The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1884-03-14
THE BLACK WATCH.
History OF the Celebrated Highland Regiment
Now Serving with Graham.


Now Serving with Graham.
The st. Louis Globe Democrat says The
Black Watch" is known in the British
army list as the FOrty-secOnd regiment,
Royal Higblanders. Famous in Scottish
song and story, its organization originated
in those troubles winch accompanied the
transfer Of Scottish allegiance from the
Stuart to the Hanoyerian dynasty, and
which for many years made the Highlands
the theatre OF fierce and bloody rebellion.
About 1880 six companies were formed,
chiefly from the Wing or loyal clans
Campbells. Grants, Munros, and others
and stationed in various parts of the
disafected region Tor the purpose OF
preserving order and reducing the
inhabitants to proper subiectlon. Act
inc independently OF each other,
they were called "the Independent
Companies of the Black Watch -
"black," because OF the dark-colored
tartans of their uniforms; "watch," be-
cause of their peculiar duties as guards.
Three Of them contained 100 men each,
commanded by captain, and three seven
ty men each, commanded by captain
lieutenant. In 1889, when peace was APP
parently established in the Highlands.
the six companies were consolidated into
the Forty-second regiment under COM
mand OF the Earl of Crawford, and
four years later ordered to active service
in Germany. Their removal not only
facilitated the outbreak OF the rebellion
Of l745-tbe last struggle of the Stuarts
For lost crown-but produced the only
Mutiny which stains the fame OF the regi-
| Dent. The men believed that, by the
terms Of enlistment. they could not be
aiken out of Scotland, but were finally per-
suaded to go 10 London for review by the
King. Reaching London, they found that
the King had gone TO the continent, which
was regarded as a deliberate slight put
upon them. However, they were reviewed
by General Wade on Finchley Common,
May IA, 1743, presenting a splendid ap-
pearance, aud provoking the warmest adj
miration by their drill and discipline.
Considering their military contract now
cancelled, about 100 Of them started back
to Scotland next morning under the lead
ership OF a corporal named Samuel
Macpherson, who seems TO have had
in him the stuff OF general. The
homeward march of the deserters
was conducted in most perfect Or
der. no outrages Of any sort being COM
mitted: but near bundle, in Nortbamp-
tonshire. the desperate attempt came to
an end by surrender TO the pursuing force.
macpherson aud his brother, also corpo-
raj, aud private named Shaw were tried |
by court-martial and shot, though popular
sympathy vas strongly on their side, and |
every effort made to obtain Communication
OF punishment. The regiment soon after. |
ward crossed the channel, and at Fonteuoy |
covered itself with glory" brayest where |
all were brave" One private, Campbell
by name, killed nine Frenchmen with his
broodsword, and when aiming a blow at
the tenth had his arm struck off by a can
non-ball. The Duke of Cumberland gave
him lieutenant's commission on the field, !
and his engraved portrait ornamented half |
the cottages Ia Great Britain.
ne bright record begun at Fontenoy
has continued without break or blemisb
from that day till this. In every impor-
tlnt war England has waged during The
last l4o years the "Black Watch {" has
played conspicuous part. In every quar-
ter OF the globe where British arms have
penetrated that historic regiment has help
cd TO swell the wave OF victory or stem the
tide OF defeat. In Europe, in Asia, in AZ
RIGA, IN America. its bagpipes have been
ieard in the front Of battle, and its familiar
5artans seen IN the rush OF the charge.
From Fontenoy, May, 1745, to Teb, March.
1884, the brilliant story runs, 10 end, prob
IDLY. only when the military power OF Eng
and has vanished forever.