consequently, at noon on 26 january 1778, a procession of the city's civic dignitaries met at the town hall, and marched through the streets of glasgow in search of recruits. at the head of the procession were the city's halbardiers led by mr gray bearing an enormous sword and acting as sergeant. the provost, a mr donald, followed, with the town council, deacon-convener, the fourteen deacons, assorted dignitaries, and the colours of the regiment, and a large following of gentlemen wearing cockades in their hats. ingram brought up the rear. two fifers and two drummers provided music with james finlay in the centre of the party on the bagpipes.