a wide circuit round it. The ground
they had to go over was rough and uneven; every now and then the men
splashed into unexpected bogs or stumbled over hidden stones. Add to
this that the night was unusually dark. Instead of marching in three
clear divisions, the columns got mixed in the darkness and mutually kept
each other back. Soon the light-footed clansmen got ahead of the Lowland
and French and Irish regiments unused to such heavy walking. Every few
minutes messengers from the rear harassed the leaders of the van by
begging them to march more slowly. It was a cruel task to restrain the
pace while the precious hours of darkness were slipping past. At
Kilravock House the van halted. This was the point where it was
arranged that the army was to divide, one part marching straight on the
English camp, the other crossing the river so as to fall on the enemy
from the opposite side. The rear had fallen far behind, and there was
more than one wide gap between the various troops. The Duke of Perth
galloped up from behind and told Lord George that it was necessary that
the van should wait till the others came up; other officers reported
that the men were dropping out of their ranks, and falling asleep by the
roadside. Watches were now consulted. It was already two o'clock and
there were still four miles to be covered. Some of the officers begged
that, at all risks, the march might be continued. As they stood
consulting an aide-de-camp rode up from the rear saying that the Prince
desired to go forward, but was prepared to yield to Lord George's
judgment. Just then through the darkness there came from the distance
the rolling of drums! All chance of surprising the English camp was at
an end. With a heavy heart Lord George gave the order to march back.
This affair increased the Prince's suspicions of Lord George, which were
fostered by his Irishry.

In the growing light the retreat was far more rapid than the advance had
been. It was shortly after five that the army found themselves in their
old quarters at Culloden. Many fell down where they stood, overpowered
with sleep; others dispersed in search of food. Charles himself and his
chief officers found nothing to eat and drink at Culloden House but a
little dry bread and whisky. Instead of holding a council of war, each
man lay down to sleep where he could, on table or floor.

But the sleep they were able to snatch was but short. At about eight a
patrol coming in declared that