art of making irregular war. To this
acquirement he afterwards added another; for, having served a campaign
on the Rhine, it was said by a French General, under whom he fought,
that his knowledge of the regular art of war was equal to that of any
General in Europe. To his abilities were attributed much of the rapid
success of those whom it was the fashion of the newspapers of the day to
describe as "a handful of savages," but whom the loungers about the
English court soon learned to dread.[57]

It is now necessary, before entering into details of fresh operations,
to review the proceedings of Lord George Murray during the last few
weeks, and to give some notion how he exercised the functions of his
generalship. His chief sources of annoyance, besides the intrigues in
the Prince's council, were the deserters from the Jacobite army. Before
leaving Edinburgh, Lord George Murray had despatched a number of
prisoners to Logierait; and the following letter shows how rigid were
the instructions which he peremptorily sent to his brother, the Marquis
of Tullibardine, at Perth. The correspondence of Lord George Murray
proves him to have been a man of a stern, hard nature; and effaces much
of the impression produced by his united valour and clemency in the
field of battle.

"Dear Brother,

"Things vary so much from time to time that I can say nothing
certain as yet, but refer you to the enclosed letter; but depend
upon having nothing express from me with you before Monday night.
But, in the mean time, you must resolve to be ready to march on
Tuesday morning, by Keinacan and Tay Bridge, so as to be at Crieff
on Wednesday; and even that way, if you do your best, you will be
half a march behind: but you will be able to make up that on
Thursday, when I reckon we may meet at Dunblane or Doun: but of this
more fully in my next. It is believed for certain that Cope will
embark at Aberdeen.

"I hope the meal was with you before this--thirty-five bolls--for
it was at Inuar last night. It shall be my study to have more meal
with you on Monday night, for you must distribute a peck a man; and,
cost what it will, there must be pocks to each man, to contain a
peck or two for the men to have always with them. Buy linen, yarn,
or anything; for these pocks are of absolute necessity--nothing can
be done without them. His Royal Highness desires you to acquaint
Glenmoris