en the picquet was overpowered, and the
few survivors forced to retire, Macgregor, who had that day put on a
new jacket with silver lace, having besides, large silver buckles in
his shoes, and a watch, attracted the notice of an American soldier,
who deemed him a good prize. The retreat of his friends not allowing
him time to strip the sergeant on the spot, he thought the shortest
way was to take him on his back to a more convenient distance. By
this time Macgregor began to recover; and, perceiving whither the man
was carrying him, drew his dirk, and, grasping him by the throat,
swore that he would run him through the breast, if he did not turn
back and carry him to the camp. The American, finding this argument
irresistible, complied with the request, and, meeting Lord Cornwallis
(who had come up to the support of the regiment when he heard the
firing) and Colonel Stirling, was thanked for his care of the
sergeant; but he honestly told him, that he only conveyed him thither
to save his own life. Lord Cornwallis gave him liberty to go
whithersoever he chose."[165]

Summer being well advanced, Sir William Howe made preparations for
taking the field. The Royal Highlanders, along with the 13th, 17th, and
44th regiments were put under the command of General Charles Gray.
Failing to draw Washington from his secure position at Middlebrook,
General Howe resolved to change the seat of war, and accordingly
embarked thirty-six battalions of British and Hessians, and sailed for
the Chesapeake. Before the embarkation, the Royal Highlanders received
one hundred and seventy recruits from Scotland, who, as they were all of
the best description, more than supplied the loss that had been
sustained.

After a tedious voyage the army, on August 24th, landed at Elk Ferry. It
did not begin the march until September 3rd, for Philadelphia. In the
meantime Washington marched across the country and took up a position at
Red Clay Creek, but having his headquarters at Wilmington. His effective
force was about eleven thousand men while that of General Howe was
eighteen thousand strong.

The two armies met on September 11th, and fought the battle of
Brandywine. During the battle, lord Cornwallis, with four battalions of
British grenadiers and light infantry, the Hessian grenadiers, a party
of the 71st Highlanders, and the third and fourth brigades, made a
circuit of some miles, crossed Jefferis' Ford