Blair Collection > Celtic monthly > Volume 2, 1894

pursuing them past Quatre Bras. Pioton's
division were at the time marching through
fields of tall wheat and rye, obscuring tlieni
from the enemy, and obscuring the enemy from
them. The Prince of Orange made and was
still making a gallant resistance. His Dutch
and Belgians fought well, but they could not
resist the impetuosity of the French. The
Belgians were the first to give way. The 42nd
were the first to emerge from the rye fields into
a field of clover. Seeing the retreating Belgians'
order was given to open ranks and let them pass
through, to form in the rear. In an instant tiie
ranks were closed when the pursuing French
were seen right in front. 'Ihe French were
staggered at the sudden appearance of the
Highlanders. The order was at once given the
42nd to fire, advance, and charge. The wild
terrifying yell of the Highlanders was enough.
The French immediately faced right about, fied
and fell before this impetuous charge, and were
pursued for some distance towards the main
body. Marshal Ney was not the man to permit
such audacity to go unpuni.shed, if he could.
Instantly ordering a regiment of lancers to
advance from the Wood of Bossu where they
lay concealed, and attack the 42nd before they
could complete their formation to receive cavalry.
Imagining these lancers to be Bruns wickers
coming to cut up the retreating French, the
42nd were unprepared for the shock. They had
to do with angry foes instead of friendly Ger-
mans. Speedily perceiving the mistake, a
rallying square was formed to meet the fierce
Polish Lancers, but two companies were unable to
come in, and one side of the square was open when
the lancers burst upon them, and here they speedi-
ly found an entrance. The two companies were
soon cut down to a man, fighting back to back.
In this perilous crisis the 42nd were true to
their ancient fame, and with marvellous steadi-
ness completed their formation, hemmed the
lancers within their square, shot and bayoneted
the most of them, making ]nisoners of the rest,
while the restored front baffled all the eflbits of
those outside to penetrate to their comrades'
succour. Finding every effort useless, and losing
men from the fire of the square, the lancers
retired after receiving a dreadful volley from the
42nd, which laid low many a man and horse.
The fight was hot, though brief. In the space
of a few minutes the command of the regiment
devolved upon four officers in succession — Sir
Robert MacAra, killed ; Lieutenant-Colonel
Dick, severely wounded ; Blajor Davidson, mor-
tally wounded ; and Major Campbell.
(To he continued.)
THE CELTIC MONTHLY. 210
GEORGE J. MACKAY, J.P., KENDAL.
tEORGE J. MACKAY was born in the
Parish of Mey, Caithness, on 5th Sep-
tember, 1845, and was removed when
four years of age to Olrig. He was educated
at the Parish School, Castletown, where he was
considered the cleverest boy in his classes. His
first start in business life was made with Mr.
Sinclair Bain, Ironmonger, Thurso, and he after-
wards occupied situations in Leith, Glasgow, and
Whitehaven (Cumberland), at which latter place
he married. He went to Kendal as manager
and traveller for the present Mayor, Alderman
William Bindloss, J.P., D.L. , and after remaining
in his worship's employment for some time he
started business on his own account as Horse
Clothing Manufacturer, and built the finest
mills in the district. He has also an old estab-
lished factory at Chatteris (Cambs), which was
burned down recently, and is now being replaced
liy mills of ranch larger dimensions. Mr.
Mackay holds large contracts from H.M. Govern-
ment, and does a large export busine.ss to the
Continent and Colonies.
Mr. Mackay has for many years past taken a
considerable interest in municipal affairs, and
was Chairman of the Finance Committee, and
member of seveial others. In 1890 he was
elected Mayor of Kendal, and in the following
year was created a J. P. for the County of
Westmorland. During his term of office he
had the honour to receive and entertain Her
Royal Highness the Marchioness of Lome, and
other distinguished visitors. On completing his
term of office the Corporation entertained him
to Dinner, and presented his wife with several
valuable ornaments, etc.
The subject of our sketch takes a very deep
interest in the Masonic craft, and was initiated
in the Union Lodge, Kendal, in December,
1872. Since then he occupied various offices,
and until recently acted as Right Worshipful
Provincial Grand Master of Cumberland and
Westmorland. He is a Past D.P. Grand Master
of the Royal Order of Scotland, and filled
various offices in the Order of Knights Templar.
Mr. Mackay is also Vice-Patron of the Royal
Masonic l5enevolent Institution for aged Free-
masons, the GirLs' and Boys' Schools, and has
collected large sums on behalf of those noble
charities. He is also a Member of ?>'! Degree.
Mr. Mackay has led a very active and laborious
business life, and is now considering the pro-
priety of retiring, and seeking rest and recreation
in a voyage round the world. At last election
he " narrowly escaped " being elected a Member
of Parliament. He was invited to represent
Whitehaven, but being engaged at the time in