[432] This is a vague and incorrect report, probably the camp rumour, of Lord George Murray’s doings at this time. By a remarkable secret march from Inverness, he simultaneously surprised, on 17th March, a large number of military posts garrisoned by the Government militia in Perthshire, taking 300 prisoners. He then laid siege to Blair Castle, defended by Sir Andrew Agnew, but his guns were too small to hurt the old castle. He probably would have starved out the garrison, but the advance of Cumberland’s army caused his recall to Inverness.
[433] This being from an enemy is perhaps the most flattering tribute to President Forbes’s achievement for his Government.
[434] Cf. post, p. 364.
[435] See ante, p. 155.
[436] See ante, p. 157.
[437] Cumberland left Aberdeen on 8th April.
[438] Lady Catherine Gordon, daughter of the 2nd Earl of Aberdeen.
[439] See post, p. 230.
[440] 15th April.
[441] This is a calumny founded on ignorance of what was passing at a distance from the local situation of the writer—Lord George was leading the van to the attack of the Enemy’s Camp, which would have been surprised if the rear division had not hung back, and retarded the advance of the van ’till it was too late to storm. [Note in the Drummond Castle MS.]