He did
not doubt the courage of his Highlanders, but he had grave doubts of
their obedience. That they would fight bravely when it was their cue to
fight, he knew well; but he was much less confident that they would take
their cue from him. He had at first conceived the idea of putting them
through some course of military training, but Lochiel urged so many and
such weighty reasons against it that he gave up the plan. "There is not
time," said the sagacious old chief, "for our men to learn your method
of warfare. They would merely unlearn their own. This is one which must
seem strange to your notions of war; but it is one which they thoroughly
understand, and which makes them, when led by such a general as you, a
match for the most practised veterans. Think of what they did under
Montrose, and be sure that they will show the same courage and win as
great victories under you." It, therefore, became more than ever
necessary that the promised succours should be no longer delayed. Some
regular troops, however few, would serve both as a rallying-point and as
an example to the Highlanders. And, indeed, it had been only on the
promise of such support that Lochiel had induced the chiefs to arm.
Dundee sent letter after letter to Ireland full of cheerful accounts of
the good promise of affairs, but urging the instant despatch of troops,
together with a store of money, ammunition, and all the other
necessaries for an army about to take the field, of which there was, in
truth, a most plentiful lack in Lochaber.
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