Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/221

 were killed, disarmed, and dispersed, by an enemy who bad anticipated their motions. Major Dalgetty, who had been sent forward against Inverara with the few horse of the army that were fit for service, managed his matters so well, that he had very near surprised Argyle, as he expressed it, inter pocula, and it was only a rapid flight by water that saved that chief from death or captivity. But the punishment which Argyle himself escaped fell heavily upon his country and clan, and the ravages committed by Montrose on that devoted land, although too consistent with the genius of the country and times, have been repeatedly quoted as a blot on his actions and character.

Argyle in the meantime had fled to Edinburgh, to lay his complaints before the Convention of Estates. To meet the exigence of the moment, a considerable army was raised under General Baillie, a Presbyterian officer of skill and fidelity, with whom was joined in command the celebrated