The Scottish Highlands, Highland Clans and Highland Regiments, Volume 2 (of 2)

Chapter LXVIII: Introduction: Military character of the Highlands (35)

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Another excellent service of Major Gordon, one which both benefited the health of the men and trained them to the practical duties of the soldier, was to take a detachment occasionally to a considerable distance from camp where it bivouacked as best it could, and sometimes slept out all night on extemporised couches of heath and branches, arranged round the bivouac fires.

On the 15th of June, another encampment was formed at a spot selected near the monastery of Pentelicus, on Mount Pentelicus, nine miles from Athens, and fifteen miles from the Piræus, the ground having been previously selected by Major Gordon. To this camp also detachments were sent in regular rotation.

In September 1855 Major Gordon was very deservedly promoted to the rank of Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel.

We should have stated before, that, on the 29th of June, a reading-room for the soldiers was established for the first time in the regiment. A sergeant and his wife were placed in charge, a roll of members was prepared, and a subscription of 6d. a month was charged from each member. Periodicals and newspapers were procured, and coffee and light drinks were prepared by the sergeant’s wife for those who cared to pay for them.

Lt.-Col. Gordon, after repeatedly urging it upon those in authority, at length gained permission to commence the reconstruction and elevation of the whole surface-level of the wide projecting quay which formed the parade of the battalion; also to raise, drain, and level the roadways of the streets, in which the barracks of the battalion were situated. These useful works were commenced on the 18th of December, and ten days later, Lt.-Col. Gordon went home to take command of the six dépôt companies, when the command of the service companies devolved on Major W. T. L. Patterson, who had recently been promoted from captain.

The 91st embarked in two divisions on the 28th of Feb. 1857 for the Ionian Islands, where it was stationed for the next eighteen months, detachments being located in Corfu, Vido, Zante, and latterly, Cephalonia. Here, also, the regiment was employed in the construction of useful works. Among these was an approach from the esplanade at Argostoli, in Cephalonia, in the shape of steps upon a large scale, formed from the materials of a useless five-gun battery, which work was described by the Resident of Cephalonia as a “great public improvement,” and, with his authority, obtained the appellation of “The Argyll Steps.”

Lt.-Col. Bertie Gordon arrived at Corfu in April 1857, and assumed command of the regiment, Colonel Campbell having obtained leave of absence in the previous March.

In taking leave of the headquarters companies on the 17th of August, they having been ordered from Corfu to the Southern Islands, Major-General Sir George Buller, C.B., told them “he had selected the 91st for the service of the Southern Islands, partly because it was a more formed regiment, a finer body of men, and better drilled than the others.”

The 91st, having received orders to proceed to India by the overland route, embarked at Corfu, and sailed on the 5th of Sept. 1858, arriving at Alexandria on the 8th; but it seems to have remained on board H.M.S. “Perseverance” until the 18th. On that day headquarters, with 5½ companies, disembarked at 1.30 P.M., and at once entered railway carriages prepared for their conveyance, and proceeded towards Suez. The left wing disembarked on the following day. Partly by railway, and partly on donkeys, the two wings were conveyed to Suez, where they embarked on board two vessels, which arrived at Bombay on the 7th and 9th of October respectively. Both detachments were reunited at Poonah on the 11th.

On Oct. 28th Colonel Campbell, C.B., having been appointed to the command of a brigade at Toogoo, in Burmah, Major Patterson assumed command of the regiment.

On Nov. 3rd the 91st commenced its march to Kamptee, where it did not arrive till the 11th of the following month. On its march, while at Jafferabad, on Nov. 20th, an order was received by telegraph from the Commander-in-Chief of the Madras army to leave a wing at Jaulnah. The left wing, under command of Major Savage, accordingly returned to that place, and did not arrive at headquarters until the 25th of Feb. 1859. It had been employed during the latter part of January and the beginning of February in operations against insurgent Rohillas, to the south of Jaulnah, and had made long marches, without, however, being engaged with the enemy.

On the 7th of March Lt.-Colonel Bertie Gordon arrived from England and assumed the command, and on the 9th a small detachment, under Lieut. Gurney, proceeded to Chindwarrah, a village about 84 miles north of Kamptee. On the same day No. 5 company, under Captain Battiscombe, marched as part of a field-force directed on Mooltye and Baitool. On the 27th Major Patterson joined and took command of the field-force, which remained out till the 18th of April. A similar field-force was sent out on April 22nd for a short time to the same districts.[555]

It was about this time that Colonel Bertie Gordon inaugurated his new system of promotion in the non-commissioned ranks of the regiment. Competitive examinations of lance and full corporals, under a strictly organised system, were the basis of this plan. During the period extending from Sept. 1860 to Jan. 1861, seventy corporals and lance-corporals were examined, twenty-five of whom obtained promotion out of their regular turn, owing to their position on the merit roll.

The 91st remained in India till the year 1868, and we can note only in the briefest possible manner the principal occurrences in connection with the regiment during that period.

An event of very great interest to the regiment occurred on the 27th of Aug. 1871; this was the discovery of the old Waterloo roll of the regiment among the orderly-room papers. It had been saved from destruction by Sergeant Hirst in 1848, when a quantity of old books and papers had been ordered to be burned. The interesting document was now sent to London, where it was so handsomely bound as to ensure, we hope, its preservation in all time coming.

On the 16th of Oct. of the same year, Col. Gordon received from the daughters of the late Lt.-Col. Lindsay an offer of the old colours of the 91st. Col. Gordon gladly accepted this graceful offer, and sent the colours, which had seen many a hard-fought field, to Ellon Castle, Aberdeenshire, there to find a permanent home, and to be preserved as an heirloom in his family.

In Aug. 1861, Lt.-Col. Gordon was promoted to be colonel by brevet. He had succeeded to the command of the regiment in Nov. 1860, on the promotion of Lt.-Colonel Campbell to the rank of Major-General. There had been for some time, in accordance with the regulations for the augmentation of the Indian establishment, two Lt.-Cols. to the 91st, Major W. T. L. Patterson having been raised to that rank on the retirement of Col. Campbell.[556]

On the 24th of April 1862, Col. Gordon proceeded on leave to England. During his absence, in Feb. 1863, the 91st left Kamptee for Jubbulpoor, which it reached on the 19th, after a march of fifteen days. The regiment was now in the Bengal Presidency, and under the command of Gen. Sir Hugh Rose, G.C.B. then Commander-in-Chief in India.

One of the most notable and gratifying events in the history of the 91st during the _régime_ of Col. Bertie Gordon was the restoration to it of its original Highland designation, along with the Highland dress, the tartan trews, however, taking the place of the more airy kilt. So far back as 1833, an ineffectual effort had been made to have its nationality restored to the regiment. Col. Gordon resumed the attempt shortly after he obtained command of the regiment at Kamptee in 1859, and with the most determined perseverance, amid discouragements that would have daunted any ordinary man, he did not cease his solicitations until they resulted in complete success in the year 1864. Col. Gordon found a powerful and willing supporter in his Grace the Duke of Argyll, who was naturally anxious to have the regiment raised by his ancestors once more recognised by its original name, “the Argyllshire Highlanders.” The voluminous correspondence carried on between Col. Gordon, the War Office authorities, and the Duke of Argyll, we cannot reproduce here. The letters of Col. Gordon show clearly his ability, his enthusiasm, his perseverance, and his intense nationality and love for his regiment. We can only say that, after a long correspondence, Col. Gordon’s efforts resulted in triumph, as will be seen in the following War Office memorandum, notifying the restoration to the 91st of its Highland designation and dress, of which it had been deprived fifty years before:--

“WAR OFFICE, PALL MALL, _May 3, 1864_.

“Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to approve of the 91st
Foot resuming the appellation of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders,
and being clothed and equipped as a non-kilted Highland corps, as
follows:--TUNIC, as worn in all Highland regiments; TREWS, of the
Campbell tartan; CHACO, blue cloth, with diced band and black braid;
FORAGE CAP, Kilmarnock, with diced band. The officers to wear plaids
and claymores. The alteration of the dress is to take place from
1st April 1865. The white waistcoat with sleeves, issued to other
Highland regiments, will not be worn by the 91st Foot.”

In Jan. 1866 Col. Gordon arrived at Jubbulpoor, and assumed command of the regiment. In Dec. of the same year the 91st left its quarters at Jubbulpoor and proceeded partly on foot and partly by train to Dumdum, which it reached on the 11th. While at Dumdum Col. Gordon’s health broke down, and on the recommendation of a medical board, he left India for Europe in Oct. 1866, handing over the command of the regiment to Major Battiscombe.

After staying a year at Dumdum, the 91st was removed in Jan. 1867 to Hazareebagh. Here the 91st remained until the end of the year, setting out on Dec. 1st for Kamptee again, which it reached after a long and tedious journey, partly on foot and partly by train, on the 26th of January 1868.

After a stay of a few months at Kamptee, the 91st got the welcome route for home, setting out in two detachments on the 7th and 8th of Oct. for Bombay, where it embarked on the 12th. The regiment proceeded by Suez, and arrived at Portsmouth on Nov. 13th, disembarking on the 15th, and proceeding by rail to Dover, where Col. Bertie Gordon resumed command. The 91st had been on foreign service for the long period of fourteen years, and it is very remarkable that during all that time there were only ten desertions. The dépôt companies removed from Fort George and were amalgamated at Dover with the service companies on Nov. 25th.

In August of this year Her Majesty was pleased to place the name of Col. Bertie Gordon on the list of officers receiving the reward of £100 a year for distinguished service.

The 91st remained at Dover until June 1870, during which time two events occurred of some importance in its domestic history. The first of these was the presentation of new colours on the 24th of Aug. 1869, on the glacis of the Western Heights, Dover. As the Duke and Duchess of Argyll were unable to be present, the colours were presented to the regiment by Mrs Bertie Gordon, as her Grace’s representative. The Archbishop of Canterbury consecrated the colours, being assisted by five other clergymen in full canonicals. After an impressive prayer by his Grace the Archbishop, the colours were received by Mrs Gordon at the hands of Major Penton and Major Sprot, and by her given to Ensigns Lloyd and Gurney, with these words:--

“Colonel Gordon, officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers
of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders,--Proud as I am this day to
present to you your new colours, I would fain have had my place
better filled by her Grace the Duchess of Argyll. Soldiers, your
colours have been well earned, not alone in the protracted struggle
of three Kaffir campaigns, but also by long service in tropical
climes under a burning sun. I know you will receive them as a sacred
trust. Guard them carefully. Fight manfully around them when called
upon. Be foremost, as you have always been, in serving your Queen
and country; and be the pride, as you are at this moment, of your
commanding officer.”

After a fervent address by Col. Gordon, thanking Mrs Gordon for the service she had performed, which was only one of “many acts of unobtrusive kindness” by which she showed her interest in the welfare of the regiment.

The old colours having been gladly accepted by the Duke of Argyll, were, in the month of October, taken by an escort to Inverary Castle, in the great hall of which they now occupy a conspicuous position.

The other important event in the history of the regiment while it was stationed at Dover, was the retirement of Colonel Bertie Gordon. This was indeed an event of very great moment in the career of the 91st, and we therefore must find space for the pathetic order in which Colonel Gordon bade farewell to the regiment he loved so dearly. He had left on leave on the 11th of Nov. 1869, handing over the command of the regiment to Major Sprot, and his farewell order is dated “Ellon Castle, Ellon, 29th January 1870:”--

“His Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief having
been pleased to grant compliance with the request preferred by
Colonel Bertie Gordon, to be permitted to retire on the half-pay
of the army, Colonel Gordon bids farewell to the noble regiment in
which he has served for more than seven and thirty years, and in
which he has held command ever since April 1855. Colonel Gordon’s
service in the 91st Highlanders comprises exactly one-half the
period of its existence as a corps, and he has held command in his
regiment during a fifth part of its history. Years have gone by
since every officer, non-commissioned officer, and private soldier
with whom he stood in these noble ranks, when he commenced his
career in the army, have passed away. For twelve years Colonel
Gordon has been the very last of the 800 who formed the Argyllshire
regiment in 1832, and in its ranks of the present day he leaves
behind him but one soldier (Lt. Grant) who shared with him those
hours of impending death, when he commanded the Reserve Battalion of
the regiment in 1842, cast away on the shores of Africa in that dark
night of tempest, when its discipline and devotion came forth from
the shattered wreck unbroken and undiminished by that sorest trial.
Colonel Gordon calls to mind that he has served under three stands
of colours presented to the regiment, and that at the recommendation
of His Royal Highness the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief, he
was permitted, by the favour of Her Most Gracious Majesty, to
announce to his old regiment, seven years ago, the restoration of
that nationality in its designation and uniform, under which it was
embodied by its ducal chieftain in the last century.

“Colonel Gordon believes that the time has come to retire from the
regiment he has loved, and to leave its fortunes in younger and
stronger hands. But, although severed from its noble ranks, Colonel
Gordon will still feel that the words of his regimental order of
1863 must ever prove true--‘The Argyllshire regiment has ever served
their sovereign and their country steadily;’ while he calls upon
all ranks to remember those that the late Lieut.-General Sir George
Napier addressed to the Reserve Battalion in 1842--‘Ninety-first, I
have known you in camp and quarters, and I have seen you in action,
and I have never known or seen a better.’”

In such words did this brave, noble-minded, and accomplished soldier bid farewell to his dear old regiment. He survived the “farewell” only a few months, having died at Ellon Castle on the 27th of July of the same year, at the comparatively early age of 57 years. So long as the name of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders remains on the roll of the British Army, the memory of Colonel Bertie Gordon ought to be cherished in its ranks.

As we have already said, Colonel Gordon found a successor in every way worthy of him in Major Sprot, who succeeded to the lieutenant-colonelcy of the regiment on the 29th of January 1870. Captain Wood succeeded to the vacant majority, Lieutenant Alison to the company, and Ensign Chater to the lieutenancy and adjutancy, in which latter capacity he had acted for one year.[557]

On succeeding to the command of the regiment Colonel Sprot issued an order, dated “Dover, 29th January 1870,” in which he said--

“With two exceptions I have seen the troops of all the states of
Europe. Full half my service was spent with our armies in India.
I have become intimate with the greater portion of our regiments,
and I have seen no body of soldiers of whom I have formed a
higher opinion than of the Argyllshire Highlanders.... I have now
under my care a regiment in the highest state of discipline and
efficiency.... Let us then join together in one continued effort to
attain this end, that the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders may ever be
second to none.”

The remainder of the distinctive history of the 91st may be very briefly told. The regiment left Dover on the 18th of June 1870 and proceeded to Aldershot, marching the greater part of the way, and reaching the camp on the morning of the 25th. Notwithstanding the excessive heat of the weather, and that the men marched fully accoutred, the column came in each day to its halting-place with the greatest regularity, a compact body of men without a single straggler.

As soon as it was announced that a marriage was to take place between the Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lorne, Lt.-Col. Sprot wrote to the Duke of Argyll, offering to send a detachment of the regiment to form a guard of honour at the wedding. The Duke replied very graciously, and only a few days before the wedding was to take place, Colonel Sprot learned that Her Majesty had been graciously pleased to order that a detachment of the 91st should attend at Windsor on the day of the marriage, March 21st, 1871.

INSCRIPTION.--From the Soldiers of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders, presented by the kind permission of Her Majesty to HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS LOUISE, on her Marriage, 21st March 1871.]

On Saturday morning, the 17th of March, a body of 100 picked men, with band, pipers, and full complement of officers, after having been inspected by Colonel Sprot, marched off to the tune of “Haste to the Wedding,” amidst the encouraging cheers of their less fortunate comrades. The guard was commanded by Captain Gregg, and marched by Bagshot and Ascot Heath, reaching Windsor at 4 P.M. When the detachment arrived at Windsor it found that everything had been prepared for it by the Grenadier Guards; the officers of the latter corps invited the officers of the 91st to be their guests, and the soldiers had not only drawn rations and fitted beds, but had even cooked dinner for the Highlanders.

On Monday the 20th, Lt.-Col. Sprot rode over from Aldershot to Windsor, and on arriving at the Castle received Her Majesty’s command to meet her at 3 o’clock P.M., in the private apartments, where she would be prepared to receive the wedding present for her daughter, which the officers and men of the 91st intended to give. The gift of the officers consisted of a Brooch, the fac-simile of that worn by them to fasten their plaids, but in pure gold, and with a very handsome cairngorm pebble, set transparently, together with a copy in miniature of the regimental dirk, in Scotch pebble, suited for a shawl pin. On the back of the brooch were engraved the names of all the officers then serving. The gift from the soldiers, to which they unanimously subscribed, was a SILVER BISCUIT-BOX, in the shape of one of their own drums, with the honours of the regiment engraved on the side, and an appropriate inscription on the head. It was mounted on a stand of Scotch bog oak, with silver corners and feet.

Colonel Sprot, in his audience with the Queen, was accompanied by Captain Gregg, Lt. Grant, Sergeant-Major Fasinidge, and Pipe-Major M’Dougal. Her Majesty was accompanied by the Princess Louise, Prince Arthur, Prince Christian, and others. Lt.-Col. Sprot, in a few appropriate and well-chosen words, presented the officers’ present, which the Princess graciously accepted, and desired Colonel Sprot to convey to the officers “her sincere thanks for their very pretty present.” Colonel Sprot then intimated to Her Majesty the wish of the non-commissioned officers and men to offer the present above mentioned, at which Her Majesty expressed much gratification.

On the day of the ceremony the guard of Highlanders was drawn up at the entrance to St George’s Chapel, Windsor, Colonel Sprot having command of the troops at the chapel. After the ceremony, the officers of the guard had the honour of being present at the déjeuner, the bagpipes and drums of the 91st playing alternately with the band of the Grenadier Guards.

The guard of the 91st returned to Aldershot on the 22nd by the way it came. During its stay at Aldershot it went through the usual routine of field-days, inspections, and other duties, invariably winning the genuine approbation of every officer that had the opportunity of witnessing its training. On the 10th of July, when the Queen reviewed the troops at Aldershot, the 91st marched past by double companies of 70 file, and marched so well, that Her Majesty sent a complimentary message to the regiment by the General commanding the brigade.

In August, while the festivities consequent on the wedding of the Marquis of Lorne were going on at Inverary,[558] the soldiers’ present was sent to the Princess Louise, who, as well as the Marquis, cordially accepted and acknowledged it. On the application of the Duke of Argyll, three pipers of the regiment, with the Pipe-Major, attended these rejoicings, and were much admired both for their soldier-like appearance and good playing.

In September 1871 the 91st formed part of the force which was called out for field manœuvres, immediately after the conclusion of which, the regiment received orders to proceed to Aberdeen and Fort George.

On the 27th and 30th the regiment left Aldershot in two detachments for London, and embarked the same day at Wapping, and reached Aberdeen on the 29th of September and the 4th of October respectively; the second detachment was delayed by stormy weather. The former detachment, headquarters, reached Fort George on the day of its arrival at Aberdeen, but the second detachment, of four companies, remained at Aberdeen.

Shortly after the marriage of the Princess Louise, Her Majesty expressed a desire to confer some distinguishing mark on the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders to commemorate the event, and desired Lt.-Col. Sprot to be communicated with as to what the regiment would like. Colonel Sprot, after consulting with his oldest officer, suggested the kilt, to which Her Majesty readily agreed, but to which the military authorities objected. Colonel Sprot then intimated that the regiment would like to be designated “the Princess Louise Argyllshire Highlanders,” and bear on its colour the boar’s head, with the motto “Ne Obliviscaris” (crest and motto of the Argyll family). To this there could be no objection, and a War-Office memorandum, of April 2nd, 1872, authorised the regiment to indulge its wish, the Princess Louise’s coronet and cypher to be also placed on the three corners of the regimental colour.

After staying about eighteen months at Fort George, the 91st proceeded to Edinburgh in May 1873. The regiment arrived at Granton on the morning of May the 12th, and after landing in the most orderly manner, commenced its march under Colonel Sprot up the hill to the old castle on the rock. On the route the 91st passed the 93rd Sutherland Highlanders, who were marching out of the castle, and were on their way to embark at Granton; each corps shouldered arms to the other, and the pipers struck up a merry greeting. The large crowds of people who had collected along the route to witness the departure of the 93rd, waited to give a hearty welcome to the Princess Louise Highlanders.

During its stay in Edinburgh the regiment gained the respect and admiration of the inhabitants for their steady conduct and soldierly bearing. The efforts made by Colonel Sprot to keep his troops up to the highest state of efficiency won the praise both of the press and the citizens.[559]

For the first time in Edinburgh the military stationed in the Castle had a field-day in the prosecution of drill in outpost duty, which excited a deal of interest and curiosity on the part of the citizens, who had not been made aware of the arrangements. Col. Sprot of the 91st so highly appreciates this method of training, which is frequently practised at Aldershot and other large military stations, that at Fort George he had frequent recourse to it. A variety of exciting movements took place, ranging from Duddingston and Arthur Seat all along the route to the Castle Esplanade. The crowd attracted by the firing in the streets gradually augmented both in numbers and excitement. The whole proceedings lasted over seven hours, and the troops being drawn up in square, were complimented on their conduct throughout the engagement.

During the time that the 91st were in Edinburgh they had repeatedly been out on field-days, and besides such strategic movements as above, have also been systematically exercised in throwing up trenches, tent-pitching, flag-signalling, &c.

After remaining in Edinburgh for about a year only, to the great regret of the inhabitants, the 91st left for Newry in Ireland on the 29th of June 1874.

In conclusion, we should mention, that belonging to the officer’s
mess of the Argyllshire Highlanders is quite a little museum
of precious and artistic curiosities. One of the most valuable
and interesting of these is a tontine snuff-box of silver gilt,
casket-shape, 8¼ inches long, 6 inches wide, and 3 inches deep. This
very handsome box was originated by the officers who were in the
regiment in the year 1810, on the condition that it could be claimed
by the last survivor, if replaced by a similar box. It was claimed
in 1841 by Colonel Anderson, who replaced it by a similar box,
the original box being now in Edinburgh, in possession of General
Anderson, late R.A., the nephew of the late Colonel Anderson. In
1870 Colonel Bertie Gordon was the last survivor of those whose
names were inscribed on the box of 1841, and as it was not claimed
by him, it became the property of the officers then serving in the
regiment, whose names are inscribed on the inner lids of the box.
On the outside of the lid is the arms of the regiment, surmounted
by the crown, and on the oval the names of the victories up to the
Peninsula. On the bottom of the box, underneath the Rose, Shamrock,
and Thistle, and the date 1810, are the names of those who started
the original box, headed by Lt.-Col. William Douglas. There are 50
names in all, and of these 11 are Campbells, and 17 others belong to
various Highland clans; of the remainder, 11 seem distinctly Scotch.
On the inside of the lid are the names of the officers of the
regiment in 1841, when the new box was presented, headed by Colonel
Gabriel Gordon and Lt.-Col. R. Anderson. Here there are in all 41
names, only 2 of them being Campbells, although 15 seem certainly
Scotch, 3 being Gordons. On the inner lids of the box, as we have
said, are the names of the officers who were in the regiment in
1870, when Colonel Bertie Gordon, failing to claim it, it became the
property of the officers. The list is headed by Lt.-Col. Sprot, and
there are 37 in all. Let us hope that it will be long before there
will be a last survivor to claim it.

Among the mess plate there are several other articles of beautiful
characteristic and artistic design. Of these we may mention the
following:--

A large punch-bowl, of repoussé work, silver; height, 9 inches,
diameter, 13½ inches, presented by General Duncan Campbell of
Lochnell. It is handsomely embossed with a design of flowers,
grapes, and other fruits, and is supposed to have been originally
taken by the French from a Spanish convent during the Peninsular
war, and to have afterwards fallen into the hands of General
Campbell. The ladle belonging to the bowl is of very ancient and
peculiar design, having a Spanish coin, date 1758, at the bottom.

A silver snuff-box in two divisions, the gift of Lt.-Col. Catlin
Crawfurd, who commanded the 91st in the Peninsula. Several silver
mounted horn snuff-mulls, presented at different periods, including
a very large and handsome ram’s head, mounted with silver, studded
with cairngorms, as a snuff and cigar box, the joint gift of
Lieutenants W. Grant and C. L. Harvey in the year 1864, bearing the
names of the officers then serving in the regiment. The width across
the horns is 17 inches.

A cigar-lighter in the form of a boar’s head, the regimental crest
in silver, mounted on an oval ebony stand with wheels. The upper
part of the head forms a receptacle for spirits of wine. The tushes
are removable and tipped with asbestos. This is the joint gift of
Captain C. G. Alison and Lieutenant and Adjutant Vernor Chater, date
1870.

Lastly, we shall mention a large silver quaich, 4½ inches in
diameter, with straight projecting handles, with the boar’s head
engraved on them. It is of ancient Highland pattern, and has
engraved round the upper portion a tracing taken from one of
the remarkable stones of Argyll. It bears this inscription in
Gaelic,--“From the Officers of the Highland Rifle Regiment (Militia)
to the Officers of the 91st Princess Louise’s Highlanders, Fort
George, May 1872.”

A fine example of the spirit of friendly rivalry and mutual good
feeling subsisting between the line and the volunteers was shown on
the 23rd of May and the 6th of June 1874, in a competition between
ten sergeants of the 91st (Princess Louise Argyllshire Highlanders)
and an equal number of the 1st Mid-Lothian Rifle Volunteers,
which took place at the Seafield Ranges. At the conclusion of the
first match the volunteers entertained their military friends and
competitors at dinner; and at the conclusion of the second match,
which came off at the ranges in Hunter’s Bog, when there was only
one point of difference in the scores, the Mid-Lothian team were
invited by their military friends to the castle, where they were
entertained at dinner in a very handsome and cordial manner. Before
separating, the Leith men presented the team of the 91st with a
beautiful gold cross, to be competed for by those who had shot in
both matches, the conditions to be arranged by themselves. It was
much regretted that the early departure of the 91st prevented a
third trial of skill, the more especially as the competitors were so
equally matched.

A portrait of General Duncan Campbell of Lochnell, after the painting by Sir Henry Raeburn, R.A., is given on the plate of Colonels of the 91st, 92nd, and 93rd Regiments.

SUCCESSION LIST OF COLONELS AND LIEUTENANT-COLONELS OF THE 91ST PRINCESS LOUISE ARGYLLSHIRE HIGHLANDERS.

COLONELS.

LIEUTENANT-COLONELS.

+------------------+---------------+--------+----------+---------------+
| | |Age when| | Date of First |
| Names. | Date of | Appoin-| Of what | Commission in |
| | Appointment. | ted. | Country. | the Army. |
+------------------+---------------+--------+----------+---------------+
| D. Macneil | Aug. 23, 1818 | 41 | Scotland | April 17, 1794|
| | | | | |
| J. M’Donald | Sept. 23, 1824| 36 | Do. | Dec. 17, 1803 |
| | | | | |
| J. M. Sutherland | Sept. 16, 1827| 44 | Do. | Nov. 27, 1794 |
| | | | | |
| R. Anderson | Dec. 2, 1831 | 42 | Do. | July 9, 1803 |
| | | | | |
| C. Burne | July 2, 1841 | 46 | Ireland | Oct. 4, 1810 |
| | | | | |
| R. Macneil | July 16, 1841 | -- | | Never joined. |
| | | | | |
| M. G. T. Lindsay | April 15, 1842| 46 | England | Dec. 16, 1813 |
| | | | | |
| J. F. G. Campbell| April 14, 1846| 36 | Scotland | Oct. 25, 1827 |
| | | | | |
| C. C. Yarborough | Oct. 13, 1848 | 40 | England | June 9, 1825 |
| | | | | |
| Bertie Gordon | Aug. 31, 1858 | 42 | Scotland | Oct. 26, 1832 |
| | | | | |
| W. T. L. | Nov. 12, 1860 | 38 | Do. | Feb. 22, 1859 |
| Patterson | | | | |
| | | | | |
| J. Sprot | Jan. 29, 1870 | 39 | Do. | Oct. 17, 1851 |
+------------------+---------------+--------+----------+---------------+

FOOTNOTES:

[537] Here we cannot help expressing our regret at the meagreness of the regimental Record Book, which, especially the earlier part of it, consists of the barest possible statement of the movements of the regiment, no details whatever being given of the important part it took in the various actions in which it was engaged. This we do not believe arose from any commendable modesty on the part of the regimental authorities, but, to judge from the preface to the present handsome and beautifully kept Record Book, was the result of pure carelessness. In the case of the 91st, as in the case of most of the other regiments, we have found the present officers and all who have been connected with the regiment eager to lend us all the help in their power; but we fear it will be difficult to supply the deficiencies of the Record Book, which, as an example, dismisses Toulouse in about six lines.

[538] See his portrait on p. 642, vol. ii.

[539] The account we are able to give here may be supplemented by what has been said regarding the Peninsular war in connection with some of the other regiments.

[540] In connection with the 42nd and 79th Regiments, which with the 91st formed the Highland brigade, many details of the battle of Toulouse have already been given, which need not be repeated here.

[541] Shortly after Sir William Douglas assumed the command, the Duke of Wellington came up and asked who had the command of the brigade. Colonel Douglas replied that he had the honour to command it just then; when Wellington said, “No man could do better,” adding, “take the command, and keep it,” which Colonel Douglas did until the brigade reached home. Lt.-Colonel Douglas was presented with a gold medal for his services in the Peninsula, and subsequently created K.C.B.

[542] At Waterloo Captain Thomas Hunter Blair of the 91st was doing duty as major of brigade to the 3rd brigade of British Infantry, and for his meritorious conduct on that occasion was promoted Lt.-Col. of the army.

[543] The ceded territory was occupied by certain Kaffir tribes only conditionally; by their depredations they had long forfeited all right to remain there.

[544] _The Cape and the Kaffirs_, p. 111.

[545] Mrs Ward’s _Cape and the Kaffirs_, p. 86.

[546] Page 87.

[547] When the reserve battalion was holding Block Drift, a very daring act was performed by two private soldiers of the regiment. A despatch arrived for the Governor, Sir Peregrine Maitland, escorted by 18 mounted burghers, with a request from the commandant at Fort Beaufort, that it should be sent on as soon as possible. The communication between Block Drift and Fort Cox, where the Governor was, was completely cut off; and accordingly volunteers were called for to carry the despatch. Two men immediately came forward, Robert Walsh and Thomas Reilly, and to them the despatch was entrusted. They left Block Drift shortly after dark, and proceeded on their perilous journey--dressed in uniform and with their muskets. All went well for the first six miles, although they found themselves in the vicinity of the Kaffirs. Suddenly, on entering a wooded valley at the foot of the Amatola mountains, they came right upon a Kaffir encampment, and had hardly time to throw themselves on the ground in the thick underwood, when they found to their horror that the natives had heard their footsteps, as the latter rushed into the thicket in all directions to look for the intruders. Fortunately a porcupine was sighted, and the Kaffirs evidently satisfied, returned to their camp, muttering that it was an “Easterforke,” _Anglicé_ porcupine, that had alarmed them. Walsh and Reilly, holding their breath, saw the Kaffirs prepare to eat their supper, after which they began to post their sentries! One was put within six yards of the gallant fellows, who, not quite discouraged, still kept quiet. The remaining Kaffirs rolled themselves up in their blankets, and went to sleep. The sentry stood for a few minutes,--looked round, then sat down for a few more minutes, looked round again, and then wrapped himself in his blanket, and slept peacefully too. Walsh and Reilly, as may be imagined, did not give him the chance of waking, but made off. They then made a wide circuit, and after numerous escapes from detection, once having been challenged by a Kaffir sentinel (who was not asleep), they came to the Keiskama river, and knowing that all the fords were guarded by the Kaffirs, they had to cross by swimming, finally reaching Fort Cox shortly before daylight. Here their dangers were not over, for the sentries, not expecting anything but Kaffirs, treated them to some rapid file firing. Again they lay down in shelter until daybreak, when, being recognised as British soldiers, they were warmly welcomed and delivered their important despatches. Poor Walsh was afterwards killed in action, and Reilly was discharged with a pension after 21 years’ service, though it is to be regretted that neither received at the time any public reward of their gallant night’s work, which in these days would certainly have been rewarded with the Victoria Cross.

[548] During the advance of the enemy on Block Drift, at the beginning of the war, and when this post was commanded by Lt.-Colonel (then Major) Campbell, he took up a position on the top of the school-house, rifle in hand; four men were employed in loading his arms for him, and he brought down two of the enemy successively in a few minutes. When a third fell dead, a soldier of the reserve battalion 91st Regiment could restrain himself no longer; forgetting Col. Campbell’s rank as an officer, in his delight at his prowess as a soldier, the man slapped his commanding officer on the back with a shout of delight, and the exclamation, “Weell done, Sodger!” Was not such a compliment worth all the praise of an elaborate despatch?--_The Cape and the Kaffirs_, p. 198.

[549] Among the arrangements for the protection of the colony a force was organised in 1848, by placing soldiers discharged from various regiments, including the 91st, on certain grants of land in British Kaffraria, and thus forming military villages.

[550] See vol. ii. p. 599.

[551] When the force was retiring in the direction of their camp, each regiment covered by a company in skirmishing order, that of the 91st was under Lt. Bond. This officer was very short-sighted, and by some means or other was separated from his men, and was nearer the enemy than his skirmishers. Suddenly he was attacked by two Kaffirs, armed, one of whom seized him by the coat. At that time men wearing only side arms were always told off to carry stretchers for the wounded. One of these men, John Sharkie by name, suddenly saw Lt. Bond in the clutches of the savages. He rushed up, struck one of them on the head with his stretcher, killed him dead, and drawing a butcher’s knife which he carried in a sheath, plunged it into the throat of the other. Lt. Bond, who then realised the extent of his escape, coolly adjusted his eyeglass, which he always carried, looked steadily at Sharkie, then at the Kaffirs, and said, “By God, Sharkie, you’re a devilish plucky fellow; I will see you are properly rewarded for your bravery;” and he kept his word.

[552] See vol. ii. p. 604.

[553] Ibid. p. 599.

[554] On Nov. 12, 1860, Colonel Campbell became Major-General.

[555] We must mention here that on the 1st of Nov. of this year Quartermaster Paterson took his final leave of the regiment, which, as a private, he joined in 1832, and from which he had never been absent since joining it. He was with it in St Helena, Africa, Greece, the Ionian Islands, and India, from which last place he now left the regiment as an invalid. In his long and varied service he always proved himself a worthy soldier.

[556] This, we think, is the proper place to give a few personal details of Col. Bertie Gordon, who was in many respects a very remarkable man--a man imbued with the most chivalrous notions of a soldier’s vocation, and at the same time one of the most practical men that ever held command of a regiment. He was a strict disciplinarian, and yet no officer could take more care than he of the personal comfort and best welfare of his men. He loved his regiment dearly, and it is greatly owing to him that the 91st has attained its present position. He has found a successor in every respect worthy of him in the present commander, Lt.-Col. Sprot.

Bertie Edward Murray was born at Auchlunies, Aberdeenshire, on the 17th of Dec. 1813. He was the son of Alexander Gordon, Esq., of Auchlunies, afterwards of Ellon Castle, Aberdeenshire, and Albinia Louisa Cumberland, daughter of Lady Albinia Cumberland. He was educated at Rainham, Kent, the Edinburgh Academy, and the Edinburgh Royal Military Academy. He obtained his first commission in the 91st Regiment in the year 1832, and joined in 1833. At school Bertie Gordon showed abilities much beyond average. Reserved, and sometimes proud, Bertie Gordon was slow to form intimate friendships, but he was warm-hearted and generous, ever ready to assist a companion, or to prevent the oppression of a younger boy. Always strictly honourable and truthful, he was fearless of danger, and if, in boyish pranks, there was anything to be done which required nerve and courage, Bertie Gordon was sure to be found in the front ranks. The chief incidents in his military career have been already told. Did space permit, we could fill pages concerning the institutions he founded in the regiment--gymnasia for non-commissioned officers and men, reading-rooms, refreshment-rooms, dancing-rooms, children’s homes, &c. His name is worthy of remembrance as one who had the loftiest ideas of the duties of his position, and who spared no pains to carry out his ideas by the wisest action. A regiment commanded by such a man could not fail to attain the highest degree of efficiency.

[557] We very much regret that space does not permit our giving a detailed account of the many and varied services of Colonel Sprot since he joined the army in 1848. Colonel Sprot, we may here mention, belongs to one of the oldest and best known Edinburgh families. He is son of Mark Sprot, Esq. of Riddell, Roxburghshire, and has connections among many old and well-known Scottish families, both Highland and Lowland. It would be difficult to find an officer in any branch of Her Majesty’s service who has taken more pains to attain a thorough knowledge of every branch of science that in any way bears upon the duties which an officer may, under any circumstances, be called upon to perform. His preparations for a military career did not cease when he obtained his commission, but by persevering study he so mastered the arts of engineering, surveying, and similar branches of applied science, that while still a lieutenant he was employed by Government in the superintendence of works of the highest importance in India. From 1849 Colonel Sprot spent about twelve years in India, during the greater part of which he occupied positions, both civil and military, of the greatest responsibility. As captain he served continuously throughout the whole of the Indian Mutiny from May 1857 until May 1860; was present in one action, and received the Indian war medal for his services. Colonel Sprot joined the 91st as a major from the 83rd regiment in the year 1868, and since he assumed command he has set himself heart and soul to raise the 91st Highlanders to the highest possible pitch of efficiency. Every man in the regiment is carefully trained in all the practical duties of a soldier; and, indeed, to a great deal more than a soldier is bound to know, and that in such a manner, that were the regiment to be suddenly engaged in an active campaign, it would likely have less difficulty than most regiments in adapting itself to the exigencies of the occasion.

[558] Lt.-Col. Sprot was invited to the castle on the occasion, but by a severe illness was prevented from being able to accept the invitation.

[559] Colonel Sprot, we may mention here, is the author of a little manual of outpost duty, written in a concise and clear manner, and giving a reason for everything. This manual will be found useful to all ranks, from the field-officer to the sentry.

THE 92ND GORDON HIGHLANDERS.

1794-1816.

Raising the regiment--The Duchess of Gordon’s bounty--The Lochaber
men and Captain John Cameron--First list of officers--Thoroughly
Highland character of the Gordon Highlanders--M’Kinnon the bard
--First five years of service--Ireland--Holland--Egmont-op-Zee--Sir
John Moore’s regard for the regiment--Egypt--Severe losses of the
regiment--M’Kinnon’s poem on the battle of Alexandria--Ireland
--Glasgow--Weeley--Copenhagen--Sweden--Portugal--Walcheren--Peninsula
--Fuentes d’Onor--Arroyo de Molinos--Almaraz--Alba de Tormes
--Vittoria--Pyrenees--Maya--92nd disregards orders--Nive--Orthes
--Aire--Ireland--2nd battalion disbanded--Brussels--Quatre
Bras--Colonel John Cameron--Waterloo--Paris--Home.

EGMONT-OP-ZEE.
MANDORA.
EGYPT WITH SPHINX.
CORUNNA.
FUENTES D’ONOR.
ALMARATH.
VITTORIA.
PYRENEES.
NIVE.
ORTHES.
PENINSULA.
WATERLOO.]

The Marquis of Huntly,[560] whilst a captain in the 3rd Foot Guards, having offered to raise a regiment for general service, letters were granted to him for this purpose on the 10th of February 1794. In his zeal for the service the marquis was backed by his father and mother, the Duke and Duchess of Gordon, both of whom, along with the marquis himself, took an active share in the recruiting. It is quite a true story that the beautiful Duchess of Gordon recruited in person on horseback at markets, wearing a regimental jacket and bonnet, and offering for recruits the irresistible bounty of a kiss and a guinea. The result was, that, within the short space of four months, the requisite number of men was raised, and on the 24th of June the corps was inspected at Aberdeen[561] by Major-General Sir Hector Munro, and embodied under the denomination of the “Gordon Highlanders.” The officers appointed were:--

_Lieutenant-Colonel Commandant._

George, Marquis of Huntly.

_Majors._

Charles Erskine of Cadross, killed in Egypt in 1801.
Donald Macdonald of Boisdale, died in 1795.

_Captains._

Alexander Napier of Blackstone, killed at Corunna in 1809.
John Cameron of Fassifern, killed at Quatre Bras, 16th June, 1815.
Honourable John Ramsay, son of Lord Dalhousie.
Andrew Paton.
William Mackintosh of Aberarder, killed in Holland in 1799.
Alexander Gordon, son of Lord Rockville, killed at Talavera in
1808, Lieutenant-Colonel 83rd regiment.
Simon Macdonald of Morar.

_Captain-Lieutenant._

John Gordon, retired as Major.

_Lieutenants._

Peter Grant, died in 1817, Major on half-pay.
Archibald Macdonell, died in 1813, Lieutenant-Colonel of veterans.
Alexander Stewart.
Sir John Maclean, Major-General, K.C.B., 1825.
Peter Gordon, died 1806.
Thomas Forbes, killed at Toulouse in 1814, Lieutenant-Colonel of
the 45th regiment.
Ewan Macpherson.
George H. Gordon.

_Ensigns._

Charles Dowie, died of wounds in Egypt in 1801.
George Davidson, killed at Quatre Bras in 1815, then Captain in the
42nd regiment.
Archibald Macdonald.
Alexander Fraser, killed 2nd October 1799.
William Tod.
James Mitchell, Lieutenant-Colonel in 1815, retired in 1819.

_Staff._

_Chaplain._--William Gordon.
_Adjutant._--James Henderson, died in 1796.
_Quarter-master._--Peter Wilkie, died in 1806.
_Surgeon._--William Findlay, died in Egypt in 1801.

GEN^L DUNCAN CAMPBELL OF LOCHNELL.
Col. of 91^{st} Highl^{rs} 10^{th} Feb. 1794--9^{th} April 1837.
_First Colonel._

GEORGE, MARQUIS OF HUNTLY.
Col. of 92^{nd} Highl^{rs} 3^{rd} May 1796--3^{rd} Jan. 1806.
_Also Col. of 42^{nd} Highl^{rs} 3^{rd} Jan. 1806--29^{th}
Jan. 1820._

MAJOR GEN^L. W. WEMYSS OF WEMYSS.
Col. of 93^{rd} Highl^{rs} 25^{th} Aug^t 1800--Feb. 1822.
_First Colonel._

SIR H. W. STISTED, K.C.B.
Col. of 93^{rd} Highl^{rs} 28^{th} Sep^t 1873--

A. Fullerton & C^o London & Edinburgh.]

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The Scottish Highlands, Highland Clans and Highland Regiments, Volume 2 (of 2)Chapter LXVIII: Introduction: Military character of the Highlands (35)

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