Historical Record of the Seventh, or the Queen's Own Regiment of Hussars / Containing an Account of the Origin of the Regiment in 1690, and of Its Subsequent Services to 1842

[1] These two troops have, by several authors, been erroneously styled "regiments."

[2] See the Historical Record of the Third Foot, or the Buffs, from page 63 to 66.

[3] The following speculative account of the regiment is extracted from Mc Pherson's Secret History of England; edition of 1775, vol. 2, page 7; Mr. Scott's relation, "An Account of the State of Scotland, in July, 1706."

"The Earl of Lothian's regiment of dragoons (as I remember) consists of six companys, each company, including serjeants corporals, and drummers, is thirty men. The colonel's character is already given. The lieut.-colonel is son to Polwarth, now called Earl of Marchmont. When the late Earl of Hume listed, this lieut.-colonel was thought well-affected, and very much under the influence of Hume; but what to say of him now I know not. The major of the regiment, John Johnston of Westraw, is reported to have loyal inclinations, being much managed that way by his very loyal lady, whom few of any side must trust."

[4] See the Record of the First, or Royal Regiment of Dragoons, pages 52 and 53.

[5]

Whitehall, 1st August, 1715.

"Gentlemen,

"His Majesty having been pleased to declare the regiment of dragoons whereof the Honorable William Kerr is colonel, to be 'Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales' own Royal Regiment of Dragoons,' I am desired you will acquaint the Right Honorable the Lord Townshend therewith, that a commission may be accordingly prepared, constituting the said William Kerr, Esq. colonel of the said regiment.

"I am, &c.,
"William Pulteney,"
(Secretary at War.)

The Secretaries to
  The Lord Townshend.

[6] An instance of ardent attachment and zeal was exemplified by a detachment of the Seventh light dragoons, who, having been informed that Lieut.-Colonel Osborne had been made prisoner, rushed forward among the enemy and rescued him.

[7] An instance again occurred of gallantry in a detachment having pressed forward in consequence of a report that Colonel Lord Paget had been taken prisoner: the report proved incorrect, but the zeal of the men of the Seventh and their attachment to their officers was on this, as on other occasions, strongly manifested; and although His Lordship felt it necessary to restrain this excess of ardour, he could not withhold an expression of his feeling of the good intentions of his brave corps.

[8] Macky, in his characters of the Scottish nobility, speaking of the Marquis of Lothian, observes—"He hath abundance of fire, and may prove a man of business when he applies himself that way; laughs at all revealed religion, yet sets up for a pillar of presbytery, being very zealous, though not devout. He is brave in his person; loves his country and his bottle; a thorough libertine; very handsome; hair black; with a fine eye; 45 years old."