342 B I0 GR A P HI C d L SKETCHES.
examination of original documents, and the various public records. This work
indeed forms part only of his contemplated scheme, for, had his life been spared,
he intended to have followed it up with another volume relating to the other
great division, or the Central Highlands, which could not have failed to have
proved of even greater historical interest, independently of what he purposed
to have prefixed-“A Dissertation on the Manners, Customs, and Laws of the
Highlanders,” at an early period ; and for which, we believe, he had collected
very important materials.
No. CXXXVII.
DR. JAMES GREGORY,
IN THE UNIFORX OF THE ROYAL EDINBURGH VOLUhTEERS.
WHEN this loyal corps was formed, in 1793, DR. GREGORYe ntered warmly
into the spirit of the design, and was among the first to enrol himself in the
ranks. The
well-known Sergeant Gould used to say, “he might be a good physician, but he
was a very awkward soldier.” At drill he was either very absent or very
inquisitive, and put so many questions, that Gould, out of temper, often said-
“D-n it, sir, you are here to obey orders, and not to ask reasons; there is
nothing in the King’s orders about reasons !”
Aware of his deficiency, the Doctor was not only punctual in attending all
regimental field-days, but frequently had the Sergeant-Major at his own house
to give him instructions, On one of these occasions, the Sergeant, out of all
patience with the awkwardness and inquisitiveness of his learned pupil, exclaimed
in B rage-“Hold your tongue, sir; I would rather drill ten clowns than one
philosopher !”
Small parties of the volunteers were drilled privately in the Circus (afterwards
the Adelphi Theatre). On one of these occasions, while marching across the stage,
the trap-door used by the players haviig been inadvertently left unbolted, the
Doctor suddenly disappeared to the ‘‘ shades below;” upon which a wag
belonging to the corps exclaimed-“ Exit Gregor’s Ghost ! ”I
He never, however, attained eminence in his military capacity.
An allusion to a popdar Scotch ballad called “Young Gregor’s Ghost.”