ARRIVAL OF THE FIRST DIVISION OF THE HIGHLAND ARMY. LORD GEORGE
MURRAY.
Shortly after the departure of the magistrates, the bells of all the
churches in the town began to ring joyously, and were soon answered by
loud and merry peals from the only church on the other side of the
Irwell.
Summoned by this exhilarating clamour, multitudes flocked into the
streets, decked in holiday attire, and most of them crossed the bridge
into Salford in expectation of witnessing the entrance of the Highland
army.
The weather was most propitious. Never was finer day seen in November,
and the bright sunshine diffused general gaiety and good-humour among
the concourse.
Good-looking damsels predominated in the crowd--Manchester has always
been noted for female beauty--and they were all exceedingly curious to
behold the handsome young prince and the Scottish chiefs.
There was a great deal of talk about the Insurrection of '15, but this
was chiefly among the older people, for as the first rising took place
before the young folks were born, they could not be expected to feel
much interest in it.
It may seem strange that the approach of the much-dreaded Highlanders
should not have caused alarm, but by this time the inhabitants
generally had got over their fears, and were disposed to welcome the
insurgents as friends, and not treat them as enemies.
Among the fair sex, as we have said, the youth, courage, romantic
character, and good looks of the prince excited the greatest interest
and sympathy. Whatever the men might be, the women were all Jacobites.
Meanwhile, the bells continued to peal joyfully, and multitudes
crossed into Salford, and stationed themselves on either side of the
main street, through which it was expected the prince and the army
would pass.
Everything looked bright and gay, and everybody--except a few moody
Presbyterians--appeared happy.
On the summit of the lofty tower of the collegiate church floated a
large standard fashioned of white, red, and blue silk. This broad
banner, which attracted great attention from the concourse, had been
placed in its present conspicuous position by the management of Tom
Syddall.
The patience of the large crowd assembled in Salford was somewhat
sorely tried. Those who had secured good places for the spectacle did
not like to leave them, and they had nothing to do but talk and jest
with each other; but at length the shrill notes of the bagpipes
proclaimed that the Highlanders were at hand, and the trampling of
horse was heard.
First to appear was a troop of horse commanded by Lord Strathallan.
This was quickly followed by a regiment of Highlanders, with their
pipers marching in front.
The sight of these fine, stalwart men, in their picturesque garb, each
armed with firelock, claymore, and dirk, and bearing a target on his
shoulder, caused the greatest excitement among the beholders, who
cheered them lustily as they marched on.
The regiment was commanded by Lord George Murray, one of the most
distinguished and important persons in the prince's service, who had
been created a lieutenant-general of the Highland army. He was a
younger brother of the Marquis of Tullibardine. Lord George was not
young, as will be understood, when it is mentioned that he was
concerned in the outbreak of 1715; but he was still in the prime of
life, undoubtedly the boldest and ablest leader in the rebel forces,
and the one best able to direct the movements of the present campaign;
but though he was a prominent member of the council, his advice was
rarely taken, owing to the bluntness of his manner, which was highly
displeasing to the prince, as well as to several of his royal
highness's advisers.
In this respect Lord George offered a marked contrast to his rival the
courtly Duke of Perth, of whom we shall have occasion to speak anon.
Lord George Murray was tall, powerfully built, and possessed great
personal strength. A thorough soldier, of undaunted courage, and
capable of undergoing any amount of fatigue, he was unpopular from his
rough and somewhat contemptuous manner. His character could be easily
read in his haughty demeanour and strongly marked countenance. Lord
George was attended by his aide-de-camp, the Chevalier de Johnstone.
As he rode along and eyed the crowd on either side, his stern glance
struck terror into many a breast.