Great efforts had been made by the Jacobite party in Paris to induce the French monarch to aid in the restoration of the Stuart dynasty, but without effect. However, when the celebrated Cardinal de Tencin became first minister of state, he judged that a civil war in England would be highly beneficial to France, and therefore invited Charles Edward to repair to Paris.
Preparations, meanwhile, had been made to land an army of fifteen thousand men in England under Field-Marshal Saxe, and it was arranged that the prince should accompany the expedition as commander-in-chief.
The fleet set sail, but being dispersed by a violent tempest, suffered so much loss that the project was abandoned.
But the hopes of the young prince were encouraged by the cardinal minister, who said to him, “The king is averse to another expedition after the disastrous result of the first. But why should you not go alone, or with a few attendants, and land on the North of Scotland? Your presence alone would revive your party, and create an army.”
This advice was too much in accordance with the aspirations of the brave and adventurous young prince not to be eagerly adopted.
Provided with money and arms by the cardinal, he set sail from Dunquerque in July, 1745, in the Dentelle sloop of war, and after some hazardous escapes, landed on the north-west coast of Scotland, where he was met by Mr. Murray, who became his secretary and treasurer. His standard having been reared, he was speedily joined by the MacDonalds, the Camerons, and other Highland chiefs, the Duke of Perth, the Marquis of Tullibardine, Lord Elcho, and Lord George Murray.
Having mustered an army of four thousand men, he marched on Perth, and arrived there on the 3rd of September.
After a short stay at Perth, he proceeded at the head of his army to Edinburgh, and the Scottish capital opened its gates to the grandson of James the Second. Here he took possession of the palace of his ancestors; caused his father to be proclaimed at the Cross by the title of King James the Eighth of Scotland, and himself as Regent; and after the ceremonial gave a splendid ball at Holyrood. At Edinburgh he was joined by Lord Nairne with a thousand men.
On the 21st of September occurred the battle of Preston Pans, in which Sir John Cope was completely routed. The news of the young Chevalier’s unlooked-for and decisive victory animated the Jacobites in every quarter, greatly alarmed the English Government, and brought back George the Second from Hanover.
Having received considerable reinforcements, the prince gave a troop of horse to Lord Balmerino, and another to Lord Kilmarnock. Money and arms also arrived most opportunely from France, and in one of the vessels that brought these supplies came the Marquis d’Eguilles. The court continued to be held at Holyrood, and the receptions were now most brilliantly attended, especially by the fair sex.
Meanwhile, Marshal Wade having assembled an army at Newcastle, the prince determined to cross the Border and give him battle.
Several of his council, among whom was Lord George Murray, sought to dissuade him from his design, urging him to await the arrival of the expected reinforcements from France; but no representations either of difficulty or danger could induce the chivalrous prince to give up his scheme, or even defer it.
He told his councillors that he saw they were determined to stay in Scotland, and defend their own country; but he added, in a tone that showed his resolution was taken, “I am not less determined to try my fate in England, even though I should go alone.”
On the last day of October he marched out of Edinburgh at the head of an army of five thousand five hundred men. His first object was to attack Carlisle, and as Marshal Wade had not advanced from Newcastle, he did not anticipate an engagement with him.
Carlisle surrendered to the Duke of Perth, and on the 17th November, Charles Edward made a triumphal entry into the city. At a council held there, the prince, flushed by success, proposed to continue his march to the metropolis, expressing a firm conviction that he should be joined by a large party in Lancashire and Cheshire, while the Marquis d’Eguilles felt equally confident that reinforcements would arrive from France.
Some opposition to the plan was offered by Lord George Murray, who affirmed that the Duke of Cumberland had assembled an army nearly doubling in number that of his royal highness, which must be encountered, and that Marshal Wade had made a demonstration for the relief of Carlisle, but the advice was overruled.
Resuming his march, the prince passed through Lancaster, and arrived with his whole army at Preston on the 26th. From Preston the Highland army marched to Manchester, in two divisions, as related.
Rash as the young Chevalier’s enterprise may appear, it is more than probable that it would have been accomplished if he had received the support he expected.
Before quitting Scotland he had received invitations and promises of aid from many important Jacobite families in the northern counties; and he had been led to believe that a general rising in his favour would be made in Lancashire, Cheshire, and North Wales.
But he soon found these promises fallacious. Very few persons of importance joined his standard, and no risings took place. He had expected powerful reinforcements from France, but none arrived. Yet he had advanced boldly and successfully, and though unaided, it appeared not unlikely that he would achieve the daring project he had conceived.
Hopes were still entertained by some of his counsellors that a large number of volunteers would join at Manchester, and the warm reception given him by the inhabitants as he approached the town, seemed to warrant these expectations.
As the prince marched a few paces in front of his attendants, he was at once distinguishable; but even if he had been mixed up with them, his dignified deportment would have rendered him conspicuous.
Amongst the nobles and Highland chiefs who attended him were the Marquis of Tullibardine, Glengarry, Ardshiel, Colonel Ker of Gradon, and Colonel O’Sullivan.
Behind them came a body-guard of Highlanders.
The second division of the army consisted of regiments belonging to the chiefs previously mentioned, but these regiments were now left to the command of the officers, their leaders preferring to march on foot with the prince. A troop of hussars under the command of Lord Balmerino brought up the rear.
CHAPTER XIII.
THE PRINCE’S INTERVIEW WITH MRS. BUTLER AND THE TWO DAMSELS.
As the young Chevalier approached Mrs. Butler’s residence, he chanced to cast his eye into the garden — the gate of which, as we have said, was standing wide open — and the charming group formed by the two beautiful girls and the invalid lady attracted his attention.
Standing close beside them, he perceived Sir Richard Rawcliffe, whom he had seen at Preston the day before.
On beholding the young Chevalier, Mrs. Butler rose from her chair, and stepping forward, made him a profound obeisance.
Something in the earnest look fixed upon him by the invalid lady interested the prince, and he could not resist the impulse that prompted him to speak to her.
Accordingly he signified his intention to the Marquis of Tullibardine; a halt was immediately called, the pipers ceased playing, while the prince stepped out of the line, followed by that nobleman, and entered the garden.
Nothing could exceed the surprise and delight caused by this gracious act, not only to the object of it, but to the two fair damsels who stood beside her. It may be thought that these lovely girls would have attracted the prince to the garden rather than an elderly dame, but he seemed scarcely aware of their presence till he was close beside them.
Instantly divining the prince’s intention, Sir Richard Rawcliffe presented his sister. Charles could not prevent her from kneeling, but he immediately raised her, and remarking that she looked very faint, conducted her, with much solicitude, to a seat.
He then turned to the two fair damsels, who were likewise presented to him by Sir Richard, and received them with much grace and dignity.
Not till this moment did he become aware of Constance’s surpassing beauty, and he then remarked to her father:
“I was told that you had a lovely daughter, Sir Richard, but I did not imagine she was so beautiful as I find her.”
“Such praise coming from your royal highness will make her vain,” said the baronet.
“Nay, I meant not to call blushes to her cheek, though they do not spoil it,” said Charles. “But Miss Rawcliffe has another great merit in my eyes besides her personal attractions. If I am not misinformed, she is devoted to the royal cause.”
“Heart and soul!” cried Constance, enthusiastically. “Your royal highness has not a more zealous adherent than myself.”
“I cannot doubt it. But I hoped you have proved your zeal by bringing me a hundred swords.”
“I have brought you one,” she replied— “but it is worth a hundred.”
“Ah! to whom does it belong?” inquired the prince, smiling.
“To a brave young man, whose name must be utterly unknown to your royal highness — Mr. Atherton Legh.”
“There you are mistaken. His name has been mentioned to me by Colonel Townley, who described him — I have no doubt quite correctly — as the finest young man in Manchester. Mr. Atherton Legh shall have a commission on your recommendation, Miss Rawcliffe. You will present him to me, Sir Richard.”
“It will be better, perhaps, that Colonel Townley should present him to your royal highness,” said Sir Richard.
The reluctance displayed by the baronet did not escape the prince, whose perceptions were very acute, but a glance at Constance served partly to explain matters to him, and he remarked with apparent indifference:
“Be it so;” adding significantly, “I shall not forget that I am indebted to you, Miss Rawcliffe, for this brave young recruit.”
It was now Jemmy Dawson’s turn to be presented, and he had no cause to complain of his reception. The few words said to him by the prince were calculated to rouse his zeal, while they highly gratified Monica.
“I can claim as much credit as my cousin Constance,” she said. “Each of us has brought a recruit; and we both feel equally sure your royal highness will be well served.”
By this time Mrs. Butler had recovered from her faintness, and perceiving that her gaze was anxiously fixed upon him, the prince went to speak to her.
“You have something to say to me, madam, methinks?” he observed.
“I only desire to tell you, prince, that I have prayed daily for the restoration of your royal house. You will therefore understand what my feelings must be when I behold you at the head of an army determined to wrest the crown of this kingdom from the usurper who now wears it. May Heaven strengthen your arm, and fight for you, so that you may regain your own, and the rights and liberties of your faithful subjects may be preserved, and the old religion be restored!”
“I have come to win a kingdom for my royal father, or to perish in the attempt,” said Charles Edward, energetically.
“Victory awaits you, prince,” she cried. “I feel assured of it. The tidings of your triumph will efface my sad recollections of the former ill-starred attempt, and I shall die content.”
“My sister lost one who was very dear to her, in the fatal affair of ‘15,” remarked Sir Richard.
“I cannot wonder then that she should have sad memories connected with that unfortunate struggle,” said the prince, in a tone of profound sympathy. “Farewell, madam. I hope you will have no more to mourn — but many to greet as victors.”
He then addressed the two fair damsels, expressing a hope that he might see them again during his brief stay in Manchester; after which, with a graceful inclination of his person towards the party, he stepped back, and resumed his place in the line of march.
Before, however, the troops could be put in motion, another slight interruption occurred. It was caused by the Rev. Mr. Clayton, the chaplain of the collegiate church.
Mr. Clayton, as will be conjectured from what we are about to narrate, was a Jacobite and a Nonjuror.
Taking advantage of the halt, he threw himself at the prince’s feet, and in most fervent tones implored the Divine blessing on his head — praying that the enterprise on which he was engaged might prove successful.
As the chaplain was in full canonicals the incident caused a great sensation, and was particularly gratifying to the prince.
When the benediction was concluded, and Mr. Clayton had retired, the word was given, the pipers began to play as loudly as before, and the march was resumed.
Shortly afterwards, Prince Charles Edward crossed the bridge, and, amid loud acclamations, entered Manchester.
CHAPTER XIV.
THE PRINCE’S MARCH TO HEAD-QUARTERS.
No sooner did the vast assemblage collected near the approaches to the bridge distinguish the tall graceful figure of the young Chevalier amid the throng of Scottish nobles and chiefs, than all heads were instantly uncovered, and a loud cry arose of “Long live King James the Third, and Prince Charles Edward!”
At the same time a band of musicians, stationed at Tom Syddall’s door, and directed by the Jacobite barber in person, struck up the old air of “The king shall have his own again.” But this could scarcely be heard amid the din caused by the pipers.
Most of the open windows on either side of the street were adorned by damsels dressed in white, and these fair adherents to the royal House of Stuart now leaned forward and waved their handkerchiefs to the prince.
Such a demonstration could not be otherwise than highly gratifying to the young Chevalier, and he bowed and smiled in acknowledgment of the salutations offered him, the grace of his manner eliciting fresh cheers.
So greatly was the crowd excited, that it was with difficulty the foremost ranks could be prevented from pressing on the prince, who, however, would not allow his body-guard of Highlanders to interfere.
No untoward circumstance marred the general satisfaction. Bells were pealing blithely, drums beating, pipes playing, colours flying, men shouting, kerchiefs waving all the way from the bridge to the market-place, where a brief halt was made.
Having been joined by his secretary, Mr. Murray, who explained where his head-quarters were situated, the prince resumed his march, still preceded by the pipers, and attended by his body-guard of Highlanders. On reaching the house designed for him, he entered it with his suite, and disappeared from the view of the shouting crowd who had followed him. The pipers and the Highland guard drew up in the court-yard.
A sumptuous repast had been prepared in the dining-room, and to this Charles and his attendants at once sat down.
Little repose, however, was allowed the indefatigable prince. The chief magistrates, Mr. Fowden and Mr. Walley, were waiting to confer with him in the audience-chamber, across which, in accordance with Mr. Murray’s suggestion, a green silk curtain had been drawn — the stuff, however, being slight in texture, the persons on either side the hanging could be easily distinguished.
The magistrates, therefore, seeing the prince enter the room, attended by Mr. Murray and Sir Thomas Sheridan, bowed profoundly, and their obeisances were graciously returned.
Charles Edward then seated himself, and the conference was opened by his secretary.
“His royal highness thanks you, gentlemen,” said Mr. Murray, “for the excellent arrangements made for him, and desires to express his gratification at the enthusiastic reception given him on his entrance into your loyal town. He will now have to put the zeal and devotion of your fellow-townsmen to the test.”
“In what way, sir?” demanded Mr. Walley, uneasily. “We have given orders that the whole of the prince’s forces shall be billeted, and have directed the excise-money to be sent to you as treasurer. What further proof can we give of our desire to serve his royal highness?”
“I will explain, gentlemen, in a word,” replied the secretary. “The prince requires a subsidy from the town of five thousand pounds. War cannot be carried on without money, and our coffers are well-nigh emptied.”
“I fear it will be impossible to raise that amount,” said Mr. Fowden.
“We should grieve to have to levy the money by force, but we must have it. Consult together, gentlemen, and give us your answer.”
After a moment’s deliberation with his brother magistrate, Mr. Fowden asked if half the amount would not suffice; whereupon Charles remarked, in a loud peremptory tone, “Bid them furnish three thousand pounds — not less.”
“You hear, gentlemen. Three thousand pounds must be furnished to the treasury without delay. You know the penalty of neglect.”
“We will do our best,” said Mr. Fowden. “But pray give us till to-morrow.”
“Be it so,” replied the secretary.
The magistrates then asked if the prince had any further commands.
“His Majesty King James the Third will be proclaimed at the Cross,” said Mr. Murray; “and it is necessary that both of you should be present at the ceremony. It is also necessary that one of you should repeat the proclamation.”
The magistrates tried to excuse themselves, but the secretary cut them short, saying, “You have nothing to fear, gentlemen. We will make it appear you are acting on compulsion. But take care that the prince’s manifesto and declaration, copies of which will be delivered to you, are distributed to the crowd. And now, gentlemen, we will not detain you longer. His royal highness expects to see you to-morrow — with the money.”
The audience then terminated, and the magistrates, who were full of perplexity, quitted the chamber. The prince and his companions laughed very heartily when they were gone.
Several other persons were admitted to a private interview, after which the prince adjourned to a much larger room which had been prepared for his receptions.
The Works of William Harrison Ainsworth Page 701
