The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-11-07

The Origin Of annie Laurie.',


MEssRS. EDIroRs Tile origin of this, one
Of the sweetest of the many beautiful Scotch
ballads, is, believe, still disputed point
Some contend that it is a recent production
while others are Of the opinion that it had its
origin at a period anterior to the age in
which flourished that ablest of all ballad wri-
tiers s-Scotia's bard, Robert Burns; at
the bare mention of whose name, every true
ScOtchman's heart pulsates with quicker
throb of pride and pleasure, whilst his imag-
ination carries him back to the time when he
trod his native heather with his "Highland
lassie by his side. Happening, a few even
ings since, to fall in with several gentlemen
of considerable literary pretensions, all Of
whom, in common with myself, were devoted
admirers ofmost the old English authors, the
conversation turned upon the origin of vari-
GUS popular songs, this one among the num-
ber. Various opinions were expressed in re-
gard to it, none dflericg, however, as to the
soul-absorbing melody which breathes
through every word and line of Annie Laurie
This song Lad never come into general notice,
at least in this country, until after the termin-
alton Of the Allied war in the Crimea. 1t
was under its stirring influence, as yoi read
ers will remember, the Scotch Highlanders
stormed and carried one of the strongest
points belonging to the almost impregnable
i-rtiications at Sebastopol.
C;ooo 10 aro,;nor oll,, III - .l,o milton
this has been consulting some authorities of
the seventeenth century, which gives among
other things, the origniation of this justly ia
vorite song, which | shall give to your read
erS, promising at the same time. that it may
and may not be true. At any rate, the ad-
mrers Of the piece can give what credence
they think proper TO the statement.
1t is said to have been composed, to cheer
him in the lonely night watches, Of 4 sol
dier's duty, by James Douglas, Laird of that
name, inea descendant of the removed
Black Douglas, brave and gallant officer,
who espoused, with his clansmen, the cause
of the unfortunate "Charles, the Pretender,'
whose hopes of wearing the British Crown
Were dashed forever to the ground by the
battle of Culoden. The result of this battle
proved not only the downfall of Charles, but
also Of Donglas, Lochicl. and host of other
brave chieltains, who marched under his ban
ner to that bloody field Douglas, at the
time of the breaking out Of the rebellion,
was betrothcd to Annie Laurie young lady
of surprising beauty and accomplishments,
and who was at the time the belle Of Edin-
burgh. She was a niece of Earl Gowrie a
descendant Of Robert Bruce, of Annandae.
1t was to keep alive Within him, and to cheer
him amidst the privations Of defeat, and the
hardships of a nightly bivouac among the
highlands of Scotland, that Douglas compos-
ed and sung, whilst 'reposing OH his pallet of
straw" this tribute to her whom he loved
better than all the world beside. This song,
Douglas was repeatedly requested to sing by
bis brother officers, whilst sitting around the
camp fire,-a request which he was always
ready to grant Of that gay and happy tenn
permanent which no disasters in the field
whilst assured of the love of Annie Laurie,
could daunt or dishearten, though he felt
keenly for the misfortunes of his beloved
Lord, his owD sacrifices he treated as matters
Of but little moment. Troubles if he had
any, were always concealed beneath a cheer
ful and smiling mood, and he went into bat
lie as gaily as if death held no carnival
here. After the disastrous battle of Cullo-
len Douglas escaped to France and join
I'd the French forces under the command Of
Marshal Turennc, and was on several occa-
lions singled out by the French Monarch, as
worthy his especial thanks for his daring in
repjGlty in the field. Some two or three
'ears after joining the French army, Douglas
vas killed in seige as he was leading the
orlon hope to the assault.
After his death, Annie Laurie bestowed
ler hand, it is said, upon nobleman of Scot
and, being induced thereby by an artful tale
hat Douglas had, previous to his being kill
d, espoused French lady of great beauty.
belonging to the Court of France She was
,fterwards undcceived, by wandering Scotch
older, who brought back to her lock of
er own hair, stained with the blood of the
,rave Douglas that welled from his heart as
e gave this last message and token to his
omrade, whilst STOPPING over the dying Off
,er
This is the story as l found it related
here is, l admit, much of the romantic in
S incidents, but truth is oftentimes stranger
han fiction Yours. R.F.H.
AN aitray occurred on Tuesday last on the