Page:Gallant exploits of Lord Dundee.pdf/15

Rh hock of horse; the attack made upon them with their own weapon, the broad-sword; the size of dra'oon horses appearing larger to them, from a comparison with those of their country, but above all, a belief entertained, universally among the lower class of highlanders, that a war-horse is taught to fight with his feet and his teeth.

Notwithstanding all these advantages, the victories of the highlanders have always been more honourable for themselves, than of consequence to others. river stopped their course, because they were unaccustomed to swim: A fort had the same effect, because they knew not the science of attack: They wanted cannon, carriages, and magazines, from their poverty and ignorance in the arts: they spoke an unknown language: and therefore could derive their resources only from themselves. Although their respect for their chieftains gave them, as long as they continued in the field, that exact habit of obedience, which only the excessive rigour of discipline can secure over other troops; yet, as soon as the victory was gained, they accounted their duty, which was to conquer, fulfilled, and ran many of them home to account their feats, and store up their plunder; and, n spring and harvest, more were obliged to retire or eave their women and children to die of famine. Their chieftains too were apt to separate from the army, upon quarrels and points of honour among themselves and with others.

After Dundee had been obliged to lose the first, and therefore best opportunities of action, the long-expected succour arrived from Ireland in the end of June; and consisted of no more than 500 raw and spiritless recruits, without provisions and ammunition. He received at the same time intelligence, that M'Kay