The people were also visited by itinerant preachers, the most important of whom was Henry Alline. In his journal, under date of July 25, 1782, he says:

"Got to a place called Picto, where I had no thought of making any stay, but finding the spirit to attend my preaching, I staid there thirteen days and preached in all the different parts of the settlement, I found four Christians in this place, who were greatly revived and rejoiced that the Gospel was sent among them."—Reverend James Bennet, missionary of the Church of England, in 1775, visited the eastern borders of the Province, and in 1780 visited Pictou and Tatamagouche, and on his return lost his way in the woods.

The Peace of 1783 brought in an influx of settlers mostly from the Highlands, with some who had served in the Revolution against the Americans. This added strength gave more solidity to the settlement. Although considerable prosperity had been attained the added numbers brought increased wealth. Among the fresh arrivals came Reverend James McGregor, in 1786, and under his administration the religious tone was developed, and the state of society enhanced.

CHAPTER XI.

First Highland Regiments in America.

The conflict known as THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR, which began in 1754, forced the English colonies to join in a common cause. The time had come for the final struggle between France and England for colonial supremacy in America. The principal cause for the war was brought on by the conflicting territorial claims of the two nations. Mutual encroachments were made by both parties on the other's territory, in consequence of which both nations prepared for war. The English ministry decided to make their chief efforts against the French in that quarter where the aggressions took place, and for this purpose dispatched thither two bodies of troops. The first division, of which the 42nd Highlanders formed a part, under the command of Lieutenant-General Sir James Abercromby, set sail in March, 1756, and landed in June following.

The Highland regiments that landed in America and took part in the conflict were the 42nd or Royal Highland Regiment, but better known as "The Black Watch" (Am Freiceadan Dubh), the 77th or Montgomery's Highlanders, and the Old 78th, or Fraser's Highlanders.

The Black Watch, so called from the sombre appearance of their dress was embodied, as the 43rd Regiment, May, 1740, having been composed largely of the independent companies raised in 1729. When Oglethorpe's regiment, the 42nd was reduced in 1749, the Black Watch received its number, which ever since, it has retained. From 1749 to 1756 the regiment was stationed in Ireland, and between them and the inhabitants of the districts, where quartered, the utmost cordiality existed. Previous to the departure of the regiment from Ireland to America, officers with parties had been sent to Scotland for recruits. So successful were they, that in the month of June, seven hundred embarked at Greenock for America. The officers of the regiment were as follows:

Rank Name Commission Rank Name Commission
Colonel Lord John Murray Apr. 25, 1745 Lieut. John Graham Jan. 25, 1756
Lieut. Colonel Francis Grant Dec. 17, 1755 Lieut. Hugh McPherson Jan. 26, 1756
Major Duncan Campbell, Inveraw Dec. 17, 1755 Lieut. Alexander Turnbull Jan. 27, 1756
Capt Gordon Graham June 3, 1752 Lieut. Alexander Campbell Jan. 28, 1756
Capt John Read do. Lieut. Alexander McIntosh Jan. 29, 1756
Capt John McNeile Dec. 16, 1752 Lieut. James Gray Jan. 30, 1756
Capt Alan Campbell Mar. 15, 1755 Lieut. William Baillie Jan.31, 1756
Capt Thomas Graeme, Duchray Feb. 16, 1756 Lieut. Hugh Arnott Apr. 9, 1756
Capt James Abercromby, Son of Glassa do. Lieut. John Sutherland Apr. 10, 1756
Capt John Campbell, Strachur Apr. 9, 1756 Lieut. John Small Apr. 11, 1756
Capt. Lieut. John Campbell, sr Feb. 16, 1756 Ensign Archibald Campbell May 5, 1756
Lieut. William Grant May 22, 1746 Ensign James Campbell Jan. 24, 1756
Lieut. Robert Gray Aug. 7, 1747 Ensign Archibald Lamont Jan. 25, 1756
Lieut. John Campbell May 16, 1748 Ensign Duncan Campbell Jan. 26, 1756
Lieut. George Farquharson Mar. 29, 1750 Ensign George McLagan Jan. 27, 1756
Lieut. Colin Campbell Feb. 9, 1751 Ensign Patrick Balneaves Jan. 28, 1756
Lieut. James Campbell June 3, 1752 Ensign Patrick Stuart Jan. 29, 1756
Lieut. Sir James Cockburn, B't. Mar. 15, 1755 Ensign Norman McLeod Jan. 30, 1756
Lieut. Kenneth Tolme Jan. 23, 1756 Ensign George Campbell Jan. 31, 1756
Lieut. James Grant Jan. 24, 1756 Ensign Donald Campbell May 5, 1756
Q.M. John Graham Feb. 19, 1756 Chaplain Adam Ferguson Apr. 30, 1746
Surgeon David Hepburn June 26, 1751 Adjutant James Grant June 26, 1751