+Source.+--_Memorial: Lochgary to Glengary_, printed as a postscript
to W. B. Blaikie's _Itinerary of Prince Charles Edward Stuart from
his Landing in Scotland, July, 1745, to his Departure in September,
1746_, p. 116. (Edinburgh: Scottish Historical Society, 1897.)
About the beginning of Nov^r the Prince called a council o' war, wherein
H.R.H. determined to march into England with the forces he then had, and
not to wait those who were coming up, but ordered them to follow.
We marched on without halt till we came to Brampton, near Carlile, where
the Prince rested with part o' the army, and order'd the siege of
Carlile, which surrender'd after four days' siege. The next day after
the surrender, the Prince enter'd the town with his whole army, where
H.R.H. remain'd some days. From thence he march'd straight with his
whole army till he arrived at Darby, where he rested two days; and
H.R.H. called a council o' war, and finding most of the private people
of the army's opinion to be rather to retreat than goe forward (tho' at
the same time H.R.H.'s opinion and inclination was to goe forward), he
agreed to a retreat. Consequently, we began our retreat next day.[97]
Lord George Murray, who always had the rear, chose our regiment for the
rearguard, tho' it was not our turn. When we came to Kendal, we had
accounts of the enemy's being close in our rear; and our regiment's
having the rearguard, and likewise the charge of the artillery. The
Prince marched on with the army till they arrived at Penrith, and the
weather very terrible, the rear could not reach Chap[98] that night,
which is halfway twixt Penrith and Kendal. Lord George took up our
quarters in a little villiage, where we rested that night on our arms,
without thro'ing a stitch of cloaths,[99] as we were sure the enemy was
very near us. Next day we marched by daylight, and for want of proper
horses the artillery was very fashious,[100] and a last load with cannon
shot happening to break on the road, upon Lord George's giving a hearty
dram to the men, they carried, some one, some two, some three of the
shot, with all their arms and acuterments. All this day some of the
enemy's horse were in our rear, but made no attack. This night we came
to Chap, and after placing our guards and sentinelles, Lord George, the
other gentlemen, and I, took up our quarters about 8 o'clock at
night.... By the break o' day Lord George order'd to beat to arms, and
order'd the artillery on before. We marched on, expecting every minut
the enemy wou'd be up with us, having none with us but your regiment and
about one hundred and twenty of Roy Stuart's regiment. About halfway to
Penrith, we saw at some distance, to the number of about 5 or 600 horse,
whom we took to be part of our own army; but upon coming near us they
made a form to attack us. These were militia sent to intercept our
march; but by a detachment we sent to attack them giving them a smart
fire, which kill'd two or three of them, they were routed, and fled, so
we march'd on untill we came to Clifton, within two short miles of
Penrith, where the Prince and his army lay. Here Lord George got account
that some of the enemy were come to the house of Lowtherhall, about a
mile's distance on our left. He desired me to ask the men (as he knew
they were fatigued) if they were willing to attack that house. They
answer'd me that they were most willing. Upon which we marched and
surrounded the house, and only found in it one officer, with a footman
of the Duke of Cumberland's, whom he had sent before to take up quarters
for him. Upon our return to Clifton, we perceived the enemy to the
number of about 3000 horse, advanced by this time within 1/4 of a mile
of Clifton. Cluny and his M^cPhersons, to about the number of three
hundred men, happened to be at this village. Lord George ordered them on
one post on the side of the road, and our regiment on another on the
other side. It was then about nightset, when the enemy, being all horse,
dismounted--I can't condescend on their number, being then dark--and
attack'd the M^cPhersons, who received them, and after a close fire for
some time on both sides, the enemy were repulsed. Upon this they sent a
stronger body to attack us both, which came directly up to us, and it
being then quite dark, they coming very close to us, we only heard the
noise of their boots, and could plainly discern their yellow belts. We
first received their full fire, which did us little damage. We
immediately gave them ours, and then attacked them sword in hand, and
oblidged them to retreat with a considerable loss.
Lord George then marched with us and the M^cPhersons into the town,
where we found the whole army ready to march for Carlisle, so that we
had neither time to refresh ourselves, or men. So you may judge our
condition, having marched t[w]o days without resting from Kendal to
Penrith, which is long 20 miles, and, without halt, 16 more on to
Carlisle, all without any sleep and very little provision; yet we brot
all the artillery safe, and lost very few men at the attack at Clifton.
I received a small wound there myself in the knee, and no other
gentleman touched. We stay'd two days at Carlisle. The third day in the
morning by break o' day we marched, expecting surely to meet Cumberland
that day to give him battle; but perceiving no enemy, march'd forward,
and that night crossed the Esk. H.R.H. continued on his march without
any remarkable occurencies till he arrived safe with his army at
Glasgow.