Munro
himself could not have been cooler. If he lives he will make a
great soldier."
The defence of the Scots had been so stubborn that Montecuculi
abandoned his attempt to relieve Colberg that day, and so vigilant
was the watch which the besiegers kept that he was obliged at last
to draw off his troops and leave Colberg to its fate. The place
held out to the 26th of February, when the garrison surrendered
and were allowed to march out with the honours of war, with pikes
carried, colours flying, drums beating, matches lighted, with
their baggage, and with two pieces of cannon loaded and ready for
action. They were saluted by the army as they marched away to the
nearest town held by the Austrians, and as they passed by Schiefelbrune
Munro's command were drawn up and presented arms to the 1500 men
who had for three months resisted every attempt to capture Colberg
by assault.
Nigel Graheme's wound was so severe that he was obliged for a time
to relinquish the command of his company, which he handed over to
Herries.
As there had been two vacancies among the officers Malcolm would
naturally have been promoted to the duties of lieutenant, but at his
urgent request his uncle chose for the purpose a young gentleman of
good family who had fought in the ranks, and had much distinguished
himself in both the contests. Two others were also promoted to fill
up the vacancies as ensigns.
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