Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-03-17
Tales aud Sketehes.
From Chambers Edinburgh Magazine.l
THE BLACK WATCH.
CONTINUED FROM YESTERDAY.


The young Due de Grammond, whom
the Marshal had left in charge, being anx-
lous for the honor of the victory, neglect
ed the strict orders of his superior, and
gave the word to pass the ravine. The
troops obeyed, and the French found
themselves in the very position in which
their general had thought to place the
British. The cannon was useless, while
that OF the English opened with the most
deadly effect. Three times did the French
troops rally and charge their foes with
more valoc than constancy or order. They
were as often hurled back by strong i'm
movable masses. and beneath continued
deadly fire. The French fled across the
Maine; and, had the vctors shown more
activity, their army might have been de-
stroyed. The King, however, thought of
nothing but to secure his own retreat
and, in that very hour of triumph, SUPER
ceded the Earl of Stair, and took the man
agement Of the campaign into his own
hands.
On that account Collins services were
overlooked for a time. He was made the
senior sergeant of his company and had the
honor of bearing the regimental colors of
the field. That, however, was considered
1ulshed bravery of his conduct
Campbell was the only person who did
not seem to feel the neglect with which he
was treated. At all times he manifested
the most cheerful disposition. Under pri-
vations and hardships he always wore a
smile on his countenance. He was ever
ready for any kind of duty, and either
plucked up the spirit of tagging comrade
n nj
ample
He obtained the sou5riq1et of ''the gay
sergeant, not only among the troops, but
was known as such by the camp-followers
and the Inhabitants OF such towns and viii
lagos in which he at any time was quar-
tered.
Two years later he fought with desper-
ate courage on the sanguinary field of
Fontenoy. In few battles has the valor of
English infantry been more signally or
more uselessly displayed Forming them
selves into a column they bore down
everything before them. until, deserted by
their Dutch and German auxiliaries, they
were outflanked and driven back by the
entire force of the French army. In that
terrible conflict it is veritably recorded
that Campbell struck down nine French
men with his broadsword. and whilst aim
ing blow at the tenth his arm was struck
and the bone broken with bullet.
The Duke of Cumberland galloped to
the spot and inquired the name of the hero,
whom he had watched for some time with
the most intense interest.
On being informed that it was Colin
Campbell he observed, 81 take shame to
myself for having to ask that question.
Are you the man that did such good SER
vice at Dettingen?n
81 had the honor to serve in that battle"
replied the wounded man.
Then | desire to nominate YOU to a
lieutenancy at once. Your commission
shall be forwarded in due course"
Colin bowed reverentially. and was
proud to feel that his position had not been
obtained by patronage but by merit.
81 will not forget YOU a second time,"
added the Duke; "but look here, Lieu
tenant Campbell, in order to make sure
of that do me the favor of accepting this
ring, which he drew at the same moment
from his own finger and placed it on Col
ms. 'Whenever you want a favor for
yourself or friend use this as passport,
and you shall find it will not be in VAIN
Soon after this, terms of peace on be-
half of Maria Theresa were accepted by
the powers which were arrayed against
her.
This, however. did not tend in any
manner to mitigate the enmity which
had so long existed between England and
France. The disastrous termination of
the battle of Fontenoy, and the discomfort
which it caused in Britain, induced Prince
Charles Edward, grandson of King James
H., to strike blow for the restoration of
his family.
He landed in Scotland with a few at
tendants, but was soon Joined by many
Highland clans, with whom he descended
from the mountains and marched towards
Edinburgh, which was surrendered with
out any attempt at resistance. At the
battle of Preston Pans, panic seized the
Kings troops; they fled with the most
disgraceiul precipitation, abandoning all
their baggage, cannon and camp equipage
to their enemies. If Charles Edward had
boldly continued his. energetic behavior he
might have gained his point-for London
itself might have fallen into his power:
but he delayed at Derby until he was
nearly enclosed by two powerful armies,
and was forced either to retreat or risk an
engagement on very disadvantageous
terms. The Prince and his troops were
compelled by these circumstances to turn
back towards Scotland, where they gained
q decided victory near Falkirk; but here
again the error was repeated of not fol-
lowing up the advantage that was thrown
in their way, for they returned to lay
seige TO Stirling Castle. Meanwhile the
Kings troops were greatly reinforced and
placed under the command of the Duke
of Cumberland. The Princes army quick
ly withdrew from Edinburgh until they
they reached the field of Culloden, where
they determined to make a stand. The
Ilighlanders rushed upon the foe with
their usual impetuosity, but being received
by steady, calling fire of musketry,
while their ranks were torn by artillery.
wavered. broke, and in less than thirty
minutes were q helpless mass Of confa-
sion.
1t is not my object in this narrative to
enter into any minute details OF the rebel
lion. but it was necessary to make the
above brief statemnt in order that the
reader may understand the extreme peril
to which Jessie Murray and her father