[492] “Sergeant John Macrae, a young man, about twenty-two years of age, but of good size and strength of arm, showed that the broadsword, in a firm hand, is as good a weapon in close fighting as the bayonet. If the first push of the bayonet misses its aim, or happens to be parried, it is not easy to recover the weapon and repeat the thrust, when the enemy is bold enough to stand firm; but it is not so with the sword, which may be readily withdrawn from its blow, wielded with celerity, and directed to any part of the body, particularly to the head and arms, whilst its motions defend the person using it. Macrae killed six men, cutting them down with his broadsword (of the kind usually worn by sergeants of Highland corps), when at last he made a dash out of the ranks on a Turk, whom he cut down; but as he was returning to the square he was killed by a blow from behind, his head being nearly split in two by the stroke of a sabre. Lieutenant Christopher Macrae, whom I have already mentioned as having brought eighteen men of his own name to the regiment as part of his quota of recruits, for an ensigncy, was killed in this affair, with six of his followers and namesakes, besides the sergeant. On the passage to Lisbon in October 1805, the same sergeant came to me one evening crying like a child, and complaining that the ship’s cook had called him English names, which he did not understand, and thrown some fat in his face. Thus a lad who, in 1805, was so soft and so childish, displayed in 1807 a courage and vigour worthy a hero of Ossian.”—Stewart’s Sketches.
[493] Records, 2d Battalion. He was succeeded in the command by Lieut.-Colonel John Macleod.
[494] Records, 2d Battalion.
[495] The victor of Barossa, afterwards Lord Lynedoch.
[496] Stewart’s Sketches.
[497] At these stations the regiment was inspected, and most favourably reported upon, by Major-General Hope.
[498] His portrait will be found on [page 482], vol. ii.
[499] Journal of Captain Keogh, late 78th Highlanders.
[500] Captain Hunt’s (78th Highlanders) Persian Campaign.
[501] Captain Hunt’s Persian Campaign.