, from their t«, Jents and experience, perfectly capable of judginir with correctness. With such proofs of capability, andlith such , materials for carrying on the improvements, and maintain- ^ ing the permanent prosperity of the country, when occupied ' by a hardy abstemious race, easily led on to a full exertion of their faculties by proper management; there cannot be a question but that ,f, instead of placing them, as has been done, ,n situations bearing too near a resemblance to the potato.gardens of Ireland,-the origin and still existing cause of the poverty, disaffection, and hostil?:y towards th! higher orders, so prevalent in that country,-they had been permitted to remain as cultivators of the soil, receiving a mo- derate share of the vast sums expended on their richer, but not more deserving successors, such a humane and considerate re- gard to the prosperity of a whole people, instead of confining It to a favoured few, would undoubtedly have answered every good purpose. Although the wealth expected from the im- ? provements might be delayed, it would have been no less cer- v tain, had the progress been left to the ancient attached race • and had such a course been pursued, instead of depopulated glens, and starving peasantry, alienated from their superiors 170 CHANGE OiT TEN AN THY. and in their grief and despair too ready to imbib« opinions hostile to the best interests of their country, we should ktill have seen a high-spirited and loyal people, ready, at the nod of their respected chiefs, to embody themselves into re- giments, with the same zeal as in former times ; and when enrolled among the defenders of their country, to exhibit a conduct honourable to that country and to their profes- sion. • Such is the acknovledgcd character of the men of r these districts as soldiers, when called forth in the service of their country, although they have been described as irregu- lar in their habits, and a burden on the lands which gave them birth, and on which their forefathers maintained the honour, and promoted the wealth and prosperity of their chiefs and superiors, f But is it conceivable that the people • See Articles on the Sutherland regiments. In a memorial presented to Government by the Earl of Siithertand, claiming a compensation for expense and loss susUined in 1745, it is stated, that bis Lordship had armed and ready to support the royal cause, 2337 men, from his own estate, who, it is added, re- ceived high approbation from the Earl of Loudon, and the other generals who saw their fine and warlike appearance. The power of bringing to the support of the King so large a force, when the country required their services, is worth some sacrifice of rent; not that any sacrifice would be necessary were time al- lowed to the tenants, and the same encouragement and support given to them as has been received by the newly introduced tenants, who perhaps would hesi- state to obey a summons to attend their landlord's call, or, if they did, their small number would render them of little use. t The late Lord Sutherland was the twenty-first Earl ; a length of succession unparalleled in the peerage of this country. The estates which supported this ancient unbroken descent have undergone less change than abnost any others. Ip all the numberless revolutions of property, either in troublesome or peace- able times, these have not only been preserved entire, but great additions made by the purchase of neighbouring estates, from the produce of the labour and rents of the ancient tenantry. With a boisterous ungenial climate, and a rug- ged barren soil, the estate supported 15,000 persons, who maintained the inde- pendence of their superiors, and enabled them to preserve their title and pro- perty in a manner which no other family can boast; and, with such evidence, it Plight have been expected that some hesitation would have been observed in psserUng that the country is totally incapable of maintaining tiie ancient popu- lation. When it is recollected that this population has been maintained for so many centuries, and that, by the rents thpy paid, they enabled the landlords to purchase all the lands for sale which lay convenient for them, these assertions will be received with caution. CHANGE or TCNANTRT. jyj U home .houlJ b« «, degraded, while their brother, and The people ought not to be reproached with inc,n„Uv Ir .mmorahty without better evidence U.an that o^^h.ir p eiu! d^ed and unfeeling calumniator,. If i. be ^ZZ^ and if this virtuous and honourable rape whi.k i. *'"' buted to raise and uphold the chara^'of t f Brirp.: .an try ,„ the eye. of .11 Europe, are thus fallen, and t fuT denlj, fallen; how great and powerful must b; ,he^™ I Jcied must be the improvement which is produced h. Jiff ence of profession, as, for example, wh™ ^^^l'*";: d.ers, and associate in barrack, with troops of ^^r chmct^ or ,n quarter, or billet,, with the lowest of the Ip . "^ stead of mingling with ,uch society as they left 1^2.^' tive homes I Why should these H^hlandlr t " hi?"" degenerate, as they are renresenfv) .-H • "" °° the, would aetu J, ap^rrrvitci: T^ZX .nstance n a recent association for the suppression o felony Tr^rn: "" concerned in the stock and grazing farms. n,e object of 1 ' ^"^ protecUon of property from the d^dadons of ^aHe^L ZT k '"" ;n their uncivilized and uneducated state, crimes we ^fZ ZT ""^^ to the records of the Court of Justiciary, from 1747 to imn T * capital conviction for theft, (ho«e steSng, whilha 'n!!!^ "!"'" °"'^ ""^ and only two capital convictions for other^riles nl' v " '^ '''''^ murder in 1761. and a man for fire raising"! 78^ Such' " T" '" "''''' -tfthep«,pleinthe.distHcts,whe«crim.' ave l^t7„^^^^^^^ protecting associations are become necessarv, and "h^itThr^' t ? *'*' nearly 600 sheep have been stolen in a seas^^ frol „ J . "*" '^""'^ *•"* who left the county with the charact r Tdi ^^^^^^^^^ ' ^^^'^ ^o- father and brothe.^ ("gainst whom those ot:i7:,X:lr'2>*'^^ declared by the fim authority « pictures of nprf f , °"""'^' "« di«:ipline. and soldierly conduct • "and Lh '■"'''"^'' ""'"'"'^ nious author. « a mirrJr to th::; ^ ^Z -tZr m ""^""^ '' "" '•"«- stealing was WilUam M.Kay, a discharged sofdier. whoTarr"^"""'"^ .n another country. The circumstance was so Z tl^a^^""'^ ^ '""" ford subject of conversaUon among the people '""""^'^"y «• ^t 'I to af. 17« CIUNGC or TEWANTRT. „ I, M ■ I \^> t ^ • i'l " i '■'■ ^■'". .r ''' I' ■■' li 1 1 ' :i ^^g i if VI iiii 1 ii }!^ H [!| when they monnt the cockade, are they found to be so vir- tuoui and regular, that one thousand men have been em- bodied four and five years together, at different and distant periods, from 1769 to 1763, from 1779 to 1783, and from 1793 to 1798, iviihout an instance of military punishment r These men performed all the duties of soldiers to the per- fect satisfaction of their commanders, and continued so un- exceptionable in their conduct down to the latest period, when embodied into the 93d regiment, that, according to the words of a distinguished general officer, " Although the youngest regiment in the service, they might form an ex- ample to all : '* And on general parades for punishment, the Sutherland Highlanders have been ordered to their quar- ters, as " examples of this kind were not necessary for such honourable soldiers, who had no crimes to punish. " • Can it be doubted, that had a moderate portion of the encouragement given to the stock graziers possessed of ca- pital, been bestowed on these valuable men, we should pro- bably have seen no difference of character, except that, in those who remained at home, we might have expected to meet with more of native simplicity and integrity, part of which might have been lost by those who had mixed more with the world ? If those who remain at home have shown contrary dispositions, these must have been produced by some powerful cause ; and, with the loss of that independ- ence and disinterested fidelity which hardly knew any bounds, the best parts of their character must have been destroyed. Js not their altered conduct rather a subject of pity than of blame ? When they see their children starv- ing, and crying for that food which they have not to give ; and when we reflect that, according to the Gaelic proverb « Hunger has a long arm," — some cause may, perhaps, be discovered why the hand which ought to have been employ, ed in profitable industry at home, or against an enemy abroad, has been sometimes extended to endanger a neigh- * See Article Sutherland Highlander^ CHANGE OP TENANTRY. 173 trea In.? A^* ."''' '^'^ "^°"" •"^^"^'^"^^ ^^^ ^'^^^ JTTTu ^'•^*^«y ""'•^"onable, becau.o they are not satisfied when suddenly deprived of their usual means of .ubsutence, and placed upon the black moors ? Some are. indeed, told that the ocean is open to them, and that the; may l.ve by fishing, though their former habit, render them unfit for that line of life. • It is probable that the notoriety which these facU have ob- Si h ,"7 "'"'^^ ?** «"^" ^'^^'^ '^ »»^« »t«'-'nenta nle arP vTfi' f I T''"^' '" '^''' Publications the peo- pie are v. hfied. and described as dishonest, void of religion, irregular :n their habits, f and incapable of managing faZ, ScoZI ';!!"' T/'" ^"^ ^* ""* ""«'>' ""' '"■' "*'•- 0" *e ea.t coast of ing the prejudices of men who have been fishery fm^ .k : u "'"•"" .« H. that the .epher. a„Cr„ "tir^C a^ " .f by nstinct, become fid.ers. without the least knowledge or experience of th^ new element from which they are desired to extract thei! subsisted T t Detachments of the Sutherland Fencible regiment of 1762 Z .• . SuthCTlond, were in .11 mneei, tf,, „„. "> onthe.indsofthepeople^ofrr::Brtdr^^^^^^^ re:rorzr;ir:tmt^^^^ no pe«o„ Of ,uiet ^:::!;.:::rz :- -'- ^hen a young man enlisted in any regiment except the NronarCo "' h T' mily were too ready to believe that he was a lo,t n,-„ ^^ ' ^'^ and his native country I now T Tr ' "" °"**^'"* *"™™ *«™ uauYc .ouniry. i now ispeak from personal exDerienri. oc T r j . the cou,|e of my recruiting in those district' a great and Zfl T ' '" the sentiments of the people Aft^r th « u ,*^ ",""'* gratifying change in ed in Perthshire, young ml e^^^ore tS 'iTr"" ^"' ^"^""■ l.*s dread at their inlistment as recrSiu T'tlf e ^J'^'^^ "^owed quiet sober people with who™ 7 . ^ "'"' '^"""'^ *''"* '^'*''^» '^•''^ soDer people, with whom they need not be afraid to trust their sons. " ■ \'*^' 174 CHANGE OF TENANTRY. li!' 1 'H J-;i! fi-'' ? ?i • ilii or of psying Adequate rents ; although, on a reference to the poor's funds, taken on an average of many years previous to 1800. it will be found, that, however ignorant they were of farming, they were so independent of parochial aid, that, in those days, when the population of ihat country was so great ae to form one of the alleged causes of removal, the sums paid to the poor of this supposed surplus population, in the parish of Rogart, containing 202S persons, were under L. 1 3 annual- ly ; in the parish of Fafr, containing 2408 persons, nnder L.12; in Assynt, containing 2395 inhabitants, under L.11 j in Kildonan, containing 14lauBibility and persevsrance, got established by delusions practised on a high- minded, honourable individual, not aware of the evils produced by so universal a movement of a whole people. £vi. , .rder of the Board of Agriculture. M 2 VM .^1 ir.U:i 180 POLICY OP THE CHANGES. manner apparently most profitable; and allowing the most ' unqualified power to exercise the right of removing the ancient occupiers, f it may still be doubted whether plans so hastily adopted, so productive of immediate distress, and which occasion such permanent discontent, are likely to be ultimately successful. But, at the same time that this legal and admitted right of removing the original tenantry from their farms has been very fr6ely exercised, it must appear somewhat ex- traordinary, nor is it easy to account for it in a satisfactory manner, that so many attempts have been made to restrain emigration, the best and only remaining relief for those who had been deprived of their farms^ This course must undoubtedly have been pursued under the persuasion that some benefit would have been lost to the community by the consequent depopulation. But, the truth is, the value of the people was well known ; and to constrain them to remain in the country, after they have been deprived of their usual resources, is equblly inconsistent with every principle of sound policy and of justice. Nor is it a weak objection to the expediency of these measures; that an interference to f In answer to the question of the propriety of dismissing the ancient occu- piers of land, the conduct of manufacturers and tradesmen is quoted as an ex- ample of the exercise of such a right, and of the pnicUce of turning away the people without regard to their future Comfort. While it is admitted that this is certainly the practice in the instance alluded to, it may still be a question whether, if more kindness were shown, if the legal right of dismissal were less rigorously exerted, and if working tradesmen and artisans were encouraged, by ties of kindness and association, to believe their situations and employments permanent^ we would see so many combinations against master tradesmen and manufacturers, and their houses and property so often in danger of conflagra- tion. But, whatever may be the cause, there is no doubt of the appearance of a spirit of revenge and despair on the part of the working classes, and of a want of confidence and a distrust on the part of their employers; and certainly such a state of society, in which the employed are kept down by the bayonet and the strong arm of the law, and the lives and properties of the employers protected by military force, and a strict police, does not form a very desirable example for the imitation of Highland proprietors, in the case of the once chivalrous, and still valuable occupiers of their land. m AGRICDlTUBi:. 191 prevent governmeut from giviag encouragement to emi- grate was found necessary , . for ,hi, f„r„ 4es. a practice refiuafon of the principle, on which many have L^d ofUje asserfon made, that the Highl«,di^were onT«al^! ITIT ^' ■", °T"'r '" *" "'"''"■• ««««Pt to retain the people, and place them on such paltry lots of land « of Ae farm, from which they were removed, on the ground that they were too small, and this in . country without r^ ^.r employment, or, indeed, any means ofsuUlt I." «ept such as .re drawn from the soil ? Hence, it would appear that the value of the old tenantry wrwdT n^ demood; otherwise why encourage or compel them or" »a^„? Many considerations might be expected to opet su hTndT't ' "."P""" °' " 'y«- »hich calledX such mdefensible expedients, and which could only be sup! ported by arguments so inconsistent. ^ rent tor bis land, it is, m general, his interest not to divide h« farms upon too minute a scale, such subdivision of I»d moval from their original farms, are permitted to remain being found to be fruitful i„ misery a„d disconten" b" u however proper and applicable extensive estaSmente "."y,be to fertile districts, easily cultivated, situ'tS i^t possessions; and in behalf of others who dreaded nTfer ' T" to encourage emiinatfon f/» fo^ j j ***? " ^^ resolved hold.™ bir^srr^n^ '^" '"""'"'''"•• ^^ ■"■"- remove to . <«..«, „„„ e„„^,. „ — rieTb« ^I!^ "/ " °' pena^ I. »..„, j« «r.rrp:;sx't^,r J - ■ duct must appear very inconsistent. i* ^eaoiteis. This line of con- 182 AGRICULTURE. favourabld dfmate, and possessing the advantages of being ftear market, water carriage and manure; and also of being withia reach of towns and villages, where a supply of la- bourers, in the busy period of autumn, may be readily pro- Cured ; yet, in peculiar situations, great advantage may be derived from a division of tibe soil into moderately small farms; and, with regard to the Highland*, many, who have had opportunities of judging accurately, have been inclined to believe that, at a distance from market, willh modh rug- ged but improvable land, an active abstemious population, attd a comparatively barren soil, improvements, which tonid not be executed by capital alone, unassisted by the manual labour of the occupiers, * may be carried on to the mutual advantage both of landlord and tenant. To this We may add what has occurred in many instances in times of difficulty, that the economical habits of the small tenantry will enable them td fulfil their engagements to their landlords, when the large farmers, embarrassed by ex- tensive speculations and expensive establishments, must of- ten fell in the fulfilment of theirs. That this is not merely a fanciful hypothesis, unsupported by facts, may be seen by reference to those countries in which the lands are more ge- nerally distributed, as in France, where the labours of the agricultural population are at once productive of a great public revenue, and of comfort and independence to the body of the people. England, in the days of the Edwards and Henries, although her foreign commerce was then ex- tremely cifciittiscribed, was prosperous and powerful ffom the produce of the s&il alone, as was France during the late war, in which, though general communication and com- merce were almost entirely interrupted, great revenues were tierived from internal resources. In the same manner. In Flanders, Holland, &c. th^ profits of agricultural pro- duce are more generally difFused, and few countries display a finer agricultural prospect ; especially Austrian Flanders, * See Appendix, BB. AGRICULTURE. 183 where the farms do not, In many instincfe, exceed 10, 20, oH^ '""! ^"^^^ ""'^ "^"^y* ^" * ^^"^ ^«*^''» ^«cnd to 100 or 200,. and yet it has been maintained that, in Britain, Where, in many counUee, the farms average from SOO to. 3000 acres^ the country could not pay the taxes and other public burdens, • unless formed into such extensive esta- b .shme«t^ and unless the rural population were dispersed. Ilisastnkmg fact, however, that poor-rates are as high, ^Ir"""' T^ ^l^^''' '"^ '^"** consequently, greair poverty prevails m th^ thinly-peopled agricultural districts, tftahiiithe ftiore populous counties. In Norfolk, Sussex and other counties, where the largest capitals are invested f m «gncukure, and where public meetings are held to cdc- brate the prosperity and successful enterprise of the men of capital and skills landlords must payback 20, SO, and 40 per cent, of the produce of their land to support the paupers, ^ho ire so liuinerous in the midst of this pre ^ejity. No p^rt of the crowded manufacturing districts of Uncwhire ,s mofe heavily taxed with poor-rates than several of th^ great agricultural districts. In like man- ner, we find, that pah>chial rates are, by no means, so heavy ,n the populous manufacturing counties of Lanark and Renfrew, as in the large farming counties in the south of ScoUand, particularly in Roxburgh and Berwick- .• 1?* ^* '"l'^ ^ '*' '*'"' ''^ ^''™*' P™"**"* *a. b«S ascribed to «rf 1 . 1! if^^" f"' '"'' "^ ""' *° P""'*** ««^ ft«* than h. lTi6 ^dthe four «j^eean.g ye.^ .hi.e at no ti.e were sheep and ca«.e 7^ J. Tt'^ ?K^"*" "'"""'• '" ''''^ *"•'" manufactures we.. i„ fZl intheb«tcher.n,ark.t In 1824, ^galn, cattle hav« risen ft,r.> per^eT^ niiftct^ers. The high pHce of Highlibd prodttte rnnfl* therefore, denend^ oth,^ tmeses than *he demands of manufacturing dl«ric« ^ L^ ' '"* *^ "*'*^^^ ^^«- ^« the .t„.«„t of 184 AGRICULTURE. i' , i HT shire, where the English system of pauperism has begun to find its way,^^not, as I heard stated by some reverend mem- bers of the General Assembly in the year 1818, on ac- count of the vicinity of these counties to England, but, partly at least, from the similarity of system adopted and pursued. Pauperism is not geographically contagious, and poverty and poor-rates have not increased in Roxburgh and Berwickshires, because they happen to be contiguous to England, but because the same evil will spread in Scot- land as well as in other countries, by the action of the same cause. But it is evident, as has been already stated, that it is advantageous to have a considerable portion of a country laid out in large farms, that men of capital and education may be encouraged to engage in agricultural pursuits ; and this has always been the case in the Highlands, where large tracts have been held in lease by men of education and rer spectability,'— as, for instance, the estates of Macdonald and Macleod, on which there weie sixty gentlemen farmers : it is the too general adoption of such a system which is to be dreaded ; nor, indeed, can it be generally established, even in one district, without causing great distress, in the first instance, and ultimately expelling a valuable ajid industri- ous race of people. * Nor does the adoption of such a sys^ * The evils resulting from the non^residence of proprietors are generally ac- knowledged. In no country is the absence of country gentlemen more felt than in the Highlands, where many proprietors seldom see their estates or te- nants ; and when they do, it is too often either for the sake of a few weeks' pastime, or perhaps to collect arrears of rent, or to pake arrangements for an increase : and henic^ their visits are more a subject of dread than of satisfaction to their tenants. Now, if the absence of proprietors be an evil, would it not be subversiye of t|ie best interests of the Highl^ds tp suppress or removek the whole class of country gentlemen and proprietors of small estates from L.lOO to L.3000 a-year, and concentrate their lands in possession of a kfr individuals, leaving no intermediate class between the great landholder and the occupiers of his farms ? By the same analogy, would it not be destructive of the independ- ence of the lower classes in the North, if entire districts were given tp one great farmer, leaving tlve whole population to support themselves on accidental lar ppvr, or on su<;£ empbyme^^, as the man of capital chose to give them i As HH AGRICULTURE. 185 tern appear so conducive to the interest of the proprietor as It might, on a first view, seem. Late experience has, in many cases, shown, that improvemenls may be effected, and good rents obtained, by judicious changes and modifications of the old system, -.vithout the expatriation of inhabitants or great expense to the landlords. In illustration of this point, I«ould produce many instances, but shall content myself with the following brief account of a great Highland es- tate. ° Previous to 1797, this estate was occupied by a numerous small tenantry, interspersed with large farms, rented by men of education and respectable rank in society. The latter began to improve their lands and stock, after the examples they saw in the Lowlands. The small tenants al- so evmced symptoms of increasing industry, but they held their lands in common, and by what is known in Scotland by the name of « Runrig;' that is, each man having a ridge of the arable land alternately with his neighbour, the higher pastures being held in common. While this interlacing system continued, it was not easy to carry on any improve- ment; but, soon after the period just mentioned, the arable lands were measured, and each man received a portion equal to what he formerly held, but contiguous, and, in ge- neral, enclosed, so that the benefit of his improvements was entirely his own. The people were so numerous, that from eight to thirty arable acres, with a portion of pasture, were all that could be allotted to each tenant; but none were re- moved. The pastures remained in common, as, from their country gentlemen, of small or moderate properties, resident on their estates, have ever been an honourable, independent, and useful class in the chain of so- ciety, and as they have eminently contributed to the support of the country, does not the same thing apply to a lower link in society in U.e Highlands, where the gradation in the division of land among the tacksmen, smaller tenantry, and cottagers, has preserved their race moral and independent, without the degra- dation of poo.-.rate8 or pauperism ? And should not these facts and con- siderations operate in preserving a share of the profits of the soil for a more ge- neral distribution of its benefits in producing independence and comfort to the bulk of the people ? m r iSfi 11 ^ i'i .'ll Pl'^ 1 'It ' ;f' ! k :|: |.-i ■ AGHICULTURE. nature and extent, they must always be, the expenic of en- closures and subdivisions being more than such unproduc- tive lands can sustain. But the number of horses, catUe, and sheep, to be kept on the pastures, was limited in pro- portion to the quantity and quality of the arable land oc- cupied by each tenant, at the same time allowing a small portion for each cottager. By taking advantage of the great inequality of soil p.nd climate, and diversifying the stock and produce accordingly, the tenants were frequently able to pay their rents in cases in which they must have foiled, had they had only one article for sale. When these changes took place, the farms of the tacksmen on a larger scale remained without any alteration as to extent : but they forthwith commenced considerable improvements, and frnv^ an example to the common people, who readily followed it, and who, at the same time, received considerable encourage- ment from their landlord. The consequence of this wise and equitable plan was a progressive and regular improvement of the soil, and an advancement of the wealth and comfort of the tenants, while rents at once adequate and well paid were secured to the proprietor. But in an evil hour, and unfortunately for both landlord and tenant, the management of this estate was transferred to an agent of the new school, who immediately commenced operations according to the most approved mo- jlern system. He divided and subdivided farms that were al- ready sufficiently small, while he made others again by far too large. Secret and rival offers were called for, and while he raised a spirit of rivalry, revenge, and irritation, which has not yet been subdued, he quickly succeeded in increas- ing the rent-roll to an unprecedented nominal amount; but the actual returns have fallen much beioiv .be original rent, inuch of the stock and capital of & ci:<, having been expended;— a deficiency of payment hitherto unknown a* mong a people remarkable for their punctuality, and re- spect to their pecuniary engagements with their landlords. Others, by separating the high pasture lands from the ra.lllt'ii AGRICULTURE. 187 low arable groimds, and letting them npart, have lost th« advantages which joint possessions of arable and pasture grounas afforded lor counteracting the evils of precarioui seaw,„. and the difficulty of disposing of produce when distant from market; and h-.ve also lost the benefit to the •rable ^ ound of the winter manure of the cattle fed upon the pastures in summer. It frequently happens, that, when corn w at a low price, the produce of the pastures is hiirh ; and, again, when sheep, wool, and cattle, are low, there is -ometimes a great demand for grain. Judicious distribu- tions of these natural advantages of the country have loiiff secured an equality to, if not, in some cases, a superiority over situations more favoured in point of climate and soil. Of this superiority, however, many have deprived them- selves by the separation of the arable from the pasture lands, in expectation, that, by this separation, better rent, would be received,--an expectation which experience has proved to have been ill founded. To deprive people of their pasture lands, in a country naturally pastoral, appeam a very questionable measure, when it is considered that in the Highlands manure cannot be purchased, and that the scarcity of fuel renders lime expenoive. * Another incon- • By the loss of their sheep, the small tenants suflfbred exceedingly. All the dmhes m common use were formerly manufactured at home from tl.eir own wool, and y were thus able to clothe their families with comfort and at -mail expense. Now. much money goes out of the country for clothing, which formeriy went to pay the rents, or to portion their children. This also ac counts for the almost total disappearance of tartan, which was formerly made mevery femily; forso many want wool that tl,ey cannot manufacture any, Afftrent from what was in use in the Highlands, and is unfit for the common purposes of life. Thus almost every now measure tends to change the habits ^ well as the character of the people. How much dress aflects the manner, U well known; and certamly the clumsy, vulgar, ill-made clothes, now so much worn by the young men of the Highlands, give them a clownish appear- *nce, altogether different from, and fonning a marked contrast to the light air, e«^, gay with many colours, and the erect martial air and elastic step of thT ibrtuor race of Highlanders. I have already noticed the manner i„ which particular patterns or sets of torUn were preserved in families, as also Mr I 188 . AGRICULTURE. |;*!i' u i ill m f. I i-'i venience arising from this separalion ie, that their hay can- not be consumed uuless the farmers become dealers in cat- tle, which often renders them losers by the uncertainty and sudden variations of this precarious traffic ; whereas, if they had cattle of their own, reare'l and fed on the produce of their lands, they could only occasionally suffer by the fall- ing of markets, and not be subject to the heavier loss of purchasing high and selling low. These reflections will receive farther confirmation, if we look to the state of the inhabitants in the two most populous and extensive districts of the Highlands of Perthshire, name- ly, Athole and Breadalbane. These districts are divided in- to eleven parishes, there being ninje in the former, and two in the latter, and contain a population of 26,480 persons, of which number not more than 36* (taking the average of five years previous to 1817) require relief from the public funds. The extent of this relief cannot be great, as the funds for the support of the poor are supplied by voluntary donations, and the interest of a few trifling legacies. Ac- cordingly, the annual sum allotted for the above number is, on the same average of five years, L.522, Os. lO^d. *f or L.l, 8s. 8d. to each individual. West's opinion of the beauty of the colours, and the taste with which they were arranged. Indeed, the beauty and clearness of the dye were quite re- markable. There are plaids preserved in families, manufactured in the High- lands in the seventeenth century, with as brilliant a tint as can w^ell be given to worsted. These were the manufactures of the tenants in their families. * This is a very different condition from what we find in a. large parish in Sussex, stated by Mr Burrell in the House of Commons to contain a popula- tion of 18,000 souls, and to pay L. 16,000 of poor-rates ; so that the proportion paid for the maintenance pf the poor by the Highland population of these two districts is to the proportion paid by an equal number of the English popula- tion in the same condition with the parish in Sussex, referred to by Mr Bur- rell, as 1 to 51.5 nearly. And yet the Highlanders, among whom there is on- ly one pauper for every fifty-one, in one of the most fertile counties in England, are called a slothful, beggarly, poor people. They are poor ; but as they ma- nifest so proper a spirit of independence, such appellations might sometimes be spared. When the Highlanders are so often branded as poor and ignorant, t Sse Appendix, PC, AGRICULTURE. 189 When the poor in these districts are so few, and when these few are so easily supported, how does it happen that such tnghtful misery and poverty have existed in the more north- ern counties, and that, in other parts of the country, such heavy demands are made on the benevolence of landlords? This difference between the poverty of some districts and the comparative comfort of others, may be ascribed to local situation, and to different modes of management. In those parts of the North where the greatest distress prevails, the ^ people have been removed from their lands; and in the Southern counties, where poor-rates are establishing, the people have no support but from accidental daily labour: but m Athole and in Breadalbane the removal of the an- cient tenantry, and the increase of unemployed labourers, has not, by any means, been adopted to the same extent, and, consequently, the continuance of small farms allows to a^very great proportion of the people a share in the produce o. the earth. Hence, they feel no want of food, no abject poverty, although subjected, of course, like other parts of the kingdom, to the difficulties arising from bad crops, depreciated produce, and other causes. So great a propor- tion of the people having a permanent support, they are able to assist the destitute without the smallest call upon landlords. But, while the people are in a great measure independent of charitable aid, it must nevertheless be ad- mitted, that, in some recent instances, lamentable symptoms of a relaxation of principle are visible, especially in the want might not some obsen^ation. be made on the line of conduct pursued by those who are the cause of their poverty and ignorance? If the people harth! pow., they would soon remove the stain of poverty, and ha „t; 1^^^^ would provide teachers to enlighten their ignorance Gentlemen IVZT m<,re honourably employed, in individually re^the cl^^l d^tre^ of the,r people,-wh.ch they have themselves the power to do th«„ ,, public nieetings in Edinburgh and other towns, to Z^^^T^Z 1^7 destitute and deplorable state of their dependants and Lis andT '' for charity from the benevolent to relieve them. Tl.ere «"»:«; ^"^ .n the Highlands who would hesitate to acknowled J hat th ?" '" poor and depressed, and would blush if forced t: I^V^J^ T^ "^ loo AGRICULTURE. If ■ : ( h d' iS It?' i of punctuality in the payment of rents. This is not now, as formerly, a heavy reproach ; for the frequency of defalca- tion has obliterated the shame which attached to it, and thus the best security of punctual payme&t and correct ge» neral conduct is destroyed. * Tlie great influx of money occasioned by the late war, a circumstance which, in general, has had an effect directly contrary, introduced into the Highlands the same specu- lative spirit which was, more or less, in operation over the whole kingdom. Agriculturists and graziers received un- precedented prices for their grain and for their cattle. In- toxicated with this gleam of prosperity, tenants, forsaking their wonted integrity and union of interests, were induced to overbid each other, and succeeded in misleading such landlords as were inclined to be moderate in their calcula- tions, till thus tempted, as it were, by such extravagant of- fers; for who, it was said, could know the value of land so well as the cultivators? and how could landlords be expect- ed to refuse rents, however high, that were thus urged upon them ? f If the moderate and well-meaning were thus mis- led, the speculations of the sanguine or thoughtless may be supposed to have exceeded the bounds of moderation. This progress of late events and of new opinions may, in some manner, account for the more painful process now in opera- tion, which has a marked tendency to deprive proprietors of the genuine comfort that attends living honoured and be- loved in a safe and happy home, surrounded by an attached and contented people. The point of view in which the system of agriculture, now pursued in many parts of the Highlands, may be considered as affecting the general interests of the State, is the loss of a • Tliis evil is extending to more transactions than payment of rents. When so much of the sense of shame is lost, when a breach of engagement with a landlord, which was considered as a heavy misfortune, begins to be contemplat- ed with indifference, other claims will soon come to be viewed in the same light. Such answers as the following are already becotuing frequent, •« Don't speak of your debt ; why should I pay you, when I have not paid my rent I '\ f See Appendix, DD. AOniCUlTCRE. 191 ui«r country, has hitherto attached to mendicitv. ZT' "'■' ''^ ''^.' ''=«'''-'' by .hose who, eifher a. f^Z or enemies, have witnessed their conduct , and, on the esti- mony of such persons, though strangers t^ thei countryrnd the^ langnage, the proof „ay safely be allowed o'^re", Sfll, however, ,t may with truth be said, that, in tl,o«e rt g.ments which, as national corps, have been pr served mi," un™,xed than any other, their moral and military charmlr Sutltr/rtr '; *" "-y- «' ">'» ">» SeaforAand S„tl,erland Highlanders afford incontestable proof. the Highlands, on account of their effect in expelling or in lowe ing the condition of so many able defenders of dUr trr7; " r *"'? ''P""'' """• "'"■ "'^-holition of the pa- tnarcha system, the military spirit of the Highlanders Ls been extinguished; that the recruits, who hivo been oil ward as their fathers were wont to do, at the cull of their u ; f If. I* ■! ■ "1 * U'l m 192 INPLtENCfi OF THE much expedition, and to as great an extent^ as in times wfien the authority of the chieftain was most absolute ; and that numerous bands of recruits followed Highland gentlemen, and young men, who had neither land nor leases to grant, nor money with which to tempt or reward the young sol- diers. To those who know the facts, it will appear absurd to state what must be so familiar to their knowledge, that the great numbers of independent men who have, from time to time, inlisted from the Highlands, could not have been ilntiuenced by the trifling temptations which most of the indi- viduals to whose fortunes they attached themselves were able to offer. * It is the value of such recruits, and the danger of their being lost to this coiintry by too extensive an emi- gration, and more especially by the disaffection of those who remain at home, that constitute the great consideration of public importance. If the proprietors of many estates, once full of men able and willing to serve in defence of their country, were now to muster their military strength, it is to be feared, that, even in cases where the ancient race is still * It is well known that the bounty>money had no influence in the Highlands, when men were raised for the 42d and other Highland corps in the Seven Years' War, as well as in that which ended in 1783. In 1776, upwards of 800 men were recruited for the 42d in a few weeks, on a bounty of one guinea, while officers who offered ten and twelve guineas for recruits, which they were raising for their commissions, could not get a man till the national corps were completed. I have also had frequent eiperience of this in my own person while serving in the 42d and 78th regiments. On many occasions, as I shall have to notice afterwards, numbers of young Highlanders inlisted for foreign service, (and this sometimes in bands together), on receiving less than one-half of the bounty-money given at the same time by officers for their commissions in the regular and fencible regiments for home-service, as likewise by others for mili- tia substitutes. When I was recruiting for the 78th, the regiment was in the East Indies, and the prospect held out to the men of embarking for that coun- try in a few months ; yet they engaged with me, and other officers, for ten guineas, to embark immediately on a dangerous but honourable duty, when they could have got twenty guineas as militia substitutes, and to remain in their native country. This is very different from what some late authors have pre- tended to discover, that the youth of the Highlands have a notorious aversion to a military life. |i CHANGE OF SYSTEM. 193 «U.ned. neither the influence of the name, nor the wealth oftheir superiors, would be able to counteract the effect, of nci ;T "'"' ■■" """ "'«'"" '" "-^ feelings of e^ ancient retainers, nor recall that power over the mind IZ to apprehend that the military s, irit of the Highlanders I but that It IS, 11. some measure, dependent upon their con! a or : ch ""^r "'l ''^"^"-"ife.'andX; al dentary or mechanical employment most of necessity assi. reason for this conclusion, perhaps it assumes too much "Nature," says Mrs Grant,*" neyer meant Donaldrr. manufacturer. Fixing a mountaineer to a Wm t»o much resembles yoking a deer to a plough, and will noT inThe enl he should become a manufacturer, there is still somethlf left to^istinguish him from either the Glasgow or the S hi-/' r^ """T"' '° """^'' *« »<='"»' 'eraoval of the in- habitants to another country, which the State has reasonTo deprecate, as the manner in which i, has, i„ so "2 in stance^ been effected, and the impression which U hTm^a^"" upon the character ^nd spirit of those who remainTn Aeir native country. Under proper limitations, «»,•«";,*' vent 1" "f i" '^ """""''''' '" -"-h^atSd; vent for a redundant population which might otherwise prove injurious to a countiy without commeri, and I^C out extensive tracts of new and uncultivated land " sir plus population where it exists in the Highlands,' must bl disposed of as in all other countries. But admi ti^ la! moderate emigration would provide for a usefuT p ople if too numerous for their native country, this cannot'e^ ^ VOL. I. _ * ' N 194 EMIGRATIOy. I'lH measures which do not aim at lessening the number of peo- ple, but either at the complete expatriation of the whole, or such a depression of the condition of those who are permit- ted to remain, as will endanger their independence by creat- ing both the necessity and inclination for receiving charita- ble aid, and by increasing in a tenfold ratio the evil of a redundant population, — an evil which is by no means general in the Highlands, * and which exists only in those places where small lots of an acre, or more, have recently been assigned to each of those families whose former farms had been dismantled. Emigration is, in every view, preferable to this system of retaining the peasantry after they have lost their lands, and of confining them within bounds too narrow to afford them subsistence. Voluntary emigration would benefit the state by strengthening the colonies, and trans- fusing into their general mass able and intrepid defenders ; but it is much to be feared that the provocations and op- pressions which have already induced many to fight in the ranks of an enemy, may, at some future day, set l.ose.who have sought an asylum in another region in open array against the mother country, whence they have, in effect, been ba- nished, — the highest punishment, next to death, which the law inflicts, f The intercourse between Highland landlords and their people resembled that of a family, and, when a breach of confidence occurs, their quarrels and animosities, like those of Iong> tried friends, are the more bitter and * While the evil of a crowded population is so much dreaded in the Highlands, it must be irreconcileable with every principle of sound policy or humanity, to attempt to check emigration, its best antidote. Yet, notwithstanding the many complaints of a superabundant population, grain, in all average seasons, is so plentiful, even in the most populous glens, in which the people have been re- tained in their original possessions, that the greater part is unsaleable. Now, as provisions are unsaleable fVom their abundance, can there be any serious danger of over>popuIation ? Or, if the number of consumers was lessened, would it not increase the evil of superabundant produce, (if it can be called an evil) ; and can there be a suri^us population, when the value of land is diminished, by the cheapness of the produce i f Although the sentences of judges condemning criminals lo temporary ioNwA- ■ • I I ■ I ii EMIGRATION. 195 paJnful ; f and, consequently^ those who emigrate from com- pulsion, carry with them a lasting remembrance of the ^ent have been quesUoned as being too severe, and the miseries of the convict, on the. passage u, New South Wales have been brought under the view of I^^rli- Z ;'"»!?", " 1'\ *"'"" "'^"^ ^anMmentfor life of thou«nds driven from he H.ghland,; of whom so many must sell the reversion ofaportionof their hves or the expence of the passage, the miseries of which, and of the .fer slavery. ..„ be seen in Parhi„«,n's Tour in America, and oth;r works. E^! grants payng. .„ th.s manner, for their passage, are said to be bought and sold.' and transferred hke cattle from hand to hand. When felons, who, with aU A« crimes, are certa.nly objects of compassion, meet with such commendable atte t.on why do not the virtuous and innocent, who are sent to perpetual eZ mee withequa eommisemion? While Government Is arraignedfr Ip^^* for whose safety they are transported, the misery of the unoffending HighlanZ .does not seem to attract the same attention as the supposed harsh usag7of felons who. x„ reahty are rendered so comfortable on thepassage, that in aToT age o ten months. veMs have not lost ar Individual by sfckneL' uZ Z v^Is ! a fact, the sm«ect is top melancholy to contemplate wiUioutthe deep! est c.mm.serat.on ; and yet the usual profes«.rs of philanthropy and r^SS; t f «>*»?;/; my be thought that I give too many instances of the attach ment and fldeUty of the Highlander, to their superior. I shaU onfy gltlt; more from, a number of facts of the same desc^ption. While the esuLstorF^l ed after the rebellion of 17*5 were vested in the Crown, thet^t^^tre moderate, and the leases Ipng, the latter being generally fort;^„e o7Z2l years. In the year 1783, these es^tes were restored i thL who^C at^mted, or to tfteir heir. This event cau.d general joy in the H^hl^r and among many other acts of kindness of his late Majesty towards the hS anders, has so operated on their ardent minds, long a^cdonately attLhed ^ elrroo'" 'T" "''"**' ^""^^-^^ ^ ^-^ -'^« of conside'r^e «te„t. Goven,ment, with a kindness that might have been imitated to advw! tage, removed few of the tacksmen, « kindly tenants," and followed o^^eTj famihes When the tenants of this gentleman found the deTelnt o^ h^ venerated chiefs in possession of the inheritance of his ancesto^X u^T iately sun-endered their leases, doubled the rents upon themselves Z^ new ones for a term shorter by ten years than that wL was yettl^uTof^ Kmgs leases; m order, as they said, that the man whose prJnce among them cordmgly. Th,s was m 1783, aearly forty years after the whok power pf the N 2 196 EMIGRATION. I!! U. :. etuse. I have been told by intelligent officers, who serv- ed in Canada during the last war, that they found the Highland emigrants more fierce in their animosity against the mother country than even the native Americans. By weakening the principle of loyalty and love of country among a people hitherto distinguished for both,, but who now impute part of their grievances to the Government which does not (perhaps cannot) protect them, the interests of the State are affected, and a fund of hostility created, if I may so express myself, against the occurrence of some season of difficulty and trial, when Government will in vain look for aid from those men whose minds are rank- ling with the remembrance of recent injuries, and whose spirits are broken by an accumulation of actual and irritat- ing evils. * chiefs, except over the minds and affections of the people, had ceased. This is one of the many instances that show how long those honourable traits of cha- racter continued, and the importance of such disinterested and generous at- tachment. • How different the feelings of those are who emigrate voluntarily, may -foe seen by the following instance. My father had long been an indulgent landlord to a numerous tenantry. By his kind treatment several became rich, at least they believed themselves rich, and wished to get their farms enlarged. Their land, lord explained to them that he could not do this without injustice to others, by removing them without cause from their farms. They saw the force of this reasoning ; but, still anxious to enlarge their possessions, resolved to emigrate to a country where they could, without injustice or injury to their neighbours, accomplish their wishes ; arid they accordingly gave up their farms and embark- ed for America. Having the command of money, one detachment purchased a tract of land on the banks of the Hudson river, equal in fertility to any in the United States ; others purchased in different parts of the Union. By their labour they cleared a considerable portion of land. It is now upwards of thirty years since the first detachment emigrated ; but, so far are they from enter- taining a spirit of hostility towards this country, that tliey cherish the kindest feelings towards their ancient homes, and the families of their ancient laird ; their new possessions are named after their former farms, and their children and grand-children are named after the sons and daughters of tlieir laird ; and so loyal were they to the King and Government of this country, that, to avoid serving against them in the late war, several emigrated from the States to Canada, where the young men entered the Royal Militia and Fencibles. Such are the consequences of considerate treatment, and of voluntary emigration. -' EMIGRATION. •197 These emignints, with all their endearing recollections of the past, have excited the sympathy of the Muse, and poetry has been called in to interest us in their fate; but, in this case, truth is better than fiction. * Dr Robertson, in • In the Emigrant, by the late Honourable Henry Erskine, he describes the feelings of an old Highlander on quitting his naUve country for America. " Farewell, farewell, dear Caledonia's strand. Rough though thou be, yet sUU my native land, Exiled from thee, J seek a foreign shore. Friends, kindred, country, to behold no more : By hard oppression driven— ——«_« Thou dear companion of my happier life. Now to the grave gone down, my virtuous wife, 'Twas here you rear'd, with fond maternal pride, Five comely sons ; three for their country died, Two still remain, sad remnant of the wars. Without one mark of honour but their scars : They live to see their sire denied a grave In lands his much-loved children died to save, My two remaining boys, with sturdy hands, ' Rear'd the scant produce of our niggard lands ; Scant as it was, no more our hearts desired. No more from us our generous lord required. " But, ah ! sad change ! those blessed days are o'er, And peace, content, and safety charm no more : Another lord now rules those wide domains, The avaricious tyrant of the plains. " For thee, insatiate chief ! whose ruthless hand For ever drives me from my native land ; For thee I leave no greater curse behind. Than the fell bodings of a guilty mind ; Or what were harder to a soul Uke thine, To find from avarice thy wealth decline. " Feed on, my flocks,— my harmless people, feed, The worst that ye can suffer is to bleed. O ! that the murderer's steel were aU my fear, How fondly would I stay to perish here : But hark, my sons loud caU me from the vata, 198 EMK {RATION. ^^ !••■ his Report for the county of Inverness, says, ♦* Some of the chieftains themselves have given the detith-blow to chieftain. ship : they have cut the cords of affection which tied their followers and their tribes, and yet they complain of the defection of their tribes, which, with their eyes open, they have driven from them. " • Tho>6 who respect the feelings of a whole people, may mourn over the breaking of those cords which bound together in a|Fectionate duty and esteem the different orders of Highland society ; and, while a change of management and improved cultivation were not only necessary, but indispensable, may regret that, to at- tain them, it has been found necessary to occasion such a revolution as has, in many cases, taken place, by the abrupt and unanticipated adoption of such measures as, without time or opportunity afforded for guarding against the con- vulsive shock, have been productive of the most violent changes, and proved subversive of all former habits and modes of living. \ And, lo ! the vessel spreads her swelling sail Farewell, farewell .1 Then casting many a lingering look behind, Down the steep mountain's brow begai to wind. " • See Report to the Board of Agriculture. 1^5 ILLICIT DISTILLATION. 199 SECTION IV. Smuggling^Consequences of reducing the Highlanders from the Condttion of mall Tenantry^Polictf of retaining an AerictUtu- tural Populatton, a b I MUST now advert to a cause which contributes to demo- ralize the Highlanders in a manner equally rapid and la- menf .i.le. Smuggling has grown to an alarming extent, and, if not checked, will undermine the best principles of the people. When they become habituated to falsehood, fraud and perjury, in one line of life, they will soon learn to ex- tend these vices to all their actions. This traffic operates like a secret poison on all their moral feelings. They are the more readily betrayed into it, as, though acute and in- genious in regard to all that comes within the scope of their observation, they do not comprehend the nature or purpose of imposts levied on the produce of the soil, nor have they any distinct idea that the practice of smuggling is attended with disgrace or turpitude. Their excuse for engaging in such a traffic, is, that its aid is necessary to enable them to pay their rents and taxes;— an allegation which supposes that these demands require the open violation of the law, by practices at once destructive of health and good morals, and alFords a lamentable instance of the state to which they find themselves reduced. As a contrast to the discontents against Government which prevail in the South on political subjects, and on Reform, it deserves to be mentioned, that in the North, annual parliaments, universal suffi-age, and the whole catalogue of political grievances, are never thought of. There the severity and intricacy of the Excise laws, which render them equally difficult to be understood or obeyed, con- joined with the conduct of individual proprietors, form the theme of their complaints. The delicate situation in which h 200 ILLICIT DISTILLATION. londlordg nro placed, when .Itting as magUtratos in Excwe courts, ond inflicting penalties for smuggling, has a strong influence on the minds of their tenants, who complain that they cannot dispose of their produce, or pay their rents, with- out the aid of this forbidden truffle; and it is difficult to per- ■uade them that gentlemen ore sincere in their attempts tp suppress a practice without which, as it is asserted, their in- comes could not be paid, in a country where legal distilla- tion is in a manner prohibited. How powerfully this op- peorance of inconsistency contributes to affect the esteem and respect of tenants for their landlords, must be suffi- ciently evident. It was not till after the year 1786, when the introduction of foreign spirits was checked by Mr Pitt's celebrated bill, that the distijlation of whisky was carried on, to any extent, in the Highlands. * Brandy and rum were landed on the West coast, from which they were conveyed to all parts of the country, and composed the principal spirituous drink of the inhobitants. But when foreign spirits were prohibited, the contraband distillation of whisky commenced, and was prosecuted to an extent, and with an open defiance of the laws, hitherto unknown ; and yielding large profits,— parti- cularly since the improvements in agriculture increased the . produce of barley,— the traffic spread rapidly, and, in many districts, became the principal source from which the rents • So little was it practised in die Perthshire Highlands, tliat a tenant of my grandfaUier's was distinguished by the appellaUon of " Donald Whisky," from his being a distiller and smuggler of that spirit. If all existing smugglers were to be named from this traffic, five of Uie most numerous clans in the country conjoined, coald not produce so many of one name. In the year 1778, there was only one officer of Excise in that part of Perthshire above Dunkeld, and he had little employment. In the same district, there are now eleven resident officers in full activity, besides Rangers (as they are called) and extra officers sent to see that the resident excisemen do their duty ; yet, so ra- pidly did illicit distillation increase, that it would seem as if the greater the number of officers appointed, the more employment they found for them- selves J and it is a common, and, I beUeve, a just remark, that whenever an £»cise officer is placed in a glen, he is not long without business. Si- 11 St:) ItLIHT DISTILLATION. 201 were p.id. Wl.i.ky became f».hion.l>I<., .„d .upcr.eded .heco„.un,p„„„ of o.l,er li,„„„, „„„ eflcct of which h« b«n the „„„,„„ pHco ,„ „hich rum ha, been reduced. Th« Lowland d„„ |e„ comphuncd .ha. .he ..nuBgler. «„. der.old.hem, and lessened the demand for .heir manufac- ZITJ ' "».•'«'■"'"« «-«" 'o .he con.rab.nd .pi! feence Z 1 '"'"'"1"'" l-lityj-a remarkable dif. Jerence, ccn,,dermg that .he legal di.iiller ha. full .ime for conducng hi. opera.ion. in .afe.y, while the .mul r . ta out from one rock or hiding-place, i. obliged to commence Idled ,n the hd ,. „hde .he legal ..ill throw, out an «„,.|e. able hquor, at leaat not .aleable. unle.. at a lower price or untd after i. i. re-di.tilled and rectified. ^ ' Several act. of Parliament were passed for .he .non,™^ :: ist^^dXi-'iir '": r -f "^ .outhern base of .h^ GrarprnVttlhirh r.," Zi^ gaZT" ""r^'t'"^ '""" '''"' "< "» 'h- 00 do a'astl of'th ' """ "J' '"" '""^"■"P'e.e inter. d,ct, a. a .tdl of th,, magnitude would consume more than he deposable gram in the most exten.ive county wi.hi" th,. newly drawn and imaginary boundary, nor could f„ I be obtamed for .uch an establishment, without an expend wh,ch d,o commodi.y could not possibly bear, m .Tk too, of the spir ., pr«Juced wa. circumscribed wS' .ame Ime, and .hu. .he market which alone could Cup! ported the manufacture of such quan.ities wa. en, rlcS off. The quantity of grain raised in many districts, in con sequence of recent agricultural improvemenl^gr ale" ceed. the consumption ; but the inferior quality ofthTsTrato and .he great expense of carrying it t„lhe Lowl nd Si lers, who by a ready market, and the command o fuet c» more easily acpommodate themselves to this law, rendei^ impracticable for the Highland farmers to disp^ ™f ,h,fr 202 ILLICIT DISTILLATION. I'll' ^ ; Ik grain in any manner adequate to pay rents equal to the real value of their farms, subject as they are to the many draw- backs of uncertain climate, uneven surface, distance from market, and scarcity of fuel. Thus, no alternative remain- ed but that of having recourse to illicit distillation, or abso* lute ruin, by the breach of their engagements with their landlords. * These are difficulties of which the Highland- ers complain heavily, asserting that nature and the distillery- laws present insurmountable obstacles to the carrying on a legal traffic. The surplus produce of their agricultural la- bour will, therefore, remain on their hands, unless they in- cur an expense beyond what the article will bear, in con- veying to the Lowland market so bulky a commodity as the raw material, and by the drawback of price on their inferior grain. In this manner, their produce must be disposed of at a great loss, as it cannot be legally manufactured in the country. Hence they resort to smuggling as their only re- source, — a state to which it might have been expected that neither an enlightened government nor liberal landlords would have reduced a well-principled race, and thereby - compelled them to have recourse to practices subversive of the feelings of honour and rectitude, and made them re- • Since the formation of roads to the hill-mosses, and the introduction of carts, the consumption of peat for fuel has greatly increased, and is quickly di- minisliing the supply. Peat has now become an expensive fuel ; the raising and carrying home the quantity necessary for even family purposes consume much valuable time, in the season best calculated for agricultural labour and improvements. Coals are brought from thirty to fifty miles by land carriage, in preference to the expense and loss of time in preparing a species of fuel which is not well calculated for strong fires. The nature and expense of tin's fuel afford additional arguments against tlie propriety or justice of equalizing the Highland duties with those of the Lowland distilleries, independently of the great difference in the quality of the grain and of the distance from market. The price of forty stones of coal sold in this neighbourhood is thirteen or four- teen shillings ; tho same quantity is sold in Perth for four shillings ; how then, with an inferior grain, and such a difference in the expense of fuel, and a far- ther expense of sending the spirits to market, can the Highland distiller pay the same duty as the Lowland distiller ? ILLICIT DISTILLATION. 203 gardlesi of their character in this world, and their happi- ness m the next. And if it be indeed true, that this illegal traffic has made such deplorable breaches in the honelty and right feeling of ^he people, the revenue drawn from the large distilleries, to which the Highlanders have been made the sacrifice, has been procured at too high a price to the country. By the late alterations in the distillery- laws, the size of the still has been reduced, with the view of meeting the scar- city of fuel, and the limited means of the Highlanders. Government had, unfortunately, shut their eyes to the re- presentations of the evil consequences resulting from those prohibitory measures, and had turned a ready ear to the offers of revenue by the large distillers. This conflict between temporary revenue and lasting injury to the morals of a virtuous people, was so long continued, that the evil has become too general, but not beyond remedy. If the Ex- cise-laws were so framed as to enable the Highland distiller to overcome the difficulties which nature has thrown in his way, and with his light and inferior grain, to pay the duties which are calculated for the more productive grain of the southern counties, it might safely be predicted that smug- gling to any extent would speedily disappear. * It is well • When the duty on malt was lowered a few years ago, all grain malted in the Highlands of Perthshire was entered for the Excise-duty, and a great in crease of revenue drawn; but when it was again augmented, smuggling of malt recommenced, and the revenue produced has not been wo^h the expense of collection. *^ Since the pubUcation of the former editions, circumstances have occurred which if persevered in, will confima the above prediction. An act was passed m 1823, lowering the duty, and allowing stills of forty gallons. The conse quence ha. been, that smuggling is disappearing ; and when the people have time to comprehend the provisions of the act (no easy matter, considering the power the Board of Excise assume, of construing the different clauses at their own discretion), smuggling will be as little practised in the Highlands as it was sixty yeais ago ; that is, before the people were prohibited from manufacturinK thcr grain, by enactments so unsuitable to the state of the country as to be a complete interdict. ' » w oc a 204 ILLICIT DISTILLATION. I. •• '% \i i '1 /, t,K; :| ■. known that smuggling was little practised, and produced no deterioration in the morals of the people, (who, in the last age, were not, in any manner, addicted to strong liquors, f) till the change in the Excise- laws, | and in the manner of f The salaries of Excise-officers are so small, as to be inadequate to the support of their families, and the expense to which the exercise of their duty lays th«3m open, viz. being daily on horseback, and living much in taverns. Tliu deficiency is supplied by their being allowed a share of all fines and sei- zures ; but it is evident that, if there were no smuggling, tJwre could be neither fines nor seizures, and, while the suppression of the traffic would destroy a source of great emolument to those whose duty it is to suppress it, tliey mutjt live on their small and inadequate salaries, — an alternative to which it were prudent not to expose them. Without attributing any improper conduct, or -noglect of duty, to men placed in this delicate situation, it is well known, that fines and seizures have failed in suppressing smuggling. On the contrary, smugglers proceed with more eagerness than usual, immediately after a seizure or conviction, as, otherwise, how could tlie consequent fine be paid ? How couljl the Excise- officer be paid his share i I Till within the last thirty years, whisky, as I have just noticed, was less used in the Highlands than rum and brandy, which were landed on the West coast, and thence conveyed all over the country. Indeed, it was not till the be- ginning, or rather towards the middle of the last century, that spirits of any kind were so much drank as ale, which was formerly the universal beverage. Every account and tradition go to prove that ale was'the principal drink among the country people, and French wines and brandy among the gentry. In confir- mation of the general traditions, I may state, that Mr Stewart of Crossmount, whom I have already mentioned, and who lived till his With year, informed me, tliat, in his youth, strong frothing ale from the cask was the common be- verage. It was drank from a circular shallow cup with two handles. Those of the gentry were of silver (which are still to be seen in ancient families), and those used by tJie common people were of variegated woods. Small cups were used for spirits. Whisky-house is a term unknown in the Gaelic. Public- houses arc called Tai-Lcanne, that is, Ale-hpuses. Had whisky been the fa- vourite beverage of the Highlanders, as many people believe, would not their songs, their tales, and names of houses allotted for convivial meetings, bear some allusion to this propensity, which has no reality in fact, and is one of those numerous instances of the remarkable ignorance of the truecharacter of the Highlanders on the part of their Lowland friends and neighbours? In addition to the authority of Mr Stewart (who was a man of sound judgment and accurate memory to his last hour), I have that of men of perfect veracity, and great in- telligence regarding every thing connected with Uicir native country. In the early part of tlicir recollection, and in the time of their fathers, the whisky drank in the Highiandi of rcithshire was brought principally from the Low- /: I ILLICIT DISTILLATION* 205 letting land ; and there is little doubt, that, if the laws were accommodated to the peculiar circumstances of the High- lands, the prediction which I have now ventured to make would be fully verified. In this opinion I am supported by that of many men of judgment and knowledge of the cha- racter and disposition of the people, whom I have consult- ed, and who have uniformly stated that smuggling was little practised till within the last thirty years. The open defi- ance of the laws, the progress of chicanery, perjury, hatred, and mutual recrimination, with a constant dread and suspil cion of informers,— men not being sure of, nor confident in their next neighbours, a state which results from smuggling, and the habits which it engenders,— are subjects highly im- portant, and regarded with the most serious consideration, and the deepest regret, by all who value the permanent wel- fare of their country, which depends so materially upon the preservation of the virtuous habits of the people. No people can be more sensible than the Highlanders them- selves are of this melancholy change from their former ha- bits of mutual confidence and good neighbourhood, when no man dreaded an informer, or suspected that his neigh- bour would betray him, or secretly offer for his farm. And they still recollect that the time has been when the man who had betrayed or undermined the character or interests of his friend and neighbour, would have been viewed as an out- cast from the society to which he belonged. But, while they bitterly lament this change, they ascribe much of it to the seeming determination of Government to prevent distil- lands. The men to whom I allude died within the last thirty years, at a great age, and consequently the time they allude to was the end of the seventeenth century, and up to the years 1730 and 1740. A ballad full of humour and satire, composed on an ancestor of mine, in the reign of Charles I., and which •s sung to the tune of Logie o' Buchan. or rather, as the Highland tradition, have .t, «ie words of Logie o' Buchan were set to the air of L more an ci" bdlad descnbes the Laird's jovial and hospitable manner, and. along wth other feats, h.s drinking a brewing of ale at one sitting, or convi^a, mfetC In th s song wl ky .s never mentioned ; nor is it in any case except in the mo dern ballads and songs. ^ ""^ •5 il 206 ILLICIT DISTILLATION, m lation on a small scale, by enfo' cing laws and regulations unsuitable to their country or its means, and equally diffi- cult to be comprehended or obeyed ; and when landlords cannot draw the full value of their lands, nor tenants pay their rents without a vent for their produce, the complaints of the Highlanders, both proprietors and tenants, seem to be well founded. There is another circumstance which I cannot avoid no- ticing; that is, a practice lately introduced of ordering par- ties of cavalry to the Highlands as a terror to smugglers. Dragoons are necessary to oppose an enemy ; but they are instruments that ought not to be used at the instigation, or under the direction, of an irritated, and perhaps ignorant, exciseman. Parading cavalry through glens and rocks, where they can be of no use, is an ignorant display of power, and would be matter of derision, were it not for the feeling which the exhibition occasions among the people, who ought not to be suspected of resisting the laws without good grounds ; nor should they be permitted to believe that they are so formidable as to require military force. So different is it in the Highlands, that, with a tolerable knowledge of circumstances, I know not of one case where it was neces- sary to call in the military. On the contrary, the excise officers are so far from meeting with resistance, that when they make a seizure, they are often assisted by the people to destroy their own utensils with their contents ; and when the duty is finished, the officers are offered refreshment, and invited into the houses of those whose property had been destroyed. Are these a people requiring dragoons to keep them down? Government and the Board of Excise ought to look into this matter. Military force is not yet required in the Highlands, except in the northern ejectments by fire, and military execution ; but unnecessary harshness, and ac- customing men to believe that they are turbulent, may make cavalry and infantry necessary. Let a warning be taken from Ireland. The deforcements and resistance to excise- officers, so frequent in the neighbourhood of Glasgow, Stir- ILLICIT DISTILLATION. 207 l»ng, and Perth, are by bands of men of desperate cha- racter, many of them Irish, and from the western coun- ties, who are the purchasers and carriers of smucded spi- rits, but not the manufacturers, who carefully avoid such encounters and skirmishes, and, excepf, in cases of unne- cessary severity on the part of excise- officers, and the con- sequent irritation, quietly surrender their property when discovered. ^ r j The recent change of disposition and character forms an additional argument with those who urge the propriety of removing the ancient inhabitants, on pleas derived from their supposed incapacity and indolence, or from the climate and soil This character has been depicted in strong colours. P.nkerton describes the Celts as « mere radical savages, not advanced even to a state of barbarism ; and if any foreign- er, adds he, « doubts this, he has only to step into the Cel- tic part of Wales, Ireland, or Scotland, and look at them, or they are just as they were, incapable of industry or cul- tivation even after half their blood is Gothic, and remain, as marked by the ancients, fond of lies, and -enemies to truth. Without being influenced by the opinions of this author the well-known fact should be recollected, that much of the land m the Highlands is barren, rugged, and from the numerous heights and declivities difficult to cultivate- that the climate is cold, wet, and boisterous; and that the winter is long and severe, and the country fitted only for the maintenance of a hardy abstemious population. No doubt, the population is numerous in many districts, in proportion to the extent of fertile land, but nevertheless the people have supported themselves, with an independence, and a freedom from parochial aid, which a richer, more fa- voured, and more fertile country, might envy. The indolence of the Highlander is a common topic of remark : at the same time it is admitted, that, out of their own country, they show no want of exertion, and that, in executing any work by the piece, and in all situations where they clearly see their interest concerned, they are persever- 208 ILLICIT DISTILLATION. U SI"! ing, active, and trust-worthy. * But still it is maintained, that, if placed on small farms in their native country, they are worse than useless. If this opinion be well-founded, it might furnish a subject of inquiry, why men should be per- severing as labourers in one situation, and in another useless, and that too, though labouring for their own immediate comfort, and for the support of their families ? It might also furnish a surmise, that as they seldom show any deficiency of int^'Vlert in con^prehending their own in- terests, so there h ling wrong in the system under • The integrity and capability of the nume/ous bands of Highlanders wliich supplied Edinburgh wdth Caddies is proverbial. These Caddies were, during the last century, a species of porters and messengers plying in the open street, always ready to execute any commission, and to act as messengers to the most distant corners of the kingdom, and were often employed in >usiuess requir- ing secrecy and dispatch, and frequently had large sums of i ^ Unfortunally, however! -hi .. not the op,„.on of many, who hold that the country caVnot prosper whde the original inhabitants remain, and AaTTo skill, would be a vam attempt. This opinion is probably ' if H "m "^^' 'TT"' """' *» '"'"■'' '"conr'gemen^ than that of r„s,ng the condition of the original occupiers land^''^*'"-''-, ""«= Highlanders are deprived ofTheC lands, where ts the benefit to them, that great sums are "v' pended ,„ building large and commodious estabTsh" enj for the stranger of capital ? Is it of any advantage to thTaa- c.e„tr.ce. that the landlord liberally sacrifiees^art of hi expected rents to encourage the present skilful posse" or to make room for whom they were removed? NoXl? «em clear that the natives of the country can profirblv av.'I themselves of the admirable roads, for Ae formation of which gentlemen advanced large sums; or that theVrn are le& TT' '" ''"' "'" '""""^ " cotUgers,r; are left without a horse to travel on the roads, without ml duce to embark at the shores, and deprived of Ae Itrfrf Lcquinng property or independence. of tCi.rbittn,''''?'''"''™' " '■y '°"'""g *« «"">*fon ot the mhabuants; it was not by depriving the country of mbe. capital and strength. " a sensible, virtuous, harfv and latorions race of people," . and, by checking S Aer incrcse of wealth, except what might arise frollfc- * Professor Walker's Economical History. 02 if * • > 1 '' t ■ li 1 1 212 CAPABlLITr. creased value of the produce of pasture lands, that the Dutch reclaimed fertile meadows from the ocean, that the Swiss turned their mountains into vineyards, and that the natives of Majorca and Minorca, scraping the rocky surface of their respective islands, (as hard as the most barren within the Grampians), caused them to produce corn and wine in abundance. What industry has accomplished on the rocks of Malta is proverbial. But, in the North, " the climate is a common-place objection against every improvement. It is certain that improvements which, for this reason, are resisted in the Highlands, have taken place successfully in districts of Scotland, which are more unfa- vourable in point of climate. " • If such is the case in other districU, the difficulty should be more easily overcome in the Highlands, from the abstemious and hardy habits of the people, whoare contented and happy with the plainest and cheapest food. Wherever time has been allowed, and pro- per encouragement afforded, the industry of the tenants has overcome the difficulties of climate, and of unproductive soil, t Although their labours are unremitting, their time • Professor Walker's Economical History, f No encouragement to a Highlander is equal to the prospect of a permanent residence, and of an immediate return for his labour. The rent should be fully as high as die produce will admit, with a promise of reduction in proportion to the extent of improvements made. Hence, when men rent small farms of fif- teen, twenty, and thirty acres, they will, by Uieir personal labour, and that of their families and servants, be able to drain, clear, and inclose the land. The improvements should be annually valued, and one-fourth or one-third of the amount allowed to the tenant as a deduction from his rent In this manner an industrious tenant will work equal to twenty or thirty per cent, of the rent. This will make the farm cheap during the progress of improvement, and, as these operations can be completed in a few years, the landlord will afterwards have his full rent, which the tenant will be enabled to pay easily by the im- proved state of his land; and, at the end of the lease, can aflTord a consider- able augmentation from his increased produce, the consequence of his own in- dustry, and of the encouragement given him,— which may be said to have cost the landlord nothing, as the money remitted out of the rent could not perhaps have been ptud without the personal labour and improvement of the tenant* It is evident that this process could not be accomplished by mere capital alone, without the personal labour of the occupier; and that the farm must conse- CAPABILITY. 213 and attention are divided among so many objects, that tlic aggregate produce of their labour is less visible than where the same time is employed in the single endeavour to ex- tract the utmost produce from the soil. The tending of cattle wandering over mountains, or constantly watched in pastures not inclosed, and the preparing and carrying home their fuel, with numerous interruptions, divide and increase their toil, in a manner of which the people of the plains ' can form no idea. These, indeed, are not monotonous la-- bours, that chain down the body to a certain spot, and limit the mind to a narrow range of ideas; but still they are toils incessant and exhausting. Adifferent kind of labour may seem ' more advantageous to those economists, who would reduce the labouring class to mere machines, and produce, in this free country, a division of the people into castes, like the population of India. But such a change is nowhere de- sirable, and is impossible, in regions divided from each other by almost insurmountable barriers. A general plan of making all persons, however different their circumstan- ces, conduct the agriculture of their respective districts, in the same manner,--like the iron bed of Procrustes, which all were made to fit, by being either stretched to the pro- per length, or shortened by mutilation,— must not only be inexpedient, but cruel and oppressive to the tenant, and subversive of the best interests of the landlord. • quently be small, because, if the work were done by hired labour, the payment by the landlord would be no reUef to the tenapt in the way of abatement of rent, as he must pay it away to those he hired j whereas, if he labours himself, with the assistance of his family, he retains the money for his immediate use. Such a mode as this might fee advisable in barren land, which will not always reimburse any considerable outlay of money, without the assistance of the per- sonal labour of the cultivator. • The sagacity and faciUty of accommodation to novel situations that mark the Highland character, may be ascribed to the versatility arising from such varied occupations. As emigrants settUng in a wilderness, the exemption from dependence on tradesmen must be peculiarly useful If the Highland, like the English peasant, could not subsist witiiout animal food, and bread made of the best of flour, together with ale and beer, it would give somp 11 214 DECAY OF AGRICULTURE. ^1 i • I): ■I lil iM i( f 1 But it is unnecessary to talk of economy, industry, and good morals, in regard to a country without people, as is the sUte of many Highland districts. These districts, once well-peopled with a race who looked back for ages to a long line of ancestors, will now only be known like the ancient Fictish nation; that is, by name, by historical tradition, and by the remains of the houses and the traces of the agri- cultural labours of the ancient inhabitants. In these there can be no increr.se of the general produce, by any amelio- ration of the soil, and consequently th6 rents can advance only by a rise in the value of the animals fed on the pas- tures ; and as this increase of price may proceed from a pre- vious loss by severe winters, diseases, and other causes, it is rather a precarious contingency. The increased value of animal produce has enabled those interested to put forth statements of the unprecedented riches of the country, and of the expected prosperity of those placed in the new vil- lages. * But no hint is given of this important truth, that •trcngth to the opinion ot those who think that the barren bnda of the North ought to be left In a state of nature, and that an attempt to improve them to advantage would be hopeless, as the produce of so sterile a soil could not sup- port a people requiring such expensive food. But, when we have men of vi- gorous bodies, capable of subsisting on potatoes and milk for nine months in the year, using animal food, beer, or spirits, only on great occasions, and whealen bread never ; it may be allowed that a Highland proprietor, having lands fit for cultivation, and a hardy race, might preserve ihe one and improve the other, and thus secure a better and more certain income on his improved soil, than that which depends entirely on the price of sheep or cattle. * In the same manner, reports are published of the unprecedented Increase of the fisheries on the coast of the Highlands, proceeding, as it is said from the late improvements ; whereas, it is well known, that the increase is almost entirely occasioned by the resort of fishers from the South. To form an idea of the estimation in which Highland fishermen are lield, and the little share they have in those improvements of the fisheries noticed in the newspapers, we may turn to an advertisement in the Inverness newspapers, describing sixty lots of land to be let in that county for fishing stations. To this notice is added a declaration, that a " decided preference will be given to strangers. " Thus, while, on the one hand, the unfortunate natives are driven from their farms in the interior, a " decided preference" is given to strangers to settle on the coast, and little hope left for them, save thai those invited from a distance will SHEEP-FARMING. 215 the name high prices would have equally affected the small occupiers as the great stock graziers, and that the high prices are the causes of the increased value of land, and not the cold- hearted merciless system pursued, and the change of inhabitants. Wherever there is a space and soil cover- ed with a well-disposed population, experience, example, and encouragement, will teach them to better their situar tion. I shall only notice one other argument adduced in support of the depopulation of the Highlands ; and that is, that sheep are the stock best calculated for the mountains. On this subject there can be but one opinion ; but why not allow the small farmer to possess sheep as well as the great stock gra- zier ? It is indeed said that it is only in extensive establish- ments that stock-farming can be profitable to the landlord. This hypothesis has not yet been proved by sufficient ex- perience, or proper comparison. But allowing that it were, and allowing a landlord the full gratification of seeing every tenant possessing a large capital, with all comforts corre^ sponding to the opinion of a great proprietor, who wishes to have no tenant but who can afford a bottle of wine at din- ner ; there is another important consideration, not to be over- looked in introducing this system into the Highlands—that, in allotting a large portion of land to one individual, per- haps two, or three, or even five hundred persons will be deprived of their usual means of subsistence, compelled to remove from their native land, and to yield up their ancient possessions to the man of capital, * to enable him to drink not accept the offer. When they see themselves thus rejected, l^oth as cultiva- tors, shepherds, and fishermen, what can be expected but despondency, indo- lence, and a total neglect of all improvement or exertion ? • We have lately seen 31 families, containing 115 persons, dispossessed of their lands, which were given to a neighbouring stock-grazier, to whom these people's possessions lay contiguous. Thus, as a matter of convenience to a man who had already a farm of nine miles in length, 115 persons, who had never been a farthing in arrear of rent, were deprived of house and shelter, and sent pennyless on the world. The number of similar instances of disregard of the happiness or misery of human beings in an age wliich boasts of cnlightr II m ill! M '. >1 216 CONSEQUENCES. i wine, to drive to church in a gig, to teach his daughters music and quadirille-dancing, and to mount his sons upon hunters, while the ancient tenants are forced to become bondsmen or day-labourers, with the recollection of their former honourable independence still warm. Yet this is a system strongly recommended, and practised with great in-, consistency, by men who have the words liberty and in^ dependence in their mouths, and are loud in their com- plaints of the slavish and oppressed state of the people. It is impossible to contemplate, without anxiety and pain, the probable effects of these operations in producing that demoralization, pauperism, and frequency of crime, which endanger the public tranquillity, and threaten to impose no small burden on landlords, in contributing to the maintef nance of those who cannot or will not maintain them- selves. Will the Highlanders, as cottagers, without em- ployment, refrain from immorality and crime? Can we expect from such men the same regularity of conduct as when they were independent, both in mind and in circum- stances ?f When collected together in towns and villa- ges, will they be able to maintain the same character that 4:.'^ ened humanity, patriotism, and friendship for the people, are almost incredi-> ble, and do unspeakable injury to their best principles, by generating a spirit of malice, envy, and revenge. f When the engrossing system commenced in the North, and the people were removed from their farms, a spirit of revenge was strongly evinced among those who were permitted to remain in the country. T|iey saw themselves reduced to poverty, and, believing that those who got possession of their lands were the advisers of their landlords, hatred and revenge, heightened by poverty, led to the commission of those thefts from the pastures noticed in the crimi- nal conyictioi)s in the Appendix, BB. As cattle-stealing disappeared when the people were convinced of the immorality of the practice, and as the crime now noticed commenced only when they were reduced to poverty, and insti- gated by vindictive feelings for the loss of their ancient^habitations, may it not be believed that, if these irritating causes had not occurred, neither would the crimes which seem to have resulted f'roip them ? And if circumstances con- firm the justness of this supposition, may we not ask what degree of respon- sibility to God and to their country atjtaches to those whose plans led to the commission of these crimes ? §^ I IRISH AND HIGHLANDERS. 217 was their pride on their paternal farms? Losing respect for the opinion of the world, * will they not also lose that respect for themselves, which, in its influence, is much more powerful than laws, on morality and public manners; and attempt to procure a livelihood by discreditable expe- 4Jients, by petty depredations, or by parish aid ? We have the example of Ireland, where the people are poor and dis- contented. In the tumults and outrages of that country, we see how fertile poverty and misery are in crimes. The Irish and Highlanders were originally one people, the same in lineage, character, and language, till the oppression of a foreign government, and the system of middlemen, as they are called, with other irritating causes, have reduced the lower orders in the former country to a state of poverty which, while it has debased their principles, has generated hatred and envy against their superiors. This has been the principal cause of those outrages which throw such a shade over the character of a brave and generous people; who, if they had been cherished and treated as the clansmen of the Highlands once were, would, no doubt, have been equally faithful to their superiors in turbulent times, and equally moral and industrious in their general conduct, f But, in- stead of exhibiting such a character 9s has been depicted, • See Appendix EE. t The misery of the lower orders in Ireland is frequently produced as an instance of the misery resulting from the continuance of small tenants in the Highlands. This, however, must originate in gross ignorance of the re- lative state of the two countries, which will not bear a comparison. The small tenants in the Highlands generally possessed from two to ten or twenty milch cows, with the usual proportion of young cattle, from two to five horses, and from twenty to one or two hundred sheep; the quantity of arable land being sufficient to produce winter provender for the stock, and to supply eveiy necessary for the family. To each of these farms a cottager was usually at- tached, who also had his share of land; so that every family consumed their own produce, and, except in bad seasons, were independent of all foreign sup. plies. This was, and still is, in many cases, the small fanning system in the Highlands, to which the system prevalent in Ireland bears so little resemblance that it is impossible to reason analogically from the one to the other. ^n p -^ 218 IRISH PEASANTRY. i" 4 n;.r j r J lllir' y... we have the following view from an intelligent author on the *' Education of the Peasantry in Ireland. " In allusion to the absence of proprietors, their ignorance of the cha- racter, dispositions, and capability of the native population, and their harsh measures towards them, he says, " The gentry, for the most part, seldom find time for such in- quiries; the peasantry who live around them are sometimes the objects of fear, but more usually of contempt; they may be enemies to guard against, creatures to be despised, but never subjects of research or examination. The pea- santry saw that the real hardships of their condition were never inquired into. Their complaints were met by an ap- peal to force t the impatience of severe oppression was ex- tinguished in blood. This served to harden their hearts ; it alienated them from the established order of things ; it threw them back on their own devices, and made them place their confidence in their wild schemes of future reta- liation. ** The gentry, of a lofty and disdainful spirit, intrepid and tyrannical, divided from the people by old animosities, by religion, by party, and by blood; divided, also, fre- quently by the necessities of an improvident expenditure, which made them greedy for high rents, easily to be obtain- ed in the competition of an overcrowded population, but not paid without grudging and bitterness of heart ; the ex- travagance of the landlord had but one resource — high rents ; the peasant had but one means of living — the land : he mu^t give what is demanded, or starve ; and, at best, he did no more than barely escape starving. His life is a struggle against high rents, by secret combination and open violence : that of the landlord, a struggle to be paid, and to preserve a right of changing his tenantry when and as often as he pleased. In this conflict, the landlord was not always wrong, nor the peasantry always right. The indul- gent landlord was sometimes not better treated than the harsh one, nor low rents better paid than high. The ha- bits of the people were depraved ; and the gentry, without i 'i 'io-:'i ENGLISH PEASANRTY. I 219 attending to this, and surprised that no indulgence on their part produced an immediately corresponding return of gra- titude and punctuality, impatiently gave up the matter as beyond their comprehension, and the people as incapable of improvement. " This being given as the state of the Irish, we have the following view of the English peasantry from an able author, who, as I have already stated, in p. 153, describes the de- gradation consequent on the expulsion of the agricultural population from their lands. « Millions of independent peasantry were thus at once degraded into beggars. Strip- ped of all their proud feelings, which hitherto had charac- terized Englishmen, they were too ignorant, too dispersed, too domestic, and possessed too much reverence for their superiors, to combine as mechanics or manufacturers in towns. Parish relief was, therefore, established as a mat- ter of necessity. " Endeavouring to show the impossibility of preserving independence and morality in the precarious state of existence to which many are subject in England, he proceeds: « In England, the poor quarrel about, and call for, charuy as a right, without being either grateful or sa- tithed. The question of property should be but of second- ary consideration on this subject with the State. Whether the rents of the parish go to one great lord, or to one hun- dred great paupers, is a point of less importance than moral character. It has been already shown, that the poor rates of England tend to make the peasantry base and vicious. Men having no encouragement will idle if they can, but the parish officers will not let them if they can. The pea- santry will not find work, but the parish officers will. The peasantry are put upon the rounds, as it is called ; that is, they are sent round the parish, from door to door, not to beg, indeed, but to work a certain number of days, accord- ing to the extent of the property on which they are billet- ed, whether there be any work for them to do or not. The rpundsmen are paid eight or tenpence a-day, and so much IS saved apparently to the parish funds. But the hi 220 ENGLISH PEASANTRY. •'.- ' . t t ti Ski roundsmen knowing this, and having no mercy on the pa- rish fund, thinking they are used ill in being thrust about, . and being treated probably with ill humour by those they are thrust upon : under these circumstances, the roundsmen do just as little work as they can, and perhaps do more harm than good. Thus pushed about, as a nuisance, are the peasantry of this great, wealthy, and enlightened nation, without house or living, kindred, or protecting superiors ; and yet we shall be told, these are free-born Englishmen, and that the slaves in the West Indies are hardly off, though they possess those enjoyments of which the English peasant is deprived, except personal liberty ; that is, the enjoyment of being disregarded by every one, except as a nuisance. This is the state oi the lower orders ; and yet we are told, that teaching them to read will remove the evil — will correct the vices which such a horrible system necessarily generates. Give them not a looking-glass ; gin and drugged beer will do better. " * We have here a short but impressive view of the state of the peasantry in the two sister kingdoms ; what the pea- santry have been in the northern part of Scotland, and what they now are, I have attempted to show. But if the Highlanders are forced to renounce their former habits of life ; if the same system is applied to them as to the peasan- try of the two sister kingdoms, infinitely more favoured by climate, soil, and every natural advantage for promoting the comfort, independence, and contentment of the people; are we not to expect that the results will be much more fatal in a country comparatively poor, and destitute of such adven- titious aids, as might counterbalance, or fix a limit to, the evils of systems which have produced so much wretched- ness ? Shoufd the Highlanders be placed in similar cir- cumstances, may we not dread lest they realize in the North of Scotland the lawless turbulence of the sister island of • Serious Considerations on the State of the English Feasant. ir MORAL CHARACTER, m Celts, and the degraded pauperism of a large portion of England ? After the year 1745, when many of the Highlanders were driven from their homes, and forced to lead a wandering life, we know that many depredations were committed, al- though the great body of the people remained sound. Judg- ing from recent symptoms, we may safely hazard the asser- tion, that the irritating causes in 1746, 1747, and in 1748, did not affect the morals of the people to the same extent as the events which have lately taken place. At no period of the history of the country, indeed, were the people more exemplary than for many years posterior to the Rebellion, when the moral principles peculiar to, and carefully incul- cated at that period, combined with the chivalry, high feel- ing, and romance of preceding times, strengthened by the religious and reverential turn of thinking peculiar to both, gave force and warmth to their piety, and produced that composition of character, which made them respected by the enemy in the field, and religious, peaceable, and contented in quarters, as well as in private life. • What they have formerly been, will they not still continue to be, if they were only made to experience the same kindness as their forefathers? The cordial and condescending kindness of the higher orders, as I have already oftener than once said, contributed materially to produce that character which the people seem anxious to perpetuate. This is particularly exemplified by the exertions which they make to give their children an education suitable to their station in life, and often far above it. The value of education is well under- stood ; and whenever they have the power, and their cir- cumstances are comfortable, they seldom fail to give it to their children, f * See Appendix FF. t One of the many instances .f this is exhibited in a small Highland ralley, the length of which is less than six miles, and the breadth from half a mile to onJ mile and a quarter. This glen is, with one exception, managed in the old man- 22^ TEMPORAL COMFORT— EDUCATION. y But unless their temporal, as well as their intellectual and spiritual concerns are attended to, it may be a question, whether any degree of learning will make them contented and moral. If men live in the dread of being ejected at every term, or contemplate the probability of being obliged to emigrate to a distant country, the best education, unless supported by a strong sense of religion and morality, will hardly be sufficient to produce content, respect for the laws, and a love of the country and its government. Scotland has indeed reaped the greatest benefits from edu- cation ; but perhaps it is rating these advantages too high to ascribe the acknowledged moral character of the people solely to this source. The Scotch were a trust- worthy people before there was any established system of education in the country. Of this we have sufficient evidence in the confi- dence placed in Scotchmen in France and Holland, where for ages they were held in such esteem as to be preferred to situations requiring the greatest trust, honour, and firm- ness. Had these men been void of good principles at home, they could not well have acquired, them in a superior de- gree, in countries where they were preferred to the natives. In a report of the southern counties of Scotland by Wil- liam Elliot of Stobbs, and Walter Scott of Arkleton, in the nor, the original people being allowed to remain on their small possessions. How small these are may be judged from the population, which is 985 souls. They are consequently poor, but not paupers. Several aged women, and two men, who are lame, receive un or fifteen shillings annually from the parish fund. The whole are supported on their lands, for which they pay full va- luc There are not manufactures, except for home consumption. In this state of comparative poverty, independent, however, of parochial aid, such is their proper spirit, and sense [of the value of education, that as the parish school is near one end of the glen, the people of the farther extremity have e- stablished three separate schools for their children, paying small salaries, with school fees, to the teachers, who, if unmarried (as is generally the case), live without expense among the more wealthy of the tenants. Thus, these indus- trious people give an education, suitable to their situation in life, to 240 chil- dren (the number when I last saw them), including those at the parish school, witliout any assistance whatever from the landlords. ^ EDUCATION. 223 year 1649, we find that, after seven years of rebellion and intestine commotion, theft, lying, and swearing (except a- mong a few outcasts), were totally unknown ; the people were strong and active, sober, and abstemious in their diet; ingenious, and hating deceit. * When the tyrannical restrictions on religion and con- science, in the reign of Charles II., drove the people in the western counties to desperation, and when forced to fly to the mountains, woods, and mosses, and to exist on such accidental supplies as an exhausted country could afford, we meet with no firing of houses, nor murders of magi- strates, prosecutors and witnesses, as we daily see in the present enlightened age: all was borne with Christian patience, except in cases where fanaticism and bigotry deprived men of their reason ; and it ought to be observ- ed, that the principal actors in these instances were gene- rally of the higher and educated orders, as it^ that of the murderers of Archbishop Sharpe. In the Highlands we find, from many authors, that, with the exception of their forays and cattle depredations, the Highlanders were early considered a valuable trust-worthy race. In the year 1678,' when theDuke of Lauderdale and theMinisters of Charles II. ordered tbo « Highland Host" to the south-western districts of Scotland to put down the Covenanters, their forbearance, considering the nature of their duty, was a topic of remark. In like manner, in 1745, when many thousands were in arms, and let loose from all restraint, with little education among the common men, it may be a problem whether, if they had all been graduates of St Andrew's or Aberdeen; they could have conducted themselves with more urbanity and moderation. Such were the characteristic principles of the Scotch, both Lowland and Highland, when education was far from being general. There are upwards of 8000 schools in Ireland, but these apparently exert little influence on the morals of the peasantry, because they are oppressed, despised, and neglected ; nourishing a spirit of hatred and * Report of Selkirk, &c. Advocates' Library, 1619. li (! ) li'1 ^iv f r i > 2M EDUCATION. revengei and in a state of poverty and despair which no education can remove. The truth seems to be, that in a country where a uni* versal system of education has been established as in Scot- land, there must have h^en an early and well-founded prin- ciple, of which the 8cl.ols may be considered as the effect, and not the cause, and which must have produced those estimable habits, long a distinguished feature in the national character. The foundation of those valuable habits may in part have been owing to the cordiality, mutual confidence^ and support, which subsisted between the higher and lower orders in Scotland. Fletcher of Saltoun, a strenuous supporter of the indepen- dence of his country, gives indeed a deplorable view of the state to which thousands of the people were reduced at the end of the seventeenth century. His statement seems to refer only to Fife and the counties southward and west- ward, which at that period did not contain beyond 900,000 inhabitants. Of this population, he states that 200,000 went about in bands of sturdy beggars, or sornerst as they were called, without house or habitation, living on the pub- lic by begging, open plunder, and private stealing. This frightful number of beggars and outcasts of society, in so small a population, is almost incredible, particularly when compared with the report of the same counties by the Lairds of Arkleton and Stobbs, fifty years preceding. There was, indeed, sufficient cause for poverty, distress, and crimes in Saltoun's time. It was at that period that the stock- grazing system of large farms began in the South, when the higher orders lost all regard for their followers, and forgot all ancient kindness and friendship (of which we have seen too many instances in our times in the North), and thousands of the brave Borderers, whose forefathers defended their country, were sent adrift without house or shelter, in that country for which their ancestors had fought and bled. Then the people naturally lost all confidence and respect for those from whom they received this treat- II si ' :l which no re a uni- I in Scot- ded prin- he effect} ;ed those ! national ts may in nfidence^ ind lower indepen- ew of the ;ed at the seems to ind west- 1 900,000 200,000 , as they the pub- ig. This ;ty, in so rly when !s by the g. There nd crimes he stock- ith, when vers, and ivhich we e North), orefathers house or ad fought onfidence his treat- lUELAND. — gOUTH OF SCOTLAND. 225 -4 raent; and there being no manufacturing towns to receive them, no emigration to America, and no employment in a country all turned to pasture, they had no alternative but to beg or steal. • Were it not for America and the towns in the Lowlands, would not the late ejectments, and depopulations in the North produce a host of sturdy beg- gars, sorners, and thieves? A reference to the state of t-ngland by Sir Thomas More, of Scotland by Fletcher of balton, and to the recent associations for the suppression of felony m different parts of the Northern Highlands, exhibits a striking comcidence, and shows that the want of education IS not the principal cause of crimes and poverty. Now that schools are generally established in ScoUand, it behoves the higher orders to endeavour, by protection, by kindness, and by example, to preserve those principles which have been so honourable to this country, which form the best basi* lor good education among a people, and without which, in- • I happened to read Fletcher of Salton's Statement of the Scotch Poor early .n hfe. and was much struck with it. I mentioned the subject to Mr St.waiJ of Crossmount, who. as I have already noUced, died in 1791. in his V^th "^ consequently was born before the reign of King William. aLd was iTyeZ^r J at the death, of that monarch in 1708. He had a perfect recJlection of the penod to which Fletcher's Statement refers. I have already said th." vir rr" ^^r"'' J"'^^--* -^^ ---te memory, but from his e.JZ youth at the penod in question, he could not speak from per«,nal observati^ :::':iT/''-^'''' r '-'"' '-''' -™^-''' '^* Kmg wS seven , ears of famme. as they were called by the Jacobites, were the subject of all conversat.ons. and that his father made a considerable sum of money by a lands the gra.n never ripened for many harvest. It would not grind L n.al from .ts softness. The people dried or roasted the best and rip^t gr^ 6f iTtT r"" *"° ^'''""' ^*^ '' ^" *''»* ^^'- He knew litUe more the H.gh,anders because they had not so many cattle and deer to kill for their lid K T : "*''' '''"^'^ '" *°^ y^^ -^ "ft^^'^ds sent to Eng. Und when the trade opened after the Union, raised the price to a height fc^- r dd:^::?,"""' -twenty shimngs or a guinea for a fatoxtcow. of^cot land S^^^^ '^'^" '^ T""'^ '^ '^^'"^ ^^'^^ *™"«" '"^^ -^-^ oiacotiand. He saw many wandering beggars. VOL. I. J, i 11 il 226 INFLVENCS OF TUB CONDUCT li^l ; ' , » > !- ■ Nhii 1 1)1 deed, education may be a curse instead of a blessing. But, unfortunately, many Highlanders have begun, (as I have too often had occasion to mention), to lose all confidence in the views and line of conduct of their superiors, of whom they say, " When I see a man subscribing for schools and bible societies, while he reduces his tenants to poverty by exorbitant rents ; while be has school-books and bibles in one hand, and in the other a warrant of ejectment, or an order for rouping oiU for the rent; and when he makes speeches at public meetings lamenting the loss of morals, and in private, lectures against drunkenness and the vices it produces, while, at the same time, the rents are such that they cannot be paid without smuggling, cheating, perjury and lying ; — when all this is daily seen and practised, who can doubt but that there is much hypocrisy at the bot- tom?" Such are the sentiments I often hear expressed by the people, and which may be ascribed to the operation of that grasping selfish system, which looks only to what is sup- posed to bring the most immediate advantages, careless of the loss to others,— tempting men to cheat and deceive by calling for the cheapest contracts, — raising a spirit of rivalry and over-reaching by auctioning, and receiving secret offers for farms, — and which have occasioned great distress and discontent in the Highlands, with much less permanent advantage to the promoters than might have been obtained by a more open, and a milder line of conduct. If people see that their welfare is attended to, they will return the favour. Gratitude, kindness, and friendship, are natural to man ; but harshness and oppres- sion will quickly destroy all. In the Highlands, the contrast between the past and present manners are the more striking, from the recollection of those times when the poorest clans- man received a kind shake of the hand from the laird, and was otherwise treated like an independent man, and a pro- per regard shown to his feelings. Modern customs allow of no such intimacy with the lower orders, and strangers. or THE HIGHER ORDERS. 227 Wilh no recommendation but money, are preferred 10 all ancient claimants. «« If a Lowlander," said an old ac- quaintance to me, with tears in his eyes, « comes among us with a good horse, a pair of spurs, and a whip, he is imme- diately received by the laird, who takes him to his house; he has the choice of a farm, and a whole tribe of us are sent to cot-houses on the moors, or ejected entirely ; and while the Lowlander gets a fine house at the landlord's expense, I must build my own hut, get no allowance for the house I have left, although I built it myself, and while the stranger is supplied with Norway wood for his house, if I take a birch- tree not worth five shillings from the hiU-side, the constable u' sent after me with a warrant; I am fhrealened with a removal and the terrors of the law by the laird on whose lands I built the house, and whose property it will be when I leave it, which I would do to-morrow if I knew where to go. " Will education cure this poor man's grief and indig- nation ? Will reading make him contented with his lot, loyal to his king and government, and attached to his land- lord? Reading will more clearly show him his misery. To make a man comfortable in his circumstances, and easy in his mind, and thus to remove all temptation or necessity for resorting to improper practices, are better and more certain preservatives of morals than reading or writing, particular- ly if the educated reader is in poverty and destitution, and that destitution occasioned by the oppressive conduct of others. As a man blind from his infancy may be virtuous, and well instructed in all useful knowledge, without ever having read a line in his life, so are the bulk of the uneducated Highlanders well instructed in a knowledge of the Gospel and of the Scriptures, and possessed of great intelligence in all that immediately concerns themselves, and comes within the range of their knowledge, confined, as it must neces- sarily often be, to the narrow bounds of a Highland strath or glen. I have already mentioned, that many Highland gentle- p2 I « I'.U u„ ? ^i] !;■« 228 IMPROVEMENTS. men, though possessed of honourable and hnmane disposi- tions, have, with the best intentions, allowed themselves to be seduced into hasty measures, and the adoption of plant unsuitable to their lands and their tenants ; and have thus unhinged the social virtues, and the mutual confidence be- tween them and their formerly attached dependants, whose sentiments and feelings are deplorably changed in many re- spects. May we not therefore hope, that when prejudicial effects are produced on the minds of the tenants, an abate- ment of hasty changes will ensue ; and that we shall not see advertisements inviting strangers to offer for their lands, while they are themselves willing and able to pay equally high rents ; with other measures calculated to raise their indignation, and check the inclination to improve their farms and modes of cultivation ? May we not hope, that gentlemen will take into consideration the well-known fact, that the agricultural system now carried on with such spirit in Scotland, was 140 years * in progress in England before the prejudices of the southern Scotch farmers were so far overcome as to embrace and practise it? And if gentlemen ixdll also recollect, that their own fathers and grandfathers, men of education and knowledge of the world, saw these improved changes, in their frequent intercourse with the South, long before they introduced them into their own practice, many never having done so at all ; will they not • then make some indulgent allowance for the prejudices of the poor and ignorant Highlander, who never travelled beyond the bounds of his own or the neighbouring districts, and af- * A respectable Highland clergyman, of talents and learning, who occupied a farm of some extent contiguous to his glebe, was so wedded to old customs, that it was not till the year 1815 that he commenced green crops, liming, and fallow; although two gentlemen (the honourable Baron Norton and Mr Macdonald of Glenco) in his immediate neighbourhood, had carried on the system for some years with great success. Now, when such a person rC* jected all innovations, is it surprising that an ignorant Highlander, with his deep-rooted predilection to ancient habits, should not commence a system (by order, perhaps, of a harsh and authoritative agent) which would overturn all notions of respect and reverence for the customs of his fathers? IMPROVfMENTS. 889 ford him time to comprehend the advantages of changes so recent, and so opposite to his usual habits ? Should landlords arraign their people as incorrigible, because they do not change with every variation of every political or economical opinion, or according to the direction in which newly-adopt- •d theories would turn them, and embrace systems of which they have never been made to comprehend the advantages, and without any encouragement or spur for exertion but an augmentation (if rent f In what manner the people comprehend and act on the new system of agriculture, when the knowledge of it is at- tainable, is clearly seen in those districts whose vicinity to the South has enabled the inhabitants to follow the exam- ple shown them. * Any person travelling through Athole, Breadalbane, and other districts of the Highlands of Periij- shire, will observe, in the altered appearance of the coun- try, how readily the people have availed themselves of use- ful and practical knowledge, and to what extent improve- mente have been carried, both in respect to the quantity and the quality of the produce. These districts furnish decisive proof of this progressive improvement. In glens where a few years ago, turnips and the green crop system were to- tally unknown, they are now as regularly cultivated as in Mid. Lothian ; on a small scale, to be sure, as it must neces- sarily be, from the size of the farms and the narrow limits of cultivation, but in a manner calculated to produce good rents to the proprietors, and great comparative comfort to the te- • The inveteracy and die diflSculty of overcoming ancient habits, in coun- tries highly favoured by many opportunities of improvement, is shown in seve- ral parts of England, where ploughing is still performed, even on light soils, with four and five horses; whereas that custom has long been laid aside in Scotland, where two horses are found sufficient for the deepest soils : yet, with tljjs example before them, English farmers continue such a waste of labour, at great additional expense to themselves and consequent loss to the landlord. But it would be endless to state instances of prejudices as deep-rooted and prejudicial as any entertained in the Highlands, where the people have suffered so much from mischievous experiments, founded on their supposed incapacity and incurable prejudices. 230 CHECKS TO >} ■ li4- 1 ' :, I iinnts. This spirit of improvement is extending northwards, and has every appearance of spreading over the whole coun- try, although it has, in various instances, been checked by attempts to force it on too rapidly, and by theories founded on the customs of countries totally different, both in soili in climate, and in the habits of the people. One obvious evil is, the too frequent practice of giving leases for only seven years. This the people dislike more than none at all, f as, according to their opinion, the expiration of these short terms serves to remind the landlords of an increase of rent f On several estates, tenants neither ask for leases, nor are any given, yet improvements are carried on with the same spirit as on estates where leases are granted. In the former case, much of tlie confidence of old times remains, the landlord's promise being as good as his bond ; and the tenants trust to this in preference to a documentary term of years, and are safe from a removal while they conduct themselves with propriety, and are willing at the same time to augment their rents according to the times. In the latter they would be in anxious suspense, and in dread of removal at the end of each lease. Such is the manner of acting and thinking peculiar to landlords and tenants on the estates of honourable and judicious men, some of whom I have the happiness to call my friends; and such also is the custom in many parts of England. A highly enlightened and respectable friend, a native of Yorkshire, has favoured me with the following communication : " The practice of letting farms to the highest bidder is unknown. It would be utterly destructive of that good faith that subsists between landlord and tenant. In Yorkshire, few gentlemen grant leases. It may be supposed that the want of leases impedes improvement, in- asmuch as tenants are unwilling to lay out their capital upon an uncertain te- nure. This may be true to a certain extent, but the good faith that subsists betweej landlord and tenant is a sort of relationship in which they stand to each other. They are not bound to observe each other's interest by leases or bonds of parchment ; but they are bound by obligations of honour, of mutual interest, and reciprocal advantage. The right of voting at county elections gives the freeholder of forty shillings a high degree of importance and respecta- bility in his own opinion, and in that of his landlord. He confers a favour on his superiors, mid he has at least once in seven years the power of showing his independence, and of chastising the insolence or oppression of the rich. At a late county election, the popular candidate of a northern county waited on a shoemaker to solicit his vote. ' Get out of my house. Sir,' said the shoemaker: the gentleman walked out accordingly. < You turned me out of your estate,* continued the shoemaker, ' and I was determined to tiirr. you out of my house j but, for all that, I will give you my vote, ' " IMPROVEMENTS. 231 on the improvements made, without allowing time to the tenants to reap the benefit of their previous exertions. Much of the want of that spirit for improvement, so much complained of, is owing to the practice of augmenting the rent on any successful exertion or change made by the te- nant. On several estates within my knowledge, the rents were augmented every third and fourth year after the im- provements commenced ; but the consequence of the last aug- mentation was a complete bar to further exertions on the part of the tenants, who then saw no prospect of being al- lowed any benefit from their labours. Another practice equally incredible is gaining ground, and calculated to excite surprise in an enlightened age, with the example of Ireland as a warning, were we not accustomed to see many extra- ordinary things in the management of the poor Highlanders. Landlords and their agents have employed middlemen, to whom they let a tra >> ^ ^^^v. <% //a Sciences Corporation ^^o ^v<;^ ^>" 23 WEST MAIN STRf ET WEBSTER, N.Y. 145«0 (716) 872-4S03 ^\ ^ Odd BLACK WATCH, were furnished by Government : such of the mer; a» chose to supply themselves with pistols and dirks were allowed to carry them, and some had targets after the fashion of iheir country. ♦ The sword-belt was of black leather, and the cartouch-box was carried in front, supported by a nar- row belt round the middle. In a corps which numbered in its ranks many men of birth, and of respectability, from character and education, those were esteemed fortunate who obtained commissions; indeed, a company at present is less prized than an ensigncy in the Black Watch was in those days. The regiment remained about fifteen months on the banks of the Tay and Lyon ; Tay Bridge and the Point of Lyon, where the river Lyon joins the Tay, a mile below Taymouth Castle, bei .;g their places of rendezvous for exercise. There they wevc trained ^nd exercised by the Lieutenant-Colonel, Sir Robert Munro, a veteran of much judgm^and expe- rience. In the year 17^ the Earl of Craufurd the Life Guards, and Brigadier- General Loi appointed colonel of the Highlanders. In the winter 174;i-«, the regiment was m^rchiHlio the northward, and quartered in their old stati^, until the month of March 1743, when they were assembled at Perth, preparatory to a march for England. The order was un- expected on the part of the men, who expressed no small surprise on the occasion. The measure raised the indigna- tion of many, and was in an especial manner disapproved of, and opposed, by the Lord President Forbes, than whom no one knew better the character of the corps, the nature of the duty on which they were employed, and their capability of performing it. The following extract of a letter from his Lordship to General Clayton, who had succeeded Mar- • Grose, in his MiKtary Antiquities, speaking of the Black Watch, says, "I doubt whether the dirk is part of their regimental arras ; but I remember, in the year 1747, most of the private men had them, and many were also permit- ed to canytargets. The regiment was then on service in Flandt: j. " MARCH TO ENGLAND, 1743. 957 shal Wade in the chief command in Scotland, sufficiently explains the sentiments of that eminent man op the sub- folTH-^?'".""' ^'"^" ^"^y^ ^'* """^'^^ orders given to the Highland regiment to march southwards, it gave me no sort of concern. I supposed the intention was only to see them ; but as I have been lately assured that they are destined for foreign service, I cannot dissemble my uneasi- tenl'd T 7?"' ™*^' '"^ "^ apprehension, be at- tended with very bad consequences; nor can I prevail with myself not to communicate to you my thoughts on this sub- ject, however late they may come." His Lordship then goes on to state the consequences to be expected by remov- mmd, that the present system for securing the peace of the Highlands, which is the best I ever heard of, is by regular troops stationed from Inverness to Fort- William, along the to «l^'r^^'^' in a manner, divides the Highlfnds, locMgHj^e obedience of the inhabitants of both sides. dl^^^K- ""^ ^^^^^''P^^"^^ Highlanders, wearing the H^^Hpiking the language of the country, to execute ^"^■r^ '^*J"'^^ expedition, and for which neither the dress ifSFthc manners of other troops are proper. These H.ghlander»i,ow regimented were at first independent com- imXr r "^^ '^''' ^''''* '^"S"«g^' «»d '»«»«-''«» qua- lified them for securing the Low country from depredatiins, yet that was not the sole use of them ; the same qualities fatted them for every expedition that required secrecy and despatch; they served for all purposes of hussars or light horse, m a country whose mountains and bogs render ca- valry useless, and, if properly disposed of over the Highlands, nothing that was commonly reported and believed by the Highlanders could be a secret to their commanders, be- knguate'^' * '"''"""'^ ""''^ '^' P'^'P^"' ^"*^ '^^ ^""*^"««« "^ There are grounds for believing that, when these men VOL. I. • CuUoden Papers. R ■HiPiBiitini 258 BLACK WATCH. were regimented, the measure was represented to them as merely a change of name and officers, with the additional benefit of more regular pay and duty, under which arrange* ment they were to continue, as usual, the Watch of the country. Surprised at the orders to march to England, they were told it was only to show themselves to the King, who had never seen a Highland regiment. This explana- tion satisfied them, and they proceeded on their route to London. Their departure was thus announced in the Caledonian Mercury : — " On Wednesday last Lord Sempill's regiment of Highlanders began their march for England, in order to be reviewed by his Majesty. They are certainly the finest regiment in the service, being tall, well-made men, and very stout. " * * The King, ha^ing never seen a Highland soldier, expressed a desire to see one. Three privates, remarkable for their figure and good IpiS^ were fix- ed upon and sent to London a short time before the regimen| were Gregor M'Gregor, commonly called Gregor the Beau bell, son of Duncan Campbell of the family of Duneave John Grant from Strathspey, of the family of Ballindalloch. ^ aiid died at Aberfeldy. The others " were presented by their L!l lonel, Sir Robert Munro, to the King, and performed the broadsword exercise, and that of the Lochaber axe, or lance, before his Majesty, the Duke of Cum- berland, Marshal Wade, and a number of general ofilcers assembled for the purpose, in the Grept Gallery at St James's. They displayed so much dexte- rity and skill in the management of their weapons, as to give perfect satisfac- tion to his Majesty. Each got a gratuity of one guinea, which they gave to the porter at the palace gate as they passed out. " f They thought that the King had mistaken their character and condition in their own country. Such was, in general, tlie character of the men who originally composed the Black Watch. This feeling of self-estimation inspired a high spirit and sense of honour in the regiment, which continued to form its character and conduct, long after the de- scription of men who originally composed it was totully changed. These men afterwards rose to rank in the army. Mr Campbell got an ensigncy for his conduct at Fontenoy, and was captrun-lieutenant of the regiment when he was killed at Ticonderoga, where he also distinguished himself. Mr Me had great reason of complaint, generaUy ^ the breach of some pt sttive promise made them at enlisting. " ^ t Of ^he justness and truth of the preceding observations we have had too many proofs. They are peculiarly applicable to the case of Highland corps, which were raised and embodied as it were in mass. Being thus kept in immediate contact with each other, the individuals aggrieved by any violation of faith u,ho sometimes were nearly the whole regiment, had an opportunity of recounting their injuries; and their resentments became thus more exasperated by com! municalion. ^ vt »m ^ 262 BLACK WATCH. Kl dupes of the deception ; and, indeed, the sole motive of those who endeavoured to stir up the men was hostility to Government, and their aim, in accusing it of a breach of faith, to create a spirit of disaffection and discontent. The means which they employed could scarcely fail of success. That the unfortunate act which threw such a dark shade over the character of a body of brave men was the result of their simplicity, in allowing themselves io be deceived, r&« ther than of any want of principle, was sufficiently proved by their subsequent conduct. But such an occurrence happening among men, of whose loyalty many Mere suspicious, pro- duced, as may well be imaginedj no incoi:siderable sensation in the country. The aft'dir was the subject of much discussion both in con- versation and in the publications of the day. Among the numerous accounts published in the journals and in detach- ed pamphlets, there was one, in particular, that appeared immediately after, the mutiny, which shows Qflttii^hle knowledge of the subject, and contains a faiir||^^^H|9^ the facts of the case. The author having allwI^^^pP^c purpose for which these independent companies iBB^een at first embodied, and having described their figure and dress, and the effect produced in England by the novelty of both, proceeds to state the cauiie and circumstances of the mutiny : " From their first formation they had always con- sidered themselves as destined to serve exclusively in Scot- land, or rather in the Highlands ; and a special compact was made, allowing the men to retain their ancient national garb. From their origin and their local attachments they seemed destined for this special service. Besides, in the discipline to which they were at first subjected under their natural chiefs and superiors, there was much affinity with their ancient usages, so that their service seemed merely that of a clan sanctioned by legal authority. These and o-p ther considerations strengthened them in the belief that their duty V s of a defined and specific nature, and that they were never to be amalgamated with the regular disposable force DESERTION. 263 Of the country. As they were deeply impressed with this bdief, .t was quite natural that they should regard, with great jealousy and distrust, any indication of a wish o change the system. Accordingly, when the design of march- ng them into England was first intimated to their officers, the men were not shy in protesting against this unexpected measure By conciliating language, however, they were pr va.^d upon to commence and continue their march wi h! of hiir ffl "^ ^"^ "r'"''^ °" '^' »'°'^-«' killed ma% tl r7. '"' "''""^ ^^ '^''' *^^'°""' «"d ^-turned to their native mountains. This account, though glarindy ftJse was repeated from time to time in those journals, and Has neither noticed nor contradicted in those of England, though such an occasion ought not to have been neglected for giving a candid and full explanation to the Highland- qu^etiTtaL ^^""^ prevented much subsequent di*. 1 hHl ^^^^^ through the northern counties of Eng- r^P^^" T'^ "^^^'^ ""'^^^ ^'th such hospitality, ed that their attachment to home was so much abated That Oiey would feel no reluctance to the change. As they ap- proached the metropolis, however, and were exposed to the taunts of the true-bred English clcmns, they became more gloomy and sullen. Animated even to the lowest private with the feelings of gentlemen, they could ill brook the rude- ness of boors, nor could they patiently submit to affronts in a country to which they had been called by invitation of their Sovereign. A still deeper cause of discontent preyed upon their minds. A rumour had reached them on their march that they were to be embarked for the plantations. i:.\ u f. *" ^*""^'' ^^^ '"^^'^^' «"^ °ther regiments which had been sent to these colonies, seemed to mark out this service as at once the most perilous and the most de- grading to which British soldiers could be exposed. With no enemy to encounter worthy of their courage, there was {.In »♦ 264 BLACK WATCH. another consideration which made it peculiarly odious to the Highlanders. By the act of Parliament of the eleventh of George I., tranRportation to the Colonies was denounced against tlie Highland rebels, &c. as the greatest punishment that could be inflicted on them except death, and, when they heard that they were to be sent there, the galling suso picion naturally arose in their minds, that, * qfter being us* ed as rods to scourge their tmn countrymerif they laere to be thrown into thejlre. * These apprehensions they kept se- cret even from their own officers ; and the care with which they dissembled them is the best evidence of the deep im- pression which they had made. Amidst all their jealousies and fears, however, they looked forward with considerable expectation to the review, when - they were to come under the immediate observation of his Majesty, or some of the Royal Family. On the 1 4th of May they were reviewed by Marshal Wade, and many persons of distinction, who were highly delighted with the promptitude and alM|ky with which they went through their military exercisilj^HMMive 9 very favourable report of them, where it was li^Hpi^e- rate. most to their advantage. From that moment; how- ever, all their thoughts were bent on the means of return- ing to their own country, and on this wild and romantic march they accordingly set out a few days after. Under pretence of preparing for the review, they had been enabled to provide themselves unsu$>pectedly with some necessary ar- ticles, and, confiding in their capability of enduring priva- tions and fatigue, they imagined that they should have great advantages over any troops that might be sent in pur- suit of them. It was on the night between Tuesday and Wednesday after the review that they assembled on a com- mon near Highgate, and commenced their march to the North. They kept as nearly as possible between the two great roads, passing from wood to wood in such a manner that it was not well known which way they moved. Orders were issued by the Lords-Jusitices to the commanding offi- cers of the forces stationed in the counties between them 3;.!r DESERTION. 265 and Scotland, and an advertisement was published by the Secretary at War, exhorting tho civil officers to be vigilant in their endeavours to discover their route. It was not. however, till about eight o'clock in the evening of ThunZ day, 19th May, that any certain intelligence of them wai obtained, and they had then proceeded as far a. Northamp- ton, and were supposed to be shaping their course towards Nottinghamshire. General Blakeney, who commanded at Northampton, immediately dispatched Captain Ball of Ge- neral Wade's regiment of horse, an officer well acquainted with that part of the country, to search after them. They had now entered Lady Wood, between Brig Stock and l^ean Thorp, about four miles from Oundle, vhen thev were discovered. Captain Ball was joined in the evenini by the general himself, and about jiine ali the troops were drawn up in order, near the wood where the Highlanders lay. Seeing themselves in this situation, and unwilling to Ti!IUi^^'' ''^'"*'^ ^^ '^^ ^^"'"^ °^ ^heddit^g the blood f m^r *^'* '*"°°P'' ^^^^ *®"' °"® ""^ ^^^" guides to in- 'oriir^eneral that he might, without fear, send an officer to treat of the terms on which they should be expected to surrender. Captain Ball was accordingly delegated, and, on coming to a conference, the Captain demanded that they should instantly lay down their arms, and surrender as pri- soners at discretion This they positively refused, declar, ing that they would rather be cut to pieces than submit, unless the general should send them a written promise signed by his own hand, that their arms should not be taken from them, and that they should have a free pardon. Upon this the Captain delivered the conditions proposed by General Blakeney, viz. that if they would peaceably lay down their arms, and surrender themselves* prisoners, the most favourable report should be made of them to the Lords- Justices; when they again protested that they would be cut in pieces rather than surrender, except on the con- diuons of retaining their arms, and receiving a free pa: don : Hitherto, exclaimed the Captain, * I have been your 266 BLACK WATCH* ii 'if m% Ml''; r' li I u friend, and am still anxious to do all I can to save you ; but, if you continue obstinate an hour longer, surrounded as you are by the King's forces, not a man of you shall be left alive, and, for my own part, I assure you, that I shall give quarter to none.' He then demanded that two of their number should be ordered to conduct him out of the wood. Two brothers were accordingly ordered to accompany him. Finding that they were inclined to submit, he promised them both a free pardon, and, taking one of them along with him, he sent back the other to endeavour, by every means, to overcome the obstinacy of the rest. He soon re- turned with thirteen more. Having marched these to a short distance from the wood, the captain again sent one of them back to his comrades to inform them how many had sub- mitted, and in a short time seventeen more followed the ex- ample. These were all marched away with their arms, (the powder being blown out of their pans), and when they came before the general they laid down their arms. On returning to the wood they found the whole l>5-Coast of France mS-^Ireland- Flanders lUl^lreland 1748-^0- racter. The regiment was soon restored to order, and, towards the end of May, embarked for Flanders, where it joined the army under the command of Field-Marshal the Earl of Stair. Unfortunately, it arrived too late to be present at the battle of Dettingen j but although the men had not then an opportunity of showing themselves good soldiers in the field, all the accounts agree that, by their conduct, they proved themselves decent and orderly in quarters. « That regiment (Sempill's Highlanders) was judged the most trust-worthy guard of property, insomuch that the people in Flanders chose to have them always for their protec- tion. Seldom was any of them drunk, and they as rarelv swore. And the Elector Palatine wrote to his envoy in l^ondon, desiring him to thank the King of Great Britain for the excellent behaviour of the regiment while in his ter- mones m 1743 and 1744 ; « and for whose sake, ' he adds, future '"•''''^' ^^^ * *"^'^*''' *""* '^^^""^ ^ " 'S*="'*=*»'n«« in The regiment was not engaged in active service durins the whole of 1743 and 1744, but was quartered in different parts of the country, where it continued to maintain the same character. By several private letters written at that period from the Continent, it appears, that they had gained the good opinion and entire confidence of the inhabitants who expressed their anxious desire to have a Highland sol' dier quartered in each of their houses, « as these men were • Dr Doddridge's Life of Colonel Gardiner. .London, 1749. 272 BLACK WATCH. not only quiet, kind, and domestic, but served as a protec- tion against the rudeness of others^ " In April 1745, Lord Sempill, being appointed to the 25th regiment, was succeeded, as colonel of the Highlanders, by Lord John Murray, son of the Duke of Atholl. The season was now r'ell advanced, and the King of France, with the Dauphin, had joined his army in Flan- ders, under the command of Marshal Count Saxe, who, having been strongly reinforced, determined to open the campaign by laying siege to Tournay, then garrisoned by eight thousand men, under General Baron Dorth. Early in May, the Duke of Cumberland arrived from England, and assumed the command of the allied army, which consisted of twenty battalions and twenty- six squadrons of British, five battalions and sixteen squadrons of Hanoverians, all under the immediate command of his Royal Highness; twenty-six battalions and forty squadrons of Dutch, under the command of the Prince of Waldeck ; and eight squa- drons of Austrians, under Field- Marshal Konigseg. With this force the allied generals resolved to raise the siege of Tournay, before which the French had broken ground on the 30th of April. The French army was more numerous, but the whole of their force could not be brought forward, as large detachments were left in front of Tournay and other places. Marshal Saxe was soon aware of the in- tention of the Allies, and prepared to receive them. He drew up his line of battle on the right bank of the Scheldt, extending from the wood of Barri to Fontenoy, and thence to the village of St Antoine. Entrenchments were thrown up at both these places, besides three redoubts in the inter- mediate space, and two at the corner of the wood of Barri, whence a deep ravine extended as far as Fontenoy, and an- other from th&t village to St Antoine. A double line of in- fantry in front, and cavalry in the rear, occupied the whole space from the wood to St Antoine, while an additional force of cavalry and infantry was posted behind the redoubts and batteries. A battery was also erected on the other side chhe MANDEBS 1743, 273 river, opposile to St Antoine. The artillery, which *as very numeroa,, w»s di.trib«ted dong the lin/ .rd in the village and redoubts. receive the Alhes. it'ho moved for*ard on the 9th of M.v bray, at a short distance from the outposU of the enemy. m,u«d the position chosen by the French general. The "when his Rrr.^r "'""^ '° *« •^™"«'' P»' When his Royal Highness, with Field-Marshal KoniWeff d b S,! H".f y-""^' "'"' "« '" -»"noit«, S;:^ ed by th, Highlanders, who kept up a sharp fire with the grassins- concealed in the woods. After Ais serW^wa, ad™„?e ;.^.°"' """"*'"■' '""■8 ''ft » oon,m»d7fX a party of hussap to examme the outposts more narrowly. ser^ntttr p"l' '^"'y"' Highlander in advance, Z serving that one of the gfassins repeatedly fired at his post, placed h« bonnet upon the top of a stick, near the verrof Lwh-rr*- T"" «'««»««■» decoyed the ^rchTan ^ It^rr-' "'""■' "'■J"*' "■« Highlander, apl pr.ich ng cautiously to a point which afforded a sure aim •ucceeded in bringing him to the ground." t ' WhiUt the allied generals were thus employed, it was found that the plain between their position aSd *a otZ French camp, was covered with some flying squadrons of the enemy, and that their outposts likewise command J«r- tam narrow defiles, through which the allied forces must .«a«=h to attack the besieging army. It became, IflTrse necessary to disperse these squ^Jrons, and to dslolrre outposts. As this service could not be attempted at so la e an hour in the evening, it was postponed until an ear v drons were ordered to scour the plain, and clear the defiles. • Sharpshootv-rv VOL. I. t Roll's Lift of the Earl of Cwufurd. S ii H i'fl h ! m 274 BLACK WATCH. In this detachment was includetl a parly of the Highland- ers, who, consequently, for the first time, saw the face, and stood the fire of the enemy in a regular body. To the conduct of these Highlanders, in this their noviciate in the field, we have the following testimony : " A party of High- landers was selected to support some Austrian hussars, hot- ly pressed by the French light troops, who were quickly re- pulsed with" loss; and the Highlanders were taken great notice of for their spirited conduct. " • The plain being cleared, and the French outposts driven in, the Commander-in-chief of the allied army rode over it, and having examined the ground between the respective camps, made his dispositions for attacking the enemy next morning. The British and Hanoverian infantry were form- ed in two lines opposite the space between Fontenoy and the wood of Barri, with their cavalry in the rear. The right of the Dutch was posted near the left of the Hanoverians, and their left towards St Antoine, fronting that place and the redoubts between it and Fontenoy. These arrangements being completed, his Royal High- ness moved forward at two o'clock in the morning of the I Ith of May, and drew up his army in the above order, in front of the enemy. Previously to the general engagement, the Duke ordered an attack on a redoubt advanced on the right of the wood, occupied by 600 men. This operation took place about four in the morning, " when the Guards and Highlanders began the battle, and attacked a body of French near Vizou, in the vicinity of which place the Dau- phin was posted. Though they were entrenched breast- high, the Guards with bayonets, and the Highlanders with sword, pistol, and dirk, forced them out, killing a consider- able number." f Thus successful in the commencement, the British and Hanoverians advanced to the attack, and, after a severe con- test, in which every inch of ground was disputed, they drove ftPj?f ij f.;i • History of the War, t History of the War. m FLANDERS 1743» m the enemy back on their entrenchments. Durfng this opera- uTc'es^ ?r °" '""V'"' ^"'^^'^^^ Fontenoy, but wiLut whTch ic J "''"^ ' '""^ exceedingly from the batteries, which kept up an incessant fire, the Duke of Cumberland detached a body of infantry to occupy the wood of Barri and dnve the enemy from that redoubt. The Highlanders dehver ng the orders, or a misconception on the part of IZ^Tr' ^°^'^^» '^"^ ''^ '^°- «f Lieutenant. Gene alS.r James Campbell of Lawers, who was mortally wounded, th.s attack did not take place. Immediately afte^ wards h.s Royal Highness ordered Lord Sempill's regiment away to assist m the attack on the village, which stiU held Notwhh? H^r^' "^" **^^ ^^"^^ ^» every attempt. Notwithstandmg these untoward circumstances, the Duke determined to attempt the passage of the lavine between the redoubts and the village. When the British had advanced beyond this ravine, the ground between the wood and Fon- flanks wheeled back on their light and left, and then feeing towards their proper front, moved forward, along with the centre; thus forming the three sides of a hollow square. While the whole were pushing forward in this order, the French mfantry made three desperate attacks, supported by the cavalry, who attempted to charge, and avail them- selves of the impression made by the infantry. They were repulsed, however, in every charge, though assisted by . tremendous cannonade from the redoubts, the batteries in the wood and on the opposite bank of the Scheldt, and from the villages which still remained in possession of the ene* my.* The previous arrangements of MPi-sha! Saxe were most judicious, and his movements we!', supported by the • Indeed, the fire from two of the redoubts was latterly more noisy than da«. gerous; for the shot being expehded, they only fired powder. From the noisd and confusion, the deception was not discovered. Though the cannonad. from these redoubts was so harmless, they kept up such a rapid and contintted fire, that they appeared to be the most active and efficient of the whole. " s2 yi' 276 BLACK WATCH. batteries, which could all bear on the English line when ad- vanced beyond the ravine. These attacks lasted several hours. The English, al- though suffering severely, were always gaining ground in advance of the front line of the redoubts. Marslial Saxe, perceiving that no decisive effect was produced, and that, while he was losing his bravest men, the English were gain- ing upon him, became anxious for the result, and sent no- tice to the King of France that it was necessary to retire farther from danger. He resolved, however, to make one desperate attack, with every arm which he could bring to bear on the British, who had now advanced so far beyond the confined ground as to be able to form the greatest part of the army into line. He quitted a litter, in which he had been carried the whole day, being much reduced by long- continued disease (a dropsy far advanced), and mounting on h(M-seback, .two men supporting him on each side as he rode, he brought up the household troops of the King of France : his best cavalry were posted on the flanks, and the flower of the infantry, with the King's body guards, in the centre. He also brought forward all his field-pieces, and, under cover of their fire and that of the batteries, he made a combined charge of cavalry and infantry on the English line. This united attack was irresistible. The British were forced to give way, and were driven back across the ravine. The Highlanders who had been ordered up from the attack of the village, and two other raiments ordered from the reserve to support the Ihe, were borne down by the retreat- ing body, and retired along with them. The whole rallied beyond the ravine, and after some delay, the Duke deter- mined on a final retreat, directing that the Highlanders and Howard's (the 19th) regiment should cover the rear of the retreating army, and check the advance of the enemy, who pursued the moment the retreat commenced. The Dutch and Hanoverians retired at the same time. A great military error seems to have been committed in advancing so far while the fortified villages and redoubts ^'' ' i FONTENOY. 277 remained in possession of the enemy. On the other hand, Marshal Saxe had not strengthened with sufficient care the ravine, or space between Fontenoy and the wood of Barri. This oversight had nearly lost him the battle; for if the vil- lage had been taken by the Dutch (to whom this duty was intrusted), before the British forced their way through the ravine, their flanks would not have suflered. Indeed, tlw enemy could not have maintained their ground had their own guns been turned upon them. Marshal Saxe, in his account of the battle, says, « The truth is, I did ndt sup- pose that any general would be so hardy as to venture to make his way through in that place. » In this opinion he paid a handsome compliment to the troops who pe- netrated a defile which this able master of the art of war thought so impracUcable, that he neglected the defences ^hich were afterwards found necessary, and for which he had had full time, as he was three days in the posiUon pre- vious to the attack. A battle of such importance, with a result so unfortunate, occasioned, as may be imagined, much discussion both in public and in private, and gave rise to numerous pamphlets and publications. I shall adduce such parts of the corre- spondence of persons present as will, in some manner, show what part the Highlanders bore in the battle. As it was the first in which the regiment had encountered an enemy, the attention of many was directed towards them. Some were suspicious of their conduct in the service of a king to whose authority they were supposed to be adverse.* Others, again, anxious for the honour and military fame of Scot- land, rejoiced in this opportunity of putting them to the test, and of showing that, opposed to a common enemy, they • This impression was so strong in some high quarters, that, on the rapid charges made by the Highlanders, when pushing forward sword in hand near- ly at full speed, and advancing so far, it was suggested that they inclined to change sides and join the enemy, who had already three brigades of Scotch an^ Irish engaged, which performed very important services '^ihat day IWI^hI li 278 BLACK WATCH. would well sufttain the honour of their countr}'. Captnin John Munrof of Lord John Murray's Highlanders, (as they were now called), in a letter to hia friend, President Forbes of CuUoden, says, " While things were going on in this manner, the left did not succeed so well, and in a short time we were ordered to cross the field, and attack (our re- giment I mean, for the rest of the brigade did not march to this attack) the village of Fontenoy. As we passed the field, the French batteries played upon our right and left flanki, but to little purpose, for their batteries being on a rising ground, their balls flew ovet us, and struck the second line. We were to support the Dutch, who, in their usual way, were very dilatory. We were obliged to wait (cover- ing ourselves from the fire) for the Dutch, who, when they came up, behaved so and so^ In the course of an hour, the Putch gave way, and Sir Robert Munro thought we should retire, for we had the whole batteries of the enemy's line playing upon us. We retired, but had not marched fifty yards when we had orders to return and support th> Hano- verians, who were at this time advancing on the batteries pn the left. They behaved most gallantly and bravely, and had the Dutch taken example by them, we had supped at Tournay. ♦' By two o'clock the whole retreated, and we were or- dered to cover the retreat of the army, as the otily regiment i^at could be Ifept to their dtUy. The Duke made so friend- f This gentleman was promoted the sapie year, in a manner somewhat Startling \.o our present ideas of strict regard to justice, precedency, and length of service. Although there were a majpr and three captains senior to him in the regiment, ue was appointed ]ieutenant-co|onel in room of Sir Ro- bert Munro, and continued in this situation, till succeeded, in 174^, by the late Duke of Argyll, then Lieutenant -Colonel Campbell, on the half-pay of Lord Loudon's Highlanders. I have not been able to discover if this promotion, from the command of a company to that pf a regiment, was a reward for any marljied good cpnduct in this battle, in which it appears lie commanded the regimen^ in their more rapid movements, immediately under Sir Robert Mun- ro, who, from his extveme corpulency, and being on foot, could not move ^vith th« rapidity sometimes necessary. iMil! COVER THE AETREAT ly a speech to us, thaf, If we had been 279 ordered to attack their hnes afresh, our potr fellowg would have done it. " • In the official account of this battle, it is stated, that, "after several other attempts with more or less success, and after the Austrians and Dutch had failed in their attack, it was resolved by the Duke of Cumberland, Prince Waldeck, and the Field Marshal, that the whole army should retire, and the commanding officers of General Howard's (19th regiment), and of the Highlanders, were ordered to put themselves in readiness to cover the retreat, which was made in great order; the two battalions fronting and fore- ing back the enemy at every hundred paces." f Such confidence in the steadiness of a new regiment, in Its first encounter with an enemy, is not common. The first in the attack, they were also the last in the retreat, and, to- gether with another corps, successfully resisted all the at- tacks of the pursuing enemy, who, elated with success, were consequently the more ardent and enterprising. The Highlanders were fortunate in being commanded on that day by a man of talents, presence of mind, and a thorough knowledge of his men. t He knew the way of managing them to the best advantage,— a qualification of • Cullodcn Papers, t Official Dispatchet, I Colonel Sir Robert Munro of Fowlis, Baronet, chief of his name and clan, the 24th in regular descent from father to son of his family, and member in several Parliaments for the county of Ross. He seived in the latter part of Kmg William's reign, and in Queen Anne's wars, under the Duke of Marl- borough, by whom he was appointed to a company in the Scotch Royals iq J712; and in 1714 he was appointed Lieutenant. Colonel. In 1739, he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel of the new Highland Regiment. Lord Crau- furd, the Colonel, being abroad, the discipline was conducted by the Lieu- tenant-Colonel,-in what manner, and with what success, may be judged from the behaviour of the regiment at Fontenoy. On this account he was pro- moted to the compiand of tlie 37th regiment in room of General Ponsonby. ' who was killed that day. He commanded his new regiment at the battle of Falkirk, in January 174C • hut on this occasion he was not sqpported by his ,nen as he had been at Fon ' tcnoy, for they fled on the first charge of the rebels. Pploncl Munro. disdain- •ngto fly, was cut down, and his brother, Doctor Munro, who was present, •ecmg his situation, ran forward to support him, and shared the sam* fate i 280 BLACK WATCH. ft ' 1 Hi 1 II IP' ' ^ I^M ,1 ' grcnt moment to a leader of troops, and the neglect of which, in the choice of officers, has sometimes occasioned serious losses to the service. As there is no moral quality of higher importance to a corps, than that patriotic spirit which leads every individual to connect his own honour with that of his country, so the greatest care should be Uken to cherish and propagate this spirit. A judicious selection He wai buried the following day with the homage due to to honourable * man, and so gallar* a soldier ; all the rebel officers, and crowds of the men at- tending his funeral, anxious to show the last mark of respect to a man whom, notwithsUnding the difference of tlieir political principles, they so much esteemed. His family was unfortunate tills year. His brother, Captain George Mun- ro of Culoaim, who had retired from the Highland regiment in the year VAh raised a company in 1745 for the King's service, and put himself under the command of Lord Loudon. Marching wiUi a party of men along tl>o side of Loch Arkaig, in Lochaber, lie was sliot by a Highlander, whose house had been burned, his cattle plundered, and his son killed defending his family, who were tumet' out in the snow. Tims fell three brothers within a few months. Culcairn's dcatli was the more lamented, as he was not the victim intended. The officer whom the Highlander had marked for destruction, as the autlior of this inhiiman outrage on his innocent family, wore a cloak of a par- ticular kind. Riding wiUi Culcairn in » shower of rain, he gave him the cloak, and passed Uic Highlander, who laying in wait for his enemy, perceived the cloak but not qie difference of person, and, taking a sure aim, Culcairn fell dead from his horse. Jt is a curious circumstance, that the man was never ap- prehended or punislied, although he was well known, and made no secret of the business. This gentleman's deatli occasioned the mor» observation and concern, as it wa$ the only instance of revenge, or murder in cold blood, that oc- curred during the whole progress of the insurrection ; if that can be called cold blood where a man had his son killed, the rest of his children and his wife dri- ven out upon the snow, and his house and property burnt and destroyed— suffi- cient motives for kindling a spirit of retaliation in the coldest blood. With this exception, however, all opposition was in the open t%''J °. "."'""'"'' "•* '™°P' ^y 'hrir example, „>}., lie H.ghlandf«„cs ru,hed in upon us uith m J violence lianc«rd,d a sea drioen by a ,cn,pest. I cannot say mu" h of the other auxiliaries, some of whom looked as^f thev had «o pcatcmcer,x in the matter -which «a« it ,oe„,. Z sh„ir,^we gamed the victory, butna^, I nelseesuch ll The command of the troop, covering the retreat was in. trusted to Lord Crawford, who « conducted 5,e "treat to excellent order .ill his triops came to the P^. whe"h" ordered .hem to file off from the righ. He then'puUeS off his hat. and returning them thanks. ..id. that they had ac- qu red as much honour in covering so great a retr^t. as f they had gained a battle." f Such approbation mj„ be consoatory to a soldier after sustaining a defeat, and .o the Highlanders it must have been peculiarly satisfactory, com- ing from a man who knew them so well as their late colonel atdhl^irspM.."*''" Highly honoured for his chivalrous In a batUe. where die combatant, on both sides were ,o • PubUshed al Pu-i,, 26Ui of May 1715. t Holt! Life of Ihe E«tl of Crauturd. » 5f. W't*i Q84> BLACK WATCH. numerous) the struggle so obstinate tmd the carnage so considerable, many instances of individual bravery and good conduct must have occurred. Tradition has preserved many anecdotes, the recital of which might still be interest- ing. Having already quoted, perhaps too liberally, I shall confine myself to the mention of one additional circumstance taken from a pamphlet of that day. In this pamphlet, entitled, " The Conduct of the Officers at Fontenoy considered," speaking of the exertions of the Duke of Cumberland, the author says, that his Royal High- ness was *' every where, and could not, without being on the spot, have cheered the Highlander, who with his broad sword killed nine men, and making a stroke at the tenth, had his arm shot off, by a promise of something better than |he arm, he (the Duke) saw drop from him." * « On this occasion the Duke of Cumberland was so much struck with the conduct of the Highlanders, and concurred so cordially in the esteem which they had secured to themselves botli from friends and foes, that, wishing to bIiow a mark of his approbation, he desired it to be intimated to them, that he would be happy to grant the men any favour which they chose to ask, and which he could concede, as a testimony of the good (pinion he had formed of them. The reply was worthy of so handsome an offer. After expressing ac- knowledgments for tlie condescenaon of the commander-in-chief, the men as- sured him tliat no favour he could bestow would gratify them so much, as a pardon for one of their comrades, a soldier of the regiment, who had been tried by a court-martial for allowing a prisoner to escape, and was under sentence of a heavy corporal punishment, which if inflicted, would teing disgrace on them all, and on their familiesand country. This favour, of course, was instantly granted. The nature of this request, the feeling which suggested it, and, in short, the general qualities of the corps, struck the Duke with tlie more force, as. at that time, he had not been in Scotland, and had no means of knowing tlie character of its inhabitants, unless, indeed, he had formed his opinion from the common ribaldry of the times, when it was the fashion to consider the Highlander " as a fierce and savage depredator, speaking a barbarous language, and inhabiting a barren and gloomy region, which fear and prudence forbade all strangers to enter." ■ I LOSS AT FONTENOT. The total loss of the British, includ- ing officers and non-commissioned officers, was Hanoverians, Dutch, ... Austrians, * - . Killed. 1338 515 505 307 Total, 2665 285 IVouuded. 2151 1194 703 401 4458 The Highlanders lost Captain John Campbell of Car- nek, •Ensign Lachlane Campbell son of Craignish, and 30 men. Captain Robert Campbell of Finab, Ensigns Ronald Campbell nephew of Craignish, and James Campbell, son of Ixlenfalloch, 2 sergeants, and 86 rank and file, wounded. If we consider how actively this corps was engaged in va- nous partsof thefield on the preceding evening, and during the whole of this hard fought contest,-havingbeen employed first by the Commander-in-chief, and then by Lord Cran- furd, to support and cover him when reconnoitring,-^arlv engaged at the first point of attack next morning, then or- dered to the assault of a second strong po5ilion,~called away from thence to the support, first of the Dutch, and then of the Hanoverians,-.and previously to the last strug- gle, brought from the left with other troops to support the line immediately before it gave way; and, at length, when the conflict was decided, chosen, along with another rem- ment, to cover the army in its retreat,~in short, having • Captain John Campbell of Carrick was one of the most accomplished gentWn of his day. Possessing very agreeable manners, and brave 'tt! pered by gaiety, he was regarded by the people as one of those who retained the chivalrous spmt of their ancestors. A poet, a soldier, and a genUeman. _^ le. gallant among the ladies then he was brave among men. he was the ob- ja^tof genen. admiration, and the last generation of Highlandei. among «^hom he was best known, took great pleasure in cherishing his memory, and repeating anecdotes concerning him. He married a sister of General Camp, b^lof Mamore, afterwards Duke of Argyll, and grandfather to the present 286 BL^CX WATCH. been placed in every situation of difficulty or danger, — thef smaH loss sustained in killed and wounded must be matter of surprise. It can be accounted for only by their mode of advancing against the enemy, a circumstance well worthy of the notice of all soldiers, as it shows, that, if a body of men push forward firmly and expeditiously to an attack, the loss will be smaller, and the chance of success morf) certaini how strong soever the position to be attacked, or the re!- sistaace to be expected; and that delay or hesitation in assailing an enemy only tends to increase the advantage which they may already possess from superiority of nnmbef or strength of position, tjence it appears that, though some of the allies* as the French account states, " looked as if they had no concern in the matter," and, as we learn from another account, " were very dilatory, and behaved so and so," * their loss was fully proportionate to that of the British, who sustained the brunt of the action. In support of the opinion which I have ventured to forni on so important a subject, I may advert to an occurrence at Fontenoy, in which the loss sustained by two regiments was as opposite as their situations and duties in the course of the battle. Brigadier- General Ingoldsby having been ac- cused of neglecting to obey an order to advance with his brigade to attack a battery early in the action, published a irindication of his conduct, denying that he had ever re* ceived any orders to advance at the moment in question, and stating, that he had so many contradictory orders, that he knew not which to obey. He observes, that, •* after his Royal Highness had ordered SempilPs Highlanders away from his brigade to the attack of the village, he continued • The cautious and circumspect conduct of a certain commander of the allied army, upon this occasion, called forth the ridicule of his friends, and procured him the jocular appellation of the Confectioner. Being asked why he did not move forward to the front with more rapidity, he replied, " I am preserving my men," Sir Robert Munro also « preserved" his men ; but his preservation did rot consist in keepfng them in the rear when they ought to hare been in the front, and clo&e to the enemy. 'i 1 REMAJRKS ON FONTENOY. 287 at the head of Duroure's regiment, (the 12th,) within 150 paces of the redoubt, from which he w^s exposed to a con- tinued fire from the beginning of the action, which the loss ot that regiment will make appear.'» The loss of this regi- ment, wh.ch remained so long stationary, we accordingly hnd, beyond all proportion greater than that of the High- landers, whose situation was the very reverse. The loss of Duroure's was 6 officers, 5 sergeants, 148 privates, killed; 10 officers, 7 sergeants, 142 privates wounded; whereas the loss of the Highland regiment, as already stated, was only 2 officers, 30 privates, killed ; 3 officers, 2 sergeants and 86 privates, wounded. When we consider the different circumstances in which the two regiments were placed, this appears a remarkable disproportion. Impetuosity on one side is apt to paralyze resistance on the other, and, if attacked « by furies rushing in upon them with more violence than ever did a sea driven by a tem- pest, * an enemy may have their nerves somewhat disordered by the shock ; and, while the arm is rendered unsteady, the aim cannot be correct, or the fire effectual. • If, on the con- trary, an enemy approach with a hesitating caution, indicat- ing rather the fear of defeat than the animating hope of vie tory, or a resolute determination to conquer, it will inspire confidence in the adverse party, and confidence naturally • I once got avery natural answer on this subject f«m an Indian, or Carrib ofStVmcents. It was said that these people were such expert marksmen, thai, with a common gun, they could shoot a doUaroff the cork of a quart bottle, and perform otherfeats equally remarkable. ITiis expertness and steadiness of aim however, deserted them when a skirmishing warfare was waged against them m the woods of St Vincent in 1796. In these skirmishes, excepTwhen eon- t^ed behind trees or rocks, they were found to be very indifferent marksmen Bemg at tha' time in the island, and wishing to ascertain the truth of what waa so much talked of, I on one occasion gave a loaded musket to a Carrib pri- Tf'S, f * T *"*'■* '* "" °™°«' ""^ *^ ™''"''' °f « »^«»«' «tthe distance of 800 yards. On the first attempt he missed, on the second he broke ilxe bot- tie, and the third time he hit the orange. I then asked him why he did not mark so well against the soldiers as against the orange ; " Massa," he replied, the orange no gun or baU to shoot me back ; no run at me with bayonet" 288 BLACK WATCH. I i • producing steadiness, successful resistance tnuy be expect** cd. Such was the battle of Fontenoy, and stich were the facts from which a very favourable opinion was formed of the mi-< litary qualifications of the Black Watch, as it was still call- ed in Scotland. * The regiment having sustained so moderate a loss In this battle, and having still nearly nine hundred men fit for oer- vice, was soon called out again, and detached, with a body of Dutch cavalry and grenadiers, on a particular service, un^ der the command of General Hawley. This was soon ac- complished, as the enemy, who had made demonstrations of descending in great force in the neighbourhood of Halle, retired without making any resistance, and sooner Chan was expected. On the return of this detachment to head- quar- ters it was said, that, " in the last day's march of thirty-* eight miles, in a deep sandy road, it was observed, that the Dutch grenadiers and cavalry were overpowered with the heat and fatigue, but that not one man of the Highlanders was left behind." The 43d regiment was one of eleven ordered for Eng* land in October 1745, in consequence of the Rebellion* They arrived in the River Thames on the 4th of November, and joined a division of the army assembled on the coast of Kent, to repel a threatened invasion ; while the other regi« ments which had arrived from Flanders were ordered to Scotland under the command of General Hawley. The Highlanders were exempted from this northern ser- vice. Without attempting to throw any doubt on their loy* alty, a duty that would have called men to oppose their brothers and nearest connections and friends in the field of battle, would have occasioned a struggle, between affection and duty, more severe than any in which they could have been employed against the most resolute enemy. How painful such a struggle must have been may be judged from f At diia period Uierc was not a soldier in the regiment born south of the Grampians. ENGLAND. gg^ Ihi. eircumstance,~that on a minute inquiry, in difrerent par soHhe country, I have good reasoi to believe tha brothers engaged in the Rebellion. and added to the regiment. The command of these was gn^en to the gentlemen who recruited the men,-.the LTd CamnMrT'/ ^" ''^''^ ^^"^^«y °f Ochtertyre, and Campbell of Inveraw. The subalterns were James Far* quharson, the younger of Invercauld, John Campbell, the younger of Glenlyon,* and Dugald, Campbell, and En^I J Tins gentleman's younger broU.er joined the rebels, and fought in all their battle^ lie was quue a youth, and was sent by hJs father to encourage h* mcn^be.„g atthesame Ume under the control and guidance o an aZen and descendant of the family, a man of judgment and mature yean.. • Old of 71^^^^^^^^^^^ "-"'^ ^^^"'^"""^'^ -"' '^ ^-^^ ^''e -bell of 1715, and still retained h.s attachments and principles so strongly, tl.at he never forgave h s eldest son for entering the army. When the young man 1^ h. father s death m the autumn of Uaat year, he was ordered withTpany o men, to garnson h.s own house, and to perform the usual duties of seiz'^'re. bels. of whom numbers w«e in concealment in the woods and caves in the Zl H "•\''™^^'--' -^» «'t-Uon. hidinadeerala^ and fnends. On one occasion, owing to some interruption, he had not seent" Cf hi r;''r' "^^ '"^'"^ '••^^i^-g-place rather too earlyin thTeven L of a d L ""' ''"«"? •*^''"' '^''° ^^" -^"^"^ -^ His brother out tl M "^^ r*""'"^ *° ^"^ *^ '^"™' '"-^'«» '''^ officers to ca J out tl soldiers immediately, while he would keep the rebel in sight He ^ after lum, and called out to his brother in Gaelic to run for his liff. and takeT he mounta-ns. When the party made their appearance, no rebel coJd b^ 1^ and the unfortunate outlaw was more careful in future. Ten years after JZ. o was appointed to Fraser's Highland regiment, along .iiuZZlt^^^T. ir^.5 zi? '" ''^''"""' ^"' "" '''' ^'^""^'^ *^ ^y «» ^« ^^ • He was the father of John Campbell, the soldier of the Highland Watch who along with Gregor Macgrego, was presented to King George II . pl^ot! «ards killed at Ticonderoga, being among the first of the resolute men who VOL. I. J' ;S ■;•? I ' 1,1 290 ADDITIONAL COMPANIES. Allan Grant, son of Glenmoriston, John Campbell, son of Glenfalloch, and Allan Campbell, 'son of Barcaldine. These companies were recruited in different parts of the High- lands; but owing to the influence of Sir Patrick Murray, through the Atholl family, and that of the other gentlemen of Perthshire, Invercauld, Gleplyon, and Glenfalloch, a greater portion of the new levy consisted of men from the districts of Athole, Breadalbane, and Braemar, than was to be found in the original composition of the regiment. The privates of these companies, though of the best character, did not occupy that rank in society for which so many in- dividuals of the independent companies had been distin- guished. The new companies did not join the regiment im- mediately, but were employed in Scotland during the Rebel- lion. One of them was at the battle of Prestonpans, where all the officers. Sir Patrick Murray, Lieutenant Farquhar- son, and Ensign Allan Campbell, and the whole of the men, were either killed or taken prisoners. It would appear that the Highland soldiers, in this en- gagement, had not the same good fortune, and probably did not manifest the same steady conduct as at Fontenoy, or in the different battles which they afterwards fought. In proof of this it may be mentioned, that the Honourable Captains Mackay and Stuart, brothers of Lord Reay and the Earl of Moray, Munro of Allan, and Macnab of Mac- nab, with all the subalterns and men, of four companies of Lord Loudon's Highlanders, shared the same fate wit', those of Lord John Murray's Highlanders; whereas, at Fontenoy, when the latter made more impetuous attacks, forced their way into the work. While the son thus distinguished himself among so many gallant men at Fontenoy, tlie father was equally conspicuous at CuUo- den, where he was desperately wounded in the sword-arm in a personal ren- counter with a cavalry officer. He seized his sword with his left hand, and making a cut at the officer's thigh, unhorsed him, Mr Campbell was an old man, and had been out in 1715. He was grandfather to Colonel Sir Archi- bald Campbell, Brigadier-general in the Portuguese service, whose father, Lieutenant Archibald Campbell, was in the 4-2d regiment, and wounded at Ti- conderoga, where his brother was killed. 1 PKESTONPANS, I745. ggl ■y be supposed TZTCn Ktl """J T """""■ The roval «rm» .„ »i. ooslmate and deterin med. atUch.'TuS'in .he? "° ™'''"''™ °' •"''•'^''"y -"'1 would be do n« he hUi ,""■""" " '""' '"''' "»'' '' possessed oflel „vK" '^ '"■*?'" '° '"="'™ "-em nenced the sll'tl" Cld' ^.'-L""? T" loyalty and fidehty ,„ the oath whichX had uL'""' wi^5^Cwr=:-rnt:rr-^ duct of the BIflrlr MUnt.u f J respect, the con- aon-s „.^ ^Lr:tnt;:ir:ir -te^i-^^ nlarpH in c;«,:i • "« congenial, and who were forTtthT, .""""""'"'="' ""^ variously accounted f='„t:::?iTreit:^-r-^^^^^^ oSdT^tsrrhts ^*--- F- *- .f?e:psranihr?-^,:^^^^^^^^^^ :^orx-e:Ltrritr-£:45 t2 1 ^ ii ' ^4 " H' 1 j^ ^ 292 DI.ACK WATCH AND v--f w i II ■r, ' Ktance of great importance nt that time, when (he system of clanship, confidence, end attachment, remained unhioken. The complete overthrow of wclKdisciphned and well-ap- pointed troops by a body of men, half armed, strangers to war and discipline, and who, tilt that day, had never met an enemy, may be ascribed to the rapidity and vigour with which the Highlanders made their attacks, driving the frout line of their adversaries on the second, and throwing both into such irretrievable confusion, that the second line was overpowered when mixed with the first, which attempted to retreat through its broken ranks:. The company of this regiment taken at Preston remained prisoners and inactive during the Rebellion, but the other two companies were employed in different parts of the Highlands, during the autumn and winter of 1745 and 1746, on those duties for which they were so strongly re- commended by the Lord President. * After the suppression of the Rebellion, they were em- ployed on a service which ought not to have be<>n executed at all, or assigned to other agents. This was to execute a barbarous order, to burn the houses, and lay waste the lands and property of the rebels, — a species of military execution, where the innocent suffer equally with the guil- ty. It may easily be imagined, that in a country where re- bellion had been so general, many cases would occur, in which the loyal ofRcer, under orders to devastate the estates of his neighbours and friends, would find his allegiance at * In the periodical publications of the day they are frequently mentioned. The Caledonian Mercury, of the 26th August 174>5, states, " that Lieutenant- Colonel Sir Patrick Halket of Fitferran had been detached at the head of three companies of the Honourable Colonel Lee's regiment, preceded by the com- panies of Highlanders under the Lairds of Mackintosli and Inveraw, in order to advance up to the Highlands, and to obtain a proper account cf i^iat was passing tliere : " And it is farther stated, that " in September the Laird of In- veraw, with his company of Highlanders, marched from Perthshire to Inver- lochy. " In this manner they were employed for the season, but none of them was ever actually engaged with the enemy except the company at Prestonpans. Loudon's iiicnLASDiins. 293 vflri«nce with h.s feelings, f Instances of this occurred in rerthshire. Lieutenant Campbell of Glenlyon was obliged to burn the houses, and take away the horses, cattle, and Bheep, on the.o,tates of his neighbours, the ^ urd of Strowan, and other gentlemen who had been engaged in the Rebel- Iioiu Seven gentlemen's houses were plundered and burnt to the grounL on that occasion, with many of the houses of the enant. who had never left their home* or joined the These com|»aii{es remained in Scotland (ill the year 1748, t One . . me^ datie. fe|l to the lot of Captain John Meniies, father of Lad, AiM.rcron.!,y, CasUe Men«e« w«. then the head.quarte« of the troop, in that diHtrict Information had been received, that seveial gentlertien who wer. concealed in the woods and fastnesses, after the suppression of the Rebellion were to assemble, on a certain night, in the house of Faskally, the proprietor of which, Mr Robertson, being one of the number « in hiding, " and all of them fnends and relations of Captain Menxies. He was ordered to march at ten o'clock at night, and cross the mountains by an unfrequented route. ITie secrecy of the march, and the darkness of the night, prevented the usual com- mumcation of the movements of the military to those to whom such informa- t.on was so necessary, and which, by the fldeUty and active zeal of U.e people «ld«m foiled. But. in tl.is ease, it was not till the military were marching up the avenue to the house, that those within knew of their approach. It was now daylight, and they had scarcely time to dash into a deep woody glen close to the house, and make their escape, when the troops were at the door. When the party returned, Captain Menzies sent a soldier \ forward to Comrie Castle on the banks of the Lyon, where his father resided. When the old man saw the soldier on the opposite side of the river, and knowing where he had been he t.^orly called out, « Has my son seized upon any of his unfortunate friends?" When he was told they had all escaped, he pulled off his bonnet, and, with up- lifted hands, exclaimed, " May God Almighty make me thankful for this mcr- cy 1 My unfortunate son (unfortunate in being employed on such a duty) has Bot been the means of bringing these honourable men to the scaffold. " Such were tliose tim^ when a father thought a son fortunate because he did not perform what would have been considered as an important piece of service One of the gentlemen (James Robertson, Esq.) who were in Faskally House that night is still alive, (1819,) being the only survivor of 1500 men of Lord George Murray's Athole Highlanders " out " on that occasion. I This soldier was Alexander Stewart, the follower of Rob I^oy, mentioned fp Appendix C. " . t "^^^ 294 JjLACK WATCH. i I- ,, T ! If. . occasionally sending reinforcements of volunteers and re- cruits to the regiment. * Government having determined to send an expedition to North America, a body of troops, consisting of Lord John Murray's Highland regiment, and several others, under tho command of General St Clair, embarked at Portsmouth for Cape Breton. They sailed on the ISth of June, but, being driven back by contrary winds, the troops were re- landed. On the 5th of August, the armament sailed a second time, under the command of Rear* Admiral Lestock. Again forced back by adverse winds, they made a third attempt on the 24th, and after reaching Portland, were once more driven back to Portsmouth. Their destination was now changed to a descent on the coast of France ; and, accord- ingly, the army was reinforced by 2000 of the Foot Guards, and a strong detachment of Artillery. The land forces amounted to nearly 8000 men. While the Highland regi- ment lay at Portsmouth, it was j(Mned by so large a detach- ment from the additional companies in Scotland, as to in- crease the battalion to 1100 men. On the 15th of September the expedition sailed from Portsmouth, and on the 1 9th anchored at Quimperly Bay. Jmraediate preparations were made for landinir, which was * In 1747, Lieutenant, afterwards General John Small, commanded » party stationed in Glenelg. In September he was ordered to apprehend Me:doneU of Barrisdale, an active partisan in the rebellion. In this man's case there was exhibited a striking instance of the influence of that personal respect and attach- ment which so often guided the conduct of the Highlanders. Without an acre of land, and with no authority to command obedience, he being only a tenant to the Laird of Glengarry, but descended from an ancient race, long respected' in the country, and possessed of affable manners, and a person remarkably graceful and portly, he could, at any time, command tlie services of 150 armed men, always ready to follow wherever he chose to lead them. Whether it was that he made an improper use of this influence, or from his activity in the re- bellion, he was made to suffer an imprisonment of nine years in Edinburgh Castle ; but he was at length released, and, after an imprisonment unexampled in duration in modern times, was appointed, in 1761, to a lieutenancy in Gene- ral Grteme's, or the Queen's Highlanders, and died at Barrisdale in 1787. His brother, who had been appointed to Fraser's Highlanders, was killed on the heights of Abraham in 1759. COAST OF FIUNCE. 295 cfFected by the Grenadiers and Highlanders without much opposition. They immediately commenced operations against . rj' r^""*" ^^^y "'^"''^^'^ °" '»^« '^*th, and on the even- ing of the following day one mortar battery, and two twelve gun batteries, were completed. On the 28ih, the French made several sallies, in one of which they assumed a garb menibbng that of the Highlanders, in expectation that, un- der tins deception, their advance would not be interrupted. 1 hey accordingly approached close to the batteries before the deception was discovered, when they were saluted with a vol- ley of grape shot, which drove them back with great precipi- tation, followed by those whose garb they had partly assum- ed. The firing, which had done considerable damage to the town, ceased in the evening, and secret preparations were made for a retreat, as the enemy were collecting in great force. This was accordingly carried into effect, and ^he troops re- embarked without interruption. The expedition sailed from Quiberon, and formed itself into divisions, some of which sailed for England and some for Ireland.. The Highlanders were destined for Cork where they arrived « on Saturday the 4th November. Lord John Murray's regiment of Highlanders marched in there with his Lordship, the colonel, at their head,, who, with the whole corps of officers and men, were dressed in the Highland dress." From that city they marched to Limerick, where they remained three months, and in Fe- bruary 1747 returned to Cork, where they embarked for the Downs, to join a large body of troops, assembled to reinforce the army in Flanders. The greater part of the troops that formed this reinforcement consisted of those who had been ordered from Flanders in consequence of the Rebellion. Lord Loudon's Highlanders, and a de- tachment from the additional companies of the Black Watch, joined this force, which sailed from Leith early in April 1747. • * It is suted in the Caledonian Mercury of March 1747, that « Lieutenant John CampbeU of Glenlyon, and Ensign John Grant of Gleiimoriston, with a m 296 IIIOIILAND REGIMENTS. The French having invaded Zealand and the adjoining part of Flanders, the first battalion of the Royals, Bragg's, and Lord John Murray's Highlanders, were ordered to Flushing, under the command of Major-Gcneral Fuller, and landing at Stopledyke on the 1st of May, were marched to the relief of Hulst, then closely besieged. The com- mandant of that place, General St Roque, ordered Bragg's and the Highlanders to halt within four miles, and sent the Royals to the Dutch camp of St Bergue, appointed to watch the movements of the enemy, but too weak to attack or dislodge them. They remained here till the evening of the 5th of May, when the French, having advanced almost under the pallisadoes, began the assault with great resolu- tion. The out-guards and picquets were quickly forced back into the garrison, when the Dutch regiment of Thiery, which " had behaved well in the former assault, * marched out to oppose the attack, but were so disconcerted by the vigorous resolution of the enemy, that they gave way. On this the Royals advanced, regained what little ground was lost, repulsed the French in every attack, and maintained the post with the greatest bravery, till relieved by the High- land regiment, on whose coming up the French retired." f The loss of the Royals on this occasion was upwards of 60 killed, and more than 100 wounded. The loss of the Highlanders was trifling, being only five privates killed and a few wounded. The enemy, however, resolutely continued the siege, and erecting several new batteries on the sand- berg, on the morning of the 9th they opened the whole with great vigour on the town, which surrendered at three o'clock in the afternoon. This event was followed by the capitulation of the troops in Hulst, when Lord John Mur- strong detachment from the additional companies of the Black VVatchi sailed ip the fleet for Flanders. When it was notilied to tlie men that only a part of them was to join the army, all claimed the preference to be permitted to em- bark, and it was necessary to draw lots, as none would remain behind." * The enemy made an attack on the 3d of May, when this regiment repulse^ them with great gallantry. + Hague Gazette. FLANDERS 1747. c '497 ray, who then commanded the British regiments, marched to Wellshorden, where they were joined by the Duke of Cumberland, who had left the main army to visit ail the lower parts of DutcFi Flanders, then blockaded and sur^ rounded by the enemy. The intention of his Royal High- ness was to superintend the defence of Hulst in person ; but his object was defeated by the surrender of the place sooner than was expected, not without suspicion of misconduct on the part of the commander, who had notice that reinforce- ments were ordered to his relief. The British regiments were ordered to South Beveland. The Duke staid till he saw the troops embarked, and, in this position, exposed him- self to considerable danger. Scarcely had he gone on board, when a great body of French came up, and « attacked 300 of the Highland regiment, who were the last to embark. They behaved with so much bravery, that they beat off three or four times their number, killing many, and making some prisoners, with only the loss of four or five of their own number. " • In the beginning of June, Marshal Saxe collected his army, and encamped between Mechlin and Louvain. The French King arriving at Brussels on the ISth of June, his army was put in motion, and marched towards Tirlemont, the Allies being as ready to accept as the French to offer battle. Prince Wolfenbuttle, with the reserve of the first line, was ordered through Westerioo to the Abbey of Ever- bode, and the second line to take post at Westerioo, to sus- tain the reserve. On the 17th, the whole Allied \rmy had reached their destination, and were formed in order of bat^ tie ; but the enemy declining an engagement on that day both armies manoeuvred till the 1st of July, making the ne- cessary arrangements for the battle, which took place next morning at Lafeldt. This battle was obstinately contested j but the Allied Army was forced to retreat, with the loss of 5620 HiMed and wounded, while that of the enemy exceed- ed 10,000 men. That the loss of the vanquished should be * Hague Gaeettc, . S98 HIGHLAND REGIMENT. M ,1 ■i', '' »- n'"^*' '1 ^ : !' *], less, by nearly one half, than that of a victorious army, must at first excite surprise. From nine in the morning till one in the afternoon, tJie Allies had the advantage. During that time, the village of Lafeldt had been thrice carried, and as often lost. The battle raged with the greatest violence round this spot. Thither the Duke of Cumberland order- ed the whole left wing to advance. The enemy gave way to the vigour of this attack, and victory seemed within the grasp of the Confederates, when Marshal Saxe brought up some fresh troops, (the Irish and Scotch brigades in the service of France,) who charged the centre, under Prince "Waldeck, with such impetuosity, that they were driven back in confusion. * Some squadrons of Dutch cavalry, see- ing what was passing in their front, turned to the right about, and instead of marching up to the support of the line, retreated at full gallop, overturning five battalions of infantry marching up from the reserve. So sudden were these movements, that it was with difficulty his Royal High- ness could reach the left wing ; and a complete rout would in all probability have ensued, had not General Lord Li- gonier, with three British regiments of cavalry, and some • In an account of this battle, printed at Liege in July 1747, it is said that the King of Frtlhce's brigade marched up under the command of Marshal Saxe, and carried the village of Lanhery after a repulse of forty battalions, who had attempted it successively. A letter from an officer in the army to his friend at York says, " That the brigade consisted of Scotch and Irish in the French ser- vice, who fought like devils ; that they neither gave nor took quarter ; that, observing the Duke of Cumberland to be extremely active in defence of this post, they were employed, on this attack, at their own request ; that they in a manner cut down all before them, with a full resolution, if possible, to reach his Royal Highness, which they certainly would have done, had not l^r John Ligonier come up with a party of horse, and thereby saved the Duke at the loss of his own liberty ; that it was generally believed the young Pretender was a volunteer in the acUon, which animated these rebellious troops to push so desperately ; and as what advantage the French had at Fontenoy was as well 83 now owing to the desperate behaviour of these brigades, it may be sud that the King of France |is indebted for much of his success to the natural-born subjects of the crown of Great Britain." • * Gentleman's Magazine, 1747. LAFELDT 1747. 299 squadrons of Austrians, charged the enemy with such vigour and success as to overthrow the part of their force opposed ^ h.m and thus caused such a diversion as enabled the Duke of Cumberland to effect his retreat to Maestricht. Lord L.g.omer became the victim of his own gallantry; for his horse being killed, he was taken prisoner. The Allies were not pursued in their retreat. The enemy seem sati - fied with a victory, of which at one time, they had no ex- pectation, and which was attributed to the second dispo- TZ t u r%^^ ""^''^ ""'^ «"« ^-^^ of their force could be brought forward, whUe the enemy could exert their whole strength. ^ " In the mean time, the Highlanders, with some British troops, remained in South Beveland, till Count Lohendhal was detached by Marshal Saxe, with a force of twenty^fi^^^^^ thousand men, to attack Bergen-op-zoom. When his designs were discovered, the troops left in Zea- land and Beveland, with the exception of Lord John Mur- ray s Highlanders, were collected and marched to the lines of Bergen-op-zoom, the strongest fortification in Dutch Bra- bant, and the favourite work of the celebrated Coehorn, which, having never been stormed, was generally esteemed impregnable. Lord Loudon's Highlanders w J employed in the defence of tnis place, and Lord John Murray's re- mained in Beveland ; but Lord John, Captain Fraser of Culduthel, Captain Campbell of Craignish, and several other officers of his regiment, were on duty at the siege In March 1748, the British army, under the Earl of Albemarle, consisting of the Royals, 8th and 20th, Scotch Fusileers, 31st, Lord John Murray's and Lord Loudon's Highlanders, joined the Allies near Ruremond. In the month of May, Maestricht, with an Austrian gar- rison, being attacked by the French, was carried after a short but warm sieg^. Preliminaries of peace were soon akerwards signed, and the army went into quarters. Though Fontenoy was the only battle of great import- ahce in which they were engaged, yet the Highlanders had I 300 HIGHLAND REGIMENT. during this war, many opportunities of displaying their dig- cipline, and capability of enduring fatigue and privations in the fic'd. In quarters, their conduct was exemplary, and procured them the esteem and respect of those among whom they were stationed. Whether in a hostile or friendly country, no insubordination was exhibited, nor any acts of violence or rapine committed. The inhabitants of Flanders and other places seemed equally satisfied with their con- duct. Of alli nis I could produce many instances, but the testimony of the Elector of Baden, which I have already quoted, to their conduct in the years 1743 and 174*, ren-^ ders it superfluous to add more. While the regiment was thus employed abroad, the three additional companies remained in Scotland, supplying it with recruits, and performing various duties in the High- lands. They were encamped at Port Augustus till Sep- tember 1747, when they marched into winter quarters. The companies under Captains Menzies and Macneil were ordered to Taybridge and the neighbouring parts of Perth- shire, and the Laird of Mackintosh to Tarland in Aber- deenshire. In March 1748, the three companies marched to Prestonpans, to embark for the purpose of joining the regiment in Flanders ; but in consequence of the signing of the preliminaries of peace, the orders were countermanded, and in the course of that year these companies were re- duced. The regiment remained in Flanders during the whole of the year 174'8, and returned to England in December, when it was proposed to send them to the Highlands, to be em- ployed on that duty for which they were originally raised as independent companies. This intention was, however, relinquished ; and, being put on the establishment of Ire- land, they were sent to that country. In the year 1749, the number of the regiment was chang- ed from the 43d to the 42d, in consequence of the reduction of General Oglethorpe's, then the 42d regiment. It is unnecessary to follow the regiment through all its .- J.. iff « IRELAND, 1749. 301 changes of quarters in Ireland, from the conclusion of the war tm the year 1756, during which period it was stationed in different parts of the country. There is one circum» stance, however, the more worthy of notice, as it was not followed by a result too frequent at that period, when ani- mosities jealousies, and disputes, between the military and the inhabitants among whom they were quartered, existed to a considerable degree. On the part of the Highlanders, the case was so different, that, though they were stationed in sniall detachments, and associated much with the people, the happiest cordiality subsisted between them. The ef- fects of this good understanding were permanently felt. Of this several characteristic anecdotes have been communicat- ed to me by old officers who had served in the regiment, and by others who visited Ireland u a subsequent period, and met with gratifying proofs of the favourable impression entertained in that country of the character of the 42d re- giment. Perhaps the similarity of language, and the gene- ral and prevailing belief of the same origin, might have had some influence over the Irish and Highlanders. Upon the return of the regiment from America in 1767, many appli- cations, founded on this favourable opinion, were made by towns and districts to get them stationed among them. There were few courts-martial ; and, for many years, no instance occurred of corporal punishment. If a soldier was brought to the halberts, he became degraded, and little more good was to be expected of him. After being pub- licly disgraced, he could no longer associate with his com- rades; and, in several instances, the privates of a company have, from their pay, subscribed to procure the discharge of an obnoxious individual. Great regularity was observed in the duties of public worship. In the regimental orders, hours are fixed for morning prayers by the chaplain ; and on Sundays, for Divine service, morning and evening. • The greatest re- • The*, orders state, *' Prayers to-morrow a* nine o'clock-Prayers in the 4.«r«ck, on Tuesday at eight o'clock. " It would appear that various caus« ' :^ 303 HIGHLAND HEGTMENT. ! % I 'it fl spect was observed towards the ministers of religion. When Dr Ferguson was chaplain of the corps, he held an equal, ir not, in some respects, a greater, influence over the minds of the men than the commanding officer. The succeeding chaplain, Mr Maclaggan, preserved the same authority; and, while the soldiers looked up with reverence to these excellent men, the most beneficial effects were produced on their minds and conduct by the religious and moral duties which their chaplain" '.-"•ilcp.tod. * While their re\\^\ \d moral duties were under Ihc guidance of Dr Fergt- ., they vere equally fortunate in having, as their military director, so excellent and judicious a man as the late Duke of Argyll, who commanded during the six years they were stationed in Ireland, viz. from 1749 to 1755. Under such auspices and instructions, and with the honourable principles which generally guid; d the sol- diers, the best result was to be anticipated ; and it was not without reason that their countrymen of the North consider- ed them as an honour to their districts, and held them up as an example to the rising generation. Although the original members of the regiment had now almost disappeared, their habits and character were well sustained by their successors, to whom they were left, as it were, in charge. This expectation has been fulfilled through a long course of years and events. The first sup- ply of recruits after the original formation was, in many instances, inferior to their predecessors in personal appear- ance, as well as in private ition and family connexions, but they lost nothing of that firm step, erect air, and free- - dom from awkward restraint, the consequence of a spirit of independence and self-respect, which distinguished their predecessors. B S £» 'f\V interrupted the daily prayers ; but by these orders it appears they were frei quent. * I have been told that many of the old soldiers were more anxious to con- ceal any little breach of moral conduct from the chaplain than from the com- manding officer. IRELAND, 1740 TO 1756. 303 Such were the character and behaviour of this corps dur- ing the eight yearg of peace which succeeded the German war of 1740 and 1748. They were soon to be more active- ly employed m a distant part of the world. 304 FMBARK FOR AMERICA, 17.^6. Is . ' ?j 'I ' ■J X m^ 11 ■ SECTION IIL OPERATIONS IN AMERICA. Embark for New Yorh, l75G—Louisburg, \751—Ticonderoga, 17 SS^Lomsburg, 17 5B— Fort Du Quesne^ l75B^PVes( In- dies, 1759 — Guadaloupe, 1749. In the year 1754, mutual encroachments on their respec- tive territories in the Western world led to hostilities be- tween the Englith and the French in that quarter. Seve- ral skirmishes were fought on the frontiers. The first of these, in point of importance, was an attack on a post com- manded by Major (afterwards the celebrated General) Washington, which the French claimed as within their ter- ritories. Washington, after a good defence, surrendered by capitulation. This affair, which gave the first proof of Washington's military talents, excited a considerable sen- sation in Eni^land ; but nothing further was done, than to direct our ambassador to make a representation on the sub- ject to the French Court. In this manner hostUities were continued for nearly two years, till at length, in May 1756, war was formally declared. A body of troops, the Highlanders forming a part, were embarked under the command of Licutenant-General James Abercromby, and landed at New York, in June 1756. These were soon followed by more troops, under the Earl of Loudon, who was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the army in North America. An active war was now expect- ed ; but much valuable time was wasted in holding councils of war, in making preparations, and in accustoming the troops to what were called the usages of war. The general was so occupied with schemes for improving the condition of his troops, that he seemed to have no time for employ- it n AMERICA. 305 mderogOf Vest In- ' respec- lities be- Seve- e first of ost com- Greneral) heir ter- Jered by proof of ible sen- than to the sub- lies were ay 1756, trt, were ral James le 1756. the Earl lef of the ir expect- ; councils ning the e general condition ' employ- "IR them .g»,„,i ihe enemy, ,„d allowed « whole sewon to p«. .way w,|ho«t undertaking a ringle enterpri«. In U.o me." t.me the MarquU de Montcahn, the eommander of ar Jr "'"^'."":'-'«^ ••". «i* gre" activity, an irrega- ar warfare, by .kirmUhe. and detm^hed ineur,ion,, e«<^. ce^^ *■"«"''■ O-toi". Oswego. Granville, &e. fell in .nc- cession. Oswego, under the command of Colonel Mercer. held on, fonwo days, when he was killed ; and the Zth rf their brave commander so dispirited die garrison that ihe» surrendered immediately. By the terms % oaplatioi, ^ was agreed that the troops should be protected from pi n- der, and conducted safely as prisoners to Montreal. These term, were most scandalously violated. The troops were hevtrfir'l '"^ '""'""' "'-»' "--ho" ! mL a^ '" °" the parade; and, ,„ erown all. Montcalm gave up twenty of the men to the Indians, to be «.enfi ed by them to the manes of their countrymen, who had fallen m battle. Montcalm attempted ,o exonerate him" self from the reproach of such inhuman conduct, by aliee- .ng that the British soldier, gave spirits to the IndiaL, a,fd h™„hV .'m""""°°';°"' "■*« '^"^ were committed: st^. s^oTar ""' "" ~" -- "> - Some time previous to this, several changes and promo- r?' TuFu'f '"x^'^' *'^ '^Siment. Lieutenant- Colonel Campbell (the late Duke of Argyll) was promoted to the com- jnand of the 54th regiment, and was succeeded by Major Grant J* Captam Duncan Campbell of Inveraw was advan- ced te the majority ; Thomas Gr^me of Duchray, James A- bercromby, son of General Abercromby of Glassa, then •When the men understood .hat there was to be a vacancy In the regiment by the promotion of Colonel Campbell, they „me forward .'th a sum of .nd* ncy, subscribed among themselves, to purchase the Lieutenant- Colonelcy for Major Grant; but the promotion going in the regiment without purchase. , ho money was not rc^juired. VOL. I. y 306 ADDITIONAL COMPANIES* ; 1^ t^a l:.i their Commandcr-in. Chief in Americn, and John Cftmi> bell of Strachur, were appointed captains; Lieutenant John Campbell, captain-lieutenant; Ensigns Kenneth Tol me, James Grant, John Orosme, brother of Duchray, Hugh M'Pherson, Alexander Turnbull of Stracathro, and Alex- ander Campbell, son of BarcaldJne, were appointed lieute- nants ; and from the half-pay list were taken, Lieutenants Alexander M'Intosh, James Gray, William Baillie, Hugh Arnot, William Sutherland, John Small, and Archibald Campbell ; the ensigns were, James Campbell, Archibald Lamont, Duncan Campbell, George M'Lagan, Patrick Balneaves, son of Edradour, Patrick Stewart, son of Bon- dcoid, Norman M'Leod, George Campbell, and Donald Campbell. Previous to the departure of the regiment from Ireland^ cificers with parties had been sent to Scotland to recruit* So successful were these, that in the month of June, seven hundred recruits were embarked at Greenock for America* When the Highland regiments landed on that continent, their garb and appearance attracted much notice. The In- dians, in particular, were delighted to see a European re- giment in a dress so similar to their own. * During the whole of 1758, the regiment remained inac- tive in Albany.. In the winter and spring of 17S7, they were drilled and disciplined for bush-fighting and sharp- shooting,— a species of warfare for which they were well fit- ted, being in general good marksmen, and expert in the management of their arms. Their ardour and impatience, however, often hurried them from their cover, when they ought to have remained concealed. In the beginning of summer, a plan was laid for an at- tack on Louisburg. In the month of June, Lord Loudon • A gentleman in New York wrote, that, " when the Highlanders landed, they were caressed by all ranks and orders of men, but more i)articiilarly by the Indians. On the march to Albany, tlic Indians flocked from all quarters to sec the strangers, who, tliey believed, were of the same extraction as them- selves, and therefore received them as brothers. " . i.ouisjjunc, 1757. 307 ombarkcd, with Major-Gencral Abcrcromby and the 22d., Hjth 600 Rangers; making i„ all 5300 men. Proceeding to Hahfax with this force, he was there reinforced by Major- Generals Hopson, Lord Charles Hay. Colonels Lord Howe and Forbes, w.th Frascr's and Montgomerie's Highlanders, ^d the 4«d, 46th, and 5Slh regiment,, lately arrived from England. The united force amounted to 10,500 men. The fleet and army were on the eve of departing from Halifax, when mformation was received that the Brest fleet. cons.stmg of 17 sail of the line, besides frigates, had arrivei n the harbour of Louisburg. This intelligence suspends! Uie preparations, and several councils of war were held. Opinions differed widely, and were maintained with consi. derable warmth. • However, it was at length resolved, that, as the place was so powerfully reinforced, and the season so far advanced, the enterprise should be deferred til' a morefavoui-able opportunity. Lord Loudon returned soon after to New York, taking with him the Highlanders and four other regiments. During his absence, the enemy had been most active. Montcalm, as soon as he heard of the expedition intended for Louisburg, collected all his dispos- able forces, including the Indians, and a large train of ar- tillery, amounting m all to more than 8000 men, and laid siege to Fort William Henry, garrisoned by 3000 men, un- der the command of Colonel Munro. General Webb, with 4000 men, was stationed at Fort Edward, at the distance of six miles. The siege was conducted with vigour, and in six days after its commencement, Colonel Munro surrendered, • At one of those councils, lord Charles Hay, son of the Marqnis of Tweed, dale, a gallant and enten,rising officer, so far lost his temper, a. to openly accuse the co™der-.n-chief of designedly wasting, by his deln, and inert move, ments. he great force placed by his country under his command; movement, Trms. ' "'"''''' ""' ""'''"« ^ *^ '^^'^ ''•^'^-^ °™ o^' Lord Charles was put under arre.t, and ordered home to be tried; but hi. dea h occas.oned. as wu, supposed, by anxiety of ,ni«d, prevented the in- tended court-martial. u 2 T SOS REM AUKS. ) '•'■ H^h ii ■ ) I on condition that his garriiion should not senrc for eighteen monUiB. Tho garrison were allowed to march out with their arms and two field- pieces. As soon as they were with- out tho gate, they were attacked by tho ludiansi who com* mitted all sorts of outrages and barbarities ; tho French, at they said, being unable to restrain them. Thus terminoted this campaign in America, undisttn- guishcd by tho acquisition of any object, or the perform- ance of a single action which might compensate the loss of territory ond tho sacrifico of lives. With an inferior force» the enemy bad been successful at every point, and, by the acquisition of Fort William Henry, had obtained complete command of tho Lakes George and Champlain. The de- struction of Odwego gove the dominion of those Lakes, which eonnect the St Lawrence with the Mississippi, and opened a direct communication from Canada ; while, by the posses- sion of Fort du Quesne, they obtained an ascendancy, which enabled them to preserve their ollianco with the Indians. The misfortunes attending our arms in America were, in a great measure, to be ascribed to the state of the govern- ment at home, distracted by contending factions, and en- feebled by frequent revolutions of counsels and parties. So rapid and so great were frequently the changes of men and measures, that officers knew not how their services would be appreciated, and thus lost one of the most powerful in- centives to action, in the apprehension, that the services performed agreeably to the instructions of one minister^ might be disapproved of by his successor. Few opportuni- ties of distinguishing themselves were thus ofFered to the troops, and, excepting the abortive expedition designed a- goinst Louisburg, the 42d regiment had no particular duty assigned them during this year. By the addition of three new companies and the junction of 700 recruits, the corps was now augmented to upwards of 1300 men, all Highlanders, for at that period none else were admitted into the regiment. To the three additional companies the following officers were appointed; James tAMPAlCN OP 1758. 309 Murray, son of Lord George Murray, James Stewart of Urrard, and Thoma. Stirling, son of Sir Henry Stirling A u'u?, U*° ^" captain.; Simon Blair, David Barklay! Archibad Campbell, Alexander Mackay, Alexander Meii- ticn, and David Millg, to be lieutenant. ; Duncan Stewart, George Rattray, and Alexander Farquharson, to be en- •ign. : and the Reverend Jamc. Stewart to be assistant chaplain. In the autumn of this year the command of the army •gain devolved on Lieutenant-General Abercromby, Lord Loudon having been recalled. The campaign of 1758 opened with brighter prospects. liy a change in the Cabinet of the mother country, new spirit was infused into her councils, and the stimulus of po- pular favour imparted energy and alacrity to the schemes of the new ministers. The command was transferred to new officers, in whom confidence was reposed, and who, relyina on the due appreciation of their conduct, undertook, with energy, every enterprise which was proposed to them. A great naval armament, and a military force of 52,000 men. of whom 22,200 were regulars, perfectly fitted for action, afforded the best hopes of a vigorous and sucecssfui cam- paign, and, in the present more favourable expectations, people we. e willing to forget the delays, disappointments, and disasters, to which they had, for the last three years, been accustomed. Admiral Boscawen was appointed to command the fleet, and Mnjor-General Amherst, and Brigadier- General. Wolfe, Townscnd, and Murray, were added to the military staff. Three expeditions were proposed for this year. The first was designed to renew the attempt upon Louisburgj the second was to be directed against Ticonderoga and Crown Point; and the third against Fort du Quesne, a po- sition from which the French, in conjunction with their In^ dian allies, had been in the habit of making incursions into the neighbouring slate. The expedition against Ticonderoga was undertaken by 310 CAMPAIGN OF 1758. n '1 m I 1 1 i is : General Abercromby, the Commander-in-Chief. The force allotted for the purpose amounted to 15,390 men, consisting of the 27th, 44th, 46th, 5Sth, Lord John Murray's High- landers, and the Ist and 4th battalions of the 60th ; in all 6337 of the line, with 9084 provincials, and a respectable train of artillery. Ticonderoga, situated on a point of land between Lake Champlain and Lake George, is surrounded on three sides with water, and on one half of the fourth by a morass. The remaining part was strongly fortified with high en- trenchments, supported and flanked by three batteries, and the whole front of that part which was accessible intersected by deep traverses, and blocked up with felled trees, with their branches turned outwards, and their points ifirst sharpened, and then hardened by fire ; forming alto- gether a most formidable defence. The troops were em- barked in boats on Lake George, and landing without op- position, were formed into two parallel columns. In this order they marched, on the 6th of July, to the enemy's ad- vanced post, which was abandoned without a shot. The inarch was continued in the same order, but the ground not having been previously examined, and the guides proving extremely ignorant, the columns came in contact, and were thrown into confusion. A detachment of the enemy, which had got bewildered in the wood, fell in with the right column, at the head of which was Lord Howe. A smart skirmish ensued, in which the enemy were driven back and scattered, with considerable loss. This petty advantage was dearly purchased by the death of Lord Howe, who was killed in the beginning of the skirmish, and who was deeply and uni- versally regretted, as a young nobleman of the most pro- mising talents. " He had distinguished himself in a pecu- liar manner by his courage, activity, and rigid observance of military discipline, and had acquired the esteem and af- fection of the soldiery by his generosity, sweetness of man- ners, and engaging address. " He was indeed the life and soul of the expedition, and his death threw a damp over all. General Abercromby, perceiving that the men were fa- TICONDEROGA, 1758. 3X1 tigued, ordered them to march back to the landing.place, which they reached about eight o'clock in the evening! Next morning he again advanced to the attack, his opera- tions being hastened by information obtained from the pri- soner., that General Levi, with SOOO men, was advancing to succour Ticonderoga. The garrison already consisted of 5000 men, of whom, according to the French account. 2800 were French troops of the line, stationed behind the traverses and felled trees in front of the fort. Alarmed at the report of this unexpected reinforcement, the General de- termined to strike a decisive blow before a junction could be effected. He, therefore, ordered the engineer to recon- no, tre the stateof the entrenchments; and report being made that these were still unfinished, and might be attempted with a prospect of success, the necessary dispositions for the attack were immediately formed. The picquets were to commence the assault, and to be followed by the grenadiers, supported by the battalions and reserve. The reserve wa composed of the Highlanders, and the 55th regiment, which had beon Lord Howe's. When the troops marched up to the entrenchments, they were surprised to find a regularly fortified breast-work, which, with its formidable chevaux-d^ fnze (defended by so strong a force in its rear), could not be approached without the greatest exertions, particularly as the artillery had not yet been brought up. Unexpected and disheartenmg as these obstructions were, the troops dis- played the greatest resolution, though exposed to a most de- ^structive fire, from an enemy well covered, and enabled to take deliberate ai-i, with littie danger to themselves. The Highlanders, impatient at being left in the rear, could not be restrained, and rushing forward from the reserve, were soon m the front, endeavouring to cut their way through the trees with their broadswords. These weapons were here particularly useful; indeed, without them, no man cou d have pierced through this species of defence. Much time jvas lost m this preliminary operation, and many men had fallen from the fire of the strong body who manned tSe :4 ■! i 312 TICONDEROGA, 1758. m: trenches in rear of the trees, and who retreated within the fort when the assailants penetrated the exterior defences. This destructive fire from the fort was continued with great effect. No ladders had been provided for scaling the breast-work. The soldiers were obtiged to climb up on each other's shoulders, and, by fixing their feet in the holes which they had made with their swords and bayonets in the face of the work, while the defenders were so well prepared that the instant a man reached the top, he was thrown.down. At length, afler great exertions. Captain John Campbell, * with a few men, forced their way over the breast-work, but were instantly dispatched with the bayonet. After perse- vering for four hours under such disadvantageous and dis- heartening circumstances, the General, despairing of suc- cess, gave orders for a retreat ; but the. soldiers had be- come so exasperated by the unexpected check which they had received, and the loss of so many of their comrades, that they could with difficulty be recalled. The Highland- ers in particular were so obstinate, that it was not till after the third order from the General that the commanding offi- cer, Colonel Grant, was able to prevail upon them to re- treat, leaving on the field more than one-half of the men, and two-thirds of the officers, either killed or desperately wounded. This impetuosity of Highland soldiers, and the difficulty of controlling them, in the most important part of a soldier's duty, has been frequently noticed and reprobated. To forget necessary discretion, and break loose from command, is certainly an unmilitary characteristic ; but, as it proceeds from a very honourable principle, it deserves serious con- sideration, how far any attempt to allay this ardour may be prudent, or advantageous to the service. An officer of judgment and feeling, acquainted with the character of his soldiers, and disposed to allow this chiyalrous spirit full • This officer has been already mentioned as one of the two soldiers present- ed to George II. in the year 1743. TICOKDEROGA, 1758. ^13 play, will never be at a loss for a sufficient check. It is easier to restrain than to animate. It has also been observ- ct^ that the modern Highland corps display less of that chi- valrous spirit which marked the earlier corps from the mountains. If there be any good ground for this observa- Uon, It may probably be attributed to this, that these corps do not consist wholly of native Highlanders. If strancere are introduced among them, even admitting them to be the .b^t of soldiers, still they are not Highlanders. The charm 18 broken,— the conduct of such a corps must be divided, and cannot be called purely national. The motive which made the Highlanders, when united, fight for the honour ot their name, their clan, and district, is by this mixture lost. Officers, also, who are strangers to their language, habits, and peculiar modes of thinking, cannot be ex- pected to understand their character, their feelings, and their prejudices, which, under judicious management, havq so frequently stir.ulated to honourable conduct, although they have someames served to excite the ridicule of those who knew not the dispositions and cast of character on which they were founded. But if Highland soldiers are judiciously commanded in quarters, treated with kindness and confidence by their ofiicers, and led into action with spirit. It cannot on any good grounds be alleged that there IS any deficiency of that firmness and courage which former- ly distinguished them, although it may be readily allowed that much of the romance of the character is lowered. The change of mannert in their native country will sufficiently account for this. * But, even if their former sentiments • TI.C recent statisUcal changes in the Highlands have set to flight poetry chivalry, and all remembrance of warlike achievements. These have now Riven *ay to stories of squabbles with ewise officers, the feats of smugglers, or the adroitness of speculators and bankrupU. seasoned by the cant of pretended in- sp.rat.ons of the gospel j by political and religious tracts, of which they do not comprehend the scope or object; by complaints of the harshness of landlords, and discussions on the legality of distraining for rent, or rouj.in^ out. These are the subjects which modern civilization and improvement have provided for •■'*^i|*SW.I <^-; ii . 'I' ; 'ill 314 TICONBEROGA, 1758." f ^',(1 1 'iK. *1 1 1 and ancient habits had still been cherished in their native glens, the young soldier could not easily retain them, if mixed with other soldiers, strangers to his language, his country, po/etry, traditions of battles and of acts of prowess. These companions would be more disposed to jeer and de* ride, than to listen to what they did not understand. In the earlier part of the service of the 4'2d regiment, and when the ancient habits of the people remained un- changed, the soldiers retained much of these habits in their pamps and quarters. They had their bards for reciting an- cient poems and tales, and composing laments, elegies, and panegyrics on departed friends. These, as they were ge- nerally appropriate, so they were highly useful, when none /ere present to hear them but those who understood them, and whom they could warm and inspire. Another cause has contributed to change the character of the Highland soldier. This is the resarved, haughty, and distant etiquette of modern manners and military discipline. When many of the officers were natives of the mounte^'us, they spoke in their own language to the men, who, in their turn, addres- sed the officers with that easy but respectful familiarity and confidence which subsisted between the Highland people and their superiors. Another privilege of a Highlander of the old school, was that of remonstrating and counselling lyhere the case seemed to him to require it. * It frequently » the present generation of Highland soldiers, and in jvhich they are to form their education, their habits, and a military, chivalrou§ spirit • In my time, much of that which I have here described had disappeared. The men had acquired new habits from their being in camps and barrack:^. However, many old soldiers still retained their original manners, exhibiting mpch freedom apd ease in their cominunications with the officers. I joined the regiment in 1789, a yery young soldier. Colonel Graham, the command- ing officer, gave me a steady old soldier, named William Eraser, as my ser- Tant,— perhaps as my adviser apd director. I know not that he had received any instructions on that point, but Colonel Graham himself could not liave been more frequent and attentive in his remonstrances, and cautious with re- gard to my conduct and duty, than my old soldier was, when he thought he luid cause to disapprove. These admonitions he always gave me in Gaelic, TICONDEROGA, 1758. 315 happened, also, that they would become sureties, on their own responsibility, for the good conduct of ono another j and, as responsibility implies regular.'ty of conduct and re- spectability of character, these suretyships had the most be- neficial influence on the men. But things are now manag- ed differently. The Highland soldier is brave, and will always prove so, if properly commanded ; but the chivalry of the character has almost disappeared, and officers may now entertain less dread that their men will disobey orders, and persevere in a disastrous and hopeless conflict. But their character must be acted upon by some powerful cause indeed, unless they continue to be, what they have always been, and what they proved themselves to be at Ticondero- ga, — first in the attack, and last in the retreat, which, after allj was made deliberately, and in good order. The enemy appeared to be so well satisfied with the de- fence which they had made, that they kept within their lines, without attempting either to pursue or to annoy the wound- ed, who were all carried away. These amounted to 65 offi- cers, 1178 non-commissioned officers and soldiers: 23 offi- cers, and 567 rank and file, were killed. Of these the 42d regiment had 8 officers, 9 Serjeants, and 297 men, killed ; and 17 officers, 10 Serjeants, and 306 soldiers, wounded. The officers were. Major Duncan Campbell of Inveraw, Captain John Campbell, Lieutenants George Farquharson,* calling ipe by my Christian name, with an allusion to the colour of my hair which was fair, or bane, never prefixing Mr or Ensign, except when he spoke in English. However contrary to the common rules, and however it might surprise those unaccustomed to the manners of tlie people, to hear a soldier or a servant calling his master simply by his name, my honest old monitor was one of the most respectful, as he was one of the most faithful, of servants. • One of the lieutenants killed that day was remarked for great firmness of character and good sense. Yet he could not shake off a presentiment that seized him the morning of the action that he would be killed. He gave somp directions about his family aflairs to Captain Stewart of Urrard and Lieu- tenant Farquharson. Captain Stewart endeavoured to remove this impres- sion j but when he found that his arguments liad no effect, he recommend^ M^D). 316 FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT. t I «v )] l! : i -i,.! :^' f 1; i u '■ Hugh M^Phcnon, William Baillie, and JohnSutlierland; Ensigns Patrick Stewart, brother of Bonskied, and George Rattray— killed : Captains Gordon Graham, Thomas Gra- ham of Duchray, John Campbell of Strachur, James Stewart of Urrard, James Murray, (afterwards General;) Lieutenants James Grant, Robert Gray, John Campbell, William Grant, John Graham, brother of Duchray, Alexander Campbell, Alexander Mackintosh, Archibald Campbell, David Miller, Patrick Balneaves ; and Ensigns John Smith and Peter Grant— wounded. Severe us their loss was on this Ojccasion, the regiment had the greatest gratification that soldiers could receive in such cases—the approbation of their country. No enco- miums could be stronger than those bestowed on their con- duct in that afi^lr. The periodical publications of the time ore full of anecdotes and panegyrics of the corps. I select, from a great number, the two following letters. The first' is from on officer of the 55th, or Lord Howe's regiment : *( With a mixture of esteem, grief, and envy, I conside*' 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, break- ing from their chains. Their intrepidity was rather ani- mated than damped by seeing their comrades full on every side. I have only ic s!»y of them, that they seemed more anxious to revenge the cause of their deceased friends, than careful to avoid the same fate. By their assistance, we expect soon to give a good account of the enemy and of ourselves. There is much harmony and friendship between us." * The next is an extract of a letter from an ofHcer to him to exchange liis turn of duty ; to wliicli he answered, " I know you are my friend, otherwise I would consider your proposal an insult." He marched at the head of the grenadier company, and wos shot through tlic breast by tlie first discharge. • St Jaftics'-s Chi'OUJWc. iS i. ■nmanSlMHHAM TICONDEHOCA, 1758. 317 (Lieutenant William Grant) of the old Highland regiment,* not so enthusiastic as that of the English officer, but con- taming apparently a candid detail of circumstances: " The attack began a little past one in the afternoon, and, about two, the fire became general on both sides, which was ex- T:1^^.Y^''^\?^ ''^**^°"^ any intermission, insomucb, that the oldest soldier present never saw so furious and in- cessant a fire. The affair at Fontenoy was nothing to it: I saw both. We laboured under insurmountable difficul- ties. The enemy's breastwork was about nine or ten feet high, upon the top of which they had plenty of wall-piecea fixed, and which was well lined in the inside with small arms But the difficult access to their lines was what gave them a fatal advantage over us. They took care to cut down mon- strous largo oak trees, which covered all the ground from the foot of their breastwork about the distance )f a cannon, shot every way in their front. This not only broke our ranks, and made it impossible for us to keep our order, but put It entirely out of our power to advance till we cut our way through. I have seen men behave with courage and resolution before now, but ^o much determined bravery can be hardly .quailed in any part of the history of ancient Rome. Even those that were mortally wounded cried aloud to their companions, not to mind or lose a thought upon them, but to follow their officers, and to mind the honour of their country. Nay, their ardour was such, that it was difficult to bring them cff. They paid dearly for their in- trepidity. The remains of the regiment had ihe honour to cover the retreat of the army, and brought off the wounded as we did at Fontenoy. When shall we have so fine a re- giment again? I hope we shall be allowed to recruit." This hope was soon realized ; for at this time letters of service were issued for adding a second battalion, and an order to make the regiment Royal, « as a testimony of his t By this name the original Highland corps was now called, in contradis- tinction to those raised in the Seven Years' War. 318 FORTY-SECOND MADE ROYAL 17^8. Majesty's satisfaction and approbation of the extraordinai'y courage, loyally, and exemplary conduct of the Highland regiment. " This mark of approbation was the more gra- tifying, as it was conferred before the conduct of the corpa at Ticonderoga was knovn in England j for, if their pre- vious conduct was considered v/orthy of approval, their gallantry at Ticonderoga would have given an additional claim. The vacancies occasioned in the 42d by the deaths at Ticonderoga were filled up in regular succession. The se- cond battalion was to be formed of the three additional com- panies raised the preceding year, and of reven companies to be immediately recruited. These were completed in three months, and embodied at Perth in October 1758, each company being 120 men strong, all Highlanders, with a few exceptions,* and hardy and temperate in their habits. The seven companies formed a battalion of SiO men, the other three companies having previously embarked for Ame- rica to reinforce the first battalion. The officers appointed to the seven additional companies were, Francis M*Lean, Alexander Sinclair, John Stewart of Stenton, William Murray, son of Lintrose, Archibald Camp- bell, Alexander Reid, and Robert Arbuthnot, to be cap- tains ; Alexander M'Lean, George Grant, George Sinclair, Gordon Clunes, Adam Stewart, John Robertson, son of Lude, John Grant, James Fraser, George Leslie, John Campbell, Alexander Stewart, Duncan Richardson, and Robert Robertson, to be lieutenants ; and Patrick Sinclair, John M'Intosh, James M*DufF, Thomas Fletcher, Alexan- der Donaldson, William M'Lean, and Willam Brown, to be ensigns. • Eighteen Irishmen were enlisted at Glasgow by two officers anxious to obtain commissioiis. Lord John Murray's orders were peremptory, that none but Higlilanders should be taken. It happened in this case that several of the men were O'Donnds, O'Lachlans, O'Briens, &c. The O was cliangcd to Mac ; and they passed muster as true Macdonncls, Matlachlans, and Mac- briars, without being questioned. SECOND BATTALION IJSQ. 319 So much was the General disconcerted by his disaster at Ticonderoga, that he immediately embarked his army, and sailed across Lake George to his former camp. Yet, un- f!lT'^"« ?'.?"u' *^ '^'' ^^'^'^^^^^ '^' "«'i«n was highly satisfied with the conduct of the army ; and the re- gret occasioned by the loss of so many valuable lives was al- ienated by the hope, that an enterprise, so gallantly though unsuccessfully conducted, offered a fair presage -f future success and glory* The old Highland regiment having suffered so severely, and the second battalion being ordered on another service, (to the West Indies), they were not employed again this yean But as it is part of my plan to give a detailed narra- tive of the military service of all corps raised in the High- lands ; with a view to preserve an uniformity in combined operations, I shall now trace the movements of an expedi- tion against Louisburg, in which Fraser^s Highlanders* were employed, and then follow those of the expedition against Fort du Quesne, under Brigadier. General Forbes, with Montgomery's Highlanders, f For the first of these enterprises a formidable armament "^P A /'•"', ^^^''"'^ "'^ '^^ ^^'^ ^^y* "»<^«r the command of Admiral Boscawen and Major. General Amherst, and ^igadier-Generals Wolfe, Lawrence, Monckton, and Whitmore. This armament, consisting of twenty-five sail 01 the line, eighteen frigates, and a number of bomb and fire-ships, with the Royals, isth, 1 7th, 22d, 28th, 35th. 40th, 45th, 47th, S8th, the 2d and 3d battalions of the 60th, 78th Highlanders, and New England Bangers~in all, 1S,094 men, anchored on the 2d of June in Garbarus Bay, seven miles from Louisburg. This garrison was de- fended by the Chevalier Ducour, with 2500 regulars, 600 militia, and 400 Canadians and Indians. Six ships of the line and five frigates protected the harbour, at the mouth of * See article Frascr's Highlanders, 2d vol. t See article Montgomery's Highlanders, ^d vol ! 1 (' f 320 FHASER's HIGHLANDERS. f 'Urn lit & •t 1 . a 1- • A nil hi / 1 L'^ ' Iw Y 5 ,i f which three of the frigates were sunk. Tlie fleet was six days on the coast before a landing could be attempted ; a heavy surf continually rolling with such violence, that no boat could approach the shore. On the accessible parts of the coast, a chain of posts had been established, extending more than seven miles along the beach, with entrenchmente and batteries. On the 8th of June, when the violence of, the surf had somewhat abatetl, a landing was effected. The troops were disposed for landing in three divisions. That on the left, which was destined for the real attack, was commanded by Brigadier- General Wolfe. It was com- posed of the grenadiers and light infantry of the army, and Fraser'b Highlanders. The landing place was occupied by 2000 men, entrenched behind a battery of eight pieces of cannon and ten swivels. Reserving their fire till the boats were near the beach, the enemy opened a discharge of can- non and musquetry. The surf aided their fire. Many of the boats were upset or dashed to pieces on the rocks, and numbers of the men were killed or drowned before ihcy could reach the land. At this time Captain Baillie and Lieu- tenant Cuthbert of the Highlanders, Lieutenant Nicholson of Amherst's, and thirty-eight men, were killed. *« But no- thing could stop our troops when headed by such a general (Wolfe). Some of the light infantry and Highlanders got first ashore, and drove all before them. The rest follow- ed ; and, being encouraged by the example of their heroic commander, soon pursued the enemy to the distance of two miles, when they were checked by a canonnading from the town. ** For a few days offensive operations proceeded very slow- ly. The continued violence of the weather retarded the landing of the stores and provisions, and the nature of the ground, in some places very rocky, and in others a morass, presented many serious obstacles. These difficulties, how- ever, yielded to the perseverance and exertions of the troops. The first operation was to secure a point called the Light House Battery, from which the guns could play on the iiit 1'^ L0UI8BTJRG, 1758. 321, ■hips and on the batteries on the opposite «ide of the haru hour. On the 12th, General Wolfe performed this service with his usual vigour and activity; and « with his Hiffh, landers and flankers," took possession of this and all tho other posts in that quarter, with very trifling loss. On thq 25th, the fire from this post silenced the island hattery im- mediately opposite. An incessant fire was, however, kept up from the other batteries and shipping of the enemy. On the 9th of July, the enemy made a sortie on Brigadier-Ge- neral Lawrence's brigade, but were quickly repulsed. In th.8 skirmish fell Captain the Earl of Dundonald. On the 16th, Bngadier-General Wolfe pushed forward some gre- nadiers and Highlanders, and took possession of the hills in front of the battery, where a lodgement was made, under a fire from the town and the ships. On the 2l8t, one of the enemy's line-of-battle ships caught fire and blew up, com. municating the fire to two others, which burned to the wa- ter s edge. This loss nearly decided the fate of the town. 1 he enemy's fire was almost totally silenced, and their for- tifications were shattered to the ground. To effect the pos- session of the harbour, one decisive blow remained yet to be struck. For this purpose, the admiral sent a detachment of 600 seamen in boats, to take or burn the two ships of the hne which remained, determining, if the attempt should succeed, to send in some of the large ships to batter the town on the side of the harbour. This enterprise was gaU lantly executed by the Captains Laforey and Balfour, who towed off one of the ships, and set the other on fire in the place where she grounded. The town surrendered on the 26th July, and on the 27th Colonel Lord Rollo marched in and took possession : the garrison and seamen, amount, mg to 5637 men, were made prisoners of war. Thus, with the expense of 12 officers, 3 sergeants, and 150 soldiers kil- led, and 25 officers, 4 sergeants, and 325 soldier^ wounded, the British obtained possession of Cape Breton and the strong town of Louisburg, and destroyed a powerful fleet. Except the Earl of Dundonald, no officer of rank was kil- VOL. I. V S22 Montgomery's iiiohLakders. i!^ n Ksd. The HIghlnntler* lo«t Cnptnln Baillie, nnd LiM- lennnts Ciitliberl, Finser, and Murray, killed ; Captain Do- nald M'Donnld, Lieutenants Alexander Campbell (Barcal- dinc) and John M'Donald, wounded ; and 67 rank and file killed and wounded. The news of this conquest diffused a general joy ovef Britain. Eleven pair of colours were, by his Majesty's or- ders, carried ir* fall procession, escorted by the horse and foot guards, from Kensington Pa)ace to St Paul's, and there deposited under a discharge of cannon ; and addresses of congratulation were sent to the King by a number of towns and corporations. The third great enterprise of the year 1758 was that un- dertaken by Brigadier-General Forbes against Fort du Quesne. The prodigious extent of country which he had to traverse, through woods without roads, and over moun- tains and morasses almost impassable, rendered this expedi- tion no less difficult than the other two, although the point of attack was less formidabie, and the number of the enemy inferior. His army consisted of Montgomery's Highlanders, las* strong, 55* of the Royal Americans, and 4400 Provin- cials ; in all, 6238 men* In July the Brigadier marched from Philadelphia ; and, after surmounting many difficulties, in the month of Sep- tember he reached Raystown, ninety miles distant f»om Du Quesne. Thence he sent forward Colonel Bouquet, with 2000 men, to Loyal Henning, fifty miles in advance, whence this officer despatched Major James Grant* of Montgo- inery*8, with 400 Highlanders and 500 Provincials, to re- connoitre Fort du Quesne, distant about forty miles. If Colonel Bbuquet endangered this detachment bj sending forward a small force so far beyond the possibility of sup- port from he main body, the conduct of Major Grant did not lessen the risk. When near the garrison, he advanced with pipes laying and drums beating, as if he had been Afterwards General Grant of Ballmdailoch. PORT DU QUESNE, 1758. 323 go'ng to enter a friendly town. The enemy did not wait to be attacked. Alarmed at this noisy advance, they march- ed out to meet the assailants, when a desperate conflict en- . sued. Mnjor Grant ordered his men to throw off their coats, and advance sword in hand. The enemy fled on the first charge, and rushed into the woods, where they spread themselves; but, being afterwards joined by a body of In- dians, they rallied, and surrounded the detachment on all Bides. Being themselves concealed by a thick foliage, their heavy and destructive fire could not be returned with any effect. Major Grant was taken in an attempt to force into the wood, where he observed the thickest of the fire. On losing their commander, and seeing so many officers kill- cd and wounded, the troops dispersed. About 150 of the Highlanders got back to Loyal Henning. Major Grant was taken prisoner, and 231 soldiers of his regiment were killed and wounded. Captains Monro and M'Donald, and Lieutenants Alexander M'Kenzie, Colin Campbell, William M'Kenzie, Alexander M'Donald, and Roderick M'Kenzle, were killed; and Captain Hugh M*Ken- zie, Lieutenants Alexander M*Donald junior, Archibald Robertson, Henry Monro, and Ensigns John M'Donald and Alexander Grant, wounded. This check, however, did not dispirit General Forbes, who pushed forward with ex- pedition. The enemy, intimidated by his approach, retired from Fort du Quesne, leaving ammunition, stores, and pro- visions untouched. * The Fort was taken possession of on the 24th of November, and its name changed to Pittsburg. An alliance was formed with the Indians, who, now begin- ning to think that the English were the stronger party, re- nounced their connection with the French, and became as active in aiding the English as they had formerly been in opposing them. • Mijor Grant's attack, though unfortunate, must have been made with great effect, as it so much dispirited the enemy as to induce them to' retire without an attempt to defend the garrison. Their loss U said to have been se- vere, but the number has not been stated. X2 ill" 324 ROYAL HIGHLANDERS. • ) f Ml < The General returned soon afterwards to Philadelphia, where he died, universally lamented and respected as onie of the most accomplished and ablest officers then in Amer rica. f Notwithstanding the disaster at Ticoiideroga, and the de;- feat of Major Grant's detachment, the superiority of the campaign was evidently on the side of Britain. The mili- tary character of the nation, which had suffered so mucjii from the events of the preceding campaign, was restored.; . and our possession of Louisburg, St John's, Frontiniac, and Du Quesne, deprived the enemy of their principal defence^, ,and laying their colonies open, accelerated the success of .the vigorous measures which were pursued in the following (Campaign. , Before detailing the ^^ervices of the 1st battalion of the i^Sd regiment during' this year, which, indeed, were more fa- tiguing than brilliant, I return to the 2d battalion, or rathqr the seven new companies rais^ed and added to the regiment. In August 1758, the officers received their recruiting in- structions, and in the month of October following, 840 men were embodied at Perth, 200 of whom were immediately marched to Greenock, where they embarked for the West Indies, under the convoy of the Ludlow Castle, and joined an armament lying in Carlisle Bay, ready for an attack on Martinique and Guadaloupe. Being delayed for want of , transports, the other division of the battalion did not join r ~ ' • f General Forbes was the son of Colonel Forbes of Pitiencrief, in the couH- ■ly of life. He served in the Scotch Greys as cornet, and rose in rank till he •commanded the regiment. He was subsequently appointed colonel of the 71st foot. In the German war he was on the staff of Field.Marshal Lord Stair, General Ligonier, and General Sir James Campbell of Lawers. Lat- terly he was Quartermaster- General to the army in Flanders, under the com- mand ot the Duke of Cumberland, when he was ordered to America ; <' where, by a steady pursuit of well-concerted measures, he, in defiance of disease and numberless obstructions, brought to a happy issue a remarkable expedition, and made his own life a willing sacrifice to what he va^a«d more— the intertst of his King and country."— 'Westminster Journal 1 ^lARTlNIQUE, 1759. 325 the armament till after it had left Barbadoes, and was about to disembark at Martinique. The troops employed In this expedition were, the Old Buffs, King's, 6th, 63d, 6*th, se- ven conipanies of the Royal Highlanders, 800 Marines, and a detachment of Artillery, amounting in all to 5560 men, Buder the command of Major- Generals Hopson and Bar- rington, and of Brigadier- Generals Haldane, Armiger.Tra- paud, and Clavering. . o * ■^ On the 1 Sth January 1 759, they sailed from Barbadoes, un- der convoy of the fleet commanded by Commodore Moore, and appeared off Martinique on the morning of the 15th. On the 16th three line-of- battle ships were ordered to an- chor opposite to Fort Negro, the guns of which they soon silenced j and in the afternoon a detachment of seamen and marines were landed withont opposition, and kept their ground during the night, without being disturbed by the enemy. Next morning the whole were landed at Cas de Na- vire, as if going to exercise, no enemy bting then in sight. At 10 o'clock, the Grenadiers, the 4th or King's regiment, and the Highlanders, moved forward, and soon fell in with parties of the enemy, with whom they kept up an irregular fire, the former retreating as the latter advanced, till a par- ty of the Grenadiers and Highlanders got within a little dis- tance of MorncTortueson, an eminence behind Fort Royal, and the most important post in the island. Whilst they were waiting in this position till the rest of the army came up, the advanced parties continued skirmishing with the enemy, during which it was said of the Highlanders, «< that^ although debarred the use of arms in their own country, they showed themselves good marksmen, and had not for- got how to handle their arras." In the mean time. General Hopson finding, from the ruggedness of the ground, inter- sected by deep ravines and rocks, that he could not get up his guns without great labour, determined to relinquish the attempt, and gave orders to re-embark without day. The loss in this abortive expedition was. Captain Dalmahoy, of the.Grenadim of the 4th foot, killed ; Captain Campbell, 'ii ':*p; : I m : 1,1 fli. ^ n il' tfl I 326 ROYAL HIGHLANDERS. of the same regiment, and Lieutenant Leslie, of the Royal Highlanders, wounded, and 60 privates killed and wound* cd. After the whole army had embarked, a council of war ivas held, when it was proposed to attack St Pierre, which being an open town, defended by only a few small batteries on a point of land in the neighbourhood, could not be exf pected to make any serious resistance. To this plan it was objected, that the ships might be disabled, and the troops so much diminished by losses, as not to be able to proceed ^ any farther service. This opinion prevailed, and Gua* daloupe being of equal importance, it was resolved to pro- ceed to the conquest of that island. There might be very good grounds for this preference, although it does not ap* pear how any service of this nature can be accomplished, without running a risk of disabling and diminishing the arms employed. In a political point of view, Martinique was of more importance than Guidaloupe, as, from its spacious and safe harbour, it was the usual rendezvous of the French fleets, although, as a sugar plantation, it is infe- rior. Accordingly, on the 29th of January, the line-of-battle ships ranged themselves in a line with the town of Basseterre in Guadaloupe, and at 9 in the morning commenced a fu- rious attack on the town and batteries, which was returned and kept up on both sides, with great spirit, for many hours. About 5 o'clock in the evening, the fir^ of the citadel slack- ened, and at 10 many parts of the town were in a blaze. The Rippon of 74 guns having run aground, and being ob- served by the enemy while in that state, they brought all their guns to bear upon her, the other ships being unable to afford her assistance. Captain Leslie of the Bristol coming in from sea, and seeing her in this perilous situa-* tion, gallantly dashed in between her and the batteries, and poured in his broadsides with such effect, as to silence their fire, and enable the Rippon to get off with the tide. It was observed as a remarkable circumstance in this engagement, ^lat, filthough the B^rford had all her cables shot away, her iiCJADALOUPE, 17.59, 327 rigging cut and destroyed, and several guns upset, and was at last driven out to sea almost a wreck, there Was not* man killed on board. Next morning (January the 24th) the troops landed without opposition, and after taking possession of the town and citadel, encamped in the neighbourhood. For a few- days nothmg took place except the establishment of some small posts on the hills nearest the town. On one of these. Major (afterwards General) Melville took up a position op, posue to some entrenchments, thrown up by Madame Du, charmey. This heroine, instead of taking ehelter in the in- accessible parts of the woods, as the governor and many of the pnncipal inhabitants had done, armed her negroes, and kept our outposts in constant alarm ; and, notwithstanding Major Melville's characteristic vigilance and activity, she so frequently annoyed him, that it was at last determined to attack her entrenchments in due form. These were defend, ed With a spirit that did great honour to this Amazon and her garrison, several ladies of which were taken prisoners. The commandress, however, made her escape, ten of her garrison having been killed and many wounded. Of tho assailants twelve were slain and thirty wounded ; among the latter were «« Lieutenants Farrel of Armiger's or the 40th, and McLean of the Highlcnders, both of whom distinguish, ed themselves on this occasion. Mr M'Lean lost an arm."* Jn this manner each party continued skirmishing and ha« rassmg the other ;— certainly the best manner of defence that could have been adopted by an inferior force in a de, structive climate, and a difficult country. On the 13th of February, a detachment of Highlanders • It would appear that this very noisy and unpolite intrusion on a lady*$ quarters did not injure Heutenant M'^ean in the esteem of the ladies of Gua, daloupe; for we find, that, although he got leave from General Barrington tq return home for the cure of his arm, he refused to quit his regiment, and re- mamed at his duty. « He was particularly noticed by the Frcnth ladies for hw gallantly and spirit, and the manner h« wore Ms ylaUl aui regimental Sflrb.'* * ^:| ^1 ■■ M I'll -^11 f ^ ' ■ * 1 J V ji ! i. ,: i ■ 51" 1 " . li::. ■ 'In..' •, 328 FOR'TY. SECOND REGIMENT. and MaViries was landed in Grandeterre, in the neighbour- hood of Fort Louis, the ships clearing the beach with their guns, as the boats approached the shore ; after which, ** a party of Marines and Highlanders drove the enemy from his entrenchments, and taking possession of the fort, hoist- ed the English colours. " • General Hopson having died on the 27th, the command ©f the troops devolved on General Harrington. But dis- ease had made such ravages, that 1800 men were either dead or in hospital. The new commander, anxious to complete, with all possible dispatch, the reduction of the colony, and to meet the enemy in their own manner of fighting, embarked his troops with an intention of removing the war to Grandeterre and Capesterre, leaving Colonel De- brisay with one regiment, in the citadel of Basseterre. Owing to currents and contrary winds, the transports were some days in reaching Grandeterre. Here the commodore being informed of the arrival of a French fleet with troops at Martinique, sailed to Prince' Rupert's Bay in Dominique, to be ready to oppose them if they attempted to succour Guadaloupe. General Barrington having established him- self in Grandeterre, ordered Colonel Crump, with 600 men, to attack the towns of St Anne's and St Francis. This was executed next morning at sunrise, with great spirit. Not- withstanding the fireof the enemy from their entrenchments and batteries, both towns were carried with little loss, Ensign M*Lean of the Highlanders being the only officer who fell in this assault. On the following day, Colonel Crump pushing forward, drove the enemy from another position, where they had erected three twenty-four pounders. The general then formed a design to surprise Petit Bourg, St Mary's, and Gouyave, on the Capesterre side, imd com- mitted the execution of this duty to the Brigadiers Claver- ing and Crump. But, owing to the darkness of a tempes- tuous night, and the terror and ignorance of the negro guides, the attempt failed. The general was now obliged to do that by force, which he could not accomplish by GUADALOUPE, 1759. 329 easier means, and directed the same commanders to land near the town of Arnonville. The enemy, without oppo- sing the landing, retreated to a strong position on the banks of the Licorn. This river, rendered inaccessible, except at two narrow passes, by a morass covered with mangroves, was fortified by a redoubt and entrenchment,- well pali- sadoed and mounted with cannon, the narrow paths being in- tersected with wide and deep traverses. Notwithstanding these disadvantages, the commanders determined to hazard an assault, and began the attack with a fire from their field- pieces and howitzers on the entrenchments, under cover of which the regiment of Duroure (the 38th) and the Royal Highlanders pushed forward. The enemy beginning to waver as they advanced, the « Highlanders drew their swords, and, supported by a part of the other regiment, rushed forward with their characteristic impetuosity, and followed the enemy into the redoubt, of which they took possession. " * The enemy, in the mean time, taking advantage of the re- moval of the troops from the quarters of Basseterre, made several attempts on the small garrison left there under Colonel Debrisay. In these attacks they were uniformly repulsed. Colonel Debrisay was unfortunately killed by the explosion of a powder magazine, and was succeeded in the command of Basseterre by Major Melville, who after- wards rendered such signal service to the West Indies, as governor-general of the ceded islands. On the other side of the island. Colonels Clavering and Crump did not relax their exertions. In a succession of skirmishes they forced the enemy from their strong holds, took upwards of fifty pieces of cannon, and obtained possession of all the batteries and towns on the sea-coast. At length the enemy were compelled to surrender, after a gallant defence, which was maintained from the 24th of January to the 1st of May, when tbe capii lation was signed. Letters from Guadaloupc. !*;. 330 rORTT-SErOND REGIMENT. fm\ I ' V, I'll I '" i * '! On the evening of the same day, intelligence was received that the Governor of Martinique had landed on the oppo- site side of the island with a considerable force, for the re- lief of the colony; but on hearing of the surrender, he re- embarked and returned to Martinique. The loss of the British on this expedition was severe ; but, in consequence of their continued fatigues and exposure, they suffered more by the climafe than by the enemy. Of the officers 10 were killed, 21 wounded, and 20 died by the fever. Of the Royal Highlanders, Ensign M'Lean was killed, and Lieu- tenants M<'Lean, Leslie, St Clair, and Robertson, were wounded ; Major Anstruther and Captain Arbuthnot died of the fever; and 106 privates were killed, wounded, or died of disease. This expedition was a tolerably smart training for a young corps, who, nine months before, had been herding cattle and sheep on their native hills. * * " By private accounts, it appears that the French had formed the most frightful and absurd notions of the * Saif.vages d'Ecosse ; * tliey believed that they would neither take nor give quarter, and that they were so nimble, that, as no man could catch them, so nobody could escape them | that no man bad a chance against their broad-swords ; and that, with a ferocity natura) to savages, they made no prisoners, and spared neither man, woman, nor child : and as they were always in the front of every action in which they were engaged, it ia probable that these notions had no small influence on the nerves of the militia, and perhaps regulars of Guadalovne. " It was always believed by the enemy, that the Highlanders amounted to several thousands. This erroneoifs enume- ration of a corps only 800 strong, was said to proceed from the frequency of their attacks and annoyance of the outposts of the enemy, who '< saw men in the same garb who attacked them yesterday from one direction, again appear Uhday to advance from another, and in this manner ever harassing their ad» v^nced position, sp as to ^llow Uiem no rest. "—vLeltersfrom Quadalouj^t -^ rOIVTY-SECONP JIEGIMUNT. 331 SECTION IV. SECOND CAMPAIGN IN NORTH AMERICA. Ticonderoga and Croxvn Point, M 59— Niagara, Vf59— Battle of the Heights of Abraham, and death of tVolfe, 1159— Battle of Quebec, 1760— Surrender of Montreal— Completion of the Cok- quest of Canada, 1760. The Highlanders were embarked from Guadaloupe for North America, where they arrived early in July, and about the end of the same month. Major Gordon Graham was or- dered by General Amherst, then at Crown Point, to take the command of the 2d battalion, and to march them up to Oswego, and afterwards to join either General Prideaux's expedition, or his own army, as circumstances might render necessary. After reaching head- quarters, the two battalions were combined, and served in conjunction during the latter period of this compaign, which comprehended three very important enterprises. Major-General Wolfe, who had given such promise of great military talents at Louisburg, was to attack Quebec from Lower Canada, while General Amherst, now Commander-in-chief, and successor of Gene- ral Abercromby, should endeavour to form a communis cation, and co-operate with him through Upper Canada. General Prideaux was to proceed against Niagara, in order to prevent the enemy from giving any interruption to Ge- neral Amherst's operations on that side, and endeavour to get possession of the strong and important post near the Falls. This great and comprehensive combination, had it been successful, would, in that campaign, have driven the enemy out of all their territories in North America. The army under the Commander-in-chief was first put in motion, 332 CROWN POINT, 1760. ■:i .m I >i 'i H I. «l ' ■ >f| nnd consisted of the Royals, 17th, 27th, Royal Highlanders, 2 battalions 55th, Montgoniery's Highlanders, nine batta- lions of Provincials, a battalion of light infantry, and a body of Rangers and Indians, with a detachment of artillery. When joined by the 2d battalicm of the Royal Highlanders from the West Indies, this army amounted to 14,500 men. At Fort Edward, the point of rendezvous, the whole were as- sembled, on the 19th of June ; and the 1st battalion of Royal Highlanders and light infantry of the army who, a few days before, had been detached in front under the command of Colonel Francis Grant of the 4>2d regiment, were ordered to strike their tents and move forward next day. The main body followed on the 21st, and encamped on Lake George, on the spot where General Abercromby had encamped the preceding year, previously to the attack of Ticonderoga. Considerable time was spent in making the necessary arw rangements for attacking this formidable post, which the enemy seemed determined to defend, and which bad already proved so disastrous to our troops. On seeing the English General ready to advance, however, the enemy, having set fire to the magazines and buildings, abandoned the fort, and retreated to Crown Point. The plan of the campaign, on the part of the enemy, seems to have been, to embarrass and retard the invading army, but not to hazard any consi- derable engagement, nor to allow themselves to be so com- pletely invested as to make a retreat impracticable ; and, in withdrawing from post to post, to make an appearance as if determined to defend each. By these means they hoped that the advance of the British would be so far retarded, that the season for action on the Lakes would pass away without any decisive Advantsige on the part of the invaders, whilst their own force would be gradually concentrating, so as to be enabled to arrest General Amherst in his progress down the St Lawrence to Montreal. With these views they abandoned Ticonderoga, which experience had showr^ to be so capable of making a good resistance. But, although the General had reason to imagine that the KuaAiiA, 1760, 333 enemy would relinquish Crown Point in t^e same manner as Ticonderoga, yet he took measures as if he expected an obstinate defence, or an attempt to surprise him in his march, recollecting, no doubt, how fatal precipitation and false security had recently proved in that part of the world. Whilst he superintended the repairs of Ticonderoga, he was also indefatigable in preparing batteaux and other vessels for conveying his troops, and obtaining the superiority on the Lakes. Intelligence having been received that the ene- my had evacuated Crown Point, and had retired to the gar- rison of Isle aux Noix, on the northern extremity of Lalce Champlain, General Amherst moved forward and took pos- session of the garrison which the French had abandoned; and, to augment his disposable force, the 2d battalion of the Royal Highlanders was ordered up; Captain James Stewart, with 150 men, being left at Oswego. The Gene- ral having, by great exertion, obtained a naval superiority, determined to embark on Lake Champlain, but a succession of storms compelled him to abandon the further prosecution of active movements, for the remainder of the season, and returning to Crown Point, the troops were put into winter quarters. The great object of the enterprise had been to form a junction, and co-operate with General Wolfe in the reduc- tion of Quebec. Though this plan was frustrated, very im- portant advantages wer^ derived, and a co-operation so for effected, as to prevent the enemy from sending a larger force to oppose General Wolfe in his more arduous under- taking. Before advancing towards Ticonderoga, General Amherst had detached General Prideaux with the 44th and 46th regiments, the Ist battalion of Royal Americans, and some provincial corps and Indians, under the command of Sir William Johnson, to attack the fort of Niagara, a most important post, which secures a greater number of com- munications than any in America. The troops reached the place of their destination .vithout opposition, and investing it in form, carried on the siege by regular approaches. In mm f i T: Hi iittrV: '• :' Jill I ill;!' a !,i 331 NIAGARA, 17G0. o few dnys after the commencement of the eicge, Prideaux was killed by the accidental bursting of a mortar, and the conduct of the operations devolved on Sir William J >hn- 8on, who had, on several occasions, given satisfactory proofs of ab '..y r jlieve a post of such consequence, great ef- forts were »ru le by the French, and a considerable body of troops drawn from the neighbouring garrisons ot Detroit, Verango, and Presque-Isle. Apprized of their intention. Sir William Johnson made dispositions to intercept them on their march. In tbe #»v^ning, he ordered the Light in- fantry to post thciiselves on the left of the road leading to the fort, and reinforcing them the following morning with the Grenadiers and 46th regiment, under Colonel Eyre Mas- sey, and with the 44ih regiment, under Lieutenant- Colonel Farquhar, as a reserve, he ordered them to wait the ap- proach of the enemy, who soon appeared in sight, and im- mediately attacked with great impetuosity. The Indians commenced with the war whoop, which had now lost its ef- fect upon the British soldiers, and met with such a recep- tion in front, while the Light infantry and Indians in the British service attacked them in flank, that, in little more than half an hour, their whole army was put to the rout, and M. D'Aubray the commander, with a number of offi- cers, taken prisoners. This battle having been fought in sight of the French garrison, Johnson sent Major Harvey to the commanding officer with a flag of truce, and a list of seventeen officers taken. He immediately surrendered, and the garrison, consisting of 607 men, marched out with their baggage on the 24.th of July, and were perfectly pro- tected from insult, plunder, or outrage, from our Indian allies ; the conduct of the British thus exhibiting a remark- able contrast to the treatment which our garrisons had, in similar circumstances, experienced, and refuting the vague pretence, that the excesses and cruelties of the Indians could not be restrained. This was the second victory Sir Wil- liam Johnson had gained over the enemy, and on both oc- casions their commanders had fallen into his hands. Dur- KIAGARA, ]7G0. ssii *lg this war, Lord Cllve ond Sir William Johnson, both »clf. taught generals, evinced, in a series of successful actions, that genius, although uninstructed, will, by its native power compensate the want of military experience and discipline! The services of the latter were particularly valuable, from the influence which his justice, honour, and cone lialinff manners, had acquired over the Indians. ♦ In this campaign General Amherst was successful in evPtr enterprise which he undertook, f His progress, though slow intimidated the enemy to such a degree, that, except at Niagara, they made little resistance; and the unimpaired strength of his army afforded the best prospect of success ia his future operations. But, however important the reduc tion and possession of these posts might be, front the extent of the country which they commanded, they were exploits ot easy accomplishment in comparison of the conquest of Quebec, the object to which all these operations were sub- ordinate. That being considered ao the main undertakinir It seems somewhat extraordlnp-^y, that, while General aZ herst headed a force of J 4,500 men, the division intended • The services of S.r V.illiam Johnson were equally useful and important On two occasions he had taken the commanders of the enemy whom he fought, and had mnterially crippled their power. As a reward for these services he w«u rmsed to the rank of Major- General, and received a Parliamentary 'grant of L.5000, to which his Majesty added the title of Baronet Throughout the war he proved himself an acUve and useful partisan, and displayed peculiar talents for thatspec.es of warfare which is best calculated for the woods and swan.ps of America. His strict integrity and conriliating manners gave him great in fluence over the Indians and provincial troops, whom he managed so as to render them exceedingly useful to the service. He was a native of Ireland and had been early sent to America by his uncle. Admiral Sir Peter Warren* to manage an estate which he had purchased Uiere. * t The following was the opinion of an Indian Sachem, of the state of affile at the close of the campaign of 1759 : " The English, formerly women, are now turned men, and ar- ihick all over the country as the trees in the woods. They have taken NiaKira. C■^t. raque, T.conderoga, Loui.burg. and now lately Quebec, and .hey Zl soo^ eat the remainder of the French in Canada, w drive them out of tW country » 336 FRASER's IIIGHLANDEnS. 1: ;, } i ♦ m II I' ^\\ %i ■' 'J-' for the reduction of Quebec com preli ended only the follow- in|? regimentis ISth, 28th, 35th, iSd, 47th, 48th, 58th, Fra- ser's Highlanders, the Rangers, and the Grenadier* of Louisburg, in all not more than 7000 effective men. But the spirit, intrepidity, and firmness of the officers and sol- diers, more than supplied the deficiency of numbers. This army, so small in Comparison of the importance of the ser- vice expected, was fortunate in being placed under the com- mand of Major-General Wolfe, who had borne so active a share in the conquest of Louisburg. He was well support- ed by the Brigadiers Monckton, Murray, and Townshend, (late Marquis Townshend), who executed his boldest and most desperate enterprises with that gallantry and prompti- tude which his own example was so well calculated to in- spire. Conformably to my intention of noticing the service of all the Highland corps in this war, I shall now give a few particulars of this expedition, in which Eraser's Highland- ers served. A detail of the whole would lead me to a more extended narrative than my plan would admit of. The fleet under the command of Admirals Saunders and Holmes, with the transports, reached the Island of Orleans in the *nd of June, when the troops were disembarked without op- position. The first attempt was to take possession of Point Levi, situated within cannon-shot of the city. For this ser- vice General Monckton, with four regiments, passed the river at night, and next morning advanced and took posses- sion of the post, after driving in some of the enemy's regular troops, who skirmished with his advanced guard. Mean- while, Colonel Carlton took possession of a post in the western point of Orleans. The difficulties of the enterprise were at this time fully ascertained. Co-operation was not to be expected from General Amherst, of whose movements no intelligence had been received. The enemy, more numer- ous by many thousands, were commanded by the Marquis de Montcalm, an able, and hitherto fortunate leader, whp posted his army on a piece of ground rendered strong by CANADA, 1759. 337 precipices, woods, nnd rivers, and defended by entrench- ments where the ground appeared the weakest. Apparently determined to risk nothing, and relying on the strength of ftis position, he waited for an opportunity to take advantage of his opponent : General Wolfe seemed fully sensible of the difficulties which he had to surmount, but they served only to inspire his active mind with fresh vigour. How- ever arduous the undertaking, « he knew that a brave and Victorious army finds no difficulties. » • Perceiving the im- possibility of reducing the place, unless he could erect his ba teries on the north of the St Lawrence, he used many military manoeuvres and stratagems to draw his cautious adversary from his stronghold, and decide the contest by a batt e But Montcalm was not to be moved. General Wolfe, therefore, determined to cross the river Montmo- rency, and attack the enemy's entrenchments. According- ly SIX companies of Grenadiers and part of the Royal Ame- ricans were ordered to cross the river, and land near the mouth of the Montmorency, while Generals Murray and Townshend were to land higher up. The Grenadiers were to attack a redoubt situated near the water's edge, in the hope that the enemy would make an effi)rt in its defence, and thus brmg on the engagement so much desired. The possession of the place was likewise a desirable object, as it would enable the English General to obtain a full view of the French position. The Grenadiers, who first landed, had orders not to attack till the first brigade was sufficient- ly near to support them. These orders were, however, disregarded. Rushing forward with impetuosity, before they were regularly formed, to attack the enemy's entrenchi. ments, they were received with so steady and well-directed^ a fire, that they were thrown into confusion, and sustained considerable loss before they retreated. They were again formed behind the brigades, which advanced under Gene- ral Wolfe, who, seeing the plan of attack totally disconcert- VOL. I. * General Wolfe's Despatches. Y i ! ;' ^ rl ,,H': ;* 338 FRASEll's HIGHLANDERS. ed, gave orders to repass the river, and return to the Isle of Orleans. The loss on this occasion was severe, being 64.3 of all ranks killed, wounded, and missing. The whole loss, after the landing of the army till the 2d of September, was 3 captains, 6 lieutenants, 1 ensign, 9 Serjeants, and 160 rank and file, killed; and 4 field officers, 16 captains, 23 subal- terns, 20 Serjeants, and 570 rank and file, wounded. Of Eraser's Highlanders 18 rank and file were killed; Colonel Eraser, Captains M'f herson and Simon Fraser, and Lieu- tenants Cameron of Gleneves, Ewan McDonald, and H. M'Donald, and 85 rank and file, wounded. That General Wolfe keenly felt this disappointment, would appear from the tenor of the following general orders, which were issued on the morning after the attempt: « The check which the Grenadiers met with yesterday will, it is hoped, be a lesson for ihem for the time to come. Such impetuous, irregular, unsoldier-like proceedings destroy all order, make it impos- sible for the commanders to form any disposition for attack, and put it out of the general's power to execute his plan. The Grenadiers could not suppose that they alone could beat the French army ; and, therefore, it was necessary that the corps under Brigadiers Monckton and Townshend should have time to join, that the attack might be general. The very first fire of the enemy was sufficient to repulse men who had lost all sense of order and military discipline. Am- herst's (1 5th regiment) and the Highlanders alone, by the soldier-like and cool manner they were formed in, would undoubtedly have beaten back the whole Canadian army, if they had ventured to attack them. '' It was thought advisable, after this check, that, in future, their efforts should be directed to a landing above the town ; but as no opportunity offered of annoying the enemy from that quarter, a plan was formed, among a « choice of diffi- culties,'* for conveying the troops farther down, and land- ing them by night, in the hopes of being able to ascend the Heights of Abraham, and so gain possession of the ground on the back of the city, where the fortifications were weak- n-'U HEICHTS OF ABRAHAM, 1759. est. f hcse heighl 339 „., , . ° abruptly from the banks of the ri- Quarter TlT" ""°"T' """""""^ "■« "V f™" ">" tion of this design were particularly discouraginffj but the season was considerably advanced, and it was^nL" ZXt^T^t "T"" """""*• The late check, though It had taught them caution, had in no degree dampi ed the courage, or shaken the firmness of the trips. The ardour of the General was unabated, notwithsJding hi! fZ^'^'^Ja^'' """'""r"' "^ - piu's wgiment, which had seventeen officers and gentlemen of the name of Stewart killed, and ten wounded, at CuUoden. He was severely wounded oa that occasion, as he was on this. As he Ipy in his quarters some days after- wards, speaking fo some brother officers on the recent battles, he exclaimed, •« From April battles, and Murray generals, good Lord drliver me ! " allud- ing to his wound at CuUoden, where the vanquished blamed I.ord George Murnjy, the commander-in-chief of the rebel army, for 6ghtint.; on the best field in the country for regular troops, artillery, and cavalry; and likewise al- luding to his present wound, and to General Murray's conduct in marcoingout of a garrison 'o attack an eremy, more than treble his numbers, in an open fiehi, where their whole stren^ could be b ought to act. One of tlioso story- retailers who arc sometimes about head quarters, lost no time in communicat- in" this disrespectful prayer of the rebellious clansman. General Murray, who was a man of humour and of a generous mind, called on the wounded offiier the following morning, and heartily wished him tiettcr deliverance in the next iuittk, when he hoped to give him occasion to pruv ia a dificrcnt ni4iiucr. SUftRENDKR OF ( ANADA. 3-i7 mucd 1,11 the lOlh of May, when it was suddenly raised, the enemy decamping and taking the route towards Mon- U-eal, and leaving all their guns and stores in the trenches. Ihis evem was hastened by two causes: the expected ml- vance of General Amherst on Montreal, and especiajiv the sudden appearance of Commodore Lord Colville with a squadron from Halifax, who instantly attacked and de- ?troyed the enemy's ships above Quebec. The enemy now began to see themselves in danger of being soon between two hres, certam accounts having been received of General Amherst's preparations to descend the St Lawrence from the Lakes. General Amherst, as I have already stated, being com- pelled by the inclemency of the weather to relinquish his in enfon of proceeding down the St Lawrence to co.ope- ^he month of October. In May following, he again com. n^enced operations, and made the necessary arrangements for the Junction of h,s army with that of General Murray at Montreal. This was the only place of strength which the pnemy now possessed in the country. Colonel Havil.nd was detached w.th a body of troops to take possession of the Isleaux Noix, and from thence to penetrate, by the shortest route, to the banks of the St Lawrence. General Murray had orders to proceed qp the river ^ith all the forces he could muster. On the 7th of August, Colonel Haldimand or7X "t u" M "?'""' ^'^''' '"^^"^'•3', and a battalion ot the Royal Highlanders, to take post at the bottom of the l^ake, and assist the armed vessels in passing to La Galette On the 10th of August, the whole army embarked, and pro^ ceeded on the Lake towards the mouth of the Sc Lawrence- and after a difficult navigation down the river, in which se' on the 6th of September, six miles above Montreal. On he evenmg of the same day, General Murray appeared be- low the town ; and so admirably were all the arran<.ements executed, that Colonel Havilund came down on thc> follow hm il \ I i III 1 t J If*: :? 348 AOYAL HIGHLANDERS. ing day on the south side of the river ; and thus, after tra- versing a great tract of unknown and intricate country, three armies united, and were ready to attack Mv) icur Vandre- uil, who saw himself thus surrounded ?'nd unable to move. If he attempted to march out of the town to attack either of the opponents who were advancing upon him, the other was ready to march in, and thus he would be exposed in the open fields to the attack of the three divisions. He therefore en- tered into a correspondence, which t nded in a surrender, upon what were considered favourable terms. Thus was completed a conquest the most important that the British arms had achieved in the Western World, whether we con- sider the extent and fertility of the country acquired, the safety it yielded to the English colonies, or the security it afforded to the Indian trade. Lord Rollo was immedh tely sent with a body of troops to take possession of the outposts, and to receive the submission of the inhabitants, who came in from all quarters. The judicious arrangements of the Commander-in-chief, and the spirit and enterprise of Ge- neral Murray, command our admiration. Much praise is likewise due to the justice and humanity of Sir William Johnson, who, by his unbounded influence over the Indians, so controlled them, that, from the time the army entered the enemy's country till the close of the campaign, there was no act of barbarity or plunder committed. ii ' MONTGOMEIl\'s HTOHLANDEnS. 349 SECTION V. Montgomery's Highlanders. Expedition under Colonel Montgomery a.ninst the Cherokees, 1760 --2>..,o;.y«e IIGX-Martinique, \l62-.Suh»imon ^ A i^Ss> o: ^r ^%f^^^-»» II %.^ « of the garrison of Guadalonpe, mento, under the command of Lieuten.n.-Colonel MelS and 6 compan,.,, of Montgomery's Highlanders an^o D who had been sent from New- York. + Arrivin^^ff n ■ m^eon the 6.h of J„„e ,75.. thej im^^ fe,f ..^d:!;' and marched, with little opp„.ition. to the town of R„"elu* From some entrenchments above the town, the enemy ke"; «P a g.n,ng fire. These Lord B„|!„ riolved to^ttaTk wthontdday, particularly a, he bad learned tha a"d„t forcement from Martinique was shortly expected. This^rl vice was performed by his Lordship and Colonel Melv lie at «^ w..h such v,gour and success, that the enemy were dnven, in succession, from all their works. So rapid was • Geneml IiiMrucnoni diKd Wliitelidl, nSO. t The (ranspon, from New. York, co„„yi„. 1™.- jnift were attacked by a French privateer, which they beat ofT with fh» i I 352 montcomery's and royal Highlanders. the charge of the Grenadiers and Highlanders, that few of the British suffered. The Governor and his staff being taken prisoners, surrendered the colony without more op- position. This was the only service performed in the Ame- rican seas during the year 1761. In the following year, it was resolved to resume active operations, and to attempt Martinique and the Havannah, two of the most important stations in the possession of the French and Spaniards. The plan of operations of the pre- ceding year was now, therefore, resumed, and eleven regi- ments having embarked in North America, arrived at Bar- badoes in December. There they were joined by four re- giments who had been at the attack of Belleisle; and, being reinforced by some corps from the islands, the whole force regiments, under the command of amounted to eighteen Major- General Monckton, and Brigadiers Haviland, James Grant of Ballindalloch, Rufane, and Walsh, and Colonel Lord Rollo. The naval armament consisted of 1 8 sail of the line, with frigates, bomb-vessels, and fireships, under Rear- Admiral Rodney. In this force were included three battalions of Highlanders, viz. Montgomery's regiment, and the 1st and 2d battalions of Lord John Murray's. Eraser's remained in North America. This powerful armament sailed from Barbadoes on the 5th of January 1762, and on the 8th, the fleet anchored in St Ann's Bay, Martinique. An immediate landing was ef- fected without loss. Brigadiers Grant and Haviland were detached to the Bay of Ance Darlet, where they made a descent without opposition. On the 1 6th, General Monck- ton and the whole army landed in the neighbourhood of Cas de Navire, under Morne Tortueson and Morne Gamier, two considerable eminences which overlook and completely command the town and citadel of Fort Royal. Till these were carried, the town could not be attacked with any rea- sonable prospect of success; but if the enterprise should prove successful, the enemy, without being able to return it, would be exposed to the fire of these commanding heights, MARTINIQUE, 1672. 3.53 from whence every shot would plunge through the roof to the foundation of every house in the town. Suitable nre- cauuons had therefore been taken to secure these important stations against attack. Like the other high grounds in this island, they were protected by very deep and rocky ravines, and their natural strength was much improved by arr Morne Tortueson was first attacked. To support this op^- ration, a body of troops and marines, (800 of the latter having been landed from the fleet), were ordered to advance on the right, along the seaside, towards the town, for the purpose of attacking two redoubts near the beach. Flat- bottomed boats, each carrying a gun, and manned with sailors, were ordered close in shore to support this move- ment. On the left a corps of Light infantry was to get round the enemy's left, whilst the attack on the centre was made by the Grenadiers and Highlanders, supported by the mam body of the army ; all to be under cover of the fire of the new batteries, which had L.ra hastily erected on the opposite ridges. With their usual spirit and activity, the sailors had dragged the cannon to the summit of these al- most perpendicular ridges on which the batteries had been erected. The necessary arrangements were executed with great gallantry and perseverance. The attack succeeded in every quarter. The works were carried in succession ; the enemy driven from post to post; and, after a severe strug- gle, our troops became masters of the whole Morne. Thus far they had proceeded with success; but nothing decisive could be done without possession of the other eminence of Caarnier, which, from its greater height, enabled the enemy to cause much annoyance to our troops. Three days pass- ed ere proper dispositions could be made for driving them • from this ground. The preparations for this purpose were still unfinished, when the enemy's whole force descended 4rom the hill, and attacked the British in their advanced posts. They were immediately repulsed; and the troops, carried forward by their ardour, converted defence into as- sault, and passed the ravines with the fugitives. « The VOL. I. ^ '■'i'S I V '% 354 MONTGOMERY'S AND ROYAL HIGHLANDERS. Highlanders* drawing their swords, rushed forward like furies ; and, being supported by the Grenadiers under Co- lonel Grant (Ballendalloch), and a party of Lord Rollo'a. brigade, the hills were mounted and the batteries seized, and numbers of the enemy, unable to escape from the rapi- dity of the attack, were taken. " * The French regulars escaped into the town, and the militia fled, and dispersed themselves over the country. This action proved decisive j for the town, being commanded by the heights, surrendered on the 5th of February. This point being gained, the Ge- neral was preparing to move against St Pierre, the capital of the colony, when his farther proceedings were rendered unnecessary by the arrival of deputies, who came to arrange terms of submission for that town and the rest of the island, together with the islands of Grenada, St Vincent, and St Lucia. This capitulation put the British in possession of all the Windward Islands. The loss in this campaign amounted to 8 officer'^, 3 ser- , geants, and 87 rank and file, killed ; and 33 ofiicers, 19 ser- geants, 4* drummers, and 350 rank and file, wounded. Of. this loss the proportion which fell upon the Royal High- landers, consisted of Captain William Cockburn, Lieu-, tenant David Barclay, 1 sergeant and 12 rank and file, killed ; Major John Reid, Captains James Murray, f and Thomas Stirling, Lieutenants Alexander Mackintosh, Da- vid Milne, Patrick Balneaves, Alexander Turnbull, John Robertson, William Brown, and George Leslie, 3 ser- geants, I drummer, and 7i* rank and file, junded. Of Montgomery's Highlanders, Lieutenant Hugh Gordon and 4) rank and file were killed ; and Captain Alexander Mac- kenzie, 1 sergeant, and 26 rank and file, wounded. Great Britain having declared war against Spain, prepa- • Westminster Journal. f See an account of his wound in the article Athole Highlanders. This was one of the many remarkable instances of the rapid cure of the most desperate HAVANNAH, 1762. 357 ps emplojed ia The other division was commanded by General Keppell. and was intended for the reduction of the Moro, which commanded the town and the harbour. A detachment, under Colonel William Howe, was encamped to the west! ward, to cut off the communication between the town and the country In this disposition the troops remained, oc- c^asional y relieving each other in the hardest duties, during the who^ of the siege. The soil was every where so thin and hard, that the greatest difficulty the besiegers encoun- tered was to cover themselves in their approaches, and to raise the necessary batteries. But, in spite of all ob- stacles, batteries were raised against the Moro, and some others pushed forward to driv e the enemy's ships still far- transporting troops, there is now . great and important improvement, affording much additional security to the health of the troops, greater safety on the voy! T. ""; .T! '^''"'' °^ '"''"•" •" '^^ enterprises. The provisions of it kinds (with the exception of rum) are now of the best quality; and from the existing regulations, which direct all provisions to be surveyed by boarda. composed of officers, it depends on themselves if they aUow any bad provisions to be received In former times, instances have been known, where, in conse- quence of bad and heavy sailing transports, and provisions improperly cured voyages have been so tedjous, and the troops have become so sickly, that, on reaching Uie destined point of attack, nothing could be attempted. Of thi. the expedition to PortobeUo in 1740, celebWed in so many doleful ballads i. a memorable instance. * Great improvements are stiU required. While new rum is so notori- ously known to be ruinous to health, that even the Negroes call it iiU ' the devil, it is matter of regret that the troops should continue to be poison- ed by the issue of surf, deleterious Uquor. If good rum is dear, let the supply be discontinued; but when the healtii of the soldier is at stake and (considerations of humanity apart) when the value of a soldier's life on foreign stauons, and the expense of supplying vacancies, are considered, surely the difference m the value between good and bad spirits, in the daily aUowance to the troops, ought not to be regarded. On the other hand, when, by proper encouragement, a full supply of the best fresh beef for all our West India garrisons can be obtained from Trinidad and the Spanish Main, a third cheap- er than salt pork and beef can be sent from England, it is to be hoped that so important a subject will not be much longer neglected, and that our troops in tropical chmetes wiU not be fed on salt beef and pork, new rum and dry bread, which, ,n the language of the soldiers, who speak what they feel, must in a hot climate be « the devil't own diet," I 358 montgomehi'm and boyai. ihgiilanuers.. thcr into the harbour, and prevent them from molest- ing our troops in their approaches. The Spaniards did not continue entirely on the defensive. On the 29th of June, they made a sally with considerable spirit and resolution, but were forced to retire, leaving nearly 300 men behind them. In the mean time, the three largest of the British ships stationed themselves alongside the fort, and commenced a furious and unequal contest, which continued for nearly seven hours. But the Moro, from its superior height, and aided by the fire from the opposite fort of the Punlal, had greatly the advantage of the ships, which, after displaying the greatest intrepidity, were obliged to withdraw, after lo^ sing Captain Goostrey of the Marlborough, and 150 men killed and wounded. Sickness had now spread among the besiegers, and, to complete their difficulties, the principal battery opposed to the Moro caught fire on the 3d of July, and blazed with such fury, that the whole was in twenty minutes consumed. Thus the labour of 600 men for sixteen days was destroyed in a few minutes, and all was to be begun anew. This dis- atter was the more severely felt, as the increasing sickness made the duty more arduous, and the approaching hurri- cane season threatened additional hardships. But the spi* ritof the troops supported them against every disadvantage; and, while they had so much cause to complain of their rancid and damaged provisions, and of the want of fresh water, though in the very neighbourhood of a river from which the small transports might have supplied them in abundance, had any attempt been made to provide a supply ; yet the shame of defeat, the prospect of the rich prize before them, and the honour that would result from taking a place so strong in itself and so bravely defended, were motives which excited them to unwearied exertions. A part of the reinforcement from North America having Arrived, new batteries were quickly raised, and the Jamaica ii IIAVANNAII, 1762. 359 id 150 men the Jamaica fleet touching at Ilavannah, on the passage home, left such Mipphes 08 they could spare of necessaries for the Mcge. iresh vigour was thus infused. After various operations on both sides, the enemy, on the 22d of July, made a sortie, wiih 1500 men, divided into three porties. Each ottacked a separate post, while a fire was kept up in their favour form every point, the Puntal, the west bastion, the lines, and the ships in the harbour. After a short resistance, they were oil forced back with the loss of 400 men, besides many who, in the hurry of retreat, precipitated one another into the ditches, and were drown- ed. The loss of the besiegers in killed and wounded a- mountctl to fifty men. In the afternoon of the ,<50th two mines were sprung with such effect, that a practicable breach was made in the bas- Uon, and orders were immediately given for the assault. The troops mounted the breach, entered the fort, and form- ed themselves with such celerity, that the enemy were con- founded, and fled on all sides, leaving 350 men killed or drowned by leaping into the ditches, while 500 threw down their arms. Don Lewis de Velasco, the governor of the fort, and the Marquis Gonzales, the second in command disdaining to surrender, fell while making the most gallant efforti. to rally their men, and bring them back to their posts. Lieutenant- Colonel James Stewart, • who com- manded the assault, had only two lieutenants and 12 men killed, with 4 sergeants and 24 men wounded. Thus fell the Moro, after a vigorous struggle of forty days from the iime when it was invested. Its reduction, how- ever, was not followed by the surrender of the Havannah On the contrary, the Governor opened a well- supported fire, which was kept up for some hours, but produced little bloodshed on either side. The besiegers continued their exertions, and erected new batteries against the town. Af- ter many difficulties and delays, in the course of which thj • This officer served afterwards in India, and commanded against Ciidd*. hn m 1782. He was son to Stuart of Torrance. ^ la 360 MONTCOMERY'h and royal UIGIILANDKllS. enemy oxerted themselves to intercept the progreM of the batteries, the whole were finished on the morning of the ISth August, when they opened with a general discharge along the whole line. This fire was so well directed and effectual, that at two o'clock in the afternoon the guns of the garrison were silenced, and flags of truce were hung out from every quarter of the town, and from the ships in the bnrbour. This signal of submission was joyfully received, and on the l^th the British were put in possession of the Havannah nine weeks after havin«^ landed in Cuba. It was agreed that the garrison, now reduced to less than 80G men, should, in testimony of esteem for their brave defence, be allowed all the honours of war, and be conveyed to Spain with their private baggage. Nine sail of the line and se- veral frigates, with two seventy- fours on the stocks, were taken; several more had been sunk and destroyed during the siege. The value of the conr^uest altogether was esti- mated at three millions. This estimate, however, could not have been correct, as the prize-money divided between the fleet and army In equal proportions, was only 736,185/. 2s. i^d. The distribution to the land forces was, Commander-in-Chic >f, . jg 122,697 10 Lieut.-Gen. Elliot, second in command, 24,539 10 1 2 Major-Generals, 1^6816 10 6 — 13,633 1 7 Brigadier-Generals, 1947 11 7 — 13,633 1 51 Field- Officers, - 564. 14 1 — 28,629 8 5 185 Captains, - 124 4 7i — 34,082 12 101 599 Subalterns, 116 3 OJ — 69,528 3 oi 763 Sergeants, 8 18 8 — 6,816 10 6i 741 Corporals, • 6 16 6 — 5,112 7 lOi 12,099 Soldiers^ 4 1 8i — 49,415 15 Oh Fractions on the whole, H je 368,088 2| This important conquest was effected with the loss of 1 1 officers, 15 sergeants, 4 drummers, 260 rank and file, killed ; 4 oiHcers, and 51 rank and file, who died of their wounds j; KUS. i^resa of the niiig of tho I diacharge reeled and he guns of re hung out ihips in the ly received, sion of the iba. It was in 80G men, defence, be cd to Spain ine and se- tocks, were )yed during sr was esti- cver, could ed between y 736,185/. 8, 697 10 539 10 633 1 633 1 629 8 1 5 082 12 10| lOi 528 3 816 10 112 7 115 15 Oh 088 2| e loss of 1 1 file, killed ; ir wounds j; IIAVANNAIf, 17C)2. 3:J1 39 officerg, 14 sergeant*, U drummers, 576 rank and file, wounded; and 27 ofllcers, 19 sergeants. 6 drummers, and -SO rank and file, who died by sickness. The f liL-hlnnd regiment* suffered little. The loss sustained by the two battalions of the 42d regiment was 2 drummers, and 6 pri- vates kd pd, and 4 privates wounded ; the loss by sickness consisted of Major Macneil, Captains Robert Menzies, bro- ther of the late «ir John Menzies, and A. Macdonald. Lieutenants Farquharson, Grant, Lapsley, Gunnison, Hill, Blair, 2 drummers, and 71 rank and file. Of Montgo- mery 8, Lieutenant Macvicar and 2 privates were killed, and 6 privates wounded ; and Lieutenants Grant and Macnab, and 6 privates, died of the fever. • Immediate preparations were made for removin** the dis- posable troops from the Island. The 1st battalion of the 4.2d and Montgomery's were ordered to embark for New York, where they landed in the end of October. All the men of the 2d battalion, fit for service, were drafted into the 1 St; the rest, with the officers, were ordered to Scot- land, where they remained till reduced in the following year. All the junior officers of every rank were placed on half pay. • The King of Spain expressed great displeasure at the conduct of tho com- inander. who surrcndc.ed the place. Don Juan de Prado, the governor, and tl.e M„rqu« del Real Transport^ the admiral, were tried by a council oJ war at Madnd. and punished with a sequestration of their estates, and banishment to the distance of 48 leagues from the Court; and the Viscount Superinda, kte v.cea>y of Peru, and Don Diego Tavanez. la»e governor of Carthagen^ >vho were on their passage home, and had called in at the Havannah a short time before the siege, were also tried, on a charge of assisUng at a council of war. recommending the surrender of the town, and sentenced to the same pu. nu.hment. But the conduct of Don Juan de Velasco. who fell in the defence of the Moro when it wan stormed, was differently appreciated. His family was ennobled, h.s son created Viscount Moro. and a standing order made, that ever after there should be a ship in the Spanish navy called the Velasco. SC2 FllASEIl*S,MONTCOMER\'s,&ROTALIIIGIILANDLllS, Mi • ' SECTION VI. vraser's, Montgomery's, and royal Highlanders. StJohn's, Nnofoundland, 1762— J5m% Run, 1763— Fort Pitt, 116^— Ireland, 1761— Scotland, 1775. f '■ i 11 1 We must now return to Fraser's Highlanders, who re- ina'med in America, and to the two companies of Montgo- mery's, who did not return to New- York from the expedi- ticn sent against the Indians in the autumn of 1761, in time to embark with the rest of the regiment lor the West* Indies. In the summer of 1762, a French armament appeared on the coast of Newfoundland, and, landing some troops, took possession of St John's. Commodore Lord Colville having received intelligence of the event, sailed immediately to blockade the harbour of St John's, and was soon followed by Colonel "William Amherst, with a small force collected from New- York, Halifax, and Louisburg. This force con- sisted of the flank companies of the Royals, a detachment of the ^Sth, and two companies of Fraser*s and Montgo- mery's Highlanders, with a small detachment of Provincials, Colonel Amherst landed on the 1 3tb of September, seven miles to the northward of St John'g, having experienced little opposition from the enemy ; and, pushing forward, took possession of the strong pcat of Kitty Villey and tv;o other fortified heights. On the J 7th, a mortar battery being C^Kipleted, and ready to open on the garrison. Count de Hansen ville, the commander of the French troops, surren- dered by capitulation. The enemy's fleet, taking advantage of a heavy fog, had made their escape two nights before. The prisoners on this occasion were more numerous than i f,i ILANDLllS, NEWF OU N D L AN D, 1 762 . 3G3 LANDEKS. \—Fort Pittt the mors. The loss was I lieutenant and 1 1 rank and file killed ; S captains, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, and S2 rank and fi^e wounded Captain Macdonell of Eraser's, and Captain Mackenzie of Montgomery's, died of their wounds. After this service, the detachments joined their respective reg.ments.n New-York and Louisburg, where thoy pass! ed the ensuing winter. During the same season the Royal High anders were stationed in Albany. In the summer of 11 '^:\^"''^ P"t ""J^*- the command of Colonel Bouquet o| the 60th regiment, and ordered to the relief of Fort Pitt along with a detachm.^ntof Bouquet's own regiment, and another of the 77th Highlanders; in all, 956 men. A variety of causes had combined to irritate the Indians, whose passions were already inflamed by the intemperate use of spirituous liquors. ^ But the principal causes of com- plaint were the encroachments of the colonial settlers, which were greatly exaggerated by French emissaries, who were naturally anxious to recover the territory they had lost, or at least to render the possession of as little advantage as possible to the British, by attempts to instigate and irHtate the Indians against them. The consequence of these irri- tations was soon seen. The revenge of the Indians first broke forth against those settlers and traders who had chief- ly provoked it. The warriors of different nations united, and attacked m succession all the small posts between Lake iLrie and Pittsburgh, while the terror excited by their ap- proach was increased by exaggerated accounts of their num- bers, and of the destruction that attended their progress. So imle suspicion of these designs had been entertained by our Government, that some of the posts wtve dependant on the Indians for their supplies of provisions. In those en. terprises they displayed no small degree of sagacity, and a great improvement in their discipline and manner of fi^ht, mg. ^ Colonel Bouquet, with his detachment and a convoy of provisions, reached Bushy Run about the end of July Be- yond this place was a narrow pass, having steep hills on r ,^ ii ^^•'■i i* >' '. : ? f' 364 BUSHY RUN, 1763. each side, and a woody eminence at the further extremity. It was his intention to penetrate thi'^ pass in the night; but, towards the close of day, his advanced guard was suddenly attacked by the Indians. The Light infantry of the 42d re- giment, being ordered to the support of the advanced guard, drove the enemy from the ambuscade, pursuing them to a considerable distance. But the Indians soon returned, and took possession of some neighbouring heights. From these they were again driven ; but no sooner were they forced from one position than they appeared on another, till, by continual reinforcements, they became so numerous, that they soon surrounded the detachment, when the action be- came general. The enemy made their attacks on every side with increasing vigour, but were constantly repulsed. Night concluded the combat, which was renewed early the follow- ing morning by the enemy, who kept up an incessant fire, invariably retiring as often as any part of the troops ad- vanced upon them. Encumbered by the convoy of provi- and afraid of leaving their wounded to fall into Eions, the hands of the enemy, our troops were prevented from pursuing to any distance. The enemy becoming bolder by every fresh attack, a stratagem was attempted to entice them to come to closer action. Preparations being made for a feigned retreat, two companies, which were in advance, were ordered to retire and fall within the square, while the troops opened their files, as if preparing to cover a retreat. This, with some other dispositions, had the desired effect. The Indians, believing themselves certain of victory, and forgetting their usual precaution of covering themselves with trees or bushes, rushed forward with much impetuosity. Being thus fully exposed, and coming within reach, they were vigorously charged in front, while two companies, making a sudden movement, and running round a hill, which concealed their approach, attacked them in flank. They were thus thrown into great confusion ; and, in re- treating, they were pursued to such a distance that they did not venture to rally. Colonel Bouquet resumed his J'V L* . FORT PITT, 1763. 3G5 r„ hi' I "T ^^ ^T P'"^''»^°"' farther molestation. In th.8 skirmishmg warfare the troops suffered much from ^e want of water and the extreme heat of the weather. The loss by the enemy was 1 captain, 2 lieutenants, I ser-. geant, 1 drummer, and 44 rank and file, killed; and 1 cap- and 49 rank and file, wounded. Of the Royal Highland! ers, Lieutenant John Graham, and James Mackintosh, 1 sergeant and 26 rank and file, were killed .- Captain John Graham of Duchray, Lieutenant Duncan Campbell, 2 ser- geants, 2 drummers, and 30 rank and file, wounded. Of Montgomery's Highlanders, 1 drummer and S privates were kdled ; and Lieutenant Donald Campbell and Volun- teer John PeeWes 3 sergeants, and 7 privates, wounded. The Royal Highland Regiment passed the winter in Fort, Pitt; and early m the summer of 1764 was again employ, cd under Colonel Bouquet, now appointed Brigadier^Ge- neral. Continued encroachments on the territories of the Indrans increased their irritation to a high degree, and they retaliated with great fury on the back settlers? To repress their attacks two expeditions were ordered ; one from Nia- gara, under Sir William Johnson, and another under Bri- gadier- General Bouquet. The iatter consisted of eight companies of the 42d, the Light infantry of the 60th regi- fTct M /''." ^!it""" ""^'•"^"' ^''^ * detachJnt T ^"7^?"^/"^ Pennsylvania, having their faces paint- ed, and their clothes made in the Indian fashion. In this service the troops traversed many hundred miles, cutting their way through thick forests, and frequently attacked by! and attacking, skirmishing parties of the Indians, who were at length so harassed with this constant state of warfare that they sued for a cessation of hostilities. This was grant- ed, and was soon followed by a peace, which was not in- terrupted for many years. If this species of warfare was harassing to the Indians, it must have been no less so to the troops, who were allowed no rest from the month of July 1764 to January 1765, when they returned to Fort Pitt 36Q INDIAN WARFARE, 1704»-5. I k two months after the winter had commenced with great se^ verity. Although forced to march through woods of im- mense extent, where the snow had attained a depth un- known in Europe, it is a remarkable fact, that, in these six months, three of which they were exposed to extreme heat, and two to an equal excess of cold, with very little shelter from either extreme, and frequently disturbed by an active, though not a formidable enemy, the Highlanders did not leave a man behind from fatigue or exhaustion. * Three men died of sickness; and when they returned to Fort Pitt, there were only nineteen men under charge of the surgeon. f The regiment was now in better quarters than they had been for several years. They were much reduced in num- bers, as might have been expected from the extent, nature, and variety of service in which, amidst the torrid heats of the West Indices, and the rigorous winters of North Ame- rica, they had been for so many years engaged. During the following year they remained in Pennsylvania ; and, in the month of July 1767, embarked at Philadelphia for Ire- land. Such of the men as chose to remain in America, ra- ther than return home, were permitted to volunteer into other regiments. The second battalion had been reduced in 1763, and 1 captain, 12 lieutenants, and 2 ensigns of the first battalion, were placed on half-pay. Captain Small, $ who was reduced to half- pay, but immediate- • In the month of August 1765, Captain (afterwards General Sir Thomas) Stirling was detached with Lieutenants MaccuUoch and Eddington and 100 men, and sent first down the Ohio, and then 1300 miles up the Mississippi, to Fort Chartres in the Illinois, of which he took possession in October. He oc- cupied the Fort during the winter and spring : in June he returned to Phila- delphia, and joined the regiment. Captain StirUng must have performed this service with great prudence and attention ; for, after a journey and voyage of more than 3000 miles, and an absence often months, he brought his whole de- tachment back in perfect health, and without an accident. f Regimental Reports. \ Afterwards well known and highly respected as a general officer and lieu- tenant-governor of Guernsey. ■ : I : ill 'ii^ HIGHLAND REGIMENT. 367 officer and lieu- ly put on the full pay of the Scotch F.isileers, being deser- ved y popular among the men, drew along with him into that reg.ment a great proportion of those who volunteered tor Amenca. The volunteers were so numerous, that, along with those who had been previously discharged and sent home as disabled, and others who were discharged in Ame- rica, where they settled, they reduced the number of the re- giment to a very small proportion of that which had left ocotiand. By their courage in the field, and their integrity and or- derly conduct in quarters, this body of men seem to have made the same impression on the Americans as elsewhere One of the numerous proofs of this favourable impression will be found in the following extracts fro... an article pu- bhshed m the Virginia Gazette, dated the SOth July 1767 « Last Sunday evening, the Royal Highland Regiment em- barked for Ireland, which regiment, since its arrival in A- merica, has been distinguished for having undergone most amazing fatigues, made long and frequent marches through an unhospitable country, bearing excessive heat and severe cold with alacrity and cheerfulness, frequently encamping m deep snow, such as those that inhabit the interior parts of this province do not see, and which only those who inha- bit the most northern parts of Europe can have any idea of, continually exposed in camp and on their marches to the alarms of a savage enemy, who, in all their attempts were forced to fly. » The article then proceeds : « And in a particular manner, the freemen of thi« and the neigh- bouring provinces have most sincerely to thank them for that resolution and bravery with which they, under Colonel Bouquet, and a small number of Royal Americans, defeat- ed the enemy, and insured to us peace and security from a savage foe; and, along w^th our blessings for these benefits they have our thanks for that decorum in behaviour which they maintained during their stay in this city, giving an ex- ample that the most a.. l,le behaviour in civil life is noway inconsistent with the character of the good soldier; and for 358 CHARACTER IN AMERICA. their loyalty, fidelity, and orderly behaviour, they have every wish of the people for health, honour, and a pleasant voyage." * Having continued the history of the regiment to the ter- mination of hostilities, and its safe arrival in a friendly country, I subjoin a general list of the total loss in killed and wounded during the war. Ticonderoga, 7th July 1758, Martinique, January 1739, Guadaloupe, February and March 1759, General Amherst's expedition to the Lakes, July and Aug. 1759, (2 bats.) Martinique, January and February; > 1762, ; Havannah, June and July 1762, (two battalions present,) Expedition, under Colonel Bouquet,' [ to Fort Pitt, in August 1763, 1 Second expedition, under Brigadier- 1 General Bouquet, in 1764 and 1765, J KILLED. 1 WOUNDED. 1 m o II s-'l (A *•> 2 i i u o 1 1 1 7 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 9 1 1 1 1 297 8 25 3 12 3 26 7 1 5 1 1 IS 1 4 7 1 10 2 3 1 3 2 1 1 1 2 306 22 57 4 72 4 30 9 Total in the seven year's war, 3 9 12, 1 [381 1 7 25 22 >"]504| Comparing the loss sustained by this regiment in the field with that of other corps, it has generally been less than theirs, except in the unfortunate affair of Ticonderoga. I have conversed with several officers who served in the corps at that period, and they uniformly accounted for the moderate loss from the celerity of their attack, and the use of the broadsword, which the enemy could never withstand. This, likewise, was the opinion of an old gentleman, one of the original soldiers of the Black Watch, in the ranks of which, although a gentleman by birth and education, he served till the peace of 1748. He informed me that, al- though it was believed at home that the regiment had been Virginia Gazette, July 1767. HIGHLAND REGIMENT. 369. WOUNDED. Ifte army, that their Iqsb should have been so .mall consi fhTfifid ". .t"'^ '""•^ """ *"«■««' - -"'ff-et pa r .he field. On one occasion," said the respectable ,etc- ™. who was „i„ated with the subject, "a brigade of Dutcu were ordered to atuclt . rising g ound, on which gIT' Th'e' H- T r""* *" '''"« "^ J'-" "^^^^^ uoards. The Highlanders were to support them Th» Dutch conducted their march and ...ad, «" .hTdidlot know the road, halting and firinir andh.l,i„„ ^ . Dice. T.,. u; ti 1 . . *' halting, every twenty ofT/h.- " B""""""^ losing all patience with this kind and the first ranks giving their firelocks to the «a, rank hey drew their swords, and soon drove the French from Aeir ground. When the attack was concluded, i, "a" found Uiat of the Highlanders not above a dozen men wire kdle and wounded, while the Dutch, who bad ^ot Z, "P et all, lost more than five time, that number. " -Juring the preceding war, the regiment was fortunate in possessing an excellent corps of oflicers, men of r«pec^ SntThTV'"'"""™' """«"""'' -v-lofwhoZer: d.s. inguished for superior professional acquirements, and for .heir accomplishmenu as gentlemen. The numtr „f ca statt of both battalions, was 83 Of this number, seven r\'°'f 'r ^r""' °*'"'' ''""■'«» Gran,, bXrf .be chief of the Grants; John Beid of Stra.hloch, or Baron m Ison of r?r' '"'■"''^°' «'™''«-' '--Mr ray, (son ot Lord George Murray) • Johw f «»«k n e Strachur, Tliomas Stirling of Ardolh /".tS'Ln'^sllf Those who became field-oflicers were, Gordon Graham •' >ay. John Graham, h,s brother; William Murray, brother o Lintros. ; William Gran,, son of BothiemurchuJ }lZ Ab^crombyofGlassa; i.me, Aberoromby.j:,:;'- !'«';"::: A A MlP ', i 370 REMARKS. Grant; James Grant; Alexander TurnbiiU of Strathcathfo; Alexander Donaldson ; Thomas Fletcher of Lindertis ; Do- nald Robertson; Duncan Campbell; Alexander Madean, and James Eddington. Colonels Fletcher and Eddington attained their rank in the East-India Company's service, iq which they entered after the peace of 1T6S ; Captains Stew- arc of Urrard, Campbell of Melford, Stewart of Stenton, and Sir William Cockburn, sold out, and the others retired, and died on half-pay as captains or subalterns. A corps of officers, respectable in their persons, character, and rank in private society, was of itself sufficient to secure the esteem pf the world, and to keep their men in an honourable line of conduct, even had they manifested a contrary dispositiom While the Colonel was unremitting in hir exertions to pro- cure the appointment of good officers, and the men pos^ aessed the moral virtues of a pastoral and agricultural life, elevated by love of country, respect for their own character, and a spirit of independence, the corps could not fail to ac* quire that character for which it was so greatly distinguished. AH these remarks apply with equal justice to Eraser's and Montgomery's Highlanders, of whom it was said, " That the officers were gentlemen, and the men were soldiers. " The regiment landed at Cork, where their arrival was thus announced : " General Lord John Murray, who has been here for some weeks, waiting the arrival of his regi- ment, marched in this morning at their head, himself and his officers dressed in the Highland garb, with broadsword, pistols and dirk. " • Recruiting parties were sent to the Highlands, and, on the 28th of May following, when re- viewed by General Armiger in Galway, the regiment was complete to the then establishment, and all, except two, born north of the Tay. f * Dublin Newsman. f At this time, *e words of " The Garb of Old Gaul " were composed by Captain, afterwards Sir Charles Erskinc. Major Reid set them to music of his own composition, which has ever since been the regimental march. Peace and country quarters affording leisure to the officers, several of them indulged iii ■' i ^ § v UNIFOHM. 371 At this period, the uniform of the corps had a vci-y dnrk and sonbre appearance. The jackets were of a dull rUsty coloured red, and no part of the accoutrements was of a fight colour. Economy was strictly observed in the article of clothmg. The old jacket, after being worn a y6ar, was con- verted into a waistcoat, and the plaid, at the end of two years, theirt^te for poetry .nd mu«c Major Reid WM one of the most accomplid.: ed aute-players of the age. He died in 1806. at the age of eighty-five. a Ge- nerri in the army, and Colonel of the 88th, or Connaught Rangers He left *. .um of L 52,000 to the Univenuty of Edinburgh, aasigning the interest to hi. only daughter, who has no family, during her life. Then, as the will ex4 pressedit, "being the last heir-male of an ancient family in the county of Perth " ^e bequeathed, after the death of his only daughter, the sum of L.52,000. in the 3 percent*., to the Principal and Professors of the Universityof Edinburgh where he was educated, and passed the happiest years of his life, to be under their sole charge and management, on condition of U,eir establishing a Profess sorship of Music in the College, witJ, a salary of ni.t less than L.300 per an. pum. and of holding an annual concert in U.e hall of the Professor of Music pn the anniyersary of his birth-day, tl.e I3lh of January; the performance to' commence with several pieces of his own composition, for the purpose of show." mg the style of music in his early years, and towards the middle of the last century. Among the first of these pieces is the Garb of Old Gaul. He also directs that a portrait of himself shall be hung up in the hall, one painted in 174^ when he was a Lieutenant in Lord Loudon's Highlanders, one in the un.fonn of a General Officer, and a third as Colonel of the Connaught Ran- gers. Mr Maclagan. the chaplain, composed Gaelic words to the same air as also did a soldier of the regiment An intelligent officer, who. nearly sixty years ago, commenced a service of thirty years in the 42d regiment, states. » 1 eannot at this disUnce of time recollect the name of the man who composed the Gaelic words of the « Garb of Old Gaulj" but he was f .m Perthshire, «, also John Dhu Cameron, who was drum-major when I joined, and who sung and repeated several of this man's poems and songs. Before my time, there were many poets and bards among the soldiers. Their original compositions were generally in praise of their officers and comrades who had fallen in bat/ tie, or who had performed some gallant achievement; but they had great stores of ancient poetry. Their love songs were beautiful ; and their laments for the lallen brave, and recollections of their absent friends, and distant glens and" •ocks. have often filled my eyes with tears. There were four serjeant, of tlie names of Mackinnon, Maclean, Macgregor, and Macdonald, who had a pec- har talent for these repcUtions and songs. They all died or were discha-ged before the American war. The soldiers were much attached to Coloaek Reid for hjs poetry, his music, and his bravery as a soldier. " A a 2 s7a UNIPORM. < ) 1^11 WM reduced to the philibeg. The hose flupplied wci'c of so bad a quality, that the men advanced an aflditional sum to the Government price, in order to supply themselves with ft better sort. Instead of feathers for their bonnets, they were allowed only a piece cf black bearskin ; but the men supplied themselves with ostrich feathers, in the modem fa<* shion, * and spared no expense in fitting up their bonnets handsomely. The sword-belts were of black leather, two inches and a. half in breadth ; and a small cartouch-box, fitted only for thirty-two rounds of cartridges, was worn in front, above the purse, and fixed round the loins with a black belt, in which hung the bayonet. In these heavy co- lours, and dark blue facings, the regiment had a far less splendid appearance at a short distance than English regi- ments, with white breeches and belts ; but on a closer view, the Hne was imposing and warlike. The men possessed what an ingenious author calls ** ;:he attractive beauties df a soldier ; sun-burnt complexions, a hardy weather-beaten visage, with a penetrating eye, and firm expressive counte- nanccj sinewy and elastic limbs^ traces of muscles strongly idnpressed, indicating capacity of action, and marking ex- perience of service. " • " The personal appearance of thd iheti has, no doubt, varied according as attention was paid to a proper selection of recruits. The appointments have also been different. The first alteration in this respect was mkde in the year 1769, when the regiment removed to Dub- Hh. At this period, the men received white cloth waistcoats^ and the Colotiel supplied them with white goatskin and buff* ieather purses, which were deemed an improvement on the vests of, red cloth, find the purses made of badgers' skin. The officers also improved their dress, by having their jackets embroidered. During the war, however, they wore ' * Officers and non-commissioned officers always wore » small plume of fea- ttiers, after the fashion of *«» country ; but it was not till the period •f w hich I am now Writing, that the soldiers used so many fei.thers as they do at pre* s^tit. * Dr Jackson'^B European Armies. AKCHUITS. 373 only . narrow cdg,»g of gold-iace round the border, of the facngs, aiid very often no lace «t all, epauleU and all glit. Bering ornament, being laid aside, to render them less ^n- .picuous to the Indians, who always *imed particularly at the officers. During their stay in Ireland, the dress of t4 «ien underwent very little alteration. The officers had only « ■dress thoy so much disliked. On n clear proof of the cir- cumstances being led, they were all discharged, when they immediately re- enlisted into the 42d regiment. • This was one of mony deceptions practised on these peo- ple, who, originally open and i^nsuxpscious, arc now said to be frc2d. In 1772 the regiment was stationed in Gal way. At this .period, fresh disturbances had broken out in the county of Antrim, and other quarters, owing to disputes between the Catholics and Protestants, and between ti*is'Si.iji'h and te- nants. Jn this delicate service, the Higb'i' ' ' i "^ re founu particularly qsefuU both from their knowledge of the lan- guage and from their conciliating conduct towards the Irish, the descendants of the saipe parent sfock with themselves. Nothing worthy of notice occurred till the year 1775. The re<'jinent was then embarked at Punaghadee, and land- ADDITIONAL COMPANY, 1771. 375 ing at Port-Patrick, marclwd to Glaigow. after an absence rom Scotland of thirty two years, since the march to Findi- ley in 1743. • The following notice of the conduct of the regiment, and iti. mode of dlBcit 'ine, during a residence of eight years in Ireland, is extracted from the communication of a respect- able and intelligent freind, who served in it at that period, and for many years both before and afterwards. He de- scribes the regiment as still possessing the character which It had acquired in Germany and America, although there were not more than eighty of the men remaining who had served in America, and only a few individuals of those who had served in Germany, previously to 1748. Their attach- ment to their native dress, and their peculiarity of language, habits, and manners, contributed to preserve them a race of men separate from others of the same profession, and to give to their system of regimental discipline a distinctive and peculiar character. Their messes were managed by Uie nonrcomipissioned officers, or old soldiers, who had charge of the barrack-room ; and these messes were always so ar- ranged, that, in each room, the men were in friendship or intimacy with each other, or belonged to the same glen or district, or were connected by some similar tie. By these means, every barrack room was like a family establishment. After the weekly allowances for breakfast, dinner, and small necessaries had been provided, the surplus pay was deposit, ed m a stock- purse, each member of the mess drawing for it in his turn. The stock thus acquired was soon found worth preserving, and instead of hoarding, they lent it out to the inhabitants, who seemed greatly suprised at seeing a soldier save money, f t • Many of the old soldiers on tliis occasion evinced the force of that attach, went to the country of their Uirth. whid. is attributed to Scotchmen in «nera3 and particularly to Highlanders. They leaped on shore with cnthus.W kissing the earth, and holding it up in handfMls. t I" this manner, a species of savings bank was established by these .nilita- ry ccoiiomistsi. ' ' S76 SCOTLAND. !) • » t ' h M I ■ * :H= ". I 1. 1! ' ! Their accounts with th^if officers were settled oirce In three months, and, wi'h the excc/ption of a few careless spendthrifts, all the men purchased their own necessaries^ With which they Were always abundantly provided. At every settlement of accounts they enjoyed themselves very heartily, but with a strict observance of propriety and goo4 humour b and as the members of each mess considered themselves in a manner answerable for one another's con- duct, they animadverted on atty impropriety with such se- verity, as to rrader the interference of farther authority un- necessary. ' The standard height was five feet seven inches for full grown men, and five feet six for growing lads. When com- panies were complete on parade, none under five feet eight inches were allowed to be in the front rank. The grenfli- diers were always a body of tall men. But although the j&tandard was nominally kept at the above height, there were men of five feet five in the centre rank, and those undersiz- ed men were frequently able to undergo greater fatigues than any other in the corps. Lord John Murray exerted himself to procure for the yegifnent Scotch and Highland oflPcers, well knowing how tnuch their influence would assist in procuring men from ihe country, and sensible also of the advantage of possess- ing officers who understood perfectly the peculiar disposi- tion and character of the men. Soon after the regiment Arrived in Glasgow, two companies were added, and the es- tablishment of the whole regiment augmented to 100 rank and file each company^ thus making, when complete, a bat- talion of 1075 men, including sergeants and f^rummers. Ofiicers with parties were detached on the recruiting ser? vice, to those districts of the Highlands whpre they had ac- quaintance and influence. Theh: object was speedily ob- tained : young men were proud of belonging to the corps, and old n^en regarded it as a representative and memorial pf the acjiievcments of their forefathers. Hence the esr tablishment was completed in a few weeks. The bounty SCOTLAND. • 377 J men from offered at this period was, i„ the first instance, one guinea n the North the increase had not the smallest influence on the success of recruiting. The inclinations of the people were chiefly swayed by the expectation of meeting their countrymen m the regiment; and when the bounty was in- creased, those who took it generally left it, or sent it to their parents or families. At this time, there was a keen struggle between the Lord- Lieutenant of Ireland and Lord John Murray, the former wishing to introduce some southern officers into the re«i, ■ni^nt, which the latter strenuously resisted. The influence ot the Lord Lieutenant |>revailed, and Lieute:aants Litile- ^ and Franklin were appointed, and the commissions of Lieutenants Grant and Mackenzie, whom Lord John had procured to be gazetted, were afterwards cancelled. The officers brovsht from the half-pay, were Captain Duncan Macpherson, Lieutenants Henry Munro, Alexander Mun- ro, John Macdonald, John Robertson, John Macgregor, ^ Norman Macleod, John Grant, George Mackenzie, Wil. ham Stewart, Sergeapt- Major Hugh Eraser, and Quarter- master- Sergeant Smith, Adjutant and Quartermaster. On the lOlh of April 1776, the regiment being reviewed by General Sir Adolphus Oughton, was reported so complete, and unexceptionable, that none were rejected. * Hostilities having commenced in America, every exer- tion was made to teach the recruits the use- of the firelock for which purpose they were drilled even by candle-light! New arms and accoutrements were supplied to the men, to- gether with broad-swords and pistols, iron- stocked, the swords and pistols bping supplie4 at the expense of the co- lonel. • Of tiie soldiers 931 were Highlanders, 74 Lowland Scotch, 5 English, (in the band) 1 Welsh, and 2 Irish. 573 AAfEAlCA. SECTION VII. AMERICAN WAR. M 11 I America, Vll^' ^Stolen Island — BrooUyne — Battle of White Plains — Fort Washington — Pisquatua, 1777 — Brandy Wine- Surprise of General Wayne's Detachment — German Town — Repulsed — White Marsh — Monmouth, 1778 — Expedition to the Acushnet River — Egg Harbour — Chesapeak — Expedition to Verplanhsi 1779 — Stony Point-r-Charleston, 1780 — Nevo York^ 1781-3— Peace, 1783--.VQVfl Scotia, 1783^6— England, 1789 Scotland, 1790. On the Htii of April, the regiment embarlced at Greenock ^long with Fraser's Highlanders. After some delay, both regiments sailed on the 1st of May, under convoy of the Flora, Captain Brisbane, the Royal Highlanders being commanded by Colonel Stirling. Four days after they had jailed, the transports si^parated in a gale of wind, Some of the scattered transports qf buth regiments fell in with Crener ral Howe's army on their voyage to Halifax; and others, having got information of this movement, followed the main body, and joined the army in Staten Island, where Sir William Howe had returned, and landed on the 5th of August 1776. Immediately on the landing of the three Highland batta- lions, a grenadier battalion was formed under the command of the Honourable Major (afterwards General Sir) Charles Stuart. * A light infantry corps was also formed, and Lieutenant- Colonel Musgrave appointed to the command. * As .1 mark of regard to the 42d, the Commander-in-Chief took all the staff appointments of tlie grcuadicr battalion from the Higlilunders. i •.t:.i FORTY-SECOND AND FKASER's HIGHLANDERS. 379 He was wounded some months afterwards, and was succeed- ed by Lieutenant-Colonel (now General Sir Robert) Aber- cromby, who commanded during the whole war. The flank companies of the 42d were attached to these batta- lions. The Highland grenadiers were remarkable for strength and height, and considered equal to any company m the army : the light infantry were quite the reverse, in pomt of personal appearance, as the commanding officer ^ould not allow a choice of men for them. The battalion companies were formed into two temporary battalions, the command of one being given to Major William Murray, Lmtfose,) and that of the other to Major William Grant (Rothiemurchus,) with an Adjutant and Quarter- Master to each battalion ; the whole being under the command of Co- lonel Thomas Stirling. These small battalions were placed m ^he reserve with the grenadiers of the army under the command of Earl Cornwallis. To these was added the 3Sd, nis Lordship's own regiment. From the moment of their landing, Colonel Stirling was indefatigable m drilling the men to the manner of fightincr practised m the former war with the Indians and French bushmen, which is so well calculated for a close woody country. Colonel Stirling was well versed in this mode of warfare, and imparted it to the troops, by first training the non-comm.ss.oned officers himself, and then superintending the.r instruction of the soldiers. The Highlanders made rapid progress in this discipline, being, i„ general, excel.- lent marksmen, an^ requiring only to have their natural im- petuosity restrained, which often led them to disdain the Idea ot fighting in Ambush. State of the British Army in Staten Island, August 1776. Commander-in-Chiefs General t|ie Honourable Sir William Howe, K.B. Second in Commandt Lieutenant-Gcneral Henry Clinton. ^! J W *'■ 1 ''■ ■ 1 i'\ i i ■ 1 Wt ^IN I »• '■ [. ! 1 I ? ? ,•380 STATE OF THE ARMY. Third in Command, Ilight IIuu. LiuutciianuGuDLt'ul Earl IVrcy. i$t litifindi', — Mn|or-OcnprM Pigot 4tli llcfft.— Mi^or Jas. Ogilvie. ]5tli (To. Limit. -Colonel Uird, !J7tli tin. Ll.-Col. .1, Maxwell. 45th do. Aliijor Suxton. S(< Brignde, — Ili-ig.-Gcncrnl Agnew, killed ttt Gcriiianslown, 1777. 5lli llegt.— Lt.-Col. Walcot.dicd of wiuiiuU ot Gcrinanstuwn. 28th do. Lt -Col. lloh. Prcscot. S^Ui do. lit. -Col. Ilobcrt Carr, kilkd at Whitv riuiiiH, 177G. 40th do. Liciit.-Col. Sir Ilcnry Cnldcr, liarU id WrZ/jflf/tf.— Miijor-Gonoral Jones, loth Uegt. — Major Vatawi. 37th do. Lt.-Col. llobf. Abcr- croinby. do. Lt.Cul. Wni. Butler, do, Lt.-Col.Mungo Canip- boll, son ut* llurcaldine, killed at }''ort Mvnlgoincric in 1777. SHth Mh Brigade- — Maj.-Gon. Jao. Grant, llallindalloch. 17th Regt. — Lt.-Col. ISIuwhood. 40th do. Lt.-Col. Jas Grant, killud in Long Island, 1776'. do. Lieut- Colonel Enoch Aliirkhnin. do. Captain Luke. 46th 55tli 6th lin'gade, — Drig.- General Smith. 23A llogt.— Lt.-Col. J. Campbell. 43d do. Lt.-Col. Geo. Clorku. Mth do. Lt.- Col. Alured Clarke. 63d do, Miyor Francis Sill. Ko Glh .Driga(U:-^lir\g.-Maj,- Geo. bertson, 23d Regt.->Lt.-Col. Bcnj. Bor- nnrd. 44th do. Major Henry Hope. 57lh do, Lt--Col. John Cump. bell of Strachur. 64th do. Mi^. Hugh M'Lerocli. Sid Sd Tlh /?ri;nf/c.-«-Drigadier-General Wm. Erhkine, Quartcr-Ma^ter-GcneraL 17ih Light Dragoons. Lieutenant- Colonel Birch. 71st Highlanders, 1st Battalion. — IVInj. John Macdonell, Lochgary. 2d ditto. Miy. Norman Lamont of Lamont lirigndc of Cunrrfs.— Major-Gencral Mathew. |jight Infantry Brigade. Brig.-Gcn. the Hon. Alexander Leslie, 1st Battalion Light Infantry. Mnj. — Thos. Musgrave, succeeded by Lieut.- Colonel Robert Abcrcromby. ditto. ditto. Major Strawbcnzic. diuo. ditto. Major the Hon. John Maitland, son of the Earl of Lauderdale, ditta ditto. Major John Johnson. RXSRRVX. Right Hon. Lientenant- General Earlof Cornwallis, Brigadier-General the Hon. John Viiuglian. |33d Regiment. — Lieut.-Col. Webster, killed at Guildford 1779. 4'Jd ditto. Royal Highland. — Lieut- Col. Thomas Stirling. Ibt Battalion Grenadiers. Lieut.- Col. the Hon. Henry Monckton, killed at Monmouth, 1778. £d ditto ditto Lieut.-Col. William Meadows, Sd ditto, ditto. Major Thomas MirsIi. 4th Highland ditto. Major the Hon. Charles Stuart. Royivl Artillery and Engineers, Brigadier-General Cleveland. lUi The whole force, including 13,000 Hessians and Wal^ ^ctkcrs, laiuied in August, amounted to 30,000 men. 'I'lic campaign opened by a landing on Long Lland, on \in son of Uic Earl naooKLYN, 17CG. the 22(1 of August 1 776. The 381 -^ , „ " -— reserve was Itinded first in Oravesend Bay to the right of the Narrows, and being im- medtately moved forward to Flat Bush, the Highlander, and a corps of Hessians were detached to a little distance, where they encamped. After the disembarkation was com- pleted, the whole army followed, and occupied the ground from 1 at Bush in front of the villages of Gravesend and Utrecht. General Putnam with the American army was en- camped at Brooklyn, a few miles distant, where his works crossed a small peninsula, having the East river on his left, and a marsh on his right. The two armies were separated by ft range of woody hills, which intersected the country from east to west. The direct roa«•• of ">« ♦2d. ;„" wZded f .he ; 'f ""' ' '"«»»" •'«' « '-k «.d file wounaeu, ot the 7Isi regiment. The same evening {the 5!7ih) the army encamped in front of the enom/, Jines, and on the 28lh broke ground opposite iheir lea redoubt. But General Washington, who hLd crowed over from New York daring the ao'uon seeL „„ Tr vT"« "'^'■°"* "PP°'"^ "• '■™' '"-''^d on « r"! treat, which wm conducted so skilfully, that 9000 men, with guns, ammunitio.,, and stores, were, in the course of one night, transported over a broad ferry to New York, and «th such silence and secrecy, that our army were not Iware of their intention till next morning, when the last of the rear.g„ard were seen in their boats, and out of danger. After the escape of the enemy, active operations were re- sLkr "«'•'»»''«■•»'•«< "joined after the action at Brooklyn, crossed over the island to New York, three miles above the town and. after some opposition, ook po^oa .tan?H" .^'""»'""g »>«■•« completed, the Highland, crsand Hessians, who were ordered to advance to Bloom- jngdale to mtereept the enemy, now retreating from New Yo.k, fell n with and captured a corps of New Enoland men and Virginians. That night the regiment lay on t™^ «rms, occasionally skirmishing with the enemy./ On the k.m»lf b, h,, „™g,h of .™ .„j p„„„„ „, ' JcZZZ A, l"f h" """ T' "'•" '" "■ '"^« •"■» '• • "»P«.<-" ^t^ 384 YORK ISLAND, 1776. |l^- ! t. I ? : IGtli, tlic light infnntry were sent out to dislodge a party of the enemy, who had taken possession of a wood facing the left, of the British. The action becoming warm towards the evening, and the enemy pushing forward reinforcements, the Highlanders were sent to support the light infantry, when the Americans were quickely driven back to ther en- trenchments. Perceiving that our force was small, they returned to the attack with 3000 men ; but these were like- wise repulsed, with considerable loss. In this affair our loss was 14. killed, and 5 oificers and 70 men wounded. The 42d lost 1 sergeant and 3 privates kiUed, and Captains Duncan Macpherson and John Mackintosh, Ensign Alex- ander Mackenzie (who died of his wounds), and 3 ser- geants, 1 piper, 2 drummers, and 47 privates, wounded, f No farther operations of any importance occurred for some days. The enemy, who at first appeared much dis- heartened by their late defeats, were now gradually recover- ing spirit and confidence. To encourage this rising confi- dence, and for the purpose of forming a chain of detached cojps along the heights from Kingsbridge to the White Plains, Washington made a general movement of his army, and es- tablished them on strong grounds in the rear of the Phiins. General Howe, who had hitherto been occupied in throw- ing up entrenchments, as ii expecting to be attacked, resolv- ed to make a movement, with the view of inducing the enemy to quite their strong position. In consequence of this determination, the army eiubarked on the 12th of October, in flat- bottomed boats, and, passing through the intricate officer had a sword in his hand, he snatched it from him, and made so good use of it, that he compelled them retren^ before some men of the regiment, who had heard the noise, could come up cj his assistance. He wore the sword as a trophy during the campaign. He vas promoted to tlie Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the 27th regiment, and died the following year, much respected and belov- ed. f This, although only an affair of outposts, was one of the briskest engage- ments on a small scale during thf ar; but no proper detailed account of it was ever published. WBITE PLAINS, 1776. 385 p.».ge called Hdl Gate, landed the ..me etening at Frog.. could ":"'"/'"'"• ""' " "« fou„d^hatZ; could no, proceed, a, a bri.lge, by which thi, latter place wa, connected „,th the mainland, had been dctroyed by 3.h anT "„"''"•;'' '"""""• '-«">b.rked on the Point .. .if ^/i""* "•' '"""■ '""'!'<' »" P'll'" Po.n^ at the mouth of Hudson'. Ili.er. Moving forward they lay that night on their arms, .t,eir left being fn a creek and, the following day, reached White Plain,, where the enemy had concentrated their whole force. Both ™iet dnfh"":.'"/';''"'."^ "'''""'■"- " """'o'crmined toll hlV^ fr. ^^ ^""'"^ " "'•"« g^-nd where the enemy had posted 4000 men. Thi. post wa. c.rried with gr^at pu-,t by the 28,h and 35th regiment., but the positowt ound o„ d..ta„. to allow any impression to be made tZ It on he enemy's camp. General Howe, after a few inef- fectual movements to bring the enemy to action, gave up the attempt, and retired from White Plains. • He then proceeded agamst Fort Washington and Kingsbridge. .fc" former bemg very strong by nature, and rendered cZZ l^rZ Yoi '"•, t " '" -"^ *^ communication t tween New York and the continent, to the eastward and northward of Hudson's river, and prevented supX fr'm reduce .t. m order to open the communication. The sar^ nson consisted of nearly 3000 men, and the strong ground, round t,e fort were covered with line, and workf The t \ ■ \ 386 FORT WASHINGTON, 1T76. H(« principal attack was to be made by General Knypbaa&en with the Hessians, supported by Mnjor-Oencrnl Earl Percy, with the whole of the reserve, except the 42d, who were ordered to make a feint on the east side of the fort. On this side, the hill was so steep and rugged, that the enemy, thinking its summit inaccessible, had taken no measures to secure it. Before day- break of the 16th of November, the 42d marched from their encampment, and embarked in boats, to be conveyed to ai small creek at the foot of the rock, where they were to land, and to make demonstra- tions to ascend the hill, for the purpose of diverting the attention of the enemy from the principal attack* The morning was well advanced before the boats with the 42d reached their station. The enemy, seeing their approach, opened a smart fire, which could not be returned, owing to the perpendicular height of the enemy's position. The in- slKnt the Highlanders landed, they formed hastily, and for- getting that their duty was intended only as a feint, they re- soW ed to attempt an assault, and scrambled up the preci- pice* assisted by each other, and by the brushwood and shrubs which grew out of the crevices of the rocks. On gaining the summit, they rushed forward, and attacked the enemy with such rapidity, that upwards of 200, who had no time to make therr escape, threw down their arms; while the Highlanders, pursuing their advantage, pene- trated across the table of the hill, and met Lord Percy's Brigade as they were mounting on the opposite side : and thus the Highlanders, with their characteristic impetuosity, turned a feint into a real attack, and facilitated the success of the day. The enemy, seeing General Knyphausen ap- proach in another direction, surrendered at discretion. Of the enemy 2700 men were made prisoners. The loss of the British was 1 captain, 2 sergeants, and 17 rank and file, killed ; and 4 subalterns, 9 sergeants, 1 drummer, and 88 rank and file, wounded : the proportion of the Royal High- landers being 1 sergeant and 10 privates killed, and Lieu- FORT I.EF,. 387 tenants Patrick Gr^me, (Inchbrackie,) Norman Macleod, • and Alexander Grant, and 4 sergeants and 66 rank and file, wounded. * The next attempt was to get possession of Fort Lee, in order to secure the entire command of the North Kiver, and to open an easy Communication into the Jerseys. With the Grenadiers, L^ht infantry, Royal Highlanders, and 33d re. R.ment, Lord Cornwallis was ordered to attack this post. Landmg m the Jerseys, on the I8th November, eight miles above Fort Lee, his Lordship instantly pushed forward in the hope of a^rprising the enemy; but they were apprise ed at h,8 approach (by a deserter), and retreated in great confusion, leaving guns, ammunition^ and stores behind Ihem. On the following day, the enemy retired from New- bridge, at the approach of the Grenadiers and Light infantry* under Major-General Vaughan. Lord Cornwallis, rein* forced at th-s place by the two battalions of Fraser's HiVh- landers, continued the pursuit to Elizabeth Town, Newark and Brunswick. In the latter town he was ordered to halt! to the great relief of the enemy, who were flying before him, unable to make the least resistance, and having appa^ rently no other object than to keep a day's march a-head of their pursuers. Lord Cornwallis halted for eight days at Brunswick, when the Commander-in-Chief, with the army* moved forward, and reached Prince Town in the afternoon * This hill was so perpendicular, that the ball whicb wdunded Lieutenant Macleod, entering the posterior part of his neck, ran down on the outside of His ribs, and lodged in the lower part of his back. One of the pipers, who began to play when he reached the point of a rock on the summit of the hill, was immediately shot, and tumbled from one piece of rock to another till he reached the bottom. Major Murray being a large corpulent man, could not attempt this steep ascent wuhout assistance. The soldiers, eager to get to the point of their J. iy, scrambled up, forgetting the situation of Major Murray, when he, in a me- lancholy supplicating tone, cried, « Oh soldiers, will you leave me? " A par ty leapt down instantly, and brought him up, supporting him from one ledge cf the rock to another till they got him to the top. . bb2 388 TRENTON, 1777. ,/ .| "t ' ',.i.l .aM of the lytli of November, an hour after it was cvaciinted by General Washington, who calculated with such exactneaa, that his rear-guard were retiring from Trenton at one end, while the British troops entered at another. "Winter having now set in, the army went into winter- quarters. Eraser's Highlanders and the 33d regiment were quartered at Amboy. The lloyal Highlanders serving in- dependently, were stationed on the advanced posts. These were occupied, from Trenton to Mount-holly, by the Hes- sians, the Highlanders being the only Biitish regiment in the front. This force was under the command of the Hes- sian Colonel, Count Donop. At this time the enemy were greatly dispirited by their late reverses, and were still apprehensive of continued pur- suit. The advance of our troops, although hitherto slow, had been successful, and, if continued with spirit, would probably have reduced the Americans to the last extremity. But the British Commander suspended all active operations, and made another fruitless attempt at negotiation. General Washington availed himself of this opportunity for improv- ing the discipline of his army, by partial attacks on the Bri- tish posts. His occasional success reanimated the drooping spirits of his soldiers, who were rapidly acquiring expe- rience, even from their defeats. The circumstance of the Hessians being in front, greatly favoured Washington's plans. As they were ignorant of the language of the coun- try, and indulged in habits of pillage, which rendered them hateful even to the Loyalists, who avoided all com- munication with them, it was impossible that their com- manders could obtain accurate intelligence of the move- ments of their opponents. Accordingly, on the 22d of Ja- nuary 1777, General Washington, by a successful strata- gem, surprised and completely defeated the detachment of Hessians stationed at Trenton. By this reverse, the situa- tion of the Royal Highlanders, who formed the left of the line of defence at Mount-holly, became extremely critical, liliir." rniNci: town. 389 and they were, in consequence, ordered to fall buck on the Alight infantry at Prince Town. of tmh ^°'*"7"'i' ^I'^ ^" •" Ne^v York, and on the eve of embarking for England, returned to the army when ho heard of the defeat of the Hessians ; and, making immediate preparations to dislodge the Americans from Trenton, mov- ed forward with a force consisting of the Grenadiers, two M^er much I T* '^"^ '''' *"^ "'^'^'""^ '««•«"«"*•• After much skirmishing in the advance, he found General Washington posted on some high ground beyond Trenton. t.Zu """"°"°^°^^°"^'nenced on both sides, which conti- nued till night, with occasional skirmishing between the ad- vanced guards. Lord Cornwallis determined to renew the SurTn. T "T'?' I'"' '^' ^'"*"''^'»"» ^«d decamped U, ring the night, leaving large fires burning to deceive theu. adversaries; and, proceeding towards Prince Town, by a road paralle to that by which our army had march! ed on the preceding day. and divided from it only by a small rivulet, they effected their retreat in safety and good The object of Washington was to decline a general en- gagement, and, at the same time, to surprise that part of our army which Lord Cornwallis left at Prince ToL His Lordship had ordered the commander of this detach- ment, Colonel Mawhood, to follow him with the i7th, the ex i"^^ f ^' ^"■•"^"^^- ^^ ^^ -- P-P--4 to execute this order, the Americans suddenly appeared on which they had marched, that the report of a smart dis- charge of musketry m his rear was the first notice of their separated the two armies, the detachment might have avoid- ed an engagement, and made good their retreat to Maiden- from 1 ,^°"'''7^» ^°^«^^«-' tl^at some good might result irom delaying the progress of the Americans, Colonel Maw- hood resolved to hazard an action. Accordingly, he fori ed his regiments, and when the enemy advanced, he poured 390 PISqUATUA, 1777. IS ', . ; m v4 in a heavy discharge of artillery, which, as they were not yet formed, did great execution. The advanced body of the enemy being observed in some disorder, the 17th rsg'- ment charged and drove them across a ravine in their rear. Separated by their ardour from the rest of the detachment, the 17th charged again another body on their right, and Cutting their way through the enemy, marched unmolested to Maidenhead. The 40th and 5Sth being themselves vi- gorously attacked by the enemy, were not able to support the 17th. These attacks were so sudden and unexpected, that, without any concerted plan, or opportunity of giving orders, each corps fought and defended themselves separate- ly, and, while the 17th made good their retreat to Maid- enhead, the other corps retired on Brunswick, with a great loss of men in killed and wounded* the greater part .of the latter being taken prisoners. Lord Gornwallis established his head quarters at Bruns- wick, where he passed the winter. On the 6th of January 1777, the Royal Highlanders were detached from head quarters to the village of Pisquatua, on the line of com- munication between New York and Brunswick by Amboy. This was a post of great importance, as it kept open the communication by which provisions were conveyed to the British forces at Brunswick, which communication the ene- my were most anxious to interrupt and cut off. The duty here was severe, and the season rigorous. As the houses in the village could not accommodate half the men, officers and soldiers were intermixed in barns and sheds, sleeping always in their body- clothes, as the enemy were constantly sending down nocturnal parties, to fire at the sentinels and picquets. "While einployed in exciting these nightly alarms, they, however, kept at a respectful distance, never making any regular attack on this post, as they frequently did on that of the Hessians, for whom they began to lose much of their former dread. * • )Vhen the Pcssians first lurnled iu America, they were held !n great dreed ! • H: PISQUATUA, 1777. 391 i in great dre«d In this manner passed the winter and spring. On the lOlh of May, at 4 o'clock :n the afternoon, the American Cenerals, Maxwell and Stephens, attacked the Royal High- land regiment with 2000 men. Advancing with great se- crecy, and being completely covered by the nature of (he country, their approach was not permyed till they rushed forward on a small level piece of ground in front of the picquets. These they attacked with such promptitude, that the men had hardly time to sei^e their arms. Notwith- standmg this unexpected and sudden attack, they kept the enemy m check till the picquets in reserve came to their as- sistance. Pushing forward fresh numbers, the enemy be- came at length mixed with the picquets, who retired, dis- puting every foot, to afford more time to the regiment to turn out. The soldiers were less in readiness than the picquets, being all employed in different avocations, or tak- mg the rest they could not enjoy at night. But the resist- ance made by the picquets allowed them time to assemble, and the enemy were driven back, with great precipitation, leaving upwards of 200 men in killed and wounded. The Highlanders, pursuing with great eagerness, were with dif- hculty recalled, and were only prevented by the approach 01 night from pushing on to attack th« enemy's camp. The loss of the Highlanders was 3 sergeants and 9 privates kill- ed; and Captain Duncan Macpherson, Lieutenant Wil- liam Stewart, and 3 sergeants and SO privates, wounded. * by the people. To remove this in.pression, General Washington ordered the prisoners taken at Trenton to be led through several towns, to accustom the people to the sight of these formidable looking soldiers, whose whiskers, beards, and rough caps, msp.red such awe. The surprise at Trenton dispelled this childish terror; and whiskers, fierce looks, and fur caps, lost their eflect. • On this occasion. Sergeant Macgregor, whose company was immediately m the rear of the picquet, rushed forward to their support, with a few m.„ who happened to have their ams in their hands, when the enemy commenced U^attack. Being severely wounded, he was left insensible on the ground. When the p.cquet was overpowered, and the few survivors forced to retire, Macgregor, who had that day put on a new jacket with silver lace, having. bfMdes, large silver buckles in hi, shoes, and a watch, attracted the notice of i'>:* li .. ! \' '^I'l 592 PIS(iUATUA, 1777. The lieutenant and 3 sergeants were disabled for life, as well ' as many of the men from the severe wounds naturnlly to be expected in such close fighting. Si\ sergeants, all men of the best conduct and character, were considered a great loss to the regiment. Summer being now well advanced, preparations were made for taking the field. Much time had been already lost in waiting for supplies of camp equipage and stores from Englond. The i'id, along with the l.^th, 17th, and 44lh regiments, were this campaign put under the command of Major-General Charles Grey. Sir William Howe, having assumed the command about the middle of June, ottempted to draw General Washing- ton from his station at Middle Brooke, a place too strong to be prudently attacked. The American Commander was BO sensible of the odvantngc of his situation, that General Howe could not induce him to abandon it. The British General pushed on detachments, and made movements, as if he meant to march towards the Delaware, ond advanced in front of the enemy's lines, where he continued four days, exploring the approaches, in the hope that some unguarded opening for an attack might be discovered. General Wash- ington, though he could not be tempted from his position, detached a part of his troops under the command of Mnjor- nn Amorican soldier, who deemed him a good pri«c. Tlie retreat of his friends not nUowing him time to strip tlie sergeant on tlie spot, he tliought the sliortcst way was to take him on liis back to a more convenient distance. By tliis time Mac- gregor began to recover ; and, perceiving whitlier tlie man was carrying liim, drew his dirk, and, grasping him by the throat, swore that lie would run him through tlie breast, if he did not turn back and carry him to the camp. The American, finding tliis argument irresistible, complied witli the request, and, meeting Lord Cornwallis (who had come up to the support of the regiment when he heard the firing) and Colonel Stirling, was thanked for his care of the sergeant ; but ho honestly told them, that he only conveyed him tliitlier to save his own life. Lord Cornwallis gave him liberty to go whithersoever he chose. His Lordship procured for tlie sergeant a situation under Government at Leitli, whidi h« enjoyed many years. nsdUATUA, 1777. 393 he command General Lord Stirling. Those, falling in with the Guard, ond some battalions of Hessians, were routed with consider- able loss. Seeing no prospect of making any effectual impression on the enemy. General Howe determined to change the seat of the war. Accordingly, he embarked and sailed for the Chesapeak, with 36 battalions of British and Hessians, in- rfuding the flank battalion, of Grenadiers and Light infantry. Before the embarkation, the Royal Highlanders werejoinwi by a detachment of 17o recruits from Scotland, who, as they were all of the best description, more than supplied the loss which the regiment had sustained from different casualties. After a tedious voyage, the army landed at Elk Ferry on the 2ith of August, but it was the Sd of September before they were ready to move from the head of the Elk, and to march to Philadelphia. From this unfortunate delay Waslnngton had time to march across the country, and to take an advantageous position at Red Clay Creek, whence detachments were pushed forward, with the intention of an- noymg the British troops, by partial skirmishes, on their march. As the country was difficult, woody, and full of defiles, this march was necessarily slow; consequently, it was not till the middle of September that General Howe reached the Brandy Wine River, beyond which the enemy had taken up a strong position, with a seeming determina- tion to make a stand there, and to oppose the further ad- vance of the Royal Army. The different fording places were therefore secured and defended by the enemy; and at Chad's Ford, where it was thought most probable that the British would attempt to cross, batteries were erected, and entrenchments thrown up, to command and defend the passage. While the attention of the enemy was occupied at this place, Lord Cornwallis, with four battalions of Bri- tish Grenadiers and Light infantry, the Hessian Grenadiers, B party of the 7l8t Highlanders, and the Sd and 4th bri- gades, made a circi it of some miles, crossed Jeffrey's Ford without opposition, and turned short down the river, to at- » . [':;' 'J ill 1 Id.^V 394 DHESAPEAK. tack the enemy's right. General Washington, being in«> formed of this movement, detached General Sullivan, with all the force he could spare, to oppose his Lordship's divir tion. The American General having posted his men ad- vantageously, Lord Cornwallis was obliged to consume some time in forming a line of battle. That being done, the troops rushed on the enemy, and drove them from all their postsj through the woods, towards the main army. In the mean time. General Knyphansen, with his division, made demon- strations of passing the river at Chad's Ford, keeping ths enemy in suspense till Lord Cornwallis's movement was as- certained. As soon as this was known by the firing of can^ non in that quarter, he advanced, and, crossing the river, carried the batteries and entrenchments of the enemy ; and, following up his advantage, while Lord Cornwallis was pushing forward on the right, a general rout ensued, and the enemy retreated on all points. General Washington, with the corps he was able to keep together, fled with his cannon and baggage to Chester, whence he proceeded next morning to Philadelphia, for the purpose of collecting the remains of bis scattered army. Such was the issue of the battle of Brandy Wine, in which the troops on both sides gave many proofs of gal- lantry. The loss of the British was less than might have been expected in a batde fought against an enemy stationed on strong ground of their own choice. The total number was 3 captains, 4 lieutenants, 3 sergeants, and 63 rank and file, killed; and 1 lieutenant-colonelj 1 major, 16 captains 20 lieutenants, 5 ensigns, 35 sergeants, 4- drummers, ^n4 333 rank and file, wounded. The battalion companies of the iSd regiment being in reserve, sustained no loss, as they were not brought into action ; but of the flank companies, which formed part of the light brigade, 4 privates were killed, and 2 sergeants and 15 privates wounded. In this action were present the Marquis de la Fayette, and several other French officers, BRANDY WINE, 395 who hod joined the American cause, and who exerted them- selves in a very conspicuous manner. In this unfortunate war, it was the fate of the British army, that their victories led to no important consequences; on the present occasion, instead of pursuing a broken and defeated army, preventing their reassembling, and captur- ing their stores and magazines, General Howe made no forward movement, but permitted the American General to recruit his array, and collect new stores at his leisure. On the 22d September 1777, the British army were to ford the Schuylkill river at Valley Forge. The American General ordered a select brigade of his light troops, under tlie command of General Wayne, to take post six miles in rear of the British, and to embrace every opportunity of attacking and harassing them while fording the river. Sir William Howe, having received intelligence of Wayne's post and intentions, ordered a detachment to march at 1 1 o'clock at night, consisting of a party of Light dragoons, the 2d battalion of Light infantry, under the command of the honourable Major Maitland, and the 42d and 44rh re- giments, the whole commanded by Major-General Charles Grey, to attack General Wayne's Camp. General Grey directed the soldiers to make use of their bayonets only. The detachment marched with great secrecy and despatch, and came on the enemy at midnight, when the picquets and out-guards were overpowered in an instant, without causing any alarm. The troops then rushed forward, and before the Americans had time to seize their arms, bayonet- ed more than 300, and took 100 prisoners; the rest owed their escape to the darkness of the night. The loss of the British, as might have been expected, in such a complete surprise, was trifling, being I officer, I sergeant, and 1 pri- vate killed, and a few wounded. On the 25th, the army moved forward to German Town, and the following morning the Grenadiers advanced to Phi! ladelphia, of which they took peaceable possession, as the enemy had previously retired. I ■ f '^i i ■ '\ tf < 111 f ^jt!| ^ 596 CEIIMANTOWN. General Washington, having received considerable rein- forcements, and wishing to show how little he had suffered, and how soon he had recovered from the effects of his de- feat at Brandy Wine, determined on an enterprise equally bold in itself, and unexpected on the part of the British general. He marched from his ground, on the evening, with an intention of surprising and attacking the British at German Town, where he arrived about three in the follow- ing morning. The 40th. ' .^ t\ batittllon of Light infantry^ flew to their arms, and, ' jr hastily, made a vigorous resistance. They were, hov^-ver, forced to give way to the number of the enemy, and the vivacity of their attack, but the judgment and foresight of Lieutenant-Colonel Mus- grave saved the army from a surprise, which might have led to serious consequences. With six companiei of the 40th, he threw himself into a large stone house, from which he annoyed the assailants with such effect as to arrest their farther progress, till Major- General Grey arrived with his brigade, and, supported by Brigadier- General Agnew, with the 4th brigade, forced the Americans to retreat. In this short, but brisk engagement, the loss on both sides was greater than in the action of Brandy Wine, and although the enemy were repulsed, the attack itself, and the manner in which it was conducted, proved how little they had been intimidated by their late defeat, and how much they had improved both in courage and discipline. The Highlanders were not present in this action, having been sent on a detachment with i e iOth regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Stirling, to drive the enemy from a post at Billingspoint. On the 8th of October, however, they returned to the 3d Brigade under General Grey, and bore a part in all the future operations of the campaign. The most important of these was an, attempt of Sir William Howe to bring General Washington to a general action at W^hite Marsh, a strong position about fourteen miles from Philadelphia. Finding all his endeavours ineffectual, he MONMOUTH, 1778. 397 returned to Philadelphia on the 8th, and ordered the array into winter quarters. ^ The winter passed without any remarkable occurrence, • 2;i/", '^TT^ °^ May 1778, Sir William Howe was Cht 't". ^'"''■'^^ ^''"'"" °PP°'"'«^ Commander-i^ n2n 'II ""'' commander opened the summer cam- paign With the evacuation of Philadelphia, crossed the De- aware, and reached Monmouth on the 28th of June. In the neighbourhood of this place the American general hacl posted his army ,n considerable force. The extreme heat iltVr \nr '" ^"'"'"'^ convoy of provisions, re- tarded General Clmton's movements, and afforded a favou- rable opportunity to the Marquis de la Fayette, who was eager to distinguish himself in the cause of his new friends and who, accordingly, being supported by General Lee, made several attacks on the rear of the British column, f * Lieutenant. Colonel Stirling, ^ith the Queen's Ranges and *2d reginient. the woods, a Highland soldier came unexpectedly in sight of an American h« h-rr r^^'^"' *° '' "'"'''''''• ^-'' «- '^''-'1 « --"" - hmsolfwh.leload.ng J but fearing that the first who ventured out of cover Itt t .1 7t! r '" *'' °^'"' '"^'^ "'^P* P--™ «f «-- t-es, till at last the H.ghlander, losing patience, pushed his bonnet beyond the tree on he po.nt of h.s bayonet The American shot his ball tl.rough its centre, whea h.s opponent starting forward, made him surrender instantly. t When the Grenadier Brigade lay on their arms, before the commencement of the act.on, the Marquis de la Fayette, accompanied by a number of offi. cer^ rode up and halting at the distance of 300 yards, asked, « What troop, are these . when Captain Graham, of the 42d, answered, « The British Gre- nad.ers; « Very well, " said La Fayette, « be prepared and we ,vill soon be up «'. h you. Accordingly, in less than an hour, he made his attack with great bnskness. but was driven back with such precipitation, that General Lee, w.th a strong body of men in support, could not save him, and both were compelled to retreat in great disorder. Lee was sharply questioned by General Wash.ngton, why he allowed himself to be beaten. « Sir. " answered Lee. "you know not the troops I opposed, they were the English Grenadiers. " Genei-al Lee knew them well, having served many years as Lieutenant and Capta.n ... .■ Grenadiers of the 44th regiment. He was tried by a Court, martial for h.s conduct on this occasion, and suspended for six months from rank and pay. T|[pi(. f %■ li* ,!. ; ,j' n r^» rr- -i-^ sm RribDE ISLAND, 177B» They wctc unifoi^mly repulsed, but, as diey octaslohed consitlcrablc delay, Gciieral Clinton resolved to attack the main body of the enemy, who were drawn up in line, be- hind Monmouth Gourt-house^ The ground being favoON able, the cavatry made several successful charges, wheft the Orenadicrs and Guards advanced rapidly on the enemy's front line, which made a vigorous resistance, bnt was, lit length, forced to give way. A reinforcement being ordei^> ed up in support of the Guards, they again advanced, and attacked the enemy in a second position which they had taken. This attack was also resisted for some time ) but unable to maintain their ground, the enemy at lehgth re- treated, and again formed on a third position, but in such good order, and on ground so strong, that General Clinton did not think it advisable to push the attack, and withdrew the troops who had suffered extremely from the heat of the weather, (numbers dropping down in the ranks, and expir- ing in a few minutes,) to the advantageous position whence the first attack had been made. Here they halted till ten in the evening, when they resumed their march, and passed over to Staten and Long Islands, and from thence to New York. The loss on this occasion, as well as on all others where the enemy were opposed on open ground, was mo- derate, being onlj* 3 officers and 56 soldiers killed, and 16 officers, 7 sergeants, and 137 rank and file, wounded. A short time after the army had reached New York, a tiew enemy appeared in a French fleet of twelve sail of the line, and six frigates, under the command of the Count; l)'Estaing. The fleet under Lord Howe, though inferior to that of the enemy, was nevertheless formidable, from the state of the crews and equipments, and the character of the officers. It consisted of six ships of the line, and four of fifty guns, with several frigates and smaller vessels. D'Es- taing anchored oft New York, with an apparent intention of entering the harbour and attacking the British admiral; but, after remaining eleven days at anchor, he proceeded to co-operate with the American general Sullivan, at the head RHODE ISLAND, 1778. 399 'if a Fofce of 10,000 men, in an attack upon Rhode Lhind. On the 8th of August, D'Estaing's fleet anchored al>ove the town of Newport, in Rhode Island, whither he was fol- lowed by Lord Howe. On the Ilth, the French admiral put to sea, when Lord Howe offered him battle; but, after «ome days mnnoeuvring, both fleets were dispersed by a heavy gale of wind. ^ ^ The land force, were now left to themselves. General Pigot, who coBomanded in Rhode Island, was reinforced by General Prescot, with five battalions. Either from beinc disappomted in the expected co-operation of the French fleet, or from some other cause, the enemy deserted in such numbers, that General Sullivan found it necessnry to make a precipitate retreat, which he effected with little loss, and crossing to the main land at Holylands Ferry, avoided the intended attack of Sir Henry Clinton, who had arrived from New York with a body of troops for the relief of Rhode Island. The next enterprise was under the direction of Minor- Oeneral Charles Grey, who embarked with the Grenadiers, the Light Infantry brigade, and the 42d regiment, for the purpose of proceeding to the Acushnet river, to attempt to destroy a great assemblage of privateers, which, with their prizes, lay at New Plymouth. This expedition was com- pletely successful. The troops landed on the banks of the Acushnet on the 5th of September, and, by noon the fol- lowing day, the whole were reimbarked, having destroyed seventy vessels, with all the stores, cargoes, wharfs, and buildings, along the whole extent of the river. After this exploit they returned to New York. Another expedition of the same nature was soon after- wards undertaken against Egg Harbour, and some parts of the Jerseys, where a number of vessels and slore-houses were destroyed. In the mean time, the corps of cavalry known by the name of Lady Washington's dragoons, com- manded by Colonel Bellairs, was surprised and nearly an- nihil'Med by the second light infantry, commanded by Ma- ID" t 400 SMALL EXPEDITIONS. '^\''' 1 ■■ . j i 1 ^i.i .. , ' jor Ferguson. In this manner the war was carried on by petty expeditions, unpleasant and fatiguing in themselves, and productive of little honour or satisfaction either to the officer or soldier. At that period the winter was more a season of rest than has been the case in the course of later campaigns. It was not till the 25th of February that Colonel Stirling, with the Light infantry of the Guards, and the 42d regiment, was or- dered to attack a post at Elizabeth Town, commanded by the American General Maxwell. The detachment met with no resistance, the enemy retreating as they approached. In April the Highland regiment was employed on an expedition to the Chesapeak, to destroy the stores and merchandise at Portsmouth in Virginia. On the 30lh General Mathews, with the Guards, the 42d regiment, and a corps of Hessians, sailed under the convoy of Commodore Sir George Collier, in the Reasonable, and several ships of war, and reached their destination on the 10th of May, when the troops landed on the Glebe, on the western bank of Elizabeth. Having completed the object of the expedition, the whole were re- embarked, (having met with no casualties, except four wounded), and returned to New York in good time for the opening of the campaign, which commenced by an expedition to Verplanks and Stony Point; the former a regular work, which commanded the communication, by King's Ferry, on the Hudson river, between the eastern and western States. This service being likewise accom- plished without opposition or loss, the army fell back on the 4.th of June to Kingsbridge, and there encamped. An- other expedition was projected against New London ; but while preparations were going forward for that purpose, an account was received, which evinced the increasing enter- prise of the enemy, in the surprise and capture of Stony Point, a strong post garrisoned by 600 men, (among whom were two companies of Eraser's Highlanders,) the com- mander of which fell a sacrifice to too great confidence, and au unfortunate habit of despising his enemy,— a prejudice STONY POINT— VERPLANKS. 401 Which has frequently brought discomfiture and disgrace on induary men. On this occasion, success was followed by Its natural consequences; the hopes and enterprise of the enemy were animated and emboldened. A proof of thi. was an immediate attack by General Wayne on the post of Verplanks^ which was garrisoned by the S3d regU ment under Colonel Webster. The garrison held out, fill r," , o "^"'' '"""'"•"« «<^^"""ts of the approach of Colonel St.rlmg, with the Light infantry, and the 42d, re- treated from Verplanks, and having also evacuated Stony Fomt, Colonel Stirling took possession, and assumed the command of the whole. This officer being now appointed aide-de-camp to the King and a brigadier-generaJ, the command of the 42d de- volved on Major Charles Graham, to whom also was in* trusted the command of the posts of Stony Point and V^r- planks, together with his own regiment, and a detachment of Fraser s Highlanders under Major Ferguson, and the Light infantry of the 82d regiment under the command of Lieutenant Robert Hamilton, now an advocate and a Prin- cpal Clerk of the Court of Session. This duty was the more important, as the enemy surrounded the posts in great numbers, and desertion had become so frequent among a corps of Provincials, sent as a reinforcement, that they could not be trusted on any military duty, particularly on those duties which are most harassing-the outposts fronting the enemy. In the month of October these posts were with- drawn, and the regiment fell back on Greenwich, in the neighbourhood of New York. During these various move- ments and transactions. General Washington remained in a strong position beyond Stony Point and Verplanks, and showed no disposition to quit a situation where he could not be attacked without great disadvantage to his assail- ants. _ The winter of 1779 was the coldest that had been known m that climate for forty ^ears; and the troops, although c c 402 FORTY. SECOND REGIMENT. E.' 1. »i now in qunrtcrs, suft'cretl more from lliat circunistanre than in the precetling winter when in liuts. But the Ilighhuulors met with a misfortune of a more grievoua kind,— a minfor- tune from which it took several years to enable them to re- cover. In the autumn of this year a draft of 150 men, re- cruits raised principally from the refuse of the streets of London and Dublin, was embarked for the regiment by or- ders of the Inspector-General at Chatham. These men, as might have been expected, were of the most depraved characters, and of such dissolute habits, that one-half of them were unfit for service; 16 died in the passage, and 75 were sent to the hospital from the transports as soon as they disembarked. * By men so temperate and regular in their habits as the Highlanders, both officers and men, the contamination of the dregs of large cities could not fail to be regarded as a great calamity. On this subject General Stirling made strong representations to the Commander-in- Chief; and in consequence, these men were removed to the 26th regiment, in exchange for the same number of Scotch- men. When it is considered that the ranks of the 4-2d regi- ment might easily have been filled from the country where it was originally raised, chiefly because the young High- landers believed that they would meet with countrymen only, it is not easy to account for this arrangement of the Inspector-General, which, if persevered in, would have been productive of much evil, without any apparent good to coun- terbalance it. The feelings of an honourable old soldier were outraged, when he saw himself associated with men collected from the police offices and streets of London. By such society the moral principles of the young soldiers were not only endangered, but it dissolved that char'n and ex- pectation of companionship, which had hitherto so greatly favoured recruiting, and it destroyed that national feeling • In the year 1776 the three battalions of the 4.2d and of Eraser's High- landers embarked 324« soldiers: after a stormy passage of more than three months, none died: they had only a few sick, and these not dangerously. PORTY-SfccOND UEGIAIENT. 40^ which influenced the men, who believed, that, while they were al ScolHmen, they were bound to support the honour o^ Scotland. In the honour of their new comrades of St Giles . and Tothil Field-, Westminster, they could hardly be expected to take the same lively interest. This measure wil appear the more remarkable when it is recollected, that a desperate mutiny, by which many lives were lost, oc^ curred this year at Leiih, in consequence of two detach- ments of recruits belonging to the 42d and Eraser's High- landers being ordered to join other corps, instead of those for which they were originally enlisted. • Thus while, on the one hand, the good name of the regiment was in danger of being tarnished by the depravity of those men who were forced upon them, the lives of several spirited youths fell a sacrifice to their desire to join this regiment; and the whole became amenable to the laws for the mutinous manner in which, m their ignorance and despair, they endeavoured to prevent their original engagements from being' violat- ed, f . ° I have noticed, that, at the conclusiori of the Seven-years* War, the officers of the regiment were highly respectable, and many bf them both accomplished gentlemen and able • See article on the Mutiny of Highland Regiments. t A more mischievous and unnecessary measure than this could not weH have been devised : it expo^nl the corps to almost certain degradation, beside, the danger of the young and virtuous soldier becoming familiar with the view ^Ir* f r;^'' "' ''"* """'"'• '"* """•'^ •" ♦''« ^-"J. P^haps. learn to muate. Every delinquency of tl.eir new comrades would necessarily lower be whole regiment in the estimation of the public, who could not disUnguish between the innocent and the guilty. Of this we have many instances iti Highland corps, where the guilt and depravity of a few (and these few alien, and strangers' to the country whose name is borne, and whose character is re- presented by the regiment), have brought discredit upon an honourable body of men. It is said, that, in some Higliland corps, wl.o have a considerable mix- ture of strangers, the same firmness in the field, and the same urbanity and regular habits in quarters, are evinced. If this statement is correct, it would be d«irable to ascertain the share of praise due to the strangers. c c2 . CHARACTER, 1779. officers. At the present period also the regiment was fortu- nate in this respect. How much the authority and exam- ple of such officers will influence the conduct of the soldiers is evident. The regiment was now in its fifth campaign ; but the men preserved so completely their original habits of temperance and moderation, that, while rum and all spi- ritous liquors were served out daily to the other troops, the Highlanders received their allowance every third or fourth day, in the same manner as the officers. This was continued till it was found inconvenient for the soldiers to carry more than one day's allowance on long marches. At that period all the soldiers were natives of the country from which the regiment took its denomination ; and, consequent- ly, they carried with them to the military ranks those ha- bits of temperance and sobriety which, as I have noticed in the preliminary sketch of the manners and customs of the Highlanders, formed a marked trait in their character. That they did not abuse this honourable confidence, is evi- dent from the circumstance of its never having been with- drawn, except for the convenience of the soldiers. These five campaigns embraced many movements, and from affi- nity of language, and from the promises and allurements which the Americans held out, there were, of course, many inducements to desertion. Desertions from other corps were, indeed, very frequent; but in this regiment it was otherwise ; not a man deserted ; and of more than iOOO men of whom the corps consisted, there was only one punished during the whole of these five years. This man had asked leave of absence, stating that he had business of consequence to transact ; but, as there was a general order against grant- ing leave, Colonel Stirling was obliged to refuse him. However, the man was determined, and went away without leave, and having, as he said, settled his business, returned to his regiment. This defiance of orders could not be pass- ed over. He was tried and punished. But the unfortunate man endured a double punishment. The soldiers consider- CHARACTER, 1779-80. 405 ed the honour and character of the corps implicated and tarnished, when they saw one of their number thus publicly brought to shame; and such was their horror of the casti- gation, and of the disgrace attached to it, that not a soldier m the regiment would mess with him. The second punish- ment was, ,n some respects, more severe than the first, and Indl'LIcf' "'"^'^ ^^''"'' ^ preserving correct principles Such was the Royal Highland regiment, while it was pre- served as a national and unmixed body. The Inspector- (general dissolved the charm. Punishments being found indispensable for the men newly introduced, and others be- commg more habituated to the sight, much of the sense of disgrace was necessarily lost. While Captain Peebles • com- manded his company, there was not a complaint made to the commanding officer. His successor was constantly pre- ferring complaints, and calling for punishment. The rea- son IS plain. He misunderstood the character of his men, and knew not how to manage them. When he saw them looking sour and discontented at the suspicion and reproach thrown on their conduct by his harshness, his threatenings, and complaints, he called them mutinous ; and, if he had not been checked, he would have made them so. Had this officer looked back to the five years previous to his joining the regiment, and reflected that 1000 men had continued to live together with so little cause for suspicion or reflection on their general behaviour, that no severity was necessary, U^might have occurred to Lim, as it did to his commandin.r officer, that many faults which he saw in the men proceed! ed from some uncommon cause, or perhaps from his igno- • Captain Peebles served as a volunteer with IVfontgomery's Highlanders, and was promoted to the 42d for his gaUant conduct at Bushy Run, in 1763. He reured from the service at the conclusion of the war in 1783, and when the former editions were printed, was the kst surviving officer of those who wrved with Montgomery's and with the Royal Highlanders in the Seven Years' War. He died in 182t, in his eighty.geven'h year. ■'I' ! 4PQ YORK TOWN, 1781 !•! ■ ( i !:i: 'T I ■|j I' Ilk: ! ranee of their character, and from the harsh measures and intemperate language which he used towards themi and against which their spirit revolted ; while, had he pursued a contrary line of conduct, they would probably have been as quiet and obedient to his orders as they had formerly been to his predecessors. ^ To return to the army at New York. Sir Henry Clin- ton, wishing to prosecute the war with vigour, and under- take some enterprise of importance, determined to make an attack on Charlestown, the capital of South Carolina. Having made his arrangements for this purpose, he left General Knyphausen in the command, and, embarking the troops intended for Charlestown, sailed from New York on the 26th of December. Such was the severity of the wea^ ther, however, that, although the voyage might have been accomplished in ten days, it was the 11th of February 1780 before the troops disembarked on John's Island, thirty miles from Charlestown. Several of the transports were driven out of their course; others were taken ; and a great proportion of the horses, both of cavalry and artillery, died pn the voyage. So great were the impediments to be over- come, and so cautious was the advance of the General, that it was the 29lh of March before the besieging army crossed Ashley River. The following day they encamped opposite the American lines. On the 1st of April they broke ground in front of Charles- town. The American General Lincoln commanded in the town, and had strengthened the place in all its defences, both by land and water, in such a manner as threatened to render the siege both a tedious and difficult undertaking. Being probably aware of this, the Commander-in-Chief or- dered the Royal Highlanders and Queen's Rangers to join him before Charlestown, which they did oi\ the 18th of April, having sailed fropi New York on the 3 1st of Rfarch. ^fter this the siege proceeded in the usual manner, till the ^2th of May, when the garrisoq surrendered prisoners 'of VORK TOWN, 1781. 407 war. The low of the British and Hessians, on this occa- sion, was 76 killed, and 189 wounded ; and that of the 42d, L-ieuten^nt Macleod and 9 privates killed, and Lieutenant Alexander Grant ♦and 14 privates wounded. After the troops had taken possession of Charlestown,' the 42d and Light infantry were ordered to Monck's Corner on a foraging party, and, returning on the 2d, they em< barked on the 4th of June for New York, along with the Grenadiers and Hessians. After being encamped for some time on Staten Island, Valentine's Hill, and other stations in the province of New York, they went into winter quar- ters in the capital of the province. From this period, as the regiment was not engaged in any active service during the war, the changes of encampments and cantonments are loo trifling to be noticed. About this time 100 recruits arrived from Scotland, all young men in the full vigour of healthJ and ready for immediate service. Haying, on the 15th of October 1781, received informa- tion that Lord Cornwallis was surrounded by a superior force at York Town, Sir Henry Clinton immediately em- barked With 7000 men for his relief; but on reaching the capes of the Chesapeak, and receiving accounts that his Lordship had surrendered, he returned, and disembarked the troops at New York and Staten Island. • The woimd of Lieutenant Grant was remarkable for its apparent severity, but bavmg a good constitution, and a healthy habit of body, he soon rel covered. A su pound ball struck Mr Grant on the back in a slanting direc- tion near the right shoulder, carrying away the entire scapula, with seve- ral other bones, and leaving the whole surrounding parts in si L st.te. that Ik. was allowed to regain on the ground, the only care of the surgeons being to make b..n as easy as possible for the short time they believed he had to lie He was afterwards removed to his quarters, and. to the surprise of the sur-' geons, ,hey found hixn alive the following morning, and free of fever and all bad symptoms, In a short time he recovered completely, and served many years .n perfect health. He died in 1807, major on half pay of the r8th regi! ment. He was son to Colonel Grant of Moy, who died in April 18^2. and who .s noucco in the Appendix as having been taken upon suspicion of h vin«" Hiol fliunro ol Culcairn in 1746'. * 408 PAULUS HOOK— DESERTION, 1783. l! in 4 mu^ m\.. |W'^ lii m i4 On the 28th of April 1782, Major Graham succeeded to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the Royal Highland regiment in the room of Colonel Stirling, promoted to the Tlst, viceGe" neral Fraser deceased ; Captain Walter Home of the Fusir leers succeeded Major Graham. While the regiment was quartered at Paulus Hook, tha advanced post from New York leading to the Jerseys, some occurrences took place equally new and disgraceful. Seve- ral of the men deserted to the enemy. Tins unexpected and unprecedented dereliction of duty occasioned much sur- prise, and various causes were assigned for it : the prevail- ing opinion was, that the men who had been received from the th regiment, and who had been made prisoners at Saratoga, had been seduced while in the hands of the Ame- Ticans, by promises of grants of lands, and other indul- gences. Such was their infatuation, that when this happen- ed it was quite well known that they would soon have their discharge, with a government grant of land to each man. One of the deserters, a man of the name of Anderson, was soon afterwards taken, tried by a court-martial, and shot. The regiment remained in Paulus Hook till the conclu- sion of the war, when the establishment was reduced to eight companies, of fifty men each, the officers of the ninth and tenth companies being kept as supernumeraries in the regi- ment, to succeed as vacancies occurred. A number of the men were discharged at their own request, and their place was supplied by those who wished to remain in the country, instead of going home with their regiments. These were taken from Fraser's and Macdonald's Highlanders, and from the Edinburgh and the Duke of Hamilton's regiments. From these corps a sufficiency of good men, for so small an esta? bli&hment, was easily obtained. Subjoined is a list of casualties from the year 1 776 to the peace. The nature of the service during the latter period of the war was more fatiguing than dangerous, and conse- quently the loss vyas moderate. KILLED AND WOUNDED. 409 IS, an4 conse* Return of Killed and Wounded during the American Revolu^ ttonary War, from 1776 /o 178S. 1776, August 22d and 27th. Long J«land, including the buttle of Brooklyn Septentjber 16th. York Island supporting Light Infantry Novomber IGth. Attack on Fort Washington . Decamber i}2d. At Black Ilorse on the Delaware 1777, February 13th. AtAmboy.Gre- nadier company May 10th. Pisquatua, Jerseys Scpiemher 1 1 tb. Battle of Bran- dy Wine October 5th. Battle of German- ,-..„ ,,-*°*"' "'" ''«'" company 1778, March 22d. Foraging pirties Jerseys JuneSSth. Battle of Monmouth, Jerseys 1779, February 26tli. Elibabeth Town, Jerseys 1780, April and May to 12th. Siege of Charlestown . , March 16th. Detachment sent to forage from New York to the Jerseys 1781, September and October. York Town, in Virginia, light com- Pany n..n. I r^^r '^ ^ ™«ntioned, that, before the regi- ment left Glasgow, m the year 1776, the men had been furnished with broadswords and pistols. The latter were of the old Highland fashion, with iron stocks Th^ being considered unnecessary except in the field, were Jrif 2"^"'r"'' ""''' °" ""■'' °"''^''°"' -"•">"«" - offi^r of approved «ent, bad been fourteen year. .„ ensign . so slow was promotion !L,1 410 iiiioADswonn. ! t,; iW h I !| I Hill': ' not intciulcd, like the swords, to be worn by the men in qunrtcrs. When the regiment took the field on Sta- Icn nnd Long Island, it was said that the broadswords retarded the men by getting entangled in the brushwood, nnd they were, therefore, taken from them, and sent on board the transports. Admitting that the objection was well founded, so far as regarded the swords, it certainly could not apply to the pistols. In a close woody country, where troops are liable to sudden attacks and surprises by a hidden enemy, such a weapon is peculiarly useful. It is, therefore, difficult to discover a good reason for laying them aside. Neither does there appear to have been any objec- tion to the resumption of the broadsword, when the service alluded to terminated. The marches through the woods of Long Island were only a few miles ; whereas we have seen that the two battalions of the 42d, and Eraser's and Mont- gomery's Highlanders in the Seven Years' War, carried the broadsword on all their marches, through woods and fo- rests of many hundred miles in extent. In the same man- ner, the swords were carried in Martinique and Guada- loupc, islands intersected with deep ravines, aud covered with woods no less impervious than the thickest and closest woods of America. But, on that service, the broadsword, far from being complained of as an incumbrance, was, on many occasions, of the greatest efficacy when a decisive blow was to be struck, and the enemy were to be overpowered by an attack hand to hand. I have been told by several old officers and soldiers who bore a part in these attacks, that an enemy who stood for many hours the fire of musketry, invariably gave way when an advance was made sword in hand. It is to be regretted that a weapon which the High- landers could use so well, should, together with the pistol, which is peculiarly serviceable in close woody countries, liave been taken from the soldiers, and after the expense of purchase had been incurred, sent to rust and spoil in a store. They were never restored, and the regiment has had neither swords nor pistols since. It has been said that the broad- lli HALIFAX, 1793. 411 Bword ig not a weapon to contend with the bayonet. Ccr- amy to all appearance, it is not; yet facts do not war- rlf r '^^T'^'V^ '^' ^''''' '^^'P^"- From the bat- tie of Culloden. where a body of undisciplined Highland- ers, shepherds and herdsmen, with their broadswords, cut the.r way through some of the best disciplined and most approved regiments in the British army, (drawn up, t^ Z 1 f ' r''{ ^"'""'•'*'^" ^°' "«"»'»'• troops,) dowii till the time when the swords were taken from theHigh- lajiders, the bayonet was in every instance overcome by The On the 22d of October 1783, the regiment removed to helir "I r* ?°'''' ""^''^ '^'y «"J«y«d '^^ best health, and where they remained till the year 1786, when the battahon embarked, and sailed for the island of Cape Breton, two companies being detached to the island of St Some difficulties occurred this year with regard to the promotion of officers in both battalions. As the second was battahon should be filled up as in a distinct regiment. rh.s question bemg referred to a Board of General Officers, it was detormmed that the promotions should go on in both batlahons as in one regiment ; and that on a reduction, the juniors of each rank should first be reduced, without regard to which battahon they belonged. This was thought to bear hard on the officers of the first battalion, all the juniors of which except the younger ensigns had served longer than those of the second. Lieutentants James and Alex- ander Stewart, the two senior lieutenants, declined purcha- sing two companies that became vacant, from a dread of the reduction, qs these companies would be the juniors. So slow was promotion, that it was not till the year 17D1 that an- other opportunity offered for those gentlemen to purchase. No reduction, however, took place; for in the year 1786. the second battalion was formed into a distinct regiment if^"^" ) i W-! ■ i I 1 ''• ' ? ' -V; ^^^^H.^^^nfHffi ; ill ^^i^^Bii'n ^Bl 'l4 ■' 1 ': 1 P fil-'' 'if' f'ii i \ ^^^^B. B',i j t0 K ':i 1 1 : ; I^Rj! i @ ^^hE ^^^HlUti iAii. 1 ft, ■ .i i 412 DEATH OF LORD JOHN MURRAY, 1787. and numbered the 73d, with the facings green instead of blue. In consequence of preparp-tlons for war with Holland in 1787, two companies were acded to the regiment. Cap- tains William Johnstone and Robert Christie, who had pur- chased the companies refused by the Lieutenants Stewarts, and had hitherto remained in second, succeeded to the addi- tional companies. Ensign James Rose, and Lieutenant Ro- bert Macdonald, brother of Sanda, from the half pay of Fraser's regiment, were appointed lieutenants, and Ensign David Stewart, Garth, from the half pay cf the Athole Hi'^hlanders, and James Stuart, nephew of the Earl of Moray, ensigns on the augmentation, * • On the 1st of June this year, Lord John Murray died, in the forty-second year of his command of the regiment, and was succeeded by Major-General Sir Hector Monro/ It is said that Lord Eglinton was much disappointed or that occasion. He had formed an attachment to tlie Highland soldierc. when he commanded his Highland regiment ir. the Seven-yeara' War ; and, owing to Lord J. Murray's great age, had long looked to tlie command of the Royal Highlanders. In Lord North's administration, and likewise in Mr Pitt's, he had, in soma measure, secured the succession ; but the King had previously, and without the knowledge of his ministers, assented to an application from Sir H. Munro. Lord Eglinton was appointed to the Scots Greys on the first vacancy. Till Lord John Murray was disabled by age, he was the friend and supporter of every deserving officer and soldier in the regiment. The public journals during the German or Seven-years' War give many instances. I shall notice one. When the disabled soldiers came home from Ticonderoga in 1758, to pass the Board at Chelsea, it is stated, " That die morning they were to ap- pear before the Board, he was in London, and dressed himself in the full Highland uniform, and, putting himself at the head of all those who could vaik, he marched to Chelsea, and explained their case in such a jnanner to the Commissionei-s, that all obtained the pension. He gave Uiem five guineas to drink Uie King's health, and their friends *ith the regiment, and two gui- neas to each of those who had wives, and he got the whole a free passage to Perth, with an offer to such as chose to settle on his estate, to give them a house and garden. " f This, it is^ added, was soon known in the North, and greatly encouraged recruiting. At that time, indeed, the regiment got more men than tliey required. Lord John was attentive to the interest of the offi- f Westminster Journal. I il ENGLAND, 1789. 413 In the month of August 1789, the regiment embarked for England, and landed at Portsmouth in October, after an absence offburteen years. Immediately on landing, they marched to Guildford, and thence continued their route to the North, passing over Finchley Common, where number. neighbourhood since the year 1745, when the same regi- menr, then the 43d, or SempiU's Highlanders, was station- ed there for a few weeks on its return from Flanders. In November they reached Tynemouth barracks, where they passed the winter. While there they were reinforced by 245 young recruits, raised by the officers who had been left at home for that purpose. * In the month of May 1790, they marched to Glasgow, through Berwick and Edinburgh. In Scotland, as well as m England, their reception was warm and cordial, but not so enthusiastic as that expressed on the return of the ve^i- ment at the conclusion of the wars of 1802 and 18J5 In America the service was far less brilliant, and the interval that had elapsed between the war and their arrival rendered the recollection of their services less vivid. Fortunately their stay in Glasgow was short ; for the hospitality with which the men were treated, and the faci- lity of procuring ardent spirits, led to an evident relaxation o other .nfluence. On several occasions, he got officers ren^oved who bad been put over h.s own. Once he came express from Ireland, and had an au- dienceof the K,ng, in consequence, as has been already mentioned, of twa eu tenants havmg been appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, while the en! two were r^'T "" """' ""''• '" *^ ^"* '"''^"- ^^ ''^'^^' «>"» the two were afterwards removed. i«re t'' ""^ '"'": °' "** " '"*"' "^ ^"pp"'* »•'« °««" -- of -- importance than now, when equal justice is done to all mLt'Jl' *™' *r *°°^ P'"'" ^ '""" "**^™*'°" ■" «h« '^"ta'y appoint. Tr^n an^ , "'' • ''^""' ^^'"'^'**^' ^""''"^ ^««» fo™-'y b'een very »mall, and only cost eighteen shilUngs, were then enlarged to the present size .414 GLASGOW, 1790. of discipline. This evil, however, was only transient, and of no considerable extent. But the circumstance attracted more notice, both on account of the estimation in which the regiment was held, and the hostile spirit of the Glasgow populace against the military, the source of many broils and disputes. The kindred feelings of cordiality and kindness which then existed, was therefore the more remarkable. * * Such was the hospitality of the inhabitants, that it was difficult to prevent them from going about with bottles of whisky, forcing drams on the sentinels on duty. EDINBUnCH LA9TLF, 1791. 41.5 SECTION VIII. Edinburgh Castle, ll9i—Ross.shire, l792^fVar, \l93~^Embark —Jotn the army under the Duhe of York at Menin, 1793— 0.stend^Nieuport— England, 179^— Ostend— Join the Duke of York—Nimeguen^Inclementseason^Bremen^England. In cons equence of preparations for an expected rupture with Spain in the year 1790, the establishment was aug- mented ; but, as recent circumstances in the Highlands had excited a strong sensation among the people, the regiment was not successful in recruiting. Several independent companies were this summer raised. One of these, a fine band of young Highlanders, recruited by the Marquis of Huntly, joined the 42d, along with his Lordship, who had exchanged with Captain Alexander Grant. In November, the regiment marched to Edinburgh Cas- tle, and was a year stationed in that garrison. In this in- terval, it was remarked, that more fires occurred in the town than during any known period of the same extent; and an opportunity was thus afforded for the display of that alacrity with which the men turned out on any alarm. After being reviewed, in June 1791, by Lord Adam Gordon, the Commander in Chief, they marched to the North in Octo- ber. Their head- quarters were at Fort George : one com- pany was stationed at Dundee, one at Montrose, two at A- berdeen, and one in Banff". In the spring of 1792, they assembled at Fort George, from thence marched to Stirling in July, and were reviewed there by the Honourable Lieutenant-General Leslie. They afterwards marched northward, and were cantoned along ■f*f* ,Mi» |l 416 rORTY-fBCOND RKGIMBNT. the coast towns in the same manner as in the preceding year. In autumn, the whole were ordered intn Rois-shire, on account of some disturbances among the inhabitants, great numbers of whom had been dispossessed of their farms, in consequence of the new system of converting large tracts of country into pasture. The manner in which the people gave vent to their grief and rage, when driven from their ancient homes, showed that they did not merit this treat- ment, and that an improper estimate had been formed of their character. A few months after these cold-hearted wholesale ejectments, those who were permitted to remain as cottagers rose in a body, and, collecting all the sheep which had been placed by the great stock farmers on the possessions which they themselves had formerly held, they drove the whole before them, with an intention of sending them beyond the boundaries of the country ; thinking, in their simplicity and despair, that, if they got quit of the sheep, they would be again reinstated in their farms. In this state of insurrection they continued for some time, but no act of violence or outrage occurred ; nor did the sheep suffer in the smallest degree beyond what resulted from the fatigues of the journey, and the temporary loss of their pas- ture. Though pressed with hunger, these conscientious peasants did not take a single animal for their own use, con- tenting themselves with the occasional supplies, of meal or victuals which they obtained in the course of their journey. To quell these tumults, which occasioned little less alarm among some of the gentlemen of Ross than the Rebellion of 1745, the 4'2d regiment were ordered to proceed, by forced marches and by the shortest routes, to Ross-shire. When they reached the expected scene of action, there was, fortunately, no enemy ; for the people had separated and disappeared of their own accord. Fortunate, indeed, it was that the affair was concluded in this manner, as the ne- cessity of turning their arms against their fathers, their bro- II Hoss-siiiUK, 1792. 417 the™, and ti.eir friend,, ,„„« l,„,c been In the l.,t do„r.„ e legality ^1, LdTt 2 «nteni mon. which was probably the cause that the escape of the prisoner was Ja manner connived at; for they disappeared put of prispn. I ZvZ Z. and were never inquired after or molested. *' • ■u ' i'! Hi • ''! Mi i^ni SI ii^ Wf ',( ;'i •> ■ i j 418 WAR, 1793'. by some societies established for the religious and moral int- provement of the Highlanders. The inhabitants of Perth, Dundee, and some other towns, amused themselves with planting the tree of liberty, dancing round it, and threaten- ing vengeance on all who should oppose them. The regi- ment was hurried South as rapidly as it went North ; and, during the winter and spring, garrisoned the town of Dun- dee, and all the coast as far as Fort George. Hostilities having been declared against France, the whole regiment was assembled at Montrose in April 1793, pre- paratory to a march southward. The establishment was or- dered to be augmented to 750 men, but the regimental re- cruiting parties were not successful. The late transactions in Ross-shire began to show their baneful influence. It was not now, as in 1756 and 1776, when the regiment was com- pleted to more than 1 100 men in a few weeks ; — as quickly, indeed, as they could be collected from their distant dis- tricts. Nor was it, as in 1755, when the Laird of Mackin- tosh completed a company in one day. * The same corps, in 1793, must have gone on service with little more than 400 men, had not orders been issued for raising indepen- dent companies ; so opposite were the feelings and disposi- tions of the people at different periods, — affording a striking example of the difference when people are harshly or kindly * In the year 1755, when the establishment of the regiment was augmented preparatory U» ths war, the Laird of Mackintosh, then a captain in tlie regi- ment, had the charge of all the recruiting parties sent from Ireland to the Highlands, and quickly collected 500 men, the number he was desired to re> emit. Of these he enlisted 87 men in one forenoon. One morning, as he was sitting at breakfast in Inverness, 38 young men of the name of Macpherson, from Badenoch, appeared in front of the win- dow, with an oiTer of their service to Mackintosh ; their own immediate chief, the Laird of Clnny, being then in exile, in consequence of his attainder after the Rebellion. The late OeneraT Skinner of the engineers was at breakfast with Mackintosh that morning ; and being newly arrived in that part of the country, the whole scene, with all its ciicumstances, made an impression on his mind which be never forgot. OSTEND— MENIN— NIEOpoUT, 1793. ^IQ hT,'': J7°f.'''»'=7P«"!^r,i,ed by Captains David Hunter of Burnside and Alexander Campbell of Ardch.t- tan, „ere ordered to join the «d regiment. On the whole, these were good men. but not of the ^me description with .TJI"" m IZ ''T'- ""'' "> "^^' '" J-i" ">« ''""■l- ai U ct the Black Watch. In May, the regiment marched from Montrose to Mus. selburgh, and embarked there on the 8th for Hull In that to«.n the appearance of the Highlanders occasioned much mterest and surprise, as no plaids or bonnets had as yet been seen m that part of Yorkshire. The people show- ed them great hospitality, and were so well satisfied with heir conduct, that, after they embarked for Flanders, the town of Hull sent each man a present of a pair of shoes, a flannel shirt, and worsted socks; a ery seasonable supply tor a November encampment. .V, ^" -^T'l '}^^ ''^""^^^ ^°'P°'*' ^"'^ '«»"a'*n«d there till he m.ddlo of September, when they sailed for Ostend, where they landed on the 1st of October, and two days after, join- ed the army under his Royal Highness the Duke of York, then encamped in the neighbourhood of Menin. This camp was soon broken up; and his Royal Highness march- ed, with the combined armies, to join the Prince of Saxe- Lobourg, then before Maubeuge. The 19tL 27th, 42d, and 57th regiments were ordered back to England, to join an expedition then preparing under their old commander in i\merica, Lieutenait- Ge? neral Sir Charles Grey, against the French colonies in the West Ind.es While those regiments lay on boa d in the harbour of Ostend, the enemy, who were then before Nieuport, pressed that town so vigorously, that it was tie- cessary to send immediate relief. For this purpose. Sir Charles Grey and Major- General Tliomas Dundas had come from England ; and the 42d regiment, with the Light companies of the 19ih, 27th, and S7lh regiments, were dis- embarked and marched to Nieuport. The place was then garrisoned by the 53d regiment, and a small battalion of D02 m m:y. W i. ' i:^ 'l a'i i ■ "1 . ' ■ t' If. te ■ :!' ' I- ill ' II !! 'r r^ 1 '' fllf 1 ' 1 .•il PiiH a i '■¥WfS « f '- W f 1 (i 1 ' 1 II n • ' ! , ^ , 1 ra |i ;! !| ' ,' • * Nil 420 OStEND, 1793 — ENGLAND 1794. Hessians under Colonel dc Wiirmb, who defended the place, with great courage and firmness, against a very supe- rior force. The reinforcement now sent was very seasonable; for the works were so extensive, that the men were obliged to be on duty without intermission. The enemy kept up so constant and well-directed a fire, that upwards of 400 houses were destroyed or damaged. However, on the ap- pearance of this reinforcement, they seemed to have lost all hopes of success. After keeping up a brisk fire of shot and shells during the whole night, they were seen at day-break, moving off with great expedition, leaving se- veral pieces of cannon, mortars, and ammunition. This sudden retreat occasioned great disappointment to many young soldiers of the Light infantry, and the Highlanders, who, having but very lately arrived in the seat oi^ war, were thus disappointed of an opportunity of facing the enemy, when eager to make their debut under such men as Gene- rals Sir Charles Grey and Thomas Dundas. Had the enemy waited another day, this opportunity would have been afforded, as it was resolved that General Dundas should attack the trenches ; and with the ardour of this gallant leader, and the spirit which animated the troops, there would have been little doubt of success. The loss of the garrison was inconsiderable ; Lieutenant Latham, • 1 sergeant, and 2 privates, were killed ; and Captain (now General Sir) Ronald C. Ferguson, 1 sergeant, and 33 pri- vates, wounded. Of this number the Highlanders had 1 ser- geant and and 1 private killed, and two privates wounded. After the retreat of the enemy, the detachment marched * Tlie fate of LieuVenant Latham of the 53d deserves to be noticed as a warning to young officers. He was on the advanced picquet, which was pro. tected by a small entrenchment, three feet in height. He was strictly enjoined not to show his men, as the enemy's sharpshooters were all around, picking off every man who appeared. But in his eagerness to observe the motions of the enemy, be looked over the low parapet, forgetting a cocked hat half a foot kigber than his head. An enemy took such a correct aim at the hat, that he sent his ball through Mr Latham's forehead, and killed him on the spot. IJ: ' ft COAST OP FUANCJ!:, 1794. 421 It o> war, were back to Ostend, reimbarked for England, and arrived at Portsmouth, where the destination of the regiment was changed from an expedition to the west Indies, to another then forming against the coast of France, under command ofthe Earlof Moira. At this time the command of the regiment devolved on Ma- jor George Dalrymple, Colonel Graham, who had held the command since the year 1781, being appointed to the com- mand of a brigade. On the 30th of November, the expe- dition sailed in three brigades; the Highlanders being in the first, commanded by Brigadier- General Lord Cathcart, On the 1st of December, they reached the Coast of France, to the eastward o£ Cape la Hogue, and after cruising about for two days, put into Guernsey, where part of the troops landed, and remained till the 4th of January 1794, when the whole returned to Portsmouth. On the 21st the High- landers we-e marched to Lymington, being still under the command of Lord Cathcart. In this situation they remained till the Sth of June, when an encampment was formed at Netly, in Hampshire, undei: the Earl of Moira. On the 18th, the camp broke up, and the troops embarked on board the transports for Flan- ders. During the preceding spring, France had made prodi- gious preparations, having raised a force of more than liO(),000 men, provided with every necessary accompani- ment of artillery and stores ; the whole to be employed in Flanders. This, with the partial defection of Prussia after having accepted the British subsidieu, placed the allied armies in a very critical situation, particularly that small part under the command of the Duke of York. The French Convention sent into Flanders their ablest gene- rals, Pichegru, Moreau, and Jourdan, who, exasperated by their defeats at Cambray, Landrecy, Cateau, and Tour- nay, determined to bring forward the utmost extent of force that they could command. In consequence of these preparations, the original destination of the force under the 4^2 FLANDERS, 1794. t'fc. • •4 'I :ir f Earl of Moira was changed to this great theatre of the war, and again sailed, on the 22d, for Ostend, where it landed on the 26th of June. The amount of ihis reinforcement was 7000 men, and consisted of the following corps ; the I9lh, 27th, 28th, 40th, Royal Highlanders, 54th, 67th, 59th, 87th, and 88th regiments. Lord Moira had now to decide on his future movements, whether he should remain in Ostend, and sustain a siege from an enemy who had already occupied Ypres and Thou- reut, and were ready to advance upon him; or whether he should force a march through the enemy, and join the Duke of York. To sustain a siege in Ostend, would have occupied a considerable portion of the enemy's troops, but it would have deprived his Royal Highness of a very necessary rein- forcement, when opposed to so numerous a host as was now ready to attack him. It was, therefore, determined to march forward, and to embark all the stores from Ostend, along with the troops left to garrison the place. Both ser- vices were conducted with address and precision. The evacuation and embarkation were intrusted to Colonel Vyse, who had just embarked the last division, as the first of the enemy entered the town. The troops were stationed on the sand hills in the neighbourhood, and were ordered under arms in light marching order, the officers leaving all baggage behind, except what they carried on their backs. They moved off the ground on the evening of the 28th, and halting ten miles beyond the town, proceeded at mid- night towards Ostaker, and reached Alost on the 3d of July. While in this place, about 400 of the enemy's ca- valry dashed into the town, and, being mistaken for Hes- sians, were allowed to push forward unmolested to the mar- ket place. Colonel Doyle, who rode up to them, was wounded by a cut of a sabre, before the mistake was dis- covered. However, they were soon driven back by the 8th light dragoons and the picquels. * * A IliglilaiuliT passing tlirniigli the markct-pliicc wiili a buNkct on liis lu';ul sfi l!iu I'lii-niy ru^liL'd in, one of tlit-ui made a cut at the Iiand wliidi lifld the NlMEGUiirv. 423 On the 9th the ops marched by Warloo*s camp, and joined the Duke of York's army at Malines. This was a fa- tiguing march, bnt it had been so well conducted, that the enemy, although in very superior numbers, under General Vandamme, did not venture upon any attack except this dash into Alost. A succession of petty skirmishes occurred until the aoth, when Lord Moira resigned his command, and was succeeded by Lieutenant- General Ralph Aber- -cromby. The brigades of the army were changed on the SI St of August, and the third brigade, in which were the Highlanders, with the Guards, formed the reserve under the command of Lieutenant- General Abercromby. The enemy having obtained possession of Boxtel on the Uth of September, General Abercromby, with the reserve, was ordered to force them from this position. The third bri- gade, now under the command of the Honourable Lieu» tenant- Colonel Arthur Wellesley of the S3d regiment, marched at four in the morning of the 15th, and joined the brigade of Guards. When they approached Boxtel, the enemy were discovered to be in too great force to be at- tacked with any prospect of success. Various movements took place till the 6th of October, when the army crossed the Waal at Nimeguen. In this position, there were seve- ral smart engagements till the morning of the ?Oth, when the enemy made a general attack on all the advanced posts of the army. The whole were defended, and the enemy repulsed with great gallantry ; but the 37th regiment, mis- taking a party of the enemy for Rhoan's hussars, allowed them to advance too close. In consequence of this mistake, that gallant regiment sustained a severe los3 in officers and men, * basket, and wounded him severely. However, he drew his bayonet with tlie other hand, and attacked the horseman, who made off. Macdonald carried home his basket, murmuring, as he went along, that he had not a bread- sword. • The enemy, on many occasions, took advantage of the variety of uni forms in the British army, and frequently dressed parties in a similar mann.r for the purpose of deceiving our troops,— an arliHce which sometimes sue cecded. m Hi ^1 ^^ i! •-I^ II i 4U HOLLAND, J 795. On the 2'^th and 2dih, the enemy renewed their at- tacks on the outposts. In that on Fort St Andre> Lieu* tenant- General Abercromby was wounded. By a continu- ation of this system of incessant attack, the outposts were all driven in, and the enemy, having established themselves in front of Kimeguen, began to erect batteries, prepara- tory to a siege of the place. It was therefore resolved to attempt the destruction of these works, and on the 4th of November, tlie Hon. Lieutenant-Oeneral De Burgh, with the 8th, fi7th, 28th, 55th, 63d, and 78th Highland re- giment, supported by two battalions of Swiss in the Dutch service, and some regiments of dragoons, was ordered on this duty. The works were carried with all the gallantry to be expected from such troops. The enemy made a brave defence. The loss of the British was 1 sergeant, and 31 rank and file, killed, and 1 field officer, .5 captains, 5 sub- altern;^.: 10 sergeants, and 149 rank and file, wounded; As the enemy quickly repaired their batteries, and conti- nued their approaches with fresh vigour, it was found ne- cessary to evacuate the town. After this evacuation, which took place on the 7th, the army was cantoned along the banks of the river, where they began to suffer much from the severity of the weather, and the want of necessaries, as the clothing for the year had not been received. So intense was the frost, that the ene- my were enabled to cross the Waal on the ice, and, by a- vailing themselves of their superior numbers, to commence active operations, As they threatened the towns of Culen- berg and Gorcum, it was determined to compel them to repass the Waal. About 8000 British, among whom was the third brigadej marched against them on the ISth of December. The French were posted at Thujl, the road to which was flanked by batteries planted in the Isle of Bom- mell, the place itself being surrounded with entrenchments. These obstacles were surmounted, and;, notwithstanding their great superiority of numbers, the French were forced from all their posts, and obliged to re- cross the Waal, with the loss of a considerable number of men, and several CILDEIIMALSKN, 1795. 4^5 pieces of cannon. The loss of the British was compara. lively trifling, being only l field officer, and 3 rank and file, killed, and 1 drummer, and 18 rank and file, wounded. The enemy having again crossed the Waal on the ith of January 1795, and taken Thuyl, General Walmoden sent orders to Generals David Dundas and Dulwich, to collect their forces and drive them back. They were found, how- ever, to be too strong; and, having advanced a considerable force, they attacked General Dundas at Oildermalsen, but were received with great firmness, and repulsed with the loss of 200 men. The British lost 3 privates killed, and 1 general officer (Sir Robert Lawrie), 2 captains, 1 subal- tern, and 54 privates, wounded ; the loss of the 42d beinir 1 private kilM, and I^ieutenant Coll Lamont, and 7 pri- vates, wounded. The severity of the weather, and the du- ties which pressed upon the troops, in consequence of the accumulated numbers, and successive reinforcements of the enemy, were such as few constitutions could withstand for any length of time. It was, therefore, determined to with- draw, and take up a more defensive position behind the Leek. During the preliminary movements in execution of this determination, the enemy advanced in considerable force, and on the 8th attacked the troops under Lord Cath- cart. The attack was made, and received with such ener- gy, that each party was alternately attacked and repulsed Jour times successively, till at length the enemy were forced to give up the contest, and retreated with consider- able loss. On this occasion, the 14th and Enniskillen regiments par- ticularly distinguished themselves, as did the 28th, which came up towards the close of the aciion, and decided the day. The loss was 4 subalterns, and 13 privates, killed, and 5 field officers, 2 captains, 1 subaltern, and 52 privates' wounded. * Having crossed the Waal on the 10th in great force, the enemy pressed forward on the British, now much reduced 426 DEVENTER, 1795. fll' K I'l i by (lUease and accumulated hardahips; * and, on the 14lh, Pichegru made a general attack along the whole line from Arnheim to Amerougen, when the British, after a resistance which continued till night, retired at all points. But they had now to contend with a worse foe than the French, in the inclemency of a season the most rigorous ever remem- bered. In this dreadful winter, they had to traverse barren and extensive wastes, and to encounter the hostility of the country people, who could not be softened to the least kind- ness by the sight of any degree of misery, however extreme. Whether a British soldier was starving with hunger, or freezing to death, the doors of the Dutch boors were equal- ly shut against him. The misery of the succeeding retreat to Deventer was such as had not then been experienced by any modern ar- my, and has only been exceeded by the sufferings of the French in their disastrous retreat from Moscow. There have been few situations where the courage, constancy, and temper of the British army have been n)ore severely tried, than in the continuation of this eventful campaign, and when pursued by an enemy of more than thrice their num- bers, through a country so hostile, that every house con- tained an inveterate and concealed adversary, ready to re- fuse the slightest shelter to the harassed soldiers. Exhaust- ed by an accumulation of difficulties, the army, in the be- ginning of April, reaphed Bremen in two divisions. There the hospitality of the inhabitants farmed a noble contrast to the conduct of those through whose country they had marched, and whose inveterate hatred little merited the forbearance with which they had been treated by the Bri- tish. liil • Tlic most tllslrcssing of these was the state of the hospitals, of which it was observed, that whoever entered them never came out till carried to the grave ; and when a man was sent to the hospital, his return was never exiiected. The consequent impression on the minds of the sick, and the fatal effects thereof, inu&t bu evident. m ii ENGLAND. 427 On the lith of April, the whole . , were embarked, and «oon after sailed for England. The Highlanders, having landed at Harwich, proceeded to Chelmsford, and, in the month of June, were encamped in the neighbourhood at Danbury, under the command of General Sir William Meadows. Throughout the course of the last campaign, the 42d were remarkably healthy ; for, from the landing at Ostend in June, till the embarkation in April, the deaths in battle and by sickness had been only twenty- five,— a small num- ber, considering the length of the service, the fatigue they underwent, and the severity of the weather to which they had been exposed. Of the soldiers, 300 were young men recently recruited. They had, indeed, a great advantage in forming themselves on the habits and example of the more experienced soldiers; for many still remained who had served in America. Without taking into account this advantage over a young corps, where all are inexperienced and unprepared for emergencies and hardships, it would not be easy, notwithstanding the acknowledged hardihood ■ and capability of the Highlanders, to account for this small loss, in a service in which some of the newly raised regiments had lost more than 300 men by disease, and many who, left behind from exhaustion, fell into the hands of the enemy. In September 1795, the regiment was augmented to 1000 men,'from several Highland regiments which had been rais- ed the preceding year, and were now to be broken up and drafted into different regiments. The Royal Highlanders received drafts from the f)7ih, or Strathspey Highlanders, the 116th, or Perthshire Highlanders, 132d, or Colonel Duncan Cameron's, and 133d, or Colonel Simon Fraser's regiment: 5 captains, 10 lieutenants, and 2 ensigns from the 116th, were also appointed to the V2d; the captains to be in second, or supernumeraries and to succeed to com- panies as they became vacant. This was considered a hc- rious injury, and a great check to tlic promction of the 428 FORTY-SECOND RECIMENT. r;: tubnlterns, when on the evo of embarking on an unpleaiant and dangerous service, as no step wan to be expected till the five supernumerary captains had got companies. A repre- sentation vtras therefore made, and one of the captains was removed. Although thu'^.-^ drafts furnished many good and service- able men, they were, in many respects, very inferior to for- mer recruits. This difference of character was more par- ticularly marked in their habits and manners in quarters, than in their conduct in th** fi?M, which was always unex- ceptionable. Having been embodied for upwards of eigh- teen months, and having been subject to a greater mixture of character than was usual in Highland battalions, these corps had lost much of their original manners, and of that strict attention to religious and moral duties, which distin- guished the Highland youths on quitting their native glens, and which, when in corps unmixed with men of different characters, they always retained. This intermixture pro- duced a sensible change in the moral conduct and character of the regiment. . jf EIMIIAUK FOR THE WEST INDIK8. 429 SECTION IX. Expedition to the West Indies^ 1795— Tempestuous Weather— Bar- badoesSt Lucia, l796^St Vincent^Trinidad, 1797— Porto Rico— England^GiDrahar— Minorca, 1798— Sir Ralph Aber- cromby assumes the Command^ 1800-^Cadiz— Malta, At this period Sir Ralph Abcrcromby assumed the com- mand of a numerous a.mament, preparing for an expedition to the West Indies. The evils sustained in the late unfor- tunate expedition to the Continent made Government sen- sible of the necessity of providing the soldiers with a proper equipment, and with articles adapted to the climate and the service in which they were to be engaged. In fitting out the present armament, therefore, a most laudable attention was paid to the comfort of the troop , and the preservation of their health. In the medical department, the zeal and exertions of Dr Thomas Young, the Physician-General, were indefatigable. He was ably supported by Dr William Wright, whose " diversified knowledge, extensive skill in medicine, and long experience in those diseases which attack Europeans in the West Indies," peculiarly fitted him for that duty ; and indeed the whole of this depart- ment,— so essential an accompaniment in all military en- terprises, more especially in tropical climates,— consisted of men of talent, zeal, and experience. Ships of war were ap- propriated as transports. Sixteen East Indiamen, and a grea number of West India ships, all excellent and well appointed, were employed for the same purpose. The troops were furnished with flannel to protect them from the damps and chills of midnight, more destructive to soldi -s than heat, in a West India campaign. Abundant supplies of potatoes and other vegetables were assigned for the use 4.!)0 FORTY- SECON'D UrOIMENT. i i 1 , II ! if .1 L Ijii' ill _ '_/ i^i'f- fe ii- ■ ii , ■ ■' P . ? ii ,i ^ Ii of ihe troops ; likewise filtering stones for purifying the wa- ter; find nolhin<,^ in short, was wanting which could con- tribute to their comfort while on board the transports. If, therefore, we consider the talents of the commanders, the courage and discipline of the troops, their health and effi- ciency, the excellent state of the ships, and the skill of those by whom they were navigated, few expeditions have ever sailed from this country more completely appointed. • • The yellow-fever hoving been very destructive In the West Indies durfng Ihe two preceding years, many precautions were taken to guard tho soldiers •gainst its cttecU by a change of clothing, and other measures. Among those changes, the plaid, kilt, and bonnet of the Higlilanders were laid aside, and their place supplied by Russia duck pantaloons, and a round hat. On the sul)- ject of this alteration their were various opinions. While some argued that no species of dress was worse calculated for service in a tropical climate than that of the Highlanders ; others again reprobated the linen pantaloons, which they said were so far improper, that, in the frequent torrents of rain to which tho men would necessarily bo exposed, the pantaloons, when wet, would stick ta their legs and thighs, and before they were dried, after the falling of one show- cr, would be wet by the next ; so that, by keeping the lower parts of the body constantly damp, agues, rheumatisms, and various other diseases, would be ge- nerated. And the hat being of a coarse felt, of the value of half-a-crown, the first shower of rain would destroy its shape ; it would stick close to the men's heads, and form no protection against the sun. As the felt retained the damp like a sponge, the head would be subject to the diseases incident to the other parts, by the chill of the linen pantaloons; whereas the bonnet, being of thick woollen cloth stuffed with materials of the same substance, and covered with feathers, formed a complete protection against the effects of a vertical sun, and when the ribbon which tightened it behind was loosened, it fell down over the ears, and made a warm and convenient night-cap, without at all injuring it» form. Any superabundant moisture nught be wrung out, and the thickness of the woollen substance would preserve a heat calculated to prevent any bad ef- fecte from the damp. When the kilt and hose got wet, if they were taken off (a very easy operation) and wrung in the same manner, they might be imme- •tiately worn with perfect safety. The musquifoes were the most troublesome annoyance to be guarded against by those wearing the kilt ; but as these insects seldom attacked people in daylight, and only in particular places at night, this objection might be overcome. Such were the arguments and reasons advanced at the time. The Highlanders made a very unseemly and unmiliUry appear, ance in their felt hats, which hung down on each side of their heads like the earsof a sleuth-hound. Experience has now proved that neither these hats, no, the linen pnntaloons, were suited to a campaign in the West Indies during the KMUARKATION. 431 In this expedition the Commandcr-hi-CliIcf was asslgtcd by the following officers: Major-GeneraU Charles Graham, late of the 42d regiment, second in command, Alexander Campbell of Monzie, and William Morshead ; Brigadier- Generals Perryn, John Moore, Colin Mackenzie, the Hon. John Hope, afterwards Earl of Hopetoun, (Adjutant- Gene- ral), the Hon. John Knox, (Quarler-Master-General); and Lieutenant-Colonel Donald Macdonald of the 55th regi- ment, commanding the Reserve, which consisted of eighteen companies of Grenadiers, and the Uoyal Highland regiment. The other corpswerethe26th Light Dragoons, 2d or Queen's, ad or Buffs, 8th or King's, Hth, 18th, 27th or Enniskillen, 28th, 29ih, 31st or Young Buffs, 83d, 37th, 38th, 4.0th, Royal Highlanders, 44.th, 48th, 53d, 55th, 57th, 63d, 88th or Connaught Rangers; in all, 460 cavalry, and 16,479 in- fantry. During this embarkation, another, intended also for the West Indies, took place at Cork, and consisted of Brigadier- Generals Keppel, Wilford, Churchill, Howe, and Whitelocke, with the 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, 21st, and 2yth Light Dragoons, amounting to 2600 men; and 17th 32d, 39lh, 56th, 67th, 93d, and 99th regiments of foot] amounting to «680 rank and file, and making the whole force destined for the West Indies, 3060 cavalry * and 22,159 infantry. ^ rainy season. It ha. been found also, that, as the Russians wear a bonnet »U milar to the Scotch, which the French imitate, this covering for the head, which was considered so improper, is now discovered to be the most appropriate mih'- tary head dress, and the bonnet is accordingly worn by half the army as a most convenient undress, serving as a night-cap, and a neat military cap by day: thus almost every article of the garb of the Gael, which has been lone despised as the savage dress of a savage people, is coming into fashion. The cavalry have adopted the Highland lance or Lochaber axe. Cavalry and infan try have assumed the bonnet and jacket The ancient belt is worn by gentle- men; the Highland purse is the modern reticule of the ladies, who have also taken up the fashion of the Highlander's belt, and many young gentlemen make a splendid appearance in the bolted plaid, with all it. accompaniments. No part of the Highlands of Scotland is more rugged and broken than theproposed scene of action in Guadaloupo, St Lucia, St Vincent, and Grena- i 432 FORTY-SF.COND REGIMENT. :ti!(f'i ' it ■ 4: it i--!;^!^ •l:-r'l- The embarkation was completed by the 27th October, when the weather, which, for some weeks had been tem- pestuous beyond all precedent at this season, and to a de- gree, indeed, unusual at any season of the year, continued to rage with unabated violence. On the 29th, it blew a perfect hurricane, more like what is experienced among the West India Islands than in our climate. Fortunately, it was of short duration ; but many ships were driven from their anchors, some dismasted, and others cast away on the beach. Instead of dispatching the transports in detachments, as the troops embarked, it was unfortunately determined to detain the whole till the embarkation was complete. To this desire of making one great display, the subsequent misfortunes of the expedition may be chiefly attributed; for not only were the colonies thus endangered by the pro- longed delay of reinforcements, but several intervals of fine weather and fair wind were lost. All being at length fully prepared, the first attempt to sail was made on die 11th of November, when the fleet, amounting nearly to 300 sail, got under weigh with a favourable breeze. Its progress, however, was unfortunately arrested by an accident which befel the flag-ship. Whilst this vessel (the Impregnable) was turning down from the Motherbank, she struck by the stern on a sand bank ; and, before she could get off, her rudder had received so much injury, that she could not proceed. The signal for sailing was then recalled, and the fleet was ordered to come to anchor. One of the transports, the Lord Stanley, having got too far out to sea, did not observe the signal ; and, proceeding alone, reached Barba- does on Christmas day, after a favourable voyage. Hence da, in all of which there are woods and ravines almost impassable to any four- footed animal, except to such as can scale rocks, or creep beneath the thick underwood. The cavalry were, therefore, f(>uud to be totally useless ; and the horses died so fast, that, in a few months, the 26th dragoons could not furnish a sufficient number for the duties of carrying the general's dispatches and or- ders. EMBARKATION. 433 It may be presumed, ihat the subsequent disasters woukl not have befallen this great fleet, if the ships had been able to pursue their voyage in the first instance. Such are the trifling casualties which sometimes defeat the most import- ant and the best-laid plans. The fleet again weighed an- chor on the 15th J and the day being uncommonly fine, ^r Jr /' favourable, the whole were clear cI the Isle of Wight before sunset, except the Middlesex East In- diarr an, with 500 men of the 42d on board. The Un- dau, ited frigate being ordered round to hasten the sailin^r of the convoy, came across the Middlesex, and carried away her bowsprit. The repairs rendered necessary by this accident detained her wr some time, and perhaps saved her from a more serious misfortune. For scarcely had this great armament cleared the Channel, when it was dispersed and driven back by a furious gale from the south-west, with the loss of several ships and many hundred lives. * The winds continued so adverse, that the next attempt to put^to sea could not be made till the 9th of December. A serene sky and favourable breeze promised a prosperous pas- sage, and the hopes of those on board were elevated, but were soon to be cast down by a second and more grevious disappointment. On the 13th, as the fleet was clearing the Channel, a violent storm commenced, and continued with unabated violence for many weeks. The intermissions of the gale were so few, and of such short duration, that the scattered ships could never be collected in any numbers. la • To repair the damage sustained by tl.is disaster was a work of time and labour. Many of the ships were completely disabled. Among these was tho Commerce de Marseilles, of 120 guns, having on board the 57th regiment com- plete, and a company of artille.y, which, added to the ship's complement, a- mounted to 1783 persons. By some error in the loading of this fme ship, and by the extraordinary ,,uantity of stores which had been heaped on board, she was so much sunk below the proper gage, that she did not rise on tl,e waves, which broke over her at every surge; and, had it not been for the able sea- mansh.p of tho commander and crew, it is thought she would have foundered. She never ^■.'ent to sea afterwards. VOL. I. £ K wM fiff ■r ' li Ill ^ '^ ^i 434 FORTY-SECOND Iir.GfMENT. these adverse cifcumstances, however, Admiral Cliristinn persevered until tiie end of January, when the disabled state of such of the ships as kept with him rendered it impossible to remain longer at sea. He therefore made signal for Portsmouth, where he arrived on the 29th of January, 1 796, with abou'; 50 sail, all that remained with him of 328 that sailed from Portsmouth on the 1 3th December. Many of the fleet were scattered about in different ports in England ; and 78 ships, which had successfully persevered in their voyage, reached Barbadoes in a straggling man- ner. Thus the object of this great armament was for some time entirely frustrated. It is remarkable that these disas- ters produced no injurious effects on the health of the troops. This, doubtless, is to be attributed to the excellent state of the ships, the quality of the provisions, the comforts with which they were supplied, and the care employed to pre- vent the embarkation of any diseased or improper sub- jects. Government, dissapointed for a time in the object of this expedition, changed the destination of several regiments which had returned to port. Five companies of the High- landers, under the command of J^ieutenant- Colonel Dick- son, were landed at Portsmouth, and in a few weeks em- barked and sailed for Gibraltar. Other destinations were also given to the 19th, 29th, 33d, 37th, 56th, and 70th re- giments, — no longer considered as forming part of the West India armament. The landing of these regiments having left many ships at liberty, the troops were removed from the disabled trans- ports, and, along with the other transports which had been forced back, were ready to follow the Commander-in Chief, who again sailed, in the Arethusa frigate, on the 14th of February. More fortunate on this occasion, he arrived at Barbadoes on the Hth of March; but, owing to various circumstances, it was not until the morning of the same day BARBAnoEs, 1795. 43.5 that Admiral christian sailed from Portsmouth, on hoard the Thunderer. It has been already mentioned, that the Stanley West Indiamah, >vith troops on board, reached Barbadoes on the 25th of December. On the 2d of February, the first cf the straggling ships that sailed oh the 9th of December ar- rived j and for several days following^ ships contihued to fconie in. On the 9th of February, the Middlesex arrived, jvith five companies of the Highlanders, in such a state of health, that only two men, with slight bruise?, were on the surgeon's list. So well navigated and appointed was this ship, that in all those gales, in which so many had sufferedi the slipping of one block was the only accident sustained from Portsmouth to Barbadoes. This ship and some otht avoided mudi distress by steering to the west, instead of persevering in the direct course, as the body of the fleet had done. They thus got beyond the course of the gale as early as the 13th of Janu- ary, when the weather became moderate, and, in a short time, the ships fell in with the trade- winds. * •After so boisterous a passage, nothing could be more delightful than the •.nght .erene atmosphere of Barbadoes. or more agreeable than the seemingly .nexhaust.ble al.uudance of fruits, vegetables, and all sorts of provisions, per- IVctly sufficient for the supply of a fleet and army exceeding 30,000 men. Three months' consumption made scarcely any perceptible diminution in juantuy, or advance in price. Every article was as plentiful in the maricet on U.e last day as on the first; and all this was in an island of only 106,540 acres, contam.ng a population of 85,834 souls, and wiU. a soil barren and un- productive, .n comparison with thatof some of the neighbouring islands, where. notw.thstand.ng, provisions, and indeed every necessary of life, are scarce and dear. In Barbadoes there are numerous small occupiers of land, who culli- vate every spot^ and raise every necessary, not only for their own support, but for market The same abundance was seen in 1809, when Vice- Admiral the Honourable S.r Alexander Cochrane and Lieutenant. General Beckwith had collected a numerous fleet and large army for an attack on Martinique. Though assembled U.ere for many weeks, there was no diminution of ouamity or mcrease of price, but the same abundance throughout. I„ Tobago. St Vin- rC' d'i T ' T' r'""'"' ''""' ^"'^ ''^"'^ '^"'^'-^^''' •-visions are suue and h.gh pnced. In these islands agriculture is on the great scale ; none E E 2 .■€^, M it ■a •f ■,■ ■ : i -Li jMI Vr (!■ - 436 ST LuriA, 1796. I' '• Part of the newly arrived troops were ordered to rein- force the garrisons of St Vincent's and Grenada, which had suffered much from the active hostilities of the enemy, as well as from the insalubrity of the climate. The 63d regi- ment was ordered to St Vincent's, and detachments of the 8th and 88th regiments to Grenada. The first care of Sir Ralph Abercromby, after his arri- val, was directed to the preservation of the health of the troops, now confined in transports, and exposed to the heat of a vertical sun in a West India harbour. His success in this respect affords a strong proof of the efficacy of ventila- tion, exercise, cleanliness, and mental occupation, in avert- ing the pernicious effects which might result from too close confinement in such climates. Of the five companies of the 4.2tl regiment embarked in the Middlesex East Indiaman in October, none died, and only four men, with trifling com-r plaints, were left on board when the troops were disembark- ed at St Lucia in April. The tkoops from Cork were not so fortunate in point of health, although they had a good passage and favourable weather. Several officers, and a great number of men, died ; and when they reached Bar- badoes, the sick were so numerous as to fill the hospitals. The arrival of the Commander-in-Chief was the signal for general animation and exertion. All looked forwrrd to a successful campaign. The disasters and dangers of the voyage were forgotten ; although, by the delay, much of the best of the season for action was lost. Farther delay was occasioned by the absence of the Admiral, who had not yet arrived. On the 15th of April, Major- General but men of great capital or credit attempt it ; but as in the great agricultural establishments in England, there is more poverty and higher poor's-rates than in any other part of the country, so it is the case with the West Indies, where one half of the large establishments are under mortgage, or in possession of English creditorb ; yet so different is it among the small resident settlers in Barbadoes, that there is more independence among them than in any of t!ie islands ; and thus, whether in the west or in the east, it seems that a division ©f the produce of th« soil leads to comfort, abundance, and independence. ■!?"■ iral, who had ST LUCIA. 457 Whyte, with part of the division from Cork, consisting of the S9th, 9Sd, and 99th regiments were ordered to sail, °nd attack the Dutch settlements of Demerara and Berbice, which surrendered on the 22d, on the first summons. As it was deemed imprudent, in consequence of the dimi- nished number of the troops, and the disasters sustained by the fleet, to attempt Guadaloupe, particularly at t.Js ad- vanced season, preparations were made for landing on the Island of St Lucia. Admiral Christian having arrived on the 22d of April, the expedition immediately sailed, and on the 26th appeared off St Lucia. A change of brigades now took place. Lieutenant- Colonel Donald Maodonald* re- tained in the reserve all the companies of grenadiers which had arrived, but the Highlanders were put under the com- mand of Brigadier-General John Moore. The landing was to be effected in four divisions, at Lon- gueville Bay, Pigeon Island, Chock Bay, and Ance la Raze. Major-General Alexander Campbell (of Monzie) command- ed the disembarkation at Longueville Bay, directing Bri- gadier-General Moore, with the Highlnnders, to land in a small bay, close under Pigeon Island. This service was easily accomplished ; and, on the 27th, the different divi- sions moved forwaru from thoir landing-places, to close in upon Morne Fortunee, the orir ^ipal post on the island. Before this place could be fully invested, it was necessary to take possession of Morne Chabot, a strong and commanding position, overlooking the principal approach. An attack was accordingly made on two different points, by detach- ments "nder the command of Brigadier-Generals Moore and the Honourable John Hope. General Moore's de- tachment commenced its march at midnight ; and, an hour after. General Hope followed by a less circuitous route. ♦ Colonel Mr>^donald had distinguished himself while commanding the 5ata regime,' u ..I.-.- the Duke of York in Flanders in the year 179*. and now received a h -h -, k of approbation, in being, when only a field-officer, apv pointed to cot». und the reserve of the army, consisting of 18 Grenadier com panics, and the Royal Highland regiment.) l\\ " iJ t:^^ 438 ST LUCIA. Throuprh the mistake of the guides, General Moore's divf- Mon fell in with the advanced guard of the enemy nearly two hours sooner than was expected. Finding himself dis- coveredi he resolved to make an immediate attack ; and, being well seconded by his troops, (the 53d regiment, under Lieutenant- Colonel Abercromby, son of the Commander -in- Chief,} he pijshed forward, and, after a short but smart re- sistance, carried the post ; the enemy flying with such pre- cipitation; that they could not be intercepted by General Hope, who arrived exactly at the appointed time. On the following day General Moore occupied Morne Duchassaux ; and Major-General Morshead moving forward from Ance la Raze, Mornc Fortunee was thus completely invested, but not without resistance on the part of the ene- jsiiy^ who attacked the advanced post of Lieutenant-Colonel Macdonald's Grenadiers, with such vivacit)', that several officers- and nearly fifty of the Grenadiers, were killed and wounueu before the assailants were repulsed. In order to dispossess the enemy of the batteries which they had erected on the Cul de Sac, Major-General MoiSr head's division was ordered to advance against two batteries on the left, while Brigadier-General Hope, with the five companies of the Highlanders, the Light infantry of the 57th regiment^ and a detachment of Malcolm's Rangers, sup- ported by the S5lh regiment, was to attack the battery of Secke, close to the works of Morne Fortunee. The 57th Light infantry, under Captain West, and the Rangers, under Lieutenant- Colonel Malcolm, quickly drove the enemy from the battery ; but the other divisions, under Brigadier- General Perryn and Colonel Riddle, meeting with some unexpected obstruction, the intended service was not ac- complished, and the Light infantry and Rangers retired un- der the cover of the Highlanders from the battary, which they had with much gallantry carried. General Hope's de- tachment lost thf; brave Colonel Malcolm * killed, and Lieu- * This brave young man was one of the most promising officers of that army. His zeal tyi" his profession was enliiusiastie. When a lieutenant in the 45th ST LUCIA. 439 tenant J. J. Fraser, of the 42d, and a few men, wounded. The loss of the other divisions was severe both in officers and men. Those who have not seen the steep and rugged su.iace of Eeveral of the West India islands, cannot easily form an ideaof the difficulty of moving an army over such unfavour- able ground. Notwithstanding the zeal and strenuous ex- ertions of the seamen in dragging the guns across the ra- vmes, and up the acclivities of mountains and rocks, it was not till the Uth of May that the first battery was ready to open. In the night of the I7th, the Slst regiment was or- dered to take possession of the Vizie, a fortified ridge under the principal fortress. The attempt failed, and the regi- n-,ent was forced to retire with great loss ; but the Grenadiers, who had pushed forward to their support, compelled the e- nemy to retreat in their turn. A continued fire was now kept up for six days, between the battery and the fort, At length the 27th regiment pushed forward, and, after a brisk engagement, formed a lodgment at two diflFerent points^, with- in five hundred yards of the garrison. The enemy sallied out with all their disposable force, to drive back the 27th ; but they were repulsed, and retreated within the fort. This was their last attempt: they demanded a suspension of hos- tilities, which was granted. A capitulation and surrender rogiment, lie was appointed by Sir Charles Grey, in the year 1 794, to disci- pline a small corps of coloured and tiatk troops, who had entered into our ser- vice in Guadaioupe and Martinique. On .n. ry occasion 'hey conducted them- selves with great spirit, and proved how much discipline judiciously adminis- ered can accomplish, even with such materials j for, while Colonel Malcolm commanded, he so secured their attachment to his person, that when he fell they crowded around him, loudly lamenting their loss, which had indeed greater effect upon them than was at first apprehended, for their spirit seemed to die with their leader, and they never afterwards distinguished themselves. This officer, with all his intrepidity and spirit, could not conquer a presentiment which seized him on the night of the attack, that he was then to fall. While marching forward, he frequently mentioned to General Hope his firm belipf in his fate, which no argument could shake. The moment he reached the bat- tcry, he was struck by a grape-shot. He was son of Sir James Mai. olm of Lochore, in the county of Kinross. 440 ST LUCIA. ISIM f MHit'f >** , fci.f'^'^i of the whole island followed, in consequence of which the enemy marched out on the 26th, and became prisoners of war. The loss of the British was 2 field ofRcers, 3 captains, 5 subalterns, and 184 non-commissioned officers, and rank and file; killed; and 4 field-officers, 12 captains, 15 subal- terns, and 523 non-commissioned officers, and rank and file, wounded and missing. Thus was accomplished the second conquest of this co- lony within the space of two years ; * a conquest of little value in itself, in comparison with the money and blood expended in its acquisition, but, from its position relative to our colonies, of so much importance as to make its capture necessary for their future security. This expedition afforded a striking instance of the influ- ence of the mind on bodily health, and of the effect of men- tal activity in preventing disease. During the operations which, from the nature of the country, were extremely ha- rassing, the troops continued remarkably healthy ; but, im- mediately after the cessation of hostilities, they began to droop. The five companies of Highlanders who landed 508 men, sent few to the hospital until the third day sub- sequent ti? the surrender ; but, after this event, so sudden was the change in their health, that upwards of sixty men were laid up within the space of seven days. This change may be, in part, ascribed to the sudden transition from in- cessant activity to repose ; but its principal cause must have been the relaxation of the mental and physical energies, af- ter the motives which stimulated them had subsided. The Commander in Chief lost no time in completing his arrangements for the ultimate objects of the campaign. The SiVth and 57th regiments were desti.K d to reinforce the gar- rison of Grenada, and the BufT's, 14-th, 42d, and 53d regi- ments were ordered to St Vincent's, then under the com- mand of Major-General Hunter, with the 63d regiment, • Sir Charles Grey had taken it in 1794, but it again^feil into the hands of th« French in 1795. into the handfi of ST LUCIA. 44X lately arrived from Europe, together with the S4th, 5-Hh, 59th, and 2d West Indian regiment. All these corps, ex- cept the 63d, were weak in point of numbers, being reduced by climate, and various other causes. Considerable bodies of the enemy having continued in the woods of St Lucia, and having refused to surrender, conformably to the capitulation. Brigadier- General Moore, with the 3Ut, t4th, 48th, and S5th regiments, and the corp^ of Rangers and German Yagers, was appointed to garrison the island. This officer, v'ih that zeal which so eminently distinguished him, having penetrated into the most difficult recesses of the woods, compelled the enemy to surrender at discretion ; but so destructive was the climate, and so ;n- wholesome the constant subsistence on salt provisions, that three-fourths of the troops were carried off before the end of the first year. The General himself, persevering to the last extremity, was at length removed on board ship, where, after a severe struggle, he recovered. * The 31 St regiment was almost annihilated. After losing twenty-two officers, the remainder was ordered to Barbadoes. On their arrival in December 1796, Lieut.- Col. Adam Hay died as the ship dropped anchor, and a blank return of men fit for duty was sent to Major-General Morshead, who com- manded in that island. There were now only 74- men alive, although, on the 14th of May preceding, the regiment had landed in St Lucia 915 strong. * During tlie whole of these operations, the exertions of Brigadier- Genurnl Moore were unremhting. He visited in person, at least once in fourteen ('ays, every post, of which there were a great many established in diflferent parts of the island. He was, in fact, almost always in the woods, so careless of any comfort, and so anxious to show an example of privation to his men, that ho fared as they did, on a«lt pork and biscuit, and slept on a cloak, under a bush. Several officers had obtained leave to go to other inlands for change of air, and so many were dead or disabled, that there was not a sufficient number for the duty. He therefore issued orders, that none, except in the last necessity, should quit the island. At length he was himself attacked, and when informed that if he did not go on board ship, he could not survive four days, he referred his advisers to his orders, saying, that he was determined to remain at any ha- aard ; and it was not till he was insensible that he was carried oji board. If m w 1 J'' ■ t 1 1! i - i. ■ , 'F !j :ii: .«:' ^^ ( 1 412 ST LUCIA. At lliat pcrioti a practice prevailed destructive of all hopt to the soldiers of returning to their native country,— that of drafting men from one regiment into another ; so that when a soldier, by a good constitution, and regularity of con-- duct, hud survived his comrades, instead of being rewarded by a removal to n better climate, or of being sent to his na* tive country, he was turned over from one regiment to an- other, while life or the power of motion remanicd. The hospital and the grav^ were thus the only u mination of his hopeless career of service. In this manmr, the remains of the fine flank battalion winch had accompanied Sir C. Grey to the West Indies in the year 1794-, were drafted into the 45th regiment, which continued sixteen vears on the West India station. In the garrison of ist Lucia, the men fit for duty of the iith and ^Sth were drafted into the 55th, which, along with the 87th regiment lately arrived from England, were to remain in St Lucin. This practice is happily abo- lished, and a good soldier has now a chance of returning to his native country. Amongst the numberless improvements effected by the present Commander in Chief, and for which the army has so much reason to be grateful, not the least beneficial is the regulation established by his Royal High- ness, that no soldier be removed from his corps without \m own consent. Nor is there reason to believe that his Ma- jesty's service has sustained any loss by this attention to the feelings of the soldiers. On the contrary, experience has shown, that soldiers, when their feelings are consulted, and jhc proper means adopted, are quite ready to remain in any climate or country where their services may be required. * * At this period the 79Ui, then in Martinique, was allowed to vpliintrci' iuto the 42(1 regiment, ready to embark for England, with permission to such as .wibht'd to remain i;i the West Indies to volunteer into any corps on that sta- tion. A considerable number chose to remain, although tliey had the imme- diate prospect of returning to their natiye country. In 1802, the 14th regi- ment, Uien statioped in IJarbadoes, yvas ordered home, with directions that none should be drafted, but liberty given to such as chose to remain to volun- teer into any corps stationed in that country. General Greenfield, who then commanded th« troops in the West Indi' s, ordered the regiment to patade, and H'\ i II' I ST VINCENT'S, i796. 443 The (loops destined for St Vincent's, landed there on the 8th of June. On the 10th, the necessary arrangements for an attack were completed. The enemy were posted on a high ridge or mountain called the Vizie, on which they had erected four redoubts, stronger by the natural difficulties of the approach, than by the art displayed in their construction. The troops, whta within a short distance of this fortified ridge, were drawn up in two divisions, und^r Major- Gene- rals Peter Hunter and William Morshead. At the same time, ■cutenani Colonel Dickena, with detachments of the .'14th, 4-Olh, and 2d West India regiment, formed on the opiiosite side of the hill. Some field-pieces having been brought forward, a fire was opened on the redoubts,"which rontinued for some hours with apparently little effect. In the mean time, tl Highlanders, with some Rangers, were pushed forward as a feint to the bottom of a woody steep, which terminated the ridge, on the top of which stood one of the redoubts, the first in the range. The 42d pushed up the steep, and, as the regiment had frequently done on other occasions, turned the feint into a real and brisk assault, and, being supported by the Cuffs, the whole attacked, and, in less than half an hour, the enemy were driven successively from the first three redoubts. ♦ Some of the Highlanders lold tl)em that tl.cy were to have their choice, whether tiiey would remain ia U.o country, or embark for England. Standing in front with his watch in liis hand, he gave them half an hour for their determination. Twenty-five mi- nutes passed without a man moving, when the General repeated that the King required their service, but that all were at liberty either to remain or return home. Upwards of 50O men stepped out of the ranks to serve in the West Indies. Now, had these men been ordered to leave their original corps aj drafts to reinforce anotiier regiment, or to garrison the West Indies, they would have considered the measure as a harsh and unjust banishment ;— so ea y a thing it is to conciliate a good soldier, that no persuasion is r^uired beyond an ex- planation of the occasion which his King and country have for his service. • This day occurred an instance of the power of example and liabjt in ex- citing ferocity. In the month of August 1795, I enlisted a lad of seventeen years of age. A few days afterwards one of the soldiers was cut in the head and face in some horse-play with his companions, in consequence of which his face and the front of his body were covered with blood. When the recruit saw IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ '% £/ '/^.4, /. u.. .0 I.I MX Ui t |i£ 12.0 25 2.2 III 1.8 11-25 III 1.4 ill 1.6 I /a ^ / J '-'Si' )^f o 7 /A Sciences Corporation 23 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580 (716) 872-4503 *C>^ 444 •T VINCENT S. bad pushed close under the last and principal redoubt, and were ready to storm it, when supported by more force; but the General, finding that he had the enemy completely in his power, and wishing to spare the lives of the troops, re- called them, and offered the enemy terms of capitulation, f The offer was accepted ; the conditions being, that the ene- my should march on board as prisoners of war. The fol- lowing night, however, several hundreds of them broke the capitulation, and making their escape into the woods, joined their friends in the farther end of the island. The loss on this occasion was 2 captaius, 1 ensign, 1 volunteer, 4 ser- geants, 1 drummer, and 31 rank and file, killed ; 2 majors, 1 captain, 4 lieutenants, 1 ensign, I volunteer, 15 sergeants, 6 drummer^^. and 1 1 1 rank and file, wounded : the High- landers hrd 1 eergea^t, and 12 rank and file, killed; Lieu- Lim in tbis state, he turned pale and trembled, saying he was mvch frightened, as he had never se«u a man's blood before. In the assault of these redoubts, as I leaped out of the second to proceed to the third, I found this lad, with his foot on the body of a French soldier, and his bayonet thrust through from ear to ear, attempting to twist off his head. I touched him on the shoulder, and desired him to let the body alone. *' Ob, the Brigand, " says he, « I must take off his head. " When I told him the man was already dead, and that he had better go and take the head of a living Frenchman, he answered, " You are very right. Sir, I did not think of that, " and iramediately ran forward to the front of the attack. f This recal was marked by a circumstance rather singular, two brothers and an uncle's son being killed by the same valley. In an eager pursuit of the ene- my, alwut 30 soldiers of the 42d had pushed on to the bottom of the last and principal redoubt, which stood in a steep eminence considerably elevated above tlie rest. In this spot the soldiers were not exposed, af> the enemy could not bring their guns to bear upon them. I happened to be wilb this party, and kept the men under cover from the enemy's shot, waiting for a reinforcement, as nothing could be attempted with such a handful. A narrow ridge of four ^ iuindrcd yards, smooth and level on tiie top, connected the two redoubts. After some delay, Colonel Abercromby came forward to the front of the third re- doubt, and made signals to retire. I then directed the soldiers to run at full speed along the ridge (two-thirds of which was exposed to the enemy's fire), and join their comrades in the third redoubt The instant the party were seen by tiie enemy, they poured down a heavy fire, which killed six of the tiert, and wounded seven. The two brothers and their relation were killed. One of ihem ST Vincent's. 445 tenant Simon Frascr, 2 sergeants, 1 drummer, and 23 rank and file, wounded. • The enemy, who had retreated to the woods, were imme- diately followed. Lieutenant- Colonel Brent Spencer of ihe 40th, with 600 men, was detached to Mount Young} Lieutenant-Colonel Gower of the 6Sd, with 200 men, to Oma; Lieutenant- Colonel James Stewart, with the 42d, to Colonarie; and Lieutenant- Colonel Samuel Graham' to Rabaca,— Major-General Peter Hunter commanding the whole. The enemy, though despicable as soldiers, were numerous, and naturally inveterate against those whom they considered as usurpers of their country, particularly the Indians or Caribbs, who saw their possessions gradually en- croached upon, and themselves in danger of extirpation. It was therefore necessary to force them to submit. For thia purpose, military posts were established in the neighbour- hood of the country possessed by the Caribbs and Brigands; and parties were sent out to the woods, to discover their had enlisted with me at Perth, and was followed by the other two. Tlie name of the brothers was Farquharsom • Among the wounded was a lieutenant of the 40lh. A musket-ball had passed through bis body, entering below his left breast, and coming out at his back. He fell at the top of a steep bill, which he had mounted with a small parly, but from which they were forced back. A sergeant, who was much at- tached to the officer, wishing to take the body away, andJieing unable to carry it, took hold of one leg, and dragged it after him more than a mile down tlie declivity, and left it there with an intention of returning at night to inter it, When he returned it was quite dark, and being somewhat superstitious, was in great consternation when he heard the voice of the person whom he believed to be dead. However, being accompanied by a soldier, they ventured to approach- and finding their officer really alive and able to move, they carried him to the camp, where he was dressed, and was so well recovered in six weeks that h« embarked for England. It has been observed, that, after a severe action, when numbers have fallen on both sides, perhaps many wounded men are left a whole night on the field and cannot be dressed by the surgeons till the following day ; yet those who ar« thus neglected recover as quickly as those who are immediately dressed, and ctrried to the quarters. If this be owing to the coolness of the night air t'hcck- inj a fever, it may serve as a bint to surgeons. 446 FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT. r. l\ r I fastnesses, and compel them to capitulate. But such was tht/ natural strength of the country, indented with deep and rocky ravines, impassable precipices, tall fore&ts, and almost impenetrable underwood, that this service occupied a longer space of time than had been calculated upon. On one occasion, two parties of the 42d, and one of the 2d West India regiment, were ordered out, each taking a; different direction. The parties of the 42d attacked two stations, and drove the enemy farther into the woods. The party of the 2d West India regiment, marching up the bed of a river, encountered a strong detachment of the enemy^ drawn up behind large trees and a kind of redoubt which they had thrown up. Perceiving nothing through the thick foliage, the party advanced close to the trees. In an in- stant a fire was opened upon them, which, on the first dis*' charge, laid Lieutenant- Colonel Graham senseless, and killed and wounded several of his party ; the rest imme- diately retired. A few men afterwards reiurned in search of Colonel Graham, * and carried him back. UiUkU * His recovery from his wound was attended by some uncommon circum- stances. Tiie people believing him d^ad, rather dragged than carried him over the rough channel of the river, till they reached the sea-beach. Observing here that he w&s still alive, they put him in a blanket, and proceeded in search Of a surgeon. After travelling in this manner four mile^ I met them, and direct- fed the soldiers to carfy him io a military i/ost, occupied by a party of the 42d imdel* my command. All the surgeons were Out ift the woods with the wound- ed soldiers, and none cOuld be found. Colonel Graham was still insensible. A ball had entered his side, and, passing through, had come out under his breast ; another, or perhaps th6 sahie ball, had Shattered two of his fingers. No assistance could be got but that of a soldier's wife, who had been long in the service, and wtis in tlie habit of attending sick and wounded soldiers. She washed his wounds, and bound them up in such a manner, that when a surgeon came and saw the way in which the operation had been performed, he said he could not have done it better, and would not unbind the dressing. The Colonel soon afterwards opened his eyes, and, though unable to speak for many hours, seemed sensible of what was passing around him. In this state he lay nearly three weeks, when he was carried to Kingston, and thence conveyed to England. Hs was still in a most exhausted state, the wound in his side discharg* tng matter from both orifices. He went to Edinburgh with little hopes of re«o- ST Vincent's. 441 the nature of the service and the difficulty of the coun- try, may be conceived from the follo«ring notide of one short expedition. In one quarter of the cantonment, the troops were more than usually annoyed by the enemy, ^ho came down m the n.ght, and, by firing at the out-sentinels, gave frequent alarm, and disturbed the rest of the soldiers. These alarms, trifling in themselves, but hurtful to the every night. Anxious to put a stop to this teazing kind of annoyance, and to discover the post or camp whence those very; l»"t oh the evening df the ill«n,irtati6n for the victory of eamp.rdown th. s.okeof..anycand.esa„dflan.Whavi„gaffectedhislea^^^^^^^^^^^ and left by the ball .n .ts passage through his body, from that day he recover r w n' ?, ""• ^""« ''''''^"^' '^"-«'» *° ^"^ 27th regiment, he Jen" helost thes.ght; but .good constitution again triumphed, and e ace m' pan ed ins regiment to Egypt in 1801. regardless of what the consequenc" woul. be to h,s o..ly remaining eye. h:' ..e been attacke. by the op uZf o" SUri; Zr ^ •*"*' ' I^ieutenant-aeneral.a.d Lieu^enant^Ooverno; JHe soldier's «.ife, who wa.s so useful to him in his extremity, was of a cha- ~cter rather uncommon. She had been long a follower of the amp. a„dt^ acquxred some of its manners. While she was so good and useful nurs „ quarters, she was bold and fearless in the field. When the arrangen eZe : n^ade previously to the attack on the Vizie. on the lOth of June. I direc.edZ her husband, who was in my company, should remain behind t; take ^1^^ he men s knapsacks, which they had thrown off to be light for the advaniuT he h.ll. as I d.d not wish to expose him to danger on account of his w"e a"! family He obeyed his orders, and remained with his charge; but^^^^ fe I>ehevmg perhap, that sue was not included in these injunctifn. p„. ^^ wardto the acsau , When the enemy had been driven fL thet i d '^' Ir^ 1 was s^ndmg g.ving some directions to the men. and preparing to push on t^ he fourth and last redoubt, when I found myself tepped on the shoulder an^ ^rnmg rcn.nd. I saw my Amazonian friend standing with her cloth, .leked ^o her knees, and seizing my hand. « Well done, my Highland lads," she exclaimed. « see how the Brigands scamper like so many deer - "-« Sme « a^ded she. « let us drive them from yonder hill. •• On inquiry. I founded he had been m the hottest fire cheering and animating the men ; and w^ 443 FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT. 3!: .1 nightly parties came, I obtained leave from the general to select a parly, consisting of a sergeant and twelve men, and entered the woods at nine o'clock at night, guiding myself by the compass, and the natural formation of the country, which consisted principally of parallel ridges, divided by deep ravines formed by the mountain torrents. The men were provided with strong short cutlasses, to cut their way through the underwood, without which il would have been impossible to penetrate, unless we should accidentally have fullen in with a foot-path frequented by the Caribbs. In this slow progress, nothing occurred till soon after sun-rise, when traces were discovered of people having lately passed through the woods; and the undergrowth being thinner, the men could move on with less noise In clearing an open- ing. More evident indications appearing that this place had been frequented, I directed the sergeant to follow me, leaving the men to rest, and crept to a little distance, in the hope of finding some opening in the woods. We had not gone five hundred paces, when on a sudden we came to an open spot, on which stood a man with a musquet, apparent- ly as a sentinel. The instant he saw us he presented bis piece, when a small spaniel, which followed me, sprung for- ward and seized him by the foot. In the agitation of rflarm or pain, the man discharged his musquet at the dog, and, plunging into the woods, was out of sight in an instant, and before the sergeant, who attempted to cut him down with his sword, could ger near him. We were now on an ele- vated spot, with a few feet of clear group \ and on the edge of a perpendicular precipice of great de^^ih, at the bottom of which was seen a small valley, with a crowd of huts, from which swarms of people sprung out when they heard the report of the musquet. Satisfied that this was the place which we were in search of, I immediately retraced my steps ; but we had not march- ed half way, when we were attacked on both flanks and rear by the enemy, who followed the party. Being excellent climbers, they seemed in an instant to have manned the ST VINCENT'S. 449 I!„ Ju""""^ T '" ^ ^^'''^ ^"^^ "«' « ">«" ^«« to be I directed the men to keep themselves as much as possible irr'^'V'"'* *" retreat from tree to tree, firing at the pot where they perceived the fire of the enemy, who fol- ded with as much rapidity as if they had sprung like monkeys from tree to tree. In this manner we conUnued rennngt.ll we got clear of the woods. This was consider- ably delayed by the difficulty of assisting the wounded S.X men were killed, and Lieutenant Towes of the 2d Wesi Indian regiment, (who, with a party, was ordered up to the- woods by General Hunter, when he heard the firing,) ani eight men wounded, though not one enemy had been leen woor • ""^^ *'^ concealed by the thickness of the Thi^kind of petty warfare, equally irksome and inglori- ous, affording none of those incentives, which, in an active campaign, agamst a powerful enemy, encourage brave sol! diers to desptse all privations and difficulties, continued for four months. But such was the force of the ex- ample shown by Sir Ralph Abercromby, and by his officers, that this unpleasant service was performed with the utmost alacrity. Although the duty was nearly of the same nature in St Lucia and St Vincent, the climate in •In the preceding year an attack was made on the enemy f„ the strong posiuon of the V.z.e ; but, from some cause, it was not followed up with I gour. Tlie troops suffered considerably. The Grenadier, of the 59th were advanced m a wood, on the side of a ste.p hill, from which they kept up a fire on the enemy, who returned it, and, tothe great surprise of the troops, with a great and unexpected loss on their part, considering that the enemy from whom as they imagined, the fire proceeded, was at u considerable distance. In thli manner the men continued to drop, tiU at length it was discovered that tha- fire came from the tops of the trees immediately above them. A small party, of the Caribbs, who were in the habit of climbing, had run up the trees, and covering themselves Witi, the thick foUage, commenced a fire, which, foratime' was unperceived amidst the noise and constant firing kept up by our troops'- As soon as it was discovered, a volley fired at the tops of the trees brought rtown seven men. The rest soon followed. VOL. 1. J, J. J 450 rORTY-SKCOND REGIMENT. M ' :!'.| ■\t the latter was so much more favourable, that the deaths among the troops did not exceed one>third of their number ; while, of the four regiments in St Lucia, which consisted of S890 men, there were only 470 fit for duty at the end of thirteen months. This service was rendered more destruc- tive by the total want of every comfort. A pound of salt- pork or beef, a pound of flour, (till after some time that bread could be procured,) and a glass of rum, formed the daily allowance. There was no tenu, or covering, except such huts as the soldiers erected to screen themselves from the rain. Although the enemy were, as I have noticed, weak in every thing but the natural strength of their country, their desperation at the thought of being driven from their na- tive homec made them hold out till the month of Septem- ber, when they surrendered. The French, including the Brigands, under Marin Pedre, a negro of St Lucia, were sent prisoners to England. The Caribbs, upwards of 5000 in number, were transported to Ratan, an island in the Gulf of Mexico, where they were landed, with six months* provisions, besides seeds, plants, and all sorts of implements for building houses and cultivating the land. They were afterwards removed to South America by the Spaniards, who would not allow a permanent settlement to this wretch- ed people, who it is said were sent ^t the mines, where they soon perished. Here I must again remark, in regard to the West India climate, that the health of the troops is always best while in front of an enemy, however constant and harassing tlie service ; whereas, in the less active duties of a common na- ture, such as a change of stations^ either from one island to another, or from one quarter to another in the same island, they seldom failed to be attacked by the diseases incident to the climate. Hence, when the troops remain healthy, the prudence of a change of quarters, without necessity, may be questloaed. It sometimes happens that injurious effects ensue even although the movement has been firom an un-' FORTT-SECOND REGIMENT. 451 healthy to a healthy station, as from St Lucia to Barbadocs. • 1 roops became so accustomed to the unhealthy climate of the former island, that, in tweWe months, the deaths did not exceed SO out of 600 men. Of the same number of men, when removed to Barbadoes, 12 officers and upwards of 200 men have died in a few months, without any appa- rent alteration in the climate, or any material change in the health of those who were previously in that island. But when troops become unhealthy, no time should be lost in removmg them to another station^ The mortality this year among the troops in the West In- dies was lamentably great. From May 1 796 to June 1 797, the deaths amounted to 26* officers and 12,387 soldiers. But of those whose strength of constitution, or mode of hfe, enabled them to resist the evil effects of the climate, no one enjoyed a more vigorous state of health than the ve- nerable commander, who, although in the sixty-fifth year of his age, generally slept in his body- clothes; indeed, always when m the field. He was on horseback every day an hour before day-light, and was ever found where his presence was necessary. He returned to England in Septeuber, when the temporary command of the army devolved upon Major- General Charles Graham, f who was this year promoted • Examples of this have been seen even in the same island. The Hieh landers were removed from the wood, in St Vincent, to the barracks near King, ston, a situation considered remarkably healthy. Before a week passed 59 men were m hospital, who left the woods in perfect health, and in ten day. 21 men died. The distance they marched was only twenty two miles; they were two days on the march, consequently the fatigue was moderate. With numerous similar instances of great sickness after a change of quarters, of which I have witnessed many striking cases, and where, previous to the removal, the troops had been healthy, thesubject appears well worthy of the attention of medical men t General Graham was son of Colonel Graham of Dminie, one of the ori* gjnal officers of the Black Watch, and was for many years the commanding ^cer. General Graham had the benefit of a good example from his father Bom :„ the regiment in which he had .11 his life served, he intimately underi Stood the char«:ter and peculiar dispositions of the men. An excellent disci- Jlmanan, strict, but judicious, just and hum«ie, with a fine voice, and a clear distinct manner of communicating his orders, and explaining his directions, he F F 2 ll, t l\ M ' IV'I 452 TRINIDAD, AND PORTO RICO, 1797- '!fi:i from the lieutenant-colonelcy of the 42d to be colonel of the Sth West India regiment. Major James Stewart suc- ceeded to the lieutenant-colonelcy, and Captain James Stir- ling as major. Some time previously, Captain Alexander Stewart succeeded Major Christie, who died of the fever, and Lieutenant David Stewart was promoted to be captain- lieutenant. The Commander in Chief returned from England early in February 1797, and immediately collected a force for an attack on Trinidad, which surrendered without opposition. Encouraged by this success, and having received intelli> gence of the favourable disposition of the inhabitants of Porto Hico, he determined to make an attempt on that island. Accordingly, he ordered the 26th Light dragoons, dismount- ed, the Hth, 42d, 53d, a battalion of the 60th regiment, a detachment of Lowenstein's corps, and the Tobago Rangers, . to be assembled at St Christopher's, v^hence they sailed on the 1 5th of April, and anchored off Congregus's Point on the 17th. A landing was effected, with slight opposition from the enemy, who retreated when the men disembarked. The town and Moro or castle of Porto Rico stand on a point, separated from the main-land by a narrow arm of the sea, over which was thrown a bridge of eleven arc^ es, form- ing the only communication with the island. The Moro is strongly fortified with the best materials, and almost inac- cessible. The bridge beirg destroyed, the lagoon could not be crossed in boats, in the face of three tiers of batte- ries, which the Moro presented. From the outside of the lagoon the distance was too great for the batteries of the in- vaders to produce any effect, either on the town or castle ; and, whatever the disposition of the people had been, no symptom was now shown of any inclination to surrender. «ras admirably fitted for his situation as commander of the Highland regiment. The promotion to the rank of general officer, which removed him from the command, was a severe loss to the corps. He went out second in command to Sir Ralph Abercromby to the West Indies in 1793, and died at Cork, where, bp commanded, in 1800. I: J 11 sT K MAUTiNiQUE, 1797. 453 A number of French privateerg had taken shelter In the har- hour, when they heard of the approach of the fleet. The crews landed, and manned the batteries, determined to hold out to the last in defence of their vessels and prizes. In Uiese circumstances, and as our force was insufficient to blockade more than one side of the garrison, or prevent a free commumcatlon with the country, the Commander in Chief determmed to give up the attempt and reimbark. This was accomphshed on the 30th of April, the enemy still keep, ing withm their defences. The loss sustained on this occL sion was I captain killed, 1 lieutenant-colonel and 1 captain wounded, and 98 rank and file killed and wounded; and a heutenant and 121 rank and file missing, supposed to have deserted to the enemy. * The troops returned to their dif- ferent stations, and the Highlanders to Martinique. This was the last attempt against the en^my in that country during the continuance of the war. ^ ^ The 79th Highlanders having been now two years in Martinique, orders were sent out, as I have already noticed, to allow them to volunteer into the Royal Highlanders, then ready to embark for England, with permission to all who chose to remain to join other corps in the country. The number thus received by the 42d exceeded the casualties of the two preceding years, making the detachment stronger than when they embarked at Portsmouth in October 1795 The order to send the 42d home complete was the first in* terruption of the system of drafting, which, as I have al- ready mentioned, has since been abolished. The regiment th! .th T r .'"'"'r* '^"' ^^"''"^ «* Portsmouth on the 30th July, ,n equally good health, marched to Hillsea Barracks. A body of 500 men landing from the West In- dies, and marching, without leaving a man behind, was no common spectacle, f > «» np • This officer, and the 121 soldiers, were foreigners in our service t A sute of the troops on board was sent to the Lieutenant-Governor of . t P' ■ 454 KNCLAND AND GIBRALTAR, 1797. After remaining • few weeks in HilUea, the five compa- panics were ngain embarked for Gibraltar, where they joined the five companies which had been ordered thither when driven back by the gales of 1795 and 1706. The regiment was now 1 100 strong; but the moral feel- ingB of fhe troops were sensibly deteriorated. In addition to the number of indiiferent characters introduced into the regiment in 1795, the cheap and free indulgence in wine permitted in the garrison afibcted the conduct of a consider- able proportion of the men. However, it had no influence on their health ; for, during a stay of one year in Gibraltar, from October 1797 to October 1708, only 11 died out of )187 men, including all ranks. But, as I have observed, the moral habits of many evinced a melancholy change. An instance of murder occurred. One of the soldiers, in a fit of rage and intoxication, quarrelled with an inhabitant, Mid stabbed him to the heart with hii bayonet. He was tried and executed, Two men deserted to the Spaniards. One of them had for some years possessed a good charaotei, but Utterly had contracted habits of drinking; the only reason that could bo assigned for his conduct. He was soon cured of those habits which bad led to his defection, and heard'y repented his breach of allegiance, He entered the Spanieh service, in which the soldier'?! pay affords nothing to expend on liquor, — nay, sometimes not a sufficiency to procure ne- cessaries, and in whiph, even if the pay had been more libe- ral, the example of sobriety which the Spanish soldiers al- ways exhibit would have discountenanced any excess. To h,is former comrades within the garrison he found means to send communications, in which he deplored bis folly, and called upon them to be faithful to their King, and not to make themselves miserable, lij^e him, by joining the enemies m' > h m Portsmouth, after the ships came to anchor. When it waa receired, direction^ vere given lo correct tbe mistake of omitlin^ the number <^ tick arrived Jfrm, f^e IFesl IndKS / IMlM^ I- r97. Lhe five compa- bere they joined id thither when the moral feel- d. In addition educed into the iilgence in wine ct of a consider- liad no influence ear in Gibraltar, 1 1 died out of have observed, >ly change. An soldieri, in a fit i inhabitant, Mid He wai tried Spaniards. One d oharaotei, but the only reason i was soon cured 3n, and heaiti'y }red the Spanieh >thing to expend y to procure ne- been more libe- nish soldiers al- iny excess. To found means to d bis folly, and !ing, and not to ding the enemies as receired, direction^ • ^ iici arrived frm\ MINORCA, 1800/ 455 of their country. Fortunately, however, for the regimcr^* they were soon removed to Minorca, where their old habita and conduct were in a great measure restored by the excel- lent discipline of Brigadier- General Cakes, under whose immediate command they were for several months placed. Uovernment having determined to attack the Island of Min norci, a small armament was prepared and placed under the command of Lieutenant-General the Honourable Sir Charira Stuart, under whom was Major- General Sir James St Clair Erskine, now Earl of Rosslyne, and Brigadier- Generals John Stuart and Cakes, together with the 28lh, iSd, 58th, and 90th regiments ; the naval part of the expedition being under the command of Commodore Duckworth. These regiments, which had been quartered in Gibraltar, sailed from thence on the 2ith of Cctober 1 798, and reached the Island of Minora^ on the 6th of November. A landing in the Bay of Adda' i was next morning eifected without opposition. The first division, consisting of 800 men, disembarked, and repulsed 2000 of the enemy, who, after a feeble resistance, retired. The state of the roads, and the multitude of high and strong stone inclosures, rendered the progress of the army as slow as in a mountainous country. It was therefore the Uth of November before they could invest Cittadella, the principal garrison, where the Spanish Commander had concentrated his forces. Here the judicious arrangements of the General supplied the deficiency of troops, and of the artillery neces- sary for a siege : he formed his small army on the little emi- nences which surrounded the garrison, leaving only a few Light infantry, who ky concealed in the intermediate hollows. By this disposition of force, large fires bemg kept burning at night, and the fires in the hollow spaces being more nu- merous, and larger than on the ground occupied by the troops, the Spaniards were led to believe that the space of four miles had been completely covered by an army of at least 10,000 men. So strong was theij^ conviction that re- sistance would be unavailing against such a force, that the 456 MINORCA, 180C'. island surrendered on the following day, the prisoners con-, sidcrably outnumbering the invaders. * In 1800, a large force reassembled in Minorc^, to be em- ployed on the coast of the Mediterranean, in support of our allies. It was understood that Sir Charles Stuart >\'as to command this army ; but these eicpectations were disappoint- ed, by the arrival of intelligence that he had declined ac- cepting the command. The disappointment, however, of th-^ troops on this occasion was considerably lessened by the happy choice, as successor to their late Commander in Chiefj f of Sir Ralph Abercromby, who arrived on the 22d of June, accompanied by Major- Generals Hutchinson and John Moore. Orders wore immedintoly issued for the embarkation of troops for the relief of Genoa, then closely besieged by the French ; and reinforcements were also sent to Colonel Tho- mas Graham of Balgowan, who blockaded the garrison of La Vallette in the Island of Malta. The reinforcement for Genoa being too late to prevent tlie surrender of that place to the enemy, the troops return- • The prize-money for this capture, though not great, deserves notice, from its prompt payment, and the attention of the General to the interest of his troops. He directed every thing to be sold and converted into money as soon iis possible, and the shares to be paid on the spot where the money was con- quered. One of the agents, indeed, wished to send the money to England, to lodge i*, as he said, in security ; but General Stuart believed that it could not be in Letter seciurity than in the pockets of those to whom it belonged ; and, with his charscterisU'c generosity, he gave his own share to the wives and fa- milies of the soldiers, although his private fortune was very circumscribed. i Sir Charles Stuart died on the 28th March 1801, the very day on which his successor in the command of the army in the Mediterranean died of his wounds in Egypt. Thus Great Britain lost, in one day, two men whose great talents, chivah-ous honour, and high character, were qualified to rafoC the fame of any country, and to add lustre to any period. Indeed, few men of modern tirics have exhibited a more perfect picture of what may be imagined of a chivab-ous knight than General Stuart ; and with his high and generous mind was united a person and countenance of the finest proportions and ex. pression, with a most elegant address and polished manners. He was, indeed, a ;rue soldier, a perfect gentleman, and an able, intrepid, accomplished com. mander of an anny. GIBRALTAR, 1800. 457 prisoners coni ed to Minorca, and General Pigot was ordered to command the blockading army in Malta. The season was now far advanced, and, to the great dis- appointment of the troops, it was understood that no active operations would commence till the arrival of farther in- structions from home. This interval the Commander-in- Chief devoted to a strict examination of the internal eco- nomy and discipline of the different corps.* It was not till Uie month of August that dispatches were received from England, m consequence of which the army immediately embarked and sailed for Gibraltar, where it arrived on the Uth of September, when accounts were received of the sur- render of Malta, after a blockade of nearly two years. It was generally regretted that Colonel Graham, who had con- ducted the siege and blockade with unwearied zeal and per- severance, had not the satisfaction of receiving the surren- der of an enemy whom he had forced to submit. The ca- pitulation was drawn up in the name of General Pigot, who had only commanded for a few weeks. Different arrangements occupied the time till the 2d of October, when the fleet sailed for Cadiz, for the purpose of landing there, and taking possession of the city and fleet • During this interval, the system was first suggested to General Moore of marching, firing, and general discipline, which he afterwards carried to such perfection in the 43d and 52d regiments, and which has since been adopted by all the light infantry corps. Major Kenneth Mackenzie, of the 90th regiment (now Lieutenant-General), had practised this mode of discipline for several years, and while he commanded his regiment in Minorca, had brought the men to great perfection in it. One morning as he was at exercise on the Glacis of Fort St Phillips, General Moore, who was present, was so struck with its ex- cellcnce and simplicity, that, with his usual oppenners and candour, he express sed great surprise that a thing so simple, and so admirably adapted to its pur- pose, had not before suggested itself to his mind. He was not a man u^^on whom any useful suggestion was thrown away. Major Mackenzie was next year promoted to the 44th regiment, from which he was removed, by General Moore's recommendation, to his own regiment, the 52d. The new mode of discipline was then commenced, and Lieutenant- Colonel Mackenzie, being supportedby the influence, assiduity, and zeal of General Moore, it was speedily brought to a high state of perfection. While it greatly lessens the fatigue of »hc soldier, it is highly conduciva to his success against an enemy. ill f »1 "#" t t 1 ■' I ! ! li • !. 458 CADI?, 1800. in the harbour of Carraccas. The army under Sir Jam^ Pulteney, from Ferrol, formed a junction with Sir Ralph Abercromby ; and the following morning a signal was made for landing to the westward of Cadiz. The Reserve under General Moore, the Guards under General Ludlow, and Ge* neral Craddock's brigade, were ordered for the first disem- barkation. For this purpose, the Royal Highlanders, with part of the Reserve, were put into the boats, and ordered to assemble round the Ajax, the Honourable Captain Alex« ander Cochrane, who was to conduct the debarkation. A body of eath of Abercrowhy—Surrender of Cairo—Surrender of Alex- andria-— Indian Army, In Malta, it was ascertained that Egypt was the object of Attack. This intelligeBce was joyfully received. AU were elevated, both by the prospect of relief from the monotony of a soldier's life on board a transport, and by a debarka- tion in an interesting country, for the pujpose of meeting a br^e and hitherto invincible enemy; at least so far in- vincible, that their repeated victories on the continent of Europe seemed to entitle them to that honourable designa^ tion. On the 20th and 21st of December 1800, the fleet saile4 in. two divisions for Marmorice, a beautiful bay on the coast of Greece, The first division arrived on the 28th of December, and the second on the Ist of January 1801^ to wait for a reinforcement of men and horses to be furnished by our allies, the Turks. The port of Marmorice was not less remarkable for its security and convenience, than for the magnificent scenery of the surrounding mountains, co- vered to the top with migestic forests, and the most luxuriant verdure, f • In all cases where the running title at the top of the page is " Highland Ilegiments," the services of the 79th and 92d are included with the Boy« Highlanders. + Amongst the numbers that came to see the British armament, was an un- expected visitor in the dress of a Turk^^ Tliis was a gentleman of the name of Campbell, a native of the district of K&ityrc, in Argyllshire. Early in life, h« \m^ been so affected by the death of a school-fellpw, who had been killed by 11 •: i lilt:. ■; .; 460 MARMORICE. The Turkish supplies, deficient in every respect, having at length arrived, the fleet again put to sea on the 23d of February, and on Sunday morning, being the 1st of March, the coast of Egypt was descried, presenting in its white sandy banks, and tame uninterestin^^mck-ground, a re- markable contrast to the noble elevations and luxuriant landscapes on the coast of Greece. While 80 much time had been lost in waiting for the Turkish reinforcements, a gale of wind, encountered on the passage, scattered the light and ill-managed vessels which conveyed their horses and stores. These took shelter in the nearest ports, and, while the fleet lay at Marmorice, wait- ing for the junction of so inefficient an aid, the enemy were more fortunate in the safe arrival from Toulon of two fri- g«»es, having on board troops, guns, ammunition, and all sorts of military stpres,— a supply which they could not have received, had not the British been detained so long waiting for the Turks. One part of the reinforcement, which the enemy so opportunely received, consisted of nearly 700 ar- tillerymen, a number more than equal to the whole artillery of the invading army. The British force consisted of the following regiments : Regiments. Commanding Officers of Regiments. General Officers of Brigades. Guards, C Colonel, now General Samuel Dal- ' J Hon. Major- Ge- . v.«.«..,=. «,uiur Bryce, killed in f neral Ludlow. C Egypt, y w-in. accitlent as they were at play together, that he fled from the countrj', and join- ed the Turkish army. He had served forty years under the standard of Islam, and had risen to the rank of General of Artillery. He went on board the ship where the 4.2d were embarked, to inquire about his family. When he saw the men in the dress to which he had been accustomed in his youth, the remem- brance of former years, and of his native country, so affected him, that he burst into tears. The astonishment of the soldiers may be easily imagined when they were addressed in their own language, (which he had not forgotten,) by a Turk in his full costume, and with a white beard flowing down to his girdle. STATE OF THE ARMY. 4G1 Regiments.' 1st, or Iloyals, Mth, 2 battalions, 92d,or Gordon High landers, 8tli, 13th, 90th, 2d, or Queen's 30th, 19th, or Cameron Highlanders, 18th or Koyal Irish, 30th, - . 44th, 89th, Minorca, De Roll's, pnion's, General Officen of Commanding Officers of Regiments, C Lieut-Colonel Peter Garden, diedl I 'n Egypt, j •^ Lieut-Colonel Charlou Erskine, | Mrigadcs. y killed in Egypt, Craddock. / Major the Earl Cavan, of C Colonel, now General Sir Gordons t Drummond, I CHon. Colonel, now Lieut- General V*f"J'"""*^^"P*"al I Sir Charles Colville, [ Craddock. Colonel, now Lord Hill, J Colonel tlie Earl of Dalhousie, ^ Major Rowe, /Major- General 7 Lieut- Colonel, now Major. Gene ^ *''^ 5 ral Sir Allan Cameron, Colonel Montressor, Major Lockhart, 5 Lieut-Colonel David Ogilvie, kill- Z ed in Egypt, Colonel William Stewart, (Lieut-Colonel Dutons, killed in' I Egypt, j Lieut-Colonel Baron de Sonnen- l berg, Lieut. -Colonel Baron Perponcher, • ^Brigadier- Gene-. ' ral Doyle. Major- General John Stuart 40th, flank compa- nies, 23d, or Welsh Fusi leers, 28th, 42d, or Royal High- landers, ' - 58th, Corsican Rangers, Detachment 11th light dragoons, Do. of Homspecli's regiment, 12th light dragoons, 26tli do. Artillery and Engi- neers, ^ RESERVE. } Colonel, now Lieut-General Sir Brent Spencer, I Major Mackenzie, died in Egypt, 7 Colonel, now Lieut -General the \ Hon. Edward Paget, ^ Lieut-Colonel William Dickson, ( Lieut -Colonel, now Lieut-General ( Sir William Houston, 5 Major, now Major-General SirHud- l Lowe, > Captain Money, }Licut.-Colonel Sir Robert Wil- son. Colonel, now General Archdall, Lieut-Colonel Gordon, 7 Lieut-Colonel Thompson, 5 Major Mackerras, killed. Major-General Moore and Brigadier- Gei neral Oakes. I ] Brig. -Gen. ther Hon. Edward FincJi. Brig.- General Lawson. In all 13,1:34 men, and 630 artillery. Deducting about 300 sick, the efficient force was 12,334, while that of the enemy was now « rrirtained to be more than 32,000 men independently of sev eral thousand native auxiliaries. ' 463 ABOtKIR, 1801. il'^'. Ill ' If &:m The fleet first came to anchor in Aboukir bay, oti the spot where the battle of the Mile had been fought near- ly three years before. Scarcely had the General arrived at his destination, when he received intelligence of two un« fortunate occurrences) neither of them unimportant to his future operations, and one of them particularly veicatious. Th J first was the death of Major Mackerras, * and the cap- ttxre of Major Fletcher of the engineers, who had b6en sent forward to reconnoitre the coast. The second was the en- trance of a French frigate into the harbour of Alexan- dria, by a very adroit stratagem. The ship had got some British signals from an English vessel she had taken, and coming in sight of the fleet in the evening without any sus- picion, had answered all signals with accuracy^i till getting close to Alexandria, she hoisted French colours, and darted into the harbour. In the course of the night the French sloop of war Lodi, from Marseilles, also got into the har- bour of Alexanp^ria. In addition to these untoward and unlooked for incidents, the General received information that the enemy^s force was at least 15,000 men more than was expected. At the commencement of such an arduous campaign, these events, together with the reinforcements recently landed by the frigates from Toulon, were in no small degree calami- tous. The French had received additional supplies of able officers, of men, and of military stores ; and, as if fortune and the elements had conspired against the British, while the enemy were securely making preparations to repel all attacks, after the fleet came to an anchor, on the night of the 1st of March, a ga^ sprung up so violent and so unre- mitting, that a disembarkation could not be attempted till the evening of the 7th, when the weather became more mo- derate. The General's welUknown strength of mind was now to * TTie eminent profesuonal abilities and excellent personal qualities of Major Mackerraa caused his death to be an object of particular regret to the whole army. ; ABOUKIR. 463 le more mo- was now to be put to a severe test. He had to force a landing in an unknown country, in the face of an enemy more than double his numbers, and nearly three times as numerous as they were previously believed to be,-.an enemy, moreover, in full possession of the country, occupying all its fortified positions, havmg a numerous and well appointed cavalry enured to the climate, and a powerful artillery,-an enemy who knew every point where a landing could, with any prospect of success, be attempted, and who had taken ad- vantage of the unavoidable delay, already menUoned, ta erect batteries, and bring guns and ammunition, to the ponit where they expected the attempt would be made. In short, the General had to encounter embarrassments, and bear up under difficulties, which would have paralyzed the mind of a man less firm and less confident of the devotion and bravery of his troops. These disadvantages, however, served only to strengthen hU resolution. He knew that his army was determined to conquer or to perish with him j and aware of the high hopes which the country had placed in both, he resolved to proceed in the fiice of obstacles which some would have deemed insurmountable. While the enemy were preparing for an effective resists ance, in full view of those who were so soon to attack them, no circumstance occurred to amuse the minds, or divert the attention of the British during the continuance of the gales. However, on the evening of the 7th, the wind moderated, and the General, accompanied by Sir Sidney Smith, with Aree armed launches, went close in shore. Lieutenant Brown of the Foudroyant landed from one of the launches drove m a picquet which lay on the beach, boar Jed a guard- boat, and returned to the fleet, carrying with them as pri- soners an officer, an ass and his driver. Tba capture of the two latter formed an incident which afforded great amuse- ment to the whole fleet ; and trifling and ludicrous as it may appear, it was not without its beneficial effects. As this was the first adventure the troops had witnessed after so many months of confinement in transports, (the regiment* from England and Gibraltar having been on board fron> 4G4 ABOUKIR. I.: i. the month of May and June of the preceding year,) they^ drew from it an omen of a successful debarkation. The weather continuing moderate, at two o'clock in the morning of the 8ih of March the troops destined to effect a landing got into the boats. This division consisted of the 40th flank companies, and Welsh fusileers on the right, the 28th, 42d, and 58th, in the centre, the brigade of Guards, Corsican Rangers, and a part of the Ist brigade, consisting ef the Royals and 54th on the left ; the whole amounting to 5230 men. This force did not land in the first instance, c^ there were not boats sufficient for that purpose, and one company of the Highlanders also did not land till the boats returned for a second load. Detachments of other regi* ments were subjected to a similar delay. * The whole were to rendezvous, and form in rear of the Mondovi, Captaia John Stewart, anchored out of reach of shot from the shore. So well conceived and executed was this arrangement, that iU RF.GIMLNTS. [' r ^1 squadron of Cftvalry, which advanced to atUck the High- landers after they had driven back the infantry Immediately opposed to them, was instantly repulsed with the lost of their commander. The party of the enemy who had de- serted their guns, having partially formed in rear of a se- cond line of small sand-hills, kept up a scattered fire for some time ; but on the advance of the troops, they again fled in confusion. The ground on the left being nearly on a level with the water, the Guards and first brigade were attacked immediately on their landing ; the Guards by the cavalry, who, when driven back, rallied again in the rear of the sand- hills ; and the S4-th by a body of infantry, who advanced with' fixed bayonets. Both attempts were re- pulsed. Thus the intrepid commander, with his gallant Iroopp, had forced a footing in Egypt, compelling an enemy to fly in confusion, who, a few mir.utes before, had expected to annihilate their invaders, or to drive them back into the sea. There are few instances in our national history which more fully prove the power of firm resolution, and strict discipline, than this. It has been said that a bold invading ftrmy will alwAys succeed. The nature of our national warfare has been such, that in no case have the British troops had to resist an enemy attempting to land by force ; and, therefore, experience has not yet proved what success would, in such circumstances, attend their resistance to a resolute enemy. The loss of the British was 4 officers, 4 sergeants, and 94 rank and file, killed ; 26 officers, 34. sergeants, 5 drummers, and 450 rank and file, wounded. Of these the Highlanders had 81 killed, and Lieutenant- Colonel James Stewart, Cap- tain Charles Macquarrie, Lieutenants Alexander Campbell, John Dick, Fiederick Campbell, Stewart Campbell, Charles Campbell, Ensign Wilson, 7 sergeants, 4 drummers, and 140 rank and file, wounded. The loss of the French did itot exceed one-half of that of the British, and, considering the relative situations of both, the difference might have HIGHLAND RIOIMENTS. 467 been eren more in their favour. The principal Iom of the Bruish was incurred while in the boats, and when mount- ing the hill. In both casea, they were exposed to the fire of the enemy without being able to make any defence. When they had gained a position where their courage and firmness were available, the loss sustained was trifling. Four-fiahs of the loss of the Highlanders were incurred before they reached the top of the hill. • The General was early on shore. It is said that the ad- miral, Lord Keith, knowing his ardour, had given a hint to the officer who commanded his boat to keep in reserve, but his anxiety to be at the head of his troops was not to be re- strained. He ordered the officer to push to the shore, and, counteracting the well-meant delay which was intended to preserve a life so precious to the future success of the expe- dition, he leaped from the boat with the ardour of youth. It may be conceived that the joy and exultation of all pre- sent were at their height, when, after the retreat of the ene- my, he stood on a little sand- hill receiving the congratula- tions of the officers, accompanied with mutual expressions of admiration and gratitude; they for the ability and firmness • The great waste of ammunition and the comparatively little execution of musketry, unless directed by a steady hand, was exemplified on this occasion. Although the sea was as smooth as glass, with nothing to Interrupt the aim of those who fired ; although the line of musketry was so numerous, that the soldiers compared the fall of tlie bullets on the water to boys throwing handfuls of peb- bles into .1 mill-pond; and although the spray raised by the cannon-shot and shells, when they struck the water, wet the soldiers in the boats, yet of the whole landing force, very few were hurt, and of the 42d one man only was killed, and Colonel James Stewart and a few soldiers wounded. The noise and foam raised by the shells and large and smaU shot, compared with the little effect thereby produced, afford evidence of the saving of Uves by the invention of gun- powder; while the fire, noise, and force with which the bullete flew, gave a greater sense of danger, than in reality had any existence. That 850 men (one company of the Highlanders did not land in the first boats,) should force a passage through such a shower of balls and bombshells, and only one man killed and five wounded, is certainly a striking faet. G g2 4C8 EGYPT. ('4 1', i A il 'I f i '■ which had conducted them to a situotion which gnvc thonr such an opportunity of dixtinguishinf; them8clvcs,->-and he for the gallantry which had sarmounted all obstructions, " with an intrepidity scarcely to be paralleled." * f By the • While the aimy lay tn Marmorico Bay, the Minotanr, Captala LouU, the Northumberland, Captain Goorgu Martin, and tlie Fenclope, Captain Henry Blackwood, were ordered to cruize off* Alexandria, to prevent the entrance of any ships or supplies from France. Soon after the arrival of this blockadinjf squadron on the coast, itveral vessels sent out from Alexandria were taken. On board of these were a number of ofHcars, of all ranks, returning to France on leave of absence. All these were taken on board the commodore's ship, the Minotaur. Captain Louis treated them with the greatest hospitality and politeness, taking the general officers, and as many others as he could accom- modate, to his own tabic, while the rest were entertained in the ward-roon with the officers. I was also a guest at Captain Louis's hospitable table, hav- ing been sent on board at Malta with 200 men of the Highlanders, in conse- quence of the disabled state of tlie ship in whieh they had embarked from Mi- norca. For some time the French officers wore in bad humour ai their cap- ture, assumed a distant air, and did hot appear disposed to be communicative ; but tlie manner in which they were received arid entertained, together with the good cheer, had a wonderful ctTect in softening their drsappointment, and iii openmg their minds. In the course of conversation, and without any intention on their part, nay, perhaps unconscious of what they were doing, they commu- nicated much important information on the state of their army, and of the country in general. Their estimate of the numbers of the army was not at first credited, but the correctness of their statements was soon confirmed. As inti- macy increased, they expressed much regret that so many brave men shoufd ho sacrificed in a desperate attempt, which, they were sure, couTd not be success- ful. On the morning of the 8th, two young French field-officers went up the rigging as the boats made the final push for landing, to witness, as they said, the last sight of tlieir English friends. But when they saw the troops land, ascend the hiU, and force the defenders at the top to fly, tlie love of tlieir coun- try, and die honour of their arms, overcame their new friendship ; they burst into tears, and, with a passfonate exclamation of grief and surprise, ran down below, and did not again oppear on deck during ti. lay. When the fleet anchored in Aboukir Bay, I Wf ..i M 'r/ r . che flag-shi «. to communicate to the General the intelligence i. ia J jceived. He heard me witli great attention, and after 1 had finished asked many questions. He then ordered a boat, and rowed towards the beach to reconnoitre, but returned very soon. 1 waited on board till he came back, and accompanied Colonel Aber- ^ Gazette. i -i N great exertions of the navy, the whole army were lundcd th« ■ame evening. * During three days the army were v.ngnged in landing pro- visions and stores. This necessary clolay enabled the enemy to collect more i oops, so that the British, on moving foi> ward in the evening of the J 2th, found them strongly forti- fied among sand-hills and a thicket of palm and date trees, to the number of more than 5000 infantry, 600 cavalry, and SO pieces of artillery, well appointed. On the morning of the iSth, the troops moved forward to the attack in three columns of regiments, the fiOth or Perth- shire regiment forming the advance of the first column ; and the 92d, or Gordon Highlanders, that of the second ; the reserve marching in column, covering the movements of the first line, and running parallel with it. When the army had cleared the date- trees, the enemy quitted the heights, and, wiih great boldness, moved down on the 92d, which by this lime had formed in line. The French opened a heavy fire of cannon and musketry, which the 92d quickly returned, firmly resisting the repeated attacks of the French line, cromby, who followed his father, into the cabin, when he asked his opinion of the landing place. The answer was short. : » fVe must be in possession of yonder sand hiils to-morrow morning .- " but, as I have stated, it was not Ull that dw se'ennight that an attempt could be made. • When the men had laid down to rest after the action, I walked to the rear to inquire after some soldiers of my company who had fallen behind, being either killed or wounded. Observing some men digging a hole, and a number of dead bodies lying around, I stept up to one of them, and touching his temple, felt that it retained some warmth. I then told the soldiers not to bury him, but to carry him to the surgeon, as he did not appear to be quite dead. " Poh ! poh ! " said one of them, «' he is as dead as my grandfather, who was killed at Culloden ; " and, taking the man by the heels, pn^eeded to drag him to the pit. But I caused him to desist. The yvounded man was so Uorribly disfigur. ed as to justify his comp'anion in the judgment he had formed. A ball had passed tlu-ough his head, which was in consequence greatly swelled, and cover- ed with clotted blood. He was carried to the hospital, where h« revived from his swoon, and recovered so rapidly, that in six weeks he was able to do his duty. He Uve4 many years afterwards, and was most grateful for :py inter., ference. 470 HIGHLAND lUGiMENTS. Is, 1 • (supported as it wac by a powerful artillery), and singly maintaining their ground till the line came up. At th^ same time, the French cavalry, with the greatest impetuo- aity, charged down a declivity 0*1 the 90th regiment. This corps, standing with the coolest intrepidity, allowed them to approach within fifty yards, when, by a well-directed fire, they so completely broke the charge, that only a few reach- ed the regiment, and most of them were instantly bayonet- ed ; the rest fled off to their left, and retreated in the great- est confusion. The 90th regiment being dressed in hel- mets, *^ as a corps of Light infantry, were mistaken for dis- mounted cavalry, and the enemy believing them out of their proper element, attacked with the more boldness, as they expected less resistance, t The two divisions now formed line, the reserve remaining in column to cover the right flank. The whole moved for- ward in this order, suffering from the enemy's flying artil- lery, which, having six horses to each gun, executed their movements with the greatest celerity ; while the British, with only a few badly appointed cavalry, and no artillery horses, had their guns dragged by sailors, occasionally as- sisted by the soldiers, through stands so loose and so deep, that the wheels sunk sometimes to the axle. Yet, slow as the movements were, the enemy could offer no effectual re- sistance, as our troops advanced, and retreated to their lines in front of Alexandria. These lines Sir Ralph Abercromby determined to force. To accomplish this important object, General Moore, with the reserve, was ordered to the right, and General Hutchinson with the second line to the left, while the first line remained in the centre. From the for- • Colonel (now Lord) Hill's life was saved by his helmet. 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. f At this time, Sir Ralph Abercromby, who was always in front, had his horse shot under him, and was nearly surrounded by tlie enemy's cavalry,— a «ituation from which he was rescued by the 90th regiment. EGYPT. 471 midable and imposing appearance of the enemy's defences, this s6emed a bold attempt. Not knowing their relative po^ sitions, or whether, after being successively gained, they could be maintained without proper artillery, if the one commanded the other, our commander found it necessary to reconnoitre with care. In this state of doubt and delay the troops suffered exceedingly from a galling fire, without hav- ing It in their power to return a shot, while the French had leisure to take cool aim. On this trying occasion the intre- pidity and discipline of the British remained unshaken. Eager to advance, but restrained till it could be done with success, and with the least loss of lives, they remained for hours exposed to a fire that might have shafcen the firmness of the best troops. At length the difficulties of the attack appearing insurmountable, they were ordered to retire, and occupy that position which was afterwards so well maintain- ed on the 2l8t of March, and in which they avenged them- selves for their present disappointment. The loss was severe, 6 officers, 6 sergeants, 1 drummer and 1*3 rank and file, being killed; and 66 officers, 61 sergeants, 7 drummers, and 946 rank and file, wounded. The loss of the Royal Highlanders, who were not engaged, but only exposed to distant shot, was 3 rank and file killed ; and Lieutenant- Colonel Dickson, Captain Archibald Argyle Campbell, Lieutenant Simon Fraser, 3 :;ergeant3, I drum- mer, and 23 rank and file, wounded. * • The loss of the 42d on this day was the more to be regretted, as, except the wound of Colonel Dickson and one or two more, the whole might have been avoided, had it not been for the idle curiosity of some young men. While the General was in consultation whether he should pursue the enemy to the walls of Alexandria, General Moore, who was never absent when his presence was required, had ordered the 42d up to the right, to form in U.e closest pos- sible order, immediately under a steep hill, which would effectually conceal them, while they would be ready, on the first signal, to dash up tlie hill upon the enemy. The battaUon, accordingly, lay close under the hill, without being perceived by the enemy; and the most positive orders were given, that every man should sit down, with his firelock between his knees, ready to start up at a moment's warning ; and on no account was any person to quit the column, .est the position should be discovered by. the enemy, who had covered with 472 HIGHLAND REGIMENT^. Thus ended the battle of the 13th of March, which ex-' emplified in the strongest manner the difficulties under which fl , 1 ' M •i ; m i »i 1 ' il 1 1 I'! 1' ! I|! M guns the top of the hill immediately above. In this situation, the regiment lay in perfect silence, till three young men, seized with an irresistible curiosity to see what tlie rest of the army ^ere doing, crept out unperqeiyed by Colone^ Alexander Stewart, the commanding officer. They were descried by the ene- my, who quickly brought their guns to bear on the regiment, and in an instant three shots were plunged into the centre of the column. This being repeated before the men could be removed to the right, under cover of a projecting hill, thirteen men were left on the ground, either killed or wounded, Lieutenant Simon Fraser lost his left hand, and Captain Archibald Campbell was severely yrounded in the anp and side. Thus a foolish, apd, on such an occasion, an unpardonable curiosity> caused death or irreparable injury to several officer^ and soldiers. One of the young men killed was of my company, A six-pound shot struck through both hips as he lay on tlie ground, and made a horrible opening as if he had been cut in two. He cried out, « God bless yop. Captain Stew- art ; come and give me your hand before I die, and be sure to toll my father and mother that J die like a brave and good soldier, and have saved money for them, which you will send home. " He said something else, which I could not understand, and dropping his head he expired. A strong instance of fear was at this time exhibited by a halft-witted creature,— one of those who, for the sake of ftUing up the ranks, although incapable of performing the best duties of a soldier, could not be dis- charged. When the regiment was again placed under cover, I return- ed back to the position they had left, with a few men, to assist in carry- ing away the wounded. After this was done, and the wounded carried off, I observed in a small hollow, at a little distance, a soldier lying close on his face, with liis legs and arms stretched out as if he had been glued to the ground. I turned his face upwards, and asked him if he was much hurt : He started up, but fell back again, seemingly without the power of his limbs and trembling violently. However, I got him on his legs, and being anxious to get away, ao the enemy's shot were flying about, I was walking ofl^ when I perceived the surgeon's case of instruments, which had been somehow left in the hurry of the last movement. Sensible of its value, I took it up to carry it with me, when I perceived my countryman standing up, having by this time recovered the power of his limbs. I put the chest on his back, telling him, — in the hope that it would inspire him with a little spirit,— that it would shelter him from the shot At this instant a twelve pound shot plunged in the sand by our side. My fellow soldier fell down one way, and the box another ; and, on my again endeavouring to get him on his legs, I found his limbs as powerless as if every joint had been dislocated. The veins of. his wrist and forehead were greatly swollen ; and he was incaiiable «f sjieak- EGYPT. 473 a General and an army labour when totally ignorant of the country, of the enemy's force, and of the nature and strength of his defences. The Arabs could neither compre- hend the object of the questions, nor describe the nature of the enemy's fortifications, which, taken in connexion with the ground they occupied, presented an appearance of strength, and a capability of resistance beyond what they really possessed. * The face of the country, too, was in many parts altogether deceptive to the eye of a stranger; and, in this instance, certainly influenced the General in his resolution to retire from that position to which he had advanced. The ground on the right of the enemy, over which they might easily have been attacked in flank, with every probability of suc- cess, was covered with a species of saline incrustation, which dazzled the organs of vision, and presented, in its smooth shmmg surface, a perfect resemblance to a sheet of water. There was not a man in the army who detected the de- ception ; but this phenomenon, occasioned by this saline efflorescence, was different from the mirage, that remarka- ble property of the Egyptain atmosphere, by which the level par^s or plains of the country assume the appearance of water. The plains only being affected by this atmos- pheric delusion, houses, trees, and rocks, preserve their natural appearance, except that they seem to be entirely sur- rounded by water, and present so perfect a resemblance to islands, that to strangers unaccustomed ^o these phenor in/r, and in a cold sweat. Seeing him in this plight, I left him to his fate- and, taking the case on my back, I delivered it to my friend the surgeon *' • Lieutenant Annesly Stewart of the 50th regiment, a promising youne officer, lost his life this day from his curiosity ; but he disobeyed no order, and did not occasion death or wounds to others, as was tlie case in the 42d regi- ment Anxious to see the movements of the enemy, he advanced a short dis- tance in front, and towards the right of the regiment. When he got to the highest part of a gentle acclivity, he lay down on his face, resting his spy.glass on his hat, but was not three minutes in that position, ere a twelve pound shot come rolling along the ground, and carried his head clean off, leaving nothing but part of the neck between his slioulders. * m 474 HIGHLAND n£UIiM£NTS. •J i ,. " menn, the deception is complete. In the uneven surfilice round Alexandria, there wan no mirage ; * but the fiery brightness of the atmosphere, heightened by the white and glittering sand, deranged so completely the visual organs, as to give to the more elevated ground an overcharged sem- blance of height and strength. Its (real nature greatly a- stonished the army, when, at an after period, they passed over it, and were thus enabled to correct the impressions derived from a more distant prospect. Had the General been «ware of these optical illusions, Alexandria might have been in his possession on the 13th, while Menou, cut oiF from the sea. and from all communication with Europe, must soon have surrendered. Fortune ordered it other- wise; and perhaps the result of the campaign was the more honourable, as an opportunity was afforded to our army to obtain a compensation for their long and tantalizing con- finement and suspense. Of this opportunity they nobly a- Tailed themselves, when opposed to a veteran enemy, great- ly superior in numbers, elated with former victories, and be- lieved unconquerable, because hitherto unconquered. In the distant region where the contest was now carried on, no support could be expected by either of the parties, appoint- ed as it were, on a certain spot or stage, to decide the palm of prowess and military energy, while their respective coun- tries were anxiously looking for the result. As the ground now occupied by the British presented * It may be proper to explain, that tliere was a cause beyond the common for this accession of saline matter on the ground alluded to. It was several feet lower than the surface of tlie sea, which was kept back by the large em- bankment, formed for tlie canal, between the Nile and Alexandria, which sup- plied the town with water. In high tides, and when the wind blew strong from the nortli-cabt, a quantity of salt water oozed through the sand, uuder the canal : and vising beyond it, mixed with the sand on the surface, on which the sun acted with such power, that when the tide receded, a thin covering of pure and beautiful salt was left, and which, in peculiar states of the aUnosphere, produced that species of mirage I have noticed. Both in tlie Egyptian mirage, and that occasioned by the salt, objects are reprciiented in their perfect state, without reflection or shadow. ll:lt irl EGYPT. 475 few natural advantages, no time was lost in strengthening M ^"'' T ! /'* ''"' **" *^" ''S^' fl^"'^* «"d the Lake Maad.e on the left. The Reserve were placed as an advanced post on the right ; the 58th occupied a ruin of great extent, supposed to have been the Palace of the Ptolemies. Close on their left on the outside of the ruin, and a few paces on- ward, was a redoubt occupied by the 28th regiment. Five hundred yards towards the rear were posted the 23d, the flank companies of the 40th, the42d, and the Corsican Ran- gers, ready to support the two corps in front. To the left of the redoubt, a sandy plain extended about three hundred yards, and then sloped into a valley. Here, a little retired towards the rear, were the cavalry of the reserve; and still ferther to the left, on a rising ground beyond the valley, the Guards were posted, with a redoubt thrown up on their right, a battery on their left, and a small ditch or embank- ment m front, which connected both. To the left of the Guards, in form of an echelon, were posted the Royals. 54th, (two battalions,) and 92d, or Gordon Highlanders; then the 8th, or King's, I8th, or Royal Irish, 90th, and ISth ; facing the lake at right angles to the left flank of the line, were drawn up the 97th, or EnniskilUng, 79th, cr Cameron Highlanders, and 50th regiment ; on the left of the second line were posted the 30th, 89th, 44th, Dillon's, De Rolls, and Stuart's regiments; the dismounted cavalry of the 12th and 26th Dragoons completed the second line to the right. The whole was flanked on the right by four cutters, stationed close to the shore. By this formation it will be seen, that the Reserve and the Guards were more advanced, leaving a considerable open space or valley be- tween them. A party of dragoons, as a kind of picquet, occupied the bottom of the valley ; but, as has been said, a little to the rear. This was the position of the army from the 14th till the evening of the 20th, the whole being in constant employment, either in performing military duties, erecting batteries, or in bringing forward cannon, stores, and provisions. Over the whole extent of the line there ' iLv h 476 HIGHLAND R£(;iMENTS. were arranged two 24 pounders, 32 field pieces, and one iii pounder, in the redoubt of the 28th, which was open in the rear. Another gun was brought up, but not mounted. ■ The position of the enemy was parallel, and bore a very formidable appearance. They were posted on a ridge of hills, extending from the sea beyond the left of the Bri- tish line, and having the town of Alexandria, Fort Caf- farelli, and Pharos, in the rear, Menou's army was dis- posed in the following manner : General Lanusse was sta^ tioned on the left with four demi-rbrigades of infantry, and a considerable body of cavalry, commanded by General Koise. The centre was occupied by five demirbrigades. General Regnier was on the right, with iwo demi-brigades, and two regiments of cavalry. General D'Estain com^ manded the advanced guard, consisting of one demi* bri- gade, some light troops, and a detachment of cavalry. Such were the positions of the opposing armies. The Queen's regiment had been left to blockade the fort of Aboukir, which surrendered to Lord Dalhuusie on the 18th. On liie evening of the 20th, this regiment was ordered up to replace the Gordon Highlanders, who had been much re- duced by previous sickness, and by the action of the 18th, in which they singly resisted the united force of the French infantry. In the evening of the 20th, some parties of the ene- my were seen marching over the ground, which had assumed the deceitful appearance of water, as already noticed, to join the force in the lines. This dissipated the delusion, but it was now too late. In addition to this, and other symp- toms of activity and preparation, accounts were received that General Menou had arrived at Alexandria with a large reinforcement from Cairo, and was preparing to attack the British army. From the ISth to the 21st of March, the army were under arms every morning at three o'clock, as was the prac- tice on every occasion where General Abercromby command- ed. On the 21st of March, every man was at his post at |hat hour. No movement on either side took place for half i A tCYPT. 477 nn hour, at ihe end of which interval the report of a mus- ket followed by that of some cannon, was heard on the left ot the hnc. This seemed a signal to the enemy, who im- mediately advanced, and got possession of a small picquet, occupied by a part of Stuart's regiment. They were instant- y driven back, and all became still again. It was a stillness like that which precedes a storm. All ranks now felt a presentiment that the great struggle was at hand, which was to decide the fate of Egypt, and the superiority of one of the opposing armies. General Moore, who happened to b6 the general officer on duty that night, galloped off to the left the instant he heard the firing. Impressed, however, with the idea that this was a false attack, and that the real onset was intended for the right, he turned back, end had hardly reached his brigade when a loud huzza, succeeded by a roar of musketry, announced the true intention of the enemy. The morning was unusually dark, cloudy, and close. The enemy advanced in silence, until they approached the ad- vanced picquets, when they gave a shout, and pushed forward. At this moment Brigadier-General Oakes directed Major Stirling to advance with the left wing of the 42d, and take post on the open ground lately occupied by the 28th regi- ment, which was now ordered within the redoubt. While the left wing of the Highlanders was thus drawn up, with its right supported by the redoubt. Lieutenant- Colonel Alex* ander Stewart, with the right wing, was directed to remain two hundred yards in the rear, but exactly parallel to the left wing. At the same time, the Welsh Fusileers and the flank companies of the 40th moved forward to support the 58th stationed in the ruin. This regiment drew up in the chasms of the ruined walls, under cover of some loose stones, which the soldiers had raised for their defence, and which, though sufficiently open for the fire of the musketry, formed a per* feet protection against the entrance of cavalry or infantry. Some parts of the ancient wall were from ten to twenty feet high. The attack on the ruin, the redoubt, and the wing of the Highlanders on its left, was ma in consequence of their being so much mixed and so closely engaged with the enemy. The standard which the ser- geant of the 4Sd had in his possession was lost by him ; the standard of which the soldier of Stuart's regiment got possession is preserved, and is now in Whitehall ; and there the business rests. ALEXANDRIA. 481 It to the adjutant^ pur.ued the enemy alo».g the plain. Meanwhile, General Moore, who had the advantage of a keen eye, saw, through the increasing clearness of the atmosphere, frc ' columnn 4lrawn up in the plain beyond, with three squadron* of cavalry, seeniingly ready to charge through the intervals of their retreating infantry. Not a moment was to be lost in re-iorming, as the expected attack was not to be resisted by a moving line. General Moore, therefore, ordered the re- giment to retire from their advanced position, and form •gain on the left of the redoubt. Supported by the re- doubt on Uie right, the cavalry could not turn that flank of the42d; whic.N strengthened this position, in other re- spects favourable for cavalry, as it was level, and presented no obstruction to their movements except the small holes which the soldiers of the 28th, when stationed there, had made for their camp-kettles. • Owing to the noise of the firing, this order to fall back to the redoubt, although re- pealed by Colonel Stewart, was only partially heard. The consequence was, that the companies whom it distinctly reached retired ; but those who did not hear it hesitated to follow; thus leaving considerable intervals between those companies who heard the orders to retire on the redoubt, and those who did not. The opportunity was not to be lost by a bold, enterprising, and acute enemy. They ad- vanced in great force, with an apparent intention of over- whelming the Highlanders, whose line was so badly formed as to aiiiear like an echelon. Such a line was ill calculated to resist a charge of cavalry made with the impetuosity of a torrent,- yet every man stood firm. Many of the enemy were killed in the advance. All those who directed their charge on the companies, which stood in compact bodies, were driven back with great loss. The others passed through the intervals, and wheeling to their left, as the co- lump of infantry had done early in the morning, they were • The accidental circumstance of these holes gave occasion to General Regnier to state, that the front of the British line was covered with frms 4g lour, or trap-holes for the cavalry. VOL. I. H H . Iffr tfi . 4»2 lUlHILAND REGIMENTS. received by tlic 28ih, who facing to their rear, poured on I hem a fire so effective, that the greater part were killed or taken. * General Mcnou, exasperated at seeing the i'lite of his cavalry suffer so much, ordered forward a column of infan- try, supported by cavalry, to make a second attempt on the position. Though the consequent formation of the Highlanders was not, and indeed could not be, very correct in such circumstances, they repulsed the enemy's infantry at all points. Another body of cavalry then availed them- selves, as the former had done, of the disorder in the line of the regiment produced by repelling the attack of the infantry, dashed forward with equal impetuosity, and met with a similar reception ; numbers falling, and others pass- ing through to the rear, where they were again over- powered by the 28th. It was now on the part of the Highlanders a trial of personal firmness, and of individual courage, as indeed it nearly was in the former charge, every man fighting on his own ground, regardless how he was supported, facing his enemy wherever he presented himself, and maintaining his post while strength or life re- mained. f But exertions like these could not have been long sustained. ^ i 1 S *! I ? s • Their passing through the intervals in lliis manner accounts for a circum- Mance, whicb, without some explanation, is calculated to excite surprise; namely, that while the regiment was, as it were, passed over by cavalry, as ap- peared to be the case with regard to the Highlanders in that day, only thirteen men were wounded by tlie sabre. That they suffered so slightly was owing to the firmness with which the men stood, first endeavouring to bring down the horse, before the rider came within sword-length, and then despatching him with the bayonet, before he had time to recover his legs from the fall of the horse. f The enemy were much struck with this :— a body of men broken— caval- ry charging through them— attacked in flank — with an enemy in rear, yet still resisting, either in groups or individuals, as necessity required. This they did not expect. Perhaps they seldom saw it, and thought it contrary to tlie usual rules of service, and therefore their charges were probably made with greater boldness, and in fuller confidence of success>, believing that no broken • !« ALEXANDRIA. 483 The regiment wos now much reduced^ and If not support- ed, must soon have been annihilated. From thi, fate it v^m saved by ihe opportune arrival of the brigade of Brigadier- General John Stuart, who advanced from the second line. and formed his brigade on the loft of the Highlanders, oc- cupymg as far as his line extended, part of the vacant space to the nght of the Guards. No support could have been more seasonable. The enemy were now advancing in great *orce. both of cavalry and infantry, with a seeming determi- nation to overwhelm the small body of men who had so long stood their ground against their reiterated efforts. To their astonishment they found a fresh and more numerous body of troops, who withstood their charge with such firm* ness and spirit, that in a few minutes they were forced to retreat with great precipitation. By this time it was eight o'clock in the morning, and al- though, from the repulse of the enemy at all points, it was pretty evident how the battle would terminate, appearances were still formidable. The French continued a heavy and constant cannonade from their great guns, and a stragglina fire from their sharpshooters, who had ranged themselves in hollows, and behind some sand-hills in front of the redoubt and ruins. The fire of the British had ceased, as those who had been so hotly engaged had expended the whole of their ammunition; and a fresh supply, owing to the distance of the ordnance stores, could not be immediately procured. While this unavoidable cessation of hostilities on our part astonished the enemy, who ascribed it to some design which ^hey could not comprehend, the army suffered exceedingly from their fire, particularly the Highlanders and the right of General Stuart's brigade, who were exposed without co- ver to its full effect, being posted on a level piece of ground, over which the cannon-shot rolled after striking the ground, disjointed body of men could, in such circumstances, attempt to resist their im petuous attacks. But finding, instead of a flying enemy, every man standing hrm, tod ready to receive them, their nerves were probably somewhat shaken, and their assaults rendered less effective. H H 2 484 HIGHLAND REGIMENT. t'-' J (i . i ih'l':H and carried off a file of men at every successive rebound. This was more trying to the courage and discipline of the troops than the former attacks ; but the trial was supported with perfect steadiness. Not a man moved from his posi- tion, except to close up the opening made by the shot, when his right or left hand man was struck down. The long shot which passed over the first line struck in front of the se- cond,* where it did great execution. To stand in this manner with perfect firmness, exposed to a galling fire, withx)ut any object to engage the atten- tion or occupy the mind, and without the power of making the smallest resistance, was a trial of the character of the British soldier, to which the enemy did full justice. Wit- nessing the fact, although mistaken in the caust, they could more fully estimate the value of this admirable military qua- lity. Having thus endeavoured to preserve an uninterrupted narrative of the proceedings on the right, where the conflict was now nearly terminated, I shall next proceed to give a short detail of the actions of the centre. Before the dawn of day a heavy column of infantry advanced. on the position occupied by the Guards. General Ludlow allowed them to approach very close to his front, before he ordered his fire to be opened. This was done with such effect, that they were forced back with precipitation. Endeavouring there- fore to turn the left of the position, they were received and repulsed with such spirit, by the Royals and the right wing of the 54th, that they desisted from all further attempts to carry that position. Still, however, they continued an irre- gular fire from their cannon and sharpshooters, the former of which did more execution in the second line than in front. The left of the line was never engaged, as General Ilcgnier, who commanded the right of the French line, • Lieutenant-Colonel David Ogilvie of tlie 44th, son of Sir John Ogilvie, Baronet, was mortally wounded in the second line. Several other officers also suffered. ALEXANDKIA. 485 never advanced to the attack, but kept up a heavy cannon- ade, from which several corps on the left of the British suf- rered considerably. During the cessation of the fire on the right, the enemy advanced their sharpshooters clpse to the redoubt; but be- tore they had commenced their operations from this new position, the ammunition arrived. At the first shot fiied irom the 24 pounder on the redoubt, they began to retreat with much expedition ; and before a fourth round was dis- charged, they had fled beyond reach. • The retreat was general over the whole line, and by ten o'clock the ene- my had gained their position in front of Alexandria. The strength of this position, the number of its defenders, and the fatigue already sustained by the British army, rendered It necessary to proceed with caution. In addition to these considerations, another great reason for desisting from such an attempt was the loss of the Commander-in-Chief. Early in the day he had taken his station in front, and in a line between the right of the Highlanders and the left of the re- doubt, so as to be clear of the fire of the 28th regiment who occupied it. The 42d, when advanced, were in- a line with him. Standing there, he had a full view of the field • and here having detached the whole of his staff on various duties, he was left alone : this was perceived by two of the enemy's cavalry, when they dashed forward, and drawing up on each side, attempted to lead him away prisoner. In this unequal contest he received a blow on the breast- but with the vigour and strength of arm, for which he was dis- tmguished, he seized on the sabre of one of those who strug- • Pevhaps the retreat was hastened by the admirable precision with which the gun was leveUed by Colonel Duncan of the artillery. He pointed at the sixth file from the right angle or the close column, and directed his shot with so much precision, that it levelled with the ground all that were outward of the file, either killing or overthrowing them by the force of the concussion j the second shot plunged into the centre of the column ; the third had less effect, as the column opened in the retreat; and, before the fourth was ready, they mrc nearly covered by the sand-hills. II . I i-'l m 1 l,^|f i u. = 1 ': ■ = ! ■ 1 i" y; ill 486 DEATH OF gled with him, and forced it out of his hand. At this mo- ment a corporal of the 42d seeing his situation, ran up to his assistance, and shot one of the assailants, on which the other retired* Some time after the General attempted to alight from his horse. A soldier of the Highlanders, seeing that he had some difficulty in dismounting, assisted him, and asked if he should follow him with the horse. He answered, " I don't imagine I will require him any more this day. " While all this was pt^ssing, no officer was near him. The first officer he met was Sir Sidney Smith, and observing that his sword was broken, the General presented him with the trophy which he had gained. He betrayed no symptoms of per- sonal pain, nor relaxed a moment the intense interest he took in the state of the field ; nor was it perceived that he was wounded, till he was joined by some of the staff, who ob- served the blood trickling down his thigh. Even during the interval between the time of his being wounded and the last charge of cavalry, he walked with a firm and steady step along the line of the Highlanders, and General Stuart's brigade, to the position of the Guards, in the centre of the line, where, from its elevated situation, he had a full view of the whole field of battle. Here he remained, regardless of the wound, giving his orders so much in his usual man- ner, that the officers who came to receive them perceived nothing that indicated either pain or anxiety. These offi- cers afterwards could not sufficiently express their astonish- ment when they oame to learn the state in which he was, and the pain which he must have suffered from the nature of his wound. A musket ball had entered his groin, and lodged deep in the hip-joint. The ball was even so firmly fixed, that it required considerable force to extract it after his death. My respectable friend, Dr Alexander Robert- son, the surgeon who attended him, assured n^e that no- thing could exceed his surprise and admiration at the calm- ness of his heroic patient. With a wound in such a part, connected with, and bearing on every part of his body, it is .i\ GfiNEEAL ABERcnOMBY. 487 on which the a matter of surprise how he could move at all ; and nothing but the most intense interest in the fate of his army, the issue of the battle, and the honour of the British name, could have inspired and sustained such resolution. As soon as the impulse ceased in the assurance of victory, he yield- cd to exhausted nature, acknowledged that he required some rest, and lay down on a little sand-hill close to the battery. He was now surrounded by the Generals and a number of officers. At a respectful distance the soldiers were seen crowding round this melancholy group, pouring out their blessmgs on his head, and their prayers for his recovery. He was carried on board the Foudroyant, where he linger- ed for some days, still maintaining his usual serenity and composure. On the morning of the 28th of March his breathing became difficult and agitated, and in a few hours he expired. « As his life was honourable, so his death was glorious. His memory will be recorded in the annals of his country, will be sacred to every British soldier, and em- balmed in the memory of a grateful posterity. " * The re- spect and affection with which this excellent man, and highly distinguished commander, was universally regarded, may be considered as a most honourable tribute to his talents and integrity. Though a rigid disciplinarian, when rigour was necessary, such was the general confidence in his judgment and in the honour and integrity of his measures, that, in the numerous armies which he at different periods com- manded, not a complaint was ever heard, that his rigour bordered on injustice, or that his decisions were influenced by partiality, prejudice, or passion. Under such a com- mander, no British soldier will ever be found to fail in his duty f in the hour of trial. * General Hutchinson's Official Despatches. t The different incidenu in Sir Ralph Abercromby's life are well known; but, as every thing rel .live to such a man must be int«resting, I cannot deny myself ihu bstisfactiou of delineating a few traits of his character. As a soU iMfii 48d ALEXANDRIA. Tbus^ I have endeavoured to give a plain and unvatnish* ed narrative of the principal eventd of a series of engage- ment«) interesting in themselves, and most important in fheir ccmsequenees. To rescue from a powerful enemy a cotintry) in the previous conquest and preservation of which they had expended much blood and treasure, and by the permanent possession of which they calculated on the exe- aitt, hd dls]»1a)ret whefe he could act from his own Judgment, or was not deceived by false intelligence, as in the case of Porto Rico, by « his steady observance of discipline, his ever-Watchful attention to the health of his troops, the persever- ing and unconquerable spirit which marked his military career, the splendour of his actions in the field, and the heroism of his death, he showed an example worthy the imitation of all who desire, like him, a life of honour and a death ot glory. ** * I'here was something remarkable in this family. Tlie father, who was born it^ not, lived to see his four sons honoured and respected, and at the head of their different professions. While his eldest son. Sir Ralph, was Commander- in-Chief in the West Indies, his second son. Sir Robert, held the same station in the East; Lord Abercromby, the third son, was an eminent, learned, and virtuous judge ; and the fourth died in possession of an independent fortune, Acquired irt the service of the East India Company. Tliree of his daughters were married to gentlemen of family and fortune, who resided so near him, that he could dine with either any day he chose ; and his fourth daughter, con- tinuing unmarried, devoted her days to the declining years of her father. Lat- terly he lived with his son. I happened to be in Edinburgh in May 1800, and dined with Lady Abercromby on the day Sir Ralph left her to embark on that expedition from which he never returned. A King's messenger had arrived from London the day before, and Sir Ralph, only waiting for a few family arrange- • Letter from his Royal Highness the Duke of York, |i|fi!fff;rn"i U: >-ti HIGHLAND REGIMENTS. 489 1 on the exe- cution of great ultimate plans, was certainly an important achievement. But this result was less glorious than that of hairing destroyed the ideal invincibility of an army to which defeat was hitherto unknown, and which, from a continued career of success, had some reason for assuming such a proud distinction. I must here observe, however, that to describe a battle of any duration and extent, in a manner satisfactory to all who were present, is extremely difficult, if not impossible, since events and objects vary in their appearances according to the position of the observer. The weight of the battle was sus- tained by the Reserve on the right, the Guards, two regiments ot the first brigade, on the centre, and the brigade of General Stuart, which gave to the Highlanders such timely and ef- fectual support, making the sum-total of the British actually engaged somewhat less than 6000 men. Yet from the nar- rowness of the ground, from the nearness of their oppo- nents, and from part of the line being broken and mixed with the enemy, (as was the case with the Highlanders), in a conflict where men were personally opposed, and victory depended on dexterity and strength of arm, and where the struggle was so long and so obstinately maintained, as was the case in this important batrfe, it will appear surprising, on a comparison of the numbers who fell on this day and ments, set out on the following morning. When at dinner with the family af ter his departure, I was affected in a manner which I can never forget by the respectable old gentleman's anxiety about his son, and his observations and in quines about his future intentions, and what service was intended for him His particular destination was not known at that time, but it was suspected that he would be immediately employed. •« ITiey will wear him out, " said he, «• too soon, " (the son was then in his 68th year,) «< and make an old man of him before his time, with their expeditions to Holland one year, and the West Indies the next; and, if he would follow my advice, he would settle at home and take his rest. " And when Lady Abercromby observed that she was afraid that he must go abroad. «« Then," said he, « he will never see me more." The verificaaon of this melancholy prediction was to be expected from his great age, being then in his 97th year. He died in the month of July following, eight months before his son, whose absence he regretted so much ?f i i 1 t ; 1'.. 'i H i 490 IIIUIILAND KEGIMENTS. in the previous battle of the iSth that the loss on both oc- casions should be so nearly equal; while, on the 13th, the loss of the French was less by one-half than that of the British, and on this occasion It was so much greater, that 1700 men were left on the field, either killed or desperately wounded. To this must be added the number that was killed and wounded within and in front of the French line, which, calculated in the usual proportion of wounded to killed, will be found . ^ been very considerable. In^ deed, while the numbe. British killed amounted to 224 soldiers, there were buried of the enemy 1040 men on the field of battle. Allowing, therefore, three wounded for every one killed, (and, on reference to our returns of casual- ties, there will be found in many instances a much greater proportion of wounded,) the total loss of the ener.'y that day, exclusive of piisoners, must have been upward,^ of 4000 men. I have been the more minute in this calculation, because it serves to illustrate a position interesting to every soldier ; that the loss of men will always be smaller, and success more certain, according as the energy and alacrity with which an attack is made, or the cool and steady intrepidity with which it is received, are more conspicuous. Thus we have seen, that, on the 13th, when there was no close fighting, (except the charges made on the JOth and 92d,) and when, from causes already noticed, the slow advance, and the hesitation in following up the attack ar 1 pushing the enemy to the walls of Alexandria, allowed them full opportunity to take cool aim on the extended line, the loss in killed and wound- ed on our part was nearly equal to that of the succeeding engagement. On the 21st of March, there was no hesita- tion, but, on the contrary, the most determined and effec- tive resistance was made to the boldest attacks of the enemy, and the promptest and most rapid advance, when it was ne- cessary to prevent their nearer approach. The cool and steady manner in which our line reserved their fire till the object was within reach, had undoubtedly the most appalling iidcred in immediate dan- ii J i ';■ CAiuo. 4()3 The conquest of Egypt might now be consulcrcd as com- plete. Such, lu'leed, was the opinion of the French army, at least of that part of it which had been engaged on the 21st, and were now in Alexandria. They readily acknow- ledged that all future resistance was merely for the honour of France, and the glory of her arms. Succeeding events proved this, and that they only waited to be attacked in or- der to surrender. Rhamanieh, an important post, c mmanding the passage ot the Nile, preserving the communication between Alex- andria and Cairo, and defended by 4000 infantry, 800 ca- valry, and 82 pieces of cannon, was, on the approach of the British, evacuated in the course of the night. One hundred and fifty men were left in the place to keep up fires and lights, the better to conceal the retreat of the French. Dur- ing the advance, there was a good deal of skirmishin^r and cannonading, by which the British lost 30 killed and wound- ed, including 6 officers. General Hutchinson proceeded to Cairo. The French general, Belliard, waited until the approaches of the British were so far completed as to enable him to capitulate with honour; and, on the 22d of June, he offered to surrender on condition of being sent to France, and of his army re- taining their arms and baggage. Thus all Egypt was con- quered at Alexandria; but, notwithstanding the ease with which (except the sufferings from fatigue and climate) this conquest was accomplished, General Hutchinson experi- ger ; Mr Stewart complained of nothing but a degree of tension and dull pain m the lower part of the abdomen, and the wound was consequently thought tnfling. The result was quite unexpected. Lieutenant Stewart died at four o'clock the same evening, and Lieutenant Grant was quite well within a fort night. Lieutenant Sutherland, now Major of the 91st regiment, was wounded m the belly by the push of a bayonet, which entered four inches, and with such violence as to throw him on his back; but such was the yielding nature of the inner membrane of the stomach, that it was not pierced; and within three weeks Mr Sutherland was able to join his regiment. t I 494 CAIRO. onccil great difficuUics and perplexities when he succeeded to the command. With an army much reduced by three successive battles, and possessing little more than the ground on which the troops were encamped, while the enemy, though beaten, was still numerous, and occupied every strong place in the country, the Commander-in-Chief had only a choice of dif- ficulties. Whether to commence hostilities against Alex- andria, or leaving it to the last, proceed up the counlrj to attack the army there, was a question of much moment, and anxious consideration. Although the result demon- strated how easy it was to conquer Upper Egypt, that was not known to General Hutchinson, who had to oppose a greater force than he expected. In his despatches previous to his immediate approach to Cairo, he states his belief that there were not more than 6000 troops of all kinds in the town, whereas the numbers exceeded 13,000, of whom 10,850 were French. But, as I have already said, Cairo was taken on the 21st of March, and so was Alexandria: as it was found that nothing was required for the comple- tion of every object for which the expedition had been ori- ginally undertaken but to make such an attack as would, by its boldness, and the strength of the force brought forward, enable General Menou to make an honourable defence, and to show that his surrender would not sully the glory of the French arms. * • Early in July, the British aimy was reinforced from England and Mi- norca by the 22d dragoons, a detachment of Guards, two battalions of the 20th foot, the 2'1'th, 25th, 26th, and 27th regiments, the Ancient Irish Fencibles, and the foreign regiments of Watteville's and Chasseurs Britanniques. The Irish Fencibles were enlisted for European service only, and were ordered from Ireland to jMinorca, where they were quartered in 1801. When more troops were required in Egypt, this regiment was treated in the same manner as at different times the Highland regiments had been, and, without regard to their terms of service, was ordered to embark for Africa. The men complain- ed, and stated the nature of their engagement, but to no purpose ; and, being II. he succeeded ALEXANDRIA. 4^5 When the army had returned from Cniro, and the ne- cessary preparations had been made, General Hutchinson proceeded to the investment of Alexandria; and detaching General Coote, with nearly half the army, to the westward ot the town, he himself advanced from the eastward, lu this manner. General Menou, finding himself surrounded on two side, by an enemy 14,500 strong, • by the sea on the north, cut off from the country by the newly, formed lake t on the south, and already forced to subsist his troops on horse flesh, could delay a surrender only for the s-xke of effect. In the meantime, the French general played hiH part well, and every advance was disputed, until the evening less refractory-than the Highlanders had showed themselves in similar circum. stances, they embarked, though reluctantly. However, when they found then,. «»lves fairly landed in Egypt, and were ordered to march forward from tJ.« beach to join the army before Alexandria, making a virtue of necessity, and With characteristic good humour, they pulled off their hats, and, with tlnee cheers, cried out, «« We wilt volunteer now. " My countrymen, in the day, of their spirited independence, would not have yielded so readily, and would have been m no humour to sport their jokes on such an occasion. The whole proceeded from a mistake in Uie nature of the engagement on which these men were to serve. The order to embark thorn from Minorca must, however, have been clear and positive; otherwise General Fox wIk> commanded there, and whose mildness of disposition, and high sense of honour and probity, are so well known, would never have countenanced any breach of engagement. • The army from India had not descended the Nile. t When General Hutchinson marched for Cairo, leaving General Coote to blockade Alexandria, the latter officer, wishing to strengthen his position, and lessen the line of blockade, availed himself of the natural formation of the country, and of a valley running upwards of forty miles to the westward. TTie bottom was under the level of the sea. which, as I have already stated, was only prevented running into it by the dike, on which the water was carried by a canal from the Nile to Alexandria. He directed four cuts of six yards in breadth, to be made in the dike, and the cuts ten yards asunder. When the fascines which protected the workmen were removed, the water rushed in with a fall of nearly seven feet, and with such force, that all the cuts were soon washed away; and although the whole breach widened to the extent of 300 feet, it was neariy a month before the valley was filled, and the water found its level. Indeed, there was always a considerable current running westward, the evaporation in that scorching climate requiring a constant supply. 496 ALF.XAXDniA. I' ' f 'I iil 11 I « 1,- S of the 26ih of August, when he demanded an armistice for three dnys, to afford time to form conditions of capitulation. The armistice was agreed to ; and, on the 2d of September, the capitulation was signed, and ratified by the respective commanders. In these short but conclusive movements, little occurred worthy of notice beyond what was to be expected when one army wos pushing another to an ultimate surrender, except n very spirited affair, in which the 80th regiment, under Licutenant-'CoIonel Lockhart, displayed its gallantry and discipline. It was low in numbers, and did not exceed 180 men. On the 16th of August, being on duty in the trenches to cover the workmen, while constructing an advanced bat- tery on a piece of ground covered with white sparkling sand, which the soldiers jocularly called the " Green Hill," a column of 600 of the enemy appeared on the left, as if they intended to ottack and destroy the new battery. Colonel Lockhart immediately suggested to Colonel Brent Spencer, who commanded the advance, the propriety of marching out to meet and attack this party instead of waiting for them in the trenches. To this the latter consented, and immediately ordered the SOth out of the trenches, where they lay sheltered from a smart fire which was kept up on the battery. They were hardly formed before the enemy had reached the brow of the hill, covered with showers of round and grape shot from all their batteries. They were immediately charged by the SOth, and totally routed, with the loss of upwards of 100 men left behind killed or Wound- ed, and several prisoners. As Colonel Lockhart advanced with spirit, so he retired with judgment. Seeing a large body of the enemy in reserve, as a second line to their first, who opened a heavy fire upon his party, he immediately drew them off, as a farther attack on this reserve was not necessary, and to remain under the fire of the batteries would have only been a sacrifice of his men. * • This attack was made under the immediate observation of General Menou, vrho, it is said, upbraided his troops for permitting tliese works to proceed with STATE or THE OPPOSING ARMIES IN EGYPT. 497 This little exploit was performed at mid-day in presence of the whole army, who witnessed this striking proof of tho good effects of closing upon nn enemy with energy and ala- cnty, instead of waiting to be attacked. Had Colonel Lock- hnrt, with his inferior numbers, stood to receive the attack of tho enemy, thinned as ho must have been while thus ex- posed to the heavy fire from the batteries, the result would have been doubtful ; but he trusted to the bayonet, which, in a steady hand, will never fail to be decisive.* Equally problematical would have been the safety and success of the Highlanders on the 21st of March, had they trusted to their fire alone, and stood still to receive the charge of the enemy on the left of the redoubt. But, con- verting a defence into an attack, they rushed forward in the face of the enemy, who were advancing in full charge ; and although the Highlanders suffered when the cavalry charged through the intervals occasioned by the attacks of the infantry, there is little doubt, that, if they had stood still, and had not rushed upon the enemy, the loss would have been much more considerable. The proceedings against Alexandria showed to what a pitch of perfection the British artillery had arrived. The battery which had been so bravely protected by the 30th regiment, was Imished on the evening of the 25th of Au- gust; and although an irregular fire was kept up on the impunity. A party was immediately selected or volunteered to destroy them ; but the attempt, as has been seen, was not made with impunity, and tlie works proceeded without farther interruption. * General Hutchinson, noticing this circumstance in his despatches, forgot to mention, that, although Colonel Spencer was present, and ordered the charge, he was under the command of Brigadier- Genera! Doyle, who was close in the rear at the time, and had left his sick-room at Rosetta to command his brigade the moment he heard of the movement in advance; and, on his representing these circumstances, General Hutchinson most readily corrected his omission in the subsequent despatches. The truth we , the thing of itself was of no importance. Any real merit belonged to Colonel Lockhart, who proposed and executed the exploit,^ and whowai so gallantly supifarfed by hitf officers and men. VOL. I. .II :lil 4^8 STATE OP THE OPPOSING ARMIES IN EGYPT. trorking parties from the surrounding batteries of the ene- my, the works were little interrupted, the fire being so ill directed that only one man (a soldier of the 90th) was kill<- ed. Very differemt was the effect of the fire from the bat- tery on the " Green Hill, " which opened at six o'clock in the morning of the 26th. Before mid^^day the enemy were totnpleiely silenced^ their batteries destroyed^ and the guns withdraMrn. On the west of Alexandria, the tower of Ma« rabout was bombarded from a battery commanded by Cap- tain Ciirry of the Royal Artillery. The first shot struck the tower four feet from the ground ; every succeeding shot struck the same spot, and in this manner he continued, never missing his mark, till a large hole was in a manner bored completely through, when the building fdly and fill- ing up the surrounding ditch^ the place was instantly sur- rendered. The expedition being brought to this fortunate conclu- sion, immediate preparations were made for embarkation. The French were first embarked, and sailed for France. State of the Numbers of both Armies. Garrison of Cairo, indudihg 1000 auxiliary troops, 13,674 Garrison of Alexandria^ including Marines doing * 10,308 S,560 duty, - - - . Prisoners taken on different occasions, Embarked, 27,482 Killed and died of wounds in the different actions, Soldiers dead by sickness since the 8th of March, Total in arms, deducting 2000 in hospital when the British landed, . a . Olvil establishment, Deserters, ^ 3,000 1,500 31,982 769 600 Total, 33,350 : Eilis^' ed, 27,482 .ions, 3,000 irch, 1,500 loss IN BATTLE. 40^ The number of troops landed with Sir Ralph Abercrom- by was. Artillery, - - . . . ggo Cavalry, (without horses,) - . - I 063 Infantry, - - . . . ^^^^^ Reinforcements which joined afterwards, - 3,250 Army from India, ■' - - . 5*226 Grand total in Egypt, 22, 3 10 the killed and wounded of the British in the different ac- tions are stated in the following return. The three princi- pal actions happening previously to the arrival of the rein- forcements, the weight fell on those who first landed, and who, as formerly stated, did not, from sickness and various causes, exceed 12,934 in the field. Return of Killed and Wounded of the British Army during the Campaign in Egypt. Aboukir, Advance of the army, On a skirmish to the left of the! position, - . ^ Attack of the French on the 7 position before Alexandria, \ Rham&nieh, - . Driving in the enemy's advan-'} ced post on the eastern sides of Alexandria, . j Major-General Coote's corpsT advancing to blockade theV western side of Alexandria, 3 Advance of Major- General 1 Coote's corps, - j Total, Officers. I 1801. March 8, 1 4 13, 8 18, 21, May 9, Aug. 6, 22, 23 & 25, 23 26 71 2 60 4 1 3 169 Ser- geants. Drum-I Rank and File. roera. 20 148 2 17 94 163 224 4 s 3 505 540 965 g\ 1082 18 39 40 33 2723 Thus, after a campaign of more than five months, from u h 500 OrilTHALMU AND VLXCVE. ti i Ji the landing on the 8th of March till the surrender of Alex- andria, the service was completed in a manner honourable to the talents of the commanders, and the bravery, disci- pline, and steady conduct of the troops. • No time was to be lost in making the necessary arrangements for settling, in quarters, the troops who were destined to remain in the country, and to embark those who were ordered to other stations. Despatch in embarking the troops was the more necessary, as ophthalmia and dysentery had increased to an alarming degree. Fortunately the plague, which had got into the British camp in April, now disappeared, or became of so mild a nature, as to be in nowise dangerous, and indeed to give little inconvenience. This frightful disease was intro- duced among the troops by accident. A vessel from Smyr- na, with the plague on board, had lost eleven out of thir- teen of her crew on the passage, and the two survivors, steering for the first land, unluckily reached the spot, on * Tlie good conduct of the troops was conspicuous on other occasions than wlien opposed to the enemy. From the difficulty of procuring specie to sub- sist the army, no pay was issued to tlie soldiers for eight months ; and, except when officers made advances from their private resources, (which was done at great loss, as upwards of twenty per cent, was lost by the exchange,) the sol- diers had not wherewithal to purchase the most common necessaries of life. Living entirely on their rations, in a country abounding in every luxury and fruit, particularly the musk and water-melon, so grateful in hot climates, they could not command a melon or a pound of grapes for the want of money ; and yet there was not a murmur. It has often been remarked with surprise, how submissive French troops have been when irregularly paid ; but it ought to be recollected, that, in an enemy's country, and sometimes in that of their friends, they were allowed much freedom in obtaining what they required ; and, if the supplies were not given voluntarily, they showed no hesitation in helping themselves. In Egypt, every thing was paid for by tlie British as if purchased at Leadenhall or Covent Garden markets; and, with the thoughtless generosity of their character, they always raised every market by offering more than demanded. Such extrava- gant folly, however, was checked in this instance ; and, when the soldiers got subsistence money, any one who offered to forestall, or give a higher price tlian that established by the general orders, was checked and reprehended. ■■■■11' '^■ • li -■ f! ^^^^^^S ii ^^Ht' ^^^^H§ h ^1 LAGUE. 5Q][, the western shore of Aboukir Bay, where a camp had been formed as an hospital for the sick and wounded, and run- ning the vessel on shore, struck the ground close to the tents. Some men went on board, and, on seeing the state of the crew, the alarm was given, but too late ;— the con- tagion was caught, and it soon spread. Every precau- tion was now adopted to prevent any communication with the rest of the army. A line of sentinels was imme- diately placed round the hospital ground ; no intercourse whatever was allowed; and if any individuals went with- in the line, they were not permitted to return. Pro- visions and all necessaries were left on the line of demar- cation by those on the outside, and when they had re- moved to some distance, those within came and took them away.* By these strict precautions, and the unremitting zeal of Dr Young, who had so ably conducted the hospitals in the West Indies, and who had been recommended by * Dr Buchan, Physician to the Forces, had at this time arrived from Edin- burgh, where he had been in private practice; and, with a fearless and honour- able zeal, volunteered to do the duty of the Pest Hospital, though Dr Finlay, and other medical officers, had already died of the plague. To cross this line, and enter the den of death, as it was called, and undergo all Uie consequent priva- tions, exposed, under a canvas tent, to the chilling dews of night and the fiery heat of an Egyptian mid-day sun, formed no common contrast to the comforts of Edinburgh practice. Such zeal met with well-merited good fortune, so far, that he was very successful in the treatment of the disease. More than one- half of those who were attacked, that is, 400 out of 700 men, recovered under his judicious arrangements. How few recovered under the practice of Turk- ish surgeons (if surgeons they may be called) is well known. Dr Buchan fur- ther proved his successful practice. He himself recovered from two attacks of the plague ; Assistant- Surgeon Webster of the 90th also overcame two attacks ; and it at last became of so mild a nature, that, in the month of July, when the cook of the hospital was seized, it was with so little fever, that he never gave up his work, nor complained, till he found it necessary to apply for some dress- ings when the sores occasioned by the disease had suppurated. The plague is always most violent in cold weather ; but as the hot season approaches, if abates, and, when the temperature has reached the maximum, it disappears al- together. On the other hand, the yellow fever of New York, generated by heat, is destroyed by cold. As to the fever of the West Indies, it appears and disappears without any visible cause. -i!.i ' 503 INDIAN ARMY IN EGYPT. Sir Ralph Abercromby for the same duties in Egypt, the disease wag prevented from spreading, and only one instance of it occurred in the camp before Alexandria. A French cavalry deserter had given his cloak to a soldier of the saih, who wag acting as clerk in the AdjutantrGeneraFs departs ment. The soldier was seized with the plague the follow- ing night, and died. Fortunately, from his duty as clerk, he had a small tent exclusively for himself, in which he wrote and slept. This, with al! that belonged to him, was burnt to ashes, and thus the pestilence was prevented from spreading to those in the neighbouring tents, who, though quite close, had had no personal communication with him.* The army sent from India, under the command of Major- Uener^iPavid Qaird, to reinforce and act in conjunction with that under General Abercromby in Egypt, reached Cossier on the western shore of the Red Sea in June. After a harass- ing march across the Desart to Kenna, they descended the Nile in boats to Rosetta, and encamped there in August. Al- though various accidents occasioned so mucn delay as to pre- vent the full accomplishment of the combined plan of ope- rations, which was to bring together two armies from such opposite points in the eastern and >yestern heniisphere, yet %he report of a reinforcement from India bping expected, inight probably have had some influence in quickening Bel- liard's surrender of Cairo. But however this might be, the * I state the aboye case more particularly, as it is disputed among medical men, whether the plague spreads by infection pr by contact. In Egypt it was clearly by contact. This case came under my immediate observation. I wa^ badly wounded on the 21st of March, and §ent on board ship, but being anxi- pus to be witli my regiment, I was carped on shore as spon as I could be movr ed , Unable to perfonn any active duty, I topk a military superint^ndance of the convalescents in the hospital pf the woundecj, and thus had an opportu- nity of seeing and bearing much of what was passing among the sick. The corporal's tent was twelve yards in rear of mine, but, fortunately, the nature of his complfiint was eaily discovered, and the npcessary precautions taken. If it were communicated by air, how could those who lived within a few yards of him^ separated only by a piece of canvas, liJ^vc escape I could be moY- superint^ndance had an ppportu- g the sick. The ily, the nature of Dns taken. If it in a few yards of I Hi , r PI 1 604 XNCLAND. ft fi ' !! I ''I ' '<) I III IWJ CT ^^In^^M^ffi .:^ . jH .8 H|||| pWi ^Hn^B ffls > ' ' ^ 'fff!^- SECTION XL England— Highiand Society ^ London — *2rf renefeoedhyihe King —Second lattaKon— 'Scotland — England— GibraUar-^Spmn-- Corunna — Advance of Sir John Moore. •'When the destinations were ^nslly arranged, the three Highland regiments were included among those ordered home. The 42d, all healthy except those affected with oph- thalmia, landed ht Southampton, and marched to Winches* ter. The 42d regiment had now reached the conclusion of an active war, in the course of which its conduct, both indivi- dually and collectively, may, in many respects, bear a com- parison with that for which the corps had, at an early pe- riod, been distinguished. At different times, however, during this war, a laxity of principle interfered with that general correctness and sobriety for which the men had been so re- markable. But however irregular they may have occasion- ally been, so far as regarded a love of liquor, unknown in those times when the soldiers had their spirits served out to them only twice a week, yet much moral principle remain- ed, and there were but few instances of confirmed depravity. At the same time, it must be lamented that there were among them several poor creatures totally unfit for being soldiers, and with whom the ranks had been completed, from too great a desire to have numbers without paying a due regard to quality. It should have been recollected that such men are an incumbrance to an active and spirited corps, and that the conduct and appearance of a few individuals may affect the general character and estimation of a whole regiment. Instances of this must be familiar to military men, who will rn FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT. ^i05 be aware how much more confidence a commanding officei' in a campaign mast feel, when at the head of 600 men of good principles, tried courage, and constitutional strength, than when commanding 800, of whom one-fourth, deficient in cha- racter and health, cannot be trusted when their services are most required. The regiment had been only a short time af Winchester, when the men caught a contagious fever, supposed to have proceeded from the prisoners over whom they stood sentinels •t the jail. Captain Lamont and several of the men died of the fever. * At this period a circumstance occurred which caused some conversation, and to which I have alluded in a note on the French standard taken at Alexandria. The High^ land Society of London, much gratified with the accounts given of the conduct of their countrymen in Egypt, resolved to bestow on them some mark of their esteem and approba- tion. This Society being composed of men of the first rank and character in Scotland, and including several of the Royal Family as members, it was considered that such an act would be honourable to the corps and agreeable to all. • Captain Lamont was an excellent man j be had a considerable dash of ec- centricity, combined with the warmest zeal for his profession, and affection for his brother officers and soldiers. Indeed, he fell a sacrifice to his kind attach- ment to his men ; for when the fever was at its height, although he knew its contagious nature, he could not be kept away from the sick. He was always anxious, and always imagining that they were in want of some comfort or cor^ dial He caugh; the fever, which carried him off in a few days, lamented by all who knew his worth; and as none knew his value more than his regiment, his loss was proportionally regretted by every individual His own hopes and happiness seemed to be centered in his corps, from whom he never wished to be absent Although he had an estate in Argyloshire, and was often offered leave of absence, he would not quit the regiment ; and in the year 1795 de» clined a step of promotion, to which he was appointed, in another corps, pre- ferring an inferior commission among his old friends. He lamented, when dy- ing, that he should go out of the world like a manufacturer, quietly in his bed, when he might so frequently have died a soldier's death. He had served in the 76th, or Macdonald's Highlanders, in America, and was put on the full pay of the 4ad in 1787. 506 HIGHLAND bOCIiiTY. i.ii^aia'a!- I'll !' ,1 iJ'"' liM' Kill It was proposed to commence with the 42d as the oldest of the Highland regiments, and with the others in succession, OS their service offered an opportunity of distinguishing themselves. Fifteen hundred pounds were immediately tub- scribed for this purpose. Medals were btruck with a head of Sir Ralph Abercromby, and some emblematici|l figures on the obverse, A superb piece of plate was likewise order- ed. While these were in preparation, the Society held a meeting, when Sir John Sinclair, with the warmth of a clansman, mentioned his namesake, Sergeant Sinclair, as having taken or having got possession of the French stan- dard, which had been brought home. Sir John being at that time ignorant of the circumstances, n^ade no mention of the loss of the ensign which the sergeant had gotten in charge. This called forth the claim of Lut%, a soldier of Stuart's regiment, accompanied with some strong remarks by Cobr bett, the editor of the work in which the claim appeared. The Society then asked an explanation from the officers of the 4 2d regiment. To this very proper request a reply was given by the officers who were then present with the regiment. The majority of these happened to be young men, who ex- pressed, in warm terms, their surprise that the Society should imagine them capable of countenancing arty statement imply- ing that they had laid claim to a trophy to which they had no right. This misapprehension of the Society's meaning brought on a correspondence, which ended in an interrup- tion of farther communication for many years. By this un- fortunate misunderstanding, a check was given to the inten- tion of the Society to present marks of their esteem to those of their countrymen who, either in collective bodies as regi- ments, or individually, had distinguished themselves, and contributed by their actions to support the military character of Scotland, The approbation of such a body as the Highland Society of London, composed of men of the first rank and talent, and every way competent to appreciate the character pnd actions of our national corps, would, unquestionably, have acted as an incitement to the youtli of the North, to ef-r REVIEWED BY THE KING 507 tablish future claims to their notice. That a purpose so well intended should have suffered a temporJirt' intcrrup- tion, was therefore a matter of regret. However, as a prelude to a fresh correspondence and in- timacy between the Society and the Highland regiments, the communication with the 42d was again renewed in 1816. I was then one of the vice-presidents of the iSociety ; and* being in the full knowledge of the circumstances, although absent from the regiment when the first correspondence took place, and knowing that the whole originated in mis- lake and misapprehension, I was requested by the Society to open a communication with the regiment. This ended in a complete understanding ; and, on the anniversary of the battle of Alexandria, the 21st of March 1817, his Royal Highness the Duke of York, then President of the High- land Society, in the chair, presented the Marquis of Hunt- ly, on behalf of the 42d regiment, with a superb piece of plate, in token of the respect of the Society for a corps which for more than seventy years, had contributed to uphold the martial character of their country. This his Royal High- ness accompanied with an impressive speech, in which he recapitulated the various services of the corps from the battle of Fontenoy, down to those of Quatre Bras and Waterloo. • The intention of granting medals was abandoned by the Society, as it was stated that military men could receive honorary medals from the Sovereign alone. When the Prince Regent became Chief of the Highland Society, one of the gold medals which had been prepared, was presented, with an address, to his Royal Highness, by Sir Archibald Macdonald, late Chief Baron, accompanied by a deputation, and most graciously received. As those medals commemo- rate the honourable death of Sir Ralph Abercromby, one was presented to each of his four sons. The king having expressed a wish to see the 42d regi, ment, they marched to Ashford, and were reviewed there by his Majesty, in May 1802, accompanied by the Prince of r \' ' 'A. • fi i :vi '3 ,'fi i -, 'P 1 >,,< J ,J ?;■ 508 AT ASIIFORD. ff - «'! Wales and the Duke of York. A great concour»e of peo- ple collected from London and the adjacent country. Hi» Mnjesty was graciously pleased to express himself satisfied with the appearance of the regiment, but I believe many of the spectators were disappointed. There is no reason to suppose that ffood-looking men, more than others, suffer from the dangers and fatigues of a soldier's life. In the in- stance of the 42d regiment, however, this was certainly the case; and although the men looked like soldiers, and wore their bonnets and every part of their dress, with a military air, and much in the manner of the ancient Highlanders, they had a diminutive appearance, and complexions no- wise improved by several years' service in hot climates. Some of their countrymen who were present participated in the general disappointment. They had formed their no* tions of what the 42d should be from what they had heard Of the Black Watch. It is a commonly received opinion, that the Highlanders have harsh features, high cheek bones, and, as we see in a.U legorical paintings and engravings of them, a fierce and me- lancholy aspect. It is not easy to define exactly the cha- racteristic of the Highland features; but that which is ge- nerally given is by no means appropriate, either as to fea- tures or expression. In all parts of the country, men are seen with swarthy faces, and countenances more characte- ristic of a Spaniard or an Italian, than of men born in the cold climate of the Scottish mountains ; and it is a singular circumstance worthy of investigation, that the women do pot display the same difference of hue, till affected by much exposure to weather, or by age ; they are generalJy fair and clear in the skin, few even being brunettes. People who are in the habit of seeing Highland regiments, at least those that are really such, must have observed the fresh complexion and regular features of a great proportion of the young men. In their own country, both sexes lose their juvenile looks at an early period of life. This is probably owing to their food. Vegetable diet seems healthy and nourishing to the fiDINBtJRGM. 509 youthful, enabling them lo go through much hard labour. But judging from the Highlander?, a hard-working man of forty requires more than potatoes and milk, with the addi- tion sometimes of a little bread, and very rarely animal food. While the gentry in the Highlands increase in size and weight agreeably to their constitutions, as well-fed men do in other countries; I never saw but one individual of the lower orders, in the Highlands, either fat or bulky, (he was rich, and could afford a portion of butcher meat daily ;) and although the gentry of the Highlands are tormented with the gout, in the same manner as people in their sta- tioi>s in different climates, I have never seen, nor have I ever 'leard, of an instance of the common Highlander, of either pastoral or agricultural districts, being affected with that complaint. Is it from similar causes that I have never seen l, fat or gouty soldier ? Soon after the review the regiment marched for Edin- burgh, exciting on the road less curiosity and surprise at their garb and appearance than on former occasions, when the Highland dress was rarely seen. But although less curiosity was displayed, they experienced increased kind- ness and hospitality, and received such marked attention in every town through which they passed, that to repeat the particulars would be tiresome. But in the town of Peebles a circumstance occurred that deserves to be noticed. Here, as in many other places, the magistrates entertained the offi- cers, at the same time not neglecting the soldiers. Colonel Dickson of Kilbucho, the commanding officer, was a native of the county, which had been represented in Parlinment by his family for many years before and after the Union. In the course of the evening the hearts of the provost, bailies, and deacons, began to warm and expand. They seemed delighted to have their countryman back again among tisem in his then respectable situation,* and being jovial . nd good • Sir Ralph Abercromby, Lord Lynedoch, and such men, may enter on th« active dutjes of a soldier at an advanced period of life, and rise to Uie Ijighe^t 510 RDINBtRRH. 'i . ( ■4f+ fcmpcrctlj before they scpnraicd thoy mnde him nn offer of their suflTrnges to rcpreftent their burgh at the next gene- ral election. Following up this ebullition of frienduhip, they canvassed the towns united with theirs in returning a member of parliament^ and three out of the five were se- cured for Colonel Dickson, who was accordingly retdrned in the month of August 1802, and sat in the ensuing par- liament. The enthusiasm of his townsmen, however, \i/M too warm to be lasting, and at the following election he lost his seat. The regiment having been received with so much respect and attention in their march through England and the touth of Scotland, a similar reception was to be expected in the capital of their native country. As it was previously known that they were to march into the Castle, thousands of the inhabitants met them at some distance from the town, and with acclamations congratulated them on their return to their native country. Some men are unable to bear good fortune Or applause^ and forget the true end of the approbation of their country- men ; while others are excited and animated by it to perse- vere in those exertions which obtained the distinction. I know not bow this matter stood with the majority of the regiment; but, from the kindness generally shown them, many did indulge themselves in a greater degree of latitude. Several fell under the notice of the police, and helped in no small degree to lower the corps in the esteem of the inha- bitants, wIk) expected to find them as quiet and regular in quarters as formerly. But however incompatible these de- viations might be with the high notions entertained of this honours of tlie profession. But these must be remarkable men, and UieJ? exam- ple is not for general adoption. Next to moral principles early infused inta the minds of soldiers, nothing contributes more to render then perfect than « good comanding officer: and on the other hand, few tilings sooner subvert discipline, and ruin a soldier, than being commanded by one of a different character, however unexceptionable he may be as a man or a private individual. The Highlanders have, at different periods, been unfortunate in this respect. KlfOLANn. .511 to.pg by tlieli" partial countrymen, and however ilcrogatory from the character of good soldiers in qUarter«i, iliere waa no actual moral turpitude, no offence evincing unprincipled depravity, nothing, in ^hort, which might not soon be ro- medted by disciplinej and a removal from the scene in which the evil had originated. Fortunately for the reputation of the regiment, this change of quarters took place early. The peace was soon interrupted, and the regiment embarked at Leith in spring 1803, and landing at Harwich, marched to the camp at Weeley in Essex, where it was placed in Major^General the Honourable Sir John Hope's brigade. Under his command all the bad effecte of the festivity and hospitality of Edinburgh disappeared. The regiment waa at this time low in numbers, not ex- ceeding 400 men, which was, in a great measure, occasioned by the numerous discharges in 1802, amounting to 47.'5 men. Many of those, though still fit for service^ had got pensions; but this generosity, which was well intended, failed in iu effect* They had hardly reached their homes* (wberej as they expected* they were to end their days in the enjoyment of their country's reward*) when two-thirds of them were called out again to serve in the Veteran Corps. This call they obeyed with considerable reluc- tance, complaining as if they bad suffered from a breach of faith. In the close communicatitm and confined societies of the Highlands, every circumstance spreads with great rapidity. These men complained that they were allowed no rest ; and to be called to the field again after their minds had been turned to other objects, they considered as op- pressive and unjust. Their complaints made an impression in the Highlands, and afforded an argument to those who wished to prevent the young men from enlisting, by repre- senting to them that they needed never expect to be allowed to rest in their native country. The Highland people rea- son and calculate, and do not enter the army from a frolic or heedless and momentary impluse ; consequently, the com- plaints of these veterans, who thus unwillingly resumed 5\2 SECOND BATTALION, 1803. 'I' 1 1: i.i ft; ii ) m their arms, certainly destroyed, in a considerable degree, the facility of recruiting.— It is hardly necessary to notice ano- ther recent cause, which has made a great impression in the Highlands, as it will probably be forgotten before recruit- ing on any extensive scale is again required. I allude to the number of men discharged without the pension, after a ser- vice of fourteen or fifteen years, and sent to their homes without money, and, perhaps, from their late habits, un- willing and unable to work ; or, if they attempt to return to their ancient homes in the improved and desolate districts, without a house or friend to receive them. But where old soldiers, after a long service, have retired on the liberal pensions granted by Mr Wyndham's bill, they live in great comfort, and their regular and well-paid incomes offer great encouragement to the youth of the country to enter^ the army. * In 1803 the regiment was recruited in a new manner. An act had been passed to raise men by ballot, to be called " The Army of Reserve," on condition of tlieir serving only in Great Britain and Ireland, with liberty to volunteer into the regular army on a certain bounty. In Scotland, those • If one of these were in each district, they might exhibit an example like that of an old military friend of mine, who was many years a soldier in my com- pany, and who is now living on a pension as the reward of twenty-eight years' Bcrvice. I met this man two years ago, when riding through a glen, where, if the people are to be credited, the rents are higher than the produce of tlie lands can pay. After the first salutation, I asked him how he lived. « I am per- fectly comfor cable," said he, «and,if it was not for the complaints Ihear about me in this poor country, I would be happy, I vow to God, I believe I am the richest man among them ; and, instead of having thirty-four pounds a-year, as 1 have, I do not beb'eve am&a of them has thirty-four pence after the rents are paid. Times are s.idly changed since 1 left this country to join tlie 42d. We had then no complaints of lords or lairds ; indeed, nobody dared speak Ul of them, as they were kind to us all ; we had no banning and cursing of great folks, and were all meny and happy, and had plenty of piping, and dancing, and fiddling, at all the weddings. Many of the good folks say they are sorry they did not go with me to the army ; and th»» young men say, that, .f they were to be ns well used as I have been, they would turn soldiers : so, Colonel, wherj , you raise a regiment, come here, and I will be your recruiting sergeant. " SECOND BATTArrON. men ware, in the first instance, formed into second battalions to regiments of the line. The quota of men to be furnished by the counties of Perth, Elgin, Nairn, Cromarty, Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Argyle and Bute, were ordered to join a second t)attalion then to be formed for the Royal Highlanders; and the quotas for the counties of Inverness, Banff, Aberdeen, and Kincardine, to join the newly formed second battalion of the Gordon Highlanders; but with li- berty to the men, so soon as the battalions were formed, to volunteer into the Royal Artillery, or any other regiment of the hne which they might prefer. I was ordered to Perth, to take. charge of the quota qf that county, which exceeded 400 men. The young men from the Highland parts of Perthshire showed a marked dislike to the ballot. This feeli-- was increased by the in- surance societies, established to protect men from that new mode of calling them out to serve. When young men saw these protecting establishments, they began to think that there must be something very terrible in the nature of the service; otherwise, why should they see advertisements for protection posted up in all parts of the country? Under this impression, many hundred youths in each district in- sured themselves, who would have readily entered in per- son, had it not been for these societies. In this manner, large si^ms of money were drawn out of the districts, and the nation lost the personal services of numbers of that part of the population best calculated for the purpose intended. However, this did not always happen ; for many who had insured themselves voluntarily enlisted afterwards, when they understood properly the nature of the duty required of them. In the more distant districts of the North, where in- surance was never heard of, the men came forward in per- son when the ballot fell upon them. Should men ever be raised by ballot on any future occasion, it would be well to make all insurance illegal. While so much dislike was shown to the ballot, although foreign service was excluded, I found many young men willing to serve the following vear) VOL. u K K i ^14 AllMY OF RESEBVC. 't I M when I recruited fbr men to go to any part of the world to which they might be ordered. A Highlander does not like to be forced into the service ; at the same time, If attention be paid to his habits, and if his disposition be humoured} he will readily enter. * Fort George was the head quarters of the second bat- talion. I marched the men northward} and received from Colonel Andrew Hay (afterwards Major-General, and kill- ed at Bayonne) the quota of those counties which had al- ready furnished their men. The others soon followed, amounting in all to 134S men, who composed the second battalion 42d regiment. Almost all the men furnished by the counties of Perth and Argyle were substitutes ; they were too near the insuring societies of Perth and Glasgow. Witli the exception of gentlemen's sons, and some others who had situations which they could not leave, all from the northern counties were principals. Many of these were either married men, who had small farms, or tradesmen ; all, except the young lads, had some occupations from which they were now taken on a short warning; consequently there were num- berless applications for leave to return home to settle their affairs. As it would have been both impolitic and cruel to refuse an indulgence in such circumstances, I gave liberty to all who required it. I notice the circumstances as credit- able to the men who obtained this indulgence, since in no one instance did they abuse the confidence reposed in them. The numbers who obtained leave of absence amounted to 235, yet every man returned at his appointed time, except when detained by boisterous weather at ferries, or by other unavoidable causes, which were certified by some neighbour- ing gentleman or clergyman. It afforded satisfaction to as- sist and oblige men who showed themselves so deserving and * It must probably have been from some feeling of this kind, that, in the following year, (1804,) when I raised men for promotion in the 78th regiment, numbers engaged with me, as I have already observed, to serve abroad for a bounty of twelve guineas, while they could have got twenty-five guineas and upwards as substitutes for the militin* •r^ m ' KNOr.AND. 5(5 trost- worthy. Several of the gentlemen Wrote me very feel- ingly on the state in which many of them had left their fa- milies, and on the struggle they had in parting from them. However, Government provided for these privations, as the families of men ballotted by the Army of Reserve Act were entitled to receive the same allowance as those of the mili- tia. But while a humane provision was thus made for fa- milies left without a husband or father, it had a most mis- chievous effect in preventing men from extending their service; for while a man's family was to be maintained if he continued on the home service, whenever he engaged to go abroad and expose himself to the dangers of climate and war, the provision ceased. In such circumstances no well- principled man possessing any regard for his family would think of extending his service. However, as the principal object of the act was to raise men who would ultimately enter the regular army, a bounty was offered to all who would volunteer. On this occasion, great exertions were used to encourage the men to volunteer into the first bat- talions of the 42d, the 92d, and other regiments. So many had engaged to serve for life, that when I resigned the com* mand to Colonel James Stewart, the men for limited service were reduced to 800. There were no desertions, nor had I occasion to bring a man to a court-martial. Some slight irregularities were committed by a few of the substitutes, who had been soldiero formerly; but a few days' confine- ment, and a regimen of good bread and fresh water, proved a sufficient check. No such restraint was required for the men who had now for the first time left thnir native coun- try. During the time I commanded, and when the men were thus exemplary, there was much money in the garri- son, from the bounty given to the volunteers for the line; consequently there was no want of liquor, the usual incite- ment to misconduct in our army. In November the second battalion embarked at Fort George, to join the first in Weeley Barracks, Essex. Both K K 2 516 GIBRALTAR. I I 'i battnltons continued together throughout the year. ♦ Seve-* ral changes occurred among the officers this year. In April Captain David Stewart was appointed Major, and Lieutenants Robert Henry Dick and Charles M*Lean Captains, to the second battalion of the 78lh regiment. In September Colonel Diekson was appointed Brigadier-Gene- ral, and Lieutenant- Colonels James Stewart and Alexander Stewart retired. They were succeeded by Lieutenant- Co- lonels Stirling and Lord Blantyre; Captains M'Quarrie ,and James Grant became Majors ; Lieutenants Stewart Campbell, Donald Williamson, John M'Diarmid, John Dick^ and James Walker, were promoted to companies; and Captain Lord Saltoun was removed to the Foot Guards. The two battalions remained together in Lieutenant^Ge- neral Hope's brigade till September 1805, when General Fox, Lieutenant-Governor of Gibraltar, requiring a rein- forcement in consequence of the removal from that garrison of the Queen's, 13th, and 54.th regiments, the 1st battalion of the Royal Highlanders from Wecley, and the 2d batta- lion of the 78th or Seaforth's Highlanders from 'Shorncl iff, • At tlMs period a circumsUnce of an unpleasant nature occurred, A sol- dier of the name of Munro, irritated to a degree of madness by a supposed or real affront he had received fiom his officer, struck him in the ranks. A de- fail of the circumstances of this unfortunate case would tend to give strength to Che opinions I have frequently presumed to give, on the proprit-ty of selecting •fficers to regiments, composed of men of a turn of mind and disposition diiTering from what is commonly met with. In this instance, a man who liad, in the course of several years' service, showed himself a good man and brave soldier, found his feelings so outraged and tormented by what he supposed in- dignities; trifling, perhaps, in themselves, but to a high-spirited soldier so ex- tremely irritating, that his reason was overcome, and the loss of his officer's life and the forfeiture of his own had nearly been the consequence. Ilnd this ofH- ccr possessed a proper knowledge of, or penetration to discover the soldiers' true character, he would not have pursued a line of conduct so unsuitable to the men he commanded. It would appear that this was known at the proper p!ace, and the circumstances understood ; for his Majesty granttd a pardon to the soldier from the sentence to be shot, to which he had been condemned by the couit- tnartiul bv which he had been tried. I 3 GIBRALTAR. 517 were marched to Portsmouth and embarked there early in October, whence they sailed for Gibraltar and, after be- ing driven into Lisbon by stress of weather, reached that fortress in November. A yery considerable, and certainly a very gratifying al- teration had taken place . in the garrison since the 42d had been quartered there in 1797 and 1798. The moral habits of the troops had undergone a marked improvement ; and although it is not easy to prevent soldiers from drinking, when wine may be had at threepence the quart, and they have money to pay for it, yet what was now consumed did not materially afiect their discipline, and in no degree their Jiealth. This is evident from the number of deaths, which, ,'.n the three years of 1805, 1806, and 1807, amounted only to 31 men, in this regiment of 850 men; Judging from this and other circumstances, Gibraltar may be considered as one of the most salubrious stations in the British domi- nions abroad. As to the violent inflammatory fevers which have been so destructive since their first appearance in 1804, they were infectious diseases brought in from other places, and in no instance endemic, or attributable to the nature «f the climate. I know not whether it is from reliance on the goodness of the climate, or from a principle of economy, that in a garrir son of such magnitude and importance, requiring so many men for its defence, and which has been upwards of 100 years in the possession of Britain, there is no general hos- pital, nor any receptacle for sick soldiers, except some small rooms attaciied to the barrac .j. In Minorca, which has for nearly 80 years been a British garrison, the case is the same; but in both places therq are excellent ^nd complete nayal hospitals. Nothing worthy of notice occurred while the regiments were in Gibraltar. Great cordiality subsisted between the officers of the garrison and those of the Spanish troops at St Roque and Algesiras, and the asperities of war were sofltinet! by a fiequent and friendly interchange of vibitsi tir^ 518 GIBRALTAK. \ I ~in i:i. P ' »nd civility. In the different attacks made by the Spanish gun-boats on our fleets and ships, sailing out of, or entering the bay, the opposing officers would afterwards meet at the tables of General Fox or General Castanos, the governor of Algesiras, fight their battles o'er again, and discuss their respective merits and manoeuvres. This amicable disposi- tion was in a great measure to be ascribed to the character of the two commanders. Liberal, candid, and sincere, their mutual confidence descended to those under them; the gates of the hostile line of defence were opened to give a free passage to the officers of the garrison, on producing a few lines of a passport, and permission was even given them to form a race^ground on the Spanish territories. These indulgences contributed to the health of the officers, and rendered the garrison in every way more agreeable. They also seemed to influence the conduct of the soldiers, who appeared satisfied and contented with their confine* ment within the garrison. At least there were no deser- tions, nor any unruly conduct; and indeed, altogether, their behaviour was very different from, and much superior to what it had been in 1797 and 1798. In the winter of 1805 and 1806, two flank battalions were formed in the garrison : the command of the Grena- dier battalion was given to Major John Farquharson of the 42d regiment, and that of the Light infantry bnttaiion to Major David Stewart of the 78th Highlanders. These bat- talions were broken up when the flank companies of the 78th embarked with the regiment for Sicily in the month of May 1806.* • The colonel. Sir Hector Munro, died this year. He was a brave officer, and possessed of a firm mind, of which he exhibited an instance before the bat- tle of Buxar in 1764., * He did not interest himself much about his regiment, nor seemed to regard them with that feeling which might have been expected from h countryman of their own, who, with an affluent fortune, and the influ- ence it commanded, might have materially contributed to the welfare and good uame pf his regiment. Although the first and -Lioivl battalions were a consi- See the account of the 8ytl» Highland regiment. rORTY-SKCOND REGlMEN'r. * 5ig Having, in this manner, recorded the preceding servicc« of the regiment, we have now arrived at the period when it wan to be employed on a field such as had not for ages beeif presented to the British army, and to participate in the mi- litary operations which commenced in the Spanish penin- sula in 1808, aod continued till the conclusion of the war in 181 4', Within these six years, a career was open for ta- lent, courage, enterprise, and all the most eminent qualities necessary for a commander and an '^rmy, as splendid as that in the reign of Queen Anne, when the transcendent genius of the Duke of Marlborough, with the great force intrusted to his command, rai^d the military character of the British nation to a pre-eminence which it has not since that period been able to uphold, on an equally extended scale of operations. Insulated examples of military talent and undaunted firmness were sufficiently numerous to prove that there was no deficiency in any respect, and that those opportunities and that experience were only wanting which are so indispensably necessary in the profession of a soldier^ derable time quartered at Fort George, in the neighbourhood of his country- ,seat, he never came near them, except once, when he stopped to change horsctf in the garrison on his way to London. He was succeeded by Major- General the Marquis of Huntly. Tlie son of tlie greatest chief of the North, the Mar. quis derives from his personal character an influence over men's minds and ac- tions, which even his high rank and great fortune could never give ; and, of all men in his Majesty's service, he combines in the greatest proportion the neces- sary qualifications to make him the most proper commander of a Highland corps. Although, as I have said, in speaking of Lord John Murray, the army is now under sucl< happy auspices that a corps has less occasion for a zealous and fViendly colonel to see that proper officers be appointed, and justice distributed, with less regard to political influence, and more regard to talent, zeal, and length of service ; yet a regiment is most fortunate in having a man at their head who has their honour and welfare at heart, and is the friend of all who are deserving. He will at once do justice to the memory of the honourable and brave men who originally formed the character of this corps, and exert himself to All the ranks with officers and soldiers likely to maintdn this ho- nourable character. Since tlie above was written, the Marquis of Huntly has been removed to the Royal Scots, and the Earl of Hopetoun, who had frequently commanded the $2d in the field, appointed to the regiment. w^ n 'hV ' t'M' fe^ ■* Iftii tti ft- •^ ' mm . S i' .'' i'% ' It ;■ -'Ifr, ■ :i! t i ijlin- ■* 1 ■iiii rfijj ' 520 CAMPAIGN IN THE PENINSULA. < For many years the strength and energy of the country had been so much directed to the conquest and defence of colonies, that little else had been attempted. The force supposed necessary was generally so strictly calculated, that Imie was left for contingencies; and frequently, after any successful enterprise had been accomplished, the force was so dimmished by warfare, disease, and climate, as to be un- equal to the defence of the conquest. The same troops were sometimes compelled to surrender on the spot where they had previously triumphed. This produced an unfa- vourable impression, which their former triumph could not always efface. Such results bore hard on the officers, to whose want of ability and professional ignorance they were not unfrequently, and often unjustly, ascribed. The pre- servation and protection of the island of St Lucia, in the year 1796 and 1797, occasioned 'the death of more than six times the number of men killed in the capture of it under Sir Ralph Abercromby; and there is little doubt that, if the duty had been intrusted to an officer of less unwearied 55eal and persevering exertion than Peneral Moore, it would not have been preserved. ^ But a new and noble field was now opened, and although, in many cases, there was a scarcity of troops, and a want of some very efficient arms, arisi-- from the difficulty of trans- porting artillery and cavalry, j till there was scope for the display of mental resources; and sometime;, a skilful retreat proved as honourable to the talents of the commander as a victory. In colonial warfare, on the contrary, the theatre of action was so often circumscribed, as to afford no room for the display of milif^ry talent, and Jeave no hope of ade- quate and timely support. When the usurpation of the crown of Spain by Bona- parte had roused the patriotism of the Spanish people, the British government, anxious to take advantage of this spirit, immediately ordered a large proportion of its disposable force to embark for the Peninsula. In the month of July 1808, Major-Gcneral Sir Avlhur HIGHLAND REGIMENTS. .121: Wellesley sailed from Cork with 10,000 men, with the in- tention of landing at Corunna; but the Spaniards rejecting his offered assistance, he proceeded to the coast of Portugal. At Oporto, as at Corunna, the offered assistance was de- clined, although nearly two^thirds of the Portuguese pea- santry were calling for arms, and ready to rise against the French, who had invaded and taken possession of the coun- try with a force of nearly 40,000 men. In these circum- stances, he continued his voyage to Mondego Bay, where, after a farther delay, he landed on the 2d of August. Ma- jor-General Spencer, with 6000 men, then on board trans- ports off Cadiz, but not permitted to land, was ordered to join General Wellesley, who was to be further reinforced with 5000 men, under Brigadier- General Robert Anstru- ther, from England, and 12,000 under Lieutenant-General Sir John Moore. To this concentrated force was added the Royal Highland regiment from Gibraltar, • and the Gordon and Cameron Highlanders from England. Pre- vious to this period was fought, on the 21st of August, the battle of Vimiera, after which, an extraordinary col- lision of command occurred. General Wellesley, who had gained the battle, was on the same day superseded by two senior generals, (Sir Harry Burrard and Sir John Moore), and these again, on the following morning, by a third general. Sir Hew Dalrymple. The convention of Cintra which followed, causing the recall of Generals Dal- • It has been already stated, that, in this national corps, Uie characteristic, so fiir as regarded the native country of the soldiers, hail been well preserved. In 1776, the number embarked for America was 1160 men, all of whom, ex- cept 54, Lowlanders, and 2 Englishmen in the band, were Highlanders. In all former periods the proportions were similar. But when the men ordered from the London depot in 1780 were removed from the regiment, not more than one half of those received in exchange were native Highlanders, 81 being Lowlanders. At the commencement of the war in 1793, the strength of the regiment was low. The proporUor, were 480 Highlanders, 132 Lowland Scotch, 4 Irish, and 3 English. At the present period there embarked from Gibraltar, in 1808, 383 Highlanders, 231 Lowlanders, 7 English, and 5 Irish. 1 522 lUUIlLAND IIEUIMENTS. •'! ' ;i:, ■B.^ ^H- ' ;: ; ' Bi ■' \ ";l riii ' ^Hiiattt / ■ ., ■ ■Uk mM rymple and Burrard, the command of ihe army devolved oh iSir John Moore. An order to resume active operations was received on the 6th of October, accompanied with instructions to march, with a pui:,i\)h ^,x;>edition, into the Jieart of Spain, to co. operate with ihe Spanish army. A body of troops from England, under Lieutenant-General Sir David Baird, was directed to land at Corunna, and proceed forthwitli to form a junction with General Moore. The want of previous pre- parations retarded the udvance of the army from Lisbon, and the Portuguese government and people affording but little assistance, the whole was left to the resources and talents of the commander, who, incredible as it may appear, could obtain no correct information of the state of the coun- try, or even of the best road for the transport of artillery. Labouring under this deficiency of accurate intelligence, and from the best accounts he could procure, believing it impossible to convey artillery by the road through the mountains, it was judged necessary to form the army in di- visions, and to march by different routes. The division of the Honourable Lieutenant-General Hope, consisting of the brigade of artillery, and four regi- ments of infantry, of which the 42d was one, marched upon Madrid and Espinar; General Paget's division moved by Elvas and Alcantara ; General Beresford by Coimbra and Almeida; and General Mackenzie Eraser by Abrantes and Almeida. All these divisions were to form a junction at Salamanca, and when united would amount to 18,600 men, including 900 cavalry. This force, it was believed, would animate or revive Spanish patriotism, and enable the natives to oppose an effectual resistance to the powerful force which the enemy was preparing to pour into Spain in support of that already in the country. As the army advanced, little enthusiasm was perceived; and nothing was experienced like the reception which might have been expected by men entering the country with the generous and disinterested purpose of aiding the people in throning off a yoke whiclr SPAIN. 523 Ihcy were taiiglit to believe, the SpauUli nation to a man re- garded as odious, galling, and diHgraceful. General Mooro soon found that little dependence was to be placed on tliu cooperation of the Spanish armies, or on ihe intelligence furnished by the inhabitants of eitlier Spain or Portugal. Of the incorrectness of the latter he hod a striking pi of^ when he subsequently discovered that the roads were prac- ticable for artille'-y, that the circuitous route of General Hope was totally unnecessary, and that better information would have enabled him to bring hi troops much sooner to the point of rendezvous. He arrived, however, in sufficient time for those allies with whom he was to act in concert ; for, from the day he entered Spain, until the 1 3th of No- vember, when 1)0 reached Salamanca, he did not see a Spanish soldier; and so far from having any communication with the Generals commanding the Spanish armies, or any immediate prospect of their concentrating their forces, and acting in concert for the further service of the common cause, it would seem as if he hin telf had been the only ge- neral and army they feared. All vanished at his approach. The army of Estremadura was dispersed ; that under Cas- tanos marched away in one direction, while Blake's division took another, increasing their distance from the British army, to whose line of march free access was thus left for the ene- my. General Baird had arrived at Corunna, but he was not permitted to land : his troops were kept on board from the 13th to the 31&t of October, and when allowed lo dis- embark, no exertion was made to Forward their march. On the contrary, had he come with the most hostile intentions, he could not have met with a greater eagerness to extort the b'ghest value for whatever was requisite to equip and for- ward the troops. These untoward appearances too fatally confirmed an un- favourable opinion early entertained by Sir John Monre of the cause in which he was engaged. Of the people he al- ways thought well. " The poor Spaniards, " said he in a letter to his brother, " deserve a better fate, for they sjeem 52-it filGIlLAN'l) KKCIMt.NTS. BN « fine people, but have fallen into boil handsf, who Imve lost ibcm by their apathy. I uni in no correspondence with ony of their Generals or armies. I know not their plana or lliose of the Spanish Go?ernment. No channels of Infor- mation have been opened to me ; and as yet a stranger, I have been able to establish no certain ones for myself." Wailing the junction of Generals Baird and Hope, who were so situated, (the former marching from the north of Spain, and the latter from the south), that, if he attempted to move towards the one, he would leave the other at a greater distance, he received intelligence of— what might have been anticipated from the line of conduct pursued by the Spanish Generals dividing and weakening their lorces — the defeat and total dispersion of General Blake's army on the 10th of November, at Espenora de los Monteros. This disastrous in- telligence was soon followed by that of the total defeat and dispersion of the army under General Castanos at Tudela. By this dispersion of the two principal armies of Spain, all hope of farther support vanished from the British, who were now become principals in the war. The Spaniards allow- ing themselves to be thus beaten in detail, the British Ge- neral had to make preparations against the concentrated force of the enemy, now about to move in the confident ex- pectation of overwhelming him. General Moore's difficulties began to be evident. It was the 1st of December; his army had not yet assembled; General Baird was at Astorga, and General Hope four days* march from Salamanca. " Indeed, few generals have been entangled with so many embarrassments as Sir John Moore was at this crisis, who not only had to contend with the Spanish Government, always exaggerating their re- sources, and concealing or glossing over their disasters, but also to guard against the secret plots of unsuspected traitors hid in the bosom of the Junta. And now he had to en- counter the power and genius of Buonaparte." * Under such an accumulation of difficulties, it was to be * Moore's Narrative, . I> I r ' ni ' fi •.^■. ]i SPAIW, 525 d«cl(l6(l how long a force, which, when unitetl, would not amount to 30,000 effective men, including artillery and cavalry, ought to remain in the centre of Spain, opposed to 100,000 men, and these expecting additional reinforcementn. The difficulty of the decision must have been increased by the opinion strongly and loudly expressed in the army with regard to its future movements ; the prevalent opinion of officers of rank being against a retreat. Men of common minds would have hesitated to decide in •uch cirumstances, but General Moore determined at once, and called a council of war, " not to request their counsel, or to make them commit themselves by giving any opinion on the subject ; he took the responsibility entirely upon him- self, and only required that they would immediately prepare to carry his orders into execution." Councils of war are sometimes considered as indications of weakness and indeci- sion in a commander, who wishes, by this means, to procura a sanction for his own opinion, and to divide with others any share of censure that may be afterwards incurred. Ge- neral Moore, on the contrary, acted from the suggestions of his own mind. He had now been a month in Spain, with- out being joined by a single soldier of the country ; he had seen the Spanish armies dispersed in succession, except the corps under the Marquis of Romana, who, acting indepen- dently, served more to obstruct than expedite the plans of the British general, by crossing his line of march, intercept- ing his provisions, and occupying the carriages and means of conveyance. In this state of affairs, he determined to re- tire on Portugal, and ordered Sir David Baird to march to Corunna, and proceed thence by sea to Lisbon. But hav- ing received favourable accounts of a reviving spirit among the Spaniards, and of a successful resistance to the enemy at Madrid, he was induced to countermand the order for re- treat. But later and better intelligence, obtained throufrh the means of Colonel Graham of Balgowan, Mr (now Sir Charles) Stuart, and also an intercepted letter of Marshal Berthier to Marshal Soult, laid open to him the real nos- «« M '' ' 'm m 526 HIGHLAND REGIMENTS. tiire of affairs. In consequence of this intelligence he re- sumed his original intention of retiring, not indeed to the south, but to the north of Spain, where he hoped to effect a junction with General Baird. Accordingly, the army mov- ed M different divisions, and reaching Toro on the 21st of December, there formed a junction with General Baird's ar- my, making altogether a force of 26,311 infantry, and 2450 cavalry, with a proportion of artillery. On the 25d the army marched to Sahagun, which had been the preceding night occupied by the enemy. Lord Paget being ordered to the front, with a detachment of ca- valry, fell in with part of the French horse, when they were evacuating the town, and immediately attacked them. The French cavalry formed, and waited with great firmness to receive the charge, but they were quickly overpowered, and upwards of 1 5C wounded and taken, among which were 2 colonels, and 1 1 other ofRcers. The total want of assistance and co-operation from the Spaniards, their inhospitable conduct, and the time lost at Salamanca, had excited among the officers complaints and murmurs which had now extended to the men, who soon began to display their feelings in their usual manner by their actions, testifying their disappointment by acts of in- subordination and plunder, and revenging the privations and fatigues they underwent on the inhabitants, whose apa- thy nothing could shake, and who seemed equally indifferent whether tlieir country was occupied by a protecting or an invading army. Those instances of licentiousness in his troops gave the General the more vexation, as they were so opposite to his own strict notions of military correctness, and of the proper duties of a soldier. From these unplea- sant feelings he obtained a temporary relief, when the near approach of Marshal Soult, with a division of the French army, afforded a hope that he might be attacked with a prospect of success, before he was strengthened by the troops who were on their march to reinforce him. It was determined to attack Soult at Saldanhn. The or- \]\ '^1 ! is 'I i SPAIN. 527 der to move forwaid operated on tlic men like a charm ; and in the animation and alacrity with which they flew to arms, all past privations and disappointments seemed for the moment forgotten. Fortunate is the General who com- mands troops that can thus be restored to order, and reani- mated by the prospect of attacking the enemy. General Moore was sensible that all the mental and personal ener- gies of his troops would now probably be called into action. " The movement I am making is of the most dangerous kind. I not only risk to be surrounded every moment by superior forces, but to have my communications intercepted with the Gallicias. " * His views of this risk were but too well founded ; for, when all his preparations and dispositions were made, and the hopes and prospects of the army at the height, intelli- gence was received from various channels that the enemy were advancing in great force in several directions, all bear- ing down to one point. This was confirmed by subsequent information, which stated, that, besides the reinforcements received by Soult, Buonaparte had marched from Madrid with 40,000 cavalry and infantry, and that Marshals Junot, Mortier, and Lefebre, with their different divisions, were also directing their march towards the north of Spain. The forward march of the British was, therefore, countermand- ed, and an immediate retreat ordered. This commenced on the 24th of December, the same day on which the ad- vanced guard of Buonaparte's division passed through Tor- desillas, both armies marching on Benevente, at the dis- tance of fifty miles from each other. In proportion to the ardour of the troops when they ex- pected to meet the enemy, was their depression and disap- pointment when again ordered to retreat, and their discon- tent soon broke out in acts of turbulence and depredation hitherto unheard of in a British army. Those only who know the inflexible honour and purity of principle, moral ,m ■ J) k\ * Dispatch to Mr Frere, 52a HIGHLAND REGIMENTS. U ' "li 1 m i y f li 1 \l ; ■If ;'• h'lli i J 1 1 " i; .^ ' and military, which guided the correct mind of Sir John Moore, can juJge how painful were his feelings, and how greatly his chagrin must have been aggravated, by the un- derstanding that the tardiness of his former advance, and the rapidity of the present retreat, were disapproved by many in his armj, and that much, if not all, the unmilitary misconduct of the men was ascribed to this retrograde move- ment. That the retreat, to which the soldiers attached a degree of disgrace, irritated their minds, there can be no doubt; and what true soldier would not feel mortified on being ob- liged to retire before an enemy ? That they were extreme- ly enraged against the people of the country is also most true, and, all circumstances considered, not to be wondered at; but that they should judge of the general policy of the measures of their commander beyond the immediate order of the day, is not common among British soldiers, and, in- deed, forms no part of their character, of which a strong feature is to place perfect confidence in their General, till his conduct shows he does not deserve it. But seeing that the Spaniards, who, they were told, were to be their fellow soldiers in the field, and their friends and brothers in quar- ters, were cold and inhospitable, their first ebullitions of rage naturally broke out against the supposed authors of their disappointment and disgrace. Had it been possible that their wrath could have fallen on the heads of the Jun- ta, and on those who had, in reality, reduced the cause of Spanish independence to its present calamitous state, and the British army to so perilous a situation, it would have occasioned little regret. But, in this case, the innocent suf- fered for the guilty; and the character of the British army was so changed and lowered, that " malditos ladrones, " or cursed robbers, was a term too commonly applied to them by the unfortunate inhabitants. The extent of these disgraceful scenes, and the evil consequences that resulted from the inconsiderate reflections of officers, whose igno- rance of facts must have rendered them very incompetent SPAIN. 529 judges of 'lie motives which directed the measures of the commander, may be seen from the following extract of ge- neral orders issued at Benevente on the 27th of December: «* The Commander of the Forces has observed, with con- cem, the extreme bad conduct of the troops at a moment when they are about to come into contact with the enemy, and when the greatest regularity and the best conduct are most requisite. The misbehaviour of the troops in the co- lumn which marched from Valderas to this place, exceeds what he could have believed of British soldiers. It is dis- graceful to the officers, as it strongly marks their negligence and inattention. The Command r of the Forces refers to the general orders of the 15th of October, and of the 1 1th of November. He desires that they may again be read at the head of every com:- ' in the army. He can add no- thing but his determinauon to execute them to the fullest extent. He can fe6l no mercy towards officers who neglect, in times like these, essential duties, or towards soldiers who injure the country they are sent to protect. It is impossi- ble for the General to explain to his army his motive for the movements he directs. When it is proper to fight a battle he will do it, and he will choose the time and place he thinks most fit. In the mean time, he begs the officers and soldiers of the army to attend diligently to discharge their part, and to leave to him and to the general officers the decision of measures which belong to them alone. " This melancholy view of the discipline of the army was occasionally relieved and brightened up by brilliant and successful rencounters with the advanced parties of the ene- my, who now hung close on the rear and flanks. On the looming of the 29th of December, just as the army had quitted Benevente, a party of seven squadrons of the Impe- rial Guard was observed crossing a ford, a little above a bridge, which had the same morning been blown up, (to very little purpose, it would appear, as the river was ford- able), when the picquets under Biigadier- General Charles Stewart, and the lOth Hussars, under Lieutenant- General ,.ii Ih I iff VOL. 1. L L 1^ .530 HIGHLAND RKGIMKNTS. ,1' ' II :•■ III ;■* >1. I" i Lord Paget, were ordered out. The enemy made a gallant resistance ; but, after a short though well- contested action, in which much individual bravery, skill and horsemanship, were displayed on both sides, they were driven across the river. There they attempted again to form, but a fire from the field-pieces forced them to fly, leaving 60 killed and wounded, and 70 prisoners ; among the latter was General Lefebre, son of the Field-Marshal. As provisions had now become scarce, and as iL was ne- cessary to prevent the enemy from getting round on the flank, and occupying strong passes in front, General Craw- ford, with a lightly equipped corps of 3000 men, was de- tached by the Orense road. The rest of the army proceed- ed to Astorga, of which Romana's army was found in pos- session. The evils which ensue when generals command independently of each other, were here fully exemplified. The Spanish army consumed the resources of the country, erossed the British line of march, and in every way obstruct- ed, rather than forwarded. General Moore's movements. At Astorga all superfluous baggage was destroyed ; horses, mules, carriages, and every thing not absolutely necessary, were abandoned ; even the military treasure was sacrificed, and, to prevent its fallmg into the hands of the enemy, bar- rels full of dollars were rolled down the steepest precipices into the dens and ravines. Now that the soldiers saw that the retrograde movement had become a real and absolute retreat, their former disap- pointments and consequent despondency rose to despair. Worn out with fatigue, and the want of necessaries, and frequently without food, they seemed totally reckless of life. Who could have believed this to be the same army which, a few weeks before, had marched from Portugal in high dis- cipline, and full of hope and confidence ? The ord vs of their oificers then received a prompt obedience, but now disci- pline was gone, and the cry of plunder and vengeance was more attended to than the word of command. Villages and houses were seen burning in all direcaons. From the plun- SPAIN. 531 tier of stores mid cellars, the moans of intoxication were procured, and the horror and confusion increased ; and the sufferings of the troops from the snow and rain, which fell alternately as they crossed !.he mountains and valleys, were thus unspeakably aggravated. Yet, exposed to these hard- ships, and, in this wretched state of total disorganization, compelled to march two hundred and fifty n. les over a mountainous country, followed by a greatly superior enemy* eager to take every advantage, the men displayed, on all oc- casions, their native courage and intrepidity. Wherever the enemy appeared, he was met with spirit, and never, in any one instance, obtained the most trifling advantage. At Lugo, where General Mooie offered battle, which Soult thought proper to decline, the greatest alacrity and anima- tion were exhibited. The lame, the sick, or the fatigued, who were lagging along, or ly^ng on the ground seemingly tinable to move, no sooner heard the firing, or were led^'to believe that an attack was to be made, than their misery and weakness appeared instantly to vanish. At the slightest ii.- dication of a brush with the enemy, they sprung up with re^ newed animation, and, seizing their arms, prepared to joiil their comrades. When Buonaparte reached Astorga, his force amounted to 70,000 men, besides ^-ein ■>rcements on the march to join him. From thence he despatched three divisions, under . three of his Marshals, Soult's being appointed to lead and keep up a constant skirmishing with the '-ear of the British which was composed of the Reserve under General Paget. C--eral Moore himself was always with the rear-guard, and never absent where a shot was fired, or the enemy in sight. On the 11th of January J809, the army completed a ha- rassing march, and, taking post on the hills behind Corun- no, we - icady to embark. This might have been effected without ' )ss, as the French general did not push forward with .V our from Lugo ; but, unfortunately, the transports had not arrived from Vigo,— a circumstance the more ex- I, L 2 si f ,5.'i3 HIGHLAND REGIMENTS. traordinary, as the approach of the army was some time known, and is only to be lamented, as the loss of those who fell in the subsequent battle is to be ascribed entirely to this delay. On the other hand, it afforded the British troops the much wished for opportunity of wiping off the imaginary disgrace of their retreat, and of achieving a memorable and glorious victory, while labouring under the greatest priva- tions and sufferings. Corunna is surrounded on the land side by a double range of hills, a higher and a lower ; but, as the former were too extensive, the British were formed on the latter. On their arrival the French occupied the higher range. Our troops had now enjoyed some rest, and had experi- enced the kindest reception from the inhabitants of Corun- na, who displayed a patriotic spirit which had not been wit- nessed since their departure from Lisbon. Instead of f pathy, sloth, and a seeming indifference to the departure of tic British or the arrival of the French, all was activity and exertion for the defence of the place in conjunction with their allies. In addition to their present critical st&te, with the sea on one side, and so superior an army, hourly in* creasing, on the other, the British must have felt strongly for the situation of these poor people, so soon to be left to the unrestrained vengeance of a man who seldom forbore the gratification of his resentment. Several transports arrived on the 14th, when the embar- kation of the sick, cavalry, and part of the artillery, was ef- fected. The whole of the ISth was passed in skirmishing, with little loss on either side, except Lieutenant-Colonel Mackenzie, of the 5th foot, who was killed in a bold eflbrt to seize on two of the enemy's guns, the success of which was prevented by his death. On the forenoon of the 16th, the enemy considering himself sufficiently strong, was seen getting under arms soon after mid-day. This challenge was promptly answered by his opponents, who were soon drawn up in line of battle. Lieutenant- General Hope's division, consisting of Major- General Hill's brigade of the Queen's, BATTLE OF CORHUNNA. ;53.^ Uth, and 32d, and Colonel Crawford's brigade of the S6th; 71st, and 92d or Gordon Highlanders, occupied the left. Lieutenant-General Baird's division, consisting of Lord Wilhani Bentinck'g brigade of the 4th, Royal I-.ghlanders, and 50th regiment, and Major- General Manningham's bri: gade of the 3d battalion of the Royals, 26th or Cameronians, and 2d battalion of the 81st, and Major- General Ward with the Ist and 3d battalions of the Foot Guards, were drawn up on the right of the line : the other battalions of Guards were in reserve in rear of Lord William Bentinck's brigade. The Rifle corps formed a chain across a valley on the right of Sir David Baird, communicating with Lieutenant-General Fra- aer's division, which was drawn up in the rear at a short dis- tance from Corunna. General Paget's brigade of Reserve formed in rear of the left. At the beginning of the action General Fraser's division was ordered to advance, and the Reserve to move to the right to support the Guards and Lord William Bentinck's brigade. General Fraser's divi- sion consisted of the 6th, 9th, 23d or Welsh Fusileers, and 2d battalion of the *3d, under Major-General Beresford; and the 36th, 79th, or Cameron- Highlanders, and 82d regiment, under Brigadier-General Fane. The Reserve was composed of the 20th, 28th, 52d, 91st, and rifle corps; the whole amounting to nearly 16,000 men under arms. The enemy commenced the attack by a discharge of ar- tillery, while two colu-nns advanced upon General Baird's wing, which was the weakest part of the position. A third directed its march towards the centre, and a fourth to the left, a fifth remaining as a reserve in the rear. The British did not wait to be attacked, but advanced under a heavy fire to meet their opponents. The post occupied by Lord William Bentinck' brigade, being considered most difl[icult to defend, General Moore was there directing every move- ment, and encouraging all by his language and example. The 50th regiment, under Majors Napier and Stanhope, pushing over an inclosure in front, charged the enemy in he bett manner, and drove them out of the viliaffe of EI- 534 CORUNNA. J '1 : r ,! Bf vlna with great loss. «< Well done the SOth, well done my Majors !" exclaimed the General, who had trained these young men under his own eye, and recommended them for promotion. Then proceeding to the iSd, he called out, " Highlanders, remember Egypt !" They rushed forward, and drove back the enemy in all directions, the General ac- companying them in the charge. He then ordered up q. battalion of the Guards to the left flank of the Highlanders, upon which the light company conceiving, as their ammu- nition was expended, that they were to be relieved by the Guards, began to fall back, but Sir John, discovering the mistake, said to them, " My brave 42d, join your comrades, ammunition is coming, and you have your bayonets." They instantly obeyed, and all moved forward. About this time Sir David Baird's arm was shattered by a musket ball, which forced him to quit the field, and im- mediately afterwards a cannon-ball struck Sir John Moore in the left shoulder, and beat him to the .ground. " He raised himself, and sat up with an unaltered countenance looking intently at the Highlanders, who were warmly en- gaged. Captain Harding threw himself from his horse and took him by the hand ; then observing his anxiety, he told him the 4'2d were advancing, upon which his countenancp immediately brightened up." Lieutenant- General Hope, who succeeded to the command after the death of Sir John Moore, and the wound of Sir David Baird, in an admirable account of the battle address- ed to the latter, says, " The first effort of the enemy was met by the commander of the forces, and by yourself at the head of the 42d regiment, and the brigade under Lord William Bentinck. The village on your right became an object of obstinate contest. I lament to spy, that, after the severe wound which deprived the army of your services, Lieute- nant-General Sir John Moore, who had just directed the most able disposition, fell by a cannon-shot. The troops, though not unatfiuuiiited with the irreparable loss ihcy had sustained, were not di&mayed, but by the most delciuiined ^'i'iZKBi>GE>jrmu.r- HIGHLAND DEGIMENTS. 535 bravery, not only repelled every attempt of the enemy to gam ground, but actually forced him to retire, although he had brought up fresh troops in support of those originally engaged. The enemy, finding himself foiled in every at- tempt to force the right of the position, endeavoured by numbers to turn it. A judicious and weil- timed movement, which was made by Major- General Paget with the Reserve, which corps had moved out of its cantonments to support the right of the army, by a vigorous attack defeated this intention. The Major- C/eneral having pushed forward the 9.5th (Rifle corps), and the 1st battalion of the 52d regiment, drove the enemy before him, and in his rapid and judicious advance threatened the left of the enemy's position. This circumstance, with the position of Lieutenant-Gcneral Era- ser's division, (calculated to give still farther security to the right of the line), induced the enemy to relax his efforts in that quarter. They were, however, more forcibly directed towards the centre, when they were again successfully re* sisted by the brigade under Major- General Manningham, forming the left of your division, and a part of that undsr Major. General Leith, forming the right of that under my orders. Upon the left, the enemy at first contented him- self with an attack upon our picqucts, which however in general maintained their ground. Finding, however, his efforts unavailing on the right and centre, he seemed deter- mined to render the attack upon the left more serious, and had succeeded in obtaining possession of the village through which the great road to Madrid passes, and which was si- tuated in front of that part of the line. From this post, however, he was soon expelled, with a considerable loss, by a gallant attack of some companies of the 2d battalion of the I'tlh regiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholls. Before five in the evening, we had not only successfully repeJJod every attack made upon the position, but had gained ground in almost all points, and occupied a more forward linej than at the commencement of the action; whilst the enemy con- fined his operations to a cannonade, and the fire of his light ' y/' 1 1 ^ k if ' i i i ' 1 1 1 1 1 E 'A\' ■I •. I'll ^. I 1 r'J I ! ru 1 f I 536 CORUNNA. troops, with a view to draw off his other corps. At six the firing cpased. " This victory, complete in itself, was gained under mani- fold disadvantages. The enemy possesscu a great superiori- ty of numbers, and occupied a very favourable position on the elevated ground, from which his heavy cannon fired with great effect on the British line. The darkness of the night, and the strong position on the heights of which he had still the comnand, rendered it impossible to pursue the enemy. Besides, the great reinforcements which he had re- ceived on the march would have enabled him to renew his attacks, till the British would have been fairly borne down and overwhelmed by superior numbers; General Hope de- termined, therefore, to follow up General Moore's intentio/ s, and issued orders for the immediate embarkation of the troops. The boats were in all readiness. Admiral De Courcy had made such judicious arrangements, and the officers and sea- men exerted themselves with such zeal and effect, that be- fore morning the whole were on board except the rear guard, left under the command of Major- Generals Hill and Beres- ford, which, with the sick and wounded, were all embarked the following day. And thus ended, with the loss of the gallant Commander of the Forces, and many valuable officers and brave soldiers, an expedition from which the happiest results had been an- ticipated, but which, from a combination of causes, failed in every essential point except one of great importance, that of drawing the combined force of the enemy to the north, aiul of leaving the south of Spain open to the efforts of the people. The loss of the British was 800 men killed and wounded ; that of the enemy was afterwards ascertained by Major Napier (who advancing with too great eagerness m the charge just noticed, was wounded and taken prisoner) to be upwards of 3000 men. This is a very remarkable dis- proportion, when we take into consideration the number li 'I DEATH OF GENEB \L MOOllE. 537 and commanding position of the enemy, possessed of « powerful artillery, which, during the whole of the action, continued to plunge its shot into the British ranks from ihe heights, which our guns could not reach. It can only be ascribed to causes which cannot be too frequently brought under the notice of all soldiers,— the cool and steady aim of the men, and the spirit with which ihey met the enemy. They did not wait to receive the attack, but rushing for- ward with eagerness and force, quickly turned the attack of eir opponents into self-defence, the result of which is al- ways comparative safety to the successful assailants, and de- struction to their antagonists. But moderate as the loss of the army was in comparison with that of the enemy, the death of the Commander of the Forces increu„ J it greatly in the estimation of all who ap- preciate high honour, devoted zeal for the service, and the most ardent love of his country. The kindest friend, and the most affectionate son. General Moore's last thoughts were divided between his country, his venerated parent, and his friends and companions in arms. His aide-de-camp, Cap- tain Henry Harding, describing his fall, says : « The violence of the stroke threw him off his horse on his back. Not a muscle of his face altered, nor did a sigh betray the least sensation of pain. I dismounted, and taking his hand, he pressed me forcibly, casting his eyes very anxiously towards the 42d regiment, which was hotly engaged, and his countenance expressed satisfaction when I informed him that the regiment was advancing. Assisted by a sol- dier of the 42d, he was removed a few yards behind the shelter of a wall. Colonel Graham of Balgowan, and Cap- tain Woodford of the Guards, came up, and perceiving the state of Sir John's wound, instantly rode off for surgeons. " " He consented to be carried to the rear, and was put in a blanket for that purpose. " Captain Harding attempted to unbuckle his sword from his wounded side, when he said in his usual tone and manner, "It is as well as it is; I had rather that it should go out of the field with me. " « He / III :ti>'? IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) A :/. X m %S 1.0 I.I 2.5 2.2 li£ III 2.0 11.25 i 1.4 !|.6 ^B .^# v: ^3 !^ ■ > > '^-*^./. /> '*#' ^s,. # c? ^ //w PhotDgrapbic Sciences Corporation '^^'-^ ^j% ^-^ ^2^ ""i ?3 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. 14530 (716) 872-4503 m^ 538 DEATH OF Mr f/ t : lili'M i , W was bornC)" continues Captain Harding, *'hy six soldiers of the 42d and Guards, my sash supporting him in an easy posture. Observing the resolution and composure of his features, I caught at the hope that I might be mistaken in my fears of the wound being mortal, and remarked, that I trusted when the surgeons dressed the wound, that he would be spared to us and recover. He then turned his head round, and, looking stedfastly at the wound for a few seconds, said, " No, Harding ; JJeel that to be impossible. " I wished to accompany him to the rear, when he said, *< You need not go with me; report to General Hope, that I am wounded and carried to the rear. A sergeant of the 42d, and two spare files, in case of accident, were ordered to conduct their brave General to Corunna. " As the sol- diers were carrying him slowly along, he made them turn round frequently to view the field of battle, and to listen to the firing; and was well pleased when the sound grew fainter, judging that the enemy were retiring. Colonel Wyncb, being wounded, was passing in a spring waggon. When he understood that the General was in the blanket, he wished him to be removed to the waggon. Sir John asked one of the Highlanders, whether he thought the waggon or blanket best ? when the soldier answered, that he thought the blanket best, " I think so too," said the General ; *' and the soldiers proceeded with him to Gorunna|, shedding tears all the way. " * '!'•!. Nil? I'fii i[. * It was not witliout cause that the Highland soldiers shed tears for tlia sulFerings of the kind and partial friend whom they were now about to lose- He al^vays Reposed the most entire confidence in thein ; placing them in the post of danger and honour, and wherever it was expected that the greatest firmness and courage would be required ; gazing at them with earnestness in his Ixst moments, and in this extremity taking pleasure in their successful ad^ vance; gratified a^ being carried by them, and talking familiarly to them when he had only a few hours to live; and, like a perfect soldjer, as he was, dying with liis sword by his side. Speaking to me, on one occasion, of the cliaracter of the Highland soldiers, " I consider," said he, " the Higlilandors, under proper management, and under an ollicur who understands and values tliuir character, and works oai it, among the best of our military materials. Under CENEJIAL MOORE. 539 Colonel Anderson, his friend and aide-de-camp for twenty years, thus describes the General's last moments:—" After some time, he seemed very anxious to speak to me, and at intervals got out as follows :-« Anderson, you know that I always wished to die in this way. ' He then asked, were the I^rench beaten ?~and which he repeated to everyone he knew as they came in. * I hope the people of England will be satisfied; I hope my country will do me justice. An- derson, you will see my friends as soon as you can. Tell them every thing~Say to my mother '—Here his voice quite failed, and he was excessively agitated. " At the thought of his mother, the firm heart of this bravo and af- fectionate son gave way— «i heart which no danger, not even his present situation, could shake, till the tho"ughts of his mother, and what she would suffer, came across his mind. General Moore * w^s t^ soldier of the best mould. He such an oflicer, they, will conquer or die on tl.c spot, while their action.-thcir hardihood, and abstinence, cnabl-. them to bear up against a severity of futi-n.c under which larger, and apparently stronger, men would sink. Hut it isllic principles of integrity and moral correctness Uiat I admire most in Highland soldiers, and this was the trait that first caught my attention. It is this that jnakes them trust-worthy, and makes their courage sure, and not that kind of flash .„ the pan, which would scale a bastion to-day, and to morrow be alarm, cd at the fire of a picquet. You Highland officers may sleep sound at night, and rise u. the morning with the assurance, that, with your men, your profes- sional character and honour arc safe, unh.s you yourselves destroy the wmw and excellent material intrusted to your direction. " Such was (he opinion par- ticularly addressed to me, as a kind of farewell advice in 18U5, when my regi- ment left his brigade to embark for the Mediterranean. It was accompanied by many excellent observations on the character of the Highland soldier, and the duties of Highland officers, especially what regards their management of, and behaviour towards their soldiers, and the necessity of paying attention to their feelings. The correctness of his views on this important subject I have seen fully confirmed by many years' experience. * After he was made Knight of the Ba(li, he preferred to be < ailed General rather thap Sir J.,hn Moore. «- Sir," sai.l l,e one day to an officer, who called him Sir Jolin, Sir John, at the beginning of every sentence, " I am your Ge- neral; I am General Moore." 540 DEATH OF 'M ':■'■' was endowed with a vigorous mind, improved by every ac- complishment which an anxious and intelligent parent could suggest or bestow. With a face and figure uncommonly handsome, he was active and capable of bearing great fa- tigue ; but in his latter years he had a considerable stoop, and was much broken down by wounds and service in va- rious climates, although only forty-seven years of age at the time of his death. He was the eldest of five sons of the late Dr Moore, and was born at Glasgow in 1762, where his father practised as a physician till he accompanied the late Duke of Hamilton on his travels. He took his son along with him, and thus he was early introduced into the first society of Europe. Having his education and pursuits guided by so able a director, and so accurate a judge of mankind, as his father, every improvement was to be ex- , pected. How completely theoe expectations were fulfiliedj the military history of his country will show. *' Sir John Moore, from his youth, embraced the profession with the sentiments and feelings of a soldier. He felt that a perfect knowledge and an exact performance of the humble but im- portant duties of a subaltern officer are the best foundation for subsequent military fame. In the school of regimental duty he obtained that correct knowledge of his profession so essential to the proper direction of the gallant spirit of the soldier; and was enabled to establish a characteristic order and regularity of conduct, because the troops found in their leader a striking example of the discipline which he> enfor- ced on others. In a military character, obtained amidst the dangers of climate, the privations incident to service, and the sufferings of repeated wounds, it k difficult to select any point as a preferable subject for praise. The life of Sir John Moore was spent among his troops. ** During the season of repose, his time was devoted to the care and instruction of the officer and soldier ; in war, he courted service in every quarter of the globe. Regard- less of personal considerations, he esteemed that to which his country called him the post of honour ; and by his un- m tL' GENERAL iMOOUE. 5n daunted spirit, and unconquerable perseverance, he pointed the way to victory. " * » i t « ^ Every soldier^s h.art must warm when reading so just a tnbute from a Commander-in-Chief to the memory of this gallant sold.er General Moore'a keen feelings of honour raised his indignation at any dereliction of conduct or duty. Hence, with the mildest and most amiable temper, he was considered by many who did not sufficiently know him, as fierce, intemperate, and unnecessarily severe; while, in truth, no men was more indulgent and easy, when strictness was unnecessary. At the same time, when severity was ^ led for. as the correctness and propriety of his own mind k-d him to have « no mercy on officers who neglected their duty on any important occasion, " no man could be more severe; and in this he greatly resembled the eminent men by whose example he was always anxious to form his ha- Stuan ''*'"*^'''""^^'' ^"^P^ Abercromby .nd Sir Charles _^It was under General Stuart in Corsica that General Moore, then lieutenant-colonel of the 5 1 st regiment, was first distmguished. At the stornr Ing of Calvi he headed the Gre- nadiers ; and in the face of an obstinate and gallant resist- ance, earned the place by assault. General Stuart, who witnessed the attack, rushed forward, and with an enthu- siasm which only such minds can feel, threw himself into the arms of Colonel Moore, the surrounding soldiers shout- ing and throwing up their caps in the air for joy and exuU tation. As Sir John Moore, according to the wish which he had uniformly expressed, died a soldier in battle, so he was bu- ried like a soldier, in his full uniform, in a bastion in the garrison of Corunna, Colonel Graham of Balgowan, Colonel Anderson, and the officers of his family only attending. • General Orders, Horse Guards, 1st February 1809. i iX. M 54>Z FORTY-SECOND REGIMENT. Oil the 18th and 19th of January, the army heing all em- barked, sailed for England, one division of which landed at Portsmouth, and another at Plymouth. The 42d regiment landed at Portsmouth, The soldiers suffered more from the \vant of shoes thart from any other privation ; and, marching over mountains deeply covered with snow, their feet were torn by the ice, and their toes frost-bitten. The shoes were supplied by contract, and, as is too common in such cases, became whol-' ly unserviceable after a few days* march. * i. 1 ' i.;i < i M J * 'U ♦ Although the following oWrrations may seem foreign to the present su6^ ject, I give them a place here, both on account of the number of men who suf- fered severely on tlus occasion, and, at the same time, in order to mention the great improvements that have been effected — improvements that must be grati- fying to every friend of the good and faithful soldier. I have had frequent oc- casiort to notice the high state of comfort, and the attention to the feelings anJ convenience of the soldiers, introduced into the army under the directions of the present Commander-in-Chief. The regulations with regard to the shoes of the troops form only one out of a numerous list of improvements, all tending to the same purpose,-— to show the soldier that he is held in respect by the country which pays him, and by his immediate commanders* Sueh is the an- xiety that justice be done to tlie soldiers, and rj judicious and appropriate aro the regulations, that much of the fault must rest with tlie regimcnttd officers, if they receive, or permit their soldiers to be supplied with, imprqicr cloathing or provisions. But while this is the case in tlie army, it cannot well be denied, that the system of doing every thing by contract is quickly undermining tlie honesty of the people, and subverting all proper ideas of truth and justice in their dealings. In contracts, it is generally understood that the lowest will be accepted. When the cheapest offer has been preferred, the next object > ' the contractor is to fulfil it on terms as profitable as possible to himself; th.> j, to make the article as bad as he can, first saving the risk of its being returned on Ills hands. A contractor, seeing that his principal sets others in competition with him, will naturally retaliate. In tliis process he must give directions to his workmen, who thus become familiarized witl> fraud, bad materials, and hasty and careless workmanship, such as they do not see in the fair honest c^ourse of business. Observing this iniquitous proceeding carried on by their superiors, so far as they perceive, without shame, punishment, or prejudice to their characters, it cannot be a matter of surprise, that, in their own deal- ings, tliey should practise a little of the duplicity and deception so successfully ^m* rORTY-SECOND RECIMENT. 543 "■ecoted in thl. mnnn.. con.,der.t,„„, .„d ,he p„p„„l„„ Appendix, ^fi tV'9 APPENDIX TO VOLUME FIRST. VOL. I. [l. ,1; m nm APPENDIX, A, Page 15, Vol. I, Thi country traditions are filled with anecdotes of the hunting ex- pediuons of the Alpine kings. From these traditional authorities, the nannes of many remarkable objects in the neighbourhood of their an- cient residence, particularly in Glenroy and Glenspean, are derived. Ossian, and the heroes celebrated in song, seem in a manner over- looked in the recollection of the later warriors and Nimrods. Since strangers and men of science have traversed these long-deserted re- gions, an irreconcileable feud of opinions has arisen between the Ge- ologists and the Highlanders, regarding an uncommon conformation m Glenroy, a glen in Lochaber, remarkable for the height and per^ pendicularity of its sides, particularly of one of them. On the north side, at a considerable elevation above the stream, lyhich flows along the bottom of the glen, there is a flat, or terrace, about seventy feet broad, having the appearance of a road formed on the side of the mountain, and running along, qn a perfect level, to the extremity of the glen. Five hundred feet above this, there is another of these terraces, and stil} higher a third, all parallel, and of similar form. In English they are called Parallel Roads ; the inhabitants know them by the name of the King's Hunting Roads. Geologists say that the glen was once full of water, up to the level of the highest parallel, which must have been formed by the action of the waters of this lake on the side of the hill. By some violence, however, an opening was made in the lower end of theglen that confined the water, in consequence of which it immediately fell as low as the second parallel, and formed it in the same manner as the first. Another opening of the same kind brought down the surface of the water to the third parallel, when, at length, that which confined the water giving way entirely, it subsided to the bottom of theglen, where it now runs, in a rapid stream, without obstruction. To this opinion the Highlanders object, that it is not pro- bable that water, after the first declension, would remain so perfectly stationary as to form a second parallel of thesamedimensions as thefirst, or that the second declension would be so regular in time,and the water so equal in its action, as to form a third terrace in every respect per- fectly similar to the two others ; that the glen is too narrow to allow the waves to act with sufficient force to form these broad levels ; that, in the centre of the glen, which ii> narrow, the levels are the broadest *i2 i 'If,t i k : f;: * 1'' ■ 1' ■ : Pi . F ' % ■▼ APrUNDIX. ami most perfect, whcrcns, on the upper end, which open« to a wide extent, allowing a large spoco for tlie wind and wavoH to net with auperior force, the levela are contracted and less perfect ; that o,\ one side of the glen these terraces are broad, and of perfectly regular formation, while, on the other, they are narrow, and not so well form- ed ; and that, unless the wind blew always from the ttamv quarter, waves would not roll with more force to one side of a piece of water than to another. In (Jit nspcan, which is in the immediate neigh- bourhdod, and in which similar appearances present themselves, the hills rcjcde several miles from each other, leaving a wide expanse, on the sides of which, if the valley or strath had been filled with water^ the waves would have acted with considerable force, and yet these roads, or terraces, are by no means so distinctly formed, and conti. nuous, as in Glenroy. The Highlanders also urge the impossibility of woter having ever been confined in Glenspean, without an impro- bable convulsion of nature, the lower end being of great widih, and open to the oceon. After stating thesn reasons, they triumphantly conclude by a query. Why do not other glens and straths in the Highlands exhibit natural appearances similar to those in the vicinity of the ancient residence of the Alpine kings ? Their own account, which they believe as firmly ns they do their c acd, is, that these roads were made for the hunting of the kings when at Inverlochay ; that they were palisadoed on each side ; and that the game was driven through, affording the R:yal Hunters time to destroy numbers before they could get to the end. As a confirmation of this account, they quote the names of the circumjacent places, which all bear an analogy to those huntings. To these opinions, so opposite and difficult to reconcile, it is pro- bable that each party will adhere. i'y I I 'I' B, Page 16. Thadition states, that, in honour of this ancient alliance, and In compliment to ^he Lilies of France, one of the succeeding Kings of Scotland surmounted the lion on his arms with the double tressure, which has, ever since, continued to be the arms of Scotland, In consequence of a requisition from Charles VII. of France, founded, aa it is said, on this treaty, the Duke of Albany, Regent of Scotland, in the year 1419, sent his son, John Stewart, Earl of Buchan, with 7,000 men, to assist him in his wars against the English. The Earl of Buchan, as a reward for the eminent service rendered by his army, was made Constable of France, which is the only instance of a fo- reigner receiving this distinction. The late Lord Hailes was so remarkable for his accuracy and pre- cision, that, on one occasion, it is said, he proposed to reject a law- paper, because the word justice was improperly spelt, .the last letter having been omitted, this severity of criticism he carried through all his labours. In his remarks on the History of Scotland, he doubts APPFNOIX. y Uio reality of this alliance, bocauKc it liaa been variounly related by •ulbor.. and partrcuiarly by Hector Boece, a Scotch hi^toria.., (of J cbarac er very d. fcrent trom that of ti.e accurate, honourable, and learned judge.) who mdulgcH him.elf in detailing many impn.b .be and fabulou. event- Though doubts may reasonably be er.tirlained con- cermng the authent.c.ty of thi« alliance, it i. evident that our andent hi ormaj and chronic er. when they thought it probable that Huch a teaty had really existed, mu.t have believed that the Alpine king. that the country was able to support a numerous population which has been denied by modern economists. With regard to tl.; credit tL^ ^'f'T'' '' ""u^ •'" ''^*'''^'^' ^^«^' •" ^he absence of written documents they may be so unvarying in their tenor, and so confirm- ed by collateral circumstances, as to be entitled to a considerable de- SlrfaJ 1 ""P°J^«";^f • Traditions, thus preserved and confirmed, ara certainly preferable to the mere conjectures and hypotheses of mo- dern authors, which are not so much founded on any authentic docu- ments, as on the absence of them, and which ofton vary -vith the pe- culiar opinions and preconceired notion, of each individual specula- tist. Ihe want of written proof may, in many cases, be a good legal objection ; but are we warranted, merely from the absence of proof to the contrary, m refusing all credit to what has. for ages, been handed down as the firm belief of our ancestors ? These obfermiona 1 have thought It necessary to offer, as I shall have occasion to refer to many traditions, for which I have neither written nor printed proof., but which I have every reason to believe are founded on facts, alihough there may be some little difference in the relation,— not more, perhaps, than we have met with in the accounts given of the «ame work by the Edinburgh and Quarterly Reviews. 1 here is hardly any point of history, far less tradition, in which all men are agreed. Recent as the events are, we have contradictory accounts of the Peninsular campaigns, and of the battle of Waterloo. When, therefore, we every day hear discordant reports and versions «.n.nrr*!K *''V°*'''i'' -^"^ ^^J*'"" ""^ °'*" ™«'"°''y' <=«" 't be matter of surprise that the affairs of reraoie ages should be variously related, and can it furnish good grounds for rejecting the whole as fabulous? Many parts of our own national history, which we receive with Implicit credence, will not perhaps bear that strictness of criticism which call, ioi- present and written proofs. In the same manner, therefore, as I believe that there was a great and overwhelming victory gained at Waterloo, notwithstanding the discrepancy of minute details, so I am likewise willing to give credit to many parts of our traditional story, t'hen'ticat^e^ T^ "°' opposed to the principles of reason, and well-ai- Whatever may be thought of the treaty with Charlemagne, the connexion between France and Scotland must be allowed to be of high antiquity, since it is noticed as the " Ancient League," as far back as the reigna of Baliol, Bruce, and Robert the firs of the 1 v» APPENDIX. I it* ■* ! ,'l i >■ ' Stewarts, upwards of Bve hundred years ago. Now, as it is not dk- puted, that an amicable communication subsisted thus early, those who disbelieve the alliance between Charlemagne and Achaius ought to iSx the period of the conmiencement of that friendly intercourse, wtiichr continued uninterrupted till the Kings of Scotland removed to England, and united the rival kingdoms under one Crown. It should also be staled how far back the League must have extended, to have entitled it to the term of " Ancient " bestowed on it in the days of John Baliol, who was declared King of Scotland in the year 12&2. C, Page 27. TrtE Meniorial begins with Argyleshire, " the country of the Campbells. " " Campbells. — In Gaelic they are called Clan Guin, or O Duine. The Duke of Argyle is their Chief. He is callpd in the Highlands Macai!!ain Mor. On his own property, and on his kinsmen's lands, he can raise above 3,000 men ; the Earl of Breadalbane, more than 1,000; and the Barons of the names of Campbell, Ardkinglass, Auchenbreck, Lochneli, Innerauke of Argyle, and the .-est of the Duke of Gordon. He can bring out 800 men. Of old there were several tribes in that country, vz. Macmartin of Letterfinlay, and others, branches of the Camerons, who faithfully followed their chief. •" ^«'^^^«'5— Were two distinct and very potent families of old. viz. Macleod of Lewis, and Macleod of Harris, but they ar- both utterly extinct, and their lands possessed by the Mackenzies. The present Laird of Macleod is Chief of the name. He is called in traehc, Macleod. He has a very considerable estate, all holden of the Crown, lying in Glenelg, on the Continent, and in the Isle of bkye. He can bring out 700 men. " Mackinnons.-.The Laird of Mackinnon is their Chief; he holds • «il''^ *^^ ^''°*^"» ^°^^ '" ^^^ ^sles of Skye and Mull, and can raise 200 men. » » . " I again pass to the south to give an account of the inland Chiefs beginning again in Argyleshire, and proceeding from thence north' m VHi APPENDIX, mi Ml wprd. There are several persons of rank, as well ad g«ntlemen> who are chieftains, and who have the command of many Highlanders in Argyle, Monteith, Dumbarton, Stirling, and Perth shires ; such as the Duke of Montrose, the Earls of Moray and Bute, also the Mac- far anes, MacneU of Barra, Macnab of Macnab, Buchanans and qolquhouns of Luss, Macnaughtons, Lamont of Lamont, &c. They can raise among them 5,400 men. Btfsides these there are several border families, those of Kilraick, Brodie of Brodie, Innes of Innes, Irvine of Drum, Lord Forbes, and the Earl of Airley, all of whom are loyal, except the Ogilvies. Few or none of them have any fol- lowers, except Lord Airley, from bis Highland estate. " Duke of Perlh^U no clan family, although the Duke is Chief of a considerable number of barons and gentlemen of the name of Drummond m the Low country. He is brought in here allenarly on apcount of his command of about 300 Highlanders in Gleuartnie and" oiher glens in the county of Perth. . " Robertsons — The Laird of Strowan is their Chief. They are called in Gaelic, Clan Donachie. His lapds hold of the Crown, and lie in Rannoth, and in the Braes of Athole in Perthshire. On his own estate he can raise about 200 men. There are 500 men more ot the Robertsons in Athole who never follow their chief, being part of the followers of the Duke of Athole. «• Mc«zw5.— Sir Robert Menzies of Weem is the Chief. In Gae- Ijc he IS called Menairich. He has a very handsome estate, all hold- ing ot the Crown, lying in Rannoch, and Appin Dull in Athole. and can raise 300 men. " Stewart of Grandtully^Kas a handsome estate in Strathbrane and Strathtay m Athole, all holding of the Crown, out of which he can raise 300 followers. " Clan Gn^gor.— This name was called down by act of Parliament. Jhey are now dispersed under the different names of Drummond, Murray, Graham, and Campbell, and live in the counUes of Perth, Stirling Dumbarton, &c. &c. They have no present Chief, that being elective, and continuing no longer than the current expedition. He IS chosen on the principle of detur digniori. They can raise a- mong them 700 men. ' n*L^*ff trn^.^°fJ-u"rP^^^""*»y« '« no clan family, though the Pukeof AthoU IS Chief, and head of a number of bar-ons and gen- tlemen of the name of Murray in the Lowlands ; but he is deservedly placed here on >ccpunt of his extensive following of about 3,0ci Highlanders, a good many of them out of hie own property, but most of them from the estates of the barons and gentlemen who hold their land of him on account of his great superiorities in Athole, Glenalmond, and Balquidder. Tha most numerous of these, and the readiest to turn out on all occasions, are the Stewarts of Athole, m number more than 1,000 men, as also 500 Robertsons, who do not follow their chief; likewise the Fergussons, Smalls, Spald'ngs, Rattrays, Mackintosbes in Athole, and Maclarens in Balquidder, \H i \ m \ APPENDIX. IX AthoU*^*"^ ^'°^^^ "*"^* '" ^*''°'®' *''* "" foUovvers of the Duke of •' Crossing the Grampian mountains to Brae Mar " Farguharsons.— The only clan family in Aberdeenshire Tn GaelK. called Clan lanla. The^ can bring Lt aboSr'oTmen tJo Laird of Invercauld is their Chief. He has a very handsome estate holden of the Crown, both in Perthshire and Brae Mar There a e several other barons of the name that have competent fortunes such as Monaltrie, Inverey, Finzean, &c. 'oriunes, sucli " D»^eofGordon.^The Gordons is no clan family, although the Duke IS Chief of a very powerful name in the Lowlands. He has a great posse of cavalry and gentlemen on horseback in Enzie and Strathbogie. but he is only placed here on account of his Hiijhland followings m Strathavon and Glenlivet, which are about 300 men his extensive jurisdictions and superiorities in the centre Highlands' ZVrK T^ ^°f •*«••' '^"d Strathspey, do not yield himfny fo U lowers. The tenants on his own property, as well as those who hold their lands of him m feu, follow their natural-born Chief, of whom they are descended, and pay no regard either to the master or sZ perior of their lands. Thus the Camerons follow Lochiel, the Mac- phersons follow Clunie, and other chiefs are followed and obeyed in^the same manner from respect, family attachment, and consan- T ** ^'7"'— A considerable name and family in Strathspey. The Laird of Grant is their Chief. He has a handsome and large estate both in Strathspey and Urquhart, in the county of Invefness aU holden of the Crown, except Abernethy, which he holds of the Earl of Moray. He can raise out of Strathspey 700 men, and out of Urquhart 150. He has several barons of his name both in Inver- ness, Moray, Banff, and Aberdeen shires, such as Dalvey, Ballandal- loch, Rothiemurchus, CuUen, &c. « Mackintoshes.— Thia was one of the most potent clans in Scot- land when their residence was at Tor Castle in Lochaber, the ancient '^5\ u*wl r''^ (of which country they are still heritable stew- ards), but the Camerons having purchased the said estate, their power js much diminished. The Laird of Mackintosh is their Chief- ia Gaelic he is called Mackintoschach, and in English Captain of Clan Chattan. He can bring out 800 men, including the small neighbour- ing clans of Macgilhvray, Macqueen, Macbean, &c. who all own themselves his kinsmen. His countries are Brae Lochaber. Bade- noch, and Strathnearn, in Inverness- shire. He still retains a verv competent estate. He holds Brae Lochaber, Moy, and Lares of thi Crown, Badenoch of the Duke of Gordon, and most of bis kinsmer! bold Strathnearn of the Earl of Moray. ™8 Kinsmen " Macphersons.—Ca]\ed in Gaelic Clan Vurrich. Their Chief ia the Laird of Clunie. He can raise 400 men. His whole lands, and all his kinsmen s lands, hold of the Duke of Gordon, and Ue in Ba- y. '. » APPENDIX; " Fraser..' Are a considerable clan in the countries of Aird and Stratherrig, in Inverness-shire. Their Chief is Lord Lovat; in Gaelic he is called Macimmie. He has a large estate held of the Crown, and can raise 900 men. He has a good number of barons of his name in Inverness and Aberdeen shires. " Grant of Gknmonston^U Chieftain of a branch of the Grants, but does not follow his Chief. He brings out 150 men. In Gaelic he is called Macphadrick. His lands hold of the Crown. In arma- ments he frequently joins with the Laird of Glengarry. " Chishdms — Their Chief is Chisholm of Strathglass, in Gaelic called Chisallich. His lands are held of the Crown, and he can bring out 200 men. " Mackenzies — One of the most considerable clans of one name next to the Campbells in the nation. The Earl of Seaforth is their Chief. In Gaelic he is called Mac Coinich. Out cf his countries of Kintail, Lochalsh, Lochbroom, Lochcarron, on the Continent, and in the Isle of Lewis, all in Ross-shire, he can raise 1,000 men. The Earl of Cromarty, with the Lairds of Gairloch, Scatwell, Kill- cowie, Redcastle, Comric, &c. &c.can raise among them 1,500 men more. " MonroM.— Sir Henry Monro of Fowlis is their Chief. His lands hold of the Crown. He can raise 300 men. " Rosses — Lord Ross is their Chief. His lands hold of the Crown, and he can raise 500 men. « SiUherlands — The Earl of Sutherland is their Chief. In Gaelic he is called Morar Chacto. He can raise 2,000 men. « Mackays — The Lord Reay is their Chief. He is called in Gaelic, Macaoi. His estate holds of the Crown, and brings out 800 nicn. " Sindairs — The Earl of Caithness is their Chief. He is called in Gaelic, Morar Gallu. He could raise 1,000 men, but many of his followers are now under May, Dunbeath, Ulbster, Freswick. &c. &c. * D, Page 35. Of the expedients generally adopted by the Chiefs for summoning their friends and followers, it may not be unacceptable to afford the reader some idea. The warlike disposition of the Celtic clans, their jealousy of wrongs, the numerous concurrent causes of irritation and quarrel, and the nature of the country, over a large extent of which they lived scattered and distant from one another, rendered some signal necessary to give the alarm, and assemble the warriors. The principal signal was the Cross Tarie, or Fiery Cross, a piece of wood burnt or burning at one end, with a piece of linen or white cloth stained with blood hanging from the other. This symbol served two purposes. It was sent round the country to call the men to arras, and it was meant also to show what were the intentions of the enemy Al»l'ENDlX, xi (tliat 18, to burn and desolate the country), and what would be their own fate if they did not defend their honour, their Uvea, and their properties. The cross was sent round the country from hand to hand, each person who bore it running at full speed, shouting as he went along the war-cry of the tribe, and naming the place of rendezvous. At each hamlet a fresh man took it up, so that an alarm was given, and the people assembled a with celerity almost incredible. One of the latest instances of the Fiery Cross being used happened in 1745, when, by the orders of Lord Breadalbane, it was sent round Loch Tay (a distance of thirty-two miles, in three hours), to raise his peo- ple, and prevent their joining the rebels,— but with less effect than in 1715, when it went the same round, and when five hundred men as* sembl^d the same evening under the command of the Laird of Glen- lyon, acting under the orders of the Earl of Breadalbane, to join the Earl of Mar. The war-cry served as a watchword to'individuals in the confusion df the combat, in the darkness of the night, or on any sudden alarm, when assistance was necessary. Each tribe had its own war-cry (or dogan, as it is called in Scotch), to which every clansman answered. The war-cry of the Grants was Craig Eila-chie, from a large rock in the centre of the country of the Grants ; that of the Mackenzies, Tulloch-ards of the Macdonalds, Craig-na-Jioch ,• of the Macpher- Sons, Craig- duif of the Macgregors, Ard-choile ; of the Macfar- lanes, Loch Sloy ; of the Buchanans, Clairinish ; and of the Far- quharsons, Cam-na-cuin. Some families in the border Lowlands em- ployed their names as slogans and watchwords. In the case of the Gordons, whenever assistance was necessary, the cry of " A Gor- don ! a Gordon ! " wae -ure to be effectual. The cry of *« A For- bes ! a Forbes ! " was equally availing with regard to the Forbeses ; and as these two warlike families were at feud for more than 200 years, they had frequent occasion for their respective slogans, in their count- less strifes and rencounters. Besides these cries, they had other marks by which it could be known to what clan, tribe, or district, individuals belonged. One of these was the particular disposition or set of the different colours of the tartan, in the plaid, kilt, hose, and trews. Another mark of distinction was a tuft of heath, pine, or such plant, stuck in the bonnet, as would not fade or cast the leaf. Thus the Macdonalds wore in their bonnets tufts of heath ; the Mac- gregors and Grants a bunch of pine ; the Drummonds and Mocken- zies wore the holly, the former the plain, and the latter the varie- Sated ; * the Markintoshes the boxwood, and so on ; always taking * The Mackpnzies oocasionally assumed the deerV grass, in allusion to the ar- morial bearings of the chief, viz. deer's head and horns. In connexion with these bearings, and with the origin of tlie clan, is an anecdote whicli will be found in the account of the Seaforth Regiment Thif rl ^^r"bution of the distinguishing badgai musthavebeen well understood, otherwise i.ite .erences would occur, as our evergreen trees and shrubs are not numerous. The Maogregors and Grants carried thetame badge, as being of the same descent. Clans inhabiting countries distant from eaeh xU APPENDIX* care. whatever the badge or mark was, that it should be permanent, and not affected by ihe change of the season, and thus be equally conspicuous in winter as in summer. This was the practice of all ex- cept the Stewarts, who generally wore the oak ; which, from losing the leaf and decaying, many regarded as ominous of the decline of the family and name, who also considered the oak emblematical, as the leaves, though withered and decayed, still hang by the branches Km forced off by the new leaves in spring. hi 1 1 a! (V ■ < ^.» E, Page 35. Op such feuds, many instances might be adduced. I shall select only one, which may serve to exemplify the apparently trivial causes irom which they sometimes arose, in periods when men could not re- sort to the laws for protection, and the deadly and often fatal ani- mosity with which they were maintained. After the middle of the htteenth century, a quarrel occurred between Stewart of Garth and a clan named Macivor, who then possessed the greater part of Glen- lyon. The Laud of Garth had been nursed by a woman of the dan Macdiarmid, wrhich was then, and is still, pretty numerous in Glen- lyon and Breadalbane. This woman had two sons, one of whom, toster-brother to the laird, having been much injured by Macivor in a dispute, threatened to apply for redress to his foster-brother. Ac- cordingly, the two brothers immediately set out for that purpose to the Castle of Garth, twelve or fourteen miles distant. In those days, a foster-brother was regarded as one of the family ; and Macivor, well aware that the quarrel of the Macdiarmids would be espoused by his neighbour, ordered a pursuit. The young men being hard pressed, threw themselves into a deep pool of the river Lyon, where they hoped that their pursuers would not venture to follow them. The foster-brother was, however, desperately wounded with an arrow, and drowned in the pool, which still retains the name of Linne Donnel, or Donald s Pool. The other succeeded in reaching Garth. Re- solved to avenge his friend's death, the laird collected his followers, and marched to Glenlyon. Macivor mustered his men, and met the mvaders about the middle of the glen. The chieftains stepped for- ward between the two bands, in the hope of settling ihe aftair ami- cably. Garth wore a plaid the one side of which was red, and the other dark-coloured tartan, and, on proceeding to the conference, he to d his men, that, if the result was amicable, the darker side of the plaid should remain outward as it was; if otherwise, he would give the signal of attack by turning out the red side. They were still engaged m the conference, when Macivor whistled loud, and a number of armed men started up from the adjoining rocks and bushes, other, had sometimes badges somewliat similar, although sufficiem'y marked to APPENDIX. xiH are they there ? " « They are onlvaTprHnP r*"*' P^'P**" ing about the rock., " rep^TMacior - InThr' *^«f."«I"«k- other. - it is time for me to cal? my hound, " Th"*''/ "•"* ?.^ plaid he rejoined his men. who werT w.S i,- ^''*" *"'"""'« **'" confirmed what the sword had won. • ^ ' '^ '*'^ 18 to »,pe or la.e), and the glen .hall be died Glenld'en •' B^ day 18 called /.«A.«».«aran, the stone or slab of the sandl Th^ tot,, the field of battle and th^^^otThe" hTS t^nd'^^frdr C««.«5.«a.,flr« from the cairns or mounds of stones which covrthe Kain'"whti;''; ';r *'"'• ^"^"''^y* «'>°- ^^e coliderabTe n^^^^^ Macilrs. ' ''*^'"'" '"y"' *'"°""**'* *° 1*0 o« the part of thfe In 1816, a sword and battle-axe, now in my possession were A»i. up at Laggan-na.cath. The first is in the forrof a smaU «tnr/ and remarkable for its elegance and proportions? be ng 'eq;", Tan ' model of the present day. The blade is long, but, af Zyhem^ posed, much destroyed by rust. Tne axe, more decaye^tban the word ,s the same as was anciently used by the HiSnders vhen they closed m the fight. The sword is so far curious as Tthnw* that the Highlanders of that age had small swords' ' "'"' F, Page 38. The following are the instances given by Martin : « Captain Jack- and Neil SUwar, his son and heir, of the knds of SergHl^nS pln^alW' naduU, Temper, and others in Itannoch ; Glenn.vaich wSftr SWHlni^ i^'wf P* Uonn, in the county of P«rth. --.Rcco'rds, J^S k^- y/i '' ""* "-'"- xtv APPENDIX. ion of Whitehaven, about sixteen years ago, was obliged to leave hid ship, >^eing leaky, in the bay within Island Glass, alias Scalpa, in the Isle of Harris, with two men only to take care of her, though loaded with goods. The ship was not within three miles of a house, and separated from the dwelling-houses by mountains. Yet wheo the captain returned, twelve months afterwards, he found the vessel and his men quite safe. Captain Lotch lost the Dromedary of Lon^ don, of 600 tons burthen, with all her rich cargo f|;om the Indies, of which he might have saved a great deal, had he embraced the as- sistance the natives offered him. The captain and his men were kindly entertained in the Isle of Skye by Sir Norman Macleod ; and though, among other valuable goods, they had six boxes of gold dust, there was not the least thing taken from them by the inhabitants. " * This protection afforded to the lives and property of their fellow- creatures in the calamity of shipwreck, is honourable to a people ar mong whom the restraints of political institutions were few aqd feeble. To persons who understand the character of the Highlanders, it would be unnecessary to state facts, to prove how generally feelings of humanity, charity, and probity prevail ; but it is by relating a suc- cession of characteristic traits and circumstances of different age^ and periods, connected with, and illustrating each other, that prejur dices, long entertained, can be subdued, and that a proposition, howr ever true in itself which militates against general opinion, can be fully established. To deny the truth of a general statement, to which, in all cases, exceptions may be made, is a matter of no dif- ficulty ; but it is not so easy to resist a coincident and connected vie\y of the manners and habits qf successive generations. | do not mefm to apply those observations to the statements which follow, but to the general scope of the whole, as I have had occasion to state facts in opposition to the opinion of many, with regard to the character and dispositions of the Highlanders, as well as with regard to their intelligence and religious and moral principles. Without referring to Roman authors, Ossian's Poems, or the tradi- tional history of the ancient CaIedoniant<, for the firmness and spirit of independence with which they maintained their freedom from a foreign yoke ; I shall only notice a fev^ extracts from authors, whose works were printed soon afi^er they were composed. Amongst the earliest of these is Hollingshed, who wrote previous to 1560, and who thus speaks of the Highlanders : " Hereby, in like sort, it Com- eth to pass, that they are more hard of constitution and bodie, to beareoff the cold blasts, to watch better, and abstaine longer; where- into also it appeareth, that they are khtd^ bold, nimble, and thereto more skillfull in the warres. As for their faith and promise, thet/ hold it voith great constancie. ** The author of " Certayne Matters concerning Scotland, " printed in 1597, describes the Highlanders of * M«u:tin's Description pf tbc Western Jsles, London, printed 1703. .y^j APPENDIX. XY ««.(«■ ,• their cS.u.mT.o ™.tf,h =• ""k ' ''".' "5™' P"' "f*™ »"•> rf'*'* .he only ki„d.Tf g^j^ Sl^',; rt"^ "T """ ''''""^- "'^^'' "^ Their meals ar/Trtdayw^aterbeTn..''^^^ *"!• '^^'''' ^'''^''' arestranecs to manv nfYh'o^*. ^ **'®"' o'^'^'nary drink; they vices, of Stilr naTon^ ft, somf 0?^ 1"'k"1''''^ "« »° ""^^ °f thj a name. TheyZTlve^JthZ ? '"^Z'^'' ^^ey have not so much as of the body b/sSes o7thp?r^ "^^^'''u ^''"^ ^"""^ ^" '^'^"'•der. labour. HenL Tey are stou ZV^'^^' ""^ "^^ P^^P^"" ^'^^ «>' ercises, as they ire withal Jemarkablv'.?'' ■ "'''"T? '*? "" '"^^''^ «^- inclination to poetry and music ThZ T^"^-' Vl"^ ?^^'"S '^ *»'•«"» sion, entertaininrall su-r^lr; Jf I V^ ^°«P''?^ « ^^yo^'d expres- have no lawyers iatlomevf °^^ '^'^^t^^er condition gratis. They causes, and^everLedS P''"'^ '^''' «^" tual president in "Iheircour ; or by Cb^SZTi^""' f °. '^ P^'P"^" a word, they are equallvvoid rf tL 1 *"""?«« '^'S substitute. In luxury and ambitfor^e^arei" S/J" w T*^' of mankind, but show Jess nronensitvfhtn!, «%»■«'«? observers of Justice, may be led in'^^oTv £ '^JiyV^P^fojUmult, except what the^ chilis andleiders, il^'oVe :^^^^^^^^^^^^ deference they ^pay to thelJ times bring on these weS^meanuTi^ u 't^T^'"'*^^'^ ^'^^^ ««'"e. with theirLighbours " f ^ ^"' ^^ *''^" ^^"'^^ ^"'J i*' rels ported by religion is no Ih J '"O'^alUy, as confirmed and sup- .i.d.ySece.eriia''!i."rr„irto„-^L^^^^^ •im., "»« Bi.cn w7ea„°wm„h^""T''*'"«' "»*■ ««- i» mTo™ « i f) i Wl save h few shillings to the men who brought her in. The ahip and cargo were then intrusted to the farmer of the land adjoining the port in which nhe lay, who, for a very trifling consideration, insured the whole cargo to the owners, and delivered it over to them some months afterwards, complete, and in good order. Another vessel was put ashore about the same time in the Island of Coll, the cargo of which was, in like manner, saved by Mr Maclean, the respectable chief and laird of the island. " About the pame time, two large vessels, belonging to Clyde, went ashore in the Island of Islay ; one of them contained on board ten thousand pounds in specie. As these vessels were not under manage- ment merely because of the sickness and lassitude of the crew, as often happens from a long voyage, although the weather was not tempestuous, the cargoes wjre taken out, and placed along the shores in the best way they could. The vessels were then got oft", and when the articles of the two cargoes were collected together, there was not one thing missing, save one barrel of tar, which had probably been hove overboard, or lost through carelessness. But the most smgular instance of the kind I met with was the following. A vessel from Ireland, laden with linen yarn, was stranded in Islay. The weather happened to become easy, and the cargo was got out ; but as it was drenched in salt water, it became necessary to have the whole wash- ed in fresh water. This was done in a river that was near, and the yarn spread about along some extensive fields near the shore. Se- veral hundred persons were employed in this work for several weeks. Yarn is the staple manufacture of the island, so that the temptation for embezzlement was very great, as a discovery in these circum- stances would have been extremely difficult. Yet when the whole was collected together, to the utter astonishment of the parties concerned, a very few lianks of the yarn, (about five or six to the best of my recollection,) value about two or three shillings, were wanting. «' 1 gladly record these ine'tances of ^oncsty and friendly care ot Ml 1 m APPENDIX, xvir (he unfortunate. How different from what I have be^n wttneif td on the coast of England and Ireland I " • the HiJhirr"''"''?*' ''''^' ^^^ »"'^^' •P^-'^'' °f »h« hoipftallty of dim*; f. K • ^* '^'™I"» * ""'''"8 '^°"'^»'» to their exorbitant IJr Macculloch) are much at variance with Mr Fraier'i statement- Doctor-"^'""''?"^ ""''""'^V " '^^•- ''"bitual extorLn,";ay7the t^rLoso LKr" h-"i; •"""""«' **"l"°* «" inexplicabIe'contra»tto tfte hospitality, which every one who has travelled in this country' ?he V Jii^reouff -rthr'" ^''°"'. '^' ""'"^ •\^'^'^"'''' *«" ^'"^^^ J„ nK.! ^^ . ^ ,.^'^'" inconsistency, as this Geoloirist iust- fhat whioh ^ ""V"""*' ?'»P°""on ; the exorbitant demand for ihoL^ • ""'^^'" ''i'^^'' circumstances, would be presented whh J?' I ".r'riPTr"?" ^•'°™ *''« trafficking spirit which hw no^ reached the Highlands, and is gradually supeisedinR all arTuiSju^ kindness and ^slnterested hospitality. ^Men who !re n5 in X hab, of demanding payment for hosjitality or for accidental per^ sonal services know not what to ask. The man who would ask two shillings for a quart of milk, would work a Whole d^y for ash 1- A fj °m'""^ 'r. ""If" "'^^ " ^«»«^ °r '"""ge without any pay„!ent A Highland lad will enlist to serve for life, along with a frien/ for a trifling or nominal bounty; but if an attempt beCe to bargain wUh Isten tTn o ' "*; T' ?.r^P'' ^^'^ ^^'"P* ^•'" to enlist; orThrdo H f M r 'ir'"' *'^ .'"" ^"'"""•^ « ^"'n o"t of all reason I have seen Highland soldiers spring forward to cover their officers from the ho? cer8''anrt7kL„';r "'3 '^'"^ endeavouring to restrain^he'r offl- cers, and to keep thera under cover, while they fully exposed them- J^Z'h'- ''''"P'?"*'°V/'*'^"''"« '^' attentio^n of the enemy from their commanders ; I have seen the same soldiers dUputJn^J penny in their accounts with the same officers, and, hisTrhaoB o.>ly a few days after this voluntary hazard of their lives to^shelt^; G, Page 41. CiimnLn °'' p°*K^t/'^ ^^^'^ ""^ t^^ celebrated Robert MacirreffQP Campbell, or Rob Roy, well known, in his own and after tim^ m fhl Zl\ ^TA I'^^l^^'r °^ ^'« ^'y> ««d latterly celebred by the great and faithiul Delineator of the character and manner, of our t Dr Macculloch's Descnptlon of the wljJemlfsfi^^''* ^'"^''' ^"^- ' VOL.n. ^ _ ivIU APPF.NDIX. ■, I young wlut their (orefai\ier» saw in their tl«yi,-»tn(! Uught all tA appreciate the blemiing of livina under lawi which protect their per- tons and property, and which forbid the intured or the turbulent to radreM their grievances by the tword. Much, perhaps too much, baa already been said about this man ; but as his actions have form- ed the subject of one of the most popular works of the age, it may be desiridtle to state a few particulars explanatory of his birth, cha- racter, and conduct, and also of the primary cause of his adopting the lawless coarse of life which he led for many years. The few no- tices which follow may be considered as pernsctly authentic, being communicated by men who were either sharers in his different ex- ploits, or were perfectly acquainted with the leader and many of his nllowers. The father of the present Mr Stewart of Ardvorlich knew Rob Roy intimately, and attended his funeral in 1736, the last at which • piper officiated in the HighUmds of Perthshire. * The late Mr Stewart of Bohallie, Mr Macnab of Inchewan, and several gentlemen of my acquaintance, also knew Rob Roy and his family. Alexander Stewart, one of his followers, afterwards enlisted in the Black Watch. ffe was wounded at Fontenoy, and discharged with a pension in 1748. Smne time afler this period he was engaged by my grandmother, then a widow, as a grieve or overseer to direct and take charge of the farm-servants. In this situation he proved a faithful trust-worthy servant, and was by my father continuea in his situation till his death. He told many anecdotes of Rob Roy and his party, among whom he was distinguished by the name of the Bailie, a title which he ever after retained. It was before him that people were sworn, when it was necessary to bind them to secrecy. Robert Macgresor Campbell t was a younger son of Donald Mac- ftregor of GlengjTe, in Perthshire, by a daughter of Campbell of Glenlyon, sister of the individual who commanded at Glenco. ^ He * The {Mpers on these occasions played a solemn dirge, which served the same pur« pose as beHs in towns, organs in churches, and bands of music at military funerals or executions. The difference was only in the instruments used : the principle and effect were tlie same in all. This ancient custom was revived three years ago at the Aineral of a most exemplary, patriarchal, and honourable Chieftain, the late Sir John Murray Macgregor of Lanrick, Baronet. f After the name of Macgregor was suppressed by act of Parliament in 1622; in- dividuals of the clan assumed the names of the chiefs or landlords on whose estates •%ey Uved, or adopted the names of such men of rank and power as co' '•' ar.>rd tfiem protection. Thus, Rob Roy, took the name of his friend and p. c.u. tfap Duke of Argyll, while his son James, putting luxnself under the protecM a v** 'Id family of Perth, took the name of Orummond. This cruel and degra 7i ' ,; < .^ -5i> TCMued in 1775. Now the clan Macgregor may assume and sign their owu uames -to Iwndt and deeds, (formerly no document signed by a Macgregor was legid,) b«t numiwrs do net avail themselves of this indulgence. Many Macgregors have not arm—*^ their original name. I In a ctmttact of amity and manrent between this Donald Mao|(regor and John Buchanan of Arupr.tor, be is called ColoneL In this contract, which is dated 24ith May 1683, Couam^. !!»>.> :greg(Nrbeo5 woi born nomc time between WTI and !fi60, and married Helen Camphell of tbe family of GlenfHlloch. As cattle wa« st that period the |)rinci|ul inarketuble prodiCf of the hill^. the younger aoni of gentlemen hud few other mean* uf procnnnff »n independent •ubii.t- ence, than by engaging in this aort of traffic. At tr early period Kob Ro^ ^atone of the moat respectable and succewfjl drovers in his district. Before the year 17' ^ he had purchased of the family oHVIontrose the lands of Craigrostane, on the banks of Lochlomdodf, and had relieved some heavy debta on his nephew's estate of Glen- gyle. While in this prosperous state, he conimued respected for his honourable dealings both in the Lowlands and Highlands. Previoui to the Union no cattle had been permitted to pass the English border* Aa a boop or encouragement, however, to conciliate the people to thdt moasure, a free intercourse was allowed. The Marquia of Mon- trcie, created Duke the same year, and one of the most zealous par- tisans ( f the Union, was the first to take advantage of this privilege and immediately entered into partnership witif Rob Roy, who was to' purchase the cattle and drive them to England for sale ; the Duke and he advancing an equal sum, (10,000 merks each, a sum which would have purchased 500 head of cattle in those days, when the price of the best ox or cow was seldom twenty shillings), all trang- actions beyond this amount to be on credit. The purchases havin* been completed, Macgregor drove them to England ; but so many people had entered into a similar speculation, that the market was completely overstocked, and the cattle sold for much less than prime cost. Macgregor returned home, and went to the Duke to settle the account of their partnership, and to pay the money adiranced with the deduction of the loss. The Duke, who had taken Macgregor's bond for the money, it is said, would consent to no deduction but insisted on principal and interest. " In that case, my Lord, " said Macgregor, «' if these be your principles, I shall not make it my principle to pay the interest, nor ray interest to pay the principal • 60 if your Grace do not stand your share of the losd, you shall have no money from me. " On this they separated. No settlement of accounts followed, the one insisting on retaining the money unless the other would consent to bear his share of the loss. Nothbtt de* cisive was done till the Rebellion of 1715, when Rob Roy "was out," his nephew Glengyle commanding^ numerou«! liody of the Mac- gregor?, but under the control of Hts uncle's superior judgment and experience. On this occasion the Duke of Montrose's chare of the cattle speculation was expended. The next year his Grace took legal means to recover his money, and got possession of the lando df Craigrostane on account of his bond. This rendered Macgregor des* perate. Determined that his Grace should not enjoy his lands with impunity, he collected a band of about twenty followers, declared ties and agunst all aggressors. This " Clan Dull Cheire" have lately been brouffht to notice, as the " Children of the Mist " of a celebrated and popular work. b2 h'<"'.\ f XX ATirNDTX. open war against him, and gave up his old covirso of regular droving, declaring that the estate of Montrose should, in future, supply him with cattle, and that he would make the Duke rue the day in which he had quarrelled with him. He kept his word ; and for nearly thirty years, that is, till the day of his death, levied regular contributions on the Duke and his tenants, not by nightly depredations and rob- beries, but in broad day, and in a systematic manner ; at an appoint- ed time making a complete sweep of all the cattle of a district ; al- ways passing over those \Jot belonging to the Duke's estate, as well as the estates of his friends and adherents : And having previously given notice where he was to be by a certain day with his cat tie, he was met there by people from alt parts of the country, to whom he sold them publicly. These meetings, or trystec, as they were called, were held in different parts of the country ; sometimes the cattle were driven south, but oftener to the north and west, where the in- fluence of his friend the Duke of Argyll protected him. When the cattle were in this manner driven away, the tenants paid no rent, so that the Duke was the ultimate sufferer. But he was made to suffer in every way. The rents of the lower or cultivated farms were partly paid in grain and meal, which was generally lodg- ed in a store-house or granary called a girnal, near the Loch of Mon ■ teith. When Macgregor required a supply of meal, he sent notice to a certain number of the Duke's tenants to meet him at the girnal, on a certain day, with their horses to carry home his meal. They met accordingly, when he ordered the horses to be loaded, and, giv- ing a regular receipt to his Grace's storekeeper for the quantity taken, he marched away, always entertaining the people very handsomefy, and careful never to take the meal till it had b'len lodged in the Duke's store-house, in payment of rent. When the money rents were paid, Macgregor frequently attended. On one occasion, when Mr Graham of Killearn (the factor) had collected the tenants to receive their rents, all Rob Roy's men happened to be absent except Alex- ander Stewart, " the Bailie," whom I have already mentioned. With this single attendant, he descended to Chapellairoch, where the fac- tor and the tenants were assembled. He reached the house after it was dark, and, looking in at a window,, saw Killearn, surrounded by a number of the tenants, with a bag full of money, which he had re- ceived, and was in the act of depositing in a press or cupboard ; at the same time saying, that he would cheerfully give all in the bag for Rob Roy's head. "This notification was not lost on the outside visi- tor, who instantly gave orders in a loud voice to place two men at each window, two at each corner, and four at each of two doors, thus appearing to have twenty men. Immediately the door opened, and he walked in with his attendant close behind, each armed with a sword in his right and a pistol in his left hand, and with dirks and pistols slung in their belts. The company started up, but he re- quested them to sit down, as his business was only with Killearn, ■I ■f APPENDIX, \Xt r»nl1 ♦ r^«^**°"e, he desired the money to be counted and proper fromX Duke of Mn°f ' ' '^'''^'"^ ''''' ''' ""'^ '^'^'^^^ '^1 Sty from the Duke of Montrose's agent, as the Duke's property, the ten- ants having paid their rents, so that no after demand cou d be made against them, on account of this transaction ; and findinrthat Tome lit'tfrP-'^i""!^'''""^'' '«^^'P»«' he desired he Vac or To grant them immediately, •« to show his Grace, " said he, " Sit U paid hS "'' Aftef tTe"^' T' "°' '^°'", '""'^^ '^"-^ -" ^^^^ paia mm. After the whole was concluded, he ordered sunner ci^ed ht baL ? ^"f ''T'' 'rr"y together'for several hoZ he called his baiho to produce his dirk and lay it naked on the table Killeam was then sworn, that he would not move from that spot fbi '^f°v"outlf ''P"r '' "f'^^^^^^"^' ""^^ t*^- cautioneJ l.im „J y°" J'^e^'' yo"; pa h, you know what you are to expect in the next world, and in this. " pointing to his dirk. He then walked awav and was beyond pursuit before the hour expired. ^' At another coHection of rents by the same gentleman, Macgregor sTnaU isiarSV? • ''"''i'^r .^"«y ^'^'^ '^•^ servantsfTf a Tv enlrlTn;^^^^^^ '^'^"'"8 ^ept him there for several &u2tnr\ T'^^'^".?^^ '"«"""'"' ««aD"ke'8 representa- nl!m2 ? ^ /- ^ dismissed him, with the usual receipts and com- Rlrin nn. -^r* '? l^'t """"^^ ^'^ ^his extraordinary mTn live, in open violation and defiance of the laws, and died peaceably ed b": an tt'? T'^ ''^'V rV *^'«S- »'« funeral wrateS and L LmpH^r /• 'T'^' ^'^^ ""^^ ^°«^' '^^ ^"'^e of Montrose J«nnl„ r'^^f'f*^ friends only excepted. How such things could w?ffin thL f ^ r^T"^ "^."'^ "PP^'*'- '"^^^'J'ble ; and this, too, within thirty mi es of the garrisons of Stirlinf^ and Dumbarton and the populous city of Glasgow; and, indeed,\ith a sSl Prison stationed at Inversnaid, in the heart of the country, and on tlfe estate which had belonged to Macgregor, for the express purpose ochect ing his depredations. The truth is, the thing could Sot have hap- irwithdlh"? "^r'^^'^^f peculiarity of'the m.n'^ characteT; lor with all his lawless spoliations and unremitting acts of vengeance and robbery against the Montrose family, he had%ot an enemj Tn the country, beyond the sphere of their influence. He never hurt or meddled with the property of a poor man, and, as I have stated, was always careful that his great enemy should be the principal, if not the only sufferer. Had it been otherwise, it was quite impLible that, notwithstanding all his enterprise, address, intrepidity, and vi- gilance, he could have long escaped in a populous country, with a warlike people well qualified to execute any daring exploit, such as he seizure of this man, had they been his enemies, and willing to undertake i . Instead of which, he lived socially among them, that 15, as socially as an outlaw, always under a certain degree of alarm lii, , !i 1 1 « 1 ^ J ' fi lli 1 , I i 1 ■l>i\ J i r 1 J ll j I, iii! XXII Al'PLNUIX. could do, — giving the education of gentlemen to his sons, • frequent- ing the most populous towns, and whether in Edinburjjh, Pertli, or Glasgow, equally safe; at the same time that he displayed great and masterly address in avoiding, or calling for public notice. These instances of his address struck terror into the minds of the troops, whom he often defeated and out-generalled. One of these instances occurred in Breadalbane, in the case of an officer and Torty chosen men sent out after him. The parly crossed through Glen- falloch to Tynedrum, and Macgregor, who had correct information of all thejf movements, was with a party in the immediate neigh- bourhood. He put himself in the disguise of a beggar, with a bag of meal hung on his back, (in those days, alms were always bestowed in produce), went to the inn at Tynedrum where the party was quar- tered, walked into the kitchen with great seeming indifference, and sat down among the soldiers. They soon found the beggar a live- ly, sarcastic fellow, and began to attempt some practical jokes upon him. He pretended to be very angry, and threatened to in- form Rob Roy, who would quickly show them they were not to give, with impunity, such usage to a poor and harmless person. He was immediately asked what he knew of Rob Roy, and if he could tell where he was. On his answering that he knew him well, and where he was, the sergeant informed the officer, who immediately sent for him. After some conversation, the beggar consented to accompany them to Crianlarich, a few miles distant, where he said Rob Roy and his men were, and that he believed their arms were lodged in one house, while they were sitting in another. He added, that Rob Roy was friendly and sometimes joked with him, and put him at the head of his table ; and, •' when it is dark, *' said he, " I will go forward, you vill follow in half an hour, and, when near the house, rush on, place your men at the back of the house, ready to seize on the arms of the Highlanders, while you shall go round to the front with the fergeant • One of his sons, who died not many years ago, was very young at his father's death, and did not receive so good an education as his brotliers. Another son, James Drummond Macgregor, was implicated with his brother Robert in carrying off by force a rich widow, yvhpm he afterwards noarricd. For this crime they were tried and condemned. Robert was executed in 1753. His execution is thus no- ticed in the Caledonian Mercury of 7th February 1753: " Yesteidny Robert Mac- gregor Campbell, alias Rob Roy Ogg, was executed in the Grass Market, for the forcibly carrying away of the deceased Mrs Jean Keay, heiress of Edenbclly ; he W9s genteely dressfid, and read on a vplume of Gother's Works from the prison to the place pf execution. " James escaped from ])rispn, and fled to France, where he lived in great poverty ; but, being a man of considerable talent jind address, he ^as offered a sum of money for communicating intelligence— in short, to be employed as a spy for tlie French Government. An idea of his education, and of his principles, may be formed from some letters published in Blackwood's Magazine in 1818, and from his rejection of an employment which he considered dishonourable in itself, and de. trimerital to the good of his country, although banished from it, and having iiltle Erospect of being evev permitted to return. lie died in France in great poverty, eing chiefly supported by some benevolent countrymen. {^. Vl_ APPENDIX. XXltl s, * frcquciit- ;h, Pertli, or iplayed great lotice. minds of the One of these cer and Torty rough Glen- c information ediate neigli- with a bag lys bestowed •ty was quar- Ference, and ggar a live- aictical jokes tened to in- I not to give, )n. He was ie could tell I, and where tely sent for mpany them Roy and his n one house, lob Roy was the head of brward, you sh on, place J arms of the the fergeant at his father's Another son, rt in carrying ime they were }n is thus no- y Robert Mac- laiket, for the iibolly ; he was pn to the place ire he lived in |ie ^as offered loyed as a spy ciplcs, may be )18, and from itself, and de. having ii(tlu jrcat poverty, and two men, walk in, and call out that the whole are your priwn- ers J and don t be surprised although you see me at the head of the company. As they marched on, they had to pass a rapid stream at Dalne, a spot celebrated on account of the defeat of Robert Bruce, by Macdougal of Lorn, in the year 1306. Here the soldiers ri® ^'l^l^T"!. !"*"'* ^^^ *®8^»'"' *° ""y tJ'em through on his i)acK. This he did, sometimes taking two at a time till he took the whole over, demanding a penny from each for his trouble. When it •was dark they pushed on, (the beggar having gone before), the offi- cer following the directions of his guide, and darting into the house with the sergeant and three soldiers. They had hardly time to look to the end of the table where they saw the beggar standing, when the door was shut behind them, and they were instantly pinioned, two men standing on each side, holding pistols to their ears, and de- clarmg that they were dead men if they uttered a word. The beggar then went out and called in two more men, who were instantly se- cured, and in the same manner with the whole party. Having been disarmed, they were placed under a strong guard till morning, when he gave them a plentiful breakfast, and released them on parole, (the Baihe attending with his dirk, over which the officer gave his parole), to return immediately to their garrison, without attempting any thing more at this time. This promise Rob Roy made secure, by keeping their arms and ammunition as lawful prize of war. Some time after this, the same officerwas again sent in pursuit of this noted charar»flr, probably to retrieve his former mishap. In this ex- pedition he was more fortunate, for he took two of the freebooters prisoners ir the higher parts of Breadalbane, near the scene of the former exploit, but the conclusion was nearly similar. He lost no time m proceeding in the direction of Perth, for the purpose of put- ting his prisoners in jail ; but Rob Roy was equally alert in pursuit. His men marched in a parallel line with the soldiers, who kept along the bottom of the valley on the south side of Loch Tay, while the others kept close up the side of the hill, anxiously looking for an op- portunity to dash down and rescue their comrades, if they saw any remissness or want of attention on the part of the soldiers. Nothing of this 'kind offered, and the party had passed Tay Bridge, near which they halted and slept. Macgregor now saw that something must soon be done or never, as they would speedily gain the Low country and be out of his reach. In the course of the night he procured a number of goat-skins and cords, with which he dressed himself and his party in the wildest manner possible, and, pushing forward before daylight, took post near the road side, in a thick wood below Grand- tully Castle. When the soldiers came in a line with the party in am- bush, the Highlanders, with one leap, darted down upon them, utter- ing such yells and shouts, as, along with their frightful appearance, so confounded the soldiers, that they were overpowered and disarmed without a man being hurt on either side. Rob Roy kept the arms and ammunition, rcleaicd the soldiets, and marched away in triumph hie r<»«3#^i«tfiH nfft^^M XXIV APPENDIX. !i ; ft I 1 ! :i f i . The terror of his name was much increased by exploits like these, which, perhaps, lost nothing by the telling, as thj soldiers would not probably be mclined to diminish the danger and fatigues of a duty in which they were so often defeated. But it is unnecessary to repeat the stories preserved and related of this man and his actions, which were always dan ng and well contrived, often successful, but never directed against the poor, nor prompted by revenge, except against the Duke of Montrose, and without an instance of bloodshed com., mitted by any of his party, except in their own defence.* In hig war against the Montrose family he was supported and abetted by Jhe Duke of Argyll, from whom he always received shelter when hard pressed, or, to use a hunting term, when he was in danger of being earthed by the troops, f These two powerful families were still rivals, although Montrose had left the Tories and joined Argyll and the Whig interest. It is said that Montrose reproached Argyll m the House of Peers with protecting the robber Rob Roy, when the latter, with his usual eloquence and address, parried off the ac- cusation, (which he coiild not deny), by jocularly answering, that, if he protected a robber^ the other supported and fed him. H, Page 66, This man had been a sergeant in the French service, and came over to Scotland in the year 1745. From his large size he wrs call- ed Sergeant Mor. Having no settled abode, and dreading the con- sequence of having served in the army of France, and of being after- wards engaged in the Rebellion, he formed a party of outlaws, and took up his residence among the mountains between the counties of Perth, Inverness, and Argyle. While he plundered the cattle of those whom he called his enemies, he protected the property of his friends, and frequently made people on the borders of the Lowlands purchase his forbearance by the payment of Black Mail. Many stories are told of this man. On one occasion he met with an officer of the garrison of Fort- William on the mountains of Lochaber. The officer told him that he suspected he had lost his way, and, having a large sum of money for the garrison, was afraid of meeting the Ser- geant Mor ; he, therefore, requested that the stranger would accom- pany him on his road. The other agreed ; and, while they walked on, they talked much of the Sergeant and his feats, the officer using r*A^j u-^'^ ^^^ *^^ '^.* rencounter Macgregor had was a duel with Mr Stewart of Ardshiel. They fought with the broad sword. Magregor being then far ad- vaftced in years, and very corpulent, gave up the contest, after receiving a cut in the chin, ° u- ^u^A^^"^ .""**" Crcigrostane, and close to Lochlomond, is pointed out as one of his hiding places. If, contrary to the general opinion of the people, he ever lived m caves, it is probable that he would not make choice of such an one as that at Craigrostane, whence an escape would be impossible if an enemy discovered the hiding place, and guarded the entrance. Rob Roy was not a man likely to trust himselt in such -a place on any emergency, or danger from an enemy. {% APPENDIX. XXV much freedom vy.tl. h.s name, calling him robber, murderer.-^" Stop Ir 1 • '"/f""P»jd Jus companion, '« he does indeed take the cattle ofthe Wh.g8 and Sassanachs, but neither he nor his kearna hs ever tunate at Braemar, when a man was killed, but I immediately order. ed the creach (the spoil) to be abandoned, and left to the owners rL treating as fast as we could after such a misfortune. " ' Ylr'^Z the officer, '' what had you to do with the affair ? " « I am John Dhu Camercn_I am the Sergeant Mor ; there is the road toTnve lochay -you cannot now mistake it. You and your money are safe S your governor to send in future a more wary messenger for his gold Td him also, that although an outlaw, and forcedSo live on the public I am a soldier as well as himself, and would despise takn^ his gold rrom a defenceless man who confided in me. "The office? ost no time in reaching the garrison, and never forgot the adv^n- ture, which he frequently related. ^ auv.n- Sonje tin^e after this, the Sergeant Mor was betrayed by a treach- erous friend, and taken by a party under the command of Lieu eSant Kterwards Sir Hector) Munro. This happened at the fa m of t^Wh^; '" iTZ""^' ^'•"'" •'!." r« •" '^^ ^^^' °^ sleeping in safety pLnr m'^ ' ""'r " '' '''^ '^^} ^''' ^""'^'°'-'' «e"t "°t'^e to Lieu! tenant Munro, who was stationed two miles distant. Cameron slept hv1,i«Tw ?"T ^« '"^'' ^' "^^ supposed, been secretly removed, «nH !• f /"'"**K ^u ."'^' ^°""^ °«'^^P' ^"'J 'he soldiers rushed in and seized h.m ; but, being a powerful man, he shook them all off^ and made his way to the door, where he was overpowered by those on the outside He threw off one of the soldiers with such force against the wall of the barn, that he was long disabled by the bruises Cameron was carried to Perth, and tried before the Court of Justi-* ciary for the murder in Biaemar, and various acts of theft and cattle stealing. One of these acts of theft was stealing from the Duke of Atholl s parks at Blair two wedders, which the party killed for food "iVlZ 'fT' T ^^^T"'-. 5^"^"'"*'" "'^^ ^'^^^"'^d at Perth on the 23d of November 1753, and hung in chains. It was then tlje practice, in the Court of Justiciary, to call the Doomster (an officer so called) into Court after sente;,ce of death was passed, to place his hand on the head of the criminal, as a token that he was in future to be under his care. A friend of mine, who was present at this trial, inforn :d me, that when the Doomster ap- preached the Sergeant Mor, he exclaimed, '« Keep the caitiff off. let him not touch me; and stretching his arms as if to strike, the Doomster was so terrified by his look, action, and voice, that he shrunk back, and retired from the Court, without going through the usual ceremony. o o e * •»• I, Page 71. Beague, in his History of the Scotch Campaigns of \b\s and > . Hil xxvt APPENDIX. '!i I 1549, describing the battle of Pinkie, in which the ScotH were de- feated, says, " The Highlanders, who show their courage on all oc- casions, gave proof of their conduct at this time, for they kept to- gether in one bod)r, and made a very handsome and orderly retreat. They are arii«>d with broad swords, large bows, and targets. " "The armour,'' says the author of" Certayne Matters, *' ih 1597, '• with which they covered their bodies in times of war, is an iron bonnet, and halberzion side almost even with their heels ; the wea. pons against their enemies are bows and arrows ; they flfjht with broad swords and axes ; in place of a drum they use a bagpipe ; they delight much in music, but chitfly in harps and clairsshoes {clairsack is the Gaelic for harp) of their own fashion.'* The author of" Memoirs of a Cavalier," speaking of the Highlandrs in the Scotch army under General Leslie in 1640, fays, '• I confess the soldiers made a very uncouth figure, especially the Highlanders ; the oddness and barbarity of their garb and arms seemed to have something in it Remarkable. They were generally tall swinging-looking fellows ; their swords were extravagantly broad ; and they carried large wooden targets, large enough to cover the upper parts of their bodies. Their dress was antique as the rest ; a flat cap on their heads, called by them a bonnet, long hanging sleeves behind, and their doublets, breeches, and stockings, of a stuff they called plaid, striped across red and yellow, with short cloaks of the same. These fellows looked, when drawn out, like a regiment of Merry Andrews, ready for Bar- tholomew fair. They are in companies all of a name, and therefore call one another by his Christian name, as James, John, Rob, and AUister, that is Alexander, and the like ; and they scorn to be com- manded but by one of their own clan or family. They are all gen- tlemen, and proud enough to be kings. The meanest fellow among them is as tenacious of his honour as the best nobleman in the coun- try, and they will fight and cut one another's throats for every trifling affront ; but to their own chiefs or lairds they are the willingest and most obedient fellows in nature. To give them their due, were their skill and exercise and discipline proportioned to their courage, they would make the best soldiers in the world. They have large bodies, and prodigious strong, and two qualities above all other nations, viz. hardy to endure fatigue, hunger, cold, and hardships, and wonder- fully swifl of foot. The latter is such an advantage in the fleld, that I know none like it, for if they contjuer, no enemy can escape them, and if they run, even the horse can hardly overtake them. There Were some of them, as I observed before, went out in parties with their horse. There were 3,000 or 4,000 of these in the Scotch army, armed only with swords and targets, and in their belts some oi f.hem had a pistol, but no musqucts at that time among them. But there were also a great many Scotch regiments of disciplined men, who, by their carrying their arms, looked as if they understood their business, and by their faces, that they durst sec an et^emy, " f I APPENDIX. xxvii K, Page 72. Two which occurred in the reign of Charles 11. were among the last instances of bowmen bemg employed in the Highlands. After a long and protracted feud between the Lairds of Mackintosh and Lochiel, cotnmencmg m a claim of the former to lands held by the AT\^''^i*''^'l!^' ^"^ ^"^'"■''^ *"'" *^'"''"' '•^''''^J '"■« clan, and awi.t- ed by the Macphersons, marched to Lochaber with 1,500 men He was met by Lochiel with 1.200 men, of whom 300 were Macgregors. About 300 were armed with bows. When preparing to engaee. the Earl of Breadalbane, who was nearly related to both chiefs: came in sight, with 500 men, and sent them notice, that if either of them re- used to agree to the terms which he had to propose, he would throw his force into the opposite scale. This was a strong argument, and not easily refuted. After some hesitation, his offer Sf mediatioi was accepted, and the feud amicably and finally settled. The other instance happened about the same time, in a contest be- ween the Macdonalds of Glenco and the Breadalbane men. The tormer being on their return from a foray in the low coontrv at- tempted to pass through Breadalbane without giving due notice or paying the accustomed compliment to the Earl, who, a short time previous, had been raised to that rank. A number of his Lordship's tollowers, and a great many others, who were assembled at the castle ot Finlarig to celebrate the marriage of a daughter of the family, en- raged at this msult, instantly rushed to arms, and following the Mac- conads, with more ardour than prudence, attacked them on the too of a hill north from the village of Killin, where they had taken post o defend their cattle. The assailants were driven back with creat Joss, principally caused by the arrows of the Lochaber men. It is said that nineteen young gentlemen of the name of Campbell, imme- diate descendants of the family, fell on that day. Colonel Menzies ot Cu dares, who had been an active partisan under the Marquis of Argyll and the Covenanters in the civil wars, and whose prudent ad- vice of attacking in flank the hot-headed youth despised, had nine arrow wounds in his legs and thighs. These wounds he received in retreating across the river Locliy, and when ascending the hill on the opposite side of the valley. Though the arrows were well aimed they lost much of their force by the distance ; cons«!quentlv the wounds were slight. i j ^ The yew was die common material of the bows of the Highlanders, " who drew. And almost joined the horns of the tough yew. " Within the church-yard of Fortingal, Perthshire, the ruins of an enormous yew-tree still remain. The stem is now separated into two parts ; the principal, although only a mere shell, the centre beini? en- tirely decayed, measures thirty-two feet in circumference. Colonel Campbell ot Glenlyon, and my grandfather, used to say, thai when i VI $ i* .! hiV I :,' 1 f xxvm APPENDIX. they were boys, (about the year 1725.) the parts now separated were united, when the whole stem measured fifty-six feet in circumference, llm venerable relic, which appears so respectable in its decay, has suffered much from delapidations. Tradition says, that warriors, at one time, cut their bows from it ; latterly dirk-makers, shoemakers, and others, made handles from it for their dirks, awls, and other in- struments ; and it has suffered greatly from the- curiosity of modern tourists. '' In the original charter for building the chjrrh of Perone, in Pic- caruy dated in the year 684, a clause was inserted, directing the pro- per preservation of a yew-tree, which was in existence in the year 1790, nearly 1100 years after this .lotice of it in the charter.— a remarkable instance of the durability of this species of wood. L, Page Y9. ^ Within these few years, an opinion has prevailed, that the truis IS the ancient garb of ihe Highlanders, and that the plaid, kilt, and bonnet, are of modern invention. This opinion, adopted by many, IS supported by a writer in the Scots Magazine of 1798. This au- thor endeavours to prove that the plaid and phllibcg must be modern, and assigns, as a reason, that they are not mentioned by ancient au- thors; and that, in all monumental figures and statues of ihe^an- cient kings of Ireland, the kilt never appears as part of their garb. But as those authors generally wrote in Latin, the words plaid and kilt could not probably be expressed in appropriate terms ; and as the Irish kings were not Highlanders, there appears no good reason for supposinfi that they should ba represented in kilts. The author of Memoirs of a Cavalier " says, that a body of 4,000 Highlanders, whom he saw with the Scotch army in 16*0, wore flat caps on their heads, called by them bonnets, long hanging sleeves behind, and their doublets, breeches, and stockings, of a kind of stuff they called plaids, striped across, red, green, and yellow, with short cloaks of the same. Now, as this author mentions neither truis nor kilt, it might he supposed that those articles of dress were not in use so late as Ihe reign of Charles I., that breeches only were worn, and that truis and kill were adopted since that period ; although it is well known that the truis is a very ancient, but not the only ancient, dress of the Caledonians. Beague, in his History of the Campaigns in Scotland in J548 and 1549, printed in Paris, in 1556, states, that at the siege of Haddm^-ton, in 1549, " they (the Scotch army) were followed by the Highlanders, and these last go almost naked; they have painted waistcoats, and a sort of wollen covering, variously co- loured." As the author wrote in French, perhaps he did not under- stand the terms tai tan, plaid, and kilt, and as the people wore painted waiscoats and coloured coverings, it is probable, that, if they had had the addition of truis, they would not have been described as «' almost naked. The author of " Certayne Matters " says, that in his days, (previous to 1597), " ihey (the Highlanders) delighted much in mar- APPENniX. XXIX bled clotl.e., spocaUy that has long stripes of sundrle colours ; their predecessors used short mantles of divers colours, sundrie w^vs di- l.^t' f p. I ' ^"i '"i'"»'0"«J states, that plaids and t'arta.. came from Handcrs to the Lowland, of Scotland, in the sixteenth Snn'Lf L thence passed to the .Highlands; but is it certain that artan was known ,n Flanders, and that tartan and the kilt were worn in the Lowlands, before their supposed passage to the mountains ? But allowing, what 13 very improbable, that the fashion of striped and variegated clothes, or tartan, came from Flanders, it must have been much earher than the sixteenth century ; for we find by the chartu- lar.es of the Episcopal See of Aberdeen, lately edited by John Gra- hanr. Dalyel, E^q. that the statutes or canons of the Scottish church m the years 124^2 and 1249 and the ordinances and regulations of the See of Aberdeen, 1256, directs that all ecclesiastics be suitably appare led, avoiding red, green, stripped clothing, and their garments not to be shorter than to the middle of the leg. "now, this rid green striped clothing must have been tartan, and the forbidden garment worn shorter than to tl » middle of the leg, the kilt. But, to return to the article in the Scots Magazine, it is stated, that the garb is called - be'vgarly, effeminate, (this, I apprehend, is rather an unexpected characteristic,) grossly indecent and absurd," to sav nothing of the tasteless regularity and '« vulgar glare of tartan. " * The colours of the tartan do not appear so red and glaring as the peers robes, the military uniforms, or the royal livery, which there- fore cannot with propriety be called vulgar, considering those who wear them. But this author's remarks deserve no attention ; and as on the whole, it is not probable that a people, at so late a period, would assume a garb totally unknown in the world, and in their cold climate put away the warm breeches, and expose half their body to the blast, there are the better grounds for the undivided opinion of the people themselves, that as far back as they have any tradition, the tru.s, breachanna-fed, (the kilted plaid,) and philibeg, have evrj hpf p. the dress of the Highlanders. The truis were used by gentle- ^rseback, and by others as they were inclined, but the cc -.rb of the people was the plaid and kilt. This was the usuii. -wn till the act passed for the suppression of the garb. When emen travelled southward, it was generally on horseback, consequentiv ihey wore the truis, and were often in armour ; of course the Lowlandeis would the more readily notice the former as a pro- minent part of the mountain garb, and describe it accordingly.f * One of the most distinguished artists of the ago, Mr West, late President of the Royal Academy, differs from this opinion. He has expressed his surprise a 1 e l.lend:ng and arrangement of the colours, and considers, « that great art (that s to say, much knowledge of the principles of colouring with pleasing effect) has l,ee,i displayed in the composition of the tartans of several clans, regarding them in Te neral as specimens of natural taste, something analogous to the affecting, but artless strains of the native music of Scotland. " ^ t My great-grand-father's portrait is in complete armour, with a full-bottomed wig reaching down neariy to his waist, according to the fashion of King WiUiim's and Queen Anne s reigns. This portrait was painted in London, where he luvc-r XXX API'F.NDIX. Ml: ' 1' i I 'Kr-' lull ]y:7 lU M, Page 87. Thk weddings were the delight of all ages. Pcnons from ten years of age to four score attended them. Some weekd previou* to the marriage-day, tiie bride and bridegroom went round their respec- tive friends, to the distance of many miles, for the purpose of invit- ing them to the wedding. To repay this courtesy, the matrons of the invited famihes returned the visit within a few days, always well supplied with presents of beef, hams, butter, cheese, spirits, malt, and whatever they thought necessary for the ensuing feist. These, with what the guests paid f\)r tlieir entertainment, and the gifts presented the day after the marriage, were often so considerable, as to contri- bute much to the future settlement of the young couple. On the wedding-morning, the bridegroom, escorted by a party of friends, arid preceded by pipers, commenced a round of morninp: calls, to re- rnind their invited friends of their engagements. This circuit some- times occupied several hours, and as many joined the party, it might perhaps be increased to some hundreds, when they returned to the bridegroom's house. The bride went a similar round among her friends. The bridegioom gave a dinner to his friends, and the bride to hers. During the whole day, the fiddlers and pipers were in constant em- ployment. The fiddlers played to the dancers in the house, and the pipers to those in the field. • The ceremony was generally performed after dinner. Sometimes the clergyman attended, sometimes they wait- ed on him : the latter was preferred, as the walk to his house with such a numerous attendance added to the eclat of the day. On these occa- sions the young men supplied themselves with guns and nistols, with which they kept up a constant firing. This was answered from every hamlet as they passed along, so that, with streamers flying, pipers playing, the constant firing from all sides, and the shouts of the young men, the whole had the appearance of a military array passing, with all the noise of warfare, through a hostile country. The young couple never met on the wedding-day till they came before the cler- gyman, when the marriage rites were performed, with a number of wore the Iligliland garb. Yet this is given as an instance of the garb not being in use among gentlemen. Had his picture been painted in the Highlands, it would probably have been done in his usual dress, which was the tartan, &c. _ • Playing the bagpipes within doors is a Lowland and English custom. In the Highlands tlie pijier is always in the open air ; and when people wish lo dance to viis music, it is on the greeij, if the weather permits; nothing but necessity makes tliem attemi)t a pipe dance in the house. The bagpipe was a field instrument in- tended to call the clans to arms, and animate tliem in battle, and was no more in- tended for a house, than a round of six-pounders. A broadside from a first rate, or a round from a battery, has a sublime and impressive effezt at a proper distance. In the same manner, the sound of the bagpipe, softened by distance, had an inde- scribable effect on the minds and actions of the Highlanders. But as few would choose to be under the muzzle of the guns of a ship of the line or of a battery when in full play, so I have seldom seen a Highlander, whose ears were not grated when close to pipes, however much his breast might be warmed, and his feelmgs roused, by the sounds to which he had been accustomed in his youth, when proceeding from tlie proper distance. ';■■■ * ins from fen previou* ta heir respec* Jse of invit- matrons of always well ts, malt, and These, with ts presented as to contri- le. On the r of friends, ' calls, to re* rircuit some* rty, it might irncd to the ; her friends, ide to hers, constant em« Jse, and the / performed is they wait* se with such these occa* >istols, with I from every I'ing, pipers >f the young assing, with rhe young ire the cler- i number of 1) not being in nds, it would itom. In the ill to dance to jcessity makes istrument in- is no more in- a first rate, or )pcr distance, liad an inde- as few would battery when ; grated whan >lmg3 rotised, iceeding from ArPFNDIX. xxxt InZ Tr'i- ^"^ P«"'<^"^''«•i^c. One of these was to untie fnhlVf ""i '""'*'"«? "" '^"^ P^""""" "'' l''« bridgroom ; nothing t^ be bound on hat occasion, but the one indissoluble knot, which ?un'ctio°:^S^''* dissolve. The bride was not included in 'thrsin. junction. She was supposed to be so pure and true, that infidelity on her part w. not contemplated. Such were the ^ecut notion^ anddehcacyof thmkmg .mong a people esteemed rJde and uncdti- vated. As all these ceremonies, which were very numerous and very innocent, added much to the cheerfulness and haf piness of the younj people, I cannot avoid regretting their partial disuse. Nor can I Uip preferring a Highland wedding, where I have myself been so happy, and seen so many blithe countenances and eyes /parklinjr with delight, to such weddings as that of the Laird of Drum,'^ anSo^ of the Lord Sommerville, when he married a daughter of Sir James Bannatyne of Corhou>e. On hat occasion, san^ctified by the pur?- tanical cant of the times, there was "one marquis, three earls, two Kn!""*^" '^'" •"'' T'^ V^^\ <^\ti\sterH present at the solemnity, but not one musician ; they liked yet better the bleating of the calves of Dan and Bethel the ministers' long-winded, and sometimes non- sensical graces, little to purpose, than ail musical instruments of the janctuaries, at so solemn an occasion, which, if it be lawful at all to have them, certainly it ought to be upon a wedding-day, for diver- tiseraent to the guests, that innocent recreation of music and dancintr being much more warrantable, and far better exercise than drinking and smoking of tobacco, wherein the holy brethren of the Presbyte- rian (persuasion) for the most part employed themselves, without any formal health, or remembrance of their friends, a nod with the head, or a sign with the turnmg up of the white of the eye, served for the ceremony. ' ♦ Such was a Scotch wedding towards the end of the seventeenth, and such, I hope, will not be Highland weddings of the nineteenth century, although now seldom countenanced by the pre- ■ence of chiefs and landlords, as modern manners preserve a greater sutS'h^r '" TZ *^*y'' ".^'" * "^""^ ^°'-d'^' communication subsisted between the hig ler and lower orders. N.Page 87. It has often been said that the music of Scotland was borrowed from Italy, and that David Rizzio first gave it the stamp and charac- ter which It now bears. If this opinion be well founded, it would be desirable to show what part of the Scottish music has been borrowed! what IS original, and whether this particular kind of music was ever known in Italy. Bagpipes are common in Italy, particularly among the Tyrolese m the north, and the Calabrese in the south ; yet. is it probable that the Highland pibrochs came either from Italy or the Tyrol ? The Reel of TuUoch, Rothiemurchus Rant, and Jenny Dan| • Memoirs of the Sommerville Family. XXXII APPENDIX. U PR]'''''" i! I: ' ll< 'I U '■■■; t (.*■ ' I. fm ' Iho Wcovcr, cannot well claim any nc«r connexion wiili Fialian music. Mackmtosh's Lament, and Cragunna in the north, the Birka of In- vermay in the centre, and the Flowers of the Forest in the south of Scotland, from their melody, bear gome rencmblance to the Italian < bur a<4 there must be a similarity in all melodious sounds, it isproba- ble, that the connexion between the softer music of Scotland and of Italy IS only to be found in their beauty, and that the Pibroch, Reel, Btrathspey, Lament, and Songs, are peculiar to the country. The opinion which attributes the melody of the Scotch songs to Rizzio, •nd the sublime and elevated sentiments of Ossian to Macpherson, ■eem to be founded more on the ideas entertained of the rude and uncultivated state of Scotland, at an early period, as being perfectly Incompatible with the delicacy of taste and feeling which both the poetry and music display, than on any authentic information. But where there is a deficiency of authentic information, there is more room for a diversity of opinion, especially as, on one side, all is tra- diiion, supported by many facts ; and on the other, all is assertion, without one fact, except some surmises originating in the vanity of Rizzio and Macpherson. The latter had too much honour to asjert that he was the author of the poems, although, as the MSS. of which he got possession have disappeared, perhaps he would not have been sorry if the world had given him credit for talents equal to such compo- •itions. The MSS. would have been clear evidence that he was not the author ; but he has himself furnished complete evidence, by his poe- tical works, and other translations, which unfortu-ately for his lite- rary reputation he published, as if it were to show how inferior they are to his Gaelic translations. However, a fine field of disquisition IS opened, and national vanity interposes to darken the question. In the south, it cannot be endured, that a people who have always been considered as rude and savage, should compose, preserve for ages, and enjoy with enthusiasm, the beauties of a body of noetry, equal to what the most refined civilization has produced. In the north, again, the people are impatient and irritated at the attempts to accuse them of fraud and falsehood ; and of endeavours to palm on the pub- lic the patched-up works of a modern author, as the genuine produc- tions of their ancestors. Had the question, when fir^t agitated, been properly managed, it might have been easily decided, when there were such a cloud of witnesses, and so many people were living who had the poems before Macpherson was born, and who knew that the rehearsal and learning of them formed one of the principal winter pastimes of the people. But, even at that period, who were to be the judges ? The southern unbelievers could not have understood one word of the poems in dispute, although all the bards in the north had been assembled, and each had recited Macpherson's publication verbatim in the original. The Highlanders, the only people who un- derstood the language, and could judge properly, would not have been believed, although they had asserted, that the recitals of the bards and the translations coincided perfectly. In such a determined difference :i LI h 1 II APPENDIX. xxxiii .ion., „„.,e or^jci sc7r^:r^^&To ""' ■-■ very ancient, and so authentic a. .« kF u "^P°^^ ^o Ossun are father to .on for age. beyond the Ltr.'''"" 'j*"^"'* **°"''* ''™«»' this belief, whiletSeXaJnf'^ •• '"" "^"""""^ °*' «o, as therl are no^Z^'^.^^^t S;:^^i^^"r "'""" nuicr pts. The mflniisrrm»o «„ I • L ■^^l""^''' *"at IS, books or ma- e.ermay l,.ve been the author or aSo« ^o'f Zm L. T °; O, Page 90. Wruction readySmuch iSv 1." ™"^ '"' ""' "■=''"• »' ■•«• DerioS W^'T ''^'"' *° •""••^''^^ '""««d of diminishing by "hig luZ.f ^^^'••"^"on. persevered in, as it has been, for weeks each successive season; whereas, in other moors strict y preserved the birds are fewer .n number, and becoming very scarL^Tt thP ;«m! ofTh'l'' ^ ^T-^''"" ^?"''^'* ^y •"«" ^^" a4ua?nted'whh fhes?ate wh ch n„^j;°r''? u r' '•™^^' '^^^ S^^^^^^s as abundant as on those bane IthofriJ 1 '^" ^^'^'T T""^'"'' ^I'e mountains of B^eadal. of thislSV oflTp ' T^°'^'' ^'''1''''' ^"••"'«'' '"«^''^d instances ^rp«/l! ^ / ^ ""^ ^^^"^ protected, and of abundance where the greatest annual destruction prevails. For the simrular f;rr»hlf lu penod.cal killing of game do'es not dimin^h tL an^ t itre L^^ t" Z:T""' "■" ?^''S"^'^- I* '« «^'"d' ^hat when the old S Te' leT on\nd U.aTZ" .T"if '^'^ ^^^^^^ ''^°°'' ^''"^^ preceding f.' beenkinpd /^ , ^ ^'M'''.°'^'*°""'*« where the old birds had frequent bdd if^ '?"^' '^'' '" ^T""'"^ '"'''''' P'^'^'^^' ««-e more hem ?h;?? ' M '^^^'r"^ l'^' '" '•'^ expectation, as few frequent them, that they will not be discovered. A third ass gncd cause anS m appearance, the most destructive of game, is, tlL^the farmer's and shepherds who occupy these moors, imitated by severe esSons tormented by threats of punishment, and ia.ulte^d by the a og^^^^^^^^ if tfi'i M ■ I' *• XXXIV APPENDIX. of insolent game-keepers, instead of being encouraged to preserve the game, and, instead of being allowed to derive from it either benefit or amusement, make a practice, in many cases, of feeding their dogs with the eggs, and when these escape their notice, accustom them to search for and destroy the young brood before they are fledged. Whether any or all of these causes affect the decrease of game, there appears little doubt, that judging from the character of the Highland- ers, a kind and liberal indulgence to tenants in a moderate use of the gun on their own grounds, with strict injunction to their shepherds to be careful of the nests and of the young, and not to burn the hea- ther in improper seasons, or in those places most frequented by the game, (although burning the heath in moderation is advisable, as the young sprouts furnish their principal food), and along with this indul- gence, tlie offer of small premiums to the shepherds for each covey of eight or more birds they can produce in their pasture, would make it their interest to preserve the game ; no person could escape notice ; and thus, they would form a better protection against poachers, than prosecutions, fines, and imprisonment. P, Page 92. In the common transactions of the people, written obligations were seldom required, and although the bargains were frequently concluded in the most private manner,* there were few instances of a failure in, or denial of, their engagements. A gentleman of the name of Stewart agreed to lend a considerable sum of money to a neighbour. When they had met, and the money was already counted down on the table, the borrower offered a receipt. As soon as the lender (grandfather of the late Mr Stewart of Bailachulish) heard this, he immediately took up his money, saying, that a man who could not trust his own word without a bond, should not be trusted by him, and would have none of his money, which he put up in his purse and returned home. An inhabitant of the same district, father of the late Dr Smith of Campbelton, and of Donald Smith, M. D. eminent for antiquarian learning and research, kept a retail shop for nearly fifty years, and supplied the whole district, then fu!l of people, with all their little merchandise. He neither gave nor asked any receipts. At Martin- mas of each year, he collected the amount of his sales, which were always paid to a day. In one of his annual rounds, a customer hap- pened to be from home, conseqi.r portly por- but not so rs. Ridinpf a bservcd some a, I asked Iior belong, " she ? ■ seeining- y thing there AITKND^X. xxxvii Traquair, Bute, Castlcmilk, and several others, which from whim or accident changed their names. How much accident influenced this change of name is evident from the circumstance, that Lord Callo- way retains the old spelling of Stewart, while Lord Bla.Uyre and other families of the same descent, as Castlemilk, spell Stuart; Al- anton, Steuart ; Allanbank, a branch of Allanton, Stuart ; Coltness, also a branch of Allanton, Stewart : and while Traquair is Stuart Orandtully, of the same descent and family, is Stewart. The Earl ot Murray before his promotion to that title, when Prior of St An- drews, and previous to the return of Queen Mary from France, spelt his name Stewart, as we find by the following document, signed by him and the Earl of Argyle, and Ruthven Earl of Gowrie, authoriz- ing the Lairds of Airntully and Kinvaid to destroy all images and rehcs of the Catholic religion in the Cathedral of Dunkeld. *' To our traist friends the Lairds of Airntully and Kinvaid. ^ *' TnAiST friends, after most hearty commendation, we pray you fail not to pass incontinent to the Kirk of Dunkeilden, and tak'doon the hail images thereof, and bring them forth to the kirk yaird and burn them openly. And sicklyke cast doon the alters and purge the kirk of all kind of idolatyry. And this ze fail not to do, as ze will of God "^" "mpleasure, and so committeth you to the protection " From Edinburgh the xir of August 1560. " Argyle. ** James Sletvart. f( x: •} , " William Ruthven. fail not, but ze tak guid heyd that neither the desks, windocks, nor^duires, be any way hurt or broken, eyther glassin wark or iron S, Page 106. It is a generally received opinion, that the Highlanders are igno- rant arid uneducated. It is no doubt true, that previous to the pre- sent reign, many could not read, or understand what they read in Eng- lish, and there were few books in their own language ; but they had their Bards and Senachies, who taught them in the manner already mentioned. The middle and higher orders of society were as well educated as the youth of any part of the United Kingdom. The gentlemen farmers and tacksmen were certainly better classical scho- lars than men holding the same occupation and rank in society, in the south. These observations must be confined to the period which has elapsed since the reign of Charles II. as the prior notices are not in a connected series. But, to jut! e from insulated circumstances, the education of the gentry, and the better order of farmers of an earlier period was not deficient. Of this, the celebrated George Bu- chanan, the son of a small Highland farmer, was a remarkable in- V .'. m XXXVllI APPENDIX. r ' IJ! , ■I' ! stance. On reference to old family charters and papers, it will be lound, tliat the sigi.aturns to the former, from and after the year 1500, show a correctness of writing not to he seen in modern times, and not to be acquired without much time and experience. Aware that It might be said that these signatures wore written by the no- taries and others who drew out these charters, 1 have compared the signatures of the same persons to different instruments at consider- able intervals, and signed in different places, sometimes as principals, at others as witnesses, and I have found them always similar, or in the same hand. Of this I have seen many instances in my own fa- miiy, as well as in several others. A fair hand is certainly no proof of a classical education ; but it is a proof of care having been be- stowed on a branch of education which was not then so necessary as It IS now, when epistolary communication is so much more frequent. In hose days, when there was no public conveyance, and when dis- tant events did not occupy so much of the attention of men, there was not the same inducement to correspond. It may therefore be concluded that they to whose instruction in writing so much atten- tention had be^en paid, would not be neglected in other branches of education. 1 he fragments of manuscripts and private correspond- ence which liavo been preserved in families give evidence of classical attainments, and prove also, that this was not confined to one sex. 1 he following is an instance. There is a manuscript volume preserv- ed in the family of Stewart of Urrard, of 260 pages, consisting of poems, songs, and short tracts, in the Scotch language, written! as IS stated on the first page, by Margaret Robertson; (daughter of ^ohn Robertson of Lude) and wife of Alexander Stewart of Bons- keid, dated 1643. It is written in a beautiful hand, and with such correctness, that it might be sent to the press. There were eminent grammar schools in Inverness, Fortrose or Ghannonry, Dunkeld, &c. The grammar school of Perth was celebrat- ed for ages. From these different seminaries, young men were sent to Aberdeen and St Andrews, and many to Leyden and Douay. The armies of Sweden. Holland, and France, gave employment to the younger sons of the gentry, who were educated abroad; many of .Aa!a'T?u^ "^i'^^^ competent knowledge of modern languages, ^n?w *° ''if'^class'^a education, often speaking Latin with more purity than Scotch, which these Highlanders sometimes learned af- ter leaving their native homes, where nothing but Gaelic was snoken. The race of Bradwardme is not long extinct. In my own time, se- W«ll ""/^k'!'"' ''""f '^' ^'' '^'^ ?•*=*"••«' «° admirably drawn in ZrZl^' 1 « "°'' honourable, brave, learned, and kind-hearted frnrnH?? P .• J^^'-"" of Bradwardine. These gentlemen returned tPrL LT «"'".' /"'.^^ ^""'^^ ^«^'"' French phrases, and invc- nhrt^^ n ^Tu\'- ^'""T"*^' as I have said, by the Highlanders tr^^nn nf^J^'J ""f ',"n ?^^^^ '«^* ""^'^^'^^ ^oloiel Alexander Uo- bertson, of the Scotch Brigade, uncle of the present Strowan, I well ii APPENDIX. XXXIX remember. * I also knew several tacksmen of good lenrning, who could quote and scan the classics with much case and rapidity ; while the sons of these men are now little better thaii clowns, knowing no- thing beyond English reading and the common rules of arithmetic. When the Hessian troops were quartered in Athole in 174'5, the com- manding officers, who were accomplished gentlemen, found Latin a ready means of communication at every inn. At Dunkeld, Inver, Blair Athole, Taybridge, &c. every landlord spoke that language, and I have been informed, by eye-witnesses, of the pleasure expres- sed by a colonel of the Hessian cavalry, when he halted at the inn in Dunkeld, the landlord of which addressed and welcomed him in La- tin, the only language they mutually understood. I knew four of these respectable innkeeper^, who, like many other valuable classes in the Highlands, have disappeared. Perhaps the landlords of Dun- keld, Blair Athole, or indeed any other Highland inn, will not, even in this educated age, agreeably surprise, or make themselves moro acceptable to their customers, by addressing them in Latin. But it was in the remotest district of the kingdom, the I&le o? Skye, and other islanus, that classical education was most general. There, the learning of the gentry was quite singular. Few of them went * Another of the Bradwardine character is still remembered by tiie Higlilanderv, with a degree of admiration bordering on enthusiasm. This was John Stewart of the family of Kincardine, in Strathspey, known in the country by the name of John Koy Stewart, an accomplished gentlemen, an elegant scholar, a good poet, a brave soldier, and an able officer. He composed with equal facility in English, Latin, and Gaelic ; but it was by his songs, epigrams, and descriptive pieces in the latter lan- guage, that he attracted the admiration of his countrymen. He was an active leader in the Uebellion of 1746, and during <' his liiding " of many months, he had more leisure to indulge his taste for poetry and song. The country traditions arc full of his descriptive pieces, eulogies, and laments on friends, or in allusion to the evenla of that unfortunate period. He had been long in the service of France and Portu- gal. He was in Scotland in 174^, and commanded a regiment composed of the tenants of his family^ and a considerable number of the followers of Sir George Stewnrt of Grandtully, who had been placed under him. With these, amounting in all to 400 men, he ,^oined the rebel army, and proved one of its ablest partisan^. Had the rebel commanders benefited by his judgment and military talents, that de- plorable contest would probably have been lengthened, and much additional misery inflicted on the country. Colonel Stewart recommended opposing the passage of the Duke of Cumberland's army across the Spey. Had this advice been acted upon, allowing for the expeditious movements of the rebels, many men must have been lost in forcing the passage of that rapid river. He also opposed fighting on Cull^- den iVIoor, which with a level and hard surface, was well calculated for the cavalry and artillery of the royal army. When this advice was rejected, he proposed to at- tack before the army was formed in order of battle ; this also was disregarded, ^nd the attack delayed till the royal army was formed in two lines. It is said that the Irish ofllicers attached to the rebel army, dreading a lengthened campaign in tlie mountains, opposed retiring farther norUi, seeing that, in such a field as CuUoden, one-third of the Highlanders being absent, and those present, two days without food, and after a long and harra-ising night-march to Nairn and back, with an inten- tion of surprising the Duke's army, (as at Preston), the contest would soon be de- cided, and their lives safe from the laws, whatever was the result The point was fortunately brought to an issue, and much calamity, the consequence of a length- ened civil war, saved to the country. |:, ! |i ' ■ iJ ' m^' ' li^ ■' r ■ i h ny^ ,1.!!: . i , xl APPKNDZX. abroad, and except the three lairds, Macdonald, Macleod, and Mac- kinnon, few of them wete proprietors. I believe it is rather unique for the gentryofa remotecomer to learnLatin merely totnik to each other- yet so It was in Skye. It was remarked that, for a considerable period! the clergymen of the sixteen parishes of Skye, Karris, Lewis, &c. were men of good families, great learning, and consequent influence ; the.r example, therefore, might diffuse and preserve this classical taste. Owing to the same cause, the Isle of Skye songs are some- times filled with allusions to the heathen deities. While the younger sons of Highland gentlemen were educated for the church, law, or physic, the elder could not be neglected. ' ; . e'der orothers of Sir George Mackenzie, Lord Advocate to ti !L and of Duncan 1-orbes of Culloden, Advocate to George U xld not h"ve been un- educated. • But various causes have contributed to a change of manners, and to remove numbers of the ancient race, and have put an end to all university education, except in a few cases, where young men are intended for the learned professions : consequently the last ge- neration did not give their children the same education which they themselves had received. ♦ Thus we see young men sent into the army and other professions with an education not extending beyond reading and arithmetic, and with manners unformed and as unlike the tormer race of gentlemen farmers in their general appearance and character, as m their education. Hence, many have been led to ob- serve, that the youth of the second order of Highland gentry have more degenerated, and are more changed in every respect than the Highland peasantry. Many causes have tended to accelerate this change; one of which is, that three-fourths of the old respectable race ofgentlemen tacksmen have disappeared, and been supplanted by men totally different in manners, birth, and education. Persons travelling through the Highlands will observe what description of persons the present tacksmen are. The charac.er upheld by the of- ticers of the Highland regiments in the Seven Years' War, and in that with America, show what sort of men the ar lent race were. One half of the officers of those corps were the sons T tacksmen. Of these respectable officers I could give many names, but shall men- tion only a few : Generals Simon Fraser, killed at Saratoga in 1777. and Thomas M. Fraser, killed at Dieg in 1804.; Lieutenant-General •The average annual salary of the parish schoolmaster was L.7, lOs. tliat is, L.5 the lowest .and L.0 the highest, with school fees, which were equally low, La^ n bemg t»'>g''t for half a crown the quarter, English and writ ng for one shil- hng When the Lord President Hope was Lord Advocate, he brought a bill into Parliament to increase the salaries of this useful body of men. The bill was pas ed • and no schoolmaster can now have less than L. 10 salary, the maximum being iil thn-T^r^T '7 ^" "•''P' "?'* ^'*'' *''°^^''^'^' '•'«* I'owever much people may talk about the value o( education, the estimate of its advant.-iges does not appear to ■ stand high in the opinion of those who pay the schoolmasters, or perhaps thc> value IS better understood and more appreciated when cheaply ol)tained : otherwise vvhv meet so important a measure by an opposition which has reduced the scale so low, that even with the increased emoluments, no man of talents will remain a parish schoolmaster except from necessity. ' I, and Mac* r unique for each other; able period, Lewis, &c., t influence ; lis classical 9 are some- he younger ch, law, or thers of Sir of Duncan ve been un- nners, and end to. all oung men le last ge- which they (It into the ng beyond unlike the ranee and led to ob- sntry have t than the lerate this espectable lupplanted Persons Tiption of by the of- ir, and in ace were. :smen. Of hall men- ainl777, t- General that is, L.5 low, Latin r one shil- t a bill into was passed, tium being people may t appear to 3 the value Brwise wliy ale so low, ti a parish APPENDIX. xli Simon Frnser commanding the British troops in Lisbon ; Sir Archf. bald Campbell, Governor- General of India ; Sir Hector Miinrn i . Alexander Munro; Major-Generals John' Smafl Toifa Fr J ' Francs Maclean, J. Stewart. P., Mackenzie, and a numerous 1st of brave soldiers and officers of talent and acquirements as Vt as inany accomphshed civ iians, Sir John Macpherson. Gmernor Ge neral of India, the translator of Ossian, and many others. T, Page 110. ^ There are many traits of the character, manners, and dispositions ?Lt' Pf,°P.' •' '''•"'' ^ ^r^ "°* "^''"'J- The mo t remarkable of these IS hat imagmary talent of seeing into futurity, commorilv calN ed the - Second Sight. " The subjeSt has been fr que™ Jy dfscu ed ; and I shall, therefore, say little of these ideJ flights of a warm and v.y.d imagmat.on. But however ridiculous the btlief of the sT cond sight may now appear, it certainly had no small influence on the manners and actions of the people. The predictions of the seers impressed their minds with awe,' and as they were generaHy sucK brought to the remembrance death, a future state, rftribu? ve ust c^ the reward of honourable and virtuous conduct, ind the puniEent' nf.^n'hn",'^'^' -'"^ "L'"'"'^ '''''''''^^'^ ^he passions, andf as I have often had occasion to observe, supplied the defect of those laws which now extend to the most distant recesses of the mountains. Iheimpressions of a warm imagination appear so like realities and their confirmation is so readily found in subsequent events thai we can scarcely wonder if popular superstitions ha?e long mainlined their ground, even against the advances of reason and science, ll- Jowmg the possibility of coming events being shadowed forth bv su- pernatural agency to some favoured seers, the question naturally oc curs, Why should those revelations be confined to the Highlanders of Scotland j^ Yet it must be owned, that the coincidences between events and their foreboding have, in many instances, been so curious and remarkable, that credulous minds may be excused for vialdinff to the impression of their prophetic character. It may 'not be improper to produce an instance or two for the amusement of the reader. Late in an autumnal evening in the year 1773, the son of a neieh- bouring gentleman came to my father's house. He and my mother were from home, but several friends were in the house. The vountr gentleman spoke little, and seemed absorbed in deep thought. Soon after he arrived he inquired for a boy of the family, then about three years of age. When shown into the nursery, the nurse was trying °" ," P^"". °\"T ^T """^ complaining that they did not fit. " Thev will fit him before he will have occasion for them, " said the youne gentleman. This called forth the chiding!, of the nurse for predict- mg evil to the child, who was stout and healthy. When he returned to the party he had left in the sitting-room, who had heard his ob- servations on the shoes, they cautioned him to take care that the xl u APPENDIX. n \m> I- !;■ Ill; ' nurse did not derange his new talent of the fl^cond sight, with some ironical congratulations on his pretended acquirement. This brought on an explanation, when he told them, that, as he approached the end of a wooden bridge thrown across a stream at a short distance from the house, he was astonished to see a crowd of people passing the bridge. Coming nearer, he observed a person carrying a small coffin, followed by about twenty gentlemen, all of his acquaintance, his own father and mine being of the number, with a concourse of the country people. He did not attempt to join, but saw them turn off to the right in the direction of the church-yard, which they en- tered. He then proceeded on his intended visit, much impressed from what he had seen with a feeling of awe, and believing it to have been a representation of the death and funeral of a child of the fa- mily. In this apprehension he was the more confirmed, as he knew wy father was at Blair Athole, and that he had left his own father at home an hoMr before. The whole received perfect confirmation in his mind by the sudden death of the boy the following night, and the consequent funeral, which was exactly similar to that before re- presented to his imagination, This gentleman was not a professed seer ; this was his first and his last vision ; and, as he told me, it was sufficient. No reasoning or argument coyld convince him that the appearance was an illusion. Now when a man of education and of general knowledge of the world, as this gentleman was, became so bewildered in his" imagina- tions, and that even so late as the year 1773, it cannot be matter of surprise that the poetical enthusiasm of the Highlanders, in their days of chivalry and romance, should have predisposed them to ere- dit wonders which so deeply interested them. The other instance occurred in the year 1775, when a tenant of the late Lord Breadalbane called upon him, bitterly lamenting the loss of his son, who, he said, had been killed in battle on a day he mentioned. His Lordship told him that was impossible, as no ac- counts had been received of any battle, or even of hostilities having commenced. But the man would not be comforted, saying, that he saw his son lying dead, and many officers and soldiers also dead, a- round him. Lord Breadalbane, perceiving that the poor man would • not be consoled, left him ; but when the account of the battle of Bunker's Hill arrived some weeks afterwards, be learnt, with no small surprise, that the young man had been killed at the timp and in the manner described by his father. Page 111. The notions entertained by the inhabitants of the Low country in this respect are very excusable, when it is considered that they formed their opinions regarding the natives of the mountains on information received from those who lived nearest the boundary, and who were supposed to be best acquainted with them. This, however, was a very doubtful source of intelligence ; because, in the first place, the APPENDIX. Xliii , as no ac- borderers l.vcd m a .tafc of perpetual contention with their Lowland neighbours and had thus the worst propensities of their r^ature call- ed forth and exasperated ; and. secondly, because their more power- ful neighbours had been, for ages, in the habit of takTng dJen rel vengc for petty injuries. No one who knows any thing of human nature neecl be told, that there exists a strong ^pSsiVy b ho n^inds of those who oppress others by an undue^LrS of power to justify that proceeding to themselves, by exaggerating every nro: vocation given by the objects of their hostility. Prejudice an7pSrt J hatred are like streams, always enlarging in their p op ess by mZ additions. A man incapable of direct falsehood, willingly anVcon^ lo et^h?'"' •/';' 'i? °' '^^"^^^ '"'^ ^y °'^«^« ' «"J t'hese seldom Ik vi,® '■'''^'/"'•. ^''"* "oppression," which, we are told from iu'cS''-r'';?"'^' " "''^''' ^ "'^« •""" "'^d," * must iave pro- duced asimilar effect on a proud high spirited people, who had not even id fo?ft.'" "i't '?, ?°.'"P'^'"' "^"^^^^ ^«"'J "°^ '^"^^ been listen" Hiihil I ^^ • ^'°"' ^? "°* P^^ntetB, " as the fable says, and Highlanders are not writers of their own traditions ; but if the tales m;I'>°?f u '"•'."'^'''® preserved in traditions were unfolded, they might then " make justice and indignation start, »' *c. ; but thi^ ?hn cVM "'' "°f ^'' ^' r""^'^ ^' '''^"•"g '^' «'"« "f t''<^ fathers on hnlr InT' "y perhaps, even on this score, have enough of their own to answer for, when they appear at their last account. bince the above was written, a new edition of " Letters from a Gentleman m the North " has been published by Mr Jamieson of Ji-d.nburgh. This edition has been enlarged, by several tracts and articles on the Highlanders, and the forme? stLte^of the people. One ot these IS a kind of statistical report of the state of .the Highlands about the year 1747. This paper is a perfect specimen of the spirit ot the times, and of the jaundiced eye with which the Highlanders were viewed by their Lowland neighbours, who held them in the greatest contempt fi)r their Jacobite principles, their heathenish beliet in ghosts and fairies, their slothful habits, fabulous traditions, poetry and songs. The author was edi-cated beyond the mountains, quite in opposition to the habits and principles of the Highlanders : and at a period when the stream of ribaldry ran strongly against them, and their true character was ill understood, it was difficult to state it in proper colours: the commonly received opinions of the times were, that their fidelity and ready obedience proceeded from a base and servile disposition, and their idle habits from an aversion to industry, when in fact, they proceeded from want of employment or payment for la! bour. Had the author given in to the grave discussions which were not unfrequent at that period, on the propriety of exterminating the whole race, it might have excited less surprise, than that this mode ot improving a people by extirpation and banishment should not only be discussed in more enlightened times, but actually acted upon and * Of this wc have too many instances among the peasantry in Ireland, xli? Ari»JLNDIX. ' I p*i»p '! ! ! \f »; 1 enforced, if not wiih the fury and violence with which tliosc xtho call themselves the friends of liberty in America treat their free, in- dependent, but unfortunate ncighboura the Indians, tlie original pos- sessors of their country, at least by means sufficiently cflfcctual. U, Page 114. Duncan Forbes of Culloden, Lord President of the Court of Session, was one of the most enlightened men of his time. Born in the Highlands, he lived much among his countrymen, gained an in- timate knowledge of their habits, and, by his virtue, wisdom, and probity, obtained an influence over them almost incredible. His " pen and ink, and tongue, and some reputation, " as he himself ex- pressed it, contributed more than any other means to the suppres- sion of the Rebellion,— -breaking the union of the clans, overawing some, crossing and checking the intentions of others, and retarding and preventing their rising en masse, to which they had every incline ation. That such services were neglected and slighted by Govern- ment, must remain an indelible stain on the memory of the men in power at that period. It is said, that when this great and good man was recommending clemency and moderation in the punishment of the misguided men about to suffer for their infatuation, and stating his services as a claim to be heard, he was contemptuously asked, " What were his services, and what they were worth?" '« Some think them worth three Crowns, " was the answer. An idea of the importance of his services and of his influence may be formed by looking over his Memorial, already given in the Ap- pendix, of the State and Number of the Clans, whose rising he pre- vented, or whose exertions he paralyzed. It has been thought by some, particularly by Jacobites, that those Chiefs who were persuad- ed by Culloden to relinquish, on the day of trial, the cause to which they were secretly attached, showed duplicity, if not cowardice, in so doing. This was not at all the case. The President knew too well the character of the persons he addressed, to endeavour to change their opinion, or induce them to dissemble. The arguments by which he prevailed on so many to remain neutral, while others risked all m a desperate cause, were drawn from his knowledge of the world, and of the resources and views of the opposite parties. He attempted no sudden conversions, but merely represented the folly of sacrificing their lives, and what was dearer to them, their clans, in a rash and unsupported enterprise, in which they were deceived by their trench allies, deserted by many whose courage evaporated m drinking healths, and more particularly by the English Jacobites, who promised every thing and performed nothing. It was by a statement of obvious facts, and not by an attack on established prin- ciples, that he succeeded in rescuing, by persuasion, so many fa- milies from the destruction in which the inconsiderate and rashly brave were so suddenly involved. The sound arguments that pre- APPKNUrx. xW ot^twt ^^"^;' "'''° '"'^>^ comprehend tl.cm. had no innucnce on thei follower, who were, in this instance, moro 'nch-nod to fbl low the.r eehngs than listen to reason. Of this, the be^a bur of tho to^ftV ?.•"'"' '" '"''"""'"• ^'*^"^"" ''""^''•^J '"en pressed forward o offer the.r services, on condition thnt their Chief would lead hem to support, what shey styled, the cause of their ancient kZ' Afterwards, when it was found necessary to pay a compliment to the Royal Genera , by meeting him at Aberdeen, all the Cl^erl influ ence cou d only procure ninety-five followers t^ at end him a fW too, much beloved by his people. ' "'^' ofrhilf i!''^°^A?''^?' ^'^T'''' ^'' Alexander Macdonald, (father othe h^r^Too '''""'''^^' '""^ ''•' ^"'^^^ of Macleod, 11 a ay a^^ others, had 2100 men ready, when expresses arrived fr, m Culloden Macdonald rcmamed at home with his men; Ma.leod Obeyed tho peMe": ioinTh'^'f 'r"*' '"^ ^'""^ '"'^"'«^'^ the incnnaZ of hi: chief Tl Z. m''^'''; ""T'^y '"/■'*'' ^'^^« ""'I injunction of the on V moTr^ '"'r'' " 'l^sc'-ibed by this great lai officer as the only man of sense and courage he had about him. his influence over h.s followers failed so completely, when they discovered that his opm.on was opposite to their ownf that he could not command tJ e sttT rofhU ""' '"? 'T T"' ^"''''"S^ upwards 1 .So men CO ! sistmg of his own people, the Laird of Rasay's, and other centlemon ivere ready at Dunvegan Castle. These, and many cTrcum stances Tht^thrHiTl' 1 '''' P""'' r ""^ ^^^"'^^'-^ suLiinto prove if thet rhi!r ?h 'r^'u"''' '^'''' '^'''' *° '^' ^«P"^« «"^l power a r hL \^y have been supposed ; and that, on the contrary. V ed rth^'n^ "Ti' '''V""" ""'' °^"g«d 'o P"y court, an^d a Isf r.A.ti „ '"? '"dependent spirit of their clans. These facts also refute a general opinion, that those who engaged in the Rebel- an'oZ" '"?h' '"^ '^''^•'' ^'^'^^^ ""'^ Lairds,'afd that indeed on tip ^l?n lf^ P""^.ples or caprice of their Chief guided those of the clan, and that whatever side he took they followed. In Lord his Hnr"'rP""'^'"'' "''^ ?"""^""' ^^ '« ^"" ^^ complaints against his clan whose eagerness to fly to arms he could not restrain. Al- though his IS not the best authority, I have had sufficient evidence of his correctness in this instance from eye-witnesses. We learn also from the President, that Lord Lovat's eldest son (afterwards General Eraser) "put hmiself at the head of his clan, who are passionately fond of following h,m and who cannot be restrained by my Lord's authority from following the fortunes of the Adventurous Prince which not only may destroy the Master* and the family, but bring his own grey hairs with sorrow to the grave. " f ^ " v.Jl1i' '^™1 ^"dependent spirit we may ascribe the preference which the people now manifest for emigration to a foreign land, to * 5".?''°*'^"''' f^"' ''''^<'^* ''°n of <* Lord or Baron of the ITouse of Peers wa, SfityrSr '^'"' ''" ''"'"''' ^"y- the Master of Rollo""he mS o? f Culloden Paperi. xlv! APPENDIX. remaining In the degraded state of cottarg and day-labourcm, to which the lute chongcH have reduced such numbers of tlie once inde- pendent tenantry. When they have once resolved to remove to a foreign country, a set of " illiterate peasants, " says Mrs Grant, " have gone about it in a systematical manner. They have them- selves chartered a ship, and engaged it to come for them to one of their Highland ports, and u whole cluster of kindred of all ages, from four weeks to fourscore years, have gone in mournful procession to the sliorcs ; the bagpipes meanwhile playing before thera a sad funeral air. '* if ;.'4 .,.■■.! V, Page 116. A Highlander would fight to the last drop of his blood at the command of his Chief; and if he thought his own honour, or that of his district or clan, insulted, he was equally ready to call for redress, and to seek revenge : yet, with this disposition, and though gene- rally armed, few lives were lost, except in general engagements and skirmishes. This is particularly to be remarked in their personal encounters, duels, and trials of swordmanship. * The stories detailed of private assassinations, murders, and conflagration, deserve no cre- dit, as is well known to every man of intelligence in the country, at least when reported to have occurred within the last century and a half. In earlier times, there were murders in the Highlands, as there were in the streets of Edinburgh in mid day, but much of these may be attributed to the weakness of the laws, and a high spirited turbulence. The character of the HigWanders will be better under- stood by their actions, than by collecting anecdotes two and three hundred years old, and giving them as specimens of what was sup- • A relation of mine, the late Mr Stewart of Bohollie, exhibited an instance of this. He was one of the gentlemen soldiers in the Black Watch, (Imt left them be- fore the march to England), and one of the best swordsmen of his time. Latterly he was of a mi!d disposition, but in his youth he had been hot and impetuous ; and as m those days the country was full of young men equally ready to take lire, persons of this description had ample opportunity of proving the temper of their swords, and their dexterity in the use of them. Bohallie often spoke of many contests and trials of skill, but they always avoided, he said, coming to extremities, and were in general s.atisfied when blood was drawn, and " I had the good fortune never to kill my man. " His swords and targets gave evidence of the service they had seen. On one occasion he was passing from Breadalbane to Lochlomond through Glenfallbcli, in company with James Macgregor, one of Hob Roy's sons. As they came to a certain spot, Macgregor said, •« It was here I tried the mettle of one of your kins- men. " Some miles farther on, he continued, «« Here I made another of your blood feel the superiority of my sword ; and here," said he, when in sight of Benlomond, in the country of the Macgregors, « I made a tliird of your royal clan yield to clan Gregor." My old friend's blood was set in motion by the Hrst remark; the second, as he said, made it boil ; however, he restrained himself till the third, when he ex- claimed, « You have said and done enough ; now stand, defend yourself, and see if the fourth defeat of a Stewart will give victory to a Gregarach." As they were both good swordsmen, it was some time before Macgregor received a cut in the sword arm, when, dropping his target, he gave up tlie contest. APPrNDIX. xlvii my 8 country, bpam, Portugal, Germany, Russia. Italy and IVvnf the manner in wliich ?L HI Hi ^ '^oJiowmg statement showg niiasuref ot oovernment. fhis was in 1678, when the " Hichlund eat up llic Covenanters. In what manner they obeyed these in. TZZ2 MS rV" f y--'"-. »•>"- .cco„X™"ve"d in vvourows Mtj. in the Advocates' L brarv. This wi for whn evinces no friendship for this " Heathen and Unholy Ho t'" de fcnbes their parties sent out for provisions, and the uLinl of fhl inhab.tants, who were beaten and driven out of their houes if th«v refused to give what they demanded. Aaer aTtail of outrage? which mdeed were to be expected, as it was for this very purpose fhat they were sent on tl,e duty, he concludes, in a manne^r hardly to be fl^^n'roi?- "^ 'T'H^y ''7 ^'^^^^"* ^''^ »he account we reld of the proceedings of the moder- Vandals when overrunning Ihe Con tinen and who, they had tbrced their way into tWs count y and had, like the Highlanders, been ordered to live at free ouarS' 'Mo eat up, harass, and keep down the people, would notSaps'haie oSin/ 'T^'y^f ''''^ I ••^P^'-t of thei^ proceeding's a The foi! lowing. Yet I hear not, " says the writer in Wodrow's MS "of any having been killed, though many were hurt • but I whnh nnV ho he el ^diV" '^'T/" ''°"^'^* P'-°^'«'°"« «"'J Plunderr "No, If A tl nm^'""'"''' ''°''' ^•"°"S ^''^ ™^" «"d leaders. The Marmir^ of Atholl's men are generally commended, both as the best anS ed and the best behaved. Neither do I hear of anv hifrt E k ttv'ollS '' "l-'" ^" V'"" "k^f^er u'al^rf r^dS l^^f;^Ze we^^lii-efen' ry7:U^t:;"£ ^^^t numbers were hurt in defending their property was to be txpecTeS and u^is matter of surprise, that, in sSchWumstances! K tr ' |i' xlviii AJ>Pr,M)IX. W, Page 122. The tenants of Lochiel and Ardsheal supplied these gentlemen with money, after tlie year 1745, when their estates were forfeited, and they themselves in exile in France. When the Earl of Seaforth was in similar circumstances, after hia attainder in 1716, he experi- enced the same generous and disinterested fidelity;* and Macpherson of Clunie, though an outlaw, and compelled to live for nine years in caves and woods, was in no want of money or any thing that could be contributed by his people, who, after his death, continued the same assistance to his widow and family. But it is needless to mul- tiply examples of this attachment, which existed till a late period, without the least prospect of reward or remuneration, all being the free gift of men poor in substance, but of warm affections and Uberal minds. Moreover, this generous disposition was not indulged with- out risk ; for while they paid the full rents demanded by Government after the forfeitures, they were threatened with higher rents, and persecuted by the agents for sending the money out of the country. The disputes between the people and the Crown factors, on this sub- ject, ran very high. A respectable gentleman, Mr Campbell of Glenure, factor on the estate of Ardsheal, was shot from behind a rock when riding on the high road. This happened in 1752. and was the second instance of a murder in these troublesome times. The first was that of Captain Munro of Culcairnin 17+6, noticed in the Annals of the 42d regiment. He was shot in the same manner as Glenure, while rid- ing at the head of a party of men marching through Lochaber. But this blow was intended for an officer whose party had, some time pre- viously, burned the assassin's house, turned his family out in a storm of snow, and taken away his cattle; while his son, who had resisted, was killed. Considering the state of men's minds, and the disturbed condition of the country for so many years, it may be considered re- markable, that these were the only two instances of premeditated murder. The man who shot Culcairn was known; but, through some unexplained cause, he was not apprehended. It has never been fully ascertained who shot Mr Campbell. Suspicion fell upon a man of the name of Allan Stewart or Allain Breach, (as he was called, from the marks of the small-pox), who had been a sergeant in the French service, had come over in the year of the Rebellion, and ^ •When the rents were collected, for the purpose of being sent to Lord Seaforth in France, 400 of Im old followers and tenants escorted the money to Edinburgh to see U safely lodged m the bank. Their first appearance there on this errand caused no small surprise, and strong animadversions on Government for allowing such proceedmgs. the same , eople, so generous to their chief in his adversity, pre- served sue!) control over him when in full power and prosperity, that they interfered and prevented his pulling down his Castle of Bralian, tlio destruction of which they considered derogatory to the respectability of the family and clan. In the year 1737. U.e tenants sent Lord Seaforth L. 800 in one sum, equal to L.8(J00 in tlie present day, calculating the rents, and the value of the estate. APPENDIX. xllx ed. and tried at Inverarav on «™'!U*^ '^'■/^*'?«>' ^^^^ t«ken up. indict- Scotcli Uw terms U) or in thp r l" °^'*!f"^ *•" ^^'^ ?»«■*'(«« ^he Duke of ArtvTj thU T r ^«'"«'^"0'^'edge of the murder The Lord AdvfcSe a\tl^^^^^^^^ '^* °" t'^e bench, and tl^/^^.i^^ ficer ptSfoS" nv cHm1n''«l7 -'r^ '^u'^"'^ '"«^'»"'=« °f this of!, ^ C%-r cutini at aTfssTze'"KrJrt :t LT'-u''^ ''/''"''' ^'^'^"'' ^'^'^' jtrof?h vtdttS^xertioT"' ' 'T --*'-> anS'tii: believpH thJ,^. i execution was much canvassed. It is now pUcJ:?atVr f/rL'f "i?f ^^"l ^'''' ^•«"^^«"' '^^^ the trial aken fate Jt were '"[^^^^^ ' °'*"°' ^' ^'^''"'■' ^"'^'^"^ ^'^ mind o7the X e as tLt'did '""r 'ff '"'*? *" '"'P^^^^'- ^ ^^e dav ThJ! P^°P'e as this did, and still continues to make to thia fhe%uW.'V£ L'n"!^^^^^^^^^^ character of the persoTexecm'et country and thp irh^f i • ^^^ * ^"""^ ^'^^^'^'' unknown in tha deep rTflecUon amotthl'''""'?'*'^ ^'^ «^'" '"^"e^s of tbey^Lsli 2re E /'°P'^- ^" ®""^"y«' ^^^ «' »'"'« when / the s?ot wLrtL •KK°'''*'"^7 """"b^"' *''«y a««emble on or near -^eTz'ztj'^i:z's "' *^'' ^''^ ^°'^'"" ^"'^ -p--- pos^3t"be 'the'^t^r'"''"";'^ '°>'"?** "^ *''^ Highlanders were sup- Remarkable ThfJ ""^ ^^' '"'P'l"^ ^^ P"''''^ executions is very have seen toldilraf^f " TJ '^^"u'** ^ "'^'^ ^^^ mountains. I lireviourto In ?' *^!r'«« V^ death when before an enemy, for days r^Slv iZrS °?K''''r!.^'?7' thoughtful, and seemingly .hake off ^P'"''"'^ ^'^ * ^'"^ °^ '*'-^«^' ^hich they could not ihakeoff ^^ T" * '''"^°» '^'-e^^^, which they could not -<-i«-j ^,;^^^' |w /..::•, '^ j-n-i . J^l ""^^ bejcurious to notice the similarity of acti^iamone mea/.' fate of the ancient breed of horses and sheep. The old HiKhlandera were considered un6t for the new improvements ; the leng h of time hey held heir lands gave them no claim; they had possessed t^m too long already ; they must now give plaie to^others.^ Th?s was thS anfu«Sp °f ""V '^'"^^ ^"^P'^y"* '"'''««« arrangement, anS he language also of too many of those who employed them._At the be- gmnmg of the French Revolution, when Dundee, Perth, tnd other towns planted the tree of liberty, and the doctrine of equalUy of VOL. I. d w 1 APPENDIX. property Was held out to encourage tlic partisans of Revolutionary Principles, the late Mr Dempster of Dunichen observed, in the spring cf 1791, that his farm-grieve, or overseer, had paid particular atten- tion to a large field, ploughing and harrowing it twice, and laying down a double allowance of manure. He was preparing a third dressing, when Mr Dempster asked the cause of all this care bestow- ed upon one field more than the others. After some hesitation, the man answered, that every person had a right to attend to his own in- terest. Mr Dempster observed, that however true that might be, it could have no concern with that field. To this the grieve replied, that, as he had been a kind and generous master to him, he would explain the whole matter. He then told him, that, at a late meeting of Delegates of the Friends of the People, they had discussed much business; and, among other matter, had made a division of all the lands in the district, when this field, and some acres of pasture, fell to his share. His master told him he was happy to find him so well provided, and asked what part of the estate they had allotted to him. " Oh, as to you, Sir, and the other Lairds, " replied the man, " it was resolved that you should have nothing to do with the land, and that none of the old Lairds and Proprietors were to have any. They and their families had had these lands long enough ; their old notions were not fit for the new times ; therefore they must all quit, and make way for the new system and new order of things ; but as you have been always so good to me, I will propose, at the next meeting, that a portion be left for you. " Y, Page 142. Ok reference to the proceedings of the Court of Justiciary in the northern counties, it will be found that the capital convictions at In- verness, from the year 1747 to 1817, have been fifty-nine. Of these, there were 4r- 10 men for murder, 9 \iKomen for child-murder, * 2 men for rape ; one of them rape and murder near Elgin, 1 man for fire- raising, 12 men for cattle-stealing, f • This crime is less frequent since the strictness of church discipline has been softened. Only one woman has been condemned since 17(53. t This was at the earlier period, before the nature and danger of « lifting cattle, " as it was called, was properly understood by the Highlanders. None have been convicted of cattle- stealing since the year 1765. When it was known to be a crime, the practic^ ceased. Two of the above offenders were in the knowledge of all the Pretendef|t movements after the battle of Culloden. They gave him information, supplied Mm with provisions, were taken up on suspicion, tiireatened with instant executiQT, if they did not confess what they knew of him, and, at the same time offered the tempting reward of L. 30,000. But all in vain. Neither the prospect of immediate death, or the offer of immediate wealth, had any influence over tlie { 1 y 'r\ 1 ijL 1 '• Mh •y 1 !;!l i. ' li APPENDIX. 1 man for sheep-stealing, * 2 men for housebreaking and theft, 9 men for theft, 3 men for robbing. nev (in ih» U,L, , """".P'"' of "le counties of Moray and Orfc. popilaln of 23r68^T",»f T«";'"^? ^ ""> ""^^- ""'""ing • n.L,) ri« df het'i "S'ofsetmv tZ '"V 'T^' ''' i (Oi 10 1 /73, there were no conv ct ons. From 177q L i Vaa /k ™ onbr one ,„a„ conviced , hi, crime .^ZVdl^ F™m ?7^° ^ .boTbLlf„te7 mVrJdt'T f "?' ''"'=' °f ^--ey" "««> convic^lKreigi^^-VJl^'^r^JJi'i''^. '»« -0" -f 3 for murder, i for cattle stealing, 3 for theft, (two women, and one man). 1 man for forgery. M3«ffi^'*Tr^PP^"^'^'" ^^^y^""" ^782. The offender's name was a. Inveraray for a period oftft^o^l^'iat fro:T?5r.rilo7'Th°/'' R,.,! . ■ ■ '"'"»™y Circuit includes the counties of Arevle and Bute, conlammg a population of 82,261 person.. ^ a.i.mn„, on.„f themSGl™mr,l1!ir^ four men were b.ni*«rCor in Bolmy B,v, He ™. wlen mS^ P.l?l, '■"T™"? "' considerable propetw isssdri r„t„-;" «--: -^ ":.fws;'3'.ii! 4ir::rr.-esf-.-s--..rse^!S?-£^^^^^^^^ lii APPENDIX. m ! n i The population of that part of the Aberdeen Circuit, which may be properly called Highland, and which includes portions of the counties of Kincardine and Banff, amounts to 14,596 persons. From 1747 to 1817, there were two men condemned from that part of the country; one for murder in the year 1770, and another for fire-rais- in 1785. From 1770 to 1784, there was no capital conviction in Aberdeen. As the Highland parts of Perthshire constitute but a small part of that Circuit, which comprehends Perth, Fife, and Angus, I shall on- ly notice the native Highlanders tried and condemned at Perth, from 1747 to 1817. The number was sixteen, of whom 5 men were convicted for murder, 4 men for cattle-stealing, 4 for theft, 2 women for child- murder, 1 t n for rape. The population of the Highlands of Perthshire is about 40,130, giving a greater proportion of criminals than either of the other cir- cuits. S I l' f \ Ml Proportion of Convicted Criminals to the Population in the different Districts in the Highlands, from 1747 to 1817. Inverness Circuit, Inveraray, .... Pertlisbire Highlands, Aberdeen, BanfiT, &c. Highlands of Stirling & Dumbarton, Population. 238,6B1 82,261 40,130 14,596 13,259 388,982 AH the Highlands, Proportion of England and Wales, for 7 years previous to 1817, 10,204,280 Convictions. 59 in 70 years, 8 in 69 16 in 70 2 in 70 5 in 70 90 4226 in 7 years, or Proportions. 1 to 283,180 1 to 709,501 1 to 175,569 1 to 510,860 1 to 185,626 1 to 301,677 1 to 16,898 Z, Page 146. Op this there are numberless proofs in all parts of the Highlands. I remember many old people, who, in their youth, saw corn growing on fields now covered with heather. Among many traditions on this subject, there is one of a wager between my great grandfather and four Lowland gentlemen. These were the then Mr Smythe of Meth- ven, Sir David Threipland, Mr Moray of Abercairney, and Sir Tho- mas Moncrieff. The object of the wager was, who could produce a boll of barley of the best quality, my ancestor to take his specimen from his hi|;he8t farm, and Sir David Threipland not to take his specimen from his low farms on the plains of the Carse of Gowrie, but from a farm on the heights. Marshal Wade, who was then Commander in Chief, and superintending the formation of the Highland roads, was APPENDIX, m the different .po. which ^producJihrHX^ itta»'if irzMT ^ t^ Id from ♦hi «^the climate and the country, bare and uwheUer, tnnT/ K •"^""^^•"■blast, those field., once smiling wW^SJI Ta . :, • ^""^^''^''"""^ ""^^^^ of which still exist in Lt quSr; Thlpvt "•'**"' ."°^r"'^"' the aspect of a black d1sokt?S; This extension of early cultivation was the more necessarv from ♦?« imnttanrPnf'^u^'""™"'^ "«'' "^ *=«"^^ P^^'orl], the valu^and "P^?^ cultivation seem to have been well appreciated. Forest trees of large size have flourished on those high moSn/L L cultivable, as m former times, would, in the opinion o^rn^y intd^ gent men, be preferable to the modern system of imSii our peopled, for so many ages, extensive tracts which are ««; to he left placed in a proper clKte. * ' ^ ' "^ "^""^^^ *^^ consequence of l«ing L 5000^"lf tL^f H V'"''* T *^"'?'''' '"*=•» »'««« of seventy years «owth for liv APPENDIX. in the state of nature, never to experience the influence of human industry. These regions might be improved into arable productive soil by humane and considerate proprietors, who reuin their people, which are the wealth and capital of the country, and, in the opinion of Sir Humphry Davy, on the Improvement of Moss and Moorland, there is ** strong ground to believe that the capital expended (in the Highlands the manual labour of the people is their capital) would, in a very years, afford a great and increasing interest, and would contribute to the wealth, prosperity, and population of this island. " AA, Page 157. It is said that a man is more comfortable as a day-labourer than as a small farmer. Experience is in opposition to this opinion, in so far as, where we see many thousand labourers become paupers, such is never the case with the occupiers of land. These may be poor and involved in difficulties, but they are never in want of food, or dependent on charitable aid. Ireland is stated as an instance of the misery of small farmers. This is no more a fair example, than that of the people placed on small allotments of moorland in the new mode introduced into the Highlands. That part of Lord Breadalbane's estate, which is on both sides of Lochtay, contains nearly 11,000 acres of arable woodland and pas- ture, in sight of the lake, besides the mountain grazing ; the whole supporting a population of about 3120 souls. Were he to divide the 11,000 acres into eight or ten farms, agreeably to the practice now in progress in the Highlands, placing the present population on small lots as day-labourers, would they be so independent as they now are, paying for the lands on the banks of Lochtay, high as they are, and notwithstanding a backward climate, as good a rent as is paid b^ many farmers in Kent or Sussex ? Lord Breadalbane is sensible of this, and preserves the loyal race of men who occupy his land, with- out having occasion to establish associations for the suppression of felony, as in the improved districts in the North, • or establishing rates for the poor, as has been done in the fertile and wealthy counties of f When protecting associations are found necessary in the North Highlands, un- der tlie new mode of management, I may notice the state of morals in this great property, maintaining a population of more than 8000 perspns in Perthshire, be- sides 5000 in Argyleshire. From the year 1750 to 1813, there have been only two persons accused of capital crimes in Lord Breadalbane's estate in Perthshire, and both vere acquitted. The first was a fanner tried on suspicion of murder. • The second was Ewan Campbell, (or Laider), noticed in Appendix EE. Macalpine, also mentioned in page 123, Vol. I. was tried for an illegal act, which would have subjected him to the punishment of felony, namely, for wearing the Highland garb. Some aberrations from the general rule of morality have lately occurred,— the con- .^omitants, as a certain class of political economists say, of the progress of civiliza- tion — Swindling, Jrauduient bankruptcy, and forgery, tk^ coin>eqiieuces of ciw/tsa- • Hon It. I . ■ * He was a married man, who lived at the foot of Ben Lawers. In autumn 1765, a servant girl in his family suddenly disappeared, and no trace of her could be dis- APPENDIX. Iv ready to receive Iii.Pr^„LJl*' ?^ '"*"' '" ^^^ P""'^ of life, welcome hi. Sovereign, and, ^in.?„g o TVoUo" e« ^v i^ S BB, Page 182. ^ To offer an agricultural comparison, taken from a Highland alen l^Hf A ^^T ^'f^ "P '" *•>« Highland*, both of nearly the .arae Se xr^ •^Tr «"d/'«bleland. with no d'yrence of the DroHn J Th' '"./"" °/ P'°P'^' «" °^ '^hom are supported by the produce. The other glen was once as populous, but is now laid out ,n extensive grazings. and the arable land turned into pasture Itr^'^fr rJ^^ '""^'•' ^^'"P^'-^d with the former h» as one S fn Cu^of t^S^^^ °^ '^"', ^"PPr ^ '' »>^ «»>°"' ^°"r per cL^ in tavour ot the stock-farmmg glen. But in the populous district the surface IS cleared, the soil improved, and the produce .•ncrea.ed' ^oSlhtrth;•.r'^°''"'*°y''^^^^^ "'^'^°"' ex^plseLSna: Jord either in buiidmg houses or otherwise. In the crazing irlen th« ed in bu.Idmg houses for the men of capital. The income ti« being removed, few direct taxes reach them horse o^ cam be- ing scarcely at all employed ; whereas, in the populous diLcfstaxel to mS 'tSr'"'"'^ ^''" ''^'^'^^^'"^^^ ought to send more produce were observed : but after the body wa. found, a r^portVafsDread th^^^^^^^^ .ntimacy between the deceased and her mastW haTLe^ Xs^rJeJ On Z' «''''' picon he was apprehended and tried at the Perth CircuU Court Ind aSiiM^ «.' there was no evidence beyond this suspicious report. WhUe he Ziu^T^J broke, and several prisoners made their escane and «« hT ! e I \ '' ' " ^"'' them, saying he waTconscious of WsTnnocrcrthr dre^u^^^^^ ^TTu' .nhis favour; he, however, never returned to the coS His flmilv fnfi ""j him to the Low country, where he settled and died ^ ^ foUo^^ed * See page 31, Vol. I. the garb ot their ancestors, assembled on the lawn in front of Tavmouth ct Ivl APPKNDIXi ^.1 n^ • -P' " »"c»V<>f chia produce U laid out on the exteruled mode of hying m the family and per.onaI expense of the ma^f capital, as is consumed by the more numerous but more ecormicd from'Tin."' 'Yi '''''l^'y *=^" 'P^^^ » ''"» proportion. revSen n^^s^rv .uL"£ T .""*? P*^'.^"** "^^ n^oLy'^quirid for thei neceauary aupphes ; the land, at the same tme, supporlinff a numer. t^oWandC^SS'^P'"^^'^""''' ''"^ give^eaXr'oodTn" to the landlord, and pay more taxes ; consuming manufactures iu the lhem.^l°„r*'°5' "."^»/^'"» t° theemploymen.^of thrJhHreplr^ SoP **®'"*"f^5 "n^' above all, to maintain a robust, active body of men, ready to turn out In defence of the liberty and honoiJ of their country. With all this the earth is cul.lvated and grafn pr" dUv ' In th^ '''^' '5- '^' i-^Provments of men, are allowed^ull S'nr!^ ^f "^ ^'J^"^''' «««'"' '^"h Jess than one-fiftcenth sCd hes^oT^Vr- t^^-^'^P-^^. few manufacture con. Sy waste " '''' '" *'* '^'''^ ^' "«*"-' ^'^d the country appa- f«rm°.™^'"ir^ °"-*'''' ?°'"'. ** ^'^^'•^"t tJ'nes with judicious StOck- Ji?h„? «;^ g'-a^'e'-f Of capital. I asked if they could pay a rent equal " Yef certatr" fT"'- " ^»^%P°P"'-«i'en8. ^'h'ey Zwe?ed Dav^he rpiriwn /°"P^'°« "P this question, I asked if they could fum n^ aTtLtL r^'"^ *^^ P'^Pj"' ''""'"« "° cultivation, and turning all the land to pasturage. The answer always was CerLinlv Z S^t'*''" 1,''^'*^ '^' r"*- ^^«" ^""f'^' ques^oneS ' why thin know^eieTh. ' "''■ ^^T '^ P^^^"^^^^' ^^en they saw and ac" answ Jr w^^ That^'n'r'" :''''"*"«« of cultivation ? To%his the oniy answer was, ihat p' Mirage was more eas y manatred : that wiih caul^TnS iT'v^'' ^'7 "^"/'^ ^«^^ ^«'^ o^ «»'2; she 'p and In ! nr? «K g'^";, '^h'^. "^der cultivation, supported 643 persons ♦M« 1^.1' th«y/ui«y acknowledged, that cultivating the land made this immense difference; but then they could not cultivated form! without restoring the people, or employing a grea^^ n?a„y servams dfrnitL?"''-?' " '^' 'T^ *'"'^' that pasture is better aSed to wei clima es, and more easily managed than cultivated fields, overlookTni the strong and acknowledged fact before them, as weH a ^an? others of the same tendency. Their concluding argumen was tha^ to improve the soil was the business of the proprietor no? tS le gentlen^en allowed their lands to remain in a ftate if na'ture withoit an nr 3V' '7'^'" '' ^""J'""^ '^'' cultivation, the loss wa^ he pro" Iffa^V' '"'^•'° '^"« ^' *^" «°* '^'''' f«'-'"«''«'- the rentThey cJuTd afford to pay in pasture, they asked for no improvement. V ^ of'thl\Tgr gln;";;:!^lnL'Eit1S^;^^^^^ ^"^ ^--* depopulation and morf independen T. tSeb- minds. t^!„th?? t""^.'""'"" f H'"''?' b^fer "mbed. wil in many of the hiihlr alensl deen^nH the inhabitants of U,e lower glens ; the i;.Y,o 1 6"" ««"» '» ueep ana rich, and wi APPENDIX. Irii CC, Page 188. Thk funds for tlie relief of the poor have b««in .»-»• dwtncu where the inhabitants hoJ »hl:?l ^^ °/***'*»""y "> those Perthshire, even in isfs Ind 1817 veTrs of "* '" '^ "•^'"•"d- ^^ on the poor, when great sums were^subsclTr""^^^^^^ P''^^"^* the South, there wal no increased demand t '' *t* ' '"PP"' '" nevolence supplied. The cCymen whJ h ^''r'* ^'"^ P"»«»« Re- distribution Sf the funds for S oior fin/' "'" ™*"«K«'nent and charitable aid; on the contrary thL are ohr °°, ^'•«'0'-o"« call for per objects, who conceal their wams^«uff.w^''«''' ^° '^"""^ ^^^ P'o- than humble themselves toZkfTnnht^^^^^^^ that they will gratefully receve private aid fr"'^' "' L^'" """« »'"'« more opulent neighbour, i^a letter from o™ «"y benevolent or m Athoie on thislubject. he says "u i Ce whn?''!f ^ ^'^'»y"'"» instances, and have been astonished and Ir^HfiT''' "^"^^ ""«"'ar poor creatures will struggle wUh their ?«»/Kr''^''v *° «^ how iong painful degradation. H?w eminentll u?Snf '— '^^^ »"'""" *<» »ha? their aid before the virtuous prSrKoI^^^ '^ ^^^ "'^P ^"'"'^"J »<» are reduced to that Ia«t resource whichThi ^'f''T^* «nd they dread ! " • Another able'and zeaL* ^Ll ^ '° ^."'''^ ''"'^ greatly ways search for objects of char^yTn tfSh " Wh ^ " ' "^^^ -'' individuals on their state, I have seen a hi !h f k^*"®" questioning spread over their countenances and whnl th °^ '^T^ «"^ «^"*""«°n ceal their wants, and pointed out to 11 '^ endeavoured to con- that they were i'n grearnecessUy " i ™' °*''"* ""'^ °««<»^"'. ^ ^neir J?hltrpt^^^^^^ 19*7 soul, there on the average of the last fiveyears To thT '""'V^'t^' ^2, 10s. terest of small sums bequeathed by ienevolem S ^" i^'^ '^^ '•»■ ago. In the parish of Dull, with a non.TJf" '"^'^'jjuals some years 2-berof poo'r is sixty-one; TsttWyt Cdtf lIoPT^' ^''^ flL ^f^^Pf'sh has no itinerant bLgars out of '« n' ^^.'•?"°"- 1484 souls. The amount of the funds if ll* inf P°P"'*"°" °f of five years, and the number of poor on tht'i ' °" ^" ""^"g^ persons. Itj the parish of Logieraft the Dot h ^ "'''■"^" ^''^^^ years, when there was a gre^at TncVeas' of hp*''' '^^^^^^ '«*« Highlands. The number of inhaiitantsis 301 5 w./h v^l ^'''^'''^ Se^nSLr:^ iSr!^^^-r 'J?^^^ Survey of the County o^f Ar^Cwn ^S^^^^^^ on^^y oU.er estates, prove the superior appearance of the p.p.e and capahiHty of i % ■ ^s^l L-.' 1 Iviii Ari'ENDfX. ture, " in speaking of tlie poor of ArgyFeiihire, «ay», •' The number supported by private or public contributions or otiierwise is, in gene- ral, very inconsiderable, as they have a modesty and spirit that make* them endure absolute want before they can bring theinseires to the mortification of receiving any public aid. This innate disposition keeps them from being any where a burden. In the island of Tyrie, in Argyleshire, there are 2+46 persons, with fitly paupers. In the island of Coil, the number is 1193, and thirty-four poor receive aid. The annual distribution to each individual from the poor's fund is 3s." With such a fund, it is absurd to speak of the allowance to a pauper OS u suppoi t. •jji' i t II :r DD, Page 190. The excuse for this manner of Jetting lands by auction is, that landlords cannot otherwise ascertain the value of their property. But are those who are thus called upon to offer the proper value the best judges ? They are, in general, either the tenant in possession, dis- tjractcd with the dread of being turned out, and, therefore, ready to give any rent rather than move fron> the scene of his past happiness ; or it may be a speculator, supported by credit, without property to lose, who will risk any rent, in the expectation that fortune and fa- vourable seasons will enable him to work Ims way ; if he fails, he i» no worse off than before, nay, perhaps, ridier, as part of his credi- tors' money may rtuiain in his hands ; or, lastly, it may be a stranger from a distant country, ignorant of tlie quality of the soil and of it* proper management, in an elevated country, and a boisterous uncer- tain climate. It is said, that while people are ready to take farms, the rent cannot be too high, and the landlord is justifiable in taking the best offer. In the same manner, it has bjcn said, that while there are numberless candidates for aemy commissions, the pay of subal- terns is not too small. That the pay of a subaltern is too small, I well know by years of hard experience, and I believe the nuroberlesi* candidates are rather urged by a predilection for the profession, and by their want of other empioyment, than tempted by the sufficiency of military emoluments. From the same cause, and from the same desire of obtaining a settlement, candidates are induced to bid for land at whatever rent. Were it the practice to set up commissions to public sale to the highest bidder, or by secret and rival offers, the money to be paid in annual instalments, like tlie rents, instead of the whole down, thus affording some hope, that the delay would enable thenn to pay all, there is no doubt that the ppiee of commissions would quickly augment; but what would be the consequence ? Certain ruin to the unfortunate purchasers, their spirit broken down by po- verty, their morals unhinged, and io the hope of retrieving their diffi- culties, gambling and other practices, discreditable to themselves and their profession resorted to. But, happily for the honour of the army, the destruction of principle consequent on such proceedings was ; iifl •TTFJf^lUHBa AVVKSUIX, lU cultivators of the land who hlvlh! h ? u ^"* P'-'"CM'le8 of the primitive mannerVand intgHty '^"^^ '^''" connpicuou, for their .« no longcT necmary. .hown himself MuXl^riudid^. H grr«;!eV ".r^r;": °/ "?,:'?" -F ".a.tr';r2 great rem. „„« prcmmd, but irregulLlv naiJ ..fa ' '""'''°8^'. .e,ues.ra.,o«. l^oimenttd and SuMei fi' .1^? '»"»"°'" l-y .na shocked a. .he di.tre., mdiiiStil^LtTZ'^^^l'f rx,;!red-t'?,r'd? ^"-sre'^n^'/ta^rtti-oi zs^ UD undn'' '"J."^"^'«"« «"g'«entations. The tenanrcan now bear up under Uw prices and taxes, as thdr moderate rents enabrthZ iur?d?„";"''"r'-'""^'"«^"^'^«' '^"'l ^heir generous andlord i««T EE, Page 217. INSTANCES are common in the Highlands, even to this dav of .!,« influence of pubhc opinion operating as a powerful restraint orfcriL's nay, even as a punishment, to the extent of forcing individualsTn?' exile. Of these, two have occurred within my own remeir.^ fZT ^'.f f "^°' '*" '"«"' «"^ «'d ^"d the olher yoTg! ied »nto a small boat to cross Loch Tay. In the middle of thfjaKh fardoT tl/'"' r'e " '1 «![."^«''»^' andthenVuicIcTyt stor *ali dpwn, the people from the distance could not distinguish which' • TWs was General the lale Earl of Hoputouii. ii Ix APPENDIX. ¥ ,' r'', i \Vhcn the boat arrived at the ahore, the young man wai miMioff. The account which hit aged companion gave was, that the youtn was in liquor, and wished to quarrel with him, and got up in the boat to strike him, but his foot slipped and he feii overboard. T'mi story was not believed. The man was sent to Perth jail, tried at the ensuing assizes, and acquitted for want of evidence. The impression of hia guilt, however, was not to be effaced from the minds of the people. This belief was further confirmed by the character of the man, who was quarrelsome and passionate. On his return to Breadalbane no person would speak to him. He was not upbraided for his supposed guilt, nor was any attempt made to insult or maltreat him ; but he f jund every back turned upon him, and every house he entered in- stantly emptied of its inhabitants. He withstood this for a short time, when he left the country, and never returned, or was seen afterwards. I was present at this man's trial. His name was Ewen Campbell, or Ewen Laider, or the Strong, from his great strength. The other instance happened some years afterwards in Strathbrane, the most southern valley in the Perthshire Highlands. The circum- stances were in part similar to those which occasioned the late pro- posed trial by wager of battle in the case of Thornton, accused of the murder of Mary Ashford. A young woman was found drowned in a small pool of water used for steeping flax, having considerable marks of violence on the body, and traces of struggling being dis- covered on the grass round the pool. There was not a doubt but she had been murdered and forced into the water. Suspicions fell upon a young man supposed to have been her sweetheart. He was sent to Perth jail, tried, and acquitted for want of proof. In the minds of the people, however, there was proof sufficient. He happened to reach home late on a Saturday night, and next morning went to hear Divine service, and took his seat in one end of the church ; but in a moment he had it wholly to himself. Every person moved away to a distance, and left the whole range of seats empty. When he came out after service, and stood in the church-yard, all shunned him, and when he walked homewards, those that were in his front hurried on, and those behind walked slow, leaving the road to himself. This was too much to bear, and his resolution not holding out so long as the old man's, he disappeared that night, and, like him, has never since been heard of. The laws are now sufficiently strong to punish all crimes in th© Highlands. When such was not the case, these were the institutions and habits of thinking which these illiterate people established for themselves, to punish and prevent transgressions. 1 l:^ FF, Page 221. To extend the means of education, a knowledge of the Scriptures, and a consequent regard to religion and moral duties, grtat improve- ments h«vu been lately made by the humane beneficence ul" iudivi- I* APPENDIX. ai miMiQg. the youth in the boat Thh story the ensuing isiun of hit the people. t man, who dalbane no is supposed im ; but he entered in* or a short or was seen ! was Ewen At strength, trathbrane, 'he circum< e late pro< accused of id drowned onsiderable being diso I doubt but picions fell t. He was >f. In the e happened ng went to rch; but in ed away to ^n he came d him, and liurried on, self. This so long as has never ncs in the institutions blishcd fur Scriptures, »t iniprove- ; ol' iiidivi- Ixi nnvo thuH enabled the natives to read the Scriptures in a lantfuaae which they understand. As ,he best books only are published i« con miSn T '^r''''' 1 ^^^ ^^'^'^ ^'" be VotecS f^om .1 e nfprr.- mL'^*''*'''"."1^ improper tracts, and the advantage! be.tDrrrni:i''!h""T''''*r!!' '^' **»"«" '^'^^ ^''^««»«"- ^h^ir result^ xf^no^n *^ P '5"" °' '^T ^'""'"8- "^'"^'^ ""«'" 'o be the ZlL f "'0"»/ e^ucatmg the Highlanders in the early part of tt .1 ! k'^' l"^ °^ i-Jftructing them in religious knowledge, do not seem to have been well understood or well Conducted. Thi es- tobhshed clergy were directed to preach and exhort in English, and ichoolmasters to teach in the same language. Thus, whSe the na. ttrd"id rt'c?"!^"!? *° ''-^^" todis'cou^sesali^Verl of whS they did not comprehend one sentence, their children were taught to pronounce and run over their letter, with as little instruction^. In conformity to this precious system, patrons of Highland parishe. .W;a:tT.L"r,': rIP""l!**.."'i"'«^-^^-'" l'^'' LowIands.^otally i... ^ , , P ° ,° \^ e-"""" K"« ion •■• rtuerueunsiure, came. by appeal before the General Assembly. But the Assembly, from nf rpS";; ' aJ'^''^ **. '}^^ '"^^^ers of the church and supporters of religion, a different decision might have been expected, sustained the appointments and thus, by giving countenance to an unprincipled practice, by which the very source of Christian instruction is dried up, patrons of parishes are encouraged to persevere in a flagitious system which deprives a whole population of the means of hearing Divine worship performed in an intelligible language. Yet, while re- ligious knowledge was, in these cases, placed beyond the reach of the Highlanders, by those whose bounden duty it was to afford them every facility to acquire it, the state of religion, and the clear notions the people entertain of their religious duties, are very remarkable, particularly when those disadvantages, the scarcity of clergymen and the general great extent of the parishes, are taken into consider- ation. Ihe indifference shown to their religious instruction at the A^'/owirnTJ™''^'' ^^!'^■ "^"^"e.tha" serious on such a subject, the appearance tl^ana^llL Tlf^'"?^\'" attempting to preach in Gaelic might occasion more Inil^Tn ^" J^\^'^^}^ they constantly commit, their perversion of the Ian- fr morrl?.fT "^"^i^" r'*""'^ °*" ^°^^'^' ^^'''^ ""X ^e understood in two or more senses, occasion ridiculous scenes, which put the gravity of the aeed to tie proof, and throw the youthful into fits of laughter not Lily^cLrollT When SrhlaLtrr' -^ ^'^''' '""^'""^ instruction is in so many Ja^rconveyed io tbS m^f«nl«5' ♦''7.'«"*!"n<=«n"»y cease to excite wonder ; and, instead of seeing ^^v -nH T« • " ^^l *"u* '"'"'"■ "' '^^ ^«"» «<■ ^^liKi"". knowledge of Christi! S'„f IS V"'"' "^^'f"' i^"y P.''^*'"''' "'^t '" ^«^ Highlands, it were well if a SSLl nf Vh "■•"■ *"r ?"'*'«"»?•«» ^ere "ised against those who deprive the in!^ i^l^n t ^''T"*'"" of instruction, and some share of merit and approbation might X^ipi^s^'Set^^";^^^^^^^^^^ -^- suchdisadvantal^ are not „L Ixii APPF.NDIX. :■ "i 7 ;f 1.1 Reformation is well known, and looked more like a total extinction, than a reform of religion ; for, at that period, two, three, and in some cases four parishes, were united into one ; numberless chapels were destroyed, • and tracts of forty or fifty miles in extent were left without a church, or minister of the gospel. Although there are many thousand unable to read, and many more unable to understand what they read, (in English), the advantages of education, when combined with temporal comforts, are well under- stood, and when allowed to go hund in hand, they have answered the most sanguine expectations. Jn this manner, we see men, in the lowest situations as cottagers, giving an education to their children, which fits them for any profession. Many men of my intimate acqaintance, educated in this manner, have been, and now are, eminent in different learned professions. Others give equal promise. These men ac- quired the religious and moral habits, which paved the way to their present eminence, from the poor but well-principled parents. The number of persons thus educated from the poorest class of the peo- ple is, I believe, unparalleled. This commendable trait of character may be considered as part of that cliivnlrous independent spirit which animated the clans, and which, amidst poverty and frequent violations of law ard regular government, developed many honourable points of character. But to returh to the subject of religious knowledge. They who suppose that knowledge is only acquired from books, will find some difficulty in believing that in the Highlands, men without any educa- tion, or any language but their own, can give a clear account of their faith. With a memory rendered tenacious and accurate, by their in- jibility to readi ar J the consequent necessity of retaining in their re- collection what they hear, they acquire a competent knowledge of the Scriptures, and on reference to any important passage, will readily point out the chapter and verse. Not only can they repeat whole chapters from recollection, but even recollect the greater part of a sermon. Men of this lind were not to be found in every family, but they were frequent ; and by free communication of their acquire- ments, have greatly contributed to considerable intelligence, both civil and religious. But, as education extends, this faculty of a te- nacious memory must diminish. When a man can find what he wishes to know by turning up a book, he is apt to think that he need not be at the trouble of retaining it in his memory. As education is be- coming so general, it is to be hoped, that moral principles will be • TIic churches of tlie adjoining parishes of Fortingall in Perthshire, and of Lis- more in Argyleshire, are 78 miles distant. The parish of Appin was suppressed arnl annexed to Lisniore, and Kiichonnan annexed to Fortingall. Nine chapels in these four parishes wijre totally suppressed ; and thus, whera thirteen clergymen were established formerly, the economy of the Reformers allowed only two ; and this they called teaching the true gospel, where no teachers were left, no provision for clergymen, nor churches for Divine worship allowed. Four parishes were united under one clergyman at Blair Athole. Similar instances are frequent in the High- lands and Isles. AVPE^njX, I extinction, and in some hapels were it were left many more Ivantages of well under- nswered the I the lowest ren, which cqaintance, in different e men ac- ^ay to their ents. The f the peo- f character pirit which t violations le points of They who find some iny educa- int of their ly their in- n their re- )wledge of isage, will (ley repeat ■eater part ;ry family, ir acquire- nce, both ;y of a te- he wishes !ed not be on is be- es will be and of Lis- supprcssed e cliapels in clergymen vo ; and this revision for vere united 1 the Ilii'h. Ixiii ?:rprwliitasrr^^^^^ ^'-'^• easily manaeed Mnntr«=l .i ^ "^^ * Highlander can be so his army, a?d Ui^ h" Z'erPd ll" "T^-^' ''"^" ^^^-^^ ««'<*'^*- *" genealogies, and t adi'ons and '^'""'. ^y. '^•^«"«"tion to their songs, privations, he roused hem Lpv J "^T^ '" ^" '^'^'''' ^«"&»^« «"d ordinary were 're IrlT v u''^''"' -'''™°** incredible. So extra- casions.^h^aX^nce of rf;''' ^^ P^'^^T^'*' *''*^' °" "'""^ <>«. had of his appS and nf l-*'""^ """' *'^^ ^-"^^ """"^^ ^''^ enemy that he was b^ond their reach ' bT\''1^'T intelligence was^ February 1645 whpn L ?J ^^T ^^^ ''^"'^ ""^ Inverlochy in Montrose ont^eooth; •-'"'''"'' -^"^^^^ '''** 3000 men, Ld qoented route acro«« ^! '^^''*=¥ ^'"'''y'^iles by an unfre- Jail of snoJ^ and came ,. nX ""r^ ^"."^'.^•''^-' ^"""^ « ''^«^y t^elievedhim'iranoTe: ll7!^\^e Zt^'^rr'^ ^'? ^''^^ clear, that it was almn«f «<. i: i . ^,«""try The moon shone so the whole nil t ?nd w f Iwl I^ '^^ ^^'^ ' /''"^ '^^ "P"" '^'^'^^ ^rms ed each oth^ with sliX alllr''?;"" ^'^u^''" ''6''*' ^'''^y «« harass- other time to Tepose Thev^ II '^'T'^''' '^' "either gave the gyll, more intemon his nl T/^''^'^ ""''^^^ *'«■■ ^^y* «"'y ^r- Ule middle of tl e nid and hf •^' """'"^"^ '^'"^^'^ '^"'^y «^°"t escaped the hazard o^a battle Z"^' """^ "PP^'-'r"'^ S**^ « ^oat, the prowecs of hrme^ .iZ It' ■ u^ l^'^^' *° '^^ * spectator of less, the chiefs o tlTe r«.Jnh ' .'" '^^ '^'"^*^'" ^''"'''^^' Neverthe- battle with grea^cLra^e But It fi ^ ''"T '.""^"' ^^«"" ^''^ muskets only once Monrro«.? '"^ r n • ''' ranks discharging their in hand, with Tgre^rsrout «ndT; '" '." "PO" them furioSsl/sword \ Ixiv APPENDIX. il? *' ■- i ',1 ' im were severnl gentlemen of distinction of the name of Campbeil, who led on the clan, and fell on the Held of battle too gallantly for their dastardly chief. Montrose, though an enemy, pitied their fate, and used his authority to save and give quarter to as many as he could. In thiti battle Montrose had several wounded, but he had none killed but three privates, and Sir Thomas Ogilvie, son of the Earl of Air- ley, while Argyll lost the Lairds of Auchenhreck, Glensaddell, and Lochnell, with his son and brother, and Barbreck, Inneraw, Lament, Silvercraigs, and many others taken prisoners. " * Spalding, in his " History of the Troubles, " states, that " there came direct from the Committee of Edinburgh certain men to see Argyll's forwardness in following Montrose, but they saw his flight in manner foresaid. It is to be considered that few of this army had escaped if Montrose had not marched the day before the fight twenty- three miles, (Scotch miles), on little food, and crossed sundry waters, wet and weary, and standing in wet and cold ihe hail night before the fight. " Similar to this were six successive battles fought by Montrose, the loss on his side being equally small, and that on the side of the Covenanters proportionably great, f In those instances we find a body of men very inferior in numbers, of whom the High- landers constituted the main strength, carry all before it, when com- manded by a man of great military genius, to which he united, in a very eminent degree, the useful talent for properly understanding the character of those he commanded, and accommodating himself to their peculiar habits. At the battle of Aldearn, a few weeks afler that of Inverlochy, Campbell, Laird of Lawers, although upwards of seventy years of age, fought on the side of the Covenanters with a two-handed broad- sword, till himself, and four out of six sons who were with him in the field, fell on the ground on which they stood. Such was the enemy which the genius and talents of Montrose overcame. On that occasion the left wing of Montrose's army was commanded by his able auxiliary Macdonell, or Maccoull, (as he is called in Gaelic), still celebrated in Highland tradition and song for his chi- valry and courage. An elevation of the ground separated the wings. Montrose received a report that Macdonell's wing had given way, and was retreating. He instantly ran along the ranks, and called out to hfs men that Macdonell was driving the enemy before him, and unless they did the same, the other wing would carry away all the glory of the day. His men instantly rushed forward, and charged the enemy off the field, while he hastened with his reserve to the re- lief of his friend, and recovered the fortune of the day. • Bishop Wishart's Memoirs. f These battles were those of Aldearn, Alford, Tippermuir, Killsyth, &c. I 'ampbe!ll, who mtly for their heir fate, and as he could, id none killed ! Earl of Air- msaddell, and raw^, Lamont, that " there (1 men to see saw his flight this army had ; fight twenty- sundry waters, night before les fought by id that on the lose instances ora the High- it, when com- e united, in a ^rstanding the ng himself to )f Inverlochy, renty years of [landed broad- ith him in the vas the enemy IS commanded e is called in ng for his chi- tted the wings, id given way, Ls, and called y before him, carry away all i, and charged }rve to the re- Isyth, &c. APPENDIX, HH, Page 247. Ixv the^?a~rU h'' n^^^^^ ^- -r. and of comprehended and executed ver?.fR""u '''''^ ^''''C'^'nstances. they lov^iSg details of so^e ocTutrnces^ „^ ' t' ^'^^ '''' 17*5. Tho actors were a fev^PnH Alholedunng the Rebellion of none of whom had eTeTface^an enS fiU^'L'T'" ^^ '^'"^ *^"«"^^' and Falkirk. Some time nrpvin?, T^ !u ^^^ ^^^^^^^ °^ Prestonpans when the districTnf A?h T "' '° ^^^ """"th of March 1746 Fusilel;" at^ottr^ egteT ZX '' '''' 'ff ^ S^'^^' Sir Andrew Agnew with ?h»;» ""^^'^^''e command of the veteran 8hire Hiffhlandfrs Lo» r »1'°" °^ ^^^ Campbells, or Arffvll. rebel arCwll L to d^^^^^^^^^^^ co-nmander-in-'chief o^Z district from thernillaild^nn ' • °°^'' ^""^ '"''"^^ '"« "at'^e -hire into Atho e w'^thTbattalioKhpA^T'^'^^^ f^"™ I»^«'-"^««- passed through Badenoch toT 1„„^ "^-^^^^^ under their chief, the Laird of ClnL u 'j'^ ^°° Macphersons. opposite Lochgar'ry near he con^nSs of A^h !'"^ "' ?alnaspidel, •* the 16tb of March he dlvSH;^ h: • ^^^°^^' °" ^^^ evening of sent them off by differen route^l^7;"r ' T'^'' '^ Parties,^and occupied by the S's troon« .^ attack and surprise all the posts the country, besides^o heTTtatJo^!"-L ' ''^' g-tlemcn's houses in George marched to the Bridle Tr ''"''"^ '""^ g^''"«0"s- Lord Castle, the head-quartcrs of sfr An^''"^^'''" ""'^^ ""''' ^'^^ B'air turn of his detached parde/ Ab^uf bri t^fl' ""^ ''''''^ '^' re- them had joined at the plac; of r^l ""1^^^' ""^ ^''^^'^ any of Jated by Home in hU History of rhpThSr" "^l' '''^°^™«'^' «« '«- Agnew had got his men unSer arms a^f '"''' '^-^^ " ^'^ ^'^'^'^^ was that had attacked hU posts When ZhT'"^ '° ''' '^^^ ■' received this notice, they had alon^^Uh ,L^'^ and Clunie vate men, and some eJdily gentLmen tSp °"'^ '^^jy-five pri- what should be done. Some advled ZV JV'?!''^^''^ ^"S^^'^er of their way to DrummachTor n h« ^? '''?"''^ ""^^^ the best be better to' ™ou„tX S thittref nrrL^Td'""". 'Y'' ^^^''^ where they could not be fo]lZJ J I^' ^"'^ '""''® '''^ir retreat whogavekopiniol ./inonlin '^.^f''''.^,^ ^'^'''^ '"'•om all I haJl sent outU ?all into tl?e hanZ7 l/''*'^ '''^' «" '^' P««'«« %ht, but the sun was no up Lord r.L !' t"^"'^* '* "^^^ ^ay him, observed a fold (hke TthafT^ ?^''Tv'*'°'''"^ ^^•■"^^''y aboJt begun as a fence for cattfe ind Ift „ ^^u^. ''"^^' ^'^''^'^ ^^^ been to follow him. and draw uri Sehiid thP dT*"'**- ^t ""'^'"'^ ^is meS from another, tlmt the7Zhtmak.» !'," '"? « distance one or both regiments ^y^^^^^ ^^ ttgttdtTJT^ Ixvi AJ'PENDIX. W4'f h\ PiIP*»!J ^ u ® *"? "^".^ *"•" ^^^ P'P«" l^oih of the Atholeraen and the Macphersons) to keep their eyes fixed on the road from Blair, and the moment they caw the soldiers appear, to strike up with all their bagpipes at once. Jt happened that the regiments pome in sight just as the sun rose, and that instant the pipers began to plav one of their most noisy pibrochs. Lord George and his Highlanders, both officers and men, drawing their swords, brandished them about their heads; Sir Andrew, after gazing a while at this spectacle, orr dered his men to the right about, and marched them back to t|ie Castle of Blair. Lord George kept his post till several of his parties came in ; and as soon gs he had collected three or four hundred men. secure of victory, and certain that his numbers would very soon be greater, he marched to Blair, and invested the castle. When all the parties bad come in and made their report, it appeared that no less than t'venty posts, great and small, had been attacked between three clock and five in the morning, and all of them carried. " * H^re we nave a body of men taken from their ploughs, or from tending t.ieir sheep and cattle, and pomm^nded by a few country gentlemen, without the least military experience ; with nothing but the natural genius for war which marked the Highland character of that aee. planning and successfully executing a combination of attacks and surprises of posts, several of which were strong and defensible, being ancient houses of gentlemen, having thick walls, small windows and loop-holes, and being defended by disciplined troops. Their opera- tions were conducted with such secrecy, dispatch, and address, and each party marched with such precision to the different points of attack, that the whole were carried within the hours appointed, al- though they had to cross large and rapid rivers, high mountains, and deep glens, and although several of the posts were many miles asunder. I know not if the whole of the Peninsular campaigns ex- hibited a more perfect execution of t^ complicated piece of military n. Page 253. This nobleman, although of Lowland extraction, had been bred a Highlander. He was educated by John Duke of Argyll, in whose • My grandfather's house was one of those attacked on that night. It was jrar- nsoned by a captain and 100 men of the gist regiment, and a detachment of the i^rgyle Highlanders. Tlie rebels rushed on the picquets, and took them prisoners without the least noise. ' Proceeding to the stables and out-houses, where some of the men slept, they seized upon them in succession. Those in the house knew not what passed till they heard the noise, and saw the court in front of the house full of men, threatening to set it on fire jf they did not surrender. After some parley they capitulated without a person being hurt oji either side, except an unlucky o^ir!, the daugJiter of one of the drummers of the 21st regiment, wfo slept in the liousc When she heard the noise, she ran to one of the windows to look out, and being mistaken in tlie dark for an enemy, she was killed by a shot from the outside The party who attacked was commanded l>y Mr Stewart of Boiiallie, whom I have fre- qliently mentioned. lolemen and i froM Blair, up with all >tu came in gan to play lighlandersf them about ectacle, orr lack to the f his parties indred men, 3ry soon be f^hen all the that no less twcen three . " * Here om tending gentlemen, the natural if that age, ittacks and sibie, being indows ^nd heir operar Idresi), and t points of lointed, al- mountains, nany miles ipaigns ex- of military een bred a l> in whose It was gar- iment of the lem prisoners here some of jse knew not house full of e parley they cky giri, the I the house. , and being utside. The II I Imvi; fj:f- ^I'>'KND1X. Ixyji a« an ensign in tie FoS Guard ' TU^l' "« *^"^«red the army '""^/L',«"tenant-Colonerind n 17/0 f" '^^'.' ^e attained Z Z.U '^' ""^ H'ghland regiment ^ "^P"'"*^'* »° ^^« com- In the years 1738 and 1739 he Lrl Russian and Imperial service in th ^^'"^"^ «« a volunteer in th,. ed m different parts of the body, and I^^ft ' u T' '^"""^^y "'ound- covered, he was carried to BelSide th T ^^^ ^^^^' ^^en i,e re- but never sufficiently recovereTfvL tt'^^ Tt'^ ^^'"^ '"°"»"l The moment he was able to ZZ t- ^""^-^ "^'"^ 'bounds- h.m to be idle, he joined the army •„'%!":, «^''/« '"'"d not allowing appointed Adjutant General anTnl ^'aiders in 1741, where he was -^1 hgent, and successfurptir:::' tV T'"' ^"^^^P"^'"" best information, counteracting the nl!n i*" "'^'■^' procuring the plies of the enemy. He was nn 1/ S?" *' ®"d cutting off the sun their designs, than fearC^L ruiTl'^"''-^T^' ^"^ Penet-a I'ng nfo the greatest presence of minH ii "' '" ^^"^ ""a^k. and disnlavpJ pocted difficulty. * ™'"'^ '" extricating himself fVom any unS Kolt, in his Life of the TJo-i e ^ n of Crawfurd ™ bornTJwer'i:^"''^'}^ » "'■''="' '!•« the Earl ■n the field of ba„le. mZl°"f " T '"' '"''>'"°n «» die a. such * " Lord Crawfurd so t r?ifsjr' s^t?f^^Ss^ !£-::si,i:^^^ r ^'-•r. ^hihited .liriKudier Do^a^and oSr'"*^'''" ^'■«°"'-' «'" ^iu o'/c^ 1 "T."''' -«» Jy the/r gallantly a'ndln £, I? "' "'^. "'•"'■^'' W^. dis^CutlfllH "°'^''' Hc-camp. and attended by two Id. .^TP""'"** ''^ ^o'ne vdun eers ! 'h *''"'!'*«'^« noitre the situation of il,„ '^ dragoons, he liad rode n„. i r' *l ^^ '"» "'d' The sergeant who coLma„d"'l'"?' '"^ ^"^ '" ^vith one of th Lr T '^^yj^'econ, ^ere presented when Se "^i;' """'^^"tely turned out^hisS^^'/lrrfl-'d guards, "ark of disorder, he rode un^n h '' P'^'^^^^^d them. \ " hout^' "'"*. ">"■• Pieces General, told him intLA ""^ sergeant, and, assuming £rl ''^''"^'"6 the least Then he asked f thev td I'r^"^'^? *''^' '^'^'^ ^as no oSfoS r'^'l"'" " ^''^"'^ I" the negative, u vTry ifi ""r^f .^"^ "^ »'•« enemy's par "" InVh"" *^'"™«"y' be attacked, I will takoc.^n '., . "^ ^^' " ^"^ "Pon your cu3' ""Vf^ answered pany retired before tluc ^'''^°" *''«" ''^ sustained" .€! ^ **"! '^ y°" should ed bV this unelZldSr' ^^^ '^^°»«« Smself fJomT^' ''' ?"'^'''«com: •■ Smollett's Co.,«rM„«.:„.. .... „ Smollett",. Cotuinualion of Hume, J" -n la Ixviil APPENDIX. discernment penetrating ; he was splendid in his retinue, but temper- ate at his table, so that he was completely formed for a great com- mander. His Lordship had a most exact eye in the surveying of grounds, and a wonderful quickness in discovering the strength or weakness of his situations, either for encamping an army to such an advantage that it could not be attacked or annoyed without manifest loss to the assaulters, or from attacking an enemy that was encamp- ed with the greatest advantage the ground could afford. " Lord Crawfurd's military genius was much improved by John Duke of Argyll, with whom he lived when absent from his studies. He was much at Inveraray, where, along with his warlike accomplish- ments, he acquired the language of the country, and became attach- ed to the people, their manners, and their dress. " He was not more remarkable for his elegance in dancing than in his noble way of per- forming the Highland dance, habited in that dress, and flourishing a naked broadsword to the evolutions of the body, which is somewhat similar to the Pyrrhic dance. * He was so celebrated for his per- formance, that isu was requested to perform before his Britannic Ma- jesty, which he did at a numerous court, to the great satisfaction of the King and company. He also performed it at the request of Ge- neral Linden, befosc a grand assembly at Cormorra, in Hungary, when he was habited in the dress of that country, which became the dance extremely well, when his Lordship gave them infinite plea- sure. " In March 1747, Lord Crawfurd married Lady Jane Murray, daughter of the Duke of AthoU, but she did not live beyond the fol- lowmg October; and he died in December 1749, in consequence of the breaking out of his wounds, which indeed had nev^r been pro- perly healed. His active mind allowing no rest to his weakened body, his constitution sunk under the exertion. * This dance was called Makinorsair. I have seen it performed by old men, but it has now disappeared. As arms were not in use in later times, an oaken staff sup- plied the place of the sword. C 'i 1 HI i t temper-> reat com- ireying of •ength or ^ ) such an : manifest encamp- by John is studies. compHsh- le attach- not more ly of per- irishing a somewhat , his per- innic Ma- faction of ?st of Ge- Hungary, icame the lite plea- Murray, d the fol- quence of leen pro- weakened INDEX TO VOLUME FIRST, ii Id men, but in staff sup- VOL. I. J 1 ^M^ m^^ r; 1 m -'' } hV'j ' r * VB 1 Rj % Hi, si ■', / 1 'lill' 1 g-aanjig 1 i ill" ' It a- 1,^ ' im" ^i iipi' M INDEX TO VOLUME FIRST. 310. ™^' ^09— advances against Ticonderoga. : t'T l "" °'««=«'- '•» the Black Watcb, S05, dlUon to Egypt. ^Se^.o.lZ^^Se!::^^!' t ""T' "' ''* "P'^" -tS^, noie^articulars of his family.t]^ * 487~,nc,dentfl of his life. I^r;^;;:;;^ „;, f "*• ^""nands'a sank battaUon in Aoierica. 379. Abernethy, supposed the capital of the Pirt« i«!_ u. note. *^ "® ^'*'*»» 15-«ubteminean ruins at, ib., Aboukir, British fleet anchor in the Bav of 4R9 *u . Abraham, battle of the Heights of.^s ' *' '"^^ ^^""^ »• ^S. Achius, King of the Scots, 16. Acushnet river, shipping in, destroyed by the British 390 Agricola the Roman general, 15. ' ^' Airley, family of, their feud with the Areyle 112 Alexandria, battle of. 476~surrendered,T9e; Alleyne, Mr Foster, how he treats his neijroes. ISS nm. Argyle. county of, 6. '^'^^ ^^^' "°*''' Duke of, commands the Black Watch "tn* «..- . j . . regiment, 305. * 302— promoted into the 54th family of, their feud with the Atholl, &c. 112 Marquis of, bond against, 33, note. Arms, descnpUon of those of the clans, 71. Arran, island of, 6. Array, warlike, of the clans, 72. /8 Ixxii INUfiX. Aiylum, Caledonian, Itg Institution, 238. Atholc, district of, 4, nole, 5, note. — — Duke of, his reason for exercising the power of pardon, 52— number of men he formerly brought into the field, 72. ' family of, their feud with tho Argylc, 112. ' Marquis of, colh a I'wrjy ol utexi to assist King William, 67. Athole-men, bond <-f ^, nod -^h-v counter the Argyle-men, ib., no/t- -take Dundee. 43— take Jnvetaiy, 44— refuse to serve King William, 67. Attachment, local, striking insUnccs of, 85, note, D7, note, 165. Attack, mode of, used by the clans, 73. Baden and Bavaria, transfer of their subjects between the sovereigns of, 156. Ball, Captain, deputed to treat with the Hljck Waich, 265. — -- Robert, 40, note. Bannockburn, clans who fought at the battle of, under King Robert Bruce. Barbadoes, great abundance of provisions in, 435, note. Bards, their duties, 84 — effects produced by, 85. Bealmacha, pass of, 5. Bel, or Baal, traces in the Highlands of the worship of, 9— anniversary of, ib., note. Bisset, Commissary, the Duke of AthoU's baron bailie, 32. Black Watch, origin of the name, 248--the companies independent, ib.— cap- tains of, 249— respectability of, ib,— officers chiefly of the loyal clans, 251 — how stationed, ib — formed into a regiment, 252— embodied at Tuybridgo, 254- list of officers, 263— uniform of, ib. — numbered the 43d reginient, ib. inarch to England, 256— fuitii violated with, 258, 269, nobcrt Bruce, sa»y of, il)., t, ib.— cup- lans, 251 — Tuybridgo, fgiment, ib. eviewed on inter Lady r Flanders, onduct and lew cotnpa- )— employ- ily worhhip I regiment, eir loss in !12 — enco- inent, 317. INDKJf. Ixxiit Brooklyn, battle of, 5fli. "■"zr.r"* '■'°'° "•""■' •«•'"•' <"-' "«". »"-.... ro^- Burns, the poet, quoted, 104 Bushy Run. the British attacked by the Indian, at the pa., of, 860. Caddie, of Edinburgh, their Integrity arj capability, 208 note Ceanmor, Malcolm, Gaelic used at Court till hi. «!„„ Tr t Court south, 21. * ^if 16— he remores th« Caini, how raised, 99, nole. Cairo, taken l)y the Dritisli, 495. Caledonian Mcrory, quoted, 258, 283, 29?. Caledonians, scene of their stand for liberty, 4-oarly cJvill.ation 17 Cameron, clan. ii4-.at the battle of Killic ankle R« '" .'*'°"' '^' „ don, 74. '^'iiicrankie, 68— their charge at Cullo- ~ — •^°'"" I^h". n noted freebooter, 66 -^— jf^Lochiel, at the battle of Bannockburn, 50. note^ioln. Lord --— -. second son of Lochiel. warns General Mackay of hi, danger 67 C^ell. A inn son of Barcaldlne, an officer in the Blac. tj S""' — Colonel Alexander. nC p:„„i. «,. . . _. ' ^•^• 252. - Colonel Alexander, of Finab. an officer In the Black W^h. 249. ~ °"f '*'' °^ Craignish, an officer In the Black Watch, 255. : !"■ """*^»"' °f ^°c''"«=ll. an officer in the Black Watch 249 .^ ^7^"' r "^ Glenfalloch, an officer in the Black Watch 285 "i:;;:raitt:i:;5;r ■'" ""^•^ ^^•^'^ ^'^^^^'^ «» ^'•^ «^"«. ^^«. -'- -——John, younger of Glenlyon, an officer in the Black Watch 289^ employed on unpleasant duty during the rebellion, ib. ' John, of Strachur, an officer in the Black Watch, 3o6. — Colonel of Gienlyon, an opinion entertained by, 109, note. Laird of Glenorchy, the influence of the Elders of hi- ..iL him, 59 -dlstinctive names of, lb., note * " °'"" ■^^^^of Inve. . an officer In the Black Watch, 289»promated, 505- TrtV. ^'°°"'' ^""''^ "'*''*'" '» '"' «"««. 5. note. •——of Achallader ; he and Lord Breadalbane's tenants place great con s:t':::';:r!:^; --:- ^---^ - pra.ce on .. ^ Ixxiv INDKX. 1 1 1' w I 1 h Ctna], Caledonian, the relucttnco of the Ilighlandon to work at it accounted for, 809. Celtic namiM of places, ! I— where ipoken at present, 14. CtlU, migration! of, 8— tracoi of them over a coniidtrable part of Europ«, 10 — th« warliko iiiirit of tba Caladonian, M. Chariot I., King, civil wan of, IM. " II.I King, bit gratitude to tli« Ilighlandon, 103, ■ Prince. — Bee Stuart, Prince Charles. Charleetown uken by the Oritish, 406. Cfaerokeei, expedition againit, 349. Cliiefi, their sway, 84— their away mild, 30— concluded treaties, 32— young chief obliged to give a ipccimen of his vnlour, .16, no<*— jurisdiction of, 49, 53— had power of life and death, 52— tlicir power not uncontrolled, 51, 55 —occasionally deposed, 58— tlieir generosity, 50. Clans, cause of Ihu separation into, 23— community of customs, 24 their go- vernment patriarchal, ib., 24, 30, 50, 60— consequences arising from the sys- tem, 32— feuds of, 32, 44, 112— tendency of their warfare, 40— black-mail levied by, 41— croachs, 39— hostile expeditions, 42— their spoliations not thought immoral, 40, 45--. •mmand of 297. Dm, riror, -I, I)M'r.Htnkin», tlio how and arrow he»t rtttod for, 72, nifk«,„ of Kilh.ul..,, tlK. kiminoH. oftlH. town of Peeblr« to, flOfl DiHHertations preliminary, the object of the prefliwl, 8.'« Distillation, illicit, I Of l—cnuHo of, aoi. Domini.iue, colony of, Hiirrendern to the HritiHh, 331. D— change of tenantry in, 131— emigration from, 193— cause of illicit distil- lation in, 199. Home's History of the Rebellion quoted and characterized, 75, 7,ote. Huntlj, Marquis of, joins the 42d regiment, 4.15— succeeds Sir Hector Munro as Colonel, 518, nole. Hunlly, family of, their feud with the Argyle, 112. Howe, General Sir William, Commander-in-chief in America, 379. Lord, killed, 310— his character, ib. Jackson's Systematic View quoted, 24.7, 272. Jacobite songs, their merit and influence, 101. James, the alnlicated King, his letter to Stewart of Ballechin, 69, 7iote. Icolm-kill, college of, 17— furnishes England with bishops, 17, note. Inch Ewan, stream of, the boundary between the Celts and Saxons, 102. Indies, West, expeditions to, 321., .129. Ingoldsby, B. General, his vindication of himself when at Fontenoy, 286. Inverkeitlu'ng, battle of, 18. Inverlochy, castle of, 18. Invincibles, French, beaten in Egypt, 4.78-dispute about the captured colour of, 1.79, 505. Johnson, Dr Samuel, remarks by, 18, 50, note— hia opinion of the disarming act, 120— his Journey quoted, 114, ««/<.•— his sarcasm respecting the want of old trees likely to prove true, 152, note. —— Sir William, defeats a party of Indians, 334.— takes the Fort of Niagara, ib.— his military genius, 335, notc—hh influence over the Indians. 318, Irishmen, by adopting Mac instead of the O, admitted into the 4-2d regiment, *ilH. Katrine, Loch, supposed origin of the name, 40. Kenmore, an affiay at, 55. Killicrankie, pass of, 5, 19— battle of, 67. Kingdom, Celtic, 15. Landlords, instances of the attachment of the Highlanders to, 128, 7iote—l29 note. ' Lament, Captain, his death and character, 305. Language, Gaelic, 5-of Oriental origin, 10— when discontinued at Court, 16 —adapted for social intercourse, lOO-whisky-liouse a term unknown' in. 204., note. Lafeldt, battle of, 297. Latliam, Lieutenant, his fate a warning to young officers, 420, 7iote Leaue, Donald Bane, freebooter, 45, Lee, General, his opinion of British grenadiers, 397. Leny, pass of, 5. INDEX. 1 Letters of a Nobleman to his Son. quoted, 1 13 Lieutenant, a wounded, saved by a sergeant, 445. Lindsay, Rev. D. minister of Glenorchy, 105. note. i-ockhart, Colonel, his gallantry, 196. - papers quoted, 72. Lohendlml^ Count, lays siege to Bergen-op-Zoom, 299. Ixiuisburg, the French fleet arrive at S07 ^h.^i, a i , taken, 381. ' ■*"-»"««k«i' % ll» British, 3I|)_ l.«™. Lord, Captdn i„ the Biack Watch, Sti^hi. ,„«»„.. over „i. eian, ''°:!:;''!ra'°'-"'° "■'"'°" "■=^-' "■= "'«""-- —.-..aefeach Lowlands, 3, 7, 15, 37, 99, 104s Macalpin. King Kenneth, unites the Scots ar • ts IC Macculloch, Dr, his Deseription of the Western ..lands, n,.ote. Memoirs of an EngUsh Cavah-er, quoted, 77. Menkes of Culdares, makes a pre^sent of a charger to Prince Charles, 55. Merchant s History of the Rebellion, quoted, 259, note. Military character, what it depends on, 242-importance of, 213-of the HiKh- landers, ib. ° Minorca, capture of, 455. Moira, Lord, sails with an expedition to Flanders 422 Moore, General Sir John, commands a brigade in the West Indies, 431-cn. gaged m the capture of St Lucia, 437-his great ^eal, 411, note-iom. the l-gjpt, 47 /--assumes the command of the British army in Portugal.»522- "77 ^i' ?7"*^' *^°™"'^"''^ « detachment in the Highlands, 66~.appointed Colonel of the Royal Highlanders, 412-his death and character. a^Ze "l^entm " " *'' ^'"' '^"*^'' "'"-^'^ ^«=^°"°* "'■ ^''^ "^-"'^ «f -— Sir Robert, Lieutenant- Colonel of the Black Watch, 253-commands them at Fontenoy, 278, 281-killed in the battle of Falkirk. 279. no" a soldier of the name strikes his offieer, 516 Murray, Sir Patrick, an officer in the Black Watch* 289. Names of places, Celtic, Gothic, and Danish, 6, note-U ini^it:; VsTrr ''""''''' ^'^^ *■•" °^ ''- "■•^''•-^-' ^^^--p- Newfoundland, St John's, taken by the French, and retaken. 3G2 Niagara, Fort of, attacked by the British, 333-taken, 33i ' Nimeguen, the British troops attacked by the French at, 423. Parish relief established in England, 157. ^'-'^'^"^■•y of England, cause of their degradation, 157. — — of Ireland, cause of their discontent, 217 Peebles, reception of the 42d regiment by the town of, 519. Pennant the Tourist, quoted, 107, 148. Pensioner, his account of himself and the Highlands, 512 lerth, the town of, petition Lord Drummond. 52 Pentland Frith, G. Picts, 15, 16. Pinkerton, his misrepresentation of the Highland character, 207. Pisquata, severe duty of the Highlanders at, 390 Plaid, belted, 79. '^"^'^- Ixxxi Poetry, traditional, recitations of, 98. Portufjal, war in, 581. Presence of mind, instances of, 46, 273, 301, note^&7, note Pre,t(.„pans, battle of, arms of the clans at, 71. Pnnce Town, the attack at, 389. Prop-ietors their absence much felt in the Highlands, 18*, ^otr Proverbs, the origin of one, 34. ' ' Provisons the importance of supplying the troops with good 356 «„/. Pun,e, Highland, used by the ladies as their retLule, SoTnl ' "'" Quebec, surrender of the town to the British, 341. Rece's History quoted by, 71. ""td th? TT "' ''' •''''' "' 2»-Home-s History of. 75-feelin.s .hich l..-d the clans to engage in. Ill-influence of the ladL m incitin.to I 4 Ile«.ment, Royal Highland, a second bat^lion raised, 317, iiiffic i of f^rz'l?' T' ? '' • ^''' ^"''- 385-.;erat;;:s'':r • in Canada, 331-347_employed against Havannah, 356-leave Havannal. .361-actaga.nst the Indians, 363-embark for Ireland. 366-theTr chara ' c:r::3'7r:^f^^?rc:;s i-r r^ "^^ ^-' ^^^ ^3-companies 2:^ t ^i^^^^^^t^ S^l^^^lllS* on' St: "" '° f ---gdale. 383-employed against Fort Wash^I ton^have severe duty at Pisquata, 390-at the Battle of Brandy vZ it^ol 399 ^^T^^^y-'« --P' 39^'" «'- expedition to C llymouth, 399-proceed against Elizabeth Town, 400-contamin*f.,> h depraved men sent as a draft, 402- -at the sieg. o Cha^stowT^^^ Bert.ons to the enemy at Paulus Hook, «)8-kiL . d C u ded i.^^^^^^^^ la'ndr^r"'"^''*''-"^''"*'''^*'^""--- '- 73.1, 412-i^ 1 ! • and 413-.their reception, ib.-joined by the Marquis of Huntlv „n « band of Highlanders, 415-.sent to Roi-shire. 4iremb"k Jor Fland " 4 2 join the Duke of York's army at Malines,;2^a::ctd b^th^nS . at G.ldennalsen. 425-return to Britain, 427-receive a draft from High and corps, .b.-n.jured by the draft, 428-embark for the West Indies tsl five compan.es go Gibraltar, 4»l^tl,e other five disembark ut St' Lu i7 ^-servrce there. 4^ 439-a sudden change in the health of che men' 440_employed m St Vincent. 443. 451-the troops at Gibraltar 434I?' .nhabitant murdered by one of. ib.-a change I the molT'habl^: .b.~proceed aga.nst Minorca. 455-6ail from Minorca for Egypt 459 ' T '';"' t^^"""^' ^'""^ -P-^-* -"-ty. 471-at thTbattt 7f Alexandria, 477-att.d. .^ bv the Invincible., 478-land in Britain. 5(^ reviewed by the Kir . 5. ..-their reception in Edinburgh. 510-r;crtL .n a now manner. L12..-, a.ented with a piece of plate by the HighlJLd s i?^2 1r; 'r';v''''"^'"' '''-'" ^'''^'"^«' 521-marchTor hpain, 0^2-m iho battle of Coruniia, 532-retuin to Biitaia, 542. Ixxxii LNDEX. i>-}'\{ w 1 lUid, General, assumes the patronymic as his surname, 100, no/o-hls musical tatents, J70, nofe-money left by, for an eudowmcnt in the University of Edinburgh, ib. ♦ ' Keligion, of tl.e Highlanders, on what founded, 106-cordiality of «I» adhe- rents to the National, Episcopal, and Roman CaUiolic, 107. Rent-day dinners, 238, note. Reticule, like tlie Highland purse, 80, note. Reserve, army of, 512, Robertson, D r, his View of Agriculture in Inverness quoted, I7a ' - Mr, of Achlecks, avoids complying with the disarming act, 230. note. a I -^ Rett's Life of the Earl of Cra-.vford, quoted, 27a Ross-shire, disturbances in, ^IS-effects of them on the recruiting, 4ia Saxe, Marshal, commands the Prench army in Flanders, 272-his conduct at tl.e battle of Fontenoy, 27(>-his account of th^ battle, quoted, 277-com. mands at Lafeldt, 279. •— wui- Sconc, emblems of royalty removed to, 17. Scotch, ivcr.i> chEracter and education of, 223, Scotland, picture of, aflcr the death cf James I., 4>7, note. SempiU, Lord, c; pointed Colonel of the Black Watch, 856. Severrjs, Emperor, J.^ Shaw, Farquhar, private in tlie Black Watch, shot for desertion, 26a Rev. Dr, his RiS., History of the Rebellion, quoted, 75. Shiclmlhan, 4, note, 5, 88, note, 97, note. Sight, an instance of the superiority of, 478, note. Sinclair, Sir John, 506. — sergeant, in the Royal Highlanders, 506. Skye, T",landof, 6, jiofe. Smuggling, its consequences, 199. Society, Higiiland, of London, when formed, 237_its objects, 238-the Cale- tyrHthLXf r ''' '^''-' ' --^ -- ^^ ^- - ^^ __ _ of Scotland, origin of, 23*-objects of, 235-liberality of ada— Its attention to the comfort of emigranto, 236. Society, Royal, their transactions quoted, 14C, note. Soldier, Highland, stratagem used by, 397, no«;~»aother, 273. Spam, war in, 523-54.2. Stair, Earl of, his property saved, 10& Staten Island, British army land in, S78-.tate of the army when there, .S7ft ToLtZ ' * ^"°"" '' ""^^ ^'^'' ^'^'-^'^ -™ ^ *' ^ - a freebooter, 4(5. Donald, pardoned by the Duke of Athole, 52L Duncan, an officer in the Black Watch, 309. — — James, an officer in the Black Watch, ib. •-— — assistant chaplain iu the Black Watch, ib. — „ (L-__ INDEX. •— liiH musical University of of tfti ndhe- Ixxxiil I ing act, 230, ,4,18. a conduct at , 277— com- -the Cale- late to the lerality of, e, .37ft theLaiid Stewart, Patrick, an officer in the Black Watch, 306. „f Ballechen, his proceedings at InverarJ 44— AfK i of Bohallic, a private in the Black Watch, 249 of Crossmount, his great age, 73, note. of Garth, 25. Stewarts of Appin, their charge at Culloden, 74. their distinctive appellations, 26, note ^Z^ 't?'' "' *"' "T '""« P""''"'^'' "^ "'•-' -'- <-— . 82, note Stirling, Thomas, an officer in the Black Wat-li 'U/O . l • Fort Charters, 366, note. ' '^^~"'^'' possession of St Kilda, Island of, 6. St Lucia, attacked by the British, 437 Stum, the exiled royal family of. ca'uses of U.e attachment of the clans to, Stuart, Princ Charles, personated by one Mackenzie, 61~his treatment from some men in Lochaber, 65. irtatmtnt trom StratlifiUan, ores found in, 4. '~ir ^'"" '"''''''' ''' ""'^- ''' ""'^-^--'1 ^-" patronymics, Sutherland, Lord, the late, twenty-first Earl in succession, 107. lacitus, his account of the Caledonians, 14. Tartan, each clan had its distinctive pattern, 81. Theft, rare among the Highlanders, 37. Ticonderoga, siege of, 310, 332. Townsend Brigadier-General, in America, 309, 337-assumes the co.nmand on the Heights of Abraham, 341-enters Quebec, 343-returns ho.n i Trenton, the British army at, 388. ' ^ Truis, Highland, by whom worn, 79. TuUibardine, Marquis, deserted by the Athole-men, 67 Tumults in the Highlands, 133, 416-in the Lowhnds,'417 Turenne, Marshal, a saying of his controverted, 2i2. Union, the effects of, 126. ■'/incent's Island, petty warfare in, 443. Volley, circumstance connected with one, 444, 7iole. Wajle, Field-Marshal 249, 258, .o.._bis letter regarding a feast given by Kearnachs, 46— reviews the Black Watch, 259. ^ Waldeck, Prince, commands the Dutch at Fonte'noy, 272 Walktr, Dr, quoted, 177, 210, 211, 212. '""L^ZioZllV" " ^""'"' ""*' '''' ''"' 395-how after the French Washington, the American General, 304, 383-defeats the Hessians at Tren- toni cJb8— attacks the British at Germantown, 396. Waverley, the author of, quoted, 112, 160. Ixxxiv INDKX. Wellesley, Honourable Colonel Arthur, command, a brigade in Flandors, m —in Portugal, 581. wS M -"""r^""* T''"** '''' ^ HigWandm in a political sense. ?67. no,.. ^^'"^''' M'yo*'- General, sent against Demerara and Berbice, 437 -— Mr John, his introduction of the green crop system inio Perthshire, ■ Plains, an attack on the American position at, 385 Wldskywhe.. brought into general use in the Highlands, 200u^Ie formerly the universal beverage, 204. ^ WUham III., King, confirmed the attachment of the Highlanders to their former k.ngs lOS-a reply of his respecting the Highlanders. 267_„ever forgiven by the Highlanders for Glencoe, 268, note. '''tack £Z' '•^r""''' ""'• f'^'" ''°"*^''"'«' 321_ordered to at- WrilnvS-,^ """'""'' '^' "'"^^ °" ^"^*'«'=' 337-his death, 341. wtt I . lt™'J'"* ""'' ^" '^'^'P*' Abercromby's expedition to the west Indies, 429-his experience in the diseases of the West Indies, ib. ^77 ^'Jn°T' '""'^''^ '° ^" ^' Abercromby's expedition for the West inaies, ^^i^—his zeal, ib. ^'t:,f^f'^^' '°"""'"'^' '" ^'"^'"' *^^-^" ''"^"^'^'^ 'o the soldier's !' ■■:(■ Mi « ' r J2ND OP VOL¥ME FIRST. IVinted by J. HutihLson, i'oi the Heirs of D. M'illison. •V V