Major Benson, R.A., with two of Rimington's scouts, led them on their difficult way.
Clouds drifted low in the heavens, and the falling rain made the darkness more impenetrable.

The Highland Brigade was formed into a column--the Black Watch in front, then the Seaforths, and the other two behind.

To prevent the men from straggling in the night the four regiments were packed into a mass of quarter column as densely as was possible, and the left guides held a rope in order to preserve the formation.

With many a trip and stumble the ill-fated detachment wandered on, uncertain where they were going and what it was that they were meant to do.

Not only among the rank and file, but among the principal officers also, there was the same absolute ignorance.
Brigadier Wauchope knew, no doubt, but his voice was soon to be stilled in death.