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Preface
These notes have been put
together in compliance with a natural desire on the part of many Ayrshire
Yeomen to know something of the previous history of the regiment in which
their fathers have served, and in which their sons will in due course
succeed them.
It is to be regretted that the early history of the Carrick Troop, during
the closing years of last century, is so meagre: such particulars as are
given were obtained by the late Captain Hunter of Hunterston, in 1856, from
Quartermaster Henderson, who joined the troop in the year 1802.
Among the many fidends to whom thanks are due for information and assistance
given, the first place must be assigned to the late Captain Hunter, without
whose invaluable orderly-book this history would have been very much less
consecutive than it is. Thanks are also due to Mrs. Hunter for the great
interest she has taken in this work; to Major John Lorn Stewart of Coll,
late Adjutant, who suggested the idea of giving permanency to these records,
and who formed a valuable nucleus of notes; to Mr. D. Murray Lyon, author of
Ayr in the Olden Time; and to many old yeomen (among whom may be
particularised Mr. D. Cuningham, Chapelton), who have ransacked the stores
of their memories with results which are full of local interest.
The work which has been given the Ayrshire Yeomanry to do in the past has
always been performed in such a manner as to obtain the approbation of those
competent to judge. It is true that the days of rioting and disaffection
have passed away—haply never to return—but there is still work, and more
congenial work, for Yeomen to accomplish, in quietly but earnestly preparing
themselves so that they may be able to render efficient service to their
country in her hour of need, should that hour ever come.
Under their experienced and justly popular commander, esprit de corps has
never been stronger than it is at present; and that this spirit may survive
and flourish, not only in this particular regiment, but in every branch of
the Reserve Forces, must be the heartfelt desire of all who wish well to
their native land.
W. S. C.
Failford, May 1881.
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