Good Luck charm

Military

A good luck charm made for Colonel John Cameron of Fassiefern (1771 – 1815). It is made from tartan silk and contains a pebble, pieces of stalk, speedwell seeds sewn in, with a tiny padlock and a letter. The letter reads "Col. Cameron, 92 Regt. Foot. Sir: I am all gratitude for your former kindness. When I heard the regt. was leaving town I was more troubled than I can express. I am ever bound to pray for your welfare, as a token of my gratitude I send a small bag, if you should chance to go to battle, or an (..) of honour, it will be no great trouble to put it round your neck. I trust it will save you from your enemy, which is the wish of - your humble servant, Unity Mathews". It was gifted by Unity Mathews to the Colonel. It didn't bring him much luck though. He was killed at Quatre Bras in June 1815 the day before the Battle of Waterloo.

Material: silk, organic material

Size: L 120 mm x W 40 mm (approx)

Sources: West Highland Museum