The History of the 2nd Dragoons: "Royal Scots Greys"

by Edward Almack

"Given at our Court at Whitehall the 7th day of May 1678, and of our Reigne the 30th."

Charles the Second's Commission dated 19th July, 1666,

Appointing "Generall Thomas Dalzell 'Captaine' of a Troupe of Horse, to be raised by you for Our Service, in the Regiment whereof Lieut.-Generall Drumond is Colonell."

Directed on the back thus:—

"To our right trusty and welbeloved Cousins and Councellors ... our Privy Councell of our ancient Kingdome of Scotland."

The very next warrant makes John Strachan Captain of one of "ye two companies of Dragoons to be forthwith leavied." It was followed under the same date by others, one making John Inglis Captain of the other company, one making John Lauder Lieutenant of Strachan's company, and another making William Cleland Lieutenant of Inglis's company. Then followed still two more, one appointing John Livingston Ensign in Strachan's and the other, Henry Dundas, Ensign under Inglis.

"CHARLES R.

"Charles the Second by y^e grace of God king of Scotland, england, france and Ireland Defender of y^e faith &c. to our trusty and welbeloved John Strachan greeting: Wee reposing speciall trust and confidence in your Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct, doe by these presents constitute and appoint you to be Captaine of one of y^e two Companies of Dragoones appointed by us to be forthwith leavied for our service in our ancient Kingdome of Scotland, which Company is to consist of one hundred men besides officers. You are therefore carefully to discharge the Duty of a Captaine by exercising y^e said Company in Armes, both Officers and soldiers, and keeping them in good order and Discipline. And wee doe hereby command them to obey you as their Captaine, and you likewise exactly to observe and follow all such Orders and Directions as you shall from time to time receive from Us, our Privy Councell, the Commander in chiefe of our fforces in that our Kingdome now or for the time being, or any other your superiour officer, according to the Rules and Discipline of Warre, in pursuance of y^e trust which wee doe hereby repose in you.