Clan Gillean

1 86 The Clan Gillean.
sunrise. George Stewart, son of Alexander Stew-
art, laird of Urrard, charged from Montrose's line
without orders, and was the means of hastening a
general engagement. Colonel O'Cahan attacked
the Lowlanders on Auchinbreck's right wing and
defeated them. Montrose's centre and right wing
now pressed forward and routed those opposed to
them. The battle was over in a few minutes.
The Lowland regiments fired only once; they were
assailed by the claymores before they had time to
reload. The pursuit continued for a long distance.
Argyll lost fourteen barons of his own clan and
1,500 common soldiers. Montrose lost only eight
men, Lord Ogilvie, Captain Brain, and six pri-
vates. Sir Duncan Campbell of Auchinbreck, who
was a very brave man, was slain after the battle
by Alister Mac Coll.
Montrose defeated General Urry at Auldearn
on May 9th, 1645. He defeated General Baillie
at Alford on July 2nd. A few weeks afterwards he
was joined by 700 Macleans, under the command
of Donald of Brolas.
Shortly after the Macleans had left Mull to join
Montrose, the Campbells invaded their possessions
and pillaged and destroyed as they marched along.
As there were only women and children and a few
old men to meet them, they were free from fear
and took time, like Joel's locusts, to make every-
thing " clean bare." The land was as the Garden
of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate
wilderness.