From: Olscot@aol.com
Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2006 8:35 AM
To: dennis@rdsmith.us
Subject: Clan 2 text

Clan 2

We have now learned about Clan Donnachaidh. Next we will learn of some of the many battles our people were involved in over many years time. The highlanders have waged many battles not only with one another, but anyone who they disliked. These fights continued over all the years until 1745. Our people always respected and fought for the Kings of Scotland as well as protecting their own lands against anybody or thing.

One of the primary battle tactics of all Highlanders was to hold the higher ground against any enemy. They had one maneuver that they almost always used. They would be above their enemy. Many times they would shed their clothes, play the bagpipes and charge down the hill upon their enemies. This was always done while sounding loud shouting to distract their foes. They were positively fearsome to the enemy. This tactic was used throughout their history.

Remind me to play the song On the Braes O’ Killiekrankie which is in our Clan country near the Clan Museum.. 

As the years rolled around and with the English, called by the Highlanders Sassenach, which means Southerners, seemingly always battling the Scots trying to retake Scotland for the King of England. There were too many battles almost to list. One of my favorite songs is Flower of Scotland which is about King Edward I trying to defeat Scotland for himself. I’ll also play this song for you.

This all went on for an extremely long time finally ending upon the Field of Culloden on April 16, 1746. This ended Prince Charles trying to regain Scotland for his father King James who lived in France. The King of England as was the case with most Kings in Europe. The current King of England, George was of German birth and could speak no English and had to use translators to explain conversations. As all royalty in Europe were of royal blood, they could marry no one unless they also had royal blood, hence a German ruled.

The Kings son was the Duke of Cumberland and at this time he was fighting the French in France.

When Bonnie Prince Cherly, as the Scots pronounced his name arrived in Scotland from France in 1745 with very few men, the Scots welcomed and several of the Highland Chiefs appeared as well. Eventually most all of the Highland Clans joined in as did Clan Robertson. At this time, we had a rather elderly Chief who did lead the Clan as they came from the east coast, defeating the English with little effort all the way to Edinburgh where Charlie was warmly received by all. He and the Highlanders were warmly received and welcomed.

From this point, the Scots started south to Prestonpans where General Johnny Cope led the English troops. The English were protected to the East by bogs and wet land. The English thought this would keep the Scots from attacking from this direction. The Scots found a loyal person who knew the area extremely well and led the Scots to just outside Prestonpans.

Toward morning the Scots advanced to the English outposts, overcame them and surprised the English forces putting them to route and totally winning the battle. Our Chief then saw the carriage of Johnny Cope and claimed it as his prize. Following Prestonpans the Chief returned home and was carried by the clansmen in Johnny Copes carriage back to the Highlands.

The old Chief lived very few more years, but everywhere he went, he was carried in the carriage.

What a wonderful story this is for Clan Robertson.
          
Next lesson will be about the defeat of the Highlanders at Culloden Moor.