Page:Narrative of the Battles of Drumclog, and Bothwell Bridge (1).pdf/24

24 their lives. He had just finished his usual oath against their 'feelings of humanity,' when Paton presented himself. He instantly let go his prey and slung back into the midst of his troopers. Having formed them, he advanced.— We formed, and made a furious onset. At our first charge his troop reeled. Clavers was dismounted.— But at that moment Dalzel assailed us on the flank and rear.Our men fell around us like grass before the mower. The buglemen sounded a retreat. Once more in the mele I fell in with the General and Paton, We were covered with wounds. We directed our flight in the rear of our broken troops. By the direction of the General I had unfurled the standard. It was borne off the field flying at the sword's point. But that honour cost me much. I was assailed by three fierce dragoons; five followed close in the rear. I called to Paton,—in a moment he was by my side. I threw the standard to the General, and we rushed on the foe. They fell beneath our swords; but my faithful steed, which had carried me through all my dangers, was mortally wounded. He fell. I was thrown in among the fallen enemy. I fainted. I opened my eyes on misery. I found myself in the presence of Monmouth—a prisoner—with other wretched creatures, awaiting, in awful suspence, their ultimate destiny. **** W. C. B

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