“He is the fittest to do so,” replied the Earl of Mar. “But Forster of Bamborough, who is a High Church Tory, will probably be preferred. Forster is very popular with his party, and as the Tories are more influential with the commonalty in England than the Roman Catholics, we must have them heartily with us.”
“Lord Derwentwater resembles a Cavalier of Charles the First's time,” observed Lord Nithsdale. “I should like to see him at the head of a division.”
“And so should I,” said the Earl of Mar. “But it cannot be for the reasons I have just mentioned. Neither he nor Lord Widdrington must have a command.”
The Marquis of Huntly then addressed the assemblage, and told them that before proceeding further, it would be necessary to appoint a Commander-in-Chief of the Scottish Forces, by which thenceforward the war could be conducted.
“I cannot doubt,” he said, “on whom your choice will fall.”
“The Earl of Mar,” responded a hundred voices; “the Earl of Mar must be our commander-in-chief.”
“I am proud, indeed, to be thus unanimously chosen,” said the earl. “I consent to hold the post for the Duke of Berwick, to whom I shall at once relinquish it. What I lack in military skill and experience will be supplied by veteran warriors, one of whom I rejoice to see here.”
And as he spoke he directed his glance towards a lofty figure, standing at the outskirts of the assemblage.
So tall was this personage, who, like all the others was arrayed in full Highland costume, that he towered almost head and shoulders above those in front of him, and of course could easily be distinguished.
“'Tis Brigadier Mackintosh to whom I specially alluded,” said the earl. “He has had sufficient experience, for he has served, and with the greatest distinction, in Holland, Ireland, and France. I shall have a word to say to him anon.”
Then addressing the Marquis of Huntly, he said:
“I would not deprive myself of the great satisfaction your lordship has just given me, but I must mention that I had previously received a commission from King James, appointing me his lieutenant-general.”
And taking a letter from his breast, he placed it in his lordship's hands.
“This confirms our choice,” said the marquis, after reading the letter aloud, amid great applause, and reiterated expressions of satisfaction from the assemblage.
