The Campbell of Argyll Militia

In the 18th century, Scotland was embroiled in a series of political and ideological conflicts that would come to be known as the Jacobite risings. One of the key players in these conflicts was the Campbell of Argyll Militia, a powerful and dedicated force that played a crucial role in both defending the British government and hunting down the Jacobites.

The Campbell of Argyll Militia was formed in 1745 by John Campbell, 4th Duke of Argyll, the chief of the Clan Campbell. The men of the militia were raised from the clan lands of Argyll in the Scottish Highlands, and they were given official permission from the government to form the unit. Despite this, however, the Campbell of Argyll Militia was not considered an official regiment of the line of the British Army.

The Campbell of Argyll Militia saw action in several key battles during the Jacobite rising of 1745. On March 20th, 1746, a detachment of the militia was defeated at the Skirmish of Keith. However, from March 20th to April 3rd, 300 men of the Campbell of Argyll Militia helped in the successful defense of Fort William during the Siege of Fort William.

Twelve companies of the Campbell of Argyll Militia, led by John Campbell, 5th Duke of Argyll, fought against the Jacobites at the Battle of Falkirk Muir, but were ultimately defeated. Four companies of the Campbell of Argyll Militia, however, fought for the British Government at the Battle of Culloden in 1746 and the Jacobites were defeated. The Argyll Militia delivered devastating musket fire on the right flank of the Jacobite army, and only one member of the Argyll Militia was returned as a casualty during the battle.

After the Jacobite rising of 1745 was over, both the 4th and 5th Dukes of Argyll used the Campbell of Argyll Militia to hunt down the Jacobites. They took part in the Raids on Lochaber and Shiramore from May to August 1746. However, according to a Campbell historian, the Campbell of Argyll Militia had behaved with some compassion. The Duke of Argyll was formally congratulated by King George II of Great Britain on the behavior of the Argyll Militia.