|After the junction of the confederate forces had been effected, it was
found that they formed an army of two thousand men, of whom the majority
were Highlanders.
Though the force was still small, so much confidence was now felt in
Mackintosh, and such strong hopes were entertained that large additions
would soon be received, that no misgivings were felt.
On the day of the junction, the commanders and officers dined together,
and the best feeling was manifested. All old jealousies, if any had
existed, were banished. A warm tribute was paid by Lord Derwentwater
to the valour and skill of Brigadier Mackintosh, with which the veteran
warrior was much gratified.
Next day, being Sunday, great discretion had to be used by the leaders
of an army composed of Presbyterians, High Church Tories, and Roman
Catholics.
That such discordant elements could be reconciled--even for a brief
season--seemed impossible. Nevertheless, by the judicious management of
Lord Kenmure, who retained the command of the confederate force so long
as it continued in Scotland, the thing was accomplished.
At this time, three clergymen were attached to the expedition--the
Reverend William Irvine, chaplain to the Earl of Carnwath, an
Episcopalian and Nonjuror--the Reverend Robert Patten, of Allendale,
who belonged to the High Church, and had just been appointed chaplain
to General Forster--and the Reverend Mr. Buxton, likewise a Church of
England divine, who might be considered chaplain to the entire English
force, since there was no Roman Catholic priest.
By Lord Kenmure's orders all the officers and men attended at the Great
Kirk, where the Church of England service was performed.
The large congregation thus assembled presented an extraordinary
sight, and the behaviour of the men was extremely decorous--that of the
Highlanders especially so. They nearly filled the body of the sacred
edifice, and listened with devout attention to the discourse of
Mr. Patten, who took for his text, “_The right of the firstborn is
his_”--applying it to the cause for which they were fighting.
In the afternoon, an equally large congregation assembled, consisting
chiefly of Highlanders, to hear the Reverend William Irvine, the
Scottish Nonjuror, who treated them to a sermon he had preached to Lord
Dundee before the battle of Killiecrankie.
It was thought that this fiery sermon was given in deference to the
wishes of Brigadier Mackintosh; and it would almost seem so, since the
old Highlander listened to it with profound attention, and afterwards
expressed his satisfaction to the preacher.
A very favourable impression was produced on the Kelso folk by the
exemplary conduct of the troops on the Sabbath; but they were not quite
so well pleased when Mackintosh next morning, while searching for arms,
discovered several barrels of gunpowder concealed in the vaults of
the kirk, and swore if he could catch the traitors who had placed them
there, he would hang them like dogs.
The brigadier was likewise extraordinarily active in foraging and
plundering, and seized all the public revenues without scruple.
Under other circumstances, Lord Derwentwater would have enjoyed his
visit to Kelso, but his mind was so troubled, that even Roxburgh Castle,
Floors, or the charming views of the Tweed and the Teviot afforded him
very little pleasure.
His heart was at Dilston.