Claverhouse was not left long in idleness. In 1664, the year of the
first Indulgence, it had been determined to withdraw the regular troops
altogether from Scotland, leaving their place to be supplied by the
local militia, which was now practically raised to the condition of a
standing army and, contrary to immemorial law, placed under the
immediate authority of the Crown. But the bishops and their clergy had
demurred. They had little fancy for being left with no other protection
than a half-disciplined rabble, who, ready as they might be to act
against their troublesome countrymen, had no more respect for a lawn
sleeve than for a homespun jerkin. A few troops of regular cavalry were
therefore retained, and one regiment of Foot Guards. The former were
commanded by Athole, the latter by Linlithgow. Towards the end of 1677 a
fresh troop of cavalry was raised, and the command given to the young
Marquis of Montrose, grandson to him who had died on the scaffold and
kinsman to Claverhouse.

Claverhouse applied to him for employment, and it appears from
Montrose's answer that the application had been warmly backed by the
Duke of York. "You cannot imagine," runs the letter, "how overjoyed I
should be to have any employment at my disposal that were worthy of your
acceptance; nor how much I am ashamed to offer you anything so far below
your merit as that of being my lieutenant; though I be fully persuaded
that it will be a step to a much more considerable employment, and will
give you occasion to confirm the Duke in the just and good opinion which
I do assure you he has of you." The writer goes on to say that he
himself was expecting instant promotion, and to promise his kinsman a
share in whatever fortune might befall him: none but gentlemen, he adds,
are to ride in his troop. The offer was accepted, and the promotion was
not long delayed.