ROBERT FORBES, A.M.

Journal by Mr. JOHN CAMERON, Presbyterian Preacher and Chaplain at

Fort-William.

[Sidenote: 1746 1 Feb.]

[Sidenote: _fol._ 155.] The retreat from Stirling was made with the

utmost hurry and confusion. The evening before, Mr. O'Sullivan wrote

from Bannockburn to Lord John Drummond ordering him to leave Stirling

and cross the Forth by break of day, which order his lordship obeyed,

and by 5 in the morning marched. This surprized the Highlanders, to

whose officers it appears these orders were not communicate, and

made them believe the enemy was near them, which occasioned such an

universal consternation that they went from Stirling as every one was

ready, and left most of their baggage, all the cloaths they brought

from Glasgow, and some of their arms.

Lochiel, who had been wounded at Falkirk, not being able to ride or

walk, went in a chaise with Mrs. Murray, and was driving through St.

Ninian's when the church blew up. Some of the stones came very near

them. The horses startled and threw Mrs. Murray on the street, where

she lay speechless till she was taken up by some of the men. Had

there been any intention to blow up the church, doubtless Lochiel,

one of their principal officers, and the Secretary's lady had been

apprized of it and put on their guard to avoid danger.

When the Prince join'd the body of the army a Council of War was

held, in which it was debated whether the army should march in a body

to Inverness by Aberdeen or take the Highland road, by which the

chiefs could, with the greater ease, get such of their men to rejoin

them as had gone home with [Sidenote: _fol._ 156.] plunder after the

battle of Falkirk, which would considerably increase their army. The

low-country men were of the former opinion, the Highlanders of the

latter. It was put to the vote, and the latter carried it by a great

majority. However, the Prince was positive for the Aberdeen road,

with which Lochiel complied. But Cluny, going out, met Mr. Murray,

and told him it was surprizing the Prince should be so positive in

a thing contrary to reason and his own interest, especially when

a great majority of the Council of War were of another opinion.

His expressing himself with a little warmth made Mr. Murray speak

to Sir Thomas Sheridan, who went to the Prince and prevailed upon

him to agree with what had been the opinion of the Council of War.

He marched with the Highlanders the Highland road by Ruthven in

Badenoch, to Inverness, where it was resolved to attack Fort Augustus

and Fort William. Of either I can give no distinct account, but that

the first was taken and the siege of the other deserted.

Earl Cromertie and others were sent to different countries to cover

the rising of some and to prevent that of others. This weakened the

army, and tho' many joined the day before the battle of Culloden, a

great number did not. Earl of Cromertie, tho' many expresses were

sent to order his returning to Inverness, in place of doing as

commanded, was surprized and taken prisoner, and these that did join

were much fatigued. None had got pay after they left Tay bridge in

their march north, and they were straitned in provisions for some

days before the battle. Cumberland's army was not opposed in passing

the Spey, tho' a considerable force had been sent there[72] for

that end. The Prince was in danger of being taken at MacIntosh's

[Sidenote: _fol._ 157.] house, and his safety was chiefly owing to a

mistake of Earl of Loudon's men.

[72] Not fact, as Donald Roy, who was there, told me.--F.

[Sidenote: 14 April]

On Monday, April 14th, Lochiel in his return from Fort William (from

whence he had been called on Cumberland's crossing the Spey) marched

through Inverness. His men were mustered at the Bridge-end, and being

but two hours in town when informed that Cumberland's army was at

Nairn, 12 miles from Inverness, he immediately marched to Culloden,

tho' his men and he were much fatigued, having marched from Fort

William in little more than two days, being 50 long miles. He arrived

in the evening, and then his regiment, with a few of Glengarie's,

were ordered to mount guard upon the Prince. They got a few sacks of

meal, of which some baked bread. The body of the army lay on the hill

above the house.

[Sidenote: 15 April]

[Sidenote: 16 April]

Next morning the whole army was drawn up in order of battle a little

nearer Nairn than where the battle was fought, much in the same order

as on the day following. In this situation they continued all day

without meat or drink, only a biscuet to each man at 12 o'clock.

About 7 at night they encamped on a dry hill without tents, being

cold and hungry. Great numbers being dispersed through the country,

many of them did not return. That night, betwixt 8 and 9, orders were

given for their marching, with an intention to surprize the enemy

in their camp. The word was King James. The attack was to be made

with sword and pistol. They marched in one column, by which the rear

was near a mile from the front, each rank [Sidenote: _fol._ 158.]

consisting of 33 men only. Many were so much fatigued that they slept

on the march. Others to a great number wandered, and by the time

they came within three miles of Nairn, a person of distinction,[73]

observing the state of the army, and fearing all there would be cut

off, told Lord George Murray the condition the army was in, and to

prevent the loss of so many gallant men wished he would retreat in

time. Lord George Murray was of his opinion, but, for reasons he gave

him, desired he might inform the Prince of their situation, and bring

him orders, which he undertook. But before he could return with the

Prince's orders, Lord George Murray, observing day coming on, began

to retreat, which occasioned some reflections, and confirmed several

in their opinion formerly of him, though, I believe, without any just

foundation. We came to Culloden about 9 next morning, being April

16th. The provisions being all spent, the Prince ordered each colonel

to send some of their officers to Inverness with money to buy such as

could be got, and sent orders to the inhabitants to send provisions

to the army, otherwise he would burn the town.

[73] No doubt Lochiel. See ff. 441, 616.--F.

Before the Prince left Inverness, on certain intelligence that

Cumberland had passed the Spey, Major Kennedy went to Mr. John Hay

who, in Mr. Murray's absence, officiated as Secretary, [Sidenote:

16 April] and told him that as the enemy was on their march towards

them it was more than probable there would be a battle; and as the

event was very uncertain, it was prudent to guard against the worst.

They might get the better or be defeated. In this situation he wish'd

he would propose to the Prince his sending a large quantity of

provisions then in Inverness to some distance [Sidenote: _fol._ 159.]

that, in case of the worst, scattered troops might join and have

wherewithal to subsist them till rejoin'd by such as had not returned

from their commands they had been out upon. If this was not done all

must disperse, the cause must be given up, and the Prince behov'd to

be in danger; for the neighbourhood of that country could not supply

the smallest number of men for one week. Mr. Hay said nothing, nor do

I believe he ever mentioned it to the Prince. But to return.

The Prince intended to give the army an hearty meal and a day's rest,

and to fight next morning. But being inform'd that Cumberland's army

was within half a mile, he resolved to fight that day. Lord George

Murray and the chiefs of the clans, especially Lochiel, were against

it. However they complied, though it was their opinion to keep the

ground they were on and receive Cumberland, if he attack'd them,

which they were still in doubt of. Our army came to the height of the

muir before Cumberland came in view. The Prince ordered the men to be

immediately formed in order of battle, but Lord George Murray begged

to have a little time to view the ground and observe the motions

of the enemy. Cumberland soon appear'd and was forming his men, on

which ours began to form by the Prince's orders, who all the while

stood with Lochiel and Mr. Sullivan, frequently complaining they were

long in forming. A little after they were formed we observed the

[Sidenote: _fol._ 160.] horse and the Argileshire men on the left

of the enemy drawing to a distance from the main body and inclining

to our right, on which the Athol and Cameron officers were afraid

to be flanked. This made Lochiel send to Lord George Murray, then

on the left with the Duke of Perth, to tell him of the danger. Lord

George Murray (whom I heard formerly say that the park would be of

great service to prevent our being flanked) on this took a narrower

view of it, and sent three gentlemen, viz., Colonel Sullivan, John

Roy Stewart, and Ker of Grydan to view it down to the Water of

Nairn. At their return they said it was impossible for any horse to

come by that way. The men still believed they might be flanked, and

some proposed lining the park wall. The Duke of Perth, who came from

the left, was of their opinion. But Lord George Murray, thinking

otherwise, ordered Lord Ogilvie's regiment to cover the flank, told

there was no danger, and to Lord Ogilvie said, he hoped and doubted

not but he would acquit himself as usual.

The Prince, who with a body of horse was in the rear of the French,

sent 8 or 10 times to Lord George Murray to begin the attack on

the right; but that was not obeyed. He sent Sir John MacDonald to

the Duke of Perth, who moved immediately with the left. The right,

observing this, without orders from Lord George Murray, followed

their example. Lord George behaved himself with great gallantry, lost

his horse, his periwig and bonnet, was amongst the last that left

the field, had several cutts with broadswords in his coat, and was

covered with blood and dirt.

[Sidenote: _fol._ 161.] The Prince was in the heat of the action, had

one of his grooms killed close by him, the horse he rode on killed by

a musket bullet[74] which struck him within an inch of the Prince's

leg. Some of the Camerons on the right gave way, being flanked, as

they expected, from the park wall, which the Argyleshire men had

broke down. Lochiel endeavoured to rally them but could not. On which

under the greatest concern he returned to the action and was wounded

by a flank shot. Thus did some of his men desert their chief and the

cause they fought for, who at the battle of Gladesmuir and Falkirk

behaved with so much intrepidity and courage. I more than once heard

Major Kennedy tell that after the Highlanders were broke and the

French engaged, he went to the Prince and told him they could not

hold it long, that some dragoons had gone from the right and left of

the enemy probably to surround the hill and prevent his escape, and

begged he would retire. In this request he was joined by others. The

Prince complied with great reluctance, retired in good order and in

no hurry.

[74] Not true. See ff. 1161, 1162.--F.

As the action was near over, as has been told, Lochiel was wounded in

both his legs. He was carried out of the field by four of his men who

brought him to a little barn. As they were taking off his cloaths to

disguise him the barn was surrounded by a party of dragoons, but as

they were entring [Sidenote: _fol._ 162.] the barn they were called

off, which prevented his being taken. The dragoons were no sooner out

of sight but his four men carried him out, put him on a horse, and

brought him to Clunie's house in Badenoch, where he continued till

next morning, and then went to Lochabar. When he left the barn he

dismist two of the four men, the other two supported him on the horse.

At a meeting held at Murlagan, near the head of Loch Arkaig (present

Lord Lovat, Lochiel, Mr. Murray, Major Kennedy, Glenbuicket, Colonel

John Roy Stewart, Clanranald, Barrisdale, Lochgarie, Mr. Alexander

MacLeod, Sir Stewart Threpland, Keppoch's nephew, and Barrisdale's

son), it was agreed that they, viz., Lochiel, Lochgary, Clanranald,

and Barrisdale, should assemble their men at Glenmallie and cross

Lochie, where Clunie and Keppoch's men should join them. Lochiel got

a body of 3 or 400 men, Barrisdale and Lochgerrie came with about

150 men each; but so soon as Lochgerrie got pay for his men, he

went away, promising to return in a few days and at the same time

to observe the Earl of Loudon's motions. But neither of these was

done, for the Earl marched thro' Glengarry and had taken Lochiel

but for some of his scouts as shall be told. Barrisdale, before

Lord Loudon came to Achnecarie, told Lochiel he would go and bring

more men, and left his son with a few. Early in the morning a body

of men appear'd marching over a hill, whom Lochiel believed to be

Barrisdale's men; but he was soon undeceived by some out-scouts he

had placed at proper distances who told him these men were certainly

Loudon's, for they saw red crosses in their bonnets. On this Lochiel

dispersed [Sidenote: _fol._ 163.] his men and crossed the loch in a

boat which he kept to prevent his being surprized. It prov'd as he

had been told, and he owed his escape more to the red crosses than

Barrisdale's honesty.

Lord Lovat and others took different routes. Mr. Murray continued

with Lochiel till they came to Lochleven near Glencoe, and after

being there some time Mr. Murray went from thence to Glenlion. Sir

David Murray, Dr. Cameron, and I went with him. We continued there

12 or 14 days. From that we went to Glenochie, where he (Murray) was

taken very ill. He desired we should return. Sir David Murray went

south, and we to Lochiel. He bid us tell him that he would continue

about Glenlion till he recovered, and if he could not in safety get

south to provide a ship he would return to him. But we were soon

informed that in 2 or 3 days after we parted from him he went south.

Captain MacNab went with him to the Braes of Balquidder, and provided

him in an horse and cloaths. I return to the battle.

As to the left of our army I can give no particular account but that

the officers, nobility and gentry, behaved with great gallantry, in

which all there did agree. The Duke of Athol had been ill at the time

the Prince was at Inverness, and so was not in the action, but before

Cumberland came there he left it. I was told by one that was with

him that a little after the battle he met with John Hay and enquired

what was become of the Prince. To which he replied he was gone off

and desired none to follow him. On which the Duke took the road to

Ruthven of Badenoch, where he met severals of the unfortunate, who

took different roads for their safety.

The Prince, as I have already told, being prevailed on to [Sidenote:

_fol._ 164.] retire after the action, went to Invergary, Glengary's

house; but that gentleman and his lady were not at home. However, he

continued there that night without meat, drink, fire or candle except

some firr-sticks and a salmon he brought, which he ate with gridiron

bannocks. He was made believe his loss was much greater than it was;

that Lochiel, Keppoch, and other leading men of the Highlanders were

killed, and was advised by Sullivan, O'Neil, and John Hay to dismiss

all that were then with him for greater security of his person, as

in that situation he could trust none. Accordingly he dismissed all

but the above three; but whether Sir Thomas Sheridan was then with

him I have not been inform'd. Many would have followed him after the

battle, but were forbid, as the Duke of Athol was.

[Sidenote: 19 April]

From Invergary, where he was but one night, the Prince went by the

head of Locharkeig to the west coast, where he embarked for the

Island of Uist. How long he continued there at that time I know not.

But from thence he went in an open boat to the Lewis in order to get

a ship to carry him off. But being in that disappointed he returned

to Uist, where he skulked, till he was informed that Major General

Campbell, and a body of Argyleshire men and others were come to that

island. To avoid them he went to Clanronald's house, continued there

no longer than to dress himself in woman's cloaths, and [Sidenote:

_fol._ 165.] with Miss MacDonald went in an open boat to the Isle

of Sky. In his passage he met with a boat in which were some of the

Argyleshire men, who seeing a small boat with two men and two women

took no notice of them. On his landing in Sky he sent Miss MacDonald

to Lady Margaret MacDonald, Sir Alexander's lady, to tell her of his

being there and to know if he would be safe in her house if but for

one night, as he was the day following to leave the island. What

reception Miss had, or what return was made, I cannot say with any

certainty (it being told in so many different ways), but certain it

is the Prince went that night to Mr. MacDonald's of Kingsburgh, where

he slept very well, and next day in an open boat left the island

with the Laird of Mackinnon and another. He landed in Moidart, went

to Angus MacDonald's house in Boradale, returned MacKinnon to Sky,

changed his own dress, and sent for Glenaladale of Clanranald's

family.

After the battle of Culloden many of the wounded who were not able

to leave the field were that and the next day killed upon the spot,

and few were made prisoners. Cumberland came to Inverness, where

such as had been prisoners were released. The clans who were at the

action dispersed, and such as were only coming on their march to join

the Prince returned. Earl Cromerty and others were taken prisoners

in Sutherland, and sometime after brought to Inverness. The French

surrendred prisoners; and different parties were sent to take up

the stragglers. After Cumberland had been sometime in Inverness he

ordered Earl Loudon with a good body of men to Lochabar to prevent

our coming to a body and receive such as would come and deliver up

their arms to him. He met with no [Sidenote: _fol._ 166.] opposition,

received a great number of arms, and gave protections. When he was

encamped at Moy, three miles from Achnacarry (Lochiel's house),

where he (Lochiel) had been, and six miles from Fort-William, Monroe

of Culcairn was sent by Cumberland with a body of men to Earl Loudon

with orders to him to burn Lochiel's house. On receiving these orders

he told Culcairn that as he was to march from thence, he (Culcairn)

might burn it. To which he answered he had done that already. The

Earl, tho' as an officer he with exactness discharged his duty, yet

behav'd with great humanity to the unfortunate, which I believe made

Culcairn execute what he had no orders for.

At this time or soon after a line was formed from Inverness to Fort

Augustus, from thence to Fort William to prevent the Prince or

any others to escape; as also a line was formed from the head of

Locharkaig to prevent coming in or going out of Lochabar.

While Cumberland was at Fort Augustus great liberties were taken

by some officers sent on different commands, particularly Colonel

Cornwallis, Major Lockheart, Monroe of Culcairn, Captain Caroline

Scott, and Captain Grant, son to Grant of Knockando and Strathspey.

Culcairn, after he had burnt and plundered from Moy to the head of

Locharkeig, marched from thence to Kintale. Captain Grant, above

mentioned, with about 200 men of Loudon's regiment, marched into

Lochabar, stripped men, women, and children without distinction of

condition or sex. He burnt Cameron of Cluns's house, took a few cows

he had bought after Culcairn had formerly plundered him of all,

stript his wife and some others naked as they came into [Sidenote:

_fol._ 167.] the world.[75] Thus was this unfortunate gentleman

made partner in the miseries of his wife and children and deprived

of all means of subsistence except five milk goats. From thence he

marched by the wood of Tervalt to Locharkeig. He told he was going

to carry off Barrisdale's cattle who had undertaken to apprehend the

Prince, but had deceived them; which was owing more to its not being

in his power than want of inclination. He burnt and plunder'd as he

marched. The day he left Cluns he apprehended one Alexander Cameron,

on the side of Locharkeig, who had a gun on his shoulder. This man,

tho' he discovered the party at a distance made no attempt to run

from them but came and delivered his arms. Being asked how he came

not to deliver his arms sooner, he answered he saw these who had

submitted to the King's mercy plundered as well as those who did not;

that he had gone with his wife and children and cattle to a remote

wilderness, which was the reason he had not delivered up his arms

before that time. This to any but Captain Grant would have been a

sufficient excuse, but so void was he of the least humanity that he

ordered him immediately to be tied to a tree and shot dead by the

highway in the wood of Muick. This party was joined in Knoidart by

Monroe of Culcairn, who commanded 200 men and had been in Kintail.

About eight days after, as they were returning with Barrisdale's

cattle and some belonging to others, Culcairn was shot from a

[Sidenote: _fol._ 168.] bush, not a gun-shot length or distance from

that spot where Cameron had been (it may be said) murdered by Captain

Grant.[76] Evan MacHoule or Cameron, tho' he never had been out of

the country or join'd the Prince's army or any part of it, came to

deliver his arms to the first party that came to Lochabar then at

the head of Locharkeig. He was desired to tell where arms were hid.

He declared he knew not where any were hid with asseverations and

oaths. But these did not save him, for he was immediately shot. I do

not remember who commanded the party, but I believe it was Colonel

Cornwallis. Archibald MacLauchlan, brother to John MacLauchlan of

Greenhall, was an officer in that command. William Dow MacHoule

and his brother going to a sheeling in Glenkengie were taken up on

suspicion that one of the black horses was in their custody, and

for this aggravating circumstance, viz., that a gun was found in

one of their houses, were both immediately shot.[77] The last that

encamped in the Braes of Locharkeig, seeing what they believed to be

a boat on the side of the loch, sent a party. But it proved to be

no other than a large black stone. But that they might not return

without some gallant action, on meeting a poor old man about sixty,

begging, they shot him. Much about the same time meeting a poor old

woman, blind of an eye, a beggar for several years before, they

desired her to tell where Lochiel was; and for not telling what she

did not know she was immediately shot. This is certain; but what is

reported to have been done to her before she was dead I incline not

to [Sidenote: _fol._ 169.] repeat--things shocking to human nature.

Colonel Cornwallis, when sent with a large body of men to the head

of Locharkeig, in his march thro' Grant of Glenmoriston's country

spied two men leading dung to their land. They were ordered to come

to the party, but happening to turn their backs upon it they were

instantly shot dead. John Cameron, brother to Lochiel, never join'd

him or any of his servants. On the contrary when the Prince came to

Glenfinan or before it, he went to his father-in-law, John Campbell's

house in Broadalbin, where he continued till the Prince marched

out of Lochabar, and so soon as he returned he waited upon Captain

Campbell, deputy governor of Fort William, continued some days with

him and ever behaved himself peaceably, keeping at home. But that

could not save his effects; for Captain Caroline Scott, the last

that plundered that unfortunate country, took from him an hundred of

his cows and all his small and young cattle. An order being given to

apprehend, on suspicion, Peter MacLauchlan, taxman of a farm in Mull,

belonging to the Duke of Argyle, he came within the time limited in

Cumberland's proclamation, at least as soon as he was informed of it

and surrendred himself and arms to Major General Campbell. But how

soon the [Sidenote: _fol._ 170.] general went to the Isles, Captain

Millar of Guise's regiment, formerly a prize-fighter, was sent with a

party to Mull, as is believed by orders of Captain Caroline Scott, to

burn and plunder some few tenants in MacKinnon's lands; which being

done with great severity, he went to Peter MacLauchlan's house, burnt

it, plundered everything that he had, horses, cows, and sheep, except

a lame cow that could not travell.

[75] See f. 1685.

[76] See f. 558.

[77] See f. 1684.

Captain Caroline Scott came to Stewart of Ardsheill's house in Appin

and took from his lady a few cows General Campbell had bought from

the soldiers and made a present of to her. All Ardsheil's cattle

being taken by the soldiers, the Captain desired she would give

him her keys, which she did. He then demanded what he called her

small keys which she had no sooner delivered than he offered her

his hand, led her out of the house, and told her she had no more

to do in it. She desired to know where she was to go. He replied

to Appin's house. She then told him she could not leave her young

children to starve, as he had taken all her provisions from her. On

which he ordered her one boll of meal of her own to be given her.

The Captain, after he had rummaged the house, took great care to

have the slates and sarking taken from the roof. He gutted the house

and office-houses of all the timber in them with the least damage

possible even to the drawing of the nails. He then had all the walls

cast down, the free stone, lintels, rabats, etc., laid by themselves,

all which he sold with the planting, which chiefly [Sidenote: _fol._

171.] consisted of many large ash trees. It was this Captain Caroline

who hanged three men near Glenevis, that when some others were

pursued, came and delivered their arms, expecting to get protection.

In place of which the Captain told them, as others had not done the

same they were to be hang'd. The poor men said it would be hard to

punish them for the fault of others; and so little did they think he

intended any such thing, but that he threatened to fright them, they

were laughing when the soldiers were putting the ropes about their

necks. But they were mistaken; for instantly they were hang'd and had

not so much time as to beg God to have mercy upon their souls.

The same Captain, when he went to the island of Barra with a party

to search for arms, he apprehended a man, being informed that he had

been in arms, and ordered him immediately to be hang'd. The poor man

begg'd he might delay for a few hours that he would prove by 50 he

had never been out of the country or under arms in it. But this was

not granted, tho' Captain Millar of Guise's regiment begged he might

consider what he was doing--for tho' he (Scott) was an older Captain,

yet he had served much longer. To which the other replied he knew

very well what he was doing, which was not without orders. What made

this the more surprizing is that tho' in the islands belonging to

Barra there will be about 4 or 500 souls there is but one gentleman

and 7 or 8 common people that are Protestants, of whom this poor

unfortunate man was one.

I have hitherto confin'd myself to facts; but in this place must

observe that all those who were hang'd or shot were Protestants;

[Sidenote: _fol._ 172.] that in plundering the cattle, burning,

etc., the Roman Catholick's countries, Braes of Lochabar, Glengary,

Knoidart, Moidart, Arisaig, and Morar suffer'd little by burning or

taking of cattle, and not one that I know of was hang'd or shot who

was a Papist. How loud would the clamour have been had such burning

and murders, etc., been committed by the Prince's army, or the like

indulgence shown to Popish countries and Papists!

I have been told Major Lockheart came not short of Captain Caroline

in many of the like actions. But as I was not then in that country,

I leave it to others better informed. What I have told of the above

plunderings, burnings, and killing may be absolutely depended on;

and have left off to put them together, lest, if mention'd in their

proper places, it might interrupt what more particularly concern'd

the Prince, to which I return.

Glenaladale, as I have related, being sent for, came; and the Prince

being better inform'd as to Lochiel, Keppoch, and others, that his

loss had not been as Sullivan and O'Neil told him, proposed going to

Lochabar where he believed Lochiel was. But as all the passes were

then guarded, this was represented to be impracticable. He continued

a few days in that country and was advised to go to the Braes of

Glenmoriston, and there and in Lord Lovat's country to continue till

the passes were opened. Accordingly he went attended by Glenaladale,

his brother, and a son of Angus MacDonald's, two young boys. They

sent for Donald Cameron of Glenpean to be their guide to the Braes of

Locharkeig. He came, and in the night conducted the Prince safe thro'

the guards that were on the pass so close to their tents as to hear

every word they spoke.[78] When they came to Glenmoriston they got

six stout trusty men, but spoke not a word of English, with whom and

Glenaladale the Prince continued betwixt the Braes of Glenmoriston

[Sidenote: _fol._ 173.] and Glen Strathferrar till the guards were

removed and all the passes opened.

[78] See an addition to the narrative at this point, at f. 569.

[Sidenote: 1 Aug.]

About the beginning of August he went to Lochabar with the above

retinue, came to Achnasual on the side of Locharkeig, two miles from

Achnacarie. They had no provisions, but expected to be supplied

in that country, in which they were disappointed, it having been

plundered, and all the people were fled to the mountains to save

their lives. In this situation the Prince was in danger of being

starved, when one of the Glenmoriston men discovered a large fine

hart and shot him. The day following the Prince was inform'd that

Lochgarie, Cluns, and Achnasual were in the neighbouring mountains,

and sent for them, and dispatched one to inform Lochiel, then about

20 miles distant, of his being in that country. But Lochiel, some

days before, hearing a surmise of the Prince's being come to the

continent had sent his brother (the doctor) and me by different roads

to get all the intelligence we could of the Prince. The person who

was sent to Lochiel met the Doctor within a few miles of the place

where Lochiel was, who was obliged to return with two French officers

that were likewise in quest of the Prince.[79]

[79] See f. 1546.

This faithful person would not own he knew anything about the Prince,

his orders being only to tell Lochiel. However, he said he had

business of the utmost consequence. The Doctor brought him and the

two officers to his brother. The next day Lochiel sent the Doctor

to the Prince, and the officers to the care of one of his friends

with whom they were to continue till further orders. In the mean

time, after travelling and searching several days to no purpose, I

met the Doctor at Achnacarie as he was going to the Prince. He had

four servants with him, who, as the river was not passable, raised a

[Sidenote: _fol._ 174.] boat Culcairn had sunk after his searching

the Isle of Locharkeig, where from former experience he expected to

get a great deal of plunder.

[Sidenote: August]

When Culcairn was in this island he discovered some new-raised earth,

and believing money or arms to be hid there had it dug up, and only

discovered the corpse of a man without a coffin, which had not been

many days buried. On the corps there was a good Holland shirt, which

made him believe it to be Lochiel, and sent an express to Cumberland

to tell that he had found Lochiel's corps, who had died of his

wounds. From this it was put in the newspapers. This was the corps

of John Cameron, brother to Allan Cameron of Callart, who was taken

at Culloden and sent prisoner to London. The shirt was taken from the

corps and it left to be food for the birds of prey, etc.

The Prince at this time was in a small hutt built for the purpose

in the wood betwixt Achnasual and the end of Locharkeig. Observing

some men in arms by the water side, we sent two of Cluns' children

to know who they were. We soon discovered them to belong to Cluns,

sent the boat for them, and dismist the four servants on pretence we

were going to skulk in the wood for some days; and that keeping such

a number together might be dangerous. We cross'd the river and went

to the hutt. The Prince with Achnasual had gone a little from it;

but being informed what we were, came immediately to us. He was then

bare-footed, had an old black kilt coat on, a plaid, philabeg and

waistcoat, a dirty shirt and a long red beard, a gun in his hand, a

pistol and durk by his side. He was very cheerful and in good health,

and, in my opinion, fatter than when he was at Inverness.

When we told him what we were and from whence we came, and that

Lochiel was well and recovered of his wounds,[80] he [Sidenote:

_fol._ 175.] thanked God thrice for it, and expressed an uncommon

satisfaction. They had kill'd a cow the day before, and the servants

were roasting some of it with speets. The Prince knew their names,

spoke in a familiar way to them and some Erse. He ate very heartily

of the roasted beef and some bread we had got from Fort Augustus,

and no man could sleep sounder in the night than he. He proposed

going immediately where Lochiel was. But we knew by the newspapers

the Government had been inform'd some time before that he had pass'd

Corierag with Lochiel and 30 men, which probably might occasion a

search in those parts. This made him resolve to continue for some

time where he was. Some days after Lochgary and the Doctor were sent

to Lochiel and Glenaladale, and the faithful Glenmoriston men were

dismist. The Prince continued in the hutt with Cluns's children.

Captain MacRaw of Glengary's regiment, one or two servants, and I

had the honour to add one to the number.

[80] See f. 1479.

[Sidenote: June]

[Sidenote: July]

[Sidenote: August]

The two officers who, I told, went to Lochiel with the Doctor, came

from Dunkirk in a small vessel with sixty other young gentlemen, who

had formed themselves in a company of volunteers under the command

of the foresaid two officers, some time before they could hear of

the battle of Culloden. They came in June to Polliew in Seaforth's

country, where four of them landed to deliver their dispatches,

of whom two were taken; and the other two wandered in Seaforth's

country till Lochgarie, hearing they had letters for the Prince,

sent [Sidenote: _fol._ 176.] Captain MacRaw and his own servant

for them, that they might be sent to Lochiel, since the Prince was

not to be found. This happen'd about the middle of July. When they

came to Lochiel they told him they had left their papers with Mr.

Alexander MacLeod, one of the Prince's aid de camps, then skulking

in Seaforth's country. Tho' this prov'd true, yet as they themselves

had not told it to Lochgary or any other, made him (Lochiel) suspect

them to be Government spies. The Prince wanted much to see them.

But we told him what Lochiel and we were afraid of, which made

him resolve to act in this with greater caution. He said it was

surprizing that two men, strangers, and without one word of Earse,

could escape from the troops, who were always in motion in quest of

him and his followers. But to see them in safety, he wrote a letter

to them himself to this purpose,--that to avoid falling into the

hands of his enemies he was under a necessity to retire to a remote

country where he had none with him but one, Captain Drummond, and a

servant, and as he could not remove from where he was without danger

to himself and them, he had sent Captain Drummond with this letter;

and as he could repose entire confidence in him, desired whatever

message they had to him, to tell it to the bearer, Captain Drummond,

and take his advice as to their conduct. This letter he proposed to

deliver to them himself under the name of Captain Drummond, for both

of them told Lochiel they had never seen the Prince. They were sent

for, and when they came, were introduced to the Prince under his

borrowed name. He delivered the letter to them with which they were

very well pleased, and told him everything they had to say, which he

afterwards said was of [Sidenote: _fol._ 177.] no great consequence

as his affairs then stood. They continued two days with us, asked

the fictitious Captain Drummond several questions about the Prince's

health and manner of living. His answers they heard with the utmost

surprize. The Prince, believing the pacquet left with Mr. Alexander

MacLeod might be of use to him, sent for it; but as it was cyphers

and directed to the French ambassador, he could make nothing of it.

[Sidenote: 10 Aug.]

[Sidenote: 11 Aug.]

[Sidenote: 13 Aug.]

We continued in this wood and that over against Achnacarie (having

three hutts in different places to which we removed by turns) till I

think about the 10th of August, on which day Cluns's son and I went

to the Strath of Cluns for intelligence. We were not half an hour

in the hut, which Cluns had built for his family (after his house

was burnt), when a child of six years old went out and returned in

haste to tell that she saw a great body of soldiers. This we did not

believe, as Lochgary had promised to Lochiel to have a guard betwixt

Fort Augustus and this place to give intelligence. We went out to

know the truth and it proved as the girl had said. Cluns skulked

to observe the motions of the party. His son and I went to inform

the Prince. He was that day in one of the hutts on the other side

of the Water Kiaig a short mile from Cluns. Crossing the ford of

that water under cover of the wood, and coming within pistol shot

of the hutt, I observed the party advancing. The Prince was then

asleep, being about 8 in the morning. I wakened him and desired him

not to be surprized, for that a body of the enemy were in sight.

He with the utmost composure got up, called for his gun, sent for

Captain MacRaw and Sandy, Cluns's son, who with a servant were doing

the duty of sentries about the wood. We concluded by our having no

intelligence of the party marching from Fort [Sidenote: _fol._ 178.]

Augustus, as had been promised, there was treachery in it and that

we were surrounded. Cluns came soon up to where we were. However

tho' but eight in number we were determined, rather than to yield,

to be butchered by our merciless enemies to sell our lives dear and

in defence of our Prince to die like men of honour. We left the hut

and marched to a small hill above the wood from whence we could

see a great way up Glenkingie and not be discovered. We got there

unobserved, which was owing to the cover of the wood. The Prince

examined all our guns, which were in pretty good order, and said

he hoped we would do some execution before we were killed. For his

part he was bred a fowler, and could charge quick, was a tolerable

marksman, and would be sure of one, at least. He said little more,

but sent Cluns and me to take a narrow view of the party, and

resolved that night to goe to the top of Mullantagart, a very high

mountain in the Braes of Glenkengie, and to send one to us to know

what we discover'd or were informed of. When we came to the Strath of

Cluns the women told us that the party was of Lord Loudon's regiment,

consisting of about 200 men, commanded by one Captain Grant, son to

Grant of Knockando in Strathspey; that they had carried away ten milk

cows which Cluns had bought after he was plundered, and found out

the hutt we had in the wood of Tervalt, and that they gave it out

that they were going to bring Barrisdale's cattle to the camp, who

had promised to apprehend the Prince but had deceived them. I have

told you [Sidenote: _fol._ 179.] already how this Captain Grant,

I may say, barbarously murdered Alexander Cameron on the side of

Locharkeig. In the evening Cluns' son came to us from the Prince,

with whom we returned, told him as we were informed, and brought some

whiskie, bread, and cheese. This was about 12 at night. He was on

the side of the mountain without fire or any covering. We persuaded

him to take a hearty dram and made a fire, which we durst not keep

above half an hour lest it should be seen by the people in the

neighbourhood. By daylight we went to the top of the mountain, where

we continued till eight in the evening without the least cover, and

durst not rise out of our seats. The Prince slept all the forenoon

in his plaid and wet hose, altho' it was an excessive cold day, made

more so by several showers of hail. From thence we went that night

to the Strath of Glenkengie, killed a cow and lived merrily for

some days. From that we went to the Braes of Achnacarie. The Water

of Arkeg in crossing came up to our haunches. The Prince in that

condition lay that night and next day in open air, and though his

cloaths were wet he did not suffer the least in his health.

[Sidenote: 30 Aug.]

[Sidenote: 13 Sept.]

In a day or two after Lochgary and Dr. Cameron return'd from Lochiel

(to whom they had been sent) and told it was Lochiel's opinion and

theirs that the Prince would be safe where he (Lochiel) was skulking.

This pleased him much and the next night he set out with Lochgary,

the Doctor and Sandy (Cluns's son), myself and three servants. We

travell'd in the night and slept all day, till we came to Lochiel,

who was then in the hills betwixt the Braes of Badenoch and Athol.

The Doctor and I went by another road on a message to Badenoch.

I return'd about September 13th and the next day was sent south.

The Prince by moving from place to place and but few with him had

hitherto escaped the narrow and strict search of [Sidenote: _fol._

180.] the troops. But as the like good fortune might not always

continue he ordered Lochiel to send south to have a ship freighted to

bring him and others off by the East Coast. The ship was provided,

and one sent to inform the Prince of it, who with Lochiel and others

was to come where the ship lay. But before this messenger came to

where the Prince had been, two of Lochiel's friends that had orders

to watch on the West Coast came and told that two French ships were

arrived at Moidart. Upon this, the night following, the Prince set

out from where they were, and at the same time sent to inform others

skulking in different places. Some arrived in time; but others by

some accident or other had not that good fortune.

I have told you what I was witness to or informed of by such as

I could absolutely depend upon. I shall only add that the Prince

submitted with patience to his adverse fortune, was chearful, and

frequently desired those that were with him to be so. He was cautious

when in the greatest danger, never at a loss in resolving what to do,

with uncommon fortitude. He regretted more the distress of those who

suffered for adhering to his interest than the hardships and dangers

he was hourly exposed to. To conclude, he possesses all the virtues

that form the character of a HERO and GREAT PRINCE.

CAPTAIN O'NEIL'S JOURNAL of the Prince's Retreat and Escape

after April 16th, 1746.[81]

[81] See observations on this document by Donald MacLeod, f. 270.

There is another _attested_ copy of this Journal given at f. 670.

[Sidenote: 15 April]

[Sidenote: _fol._ 181.] April 15th.--The Prince marched his army in

three columns from Culloden Muir to surprize the Duke of Cumberland

in his camp at Nairn, ordering at the same time 2000 men to pass the

river Nairn and post themselves between Elgin and the camp of the

enemy. To deceive the ships in Inverness Road, we made several fires

on the mountain, where we drew up in battle order, and at 8 o'clock

at night we began our march.

[Sidenote: 16 April]

About 2 o'clock next morning (April 16th) within a mile of the enemy

our van halted. The Prince, who marched in the centre, dispatched

an aid de camp to know the motive of the halt. Colonel O'Sullivan,

who marched in the van, immediately hasted to the Prince, and told

him. Lord George Murray and some others of the chiftains, as they

wanted some of their men, did not think themselves sufficiently

strong to attack the enemy, and, upon a strong belief that the Duke

of Cumberland was apprized of their design, refused to advance,

maugrè the instances he (Sullivan) made use of to engage them to

the contrary. Upon this the Prince advanced to the head of the

column, where, assembling the chiefs, in the most pathetic manner

and strongest terms he demonstrated to them the visible and real

advantages they had of an enemy who thought themselves secure of

any such attempt; and descending from his horse, drew his sword and

told them, he would head them to an enemy they had as often defeated

as seen. But deaf to his example and intreaties the greater part

declined, which so sensibly shocked the Prince that, remounting his

horse, he told them, with tears in his eyes, that he did not so much

regret his own loss as their inevitable ruine. We immediately march'd

back to our camp at Culloden where we arriv'd at 5 in the [Sidenote:

_fol._ 182.] morning. At ten o'clock we were inform'd that the Duke

of Cumberland was in full march towards us. The Prince on this report

gave the necessary orders for the attack, riding from rank to rank,

encouraging his troops and exhorting them to behave as formerly at

Prestonpans and Falkirk; and between 12 and one we began the attack

and engaged the enemy, the Prince commanding the centre. Our right

wing immediately broke the left of the enemy; but their flank being

exposed to nine squadrons of horse, who attacked them when in pursuit

of the foot, put them into so much confusion that they instantly

dispersed. The Prince, galloping to the right and endeavouring to

rally them, but to no purpose, had his horse shot under him.[82]

The left followed the example of the right which drew on an entire

flight, maugrè all the Prince could do to animate or rather rally

them. He remain'd on the field of battle till there were no more

hopes left, and then scarce could be persuaded to retire, ordering

the French picquets and Fitz-James's horse to make a stand in order

to favour the retreat of the Highlanders, which was happily effected.

[82] Not true. See f. 1161.--F.

[Sidenote: 26 April]

Previous to the battle the Prince ordered the chiftains in case of

a defeat, as the Highlanders could not retreat as regular troops,

to assemble their men near Fort Augustus. In consequence of which

immediately after the battle the Prince dispatched me to Inverness

to repeat his orders to such of his troops as were there. That night

the Prince retired six miles from the field of battle, and next day

arrived at Fort Augustus, [Sidenote: _fol._ 183.] where he remained

all that day in expectation his troops would have join'd him. But

seeing no appearance of it he went to the house of Invergary and

ordered me to remain there to direct such as passed by that way the

road his royal highness took. I remained there two days and did

the Prince's orders to such as I met; but to no effect, every one

taking his own road. I then followed the Prince, who was so far from

making a precipitate retreat that he retired by six and six miles,

and arrived the 26th of April at Knoidart, where I join'd him next

day and gave him an account of the little appearance there was of

assembling his troops. Upon which he wrote circuler letters to all

the Chiftains, enjoining them by the obedience they owed him to join

him immediately with such of their clans as possibly they could

gather together; at the same time representing the imminent danger

they were in if they neglected it.

[Sidenote: 27 April]

[Sidenote: May]

[Sidenote: 10 May]

[Sidenote: June]

After remaining there some days in hopes his orders would have been

obeyed, and seeing not one person resort to him, the extreme danger

of his person was remonstrated to him, being within 7 miles of Lord

Loudoun, Sir Alexander MacDonald and the MacLeods; and to evade this

it was proposed to retreat to one of the islands near the continent.

After repeated instances of the like nature he reluctantly assented,

leaving Mr. John Hay behind to transmit him the answers of his

letters with an account of what passed; and departed for the Isles in

an open fishing boat at 8 o'clock that night, accompanied by Colonel

O'Sullivan and me. About an hour [Sidenote: _fol._ 184.] after we

set out a violent storm arose, which drove us ninety miles from our

intended port; and next day running for shelter into the island of

North Uist, we struck upon a rock, the boat staved to pieces, and

with the greatest difficulty we saved our lives. At our landing we

were in the most melancholy situation, knowing nobody and wanting the

common necessaries of life. After much search we found a little hut

uninhabited and took shelter there, and with great difficulty made a

fire to dry our cloaths. Here we remained two days, having no other

provisions but a few biscuit we had saved out of the boat, which were

entirely spoiled with the salt water. As this island belonged to Sir

Alexander MacDonald, and not judging ourselves safe, we determined on

going elsewhere; and by the greatest good fortune one of our boatmen

discovered a boat stranded on the coast, and having with great

difficulty launched her in the water we embarked for the Harris. In

our passage we unfortunately met with another storm, which obliged us

to put into an island near Stornoway. Next day the Prince dispatched

me for the Harris to look out for a ship, ordering me to embark on

board the first I could get, and to make the most diligent haste

after my landing on the continent to the Court of France, enjoining

me to give a most exact account to his most Christian Majesty of his

disasters, and of his resolution never to abandon the country untill

he knew the final result of France; and if possible once more to

assemble his faithful Highlanders. Unluckily the person his royal

highness sent with me getting drunk told the master of the ship

somewhat that induced him to refuse taking me on [Sidenote: _fol._

185.] board, and immediately alarm'd the country, which obliged me to

retreat and join the Prince, who, when I told him, resolved for the

continent by way of Seaforth's country. But the boatmen absolutely

refused to comply, which made us take the road we came; and meeting

with three ships of war we were constrain'd to retire to a desart

island, where we remained eight days in the greatest misery, having

no sustenance but dried fish Providence threw in on the island.[83]

When the ships disappeared we put out to sea, and next morning we met

with another, just coming out of one of the lochs who pursued us near

an hour; but the wind rising we made our escape. In the afternoon

we arrived at the island of Benbicula, and one of the boatmen being

acquaint with a herd of the island, we all went to his house, where

passing for friends of the boatman we remain'd four days, and then

the Prince sent the boat to the continent with an Highland gentleman

whom he charged with letters to the chiefs, Secretary Murray and

John Hay, requiring an exact account how affairs stood. Not thinking

ourselves secure in the cottage, by the advice of a friend we retired

to the mountain of Corradale to wait the return of the gentleman,

where we remained 22 days, when the gentleman returned with a letter

from Secretary Murray importing that almost all the clans had

delivered up themselves and arms, and consequently they were no more

to be depended upon. He [Sidenote: _fol._ 186.] likewise acquainted

the Prince of two French ships which had arrived at the continent

with money and arms, and in which the Duke of Perth and his brother,

Sir Thomas Sheridan and John Hay had embark'd for France. Here we

remained for some days longer till the Duke of Cumberland, having

intelligence the Prince was concealed in the Long Island, ordered the

militia of the Isle of Sky and the independent companies to go in

search of him. As soon as we had notice of their landing we retreated

to an island about twelve miles distance, called Hoya, where we

remained till we found they had followed us. We then went for Loch

Boysdale and staid there for eight days, where Captain Caroline

Scott landed within a mile of us, which obliged us to separate,

the Prince and I taking to the mountains, and Sullivan remaining

with the boatmen. At fall of night we marched towards Benbicula,

being inform'd Scott had ordered the militia to come and join him.

At midnight we came to a hutt where by good fortune we met with

Miss Flora MacDonald, whom I formerly knew. I quitted the Prince at

some distance from the hut, and went myself with a design of being

inform'd if the independent companies were to pass that way next day

as we had been informed. The young lady answered in the negative,

saying they would not pass till the day after. I then told her I

brought a friend to see her. She with some emotion asked if it was

the Prince. I answered in the affirmative and instantly brought him

in. We then consulted on the immediate danger the Prince was in, and

could think of no more proper or safe [Sidenote: _fol._ 187.] place

or expedient than to propose to Miss Flora to convey him to the Isle

of Sky, where her mother lived. This seem'd the more feasable, as the

young lady's father being captain of an independent company would

afford her a pass for herself and servant to go visit her mother.

The Prince assented and immediately proposed it to the young lady,

to which she answered with the greatest respect and loyalty but

declined, saying, Sir Alexander MacDonald was too much her friend

to be the instrument of his ruine. I endeavoured to obviate this by

assuring her Sir Alexander was not in the country, and that she could

with the greatest facility convey the Prince to her mother's house,

as she lived close by the water side.

[83] See ff. 292-297.

I then remonstrated to her the honour and immortality that would

redound to her by such a glorious action; and she at length

acquiesced, after the Prince had told her the sense he would always

retain of so conspicuous a service. She promised to acquaint us

next day when things were ripe for execution, and we parted for the

mountain of Corradale. Next day at 4 in the afternoon we received a

message from our protectrix telling us all was well. We determined

joining her immediately, but the messenger told us we could not

pass any of the fords that separated the island we were in from

Benbicula, as they were both guarded. In this dilemma a man of the

country tendred his boat to us, which we readily accepted of; and

next day landed at Benbicula, and immediately marched for Rushness,

the place of rendezvous, where we arrived at midnight, and instead

of our protectrix found a guard of the enemy. We were constrain'd

to retreat four miles, having eat nothing for 34 hours before. The

Prince ordered me to go to [Sidenote: _fol._ 188.] the lady and

know the reason she did not keep her appointment. She told me she

had engaged a cousin of hers in North Uist to receive him into his

house, where she was sure he would be more safe than in the Isle of

Sky.[84] I immediately dispatched a boy with these news to the Prince

and mentioned to him the place of appointment, whither his royal

highness came. But the gentleman absolutely refused to receive us,

alleging for a motive he was a vassal to Sir Alexander MacDonald. In

this unexpected exigence, being within a small half mile of a captain

and 50 men, we hasted for Rushness, being apprized the enemy had

just abandoned it. The Prince sent me to acquaint Miss Flora of our

disappointment, and to intreat her to keep by her promise as there

was no time to be lost. She faithfully promised next day. I remained

with her that night, the Prince remaining at Rushness attended by

a little herd boy. Next day I accompanied Miss Flora to the place

of rendezvous, where we had not long been when we had an account

that General Campbell was just landed with 1500 men. We now were

apprehensive we were betrayed and instantly got to our boat and put

to another place, where we arrived at daybreak. We then dispatched a

person to Clanronald's house to learn what news, who brought us word

that General Campbell was there with Captain Ferguson, and that he

saw Captain Scott's detachment coming to join them, and that they

amounted in all to 2300 men.

[84] See ff. 526, 589.

[Sidenote: _fol._ 189.] The Prince intreated the young lady that

I should accompany him, but she absolutely refused it, having a

pass but for one servant. His royal highness was so generous as to

decline going unless I attended him, untill I told him that if he

made the least demur I would instantly go about my business, as I was

extremely indifferent what became of myself, provided his person was

safe. He at length embarked, attended only by Miss Flora MacDonald,

etc.

[Sidenote: 1747 20 July]

REMARKS, etc., and PARTICULAR SAYINGS of some who were concerned

in the PRINCE'S PRESERVATION. Leith, Citadel, July 20, 1747.

Tis pity that Captain O'Neil has not been more particular in his

journal, for he has not so much as mentioned the necessity the

Prince was in to disguise himself in a female dress, which serves

to explain his distress and danger as much as any thing can do.

Besides by studying too much brevity he has altogether omitted

several remarkable particulars which he minutely described to those

he conversed familiarly with both in the Castle of Edinburgh,[85]

and after he was set at liberty. He used to tell that when he was

along with the Prince they happen'd to be twice within a gun-shot of

parties of the enemy, [Sidenote: _fol._ 190.] that he quite despair'd

of being any longer kept out of their clutches, and that he failed

not to represent to the Prince the impossibility of not falling into

the enemy's hands. 'The Prince,' said he, 'always reproved me for

my desponding thoughts, and endeavoured to encourage me in times of

the greatest danger by saying, "O'Neil, is this all the faith and

trust you have in God? Let us only take care to have enough of faith

and trust in his providence and there is no fear of us at all. Pull

up your spirits, man. Never despair."' O'Neil frankly own'd that in

place of his being useful to the Prince by endeavouring to comfort

and support him when dangers thicken'd upon them, the Prince had the

like good offices to perform to him, and that he frequently exerted

himself in different shapes to raise his spirits. One time having

nothing to eat for about two days but some mouldy dirty crumbs in

O'Neil's pocket, they luckily happened at last to come to a very mean

cottage where they found only an old poor woman who received them

kindly, and gave each of them two eggs and a piece of bear-bannocks,

but having not so much in her hut as a cup of cold water to give

them to put down their morsel, she told them that some lasses had

lately gone up the hill to milk the goats, etc., and that if they

would follow them, probably they might have a drink of milk from

them. The advice was very seasonable, and away they went, the honest

old woman directing them the way they should go. [Sidenote: _fol._

191.] The Prince skipped so speedily up the hill that O'Neil could

not keep up with him. The lasses gave them plenty of milk, and poor

O'Neil lay along among the grass, being quite undone with fatigue and

fear. The Prince did all he could to rouse him up both by arguing and

joking with him; but all to no purpose. At last the Prince turning

from him, said, 'Come, my lasses, what would you think to dance a

Highland reel with me? We cannot have a bag-pipe just now, but I

shall sing you a Strathspey reel.' The dance went merrily on, and the

Prince skipped so nimbly, knocking his thumbs and clapping his hands

that O'Neil was soon surprized out of his thoughtful mood, being

ashamed to remain any longer in the dumps when his Prince had been

at so much pains to divert his melancholy. He was sure he said that

the Prince entred into this frolick merely upon his account, for that

there could be no dancing at his heart, seeing at that time they knew

not where to move one foot. The Captain used to say he believed there

was not such another man in all the world as the Prince.

[85] See f. 529.

It is worth noticing too that O'Neil has not mentioned his going on

board with O'Sullivan after parting with the Prince, and how he was

taken prisoner upon his coming ashore again about something they

wanted to have, how he was very [Sidenote: _fol._ 192.] roughly used,

particularly by some of the Campbells, who took from him his gold

and watch, and every valuable thing about him, and how he was stript

naked and threatened (if he would not tell where the Prince was to

be found) with being put into that racking machine which Barisdale

invented and made use of to extort confession from thieves, and in

which one could not live above one hour.[86] But perhaps the Captain

reserves these and some other points to be the subject-matter of

another Journal when he comes to a country where he can make a plain

declaration of all that he knows with freedom and safety.

[86] See ff. 528, 529, 688-690.

Captain O'Neil had very great difficulty to prevail upon Miss

MacDonald to undertake being guardian to the Prince. She was not

only frighten'd at the hazards and dangers attending such a bold

enterprize, but likewise insisted upon the risque she would run

of losing her character in a malicious and ill-natured world.

The Captain was at some pains to represent to her the glory and

honour she would acquire by such a worthy and heroic action, and he

hoped God would make her successful in it. 'You need not fear your

character,' said he, 'for by [Sidenote: _fol._ 193.] this you will

gain yourself an immortal character. But if you will still entertain

fears about your character, I shall (by an oath) marry you directly,

if you please.' After she had consented O'Neil then thought it a

proper time to say something for himself, and earnestly begged

that he himself might have the happiness of being taken under her

tuition. But she positively refused to grant his request. At last he

became so pressing in his suit that he fell down upon his knees and

prayed her to consider his case and the desire he had to share in

the Prince's fate whatever it should be. She steadily resisted all

his importunities and judiciously remarked to him that the safety of

the Prince depended much upon few being in company, that she could

more easily undertake the preservation of one than of two or more;

and therefore she desired that he might not insist upon that point,

for if he should she resolv'd not to embark in the affair at all. He

found himself obliged to desist, and owned afterwards upon reflection

the wisdom of her resolution.

Her step-father (Hugh MacDonald of Armadale in Sky) did really serve

her with a passport, although at that time he was captain of militia,

and had a command of Sir Alexander's men in South Uist in order to

prevent the Prince's escape. He [Sidenote: _fol._ 194.] is reckoned

the strongest man of all the name of MacDonald, as I have more than

once heard Kingsburgh declare, and his strength of mind seems to bear

proportion to the strength of his body. He was obliged for some time

to keep out of the way till the suspicion of the passport began to be

forgot. But every one would not have been desirous of the task to lay

hands on him; for he never quit with his arms when he was skulking,

and the people in Sky stood in awe of him. Before they went to the

boat the Prince renewed the request about O'Neil's going along; but

Miss wisely persisted in her former resolution and would not hear

of the proposal, though the Prince pressed the matter with great

earnestness.

In the Journal taken from the mouths of the Laird of MacKinnon,

Malcolm MacLeod, etc., Miss MacDonald has omitted several things

which she particularly mentioned to those who conversed with her

when she was lying in the Road of Leith on board the _Eltham_ and

the _Bridgewater_ ships of war. She told that when the Prince put

on women's cloaths he proposed carrying a pistol under one of his

petticoats for making some small defence in case of an attack. But

Miss declared against it, alleging that if any person should happen

to search them the pistol would only serve to make a discovery.

[Sidenote: _fol._ 195.] To which the Prince replied merrily: 'Indeed,

Miss, if we shall happen to meet with any that will go so narrowly

to work in searching as what you mean they will certainly discover

me at any rate.' But Miss would not hear of any arms at all, and

therefore the Prince was obliged to content himself with only a short

heavy cudgel, with which he design'd to do his best to knock down any

single person that should attack him.

She us'd likewise to tell that in their passage to the Isle of Sky

a heavy rain fell upon them, which with former fatigues distressed

her much. To divert her the Prince sung several pretty songs. She

fell asleep, and to keep her so, the Prince still continued to sing.

Happening to awake with some little bustle in the boat she found

the Prince leaning over her with his hands spread about her head.

She asked what was the matter? The Prince told her that one of the

rowers being obliged to do somewhat about the sail behoved to step

over her body (the boat was so small), and lest he should have done

her hurt either by stumbling or trampling upon her in the dark

[Sidenote: _fol._ 196.] (for it was night) he had been doing his best

to preserve his guardian from harm. When Miss MacDonald was telling

this particular part of the adventure to some ladies that were paying

their respects to her on board the _Bridgewater_ in Leith Road,

some of them with raptures cried out: 'O Miss, what a happy creature

are you who had that dear Prince to lull you asleep, and to take

such care of you with his hands spread about your head, when you was

sleeping! You are surely the happiest woman in the world!' 'I could,'

says one of them,[87] 'wipe your shoes with pleasure, and think it my

honour so to do, when I reflect that you had the honour to have the

Prince for your handmaid. We all envy you greatly.' Much about the

same time a lady of rank and dignity,[88] being on board with Miss

MacDonald in the foresaid ship, a brisk gale began to blow and make

the sea rough, and not so easy for a small boat to row to Leith. The

lady whispered to Miss MacDonald that she would with pleasure stay on

board all night that she might have it to say that she had the honour

of lying in the same bed with that person who had been so happy as to

be [Sidenote: _fol._ 197.] guardian to her Prince. Accordingly they

did sleep in one bed that night. Several ladies[89] made valuable

presents to Miss MacDonald, viz., gowns, skirts, headsutes, shoes,

stockings, etc., etc. Commodore Smith made her a present when she

was in Leith Road of a handsome sute of riding-cloaths, with plain

mounting, and some fine linen for riding shirts, as also a gown to

her woman (Kate MacDonal) and some linen to be shirts for poor Kate,

who could not talk one word of English, being a native of Sky, and

who generously offered herself to Miss MacDonald when she could get

not one that would venture to go with her.

[87] Miss Mary Clerk.

[88] Lady Mary Cochran.

[89] My Lady Bruce, Lady Mary Cochran, Mrs. Rattray, Mrs. Cheap, Miss

Peggie Forbes, Miss Susie Graham, Miss Magdalen Clerk, Miss Mary

Clerk, Miss Rachie Houston, Miss Peggie Callander.

The Prince gave to Miss MacDonald the garters he wore with the

woman's cloaths, which were French, of blue velvet covered upon one

side with white silk, and fastened with buckles. Miss MacDonald's

brother (son of honest Armadale) coming south to find a passage

for Holland, where he was to enter into the Dutch service, brought

these garters along with him, and deposited them in the hands of a

friend[90] in Leith, to be kept for his sister till she should be so

happy as to return from London. He said his sister had writ from the

Road of Leith to Sky concerning the garters, intreating they might be

carefully preserved, for that she put a great value upon them.

[90] My Lady Bruce of Kinross.

When Miss MacDonald was a prisoner she happened in coursing about

from place to place to fall in luckily with [Sidenote: _fol._ 198.]

Captain O'Neil, then a prisoner likewise, to whom she made up, and

giving him a gentle slap upon the cheek with the loof of her hand,

said, 'To that black face do I owe all my misfortune.' The captain

with a smile replied, 'Why, Madam, what you call your misfortune is

truly your greatest honour. And if you be careful to demean yourself

agreeably to the character you have already acquired, you will in the

event find it to be your happiness.' She told him she was much afraid

they designed to carry her to London, which she could not think of

but with the utmost uneasiness, not knowing what might turn out to

be the consequence. Upon this O'Neil told her that he would take

upon him to commence prophet in the case, and to foretell what would

happen to her. 'For,' said he, 'if you are carried to London I can

venture to assure you it will be for your interest and happiness; and

instead of being afraid of this you ought to wish for it. There you

will meet with much respect and very good and great friends for what

you have done. Only be careful to make all your conduct of a piece.

Be not frighten'd by the thoughts of your present circumstances

either to say or do anything that may in the [Sidenote: _fol._ 199.]

least tend to contradict or sully the character you are now[91]

mistress of, and which you can never be robbed of but by yourself.

Never once pretend (through an ill-judg'd excess of caution and

prudence) to repent or be ashamed of what you have done, and I dare

take upon me to answer for the rest. I do not think (added he) that

the Government can be so very barbarous and cruel as to bring you

to a trial for your life, and therefore I hope you have nothing to

fear, and that things will happen to you as I have said.'

[91] Here begins vol. ii. of Bishop Forbes's Manuscript Collection.

It is entitled:

'THE LYON IN MOURNING, or a Collection (as exactly made as the

iniquity of the times would permit) of Speeches, Letters, Journals,

etc. relative to the affairs, but more particularly, the dangers and

distresses of.... Vol. 2d. 1747.'

_'Qui modo_ SCOTORUM _leges sceptrumque gerebat; Proh dolor! externi

Principis orat orem.'_

Captain O'Neil was wont to tell those who visited him in the Castle

of Edinburgh that he had been at the same pains as a parent would

be with a child to lay down rules to Miss MacDonald for her future

behaviour under the misfortune of being a prisoner, and that it

gave him infinite pleasure to find that things had happened to her

hitherto according to his words, and to hear by all the accounts he

could learn that she had sacredly observed the advices he had given

her. He frequently expressed his heartiest wishes that she might get

free of all her troubles, and arrive at that which so justly she

deserved.

When Miss MacDonald was on board the _Bridgewater_ in Leith Road,

accounts had come that the Prince was taken prisoner, and one of the

officers had brought the news of this report on board. She got an

opportunity of talking privately to some who were then visiting her,

and said with tears in her eyes, 'Alas, I am afraid that now all is

in vain that I have [Sidenote: _fol._ 200.] done. The Prince at last

is in the hands of his enemies.' Though at that time great fear was

entertained about the truth of this account, yet those that were with

Miss MacDonald endeavoured all they could to chear her up, and to

dissuade her from believing any such thing. But still fears haunted

her mind till the matter was cleared up and the contrary appeared.

Miss MacDonald is Protestant, and is descended of the family of

Clanranald by her father, and of an Episcopal clergyman by her

mother. She is daughter of the deceast Ranald MacDonald of Milton

in South Uist, in which island (when the Prince was skulking

thereabouts) she happened to be visiting her brother-german who had

a little before taken up house at Milton. She was not many days

there till she was engaged in the hazardous enterprize; and when she

returned to her mother in Sky, the honest old woman was surprized to

see her, and asked the reason why she had made such a short stay with

her brother. Miss replied that things being in a hurry and confusion

in South Uist, with such a number of military folks, she was uneasy

till she got out of it; but she never once hinted at the adventure

she had so successfully managed, of which the mother knew nothing

at all till a party came to take the daughter prisoner, although

Miss had been with her [Sidenote: _fol._ 201.] mother eight or ten

days before she was seized. Immediately Miss Flora was hurried on

board of a sloop of war without being allowed the priviledge of

taking leave of her mother, or telling her anything of the matter,

or taking along with herself one stitch to change another. The sloop

called the _Greyhound_, or rather the _Furnace_, was commanded by

John Ferguson of Aberdeenshire,[92] a man remarkably rigid and severe

in his way, but one of too much greedy sense to have butchered the

Prince if he had fallen into his hands. For when he was asked by a

friend of his own[93] in Edinburgh what he would have done with the

Prince had he got him into his clutches, whether or not he would have

dispatched him, he answered, 'No (by G----), I would have been so

far from doing any such thing that I would have preserved him as the

apple of mine eye, for I would not take any man's word, no, not the

Duke of Cumberland's for £30,000 Sterling, though I knew many to be

such fools as to do it.' Ferguson was more [Sidenote: _fol._ 202.]

than once (as he thought) within an hour of catching the Prince, so

closely he pursued the royal wanderer, and such an anxiety he had to

touch the price of blood.

[92] See ff. 216-218, 690, 873, 922.

[93] Mrs. Ferguson of Pitfour.

It was Miss MacDonald's good fortune to be soon removed out of the

hands of Ferguson into those of the polite and generous Commodore

Smith, who, in the coursing about, obtained leave of General Campbell

to allow Miss to go ashore to visit her mother and to seek a servant

to attend her in the state of confinement. Then it was that poor Kate

MacDonal generously made an offer to run all risques with the captive

lady, who gladly accepted.

One day in the Road of Leith a lady[94] asking Miss if she had any

books on board, she said she had only a prayer book, but regreted

much the want of a bible, which that lady soon furnished her with in

a present in two pretty pocket volumes, handsomely bound. That she

might have some innocent and useful employment for her time, care was

taken by a lady[95] to send her a thimble, needles, white thread of

different sorts, etc., with some linen and cambrick cut and shaped

according [Sidenote: _fol._ 203.] to the newest fashions. This piece

of friendship Miss Flora admired as much as any instance of kindness

and regard that had been shown her, because all the time she had been

in custody she was quite idle, having no work to do, and thereby time

pass'd very dully on.

[94] Miss Rachie Houston.

[95] My Lady Bruce.

While she was in the Road of Leith, from the beginning of September

to the 7th of November, she never was allowed to set her foot once

on shore, though in other respects the officers were extremely civil

and complaisant to her, and took it exceedingly well when any persons

came to visit her. Sometimes they were so obliging as to come ashore

for good company to attend her, and frequently declared that if they

knew any person to come on board out of curiosity and not out of

respect for Miss MacDonald, that person should not have access to

her. This genteel behaviour makes it to be presumed that their orders

were so exceedingly strict that they could not dare to bring her

ashore. Commodore Smith (Commander of the _Eltham_) behaved like a

father to her, and tendered her many good advices as to her behaviour

in her ticklish situation; and Captain Knowler of the _Bridgewater_

used her with the utmost decency and politeness. When company came

to visit her she was indulged the privilege by both these humane and

well-bred gentlemen to call for anything on board as if [Sidenote:

_fol._ 204.] she had been at her own fireside, and the servants of

the cabin were obliged to give her all manner of attendance; and

she had the liberty to invite any of her friends to dine with her

when she pleased. Her behaviour in company was so easy, modest, and

well-adjusted that every visitant was much surprized; for she had

never been out of the islands of South Uist and Sky till about a

year before the Prince's arrival that she had been in the family of

MacDonald of Largie in Argyllshire for the space of ten or eleven

months; and during her confinement she had been all along on board a

ship of war till she went to London.

Some that went on board to pay their respects to her, used to take a

dance in the cabin, and to press her much to share with them in the

diversion. But with all their importunity they could not prevail

with her to take a trip. She told them that at present her dancing

days were done, and she would not readily entertain a thought of

that diversion till she should be assured of her Prince's safety,

and perhaps not till she should be bless'd with the happiness of

seeing him again. Although she was easy and chearful, yet she had

a certain mixture of gravity in all her behaviour which became her

situation exceedingly well, and set her of to great advantage. She is

[Sidenote: _fol._ 205.] of a low stature, of a fair complexion and

well enough shap'd. One could not discern by her conversation that

she had spent all her former days in the Highlands; for she talks

English (or rather Scots) easily, and not at all through the Earse

tone. She has a sweet voice and sings well; and no lady, Edinburgh

bred, can acquit herself better at the tea-table than what she did

when in Leith Road. Her wise conduct in one of the most perplexing

scenes that can happen in life, her fortitude and good sense, are

memorable instances of the strength of a female mind, even in those

years that are tender and unexperienced. She is the delight of her

friends and the envy of her enemies.

[Sidenote: 1746 29 June]

When the Prince came to Kingsburgh's house (Sunday, June 29th) it was

between ten and eleven at night; and Mrs. MacDonald, not expecting

to see her husband that night was making ready to go to bed. One of

her servant maids came and told her that Kingsburgh was come home

and had brought some company with him. 'What company?' says Mrs.

MacDonald. 'Milton's daughter, I believe,' says the maid, 'and some

company with her.' 'Milton's daughter,' replies Mrs. MacDonald, 'is

very welcome to come here with any company [Sidenote: _fol._ 206] she

pleases to bring. But you'll give my service to her, and tell her

to make free with anything in the house; for I am very sleepy and

cannot see her this night.' In a little her own daughter came and

told her in a surprize, 'O mother, my father has brought in a very

odd, muckle, ill-shaken-up wife as ever I saw! I never saw the like

of her, and he has gone into the hall with her.' She had scarce done

with telling her tale when Kingsburgh came and desired his lady to

fasten on her bucklings again, and to get some supper for him and the

company he had brought with him. 'Pray, goodman,' says she, 'what

company is this you have brought with you?' 'Why, goodwife,' said

he, 'you shall know that in due time; only make haste and get some

supper in the meantime.' Mrs. MacDonald desired her daughter to go

and fetch her the keys she had left in the hall. When the daughter

came to the door of the hall, she started back, ran to her mother and

told her she could not go in for the keys, for the muckle woman was

walking up and down in the hall, and she was so frighted at seeing

her that she could not have the courage to enter. Mrs. MacDonald

went herself to get the keys, and I heard her more than once declare

that upon looking in at the door she had [Sidenote: _fol._ 207.]

not the courage to go forward. 'For,' said she, 'I saw such an odd

muckle trallup of a carlin, making lang wide steps through the hall

that I could not like her appearance at all.' Mrs. MacDonald called

Kingsburgh, and very seriously begged to know what a lang, odd hussie

was this he had brought to the house; for that she was so frighted

at the sight of her that she could not go into the hall for her

keys. 'Did you never see a woman before,' said he, 'goodwife? What

frights you at seeing a woman? Pray, make haste, and get us some

supper.' Kingsburgh would not go for the keys, and therefore his

lady behov'd to go for them. When she entered the hall, the Prince

happen'd to be sitting; but immediately he arose, went forward and

saluted Mrs. MacDonald, who, feeling a long stiff beard, trembled to

think that this behoved to be some distressed nobleman or gentleman

in disguise, for she never dream'd it to be the Prince, though all

along she had been seized with a dread she could not account for from

the moment she had heard that Kingsburgh had brought company with

him. She very soon made out of the hall with her keys, never saying

one word. Immediately she importun'd Kingsburgh to tell her who the

person was, for that she was sure by the salute that it was some

distressed gentleman. Kingsburgh smiled at [Sidenote: _fol._ 208.]

the mention of the bearded kiss, and said: 'Why, my dear, it is the

Prince. You have the honour to have him in your house.' 'The Prince,'

cried she. 'O Lord, we are a' ruin'd and undone for ever! We will a'

be hang'd now!' 'Hout, goodwife,' says the honest stout soul, 'we

will die but ance; and if we are hanged for this, I am sure we die

in a good cause. Pray, make no delay; go, get some supper. Fetch

what is readiest. You have eggs and butter and cheese in the house,

get them as quickly as possible.' 'Eggs and butter and cheese!' says

Mrs. MacDonald, 'what a supper is that for a Prince?' 'O goodwife,'

said he, 'little do you know how this good Prince has been living

for some time past. These, I can assure you, will be a feast to him.

Besides, it would be unwise to be dressing a formal supper, because

this would serve to raise the curiosity of the servants, and they

would be making their observations. The less ceremony and work the

better. Make haste and see that you come to supper.' 'I come to

supper!' says Mrs. MacDonald; 'how can I come to supper? I know not

how to behave before Majesty.' 'You must come,' says Kingsburgh, 'for

he will not eat a bit [Sidenote: _fol._ 209.] till he see you at the

table; and you will find it no difficult matter to behave before him,

so obliging and easy is he is in his conversation.'

The Prince ate of our roasted eggs, some collops, plenty of bread

and butter, etc., and (to use the words of Mrs. MacDonald) 'the deel

a drap did he want in's weam of twa bottles of sma beer. God do him

good o't; for, well I wat, he had my blessing to gae down wi't.'

After he had made a plentiful supper, he called for a dram; and when

the bottle of brandy was brought, he said he would fill the glass for

himself; 'for,' said he, 'I have learn'd in my skulking to take a

hearty dram.' He filled up a bumper and drank it off to the happiness

and prosperity of his landlord and landlady. Then taking a crack'd

and broken pipe out of his poutch, wrapt about with thread, he asked

Kingsburgh if he could furnish him with some tobacco; for that he had

learn'd likewise to smoke in his wanderings. Kingsburgh took from him

the broken pipe and laid it carefully up with the brogs, and gave him

a new clean pipe and plenty of tobacco.

The Prince and Kingsburgh turn'd very familiar and merry together,

and when the Prince spoke to Kingsburgh, he for the [Sidenote:

_fol._ 210.] most part laid his hand upon Kingsburgh's knee and used

several kind and obliging expressions in his conversation with the

happy landlord. Kingsburgh remarked what a lucky thing it was that

he happened to be at Mougstot (Sir Alexander MacDonald's house),

and that it was all a matter of chance that he was there, for he

had no design of being there that day. And then he asked the Prince

what he would have done if he had not been at Mougstot. The Prince

replied, 'Why, sir, you could not avoid being at Mougstot this day;

for Providence ordered you to be there upon my account.' Kingsburgh

became so merry and jocose that putting up his hand to the Prince's

face, he turned off his head-dress which was a very odd clout of a

mutch or toy; upon which Mrs. MacDonald hasted out of the room and

brought a clean nightcap for him.

Both Kingsburgh and his lady said that the Prince's face and hands

were very much sun-burnt. But they declared he had not a spot of the

itch upon him, though a silly report had been raised by his malicious

enemies that he was scabbed to the eye-holes. His legs, they said,

were hacked in some parts, which was occasioned by his walking and

sleeping so often in [Sidenote: _fol._ 211.] wet hose. Mrs. MacDonald

used the freedom to put up the sleeve of his gown and of his shirt (a

very coarse dud), 'and there,' said she, 'I saw a bonny, clean, white

skin indeed. The deel a lady in a' the land has a whiter and purer

skin than he has.'

[Sidenote: 30 June]

Next morning Mrs. MacDonald went to Miss Flora's bedside before she

got up and asked of her an account of the adventure. Miss (among

other things) told her that there was not any other probable way

of saving the Prince but that single one which had been used, and

that it had the appearance of a desperate attempt at best: that Lady

Clanronald provided them with women's cloathes for the disguise, and

that she had contributed all in her power for preserving the Prince

out of the hands of his enemies. Mrs. MacDonald desired to know what

was become of the boat and the rowers. 'They returned directly,' said

Miss Flora, 'to South Uist.' Mrs. MacDonald declared great concern to

hear that, because upon their return they would immediately be seized

by the military and harshly used to tell what they knew. 'I wish,'

said Mrs. MacDonald, 'you had sunk the boat and kept the boatmen in

Sky where they could have been concealed, and then we would have

known [Sidenote: _fol._ 212.] the better what to have done with the

Prince, because his enemies by this means would have lost scent of

him. But all will be wrong by their returning to South Uist.' 'I hope

not,' said Miss, 'for we took care to depone them before they parted

from us.' 'Alas!' replied Mrs. MacDonald, 'your deponing of them will

not signifie a farthing. For if once the military get hold of them

they will terrifie them out of their senses and make them forget

their oath.'

As Mrs. MacDonald said, so it happened. The boatmen were made

prisoners instantly upon their landing in South Uist and threatened

with tortures if they did not declare everything they knew, which (to

avoid pain, and perhaps death itself) they complied with. From their

declaration no doubt it happen'd that his enemies could specifie the

particular parts of the dress the Prince was disguised in, even to

the nicety of telling the colour of the gown.

After Miss Flora had got up, Mrs. MacDonald told her that she wanted

much to have a lock of the Prince's hair, and that she behoved to go

into his room and get it for her. Miss Flora refused to do as she

desired, because the Prince was not yet out of bed. 'What then,'

said Mrs. MacDonald, 'no harm will happen to you. He is too good to

harm you or any [Sidenote: _fol._ 213.] person. You must instantly

go in and get me the lock.' Mrs. MacDonald, taking hold of Miss with

one hand, knocked at the door of the room with the other. The Prince

called, 'Who is there?' Mrs. MacDonald, opening the door, said,

'Sir, it is I, and I am importuneing Miss Flora to come in and get

a lock of your hair to me, and she refuses to do it.' 'Pray,' said

the Prince, 'desire Miss MacDonald to come in. What should make her

afraid to come where I am?' When Miss came in he begged her to sit

down on a chair at the bedside, then laying his arms about her waist,

and his head upon her lap, he desired her to cut out the lock with

her own hands in token of future and more substantial favours. The

one half of the lock Miss gave to Mrs. MacDonald and the other she

kept to herself. I heard Mrs. MacDonald say that when Miss Flora at

any time happened to come into the room where the Prince was, he

always rose from his seat, paid her the same respects as if she had

been a queen, and made her sit on his right hand.

Kingsburgh visited the Prince before he got out of bed and asked

how he had rested all night. 'Never better,' replied he, [Sidenote:

_fol._ 214.] 'for I have rested exceedingly well, having slept, I

believe, nine or ten hours without interruption.' Then it was that

the conversation happened about Lord George Murray and the landing of

the French, etc.[96]

[96] See ff. 150, 236.

When the Prince had got himself dress'd in the Highland cloaths

at the side of the wood, he embraced Kingsburgh in his arms and

bad him a long and a happy adieu, most affectionately thanking him

for all his services, and assuring him he would never forget them.

Then the Prince wept, and some drops of blood fell from his nose.

Kingsburgh could not refrain from weeping too, and when he saw the

blood, expressed his concern, dreading the Prince not to be in health

with the fatigues, fastings, etc., he was obliged to undergo. The

Prince assured him he was in very good health, and that this was no

extraordinary thing with him at all. 'This,' said he, 'is only the

effect of parting with a dear friend, and ordinarily it happens to me

in such a case. Alas! Kingsburgh, I am afraid I shall not meet with

another MacDonald in my difficulties.'[97] When Kingsburgh returned

to his own house he told his lady that after the Prince had got on

the Highland dress and the claymore in his hand he was a soger-like

man indeed.

[97] See ff. 538, 600.

[Sidenote: 4 July]

[Sidenote: _fol._ 215.] I heard Mrs. MacDonald of Kingsburgh say

that she had the following particular from Malcolm MacLeod's own

mouth before he was made prisoner. Malcolm went with the Prince and

MacKinnon to the shore to see them fairly boated for the continent.

When he was about to take leave of the Prince he spied some ships

coming in sight and hovering about the coast. He intreated the Prince

not to go on board for some time, but to wait till he should see

how these ships steer'd their course; 'For just now,' said he, 'the

wind blows so as to fetch them this way and to hinder your passing

to the continent.' The Prince replied, 'Never fear, MacLeod, I'll go

on board directly. The wind will change immediately and make these

ships steer a contrary course. Providence will take care of me, and

it will not be in the power of these ships to look near me at this

time.' Malcolm MacLeod declared that the Prince's words made him

astonished and determin'd him to sit down upon the shore to see what

would happen. He said the Prince and his small retinue had not rowed

many yards from the shore till the wind changed to a point directly

opposite to what it had been, and [Sidenote: _fol._ 216.] blowing

pretty briskly made the ships steer so as to be soon out of sight.

Mr. MacLeod affirm'd that in all the course of his life he had never

known any man that had such a firm trust and well-grounded confidence

as the Prince was remarkably endued with.

Captain John Ferguson searched Sir Alexander MacDonald's house for

the Prince, and in quest of him he came to Kingsburgh, where he

examined Kingsburgh and his lady and their daughter, Miss Nanie

MacDonald, _alias_ Mrs. MacAllaster, for she is married. Kingsburgh

told his lady that Captain Ferguson was come to examine her about

some lodgers she had lately in her house, and desired her to be

distinct in her answers. Mrs. MacDonald looking Ferguson broad in

the face said, 'If Captain Ferguson is to be my judge, then God have

mercy upon my soul.' Ferguson asked for what reason she spoke such

words. 'Why, Sir,' said she, 'the world belies you if you be not

a very cruel, hard-hearted man; and indeed I do not like to come

through your hands.' Ferguson had nothing else to say for himself but

the common saying, viz., That people should not believe all that the

world says.

[Sidenote: 20 July]

[Sidenote: _fol._ 217.] When Ferguson asked Kingsburgh where Miss

MacDonald and the person along with her in woman's cloaths lay all

night in his house, he answered, 'I know in what room Miss MacDonald

herself lay, but where servants are laid when in my house, I know

nothing of that matter, I never enquire anything about it. My wife

is the properest person to inform you about that.' Then he had the

impertinence to ask Mrs. MacDonald, Whether or not she had laid the

young Pretender and Miss MacDonald in one bed? To which she answered,

'Sir, whom you mean by the young Pretender I shall not pretend to

guess; but I can assure you it is not the fashion in the Isle of Sky

to lay the mistress and the maid in the same bed together.' Then

Ferguson desired to see the different rooms where their late lodgers

had slept; and after seeing them he said, it was pretty remarkable

that the room in which the maid had slept seem'd to look better than

the one where the mistress had been laid; and this behoved to confirm

him in the belief that it was the young Pretender in women's cloaths

who had been along with Miss MacDonald. Kingsburgh's daughter said

it could not be the person he meant in women's [Sidenote: _fol._

218.] cloaths, for that she had heard that person ask something (a

bottle of water) from Miss MacDonald in Erse. 'This,' says Ferguson,

'confirms me more and more in my opinion, for I have often heard that

a fellow went to Rome some years agoe on purpose to teach the young

Pretender the Erse language.' This, by the bye, is a gross mistake

in Ferguson; for the Prince could not speak a word of Erse till he

arriv'd in Scotland, and he knew but very little of it till he was

forced to commence wanderer for the preservation of his life, and

then he learned to speak it pretty well, which prov'd of very great

use to him.

When Kingsburgh and Miss MacDonald were made prisoners and brought

before General Campbell (which happened at different times) both

of them honestly own'd the parts they had acted, and, if I rightly

remember, declarations were written from their own mouths and they

subscribed them.

* * * * *

_N.B._--Miss Flora MacDonald called her disguised handmaid Bettie

Bourk, or Burk, an Irish name, and made the dress of a piece with the

proposed character, being a hood with a long mantle almost down to

the heel.[98]

[98] See ff. 525, 595.