ing, Tuesday the 16th, and
at six o'clock the soldiers were drawn up in order of battle. There was
an ominous falling away in numbers. The Macphersons with Cluny had
scattered to their homes in distant Badenoch; the Frasers were also
absent. [Neither of these brave and faithful clans was present at the
battle the next day.] The Keppoch Macdonalds and some other detachments
only came in next morning.

By the most fatal mismanagement no provision had been made for feeding
the soldiers that day, though there was meal and to spare at Inverness.
A small loaf of the driest and coarsest bread was served out to each
man. By the afternoon, the starving soldiers had broken their ranks and
were scattering in search of food. Lord Elcho had reconnoitred in the
direction of Nairne, twelve miles off, and reported that the English
army would not move that day; they were resting in their camp and
celebrating their commander's birthday. Charles called a council of war
at three in the afternoon. Lord George Murray gave the daring counsel
that instead of waiting to be attacked they should march through the
night to Nairne, and while it was still dark surprise and overwhelm the
sleeping enemy. By dividing the Highland forces before reaching Nairne
they might attack the camp in front and rear at the same moment; no gun
was to be fired which might spread the alarm; the Highlanders were to
fall on with dirk and broadsword. The Prince had meant to propose this
very plan: he leaped up and embraced Lord George. It was a dangerous
scheme; but with daring, swiftfooted, enterprising men it did not seem
impossible. Yes! but with men faint and dispirited by hunger? At the
review that morning the army had numbered about 7,000 men, but hardly
more than half that number assembled in the evening on the field, the
rest were still scattered in search of food. By eight o'clock it was
dark enough to start. The attack on the enemy's camp was timed for two
in the morning, six hours was thus allowed for covering the twelve
miles. The army was to march in three columns, the clans first in two
divisions, Lochiel and Lord George at the head with 30 of the
Mackintoshes as guides. The Prince himself commanded the third column,
the Lowland troops, and the French and Irish regiments. The utmost
secrecy was necessary; the men marched in dead silence. Not only did
they avoid the high roads, but wherever a light showed the presence of a
house or sheiling they had to make