Page:History of Prince Charles Edward Stuart.pdf/17

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attack them in all quarters, but the length of the columns inpeded their march, so that they were obliged to make many halts. The men, who had been under arms all the preceding night, are faint with hunger and fatigue; so that these disadvantages retarded them greatly, and render- ed it impossible for them to reach the Duke's camp before sun-rise. Their seheme being thus frustrated, Charles, with great reluctanee, follow- ing the advice of his general officers, and returned to Culloden, where, as soon as he arrived, great numbers of his followers dispersed in quest of provisions, and many, overeome by weariness and sleep, threw themselves down on the heath, and along the park walls. Their repose how- ever, was soon interruped in a very disagreeable manner, for Charles reeeiving intelligenee that the enemy were advaneing in full march to at- tack him, resolved to hazard an engagement, and ordered his troops to be formed for that pur- se.

 On the 16th of April, the Duke having made

every necessary disposition, deeamped carly from Nairn, and after a march of Nine miles, perceiv- ed the Highlanders drawn up in order of battle, and the number of between four and five thousand men, in thirteen divisions, supplied with a few pieces of artillery. His Royal Highness