Since the middle of February the Duke of
Cumberland and his army of at least eight thousand men--horse and
infantry--had been living at free quarters in Aberdeen. He bullied the
inhabitants, but he made careful provision for his army. English ships
keeping along the coast were ready to supply both stores and ammunition
as soon as the forces should move. With the savage content of a wild
animal that knows that his prey cannot escape, the duke was in no hurry
to force on an engagement till the weather should be more favourable.

To the Highland army every week's delay was a loss. Many of the clansmen
had scattered to their homes in search of subsistence, for funds were
falling lower and lower at Inverness. Fortune was treating Charles
harshly at this time. Supplies had been sent once and again from France,
but the ships that had brought them had either fallen into the enemy's
hands, or had been obliged to return with their errand unaccomplished.
His soldiers had now to be paid in meal, and that in insufficient
quantities. There was thus discontent in the ranks, and among the chiefs
there was a growing feeling of discouragement. Charles treated with
reserve and suspicion the men who were risking property and life for his
cause, and consulted only with Secretary Murray and his Irish officers.

On April 8 the Duke of Cumberland began his march from Aberdeen. Between
the two armies lay the river Spey, always deep and rapid, almost
impassable when the floods were out. A vigilant body of men commanding
the fords from either bank would have any army at its mercy that might
try to cross the stream under fire. Along the west bank Lord John
Drummond and his men had built a long, low barrack of turf and stone.
From this point of vantage they had hoped to pour their fire on the
Hanoverian soldiers in mid-stream, but the vigilant Duke of Cumberland
had powerful cannons in reserve on the opposite bank, and Lord John and
his soldiers drew off before the enemy got across.

On Monday the 15th this retreating party arrived at Inverness, bringing
the news that the Duke was already at Nairne, and would probably next
day approach to give battle. Prince Charles was in the highest spirits
at the news. In the streets of Inverness the pipers blew the gatherings
of the various clans, the drums beat, and with colours flying the whole
army marched out of the town and encamped on the plain of Culloden.

The Prince expected to be attacked next morn