| Meanwhile Lord George Murray, who observed
the confusion in Hawley's army, was, moving down the hill with the Athole men in good
order, for the purpose of attacking it on its retreat. He had sent orders by Colonel Ker,
to the reserve to advance on the left, and having met scattered parties of the Macdonalds
returning up the hill, he endeavoured to rally them as he marched dawn, but without
effect. Before reaching the bottom of the hill, Lord George obtained a complete view of
the disorder which prevailed in the enemy's ranks. With the exception of the three
regiments of foot, and Cobham's dragoons, which were marching rapidly towards Falkirk, and
covering the rear of the other fugitives, the remainder of the royal army was running off
to the right and left, by forties and fifties; but as Lord George had not more than 600 or
700 men with him, and as the rest of the Highland army was scattered over the face of the
hill, he resolved to halt at its foot. Here he was
joined by the Irish piquets, and by Lord John Drummond, and other officers. Some of the
officers advised a retreat towards Dunipace, that the men might obtain shelter during the
night from the rain, which was excessive; but his lordship strongly advised that they
should endeavour to obtain possession of Falkirk immediately, while the confusion lasted,
declaring that he would either lie in the town or in paradise. While this discussion was
going on, the prince arrived, and approved highly of the views of his lieutenant-general.
Charles was advised, in the meantime. to retire to some house on the face of the hill,
till the result of the attempt should be known. |
