of the force under the Duke of Marlborough. On the 7th of March, 1702, the last day of King William's reign, the Twenty-Sixth (Cameronians) Regiment embarked for the seat of war. Captain Blackader remained for a time in Scotland levying the necessary complement of men, and, disdaining the then common and alluring arts of an officer so employed, was very successful in recruiting; another want, more to his taste, was providing a chaplain for the regiment in the place of Mr. Shields, who proceeded on the unfortunate Darien expedition, and met his death in the West Indies. His gratification at the success of his recruiting is characteristically mentioned, and there occurs the following remark :-"The one that run away some time ago, came back after wandering up and down several weeks, and says he could have no peace until he returned to me again." This is unequalled; but in his professional as well as private pursuits, there is always a trustful dependence on Providence. On the 13th of July, 1702, the Captain embarked with his recruits for Flanders, and after suffering fears from contrary winds and storms, arrived in the Maese ten days afterwards. At this time he received some considerable accession to his fortune, from which, with commendable generosity, he devoted £100 a-year to the relief of his sister, a widow in straitened circumstances, with seven children. A few years subsequently, he generously renounced his claims, upon the death of his brother, in favour of his sister and family. Upon his arrival at Maestricht, which he had not visited for many years, the Captain is reminded of having been instrumental in depriving a brother officer of his life. He appears to have been entirely blameless, for his antagonist, after taking offence at what was never intended, and refusing all explanation, rushed upon him with his sword drawn, and our hero was obliged to defend himself. The whole contest was witnessed by several soldiers from the walls of the town, and after a regimental trial, he was honourably acquitted. It is recorded, however, that the anniversary of the day was always observed by him as one of humiliation. It is touching to find that he visited the scene of this fatal rencontre, and made a fervent prayer to be absolved from the "crimson dye of that poor man's blood." Another instance occurs of his receiving a challenge, which he refuses to accept, when his adversary threatened to post him as a coward. Some desperate undertaking being resolved upon, the Duke of Marlborough hesitated as to which officer should take the command, when Captain Blackader volunteered his services, which were accepted. He came off uninjured, although with great loss of men; his character as a brave man and an able officer was raised in general estimation by this circumstance, which evinced that his refusal did not arise from lack of courage, but from the heartfelt conviction, that no code of honour, although supported by the example of his military superiors, and enforced by the penalties of infamy amongst men of the world, could justify duelling; a practice happily no longer prevalent as in past days. The memorable campaign of 1704, afforded Captain Blackader further opportunities of gaining distinction, and he expresses his belief, that he shall be able to set ! up his "Ebenezers" through Germany. Although he betrays an irritability of mind at times, yet there is not one entry of anxiety about facing the approaching dangers, and scarcely any regarding bodily fatigue; but the inclement weather, and the almost impassable state of the roads, might have afforded reasonable grounds for such complaints; it is, however, evident that his composure did not arise from thoughtlessness of his condition; his constant exercise of private devotion prevented his being overcome by surprise, and made him prepared for all vicissitudes. In the battle of Schellenberg, he was not called into action, for only a portion of his regiment was actively engaged; on the day following, there is this remarkable entry :-" June 22nd. In the evening I went alone into the field of battle, and there got a preaching from the dead. The carcases were very thick strewed upon the ground, naked and corrupting; yet all this works no impression or reformation upon us, seeing the bodies of our comrades and friends lying as dung upon the face of the earth. Lord, make me humble and thankful! I trusted in Thee that I should set up many Ebenezers through Germany, and here in the field of the slain do I set up my memorial, Hitherto thou hast helped me.' The next entry will remind the reader of some of the intelligence preceding, and even subsequent to, the preparations made by Great Britain and France against the designs of Russia upon Turkey; it is this: "Things begin now in this country to take another aspect. Nothing is talked of here but accommodation and peace; but perhaps we count without our host too hastily." This remark was made just before the battle of Blenheim was fought. It is not within our limits to describe the thrice-told 6 999 tale of the battle of Blenheim, further than to say, that after an engagement of five hours, the allies, under many disadvantages, gained as complete a victory as any on record in modern times. The Danube, since become of historical importance, and "familiar in our mouths as household words," received in its waters thirty battalions of the enemy, who threw themselves into the river to escape, and perished before the eyes of the victors. Twenty-eight battalions, and twelve squadrons of horse, surrendered; and the British, after the toils of the day, remained on their arms all night to guard the prisoners, who were kept enclosed in a hollow square, formed by the troops at the village of Blenheim, on which duty Captain Blackader was one of the officers employed. He speaks of the wound he received as follows:-- 66 Among the rest, I have also got a small touch of a wound in the throat; but this, so far from making me doubt of the care of Providence, is really to me a great confirmation, and a remarkable instance of His protection; for the wound is so gently and mercifully directed, that there is no danger; whereas, if it had been half an inch either to one side or other, it might have proved mortal or dangerous." On the following morning he revisited the scene of attack, and there, among the dead, again gave thanks for his wonderful deliverance. Captain Blackader returned to Scotland in the autumn, in order to recruit the regiment, and rejoined the army in May, 1705. In writing to his wife, he remarked, “You see I have altered my seal, and chosen another motto,-Séparés de corps et non de I ought, both as a soldier and a cœurs. Christian, to wish that I loved earthly enjoyments Let me know what you are at present reading." Pursuing "" come. "July 4th. This morning, putting my hand to a small affair before prayer, it went wrong. I checked myself that I should undertake anything before prayer, so I went to my knees; and after prayer I set about the same affair, and went through it with ease. His regiment formed part of the twenty battalions which, under General Churchill, were to have commenced the attack on the enemy, in his well fortified and strong post at Waterloo. The Duke of Marlborough's intention was overruled by the Dutch generals, who pronounced the enterprise too hazardous; otherwise an Addison might probably have written on a subject which failed to increase the popularity of Sir Walter Scott, when commemorating |