The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

86 7 he Highland Monthly
when the Earl of Glencairn raised the Royal standard, in
1653, they hastened to join him. Glencairn wasted time
in aimless marches, and before long he had to yield the
chief command to the more .energetic General Middleton.
Lilburne, who commanded Cromwell's forces in Scotland,
proved, notwithstanding the famous Colonel Morgan's
assistance, unable to suppress the Royalist rising. Crom-
well, therefore, resolved to put a stronger man in his place,
and in April, 1654, Monck arrived at Dalkeith, in the
capacity of Governor of Scotland, and armed with the
fullest powers.
He at once prepared to follow the Royalists into the
Highlands. In May he moved to Stirling, from whence
he advanced into the district of Aberfoyle, where, after
repeated repulses, he dispersed the forces of Glencairn.
He then marched northward to meet Middleton—having
arranged that he should be joined by Morgan, who was
stationed at Brahan, and by Colonel Brayne, who was
despatched to bring 2000 men from Ireland to Inverlochy.
His movements were extraordinarily rapid. He started
from St Johnstone's (Perth) on Friday, 9th June, with a
force of horse and foot, which included his own regiment,
now the famous Coldstream Guards. I shall allow himself
to tell the rest of the story ; and the accompanying map,
which has kindly been prepared by Mr James Fraser, C.E.,
will help us to follow his footsteps. The first despatch is
addressed to General Lambert, from Glenmoriston, on 25th
June ;
on 7th July ; and
29th July.
the second, to Cromwell, from Ruthven in Badenoch,
the third, to Cromwell, from Stirling, on
I.—MONCK TO LAMBERT.
My Lord,—We are now come thus farre for the findingout
of the Enemy, and have received information that
Middleton is with the greatest parte of his force, reported
to bee betweene three and foure thousand, at Kintale which
is about 18 miles hence, where I intende to bee this day,
and if possible either engage or scatter them. However, I
shall with these Forces attend his motions to prevent his