Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1885-04-09
5flistellaueuns &eadiua.
THE BAGPIPE.
ITS. MARTELOUS INFLUENCE OYER THE
HIGHLAND SOLDIER.

The only musical instrument that can be
said to be distnctively national is the High
land bagpipe. Violin, flute, and other in
struments are common to many nations, but
the bagpipe is peculiar to Scotland, and if
it does not now occupy the position it once
did it is to be found in no other country.
In the days when the notorious Rob Roy
committed his depredations, when the Vich
Ian Vhors lived securely in their Highland
Businesses, and kept up their dignitied social
position-in the stirring times which Sir
Walter Scott has so inimitably depicted
the bagpipe-player was one of the impor-
tant personages in the chieftain's "tail' or
retinue, and these may be considered as the
palmy days of the instrument. Within the
region more correctly known as the High
lands it's shrill note was the first sound that
fell on the ears of infantry; it charmed the
rude Caledonians in times of joy and COM
forted them in scenes of mourning; it ami
mated their heroes in battle and welcomed
them back from their conflicts; and where
ever their chief went it accompanied them,
even to the grave. The effect which this
wild instrument has on the Highland SOL
diers is marvellous. Above the rattle OF
musketry and the turmoil and noise of the
battlefield the inspiring notes of the pib-
roch have spoken encouragement to the
Highlanders and led them bravely forward.
At the battle Of Quebec, when the troops
were retreating in disorder, and when the
conflict had a dscouraging aspect, the Cen
eral complained of the bad conduct of Fra
did very wrong in forbidding the pipers to
play. Nothing inspirits the Highlanders
so much. Even now they would be of some
use." "Let them blow in Gods name,
them" said the General. The order being
given, the pipers started an old, well-knOWn
air; the Highlanders rallied together, and
bravely returned to the charge. Many in
stances Of the remarkable effect of this pecu-
liar musical instrument might be adduced.
1t has stimulated the Highlanders on the
field of ofAssaye; it has led them on the heights
of Alma cheered them at the uncongenial
Gold Coast; encouraged them on their march
es through the Afghanistan mountains and
Egyptian sands; accompanied them to South
Africa, and to whatever part of the world
duty has called them to fight with valor
and defend their country with honor.
The bagpipe-or rather the pipe of some
form or Other-is an instrument of great an
tiquity: 1t was known to the Trojans, and
the ancient Egyptians and Greeks were IA
miliar with it. There are references fire.
quently to piping in the Bible; Theocritus
mentions it and according to Procopius its
inspiriting strains led the Roman warriors
into the field of battle. On the reverse OF
q coin of the Emperor Nero-said himself
to have been a performer on the instru-
ment-something like bagpipe is repre-
sented. 1t was, it has been stated, included
in the band of the Grand Ecurie at Paris,
and was played at court concerts in the time
of Louis XIV. At the end Of the fifteenth
century it seems to have become popular in
Scotland, but what the precise form OF
the instrument then was is not known
Some say that it was derived from the Ro-
mans, while others are of opinion that it
came through the northern nations to Scot
land. At any rate it seems to have always
been one of the musical instruments OF the
Celtic race. The pipe mentioned in an
cient history was simply what is known as
the shepherds reed. After a time bag
was added, and subsequently the drones
or burdens. There are now four forms of
the modern bagpipe in this country-the
great Highland bagpipe, which is blown by
the player, the drOnes being placed over
the shoulders; the Lowland bagpipe, which
is provided with bellows for supplying
the wind; the Northumberland bagpipe,
which is smaller and sweeter than the for
mer two, and the Irish hagpipe, which is a
much more complicated instrument than
the others-LOntlOn standard.