  EXTRACTS FROM ORDERS OF THE SCOTS GREYS TROOP ORDERLY BOOK 8th January, 1759 [These books belong to Colonel R. G. Wardlaw Ramsay, of Whitehill, near Edinburgh (nephew of Balcarres Ramsay, of The Greys), who kindly placed them at the Editor's disposal.] Weaver, 12th Jan: 1759. The Major is surprized to find that when the men go into Town to get Forrage, they get so Drunk that they are oblidged to be assissted in getting home their forrage by Troops of other regiments, Particularly Corporal Moore who some days ago was at Bork, and not only was Drunk but knocked a poor man of his horse and took it away from him after tumbling down all his forrage. He hopes the officers will take particular care to detect any man that are so: that they may be punished for such irregularity. Wiver, 20th Jan: 1759. Six Ducats to be stopt from each Farrier to provide them forge cart horses; what is more than sufficient will be returned. Wever, 22nd Jan: 1759. A stiver to be stopt from each man for having his hatt cocked, which the Major hopes the men won't be against paying as it is for their own advantage. Wever, 25 Jan: 1759. The Troops to send the bread waggons for their Hatts and Gloves on Mon: next, & no man to presume to alter the cock otherwise it will be done over again & he be oblidged to pay every time it is not in shape. Jule, 6 Jan: 1759. The Col's & Maj: Blairs troops to assemble at the Red Cross in order to put the following sentence of a Court Martial in execution—etc: etc: way to find Red Cross—guards there—& Members of the C.M. A Pieces & 1 Lieut & 3 cornets. Lieut Blacket of ye same regiment accuses John Livingstone of ye same Troop & Regiment of being Drunk, neglecting of Duty, & cutting at Boor with his broadsword in a cruel manner. The Prisoner being asked, etc. Corpl. Taite being asked, etc. The Court Martial considering the excuse & his former bad behaviour find him guilty of a breach of the 3rd Article of War and therefore sentence him to receive upon his bare back by a cat of nine tails from the Drummers of ye regiment 600 Lashes where and by what proportion the C.O. shall judge most proper. Wm. Bury, Capt Lieut. I approve the above sentence Wm. Hepburn. Munster, copy of a letter, Feb: 12th 1759. Sir, The Duke has ordered a return to be given in dated the 22nd inst. of each regt. of Cav: & Inf: specifieing very particularly whether or not the Regiment is in a proper state to take the Field on the 25th inst: according to the Dukes first order, & if not, mentioning the particulars that are wanting to put the regiment in a proper condition. The Paymaster to be at Munster on 22nd inst: R. M. Kieth. The officers commanding troops will order a picket mallett to be made immediately & put everything as to horse shoes accoutrements etc. in the best order possible to take the field. Wever, 20th Feb 1759. As there is some reason to believe the regt. may march soon the C.O.'s of troops will get the old Camp necessaries put in as good order as possible, the tents slung & forrage cords etc ready to march on the shortest notice. Wever, 1st Mrch 1759. Maj: Hepburn to be buried tomorrow at 11.0 o'clock. The officers of the Regt. are desired to attend. An officer, Sergt, Corpl. Drummer & 30 Private to fire over him. Maj: Hepburn's Troop to come over here on foot with side arms, leaving their guard on ye village, and bring 90 loaded cartridges with them. Wever, 2nd Mrch 1759. As soon as the Burial is over a Court of Enquiry to sit by Capt. Douglas' orders commanding the R.N.B. Dragoons to examine into the effects of the Late Major Hepburn, for the above Duty Captn: Bury Lieuts Law Conyngham Blacket & Home. Ober Kelmor, 24th Mrch 1759. The Hereditary Prince being about to leave this place, the regiments are now under the Orders of His Serene Highness Prince Isenbourg. Caremback, 25th Mrch 1759. The Regiment to march tomorrow at 6.0 o'clock to their new cantonments. The Genl. to beat at 4, Boots & Saddles at 5, and March at 6 o'clock.
Rangershausen, 26th Mrch 1759. The regiment to march at 6.0 o'clock.
Herschfold, 28th Mrch 1759 (Extract). Orderly cornet tomorrow Greys Grebenan, 29th Mrch 1759. H.S.H. the Duke is not so apprehensive of Disorders being comited by the soldry as by the sutlers and their servants, the officers servants and women following ye armie but he wd have all belonging to diffrent corps informed that any offending will be punished with death. Wendecken, Sat: 14 April 1759. H.S.H. the Duke desires all the officers in the Army will honour the memory of H.S.H. the late Duke of Isembourg by wearing black crapes for eight days. The regiments to give in immediately exact lists of their accidence of yesterday, as well men & horses killed & wounded as Cannon carridges ammunition accoutrements etc lost. Lost a Prussian sack. Marienbourn, 16 Ap: 1759. Only one Petit Suttler to be allowed to each troop, who must endeavour to provide the men with beer, and if any other women do presume to sell gin, their Tent will be pulled down, & never be allowed to pitch another in the regiment. Neider-Bessingen, 18.4.59. The men are on no account to have any dispute with the Hessians, and are to behave cively towards them. Berge-Sernode, 19.4.59. Captn Hinslies horses and 2 German horses—a Bay & a Black horse—are wanting—whoever finds them are desired to send them to Capt Haltorn at Hd Qrs 2 German Bay horses with saddles & bridles are found by the Greys—the owner may send for them. Alsfelt, 20.4.59. Corpl Trotter is reduced to the ranks by sentence of C.M. and ordered to receive 200 lashes for being Drunk on Duty; the Col: approves of the sentence & orders him to serve in the ranks as a Private Dragoon. But as the Regiment showed a good countenance before the enemy on the 19th he remits the punishment of 200 lashes, and also forbids the C.M. which he had ordered to try Rankin of the General's, Lander of Captn Lindsay's & Brown of Captn Homes' for being Mortally Drunk & incapable of Duty, & hopes the regiment will keep sober for the future, as whoever is seen incapable of Duty by Drunkenness will be tryed by a C.M. and the sentence immediately put in execution even tho' on a march. A Court Martial to sit this day to try David Willie of the Colonel's Troop & George Ferrier of Captn Douglas' for neglect of Duty & lossing 2 Bullocks belonging to the regiment, & the C.M. is desired to consider how the money is to be made up, as the Bullocks was bought by the Colonels orders for the food of the regiment. Neiderzwern, 26.4.59. The young horses to get a mash this night to be blooded tomorrow morning & get another mash. Neiderzweren, 29.4.59. Any of the quartermasters who understand riding to attend the young horses, and an officer to superintend the whole and see that they are not hurried. Neiderzweren, 2.5.1759. Each troop to order 6 men for the piquet, who are to take care the horses dont get out of the stables as complaints have been made that they are wandering about the streets in the night time. Beren-Broictz, 21st May 1759. Lost. A mouse coulared Grayhound belonging to Prince Bevesen. Whoever finds it is desired to bring it to the Major of Brigade. Beren-Broick, 22nd May 1759. Missing—a parcel belonging to Lieut Hartnell of the Inniskillings with 2 pairs of boots. Gronenberg, 26.v.06. R.O. as there has been a bullock killed there this morning, the Colonel desires each troop may send for what they want—iff a Boors horse can be got they may bring one to carry it. Gronenberg, 29th May, 1759. As there great complaints of Drunkeness among the men It is believed to be owing in some measure to so many of the women being allowed to sell Liquor, It is again Repeated that the Commanding Officer of troops be answerable that no women be allowed to sell Liquor but the one appointed to be the Sutler who is to take care not Werle Camp, 9.vi.1759. It is Lord George Sackvill's orders that for the future the officers and men of the Cavalry, Carrie their swords upright with the hilt resting on the Right Pistol, that the Regiment march to Sub:Divisions & the officers strictly keep their Posts. These to be Standing Orders for the whole British Cavalry for the future. Werle Camp, 10.6.1759. All Guards & Sentrys from the Dragoons on foot are for the future to have fixed Bayonets. Anruckt Camp, 13.vi.1759. The Drums of the Dragoons must for the future march immediately behind the Officer who heads the Division. Brincken Camp, 15.vi.1759. half past nine—The Cavalry to remain sadled till further orders, but not bridled. The Infantry accoutred, but to boil their kettles & go on with their usual Camps business, provided they remain in Camp. The horses that are come from the Grand Guard and those on the Picket to be unsadled and their Backs well brush'd for half an hour and sadled again. Ritberg Camp, 23.vi.1759. The 21th at Night a British Grenadier found a grey mare with a bridle sadle & blue Cloak, & a Gray Valise whoever will apply to the Adjt of the British Grenadiers will be informed of them. Hille Camp, 30.vii.1759. A Detachmt of 300 Dragoons to turn out Immediatly under the Command of Lt Col. Harvey British proportion 220. Detail for the Detachment Blands & Greys Captns Subs Blues—Blands. Howards & Innisks. Each Regt 1 sergt 1 corpl & 19 men per squadron. For this Detachment Captn Bury Sergt Watt, Corpls Brown Taite & 6 men, per troop Extr. men Genls & Majors. After Orders all the British Troops to hold themselves in Readiness to march, but not to strike their tents till further Orders. The Cavalry to saddle, the Infantry to Dress immediatly and the whole to wait for further orders—H S M Brigade 31 July Tuesday Countersign Augsbourg. Hille Camp, 31.vii.1759. For the day to morrow Lt General Erwesadle Cavalry Majr Genl Mostyn Infis Maj Genl Schybee. Pickets British Inft Maj Hall, Hanoverian Infy Majr Hodenberg, Hessian Infy Lt Col. Knaphausen. Cavalry Right wing Majr Kellot. Left wing Lt Col. Uffenbach. Majors of Brigade Stubbs & Chebeart. Linslous Battn 1st Battn of Behr, Brunswick & the Regt of Prince Charles of Hesse marched Last Night under the orders of Lt General Gilso, and are encamped at Lubeck. Therefore all the men that were on Duty of those Corps & were Relieved yesterday, will march to Join their Regiments. A Detachment of 300 Cavalry of the Right wing under the Orders of Lt Coll Harvey marched this morning to Lubeck. If there are no orders to the contrary the Regiments may send to forrage at 9 of the morning as usuall. There will be an Auction at oclock at Bruckhausens Regt. to morrow— The Regimt Behr has lost a Brown horse Detale of the Detachment of 300, British proportion 200. Picket Innisks Capn Howards & Grays Subs.
Orderly men Blands Picket Cornet Campbell Sergt Edgar & 1 man per troop Extr Colonel & Captn Lindsay. Grand Guard to morrow 2 men per troop. Standard Guard Sergt Dale Corpls Willson Monox & 4 p. Troop. After orders—H. I. M. orders that at one oclock to morrow morning the Army shall be ready to march. The Cavalry to sadle, the Artillery horses to be harnessed, & the Infantry gaitered, but the tents are not to be struck nor the troops put under arms till further orders. Chas Hotham Adjt Genl 1.viii.1759. Orders, Augt. 1st on the field of Battle. Countersign Calais. For the Day to morrow Lt General Urff Cavalry—Maj:General Elliott: Infy: Maj:General Waldegrave. At 9.0 o'clock tomorrow morning the army will Return Thanks to the Almighty God for the Victory of this Day. The Army to be under Arms in the front of the Camp & to fire a feu de joy it will be repeated thrice, the Heavy Artillery and that taken from the enemy will be drawn up on the front, and the regimental guns will remain in the Lines. H.S.H. will order when it shall begin & the Count La Lippe will direct everything relative to the Disposition of the Artillery. Each regiment to make a strict search into the Boor's houses and on ye Field of Battle for ye wounded as well of our Army as the Enemy's, that they may be dressed and sent to Petershagen, where the Hospital will be established. H.S.H. has ordered by express the Flying Hospital at Drokenberg to be Transported there. A return of the number of cartridges wanting to compleat ye Artillery and to compleat the Regiments to 36 Rounds per man, and likewise a list of the Horses the Artillery has lost, to be given in as soon as possible. A Return to be given in as soon as possible of the Killed wounded & missing specifieing those that are Mortally & slightly wounded—nameing the officers. The Detachments at Hille and Getterbach will receive orders to return to camp. The Pickets will not ly out till further orders, but must remain ready on the first notice, those of the British Infantry will consist of a sub and 30 only from each Regiment & a Captn of Brigade. As soon as the camp is marked the Major General of the Day will post the Grand Guard. The Head Quarters is at Sud Hemmerer, British Generals at Holthausen. The Cavalry to fire on horseback. Grand Guard to turn out when called for Captn Blands—Blues—Blands sub—Howards Greys—Sergts—Howards, Greys Innisks Corporals. Picket this night Howards Captn Greys, Mordts subs etc etc. Grand Guard to morrow morning Mordts Capn Subs Blues & Blandys Sergts. Innisks & Mordts—Corpls Mords Blandys—Grays— Countersign Sud-Hemmerin Camp, 2nd Aug: 1759. For the Day tomorrow Lt General the Marquis of Granby, Cav: Maj: General Col. Ochom etc etc etc. Cavalry Right Wing Lt Col: Perston etc. The Detachment of 300 Brunswick & Hessian that were posted yesterday at Hartam to return to camp this day, The Pickets are not to ly out this night: The 2 Battns of Branks and Stoltzemberg that covered the Head Quarters to return to camp this afternoon. H.S.H. orders his greatest thanks to be given to the whole Army for their great bravoury and good behaviour yesterday, particularly to the British Infantry and to the 2 Battallions of Hanoverian Guards, to all the Cavalry of the left wing, and General Wagenheim's Corps particularly to the regiments of Holstein and Hessian Cavalry and to the Hannoverian Regiment de Corps and Hammersteins; the same to all the Brigades of Francenberg Camp, 22.viii.1759. Lord George Sackville has applied for leave to return to England, His Majesty has been pleased to grant his request, directing him to leave the Command of the British troops to Lieut. Genl. the Marquis of Granby. His Lordship therefore takes this opportunity of returning his thanks, to the officers & men for their good behaviour since he has had the honour to command them, assureing them he shall upon every occasion be happy to do justice to their merit. Weller Camp, 29.viii.1759. Lost from an Officers servant a dark gray horse a hunting saddle & goat skin—whoever brings him to the Adjutant of the Grays shall be well rewarded. Worcester, 3 August 1777. 13 Aug 1777. The Regiment will be mustered tomorrow at Ten Oclock on the Market Place. The men to be full accoutred in New Cloaths, in Long Gaiters. The Cloaks for the Party Horses to be Roll'd white side out—The Officers to be in Boots. 14 Aug 1777. The Regiment to be out at the Drill tomorrow Morning at seven oclock in Hats & stockings. 17 Aug 1777. The Regiment to be out at exercise tomorrow at Ten oclock, in short Gaiters and Grenadier Caps & Old Cloaths, Parade in the Market place. 27 Aug 1777. The Regiment to be out at the Drill tomorrow morning at seven O'clock—in the usual order— The Recruits and Aukward men to be at the Drill this evening at five in Hats & half Gaiters. 31 Aug 1777. Lord Panmure's troop to be at the Sign of the Sow and Pigs in the Dolic at 9 o'clock to receive their New Cloathing—which the Taylors are immediatly to set about to fit Serjeant Angus to superintend the whole. Worcester, 15 March 1778. Such Officers & Quarter Masters or privates Whose Hair is short to be plated or club'd in the Style of the Horse Grenadiers are desired to provide themselves with false Hair of the Colour of their own Twenty-two inches wherefrom it is tied behind—the Weastcoats fronts that was got in place of sleves to be given out to the men and immediatly fitted to the Backs of the old Weastcoats. Reading, 10th April 1778. Six men per troop of the Augmentation are to be mounted and accoutred as Light Dragoons, therefore so many Recruits may be taken at five feet six inches, or even ½ an Inch Lower—provided they are Young and well made, and it being Reported that numbers of People from Paesley, are here imploy'd in the Weaving trade perhaps some Recruits may be picked up to answer the above purpose. Reading, 13 Apl 1778. The Regiment will march in three Divisions from their present Quarters in the following order to the Coast of Sussex— 1st Division to march on Thursday Next, Lieut Col. Homes troop to Haistens Battle & Winchelay—Capt Telfers troop Hythe New Rumley & Rye. 2nd Division to march on Friday, Lord Panmure's troop to Lewis New Haven & Eastborne. Col Douglas's troop to Do. 3rd Division The third division to march on Saterday, Capt Herons troop to Shoreham and Brighthelmston, Capt Ramsays Arundel. East Bourne, 24 July 1778. Orders from Hastings for the Royal North British Dragoons Patroling the Coast from Dover to Seaford Inclusive. Every Morning at Day brake a Serjeant or Corporal from each station is to go to the Nearest High Ground where he has a View of the Sea and if He or the Patrole on his tour shall discover the appearance of anything extraordinary or an unusual Number of Shipes upon the coast—they are immediatly to make a report of it to the Officer or Non Commissioned Officer Commanding the Port to which he belongs, or where the Patrole is going to, which Officer is to see himself and carefully to examine as much as he possebly can whatever it may happen to be before He forwards his own Report to the nixt post to be sent to the Head Quarters at Hastings—and all Reports are to be made in Writing in which must be specified all that the Officer has seen himself or has been Reported to him by the others. When any Discovery is made from which there is reason to belive the Enemy is on the Coast A Patrole to be sent both ways along the Coast with all Expedition with a Report and to be Communicated from Seaford to the Party of the King's Light Dragoones at Newhaven to be forwarded to the Officer commanding that Regiment. A patrole of a Dragoon Mounted to set out every Morning soon after Sun Rise from Dover and Seaford to the next Post on the Road to Hastings—they are to have a sealed card on which is written the time the patrole left each Station. The Patrole will on his arrival put up his Horse in the place of the Patrole going out—will carry and give his Horse a feed and set out to Return his Quarters in two Hours. The patrole to have his side armes and Pistols Loaded. Canterbury, 26th January 1779. As the Adjutant is raither in Confusion, the Clerks of Troops are Directed to Assemble at Canterbury to morrow the 28th Instant they are to bring an exact state of their troops with them—Both of men and Horse and the No of Grays—& Bays—and any other transfers &c., &c., that may have happned. By Order of Colonel Home, Canterbury, 17th Jany 1779. That an Equality may be observed in turning the Regiments Cloathing, two men from Each Troop are to be sent to Canterbury to get their Coats turned, and so soon as that is done the men will Return to the Troops Quarters. Margate, 15th June 1779. The troops at Margate will march to morrow the first trumpet to sound at 5, and to Horse at seven o'clock. The troop at Ramsgate will march so as to meet the Margate troop at the Half way House and whichever are first there will wait the arrival of the others. The men to march out of Quarters in their New Cap, but when they return their swords, they are to put their Hats on, and wrap their Caps in a Handkerchief to prevent them from being Dusted. The Men to wear their old Cloaths untill further Order. Head Quarters Salisbury, 1st September, 1779. Lord Amhersts Orders. Adjutant Generals Office. 30th August 1779. The Length of the Charges of the Cavalry with continued speed being such that the Squadrons are subject to be Broken and thereby become incapable of attacking the Enemy with the advantage they will have when the Horses are in Hand and under the Command of their Riders, It is Lord Amhersts orders that the continued vehemence of the charge is no Longer to be practised & it is inconsistant with the necessary order of the Ranks so as to make impression with Effect. That advancing in Squadrons to charge shall be practised in a trott & that the Squadrons shall not gallop above 50 yards the distance they may supposed to be from their Enemy when they fall into the Gallop. Head Quarters, Salisbury, 14 Septembr 1779. That mistakes may no longer happen the following Directions for the mens Dressing on Horse Back are to be punctually attended to, & the Officers are Desired, to mark and Report any man therein offending— Squadrons at Halt always to Dress to the Right. When marching in Line, with their Regiments, always to the center of that Line whether to Front or Rear. When the Regiment is drawn up in three Squadrons by itself, at the word march—the whole Dress immediatly to the Center of the Center squadron—if formed in two or in Squadron. The men Dress at all times to the Center when marching. When the squadron is marching by half Salisbury, 4th October 1779. The men to clean their gloves and coulor their Uniforms. The new Granadeer Caps to be fitted for the men, for which the troops are to parade in their lines tomorrow at ten oclock. The Mens Hair perfectly dressed with their Caps on, and the officers of troops to attend. Orders Head Quarters Camp, near Salisbury, 22d Novemb 1779. The Regiment Men and Horses to be very clean and everything well put on, so as to suit the Camp to morrow in the Best order, New Caps and old cloaths, Officers in Hats, The squadrons to march off at 10. The Horses on first coming into Quarters to be kept very Cool with a small allowance of Litter in the beginning, and to have all the air possible, on the march the troops to feed at ½ a peck, and in quarters at the full allowance. Marlborough, 15th Feby 1780. The officers are to examine the mens Cloathing every day of parade whether on foot or Horse back, and order all wants to be repaired Directly, and give attention to the Method of doing their Hair and every other part of the Mens Dress, for a soldier may look Clean though his coat be not so good as might be wished. Signed William Crawford, Serg. Major. Marlborough, 2 July 1780. Major Herons troops will march to morrow as the orders Direct, & to parade at 7 o'clock by the Town Hall. The men are to be individually acquainted, that the Colonel does not mean to threaten them into Good Behaviour, But he will expect to see them entirely sober, and he thinks this Caution well timed, When they are leaving their Comerades and winter Quarters. Should wee fall in with troops on our march the officers of Course will pay them the Customary Compliment.... Memorandum. In case of meeting with different troops upon the march, the Senior Regiment keeps the Road & the Junior troops forme up two deep, letting them pass from their Right, Swords Drawn, trumpets sound the March, Officers Salute. Blandford, 21th Septr 1781. Complaint was made this morning that several of the Grays had stript some walnut trees, belonging to Farmer Page. The men are to learn that they must not Invade other Peoples property which is permitted in no Country whatever. Never the less, the Colonel has No Objection to their amusing themselves at leisure hours, when they have Consent of the Proprietor. This ensuing volume has written inside the front cover:— "Captain Ramsay's Troops Orderly Book/price 2s paid by Capt. Ramsay/Blandford, 17th Octr. 1781." Dorchester, 11th April 1782. The Regiment begins its march to Durham in three Divisions upon Wednesday the 17th Instant. The Troops at Dorchester form the first, those at Bridport and Axminster the second, and Exeter the Rear Division. In so long a march the greatest attention will be required to keep the Horses Backs sound, and more especially at the Beginning, It is the Rider's Interest to Preserve them all in their Power, as on the Least swelling the men are expressly ordered to march on foot. Durham, 8th Sept 1782. The Horse Mains and Tails are to be Clean Washed & their Mains Plaited, which if opened out are to be again Plaited up till the Morning of the Revieu. On Monday or Teusday Next the men will trim their Horses as Short and neat as possable. The New Granadeer Caps must in the best Order, when great care is to be taken not to hurt the Enameling on the fronts of the caps. Next volume lettered on first page:— "Orderly Book/Captain Ramsays Troop of R.N.B. Dragoons/price 2/6 paid by Captain Ramsay/Durham 6 Janry. 1783." Durham, 17th Feby 1783. The Regiment to be mustered tomorrow. The troops at Durham to be ready to turn out at ten oclock—but to wait the trumpet sounding. The troops at Chester le street will be in readiness to be Mustered in the afternoon. The men to be in Revew Order, New Cloaths and Caps. The Boots Buckled above the Breeches. The officers to be in Hats as they will not probabily have occasion to mount their Horses. The next volume:— Worcester, 27th April 1785. The Regiment will be seen tomorrow by General Johnston, and at nine o'clock it will Parade at the usual place. The whole to be in the best Order, & the Officers as uniformly dressed as possible, with black Stock and Regimental Boots. Recruites in half Gaiters and foot accoutrements.... Bridle Bits exactly fitted to the Horses Mouths, and stirrups of a proper Length to the Men, who are to take care to sit well Down in their Sadles, and not to Roll about when in Motion. Worcester, 10th Oct. 1785. The Horses may now have some Blood taken from them, whenever the Commanding Officers of Troops think fit. Glocester, 13th May 1786. The Parade to morrow for divine Service is at Eleven oclock. The men to appear in Second Cloathing and in New Hats. Every man to be answerable for his present Hat—which is not to be given away or Disposed of till further order. The officers will be Particularly attentive at their Troop parades to see that the Men wear their Hats agreeable to the following Directions—The first Loop to be Exactly in a Line with the Nose—and the Hat worn as low upon the Brow as Possible—if those Directions are properly attended to in the Begining—it will be the means of the whole appearing in a uniform and soldier like manner. Gloucester, 30th May 1786. The new Gloves to be Delivered to the Troops this day and taken back after the Review. The Regiment to appear tomorrow in New Cloathing, Hair Dress'd agreeably to the pattern approved, and in Boots well tyed up, as also to have the Stockes Drawn close to the Necks and not slovenly put on. Saddles placed well of the Horses shoulders, nor are the Goat skins to be too much forward. The Firelocks must be well flinted and made very bright. ... The officers are to appear in Black Velvet stocks and turn over. Salisbury, 1 June 1787. The Horses mains to be plaited this evening, the men are to have their hair firmly pasted well plaited at the Review and to be tyed with a ribbon the end of which is to hang down. But the officers of troops take care to Examine them upon the troops parade, to sea that the ends are not tow long—about 2 inches being Sufficient, and that they are tyed uniformly. Winchester, 25th July 1787. In order that the officers Commanding at the different Quarters may perfectly understand the Parade Motions, here follows a list of them Placed in the Order which they ought to follow: viz. The Parade being formed with shouldered Arms
Winchester, 27th Octr 1787. The Men are to be at more pains with their Hair, not in the Article of using more Powder, but in Plaiting it neatly. Winchester, 8th Decr, 1787. General Orders. It is His Majesty's Pleasure that the Dragoons are for the future to wear their swords slung over their Coats; and in order to render the appearance of the two Belts when worn across the Shoulders, more uniform, the Pouch Belt is to be reduced from its present breadth of four Inches and a half, to three inches. The officers when on duty, and with their sashes on, are likewise to have their swords slung over their uniforms: and when off duty and without sashes, they are to wear them slung over their waistcoats. Reading, 5th April 1788. As the Boots get much injury in being worn after the Troops are arrived in Quarters, they are in future to be Put off immediately, agreeable to long established Custom in this Regiment. Reading, 10th April 1788. Except it be otherwise Ordered the Rules for dressing are as follows. 1st In Squadron or line marching always to the Center, when Halted generally to the Right, by word of Command 2d In Battalion always to the Centre in movement when Halted to the Right. 3d In all Divisions or subdivisions of the squadron or Battalion Dressing is generally to the Right. 4th In filing or Inclining the Body looks the way to which it files or Inclines. 5th When forming from File the whole Dress to the Right or left Hand to which the Divisions or squadrons are to form. Reading, 21st April, 1788. Such Men as are in want of proper Hair for Plaiting behind, must be derictly provided theirwith Serjeant Cowan brought some from Scotland, which he will give to the Troops agreeable to their Several Returnes. The last volume. Written inside cover:— "Orderly Book of Major Ramsay's Troop of the Royal North British Dragoons. Price 4s/paid by Major Ramsay. Saxmundham 21st Augt. 1788." Ipswich, 13th September 1788. The Horses of the Regiment to be taken up from Grass on Friday morning next the 19th Instant and Marched to their Respective Quarters, with proper number of Quartermasters, non commissioned officers and men for the Duty. The whole to be under the command of Cornet Laigh who will report to the Commanding Officer, of any improper behaviour of the Men on this Duty, and to be attentive to preventing any accident happening in lifting the Horses from Grass. Ipswich, 27th Septr. 1788. The Commanding Officer being informed by Mr. Lander Collector of Customs at Poole that, he paid £16:19:3¾ to Quarter Master William Pettigrew on account of a seizure of copper made by the Regiment, it is the Major's Orders, that Quarter Master Pettigrew do immediatly remit the above sum to the Adjutant, in order for its being distributed to the Regiment agreeable to the King's Orders. D. Hamilton Adjt. Orders. Any of the men who are not provided with Buck-skin Breeches, are to be furnished with them Previous to the Seizure money being Paid. D. Hamilton, Adjutant. Ipswich, 11th December 1788. In order that the Leather Breeches of the Regiment may be Coloured and appear uniform, the officers commanding Troops will see that every man is provided with a Ball for that Purpose, according to the following Proportions, viz 1 lb of Whiting and 2½ of Ochre well mixed together. No man to be allowed to Deviate from the above. Stamford, 24th April 1789. The Troops to march to the feild at 9 oclock tomorrow with the same number of Cartridges as on Wednesday. The Standard to be out. Men to be in their second Granadier Caps, which must be fixed in such manner as to keep firm on the Head During Every part of the Exercise and this the Officers will exemine into before they leave the Parade. Stamford, 26th April 1789. The Colonel will give Half a Guinea to any Serjeant, Corporal, or Dragoon; who shall contrive the best Method of fixing on the Grenadier Caps, and easiest for the Men, so as in all Situations to prevent them falling off. Stamford, 7th May 1789. The springs of the Firelocks are to be oil'd that they may go of easely and toghater. Each man to be furnished with 10 good cartridges & a good flint. Lincoln, 19th October 1789. First Market Day the Inhabitants are to have Notice by Sownd of Trumpet that the Men pay ready Money for every thing they want, and take no trust. Lincoln, 18th Novemb 1789. The turnkey of the Castle having exacted fees without the knowladge or autority of the chief Jaylor, any Confined Men who have Paid such are to have it Descounted as in Future the Regiment will have the full Benefit of the Prison free of Demand (excepting Straw) which article Men who willingly bring themselves to that Despicable Situation, may or may not have at their own Opinion. Musselburgh, 25th May 1791. The Clarks of each Troop may advance Sixpence for one quart of the best strong Beer to each man, from which if any the least Irregularity proceed, it shall stand for a warning not to do the like in future.
NOTES OF INSPECTION RETURNS FROM THE RECORD OFFICES. M. Milne, Esq., of Calverley House, Calverley, Leeds, has most kindly given me the following interesting notes: Rough Index and Notes of Inspection Returns to be found at the Public Record Office, Fetter Lane, London:— 2nd DRAGOONS 1750. Canterbury, May 9th. Gen. Sir Philip Honeywood.—"Have grenadier caps, and wear them well; drums of wood in good order, buff accoutrements coloured white, the sergeants sashes striped red, blue and yellow, the standards and belts indifferent. Uniform red, faced blue, white buttons, and button holes, blue waistcoats, and breeches." 1750. Maidstone, October 6th. "Two standards good." (Evidently new since last inspection.) 1751. Wells, April 30th. "2 Standards good." 1755. November 4th. Standards as last mentioned. "Officers' uniforms all new, quartermasters, and sergeants' horses, have hunters tails, accoutrements coloured white, men have white gaiters, sergeants have sashes, Caps all new and remarkably fine. The whole regiment has grey horses, uniform red, lined blue, blue waistcoats and breeches, white buttons and button holes, grenadier caps." 1756. October 14th. The light troop has 65 swivel belts, 65 cartouche boxes and belts, 63 spades, 32 hand bills, 31 axes, dress red faced and lined blue, blue waistcoats, and breeches, white buttons, and button holes—caps. 1757. October 14th. Recruit horses cost £21 each, for the Light Troop horses £15 19s. each. The sergeants have sashes. 1758. Bury St. Edmunds. June 30th. "blue shag breeches. Caps, no hatts." 1764. Manchester. November 2nd. "Horses of great size." 1765. Worcester, November 13th. "Two standards in bad condition recd in 1752. Officers have blue cuffs embroidered with gold, blue waistcoats and breeches. There are two new Standards in store." 1768. Blackheath (no date). Two standards new in 1766. 1769. Musselburg, May 10th. Gen. Oughton.—"Officers' uniforms embroidered with gold." 1770. Coventry, May 15th. Major-Gen. Murray.—"two standards 1766. A very fine regt, and perfectly fit for service." 1771. Newbury, April 15th. Two standards 1766. "The regiment is fit for immediate business in all respects has a very serviceable and soldier like appearance, at the same time the latter might be improved by more air and addition of quickness in the movements." 1772. Salisbury, May 4th. Standards good. 1773. Blackheath, May 18th. (As above.) 1774. Colchester, May 2nd. Gen. Preston. (As above.) 1777. Worcester, May 10th. Major-Gen. Parker.—"The regiment is very fit for service, and though the men are not particularly upright, makes a handsome appearance, the men are to be supplied with bearskin caps at their next clothing, and the officers are to be provided likewise with bearskin caps, it was said in excuse for the badness of the horses tails, that on account of the colour their tails were frequently plucked, and the hairs stolen. The officers mess together and seem to live in harmony. The trumpeters when the regiment dismounted and formed in battalion, played two of them on clarionettes, two French horns and two on bassoons, and there is besides a music master paid to instruct them, who was present in the field." Note.—I expect the hairs were stolen for fishing purposes, silk-worm gut not yet having come into use.—S. M. Milne. 1779. Salisbury, October 6th. Gen. Johnston.—Officers' uniform "royal facings, gold embroidered button holes, although the men have white, and caps with black bearskin fronts, handsomely embroidered and ornamented." Note.—These caps had just superseded the tall cloth fronted old established Grenadier caps, fronted with blue cloth, displaying the "White Horse" and the Star of the Order of the Thistle.—S. M. Milne. 1781. Blandford, October 6th. By Gen. Warde. 1782. Durham, September 12th. Lord Adam Gordon.—"Has three standards one good and two bad. I do not recollect, in the thirty five years I have known the regiment, ever to have seen it finer; if the horse furniture was scarlet, instead of blue, it would shew better, in my humble opinion." 1783. Musselburgh, May 27th. Gen. Mackay. 1784. Manchester, June 3rd. Gen. Johnstone.—"New standards given out in 1783. Royal facings with gold embroidered button holes, two epaulettes, as grenadiers have, and black bearskin caps." Note.—At this period all other heavy cavalry officers had only one epaulette!—S. M. Milne. 1786. Gloucester, May 31st. Gen. Phillipson. 1788. Ashford Common, May 9th. Gen. Douglas. 1790. York, May 10th. Gen. Tonyn.—"two standards and belts in 1783." 1791. Musselburgh, May 25th. Lord Adam Gordon. 1792. Manchester, June 7th. Gen. Hyde. 1801. Dorchester, September 28th. Gen. Garth.—"Five standards in good order." Note.—The regiment had been increased to eight, or perhaps ten, troops.—S. M. Milne. 1802. Croydon, October 11th. Major-Gen. Cartwright.—Reviewed by "His Majesty" on Ashford Common, September 24th, 1801. "White stable jackets are made with the regiment, and paid for by the men, price 11/-. In marching order the men wear their fur caps—the horse cloth is placed on the saddle, cloak before water deck over the saddle bags, and collar chain in the horse shoe case,—in watering order the men wear Russia duck trousers, and make use of the bridoon as a bridle—reason assigned for placing the 'chain' in the horse shoe case is that when worn on the neck it stains the colour (grey) of the horse—no overalls are in use in the regiment, four standards are in use." 1803. Croydon, May 25th. Gen. Gwynn. 1803. Canterbury, December 16th. Gen. Staviley. 1804. Canterbury, June 11th. Gen. Staviley.—"Four standards in use." 1807. "Five Standards." 1814. Piershill had "five standards." Regimental Standards, the property of Capt. D. W. Milne Home, of Wedderburn, used by the Regiment during the service of his ancestor, Gen. David Home, of Wedderburn, who died 1809. No. 1. Original of dark blue silk; Scottish Crown and Thistle with Motto surmounting Regimental Motto. Regimental Badge of the White Horse and "II.D." ("Second Dragoons") at opposite corners. No. 2. Original of rose-coloured silk, with Scottish Crown over Thistle and Rose, surmounting Motto on Scroll. Regimental Badges and "II.D." as above. No. 3. Original of dark blue silk, with Imperial Crown over Scottish Thistle on rose-coloured ground in garter, with Motto "NEC SUNT TIBI MARTE SECUNDI." Regimental Badges and "II.D." 1815. Note.—I could not find any Inspection Return, but I gather from other returns of this year, in France, that no cavalry regiments took their standards to the Waterloo campaign at all, nor, for that matter, to France afterwards!! (pace Lady Butler!)—S. M. Milne. Newspaper cutting kindly sent by Captain Lindsay— "For Those in Peril. "The medal struck by Napoleon to commemorate the invasion of England, which has come into the sale-room again, would have fetched a far higher price when it was first cast could his contemporaries have had guarantee of the falseness of the prophecy which it expresses. Those were the days when the Volunteer movement was born; those the days when Pitt promised an importunate squad that they should not be sent out of the country—except in case of actual invasion. At about this time a notable prayer was published. It begins by invoking a blessing upon 'a' in this house, and a' within two miles ilka side this house, the cow, the kail-yard, and the muckle town o' Dumbarton.' The Scots Greys lying in Hamilton Barracks are commended to favour. 'They are braw chiels—they are not like the English whalps, that dash their foot against a stone, and damn the soul of the stone, as if a stone had a soul to be saved.'" The following, all kindly transcribed by Captain Lindsay from the originals still at Binns, by generous permission of the present owner:— Holograph. Charles by the Grace of God etc. to the High & Mighty prince etc. Most high and most mighty prince our deare Brother Cousin and freind. Knowing the esteem your highness has of men of valour and being persuaded by the repeated assurances of your good will towards us, we have been induced to recommend to your Highness the bearer hereof our most faithfull and well beloved subject Thomas Dalyell Lieut:Generall of foot who now desires to go to Polland in order to dedicate himself to your highnesse's service in your armys, and seeing he has behaved himself with all the fidelity bravery and conduct in ye post of Lieutenant Generall in our armys we doubt not that by his good & faithfull service he shall deserve your highness's favour, Wherefor we earnestly intreat your highns you would receive him kindly into your service and allow him your favour and protection, and whatever advantage he shall receive from this our recommendation we shall entirely owe it to your highness and shall loose no ocasion or opportunity to aknowlege it and so we recomend your highness to ye care of the eternall and almighty God. Given at Colloign the seventeenth day of Aprile yeare of God 1656 and of our reign the seventh year Your highness Holograph the 2nd. Charles by the Grace of God etc. to ye Most illustrious & prince etc. Lord John Razivile prince of ye holy Roman Empire ... of ye great Dutchy of Lithuania and Great Generall of ye Armys of Polland our most dear frend and Cousin. Most illustrious and prince our most dear cousin and freind. Seeing our most faithfull and well beloved subject ye noble and brave Lietenant Generall Tho: Dalyell resolves to go to Polland in order to serve in ye army of ye most high and mighty prince our dearest Brother the King of Polland and has behaved himself in ye post of Luetenant Genall in our army always undoubted fidelity conduct and courage we have thought fitt to recommend him who has served us so well to your Excellence that he may have your favour and protection and earnest entreat your excellence that you would so make use of your power and authority that he may not be disappointed in his design but by your interest may get such a post in your armys as one of his courage and conduct deserves, in doing of which your highness will not only intirely oblige him, but likewise do us such a favour as we shall take all occasions to acknowledge.—Given at Colloign the 17th day of August. Your excellence's (The date of this must be 1665.) The Translation of General Thomas Dalyell's Russian Commission. Copy of this translation 1762. Original is lost, but there is an enrolment of this deed in the Russian Records. "By the Grace of God We the Great Sovereign Czar and Great Prince Alexis Michaelovitch, self-upholder of All the Russias, the great, the little and the white, of Muscovy, Kiovia, and Novo Grodia, Czar of Cazan, Czar of Astracan, Czar of Siberia; Lord of Pscovia and Great Prince of Litovia, of Smolensk, of Twerr Wolsynia, Podolia, Jugovia, Permia, of Wiatca, Bulgaria and of others; Lord and Great Prince of Novegorode, of the country of Nizovia, Chernigovia, Rezania, Polovia, Rostovia, Jaroslavia, Belozeria, Udovia, Obdovia, Condia, Witebia, Mstislavia and Ruler of all the Northern Countries; Lord of the Iberian Nation, which is under the Castalinian and Georgian Czars; and of the Cabardinian Country which is under the Chercassian and the Mountainious Princes; and of many other Kingdoms and Nations of the East, West and North, to our Forefathers belonging, Lord, possessor and Heir.— "Declare by this patent of our Czarian Majesty to the Great Sovereign Kings, to the Ministers of State, Dukes, Counts, and to all free Gentlemen, whom it may concern "That Thomas Daliel Leutenant Generall, formerly came over hither in order to serve our Great Czarian Majesty; and whilst he was with us in our Dominions, he did serve our Great Sovereign and Czarian Majesty: He stood against our Enemies and fought valiantly. The Military men that were under his command, he regulated, disciplined and led them to the Battle himself: and he did and performed everything Faithfully, and becoming a Noble Commander. "And for those his faithful services, We the Great Lord and Czarian Majesty were pleased to order the said Leutenant General to be a General, he being worthy of that honour through his Merit: and he accordingly served our Czarian Majesty as General, and he stood against our Enemies and fought them courageously. In consequence of which, we our Czarian Majesty granted him a stipend according to his Dignity for his Table and for his pay. And now he the General has petitioned our Czarian Majesty that we would please to give him Leave to return in to his own country. Therefore we the Great Sovereign and Czarian Majesty were pleased to order that the said Noble General, who is worthy of all Honor, Thomas, the son of Thomas Dalyel should have leave to go in to his own country. And, by this patent of our Czarian Majesty, we do testify of him That he is a man of Virtue and Honor, and in the Military operations of great experience. And in case he should be willing again to serve our Czarian Majesty he is to let us know of it before hand; and he shall come in to the Russian Dominions of our Czarian Majesty with our safe passports. And in Testimony of his services, We ordered to give him this Patent of our Czarian Majesty, under our Great Seal of State. "Given at our Court in the Mitropolis City of Moscow in the year from the Creation of the World 7173 Jany 6th. (A.D. 1665.) [N.B.—The inscription on the seal contains all the titles, as in the first paragraph of the Patent.] "The foregoing Translation being entirely and truly conformed with the original Patent in Russian Dialect and Character, it is certified by the underwritten Counsellor of the Embassy and ChargÉ D'Affaires of His Imperial Majesty of all Russia in London "the 30th day of March 1762. "Signed Theodore Luders." N.B.—The record of this in Russian is titled Recueil des Chartes de l'Etat et TraitÉs publiÉs aux frais du Chancelier de l'Empire Comte Roumianzow. Volume iv., page 143. Moscou, 1828. The following is transcribed from the original MS. in the General Register House, Edinburgh, under date 1685:—
A large thin folio volume lettered outside: "Papers connected with the Royal Scots Dragoons, 1696 to 1704-6." The first writing in the book (it is really a guard book for insertions) is— The following old papers and letters were given to me by Sir William Wallace, Bart., and with his permission I now present them to the Royal Scots Greys.—Geo. Cleghorn, Weens, Roxburghshire. Late a Captain in the regiment. April, 1870. The two following letters from General Dalyell do not relate to the Greys, but are charming specimens of written language. It may be well to remember that the great Duke of Marlborough was almost devoid of education. General Dalyell to the Earl of Lauderdale. My Lord, ... I moist confes I could not hev thoight this cuntray so il prinsiplit as I find tham, and am confedent if foren forsis or armis cum this laind vil all go in Rebelion, and it simis this laist if it had not bein mistymed had bein muth moir terible, and no piple heve with moir egernes soight after marterdom then thir Roigis to karay thair desyn on deye; mane of the vimen upbraden thair husbends and childen for not deyen on the pleis; and that vhith is to me strange to see even thois vho profesis muth for his Maieste so mersefule inclynit to thois damnet crue. My Lord, I am your Lordships humble servent Kilmanoh, the 27 decembr 1666 Lieut.-General Dalyell to the Duke of Lauderdale. Edeinburgh, 4 June [1680] May it pleis your Greis, The trust his Maieste hes honorit me with of his forsis in this kingdom forsis me to reyou the acompt of the troupe bestaued on the Erle of hume, whois karitha is so od that it uil onle rander the troup euslis to his Maiesty bot thingis may probable fal out to ingadg them against his Maiestes forsis, yai his Liutinant the Mr of Rois ken hardle stay on his imploiment nather is his quarter cliret nor his troup payit as is doon be the reist of the forsis. I kno the foilt is myn that he is not trayit be a court of uar: this I shun it for the honor of his famile and leist it migh damp his loialte. Remiting it to your greis to taik what couers you pleis to precrayne[?] in it ***** May it pleis your Greis of ever mois humble servant In the Record Office under the date 30th October, 1684, is the following order, which is of particular interest as incidentally illustrating that the Dragoon was neither Cavalry nor Infantry, but the chosen hero of modern story—the Mounted Infantryman. For the preventing of all disputes that might arise concerning the Rank of our Royall Regiment of Dragoons or of any other Regiment of Dragoons that shall be employed in our Service; Wee have thought fit hereby to declare Our Pleasure— That our own Royall Regiment of Dragoons, and all other Regiments of Dragoons to be employed in our Service shall have precedency both as horse and Foot as well in Guarrison an in the Field as in all Counsells of Warr and other Military occasions; and the Colonells and Officers of the said Regiments of Dragoons shall command as Officers of Horse and Foot according to the nature of the place where they shall be (that is to say) that in the Field the said Regiments shall take place as Regiments of Horse, according to the date of their commissions; and that in Guarison they command as Foot Officers, and their Regiments take place amongst the Foot according to their respective seniorities from the time they were raised. An Account of Moneys disburst for the Ld Tiviots Regt of Dragns on their March from Scotland to Deptford & Greenwich to embark for Flanders in March 1693/4 and on their March from Harwich where they landed again from Flanders in Decr 97, to Berwick upon Tweed in their way to Scotland.
Att Tyell y 1st of Dec 1702 Mustered in in Major Andrew Agnews Troop in her Majesties Royall Regiment of Scots Dragoons Commanded by the Right Honorable the Viscount of Teviott ye Capt, Lieut, Cornett and Qr Mr with their led horses two sarjants three Corplls two Hauttboyes two drummers with fifty four private dragoons Mounted. These comenceing the first of Decr to ye last of Janry both inclusive being sixty two daies. G. Marshall The following, by kind permission of the Editor of the Globe, and the author, Colonel R. M. Holden, F.S.A.Scot., is reprinted from the Globe of 14th June, 1906:— THE WATERLOO BALL The Congress of Vienna was about to break up, not in the best possible humour, when the announcement fell like a thunderbolt that Napoleon had escaped from Elba, which had been assigned to him on his abdication in 1814, that he had landed in France, had entered Paris, and had re-ascended the throne. The Allied Sovereigns soon silenced their differences in a harmonious resolution to combine against the disturber of the peace. Napoleon was declared the common enemy of Europe, his sovereignty was ignored, and preparations for war at once entered upon. It is estimated that by June a million of men were ready to fall upon France. The Duke of Wellington established his headquarters at Brussels, where he had with him in and about the city over 25,000 men. The city was filled with fashionable non-combatants of all nations, including numbers of British who had long been cut off from the Continent, and had been drawn thither by curiosity, or from having relations in the army. The whole place teemed with The much-talked-of ball took place on the 15th June, 1815, ninety years ago yesterday. At three o'clock in the afternoon of that day a messenger arrived with important news for the Duke of Wellington that Napoleon at the head of his army had crossed the Sambre that morning, and had forced the Prussians to retire through Charleroi and Fleurus to a position near Ligny. The Duke immediately sent off orders for his troops to hold themselves in readiness to move, but not to advance. The latter he delayed until the evening, when reports from Mons had satisfied him that the attack was not a feint, and that Napoleon really had taken the Charleroi road. The critical state of affairs did not prevent the Iron Duke from attending the ball. On the contrary, he not only went himself, but he encouraged his officers to attend, thinking that their presence there would have a reassuring effect on the people of Brussels. In the room, the coachmaker's store improvised for the occasion, were assembled some two hundred guests, including ladies well known in English society, and most of the Duke of Wellington's staff—the Prince of Orange, the Duke of Brunswick, Lord Hill, Sir Thomas Picton, Sir Henry Clinton, the Earl of Uxbridge, Lord Edward Somerset, Sir Hussey Vivian, Sir William Ponsonby, Sir Denis Pack, and others. The news had spread that the French army was about to cross the frontier, and it caused a very natural sensation, but the dancing was not interrupted. Indeed, we are told that it was maintained with unusual spirit, as if to make the most of the enjoyment which was so soon to be interrupted. An interesting incident occurred which does not appear to have been recorded. During an interval in the dancing, a party of non-commissioned officers of the 92nd Highlanders, headed by their pipers, proudly marched into the room, having been specially invited to give an exhibition of the reel to her Grace's British and foreign guests; never did these Gay Gordons dance with greater grace, or to a more appreciative audience. The imperturbable Duke of Wellington remained at the ball till past midnight, constantly receiving messages and giving orders privately to the staff. He then quietly withdrew for the desperate encounter which was destined to be the crowning scene in a military career of unequalled brilliancy. The other officers gradually left the room and joined their regiments, many in their dancing pumps. The Duchess of Richmond and her daughters took no further part in the ball; her husband and two of her sons had accompanied the troops. But the girls generally are said to have shown great heartlessness. After saying farewell to their partners, many of them for the last time, they continued dancing for some hours. Meanwhile, drums, bugles, and pipes sounded the assembly through the silent streets; the soldiers came swarming out like bees, and Brussels was soon astir at the unwonted bustle. What followed is well known. Two days later Napoleon's pride was crushed by the most glorious victory ever won by British arms; and, alas, the voice of many a gallant soldier who, but a few hours before, had been a welcome guest at the historic ball in Brussels, was silent in the grave. The identity of the famous ball-room in Brussels has been the subject of much controversy. For many years it was assumed that the house had been pulled down and the ground built over. The villa occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Richmond has disappeared in the sense that it has been absorbed in the Hospital of the Augustinian Sisters; but it was established by the late Sir William Fraser to his own and the general satisfaction of the public, that the ball was never held in the villa. It took place in the store-room, hired for the occasion, of Mons. Simon, the coachmaker, he who built the famous carriage which Napoleon used in the campaign. It was separate from the villa, and still stands in the Rue de la Blanchisserie, in the lower part of the town, being part of the building which had returned a few years back to its original purpose of a coachmaker's factory and depÔt. The room is a long barn-like one, with smooth, old-fashioned pillars, and a polished floor, and has been likened to the Lower School at Eton under Long Chamber—the same square, solid pillars, a low ceiling, and brick, whitewashed walls. From the "Military and Biographical Notices of the Fallen Heroes" (pamphlet): ROYAL SCOTS GREYS "Honour to the Memory of the Brave." The following is a list of the officers and men killed in action on the 18th June, 1815, belonging to the 2nd N. B. Dragoons (Scots Greys) given by Sir James Steuart, their Colonel:—
Memorandum relative to the Cavalry at Waterloo from a pamphlet printed at the time:—
The Editor is indebted to Colonel Williams, commanding the Greys, for the following:— Major Ker Fox, late 19th Hussars, to Colonel Williams, 14th December, 1905. Dear Sir,—In looking through some family papers the other day I came across the enclosed letter written to an ancestor of mine, nearly 150 years ago, by a trooper in the North British Dragoons.... "Revd. Sir—Experiencing your wellwishes for me when presant & Expecting A Continuance of the same emboldens me to send you word of my welfare being assured that it will be acceptable. I have long since Designed to do what I am now about, That I might be answered By the good account that you and all my acquaintances are well. I have the greatest reason to bless God that I am still Alive For truely Sir since we have been Abroad many have fallen By Death some by the fatigues of War & number in ye Field, yet to me has the Lord been Sufficient having as yet saved my health & covered me from all the Dangers Ive been exposed to. I might here tell you of our transactions During this Campaign but being persuaded you are no stranger to them I will only say that our Fatigue has been great, For ever since the 20th of last March that our Regiment left winter quarters we have moved up & down. First from Paderborn to Bergen where we fought the French & the Battle being as it were Drawn on both sides we could not live there being then no forage on the ground & what was in the houses the French had it forraged into their Maggazins so that for want of forrage we were forced to Leave the Frontiers of the enemy & march for Hess Castle where we abode 3 weeks, till the Forrage appear'd in the Field, the French came down after us with one Army & Formed another near Lipstadt where we open'd the Campaing. It is strange indeed to hear the various accounts of the enemy amongst us for the perhaps not 3 miles Distant from others their Number will by talk Increas or decreas 50000 in a Day, here they were given out for 190000 Men which I beleve Did not amount to more than 100000. Which was by far the supperior Number for ours was never 80000. So that at the eve of the Battle & for some weeks before All was Hush non knew aney thing till directly put in Execution. So great was the conduct of our Brave Prince Ferdinand, Orders for marching on the 1st of August was no sooner given than the French began to cannonade the Princes Quarters thinking to draw our army there when they would have flank'd us. But the Prince Left the Place, & March'd us to the Left. That with the Blessing of God altered the whole for they were briskly Repulsed & By the same means there great numbers was put to a Wofull Flight. It is true the sight and presence of the Field is terrable, But the Victory soon Dispell'd it. Altho many suffer'd on Both sides, Here the face of affairs were chang'd And we are almost so far advanc'd After them as where we fought at Bergen. There is scarce a Day but we gain some Advantage over them & with Little Loss on our side, so that if God continues his Favours on our army the enemy will soon Leave Germany. Marbourg surrendered the 1st Days Seige & Never a Man lost on our side. About 4 days ago we forc'd the out Posts of their flying Camp & got 800 prisoners. We Rejoiced here yesterday for the Good News from England & Saxony By fireing all the Cannon & small arms in the Field 3 times. The French Ly about 6 miles from us, we march foreward the morrow, so that if they dont Abandon their Campment we expect another engadgement soon. I have here Dear & Revd Sir I am afraid taken to much time in telling you the thing you have long since been acquaint with; But I hope you will excuse Me in so Doing and Remember me with my comerades at the Throne of Grace, Being confident of your care, I pray that God give your endevours the Blessing of Turning Many that Dwell in Darkness to Him, And that your Reward may be great, is the ernest Prayer Rev. Sir of your Most Obedient Servant—William Knox Dragoon. "If you Please Turn oer "I will be obliged greatly if you would Answer this soon Derecting to Wm Knox Dragoon in the Royl. North British Dragoons Col. Prestons Troop With the Grand Alied Army—Germany. And Remember me earnestly to all my Worthy Friends that are your Hearers. "N.B.—I had this By me since the 17th and has had no opertune of sending it away before this Date. We are now just by the French and its Beleved that we wont seperate Before we engadge again, we having been close to them these 7 days. A small River only parts us. The French head quarters is at Geeshen and ours at Stroffsdorf. Their Campment is strong and ours is the same. We saddle every Night & doe not unsadle till we see the enemy's Camp when the fog is off in the morning. Our Piquets and advanc'd Posts Lys by theirs all night & Returns to Camp when assured they are still. "Kroffsdorf Camp 25th Sept 1759." Frampton, North Berwick, Dear Colonel Williams, I do not know whether you ever heard of the following, or not—if not, then perhaps it may serve its purpose.... During a big day at Aldershot, "the Greys," one of the cavalry regiments engaged, was missed from the scene of action in the Long Valley. A.D.C.'s, gallopers, and mounted orderlies were sent all over the place to find them. The commanding officer had simply dismounted his men, and got them into the "Cocked Hat" wood, and told them they might get their pipes out and take it easy. When at length found, an A.D.C. rode up to the colonel, and said that the general had missed the regiment, and was extremely put about in consequence, and told the commanding officer that he (the general) wished the regiment to retire behind the crest of some rising ground. It is reported that the commanding officer at that time, not being very good at handling his regiment, thought he saw his way out of the difficulty, and with great dignity said, "Young man, go back to your general, and tell him that the Greys never retire." ... Montague Johnstone. Somerset, Coleraine, Ireland, My dear Williams, We were on the Curragh ... and next us were the old Gordons. We were always pointing out to them that, for Scotchmen in the ranks, they could not hold a candle to us. One day some of them came to us, and told us they had a batch of recruits coming, real Highlanders, such as we had not, "none of 'em had seen the English," and the band and pipes had gone to Newbridge to "march 'em up." So down we all went to the outlet of the Newbridge road to see the arrival on the Curragh. Sure enough, soon we heard the pipes and saw the sporrans swinging, always a glorious sight! and on the boys came, straight from their mountains and glens. But, alas! as they passed us and came in full view of the Curragh, a young recruit in the ranks turned to his comrade and said, "Why, bust me, Billy, if this ain't Putney 'Eath without the pubs." Tableau! and triumphal march home of the old Greys. At the same period as this, one night the old Gordons poured through windows and doors into our mess and fairly wrecked us. So we joined forces and went for the 9th Lancers together in the same fashion. When all was smashed, all lights out, and everybody was leaning up against walls in torn and tattered mess uniform trying to get breath, in came a frightened mess waiter with a candle stuck in a ginger-beer bottle. This revealed a tablecloth on the floor still heaving up and down, the last struggle of a glorious fight. This was slipped away, and underneath was found the Junior Sub. of the Gordons tightly gripping the Colonel of the 9th Lancers by the throat—the chief nearly black in the face. But a more good-natured man never lived. He made it a subject of chaff, and a bond between all three regiments was thereby forged which I know will never be broken.... J. A. Torrens. At Dundalk in 1868 during a good run with the Regimental Drag Hounds, a grey horse, Barabbas, owned and ridden by Lieutenant Bashford, pounded the field over a very boggy brook. At dinner the same evening, while discussing the extraordinary cleverness of the horse (after clearing the brook a native having roared out "Begorra, he changed on a trout"!), Mr. Wilkinson, the resident magistrate of Castle Bellingham, made a bet of £25 that Barabbas could not jump the mess-room table. The bet was at once accepted, and Mr. Bashford getting permission of the Colonel, went straight off to the stable, put on the saddle and bridle, and brought the horse into the mess-room. Captain Hicks, the paymaster, jumped on his back, and in a second had cleared the table. Scene—The Crimea, two or three days before the charge of Balaclava. The Scots Greys are mounted and drawn up in line behind a hill waiting for orders. Lieut.-Colonel Darby Griffiths is sitting on his horse in front of the centre of the line. To him comes a young and very excited staff officer at full gallop, who says: "Colonel, ten men who dare go anywhere and know no fear are wanted at once. They must be desperate fellows, as they have a desperate job to perform. Please let me have them as soon as possible." Old Darby Griffiths, scarcely turning in his saddle, and without a moment's hesitation: "Greys, from your right number off ten!" H. S. THE LOST DUCKS Some years ago a famous and historic cavalry regiment was moving from England to Ireland, marching by detachments, mostly of a troop each, to embark at Liverpool. These were billeted at nights in some town, foot and horse billets often widely scattered, and sometimes far separated one from the other. In the mornings, at the time appointed for marching away, all assembled at the rendezvous, usually the market-place, or a main street near the hotel where the officers were quartered. There a dense crowd watched the parade, the inspection, and the march off. On a certain occasion, the captain of C Troop, just before turning out, was interviewed by an angry, excited inn-keeper, who declared that the troopers billeted on him had stolen two of his fine, fat, white ducks. The captain assured him he must be mistaken, but that every means would be taken, if it were so, to detect and punish the culprits, and promised compensation. Owing to the great crowd round the parade, nothing could be done until clear of the town. On these marches, when horses were liable to sore backs and rubs from careless saddling, packing kit, girthing, etc., it was usual, after a trot, to halt a mile or so away from the billets, dismount, and carefully examine each horse and its equipment. On this occasion, the captain ordered kits to be unpacked, cloaks to be unrolled sufficiently to prevent the possibility of ducks being concealed in them. He then rode round the ranks drawn up on both sides of the road, and made a careful inspection. It revealed not even a feather of the ducks. From the next town he wrote to the aggrieved complainant, proving him to have been mistaken, and saying that such a charge should not have been brought against his men, who were incapable of stealing. It was some years before the truth became known to the captain. In those days, officers on the line of march sent their light baggage by train with their servants, and carried nothing on their horses except brushes and stable rubbers for smartening up before entering a town, but they were ordered to carry behind the saddle a long-shaped valise, supposed to hold the kit, but usually filled with hay or straw to prevent rubbing the horse's back. On that day the missing ducks were packed away in the captain's valise, and during his inspection and the whole of the day's march, he carried behind him the theft he was seeking to discover. A. C. E. Welby. The following by very kind leave of the author, an old officer of the Greys:— THE BONNIE SCOTS GREYS. (Air—"Bonnie Dundee.") Come Highland, come Lowland, lend ear to the praise Of the bravest of horsemen, your own gallant Greys; Ye Scots far away from your native land, come, Hear the fame of the Jocks, ever "Second to none." Come, Scots, drink a health to your "Second to none"; To your own bonnie Greys, to their victories won; Come, drink to the luck of your Jocks, one and all, Wherever their trumpet of duty may call. O, see the grey horses come stepping along, So proud in their glory, so famous in song; Black bonnets of bearskin; O, where are the peers Of the men on grey horses, the Scots Grenadiers? Come, Scots, drink a health, etc. Their deeds are enshrined in the annals of war; They have rode down the French, times a hundred and a', And of standards and colours have ta'en such a store, Not a corps in the world that has ever won more. Come, Scots, drink a health, etc. Many hundreds of French they at Blenheim did chase, Penned them back in the village and made to cry grace; Then at Ramillies captured the Corps of the King And of standards a score with them homeward did bring. Come, Scots, drink a health, etc. See the white broider'd flag of the Household of France, Like its thunderbolt emblem, at Dettingen glance; "The giants have felt it," true motto that day, When the hands of the Scotsmen had borne it away. Come, Scots, drink a health, etc. Now fill a full glass to the old ninety-twa, So leal in their friendship, so gallant in war, With a "Scotland for ever," the Waterloo shout, When the Greys and the Gordons drove Frenchmen to rout. Come, Scots, drink a health, etc. "Ah, the beautiful Greys, I must crush them, I ween"; But the Greys reached the hill where Napoleon had been, While the brave Sergeant Ewart an Eagle has ta'en, And the Union Brigade gathered laurels of fame. Come, Scots, drink a health, etc. Balaclava resounds with the shouts of the Greys; All the horsemen of Russia stand still with amaze; Each Grey hews a path through the dense-crowded horde, And the Russians spur homeward with willing accord. Come, Scots, drink a health, etc. Their deeds were their duty to Scotland, and a'; Should the trumpet again sound the charge in a war, Not a Russian or Frenchman will e're dare to stay, When they hear the wild war shout of "Scotland for aye." Come, Scots, drink a health to your "Second to none"; To your own bonnie Greys, to their victories won; Come, drink to the luck of your Jocks, one and all, Wherever their trumpet of duty may call. Alfred C. E. Welby. On the eastern wall of the north transept of Norwich Cathedral is a memorial tablet as follows:— To the memory of Extract from letter by the Honourable Charles Hamilton to his brother, George Baillie, during the Westphalian campaign. The original letter belongs to Lord Binning, who allowed his cousin, Captain Lindsay, to have this extract carefully made for him by the Honourable Hen. Dalrymple, brother of the Earl of Stair. Buna Camp, Aug. 28th, 1760. The Army stays where it was at Warburg. The Duke changed his quarters to Bunay a few days ago, it is about eight miles from Warburg. We are to march this day. The French marched from ground some time ago towards Cassel. The Hereditary Prince attacked their rearguard, the Grays & Inniskillings attacked some Cavalry, they were the only British Cavalry with the Prince, & tore them like pork & made dogs of them. In the persuit they were saluted with a fire from some infantry that killed several & wounded a good many. Col. Preston had his horse killed upon a bridge both he and his horse fell over, he was a good deal bruised. NOTES ON CREICHTOUN'S MEMOIRS(Kindly supplied by J. B. Dalzell, Esq.) Creichtoun says:— 1. He commanded at Ayrsmoss. (Bruce of Earlshall did.) "The Royalists killed about sixty and took fourteen prisoners." (Nine only were killed and five taken prisoners.) 2. The "rebels" at Drumclog were "eight or nine thousand strong." (There were only 250 in all.) 3. Sir Robert Hamilton, who commanded at Drumclog was "a profligate who had spent all his patrimony." (The evidence of the historian, Bishop Barnet, and of other reputable authorities, is all the other way.) 4. The number of the "rebels" at Bothwell Bridge was 14,000, and the bridge was "guarded with three thousand of the rebels." (Three thousand is nearer the mark, with only two or three hundred guarding the bridge.) 5. The "rebels had set up a very large gallows in the middle of their camp, and prepared a cartful of new ropes at the foot of it in order to hang the king's soldiers." (This gallows was simply the usual permanent gallows of the Sheriff Court of Lanarkshire Netherward.) 6. David Steele was dispatched by swords in his absence. (Steele surrendered under promise of quarter and a fair trial. But Creichtoun conveyed him to Steele's house, nearly a mile, and there in the presence of the man's wife and her little babe, Mary Steele, ordered the dragoons to shoot him. To their credit, the dragoons absolutely refused and rode off, but the Highlanders, who probably knew Gaelic only, and were therefore ignorant of Creichtoun's gross breach of faith, fired.) These six instances are but a sample of the exaggeration and mendacious inventions only too common throughout Creichtoun's memoirs, and the reader would therefore do well to hesitate before accepting what is not corroborated by independent evidence. NOTE ON GENERAL DALYELL Immediately after the death of General Dalyell, his eldest son Thomas was created a baronet of Nova Scotia. Considerably over one hundred varieties in spelling this curious ancient Scottish surname have been collected. The General and his father, the Sheriff of Linlithgowshire, uniformly spelt their surname Dalyell, as their descendants are in the habit of doing at the present day. J. B. DALZELL.
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