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

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178 THE CELTIC MAGAZINE.luiiform reached <strong>the</strong>m, wliich, being <strong>the</strong> Highland dress, was similar <strong>to</strong>that of <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r Highland corps, except in <strong>the</strong> matter of "facings," whichwere green. Although <strong>the</strong> tartan of <strong>the</strong> Clan Cameron is one of <strong>the</strong>handsomest patterns ; <strong>the</strong> ground and prevailing colour being red, it wasthought unsuitable for wear with <strong>the</strong> scarlet jacket ; but that was not asufficient reason for its non-adoption as <strong>the</strong> tartan of <strong>the</strong> " CameronHighlanders," inasmuch as <strong>the</strong> tartan worn (tlie Stewart) by <strong>the</strong> 72d isof still brigliter colour than <strong>the</strong> Cameron. JSTei<strong>the</strong>r of <strong>the</strong>se was <strong>the</strong>real reason which caused <strong>the</strong> clan tartan's non-adoption by <strong>the</strong> 79th.*Alan choose ra<strong>the</strong>r <strong>to</strong> have a tartan of his own (or ra<strong>the</strong>r his mo<strong>the</strong>r's)design. That pattern is so well known as <strong>to</strong> need no description. <strong>The</strong>first supply was provided by Messrs Holms of Paisley (now of Greenhead,Glasgow), and designated <strong>the</strong> " Cameron Earrachd," as distinguished fromthat of <strong>the</strong> Cameron proper. It is <strong>the</strong> pattern chosen by <strong>the</strong> Highlandcompany of <strong>the</strong> Liverpool Rifle Corps, and by <strong>the</strong> 2d Lochaber Company,of which Lochiel Avas captain.<strong>The</strong> Cameron Eegiment had scarcely completed its equipment, when itAvas ordered <strong>to</strong> embark for Flanders <strong>to</strong> reinforce <strong>the</strong> British and Austrianarmies under <strong>the</strong> command of <strong>the</strong> Duke of York, against <strong>the</strong> French.<strong>The</strong>y were joined in this ex])edition by <strong>the</strong>ir countiymen of <strong>the</strong> 42d and<strong>the</strong> 78th. <strong>The</strong>ir arrival proved <strong>to</strong> be of <strong>the</strong> utmost consequence, inasmuchas that by <strong>the</strong>ir support, in reserve, <strong>the</strong>y helped, by a vic<strong>to</strong>ry over Picheqru<strong>to</strong> retrieve a disaster experienced by <strong>the</strong> Duke shortly before that.This engagement lasted from an early liour till <strong>the</strong> afternoon, and itsdecision was weighing in <strong>the</strong> balance, when <strong>the</strong> Duke charged with <strong>the</strong>British troops in<strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> centre of <strong>the</strong> French army, bayonet in hand, and thus,brought hostilities <strong>to</strong> an end for <strong>the</strong> day. This success, hoAvever, Avas ofsmall advantage, as <strong>the</strong> allies Avere subsequently compelled <strong>to</strong> retreatbefore <strong>the</strong> overAvhelming forces of <strong>the</strong> French, and, retiring <strong>to</strong>Avards Westphalia,endured <strong>the</strong> most dreadful hardship and suffering, both from itsinhospitable inhabitants, and <strong>the</strong> rigour of its climate (<strong>the</strong> Avinter andspring of 1794-5), <strong>the</strong> elements of Avhich proved more fatal <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Britisharmy tlian <strong>the</strong> fire of <strong>the</strong> enemy. Tlie Camerons lost 200 men. <strong>The</strong>contingent of <strong>the</strong> British army Avithdrew from <strong>the</strong> Continent after thisfruitless campaign, embarking in April at Bremen. <strong>The</strong> 79th Avas orderedfor quarters <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Isle of Wight, Avhere it remained till tlie month ofJuly, Avhen it received <strong>the</strong> route for India, and Colonel Cameron Avasordered <strong>to</strong> recruit <strong>the</strong> regiment <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> extent of its losses in Flanders.(lo he Conthiacd.)* Mr Cameron of Lochiel, and Mr Cameron of Eai-rachd (Alan's fa<strong>the</strong>r), had been,or were, at differences about tlie ownership of part of <strong>the</strong> property, when it wasalleged that <strong>the</strong> latter was hardly used in <strong>the</strong> matter, by <strong>the</strong> former and his trustees, ofwhom Cameron of Fassiferu was <strong>the</strong> most active. This misunderstanding led <strong>to</strong> a coolnessbetween <strong>the</strong> families.t It was returned <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> Lord-Licuteuant by this company under <strong>the</strong> desig:nation of" Cameron Lochiel." <strong>The</strong> cajitain's attention was di-awn <strong>to</strong> <strong>the</strong> misnomer, who disclaimedany knowledge of <strong>the</strong> error. It has transpired since <strong>to</strong> have been tlie act of an ofiScer oftho corps, now deceased, who must have committed this paltry piece of piracy, ei<strong>the</strong>rfrom ignorance or subserviency.

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