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The Celtic magazine. A monthly periodical devoted to the literature ...

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THE CELTIC MiVGAZINE. 1511793. Although ^rajor-Commandant Cameron (he -will he now namcilhy his successive ranks in <strong>the</strong> army) had reason <strong>to</strong> h;'. satisfied with <strong>the</strong>success of his aiiplication for <strong>the</strong> ''Letters," yet <strong>the</strong> terms and conditionsembodied were not only illiberal, but even exacting, a circumstance hehad an opportunity some time afterwards of pointing out <strong>to</strong> one of HisMajesty's sons (<strong>the</strong> Duke of York). <strong>The</strong> document is <strong>to</strong>o long and notsufficiently interesting <strong>to</strong> be quoted, and an extract or two from it mustsuffice. "All <strong>the</strong> officers—<strong>the</strong> ensigns and staff-officers excepted—are <strong>to</strong> beappointed from 1?he half-pay list, according <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir present rank, takingcare, however, that <strong>the</strong> former oidy are recommended who have not takenany difference in <strong>the</strong>ir being placed on half-pay. <strong>The</strong> men are <strong>to</strong> beengaged without limitation as <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> period of <strong>the</strong>ir service, and witlioutany allowance of levy money, hut thi'ii are. not <strong>to</strong> he drafted in<strong>to</strong> anijo<strong>the</strong>r rci/inirnfs." On receipt of tliis official communication from War Office, iNFajor Cameron had an intimation from his fa<strong>the</strong>r-in-hnv—Squire Philips— that money <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> extent of his requirements for <strong>the</strong>expenses of attaining his ambition, would be placed at his disposal. Thisact of generosity relieved <strong>the</strong> ]\Iajor from one of his difficulties. <strong>The</strong> nextconsideration was how ftir it might be prudent <strong>to</strong> make <strong>the</strong> recruitingground his oAvn native district of Lochaber, when it is remembered tha<strong>the</strong> left that country as a fugitive from <strong>the</strong> vengeance of a considerable portionof its inhabitant.--. <strong>The</strong> terms of his " Letters of Service" restrictedhim in <strong>the</strong> disposal of <strong>the</strong> commissions which might have been offered <strong>the</strong>mas a means of pacification, but <strong>the</strong> few left in his power he decided at once<strong>to</strong> confer on those sons of families who might be in influential positions ando<strong>the</strong>rwiee eligible for <strong>the</strong> appointments. "With this view he despatchedseveral cojnes of <strong>the</strong> Loudon Gazette containing <strong>the</strong> " authority <strong>to</strong> raise aHighland Eegiment" <strong>to</strong> his bro<strong>the</strong>r Ewan (known in later years as EoghannMor an EarrucM) with a letter, both of which he was enjoined <strong>to</strong> make aswidely and as publicly known as possible. <strong>The</strong> letter is, if somewhatplausible, frank enough, and characteristic of his conduct throughout hisvaried career in life. In it he states that, "having been favoured with <strong>the</strong>honmir of embodying a Highland Legiment for His Majesty's service; wherecnnld 1 go <strong>to</strong> oljey that order but <strong>to</strong> my own native Lochaber; and withthat desire I have decided on appealing <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir forgiveness of byegoneevents, and <strong>the</strong>ir loyalty <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> sovereign in his present exigencies. <strong>The</strong>few commissions at my disposal shall be offered first <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> relatives of<strong>the</strong> gentleman whose life, unfortunately, was sacrificed by my hand."<strong>The</strong> printing press, even of <strong>the</strong> capital of <strong>the</strong> County of Inverness wasnot so advanced in those days, as <strong>to</strong> have circulars printed of <strong>the</strong> foregoingjnitclamation. <strong>The</strong>refore, <strong>the</strong> bro<strong>the</strong>r had <strong>to</strong> transcribe copies as bes<strong>the</strong> could, which he did <strong>to</strong> some effect, inasmuch that before Alan arrivedin Lochaber, on his mission, Ewan had already engaged <strong>the</strong> complement ofa company <strong>to</strong> start with, all of whom he retained on his farm at Earrachdtill <strong>the</strong> arrival of <strong>the</strong> Major. Thus <strong>the</strong> credit of ga<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>the</strong> nucleus of<strong>the</strong> now famous 79th is due <strong>to</strong> Eo/j/iatin Mor, for which service <strong>the</strong>Major procured him a commissiini as captain and recruiting officer, for hisregiment, in that district.(lo he Continued.)

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