Trials of James, Duncan, and Robert M'Gregor, three sons of the celebrated Rob Roy

xl
cesses of the banditti ; and from tlieir know-
ledge of the country and its inhabitants, to
defeat their schemes, and bring them speedily
to justice. The sort of police levy which was
thus raised, was denominated the " Black
" Watch," and the command of the different
companies was given to Highland gentlemen,
whose attachment to the established Govern-
ment could be relied upon. Out of this in-
stitution, the celebrated 42d Regiment arose,
which has rendered itself famous by so many
brilliant exploits, and associated with its
namewhatever is gallant or splendid in modern
warfare. — Under the original organization, the
Black Watch did not escape the reproach of
sharing sometimes in the spoils of the free-
booters, whom they were destined to intimi-
date. Their conspicuous valour, however, soon
recommended them to the employment of Go-
vernment in its more important operations
abroad ; and the effect of the institution upon
the whole, was, rather to cherish the military
spirit of the people, than to subdue their ex-
cesses.
Lord Lovat, of whose youthful celebrity,
we have already had occasion to speak, was
one of those chieftains to whom the recent
measures of government, with respect to the
guardian military force of the Highlands, was