In the succeeding century, when the balance of power in Europe was destroyed by the union of France and Spain, and LOUIS XIV. sought to dictate laws to Christendom, this regiment was one of the first which appeared at the scene of conflict, and it shared in the victories of BLENHEIM, RAMILIES, OUDENARDE, and MALPLAQUET, also in the honour of capturing the fortresses which that ambitious monarch had erected as bulwarks to his kingdom; and thus purchased peace for Europe. When BONAPARTE, whose hatred and jealousy of England were unalterable, sought to become more than the dictator of Europe, this regiment met the legions of the usurper, and fought and triumphed in battles, which are inscribed on its colours as monuments to stimulate to deeds of valour the men of future generations, who shall enrol themselves under the banners of the ROYAL REGIMENT. Besides these leading features of its career, in which the national character and influence have been elevated, this regiment has evinced equally brilliant qualities in actions which, though less important in their bearing on the affairs of Europe, have attested the intrinsic merit of the corps, and have purchased numerous advantages to the commerce, power, stability, and happiness of Britain. FOOTNOTES: [6] Bishop Lesley; and Abercromby's Martial Achievements of the Scots Nation. [7] L'Escosse Françoise, par A. Houston; and the Translator's Preface to Beauge's History of the Campaigns in 1548 and 1549. [8] Milan, a military publisher remarkable for correct dates, states, in an account of the French army printed in 1746, that the _Scots Gendarmes_ were instituted in 1422, and the _Scots Garde du Corps_ in 1440. Père Daniel, the French military historian, adduces proof that they were instituted by Charles VII., but does not give the dates. [9] Bishop Lesley; and Philip de Commines. [10] List of the French army printed at the time. [11] L'Ecosse Françoise, par A. Houston. [12] Histoire de la Milice Françoise, par Le Père Daniel. 2 tom. 4to. Paris, 1721. [13] The companies obtained from the Netherlands were part of a distinguished body of Scots, who had been many years in the service of the States-General of the United Provinces; and were, in consequence of a truce having been concluded for 12 years, at liberty to engage in the service of Sweden. Vide _Historical Record of the Third Foot_. [14] Introduction de Puffendorf, tome iv. p. 84. [15] Harte's Life of Guslavus Adolphus.