THE REINFORCEMENT OF THE ARMY.
Glasgow, 266h- December 1864. Sin—A few weeks ago, I ventured to address you in a letter the object of which was to point out the injurious effect on the raising of new levies re- quired for carrying on a protracted military campaign, in so far as the con- tingent furnished by this part of the kingdom may be held to affect the ag- gregate strength of our armies ; and which effect may be in a great measure Ascribed to that wide-spread depopulation of the Scottish Highlands which has been going on for many years past. Since then, the subject has been re- ferred to repeatedly, and in different quarters ; in the hands of so influential a person as Mr. Elliee, its agitation may lead to some results. I had at the time but an inadequate conception of the importance with which statistics could be brought to bear upon it. From a statement published by a parish- clergyman of Skye, it appears that it-was no unusual thing to:bring into the field at one time from that island alone several thousands of fighting men. I should like to be informed how many it could furnish now. But recent events serve to place the subject in a light still stronger. I re- fer at present to the Foreign Enlistment Bill, which affords a striking com- mentary on the policy which, in the time of need, has _been seen to deprive a nation of its native vigour and manhood by virtual expatriation, leaving it to fight the battle of "civilization against barbarism," and to stake its mili- tary renown, perhaps even existence, upon the employment of mercenaries. It is scarcely possible to feel too much elated at the proved courage of our existing regular soldiery. After a long _disuse of arms, it has been revealed to us with all the freshness of novelty and withali the excitement of a great and successful experiment It has been seen what a powerful weapon our willing soldier wields, animated as he is all the while with that patriotic feeling which is roused to emulate the heroism of his fathers. But it is to be feared that, with respect-to the bulk of the population, such feelings are in a great measure extinguished. What are the fortunes. of his country to one whose longing eye is ever turned towards-the thriving townships or vast
unfilled fields of the Great Republics, where he may secure an adequate main- tenance, and escape from penury in his declining years ; or to another, all whose endearing associations with his native mountains have been ruthlessly torn asunder, and himself driven across the ocean in quest .anywhere of an asylum denied him in the land of his birth ? Accordingly, we find that the process of enlistment, either for the regular Army or the Militia, is conducted in Scotland at the slowest rate, leaving the service to be recruited by a motley auxiliary, who, it is to be expected, will be found very different coadjutors from our brave French allies, whose sympathies are entirely our own, because founded on a former mighty antagonism, calculated to inspire the most profound mutual respect ; and who, like ourselves, have their country's ancient military glory to uphold. If that paternal care, which, although on lower grounds and from inferior motives, a despotism is supposed to exercise towards its subjects, had been exhibited by our aristocracy, or, failing them, by our Government, in behalf of the people of these kingdoms, the latter might not have required in our day to go a-begging for foreign military aid, to the alarm of the true or the gratification of the pseudo patriot; while, at the same time, a handle is furnished to the virulence of faction—while " the daughters of the Philis- tines rejoice and the sons of the uncircumcised triumph."
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