Old methods, new century


By Jennifer Harper


A renewed threat of invasion from Napoleon forced the government to raise another 50,000-strong Army of Reserve, but they only managed to recruit 35,000. They had no alternative but to rely on the ‘patriotism of the people’ through a volunteer movement to resist invasion. Within weeks 280,000 men had volunteered, swelling to almost half a million within months.


It is thought that the rally cry printed by T Johnston of Falkirk on behalf of its anonymous author in 1803, was published as a result of this national call for help. The threat of invasion to the south of England was very real but – perhaps as a result of the failed atempt by the First French Republic to aid the Society of United Irishmen to rise against the British in Expedition d’Irlande in 1796 – it seems there was now also a threat that Napoleon may


Within weeks 280,000 men had volunteered, swelling to almost half a million within months.


land on Scotish soil. The North-East of the country was an obvious target, but so too was the Firth of Forth, especially with the Carron-Works’ shot and artillery depot near Falkirk.


The pamphlet, which is held within the Murray of Polmaise collection in Stirling Council Archives, outlines various outcomes should Napoleon invade Scotland. The author describes him or herself as ‘one of yourselves, who is desirous of impressing you with a deep sense of the public danger’. Explaining the decision to retain anonymity, the


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