In the spring of 1795, on account of the alarm of invasion, it was thought necessary to order the regiment to England, along with seven other regiments of Fencibles raised for the defence of Scotland. This was done without consulting the colonels, though the express condition in their letters of service was that they were only to be ordered out of Scotland "in case of actual invasion of the island." The men therefore objected to go, and were to be seen in knots talking in Gaelic with an air of mystery. The lieutenant-colonel marched them by detachments to the chapel and, ascending the pulpit, lectured them, but without any effect in allaying the suspicion that they were being imposed upon. He did not understand the Highland character. At last an express was sent to Gordon Castle. The Duke arrived in fortyeight hours: the regiment was paraded; he explained in a few well-chosen words the nature of the service required, that they were called for the defence of their country, and he trusted that any soldier who was such a dastard as to refuse such service would step out of the ranks and he should have his discharge. Though raised for the defence of Scotland, England was now in danger, and none but cowards would refuse the call. They would find him at their head. men waved their bonnets, crying that they were ready to follow his Grace to the world's end, and they embarked at Leith in high spirits. The The King, never having seen a Highland regiment, ordered them to London (in 1796), where he reviewed them, and expressed himself much gratified at their appearance. The Duchess of Gordon and her daughters were present among the royal group, wearing Highland bonnets and Gordon tartan plaids. The royal family particularly noticed the sergeantmajor, Dugald Campbell,* who is described as "a most superb specimen of the human race." This regiment returned to Scotland in 1796, and was reduced. The three corps mentioned above may be considered as Sergeant Major Dugald Campbell was promoted ensign, and was afterwards appointed adjutant of the 92nd (Gordon Highlanders), in which he became a celebrated character. the forbears of the distinguished national regiment whose conduct in war has done much to preserve the blessings of peace at home whose conduct in peace has upheld the character of their country wherever duty has called them, and whose career of upwards of a hundred years it will be my endeavour to describe. |