Inverness, 16th Aprile, 1746.
Dear Sirs,
This day about twelve our army came up with the rebels, about a mile above
Lord President's house, in a muir called Drumrossie. They began the
engagement first, by firing from a battery of six guns they had erected
upon their right; but our cannon played so hott upon them, that they were
obliged soon to fly, by which means we gote possession of their artillery,
and so drove them before us for three miles of way. The cavalry gave them
closs chase to the town of Inverness: {520} upon which the French
ambassador (who is not well) sent out an officer, and a drum with him,
offering to surrender at discretion; to which the duke made answer, that
the French officers should be allowed to go about on their parole, and
nothing taken from them. Brigadier Stapleton is among them, and God knows
how many more officers; for we have not gote home to count them yet. Its
thought the rebels have between four and five hundred killed, and as many
taken prisoners already: many more we expect this night, parties having
been sent out after them. Lord Kilmarnock I saw prisoner, and Major
Stewart, with many more. Secretary Murray is very bad: a party is just now
sent for him, intelligence being brought where he is. I don't think we have
lost thirty men, and not above five officers killed, amongst which are Lord
Robert Ker, Captain Grosset: the rest their names I have forgote. We are
now in full possession of this place. Some say the Pretender was in the
battle, and wounded; but others say he was not. Such of them as are left
are gone to Fort Augustus. The duke, God be praised, is in good health, and
all the generalls. His Royal Highness behaved as if he had been inspired,
riding up and down giveing orders himself.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedt. servant,
DAVID BRUCE.
After writing y^e above, y^e lists of y^e killed and wounded are as
follows, so far as is yet known:--
We have of y^e prisoners 700
Killed and wounded on y^e field 1800