Scottish War Tunes
General Buford and his dismounted troopers holding off the Confederates on the morning of July 1, 1863. (Photo Credit: Gallon.com ) During the American Civil War, 1861-65, an Scottish military tune associated with the Campbell Clan of Scotland was heard playing during the bloody battle of Gettysburg . On July 1, 1863, part of Robert E. Lee’s Confederate army had invaded Pennsylvania and faced up to dismounted Union cavalry under General John Buford . The Union troops set up to defend the high ground around the small town, and win enough crucial time for infantry to arrive. Finally one of the best names of the Army of the Potomac , the Iron Brigade , would arrive, which included musicians, from Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan regiments. They played the Scottish standard “ The Campbells Are Coming ” as they marched to Buford’s rescue. The Iron Brigade beat back the troops opposing them and took up a position on MacPherson’s...
Robert Fergusson (1750-1774) is a important figure in the evolution of Scots poetry, serving as a link between the generation of Allan Ramsay and the work of Robert Burns and others. He possessed such a range in Scots and English and was comfortable and skilled in using both literary languages. He could be satirical, comical, a rich story-teller, or a melancholy commentator. He was able to cover urban and pastoral themes, and created characters that were brought to life through his verse. He also brought the Scots dialect to the fore, emphasising the colour and vividness that the sounds and meanings can bring to poetry. Several of the poems of Robert Burns are clearly influenced by Robert Fergusson.
ReplyDeleteAt the age of twenty-four Robert Ferguson had produced a remarkable body of work. If he had survived for longer it is tempting to imagine what he could have achieved or how high his creativity would have soured. Whilst Robert Burns and Robert Louis Stevenson and other artists have recognised the contribution of Robert Ferguson, maybe it is time that Scotland was offered more opportunities to celebrate one of her most talented sons.
Selected Poems in Old Scots: Robert Ferguson (1750-1774): The Poet who influenced Robert Burns and others https://amzn.eu/d/eaPZS1H
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