Red and white book of Menzies

a.d. 1745-] THE THIRD BARONET OF CLAN MENZIES. 385
title of " Earl Menzies " privately, and which title was to be publicly acknowledged
when his cause was won. Lord Menzies, therefore, was most anxious to cross
swords with Cumberland. Lord George Murray and the majority of the council
pointed out the fact that, while their army only numbered about 4500, they were
now confronted by between 30,000 or 40,000 men, they therefore urged a retreat,
which the prince, after a great deal of entreaty, was obliged to agree to ; but later
on in the day he called the council again, with no better result than that he would
have to return to Scotland, to which he most reluctantly yielded.
The Highland army began its retreat, 6th December 1745, before daybreak.
When it became known to the Highlanders that they were now retreating, their
rage knew no bounds. Their grief was as great as if they had lost a victory.
Prince Charles himself partook deeply of the distress of the men, and for a time
could not proceed. After the first burst of feeling, the retreat began to be a
matter of speculation with the men. In this sullen frame of mind the army
arrived at Ashbourne, next day at Leek and Macclesfield, and on the 9th December
1745 re-entered Manchester; next day proceeded to Wigan ; the following day
arrived at Preston and halted there on the 1 2th, then marched to Lancaster on the
13th, which was left on the 15th, arriving at Shap on the 16th and 17th, and left on
the iSth, on the afternoon of which the rear-guard had an exploit with a party of
the enemy's horse — about 300 strong — which they caused to flee in great haste ;
and, capturing some prisoners, were told that Cumberland was near at the head
of 4000 horse, they therefore prepared to meet him at Clifton.
Lord George Murray at once sent for additional forces, and had only received
about 200 men when the enemy appeared in sight, over 500 of whom proceeded to
line the enclosures in front of their main body of about 4000. Against this force
there were about 900 Highlanders, who, as the gloom of night came on, began to
advance. Among this party was young Chieftain Archibald Menzies of Shian
with a detachment of Clan Menzies. As the Highlanders were advancing, the
English dragoons opened fire upon them. Then Lord George Murray cried out,
"Claymore! claymore!" at which the Menzies' and other Highlanders, drawing
their claymores, rushed down to the bottom of the ditch of the enclosure, and
clearing the hedges by a spring as they went, fell, claymore in hand, on the enemy,
of whom they killed a considerable number, amounting to about 200 ; the rest fled
across the moor, hotly pursued by the Highlanders. The young Chieftain Colonel
Archibald Menzies of Shian — being the first in pursuit of the enemy, when the
Highlanders were called back, and he, not hearing the call, continued to pursue —
got isolated and surrounded, but fought until overpowered and made a prisoner.
He was afterwards carried to Carlisle prison, where he was tried for rebellion and
sentenced to death. On the sentence being pronounced by the judge upon the
young chieftain, another Menzies, who was his henchman and who had been taken
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