History of the Scottish Regiments in the British Army

by Archibald K. Murray

CHAPTER XLIII.

“Trust in the Lord, for ever trust,

And banish all your fears,

Strength in the Lord Jehovah is,

Eternal as His years.”

CAPE OF GOOD HOPE—NEW ORLEANS—CRIMEA—INDIAN

MUTINY—1804–1862.

General Stuart writes of this most respectable corps:—“None of the Highland corps is superior to the Ninety-third Regiment. I do not make comparisons in point of bravery, for, if properly commanded, they are all brave; but it is in those well-regulated habits, of which so much has been already said, that the Sutherland Highlanders have for twenty years preserved an unvaried line of conduct. The light infantry company of this corps has been nineteen years without having a man punished.”

Unfortunately, it has not been so highly favoured as many of its predecessors in having the same rare opportunities for displaying in the field the sterner qualities of the soldier. Nevertheless, in the few enterprises in which it has been engaged, it has always shown itself to be equally meritorious, possessing the same heroic valour which has so signally glorified the Highland regiments in every corner of the world.

It was raised in the year 1800, on behalf of the ancient and honourable family of Sutherland, by Major-General William Wemyss of Wemyss. Of its original members, 460 were Sutherland men. It still retains its Highland character, perhaps more so than any other corps, and like many of them, the Channel Islands witnessed its maiden service.

When the Peace of Amiens seemed likely to continue its blessings to the country, and supersede the necessity of an extensive military establishment, our Government proposed to reduce the strength of the army, and the Sutherland Highlanders were accordingly ordered home to Scotland in 1802 for the purpose of disbandment. Ere this could be accomplished, symptoms of unquiet became too painfully evident in the political horizon of Europe, which fortunately occasioned the retention of this excellent regiment intact among the stalwart defenders of our land at a moment of peril such as never before had threatened our independence as a nation.

As the danger for the present somewhat subsided, the Ninety-third, in 1805, was included in the expedition which, under Major-General Sir David Baird, proceeded against the Dutch colony of the Cape of Good Hope. With the Seventy-first and Seventy-second regiments it formed the Highland brigade of Brigadier-General Ferguson, which landed in Lespard Bay. On this occasion, thirty-five of the Sutherland Highlanders were drowned by the upsetting of a boat in the surf. The only opposition of any consequence made by the Dutch Governor, Lieutenant-General Janssens, was encountered at Blaw Berg, or Blue Mountains, where the irresistible charge of the Highland Brigade decided the fortune of the battle in our favour. After this experience of British valour, the Governor relinquished the contest, and surrendered the colony.

Retained in the garrison, “being anxious to enjoy the advantages of religious instruction agreeably to the tenets of their national church, the men of the Ninety-third Regiment formed themselves into a congregation, appointed elders of their own number, engaged and paid a stipend (collected from the soldiers) to a clergyman of the Church of Scotland, and had Divine service performed agreeably to the ritual of the Established Church.” Consistent with this excellent conduct, so gratifying to every thinking man who claims a patriotic interest in the soldiers of his country, no matter what be his creed, we quote a further illustration of the godly character of these true soldiers. On their return from the Cape of Good Hope, when “disembarked at Plymouth in August, 1814, the inhabitants were both surprised and gratified. On such occasions it had been no uncommon thing for soldiers to spend in taverns and gin-shops the money they had saved. In the present case, the soldiers of Sutherland were seen in booksellers’ shops, supplying themselves with Bibles, and such books and tracts as they required.” Mindful of the wants of the “old folks at home,” “during the short period that the regiment was quartered in Plymouth, upwards of £500 were lodged in one banking-house, to be remitted to Sutherland, exclusive of many sums sent home through the post-office and by officers. Some of these sums exceeded £20 from an individual soldier.” We may well expect great things from men of such a stamp, no matter what be their profession—truly in them is exhibited “an honourable example, worthy the imitation of all.”

In the eventful times of which we write little rest could be granted to the soldier. Thus, we find the regiment, within a month after its arrival at Plymouth, on its way across the Atlantic, as part of the expedition under Major-General the Hon. Sir Edward Pakenham, destined to operate against the city of New Orleans. Rendevouzed at Jamaica, the expedition proceeded thence on the 27th November, and landed at Cat Island, at the mouth of the Mississippi, on the 13th December, 1814. The unfavourable nature of the ground, the immediate presence of an enemy greatly superior in numbers, and having an extended line of formidable entrenchments whither to retreat, rendered the enterprise one of difficulty and danger. Commanded by able officers having every confidence in their soldiers, perhaps overrated as they overtasked their capabilities, the army fearlessly advanced, surmounting all the obstacles which lay in the way ere they confronted the citadel of the American position. Nothing could surpass the heroism of the Commander-in-Chief, who fell whilst leading the troops to the assault, nor the gallantry of the officers supporting him, of whom Major-Generals Gibb and Keane (afterwards Lord Keane) were wounded—the former fatally. Nothing could excel the dauntless bravery with which the troops followed their leaders through the murderous tempest of musketry and artillery, which carried death and destruction into their very midst; yet all was unavailing, save the attack of Colonel Thornton upon the right of the enemy—everywhere else these formidable entrenchments proved impregnable to so small a force, unaided by an adequate artillery. Thus, after a fearful loss of life and limb, Major-General Sir John Lambert felt constrained to abandon the attempt and sound the retreat. Weakened by a loss of upwards of 1500 killed and wounded—nearly a third of which was sustained by the Ninety-third, proof of the valour of the corps in this fiery trial—the troops were re-embarked, and bade adieu to the scene of so terrible a disaster.

On their return home in 1815, the Sutherland Highlanders were peacefully employed; for the long period of nearly forty years its history presents a comparatively uninteresting record of military stations occupied from time to time, lightened by such glimpses of character as these:—One inspecting officer reports the Sutherland Highlanders to exhibit a “picture of military discipline and moral rectitude;” another declares them “altogether incomparable;” and the colonists of the Cape of Good Hope lament their loss as “kind friends and honourable soldiers.” Such are the men whose good conduct in quarters and in peace evince a sterling character which, never failing in the day of battle, is capable of sustaining a great renown.

Passing down the stream of time, we arrive at the year 1854, and follow the Ninety-third to the Crimea—

When despot power in pride sent forth

Her slaves from empire of the North,

To crush in her gigantic fold

The nation who its own would hold,

And wad be free like Scotland.

On leaving Plymouth en route to embark for the seat of war, whilst other troops in like circumstances manifested a fearless indifference, striving to kill the thoughts of long farewells by marching to the tune of “Cheer, boys, cheer,” in keeping with their past history, the Sutherland Highlanders unostentatiously preferred to chant a hymn of praise to the God of battles. What a lovely and impressive sight!—lovely in the sight of God and man, to behold these brave men going forth as Christian British soldiers beneath the banner of their country, at the same time the banner of the Cross.

Thence we learn the secret of that Samson strength, deep-rooted in the soul, which fixed them like a living rock of Gaelic valour at Balaklava. They feared not to die, for death to such was welcome, not to satisfy the cravings of a mere earthly heroism, but because in that grim messenger they could recognise the herald beckoning their immortal spirits on high, opening the portals of a bright hereafter to an emancipated soul.

In our army, which after a variety of anterior and unimportant movements landed in the Crimea in September, 1854, with a view to the humbling of the aggressive might of Russia, the Ninety-third with the Forty-second and Seventy-ninth formed the original Highland Brigade, so justly celebrated. No higher compliment to its worth could have been accorded, than that of being associated in the same division with the brigade of Guards. Advancing towards Sebastopol, the enemy was discovered in a very strong position, prepared to dispute the passage of the river Alma. It needed all the skill of our officers, and a desperate exercise of bravery on the part of our troops, to drive the enemy from the position; and the occasion called forth the native energy of the Highlanders, led by their deservedly favourite chief, Major-General Sir Colin Campbell.

THE CRIMEA.

“Balaklava,” than which no name is more expressive of glory dearly won, is commemorative of the triumphs of our cavalry—the irresistible charge of the Heavy Brigade, and the “death ride” of the dauntless Light Brigade. But another and, if possible, a grander event immortalises the scene. The story of “the thin red line” which the Sutherland Highlanders presented when, isolated from the army, alone and in line, they withstood the desperate charge of the Russian cavalry, is an exploit which must stir the soul of every Scotsman. The cool intrepidity of Sir Colin Campbell in such trying circumstances, and his unbounded confidence in the mettle of his Highlanders, most remarkably glorify the victors in the marvellous result.

Like billows dashed upon the rock,

Unmoved, ye met the dreadful shock;

When horsemen furious charged your line,

Brave Campbell cried, “These men are mine—

“Ye needna fear for Scotland.”

The brigade was increased to a division by the addition of the Seventy-first and Seventy-second Highlanders, and was chiefly employed in reserve, covering Balaklava. In the final bombardment of Sebastopol, the Highland regiments were selected to make the second assault upon the Redan, but in the meantime the place was abandoned by the enemy. The subsequent fall of Sebastopol brought about peace, when the Ninety-third, released from the stern duties of war, returned home laden with many honours.

The awful tragedy of the Indian mutiny, which cast its dismal shadow over the history of the year 1857, once more called forth the services of the Ninety-third. It followed its favourite leader, Sir Colin Campbell, to the plains of India, visiting with a terrible vengeance the murdering villains, the traitors, and the rebels, as with the army it advanced to the relief of the beleaguered garrison of Lucknow, yet struggling for very life. In every instance where the foe was to be encountered, the Sutherland Highlanders were most conspicuous for their gallantry. Having finally captured Lucknow, the regiment was engaged in several harassing conflicts with the enemy, sharing in some of these, such as Bareilly, with the Ninety-second. Its last action was fought in December, 1858, near Biswah. It still remains in India, and is now stationed at Peshawar.

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Thus we close our History of the Scottish Regiments with this latest illustration of Highland valour, and we think our readers will admit, however faulty the writer, the theme at least is worthy of their best attention, nay, is entitled to their truest sympathy.

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GLASGOW: PRINTED BY THOMAS MURRAY AND SON.

PRESENTATION OF CRIMEAN MEDALS BY HER MAJESTY, HORSE GUARDS, LONDON

Transcriber’s Note

This table summarizes the few changes that were made, where the issues seemed clearly to be attributable to printers errors.

p. 56	manœ[vu/uv]res	Transposed.
p. 60	Villa Viciosa	sic. Villaviciosa
p. 192	Nap[eol/ole]on	Transposed.
p. 239	rhy[r]me	Removed.
p. 248	carry them back.[”]	Removed.
p. 311	were not [not] only paralysed	Removed.
p. 370	decided the contest.[”]	Removed.
p. 385	nuc[el/le]us	Transposed.