In one of the late battles in Calabria, a bagpiper of the 78th
regiment, when the light infantry charged the French, posted himself on
their right, and remained in his solitary situation during the whole of
the battle, encouraging the men with a famous Highland charging tune;
and actually, upon the retreat and complete rout of the French, changed
it to another, equally celebrated in Scotland upon the retreat of and
victory over an enemy. His next hand neighbour guarded him so well,
that he escaped unhurt. This was the spirit of the “Last Minstrel,” who
infused courage among his countrymen, by possessing it in so animated a
degree, and in so venerable a character.
_Curiosities of Literature._