EDWARD F. RIMBAULT.

3.  Augustus Square, Park Village East.

Martello Towers (Vol. ii., p. 9. and p. 110.).—­The interesting account of Le Tellier’s defence in Corsica, shows clearly what first drew the attention of our government to these forts but E.V.’s queries do not yet seem satisfactorily answered.  The late Duke of Richmond, it is said, gave the plan of the first erected along the British Channel.  But as to their name and origin I apprehend that (as in the case of Charles Martel, whose blows also fell so numberless and effectual on the heads of enemies, Vol. i., p. 86.) the old Frank word martel is much more likely to have originated the name than any locality, town, or tower, in either Spain or Corsica and the following extract from Dr. Robertson’s Life of Charles V. (bk. c. p. 452., 8vo. ed.) should not be passed over in their history:—­

“The commerce of the Mediterranean was greatly interrupted by his cruisers (viz.  Haseen Aga’s, about 1541), and such frequent alarms given to the coast of Spain, that there was a necessity of erecting watch towers at proper distances, and of keeping guards constantly on foot, in order to descry the approach of his squadrons, and to protect the inhabitants from his descents.”

The doctor then gives marginal reference to Jovii Hist.  L. 40. p. 266. for authority.  I have not Jovius, nor access to him here but I would be obliged by learning whether he gives any and what more specific account of these towers, or how they were called.

LAMBDA. {174}

Highland Kilts.—­I have waited a “reasonable time” to learn a little about kilts from your correspondents; but seeing that no one has yet entered the arena, I forward an additional glove to cast before any member of the Scottish societies luxuriating in London.  It is from a work written by one of themselves, hight Dr. Macculloch, who, in his Highlands and Western Isles of Scotland (vol. i. p. 176.), gives a whole chapter on northern attire, which is well worth attention.  To be sure, he is rather merciless on some of Sandy’s present likings, showing them to be of no standing as to time; and he declares that the kilt resembles the loricated skirts of the Roman tunica, only just as much as Macedon does Monmouth.  I will not mention how he laughs at the groups of masquerading Highlanders; but will proceed to lay an extract before you, which may incite inquiry and reply: 

“A few enthusiasts have amused themselves with deriving the Highland kilt from one of the dresses of the Romans, to which the resemblance is sufficiently vague.  These worthy antiquaries forget the anger they feel at the bare notion that the Romans ever interfered with the Highlanders....”

“The Roman theory of the kilt is, indeed, demolished at one blow, by the fact, that this article of dress in an independent form,