Page:Narrative of the Battles of Drumclog, and Bothwell Bridge (1).pdf/4

4 Never did I witness such animation in the looks of men. For me, my spouse and my little children were in the rear. My native plains, and the halls of my father, far below, in the deal of Aven, were in full view, from the heights which we occupied. My country seemed to raise her voice—the bleeding church seemed to waile aloud. 'And these,' I said, as Clavers and his troops winded slowly down the dark mountains' side, 'these are the unworthy slaves, and bloody excctionersexectioners [sic], by which the tyrant completes our miseries.'

Hamilton here displayed the hero. His portly figure was seen hastening fron rank to rank. He inspired courage into our raw and undisciplined troops. The brave Hackstone, and Hall of Haughhead, stood at the head of the foot, and re-cchoedechoed [sic] the sentiments of their Chief. Burley and Cleland had inflamed the minds of the horsemen on the left to a noble enthusiasm. My small troop on the right needed no exhortation: we were a band of brothers, resolved to conqueror or fall.

The trumpet of Clavers sounded a loud not of defiance—the kettle drum mixed its tumultuous roll—they halted—they made a long pause. We could see an officer with four file, conducting 15 persons from the ranks, to a knoll on their left. I could perceive one in black: it was my friend King, the Chaplain at Lord Cardross, who had been take by Clavers at Hamilton. 'Let them be shot through the head,' said Clavers, in his usual dry way, 'if they should offer to run away.' We could see him view our position with great care. His officers came around him, We soon learned that he wished to treat with us. He never betrayed symptoms of mercy or of justice, nor offered terms of reconciliation unless when he dreaded that he had met his match; and, even then, it was only a manoeuvre to gain time, or to deceive. His flag approached