Highlanders in the French and Indian Wars

[csbdr]

Well, sounds like we had kilts being worn over here from early on. Just taking note.

Exactly right, Ted. the Highland regiments were an integral part of the British efforts against the French during the French and Indian Wars. They played a legendary part in the (unsuccessful) British assault on Ft. Ticonderoga (very near me..) although it was not named that at the time. I think it was Ft. Carillon at the time, but don't quote me.... The fort did eventually fall, and the British took posession, changing the name to Ticonderoga.

[Bugbear]

Exactly right, Ted. the Highland regiments were an integral part of the British efforts against the French during the French and Indian Wars. They played a legendary part in the (unsuccessful) British assault on Ft. Ticonderoga (very near me..) although it was not named that at the time. I think it was Ft. Carillon at the time, but don't quote me.... The fort did eventually fall, and the British took posession, changing the name to Ticonderoga.

Going by other posts, kilts were also being worn by civilians in this time period. Not large numbers of people, but enough that it was recorded.

I feel somehow... influenced.

[macwilkin]

Going by other posts, kilts were also being worn by civilians in this time period. Not large numbers of people, but enough that it was recorded.

I feel somehow... influenced.

Perhaps...there might be some evidence of civilians wearing kilts in Georgia, but overall, the majority of kilts in North America in the 18th century would have been worn by soldiers.

T.

[Bugbear]

Perhaps...there might be some evidence of civilians wearing kilts in Georgia, but overall, the majority of kilts in North America in the 18th century would have been worn by soldiers.

T.

I was thinking of MacBean's post back there. I guess even if it was mostly soldiers wearing kilts, it was still over here.

[macwilkin]

I was thinking of MacBean's post back there. I guess even if it was mostly soldiers wearing kilts, it was still over here.

Yes, they were, But as uniforms Ted. MacBean's post was referring to the recruitment of Highlanders for the military colony of Georgia, established in 1732 as a "buffer zone" between the Carolinas and Spanish Florida (It is more well known as a debtor colony) -- The Highlanders were supposed to be "settler-soldiers" with a dual purpose of colonizing and protecting from Spanish and Indian incursions.

Somewhere I have a plate from the Company of Military Historians which depicts a member of the Georgia colonial miltia wearing Highland kit.

Also, remember that Highlanders in general were not popular with their Scots-Irish neighbours due to religious (Episcopalian and RC v. Protestant) and political differences.

T.

[Bigkahuna]

Exactly right, Ted. the Highland regiments were an integral part of the British efforts against the French during the French and Indian Wars. They played a legendary part in the (unsuccessful) British assault on Ft. Ticonderoga (very near me..) although it was not named that at the time. I think it was Ft. Carillon at the time, but don't quote me.... The fort did eventually fall, and the British took posession, changing the name to Ticonderoga.

Ticonderoga is an Iroquois word meaning "Meeting of the Waters". In this case it is the site where Lake George and Lake Champlain are closest together. There is a very interesting story about a Black Watch Officer named Campbell who had a premonision of his death related to the name Ticonderoga.

[Sir William]

Exactly right, Ted. the Highland regiments were an integral part of the British efforts against the French during the French and Indian Wars. They played a legendary part in the (unsuccessful) British assault on Ft. Ticonderoga (very near me..) although it was not named that at the time. I think it was Ft. Carillon at the time, but don't quote me.... The fort did eventually fall, and the British took posession, changing the name to Ticonderoga.

You are quite correct on all accounts.

First and very disastorious battle (for the British under Abercomby) was in July 1758. While the single battalion of the 42nd acquitted themselves well and bravely, they suffered heavy losses (about 50%) in their assault against the French defenses.

Second battle was in July 1759 and the British (under Amherst) were victorious that time around. Two battalions of the 42nd participated.