As soon as it was known that Mackay was at the mouth of the pass, Dundee
called a council of war. Three courses, he told his officers, were
before them: to harass Mackay's advance with frequent skirmishes,
avoiding a general engagement till the reinforcements a few days would
certainly bring had made the numbers more equal: to attack him in the
pass; or to wait till he had reached the level ground above it. His own
officers, and the Lowland gentlemen generally, were in favour of the
first plan. Some of the chiefs were in favour of the second. Dundee
listened courteously to all, and then turned to the old chief of the
Camerons who had not yet spoken. What, he asked, did Lochiel advise?
Lochiel had no doubt. They must fight and fight at once, were the enemy
three to one. Their men were in heart: they would have all the advantage
of the ground: let Mackay get fairly through the pass that the
Highlanders might see their foes, and then charge home. He had no fear
for the result; but he would answer for nothing were the claymores to be
kept back now the Saxons were fairly at their feet.
Those who watched Dundee saw his eye brighten. He answered that he
agreed with every word Lochiel had spoken. Delay would bring
reinforcements to Mackay as well as to them, and Mackay's reinforcements
would almost certainly include more cavalry.
Pages:
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250