Chief                                              Directors

James R. Campbell                               Henry A. Brown

Chieftain                                       James Denny

Elizabeth Maysilles, Ph.D                       Ann Hankins

Secretary                                       Lorraine McConnell

Robert A. Murtha, Jr.                           Kenneth Stuart, Ph.D   

Treasurer                                       Irene Zvonik, Ph.D

Deanna Wolf

 

_________The New York Caledonian Club, Inc.________

P. O. BOX 4542, GRAND CENTRAL STATION,NEW YORK, NY 10163-4542 Telephone (212) 662-1083

http://www.nycaledonian.org

 

 

 

February 13, 2002

 

 

 

The Honorable George E. Pataki

Governor of he State of New York

State Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

 

Dear Gov. Pataki:

 

New York State, during the Civil War, had as part of its State Militia, a regiment known as the 79th New York Cameron Highlanders. This kilted regiment had a distinguished career in the Civil War and its record has been well documented. At the end of the Civil War, the regiment was disbanded.

 

Recently, Dr. John Beatty mentioned to us that he had written to you about the possibility of having the regiment reinstated as a part of the State Militia. He has shown us his communications with you in which he outlines briefly some of his ideas. The regiment would be one of a few, if not the only official regiment in the United States that would have kilts as part of the dress uniform. It could perform ceremonial duties on State occasions and also be able to function as a regular part of the State Militia.

 

National Tartan Day, April 6, 2002, is the ideal time to announce the 79th as an actual New York State regiment. There will be 10,000 pipers marching in New York City from around the world. This will likely be the largest number of pipers ever assembled. Given the time constraints, only a small contingent, perhaps a color guard, could appear on that date. Still, seeing this famous kilted regiment active again for the first time in more than 100 years would be a thrilling sight! One suspects it would always be whenever they appeared. On this Tartan Day, we hope that New York State will proudly honor the contributions of Scots.

 

The New York Caledonian Club, Inc. was the sponsoring agent for the raising of the original 79th New York Highlanders. Now, more than 100 years later, we, as that same organization, urge you to support Dr. Beatty’s idea and activate the regiment once again.

 

Reactivating the regiment would be impressive worldwide and would doubtless earn you the gratitude of the tens of thousands of people of Scottish descent. We sincerely hope you will consider this proposal and act on it quickly.

 

Sincerely yours,




 

James R. Campbell

73rd Chief

 

 


Member of               Council of Scottish Clans and Associations, Inc.