ons in Strathearn stood. So great was their
danger, and so well was it known, that there were those with Agricola who
advised a retreat to the chain of forts between the Firths. But Agricola
was not to be shaken in his resolve, which was to finally break the power
of the tribes who dwelt to the north and east of the Grampians, and who,
so long as they remained free and unchastised, were a standing menace to
the Strath of the Earn and to the garrisons who held it at the hazard of
their lives. He formed a camp to winter in at a place called Grassy
Walls, on the east side of the Tay, near to Perth. But there was still
time, before the winter set in, for a little exploration and a brush with
the enemy to revive the courage of his soldiers, which had begun to droop
a little. Advancing northward on the left bank of the river, Agricola
reached the Isla, and not caring to cross it so late in the year, in the
face of the enemy who were massed upon the Hill and Muir of Blair beyond,
he diverged to the right, following the course of the Isla until he came
to the place where Coupar Angus stands now. Here he paused. He had
marched from Perth in three divisions to prevent surprise, and in this
neighbourhood there are three positions marked by Roman remains that
correspond with these divisions. The main force was stationed at Coupar
Angus; the Ninth Legion at Lintrose, two miles south-east; a third small
body at a place two miles south-west, overlooking the Tay, and guarding
the passage. These details are important, as helping to determine the
true site of the Battle of Mons Grampus. It may be taken for granted
that the Roman General made good use of his opportunity to survey the
ground upon which the decisive battle was fought. Before retiring to
winter quarters at Grassy Walls, the Roman soldiers had a chance given
them of testing the strength and valour of the Caledonians. The Ninth
Legion was stationed at Lintrose, and here the enemy delivered their
attack under cover of night. They had penetrated into the camp ere they
were discovered, and it might have gone hard with the Legion if help had
not been at hand. But the alarm quickly spread to where Agricola was
stationed with the main body. On his arrival the Caledonians took to
flight. With the first touch of winter the march southward was begun,
and when the summer came the legionaries and the auxiliaries clamoured
impatiently to be led northward to the final encounte