"The first Independent Highland Companies were raised from clan sources by order of the British Government from 1603 onwards to help 'keep the peace in the braes', and were last mustered in 1760. They were the true progenitors of the world-famous Highland regiments, the first of which was the Black Watch, raised in the early 18th century." "Following the success of that regiment at Fontenoy it was evident that the Scottish Highlands could offer a pool of fighting men of outstanding physique and bravery, who subsequently became part-and-parcel of the British armed forces." "Here are presented the facts and factors relating to the military and social background to the mustering, maintenance and disbandment of those early clan forces over a period of a century and a half, encompassing one of the most turbulent periods in Scottish history."--BOOK JACKET.