Page:History of the Scottish rebellion, 1745.pdf/11

 considerable, and when their noble leader was cut down by numerous wounds.

Macgregor's company did great execution with their seythes. They cut the legs of the horses in two; and their riders through the middle of their bodies. Macgregor was brave and intrepid, but, at the same time, altogether whimsical and singular. When advancing to the charge with his company, he received five wounds, two of them from balls that pierced his body through and through. Stretched on the ground with his head resting on his hand, he called out to the Highlanders of his company, "My lads, I am not dead —by G— I shall see if any of you does not do his duty!" The Highlanders instantly fell on the flanks of the infantry: which being uncovered and exposed from the flight of the cavalry, immediately gave way. Thus, in less than five minutes a complete victory was obtained; with a terrible carnage on the part of the enemy. It was gained with such rapidity that the second line saw no other enemy on the field of battle than those who were lying on the ground killed and wounded, though they were not more than fifty paces behind the first line, running always as fast as they could to overtake them, and near enough never to lose sight of them.

Thus ended the battle of Prestonpans so dishonourable to the royal troops, whose loss was from 300 to 1000 killed, 1000 prisoners, 6 field pieces, mortars, all the tents, baggage, and military chest. General Cope, by means of a white cockade which he put in his hat, similar to what was worn by the rebels, passed through the midst of the Highlanders, without being known, and escaped to England, where he carried the first news of his defeat. The loss of the Highlanders