The Virginia Gazette, July 30, 1767, published an article from
which the following extracts have been taken:
“Last Sunday evening, the Royal Highland Regiment embarked from
Philadelphia for Ireland, which regiment, since its arrival in
America, had been distinguished for having undergone most amazing
fatigues, made long and frequent marches through an unhospitable
country, bearing excessive heat and severe cold with alacrity
and cheerfulness, frequently encamping in deep snow, such as
those who inhabit the interior parts of this province do not
see, and which only those who inhabit the most northern parts
of Europe can have any idea of, continually exposed in camp and
on their marches to the alarms of a savage enemy, who, in all
their attempts, were forced to fly. * * * And, in a particular
manner, the free-men of this and the neighboring provinces have
most sincerely to thank them for that resolution and bravery
with which they, under Colonel Boquet, and a small number of
Royal Americans, defeated the enemy, and ensured to us peace and
security from a savage foe; and, along with our blessings for
these benefits, they have our thanks for that decorum in behavior
which they maintained during their stay in this city, giving an
example that the most amiable behavior in civil life is no way
inconsistent with the character of the good soldier; and for
their loyalty, fidelity, and orderly behavior, they have every
wish of the people for health, honor, and a pleasant voyage.”
* * * * *
Extract from speech by the elder Pitt in vindication of the
employment of Highland Regiments of which the Black Watch was the
first raised of the eighty-six during the four wars between 1739
and 1815.
“I sought for merit wherever it was to be found; it is my boast
that I was the first Minister who looked for it and found it in
the mountains of the North. I called it forth and drew into your
service a hardy and intrepid race of men, who, when left by your
jealousy, became a prey to the artifice of your enemies, and had
gone nigh to have overturned the State in the war before the
last. These men in the last war were brought to combat on your
side, they served with fidelity as they fought with valour, and
conquered for you in every part of the world.”
S
COPY OF ALL REFERENCES TO THE BLACK WATCH OF THE TICONDEROGA PERIOD
TO BE FOUND IN THE ARCHIVES OF THE DOMINION OF CANADA AT OTTAWA.
_I am indebted for this Memorandum to Arthur Doughty Litt.D.,
Archivist of the Dominion of Canada._
[Sidenote: 1758. March 29, New York.]
Abercrombie to Haldimand (?) Plan of operations settled at Home.
Southern Operations.
Corps, Blakeney’s, Lord John Murray’s &c.