In the beginning of 1690 the newly-raised horse were formed into a regiment, of only three troops, of which the Earl of Eglintoun was appointed colonel,--the Honorable William Forbes (eldest son of Lord Forbes), lieut.-colonel,--and Sir George Gordon, of Edinglassie, major; the dragoons were also formed into a regiment of three troops, under the command of Lord Cardross,--Jackson, lieut.-colonel, and--Guthrie, major; at the same time three of the newly-raised regiments of foot were incorporated into one, which were placed under the orders of Colonel Cunningham.
During the subsequent contest the two cavalry corps performed much harassing and faithful service; they took part in several skirmishes, and evinced intrepidity and valour; the clans were repulsed and driven back to the mountains; garrisons were placed in the heart of the Highland districts, and the adherents of King James lost all hope of success.
In the following winter the Scots army was remodelled; several corps of infantry were disbanded; and the two regiments of cavalry, of three troops each, were incorporated and constituted a regiment of dragoons, of six troops of fifty men each, of which ROBERT CUNNINGHAM was appointed colonel by commission dated the 30th of December, 1690; William Forbes was appointed lieut.-colonel; and Patrick Hume, major. The corps thus formed now bears the distinguished title of the SEVENTH, OR QUEEN'S OWN, REGIMENT OF HUSSARS, and its services form the subject of the following pages. Until the reign of King George II., it was distinguished by the name of its colonel.
Being constituted of men of approved fidelity and devotion to the principles of the Revolution, CUNNINGHAM'S regiment was held in estimation by the government; it was quartered near the confines of the Highlands, to hold in check the disaffected clans; and was afterwards removed to the vicinity of Edinburgh. In August, 1691, a proclamation was published, proffering indemnity and pardon to all persons who would submit to the government and take the oath of allegiance to King William and Queen Mary. Before the end of January, 1692, the heads of clans had ratified their submission, and hostilities ceased in Scotland.