Page 97 - A Jacobite Exile

easily. The defile was deep and narrow, a rapid stream ran through it, and
the ground was soft and marshy. A few determined men should have been

able to bar the advance of an army.

The troops were in high spirits at the result of this, their first action against
the enemy, and were the more pleased that they found, in the Russian
camp, sufficient provisions to replace those they had used. After a hearty

meal, they again advanced at a brisk march. The defile was captured on the
evening of the 17 th November, and, early in the morning of the 20th, the

army reached Lagena, a league and a half from Narva, and, ordering the
troops to follow, the king rode forward to reconnoitre the Russian position.

The troops were weary with their long marches, and many of those who
had, but recently, recovered from fever were scarce able to drag themselves

along, while great numbers were unfit to take part in a battle, until after two
or three days of rest. The officers of the Malmoe Regiment, for it had taken
its name from the camp where it had been formed, were gathered in a group

at its head, discussing the situation. Most of the officers were of opinion
that, to attack at once, with men and horses worn out with fatigue, was to

ensure destruction; but there were others who thought that, in face of so
great an army as that gathered in front of them, the only hope was in an
immediate attack. Major Jamieson was one of these.

"The king is right," he said. "If the Russian army have time to form, and to

advance against us in order of battle, we must be annihilated. At present,
their camp is an extensive one, for, as I hear, it extends in a great
semi-circle four or five miles long, with the ends resting on the river. They

cannot believe that we intend to attack them, and, if we go straight at them,
we may possibly gain a footing in their intrenchments, before the whole

army can gather to aid those at the point of attack. It will be almost a
surprise, and I think the king is right to attempt it, for it is only by a quick
and sudden stroke that we can gain a success over so great an army."

The halt was but a short one and, as soon as the regiments had arrived at the

positions assigned to them, they advanced. As soon as they appeared, on a
rise of ground facing the intrenchments, the enemy opened fire. The king