Page:Narrative of the battles of Drumclog, and Bothwell Bridge (2).pdf/19

19 their ranks. But they had now lengthened their front. Superior numbers drove us in. They had gained entire possession of the bridge. Livingstone and Dalzell were actually taking us on the flank.--A band had got between us and Burley's infantry. 'My friends,' said Hackstone to his officers, we are last on the field. We can do no more.--We must retreat.--Let us attempt, at least, to bring aid to the deluded men behind us. They have brought ruin on themselves and on us. Not Monmouth, but our own divisions have scattered us.

At this moment one of the life-guards aimed a blow at Hackstone--My sword received it--and a stroke from Nesbit laid the foeman's hand and sword in the dust. He fainted and tumbled from the saddle. We reined our horses, and galloped to our main body. But what a scene presented itself here! These misguided men had their eyes now fully opened on their fatal errors. The enemy were bringing up their whole force against them. I was not long a near spectator of it; for a ball grazed my courser. He plunged and reared--then shot off like an arrow. Several of our officers drew to the same place. On the knoll we faced about--the battle raged below us. We beheld our commander doing every thing that a brave soldier could do with factious men against an overpowering foe. Burley and his troops were in close conflict with Clavers' dragoons. We saw him dismount three troopers with his own hand. He could not turn the tide of battle, but he was covering the retreat of these misguided men. Before we could rejoin him, a party threw themselves in our way. Kennoway, one of Clavers' officers led them on. 'Would to God that this was Grahame himself,' some of any comrades ejaculated aloud. 'He falls to my share,' said I, whoever the officer be.'--I advanced--he met me, I parried several thrusts, he received a cut on the left arm; and the sword by the same stroke, shore off one of his horse's ears; it plunged and reared. We closed again. I received a stroke on the left shoulder. My blow fell on his sword arm. He