41. _Inscription on a Claymore out in 1745._--On the retreat of the
Highland army from England in 1746, Prince Charles Edward and his staff
passed through Dumfries, and slept in a house now known as the
Commercial Inn.
After their departure there was found a light claymore, apparently the
property of an officer; and as it was never claimed, it remained in the
house for some years, and ultimately came into my possession. It is
formed of the finest tempered steel, and bears the following very
curious inscription on one side,
[x] GOTT BEWAR DE;
and on the other,
[x] VERECHTE SCHOTTEN.
Some of your learned correspondents will oblige by giving a translation,
and a reason for such an inscription on a Scottish sword.