Earls of Cromartie > [NSLBLANK]

17S9.] TRANSPORTS THE ARTILLERY AT ALLOA. ccxxxix
the King's sloops that lay not far from where the ship was taken endeavoured to
retake her, and sent their long-boats for that purpose. But Lord Macleod, on the
first alarm, marched down his regiment to the river side, and the enemy retired ;
on their return, however, they burnt some other ships that lay at the place from
which the ship had been taken. The ship was scarcely loaded, when intelligence
arrived that the enemy were come up the river in transport ships and were lying at
Kincardine. Lord Macleod sent out spies and patrols to bring in intelligence, and
despatched an express to Dunblane with news of the enemy having come to Kin-
cardine, and asking reinforcements. Next morning Lord Cromartie and Lord John
Drummond came to Alloa. That night the enemy attempted to set fire to the ship,
and for that purpose sent up a long-boat full of men, but being discovered in time
they were repulsed. Next day they disembarked troops at Kincardine to attack
by land ; but Lochiel and the Camerons crossed the Forth to join Lord
Cromartie's force. Lord John Drummond and the Earl of Cromartie, on riding
forward to observe their motions, found them returning to their ships, they having
seen the Camerons crossing the river. That same evening the ship sailed up the
river with as much of the artillery and ammunition as she could carry, and landed
them at Polmaise. Lord Cromartie and Lord John Drummond returned to Ban-
nockburn. The ship returned next day to Alloa and took away the remainder of the
artillery, but the tide failing soon, they cast anchor two miles above Alloa. Lord
Macleod then marched the regiment up the river side to protect the ship, should an
attack be made. That night Lord Macleod and Lord John Drummond, who had
returned, went to a gentleman's house in the neighbourhood, hoping to get some
rest and sleep after so much watching and fatigue, but Lord Macleod was awakened
by an express from Secretary Murray ordering him to cross the Forth and join
the army, as a battle was expected. Lochiel and Lord Macleod's regiment began
crossing early in the morning, but as there was only one boat, the clay was advanced
before Lord Macleod got over. The regiment was left to guard the artillery ; but
his Lordship, wishing to see the battle, went forward on horseback, and found the
army advancing with the Prince at their head. But news being brought that
General Halley had halted at Falkirk, the army returned to Bannockburn. Lord
Macleod rejoined his regiment at Polmaise. The Highlanders, from a superstitious
notion that it would be of good omen, wished to fight on the field of Bannockburn.
On the 28th of January Lord Macleod was sent with his regiment to the head of
the Torwood to oppose the enemy if he appeared.