About two hours after midnight
When James Newbigging and Nahum Chapelrig were gone away home , my father sat for some time exhorting us , who were his youngest children , to be kind to one another , to cherish our mother , and no to let auld doited aunty want , if it was the Lord 's will that he should never come back from the battle . The which to hear caused much sorrow and lamentation , especially from my mother , who , however , said nothing , but took hold of his hand and watered it with her tears . After this he walked out into the fields , where he remained some time alone ; and during his absence , me and the three who were next to me , were sent to our beds ; but , young as we then were , we were old enough to know the danger that hung over us , and we lay long awake , wondering and woful with fear . About two hours after midnight the house was again startled by another knocking , and on my father inquiring who was at the door , he was answered by my brother Jacob , who had come with Michael and Robin from Glasgow to Kilmarnock , on hearing the news , and had thence brought William and Alexander with them to go with their father to the war . For they had returned to their respective trades after the day of the covenanting , and had only been out at Hepburn 's raid , as the ploy with the Irvine men was called in jocularity , in order that the neighbours , who venerated their grandfather , might see them together as Covenanters . The arrival of her sons , and the purpose they had come upon , awakened afresh the grief of our mother ; but my father entreated us all to be quiet , and to compose ourselves to rest , that we might be the abler on the morn to prepare for what might then ensue . Yet , though there was no sound in the house , save only our mother 's moaning , few closed their eyes , and long before the sun every one was up and stirring , and my father and my five brothers were armed and belted for the march .