Page:History of the Scottish rebellion, 1745.pdf/15

 Highlanders were getting past the Royal Army and had reached Derby, within four days march of the capital, a degree of consternation pervaded the public mind, of which it is impossible to convey any idea. The shops were shut, and many of the inhabitants fled to the country; the bank only escaped bankruptcy by paying in sixpences to gain time; and the King committed his most valuable effects to at the Tower stairs, which he ordered to be ready for sailing at a moment's notice. The Majesty of England himself alarmed in the highest degree, had ordered his own flag to be erected upon Blackheath; thereby personally imploring assistance from his subjects, and signifying his intention of disputing the crown with his formidable rival.

Whilst every preparation was making for giving battle to the Duke of Cumberland, a courier arrived from Lord John Drummond, informing the Prince of his having landed at Montrose with his regiment of Royal Scots raised in France, and some picquets of the Irish brigade, the whole of which had embarked, besides several French regiments; and that he had a force of 3000 men composed of the troops partly brought by him and partly of the Highlanders who could not join the army before their departure for England.

In the afternoon of the 5th a council was held to judge whether they should advance on or return to Scotland and avail themselves of the reinforcements of Lord John Drummond and wait in that country for the succour which was held out to them by him. The Prince obstinately insisted on giving battle next morning, and the advance on London; but after a long and keen debate, it was agreed to fall back. The retreat was at length fixed to take place next morning.