In the Years 1644, 1645, & 1646.

SOmetime James Marquesse of Mon­trose sided with the Covenanters in Scotland, and very forwardly bestow­ed his unhappily happy endeavours in their behoof. They pretended to no­thing then, lesse than the preservation of Religion, the Honour and Dignity of the King, the Laws of the Land, and the freedome of that antient Realm, so happily, so valiantly defended in time of yore from such powerfull enemies, as the Romans, Saxons, Danes, Normans, by the sweat and bloud, with the lives and estates of their Ancestours. And the tales they made, they never wanted fitting instruments to tell and spread among the people. It was given out, that there was nothing more in the aim of the Court [Page 2] of England, than that that free people being reduced to a kind of Province, should be eternally enflaved un­der the power of their old enemies. Yet all this while they engaged themselves by their publique attestati­ons, and even a solemn Oath, that they would ne­ver go to work by force and armes, nor sollicite the King any other way than by Petition, That he would be pleased graciously to accept the sup­plications of his humblest Subjects, and to take order that his dearest Country should suffer no­thing in matter of Religion or the Liberty of the Subject.

But at last in the year 1639. Montrose found out that these fair tales were coyn'd of purpose to steal the hearts of the silly and superstitious mul­titude, and to alienate them from the King, as an enemy to Religion and Liberty. For the Co­venanters did not dissemble to him, but spoke out, that Scotland had been too long governed by Kings, nor could it ever be well with them as long as one Stuart (that's the sirname of the Kings family in Scotland) was alive: and in the extirpation of them, they were first to strike at the head: so that Montrose easily perceived the Kings Majesty and Person was levelled at. Therefore vehemently detesting so hor­rible a crime, he resolved to desert the Conspirators side, to frustrate their counsels, to impoverish their store, to weaken their strength, and with all his might to preserve His Majesty and His Authority entire and inviolate. But because between force and craft the Covenanters had drawn in almost all the Kingdom [Page 3] to their side, he saw himself alone too weak to check their power, and therefore thought not good to o­pen himself too suddainly or rashly. Amongst them he had many friends, men very considerable, as well in regard of their numerous retinues and clients, as of their wealth and authority: these he had a mind to draw off from them, and bring them with him to the King; and by this means conceived he should be able to gather no small power, which would conduce much both to the Kings safety and his own.

Mean time the Covenanters raise a strong Army against the King, and in a solemn Convention at Duns, they determine to invade England: Montrose was absent then. Which resolution of theirs, the chief of the Covenanters had taken up in their cabinet counsels more than six weeks before; and to that pur­pose had been busie in divulging through all Great Britain their Apologetical Pamphlets, whereby they laboured to set a good glosse upon the reasons of their Expedition. This resolution of theirs, Montrose be­ing returned, seeing he could not binder, would not seem to disapprove: Montrose commanded in this Ar­my two thousand foot and five hundred horse, his friends (who were most obliged unto him, and had religiously promised their best endeavours in the Kings service) had the command of five thousand more. And truly if a great part of them had not been worse than their words, they had either brought the whole Army along with them to the King, or at least had broken the neck of the Covenanters designs. When the Army came to the river of Tweed (which [Page 4] is the border of the two Kingdomes) dice were cast amongst the Noblemen and Commanders, and it was Montrose's chance to passe first over the ri­ver; which he cheerfully performed on his feet, his own foot Souldiers following him, that he might more easily conceal his own resolution, and take off all occasion of suspition. For as well his authority in the Army, as the integrity of his noble spirit began to be looked on with a jealous eye by the guilty­conscienced Rebels, so that they diligently observed all his behaviour, words and deeds.

After this, marching over the river of Tine four miles above Newcastle, by the treachery of the English Commanders who had retreated to York with a po­tent Army of the Kings, the Scots possesse themselves of that Town: and thereupon, Commissioners be­ing appointed on either side to treat of a Peace, a Truce was presently made. In the time of this Truce, Montrose had sent Letters unto the King, professing his fidelity, and most dutifull, and ready obedience to his Majesty; Nor did the Letters contain any thing else. These being stoln away in the night, and cop­pied out by the Kings own Bed-chambermen, men most endeared to the King of all the world, were sent back by them to the Covenanters at Newcastle: and it was the fashion with those very men to com­municate unto the Covenanters from day to day the Kings most secret counsels, of which they themselves only were either authors or partakers. And some of the forwarder sort of the Rebels were not ashamed to tax Montrose bitterly enough with those Letters; [Page 5] and although they durst not make an open quarrel of it, or call him publiquely to account, because he was so powerfull and well-beloved in the Army, yet they loaded him with backbitings and slanders among the people. For they had obliged unto themselves most of the Preachers throughout the Kingdome, whose mercenary tongues they made use of to wind and turn the minds of the people which way they would. Nor did they promote their Rebellion more effectual­ly any other way, nor do yet, than this, to have those doughty Orators in their popular preachments to rail bittorly against the King and all his Loyal Subjects, as the enemies of Christ (as they love to speak) being themselves the while the very shame and scandal of Christianity.

Montrose returning into Scotland, and thinking of nothing but how to preserve his Majesty from that storm of Rebellion hanging over his head, at last re­solved of this course. He joyns many of the prime men for Nobility and Power, in a League with him­self, in which they vowed to defend the Kings Ma­jesty, and all his royal privileges, and antient and lawful Prerogatives, with the hazard of their lives and estates, against all his enemies, as well home-bred, as forein, unto the last breath in their bodies. And truly it came to that passe, that there had been an o­pen division in the Army (which was his aim) had not some for fear, levity, or cowardise (which are bad keepers of counsel) betrayed the whole businesse to the Covenanters. Hence arose no, small stirs and brauls, but were pacified again in a while; for nei­ther [Page 6] yet durst they offer any open violence to Mon­trose. But afterward the confederates having given a new oath, made sure the Army at their devotion; and joyning themselves to the Parliament of England in a strict Covenant, although they saw themselves secure enough from the subtilest designs of any private man, yet they seriously consult how they should take Montrose out of the way, whose heroick spirit, be­ing fixt on high and honourable (howsoever difficult) atchievements, they could not endure.

To make their way therefore unto so villanous an act, by the assistance of some Courtiers whom with gifts and promises they had corrupted, they under­stood that the King had written Letters to Mon­trose, and that they were quilted in the saddle of the bearer, one Stuart, belonging to the Earl of Tra­quair. The bearer was scarce entered the borders of Scotland, but they apprehended him, rip his saddle, and find the Letters. There was nothing at all written in them, which did not become the best of Kings to command the best of Subjects to obey. Neverthe­lesse those most exact crafts-masters in the arts of Ly­ing and Slandering, sent about horrible and tragical reports by their apt Ministers, that at last all the Kings plots with Montrose, for the overthrow of Religion, and the ruine of the Kingdome were found out and discovered. Nor yet neither durst they af­ford him a publique tryal, but on a suddain when he suspected nothing, thrust him (with Napier Lord of Marthiststen, and Sir Sterling Keir Knight, two both of his neer kindred and intimate familars) into the castle of Edinburgh.

[Page 7] At length a Pacification being made between the people of both Kingdomes, (between whom there had been no War, only they laid their heads together against their most just and gracious King) a Parlia­ment was called at Edinburgh, where the King in person was present. Montrose desires most earnest­ly to be tryed before the King and that solemn As­sembly; but to no purpose, for the Covenanters be­ing conscious enough of his innocency and their own guilt, applyed their special endeavours to detain the Gentleman in prison unheard, untill such time as the King was got out of Scotland, and they had conclu­ded all things with the King in Parliament according to their hearts desire. And certainly they were much afraid, lest by his wisdome, and courage, and the e­steem he was in, as well with his Peers of the No­bility as with the people, he should have fetch'd off the greatest number of either sort to his own reso­lution for the preservation of his Majesties Power and Authority. At last the King returning into Eng­land, Montrose and his friends are set at liberty: and because it was ordered in Parliament that he should not come into conference with the King, he sat still a while at his own house. This was towards the end of the year 1641.

CHAP. II.

IN the year 1642. the Covenanters of both King­domes began to unmask themselves, and let us see more plainly what they meant to do. The Re­bels [Page 8] in England began to vex the King with unjust, unreasonable, unseasonable Petitions and Complaints, bespatter him with malicious slanders, prophane his sacred Name in scurrilous Songs and Ballads, vi­lifie him in infamous Libels, Pasquils, or Pamphlets, raise Tumults, arm great numbers of the scum and rascally sort of the people, and engage them upon the Kings palace; in a word, threaten all ex­tremity to him and his: whom although he might have justly punished himself, yet he chose rather to refer them to the Parliament, that he might the more oblige it unto himself. But it was to no end for so gracious a King to gratifie that and many things more, to so ungracious, so ingrateful men, who were the very Authors and Abettors of these villanies. For he had already granted more and greater Graces to his Subjects, for the case of their grievances (which they pretended) and the security of their persons and estates, than all his Ancestors the Kings of England together, from William the Conqueror downward. Therefore at last, that he might withdraw himself and his family from present danger, he is forced sore against his mind to depart London: He sends the Queen out of the way into Holland for the safety of her life, and betakes himself to York. The States of Parliament (as they call themselves) forthwith, and before the King, take up arms, and divert those very Forces which the King had appointed for Ire­land, which were then in a readinesse, and whose Officers had been of the Parliaments chusing, ho­ping by them to overthrow the King himself.

[Page 9] The Rebels in Scotland, who knew well enough the King would have strength sufficient to deal with the English Rebels, resolved upon no terms to be wanting to their confederates in so apparent danger as they were. And although our most gracious King had given them satisfaction (as much as ever they could desire) in that Parliament at Edinburgh afore­said, which also they have recorded among their publique Acts, neverthelesse they provide themselves for a march into England.

Now that they might the better secure their af­fairs at home, they labour tooth and nail to draw Montrose (of whom almost only they were afraid) again to their side. They offer him of their own accord the office of Lieutenant General in the Ar­my, and what ever else he could desire, and they be­stow. He seeing a mighty storm hovering over the Kings head, that he might give him an account of it, whereby it might be timely prevented, undertakes a journey into England, taking the Lord Ogilby into his counsel and company.

At Newcastle he receives news that the Queen being newly returned out of Holland was landed at Birdlington in Yorkeshire: thither he makes haste, and relates unto the Queen all things in order. She, having had a rough passage, and being not well re­covered from the distempers at Sea, told him shee would advise further with him about that businesse after they came to York. Thither being come, the Queen of her own accord calls for Montrose, he o­pens the whole story over again, and makes it ap­pear, [Page 10] that there was no lesse danger from the Scotch than from the English Covenanters, if they were not timely suppressed. And being asked his opinion what was best to be done, answered, To resist force with force; told her, the King wanted not Subjects in Scot­land, faithful men, and stout; nor did they want hearts, or wealth, or power to oppose against the Covenanters if they durst enterprise any thing against the King: all that they wanted was the Kings Commission, with­out which they durst doe nothing, with which any thing; and all the danger that was, was in delay: That the Covenanters, when they had once got their Army on foot would be able to grind any one to pieces that should offer to stir; therefore the beginnings of so great an evill were to be withstood, and the cockatrice bruised in the egg; that Physick being too late that comes when the dis­ease hath over-ran the whole body.

Wholesome counsel it was, and seasonable, which doubtlesse the most prudent Queen had approved of. But while things were going on in so good a posture, all things were quash'd by the comming of the Duke Hamilton out of Scotland, upon pretence of kissing the Queens hand, and gratulating her happy return, but in very deed that he might overthrow Montrose his counsels; for he had posted thither with the knowledge and consent of the Covenanters. Nor did he himself dissemble that there was some danger from the Scotish Covenanters, but he laboured to extenuate it; and condemned the Counsell of Mon­trose as rash, unadvised, and unseasonable. That stout and Warlike Nation was not to be reduced with force and [Page 11] arms, but with gentlenesse and courtesies: Warr, es­pecially Civil Warr, should be the last remedy, and used many times to be repented of even by the Conque­rours. The fortune of Warr was uncertain; if the King should get the best, it would be but a sorry tri­umph he could enjoy over his own Subjects; but if he had the worst on't, he must expect what his soul (good man) abhorred to speak. All means were to be try­ed to preserve peace with that Nation, nor were things yet come to that passe, that the King should despair of amity and reconciliation with them: He would be ready to take the whole businesse upon himself, if the King pleased to commit it to his pains and trust, and to authorise him sussiciently thereunto. Montrose re­plyed, Nothing would come of that but the delay of time, untill the Traitors having raised an Army should prevent the King of any means to deliver himself and his party from their tyranny. The sad event pro­ved all this to be too true; but in this debate Mon­trose was fain to suffer himself to be overborn, being not so great a Courtier as the other; nor were those vertues which the world now admires, discovered then unto the Queen. Hamilton returning into Scotland seemed to be as Active for the King as was possible.

The Covenanters mean while by their own au­thority (contrary to the known Laws of the King­dome) summon a Parliament at Edinburgh; which all understanding men that wished well unto the King foresaw would be of very dangerous conse­quence to his affairs, and therefore abhorred it so much, that they intended not to honour it with their [Page 12] presence. But Hamilton interposing the name and authority of the King, invited them by his Letters that they would not fail to be all there; and that they should not doubt but they would be able to out-vote the Covenanters, if at this time they were not wanting to the Kings cause. And if it should hap­pen otherwise, he would be ready with his friends, to protest against the Covenanters, and immediately to leave them. Abundance of the Nobility incited by the name of the King, and those hopes, were pre­sent at that Parliament, only Montrose and a few of his adherents staid away. And with Montrose too the Duke had dealt by his friends, that as he loved and honoured the King he would joyn himself unto them. But he (who had reason to suspect all motions that came that way) answered, That he was ready to grapple with any difficulty, especially under his command who had so great an honour as to be the Kings supreme Commissioner; only on this condi­tion, that the Duke should engage his honour, that if they could not bring up that Parliament to righ­teous things, he would endeavour to inforce them by the dint of the sword. He answered, He would pro­test, he would not fight. Which passage considered, Montrose to preserve his integrity, expecting the is­sue, betook himself to his own home.

In that Parliament, the Covenanters out-voted the Loyal party by seventy voices or thereabouts, trampled upon the Royal authority, arrogated un­to themselves the power of calling of Parliaments, pressing Souldiers, sending Embassadours, and other [Page 13] things hitherto unattempted, without the Kings knowledge or consent. And to make up the measure of their presumption and treason, ordain that a pow­erfull Army shall be raised against the King, and in the aid of their confederates of England. To which purpose they tax the people with new Subsidies and Levies, much heavier, than if all the Impositions which upon never so much necessity for two thou­sand years space by one hundred and nine Kings have been charged upon them, were put together.

Montrose therefore, who saw the King was like to be ruined by his own authority, and saw too that he was too weak to oppose himself both against the strength of the Covenanters and the Kings abu­sed Commission, in a melancholy mood made as if he took no notice of any thing. And the Covenan­ters, supposing he had received some distaste from the King, by reason of the affront he received at York, and Hamiltons over-powring him, they set upon him yet again, privately and by friends, to see if by intreaty or interest they could draw him to their side; offering him Authority and wealth, even the greatest honour Civil and Military. Which of­fers he did not seem much to slight, that by that means he might have an easier way to dive into their counsels. The Covenanters, that this growing friend­ship might be the better cemented and sanctified (God blesse us) send unto him that great Apostle of their Covenant, Alexander Henderson, who should give him full satisfaction in all his scruples. Mon­trose heartily desired to speak with that fellow, out [Page 14] of whom he doubted not to pump all the secrets of the Covenanters: and lest a private meeting with such a man should give a scandal to the Kings friends, he took the Lords Napier and Ogilby, and Sir Ster­ling Keer to be witnesses of the discourse, and on the bank of the river Forth, not far from Sterling, they met.

Montrose made as though he accounted himself very happy, and much honoured in the visit of so worthy a man, upon whose faith, honesty, and judge­ment, he so much relyed. Told him, That to give the ill opinion of his Enemies leave to breath it self after some late mistakes, he was content to stay at home; that he knew nothing of what was done in Parliament; that he was almost at a losse how to behave himself in that ticklish condition the Commonwealth stood; and therefore beseeched him for old acquaintance sake to let him freely knew what they intended. Henderson taking it for granted by these expressions, that he was wheeling about towards the Covenanters, that he might the more oblige the Marquesse unto him, an­swered him flatly and without more adoe, That it was resolved to send as strong an Army as they could raise, in aid of their brethren of England against the Kings forces; that the Covenanters of both Kingdomes had unanimously agreed upon this, either to dye or bring the King to their lure; that nothing could fall out more happily, than that he should renew his friendship with his Peers of the Nobility, and the rest of the Kingdome; that so doing he would give great content to all men, besides the honour and profit that would redound to [Page 15] himself; that by his example others (if others there were that idolized the empty shadow of the Kings name) would joyn themselves unto the Covenanters; and for his own part he would give most hearty thanks unto his Lord God, that he had vouchsafed to make use of him as the Minister and ever Mediatour of so great a work; and at last entreated him to speak out his mind, and commit all such things to his care and industry as he should desire from the Parliament, either in relation to his honour or profit; assuring him he should be satisfied to his hearts desire.

Montrose having gotten out the knowledge of those things which he eagerly sought for, now be­thought himself how he should keep Henderson and his party in suspence a while, that they should not get within him. For what answer could he give them? If he should professe himself to be a­gainst their courses, that would doe the King no good, and might bring a great deal of danger upon himself: and on the other side, to put them in grea­ter hopes of him, by promising those things he ne­ver meant to perform, he scorned, as being a stain unto his honour. Therefore he takes this course; there was present at that conference with Henderson one Sir Iames Rollock, Chief of a very antient and flourishing family: his former wife had been Mon­trose his Sister, after whose death he married the Si­ster of the Marquesse of Argyle, the ring-leader of the Covenanters in Scotland: thus being allied unto them both, he seemed to be a very fit mediator of friendship between them. Montrose askes him whe­ther [Page 16] those things which had passed between them proceeded from the direction of the Parliament, or out of their own good wills? He answered, He con­ceived that Master Henderson had received Commis­sion from the Parliament to that purpose; But Hen­derson said no; but he made no question but the Par­liament would make good any thing that he promi­sed. Montrose told them, he could resolve upon nothing except he had the Publique faith to build upon, especially the messengers disagreeing between themselves. Whereupon (as the fashion is on such occasions) one of them layes the blame upon the o­ther, when both of them ought rather to have con­demned their own carelesnesse and negligence. The conference being thus ended, Montrose having ob­tained his ends, and they being no wiser than they came thither, every own went his own way.

CHAP. III

Montrose being returned from this Conference, re­lated all things as they had passed unto some select friends whom he could safely trust; and with­all entreated them, that (for the greater confirmati­on of the businesse) they would all go along with him to the King; that his Majesty receiving a full account of all things, might lend his ear to sound counsell, and (yet if it was possible) provide a remedy against so threatning evills. Most of them were of opinion, That the King and his authority were ut­terly ruined and irrecoverable; that it was a thing [Page 17] passing the power of man to reduce that Kingdom to o­bediance that for their parts they had acquitted them­selves before God, and the World, and their own conscien­ces; [...] with the disgrace of their persons, the losse of their estates, and the hazard of their lives they had continued in their allegiance; hereafter they would be only brokers on, and Petitioners unto Almighty God for better times. Montrose who could by no means be removed from so honest a resolution, communica­ting his counsell to the Lord Ogilby, (whom of all men he especially loved) goes straight to Oxford. The King was absent thence, being gone to the siege of Glocester, he imparts unto the Queen what designs the Scotish Covenanters had against his Majesty; but he had as good have said nothing, for she had determined not to believe a word, by reason of the far greater confidence she reposed in Hamilton and his brother.

Montrose, seeing no good was to be done with the Queen, goes to Glocester, and declares all things to the King himself: How there was a powerfull Ar­my to be raised in Scotland, and a day appointed on which it should be brought into England; how their counsels were manifestly known unto him, and how to fetch him over to their side, they had offered him very honourable commands in the Army; but that he hear­tily detesting so horrid an employment had sled to his Majesty; that he having notice thereof, if he were not able to provide so timely and powerful a remedy as could be wished, at least might cast some blocks and rubs in their way, untill such time as he had setled his [Page 18] affairs in England; that the Traitours of either King­dome might be easily dealt withall by themselves, but if they came once to joyn their forces, they would be hardly supprest; that there were very many in Scot­land who would sacrifice themselves and all that they had for their dearest King, whose good will would be of no use unto his Majesty after the Covenanters had raised their Army, but destructive unto themselves; that the haughty spirits of the Traitors were to be sneap't in time, and their strength broken before it grew too big, lest the beginnings being neglected, repentance should prove the only opposition that could be made af­terward. These things, and to this effect, did Mon­trose continually presse unto the King, but in vain, for he had not only the strong and deeply-rooted con­fidence his Majesty had of the Hamiltons to struggle with, but the devices of a set of desperate Courtiers beside, who daily buzzed in the Kings eares Montro­se's youth, his rashnesse, his ambition, the envy and hatred he bare unto the Hamiltons, and what not; and on the other side, the Hamiltons fidelity, their honesty, their discretion, their power. Thus Mon­rose nothing prevails, and the King returns to his winter-quarters at Oxford. And although his Maje­sty saw very well (reports comming thick and three­fold of the Scotish Army) that all was true that Montrose had told him, yet the most religious King determined upon no terms to give any occasion of quarrell to the Scots till first they entered England; resolving, that he for his part would perfectly observe the articles of Pacification he had made with them, [Page 19] which if they should violate, he doubted not but they should highly answer it both to God and him. While these things were discussed at Oxford, the Covenan­ters in Scotland bring their businesse about according to their desires, no one opposing them. They raise as big an Army as they can, which consisted of eighteen thousand Foot and two thousand Horse; and at last when they had marched unto the very borders, the Hamiltons were not ashamed to give the King no­tice by Letters of the approach of that formidable Army; making this their excuse, that according to their engagement, they had prevented an invasion the summer before, but now that winter was come on, they were able to keep them out no longer, but they would come in immediately with a powerfull Ar­my. The King, when he saw himself thus grosly abused, sends for Montrose, shews him the Hamiltons Let­ters, and at last (when it was even too late) askes his advice what was best to be done.

Montrose tells him, that his Majestry might now see, that what he had before given him notice of, had neither proceeded from ambition, nor malice, nor any self-ends, but from his bounden duty and allegiance; that for above a twelve-month he had been continu­ally pressing both their Majesties to prevent this; that he accounted himself very unhappy, that all that while so faithfull a servant could not be credited by so good a Master; that the case seemed now desperate, but if the King had a mind he might trust them a­gain who by pretence of his authority had bound some of his friends hands that they could not assist [Page 20] him, and drawn in others, who intended nothing lesse, under colour of Loyalty to fight against him, and given up unto the Rebells, now that they had got an Army, all that they had, without striking a stroke. The King complaining that he was most abomina­bly betrayed by them with whom he had entrusted his Crown, his Honour, his Secrets, his Life, ear­nestly demanded his advice. He repeating again the lamentablenesse of the condition in which things now stood, neverthelesse offered, that if his Majesty so thought good, he would either lose his life, which if he did, he would be sure it should seem rather sold then lost, or else (which he did only not des­pair) he would reduce his Country-men, and bring the Rebels there into subjection. The King being no little pleased with the confidence, undauntednesse, and gallantry of the man, that he might more ad­visedly contrive his design, desired him to take two or three dayes to consider of it, and so dismist him.

Montrose returning at the time appointed, shews his Majesty how desperate an adventure he was un­dertaking; that all Scotland was under the Cove­nanters command, that they had Garrisoned all places of strength, that they were plentifully provi­ded both of men, and mony, and armes, and ammu­nition, and victuall, and all things necessary for a Warr; that the English Rebells were joyned with them in a most strict Covenant to defend one ano­ther against all the world. But for his own part he had nothing to set up with, neither men nor arms, or pay; yet he would not distrust Gods Assistance [Page 21] in a righteous cause, and if the King would lay his Commands upon him, he would undertake to do his best. The King should be in no worse case than he was, He himself would take what malice, envy, or danger should fail, upon himself, so that his Majesty were graciously pleased to condescend to a few rea­sonable requests. And first, that the business might go on more successively, it seemed to him very ne­cessary, that the King should send some Souldiers out of Ireland into the West of Scotland. Next, that he should give order to the Marquesse of Newcastle (who was the General of the Kings forces towards Scotland) that he should assist Montrose with a par­ty of horse to enter the South of Scotland, by which means he might convey himself into the heart of the Kingdome. Then, that he should deal with the King of Denmark for some troops of German horse. And lastly, that his Majesty should take some course to procure and transport some arms out of some fo­rein country into Scotland: nothing needed more but humane industry, the success was Gods part, and to be referred to his providence. The King commending his counsel, and giving him thanks that he appre­hended some life in the business, encourageth him to fit himself cheerfully for so great a work, and wi­shed him to leave the care of those things he had re­quested, unto him.

And truly, for the matter of aid out of Ireland, the King sends for the Earl of Antrim, and acquaints him with Montrose's design. This Antrim is of Sco­tish extraction, descended of the noble and antient [Page 22] Family of the Mac-Donalds, a man of great estate and power in Ireland, and allyed to the prime No­bility of England, by matching with the Dutchess of Buckingham. He being driven out of his own country lived at Oxford, and cheerfu [...]ly undertook the negotiation with the Irish upon himself, and en­gaged himself also voluntarily unto Montrose, that he would be in Argyle (a part of Scotland borde­ring upon Ireland) with ten thousand men by the first of April 1644. this passed in December 1643. And as for forein aids and arms, the King sent Sir Iohn Cockeram his Embassadour about it with his Commission and Instructions. And directions unto the Marquess of Newcastle were carried by some of Montrose's own company. Who receiving the Kings Letters and Commission to be Governour of Scotland, and General of the Army there, made himself ready for his journey. In the interim news came on a suddain that Duke Hamilton with his brother the Earl of Lannerick were posting up to Oxford. They, that they might make their access easier to the King, who had hitherto given ear unto their counsels, and to continue or recover the good opinion the King had of them, gave out all the way as they came, especi­ally unto Governours of Shires and Towns, and Commanders of the Army, that they were banished their Country, that they had been plundered of their estates by the Covenanters for their loyalty to the King, and that for safety of their lives, with which they had hardly escaped, they fled to Oxford. But Montrose and those of his mind saw plainly that [Page 23] these were but tales of their own making, of purpose to wipe off the suspition of this new guilt; and that by this means, they in confidence of that esteem they had lately with the King, and of a strong faction they drove at Court, doubted not but they should stand as fair in his opinion as ever, if they were but once admitted into the Kings presence; and that the only business they had thither, was by defeating Mon­trose again, clearly to extinguish that little spark of Loyalty that was not yet quite out in Scotland. And Montrose delivered himself freely, that for his part he would never stand by to be witness of so great an oversight: and therefore humbly besought the King, that he would give him leave to seek his for­tune in some forein Country, if these men that had deceived him so oft should be received again into favour, not that he desired any severity should be used against them, only he wished the King might have a care that they should do him no more harm. The King was drawn with much adoe that they should be forbidden the Court, yet for all that he suffered the Earl of Lannerick to live in the City. But he (by whose instigations I cannot tell) betakes himself from Oxford to London to the Parliament of England, and not long after to the Scotch Army, which had now entered England, and never since hath failed to do them the best service he could. The escape of his brother so much moved the King, that he saw it high time to secure the Duke himself.

There were several Scots in the Kings Court and [Page 24] Army who were suspected (and perhaps not with­out reason) to favour the Covenanters too much, and to give intelligence unto them of the Kings Counsels. Montrose, that he might put these to the touch, took this course; He got a protestation to be drawn up by the Kings authority, unto which all Scots who would have the reputation of honest men were to set their hands: Wherein they professed themselves heartily to detest the courses of the Covenanters, con­demned especially the bringing in of an Army into England against the King and the Laws of the Land as an Act of high treason, promised and vowed to acquit themselves of that scandal, and to the utmost of their power, with the hazard of their lives and for­tunes, to oppose those that were guilty of that crime. This Protestation all men of honour and honesty readily took; but there were two, in whom the King trusted most of all Scotch-men next to the Ha­miltons, to wit, the Earl of Trequaire, and Master William Murray of the Bed-chamber, who were difficulty brought unto it at last, with much reluctan­cy and fear of being discovered traitours: yet even they engaged themselves by a solemn Oath at a cer­tain day to be aiding and assisting unto Montrose in Scotland; which Oath of theirs afterward they most unworthily violated.

This being done; and Montrose on his journey from Oxford towards Scotland, those that were the Hamiltons creatures; and other false-hearted Cour­tiers began to blast the Honour of Montrose, to call him a vain and ambitious man, who had attempted [Page 25] an impossible thing: to extol above measure the power of the Covenanters, and that they might de­terr every one from engaging himself in so noble an exploit, gave out every where most maliciously, that no good was ever to be expected from Montrose.

He being little troubled with the calumnies of un­worthy men, came forward to York, and so to Dur­ham: where he sees that the Kings Instructions be sent to the Marquesse of Newcastle, and the next day they met and conferred. Newcastle discours'd of nothing but the distresses and necessities of his Army; how the Rebel Scots breaking in in the midst of winter, had spoyled his Recruits, and that now in farr grea­ter numbers than he, they quartered within five miles of him; that he could not possibly spare any Horse without a manifest hazard to the whole Atmy. Mon­trose urged on the other side, that nothing could doe Newcastle more service than to let him have a party of Horse (in which he was very strong) with him into Scotland, that so he might either divert, or at least divide the enemy, and by kindling a fire in their own houses, fetch them home again to defend themselves. Newcastle courteously replyed, that assoon as he had wound himself out of that present danger, he would not be wanting in any service to Montrose: which promise, there is no doubt but a person of so much Honour and Loyaltie would most surely have performed, had he continued any while in the Com­mand of those parts. In the mean time, all that he could do for the present was; to afford him about one hundred Horse, but lean ones, and ill accourred, [Page 26] (which was not the Generals fault, but some mens private spleen) with two brasse Field-pieces.

Moreover he sent his Orders unto the Kings Of­ficers and Commanders in Cumberland and Westmer­land, that they should give Montrose all the succour and assistance they could make for his journey into Scotland. Montrose going towards Carlisle was ac­cordingly met by the Cumberland and Westmerland men, consisting of eight hundred Foot, and three troops of Horse; who according to the Marquesse of Newcastles Command, were to wait upon him into Scotland. Montrose himself brought with him two hundred Horse, most of them Noblemen and Gentlemen, and such as had been Captains either in Germany, France, or England. With which small forces (not over-trusty neither) he entered Scotland on the 13 of April; for he made the more haste, lest he should have been absent at the time appointed by the Earl of Antrim.

CHAP. IV.

MOntrose having entred Scotland, had come to the river of Anan, when upon a mutiny a­mong the English, occasioned by Richard Grahams Souldiers, almost all of them flie their Colours, and in all haste run back to England. Notwithstanding he with his own men came to Dunfrise, and took the Town into protection upon surrender: and there he staid a while, that he might be ready to entertain Antrim and his Irish; but the day appointed being [Page 27] already pass'd, there came not so much as a Messen­ger from them, nor the least report of them into Scotland. And the Covenanters gathering themselves together on every side, there was no staying there any longer for Montrose, without being suprised; there­fore he returns safe to Carlisle with his men. And see­ing he could neither procure any aid from the Eng­lish, nor expected any Foreiners suddenly, nor had scarce any hopes of good from Ireland, and found that the Earl of Calendar had raised a new Army in Scotland to second General Lesley, who had by this time together with the English Covenanters besieged York, he resolved, lest he should spend his time idlely, to engage himself among the Kings Forces in Nor­thumberland and the Bishoprick; nor was that re­solution either unprofitable to them, or dishonourable to himself.

For having ferreted a Garrison of the Covnanters out of the town of Morpet, he took in the Castle, permitted all the pillage unto the English, and taking an Oath of them that had held it, that they should never more fight against the King, he sent them away without any greater punishment. He took a Fort at the mouth of the river of Tine from the Covenan­ters, (who had not long before turned out an English Garrison from thence) and dismist the prisoners upon the same terms with those of Morpet. He plen­tifully victualled Newcastle with corn brought from Alnwick, and other places thereabouts. When this was done, he was sent for by Letters from Prince Rupert Count Palatine of Rhine, who was then com­ming [Page 28] to raise the siege of York. And although he made all the haste he could, yet he met not the Prince till he was upon his retreat the day after that unfor­tunate battell. And truly the Prince freely offered Montrose a thousand Horse to take along with him into Scotland, but some that were too powerfull with him, dealt so with the good Prince, that the next day after that promise was made, there was not one horse to be had.

All things thus failing Montrose, from which he expected any assistance, yet his spirit never sailed him: therefore returning to Carlisle with those few but faithfull and gallant men that stuck close to him, he sends away the Lord Ogilby and Sir William Rollock into the heart of Scotland in mean disguise, lest they should be discovered by the enemy. Within a fort­night they returned, and brought word that all things in Scotland were desperate; all Passes, Castles, Towns, possessed with Garrisons of the Covenanters, nor could they find any one so hardy as to dare to speak reverently or affectionately of the King. Most of those who had adhered to Montrose all this while, being cast down with this sad news, bethought themselves of bending their courses some other way, especially when they were tampered with by that honest man the Earl of Traquair to desert the service: who for­getting all his vowes and imprecations he had made before the King, undertook in the name of the Co­venanters, not only for Indemnity to all that should fall off unto them, but rewardes and preferments too; as if he had been all this while an Agent for the Re­bels, [Page 29] and not for the King, as he pretended. And yet this man was greater in the Kings favour, and more confided in, than any one except the Hamiltons.

Montrose calling his friends to counsell, desires them to deliver their opinions what they conceived was fittest to be done in this sad face of things. Some advise him to repair to the King at Oxford, and certifie him that his Scotch Affairs were past reco­very; that Antrim came not with his Irish for­ces, nor was there any appearance of them; that lit­tle or no assistance had been obtained from the Eng­lish; and as for Armes or aid from Forein parts, he had not so much as heard a word of them; so that it was none of his fault that his service had no bet­ter successe. Others were of opinion, that it was bet­ter for him to excuse himself by Letters unto the King, and to send up his Commission along with them, and that he himself should step a while aside into some other Countrey, till such time as it should please God to send better opportunities. But all a­greed in this, that nothing more was to be attempted or thought of in Scotland. But he himself only en­tertained farr other thoughts in his high and un­daunted spirit: He conceived himself bound never to forsake his dearest Lord the King though in extre­mest hazards, and that it was an unworthinesse to despair of so good a cause; and if he should attempt some greater matter than came within the reach or apprehension of common men, he conjectured it might prove much to his own Honour, and some­thing perhaps to the Kings good too. For as it was [Page 30] dubious whether it might please God in his mercy to look upon the King with a more favourable eye, and to turn his adversity into prosperity; so it was most certain, that if he should not be able to goe thorough with it, but perish in the enterprise, he should die with Honour, and his fall should be much la­mented. So resolved, and commending himself and his successe to the disposal and protection of Almigh­ty God, he performed such Adventures without men, without money, without arms, as were not only to the astonishment of us that were present, and were eye and ear witnesses of them, but also the example and envy both of all great Commanders hereafter. What those were we shall declare by and by.

Montrose delivers those few Gentlemen that had been constant unto him to the Lord Ogilby, to be conducted unto the King, (for as he had commu­nicated all his former designs unto him, so he did this also) and conjureth him withall to deal earnestly with his Majesty for hastening of some aid, if not of Men yet of Arms at least, from beyond Seas; So he accompanying them two dayes on their journey, and leaving with them his Horses, his Servants, and his Carriages, conveyed himself privily away from them, and with what speed he could, came back to Carlisle. The company suspecting nothing of his de­parture, because Ogilby and other his dearest friends were still with them, marched on straight towards Oxford; but thither they never reached, for most of them (of whom were the Lord Ogilby himself, Sir Iohn Innes, and Colonel Henry Graham his bro­ther, [Page 31] a most hopefull young Gentleman, Iames, Iohn, and Alexander Ogilbyes, Patrick Melvin, and o­ther gallant men, and highly esteemed by Montrose) fell into the enemies hands, and endured a long and nasty imprisonment, untill they were set at liberty by Montrose himself the next year, after which they did him most faithful service. He returning to Car­lisle imparts his design to the Earl of Aboine, lest he should have any occasion to cavil afterwards, that a matter of that consequence was done without his knowledge or advice, who might have proved able to give a great stroke to the advancing of it. But when he found something too much sicklenesse in that young man, he was not over earnest to engage him to adventure with him in so perillous a journey; and therefore easily perswaded him to reside at Carlisle till he heard further news out of Scotland, by which time it might be more seasonable for him to return into his Country.

And now being prepared for his journey, he se­lected only two men for his companions and guides; one was Sir William Rollock, a Gentleman of most known honesty, and an able man both of his head and hands. The other was one Sibbald, whom for the report of his valour and gallantry, Montrose did equally love and honour: but the latter afterwards deserted him in his greatest need. Montrose passing as Sibbalds man, and being disguis'd in the habit of a Groom, rode along upon a lean jade, and led a­nother horse in his hand. And so he came to the bor­ders, where he found all ordinary and safe passes guar­ded [Page 32] by the enemy. There was a chance happened which put them in a greater fright than all that, and it was this; not farr from the borders they hit by chance upon a servant of Sir Richard Grahams, who taking them for Covenanters, and to be of Lesley's Army who used to range about those parts, told them freely and confidently that his Master had made his peace with the Covenanters, and had undertaken (as if he were their Centinel) to discover unto them all such as came that way whom he suspected to favour the King. An unworthy act it was of a shamelesse vil­lain, of whom not only Montrose had a very high esteem, but his Majesty also, whose mistaken boun­ty had raised him out of the dunghill (to say no worse) unto the honour of Knighthood, and an estate even to the envy of his neighbours.

Having not passed much further, they met a Soul­dier, a Scotchman but one that had served under the Marquesse of Newcastle in England, who taking no notice of the other two Gentlemen, came to Mon­trose, and saluted him by his name: Montrose giving no heed unto him, as if he were no such man, the too officious souldier would not be so put off, but with a voyce and countenance full of humility and duty be­gan to cry out, What? Doe not I know my Lord Mar­quesse of Montrose well enough? Goe your way, and God be with you whithersoever you goe. When he saw it was in vain to conceal himself from the man, he gave him a few crowns, and sent him away, nor did he discover him afterwards. But Montrose concei­ving himself much concerned in these speeches, [Page 33] thought it the best course to make all the haste he could, and to run faster than the news of him could flie: nor did he spare any horse-flesh, or scarce draw a bridle till after four dayes travell he came to the house of his cosen Patrick Graham of Innisbrake, not far from the river of Tay, on that side of the Sherif­dome of Perth which is next the Mountains. This Pa­trick being descended of the Noble family of Mon­trose, and not unworthy of so noble parentage, was deservedly in very great esteem with the Marquesse; who sojourned besides him for a little while in the day time in a mean cottage, and passed the nights a­lone in the neighbouring mountains. For hee had sent away his companions unto his friends, that they might inform themselves exactly of the whole state of the Kingdome, and bring him word in what condi­tion they found it.

After a few dayes, having examined the matter with all the industry they could use, they return with nothing but sad and tragical news: That all the Subjects that were honest and loyal, lay under the ty­ranny of the Rebells; and of such as had been so har­dy as to endeavour to recover their freedome with their swords, some were put to death, others fined, others be­ing yet in prison, dayly expected the worst their enemies could doe: That the Marquesse of Huntley had laid down the arms which too unadvisedly he had taken up, at the first summons of the enemy; that indeed he had had no contemptible number of men, but the men wanted a good Commander; that his friends and de­pendents were exposed to the implacable malice and [Page 34] revenge of their enemies, and that he himself had fled to the utmost corner of the Iland, and sculked upon another mans land. Montrose was very much trou­bled (as he had reason) at this news, especially at Huntley's errour, and the ruine of the Gordons, who were men of singular loyalty and valour, and expert souldiers, therefore much lamented by him, that for no fault of theirs, they should come to so great mis­fortune. And now he began to cast about how hee might draw them to himself, that they might try a­gain the fortune of War under another General in the behalf of his most excellent Majesty.

CHAP. V.

IN the mean time there were some uncertain re­ports spread abroad among the Shepheards who kept their flocks in the Mountains, of certain I­rish who were landed in the North of Scotland, and canged about the Mountains. Montrose conceived it not unlikely that these might be part of those Auxiliaries which the Earl of Antrim had promi­sed should have been there four months before: but he had no certainty what they were, till at last some Letters came from some intimate friends of his, High­landers, and from Alexander Mac-donald, a Scotch­man also, to whom Antrim had given the Com­mand in chief of those few Irish, directed to Mon­trose. These they had taken care to send to a certain friend of his, a sure man, that he might convey them if it were possible to Carlisle, where Montrose was [Page 35] believed still to remain. He, who never dreamed of Montrose's return into Scotland, though he sojourned by him, by chance acquainted Master Patrick Gra­ham with the businesse, he promiseth to take charge of them, and undertaketh to see them safely dilive­red to Montrose, though be made a journey as far as Carlisle a purpose; and so by the good providence of God they came into his hands much sooner than could be expected. And he writes back, as from Car­lisle, that they should be of good comfort, for they should not stay long either for sufficient assistance to joyn with them, or a General to command them; and withall requires them forthwith to come down into Athole.

The people of Athole were engaged unto Mon­trose by many obligations, men whom he valued most of all the Highlanders, both for their Loyalty, Piety, Constancy, and singular Valour; and truly they made good his opinion of them to the very end of the War. The Irish, with a very few Highlanders who were almost all of Badenoth, receiving Mon­trose's commands, marched straight into Athole. He, who was not above twenty miles from them, comes to them immediately, and ere ever they looked for him, on foot, in the habit of a Mountainer, without any man along with him save the abovesaid Patrick Graham his guide and companion. And indeed the Irish would hardly be perswaded that that was Mon­trose; but when they saw him so salured, and only not adored like some great Deity, by the men of A­thole and others that knew him well, they were over [Page 36] ver joyed: for his comming to them was in exceeding good time, they being then in extream danger to be cut off. For Argyle was in their rear with a strong and well ordered Army, the champain Country were ready in Arms before them, expecting if they should make down into the Plain, to trample them to dirt with their horses hoofs; the vessels that brought them over were burnt by Argyle, that they might have no way to retreat; nor would the Arthole men or any other that favoured the King venture any hazard with them, because they were strangers, and came not by the Kings open and known Authority; nor had they any Commander of ancient Nobility, a thing by the Highlanders much set by, who would not fight under the command of Alexander Mac-donald, a man of no account with them; lastly their number was inconsiderable, being not above a eleven hundred, though ten thousand had been promised.

The next day, the Arthole men to the number of eight hundred put themselves in arms, and offered their service most cheerfully to Montrose, who having got this handfull of men, and earnestly commending his most righteous Cause to the protection of Al­mighty God, now desired nothing more than to be among the thickest of the enemy. Impatient there­fore of further delay, that very day he marches through the Plains of Athole towards Ern; as well to make way for his friends and assistants easier accesse unto him (if any should rise upon the news) as that he might fall upon and amaze the Rebels, unlook'd for, before they should be able to joyn together who lay [Page 37] at distance. Therefore passing by Weem, a castle of the Menizies, seeing they handled a Trumpetter whom he sent friendly unto them unworthily, and fell hot­ly upon the rear of his Army, he wastes their fields, and causes all their houses and corn to be fired; this was at the very first onset of the War, to strike ter­rour into the enemy. The same night he passed over Tay, the greatest river in Scotland, with part of his Forces; the rest follow him very early the next day. When they were ready to march on, he gave Patrick Graham (of whom I shall have often to speak, and never without honour) at their earnest request the Command of the Athole men, and sent him with the nimblest of them he could pick out amongst them to scout before. He brings word he saw some Soul­diers drawn up on the top of an hill at Buckinch: to­wards them Montrose makes straight. These pro­ved to be commanded by the Lord Kilpont son to the Earl of Taith, a man of antient Nobility, and descended of the Grahams; and Sir Iohn Drummond, Son to the Earl of Perth, a kinsman also of Mon­trose; who were both of them summoned by the Covenanters to joyn against the Irish as the Com­mon enemy, and had with them five hundred Foot and no more; nor had they heard any certainty at all of Montrose's being in those parts. He resolveth with all speed to surprise them, and either to win them to his side, or to crush them to pieces. But they as soon as they heard that Montrose was General of those Forces, send unto him some of their chiefest friends to understand from him what he intended to [Page 38] doe. He tells them he had the Kings Authority for what he did, and was resolved to assert that Autho­rity to the utmost of his power, against a most horrid Rebellion, conjuring them by all the obligations that were between them, that they would not think much to doe their best endeavours for the best of Kings. VVhich as it was much becomming their high birth, and would be very acceptable service to the King, so it would be beneficial unto them for the present, and much to their honour with posterity and stranger, if they of all others should be the first that put to their helping hands to hold up a tottering Crown. They most readily without any delay came in unto him, for both of them, though underhand, favoured the King exceedingly.

From them Montrose understood that the Co­venanters were thick in arms at a Rendevouz at Perth (the second City to Edinburgh) and there wai­ted for their enemies falling down from Athole. He knowing also that Argyle with his Army was upon his back, lest he should be hemm'd in on both sides, determins to goe forward to Perth, that there he might either force the enemy to fight, or reduce the Town to the Kings obedience. Marching therefore three miles from Buckinch, and allowing the Soul­diers but a short time of refreshment, at the break of day he draws out his men. Nor was he above three miles more from the City, when the enemy was in view in a large and open Plain (called Tipper­more) providing to fight. They were commanded by the Lord Elchoe, one that was taken for no great [Page 39] souldier: there were with him the Earl of Tullibar­din, and the Lord Drummond, but this latter (as was conceived) against his will, for he and his fathers whole family favoured the King in their hearts: Knights he had with him good store, among whom Sir James Scot (who heretofore had done good ser­vice under the State of Venice) was the most noted souldier. They had six thousand Foot and seven hundred Horse, and in confidence of their numbers, they had even devoured their enemies before they saw them. It was on Sunday the first of September, and it was given in charge to their Ministers, that in set speeches they should encourage the people to fight, not forgetting to mind them of their most ho­ly Covenant forsooth. And to give them their due, they plyed their lungs stoutly in the performance of that work; they most freely promised them in the name of Almighty God an easie and unbloudy vi­ctory; my, there was one Frederick Carmichael, one very much cryed up for learning and holinesse by the silly people, who was not afraid to deliver this pas­sage in his Sermon, If ever God spake word of truth out of my mouth, I promise you in his name assured victory this day.

Gods service being thus finely performed as they thought, they put their men in Battalia. Elchoe him­self commanded the right flank, Sir James Scot the left, and the Earl of Tullibardin the battel. To the right and left flanks were added wings of horse, with which they made no doubt on so fair a Plain to hem in the enemy. Montrose perceiving the great [Page 40] body of the enemy, and especially their strength in Horse, (for he had not so much as one Horse-man, nor more than three lean horses) and being carefull (as it concerned him) lest being incompassed with so great a number, they should fall upon him in the Front, Rear, and Flank, he caused his Army to be drawn out to as open order as could be possible, and makes his files only three deep. He commands the Ranks all to discharge at once, those in the first Rank kneeling, in the second stooping, and in the hindmost, where he placed the tallest men, upright: he chargeth them also to have a care of mis-pending their pow­der, of which they had so small store, and that they should not so much as make a shot till they came to the very teeth of their enemies; and assoon as they had discharged their muskets once a piece, immedi­diately to break in upon the enemy with their swords and musket ends; which if they did, he was very confident the enemy would never endure the charge. Montrose undertakes the Command of the right Flank over against Sir James Scot, appoints the left to the Lord Kilpont, and the main Battel to Mac-Donald with his Irish: which was very providently ordered, lest the Irish who were neither used to fight with long Pikes, nor were furnished with swords, if they had been placed on either flank, should have been exposed to the fury of the Scotch-Horse.

Montrose had sent unto the Commanders of the enemy, Drummond Son and Heir to the Lord Ma­derty, a noble Gentleman, and accomplished with [...], That [Page 41] Montrose, as well as the Kings Majesty from whom he had received his Commission, was most lender of shedding his Countreys blood, and had nothing more in his devotions, than that his victories might be writ­ten without a red Letter. And such a victory they might obtain as well as he, if they should please but to have the honour to conquer themselves, and before a stroke were struck to return unto their Allegiance. That for his part he was covetous of no mans wealth, ambitious of no mans honour, envious of no mans pre­ferment, thirsty, after no mans blood; all that he desi­red was, that in the name of God they would at length give ear to sound counsell, and submit themselves and what belonged unto them unto the grace and protecti­on of so good a King: who as he had hitherto conde­scended unto all things (either for matter of Religion or any thing else) which they thought good to ask, though to the exceeding great prejudice of his Prerogatives; so still they might find him like an indulgent Father ready to embrace his penitent children in his arms, although he had been provoked with unspeakable in­juries. But if they should continue still obstinate in their Rebellion, he called God to witnesse, that it was their own stubbornesse that forced him to the present encounter. The Commanders of the enemies answe­red nothing at all to all this, but against the Law of Nations sent the Messenger (who out of meer love to his Countrey had undertaken the employment) prisoner with a company of rude Souldiers unto Perth, vowing assoon as they had got the victory, to cut off his head. But God was more mercifull to [Page 42] him, and provided otherwise than they intended, for the safety of that gallant man.

They were come within musket shot, when the enemies under the Command of the Lord Drum­mand sent out a forlorne hope to provoke Montrose to a light skirmish: he sends a few to meet them, who at first onset disorder and rout them, sending them back to their main body in no small fright. Montrose thought now was his opportunity, and that nothing could conduce more either to the encou­ragement of his own souldiers, or the terrour of the e­nemy, than immediatly to fall upon them as they were disordred and astonished with that fresh blow, nor would he give them time to rally or recover courage: therefore setting up a great shout he lets loose his whole Army upon them. The enemy first at distance discharge their Ordnance, which made more noise than they did harm, afterwards marching forward, their Horse labour to break in upon Montroses Soul­diers; those, when their powder was spent, and ma­ny of them had neither Pikes nor scarce Swords, they stoutly entertain with such weapons as the place would afford, good stones; of which they poured in such numbers amongst them, with so greatstrength and courage, that they forced them to retreat, and to trouble them no more. For the Irish and Highlanders striving bravely whether should outvie the other in valour, bore up so eagerly when they gave ground, that at last they betook themselves to the nimble­nesse of their Horses heels. There was something more to do a little while longer in the right Flank. [Page 43] Sir Iames Scot disputed some time for the higher ground, but Montroses men being stronger bodied, and especially swifter footmen, obtained the Hill; from thence the Athole men rushed down with their drawn swords upon the enemy, and making little account of the musquetiers, who sent their bullets a­mongst them as thick as hail, closing with them (as they lik'd best to fight) they slash'd and beat them down. At last the enemy not able to abide their fu­ry, fairly ran away. Most of the Horse made so good speed as to save themselves; but there was a great slaughter of the Foot, whom they pursued for six or seaven miles. There were conceived to be two thou­sand of the Covenanters slain, and more were taken prisoners: of whom some taking a Military Oath, took up arms again with the Conquerour; but per­fidiously, for almost all forsook him afterwards. The rest taking a Solemn Protestation that they would never after bear arms against the King, he set at liberty. He took in Perth the same day, without doing the least harm unto the City, although most of the Citizens had fought against him in this bat­tell; thinking by so great clemency to turn the hearts of the people towards their King, which was the only end to which he directed all his defigns.

CHAP. VI.

HE staid three dayes at Perth, for there he ex­ected many in those parts to come in with their friends and clients armed, who upon the noise of the [Page 44] late victory professed themselves most faithfull to the King; but none came but the Earl of Kinowl with a few gentlemen of Gowry, nor did they con­tinue very constant unto him neither. And by this time Argyle was at haud with a great Army of Foot of his own, and supplies of Horse were joyned with him out of the South parts; therefore Montrose passing over the Tay took up his Quarters in the field (for other quarters he seldome had) near Cou­per a little village in Angus, where a famous Mona­stery once stood, but now lies on the ground. Here a brave young gentleman Sir Thomas Ogilby Son to the Earl of Airley, with others of the Gentry of Angus, met him, and readily offered him their ser­vice; whom he curteously entertained, and sent them a way with thanks, they pretending they only went to fit themselves for a march, neverthelesse few of them returned besides the Ogilbies.

Next morning by break of-day before the Revel­lier was beat, there was a great tumult in the Camp, the Souldiers ran to their armes, and sell to be wild and raging; Montrose guessing that it was some falling out between the Highlanders and the Irish, thrust himself amongst the thickest of them: there he finds a horrible murther newly committed, for the noble Lord Kilpont lay there basely slain. The murtherer was a retainer of his own, one Stu­art, whom he had treated with much friendship and familiarity, in somuch that that same night they lay both in a bed. It is reported that the base slave bad a plot to dispatch Montrose, and in regard of the [Page 45] great power he had with Kilpontin, he conceived he might draw him in to be accessary to the villany, therefore taking him aside into a private place, he had discovered unto him his intentions; which the Nobleman highly detested, as was meet; whereupon the murtherer fearing he would discover him, assaul­ted him unawares, and stabbed him with many wounds, who little suspected any harm from his friend and creature. The treacherous assassine by kil­ling a Centinel escaped, none being able to pursue him, it being so dark that they could scarce see the ends of their Pikes. Some say the traitor was hired by the Covenanters to do this, others only that he was promised a reward if he did it. Howsoever it was, this is most certain, that he is very high in their favour unto this very day, and that Argyle imme­diately advanced him (though he was no souldier) to great commands in his Army. Montrose was very much troubled with the losse of this Nobleman, his dear friend, and one that had deserved very well both from the King and himself, a man famous for Arts and arms, and honesty; being a good Philosopher, a good Divine, a good Lawyer, a good Souldier, a good Subject, and a good man: And embracing the breath­lesse body again and again with sighes and teares, he delivers it to his sorrowfull friends and servants to be carried to his parents to receive its funeral Ob­sequies as became the splendor of that honourable Family.

With the rest of his Forces Montrose marcheth to Dundee: the Town being proud of the number of [Page 46] its inhabitants, and having a Garrison out of Eife be­side, refused to submit. And he, thinking it no wis­dome to hazard the honour he had gotten by his late victory upon the doubtful successe of a siege, turns away toward Esk; for he hoped that many of his friends and kindred, being men of greatest note in those parts, and who used to talk as highly what they would do for the King as any others, would be rea­dy to joyn with him. But they having news of his approach withdrew themselves: only the Lord Ogil­by Earl of Airley, a man of threescore years old, (with his two Sons, Sir Thomas, and Sir David, and some of his friends and clients, men of experienced resolutions) joyned himself unto him: and with ad­mirable constancy he went along with him through all fortunes unto the very end of the War; being in that almost universal defection, the other honour and ornament of the Nobility of Scotland besides Montrose.

While Montrose was hereabouts, he receives in­telligence, that some Commissioners from the Cove­nanters (of whom the Lord Burghly was the princi­pal) lay at Aberdene with an Army, and laboured to assure unto themselves the Northern parts, upon which Montrose especially relyed, either by fair means or foul. He determines to fight these im­mediately before Argyle could come up to them, therefore with long marches he hies thither: and possessing himself of the bridge upon the river of Dee, and drawing near the City, he found the enemy drawn up close beside it. Burghley commanded two [Page 47] thousand Foot, and five hundred Horse, whom he pla­ced in wings; and having chosen his ground, and planted his great Guns before his men, he expected battel. Montrose had fifteen hundred Foot (for the Lord Kilponts souldiers were gone to convey their Lords dead body to his parents, and most of the Athole-men after the victory of Perth were gone home, from whence they were not farr, laden with spoil) and just four and forty Horse, of whom he made two divisions, and mixing amongst them the best fire-men and Archers that he had (who in nimble­nesse and swiftnesse of body were almost as good as Horsemen) placed them on either wing, to prevent the falling of the enimies horse upon his rear; which they performed most gallantly beyond the opinion or perhaps the belief of many. He gave the com­mand of the right flank to James Hay and Natha­niel Gordon, and of the left to Sir William Rollock, all valiant men. The left wing of the enemy was commanded by Lewis Gordon, Son to the Marquesse of Huntley, a bold young man and hot spirited, but hair brain'd, and one that had forced out his fa­thers friends and clients to fight with Montrose against their wills. He having gotten the plain and most commodious ground for fighting on horse-back, char­ged Montrose's right flank: which when he percei­ved, he commanded Rollock with his twenty Horse to their aid; and they, being backed with the gal­lantry of their Commanders, and the activity and stoutnesse of the Foot amongst them, received the charge with so much hardinesse, that they four and [Page 48] forty, beat back full three hundred of the enemy, rou­ting all and killing very many. But because they were so few they durst not follow the chase which was for­born by the great prudence of the Commanders, and proved to be of great consequence towards the ob­taining of the victory: for the enemy charged Mon­trose's left Flank (which had no Horse) with their right Wing of Horse. Montrose therefore in a trice (now that Lewis Gordon and his men were fled) conveighs the same Horse to the left Flank; who seeing they were not able to draw themselves into a Body like the enemies, fetch'd a compasse about, and so escaped their first charge; then neatly wheeling a­bout they fell upon the Flank of the enemy, and with their naked swords, beat, and cut, and vanquisht, and put them to flight. They took prisoners one Forbes of Kragevar a Knight of great esteem with the e­nemy, and another Forbes of Boindle. Those that re­treated got safe away, because that so few could not safely pursue them. They that commanded the enemies Horse were not so much frighted with their losse, as vexed with the disgrace of a double repulse, therfore imputing their defeat to those light fire­locks that were mixed with Montroses Horse, they themselves call for Foot-men out of their main Bo­dy, intending to return with greater courage. Mon­trose suspected that, and was loath to engage those few gallant men again, (whose Horses were spent al­ready in two sharp services,) with the enemy who was reinforced with fresh Foot. Therefore observing the enemies Horse not yet rallied since their new rout, [Page 49] and standing at a sufficient distance from their Foot; he rode about among his own Foot, (who had been sore galled already with the enemies Ordnance) and bespeaks them to this effect: We do no good my (fel­low souldiers) while we dispute the matter at thus much distance, except we cloze up with them how shall we know an able man from a weak, a valiant man from a coward? If ye would assail these timorous and brawnelesse shrimps with handy-blows, they will never be able to stand you. Goe to therefore, fall about them with your swords and but-ends of your muskets, beat them down, drive them back, and make them pay what is justly due for their treason and rebellion. It was no sooner said, than they fall to work, break in upon the enemy, defeat them, rout them. Their Horse who expected Foot to come and line them, seeing them all run away, ran faster than they: whom the Conquerours were not able to follow, much lesse to overtake, so they scap'd scot-free; but the Foot paid for all, few of which escaped the Victors hands. For having no other place to fly unto but into the City, Montrose's men came in thronging amongst them through the gates and posterns, and laid them on heaps all over the streets. They fought four hours upon such equal terms, that it was an even lay whether had the odds. At this Battell Montrose had some great Guns, but they were unserviceable, because all advantages of ground were possessed by the enemy; but, the enemies Guns made no small ha­vock of his men. Among others, there was an Irish­man that had his legg shot off with a Cannon bul­let, [Page 50] only it hung by a little skin; he seeing his fel­low-souldiers something sad at his mischance, with a loud and cheerfull voyce cryes out, Come on, my Comrades, this is but the fortune of Warr, and nei­ther you nor I have reason to be sorry for it. Do you stand to it as becomes you, and as for me, I am sure my Lord Marquesse, seeing I can no longer serve on foot, will mount me on horse-back: So drawing out his knife, being nothing altered nor troubled, he cut a­sunder the skin with his own hand, and gave his legg to one of his fellow souldiers to bury. And truly, when he was well again, and made a Trooper, he often did very faithfull and gallant service. This bat­tell was fought at Aberdeen on the twelfth day of September, 1644. Then Montrose calling his soul­diers back to their Colours entred the City, and al­lowed them two dayes rest.

CHAP. VII.

IN the mean time news was brought that Argyle was hard by with much greater forces than those they dealt with last, the Earle of Lothian accom­panying him with fifteen hundred Horse. Therefore Montrose removes from Aberdeen to Kintor a Vil­lage ten miles off, that he might make an easier ac­cesse unto him for the Gordons (the friends and de­pendents of the Marquesse of Huntley) and others that were supposed much to favour the Kings cause. From thence he sends Sir William Rollock to Oxford, to acquaint his Majesty with the good successe he [Page 51] had hitherto obtained, and to desire supplies out of England, or some place else. That he had fought twice indeed very prosperously, but it could not be expected, that seeing he was so beset on all sides, with great and numerous Armies, he should be able to hold out al­wayes without timely relief. Still nothing troubled Montrose more, than that none of the Gordons, of whom he conceived great hopes, came in unto him. And there wanted not some of them, who testified their great affection to the service, but that Huntley the chief of the Family, being a back-friend to Mon­trose, had with-held them all, either by his own ex­ample, or private directions; and that himself being forced ro sculk in the utmost border of the Kingdome, envied that honour to another of which he had mis­sed himself, and had forbidden, even with threats, all those with whom he had any power, to have any thing to do with Montrose, or to assist him either with their power or counsell. Which when he understood, he resolved to withdraw his Forces into the Moun­tains and Fastnesses, where he knew the enemies horse (wherein their great strength consisted) could do them little service; and of their Foot (if they were never so many) relying upon the justice of his cause, and the valour of his souldiers, he made but little reckoning. Therefore he hid his Ordnance in a bogg, and quit­ted all his troublesome and heavy carriages; And comming to the side of the river Spey, not farr from an old castle called Rothmurk, he incamped there: with an Army, if one respect the number, but very small, but it was an expert and cheerfull one, and now [Page 52] also something accquainted with victory.

On the other side of the Spey, he finds the men of Cathnes, and Suderland, and Rosse, and Murray, and others to the number of five thousand up in arms to hinder his passage over the swiftest River in all Scotland, till such time as Argyle who marched af­ter him was upon his back. Being oppressed, and as it were besieged with so many enemies on every side, that at least he might save himself from their Horse, the turned into Badenoth, a rocky and mountainous Countrey, and scarce passable for Horse. There, for certain dayes he was very sick, which occasioned so immoderate joy to the Covenanters, that they doub­ted not to give out he was quite dead, and to ordain a day of publique Thankesgiving to Almighty God for that great deliverance. Nor were their Levites you may be sure backward in that employment in their Pulpits; for as if they had been of counsell at the Decree, and stood by at the execution, they assured the people, that it was as true as Gospel, that the Lord of Hostes had slain Montrose with his own hands. But this joy did not last them long, for he re­covered in a short space; and as if he had been ri­sen from the dead, he frighted his enemies much more than he had done before. For assoon as his disease would give him leave, he returned into Athole, and sent away Mac-donald with a party unto the High­landers, to invite them to take up arms with him; and if they would not be invited, to force them. He himself goes into Angus, hoping it might happen that he should either force Argyle with his tyred [Page 53] Horse unto his Winter quarters, or at least leave him far enough behind him. For Argyle had pursued him slowly, and at such distance, that it was apparent he thought of nothing lesse than of giving him battail. Therefore going through Angus, and getting over the Grainsbain (which going along with a continu­ed ridge from East to West, divideth Scotland in­to two equal parts) he returned into the North of the Kingdome. And now that he had left Argyle so far behind him, that he might safely take some time to recruit, he went to Strathbogy, that he might meet with the Gordons, and perswade them to engage with him. But he lost his labour, for they were fore­stalled by Huntley, and after his example plaid least in sight. For such as were generous and daring spirits, though they were loath to provoke the indignation of their Chief, yet they could not but be ashamed, that at a time when there might be so much use of them, they did nothing. Besides, the Lord Gordon, Huntley's eldest Son (a man of singular worth and accomplish­ment) was detained by Argyle his Uncle by the Mo­thers side: the Earl of Alboin the second Son was inclosed within the siege of Carlisle; and Lewis a­nother Son was of the enemies side; so that there was no one of Huntley's family under whose authority they should take up Armes.

Notwithstanding Montrose quartered there a great while; in which time almost every other night marching, seven, or eight, or ten miles with a party of light Foot (for Horse he had few or none) he used to give alarms to the enemy, beat up their quarters [Page 54] put them to flight, and frequently to bring home horse and men prisoners. And because he alwayes brought his men safe off, it was strange to see how cheerfull and daring his souldiers were; so that though their number was not great, there was nothing that he would lead them on unto, that seemed great to them. At last when he despaired of any good to be done with the Gordons, at the end of October he re­moved from Strathbogy, and came to Faivy Castle and possest it. There he was like to have been ut­terly undone by the bad and false intelligence his Scouts, in whom he put great confidence, brought un­to him concerning the enemy: for those whom they perswaded him were scarce got over Grainsbain, were on a sudden encamped within two miles of him. Argyle and Lothian had there two thousand five hundred Foot, and twelve hundred Horse: Mon­trose, now when Mac-donald was absent with a party, had fifteen hundred Foot and about fifty Horse. If he should have descended into the Plain with so small strength, it had been madnesse; and to keep a Castle (and no strong one neither) he thought dishonourable and derogatory to the credit of his late victories. Therefore he bethought himself of ano­ther course, he drawes his men up unto a higher hill which over-look'd the Castle. The soil of the hill was rough, and there were hedges also and ditches cast up there by the Husbandmen for the fences of their fields, which were almost as usefull as Brest­works. But before he had appointed every one his ground to draw up in, those few of Huntley's depen­dents [Page 55] which accompanied Montrose from Strath­bogy, in the sight of all people fairly betook them to their heels. And on the other side, the enemy driving fiercely up the hill, made themselves masters of no small part of it; which if they had been able to maintain with the same vigour that they had ob­tained it, Montrose had been a lost man: whose Souldiers, discouraged both by the timorous flight of some of their own, and the multitude of their e­nemies forces, were well near ready to turn their backs; them Montrose presently put life and courage into by his own example and presence, by putting them in mind of their former atchievements, and their own sense of their wonted prowesse. Moreover, he thus bespake a young Irish Gentleman, one Col­lonel O Kyan, Go thy way, O Kyan, with such men as thou hast at hand, and drive me those fellows out of yonder ditches, that we may no more be troubled with them. The gallantry of O Kyan Montrose had of­ten seen and commended, nor did that truly valiant man deceive the Generals opinion of him, for he quickly firretted the enemy out of the ditches, though they much out-numbred his men, and were seconded with a party of Horse. And not only so, but gained some baggs of powder which the enemy had left be­hind them for haste, a very seasonable prey, of which they had great need. Nor doth a notable example of the forwardnesse of the Souldiers seem to me un­worthy in this place to be remembred; for one of them looking upon the baggs of powder, What (saith he) have they given us no bullets? Marry but wee [Page 26] must fetch bullets too from those sparing distributors of Ammunition. As if it had been altogether the enemies duty to provide them necessaries for the Warr.

In the mean time his Horse (which were but fif­ty) being disposed in a place of danger, he timely secured them by lining them with musketiers. For Lo­thian charged them with five whole troops, who be­fore they had crossed over half a field that lay be­tween them, being scared with our shot, wheel'd about, and returned to the place from whence they came. Montrose's men being encouraged with these two successes, could hardly be kept off from falling on with a shout upon the whole body of the enemy: whom Montrose refrains rather with a kind of commendation of them (as was meet) than reproof, only bids every one know his own duty, and wait his commands. Towards night, Argyle having done nothing to any purpose, retreats two miles off, and slept not that night. But the next day, when he was told that Montrose's souldiers had great scarcity of powder and bullet, drawing his men into the same ground again, he made as though he would have charged up the Hill, and beaten Montrose out of his hold. But when his heart failed him in that enter­prise, besides some skirmishes between small parties while the main bodies kept their ground, there was nothing done that day neither. All this while Mon­trose sends for all dishes, and flaggons, and chamber­pots, and what other pewter vessels could be had, and caused them to be melted into bullet; yet when [Page 57] that was done the souldiers had not enough. With which great inconvenience the souldiers were so lit­tle troubled, that one as often as he made a shot (which he presumed never missed) he would say mer­rily to his Comerades, As sure as can be I have bro­ken one Traytors face with a chamber-pot. Nor wil any one wonder if Montrose's men were oft in want of powder and other necessaries for War, when he considers they had no other way to supply themselves with them, but out of their enemies stock. And now the second day being almost spent, Argyle withdraws his men over the river, the way that they came, three Scotch miles (which make one Dutch mile) off. The time was thus spent at Faivy for several dayes, Ar­gyle carrying nothing away with that great Army, but disgrace among his friends, and contempt among his enemies; for it was wholly imputed to his cow­ardise that there he had not made an absolute con­quest.

At last Montrose (lest by marching away in the day time he might have some of his Rear cut off by the enemies Horse) takes the advantage of the night to return to Strathbogy: where he intended to make some stay, both because the cragginesse of the Coun­trey was a good security to his Souldiers against the incursions of the enemies Horse; and because it was near those places from whence he dayly expected Mac-donald, with what Highlanders he could raise. The next day the enemy pursues him with an inten­tion to force him to fight with them in the open field: and truly assoon as they came in sight of them, draw­ing [Page 58] up their men they made ready to battel, as if they would have fallen on with all their power. But a forlorn hope of Highlanders was sent before by Argyle to engage Montrose in a light skirmish, who were manfully entertained and repulsed. Then Mon­trose having possessed himself of the highest ground, Argyle alters his resolution, and thinks upon that which was more safe and lesse honourable. He desires a Cessation, proposes that engagements may be given on both sides for a Conference and Treaty; yet at the same time, he did not only tempt the Souldiers to forsake Montrose, by promising them indempnity and rewards to boot; but (which is a shame to say even of an enemy) set a great price upon Montrose's head, to be paid unto any assassine or murtherer that should bring it in. Of which, when Montrose was well assured, (who well knew the disposition of the man to be more bent to over-reach and betray, than to fight with his enemy) he thought nothing concerned him more, than with all speed to bring off those small Forces he had, as far as he could, both from Argyle's Horse and knavery.

Therefore calling a councill of War, he declares his opinion; they all approve his wisdome, and pro­mise to continue their fidelity and their best endea­vours to serve him. Therefore he resolveth upon a long march the next night, as far as Badenoth; and that the Souldiers might be lighter for so great a journey, he sent the Carriages before with a guard, and bid the Souldiers make themselves ready against the next day, as if they were to fight. And now the [Page 59] Carriages were on the way, when on a suddain news came that Forbes of Craigevar, a prisoner, (to whom upon the engagement of his Honour for his true im­prisonment Montrose had given the liberty of the Camp) and that Sibbalds, who besides Rollock was only of his counsell and company when he came out of England, and some others, had made an escape and run away to the enemy. He was troubled at the perfidiousnesse of the men, and justly suspected that they, to ingratiate themselves with the enemy, would betray his counsels. Therefore he straight called back the Convoy with the Carriages, and seemed as if he had wholly altered his resolutions. But indeed he al­tered them not, but thought it fit to delay them for a time, that the intelligence which the enemy recei­ved from his fugitives might appear unto them idle and uncertain. But after four dayes he sent the Car­riages away again before him, and making fires through all the Camp, he placed all the Horse he had within view of the enemy, as if they kept their guard there, till such time as the Foot were marched far e­nough from danger, and then brought the Horse al­so safe off, and all by break of day came to Balve­ny. And now being safe from having their quarters beaten up by the enemies Horse, and they no further pursuing, it being also the very deep of winter, he al­lowed a few dayes unto the refreshment of his Soul­diers. And at this time especially Argyle began to appear in his own colours, and his subtilties were manifested. For most of the Noblemen, Gentlemen, and prime Souldiers that were with Montrose (who [Page 60] setting aside Irish men and Highlanders, had more Commanders than private Souldiers in his army) de­serted him, and fell off to Argyle. Some of them pre­tended sicknesse, others disability to make such long marches in winter time over mountains uninhabited; unpassable, full of nothing but stones and bryars, for the most part deep in snow, and never travelled over by any man alive. And therefore sore against their wills, as they said, and being compelled to depart by an extream necessity, they desired his Passe: which he denyed to none that ask'd; but yet look'd upon them rather with a kind of indignation and scorn, than approbation or compassion. Nor can one easily say how much the example of such men weakened his Forces, and how much it disheartened many that intended to have listed themselves under his Com­mand. But the old Lord Ogilby the Earl of Airley, a man of threescore years old, and not very healthy neither, together with two of his Sons most worthy of such a Father, Sir Thomas and Sir David, could never be perswaded, even in the extremest hazard of their lives, to depart from him.

CHAP. VIII.

MOntrose returning from Balveny to Badenoth net a very faithful intelligencer, who gave him notice that Argyle with his Foot (for his Horse were gone to their winter-quarters) lay at Dunkeldon, and that from thence he used all his industry to per­swade the Athole men to revolt. He, although he [Page 61] was assured of their loyalty, neverthelesse with in­credible haste goes down into Athole. For in one night he marched with his Forces four and twenty miles, through wayes untrodden, untilled, full of snow, waste, and never inhabited by mortal man, to the intent he might fall upon Argyle, whiles he had not his Horse about him. But he being frighted with the re­port of his coming, when Montrose was yet sixteen miles off, bid his men shift for themselves, and he himself fled as fast as he could into Perth, wherein the Covenanters had a strong garrison. Mac-donald was by this time returned, and brought along with him the Chief of the Mac-renalds with his men to the number of five hundred: and Montrose himself ad­ded to that number Patrick Graham with some choice men of Athole. Being recruited with these, he marcheth to the lake out of which the river of Tay breaks forth, to passe from thence through Bre­dalbin into the Country of Argyle; for he thought an enemy could never be so happily overthrown as in his own Countrey. And truly he had many strong reasons for that resolution. In the first place Argyle' s power and authority amongst the Highlanders rende­red him formidable to his Peers and Neighbours, and so conduced much both to raise and foment the whole Rebellion; For assoon as any one adventured to op­pose the Covenanters, or dispute their Command, pre­sently Argyle gathering a tumultuous army of five or six thousand Highlanders (who for all that served him against their wills) crush'd him in pieces; and therefore he had all the reason in the world to bring [Page 62] down the power of so seditious, and covetous, and cru­ell a man. Moreover, those Highlanders who did not only favour the Kings cause, but hated Argyle heartily, as having had a sufficient experience of his Tyranny, durst not appear as they would, till he was first subdued. And lastly the Low-lands of the King­dome were maintained by the Covenanters with strong Garrisons, and great bodies of Horse: so that except he had a mind utterly to undoe his friends, he had no other place to winter his Souldiers in but that. And being pressed with these reasons, with long and foul journeys, and incredible speed, he commeth into Ar­gyle.

The Earl at that time was listing souldiers in his Country, and had appointed the day and place for a Rendezvouz, He lived securely in the castle of Inncra­re, supposing no enemie to be within a hundred miles of him. For he could never before be brought to be­leeve that an Army could get into Argyle on foot in the midst of summer, and many times heretofore he has been heard to bragge, that he had rather lose a hundred thousand Crowns, than any mortal man should know the way by which an Army could en­ter into his Country. When he therefore suspected nothing lesse, the trembling Cow-herds came down from the hills, and told him the enemy was within two miles. He not knowing what to do, and almost besides himself for fear, at last commits himself to a fisher-boat, and flies away; leaving his friends, and servants, and the whole Countrey to their fortunes, and the mercy of an enemy. It is a rough and moun­tainous [Page 63] countrey, barren of corn, for little or none is sown there, but very commodious for pasture, the chief riches of the inhabitants consisting in cattell. Montrose divides his Army into three Brigades, and sends them about the countrey; one Brigade was commanded by the chief of the Mac-renalds, ano­ther by Mac-donald, and the third by himself. They range about all the country, and lay it waste; as ma­ny as they find in arms going to the Rendezvouz appointed by their Lord, they slay, and spare no man that was fit for War: nor do they give over till they had driven all serviceable men out of that Territory, or at least into holes known to none but themselves. Then they fire the villages and Cottes, and lay them levell with the ground: in that retaliating Arygle with the same measure he had meted unto others, who was the first in all the Kingdome that prosecu­ted his Country-men with fire and sword. Lastly, they drive their cattell. Nor did they deal more gently with others who lived in Lorn, and the neigh­bour parts, that acknowledged Argyle's power. These things lasted from the 13. of December 1644. to the 28. or 29. of January following.

And indeed, he used never more to acknowledge the singular providence and fatherly mercy of Al­mighty God, than in bringing him and his men safe out of those places; for if but two hundred Soul­diers had handsomly kept those Passes, they might easily either have cut off, or at least driven back all his Forces. Beside, if the Cow-herds had but dri­ven away their cattell (which they might easily have [Page 64] done) in those barren places, he must have starved for hunger. Or thirdly if it had been a sharp and stormy winter, (and it seldome chances to be other­wise there) they had either been drowned in snow­drifts, or starv'd and benumb'd with cold. But mer­ciful God took away both courage from the ene­my, and its ordinary temper from the air; and sup­plyed their want of bread with great abundance of flesh. At length departing out of Argyle, and passing through Lorn, Glencow, and Logh-Aber, he came to Logh-Nesse. And now he expected that all the Highlanders, being either frighted with the example of Argyle, or freed from the fear of him, should be ready to assist the Kings most righteous cause, and vindicate it with their arms against the Rebells.

But now lest Montrose's heroical spirit should ever want matter to work upon, he is advertised that the Earl of Seaforth, a very powerfull man in those parts (and one of whom he had entertained a better opinion) with the Garrison of Innernesse which were old souldiers, and the whole strength of Murray, Rosse, Sutherland, Cathnes, and the sept of the Fra­sers, were ready to meet him with a desperate army of five thousand Horse and Foot. Montrose had only fifteen hundred, for those of Clanrenald, and most of the Athole-men, suspecting no such need of them, and being laden with the spoils of Argyle, had got leave to go home, on condition they should return when they were sent for. But for all that Montrose was not afraid to give battell to that disorderly Army: for although he knew those of the [Page 65] Garrison to be old souldiers, yet he accounted of the rest of the multitude (which were newly raised out of Husbandmen, Cow-herds, Pedees, Tavern­boyes, and Kitchin-boyes) to be altogether raw and unserviceable.

And now while he thought of nothing but fight­ing these, a trusty Messenger overtakes him, and in­forms him, that Argyle having gathered forces out of the lower parts of the Kingdom, and joyned unto them such Highlanders as yet adhered unto him, had come down into Logh-Aber with three thousand Foot, and staid at an old Castle called Innerlogh, upon the bank of Logh-Aber. Montrose who well understood the crafty and cowardly disposition of Argyle, by that had a good guesse at his designe; which was to fol­low after him at a good distance, that he might be first engaged with those Northern-men, and then to make his own advantage of the event of that battell; but by no means to fight himself, if he could help it. Therefore Montrose considered that it would be a matter of greater concernment, and of lesse danger, to let men see that Argyle was not invincible, even in the Highlands, where he was adored by the simple people like some great-little god: and as for the Nor­thern Army, he conceived that upon the report of a Victory obtained against Argyle, it would moulder away, and easily be brought into order. Montrose was thirty miles absent from Innerlogh, neither would he go the high way thither (though he pla­ced guards in it, lest the enemy should have any in­telligence of his moving) but streight over Logh-Aber [Page 66] hills, in untroden paths, and only known to Cow­herds and Hunts-men, (for in those mountains there are great herds of Deer) by a way that never man led an Army before; and killing their Scouts, was upon the back of the enemy ere he was aware. They being but little affrighted with so unexpected an accident, run to their arms, and immediatly prepare themselves for battell. When Montrose perceived them to be in a posture so quickly, he stood still a little while till his Rear being tired with so hard a march could come up unto his Front. It was night, but the Moon shone so cleerly that it was almost as light as day; all night they stood to their arms, and making frequent sal­lies and skirmishes one with another, neither gave the other leave to rest or retreat. All others earnest­ly expected day, only Argyle being more advised than the rest conveyed himself away at dead of the night; and this second time taking boat saved himself from the perill of battell, as if he intended to be Umpire between the two Armies, and being himself out of gun-shot stand spectatour of other mens valour, and well too. At the break of day, Montrose ordered his men as he intended to fight, and the enemy were as forward to doe the like. For they did not yet think that Montrose was there (as some prisoners after­wards confessed) but some Collonel or Captain of his with a party only of his forces.

When the Sun was up, on the second of February (which is Candelmass day) a trumpet sounding struck no small terrour into the enemy. For besides that attumpet shewed they had Horse with them, [Page 67] and therefore was a sound with which those parts were little acquainted, it discovered also that Mon­trose himself was there Neverthelesse the prime of the Campbells (that's the sirname of Argyle's fa­mily) being gallant men and stout, and deserving to fight under a better Chieftain in a better cause, cheer­fully begin the battell. But their souldiers that were in the Front having only once discharged their mus­kets, and Montrose's men pressing on fiercely to come to the dint of sword, began to run. Whom they, raising a great shout, so eagerly pursued, that as it were at one assault they routed them all; and had the killing of them with a most horrible slaughter for nine miles together. Of the enemy were slain fifteen hundred, among whom were very many Gentlemen of the Campbells, who were chief men of the family, and of good account in their country, who fighting but too valiantly for their Chieftain, had deaths answerable to their names, and fell in Campobelli, in the Field of War, (I cannot say the bed of Honour.) Their for­tune Montrose extremely lamented, and saved as many of them as he was able, taking them into his protection; whiles Argyle himself being gotten in­to a boat, and rowed a little way off the shore, se­curely look'd on whiles his kindred and souldiers were knockt on the head. Some Colonels and Captains that Argyle had brought thither out of the Low­lands fled into the Castle; whom when the Castle was surrendred, and quarter was given unto them, Mon­trose used curteously; and after he had done them several good offices of humanity and charity, free­ly, [Page 68] let them depart. In this fight Montrose had ma­ny wounded, but none slain saving three private soul­diers: but the joy of this great victory was much a­bated by the wounds of that truly honourable Sir Thomas Ogilby, Son to the Earl of Airley, of which after a few days he dyed. He was one of Montrose's dearest friends; one who had done very good service for the King in England under the Com­mand of his Father-in-law the Lord Ruthien Earl of Forth and Branceforde, (a man known all the world over for his noble archievements.) Nor was he lesse a scholar than a souldier, being a new ornament to the family of the Ogilbies, whose honourable deaths­wounds for his King and Country had no small in­fluence upon that days victory. Montrose being very much afflicted with the losse of him, causeth his body to be carried into Athole, where he was in­terred with as sumptuous a funeral as that place and those times could afford. But the power of the Campbells in the Highlands, which for these many ages past hath been formidable to their neighbours was by this overthrow clearly broken to pieces; and by it also a way opened unto Montrose to doe his bu­sinesse the more easily thence forward. For the High­landers being warlike men, and let loose from the hated tyranny of Argyle, now began to offer them­selves willingly unto the Kings service.

CHAP. IX.

THe souldier who was almost spent with this sore travell, having refreshed himself for a few dayes, Montrose measuring over again Logh-Aber hills, returneth to Logh-Nesse. And from thence viewing by the way the coasts of Harrick, Arne, and Narne, came to the river of Spey. Here he is told, that there was no small party of the enemy at Elgin, (which is the chief town of Murray, a Coun­try beyond the Spey.) Montrose hies towards these, either to draw them to his side, or to suppresse them: but the very report of his advancing blew away that cloud, for they in great amazement shifted for them­selves every one whither he could. Montrose never­thelesse goes on his march, and takes in Elgin by surrender on the fourteenth day of February. At which time the Lord Gordon, eldest Sonne to the Marquesse of Huntley, (a man who can never be sufficiently commended for his excellent endow­ments) came off openly to the Kings side (from his Uncle by whom he had been detained against his will) and, with not many but very choise friends and cli­ents, voluntarily did his duty, and offered his service to Montrose as the Kings Deputy and Vicegerent. Montrose first welcomed him with all civility, and gave him many thanks, afterwards, when he came to understand him more inwardly, joyned him unto himself in the entirest bonds of friendship and af­fection. Now because the inhabitants of Murray [Page 70] were extremely addicted to the Covenanters, they hid themselves in their lurking places, nor were any supplies to be expected from men so maliciously dis­posed; Therfore he drew his Forces to this side the Spey, to raise the Countries of Bamph and Abordeen by the presence, example, and authority of the Lord Gordon. So having got together what forces he could in those places, with two thousand Foot and two hundred Horse, passing the river of Dee he came in­to Marne, and encamped not farre from Fether­carne.

At Breichin some seven miles from thence, Sir John Hurrey a stout man and an active, and famous also in forein parts for Military exploits, being General of the Horse for the Covenanters, had the Command over the whole Forces there. He came out with six hundred Horse to discover the strength of Montrose: he conceived Montrose had but ve­ry few Foot and no Horse, and if he should but de­scend into the plain, he made account to make short work with him; and howsoever it should happen, he made no question but to secure himself. Mon­trose to draw him on, hid the rest of his men in a bot­tome, and made shew only of his two hundred Horse, but lined them (as he used) with his nimblest Mus­quetiers. Which Horse when Hurrey saw, and ob­served they were so few, he drew up his men and charged. But when he perceived (too late) the Foot that ran close after Montrose's Horse, he sounded a retreat, and Hurrey himself turning his men before him behaved himself stoutly in the rear. When they [Page 71] turned their backs Montrose's souldiers drive on, let fly, and lay about them, untill being got over the river of Eske, the enemy scarce safe under the protecti­on of Night, betook themselves to shelter: nor did they think themselves secure till after a race of four and twenty miles long they came to Dundee. Then they that had pursued them so far returned to Fe­thercarne, and thence the next day to Breichin. Here Montrose understood, that Baily a Commander of great account had been fetched out of England, to be General of the enemies Forces; that Hurrey with his Horse was joyned unto him, and that they had in their Army many old souldiers brought back out of England and Ireland; so that now the Covenanters going about their businesse in so great sadnesse, Mon­trose must expect not only other kind of souldiers, but also most expert Commanders to deal with.

Therefore, lest he should chance to be hemm'd in with their Horse (in which their chief strength lay) he chuseth his most convenient way by the foot of Grainsbaine towards the river of Tay intending al­so if it were possible to get over the Forth, where he believed the King could not want assistance. Which designe of his was not unknown to the enemy: there­fore they send these Commanders against him with a powerfull Army; who no sooner came in sight than Montrose offered them battell. But they intended nothing lesse than to try it out with him that way, nor would adventure so much as but to fall upon the rear of Montrose as he marched off. So he went to the Castle of Innerwharity, and the next day to a village [Page 72] called Eliot. And here again leaving the mountains behind him, he descends into the plain, and by a Trumpet sends a challenge unto Baily to fight. Be­tween their two Armies ran the river Ile, which nei­ther could safely passe over without the others con­sent. Montrose therefore desires Baily to give him leave safely to come over to that side, which motion if Baily should not like of, he offered him a safe and free passage, on condition, that he would engage his honour to fight without further delay. Baily answered, he would look to his own businesse himself, and would not have other men teach him when to fight. Thus the two armies fac'd one another many days, neither the enemy endeavouring to passe their Forces over the river against Montrose, nor he hoping to make good his passe unto them by reason of his scarcity of Horse. Marching therefore to Dunkel, he thought to passe the Tay, at which time by a sudden and unex­pected mischief he was almost utterly ruined. It was thus, Lewis Gordon Son to Marquesse Huntley, who had born arms against Montrose in the battell of Aberdeen, by the mediation of his noble Brother the Lord Gordon had been received into favour. He either by true or counterfeit letters from the old fox in the hole; his father, tempted and carried away with him almost all the Gordons, without the knowledge of his Brother; and basely deserted Montrose and him, when they were ready to be engaged with the enemy. And truly it is hard to say to whether of both he bore lesse good will.

Montrose being sore afflicted with this unexpected [Page 73] revolt, although he was of necessity to return into the North to gather new Forces, yet made as if ne­verthelesse he went straight towards the Forth; and his scouts came all with full cry, that all the enemy were got over the Tay, that by taking the fords of the Forth they might hinder his passage. He, lest he should seem all this while to have done nothing, thought it well worth his labour, if by the way he could take in Dundee, a most seditious town, for that being the securest haunt and receptacle of the Rebels in those parts; and a place that had contribu­ted as much as any other towards the Rebellion, was kept by no other garrison but of the Townsmen. He therfore commanded the weakest and worst armed men to goe along by the bottom of the hills and to meet him at Breichin: and he taking with him what Horse he had (which were but one hundred and fif­ty in all) and six hundred nimble musquetiers, de­parting from Dunkel about twelve of the clock in the night, made so great haste, that he came to Dundee by ten of the clock in the morning on the fourth day of April. He summons the Townsmen to deliver the Town to the King, which was the on­ly way to preserve their own lives and its safety; if they would not, they must expect fire and sword. They began to make delayes, and first to give no answer at all, afterward to commit the Trumpet to prison. Which affront provoked Montrose so highly, that hee stormed the Town in three places at once: The Townsmen stood out a while and mantained their works, but they had as good have done nothing, [Page 74] for the Irish and Highlanders would take no repulse, but with a resolute assault some beat them out of their sconces, and possessing themselves of their Ordnance turned it against the Town; others beat open the gates, and possesse themselves of the Church and Market-place, and others set the Town on fire in several places. And indeed had not the common souldiers by an unseasonable avarice and intemperance addicted themselves to pillage, that rich Town had been immediately all on fire. But as it happened, it was better both for the conquerours and the conquered that it was not, for all the intelligence that the Scouts had brought in concerning the ene­mies comming over the Tay was absolutely false: it may be they saw a few Troops (and many they did not see) passe over it, which they beleeved to have been the whole body of the enemy, and by that means were like to have undone both themselves and the whole party.

Montrose stood upon the top of a hill close unto Dundee, looking upon this onslaught, when his al­most breathlesse Scouts brought him news that Bai­ly and Hurrey with three thousand Foot and eight hundred Horse were scarce a mile off. He immedi­ately calls his men out of the Town, which he had much to doe to perswade them; for the souldiers counting themselves secure of the victory, and think­ing they had done a good dayes work already, and besides being a little heated in drink and much taken with so rich a booty, could hardly be brought to leave the Town they had so newly taken. And truly be­fore [Page 75] they could be beaten off from the spoil, the e­nemy was come within musket-shot of them. And now (as it uses to happen in great dangers) Mon­trose's counsell of War were of different opinions; some perswaded that Montrose should shift for him­self with the Horse he had, because they conceived it not possible that he should be able to bring off the Foot, who had been wearied with a march of above twenty miles in the morning, after that, were spent in a hot fight at noon, and now were over-loaden either with drink or prey; especially seeing he was to march twenty or perhaps thirty miles from Dundee before they could rest in safety. That this was the fortune of War, and to be patiently under-gone, es­pecially since he had given oft-times far greater o­verthrows to the enemy than this could be to him. That there was no doubt, but that as long as he was safe, his Forces might be easily recruited; and on the other side, if he miscarried, the case was desperate, and they were utterly undone. Others cryed out, that all was lost already, and there was nothing left them but to die with honour; and therefore if charging couragiously they should break in amongst the thick­est of the enemy, no one could say but that they fell gallantly. Montrose concurred with neither of these; for he could never be brought to forsake so good men as he had in the extremest danger, and preferred an honourable death among his souldiers, before disho­nourable safety. But for all that, for men that were so much out-numbred by them, to run desperately upon the enemy, and as it were to dash out their [Page 76] own brains against the stones, was the very last re­fuge, and not hastily to be made use of; therefore as we ought not to tempt Almighty God by our own wretchlesnesse and negligence, so neither ought any valiant man or good Christian despair of his assi­stance in a just cause. Lastly, he exhorts every one to do his own part, and referre the successe to God, and other things to his own care and industry.

Immediately he sends out four hundred Foot be­fore him, and commands them, that as much as they possibly could without breaking their ranks they should make all speed. Then he appoints two hun­dred of the activest men he had to follow them; and he with his Horse brings up the Rear. The Horse trooped on in so open order, that if occasion were they might have room enough to receive light mus­quetiers. He believed the enemies Foot were not a­ble to overtake them; and if their Horse only should charge them (which they would hardly adventure to do) he conceived it was no matter of extreme difficulty to make their part good against them: be­sides the Sun was ready to set, and the darknesse of the night would be commodious for their retreat. The enemy understanding the number of them that went away first by some prisoners they had taken, and after that by their own view, assoon as they saw they were disposed rather for a journey than a bat­tell, divide their Forces into two parts, and so pur­sue them. Wherein their intention was not only to fall upon the Rear and the Flank at once, but also to secure against them all passages up to the Highlands: [Page 77] And their Commanders the more to encourage their Souldiers to a hot pursute, proposed twenty thousand Crowns to any one that could bring in Montrose's head. And now the Van of the enemies Horse be­gan to cloze up unto the retreaters, whereupon those good musquetiers that lined Montrose's Horse wel­comed one, and another, and another of the forwar­dest of them with bullets in their sides; with whose mischance the rest becoming more wary, abated of the eagernesse of their pursute. And Montrose's soul­diers when they saw they had been too hard for the enemies Foot at a march, and had got before them, taking heart and courage they skirmished stoutly with their Horse, untill the night parted the quarrell. And to rid themselves some way of the enemy, took their way East-ward many miles by the sea-coast. However that was not their way, but to go North­ward toward Grainsbain, and so to deliver them­selves from their mischievous Horse. But Baily had laid the greatest part of his Army between them and Grainsbain, that there might be no place for them to retreat unto.

Therefore at the dead of the night when they were not far from Aberbroth, Montrose commands his men to make a stand a while. And long they stood not, before he considering with himself that all wayes and passages straight into the Mountains might be laid by the enemies Horse (and he was not mista­ken,) commands them to face about, and march South-west. And by this art (though with intole­rable pains) he beguiled the Pursuers, whom that [Page 78] same night he passed by; and then turning North­ward, by the next morning at Sunrising passed o­ver South-Eske at a place not far from Careston Ca­stle: and from thence sent to Breichin to fetch those men which he had there with the Carriages. But that had not needed, for they upon the report of this ex­pedition had provided for themselves better & more timely, and had taken the Mountains. VVhiles he staid at Careston, the Scouts brought him word on a sudden that the enemies Horse were in sight, and their Foot being refresht with victualls and sleep march'd after them apace. Montrose himself being now within three miles of the Mountains was not much afraid of them, but his souldiers who had not slept for three dayes and two nights, but had all that while been either on their march, or in fight, were over­come with so dead sleep, that they could hardly be raised without pricks and wounds. The enemy be­ing at last entertained with a light skirmish suffered Montrose to possesse himself of the bottome of the Mountains, and having done nothing to the purpose retreated from their vain pursute. So he and his men came to Gleneske.

And this was that so much talk'd-of Expedition of Dundee, infamous indeed for the mistake of the Scouts, but as renowned as any for the valour, con­stancy, and undaunted resolution of the General: and even admirable for the hardinesse of the Soul­dier in encountering all extremities with patience; for threescore miles together they had been often in fight, alwayes upon their march, without either meat, [Page 79] or sleep, or the least refreshment. Which whether forein Nations or after times will believe, I can­not tell, but I am sure I deliver nothing but what is most certain of mine own knowledge. And truly amongst expert Souldiers, and those of eminent note both in England, Germany, and France, I have not seldome heard this Expedition of his preferred be­fore Montrose's greatest victories.

CHAP. X.

ANd now being safe beyond expectation, Mon­trose bids the souldiers take their rest, whiles he determines thus of the whole affair of the War. He sends the Lord Gordon, together with those that had continued loyal and dutifull after the re­volt of his brother Lewis, into their own Country, both that they might recall those whom his Brother had seduced away, and recruit themselves by levy­ing new forces. Which he cheerfully and couragi­ously performed, and though he spared none, yet he was most severe with those that had been authors or accessaries to his Brothers defection: and he was the more active in that businesse, that he might ac­quit himself of any suspition. Nor indeed did Mon­trose himself or any other more detest that villany of Lewis Gordon, than that noble Lord his Brother. As for Montrose, he with a small party (for he kept but five hundred Foot and fifty Horse with him) marches through Angus into Perthshire, that he might distract the enemy till such time as he had made up his Army [Page 80] with recrutes from every side. Neither was he out in his aim, for the Covenanters had sent Hurrey the Lieutenant General of the Horse, with a Command into the North, of a party of six hundred old Foot, and two hundred Horse; that he might strengthen their own-side, and suppresse the Lord Gordon. And Baily himself staid with an Army at Perth, as in the very heart of the Kingdom, ready to wait upon all motions. Montrose was twelve miles off at a village called Kreif, where Baily understood he quartered securely with a very small party: who being diligent upon all occasions, set out from Beth at the beginning of the night with all his Army, that by a speedy march he might at break of day fall unex­pected into Montrose's quarters. But he found Montrose carefull enough of his businesse, and his Foot ready in arms either to march or fight; but he with his Horse came up towards the enemy to dis­cover their number and strength. And when he found them to be two thousand Foot and five hun­dred Horse, he commanded his men to march spee­dily away, and following the course of the river Erne to make good the fords thereof: he with the few Horse that he had was their Rear-guard, lest they should have been troden in pieces by the enemies Ca­valry. And truly he so valiantly repulsed the fierce assault of the enemy, that by killing some, and rou­ting others, he forced them to retreat, till at last his Foot after six miles march had made themselves Ma­sters of the passes of Erne. So the enemy retreated with the losse of their labour, and Montrose that [Page 81] same night being the eighteenth of April, quartered at Logh-Erne, and came the next day to Balwider, where the Earl of Alboine met him, who with some few more had escaped out of Carlisle, and hearing tydings of Montrose's good successe, had at last re­turned into his Country.

Leaving Balwidir they advanced to Logh-Catri­net, where they receive intelligence that Hurrey had raised great forces in the North, and was ready to engage with the Lord Gordon; and therefore there was danger that he being an active Souldier and a good Commander should be able to over-master that gallant young Gentleman. Therefore Montrose thought it necessary to oppose. Hurrey assoon as was possible, as well to secure so dear a friend from im­minent danger, as to be nibbling at the enemies For­ces as he found them asunder, and to cut off that power by peece-meal, which he well knew if it were all in a body would be above his match. Therefore by long and continued journeys passing by Balwidir, and a Lake of four and twenty miles long, out of which the river of Tay breaks forth, through Athole and Angus, and over Grainsbain, through a vale called Glenmuck, he came to the midst of Marre. There he joyned with the Lord Gordon, who had now a thousand Foot, and two Hundred Horse, and marching straight to the Spey, laboured to find out and engage with the enemy. Nor was he above six miles off when Hurrey thought he had not yet got over Grainsbain: [...]for with unwearied labour and in­credible speed he had over-run the very report of [Page 82] himself. Hurrey lest a battell should be forced upon him whether he would or no, before he had recei­ved an addition of numerous Auxiliaries, in all haste passeth over the Spey. And because he had appoin­ted the Rendezvouz of all his freinds at Innernesse, hyeth to Elgin; nor did Montrose pursue him lazily to Elgin. Thence with all speed he passeth to For­resse, nor did Montrose make lesse haste to follow and overtake him too at Forresse, and sat so close on his skirts for fourteen miles together, that notwith­standing he had the advantage of the night, he had much adoe to reach Innernesse.

The next day Montrose incamped at a village cal­led Alderne: and Hurrey according to his hopes found the Earls of Seaforth and Suherland, the whole sept of the Frasers, and most of Murray and Cath­nesse, and the neighbouring parts, to have assembled themselves to Innernesse well appointed. To these Hurrey ads som old souldiers of the Garrison of that Town, and so draws up against Montrose. He now commanded three thousand and five hundred Foot, & four hundred Horse; but Montrose (who had no more but fifteen hundred Foot and two hundred Horse) had a great mind to retire. But not only Hurrey pressed so vehemently upon him, that it was scarce possible for him to retreat, But Baily also with a Southern Army much stronger than Hurrey's (es­pecially in Horse) was now got already a great way on that side Gransbaine, and marched in great haste towards the Spey. What should Montrose doe in this condition? He must of necessity either give Hur­rey [Page 83] battell, or undergoe a far greater hazard of be­ing hemm'd in between two Armies. Therfore he resolves to try the fortune of War without delay, to commit the successe unto God, and chusing the best advantage of ground he could find, there to expect the assault of the enemy. There was a litle Town that stood upon the height which shadowed the neighbouring valley; and some little hills that were higher than the Town behind it, that hindered the discovery of any one till they were just upon him. In this valley he drawes up his Forces out of the view of the enemy. Before the Town he places a few but expert and choice Foot with his Ordnance, who were sheltered with such ditches as they found there. The right wing he commits to Alexander Mac-donald with four hundred Foot, and lodged them in places fortified to their hand with banks and ditches, with shrubs also and great stones: and commands him to preserve himself entire that he might be a re­serve upon all occasions, and not to depart from his station which had so good a naturall fence, that they might lie there safe enough not only from the enemies Horse but Foot also. And with the same good advice he committed to his charge that notable Standard of the Kings, which only he was wont to carry before him; expecting that the enemy upon the sight of that would order the best of their Forces against that wing, which by reason of the disadvantage of the place would be rendred wholly unusefull unto them, till such time as he on the flank should take his best advantage against them. And to that end draw­ing [Page 84] the rest of his Forces to the other side, he com­mends the Horse to the Lord Gordon, and takes charge of the Foot himself. Those few that stood be­fore the Town under the shelter and convert of the banks and ditches seemed as if they were his main battel, whereas indeed he had none. And for Reserves in that scarcity of men they were not to be thought of.

The enemy (as Montrose most wisely fore-saw) as­soon as they saw the Kings Standard, ordered the most part of their Horse and old Souldiers (where­in their chief strength consisted) against that. And by this time the Van of the enemy began to dispute it with those before the Town, and on the right flank, and still as their Souldiers were spent, drew up fresh men; which Montrose because his number was but few could not so easily doe: therefore he resolved with all his men that he had on the left flank to make a vio­lent assault upon the enemy at once. And whiles he was thinking so to do, there comes unto him one whom he knew to be trusty and discreet, and whis­pers him in the ear, that Mac-donald with his men on the right flank were put to flight. He being a man of a quick spirit, thought it was best to fore-stall the Souldiers, lest their hearts should fail them upon bad news, and cryes aloud to the Lord Gordon, My Lord, what do we do? Mac-donald upon the right hand ha­ving routed and discomfited the enemy is upon the execution; shall we stand by as idle spectatours, whiles he carries away the honour of the day? And with that he commands them to charge. Hurrey's Horse had no mind long to endure the shock of [Page 85] the Gordons, but wheeling about and beginning to run, left their flanks (which they were to maintain) open to their enemies. Their Foot, although thus deserted by their Horse, being both more in num­ber and better armed than Montrose's men, stood out very stoutly as long as his men kept aloof; but assoon as he came to fall upon them hand to hand, he drove them to throw away their arms, and to seek though, to little purpose, to save themselves by their heels. But Montrose himself, not forgetting what was signified unto him by so faithfull a mes­senger, drew off with a few of his readiest men unto the right flank, where he found things in a far other condition than they were left.

For Mac-donald being a valiant man, but bet­ter at his hands then head, (being over-hasty in battel, and bold even to rashnesse) disdaining to shelter him­self behind hedges and shrubs whiles the enemy va­poured and provoked him with ill language, con­trary to orders, upon his own head advanceth to­wards the enemy, out of that most defensible fast­nesse and station wherein he was placed. And he did it to his cost, for the enemy over-powring him both in Horse and Foot, and having many old souldiers amongst them, routed and repulsed his men. And cer­tainly if he had not timely drawn them off into a close hard by, they had every one of them together with the Kings Standard been lost. But he made a mends for that rash mistake, in his admirable courage in bringing off his men, for he was the last man that came off, and covering his body with a great target [Page 86] which he carried in his left hand, defended himself against the thickest of his enemies. Those that came closest up unto him were Pike-men, who with ma­ny a blow had struck their spear-heads into his tar­get, which he cut off by three or foure at once with his sword, which he managed with his right hand. And those that made him any opposition in the close, seeing Montrose come in to his aid, and their own men on the other side put to flight, such as were Horse spurr'd away, and the Foot (most of which were old Souldiers out of Ireland) fighting desperately, were almost all of them slain upon the ground. The Conquerors pursued them that fled for some miles; so that there were slain about three thou­sand Foot of the enemy, amongst whom their old soul­diers fought most stoutly; but almost all their Horse escaped by a more timely than honourable flight.

Nor had Hurrey himself with some of their best men which went last off the field escaped the hands of the pursuers, had not the Earl of Aboine, by I know not what want of heed, displayed some En­signes and Standards that had been taken from the enemy; and himself not following the chase but tur­ning towards his owne party, seemed to have been the enemy, and to threaten a new battell. With which mistake they were so long deluded, untill the ene­mies Horse, though much disordered, had shifted themselves away into such by-paths as they knew or could light upon: only a few of them came with Hurrey before next morning to Innernesse. Of such of the enemy as were slain, the most notable were [Page 87] Cambell Laver a Collonel of old Souldiers, Sir Iohn and Sir Gideon Murray Knights, and o­ther stout men, and perhaps not unworthy to be lamented, had they not stained their otherwise commendable valour with the horrid crime of Re­bellion; nor in that did they so much follow their own judgements as the humour of the times, or the ambi­tion, or a varice of their Chiefs. Montrose of those that served with him on the left flank missed only one man, and him a private Souldier; and on that side where Mac-donald commanded, there were missing fourteen private Souldiers also. But he had many more wounded, the curing and securing of whom was especi­ally provided for by Montrose. Afterwards entertaining the prisoners with sweetnesse and courtesie, he pro­mised all such as repented of their errour, liberty or employment, and was as good as his word, and such as were obstinate in their rebellion he disposed of into several prisons. In this battel at Alderne the valour of young Napier did very much discover it self; who being the Son of the Lord Napier of Marchi­ston, and Montrose's nephew by his sister, had but a little before, without the knowledge of his Father, or Wife, stoln away from Edinburgh to his Uncle, and did at this time give an excellent assay of his valour, and laid down most firm principles of a most noble disposition. Whereupon the chief of the Covenanters took his Father, a man almost threescore and ten years old (and as good a man as ever Scotland bred in this age,) and his wife, the daughter of the Earl of Marre, Sir Sterling Keer his brother-in-law (an excellent [Page 88] man also, chief of his family, and one that had suf­fered very much for his Loyalty) together with his two sisters, the one Sir Sterlings most vertuous Lady, the other a virgin, and cast them all into the dungeon; from whence afterward they were to be delivered by Napier himself with the assistance of his Uncle.

This battell was fought at Alderne on the 4. of May, 1645.

CHAP. XI.

MOntrose allowing a few dayes of refreshment to his Souldiers, marched to Elgin, which is the chief Town of the Province; where for the sake of those that were wounded, he made some long­er stay, because they had there the accommodation of good Chirurgeons and medicines, which are some times scarce to be had in the field. Afterward passing over the Spey he came to Keith, from thence to Frendrackt, and so to Strathbogy. Here Baily meets him (unto whom Hurrey with those that remai­ned of his broken Troops at Alderne was joyned) and provokes him to battell. Montrose kept back his men, who were spent with great travail, and were far fewer both in Horse and Foot, though very eager to fight, till such time as he had raised new for­ces, and recruited them. Therefore thinking it enough to maintain the ground which he had chosen, as com­modiously as he could for himself untill night, pas­seth to Balveny, whither also the enemy follovv­eth him: but he passing by Strath-Done, and Sprath-Spey, [Page 89] went up to Badenoth. The enemy getting to the other side of the water provokes him again to fight; but in vain, for he was very wary of giving them a set battell, but neverthelesse by frequent skirmishes, and especially beating up quarters in the night, did so much weaken their power and courage, that they that were so haughtily daring but a while ago, as well Commanders as Souldiers, hastily and disorderly betook themselves by night to Innernesse when none pursued them. Montrose was not much dis­pleased that he was so rid of his enemy, especi­ally for this reason; the Earl of Lindsey, the prime ringleader of the Covenanters next unto Argyle, and his rivall too (as being brother-in-law to Duke Hamilton) used to give out, that Argyle wanted either care or courage; and howsoever it came to passe, was still unfortunate. And therefore he took upon himself the command of that Army which was newly raised, as if he would assay to manage the businesse with better conduct. And now he had passed over with his forces into Angus, intending to be a Reserve unto Baily; and if any thing should happen othewise than well, at the worst he was ready to hinder Montrose's passage over Forth. For they were alwayes very jealous lest Montrose should remove the sent of Warr to this side the Forth, and nearer Edinburgh. Therefore he resolved with all speed to quell Lindsey (who lay yet in Angus at a Castle called Newtill) both because the General was no souldier, and the souldiers raw, and unac­quainted with the hardship of Warr.

[Page 90] In pursute of which design, departing from Ba­denoth, he marcheth through the plains of Marre over Gransbain, and came by long and painfull jour­nies unto the coast of the river of Airley, intending to surprise the enemy on a sudden: which was easie to be done, for he had made such haste, that the news of his approach was not so swift as himself. And now Lind­sey was not above seven miles from him, and all things were ready for an assault, when (upon what occasion it is uncertain) almost all the Northern men privatly ran away from their colours, and go­ing back the way that they came, return into their Country. The Lord Gordon was in the Camp, and there was none there that detested that villany with greater indignation than he, in so much that Montrose had much adoe to with-hold him from putting such of the fugitives to death as had any dependence upon him. Some stick not to say, that these men were in­veigled away by the private directions of his father the Marquesse of Huntley to the Earl of Aboine, who by reason of his sicknesse was absent. For it vext Huntley, a haughty and envious man, to hear of the successe of Montrose; nor could he endure that in­ward friendship which was between his eldest son and him. However it was, Montrose being cast down with this unexpected misfortune, was forced to put off that Expedition against Lindsey, and to suffer patiently so great and easie a victory to be taken out of his hands.

Therfore taking up new resolutions, he follow­eth after Collonel Nathaniel Gordon, a valiant man and a trusty, and welbeloved in his Country, whom [Page 91] he had sent before. And by this time Baily and Hur­rey had returned from Innernesse, and quartered in lower Marre by the side of Dee. And Montrose came by the coasts of Eske, and the plains of Marre into the heart of that Country, commonly called Cromarre. And whiles he passed through those plains aforesaid, he dispatched Mac-donald with a party into the furthest part of the Highlands, to con­duct such Forces as were there raised, with all speed unto the Army. Afterward he sent away the Lord Gordon himself, to hasten and promote that levy of men which Nathaniel Gordon was listing, by all the power and interests he had in those parts. Which he most diligently performed, and amongst others, brought his Brother the Earl of Aboine back with him. Whilest these things passed in Cromarre, Lind­sey joynes his Forces with Baily in lower Marre, with whom Montrose finding himself unable to deal, (the most part of his Forces being gone along with the Lord Gordon and Mac-donald) he stept aside to the ruinated Castle of Kargarf, lest the enemy should overlay him on the champain grounds with their multitudes both of Horse and Foot; but when he was close unto the Mountains he feared them not. From hence Aboine falling sick again betook himself to Strathbogy; and upon pretence of a guard, carried along with him a considerable number of Horse, whom his Brother the Lord Gordon had much adoe afterward to draw back to their colours. In the mean time Lindsey took a thousand old Souldiers from Baily, and gave him as many raw and new rais'd [Page 92] men for them; and as if he intended to doe some famous exploit, returning through Merne into An­gus, with all the pains he took he did only this, he ranged with his Army up and down Athole, and after he had robbed and spoiled all the Country, he set it on fire. In this imitating Argyle, who was the first that in this age introduced that cruel and dreadful president of destroying houses and corn [...] being bet­ter at fire than sword, when they came into empty fields and towns unmann'd.

Baily at that time went to Bogy, to besiege the fairest castle that belonged to the Marquesse of Huntley, and indeed of all the North; and in case he failed to take it in, to waste and fire all the Country of the Gordons there-abouts. Montrose (although Mac-donald was absent with a great party) thought it necessary to relieve Huntley and his friends, whom he laboured to assure unto himself by all good of­fices, and hied thither. Where having notice that Baily's souldiers, though not all, yet a great part, were new rais'd men (for he had parted with so many old souldiers to Lindsey) desired nothing more than without delay to fight him, and marcheth straight towards him. He had not gone above three miles before he discovered the enemies Scouts: He there­fore sent, before some of his readiest men that knew the wayes, to view the strength, the rendezvouz, and the order of the enemy. They immediately bring word that the Foot stood on the top of a hill some two miles off; and the Horse had possessed them­selves of a narrow and troublesome passe which lay [Page 94] almost in the middle between the two Armies, and were come on this side it. Against them Montrose sent such Horse as he had in a readinesse, with some nimble Firelocks, whom they first entertained with light skirmishes afarre off, and after retreated behind the passe, which they had strongly mann'd with Mus­quetiers. Montrose sends for the Foot, that if it were possible they might dislodge the enemy from thence; but it could not be done, for they were par­ted by the fall of the night, which both sides passed over, waking and in their arms. The next day Mon­trose sends a Trumpet to offer a set battell, but Bai­ly answers, he would not receive order to fight from an enemy. He therefore seeing he could not drive the enemy from those passes without manifest losse and danger, that he might draw him out thence in some time, marcheth off to Pitlurge, and from thence to a Castle of the Lord Forbeses called Druminore, where he staid two dayes. And at last he understands the enemy had quitted the passes, and was marching toward Strathbogy; so he at break of day sets forth towards a village called Alford. But Baily when he had gotten certain notice that Mac-donald, with a considerable part of those Forces, was absent in the Highlands, he voluntarily pursues Montrose, concei­ving him to be stealing away, and about noon be­gan to face him. Montrose determines to wait for the enemy (who as seemed to him came towards him) upon the higher ground: but Baily turning aside some three miles to the left hand, Montrose holds on his intended march to Alford, where he staid that night, [Page 94] the enemy lying about four miles off.

The next day after, Montrose commands his men very early in the morning to stand to their arms, and make ready to battell, and placed them on a hill that stands over Alford. And as he with a Troop of Horse was observing the motion and order of the enemy, and viewing the fords of the Done, a river which runs by Alford, it was told him, that the ene­my, Horse and Foot, were making unto a ford which lay a mile from Alford, to the intent that they might cut off the Rear of their flying enemy; for so those excellent Diviners prophesied to their own de­struction. Montrose leaving that Troop of Horse not farre from the Ford, together with some select and understanding men, who should give him per­fect intelligence of all things, he returneth alone to order the battel. And above all things he possesses himself of Alford hill, where he might receive the charge of the enemy if they fell on desperately. Be­hind him was a moorish place full of ditches and pits, which would prevent Horse falling upon his Rear: befote him was a steep hill, which kept his men from the enemies view, so that they could hard­ly perceive the formost ranks. He had scarce given order for the right managing of all things, when those Horse, whom he had left at the Ford, returned with a full cariere, and bring word that the enemy had passed the River. And novv it vvas no more safe for either of them to retreat vvithout the apparent ruine of their party. It is reported, that Baily like a skilful and vvary Commander, vvas sore against his [Page 95] will drawn unto this battel; nor had engaged, had he not been necessitated unto it by the rashnesse of the Lord Balcarise, a Collonel of Horse; who pre­cipitated himself and the Horse under his command into that danger, whether Baily would or no, as that he could not be brought off without the hazard of the whole Army.

Montrose gave the command of his right wing (on which side the enemies Horse were most strong) unto the Lord Gordon; and appointed Nathaniel Gordon, an old Commander to his assistance. The command of the left wing was given to the Earl of Aboine, to whom also was joyned Sir William Rollock: And of the main battel to two valiant men, Glen­gar, and Drumond of Ball the younger, unto whom he added George Graham Master of the Camp, an expert Souldier also. The Reserve, which was al­together hid behind the hill, was commanded by his Nephew Napier. And for a while, Montrose kept himself upon the height, and the enemy in the valley being fortified with pits and ditches; for it was nei­ther safe for the latter to charge up the hill, nor for the former to fall upon them that were surrounded with marshes and pooles. The numbers of the Foot were in a manner even, either side had about two thousand: but Baily was much stronger in Horse, for he had six hundred, and Montrose but two hun­dred and fifty. Only Montrose had this advantage, that the enemy were for the most part hirelings rai­sed from dunghils, but those that served the King, Gentlemen, who fought for a good Cause and [Page 96] Honour, gratis, and not for gain; and such as e­steem'd it more becoming to die than to be overcome. Besides, Montrose knew that the greatest part of the old Souldiers were gone with Lindsey, and the new ones would be so frighted with the shouts of the Ar­mies, and the noise of Trumpets, that they would scarce stand the first charge. Therefore in confidence of so just a cause, and so valiant assertors of it, he first drew down his men, and immediately the Lord Gor­don giving a smart charge upon them, was courage­ously receiv'd by the enemy, who trusted to the mul­titude of their Horse: and now being clos'd, and come to handy-blows, no one could advance a foot but over his vanquished enemy; nor retreat by rea­son of the pressing on of those in the Rear. The first that made way for themselves and their men by a great slaughter of their enemies were the two Gordons, the Lord, and the Collonel; and Collonel Natha­niel called out unto those expert Firelocks who now lin'd the Horse as they were wont, Come on, my fel­low souldiers, throw down your now useless guns, draw your swords, and sheath them in the Rebels Horse, or hamstring them. They instantly took the word of command, and at the same time Montrose drawes up Napier with his Reserve, which lay out of sight on the other side of the hill; at whose sudden and un­expected coming, the enemy affrighted betook him­self to his heels. Aboine with the left wing kept off, nor did he attempt the enemy but by light skirmishes in small parties: who when they saw their own men on their left wing routed and put to flight, made [Page 97] their retreat with little losse. There Foot being de­serted by their Horse, after they had desperately stood out a while, and re [...]used quarter, were almost all cut off. The fall of the Lord Gordon was no little ad­vantage to the escape of their Horse, who after the battel was won, rushing fiercely into the thickest of them, received a shot thorow his body by the con­quered and flying enemy, and fell down dead. Whom also Aboine did not hotly pursue, being much trou­bled with the losse of his brother.

In this battel, Montrose did not lose so much as one common Souldier, and of Gentlemen, one Cul­chol, and one Melton; whose names and families I should most willingly have inserted, had I been so hap­py as to have knowledge of them, because they died gallantly in the bed of Honour; fighting for their King, their Liberty, and the Laws. Nor are some Pedees, as well Scotch as Irish, to be forgotten, boyes scarce fourteen yeares of age apiece, who throwing down their Masters luggage, and mounting upon their Nags and Sumpter-horses, did not only make a fair appearance of a body of Horse, but (as if they had been Corrivals in valour with their Masters) beyond what might be expected from their years and strength, fell in among the thickest of their enemies. Of whom some, but very few, were slain; nor did they sell their lives for nothing; and by that they gave an ample testimony of their towardnesse, and of so manly a spirit in children as might prescribe to riper years. But the losse of the Lord Gordon had so deep an impression upon all mens affections, that they [Page 98] had the face rather of a defeated than victorious Ar­my. The first scene of their sorrow was acted in a dull silence; in the next, the floud-gates were broke open, and the Army was full of sighes, and sobs, and wailing, and lamentation; and then with bedewed cheeks, as soon as their grief could get a tongue, they blam'd Heaven, and Earth, and Fortune, and every thing, for depriving the King, the King­dome, the Age, themselves, and their posterity of such a man. Thus forgetting their victory, and the spoil, they fixt their eyes upon the lifeless body, kissed his face, and hands, commended the singular beauty of the Corps, compared the Nobility of his descent, and the plentifulnesse of his fortune, with the hopefulnesse of his parts; and counted that an unfortunate victory that had stood them in so much. And truly, it was like to have happened, that their excessive sorrow for the losse of this noble Gentleman had conquer'd the Conquerors, had they not comfort­ed themselves with the presence and safety of Mon­trose. Nor could he himself refrain himself from be­wailing with salt tears the sad and bitter fate of his most dear and only friend, but lamented much that the honour of his Nation, the ornament of the Scotish Nobility, the ablest assertor of the Royal Authority in the North, and so intimate a friend unto himself, should be thus cut off in the flower of his age. In the mean time, hoping that reason and time between them would asswage that grief, he commands Physi­cians to embalm his noble Corps, which afterwards being removed to Aberdeen, he saw brought forth [Page 99] with a sumptuous and Souldier-like F [...]eral, and in­terr'd in the Monument of his Ancestors in the Ca­thedral Church. This battel was fought at Alford on the 2. of July, 1645.

CHAP. XII.

MOntrose that same afternoon that he had got this victory at Alford, marching to Clunie Castle, allowed only two or three hours to his Soul­diers for their refreshment. And going from thence to the bank of the river Dee, sent away the Earl of Aboine, who succeeded his deceased Brother, into Buchanshire, and the places adjacent for recruits; for many of them who were at the fight being Highlan­ders, and not farre from their own habitations, had dropt home with their pillage. And because Mac-donald was not yet returned, he kept his quarters at Cragston, expecting both him and Aboine. But when he perceived those Auxiliaries were dispatched unto him with lesse speed than he hoped, and finding his expectation deluded, impatient of so long and disad­vantageous delay; after he had got over the Dee and Gransbaine, fell down into Merne, and lay at Fordón Chapel, once famous for the See and Sepulchre of St. Palladius. Thence he sends to the Earle of A­boine (who was now come to Aberdeen) to hasten unto him into Merne with such Forces as he heard he had raised, Alboine came indeed, but brought no great store of Forces along with him; therefore he sends him back into the North to raise as many men as he [Page 100] could possibly, and bring them with all speed unto the Camp. He himself going through Angus met his Cosen Patrick Graham with his Athole-men ready to live and die under his command, and Mac-donald with a great power of Highlanders: with him was Macklen the chief of his sept, a valiant man, and singularly loy­al, who brought some seven hundred choice Foot of his Friends and Clients. Also the chief of the Mac-renolds a great man in the Highlands, and one that entirely lov'd the King, who had above five hun­dred men at his heels. The Mac-gregors also, and the Macknab [...], men inferiour to none in valour and hardness, after the fashion of the Countrey followed their Commanders and Chiefs of their Families, whose certain number I cannot easily assigne. And Glengar, a man never sufficiently to be commended for his valour, and loyalty to the King, and servicea­bleness and affection to Montrose, (seeing he in per­son almost from the Expedition into Argyle had ne­ver departed from him) by his Uncles & others whom he imployed brought in about five hundred more. Be­sides out of the plains of Marre came a great number of the Fercharsons, gallant men, and of approved va­lour. And some too out of Badenoth, not many indeed, but stout and able men of their hands.

Montrose being reinforced with such an Army, resolves to make way into the heart of the Kingdome; as well to spoil the enemies levying of men in Fife­shire, and the Country on this side the Forth, as al­so to break up the Parliament which the Cove­nanters had not without solemnity and ostentation [Page 101] summoned at Saint Johns-town. Nor did any thing hinder him but want of Horse, of which alwaies he had such scarcity, that it was never o [...] very seldome safe for him to fall down into the plain Countrey. But because he dayly expected Aboine and Airley to come unto him with a considerable party of Horse, he pas­sed over the Tay at Dunkel, and lying near A­munde, struck no small terrour into the enemy who held Saint Johns-town; and from thence approach­ing nearer unto them, he encamped in Methfyn Forest.

The enemies Foot (all but the Garrison Souldiers in the Town) lay on the South of the River Erne. The Horse which were designed for the guard of the Town and Parliament, as soon as they discovered Montrose's Scouts, bring in a hot alarm that he was there, and come already close to the gates, and no question but he meant presently to scale the walls, and make an assault upon the Town: therefore they were earnest with the Nobility and the whole Par­liament to secure themselves by a speedy flight: when all this while Montrose had scarce a hundred Horse, and they were four hundred. But he the next day the more to encrease thei [...] terrour, drew near un­to the Town with those Horse he had, and about the same number of ready Fire-locks whom he mounted upon pack-horses; and set out his men in their view so much to his advantage, that they appeared a consi­derable body of Horse. And because the enemy kept themselves within the gates, forthwith turning to­wards Duplin, he diligently view'd this side of [Page 102] the River Erne and all that coast, as if he had Horse enough to keep all that Countrey in subjection. And truly thus much he got by it, that the enemy took him to be exceeding strong as well in Horse as Foot. Therefore they draw together as many Forces from all sides as they could make, whom they intended to fight with Montrose if he should offer to passe over the Forth. But he finding it not safe for himself nei­ther to descend into the Champain Countrey, they both kept their stations for many dayes, the enemy expecting Auxiliaries out of Fife, and the Country on this side of the Forth, and out of the West; and Montrose looking for the like out of the North; And waiting impatiently for Aboine, who was too slow with his men, he sent some to hasten him, lest they should lose the opportunity of doing their businesse. He also complained, but in a soft and gentle manner, as before a faithfull friend, that Aboine's lingring and delay was in the fault, that a brave victory, by which he conceived the Rebells might have been utterly sub­dued had slipt out of his hands; which misfortune no man doubted but his speed and diligence might have prevented.

The enemy when they understood that he onely cheated them with a false Muster of Horse, having gotten aid from all parts, and by this time over­numbring him even in Foot, labour'd not onely to pro­voke, but even compell him to-fight. Whereupon he concluded to step aside a little into the neighbouring Mountains, whither he knew either the enemy would not advance, or if they did, it would be to their [Page 103] losse. Therefore the enemy drawing near with all their Army to Methfyn, he gives a private com­mand for the Carriages to drive fast up the hills, whiles he, as if he intended to fight, orders the battell, makes good the passes with strong guards, and draws up the Horse into the Front. Nor did the enemy expect any other than to try it out by battail, which he made as if he would give, till such time as the Carriages were got so far before, that he conceiv'd them out of danger: and then he commands the Army in one body at their close order to march a­way apace: He gave charge unto such Horse as he had, and his ablest Fire-locks to bring up the Rear, and to secure them from the enemies Horse. The enemy providing for a present charge, as they expected, when they saw Montrose retreating, first pursued eagerly, though to no purpose; for he making good all pas­ses as he went, easily repulsed them, and without losse of so much as one private Souldier, came chearfully off into the heights and steep places that were unac­cessible unto the enemies Horse, and for their Foot they fear'd no assault from them. It is remarkable, that when Montrose's Horse were come up into the pas­ses, and the enemy knew very well they were not able to persue any further; lest with all that pains they should seem to have done nothing at all, they sent out three hundred of their ablest and readiest Horse to follow after them with a great shout and base language; whom when Montrose saw, he call'd for onely twenty active bodied men of the Highlan­ders that were used to hunting, and very good marks­men, [Page 104] and commanded them to check their insolence; and they first of all creeping hither and thither, and hiding their Guns, took their aimes so well, that they knockt down some of the forwardest of those men; who being men of the better sort, by their example made the rest more wary, so that they were all con­tented to retreat. But those good huntsmen being encouraged with their good successe, as soon as they saw their enemies disorder'd, came into the open plain, and resolutely charged their Horse: who, in as much fear as Bucks or Does chased by the Hunters, set spurs to their Horses and fled back to their main body as if the Devill were in them.

The enemy upon their retreat chose that place for their Rendezvouz from whence Montrose departed Methfyns Forest: after they had done nothing wor­thy to be remembred in all that expedition, but that when they found themselves unable to cope with men, they exercised their cruelry upon women: for all the wives of the Irish and Highlanders that they light of (who followed the Camp for the love of their Hus­bans) most basely and shamelesly they hew'd in pieces. Montrose kept his quarters at little Dun­kel, both because the place was cumbersome and unpassable for Horse, and lay very conveniently for receiving such aids as he dayly expected with Aboine out of the North. All which time the two spleena­tive Armies lying close together, rather stood upon their guards than offered any affront one to the other.

And now at length Aboine and Collonel Na­thaniel [Page 105] Gordon brought up their men out of the North to Dunkel; men for their number indeed fewer than was expected, but for their stournesse and true valour farre above their number. The Horse they brought were only two hundred, and some six­score Firelocks whom they had mounted and made Dragoons: other Foot they brought none. Along with them came tht Earl of Airley and Sir David his Sonne with fourscore Horse, most of them of the noble family of the Ogilbies; amongst whom A­lexander Son and heir of Sir John Ogilby of Innar­wharatie was most eminent, not only for the rare ac­complishments of his person, and the splendor of his Ancestors, but for the honour of his valiant and happy atchievements, much above what his age could promise. Montrose being thus well recruited, thought it not good to lose anytime, but marched straight towards the enemy. But as soon as he came to Amonde, he thought it best to see in what con­dition the enemy was, and to find out whether that was true which he had receiv'd a flying report of; that was, that very many of their Auxiliaries had deserted their colours and run home. Therefore lea­ving his Foot to take their rest, a little before night he fac'd the enemy with his Horse; with which sight being something affrighted, they kept within their trenches. And next morning early Montrose riding about to discover, was informed that they had stol­len away at the dead of the night to Methfyn, and in disorder had got over a Bridge upon the Erne. He instantly causes his men to march, and passing the [Page 106] river at a stone-bridge about six miles off, lay that night in Strath-Erne.

CHAP. XIII.

FIfe is the most populous, the most rich, the thick­est Country Towns and Villages in all Scotland. Its Inhabitants are little martial, consisting most of Merchants, Shopkeepers, Mariners, and Husband­men: But so new-fangled in their Religion, and so bewitched both by the example and authority of the Nobility, and by the Sermons of their sediti­ous Ministers, that all of them upon the matter were extremely addicted to the Covenanters. The Country it self is almost an Island, being inviron'd towards the South with the Scotish Fyrth, on the North with the Tay, which carrieth ships of great burden all along; on the East with the main Sea. No entrance thither by land but on the West, in the straights of which both Armies lay. The whole Country was in a distraction, some (especially their much admired Preachers) that thundered nothing but Excommunications, inciting and compelling all of every estate and age to take up armes; others flock­ing in great numbers unto them, others running hi­ther and thither to hide themselves, as every one was led by his own superstition, confidence, or fear. Montrose was very desirous to assault the enemy, and try the fortune of a b [...]ttel with them before they in­creas'd their Forces with addition of the Fife-men; but it would not be. For they had so fortified them­selves [Page 107] by the advantage of the ground, and the nar­rowness of the passages, that he could by no means either make his way unto them, or draw them out into plainer ground. Having therefore made them several fruitlesse offers of battell, he resolved to march into the heart of the Country, and came to Kinrosse, as well to hinder the rising of that Country, as to train the enemy at last out of their fastness to come in unto the aid of their distressed friends. They not so much as daring to fall upon his Rear, turn'd another way, and keeping close to the bank, first of the Erne, afterwards of the Tay, made speed towards the East-side of the Country. As Montrose passed along, he sent Collonel Nathaniel Gordon, and Sir William Rollock before him with a small party. These send­ing the rest of their party up and down to scout, kept only ten men in their company; on a sudden they happened upon two hundred of the enemy, who were raising men in those parts, and being not able to retreat, they twelve encountred the two hundred, put them to flight, kill'd some, and took other some prisoners.

Montrose that night came to Kinrosse, not doubt­ting but they of Fife, who were exceedingly out of love with the King, most firm to the Covenanters, and wholly given to the new superstition, were ge­nerally up in armes. Therefore thinking it not safe rashly to engage with so great a multitude of Horse and Foot, he determin'd to passe over the Forth; and that upon this ground, that he having wearied out the Fife-men (whom he believ'd would not be ea­sily [Page 108] perswaded to follow the Army further than their own borders) with long marches, might vanquish them without a blow. For he accounted that most of them being born or brought up in shops, or ships, or taverns, and not acquainted with the hardship of Souldiers, would presently give out and be weary. Besides, such of the Nobility as were in rebellion (after they saw with sorrow that the seat of the War was drawn so near them as the Forth) were rai­sing men with more eagerness than ever before up­on the Borders, and in the West; of whom the chief were the Earls of Lanerick, Cassils, and Eglington. Whose levies Montrose laboured either to hinder, or draw themselves to his side before they came up to Baily and the Fife-men; therefore he marched from Kinrosse towards Sterling, and lay that night some three miles from the City. The next day sending the Foot before, he followed softly after with the Horse, because he suspected that the enemy pursued him in the Rear.

Nor was he deceived in that suspition, for some Espyals whom he left behind him, brought word that Baily was hard by with the greatest Army that ever he had. And immediately the enemies Scouts came within view, one of whom, having been too forward, was brought prisoner to Montrose by some of his Horse. He being examined, told them free and con­fidently, that he believed Baily and his party were resolved to march all that night to engage him to fight as soon as was possible, before they dismist the Fife-men, who being already tir'd, he hardly believ'd [Page 109] would be drawn over the Forth; accounting their, work at an end as soon as the enemy was gone out of their own Country. Therefore Montrose, that he might get speedily over the Forth, bids his men march apace, and going on the other side of Sterling (a good Town, and one of the Kings strongest Castles, in which the enemy had now a great Garrison) that same night passed over the river at a Ford about four miles above the Town. And at break of day next morning made a halt a while about six miles from Sterling: where he had intelligence, that the enemy the night before had not come over the Forth, but quartered three miles from Sterling on the other side of the river. Therefore Montrose holding on his intended journey, encamped himself in that fatal place, the Field of Kilsythe. He bids the Souldiers to refresh themselves, but however to be in a readi­nesse either to fight or march, as occasion should serve. The enemy the mean while by an easier and shorter cut got over the Forth at Sterling-bridge, and encamped at night some three miles from Kil­sythe.

In the interim, the Earl of Lanerick Duke Ha­milton's brother had rais'd a thousand Foot and five hundred Horse of the friends and clients of the Ha­miltons, in Cluidsdale and the places adjacent, and was not at present above twelve miles from Kil­sythe. And the Earls of Cassils, Eglington, and Glen­carne, with others of the Covenanting Nobility, were engaging the West unto the same impious Militia; who were so much the readier to take up armes, by [Page 110] how much they had lesse felt the miseries of Warre. Which things being well considered, Montrose thought it best to fight with those Forces which Bai­ly had at present. For although they were more nu­merous than his own, yet the danger was like to be greater of his side, if he should be put to engage with them when Lanericks and other parties were come up. But moreover he was either obliged to take this course, or do nothing, and return back into the High­lands with the blemish of that Honour which by so many victories he had atchiev'd. The enemy on the other side being arrogant, and confiding in the mul­titude of their men, believ'd that Montrose had but made a running march the dayes before, and had pas­sed the Forth more out of fear than design, so that they counted it nothing to assault him in that ground and entrenchment which he had chosen to his best ad­vantage. And above all, their proud hopes were most carefull of this, to block up all wayes of his escape, and to prevent his return into the Mountains. But there are some that say, Baily himself thought it not best to give him battel, but was over-sway'd by the authority and votes of the Earl of Lindsey especi­ally, and some other of the Nobility that were pre­sent in the Army, which forc'd him much against sto­mack to draw up his men, and order the battel as be could. However it was, early in the morning they led their men straight upon Montrose: which when he saw, he told the standers by, that that was happened which he most desired, for now he could supply his want of men by the advantage of the ground; and [Page 111] therefore he made haste to possesse himself of the fastnesses before them. Moreover he commands all his men, as well Horse as Foot, to throw off their doub­lets, and to affront the enemy all in white, being naked unto the waste all but their shirts: which when they had chearfully performed, they stood there provided and ready to fight, resolved certainly either to con­quer or die.

In the field where they intended to fight there were some Cottages and Country-gardens, where Mon­trose had conveniently lodg'd some few men; and the first design of the enemy was to dislodge them. But it took not; for making a fierce assault, and being as stoutly receiv'd, as soon as they were observ'd to cool something of their first heat, those that mann'd the places beat them off, drave them away, and slew them without resistance. The Highlanders being a­nimated with this happy success, those that were next those places, not expecting the word of Command, ran rashly up the hill, which lay open to the whole strength of the enemy. Montrose, although he was something troubled at the unseasonable boldnesse of his men, yet thought it not good to leave them enga­ged, nor was it easie to say, whether the quickness of his relief, or the cowardliness of the enemy, conduc'd more to their safety. Montrose had in all four thou­sand four hundred Foot, and five hundred Horse; a thousand of his Foot or more had now by their own fault so engaged themselves with the enemy, that they could not come off, for the enemy encounter'd them with six thousand Foot, and eight hundred Horse. But [Page 112] the enemies Rear came up but slowly, and while the Van made a stand, expecting their advance, Montrose had opportunity to bring timely aid to his engaged men. But at last they send out three troops of Horse, and after them two thousand Foot, against those rash and almost lost men of Montrose. Which when Mon­trose saw (after others had too dishonourably shifted off that service) he thus bespeaks the Earle of Airley, You see (my noble Loid) how yonder men of ours by their unadvisedness have brought themselves into a most desperate hazard, and will presently be trampled to dirt by the enemies Horse, except we relieve them with all speed. Now all mens eyes and hearts are fixt upon your Lordship, they think you only worthy so great an honour, as to repell the enemy, and bring off our fel­low Souldiers. Besides, it seemes most proper for you, that the errour which hath been committed by the fool hardinesse of youth, may be corrected by your Lord­ships grave and discreet valour. And he undertook the service (as dangerous as it was) with all his heart, and being guarded with a troop of Horse, (in which rode John Ogilby of Baldeby, who had formerly been a Collonel in Swethland, a stout man, and a skilfull souldier) led them on straight upon the enemy. And they giving the charge upon the Ogilbies, disputed it sharply with them for a while, but at last being no longer able to withstand their courage, fac'd about: whom the Ogilbies pursued so hotly, that they made them fall foul upon their own Foot; and (charging them furiously thorow and thorow) routed them, and trode them under foot. By this gallant example [Page 113] of Airley and the Ogilbies, Montrose's Souldiers, being enraged more and more, could no longer be kept back from raising a great shout (as if they had already got the day) and falling on upon the enemy. Nor would the Rebels Horse long abide their charge, but deserting their Foot, fell a running as [...]ast as ever they could: Nor did their Foot after they were so deserted stand it out long, but throwing down their arms sought to save their lives by flight. Which proved unserviceable, for the victorious pursuers had the killing of them for fourteen miles: So that of all the enemies Foot that were present at that battell, it is thought there did not an hundred come off. Nor did their Horse escape very well, of whom some were killed, some taken, the rest disperst. Their Ordnance, their Arms, their Spoils, came clearly to the Conquerours, who lost only six of their side; whereof three were Ogilbies, valiant Gentlemen, who fighting like themselvs, sealed the victory with their own bloud. The rebellious sort of the Nobility (of whom many were in the fight) some of them by their timous running, and swiftness of their Horses, got to the Town and strong Castle of Sterling; o­thers escaping to the Scotish Fyrth shipt themselvs in some vessels that lay at anchor near the shoar, amongst whom Argyle (having now this third time been fortunate to a boat) escaped into a ship; and thought himself scarce safe enough so, till weighing anchor he got into the main. Or prisoners, the chief were, Sir William Murray of Blebo, James Arnot brother to the Lord Burghley, one Collonel Diee, [Page 114] and Collonel Wallace, besides many more, whom Montrose after quarter given used courteously, and upon the engagement of their Honours set at liberry. And this is that famous victory of Kilsythe, ob­tained on the 15 day of September 1645. in which it is beleev'd no fewer then six thousand Rebells were slain.

CHAP. XIV.

THere was a great alteration all the Kingdome o­ver after this battell at Kilsythe; those of the Re­bell-Nobility were all of them sore affrighted, some of them fled to Baywick, some to Carlisle, some to Newcastle, others into Ireland. And such as before only privately wisht well unto the King, now did no longer fear to shew themselves to expresse their loy­alty, to pray openly for his prosperity, and to offer their service. But those that before had sided with the Covenanters began to ask forgivenesse, to plead they were constrain'd to take up Arms by the vio­lence and tyranny of the Rebells, to submit their persons and estates to the Conquerour, humbly to beseech his protection, and to implore his wonted cle­mency. And Cities and Countries that were furthest off began to dispatch their Commissioners to pro­fesse in their names their Allegiance to their King, their duty and service to his Vicegerent, and freely to offer him Men, Arms, Provision, and other neces­saries of War. The Nobility of the Realm and the Chiefs of Septs came in thick unto the Lord Gover­nour, [Page 115] welcomed him, tendred their service unto him, extoll'd his high and honourable atchievements, and thank'd him for them. All whom he pardoned for what was past, receiv'd them with liberty and in­dempnity into his protection, and encouraged them to be of good chear. Nor did he lay any greater bur­den upon them, than to change that covetous and cru­ell slavery which they were manacled with by the Re­bells, for the sweet and gentle government and prote­ction of a most gracious Prince; and by laying aside all former grudges and fewds, hereafter more religiously to observe their duty and loyalty to the good King; and thence forward never more to have to doe with the coun­sells of seditious men, who by endeavouring to satisfie their own [...]usts, had engaged King, and Subject, one against the other, and upon the matter ruin'd both. For his part he never had any other intention, than to re­store their Religion, their King, their Liberty, his Peers and Countrymen, by Arms (when no other means was left) out of the tyranny of Rebells, unto their antient peace, happinesse, and glory. Which if he should effect, he would give Almighty God the authour of all good things, everlasting praise; but if he fail­ed, however he should by these his honest endeavours acquit himself before God, and Gods Vicegerent his Ma­jesty, before all good men, and his posterity, his ho­nour and his conscience.

At this time the whole Kingdome sounded nothing but Montrose's praise. Men of all sorts every where extolling the ingenuity of his disposition in which he out-went all his Equals; the gallantry of his person [Page 116] in Warr, his patience in travells, his evennesse of spi­rit in dangers, his wisdom in counsells, his faithful­nesse to such as submitted, his quicknesse in dispat­ches, his courtesie to such as he took prisoners, in a word, his truly heroick virtue in all things, and towards all men. And this honour most men gave him in good earnest, and out of a sincere affection, but some in craft and dissimulation; and as every one had wit or skill they set forth his Encomiums or Pane­gyricks in Verse or Prose. Yea such is the volubility of humane things, and the inconstancy of the whir­ling multitude, that they were not affraid openly to curse and rail at the ringleaders and prime men of the Covenanters Faction, such as Argyle, Lindsey, Loudon, and others, (whom a while agoe they ho­noured and adored for Saints) as authours of all the mischiefs that had befaln them.

All things going on thus happily, the Northern parts of the Kingdome being secured on his back, the way being opened unto him into the South, the pow­er of the Rebells every where quash'd, their chief lea­ders (who in conscience of their guilt despaired of mercy) driven out of the Kingdome, and no consi­derable party remaining in arms; yet in the West their were some stirrs. For the Earls of Cassils and Eglington, and some other promoters of the Cove­nanters Cause laboured to engage the Countries in a new Warr, and were said to have rais'd in a tumultu­ary way the number of four thousand men. There­fore Montrose the next day after the Battell of Kil­sythe, drew his men into Cluidsdale, from whence the [Page 117] Earl of Lanerick, being struck with the news of their late overthrow, disbanding those men that he had rais'd, was fled. Montrose chose that quarter as lying most commodiously for his affairs in the South and West, and marched to Glascow, which is the princi­pal City of that Countrey. He receiv'd the Town into his protection, and entring into it with the joyfull acclamations of the people, first of all he restrained his Souldiers from plunder, and then being severe a­gainst the delinquents, for the terrour of others, he put some of the chiefest incendiaries of them to death. After that, in favour of the Citizens, the next day af­ter he came, he departed the Town, and quartered at Bothwell. Where because it was but six miles from the City, lest the Citizens should be prejudiced by the insolence of the Souldiers, he gave them leave to stand upon their guard, and defend the City with a Garrison of the inhabitants. Hoping with such acts of clemency to engage not only the men of Glascow unto himself, but the inhabitants of other Cities also, by good offices more than by force and Arms.

At Bothwell he staid many daies, where he received the personal addresses of some of the Nobility, and of others by their Trustees, Friends, and Messengers; and setled the peace of Towns and Countries therea­bouts, who all willingly submitted themselvs. The chief of the inhabitants of those parts who came to welcome him, and offer their service were, the Mar­quesse of Douglasse, a man of most noble family and chief of the Douglasses, the Earl of Lithgow, Anandale, and Hartfield; the Lord Barons of Seton, Drummond, Fleming, Maderty, Carnegy, and Jonston; Hamilton [Page 118] of Orbeston, Charter of Hemps-field, Toures of Inner­leith, a most deserving man (who afterwards lost his life gallantly in battell) Stuart of Resyth, Dalyel a bro­ther of the Earl of Carnwarth, Knights: and many more whose names I can either not rightly call to mind, or else think fit to forbear at present, lest by giving them an unseasonable and thanklesse commen­dation now whiles they lie under intolerable tyranny, I should doe them more harm than honour.

After the victory of Kilsythe no thoughts had higher place in Montrose's noble breast, than the en­largement of such Prisoners as for no other fault but the sin of Loyalty had been most basely used, and still expected death, in the grievous and filthy Gaol of Edinburgh Therefore he sends his Nephew Napier with Collonel Nathaniel Gordon and a comman­ded party of Horse to Edinburgh, to summon the Ci­ty, and receive it upon surrender, to set the Prisoners at liberty, and to settle the Town in peace and loyalty; but in case they stood out and refused to submit, to threaten them with fire and sword. They, as soon as they came within four miles of the Town, made a stand, (and intended to come no nearer, unlesse they chanced to be forced unto it by the obstinacy of the Citizens,) as well that at that distance they might the more easily restrain the unrulinesse of the Souldiers, lest they should wrong the poor inhabitants, and in their fury reduce that cursed City, which had been the cause and fomenter of all the Rebellion, into ashes, which Montrose gave them especially in charge by all cleans to prevent; as also to preserve the Army safe [Page 119] from the plague, which was hot in the City and pla­ces adjacent, and whereof very many dyed every day. Assoon as ever the news of their approach was brought unto the Town, they all began to tremble, and despair of their lives; and to raise a cry as if the swords were already at their throats, or their houses in a flame. Not a few of them being pricked in their guilty consciences, freely and openly accus'd them­selves for the most ungrateful, traiterous, sacrilegious and perjured persons in the world, and unworthy of any mercy. Then applying themselves unto the Pri­soners they had, both calling unto them a far off, and sending private messengers, they implored their assist­ance; and besought them in compassion of the poor silly people, who were almost wasted with a great mortality, to pacifie the anger of the Conquerours, whom they had most justly incensed: told them, all their hopes lay in them, and they were utterly undone without their help. Protested moreover, that if they found mercy but that one time, they would redeem their former revolt with more religious fidelity, and constant Allegiance ever af­ter. The Prisoners (whom but the other day the ba­sest of the people bitterly abused and reviled, cursing and bequeathing them to the gallows and worse) for­getting all injuries receiv'd, and more troubled with the sense than revenge of their sufferings, first ren­dred hearty thanks to Almighty God, who of his mer­cy shewed unto them that liberty and safety which they little expected; and then turning unto their dead­ly enemies, bade them be of good chear, for the most gracious King (and his Lieutenant Montrose) desired [Page 120] the safety and happinesse of his repenting Subjects, and not their extirpation and ruine. Therefore they advised them immediately to send some Delegates to Montrose, humbly to beg his pardon; for nothing could better ap­pease the rage of a Conquerour than a speedy submission. For their parts they would not be backward to mediate with him for their safety, and doubted not but his high and noble spirit, which could not be vanquished with their arms, would yet suffer it self to be overcome with the prayers and lamentations of men in misery.

The Edinburgians being comforted with these hopes, and assisted with this good advice, immediately call a Hall to consult of sending Delegates. There were among the prisoners of those that were most high in birth, and favour with Montrose, Lodowick Earl of Crawford, Chief of the most antient and no­ble family of the Lindseys, a man famous for Military service in forein Nations, amongst the Swedes, Im­perialists and Spaniards. This man by the power and cunning of his cosen the Earl of Lindsey (who because he was greedy of the honour and title of the Earl of Crawford, was greedy also of his life) was designed by the Covenanters to be put to death. Nor was it for any other crime but for being a Souldier, and an expert man, and one that had done faithful service for his Master the King, and it was feared he would do so again if he should be suffered to live. There was also James Lord Ogilby, Son to the Earl of Airley, one singularly beloved by Montrose, who was formidable both for his Fathers and his own virtue and authority. He also being an enemy to Argyle, [Page 121] both upon old fewds and some fresher wrongs, was just as deep in sin and danger as Crawford. These therefore the Common Councill of Edinburgh chose out of the rest of the prisoners, and immediately set­ting them at liberty, they earnestly pray and beseech them to assist their Delegates to the uttermost of the power they had with the Lord Governour, and to la­bour to hold his hands off that miserable City, upon which the hand of God himself lay so heavy already. And they curse themselvs and their posterity to the pit of Hell, if they should ever prove unmindful of so great a favour, or unthankful to them that did it. They were not backward to undertake a businesse which was so universally desired, but taking the De­legates along with them went forth to Napier. He having by the way delivered his dear Father, his Wife, his Brother-in-law Sir Sterling Keer, and his Sisters out of the prison at Limnuch, whither the Covenan­ters had removed them from Edinburgh Castle, marched back unto his Uncle with his Forces, and those prisoners now at liberty, and the Delegates of the City, as having done his businesse. Montrose embracing Crawford and Ogilby, his dearest friend, whom he had long longed for, and rejoycing to see them safe and sound, used them with all honour and accommodation after their long restraint, and they on the other side magnified their deliverer and a­venger with high praises and thanks, (as became them to do,) on both sides affording a spectacle of great joy to the beholders.

Afterwards the Delegates of Edinburgh were ad­mitted [Page 122] to audience, and delivered their Message from the Provost and City. The sum was, They would freely surrender the Town unto the Governour, humbly desired his pardon, promised to be more dutiful and loyal for the time to come; committed themselves and all that they had to his patronage and protection, for which they earnestly besought him. Moreover they undertook forthwith to set the rest of the prisoners at liberty, accor­ding to his appointment, and to do any thing else that he should enjoyn them. And although the City was so wasted with a grievous contagion that no men could be raised of it, yet they were ready as far as their share came, to pay contribution to such as should be raised in other places. And above all things they humbly begged at his hands, that he would labour to mitigate the anger of their most gracious Lord the King, that he might not be too severe with that City, which by the cunning, authority, and example of a seditious and prevailing party had been engaged in Rebellion. Montrose bade them be confident of the rest, and required no more at their hands, than to be hereafter more observant of their loyalty to the King, and faithfully to renounce all corre­spondence with the Rebells in arms against him, either without or within the Kingdome; To restore the Castle of Edinburgh (which it was evident was in their custody at that time) unto the King and his Officers. Lastly, assoon as the Delegates came home, to set the Prisoners at liberty, and send them to him. And truly as for the Prisoners they sent them away upon their return: but as to other Articles they were perfidious, and perju­red; and if they do not repent, must one day give an [Page 123] account unto God the assertor of truth and justice, for their high ingratitude, and reiterated disloyalty.

Whiles these things passed concerning Edinburgh, Montrose sent away Alexander Mac-donald (to whom he joyned Iohn Drummond of Ball, a stout Gentle­man) into the Western coasts to allay the tumults there, and to spoil the designs of Cassils and Eglington. But they receiving the alarm of Mac-donalds approach, were immediately disperst in a great fright. Some of the Earls and other Nobles made straight into Ireland, others plaid least in sight, in I know not what lurking places. All the Western Countries, the Towns of Aire, Irwin and others strove which should first sub­mit, freely offering their fidelity and service. Neither (which was more than he expected) did Montrose e­ver find men better affected to the King than in those Western parts: For most of the Gentry, Knights, and Chiefs of Families, and some also of the prime Nobility, came off chearfully to his side. VVhose names, which otherwise ought to have been registred with honour, at the present I shall passe by (if not in an acceptable perhaps, yet certainly in an advan­tageous silence,) for I should be loath so honest and loyal souls should be questioned by their cruel ene­mies, for their good affections, upon my information.

CHAP. XV.

MOntrose had now taken into his thoughts the setling of the South-borders, and sent unto the Earls of Hume, Rosburough, and Trequair to in­vite [Page 124] them to associate with him for matter of Peace and VVar, and all things that were to be done in the name and by the authority of the King. These wete not only the powerfullest men in those parts, by rea­son of the multitude of their friends, and their great retinue, but also made as though they were most cor­dial assertors of the Kings authority. For besides the bond of Allegiance, which was common to them with others, they were engaged unto him by extraor­dinary benefits. Not were they only advanced unto great Honours by him, as being raised from the or­der of Knighthood, to a high pitch of Nobility, but were made Governours of the most gainful Coun­tries, and by that means being inriched above their equals and their own condition, heaped up wealth indeed unto themselves, but envy and hatred upon the King. They again dispatch some of their friends of the best quality, to assure him, That they were rea­dy to undergo any hazard under his conduct and com­mand in the behalf of their most bountifull King, They promise moreover to raise a world of men, and nothing hindered their comming up unto the Camp, if he would but be pleased to draw that way with never so small a party of his forces. And so it would come to passe, that not only their friends and clients, but the whole Country being animated with his presence and authority, would cheerfully take up armes as one man; and if they stood out, they might be compelled, or a course taken with them. Therefore they earnestly besought him to afford them his assistance in this, and in all the rest he should find them his most faithfull and ready servants. These were fair [Page 125] words, and at first hearing, seemed to carry an ho­nest meaning along with them; but were promised with that kind of faith that the Creatures and Favou­rites of the too indulgent King are used to keep. And perhaps upon that score the Earl of Lanerick (Duke Hamiltons Brother) is more to be commended, whom Montrose having earnestly sollicited by friends to come off to the Kings side, although that way he might very likely expect his pardon for what was past, and the releasement of his Brother, yet without any dissimulation he gave this peremptory answer, That he would have nothing to do with that side, and that he would never pretend that friendship which he intended not to preserve. And I would to God all they on whom the good King has too much relied, had delivered themselves with the same candor and plain dealing ever since the beginning of these troubles.

About the same time Montrose sent the Marquesse of Douglasse and the Lord Ogilby over into Anandale and Niddisdale, that there with the assistance of the Earls of Anandale and Hartfield, they might list as many Souldiers, Horse especially, as they could. And gives them orders withall to march with such as they should so raise, towards Trequaire, Roxbo­rough, and Hume; that they might engage them without any further put-offs in an association with them: For Montrose understood a little what Court­holy-water meant, and therefore was something sus­pitious of the delayes which they fram'd, the rather, having had some experience of their cunning and slipperynesse, especially of Trequaires. And truly [Page 126] Douglasse by the chearful endeavours of the Earls of Anandale and Hartfield, had quickly raised a considerable party, if one count them by the head; but they were new men, taken from their plows and flocks, and but raw Souldiers: forward enough at the first charge, but by and by their hearts fail them, and they can by no means be kept to their colours. When Douglasse and the rest of the Commanders considered this, they write again and again to Mon­trose, that he would make haste after them with his old Souldiers towards Tweed; for by his presence and authority, and the company and example of the old Souldiers, they might be brought either willingly, or whether they would or no, to know their duties. In the mean time according to his command they goe on to Strathgale, freely offering an opportunity, and their service if it needed to Roxborough and Trequair, to draw out their men more easily and timely. But they (good men) who well enough understood the secretest counsels of the Covenanters, and knew that all their Horse would be there immediately out of England under the command of David Lesley, in­tended nothing more than to over-reach the King with their old tricks, and to deliver Montrose (whose glory they envied) into the hands of his enemies, though not by arms (for that they could not) yet by treachery. To that end they insinuate again and a­gain, not only unto Douglasse and his party, but to Montrose himself by their friends and frequent messengers, that for their parts they were ready to expose their persons to the utmost hazard, but they [Page 127] could never be able to draw together their friends, clients, and Trained bands, except they were anima­ted and encouraged with Montrose his presence. And that they might be the better believed, they curse themselves to the pit of Hell if they did not stand stif­ly and unalterably to their promise. Montrose not­withstanding was not taken with all this, but staid still at Bothwell, conceiving, that if there were any truth or honesty in their words, Douglasse and his party who still lay in the Countrey adjacent, would be suffi­cient for the rasing and encouraging of their friends and dependents.

At length when Montrose had quartered a great while at Bothwell, most of the Highlanders being loa­den with spoil ran privily away from their colours and returned home. Presently after their very Com­manders desired Furloghs for a little while, preten­ding that the enemy had not an Army in the field within the borders of that Kingdome, and therefore their service for the present might well be spared; besides, they complained that their Houses and Corn, in and with which their parents, wives, children, were to be sustained that winter, were fired by the enemy, and no provision made for them, so that they hum­bly desired to be excused for a few weeks, in which they might take care to secure their families from hunger and cold. Also they solemnly and volunta­rily engaged their words, that they would return many more than they went, and much refreshed, within forty dayes. These Montrose, seeing he could not hold them, as being Voluntiers, and fighting [Page 128] without pay, that he might the more engage them, thought fit to dismisse them, not only with Licences but Commissions. And giving publick commenda­tions to the Souldiers, and thanks in his Majesties name to the Commanders, exhorting them to fol­low their business closely and vigorously, he appoints Alexander Mac-donald, their Countryman and Kins­man (who was but too ambitious of that employ­ment) to be their Companion and Guide, who should bring them back to the Camp by the day appointed. Who in a set speech gave thanks in all their names to the Lord Governour for his so noble favour, and as if he had been their Bail or Surety, with a solemn Oath undertook for their sudden return: yet he ne­ver saw Montrose after. Nor was he contented to carry away with him the whole Forces of the High­landers, (who were more than three thousand stout men) but he privily drew away sixscore of the best Irish, as if (forsooth) he had pick'd them out for his Life-guard.

About this very time many messengers came se­veral wayes to Bothwell from the King at Oxford. Amongst whom one was Andrew Sandilands, a Scotch-man, but bred in England, and entred into holy Orders there, a very upright man, faithful to the King, and much respected by Montrose, who con­tinued constantly with him unto the end of the War. Another was Sir Robert Spotswood, once the most de­serving President of the highest Court in Scotland, and now his Majesties Secretary for that Kingdom, who passed from Oxford through Wales into Anglesey, [Page 129] and thence getting a passage into Loghaber, came into Athole, and was conducted by the men of A­thole unto Montrose. Almost all the Agents that came brought this Instruction amongst the rest, That it was his Majesties pleasure, that he should joyn un­to himself the Earls of Roxburgh and Trequaire, and confide in their advice and endeavours; of whose fidelity and industry no question was to be made. More­over, that he should make haste towards the Tweed, where he should meet a party of Horse which the King would instantly dispatch out of England to be comman­ded by him, with whom he might safely give battel to David Lesley, if (as was suspected) he marched that way with the Covenanters Horse. All this the re­spective bearers unanimously delivered, and his most excellent Majesty being over-credulous signified by his Expresses. And Montrose being now over-born with the Kings absolute Commands, takes up his resolution to march to the side of Tweed. But the day before he went, the Souldiers being drawn up to a Rendezvouz, (before that Mac-donald and the Highlanders were gone) Sir Robert spotswood making an humble obeysance under the Kings Standard, de­livered his Majesties Commission under the Great Seal unto Montrose, which he again gave unto Archibald Primrose Clerk of the Supreme Councill to be read aloud. That being ended, in a short but stately Oration, he commended the valour and Loy­alty of the Souldiers, and the great affection he bore them. And for Mac-donald, he not only extoll'd his gallantry in the head of the Army, but by vertue of, [Page 130] that authority that he had received from the King, gave him the honour of Knighthood. For not only Montrose but all the Kings friends were confident of the integrity of the man; whose good opinion he deceiv'd, not only to the undoing of the Kings cause, but the utter ruine of himself and his friend.

Montrose following his intended journey, came the second night to Calder Castle; at which time the Earl of Aboine (whether the Lord Governour would or no) carried away with him not only his own men, but all the rest of the Northern Forces, whom he had inveighled to desert the service. Nor would he be perswaded either by reason, or the intreaty of his friends (who heartily detested that shameful act) to stay but so much as one week, and then he might depart, not only with the Generals licence, but with honour, and the good esteem of honest men. Seeing it would be no better, Montrose passing by Edin­burgh, led his small Army through Lothianshire, and in Strathgale joyned with Douglasse and the other Commanders, whose Forces being much diminished, were dayly mouldring more and more. In that coast Traquaire himself came unto him, more chearful and merry than he used to be; who pretended him­self to be a most faithful Servant, not only to his Ma­jesty, but also to Montrose, and the next day sent him his Son the Lord Linton, with a gallant party of Horse, as if they were to be under his command, that by so likely a pledge he might make Montrose more secure, and so more easily ruine him. For this was not the first time that Traquaire plaid the Covenanters [Page 131] Scout-Master: that ungratefullest piece of mankind intending to betray unto them Montrose, and in him the King himself.

Now when he was not above twelve miles from the Lords Hume and Roxburgh, and they sent not so much as a Messenger to him, nor offered him the smallest courtesie, Montrose being much troubled at it, resolved to march into their Territories, and to bring them in either by fair means or foul. But they prevented him by a singular device; They sent unto David Lesley, whom they well knew by that time was come to Berwick with all the Scotch Horse, and many English Voluntiers (for they were privy to all their counsels) and intreated him to send a party and carry them away in the condition of pri­soners; which he did the day before Montrose came thither. For by this means that crafty old fox Rox­burgh (who had Hume under his girdle) conceiv'd that they might both ingratiate themselves with the Covenanters, as freely committing themselves into their Protection, and yet keep in the Kings favour, whiles they made as if they fell into Lesley's hands sore against their wills. And this being Lesley's first noble exploit, he passed over Tweed, and marched into the East-side of Lothian. Montrose assoon as he perceived the King and himself betray'd by these men, and saw no hopes of that party of Horse which was come from the King, and that the too powerful e­nemy would block up his passage into the North and Highlands, resolved to march with those few men he had into Niddisdale and Anandale, and the Coun­trey [Page 132] of Ayre, that he might there raise what Horse he could. For although he had no certain intelli­gence concerning the strength of the enemy, yet he conjectured that it consisted especially in Horse.

CHAP. XVI.

MOntrose arising from Kelsoe marched to Jed­burgh, and so to Selkirk; where he quartered his Horse in a Village, and his Foot in a wood close by. For he was resolved to make sure of all advan­tages of ground, lest he should be forced to fight with an enemy, of whose strength he knew nothing, upon uneven terms. Then he commands the Captains of Horse to set out good store of faithful and active Scouts, and to place Horse-guards in convenient pla­ces on every side, and look well to their watch. All which he in person (as he used to do) could not see done at present, because that night he was dispatch­ing letters to the King, and to send away a trusty messenger that he had light upon, before break of day: therefore he was earrest with them to have the more care, lest the enemy, who were very strong in Horse, should surprise them unawares. And the Com­manders promising all care and diligence, he was so taken up with writing of Letters, that he slept not all that night. And sending ever and anon to the Captains of Guards (men that were skilful Soul­diers, and so known to be in Forein Countries) such uncertain noises as were brought unto him of the enemies approach, they being deceiv'd either by [Page 133] the negligence of their Scouts or their own misfor­tune, very confidently sent him back word there was no enemy in those parts, nor in the Country there­abouts. At the break of day some of the best Horse, and most accquainted with the Country, were sent out again to Scout; they also brought word they had been ten miles about, and diligently examined all by-ways, and rashly wisht damnation to themselvs if they could find an enemy in arms within ten miles. But afterward it appeared when it was too late, that the enemy with all their Forces were then scarce four miles from Selkirk, and had lain there all that night in their arms.

Lesley that day that Montrose departed from Jed­burgh, mustered his men upon Gladesmore a plain in Lothianshire; where holding a councill of War with the chief of the Covenanters, the result was, that he should march to Edinburgh, and so to the Forth, that he might hinder Montrose's retreat into the North, and force him to fight, whether he would or no, before he joyned with his Highlanders. But Lesley, contrary to that resolution, gives order on a sudden to his whole Forces to wheel to the left hand, and to march away apace; every one wonde­ring that knew not the mystery of the businesse, what should be the meaning of that change of his resolu­tion, and his intention in that sudden expedition, for they marched straight to Strathgale. But the mat­ter was, (as they afterward gathered from the ene­mies themselvs) he had received letters, by which he had perfect notice, that Montrose being attended [Page 134] only with five hundred Foot, and those Irish, and a very weak party of new-rais'd Horse, might very ea­sily be surprised on the borders of Tweed, if Lesley would make use of that opportunity was offered him to do his businesse. Therefore Lesley upon this in­telligence made haste thither, and (as I said) lodg'd within four miles of Selkirk. That Traquaire sent those letters unto Lesley, although it was the gene­rall report, I cannot certainly affirm; but it cannot be denied that that same night he sent his Commands to his son the Lord Linton, that he should immedi­ately withdraw himself from the Royal party, which with much jo [...]lity he did. This was like themselves, being the ungratefullest of all men, deserting their King of whom none had better deserved, and staining their posterity. And truly, that morning being very misty gave no small advantage to the treachery of the enemy; whom at last Montrose's frighted Scouts discovered to march towards him in a full body, at such time as they were not above half a mile off.

Montrose mounting the first Horse he could light on, gallops into the field appointed for the Rendez­vouz that morning; where he finds a great deal of noise, but no order. The Cavalry being little ac­quainted with their duty, and lying already disperst in their quarters, where they dream'd more of bai­ring their horses than maintaining their lives and ho­nours, upon the first alarm which they received from the enemies Trumpet, ran disorderly up and down they knew not whither, but never came in the fight. Yet there were a few, and those were for the [Page 135] most part Noble men or Knights, who made all speed thither, and gallantly undertook to make good the right wing: and they were not above six scored [...]n all. Nor did the Foot (who were about five hundred) make a good appearance, for many of them looking about their private businesses among the Carriages, by that unseasonable care of saving; lost themselves and all they had▪ And, which spoiled the matter which was bad enough before, most of the Comman­ders were absent, and never came in the field. Besides, the enemy comming on speedily left them no time for deliberation. The enemy therefore who were six thousand (whereof most were Horse out of Eng­land) furiously charging Montrose's right wing were twice gallantly received and repulsed with no small losse; Nor could they make that noble Troop give any ground, or break thorow it, untill at last laying along those few foot that withstood them they broke in upon the left flank where ther was no horse. By this, two thousand Horse whom the enemy had sent over to the other side of the river, were gotten on the Rear of those noble Gentlemen, who, lest being hemm'd in on every side, and gall'd with the enemies shot at distance, they should fall for nothing, and unreveng'd, withdrew themselves every one the best way he could. But the Foot, who could have little security by flight, fighting a good while stoutly and resolutely, at last upon quarter ask'd and given for their lives, threw down their arms, and yeelded themselvs priso­ners. Every one of whom being naked and unarm'd without any regard to quarter given, Lesley caused [Page 136] to be most unhumanely butcher'd. The stain of which perfidious cruelty (by which he hath so fil­thily blurr'd his honour, if eany he got in forein service) he shall never be abl to wipe away. As for those that escaped out of the battell, the enemy pur­sued them no further, being busie in plundring the Carriages, where they made a lamentable slaughter of Women, Pedees, and Cook-boys: no pitty was shown to sex nor age, they went to the pot all toge­ther. The number of the slain is not easie to be gi­ven, almost no Horse, and very few Foot (besides those that yeelded themselvs and had quarter) fell in that battell: which may appear by this, that they were no more then five hundred in all, and before the next day two hundred and fifty of them came safe to Montrose, all of them with their swords by their sides, so that there could not be as many more missing: and very few were taken prisoners, and not until their horses being tired, and themselvs ig­norant of the way, they became a prey to the coun­try people. Whom they, forgetting all the benefits and protection they had but newly received from Montrose, to do the Covenanters a favour, delive­red up unto their cruell enemies, to be made by them acceptable sacrifices to Baal-Berith, the god of the Covenant.

For all that, the Rebell conquerours missed of the Kings Standards. The one of them (which was car­ried before the Foot) was preserved by an Irish soul­dier, a stout man, and of a present spirit, when others were almost beside themselves; who when he saw [Page 137] that the enemy had got the day, stript it off the staff, and wrapped it about his body: and being oherwise naked, made his way with his drawn sword through the thickest of the enemy, and brought it to Mon­trose at night. Whom he received into his Lifeguard, and gave it him to carry in token of his valour and loyalty. And the other of them William Hie bro­ther to the Earl of Kinoule, a hopefull young Gen­tleman (who succeeded his Uncle by the mothers side, Douglasse Son to the Earl of Morton, who having receiv'd many and grievous wounds at the battell of Alford, was rendred unable for that burden) stript from off the staff too, and carried it away with him. And conveighing himself into the borders of Eng­land, skulked there a while, till the coast was a lit­tle clearer about Tweed, and then through by-ways and night-journeys for the most part (being accom­panied and conducted by his faithfull friend Robert Toures, a stout man and a good souldier, who had been a Captain in France a good while agoe) retur­ned in the North, and presented that same Royal Standard unto the General.

And now at last Montrose when he saw his men totally routed and put to flight (which he never saw before) thought of nothing more for a good space than to die honourably, and not unrevenged; there­fore rallying about thirty Horse whom he had gathe­red up in that confusion, he resolved by fair and ho­nourable death to prevent his falling alive into the enemies hands. And seeing he was not able to break thorow the enemies Troops (who stood thick round [Page 138] about him) he gall'd them on the Front, and Rear, and Flanks, and of such as were so hardy as to ad­venture out of their ranks, many he slew, others he beat back. But when all that he could do would not do his businesse, as God would have it, this conside­ration possessed his resolute and noble spirit; That the losse of that day was but small and easily regained, because but an inconsiderable part of his Forces were there. That the Highlanders were the very Nerves and sinewes of the Kingdome, and all the North was sound and untouch'd. That many of the prime Nobility and men of power, many Knights too and Chiefs of their Septs had entred into an association with him; who if he should miscarry would be suddenly ruined or cor­rupted, and by that means the Kings party in Scot­land utterly subdued. Therefore he thought himself bound never to despair of a good cause, and the ra­ther, lest the King his Master should apprehend the losse of him to be greater than the losse of the battell. And while these thoughts were in his head, by good hap came in the Marquesse Douglasse and Sir Iohn Dal [...]ell, with some other friends (not many but faith­full and gallant men) who with tears in their eyes (out of the abundance of their affection) beseech, in­treat, implore him for the honour of his former at­chievements, for his friends sakes, for his Ancestors, for his sweet wife and childrens sakes, nay for his Kings, his Countries, and the Churches peace and safeties sake, that he would look to the preservation of his person; considering that all their hopes depen­ded on him alone under God, and that their lives were [Page 139] so bound up with his, that they must all live or die together. At last Montrose overcome with their in­treaties, charging thorow the enemy (who were by this time more taken up with ransacking the Car­riages than following the chase) made his escape; of those that were so hardy to pursue him, some he slew, others (among whom was one Bruce a Cap­tain of Horse, and two Cornets with their Stan­dards) he carried away prisoners. Whom he enter­tained curteously, and after a few dayes dismist them upon their Parole, that they should exchange as ma­ny Officers of his of the like quality, which Parole they did not over-punctually perform.

Montrose was gotten scarce three miles from Selkirk when he having overtaken a great number of his own men that went that way, he made a pret­ty considerable party, so that being now secure from being fallen upon by the Country people, he march'd away by leisure. And as he went by the Earl of Traquaires Castle (by whose dishonesty he did not yet know that he had been betray'd) he sent one be­fore him to call forth him and his Son, that he might speak with them, but his servants bring word that they were both from home. Notwithstanding there are Gentlemen of credit that testifie, that they were both within; nor did that gallant Courtier only bid the Rebells joy of their victory, but was not asha­med to tell abroad (not without profuse and ill be­coming laughter) that Montrose and the Kings for­ces in Scotland were at last totally routed; his own daughter the Countesse of Queensbrig, as far as [Page 140] modestly she might, blaming him for it. Montrose after he had made a holt a while near a Town cal­led Plebis, untill the souldiers had refresh'd themselvs and were fit to march, many flocking to them from every side, at Sun set they all stoutly entered the Town; and by break of day next morning (by the conduct of Sir Iohn Dalyel especially) passed over Cluid at a ford. Where the Earls of Crawford and Airley having escaped another way met with him, making nothing of the losse of the battell assoon as they saw him out of danger. Nor was he lesse joy­full at the safety of his friends, than that he had sav'd and pick'd up by the way almost two hundred Horse. But although he was already secure enough from the pursute of the enemy, neverthelesse he resolved to make what haste he could into Athole; that taking his rise there, he might draw what forces he could raise of the Highlanders, and other friends into the North. Therefore passing first over the Forth, and then the Ern, having marched through the Sherifdome of Perth by the foot of the Mountains, he came thither. As he was on his way, he had sent before him Douglasse and Airley with a party of Horse into Angus, and the Lord Areskin into Marre, that they might spee­dily raise their friends and dependents in those parts; and had also sent Sir Iohn Dalyel unto the Lord Car­negy (with whom he had lately contracted affinity) with Commissions to that purpose. Moreover he sent Letters to Mac-donald, to require him according to his promise to return with the Highlanders by the day appointed. But above all he sollicited Aboine [Page 141] both by Letters and special messengers, that he would bring back his friends and clients, who were willing enough of themselves, and wanted no other encou­ragement than his authority and example.

CHAP. XVII.

IT was towards the latter end of Harvest, nor was he corn reap'd in that cold Country, nor their hou­ses and cottages, which the enemy had butnt, repaired against the approaching winter (which is for the most part very sharp thereabouts) which made the A­thole men to abate something of their wonted for­wardnesse. Yet Montrose prevailed so far with them, that they furnished him with four hundred good Foot, to wait upon him into the North, where there was lesse danger; and faithfully promised him upon his return, when he was to march South-ward, he should command the whole power of the Country.

Mean time frequent expresses came from Aboine, that he would wait upon him immediately with his Forces; and Mac-donald promised no lesse for him­self and some other Highlanders. Areskin signified also unto him that his men were in readinesse, and waited for nothing but either Aboines company (who was not far off) or Montrose's commands. A­bout this time there were very hot but uncertain re­ports of a strong party of Horse that were sent him from the King, whom many conceived not to be far from the South borders. But other news they had which was too certain, to wit, that there was a most [Page 142] cruel butchery of what prisoners the Rebels had, without any distinction of sex or age: some falling into the hands of the Country people, were basely murthered by them; others who escap'd them (and found some pity in them that had so little) being ga­thered together, were by order from the Rebel Lords thrown head-long from off a high bridge, and the men, together with their wives and sucking children, drown'd in the River beneath; and if any chanced to swim towards the side, they were beaten off with pikes and staves, and thrust down again into the wa­ter. The Noble-men and Knights were kept up in nasty prisons, to be exposed to the scorn of the vul­gar, and certainly doom'd at last to lose their heads. Montrose was never so much troubled, as at this sad news.

Therefore to the end he might some way relieve his distressed friends, being impatient of all delay, with wonderfull speed he climbs over Gransbaine, and passing through the plains of Marre and Strath­done, maketh unto the Lord of Aboine, that he might encourage him by his presence to make more haste into the South. For his design was, as soon as he had joyned his forces with Areskins and Airleys, and sent for Mac-donald and other Highlanders, and ta­ken up the Athole-men by the way, to march in a great body straight over the Forth, and so both to meet the Kings Horse, and to fright the enemy, upon their apprehension of an imminent danger to them­selves, from putting the prisoners to death. For he conceived they dnrst not be so bold as to execute [Page 143] their malice upon men of Nobility and Eminency, as long as they had an enemy in the Field, and the vi­ctory was uncertain. And truly, they being doubt­full and solicitous what might be the successe of so great warlike preparations as they knew were in pro­viding, did deferre the execution of the prisoners. Montrose upon his journey found the Lord Areskin very sick, but his clients (whose fidelity and valour he had sundry experiences of, even in the absence of their Lord) all in a readinesse if Aboine did but doe his part; for they depended much upon his example and authority. And now the Marquesse of Huntley, after he had playd least in sight for a year and some months, (it is hard to say, whether awaken'd with the news of so many victories obtained by Montrose, and the reducing of the Kingdome, or by the deceit­full influence of some bad starr) was returned home. An unfortunate man and unadvised, who howsoever he would seeme most affectionate unto the Kings Cause (and perhaps was so) yet he endeavoured by a close and dishonourable envy, rather to extenuate Montrose's glory than out-vie it. Which seeing it was not for his credit openly to professe even before his own men (who were sufficient witnesses of Mon­trose's admirable vertues) lest by that he should dis­cover some symptomes of a heart alienated from the King: yet he gave out that for the time to come he would take upon himself the conduct of the Warr against the Rebells; therefore he commanded his Tenants, and advised his friends and neighbours, scarce without threats, to fight under no command [Page 144] but his own. And then they replyed, What shall we then answer to the Commands of the Marquesse of Montrose, whom the King hath declared General Governour of the Kingdome, and General of the Ar­my? He made answer, That he himself would not be wanting to the Kings service; but however, it con­cerned much both his and their honour, that the King and all his men should know what assistance they had gi­ven him, which could not otherwise be done than by serving in a body by themselves. Moreover he fell to magnifie his own power, and to undervalue Mon­trose's; to extoll unto the skies the noble Acts of his Ancestors, (men indeed worthy of all honour) to tell them, That the Gordons power had been formida­ble to their neighbours for many ages by-gone, and was so yet; That it was most unjust that the atchievements gotten with their blood and prowesse, should be ac­counted upon another mans (meaning Montrose's) score: but for the future he would take a course, that neither the King should be defrauded of the service of the Gordons, nor the Gordons of their deserved ho­nour, favour, and reward.

All these things the simpler sort took to be spo­ken upon all the grounds of equity and honour in the world; but as many as were understanding men, and knew better the disposition of the person, saw through those expressions a mind too rancorous and altoge­ther indispos'd towards Montrose, and that his aim was to fetch off as many as he could from him, not only to the utter ruine of the King and Kingdom, but even to his own destruction: which God knows) [Page 145] the sad event made too manifest. Nor were there wanting amongst them desperate men, and of good fore-sight, who condemned this counsell of his as un­wise, unseasonable, and pernicious even to himself. For they considered with themselvs, that he never had any design that did not miscarry either by bad play, or bad luck. That businesses were better carried by Montrose, and it was ill to make a faction upon the poor pretence of his carrying away the honour of it. For if Huntley joyned his Forces, and communicated his counsels unto Montrose, he should not be only able to defend himself, but subdue his enemies, and gain unto himself the everlasting honour of being one of the Kings Champions; but if he should make a breach in that manner, it would prove not only dishonourable but destructive unto him. That Montrose (it could not be denyed) had got many and eminent victories with the assistance of the Huntleys, but they had done no­thing of note without him. Therefore they earnestly desired him, constantly to adhere unto the Kings Lieu­tenant, which as it would be both acceptable and ad­vantageous to the King, so it would be well taken with good men, and honourable to himself. Nor did some of them fear to professe openly, that they would yeeld their duty and service to Montrose, if Huntley should stand out in his humour; and they were as good as their words. But he refusing the advice of his friends, resolved, what ever came on't, to run counter to Montrose; nor did Montrose ever propose any thing, though never so just, or honourable, or advan­tageous, which he would not crosse or reject. And if [Page 146] at any time Montrose condescended to his opinion (which he did often and of purpose) he would pre­sently turn his mind; seeming to comply with him sometimes before his face, but alwayes averse unto him behind his back, and indeed scarce well agreeing with his own self.

For all this, Aboine being at that time solicited by many expresses from Montrose, and the impor­tunity of his own friends (that he might be some way as good as his word) met him with a considerable party at D [...]minore, a Castle of the Lord Forbeses. He brought with him fifteen hundred Foot and three hundred Horse, all cheerfulI and ready to un­dergo any hazard under the command of Mon­trose. And truly assoon as ever they met, Aboine freely protested he would carry those men that he had whithersoever the Lord Governour should lead him; but there were many more behind (which for his scantnesse of time he had not got together) which his brother Lewis would bring him. Montrose ex­tolling highly his fidelity and pains, turned back a­gain almost the same way he came; that taking up the Lord Areskins, and the Marre Forces by the way, and climbing over Grainsbaine, he might fall down into Athole and Angus, not doubting with­in a fortnight to be able to passe over the Forth with a great Army. The first dayes journey Aboine and his men marched with a good will, but the next night his brother Lewis (whom Montrose had placed un­der the command of the Earl of Crawford) conveigh­ed himself homewards with a strong party of Horse, [Page 147] making as if he meant to encounter some Troops of the enemy, and carryed along with him as many soul­diers as he could get, upon pretence of a guard. Craw­ford returning brought word that Lewis was gone home, but would be back again next day, for so he had made him believe, though he intended nothing lesse than to come back, a Youth liable to censure for more feats than that. But when upon the third day they came to Alford, it was observed that Aboines men were slow to stand to their colours, that they loy­tered in their march, that their ranks were thin and disordered, and that they ran away by whole compani­es almost every night: and at last their Commander A­boine himself was not ashamed to desire to be excused, and to have leave to depart. When all men wondered, and desired to know what might be the reason of that sudden alteration of his resolution, he pleaded his fa­thers Commands, which he was oblig'din no case to disobey; and that his father had not sent him such directions with­out just occasion, for the enemies Forces lay in lower Marre, and would be presently upon their backs, if they were deprived of the protection of their own men: and that it was unexcusable folly for him to carry his men another way, when his own Country was in so much danger. Montrose reply'd, That it was most certain, that only a few Troops of Horse kept with­in Aberdeen, that they had no Foot at all, and those few Horse nor durst nor could doe the Country any harm; and there was no doubt but upon the first a­larm of his approach, their Commanders would send for those also to secure the Low-lands. Besides, [Page 148] that it would be much more to the Marquesse of Huntleys advantage, if the seat of Warr were re­moved into the enemies Country, than be kept up in his own: and upon that score there was more need to make haste into the South, that they might save the North from the burden of the Armies. He added moreover, That he daily expected aids out of England, which could by no means joyn with them except they met them on the South-side the Forth. And at last, with much resentment he represented unto him the condition of the prisoners (who were many of them Huntley's own kindred, allies, or friends) who would all be unhumanly murthered except they timely prevented it. To all this when Aboine had nothing to answer he desired his father might be acquainted with the whole matter, and 'twas granted. Such were made choice of to treat with Huntley, as were conceived to be highest in his favour, to wit, Donald Lord Rese, in whose Country he had sojourned, and Alexander Irwin the younger of Drumme, who had but the other day married Huntleys daughter: and both of them were also much obliged to Montrose for their new­ly recovered liberties. Rese being ashamed of re­ceiving the repulse, had not the confidence to re­turn; and Irwin (a Noble young Gentleman and a stout, who stuck to Montrose to the last) brought no answer but his father-in-laws ambiguous Letters, of which no hold could be taken. Being desired to deliver what he conceived his father-in-laws resolu­tion was, he professed ingenuously, he knew not what to make of him, he could get no certain answer but [Page 149] doubted he was obstinate in his fond conceit. Ahoine, first declaring how sore against his will it was to part from Montrose, urged how necessary it was for him to please his dear Father, who was sickly too; and there­fore more earnestly desired the Lord Governor to dispence with him for a few dayes, till he could paci­fie his Father: and made an absolute promise, that within a fortnight he would follow him with much stronger Forces. And when he had often and freely en­gaged his honour to do as he said, he extorted with much ado a Furlogh from Montrose, sore against his Stomach, to be absent for the time aforesaid.

Aboine being returned home, Montrose mar­ched over the plains of Marre and Scharschioch, and came down into Athole; and thence (having a little increased his Army) into the Sherifdom of Perth, where receiving an express out of the North, he is put into new hopes, Aboine having sent him word he would be with him with his men before the day appointed. At the same time came unto him by several wayes Captain Thomas Ogilby of Pourie the younger, and Captain Robert Nesbit, both of them sent unto him from His Majesty, with Commands, that if he could possibly, he should make all speed towards the Borders, to meet the Lord George Digby Son to the Earl of Bristol, who was sent unto him with a party of Horse. The same Bearers Montrose dispat­cheth to Huntley and Aboine, to communicate unto them those Instructions from the King, hoping by that means, being quickned with His Majesties au­thority, and the approach of aid, they would make [Page 150] more haste with their Forces, in the vain expectation of whom, he had trifled away too much time in Strath-Erne.

About this time the Lord Napier of Marchiston departed this life in Athole, a man of a most inno­cent life, and happy parts, a truly Noble Gentleman, and Chief of an Antient Family; one who equalled his Father and Grandfather Napiers (Philosophers and Mathematicians famous through all the world) in o­ther things, but far exceeded them in his dexterity in civil business; a man as faithful unto, as highly estee­med by King James and King Charles: sometime he was Lord Treasurer, and was deservedly advanced into the rank of the higher Nobility; and since these times had expressed so much loyalty and love to the King, that he was a large partaker of the rewards which Rebels bestow upon Vertue, often Imprison­ment, Sequestration, and Plunder. This man Mon­trose when he was a Boy, look'd upon as a more ten­der Father; when he was a youth, as a most Sage Ad­monitor; when he was Man, as a most faithful Friend; and now that he died, was no otherwise af­fected with his death, than as if it had been his Fa­thers. Whose most elaborate Discourses Of the Right of Kings, and Of the original of the turmoils of Great Britain, I heartily wish may some time come to light.

CHAP. XVIII.

MOntrose, when he had waited for Aboine with his forces out of the North now three weeks, [Page 151] either on his march, or in Strath-Erne, and percei­ved that the Rebels began to grow more out rageous towards the prisoners, being impatient of further de­lay crosseth over the Forth, and came into Leven; and he encamped upon the land of Sir John Buchanan the Ring-leader of the Covenanters in those parts, ex­pecting that by that means, lying so near Glascow, he might fright the Rebels (who then kept a Con­vention of Estates there) from the murther of the prisoners. To which end facing the City every day with his horse, he wasted the enemies Country with­out any resistance: although at that time for the guard of the Estates and City, they had three thou­sand Horse in their quarters, and he not full three hundred, and twelve hundred foot. Notwithstanding before his coming down into Leven, the Covenan­ters as soon as they understood that Huntley and Montrose agreed not, and that Aboine and his men had deserted him in upper Marre, as a Prologue to the ensuing Tragedy, had beheaded three stout and gallant Gentlemen.

The first was Sir William Rollock, one of whom we have had often occasion to make honourable men­tion; a valiant and expert man, dear unto Mon­trose from a Child, and faithful unto him to his last breath. The chief of his Crimes was, That he would not pollute his hands with a most abominable mur­der. For being sent from Montrose with an express to the King after the battel of Aberdeen, he was ta­ken prisoner by the Enemy, and was condemned unto death, which he had not escaped, except for fear of [Page 152] death he had harkened unto Argyle (who most un­worthily set a price upon Montroses head, and promi­sed great rewards, honours, and preferments to whom­soever should bring it in) and had taken upon himself to commit that Treason, which he abhorred with all his soul. By which shift having his life and liberty gi­ven him, he returned straight to Montrose, and disco­vered all unto him, beseeching him to be more care­ful of himself, for not he only who heartily detested so high a villany) but many more, had been offered great matters, most of whom would use their best en­deavours to dispatch him.

The next was Alexander Ogilby, of whom we al­so spake before, eldest Son to Sir John Ogilby of In­nerwharite, descended of an antient Family, and much renowned in the Scotish Chronicles. He was but yet a youth (scarce twenty) but valiant above his age, and of a present and daring spirit. Nor can I hear, or so much as conjecture what they had to lay to his charge, but that new and unheard-of Treason, to wit, his bounden duty and loyalty to his King. But there was no help for't, but Argyle must needs sacri­fice that hopeful youth, if it had been for nothing but his names sake; for he bare an implacable fewd to the Ogilbies. The third was Sir Philip Nesbit, of on antient Family also, and chief of it next his Father; who had done honourable service in the Kings Army in England, and had the command of a Regiment there. Nor can I discover any reason they had to put him to death neither (besides that which is used when they have nothing else to say, that mad charge of the [Page 153] new High Treason) except it was, that their guilty con­sciences suggested unto them, that that couragious and vigilant man might take occasion some time here­after to be even with them, for the horrid injuries they had done his Father and his Family. However, these men suffered a Noble death with patience and constancy, as became honest men and good Christians. And unto these there are two brave Irish Gentlemen that deserve to be joined, Colonel O-Chaen, and Colonel Laghlin, odious unto the Rebels only for this impardonable crime, that they had had many ex­periments of their courage and gallantry. These Irish Gentlemen were murdered indeed at Edinbourgh, but many more were doom'd to the like execution at Glascow, had not Montrose's unexpected approch within a few miles of the City had so much influence, that it repriev'd them till another time. The Lord Governor was very much perplexed with the news of these mens death, and it was a question whether he was more vext at the cruelty of the Rebels, or the negligence, if not treachery of his friends. For besides Huntley, whose Forces he had so long in vain expe­cted to come with his Son Aboine, Mac-donald also himself (of whom he entertained an exceeding good opinion) being often sent unto, and invited also by the nearness of the place, although the time appoin­ted by himself was already past and gone, made no appearance of his approach. Six weeks had now pas­sed since Aboine had engaged himself for the Nor­thern Forces, and the Winter (than which our age never saw sharper) was already deeply entred. Be­sides, [Page 154] the aids that the King had sent under the Com­mand of the Lord Digby were defeated: all which might easily have been salved, and the Kingdom re­duced again, if those great Professors of Loyalty had not plaid fast and loose in that good Cause. There­fore at last on the 20. of November, Montrose de­ [...]arting from Levin, and passing over the Mountains of Taich, now covered with deep snow, through woods and loghes, whose names I do not at this time well remember, crossing also through Strath-Erne and over the Tay, returned into Athole. There he met Captain Ogilby and Captain Nesbit, whom he had formerly sent with the Kings instructions unto Hunt­ley. And they bring word the man was obstinate and inflexible, who would believe nothing that they said; and when they unfolded unto him the Kings Com­mands, answered scornfully, That he understood all the Kings business better than they, or the Governor him­self; and neither he nor any of his children should have any thing to do with him. Moreover, he sharply and threatningly reproved his friends and clients, who had willingly assisted Montrose, and dealt worse with them than with Rebels. Nevertheless, the Lord Governor thought best to take no notice of any of these things, but bear with them; and whiles he treats with the Athole-men for the setling of the Militia of that Country, he sends again unto Huntley by Sir John Dalyel, as a more fit Mediator of friendship; Who was to inform him of the danger the King and King­dom was in, and so of the present misery that hung over his, and all faithful Subjects heads; and to make it ap­pear [Page 155] unto him, that it was no ones but his and his sons fault, both that they had not brought in the supplies into Scotland which the King had sent, and that the priso­ners who were gallant and faithful men, had been so cru­elly butchered; and that yet there were many more re­maining that had near relations to Huntley himself, and some also of the prime Nobility, whom the Rebels would cut off after the same fashion, unless they were now at last relieved. And lastly, to pray and beseech him that at least he would grant the Kings Governor the favour of a friendly conference, promising he would give him abun­dant satisfaction.

Huntley, although he answered Dalyel in all things according ro his wonted peevishness, yet he was most of all averse to a Conference; as fearing (seeing he should have nothing to answer to his Arguments and Reasons) the Presence, the Confidence, and the Wis­dom of so excellent a Man. But Montrose, as soon as things were setled in Athole, that he might leave no­thing unattempted that might possibly bring him to better thoughts, resolved, dissembling all injuries, and obliging him by all good offices, to surprize him, and be friends with him whether he would or no; and to treat with him concerning all things that concerned His Majesties service. Therefore in the month of De­cember he forced his way very hardly thorow Rivers and Brooks that were frozen indeed, but not so hard as to bear mens weight, over the tops of Hills and craggy Rocks, in a deep Snow: and passing through Angus, and over Gransbaine, drew his Forces into the North; and almost before he was, discovered march­ed [Page 156] with a few men into Strathbogy, where Huntley then lived: But he being struck with his unexpected approach, upon the first news he heard of him, lest he should be forced to a Conference against his will, im­mediately fled to Bogie, a Castle of his, situate upon the mouth of the Spey, as if he intended to ferry over the River, and to wage warre against the Rebels in Murray.

And now it comes into my mind briefly to enquire what might be the reason why Huntley bore such a spleen against Montrose, who had never given him any distaste, but had obliged him with curtesies ma­ny times undeserved. Nor could I ever hear, nor so much as guesse at any other cause but a weak and impotent (emulation I cannot call it, but) envy of his surpassing worth and honour. For I should be loath to say that his mind was ever alienated from the King, but only averse unto Montrose; with the unjust hatred of whom he was so possest, that he pre­cipitated himself into many unexcusable mistakes; insomuch as he desired rather all things were lost, than that Montrose should have the honour of saving them. And now being already puffed up with an un­beseeming conceit of himself, he was the more excee­dingly enraged against him upon the remembrance of those injuries and disgraces he had heretofore thrown upon him; and that was the chief reason (as I take it) that he so often avoided the sight of him. For be­sides what we have occasionally delivered, both the father and the sons had put neither few nor small af­fronts upno the Kings Vicegerent; some few of which [Page 157] it will not be out of our way to relate.

The great guns which we told you Montrose had hid in the ground the last year, they digging them up without his knowledge, carried away in a kind of triumph, and disposed of them in their own Castles, as if they had been spoils taken from the enemy, and would not restore them upon demand. But those Montrose had got in the fights at Saint Johns-town and at Aberdeen; in the former of which there was never a man present of that Family, and in the other Lewis Gordon and his men fought on the enemies side. Besides, they so converted unto their own use the Gunpowder, and Arms, and other necessaries of War, which were gained from the enemy, and only deposi­ted in their Castles as in safe and convenient store­houses, that they would never make any restitution of the least part of them when they were desired. More­over, Aboine upon his return home after the victory of Kilsythe, set at liberty the Earl of Keith Lord Marshal of Scotland, the Lord Viscount Arbuthnot, and other men of quality of the enemies side who were within his custody, without acquainting the Go­vernour of the Kingdome: and his brother-in-law young Drumme (who by chance was present) earnest­ly declaring his dislike of it. Upon what terms he did it, it is uncertain, but this is evident, that (besides the affront done to the Lord Governour, and the losse of Dunotter Castle, which was of great strength and concernment in that War, and other Military advan­tages they got by it) the Rebells would never have had the boldnesse to fall so cruelly upon the Prisoners, [Page 158] if he had but kept them in safe custody. Yet more, by his own private authority, he exacted tributes, and Customes and Taxes, (which the Governour himself had never done) upon pretence indeed of maintain­ing the War, but in truth to far other use, and to the grievous prejudice of the Kings Cause. Last of al [...] (which is most to be lamented) either at the entreat [...] of the enemy, or for small sums of money, they had enlarged the Prisoners that had been taken in the for­mer battells in the North, and committed to custody in their Castles. Nor would they permit them to Montrose's disposall, though being Prisoners of War he had reserved them for that only purpose, by ex­changing them to save the lives of gallant and deser­ving men. Huntley being pricked in his conscience about all these things, was alwayes as afraid of Mon­trose's presence as of a Pest-house.

But Monrrose for all that, passing by injuries, and laying aside all other matters, bestowed his whole en­deavours in promoting of the Kings service. And to that end he was resolved to intrude himself into his company though never so unwelcome, to insinuate into his friendship upon any conditions, to yeeld un­to him in all things, and to deny nothing, so that he might qualifie Huntley's imbittered spirit. Therefore leaving his Forces in their quarters, he posted early in the morning with a few Horse unto Bogie, and by his undream'd of approach prevented Huntley of any opportunity of flying or hiding himself. Assoon as they met, Montrose so getting all that was past, in­vited him in smooth and gentle language to associate [Page 159] with him in the War for the safety of the King and Kingdome: and gave him so full satisfaction in all things, that being at last overcome he seem'd to give him his hand, and promised, that not only all his men, but he himself would come in person in the head of them, and be with him with all possible speed. Afterward they laid their heads together concerning the manner of managing the War, and agreed, that Huntley wafting over the Spey, should make his way on the right hand by the sea-coast of Murrey, and Montrose was to go round about on the left hand through Strath-Spey, which was at that time of the year, a very tedious and difficult march; and so the design was to besiege Innernesse, a Garrison of the enemies, on both sides: and in the mean time to draw the Earl of Seaford either by fair means or foul to their side. That Garrison, however it might appear to be otherwise strong and well fortified, yet was ve­ry ill provided for victuall and other requisites, which in that sharp Winter and tempestuous Sea could hardly be had. And so now they seem'd to be agreed in all things, so that Aboine and his brother Lewis wish'd damnation to themselves if they did not con­tinue constant in their fidelity and service to Mon­trose to their utmost breath. And the rest of the Gor­dons, the Marquesses friends, were surprised with in­credible joy, and made as much of their Lord and Chief, as if he had been returned from the dead.

CHAP. XIX.

MOntrose supposing Huntley's spirit at last pacifi­ed, and seriously inclined to joyn with him in the prosecution of the Warre, marched with his For­ces through Strath-Spey towards Innernesse. And the more to amuse the enemy on every side, he sent his cozen Patrick Graham (of whose worth I have had often occasion to speak) and John Drummond of Ball the younger (a gentleman of approved trust and va­lour, who had often done excellent service) with au­thority and Commissions unto the Athole-men, that if any should offer to stirre in those parts, they should neglect no opportunity to suppresse them. The A­thole-men being encouraged by their authority and example, shewed themselves very ready and chear­full: And they wanted not long an occasion to shew it, for the remainder of the Argylian party (either by reason of a general scarcity of all things in their own Country, or being driven out of their Country for fear of Mac-donald, who was very strong, and threatned their ruine) fell upon the Mac-gregories and Mac­nabies who sided with Montrose. And afterward joyning unto themselves the Stuarts which inhabit Balwidder, and the Menises, and other Highlanders who still followed Argyles fortune, were reported to make up some fifteen hundred men; and were ready to invade At hole unlesse timely opposed. And truly they had already fired an Iland in Logh-Torchet af­ter they had taken it by force and pillaged it, and had [Page 161] besieged Ample Castle which lyeth on the side of the river of that name. Which assoon as they had intelli­gence of, the Athole-men, being only seven hundred in all, under the Command of the aforesaid Graham and Drummond, thought best to oppose them before they brake in into their Country. They upon the a­larm of the advance of the Athole-men raised the siege of Ample, and retreated toward Taich. The Athole-men pursued them hotly, and find them in battell-arry not far from Kalandar a Castle of Taich, For they had possessed a ford, and manned the bank on the other side (which was fortified with a steep hill) with a number of Musquetiers. Which when the Athole-men saw, and perceived that their Forces were not so strong as was reported (for they had not aboue twelve hundred men) although they themselves were scarce seven hundred strong, yet be­ing heartned by the gallantry and encouragement of their Commanders, they were resolved not to stay to receive the enemies charge, but to charge them. Therefore they place a hundred good souldiers over a­gainst the enemy, as it were to make good the Ford on the other side, and the rest marched away unto ano­ther Ford near the Castle, that they might get over the river there. The Argylians, when they perceived the Athole men so resolute, retreat straight towards Sterling. Then first of all those Athole-men that were left below at the Ford, possesse themselves of the bank which the enemy had quit, after that they fall upon the Rear of the retreaters, cut off some, scatter others, drive others forward; and the rest of [Page 162] the Athole-men following hard after, put them all to flight. Fourscore of them were slain, the rest esca­ped by flight: who fared the better, because that same morning the Athole-men had had a foul and tedi­ous march of ten miles long, and had no Horse at all to help themselves. So they having come off with cre­dit returned home.

At that time the Rebells held their Convention of Estates at Saint Andrews, which they polluted with the Innocent, and I fear crying blood of men, never sufficiently to be commended. They had amongst their prisoners some very eminent men, as appeared by the hatred the Rebells bare them, (for they scarce sought the blood of any but the best of men, but for others of whom they were not so much affraid, they satisfied themselves only with their Sequestration and Plun­der) amonst whom were the Lord Ogilby, Sir Wil­liam Spotswood, William Murray a noble young Gentleman, and Andrew Guthery a stout Gentle­man and active, whom they determined to put to death in that City, to appease the Ghosts of the men of that Province with their blood, of whom it is re­ported above five thousand had been slain in seve­rall battells. Now, because they intended not to pro­ceed against them by Law, but according to their own lusts, they have recourse to their old shifts, and make Religion draw the curtain over their cruelty. To which purpose they set up their Prophets Kant and Blair, and others that were possessed with the same spirit, who roar'd out their Pulpits bloody O­ [...]es before the people; That God required the blood [Page 163] of those men, nor could the sins of the Nation be other­wise expiated, or the revenge of heaven diverted. And by this art especially they provoked the hearts of the people (otherwise inclined to pitty) to think upon them as accursed things, and own'd and devoted to destruction; perswading them, that they ought to have no protection of humane Laws, nor any Advo­cate to plead for them, whom God himself indited and accus'd. Nor did those excellent interpreters and deciders of Gods secret will, make any scruple to sen­tence the souls, and bodies, and all of so great De­linquents unto hell and damnation. And having by this means blinded the people, it was easie for them who were their acusers and judges both, to condemn the innocent men who were destitute of all Patronage and protection.

But Ogilby, who was not only the most eminent of them for Nobility and power, but also was a Ha­milton by his mothers side, and cozen-german to Lindsey, pretending himself sick, with much adoe got so much favour as to have his mother, wife, and sisters suffered to visit him in prison. Which when he had obtain'd, whilst the Keepers in reverence to the honourable Ladies, withdrew out of his chamber, he immediately puts on his sisters gown which she had put off, and was dressed in all her attire. She also put on his cap in which he used to lie sick in bed, and lay down instead of her brother. At last many salutations and some tears passing on both sides, at eight of the clock in the night, in the habit and likenesse of his sister he deceived his Keepers, who lighted him out [Page 164] with candles and torches. And immediately depar­ting the City, he took horse (which he had laid for him) with two of his followers, and before morning was got out of danger. But when the next day his ob­servant Keepers had found out their mistake, Argyle was so unable to contain his wrath and revenge, that he would needs have the noble Ladies (and the more noble for this their compassion and adventure) brought in question for it. But he could not effect it, for by reason of the equity of their cause, they found much stronger friends than he could, of the Hamil­tons and Lindsey; by whose connivence it is concei­ved by many that all this Comedy was acted; but in a thing that is uncertain, I shall determine nothing.

This cleanly conveighance of Ogilby out of their hands vext the Rebels exceedingly, and made them almost wild, whence it happened that they made a quick dispatch of the rest. And the first that suffered was Colonel Nathaniel Gordon, a man of excellent endowments both of body and mind. Who being near unto his death, bitterly lamented with many tears, that the carriage of his youth had been much otherwise than it ought to have been. And when be­ing ready to die, they offered him an Instrument to signe, wherein he was to testifie his repentance, he sub­sctibed it without any more ado; and withall call'd God, and his Angels, and the men there present to witness, that if any thing was contained in that pa­per which was contrary to the King, his Crown or Authority, he utterly disavowed it. Then being ab­solved from the sentence of Excommunication under [Page 165] which he lay for Adultery long since committed, to the great grief of the beholders, he laid down his neck upon the block. A man subject indeed to that fault, but famous for his valour and souldiership, both in fo­rein Countries and at home.

The next that was brought upon the Scaffold, yet reeking with the blood of Colonel Gordon, was a man worthy of everlasting memory, Sir Robert Spots­wood, one rais'd by the favour of King James and King Charls unto great honours, as his singular vir­tues did merit. King James made him a Knight, and a privy Counsellor: King Charls advanced him to be Lord President of the Session, and now but of late Principal Secretary of Scotland. This excellent man (although his very enemies had nothing to lay to his charge through all his life) they found guilty of high Treason; which is yet the more to be lamented, be­cause he never bore arms against them; for his emi­nency lay in the way of peace, not knowing what be­longed to drawing of a sword. This was therefore the only charge that they laid against him; That by the Kings command he brought his Letters Patents unto Montrose, whereby he was made Vice-Roy of the Kingdom, and General of the Army. Neverthe­less he proved at large, that he had done nothing in that, but according to the custom of their Ancestors, and the Laws of the Land. And truly he seemed in his most elegant Defence to have given satisfaction to all men except his Judges (whom the Rebels had pick'd out from amongst his most malicious enemies that sought his death) so that questionless they [Page 166] would never have pronounc'd that doleful sentence, if they had but the least tincture of justice or honesty. But to speak the truth, a more powerful envy than his innocency was able to struggle with, undid the good man; for the Earl of Lanerick having been heretofore Principal Secretary of the Kingdom of Scotland, by his revolt unto the Rebels, forced the most gracious and bountiful King to the whole Fa­mily of the Hamiltons, to take that Office from so unthankful a man, and bestow it on another: nor was there any one found more worthy than Spotswood to be advanced to so high an honour. And hence hapned that great weight of envy and revenge to be thrown upon him, which seeing he was not able to bear out, he was forced to fall under.

And now Spotswood being about to die, abating no­thing of his wonted constancy and gravity, according to the custom of the Country, made a Speech unto the people: But that Sacrilegious thief Blair, who stood by him upon the Scaffold against his will fearing the eloquence and undauntedness of so gallant a man, lest the mysteries of Rebellion should be discovered (by one of his gravity and authority) unto the people, (who use most attentively to hear, and tenaciously to remember the words of dying men) procured the Pro­vost of the City (who had been once a servant to Spotswoods Father) to stop his mouth. Which inso­lent, and more than ordinary discourtesie, he took no notice of; but letting his speech unto the people a­lone, he wholly bestowed himselfe in devotions and prayers to Almighty God. Being interrupted again, [Page 167] and that very importunately, by that busie and trou­blesome fellow Blair, and asked, Whether he would not have him and the people to pray for the salvation of his soul? He made answer, That he desired the Pray­ers of the people, but for his impious Prayers, which were abominable unto God, he desired not to trouble him. And added moreover, That of all the Plagues with which the offended Majesty of God had scourged that Nation, this was much the greatest (greater than the Sword, or Fire, or Pestilence) that for the sins of the people, God hath sent a lying spirit into the mouth of the Prophets. With which free and undeniable saying, Blair finding himself galled, grew so extremely in passion, that he could not hold from scurrilous and contumelious language against his Father, who had been long dead, and against himself who was now a dying; approving himself a fine Preacher of Christi­an Patience and Longanimity the while. But all these things Spotswood having his mind fixed upon higher matters, passed by with silence and unmoved. At last being undaunted, and shewing no alteration, neither in his voice nor countenance, when he laid down his neck to the fatal stroke, these were his last words, Merciful Jesu, gather my soul unto thy Saints and Martyrs who have run before me in this race. And cer­tainly seeing Martyrdom may be undergone, not only for the Confession of our Faith, but for any ver­tue by which holy Men make their Faith Mani­fest, there is no doubt but he hath received that Crown.

And this was the end (a doleful end indeed, in [Page 168] regard of us, but a joyful and honourable one in him;) of a man admirable for his knowledge of things Divine and Humane; for his skill in the tongues, Hebrew, Chaldee, Syriack, Arabick, besides the Western Languages; for his knowledge in History, Law, and Politiques; the Honour and Ornament of his Country and our Age for the integrity of his life, for his Fidelity, for his Justice, for his Constancy; a man of an even temper, and ever agreeing with him­self; whose youth had no need to be ashamed of his child-hood, nor his riper years of his youth; a severe observer of the old-fashion'd piety with all his soul, and yet one that was no vain and superstitious Pro­fessor of it before others; a man easie to be made a friend, and very hard to be made an enemy; and who being now dead, was exceedingly lamented, even by many Covenanters. His breathless body Hugh Scri­miger once his Fathers servant, took care to bring forth, as the times would permit, with a private fu­neral. Nor was he long able to bear so great a sorrow and loss, for after a few days espying that bloody Scaffold not yet removed out of the place, immedi­ately he fell into a swoond, and being carried home by his servants and neighbours, died at his very door.

Lastly, they give unto Spotswood another compa­nion in death, Andrew Gutherey, Son unto the most des [...]ing Bishop of Murray, and hated the more by the Rebels for that. A youth, as well valiant in bat­tel, as constant in suffering and contemning death. He also was threatned and railed at by the same Elaire, but answered. That no greater honour could [Page 169] have been done him, than to be put to an honest death in the behalf of so good a King, and so just a Cause; which those that were present should see he embraced without fear, and perhaps another generation would not report without praise. For his sins he humbly beg­ged mercy and forgivenesse at the hands of his most gracious Lord God; but for that which he stood there condemned he was not much troubled. After this man­ner died with constancy and courage a man who if Almighty god had so thought fit had been worthy of a longer life.

And that now they might put the last Scene to a Tragedy of which most part was acted, after two days breathing they brought forth William Murray, bro­ther to the Earl of Tullibardin, a young Gentle­man, to the same place. And truly every man much admired, that his brother being in great favour and esteem amongst the Covenanters, had not interceded for the life and safety of his own only brother. Some imputed it to his sloth, others to his covetousnesse as gaping after his brothers estate, others to his stupid and superstitious zeal to the Cause; but even all, the very Covenanters themselves, condemned his silence in such a case as dishonourable, and mis-becoming a Noble spirit. But the Youth himself, being not above nineteen years old, purchased unto himself everla­sting renown with posterity for so honest and honou­rable an end. Amongst those few things which he spake to the people, those that heard him told me these words, which he spake with a higher voyce than the rest; Account (O my Countrymen) that a new [Page 170] and high addition of honour is this day atchieved to the house of Tullibardin and the whole Nation of the Murrays, that a young man descended of that antient stock, willingly and chearfully delivered up his inno­cent soul (as unto men) in the vsry flower of his youth, for his King, the Father of his Country, and the most munificent Patron of our Family. Nor let my most honoured mother, my dear sisters, my kindred, or any of my friends be sorry for the shortnesse of my life which is abundantly recompenced with the honourablenesse of my death. Pray for my soul, and God be with you.

CHAP. XX.

THe death of his friends rroubled Montrose excee­dingly, as it had reason; but yet it was not able to break or shake his firm and settled resolution. Nor did his noble and more than ordinarily elevated spi­rit ever give greater evidences of it self than now. For there were many who being enraged with the un­worthy murther of their friends, egg'd him on, being already sufficiently discontented, to a present revenge. And whiles they too much savoured their grief (al­though it was just) and seem'd to desire nothing but what was fit, to wit, to render them like for like, they wearied out the General with their many, and troublesome, and unseasonable complaints. For they must needs be argry, that their companions, their friends, their kindred, noble and gallant Gentlemen, well deserving of their King, their Country, and the General himself, should be murther'd contrary to their faith promised them, the custome of War, the [Page 171] Law of the Land, of Nations, and of Nature, and all unreveng'd: and on the other side, such Rebells as had been taken by him to be kept rather as in their friends houses than in prisons, to rejoyce, to triumph, to laugh at their sorrow: And therefore they humbly desired such prisoners might be tryed as Malefactors; nor would the enemy be otherwise frighted from their unheard-of cruelty, nor the minds of his own men othermise satisfied and raised up. Whom he en­tertained with a curteous Speech, commended them for the love they bare their friends, and told them, That the blood of those honourable and innocent Sub­jects ought to be reveng'd indeed, by such a way as became honest and valiant men, not by basenesse and mischief, as the Rebells do, but by true valour, in a souldier-like way. It concerned them so to tame, as not to imitate the wickednesse of their enemies. Nor, if they considered matters well, was it conscience, that those that were prisoners with them, and so could not be accessary unto the murther of their friends, should suf­fer for those sins of which they were innocent. The faith that they had passed unto them was a most sacred thing, and to be kept inviolate even by enemies. Why should they make themselves guilty of that which they so much abhorred in their enemies? The time would come when they must give a severe account of it unto the most righteous God, and to his Vice-gerent the King. In the mean time (saith he) let them set a price upon our heads, let them hire Assassines, let them serd in their Instruments amongst us to murther us, let them make promises and break them, yet they shall [Page 172] never effect, that we shall contend with them in an e­mulation which shall be worse, or any otherwise than upon honourable and vertuous terms.

Now Huntley, who intended nothing lesse than what he promised Montrose before his face, having passed over the Spey, and entered into Murray, tri­fled away his time, and wasted his strength without either honour or profit, a good way off Innernesse. For giving his mind too much to prey and spoil, after he had wasted the Country, he heard a flying report that the inhabitants had hid their gold and silver, and the best of their stuff, in certain turrets and obscure Ca­stles. Which whiles he assaults in vain, and could neither by commands nor entreaties be taken off from his resolution, the enemy sending in provision on that side which he had undertaken to block up, relieved Innernesse with all things that they wanted. Which if he had hindred, as he undertook unto Montrose, the Garrison would have been shortly forced to yeeld. And Montrose having now received intelligence that Major General Middleton was come with six hun­dred Horse and eight hundred Foot as far as Aber­deen, and was like to lay waste Huntleys and the Gordons Country, sent Collonel William Stuart un­to Huntley, to entreat him to return again unto the siege of Innernesse according to his engagement: Or if he did not approve so well of that, because the ene­my was advanced so near his Territories, he should perswade him to joyn his Forces with his, and to march immediately towards the enemy, whom the doubted not with an easie hazard to overthrow. To [Page 173] which he answered scornfully, that he would look to his own businesse himself, nor did he need the help and assistance of Montrose to drive the enemy out of his borders. At last, after ten weeks spent in the siege of a small inconsiderable Castle, and the losse of all the forwardest of his men, he was forced with disho­nour to raife the siege, when he was never the nearer. And in contempt, not so much of Montrose, as of the Kings Majesty, he retreated to the Spey without the consent or Knowledge of the Vice-roy: giving there­by a very bad example to all men, who began to come in thick and threefold with great eagernesse unto the Kings party.

Amongst whom the chiefest for wealth and power, and multitudes of followers and dependents, were the Earl of Seafoth, the Lord Rese, & from the furthest I­lands Sir James Mac-donald, Chief of a most power­full and ancient family in the Highlands; Macklen also and Glengar the Captain of the Mac-renalds, (and many more) who were some of them already in Mon­trose's. Army with their Forces, others had sent for theirs. And by this means before the end of March, Montrose might have fallen down into the Low-lands with a far greater Army than ever the Scots produc'd in the memory of man. But the unexpected revolt of so great a personage did not lesse encourage the Re­bells to persevere in their course, than scandalize and discourage honest and loyal hearts. Whence it happe­ned, that those whose men were already come up to the Army, began to draw off, and steal away privately, and others to make excuses for their delay. All which [Page 174] put together made Montrose to cast about another way. For he resolved (seeing he could do no good with vain, light, wavering and inconstant men by gentlenesse and good Offices) to reduce them to his obedience by his authority, backed with the strength of arms and severe penalties; and to that end to force all the Highlanders and North-country-men, to take up arms, by march­ing in amongst them with a confiding party of good souldiers. For he well knew that many Governours and leading men in their respective Countries, and Chiefs of Septs were on his side, unto whom this course would be very acceptable. Nor did he question but the chief and most powerfull of the Gordons being weary of their Lords miscarriage, would do him the best service they could if need was, though it ran coun­ter unto Huntleys design. However he was resolved to use all fair means, if that would do, before he would put them to the cost of that last and sharpest remedy.

But because Innernesse was the most considerable ga­rison of all the North, and the haven there most com­modious for entertaining forein Forces, he desired nothing more than to reduce that: therefore he sur­rounded it with the Forces he had. For the enemies Army under the Command of Middleton was above sourscore miles off, and Huntley and the Gordons lay half way between them in a body. Therefore Mon­trose dealt again with Huntley to perswade him not to lose his time, but (as they had agreed) to joyn with him in the siege of Innernesse; or at least to hover a­bout the Spey, over which the enemy was to passe, and to hinder their passage if they advanced to raise the [Page 175] fiege; and if they chanced to get over to joyn their Forces together and fight them. To all which he an­swered so disdainfully, that the Viceroy thought it high time to despair of any good from him, and con­ceived himself engaged to look better to himself, lest at last he should betray him. So that putting no confi­dence in Huntley, he sent back three Troops of Horse to lie at the Fords of the Spey, to observe the motion of the enemy: and if they came to send him often and certain intelligence. And they, quartering themselvs in the most advantageous places for scouting, were carefull enough to observe his commands; untill Lew­is Gordon, Huntleys son, who then commanded the Castle of Rothes, plaid a more shamefull prank than any he ever did before. He assured those Captains of Horse whom Montrose had sent to guard the Fords of the Spey, that the enemy lay very far off, and intended nothing lesse than to passe that river and raise the siege; & therefore he perswaded them (who took him for a most faithfull friend) to let alone their needlesse guards (to which they had been appointed) & to come to his Castle to refresh themselvs, and with many comple­ments invited them to a feast which he had provided for them: and they had no more wit than to trust him, and go. He entertain'd them with a huge deal of cur­tesie, and besides very dainty chear, plyed them with good store of wine and strong waters. And with a great deal of jollity and ceremonious curtesie, detain­ed them so long till Middleton with a great Army of Horse and Foot had got over the Spey, and had gotten footing in Murray. Which assoon as he had notice of [Page 176] he at length dismist them, and that with these jeering terms; Go now to your General Montrose, who will have a sharper bout now than he had at Selkirk. Mean time the enemy marcht straight and eagerly towards Montrose, and those Horse getting past them with much ado, came not much before them to Innernesse, insomuch as they seem'd to be but the Van of the e­nemy, and Middletons whole Army followed within Cannon-shor. But, as the providence of God would have it, Montrose had notice of their approach ano­ther way, and having drawn off his Forces a little way from the Town, had got them all into a body. And when he perceiv'd the enemy to be much too strong for him in Horse, avoiding the plain, he retreated with his men beyond the Nesse. The enemy falling upon his Rear, and being handsomly repuls'd, kept them­selvs also close. The losse on both sides was very lit­tle, and almost equal. Montrose passed by Bewly into Rosse, whither the enemy pursu'd him, that taking him in the champain ground which was disadvantageous to him, they might compell him to fight whether he would or no. But besides that the enemy was much stronger than he, the Country people being faithlesse and rotten, and Seafoths new raised men running a­way by companies from their colours, moved him with all the speed he could to save himself from the e­nemies Horse. Therefore passing by Logh-Nesse, and through Strath-Glasse, and Harrage, he advanced un­to the bank of the Spey.

Montrose was resolved to proceed against Huntley as a publick enemy, unlesse he repented, but would try [Page 177] all fair means first, to see whether it was possible to bring him into a better mind. To which end, taking with him only one Troop of Horse for his lifeguard, in all speed he rid twenty miles unto him to his Castle at Bogy. And as he was on his way, he sent one before to give him notice of his approach; and to tell him, that he came thither alone, and without his For­ces, to no other end than to kisse his hand, and to be advised by him concerning such things as concerned the Kings service, and he was the more earnest to speak with him, because he had newly received Letters from the King from Oxford, which he would let him see. But Huntley being affrighted with the first news of Montrose's approach, was so averse from the presence of so gallant a man, that in a trice he leapt on Horse­back, and with one man along with him, ran away any way he car'd not whither; nor vouchsafed the Kings Vice-roy the favour of a conference or entertainment. Which assoon as Montrose understood, he returned back those twenty miles the same day, being the 27. of May; and was as carefull as he could possibly to con­ceal this frowardnesse and unrulinesse of Huntleys, lest it should be a bad president. But all would not do, for the Gordons themselvs, and others of Huntleys friends, being most of them very honest men, & com­pleat Gentlemen, told all with a great deal of indigna­tion, and detestation of Huntley; that by that means they might accquit themselvs from the aspersion of so unworthy an act.

Nor can one easily say how great influence that mans example had upon other Northern men: The [Page 178] Earl of Seaforth, who had been but lately, and with much adoe reconciled to the Kings side, was conceived to begin to falter; and some say, that being still unset­led, he had then underhand dealings for the making of his peace with the Covenanters, which truly I can hardly believe. And Alexander Mac-donald himself, pretending I know not what, although he had had of­ten and serious invitations, made nothing but sleeve­lesse excuses and put-offs from day to day. Which carriage of his gave occasion of strange reports of him, as if he, although he was a bitter enemy to Argyle, yet had great correspondence with and relations unto the Hamiltons; and therefore staid at home, and look­ed only upon the preservation of the Mac-donalds, not medling with publique affairs. Which when Mon­trose considered, he resolved without further delay to make his progresse over all the North-country and Highlands with a considerable party, to list souldiers, to encourage the well-disposed, to reduce those that were refractory, by the severity of the Laws and con­dign punishment, and to deal with them as men use to do with sick children, make them take physick whether they will or no. And he wanted not fit­ing instruments to promote this desigh, who had ear­nestly laboured with him to take that course.

While these things passed at Innernesse, Huntley, lest he should be thought never to have done any thing by his own conduct without the assistance of Montrose, besieged and took in Aberdeen, (which Middleton kept with five hundred men) but with more losse to Huntley himself than to the enemy. For [Page 179] besides the losse of many valiant souldiers, he gave his Highlanders leave to pillage the City. But what fault those poor innocent Aberdeen-men had made either against the King or Huntley, let them judge, who know that almost all of them were eminent and ob­served for their loyalty. But for the enemy whom he took in Armes, who were both many and of very good account amongst their own party, hee dismist them freely without any conditions, and look'd fawn­ingly upon them, rather like a Petitioner than a Con­querour. Nor when he had many Collonels, Knights, and others of quality (who by chance were found in Aberdeen) in his hands, did he so much as think of exchanging any one of his own friends for them, ma­ny of whom were prisoners either in Scotland or Eng­land. But this was his humour, being alwayes more ready to doe good for his enemies than his friends.

CHAP. XXI.

MOntrose being busie about his design, on the last of May there came unto him a Herald with Commands from the King, (who by I know not what misfortune had cast himself upon the Scotch Covenanters Army at Newcastle) wherby he was re­quired forthwith to lay down his arms and disband, and to depart into France, and there to wait his Ma­jesties further pleasure. He being astonished with this unexpected message, bitterly bewailed the sad condition of the King, that had forced him to cast him­self upon the mercy of his most deadly enemies. [Page 180] And doubted not but that that command which was given him for disbanding, was extorted from him by the craft, or force, or threats of the Rebels into whose hands he had fallen. But what should he do in that case? If he obeyed, he must give over the estates of his friends to plunder, and their lives to death; and if he stood in arms against the Kings command, he should be guilty of that crime he undertook to scourge in others, Rebellion. And especially he was afraid lest the Rebells should put his actions upon the Kings account, and use him the worse for them, seeing they had him in their power: of which the King had gi­ven him a fair hint in his Letter.

Therefore Montrose resolved to call together all the Noblemen, and Chiefs of Septs, and Knights, and others of quality that were of his side; that a matter of that consequence, which concern'd them all, might be discust by general consent. To which end, after he had received so many injuries from him, he dispatch­eth Sir John Hurrey, & Sir John Innes, being men of greatest account in his Army, and (as he conceived) most in Huntleys favour, unto him, to desire him to be present at that so serious Consultation, and deferr'd unto him the appointment of the time and place. And to tell him moreover, that Montrose was willing to come to his Castle if he thought fit. Huntley answer'd, That the King had sent him Letters also to the same effect, which he was resolved to obey; that the Kings commands were of that nature as not to admit of se­cond thoughts, and after them nothing was left for consul­tation. When they replyed, that that likely was Mon­troses [Page 181] opinion too, and that he was as ready as any other to give obedience to the Kings Commands, if they were not forced; however it concern'd them all to provide in time for the safety of them and theirs. And that the cre­dit and authority of what they resolved upon would be greater, even in the opinion of the enemies themselvs, if they made a joynt and unanimous resolution. He made no other answer, than that he had resolved for himself, and would have nothing to do with any body else.

Montrose therefore sends his answer to the King by Letters, wherin he was very inquisitive of the condi­tion he was in amongst the Covenanters, and whether he conceiv'd himself safe in their hands? and also whether his service could be beneficial unto him any further? And, if he was fully determin'd to have that Army disbanded which fought for him (whiles the enemy in both Kingdomes were in a military pos­ture, and crow'd over them more and more) what course should be taken for the security of the lives and fortunes of his most gallant and faithfull Sub­jects, who had spent their blood, and all that was dear unto them, for his sake? For it was a lamentable case if so excellnet men should be left to the mercy of them that had none, not only to be undone, but to be murthered. To this he received no open answer, be­sides some Articles which the messenger brought, which were signed by the Rebells, with which Mon­trose was to be content. But he in great anger rejected those conditions which the enemy had made, being so unconscionable as they were; and not vouchsafing so much as to treat with the enemy, sent back the bearer [Page 182] to the King, professing, that as he had not taken arms up but by the King Commission, so he would have no condition prescribed him to lay them down by any mortal man but the Kings himself. Therefore he hum­bly besought the King (if he thought it fit that he should disband his Army) that he would not think much to make and signe the conditions himself; to which, though they prov'd perhaps very harsh, he pro­mised absolutely to submit, but he scorn'd the com­mands of any one else whosoever they were.

The messenger returning, at last brought with him Articles signed by the Kings hand, with Injunctions now the third time, wherein he was required to dis­band without further delay; and the same messenger charged him in the Kings name, under pain of high Treason, to give obedience forthwith to the Kings Command. And besides his Majesties pleasure, there was another thing which hastened him, which was, that those that had engaged with him had most of them privately and by their friends laboured to make their peace with the Rebels, which was evidently known by good tokens of the Earl of Seaforth and others. As for Huntley and Aboine they did not only professe themselvs open enemies to Montrose, but also threat­ned to fall upon him by force of arms, if he did not immediately submit to the Kings authority. And An­trim being newly arrived out of Ireland in the High­lands, without either men or arms, busied himself to draw away all the Highlanders, as his kindred & allies, to himself from Montrose's Army, whom in scorn he call'd the Governour of the Low-lands, making by this [Page 183] means an unseasonable fraction, and a pernitious one to his friends in those parts. All which Montrose ha­ving well considered, he was forced according to the Kings command to disband his Army.

And truly that was a most sad day, in which ha­ving sollemnly prais'd and encourag'd his souldiers (as well as the occasion permitted) he took his leave of them. For althuogh he bid them to be of good com­fort however, and told them he saw some day-light of a blessed peace, and that he did as much service to the King by his present submission, as he had done be­fore by his Martial atchievements; Yet notwithstand­ing they all conceiv'd that that was the last day of the Kings authority in Scotland, and all of them beleeved for certain, that those Commands from the King were wrested from him upon the apprehension of greater dangers to his person if he had not given them. And although some provision had been made by Ar­ticles in writing for their Indemnity, yet they had ra­her have undergone the worst that could fall, than sur­vive idle and unserviceable spectators of the miserable dition of their dearest King. And it was no little vex­conation to those generous spirits, to think what an unworthy opinion forein Nations and their own poste­rity must needs have of them, as if the Scotish Nation had been unanimously guilty of Rebellion and deser­tion of so good a King. Besides, their sorow was much augmented with the consideration that their General, who was most valiant, most successfull, and therefore most beloved, should be taken off so unhappily from the King, from his Country, from themselvs, and all [Page 184] good men. So that his souldiers falling down at his feet, entreated him with tears in their eyes, that see­ing the safety of the Kings person depended so much upon it, and he must of necessity depart the Kingdome, he would be pleased to take them along with him in­to what part of the world soever he went. Professing their readinesse to live and fight any where under his command, and (if God would have it so) to die too. And truly many of them were resolved, though to the certain hazard of their lives and estates, to follow him even against his will and knowledge, and to offer him that service in an unknown land, that they were able to afford him no longer in their miserable Country.

By the Articles to which the King had consented according to the desires of the Covenanters, it was es­pecially provided, that Montrose should depart Scot­land before the first of September, and that they should find him shipping, with provision and all things neces­sary when he went. These things were transacted the first of August, and a Port in Angus designed for Mon­rose, whither they were to send shipping from whence [...] was to imbark. And Montrose to prevent and re­move all occasions of exception or suspition, being ac­companied only with his own servants and a very few friends, betook himself thither, and waited for the shipping. About this time his most implacable ene­mies set abroad crafty and feigned reports by their fit instruments, wherein they confidently averted, that the States of the Kingdome (as they call'd themselvs) would by no means suffer that so gallant a Subject should be banished the Country: For they knew not how great [Page 185] need they might have of a man of his worth, especially if the King who had cast himself freely upon the affections of the Scots could not get any right of the English, but should be put to seek it by force and arms; and if it came to that, no age had afforded a better General than Mon­trose. And truly, that was the earnest desire and ex­pectation of most men, who were not able to dive in­to the bottome of the Rebells plots: but they had far other designs in hand, and another game to play. For what their thoughts were towards the King, the sad event made too manifest; and for Montrose, they laid very unconscionable and unworthy traps to catch him. For they did this, that if they could flatter him up with such vain hopes, and entice him to stay in the King­dome beyond his time appointed, they might take hold of him upon the Articles, and cut him off with more credit.

August was almost spent, and no news at all was to be had about the shipping or safe conduct: therefore Montrose, (although he was resolved to be gon by the day the King had limited) that he might more fully grope the intentions of the Covenanters, gave leave to some of his friends to deal with them for further time. But when they brought him nought but uncertain and doubtfull answers, he had reason to think they inten­ded nothing but to delude and intrap him. Besides (which made his suspition so much the greater) there came a ship upon the very last day allowed for his stay (to wit, on the last of August) into the haven of Mon­trose. The master of it was not only a stranger to him, but a most rude and violent abettor of the Rebells; [Page 186] the Seamen and Souldiers men of the same temper, malicious, dogged, and ill-condition'd, the ship it self neither victualled, not fit to go to Sea. So that when Montrose shew'd himself ready to depart, and bad them hoise their sailes assoon as they could, the Mast­er of the ship told him, that he must have some dayes allowed him to pitch and rigge his ship, before he durst adventure himself to the wind and waves. And then making great brags of himself and his ship, he drew forth a Commission which the Covenanters had given him, wherein he was required to transport the passengers to certain places assigned by themselvs, and to carry no body else. Moreover there lay great Eng­lish ships and men of War every day in sight about the mouth of the river Eske (which makes the haven of Montrose) attending there in favour of the Rebells for their much-desired booty, that by no means he might escape their hands

But Montrose had sufficient notice of their treache­ries, and wanted not some friends of the Covenan­ters themselvs, who informed him by frequent messa­ges that the Sea was sore pester'd with the English Navy, and he could not escape safely either into France or the Low-Conntries; that the haven was up­on the matter block'd up, in which he was to take shipping, and therefore it was very perillous for him to go to Sea; that his enemies look'd for nothing else, than that either by making too long stay in his own Country he should sall into the hands of the Scotish Covenanters, or by going should be surprised unarm'd and unawares by the English Rebells. Montrose's [Page 187] friends that were with him were of opinion, that it was best for him in so apparent a danger to return in­to the Highlands, and draw his men together again, conceiving that he had better trust the fortune of War than so perfidious a peace. But he forbore to take that course, especially because of his most ardent af­fection to the King: For he was assured, if the War brake forth again it would be laid upon the King though undeservedly, and so he should bring his Per­son into present danger, perhaps as much as his life was worth. Therefore being straightned on every side, one way with treachery plotted against his own, an­other against the Kings anointed head, he determined with an unalterable resolution to bear all the burden upon his own shoulders. And therefore he withdrew himself, not out of rashnesse as if he despair'd of safe­ty at the worst, but out of sage and discreet delibera­tion.

For when he had smelt out the plots of the Rebels before-hand, he had sent some a good while ago to search diligently the havens in the North, and if they chanced to find any outlandish vessell, to agree with the Master for the fraught, and to appoint him to be ready to put to sea at such a day, and to transport the passengers (which should be ready with him) by the help of God into Norway. By good fortune there was found in the haven of Stanhyve a small bark of Bergen in Norway, and the Master was soon agreed with for he was very glad of the opportunity, having hopes of getting. Thithet Montrose sent away Sir John Hur­rey, John Drummond of Ball, Henery Graham his bro­ther, [Page 188] John Spotswood nephew to that great Sir Robert, John Lilly a Captain of approved skill and coruage, Patrick Melvin such another, George Wise heart Doct­or, of Divinity, David Gutherey a stout young Gentle­man, Pardus Lasound a French-man, once a servant to the noble Lord Gordon, afterwards entertained for his Masters sake by Montrose himself, one Rodolph a Ger­man, an honest and trusty young man; and a few ser­vants more. And these he had pick'd out to carry a­long with him whithersoever he went, for this reason especially, because he knew the Rebels to be so mali­ciously bent against most of them, that they could not be safe for never so little a while in that Country. And they on the third of September having a good wind put forth to Sea for Norway; and the same eve­ning Montrose himself, accompanied only with one James Wood a worthy Preacher, by a small cock-boat got into a bark which lay at anchor without the haven of Montrose; and being clad in a coarse suit, the Lord and Patron passed for his Chaplains servant. This was in the year of our Lord 1646. and the 34. year of his age.