Life and diary of Lieut. Col. J. Blackader

CHAP. XIX. REBELLION IN. SCOTLAND. 465
to alter their rout. They turned to Leith, and
seized the citadel, an old dismantled fort without
gates; but the ramparts were entire. In this post
they fortified themselves with beams of wood, carts,
and other materials ; having plundered the ships
in the harbour of their provisions, ammunition, and
cannon. They kept possession of the fortress for one
day ; and while the Duke was in Edinburgh making
the necessary preparations to dislodge them, they took
the opportunity to decamp at night. Favoured by
the ebb of the tide, they marched off in silence round
the Pier-head, along the sands, and established their
next quarters at Seaton Castte, belonging to the Earl
of Wintoun. Thence they took their rout toward the
Borders, by Dunse and Coldstream, and joined the
English Rebels at Kelso. Meantime the Duke got
notice, that the Earl of Mar, then at Perth, had given
out that he intended to pass the Frith with his whole
army, either at the bridge of Stirling or Doun, and
that the van-guard was already advanced to Dun-
blane. This intelligence occasioned his immediate
return, and he found the report confirmed by several
countrymen whom the approach of the enemy had
frightened from their homes. The arrival of the
Duke stopt the career of the Rebels, and obliged them
to retreat back to Perth.
October 18. Got accounts that the Rebels have
quitted Leith. Hearing also that the enemy are now
coming nearer us : but the Duke is returned. I keep
exercising my battalions. Help us, O Lord, to look to
thee in troublous times, for vain is the help of man.
We are using the means, but safety and victory are
from the Lord.