Series 3 > Miscellany of the Scottish History Society (Fourth volume)
(127) Page 114
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114 ON THE EXPEDITION TO SCOTLAND
to the winds, he once more advanced against them with
his army in four columns. The infantry were divided into
three bodies, each consisting of five companies. Between
the first two corps was the artillery. The cavalry marched
in a separate body. The fighting men numbered some
ten thousand,1 exclusive of the baggage-masters, sutlers,
and others. Eight miles further on they learnt that the
enemy was not far off, having halted in a wide plain near
a little town, Culloden, and his army was drawn up as
though he were determined to fight. At this news he
called a short halt to give his men a breathing space and
to hear the opinions of their leaders. Gathered in council,
they all agreed that the march must immediately be
continued to Culloden and battle joined. It was un¬
seemly that an army of the King, commanded by the King’s
own son, should seek to avoid a combat, or, through undue
slowness, allow the enemy to be before it in giving battle.
The Duke agreed.
Battle having been decided upon by common consent,
Cumberland proceeded to address his men in the English
manner, which is concise and takes no pleasure in flowery
periods. ‘ My men, present circumstances do not admit
of long speeches. You see who and what are our foes.
You are well aware why we must fight. To urge English¬
men to be brave is useless, to be loyal an insult. Need I
remind you that you are about to fight for the safety of
your King and your country, for liberty, religion, and
your own possessions ? Need I tell you that I am leading
you myself, that I am here, that I am watching you ?
One thing I beg, that if there is any one present (and I do
not believe there is) who is conscious either of fear or of
remorse for his disloyalty, he may leave the ranks at once.
Upon my honour, he may do so without fear of harm, nor
will I complain should he hasten, if he so wishes, to my
enemies. I want no laggards to fight perfunctorily with
no heart in their work. If I have with me but a thousand
soldiers who are good men and true, they are more than
1 This is an over-estimate. There were not more than 9000.
to the winds, he once more advanced against them with
his army in four columns. The infantry were divided into
three bodies, each consisting of five companies. Between
the first two corps was the artillery. The cavalry marched
in a separate body. The fighting men numbered some
ten thousand,1 exclusive of the baggage-masters, sutlers,
and others. Eight miles further on they learnt that the
enemy was not far off, having halted in a wide plain near
a little town, Culloden, and his army was drawn up as
though he were determined to fight. At this news he
called a short halt to give his men a breathing space and
to hear the opinions of their leaders. Gathered in council,
they all agreed that the march must immediately be
continued to Culloden and battle joined. It was un¬
seemly that an army of the King, commanded by the King’s
own son, should seek to avoid a combat, or, through undue
slowness, allow the enemy to be before it in giving battle.
The Duke agreed.
Battle having been decided upon by common consent,
Cumberland proceeded to address his men in the English
manner, which is concise and takes no pleasure in flowery
periods. ‘ My men, present circumstances do not admit
of long speeches. You see who and what are our foes.
You are well aware why we must fight. To urge English¬
men to be brave is useless, to be loyal an insult. Need I
remind you that you are about to fight for the safety of
your King and your country, for liberty, religion, and
your own possessions ? Need I tell you that I am leading
you myself, that I am here, that I am watching you ?
One thing I beg, that if there is any one present (and I do
not believe there is) who is conscious either of fear or of
remorse for his disloyalty, he may leave the ranks at once.
Upon my honour, he may do so without fear of harm, nor
will I complain should he hasten, if he so wishes, to my
enemies. I want no laggards to fight perfunctorily with
no heart in their work. If I have with me but a thousand
soldiers who are good men and true, they are more than
1 This is an over-estimate. There were not more than 9000.
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| Scottish History Society volumes > Series 3 > Miscellany of the Scottish History Society (Fourth volume) > (127) Page 114 |
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| Permanent URL | https://digital.nls.uk/127653429 |
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| Description | Edinburgh : Printed at the University Press by T. & A. Constable for the Scottish History Society, 1926. Contents: Commentary on the expedition to Scotland made by Charles Edward Stuart, Prince of Wales / by Guilio Cesare Cordara ; edited by Sir Bruce Seton -- The manuscript history of Craignish / by Alexander Campbell ; edited by Herbert Campbell -- Miscellaneous charters, 1165-1399, from transcripts in the collection of the late Sir William Fraser / edited by William Angus. |
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| Shelfmark | SCS.SHS.90 |
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| Description | Over 180 volumes, published by the Scottish History Society, containing original sources on Scotland's history and people. With a wide range of subjects, the books collectively cover all periods from the 12th to 20th centuries, and reflect changing trends in Scottish history. Sources are accompanied by scholarly interpretation, references and bibliographies. Volumes are usually published annually, and more digitised volumes will be added as they become available. |
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