At the present time, when so many histories of regiments I in existence are being written, I have been induced to set down one dealing with a Highland corps long since disbanded and the force to which it belonged well nigh forgotten. The services rendered to their country by the Fencibles throw an interesting sidelight on a critical period of British history, 'when wars with France were frequent, and the ambition of Napoleon threatened to overwhelm every country in Europe, and reduce them to the domination of France.

Raised for the most part in Scotland, these corps, which were in reality regular troops but for the internal protection the country only, played an important part in the defense of our islands, worthy of more notice than has hitherto been accorded them.

The limited service of the Fencibles, debarring them as from participating in the stirring events then passing Europe, has led many to believe that their life was in consequence uneventful and not worthy of notice. Of some whose services were confined to England and Scotland this may be partly true, but not so those who served in Ireland during the troublous times of '98.