A question on ethics...

[macwilkin]

The Scots-Irish culture, religion, governmental notions, rugged individualist spirit all make America what it is. There were kilted men fighting for America's Freedom in the Revolutionary War. Scots-Irish descendants took the very best of what was in Scotland, Ireland, Whales and England and established a New World. James Webb's book, Born Fighting, documents this extensively.

Chris,

Sorry to be a stickler, but the majority of the Ulster-Scots were Lowlanders and Protestants to boot who viewed the "wild Highlanders" the same way they later viewed the native Americans -- or the "wild Irish". Lowlanders did not wear kilts, and the majority of Highlanders in the colonies were Loyalists; many were former Jacobites who already been through one revolution. The most famous example was Flora MacDonald. In fact, it has been said that the last Highland Charge occured at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in North Carolina, with Loyalist Highland troops yelling "King George and Broadswords!" as they charged the Patriot forces, most of whom were Scots-Irish/Ulster-Scots. Many left after the Revolution and went to Nova Scotia and Ontario. Some Jacobites, like Hugh Mercer, did serve with the Patriot forces -- but I can't say I've ever seen any evidence of him wearing Highland garb.

Scots at one point were villified by the American colonials, even to the point of Jefferson mentioning the "Scotch mercenaries" in the Declaration of Independence -- the Rev. John Witherspoon, himself a Scot asked TJ to remove that line. I also remember a reference to Scottish POW's being insulted by colonials as they were escorted behind the lines, and most of said colonials would have been Scots-Irish!

BTW, watch Webb's book -- more personal opinion than documented evidence. Leyburn's "the Scotch-Irish: a Social History" is far better. You might also take a look at James Hunter's "A Dance Called America" Celeste Ray's "Highland Heritage", Duane Meyer's "The Highland Scots of North Carolina" and Fischer's "Albion's Seed". Much more reliable sources on the Ulster Scots. I've seen several very negitive reviews of Webb from very good scholars. I wasn't impressed with it when I read it, for what that's worth. Leyburn is much more reliable, and he debunks the myth of the Scots-Irish wearing kilts in the introduction.

Regards,

Todd

[Chris Webb]

Todd,

I'll look into the other books you mentioned. It's said that sociology is more an art than a science and Webb's book is highly sociological.

I know that there were kilted members of Washington's Army but I can't find the source to save my life. I had done some research trying to find proof that we are actually healthier wearing kilts when I came across a quote from a letter to Washington seeking permission to wear 'the garb of our forefathers' rather than the normal trousers. It was noted that the 'kilted' soldiers did indeed fare better during the harsh winter than trousered soldiers. Exactly who these men were was not mentioned.

Anyway, I'll keep trying to find that quote.

My main point, though, stand as written.

Thanks,

Chris

[Retro Red]

My two cents worth...

I kind of lean toward the attitude of - hey, I live in America; I can wear any d@#^ tartan kilt I want!

And here's a little something I've read that might help sooth the conscience of our more traditionally oriented brothers - "In reality, the chief of a Clan would ingather any stranger, of whatever family, who possessed suitable skills, maintained his allegiance and, if required, adopted the Clan surname."

So, are you feeling like a Murray today? Than wear that Murray tartan with pride! As for tomorrow, well, it's not like the Scots were never known to switch allegiances... :rolleyes:

On a side note, that brings to mind the forgotten "Scottish" verse of the song "That's Amore." It goes like this (sing along) -

If the tartan you've seen,
Is ITI number 219,
That's a Murray...

Keep a smile on, folks!
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