Military Memoirs of Capt. George Carleton by Daniel Defoe
page 34 of 250 (13%)
page 34 of 250 (13%)
|
Particulars.
Here Sir _Thomas_ receiv'd Intelligence, that the _Highlanders_ design'd to encamp upon the _Spey_, near the Laird of _Grant's_ Castle. Whereupon we began our March about Noon; and the next Day, about the Break thereof, we came to that River, where we soon discover'd the _Highlanders_ by their Fires. Sir _Thomas_ immediately, on Sight of it, issued his Orders for our fording the River, and falling upon them as soon after as possible. Both were accordingly perform'd, and with so good Order, Secrecy and Success, that _Cannon_ and _Balfour_, their Commanders, were obliged to make their Escape naked. They were about one Thousand in Number, of which were kill'd about three Hundred; we pursued them, till they got up _Crowdale-Hill,_ where we lost them in a Fog. And, indeed so high is that Hill, that they, who perfectly knew it, assured me that it never is without a little dark Fog hanging over it. And to me, at that Instant of Time, they seem'd rather to be People receiv'd up into Clouds, than flying from an Enemy. Near this there was an old Castle, call'd _Lethendy_, into which about Fifty of them made their Retreat, most of them Gentlemen, resolving there to defend themselves to the last. Sir _Thomas_ sent a Messenger to them, with an Offer of Mercy, if they would surrender: But they refus'd the profer'd Quarter, and fir'd upon our Men, killing two of our Grenadiers, and wounding another. During my Quarters at the _Grave_, having learnt to throw a Grenado, I took three or four in a Bag, and crept down by the Side of a Ditch, or Dyke, to an old thatch'd House near the Castle, imagining, on my mounting the same, I might be near enough to throw them, so as to do execution. I found all Things answer my Expectation; and the Castle wanting a Cover, I threw in a Grenado, |
|