Page:A record of European armour and arms through seven centuries (Volume 5).djvu/78



Middle of the XVIIIth century. Collection: Mr. W. C. Crewdson

their pistols and throw them at the heads of the enemy; they then draw their broadswords, which they brandish in the most furious manner, and rushing on they receive the pike or bayonet on their targets, endeavouring with their swords to destroy as many of the enemy as possible. Nothing could have withstood the Highland charge, from the strength of the men, and from the activity, impetuosity, and spirit with which it was executed, if the Highlanders had adopted either the musket and bayonet or the pike; but it was found in various instances, particularly at the Battle of Culloden, that the broadsword and target were no match for the musket and bayonet in the hands of steady troops. It was seldom that the dirk was used in battle, unless against a flying enemy who had thrown away their arms from terror. The dirk is a short poignard, of a shape peculiar to Scotland, and admirably well calculated for the purpose of close encounter. It was of old a practice to make a hole in the dirk, in which a ribbon or string was inserted for every person that had been killed by it; and being constantly worn about the person, it was also usual to have a knife and fork annexed to it, when those appendages to the table were not so common as at present. It may also be proper to remark, as an old custom, that if a Highlander drew his dirk and kissed it, it could not with any principle of honour be made use