The meeting was very friendly, and the brigadier praised Forster's troops, but told him plainly he ought to get different saddles and better swords. “So we will, as soon as we can procure them,” replied Forster. “But they are not to be had.” The English officers were next presented to the brigadier, who seemed best pleased with Lord Derwentwater. From the first moment, the rough old soldier conceived a friendship for the young noble, which he never afterwards lost. The various troops marched past the three commanders, who remained for some time longer in the market-place, and then proceeded to their quarters. III.--SUNDAY AT KELSO. |After the junction of the confederate forces had been effected, it was found that they formed an army of two thousand men, of whom the majority were Highlanders. Though the force was still small, so much confidence was now felt in Mackintosh, and such strong hopes were entertained that large additions would soon be received, that no misgivings were felt. On the day of the junction, the commanders and officers dined together, and the best feeling was manifested. All old jealousies, if any had existed, were banished. A warm tribute was paid by Lord Derwentwater to the valour and skill of Brigadier Mackintosh, with which the veteran warrior was much gratified. Next day, being Sunday, great discretion had to be used by the leaders of an army composed of Presbyterians, High Church Tories, and Roman Catholics. That such discordant elements could be reconciled--even for a brief season--seemed impossible. Nevertheless, by the judicious management of Lord Kenmure, who retained the command of the confederate force so long as it continued in Scotland, the thing was accomplished. At this time, three clergymen were attached to the expedition--the Reverend William Irvine, chaplain to the Earl of Carnwath, an Episcopalian and Nonjuror--the Reverend Robert Patten, of Allendale, who belonged to the High Church, and had just been appointed chaplain to General Forster--and the Reverend Mr. Buxton, likewise a Church of England divine, who might be considered chaplain to the entire English force, since there was no Roman Catholic priest. By Lord Kenmure's orders all the officers and men attended at the Great Kirk, where the Church of England service was performed. The large congregation thus assembled presented an extraordinary sight, and the behaviour of the men was extremely decorous--that of the Highlanders especially so. They nearly filled the body of the sacred edifice, and listened with devout attention to the discourse of Mr. Patten, who took for his text, “_The right of the firstborn is his_”--applying it to the cause for which they were fighting. In the afternoon, an equally large congregation assembled, consisting chiefly of Highlanders, to hear the Reverend William Irvine, the Scottish Nonjuror, who treated them to a sermon he had preached to Lord Dundee before the battle of Killiecrankie.