Men.The regiment of Sir Donald Mackay of Farr 1500Colonel Sir James Leslie's regiment 1000Alexander Seaton's 500The regiment of the Earl of Nithsdale, three Batts 3000The regiment of Alexander Lord Spynie, three Batts 3000The regiment of Sir James Sinclair of Murkle, ditto 3000
These 12,000 men were independent of 3000 sent by Scotland to the Isle Rhé, and about 13,000 more who entered the service of Gustavus Adolphus, while at the same time many of the Scottish Catholics flocked to the standard of the Emperor Ferdinand II.
THE SCOTTISH FLAG.
"The regiment received colors," says Colonel Munro, "wheron His Majestie (Christian IV.) would have the officers to carry the Danes Crosse, which the officers refusing, they were summoned to compeare before his Majestie at Raynesberge, to know the reason of their refusall—and for the eschewing of greater inconvenience, the officers desired so much time of his Majestie, as to send Captaine Robert Ennis into England, to know his Majestie of Great Britaine's will, whether or no they might carrie without reproach the Danish crosse inScottish Colors." Answer was returned, that they should obey the orders of him they served.—SeeMunro's Expedition with Machay's Regiment. Published 1637.
THE HIGHLAND PURSE.
Macnab, of Macnab, presented to the Scottish Antiquaries, in 1783, a Highland-purse clasp, exactly similar to that described as being worn by Philip Rollo. This suggested to Scott a similar clasp for guarding the sporran of Rob Roy, who said to Bailie Jarvie, "I would advise no man to attempt opening this sporran till he has my secret."
The story of the Lily of Culbleine is an ancient Scottish tradition: her grave is still shown in her native parish; and many of the characters mentioned in the foregoing pages were all persons who really existed at the time. I may particularly instance Dr. Pennicuik of Newhall and that Ilk, an account of whom will be found in theScots Magazinefor 1805. Other names, such as Sir Alexander Leslie's, belong to the history of Scotland, and require no comment. Bandolo is also a real character; and his double assassinations at Naples are veritable history.
THE ROLLO SPOON.
The idea of this quaint heirloom is taken from a similar one preserved by the ancient family of Crauford of Cowdenhill. It is of silver, measuring three inches wide in the mouth, and inscribed—
"This spoon I leave in legacie,To the maist mouthed Crauford after me.1480."
MACKAY'S OFFICERS.
Some idea of the service seen by the regiment of Strathnaver, may be gathered from the following list of its officers, who were wounded or lost their lives in the service of Christian IV. of Denmark, between August 1626, and August 1629. It is made up from Munro, and others.
Colonel Sir Donald Mackay, Bart., scorched by powder at the defence of Oldenburg.
Lieutenant-Colonels Seaton, and Arthur Forbes, wounded at Oldenburg.
Major Dumbar, slain defending Boitzenburg.
Captain Boswal, slain by the boors in Bremen.
Captain John Learmonth of Balcomie, wounded twice by musket-balls at Boitzenburg, and died in consequence at Hamburg.
Captain Sir Patrick M'Gie received a wound at Oldenburg, of which he died at Copenhagen.
Captain John Forbes of Tulloch, wounded at Oldenburg,
Captain Robert Munro, wounded in the knee at Oldenburg.
Captain Duncan Forbes, killed at Bredenburg.
Captain Duncan Carmichael, killed at Bredenburg.
Captain Thomas Mackenzie of Kildon (Lord Seaforth's brother), wounded in the legs at Eckernfiörde.
Captain Thomas Armis, wounded at the siege of Stralsund.
Captain Andrew Munro, also wounded there; and afterwards slain in single combat by the Count of Rantzau, in the Isle of Fehmarn.
Captain Lieutenant Kerr, wounded in an arm at Eckernfiörde.
Lieutenant David Martin, killed at Boitzenburg.
Lieutenant Hugh Ross, lost a leg by a cannon-shot at Oldenburg.
Lieutenant Andrew Stewart (brother of John, first Earl of Traquair) received a wound at Oldenburg, and died of it at Copenhagen.
Lieutenant Andrew Barbour, killed at Bredenburg,
Lieutenant David Munro, scorched by powder when blowing up the church at Eckernfiörde.
Lieutenant David Beaton, wounded at Stralsund.
Lieutenant Arthur Arbuthnot, also wounded there.
Ensign Innes, wounded at Oldenburg, and slain at Stralsund.
Ensign Seaton, wounded at Oldenburg, and slain at Stralsund.
Ensign Stewart, wounded at Oldenburg.
Ensign Gordon, wounded at Oldenburg.
Ensign David Munro, wounded at Oldenburg.
Ensign Patrick Dunbar, wounded at Stralsund.
Quarter-master Bruntisfield, wounded at Stralsund, where 500 of the Highlanders were killed.
Chaplain, killed at Bredenburg.
The regiment had more than 30 officers killed and wounded in three years; and lost more than 1000 privates in the same short space of time.
THE END.
M'CORQUODALE AND CO., PRINTERS, LONDON—WORKS, NEWTON.