which it had acquired in Germany and America, although there were not more than eighty of the men remaining who served in America, and only a few individuals of those who had served in Germany, previously to 1748. Their attachment 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 the non-commissioned officers, or old soldiers, who had charge of the barrack-room, and these messes were always so arranged, 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 deposited in 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 surprised at seeing a soldier save money. *

Their accounts with their officers were settled once in three months, and, with the exception 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 good humour; and as the members of each mess considered themselves in a manner answerable for one another's conduct, they animadverted on any impropriety with such severity, as to render the interference of farther authority unnecessary.

The standard height was five feet seven inches for full

* In this manner, a species of savings bank was established by these military economists.

grown men, and five feet six for growing lads. When companies were complete on parade, none under five feet eight inches were allowed to be in the front rank. The grenadiers were always a body of tall men. But although the standard was nominally kept at the above height, there were men of five feet five in the centre rank, and those undersized men were frequently able to undergo greater fatigues than any other in the corps. With the exception of two individuals, who had been recruited at Glasgow, no instances of desertion occurred during the stay of the regiment in Ireland.

Lord John Murray exerted himself to procure for the regiment Scotch and Highland officers, well knowing how much their influence would assist in procuring men from the country, and sensible also of the advantage of possessing officers who understood perfectly the peculiar dispositions and character of the men. Soon after the regiment arrived in Glasgow, one company was added, and the establishment of the whole regiment augmented to 105 rank and file each company, thus making, when complete, a battalion of 1155 rank and file, exclusive of officers, serjeants, and drummers.

Officers with parties were detached on the recruiting service, to those districts of the Highlands where they had acquaintance and influence. Their object was speedily obtained: young men were proud of belonging to the corps, and old men regarded it as a representative and memorial of the achievements of their forefathers. Hence the esta

blishment was completed in a few weeks. The bounty offered at this period was, in the first instance, one guinea and a crown; it was afterwards raised to three guineas, but in 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 in the regiment, and when the bounty was increased, 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 regiment, which the latter strenuously resisted. The influence of the Lord Lieutenant prevailed, and Lieutenants Crammond, Littleton, 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 brought from the half-pay were, Captain Duncan Macpherson, and Lieutenants Henry Munro, Alexander Munro, John Macdonald, John Robertson, John Macgregor, Norman Macleod, John Grant, George Mackenzie, William Stewart, Serjeant-Major Hugh Fraser, and Quartermaster-Serjeant Smith, Adjutant and Quarter

master.

On the 10th of April 1776, the regiment, being reviewed by General Sir Adolphus Oughton, was reported complete, and so unexceptionable, that none were rejected.

Hostilities having commenced in America, every exertion 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, together with broad-swords and pistols, iron-stocked, the swords and pistols being supplied at the expence of the colonel.

"Besides the three English officers just mentioned, a Lieutenant Hall from Northumberland was also in the regiment, but retired before they left Ireland. There were several officers from the Lowlands. Of the soldiers 931 were Highlanders, 74 Lowland Scotch, 5 English, in the band,) 1 Welsh, and 2 Irish.

SECTION XI.

AMERICAN WAR.

Highlanders embark for America-Accidents of the voyage-Arrangements after their arrival-Campaign opened-Landing on Long Island-Attack on the enemy's position near Flat BushEnemy retreat in disorder to their entrenched camp- -Americans abandon their works-A corps of New England men and Virginians made prisoners-Skirmishing with the enemy-Battle of White Plains-Defeat of the Americans-Successful attack on Fort Washington-Hessians surprised and defeated at Trenton-Sharp action between Colonel Manhood and a superior force under Washington-Gallant conduct of the 17th regiment-Royal Highlanders sent to Pisquatua-Attempt by the Americans to surprise that post-Repulsed-Campaign opened in June-Battle of Brandy Wine-Total defeat of the Americans-Surprise of General Wayne's detachment-Attack on the British post at German Town-Repulsed—Attempt to bring on a general action at White Marsh-Unsuccessful—Troops go into winter quarters.

On the 14th of April, the regiment embarked at Greenock along 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 sailed, the transports separated in a gale of wind. The Oxford transport, with a company of the 42d, was taken on the passage, and carried into Boston.* Some of the scattered

* The men taken in the Oxford were marched back to Williamsburgh in Virginia, where every exertion was made, and every inducement held out, to prevail with them to break their allegiance, and join the American cause. When it was found that the offers of military pro

transports of both regiments fell in with General 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 battalions, a grenadier battalion was formed under the command of the Honourable Major (afterwards General) Sir Charles Stuart. The three light companies also formed a battalion in the brigade under Lieutenant-Colonel (now General Sir Robert) Abercromby. The grenadiers were remarkable for strength and height, and considered equal to any company in the army: the light infantry were quite the reverse, as the commanding officer would not allow a choice of men for them. The eight battalion companies were formed into two temporary battalions, the command of one being given to Major William Murray, and that of the other to Major William Grant, and the same staff serving both. These small battalions were brigaded under Sir William Erskine, and placed in the reserve, with the grenadiers and light infantry of the army, under the command of Earl Cornwallis. To these was added the 33d, his Lordship's own regiment.

From the moment of their landing, Lieutenant-Colonel Stirling was indefatigable in drilling the men to the manner of fighting practised in 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

motion were rejected, they were told that they would have grants of fertile land, to settle in freedom and happiness, and that they would all be lairds themselves, and have no rents to pay. These latter inducements also failed. "These trust-worthy men declared they would neither take nor possess any land, but what they had deserved by supporting their king, whose health they could not be restrained from drinking, although in the middle of enemies; and when all failed, they were sent in small separate parties to the back-settlements."-They were exchanged next year, and joined the regiment.