APPENDIX. APPENDIX. A. [The following is the interesting account given by Tacitus of the sixth and seventh campaigns of Agricola in Caledonia; including the battle of the ninth legion, &c. with the Britons, and the battle of Mons Grampius, where Galgacus was defeated by Agricola. The translation of Tacitus by Murphy is preferred, as being the best, though in some places he seems to have mistaken the meaning of that difficult author.] In the campaign, which began in the sixth summer, having reason to apprehend a general confederacy of the nations beyond the Firth of Bodotria,* and fearing, in a country not yet explored, the danger of a surprise, Agricola ordered his ships to sail across the gulf, and gain some knowledge of those new regions. The fleet, now acting, for the first time, in concert with the land forces, proceeded in sight of the army, forming a magnificent spectacle, and adding terror to the war. It frequently happened, that in the same camp were *The words of the text are, civitates trans Bodotriam sitas; literally, "the states situated beyond Bodotria," or "the Forth." Tacitus does not say the Firth of Bodotria. At seen the infantry and cavalry intermixed with the marines, all indulging their joy, full of their adventures, and magnifying the history of their exploits; the soldier describing, in the usual style of military ostentation, the forests which he had passed, the mountains which he climbed, and the barbarians whom he put to the rout; while the sailor, no less important, had his storms and tempests, the wonders of the deep, and the spirit with which he conquered winds and waves. the sight of the Roman fleet, the Britons, according to intelligence gained from the prisoners, were struck with consternation, convinced that every resource was cut off, since the sea, which had always been their shelter, was now laid open to the invader. In this distress the Caledonians resolved to try the issue of a battle. Warlike preparations were instantly begun with a degree of exertion, great in reality, but, as is always the case in matters obscure and distant, magnified by the voice of fame. Without waiting for the commencement of hostilities, they stormed the Roman forts and castles, and, by provoking danger, made such an impression, that several officers in Agricola's army, disguising their fear, under the specious appearance of prudent counsels, recommended a sudden retreat, to avoid the disgrace of being driven back to the other side of the Firth.* Meanwhile, Agricola received intelligence that the enemy meditated an attack in various quarters at once; and thereupon, lest superior numbers, * The words of Tacitus are, regrediendumque citra Bodotriam, et excedendum potiùs, quàm pellerentur; literally, “and returning on this side Bodotria," or "the Forth," "and departing rather than they should be driven back." Thus, we see, the Firth is substituted for the Forth, by the translator. in a country where he was a stranger to the defiles and passes, should be able to surround him, he divided his army, and marched forward in three columns. The Caledonians, informed of this arrangement, changed their plan, and, in the dead of night, fell, with their united force, upon the ninth legion, then the weakest of the Roman army. They surprised the advanced guard, and having, in the confusion of sleep and terror, put the sentinels to the sword, they forced their way through the intrenchments. The conflict was in the very camp, when Agricola, who had been informed that the barbarians were on their march, and instantly pursued their steps, came up to the relief of the legion. He ordered the swiftest of the horse and light infantry to advance with expedition, and charge the enemy in the rear, while his whole army set up a general shout. At break of day the Roman banners glittered in view of the barbarians, who found themselves hemmed in by two armies, and began to relax their vigour. The spirit of the legion revived. The men perceived that the moment of distress was over, and the struggle was now for glory. Acting no longer on the defensive, they rushed on to the attack. In the very gates of the camp, a fierce and obstinate engagement followed. The besieged legion, and the forces that came to their relief, fought with a spirit of emulation; the latter contending for the honour of succouring the distressed, and the former, to prove that they stood in no need of assistance. The Caledonians were put to the rout; and, if the woods and marshes had not favoured their escape, that single action had put an end to the war. By this victory, so complete and glorious, the Roman army was inspired with confidence to such a degree, |