[51] Bradshaw was a Manchester man, and in the check trade there.
Joining the Prince's army he became first a captain in the Manchester
regiment, and afterwards entered into the Prince's life-guards, under
Lord Elcho, which accounts for his going into Scotland. He was taken
prisoner after the battle of Culloden.--'History of the Rebellion,'
_Scots' Magazine_, p. 341.
[Sidenote: 1746 28 Nov.]
[Sidenote: _fol._ 93.] It would be a breach of duty in me to omit
the last opportunity of doing justice to those who stood in need of
it. I think it incumbent upon me the rather because I am the only
Englishman in this part of the world who had the honour to attend his
royal highness in Scotland.
When I first joined the King's forces I was induced by a principle of
duty only, and I never saw any reason since to convince me that I was
in the least mistaken. But, on the contrary, every day's experience
has strengthened my opinion that what I did was right and necessary.
That duty I discharged to the best of my power; and as I did not seek
the reward of my service in this world, I have no doubt of receiving
it in the next.
Under an opinion that I could do more good by marching [Sidenote:
_fol._ 94.] with the army into Scotland than by remaining with the
Manchester regiment at Carlisle, I obtained leave to be in my Lord
Elcho's corps, for I was willing to be in action.
After the battle of Culloden I had the misfortune to fall into the
hands of the most ungenerous enemy that I believe ever assum'd the
name of a soldier, I mean the pretended Duke of Cumberland, and those
under his command, whose inhumanity exceeded anything I could have
imagined in a country where the bare mention of a God is allowed of.
I was put into one of the Scotch kirks together with a great number
of wounded prisoners who were stript naked and then left to die of
their wounds without the least assistance; and tho' we had a surgeon
of our own, a prisoner in the same place, yet he was not permitted to
dress their wounds, but his instruments [Sidenote: _fol._ 95.] were
taken from him on purpose to prevent it; and in consequence of this
many expired in the utmost agonies. Several of the wounded were put
on board the _Jean_, of Leith, and there died in lingering tortures.
Our general allowance while we were prisoners there was half a pound
of meal a day, which was sometimes increased to a pound, but never
exceeded it; and I myself was a eye-witness that great numbers were
starved to death. Their barbarity extended so far as not to suffer
the men who were put on board the _Jean_ to lie down even upon
planks, but they were obliged to sit on large stones, by which means
their legs swell'd as big almost as their bodies.
These are some few of the cruelties exercised, which being
almost incredible in a Christian country, I am obliged to add an
asseveration to the truth of them; and I do assure you [Sidenote:
_fol._ 96.] upon the word of a dying man, as I hope for mercy at the
day of judgment, I assert nothing but what I know to be true.
The injustice of these proceedings is aggravated by the ingratitude
of them, for the Elector of Hanover's people had been often obliged
by the prince, who ordered his prisoners the same allowance of meal
as his own troops, and always made it his particular concern that
all the wounded should be carefully dressed and used with the utmost
tenderness. His extreme caution to avoid the effusion of blood, even
with regard to spies when his own safety made it almost necessary,
and his surprizing generosity to all his enemies without distinction
certainly demanded different treatment. And I cannot think that an
English army under English direction could possibly behave with such
unprovoked barbarity.
With regard to the report of his royal highness having [Sidenote:
_fol._ 97.] ordered that no quarters should be given to the enemy I
am persuaded in my conscience it is a wicked malicious lie, raised
by the friends of usurpation in hopes of an excuse for the cruelties
committed in Scotland, which were many more and greater than I have
time to describe. For I firmly believe the Prince would not consent
to such orders even if it were to gain the three kingdoms.
I would gladly enter into the particulars of his royal highness's
character if I was able; but his qualifications are above
description. All I can say is, he is every thing that I could
imagine, great and excellent, fully deserving what he was born
for--to rule over a free people.
I die a member of the Church of England, which I am satisfied
would flourish more under the reign of a Stewart than it [Sidenote:
_fol._ 98.] does now, or has done for many years. The friends of the
House of Hanover say they keep out Popery. But do they not let in
Infidelity, which is almost become (if I may so say) the religion
established?
I think it every man's business by all lawful means to live as long
as he can; and with this view I made a defence upon my trial which I
thought might possibly do me service. All that the witnesses swore
on my behalf was strictly true, for I would much rather die than be
the occasion of perjury. After sentence my friends petitioned for my
life, and if it had been granted I should have been thankful for it.
But as it otherwise happens I patiently submit, and have confident
hopes, that upon the whole, it will be better for me for I suffer for
having done my duty.
As I expected, so it happen'd upon my trial, Mr. Maddox perjured
himself, and I am afraid he is so immersed in wickedness [Sidenote:
_fol._ 99.] that it would be difficult for him to forbear it.
Lieutenant Moore swore he was acquainted with me at Manchester, but
I declare I was never in his company before we met at Inverness. I
should think it a great reflection upon the honour of any government
to encourage officers to lay by their swords and become informers. I
forgive both these and all my enemies.
I am convinced that these nations are inevitably ruin'd unless the
royal family be restored, which I hope will soon happen. For I love
my country, and with my parting breath I pray God to bless it. I also
beseech Him to bless and preserve my lawful sovereign, King James
the 3d., the Prince of Wales, and Duke of York, to prosper all my
friends, and have mercy on me!