Monmouth left London on June 15th and reached Edinburgh on the 18th. He
at once took the field. Montrose commanded the cavalry, Linlithgow the
foot: Claverhouse rode at the head of his troop under his kinsman, and
the Earls of Home and Airlie were there in charge of their respective
troops: Mar held a command of foot. Many other Scotch noblemen and
gentlemen of position followed the army as volunteers. Some Highlanders
and a considerable body of militia made up a force which has been put as
high as fifteen thousand men, but probably did not exceed half that
number.

The near approach of the royal troops only increased the quarrelling and
confusion in the insurgent camp, which was pitched now at Hamilton. Some
friends at Edinburgh had sent word to them that Monmouth might be found
not indisposed to treat; and that it would be best for them to stand off
for a while, and not on any account be drawn into fighting. But the idea
of treating only inflamed the more violent. On the 21st a council was
called which began in mutual recrimination and abuse, and ended in a
furious quarrel. Hamilton drew his sword, vociferating that it was drawn
as much against the King's curates and the minions of the Indulgence as
against the English dragoons, and left the meeting followed by Cargill,
Douglas and the more violent of his party. Disgusted with the scene, and
convinced of the hopelessness of a cause supported by such men, many
left the camp and returned to their own homes. Welsh and the moderate
leaders resolved to take matters into their own hands. On the morning of
the 22nd Monmouth had reached Bothwell. His advance guard held the
little town about a quarter of a mile distant from the river: his main
body was encamped on the moor. Shortly after daybreak he was surprised
by a visit from Welsh, Hume and another of their party, Fergusson of
Caitloch. Monmouth received them courteously, and heard them with
patience while they read to him a paper (known in Covenanting annals as