Page:History of the Scottish rebellion, 1745.pdf/10

 over the cannon they found themselves opposed to a squadron of dragoons under Lieutenant Colonel Whitney, which was advancing to attack them. They hold only to fire a few shots, when these not yet recovered from their former-fright, wheeled about, and fled over the artillery guard, which was accordingly dispersed. The posterior squadron of dragoons, under Colonel Gardiner himself, was then ordered to advance the attack. Their gallant old commander led them forward, encouraging them as well as he could by the way; but they had not proceeded many steps, when, receiving a few shots from the Highlanders, they reeled, turned, and followed their companions.

If Gardiner's dragoons behaved thus ill, Hamilton's at the other extremity of the army, may be said to have behaved still worse. No sooner has they seen their fellows flying before the Camerons, then they also turned about and fled, without having bred a caarbine, and while the McDonalds were still at a little distance.

The infantry, when deserted by those from whom they were taught to expect support, gave way on all hands, without having reloaded their pieces or stained a single bayonet with blood. The whole at once threw down their arms, either to lighten them in their flight, or to signify that they surrendered; and many fell upon their knees before the impetuous Highlanders, to beg the quarter which, in the hurry of the moment, could scarcely be given them. One small party alone of the army had the resolution to make any resistance. They fought for a brief space under the command of Colonel Gardiner, who, deserted by his own troop, and observing their gallant behaviour, thought proper to put himself at their head. They only fled when they had suffered