A.D. 1746.
BRITISH SOVEREIGN:--George II., 1727-1760.
Charles leaves Benbecula and lands in the island of
Glass--Proceeds to Harris--Iffurt--Glass--Benbecula--Removes
to South Uist--Meets Miss Flora Macdonald--Charles proceeds
to Skye--Goes to Kingsburgh House--Portree--Proceeds to
Raasay--Returns to Skye--Goes to Ellagol--Interview with
the Laird of Mackinnon, with whom he proceeds to the
Mainland--Arrives in Loch Nevis in Moidart--Arrest of Malcolm
Macleod, Macdonald of Kingsburgh, and Flora Macdonald--Pursuit
of Charles--Proceeds to Morar--Borodale--Glen Morar--Narrow
Escapes--Reaches Glenshiel--Entertained by robbers in a
cave--Death of Roderick Mackenzie, who is mistaken for
the Prince--Charles arrives in Strathglass--Braes of
Glengarry--Cameron of Clunes--Auchnacarry--Narrow Escape of
Charles--Benalder--Cage fitted for Charles’s reception--The
Prince embarks at Borodale, and arrives safely in France.
The storm which drove Charles with such rapidity upon the distant
shores of Benbecula continued for fourteen hours after he had landed.
Accommodating himself to the new situation in which he was placed,
he manifested no symptoms of dejection at his reverse of fortune,
partook cheerfully along with his companions of the homely fare
before him, and with an old sail for a bed, reposed upon the floor
of his lowly dwelling. In Benbecula the prince was visited by old
Clanranald, to whom the island belonged; and having afterwards had an
interview in South Uist with Boisdale, Clanranald’s brother, Charles
was advised by him to proceed to Stornoway, the principal seaport in
the island of Lewis, and there give out that he and his company were
the crew of a merchant ship belonging to the Orkneys, which had been
wrecked on the isle of Tiree, and under the pretence of returning
home, hire a vessel for that purpose, and escape to France.[1240]
Accordingly, after passing two days in Benbecula, Charles and his
party set sail for Stornoway on the 29th of April; but in consequence
of a strong gale of wind from the south-west, they were obliged
to put in next morning at the small isle of Scalpa or Glass, near
Harris, about half way between Benbecula and Stornoway. They landed
about two hours before daybreak, and were conducted by Donald Macleod
to the house of Donald Campbell, a farmer, known to Macleod, to whom
they were introduced as merchants shipwrecked on their voyage to the
Orkneys. The prince and O’Sullivan took the name of Sinclair, and the
latter passed off as Charles’ father. The whole party was hospitably
entertained by Campbell, who lent Macleod a boat with which he
proceeded next day, the 1st of May, to Stornoway to hire a vessel,
leaving Charles and his friends behind.
Having succeeded in hiring a small vessel of forty tons, Macleod
sent an express to Charles announcing his success, and requesting
him to proceed to Stornoway. This message was received on the 3d
of May, and the prince left the isle of Glass next day; but the
wind proving contrary, he was obliged to land in Loch Seaforth, in
the island of Lewis, a considerable distance from Stornoway. Here
Allan Macdonald took his leave. Accompanied by O’Sullivan, O’Neil,
and his guide, Charles set out on foot for Stornoway, over a wild
and trackless waste, in a very dark and rainy night. The guide lost
his way, and the party did not reach the neighbourhood of Stornoway
till next day at noon. This mistake, on the part of the conductor,
was a fortunate circumstance, as the advanced hour of the day
prevented Charles from entering the town, where he might have been
seized by the inhabitants, who having received information from the
Presbyterian minister of South Uist, that the prince had landed in
Lewis with 500 men, with a design of burning their town, carrying off
their cattle, and forcing a vessel to carry him to France, afterwards
rose in arms to oppose him. Charles stopped at the Point of Arynish,
about half a mile from Stornoway, and sent in the guide to acquaint
Macleod of his arrival, and to bring out some refreshment, as he and
his fellow-travellers had been eighteen hours without food. Donald
immediately repaired to the spot with some brandy, bread, and cheese,
and found Charles and his two companions standing on a moor extremely
fatigued and all wet to the skin. Donald then took them to the house
of Mrs. Mackenzie of Kildun, at Arynish, where the prince went to
bed. Returning to Stornoway, Macleod was quite amazed to find the
town in commotion, and above 200 men under arms. Unable to comprehend
the meaning of this sudden rising, Donald went directly into the room
where the gentlemen who had taken upon them the rank of officers
had assembled, and inquired the cause of such a strange proceeding.
He was instantly assailed with abuse by every person present: they
informed him of the intelligence they had received from Uist of
Charles’s landing, and of his alleged intentions, and they accused
Macleod as the cause of the calamity with which they were threatened.
Unable to deny the fact of Charles’s arrival in Lewis, Macleod at
once admitted it, and to allay their fears he informed them, that so
far from having a body of 500 men along with him, as represented, he
was attended by two companions only; “and yet,” said Donald, with an
air of defiance, “let me tell you farther, gentlemen, if Seaforth
himself were here, by G-- he durst not put a hand to the prince’s
breast!”[1241] The gentlemen present then declared that they had no
intention to do the prince the least harm, and the only thing they
required of him was to leave the island. Donald offered instantly to
comply, and requested them to give him a pilot, but they refused; and
although he offered the most liberal payment he could not obtain one.
Alarmed for the consequences of being privy to the prince’s escape,
the master of the vessel which had been hired, either suspecting the
object, or let, as is supposed, into the secret by Macleod, refused
to implement his bargain.[1242]
Returning to the prince, Macleod informed him of these disagreeable
occurrences. A proposal was made to fly to the moors; but Charles,
thinking that such a step would encourage his enemies to pursue, he
resolved to pass the night at Kildun. Here the party killed a cow,
for which the lady refused payment, but being pressed by Macleod she
at last took the money. Edward Burke performed the duties of cook;
but the prince, on the present occasion, superintended the culinary
department, and with his own hands prepared a cake of oatmeal, mixed
with the brains of the cow, and baked it upon a stone before the
fire. At daybreak next morning the party left the island, carrying
along with them a small stock of beef, two pecks of meal, and
abundance of brandy and sugar. At this time the prince, O’Sullivan,
and O’Neil had only six shirts amongst them, and being often drenched
with rain, they were frequently obliged to take off the wet ones
before the others were half dry. Conceiving that he would be more
secure on the mainland than among the islands, Charles resolved to
return thither, and ordered the boatmen to carry him to Bollein in
Kintail; but they refused on account of the length of the voyage,
which they considered dangerous in an open boat. They, therefore,
proceeded southwards along the coast; but they had not proceeded
far when they observed two large vessels at a distance sailing
northwards, and making towards them. To avoid these ships they put
into the small isle called Euirn or Iffurt, near Harris, a little to
the northward of the island of Glass. On landing, the prince and his
attendants went to the summit of a little hill to observe the ships.
Charles thought they were French, but his companions considered them
English. He was desirous to ascertain the fact, but the boatmen
could not be prevailed upon to go out and reconnoitre them. It is
probable that these were the two frigates from Nantz, which arrived
in Lochnanuagh the day after Charles’s departure from that place, and
having landed the money, arms, and ammunition they had brought over
for his service, were returning to France.[1243]
The little island on which Charles now was, was inhabited by a few
fishermen, who, imagining the prince’s boat to be a press-boat
belonging to one of the ships of war, ran away to conceal themselves,
leaving their fish behind. Charles and his party fared upon some of
the fish which they found drying upon the beach. Unwilling to deprive
the poor fishermen of any part of their hard-earned spoils without
an equivalent, the prince was about laying down some money on the
place from which the fish were taken; but on one of his followers
representing to him that by doing so the fishermen might suppose that
some person of note had visited the island, and that such an idea
might lead to bad consequences, he desisted. Charles remained in this
desolate island four days, during all which time he and his party lay
in a wretched hut, resembling a hog-sty, and so wretchedly roofed
that they were obliged to spread the boat’s sail over the top of it.
They lay upon the bare floor, without any covering, and to prevent
surprise, kept watch by turns.
Resolving to return to Glass to pay Donald Campbell a visit,
Charles left the little island of Iffurt on the 10th of May, and
coursed along the shores of the Long Island till he arrived at the
isle of Glass. Understanding that Campbell had absconded, from an
apprehension that he would be seized for having entertained the
prince,--a rumour to that effect having got abroad,--the prince
left Glass the same day. There being no wind, the boatmen were
obliged to row all night; but about daybreak, the wind began to
rise, and hoisting sail, they scudded along the coast of Harris.
Having no fresh water on board, they were forced, from lack of other
provisions, to use oatmeal made up with salt water, of which Charles
partook heartily. This salt water _drammach_, as this extraordinary
preparation was called, was qualified with a dram of brandy, which
the prince distributed from a bottle he held in his hand.
In coursing along Harris, Charles, while crossing the mouth of
Finsbay, espied a ship of war, commanded by Captain Ferguson,
lying in the bay, at the distance of about two musket shots, which
immediately gave them chase. The ship followed them three leagues;
but they escaped among the rocks at the point of Roudil in the
Harris. They then kept close to the shore, and in passing along the
coast of North Uist were observed by another war vessel lying in
Lochmaddy, which also gave them chase. Charles reached Benbecula
after a very close pursuit, and had scarcely landed when a storm
arose, which drove the vessels that pursued him off the coast. After
this escape, Charles could not help remarking, that Providence would
not permit him to be taken at this time.
It being low water when Charles landed in Benbecula, one of the
boatmen went among the rocks in quest of shell-fish, and found a
crab, which he held up to the prince with an expression of joy.
Taking up a pail which lay in the boat, Charles immediately proceeded
to the spot where the boatman stood, and, in conjunction with him,
soon filled the pail with crabs. The party then proceeded to a small
hut which lay at the distance of two miles. Charles carried the pail,
which Macleod insisted on relieving him of; but Charles refused to
part with it, observing that he and the rest of the company might
carry the baggage. The door of the hovel was so low, that the party
could only enter by creeping in on their hands and knees; but to
make the entry easier for the prince, Burke dug away part of the
ground, and put heather below the prince’s knees. From this homely
residence, Charles sent a message to old Clanranald, acquainting
him of his return to Benbecula, and of the difficulties with which
he was beset. Clanranald repaired without delay to the hut, and
promised Charles all the assistance in his power to enable him to
leave the kingdom. Lady Clanranald, at the same time, sent Charles
half-a-dozen of shirts, some shoes and stockings, a supply of wine
and brandy, and other articles, to make his situation as comfortable
as circumstances would admit of. After passing several days in this
miserable habitation, Charles, by the advice of Clanranald, removed
to South Uist, and took up his abode near the hill of Coradale, in
the centre of the island, which was considered a more secure place
of retreat.
When on the eve of leaving Benbecula, Charles despatched Donald
Macleod in Campbell’s boat, which he still retained, to the mainland,
with letters to Lochiel and Secretary Murray, desiring to know how
affairs stood, and requesting that a supply of cash and brandy
might be sent to him. Donald met Lochiel and Murray at the head of
Loch Arkaig; but Murray, from whom he was desired to obtain the
money, informed him that he had none to spare, having only sixty
louis-d’ors, which he meant to keep for his own necessities. Donald
received letters from Lochiel and Murray to the prince, and, having
found the means, he purchased two ankers of brandy, at a guinea each,
for the use of the prince, with which he returned after an absence of
eighteen days.[1244]
On his return he found the prince in a more comfortable dwelling
than that in which he had left him. He had removed to South Uist
on the 16th of May, and lived in the house of one of Clanranald’s
tenants, situated upon Coradale. The house not being water-tight,
two cow-hides were placed upon four sticks to prevent the rain
from falling upon him when asleep. The house in which the prince
lodged was called the Forest house of Glencoradale, and though the
situation was remote, it was the best that could be devised for
securing a retreat either to the hills or to the sea, according to
circumstances. There being abundance of game in the island, the
prince occupied himself almost daily in his favourite amusements of
hunting and shooting. His dexterity in shooting birds upon the wing
was particularly remarked. To vary his recreation, he frequently
went down to the sea-shore, and going on board a small boat, caught,
with hand-lines, some small fishes, called lyths by the inhabitants.
Clanranald and his lady did every thing in their power to render his
situation agreeable; and Clanranald placed twelve able men at his
disposal to serve as guides through the island, and to execute any
orders Charles might give them.
While Charles was thus passing his time in South Uist, his situation
every day was becoming more and more critical. The Long island,
as the principal group of the Hebrides is called, was surrounded
on every side by cutters, sloops of war, and frigates. Upwards of
fifteen hundred militia and some regular troops were landed in
different parts of the island, and a guard was posted at every ferry
in the archipelago to prevent any person from getting out of it
without a passport. Charles was made aware of his danger; but he
declined to leave the Long island till he should receive some farther
intelligence, which Clanranald endeavoured to obtain by crossing over
to the mainland. At length the peril of Charles became so imminent,
that there appeared no possibility of an escape. He had already spent
three weeks in South Uist; and though his residence was known to
upwards of a hundred persons, all of whom were probably aware of the
splendid reward which had been offered for his apprehension, yet such
was the fidelity of these poor people, that not one of them betrayed
their trust, by giving notice to the emissaries of the government
of the place of his concealment. He lived in comparative security
in South Uist till about the middle of June, when, in consequence
of the presence of a body of militia in the island of Eriska, which
lies between Barra and South Uist, he found it absolutely necessary
to shift his quarters. He accordingly left South Uist in Campbell’s
boat with his four companions, on the 14th of June, and landed in the
small isle of Wia or Fovaya, between South Uist and Benbecula, in
which he remained four nights; and on the 18th, the prince, O’Neil,
and Burke, went to Rossinish, leaving O’Sullivan and Macleod in Wia.
Charles passed two nights at Rossinish; but receiving information
that some militia were approaching Benbecula, he resolved to return
to Coradale. O’Sullivan and Macleod anticipated Charles’s design by
bringing the boat to Rossinish during the night, and having set sail,
they encountered a violent storm, accompanied with a heavy rain,
which forced them to land upon the rock called Achkirside-allich at
Uishinish Point, in a cleft of which they took up their quarters. At
night, finding their enemies within two miles of them, they sailed
again, and arrived safely at a place called Celiestiella, whence
they steered towards Loch Boisdale; but, observing a boat in their
way, they returned to their former place, where they passed the
night. They proceeded to Loch Boisdale next day, where they were
informed that Boisdale had been made a prisoner, a circumstance
which perplexed Charles exceedingly, as Boisdale, from his perfect
knowledge of the different places of concealment in the Long island,
was the chief person on whom he relied for directions in his various
movements. Charles skulked some days about Loch Boisdale, where he
and his attendants received occasional supplies of food from Lady
Boisdale.[1245]
During the time the prince remained in Loch Boisdale, he was kept
in a perpetual state of alarm by the vessels of war which hovered
off the coast of South Uist. At one time no less than fifteen sail
were in sight; and two of them having entered the Loch, Charles and
his companions abandoned the boat, and fled to the mountains. The
vessels having gone out to sea, Charles and his party returned to the
boat, in which they had left a small stock of provisions; and having
taken out the sails for the purpose of covering them, they lay in
the fields two nights on the south side of the Loch. Removing the
third night farther up the inlet, they passed two other nights in the
same way, suffering all the time the greatest privations. Hitherto
the military had not visited South Uist; but information was brought
on the last of these days to Charles, that a party, under Captain
Caroline Scott, an officer celebrated, along with General Hawley,
Major Lockhart, and others, for his cruelties, had just landed at
the head of a body of 500 regulars and militia, within a mile and a
half of the place where Charles then was. On receiving this alarming
intelligence, Charles instantly resolved to separate his party; and
leaving O’Sullivan, Macleod, and Burke, with the boatmen, to shift
for themselves, he and O’Neil went off to the mountains, carrying
only two shirts along with them. The faithful Macleod was so affected
at parting that he shed tears.[1246]
Beset with dangers on every hand, Charles and his companion directed
their steps towards Benbecula, and, about midnight, came to a hut
into which O’Neil entered. Providentially for Charles, O’Neil here
found Miss Flora Macdonald, with whom he had got lately acquainted
at Ormaclade, the seat of Clanranald, in Benbecula, when on a visit
to the chief, whose kinswoman she was. This lady, whose memory will
ever be held in esteem by posterity, for her generous and noble
disinterestedness in rescuing the prince from the imminent perils
which surrounded him, was the daughter of Macdonald of Milton, in the
island of South Uist. Her father left her an orphan when only a year
old, and her mother had married Macdonald of Armadale, in the isle
of Skye, who commanded one of the militia companies raised in that
island by Sir Alexander Macdonald, and was now in South Uist at the
head of his corps. Miss Macdonald was about twenty-four years of age,
of the middle size, and to the attractions of a handsome figure and
great vivacity, she added the more estimable mental qualities of good
sense, blandness of temper, and humanity. The hut in which O’Neil now
met Miss Macdonald belonged to her only brother, Angus Macdonald of
Milton, in whose family she then resided.
As O’Neil recollected that Miss Macdonald had expressed, in his
presence, an earnest desire to see the prince, and had offered to do
any thing in her power to protect him, it occurred to O’Neil that,
on the present occasion, she might render an essential service to
the prince if, after dressing him in female attire, she would pass
him off as her maid-servant, and carry him to Skye. O’Neil at once
proposed his plan to the young lady; but she thought it fantastical
and dangerous, and at first positively refused to engage in it. As
parties of the Macdonald, Macleod, and Campbell militia were roaming
over the island of South Uist in quest of Charles, as no person could
leave the island without a passport, and as there was a guard posted
at every ferry, and the channel between Uist and Skye covered with
ships of war, the utter hopelessness of such an attempt appeared
evident. Bent, however, upon his plan, O’Neil was resolved to try
what effect Charles’s own presence would have upon the young lady
in inducing her to yield, and he accordingly introduced her to the
prince. Miss Macdonald was so strongly impressed with his critical
and forlorn state, that, on seeing Charles, she almost instantly
consented to conduct him to Skye. She describes the prince at this
time as in a bad state of health; and though of a thin and weak
habit of body, and greatly worn out by fatigue, yet exhibiting a
cheerfulness, magnanimity, and fortitude, which those only who saw
him could have credited.[1247]
Having thus given her consent to O’Neil’s proposal, Miss Macdonald
instantly proceeded to Clanranald’s house to procure the necessary
requisites for the intended voyage to Skye. In crossing one of
the fords on her way to Ormaclade, she and her man-servant, Neil
Mac Eachan,[1248] not having passports, were taken prisoners by
a party of militia, and, being detained till next morning, were
brought before the commanding officer, who luckily turned out to
be her own step-father, Captain Hugh Macdonald. Having stated to
him her intention of proceeding to Skye to her mother, she, without
difficulty or suspicion, procured a passport from her stepfather,
for herself, a manservant, and her maid, who, in the passport, was
called Betty Burke, (the name the prince was to assume,) and who was
recommended by Captain Macdonald to his wife as an excellent spinner
of flax, and a faithful servant.[1249] Next day at four o’clock
in the afternoon, Charles received a message from Miss Macdonald,
who had reached Ormaclade, informing him that “all was well;” on
receiving which, he and O’Neil resolved to join her immediately;
but, to their great consternation, the messenger informed them
that they could not pass either of the fords that separated South
Uist from Benbecula as they were both guarded by the military. In
their perplexity, an inhabitant offered to convey them in his boat
to Benbecula; and they were accordingly landed on a promontory of
that island. They dismissed the boat, after having given orders
to the boatmen to meet them on the opposite side of the island,
and proceeded on their journey; but they had not gone far when
they observed that the land on which they stood was surrounded by
water. Thinking that the pilot had made a mistake, they hallooed
after the boat, but in vain, as it was already far from the shore.
As it was high water, Charles and his companion imagined that they
could obtain a dry passage on the subsiding of the tide; but they
were disappointed. The situation of the prince now appeared dismal.
After escaping so many dangers, he had at present no prospect but to
starve upon a desert island. Nevertheless, he kept up his spirit;
and, after a laborious search, he succeeded in finding a ford, by
which he and his companion crossed.[1250] Charles and his companion
arrived at Rossinish, the place of rendezvous, about midnight, wet
to the skin, and exhausted with hunger and fatigue. Finding that a
party of military was stationed at a short distance, they retired
to another place, about four miles from Rossinish, whence O’Neil
went to Ormaclade to ascertain the reason why Miss Macdonald had
not kept her appointment. In explanation, she informed him, that
conceiving the prince would be safer in North Uist than in Skye,
she had engaged a cousin of her own in North Uist to receive him
into his house. This gentleman, however, having afterwards declined
to run the risk of harbouring the prince, Miss Macdonald made the
necessary preparations for her voyage. Having hired a six-oared boat
to carry her to Skye, which she ordered to be in readiness at an
appointed place the following day, Miss Macdonald left Ormaclade on
the 27th of June, along with Lady Clanranald, a Mrs. Macdonald and
Mac Eachan, all of whom were conducted by O’Neil to the place where
Charles lay concealed, about eight miles from Ormaclade. On entering
the hovel, they found Charles employed in roasting, for dinner, the
heart, liver, and kidneys of a sheep upon a wooden spit. The ladies
began to compassionate the prince upon his unfortunate situation;
but he diverted their attention from this melancholy subject by some
facetious observations. He remarked that the wretched to-day may be
happy to-morrow, and that all great men would be better by suffering
as he was doing. The party dined in the hut, Miss Macdonald sitting
on the right, and Lady Clanranald on the left hand of the prince.
After dinner, Charles put on the female attire, which had been
provided for him by the ladies. It was coarse and homely, and
consisted of a flowered linen gown, a light-coloured quilted
petticoat, a white apron, and a mantle of dun camlet made after
the Irish fashion, with a hood. Whilst Charles was putting on this
extraordinary dress, several jokes were passed on the singularity of
the prince’s appearance. The ladies and Neil Mac Eachan returned to
Ormaclade, and in the evening again met Charles and his companion on
the sea-shore, at a mile’s distance from that house. They sat down
to supper on the sea-side; but before they had finished, a messenger
arrived with information that General Campbell and Captain Ferguson
had arrived at Ormaclade with a large party of soldiers and marines,
in quest of Charles. Lady Clanranald went immediately home, and, on
reaching her house, was interrogated very strictly by these officers
as to the cause of her absence; but she excused herself by saying
that she had been visiting a sick child.[1251]
After the departure of Lady Clanranald, Charles and his protectress
went down to the beach, where their boat lay afloat, so as to be in
readiness to embark in case the military should appear. They kindled
a fire upon a rock; but they had scarcely warmed themselves, when
they were thrown into a state of alarm by the appearance of four
boats full of armed men, apparently making towards the shore. They
instantly extinguished their fire, and concealed themselves behind
some rocks. Fortunately they were not observed by the boats, which,
instead of coming to land, sailed along the shore, within a gun-shot
of the spot where Charles lay concealed. Judging it unwise to put to
sea during the day, Charles deferred his voyage till the evening, and
accordingly embarked, at eight o’clock on the 28th of June, for Skye,
accompanied by Miss Macdonald and Neil Mac Eachan. The prince was
extremely sorry to part with O’Neil, his only remaining companion,
and entreated Miss Macdonald to allow him to accompany them; but, as
she had only three passports, she absolutely refused to accede to the
request.[1252]
When Charles left the shores of Benbecula the evening was clear and
serene, and a gentle and favourable breeze rippled over the bosom
of the deep; but as they proceeded to sea the sky began to lower,
and they had not rowed above a league when the wind rose, the sea
became rough, and a tempest ensued which seemed to threaten them with
destruction. Miss Macdonald and the boatmen grew alarmed, but Charles
showed the greatest composure, and, to revive their drooping spirits,
alternately related some amusing stories and sang several songs,
among which was an old spirited air composed on the occasion of the
restoration of Charles II. In the passage Miss Macdonald fell asleep,
and Charles took every precaution to prevent her being disturbed.
[Illustration: Flora mcdonald (her signature)
From Original Painting by I. Mackluin, 1747.]
The wind having shifted several times during the night, the boatmen
had not been able to keep a regular course, and when day-light
appeared next morning, they found themselves out of sight of land
without knowing where they were. Having no compass, they proceeded
at random; but they had not sailed far when they perceived some of
the headlands of Skye. Favoured by the wind, they soon gained the
point of Waternish, on the west of the island. In passing along
this point they were fired upon by a party of Macleod militia, who
called upon them to land; but they continued their course, and, to
prevent suspicion, plied their oars very slowly. Charles told the
boatmen “not to fear the villains;” but they assured him that they
did not care for themselves: their only fear was for him. “No fear
of me!” was Charles’s reply. Encouraged by the undaunted bravery of
the prince, the boat’s crew applied themselves with energy to their
oars; on observing which the Macleods continued to fire at the boat
till it got out of reach of their shot, but did no harm. Whilst the
bullets were falling about the boat, Charles, it is said, requested
Miss Macdonald to lie down in the bottom of the boat in order to
avoid them; but she heroically declined the proposal, and declared
that, as she was endeavouring to preserve the life of her prince,
she would never degrade herself by attending to the safety of her own
person while that of her master was in jeopardy. She even solicited
Charles to occupy the place he had assigned for her. The prince, as
the danger increased, became more urgent; but no entreaties could
prevail upon Miss Macdonald to abandon her intrepid resolution, till
Charles offered to lie down also. Both accordingly lay down in the
bottom of the boat, till out of reach of the bullets of the militia.
After escaping this danger they entered a small creek, and the
party, after taking a short rest, proceeded to Kilbride, and landed
near Mugstot or Moydhstat, the seat of Sir Alexander Macdonald,
near the northern extremity of Skye. Sir Alexander was at this time
with the Duke of Cumberland at Fort Augustus; and, as his lady was
known to be a warm friend of the prince, Flora resolved to proceed
to Moydhstat and acquaint her of Charles’s arrival. Lady Margaret
Macdonald had inherited the spirit of Jacobitism from her father
Alexander, Earl of Eglintoun; and, as she knew that her husband was
a Jacobite at heart, she was less scrupulous to assist the prince
in his necessities. Knowing her good intentions, Charles had, about
a week before his arrival in Skye, written her a letter, which was
sent inclosed in one from Hugh Macdonald of Balishair, in North Uist,
to his brother Donald Roy Macdonald, who was requested to deliver
the letter into her ladyship’s own hand. Balishair announced in the
letter to his brother, that, as a very strict search was making
in the Long island for Charles, he intended to seek refuge upon a
small grass island, called Fladdachuan, belonging to Sir Alexander
Macdonald, lying to the north of Trotternish, with only one tenant
upon it, and requesting him to keep a sharp look-out for the prince,
to meet him upon Fladdachuan and provide him with necessaries. He
was desired to show the letter to Lady Margaret, and after she had
perused it to throw it into the fire; and he also requested that her
ladyship should do the same with the letter sent her. The letter was
accordingly delivered to Lady Margaret by Donald Roy, who burnt his
own, as directed; but, on begging Lady Margaret to put hers into the
fire, she rose up, and, kissing the letter, exclaimed, “No! I will
not burn it. I will preserve it for the sake of him who wrote it to
me. Although King George’s forces should come to the house, I hope I
shall find a way to secure the letter.”[1253]
Leaving Charles in the boat, Miss Flora, accompanied by Neil Mac
Eachan, set out for Mugstot, to apprise Lady Margaret of her arrival.
It was a fortunate circumstance that Charles was left behind, as
there was a militia officer of the name of Macleod in the house,
who, on Miss Macdonald’s entering the room where he was sitting,
questioned her very closely as to her journey; but she answered
his interrogatories so readily, and with such apparent candour and
simplicity, that he had not the least suspicion that she was any way
concerned about the prince. Charles’s arrival was not altogether
unexpected, as she had been informed the day before by Mrs.
Macdonald, wife of John Macdonald of Kirkebost, in North Uist, who
had come from the Long island, of the probability of his appearing
speedily in Skye. Lady Margaret, on being informed of the prince’s
arrival in her neighbourhood, was greatly alarmed for his safety. Her
active benevolence was ever seconded by superior talents; and, on
the present occasion, she displayed a presence of mind and readiness
of invention, which corresponded with these high qualifications.
Mr. Macdonald of Kingsburgh, Sir Alexander’s factor, being then in
the house, she resolved to consult him in this emergency. Desirous
also to avail herself of the services of Captain Roy Macdonald, who
had visited Fladdachuan in quest of the prince, she sent an express
to Trotternish, where he then resided, requesting his immediate
attendance at Mugstot. Mounting his horse, he repaired to the spot,
and found Lady Margaret and Kingsburgh walking together, in serious
conversation. On dismounting, Lady Margaret came up to him and
exclaimed, “O Donald Roy, we are ruined for ever!” After a long
consultation, Lady Margaret proposed that, as the prince could not
remain long in Skye without being discovered, he should be conducted
to old Raasay, who was himself concealed with some select friends,
and that, in the mean time, he should take up his residence in
Kingsburgh house.
During the time this consultation lasted, Charles remained upon the
shore, at a short distance from the foot of the garden. Kingsburgh
proposed to go and acquaint him with their determination; but, lest
he might be observed by some of the military about the house, Neil
Mac Eachan was sent to inform him that Kingsburgh meant to visit
him, and to request that he would retire behind a neighbouring hill
to escape observation. Taking with him some wine and provisions,
Kingsburgh repaired to the spot where Mac Eachan had left Charles.
To his great surprise, however, Charles was not to be seen, and he
in vain searched for him in the neighbourhood of the place where he
expected to meet him. Despairing of finding the prince, Kingsburgh
would have returned to Mugstot; but the bounding of a flock of sheep
at a distance, indicating that some person was at hand, Kingsburgh
went forward to the place whence the sheep had fled, where he found
the prince sitting on the ground. Charles started up when he saw
Kingsburgh approaching. He advanced cautiously towards him, holding
a large knotted stick in his hand, as if intending to knock down
the stranger. “I am Macdonald of Kingsburgh, come to serve your
highness,” said the good Highlander, as he approached. “It is well,”
answered Charles, who went forward to receive his friend. They then
saluted each other, and the prince took some refreshment. Kingsburgh
then mentioned Lady Macdonald’s plan, with which Charles having
expressed himself satisfied, they both proceeded to Kingsburgh house.
Till the departure of Kingsburgh to meet Charles, the uneasiness of
Lady Macdonald was extreme. Flora too, who had remarked her anxiety,
had her misgivings lest the prince should be discovered; but with
her wonted firmness she kept up the conversation with the commander
of the detachment, till dinner was announced, by which time Charles
was on his way to Kingsburgh. After dinner, Miss Macdonald rose
to depart; but Lady Macdonald, in order to deceive the officer,
pressed her to remain, and put her in mind that she had promised
on a former occasion to make some stay the first time she should
visit Moydhstat. Flora, however, excused herself, on the ground that
she was anxious to be with her mother, who, in the absence of her
husband, could not but feel uneasy in such troublesome times. With
apparent reluctance Lady Margaret at length accepted her apology,
under the condition that she should make amends for her sudden
departure by making a longer stay at Moydhstat on her next visit.
Miss Macdonald accordingly proceeded on her journey, accompanied by
Neil Mac Eachan, and by Mrs. Macdonald, the lady formerly mentioned,
who was attended by a male and female servant. The whole party, who
were on horseback, soon overtook the prince and Kingsburgh, who
had gone so far by the common road. Mrs. Macdonald, who had never
seen the prince before, was desirous of obtaining a view of his
countenance, and made several attempts to look him in the face,
but Charles always turned his head aside to avoid her gaze. Mrs.
Macdonald’s maid observing this, and being struck with the uncouth
appearance of the prince, remarked to Miss Flora, that she had
never before seen such an impudent looking woman as the one with
whom Kingsburgh was walking, and stated her impression, that the
singular looking stranger was either an Irishwoman, or a man in
woman’s clothes. Miss Macdonald informed the girl that she was quite
right in her conjecture that the extraordinary looking female was
an Irishwoman, for she knew her, having seen her before. The maid
then exclaimed, “Bless me, what long strides the jade takes, and how
awkwardly she manages her petticoats!” To put an end to the prying
curiosity of Mrs. Macdonald’s maid, and to prevent the servants of
that lady from observing the route which the prince and Kingsburgh
were about to take across the hills, Miss Macdonald called upon
the party to ride faster, as they had a long way to travel. They
accordingly set off at the trot, and, when the party were out of
sight, the two pedestrians, to avoid the militia, who were on all
the public roads, went off by an unfrequented path, and arrived at
Kingsburgh house about eleven o’clock at night, where they were
almost immediately joined by Miss Macdonald and Neil Mac Eachan.
Not expecting her husband home at such a late hour, Mrs. Macdonald
had undressed, and was just going into bed, when one of her maid
servants entered her bed-room, and informed her that Kingsburgh
had arrived, and had brought company with him, and that Miss Flora
Macdonald was among the guests. Mrs. Macdonald sent down word to
Flora, that being sleepy and undressed she hoped she would excuse
her for not coming down stairs, but begged that she would use her
freedom, and help herself to anything she might require. Immediately
upon the departure of the servant down stairs, a young girl, a
daughter of Kingsburgh, entered her mother’s apartment in a great
hurry, and, with looks of surprise, informed her, that her father had
brought to the house the most “odd muckle ill-shaken-up wife she had
ever seen, and taken her into the hall too!” Before Mrs. Macdonald
had time to form any conjecture on the subject, Kingsburgh himself
entered his wife’s bed-chamber, and desired her to dress herself as
fast as she could, and get some supper ready for his guests. Mrs.
Macdonald asked the names of her visitors, but Kingsburgh said he had
no time for explanation; and after telling her that she would know
the whole matter in time, and urging her to make haste, he returned
to his friends in the hall.
In compliance with her husband’s desire, Mrs. Macdonald proceeded to
dress herself, and sent her daughter down for her keys, which she had
left in the hall. The girl went, but she returned almost instantly in
a state of alarm, and told her mother that she was afraid to venture
into the hall, as the tall woman was walking up and down in it.
Mrs. Macdonald then went down herself; but on observing the prince
striding through the hall she hesitated to enter, and calling to her
husband requested him to go in and bring her the keys. Kingsburgh,
however, refused to humour the pusillanimity of his wife, and she was
at length obliged to enter.
When Mrs. Macdonald entered the hall, Charles, who, during the
altercation between her and her husband, had taken a seat, rose up,
and advancing, immediately saluted her agreeably to the Highland
practice. Mrs. Macdonald, little expecting the roughness of a male
chin under a female attire, began to tremble, and, without saying
a word to the silent and mysterious being who stood before her,
she hastened out of the hall, and going to her husband importuned
him to inform her who the stranger was. She had not the least idea
that the person who saluted her was the prince; and, imagining
that the stranger was some nobleman or gentleman in disguise, she
inquired if he knew what had become of the prince. Smiling at her
simplicity, Kingsburgh said to her, “My dear, the person in the hall
is the prince himself.” Alarmed at this unexpected announcement,
she exclaimed, “The prince! then we are all ruined: we will all be
hanged now!” “Hout,” replied Kingsburgh, “we can die but once; and
if we are hanged for this we shall die in a good cause, doing only
an act of humanity and charity. But go,” continued he, “make haste
with supper; bring us eggs, butter, cheese, and whatever else can
be got quickly ready.” “Eggs, butter, and cheese!” rejoined Mrs.
Macdonald, “what a supper is that for a prince!” “Oh! wife,” replied
Kingsburgh, “you know little how this good prince has lived of late;
this will be a feast to him. Besides, to make a formal supper would
make the servants suspect something; the less ceremony, therefore,
the better; make haste, and come to supper yourself.” Mrs. Macdonald,
doubtful of her own capabilities to conduct herself properly before
royalty, exclaimed, “_I_ come to supper! I know not how to behave
before Majesty!” “You must come,” replied Kingsburgh, “the prince
will not eat one bit without you; and you will find it no difficult
matter to behave before him, so obliging and easy is he in his
conversation.”[1254]
At supper Charles placed Miss Flora on his right hand, and Mrs.
Macdonald on his left. He always conferred the above mark of
distinction on his young protectress, and whenever she came into any
room where he was sitting, he always rose up on her entry. Charles
made a hearty supper, and drank a bumper of brandy to the health
and prosperity of Kingsburgh and his wife. After supper he smoked a
pipe, a practice which he was obliged to adopt in his wanderings, to
mitigate a toothache with which he was troubled.[1255] Having drunk
a few glasses of wine, and finished his pipe, Charles went to bed.
After Charles went to bed, Miss Flora, at the desire of Mrs.
Macdonald, gave her a relation of the prince’s adventures, in as far
as she had been personally concerned. When she finished her recital,
Mrs. Macdonald asked her what had become of the boatmen who brought
the prince and her to Skye. Miss Macdonald answered, that they had
been sent directly back to South Uist. Mrs. Macdonald observed that
it was wrong to have sent the boat back immediately, as in case of
capture on their return, the boatmen might disclose the business
which brought them to Skye, and the prince’s pursuers might in
consequence overtake him before he could leave that island. Mrs.
Macdonald was right in her conjecture; for the boatmen were seized
on their return to South Uist, and being threatened with torture,
and ultimately with death, revealed all they knew, giving even a
minute description of the prince’s dress. To lessen the dangers
of a discovery of the prince’s route, Flora advised the prince to
change his clothes next day, a proposal which met with his cordial
approbation, as he found the female attire very cumbrous.
The luxury of a good bed had not been enjoyed by Charles for
many weeks. Three, or at most four, hours’ sleep was all he had
generally been accustomed to during his wanderings; but, on the
present occasion he slept ten hours without interruption, and might
have added a few more to the number, had he not been wakened by
Kingsburgh, who was prevailed upon by Miss Macdonald, contrary to
his own inclination, to rouse the prince. In talking of Charles’s
intended departure, Kingsburgh, acting upon Flora’s suggestion,
urged upon the prince the propriety of changing his dress, lest
the circumstance of his being in female attire might transpire,
and Kingsburgh offered him a Highland dress of his own. Charles at
once assented to the proposal; but, to prevent suspicion among the
servants, and to keep them in ignorance of the nature and description
of the new dress in which Charles was to travel, it was arranged that
he should leave the house in the same dress he entered it, and, when
out of reach of observation, assume that offered to him by his kind
entertainer.
Having dressed himself, the ladies went into his chamber to pin his
cap, put on his apron, and adjust the other parts of his dress.
Before Miss Macdonald put on the cap, Mrs. Macdonald requested her,
in Gaelic, to ask Charles for a lock of his hair. Flora declined,
desiring her, at the same time, to make the application herself to
his Royal Highness. The prince, though unable to comprehend what
they were saying, clearly perceived that they were disputing about
something, and, desiring to know the subject of altercation, was
informed thereof by Mrs. Macdonald. Charles then told her that her
request was granted, and laying down his head upon Flora’s lap, he
desired her to cut off a lock. She complied, and divided the destined
relic between them. Before leaving the house Kingsburgh thought there
was an article of dress that Charles might instantly change without
much risk. This was his shoes, which were so much worn that his toes
protruded through them. He, therefore, presented a new pair of his
own to his Royal Highness, and, taking up the out-worn brogues, said
to Charles, “I will faithfully keep them till you are safely in St.
James’s; I will introduce myself by shaking them at you, to put you
in mind of your night’s entertainment and protection under my roof.”
The prince, amused with the quaintness of the idea, could not refrain
from smiling, and, to humour the joke, enjoined his host to keep his
promise. Kingsburgh kept the shoes as long as he lived, and after his
death they were purchased by a zealous Jacobite gentleman, who gave
twenty guineas for them.[1256]
On being dressed, the prince partook of breakfast, and having taken
a kind leave of Mrs. Macdonald, left Kingsburgh house for Portree,
where it had been concerted he should embark for the island of
Raasay. He was accompanied by Miss Flora and Kingsburgh, who carried
under his arm the suit of clothes designed for the prince. When
Charles left the house, Mrs. Macdonald went up stairs to the room in
which he had slept, and, folding the sheets in which he had lain,
put them carefully aside, declaring that henceforth they should
never again be washed or used till her death, when they should serve
her as a winding sheet; to which use they were accordingly applied,
in fulfilment of injunctions she delivered before her death.[1257]
After walking a short distance from the house, Charles and Kingsburgh
entered a wood, where the prince threw off his female attire, and put
on the clothes which his good friend had provided. These consisted
of a tartan short coat and waistcoat, with philibeg and short hose,
a plaid, and a wig and bonnet. When Charles had shifted, he embraced
Kingsburgh, and thanked him for his valuable services, which he
assured him he would never forget. Charles, conducted by a guide,
then set out on foot across the hills, and Miss Macdonald took
another and a shorter way on horseback, to obtain intelligence, and
prevent a discovery.
In consequence of the resolution to proceed to Raasay, Donald Roy
had been despatched from Mugstot by Kingsburgh the preceding day, in
quest of John Macleod, the young laird of Raasay, to ascertain from
him the place of his father’s concealment, in order to communicate to
the latter Charles’s design of placing himself under his protection.
When it is considered, that Macleod, the laird of Raasay, was himself
a fugitive for the part he had taken in the insurrection, such a
design may appear singular; but the prince had only a choice of
difficulties before him, and the little island of Raasay, which was
then clear of troops, appeared to offer the securest retreat. Donald
Roy met young Raasay at Portree, who informed him that his father
was skulking in Knoydart; but offered to send an express for him,
being certain his father would run any risk to serve the prince in
his distress. Donald Roy then proposed that he should conduct Charles
to the mainland, to the place where old Raasay was; but young Raasay
said that such a step would be too dangerous at that time, and that
it would be better to conceal the prince in the isle of Raasay till
his father should be informed of Charles’s intention to put himself
under his protection. As they could not trust a Portree crew, the
difficulty of transporting the prince to Raasay, without observation,
occurred. Dr. Murdoch Macleod, a brother of young Raasay, who had
been wounded at the battle of Culloden, being informed of this
dilemma, said he would risk his life once more for the prince, and
it having occurred to him that there was a little boat upon a fresh
water lake in the neighbourhood, the two brothers, with the aid of
some women, by extraordinary exertions, brought the boat to sea, over
a Highland mile of land, one half of which was bog, and the other a
steep precipice. The two brothers, with the assistance of a little
boy, rowed the boat, which was very old and leaky, to Raasay.
Malcolm Macleod, young Raasay’s cousin, who will be frequently
mentioned in the sequel, was then in the island. He had been a
captain in the prince’s service, and was considered by his cousin a
proper person to accompany them on their expedition. They accordingly
waited on Malcolm, who offered to provide a boat; but he proposed,
that as his cousin, young Raasay, had not been engaged in the
insurrection, he should not run any risk by holding communication
with the prince, more particularly as Charles could be brought
over without his assistance. Young Raasay declared his resolution
to see the prince, if the result should be the loss both of his
estate and his head; and Malcolm, seeing that any farther attempt
to dissuade him would be fruitless, exclaimed, “In God’s name then
let us proceed.” Malcolm Macleod pitched upon two strong men, named
John Mackenzie and Donald Macfriar, to row the boat; but, when they
came to the beach, they declined to leave the shore till informed
of their destination. They were then sworn to secrecy, and being
told the object of their voyage, professed the utmost alacrity to go
to sea. The whole party accordingly set off from Raasay on Monday
evening, the 30th of June, and landed about half a mile from Portree.
By this time Miss Macdonald had arrived at the inn, where Donald
Roy was in waiting to receive her and the prince. Leaving young
Raasay and his brother in the boat, Malcolm Macleod, accompanied by
Macfriar, went towards the inn, and in walking from the shore he
observed three persons proceeding in the direction of the inn, who
happened to be the prince, Neil Mac Eachan, and a little boy who had
served as Charles’s guide from Kingsburgh.
Donald Roy Macdonald had left the inn shortly after Miss Macdonald’s
arrival, for the purpose of meeting Charles; but, after remaining out
about twenty minutes without seeing him, he returned to the house,
afraid lest the rain, which fell in torrents, might fester a wound
in his foot which he had received at the battle of Culloden, and
which was still open. He had scarcely entered the inn, when Macnab,
the landlord, informed him that a boy wanted to see him. The boy,
whose name was Macqueen, having informed Donald Roy that a gentleman
who was waiting a little above the house wished to speak with him,
he went out and met the prince, who caught him in his arms. Donald
then conducted him into the inn. Charles was wet to the skin, and
the water poured down from his clothes. The first thing he asked for
was a dram, on taking which he proceeded to shift himself. He put on
a dry shirt; but before he had replaced the other habiliments which
he had thrown off, a supply of roasted fish, bread, cheese, and
butter was brought into the room, which the prince attacked with such
avidity that Donald Roy could not help smiling; and being observed
by the prince, he remarked that he believed the prince was following
the English fashion. “What fashion do you mean?” said the prince.
“Why,” replied Donald Roy, “they say the English, when they are to
eat heartily, throw off their clothes.” The prince smiling, said,
“They are in the right, lest anything should incommode their hands
when they are at work.” Asking for some drink, Charles was told that
there were no liquids of any sort in the house but whisky and water,
not even milk, of which he had desired a little. The only substitute
in the room for a tumbler or jug was a dirty-looking bucket, which
the landlord used for throwing the water out of his boat, and the
mouth of which was broken and rough from the frequent use to which
it had been thus applied. Donald Roy, who had previously quaffed out
of the bucket, handed it to Charles, who took it out of his hand,
and after looking at it, stared Donald in the face. As the landlord
was in the room, Donald was afraid that, from the shyness of Charles
to drink out of a dish to which no objection perhaps had ever before
been stated, he might think he had a visitor of distinction in his
house, and he therefore went up to Charles, and in a gentle whisper
desired him to drink out of the obnoxious vessel without ceremony.
Charles taking the hint, put the pail to his head, and took a hearty
draught of water.[1258]
Malcolm Macleod, on being informed of the prince’s arrival at the
inn, had returned to the boat, and with his cousins waited anxiously
for the prince. On the landlord of the inn leaving the room, Donald
Roy, who had grown impatient to get away, urged the prince to depart;
but Charles showed no inclination to leave the inn, and even proposed
to remain there all night, as the rain was still heavy. Donald told
him that as the house he was in was frequented by all kinds of
people, he would incur danger by remaining; for the very appearance
of a stranger would excite speculation among the country people, who
were always desirous to know who the persons were that came among
them. Charles assented to the correctness of Donald’s observations,
but called for some tobacco that he might smoke a pipe before his
departure. There being no tobacco in the house but roll or pigtail,
Charles said it would answer very well; and the landlord, at the
request of Donald Roy, brought in a quarter of a pound in the scales
in which it had been weighed. The price was fourpence halfpenny,
and Charles gave the landlord a sixpence. Donald Roy desired him to
bring in the difference. The prince smiled, and on the change being
brought he refused to receive it. Donald, however, insisted that he
should take the three halfpence, because he considered that in his
present situation he might find “bawbees” very useful.[1259]
When about to leave the inn, Charles solicited Donald Roy to
accompany him to Raasay, observing that he had always found himself
safe in the hands of the Macdonalds, and that as long as he had a
Macdonald with him he would still think himself safe. This faithful
attendant, whilst he stated his inclination to serve the prince in
his distress, represented to him the impossibility of following
him from place to place, in consequence of the wound in his left
foot, which rendered him incapable of enduring fatigue; and that
as he would be obliged from his lameness to travel occasionally on
horseback, his presence would only endanger the safety of the prince.
He agreed, however, to meet Charles in Raasay in a few days, and
stated that, in the mean time, he would remain in Skye, and collect
for the future guidance of the prince such information as he could,
in relation to the movements and plans of his pursuers.
Before leaving Portree Charles had a most painful task to perform,
that of parting with the amiable and high-minded young woman, who,
during three eventful days, had with generous sympathy, and at the
imminent hazard of her own life, watched over him with the tenderest
solicitude and affection, and rescued him from the many perils
with which he had been environed. He repaid Miss Flora a small sum
of money he had borrowed from her, and, presenting her with his
own portrait in miniature, saluted her. He then returned her his
sincere thanks for the great assistance she had afforded him, and
taking leave, expressed a hope that, notwithstanding the present
unfavourable aspect of his affairs, he should yet meet her in St.
James’s. He also took farewell of Neil Mac Eachan, who certainly at
that time had no expectation that he was to be one of those who were
afterwards to accompany the prince to France.
Charles had brought along with him from Kingsburgh, four shirts, a
cold fowl, some sugar, and a bottle of brandy. To this small stock
he added at Portree a bottle of usquebaugh. He tied this bottle to
his belt at one side, and at the other the bottle of brandy, and
the shirts and cold fowl which were put up in a handkerchief. Thus
provided, Charles left the inn, accompanied by Donald Roy, on the
morning of the 1st of July, while it was yet dark. The landlord,
surprised perhaps at the early departure of his guests, cast a look
after them as they went out at the door, which being observed by
Charles’s conductor, he led the prince off in a direction opposite
to that they had to go, till out of view of the landlord, and then
making a circle they went down towards the shore, and in their way
met Malcolm Macleod, who conducted the prince to the boat. He then
took leave of Donald Roy, whom he enjoined not to mention the place
of his destination to any person, not even to his fair protectress.
Donald returned to the inn, and was immediately accosted by his host,
who expressed a strong desire to know the name of the gentleman
who had left his house. Donald told him, with apparent unconcern,
that the stranger who had gone away was Sir John Macdonald, an
Irish gentleman, and a brother rebel, who, having got free of his
enemies, had been skulking among his friends, the Macdonalds of
Skye; and that, tired of remaining in one place, and afraid of being
discovered in the island, he had set out for the mainland to seek an
asylum among the other Macdonalds. The landlord, whom he enjoined to
secrecy, apparently satisfied with this explanation, said that he was
strongly impressed with an idea that the gentleman was the prince
in disguise, as he observed something about him that looked very
noble.[1260]
Portree, a small bay opposite the island of Raasay, from which
Charles was about to depart, had derived its name, which signifies
the King’s Port, from the circumstance of King James the Fifth having
landed there during his excursion amongst the western islands.
Charles left this creek after midnight, under the protection of
the enthusiastic young laird of Raasay, to whom Malcolm Macleod
introduced him when he entered the boat. As the two boatmen had
served in the prince’s army, the whole party, with the exception of
young Raasay himself, were under the ban of the government, and the
young laird, whose only motive in not joining the insurrection was
probably a desire to save the estate, now fearlessly put his life and
fortune in jeopardy, when the risk was even greater.
Charles slept a little upon the passage, and reached Raasay about
day-break, a few hours after his departure from Portree. The party
landed at a place called Glam, about the distance of ten miles from
that haven. Charles, Malcolm, and Murdoch Macleod took up their
abode in a wretched hut which some shepherds had lately erected.
They had no bedding of any sort, and were obliged to repose upon
some heath. On entering the hut they kindled a fire and partook of
some provisions. On this, as on other occasions, Charles, to please
the Highlanders, never tasted wheat-bread or brandy while oat-bread
and whisky lasted, for, he observed, that these last were his “own
country bread and drink.” Young Raasay had nothing to dread from
his own people; and, lest the military might revisit the island,
he placed the two boatmen upon different eminences to watch their
approach. He visited Charles and his friends occasionally, and always
carried provisions along with him. Though comparatively secure,
Charles was very uneasy in his new retreat; and frequent starts and
exclamations in his slumbers indicated the agitated workings of his
mind. Malcolm Macleod often overheard him in his sleep muttering
imperfect sentences, in Italian, French, and English. One of his
expressions in English was, “O God! poor Scotland!”[1261]
During Charles’s stay in Raasay, no person visited the island, but he
and his friends were kept in a state of uneasiness by a person who
prowled about without any apparent business, and who had come into
the island to sell a roll of tobacco. He had arrived about twelve
or fourteen days before Charles. Having disposed of his merchandise
very speedily, it was expected that he would have departed, but
continuing to stroll up and down the island in an idle way, he
was suspected to be a spy. Malcolm Macleod happening to see him
approaching the hut one day, a council of war was held by Charles and
his friends. The three Macleods were for putting the poor tobacco
vender to death, and Malcolm Macleod offered to go out immediately
and shoot him through the head; but Charles indignantly reprobated
the inhuman proposal. “God forbid (said he) that we should take away
a man’s life who may be innocent, while we can preserve our own.”
John Mackenzie, who sat as sentinel at the door, overhearing the
debate, said to himself in Gaelic, “Well, well: he must be shot:
you are the king, but we are the parliament, and will do what we
choose.” Observing his friends smile, Charles asked what John had
said; and being told the man’s observation in English, the prince
observed that he was a clever fellow; and, notwithstanding his
perilous situation, laughed loud and heartily.[1262] Notwithstanding
Charles’s remonstrances, the stranger would have been despatched had
he entered the hut, but luckily he walked past without looking into
it. It was afterwards ascertained that the stranger himself was a
fugitive from the Highland army.[1263] While Charles resided in this
hut, he and his companions indulged in a great deal of conversation.
Alluding to passing events and his present situation, the prince
observed that his life was to be sure a very hard one; but that he
would rather live in the way he then did for ten years, than fall
into the hands of his enemies, not because he believed they would
dare to take away his life publicly, but because he dreaded being
poisoned or assassinated. He was very particular in his inquiries
at Dr. Macleod about the wound he had received at Culloden, from a
ball which entered at one shoulder and went across to the other. He
threw out some reflections upon the conduct of some of his officers
at Culloden, but confessed that perhaps it was rash in him to do so.
Talking of the different Highland corps, the Macleods asked Charles
which, in his opinion, were the best soldiers; but he evaded a direct
answer, said he did not like comparisons among such corps; and that
they were all best.[1264]
Charles resided two days in Raasay, when becoming uneasy, and
thinking the island too narrow and confined for the purpose of
concealment, he resolved to depart. Understanding that he expected
a French ship at Lochbroom, Malcolm Macleod offered to carry him
thither, but Charles declined the proposal on account of the
danger of the voyage in a small boat. He expressed a wish to go to
Trotternish in Skye, but his friends attempted to dissuade him, as
they considered him safer in Raasay. Persisting however in going, the
whole party, including the two boatmen, left Raasay on the evening
of the 2d of July, in the same boat which they had used to carry
them into the island. After they had gone a little off the shore
the wind began to blow hard, and soon increased to a gale. The sea
became so very rough, that the waves broke over the boat and almost
filled it with water. All on board begged the prince to return, but
he declined, observing, that as Providence had carried him through
so many dangers, he did not doubt of the same care now as before.
About eleven o’clock at night they landed at a place in Skye, called
Nicolson’s rock, near Scorobreck in Trotternish, after a very
boisterous voyage of about fifteen miles. There was a large surf on
the shore, and there being no convenient landing place, they had to
jump out among the water. Charles was the third man who leapt into
the sea. Standing in the surf, the whole party, including Charles,
laid hold of the boat and drew it up on dry ground.
On this desolate coast, the royal wanderer could find no other
resting-place than a cow-house, belonging to Mr. Nicolson of
Scorobreck, about two miles from that gentleman’s seat. The party
entered this wretched hovel and took a little refreshment of oat
cakes, which had mouldered down into very small crumbs, and some
cheese. Charles being wet to the skin, Malcolm Macleod advised him to
put on a dry shirt. This he declined, and continued to sit in his wet
clothes. Overcome with fatigue he fell asleep; but he enjoyed little
sound repose. He would frequently start in his sleep, look briskly
up, and stare boldly around him, as if about to fight the persons
around him. “Oh poor England! poor England!” were the exclamations
he would sometimes utter, with a deep sigh, during these disturbed
moments.
In all his wanderings it was the constant practice of Charles to
conceal his future movements from every person with whose services he
was about to dispense, so as to prevent any clue to his discovery.
Wishing to get quit of young Raasay and his brother, he despatched
the former to look out for Donald Roy, and he desired the latter to
go to a place called Cammistinawag, where he would meet him. Murdoch
Macleod and the two boatmen then took leave. At parting he presented
Murdoch with a case, containing a silver spoon, knife, and fork,
which he requested him to keep till they met.
The prince and Malcolm Macleod remained in the hut till seven o’clock
in the morning, when Charles, taking the little baggage in his hand,
walked out, and desired Malcolm to follow him. Macleod took the
bundle out of Charles’s hand, and followed him in silence till out of
sight of the cow-house, when Charles taking a direction Malcolm did
not like, this faithful adherent went up to him and asked him where
he was going, as he was afraid that he might fall into the hands of
one of the numerous military parties, who were dispersed over the
island. “Why, Macleod, (replied Charles,) I now throw myself entirely
into your hands, and leave you to do with me what you please;
only I want to go to Strath, Mackinnon’s country. I hope you will
accompany me, if you think you can lead me safe enough into Strath.”
Malcolm declared that he would go with his royal highness wherever
he pleased, and offered to bring him safe into that part of Skye
which belonged to the chief of Mackinnon, provided he would consent
to go by sea; but Macleod objected to a journey over land which he
considered would be attended with dangers from the soldiers. Charles,
however, insisted on going by land, and observed that they could now
do nothing without danger. The better to prevent a discovery, Charles
proposed that he should act the part of Macleod’s servant, and that
he should assume the name of Lewis Caw, there being at the time a
young surgeon of that name, who had been in the prince’s service,
skulking in Skye, where he had some relations. Observing that his
scarlet tartan waistcoat with gold twist buttons, was finer than
that worn by Macleod, which was of plain ordinary tartan, Charles
exchanged it for Macleod’s. Then taking the bag which contained his
linen out of Malcolm’s hands, Charles threw it over his shoulder, and
set out on his perilous journey, preceded by the faithful Malcolm,
who, to complete the deception, had proposed that Charles should keep
up his new character of a gilly, or footman, by walking in the rear.
Strath, the country of the Mackinnons, was at a considerable
distance, and the route to it which these two travellers took lay
through one of the wildest and most mountainous districts of the
island. Though a good pedestrian, Malcolm could scarcely keep his
distance ahead of Charles, whose locomotive powers were surprising,
there being few persons who could match him at walking. Alluding to
his celerity of foot, he told Malcolm that provided he got out of
musket-shot, he had no dread of a pursuit by English soldiers, but he
had not the same confidence if chased by a party of Highland militia.
He asked Malcolm what they would do in the event of meeting any
person among the mountains, who might attempt to kill or take them.
“That depends upon their numbers,” replied Malcolm; “if there should
be no more than four of them, I’ll engage to manage two.” “And I,”
rejoined Charles, “will engage to manage the other two.” Malcolm, in
his turn, asked Charles what they should do if attacked by a party of
English soldiers, “Fight, to be sure,” was the reply.
As Malcolm expected that they would fall in with some of the country
people before they came to the end of their journey, by whom, from
his being well known in the island, he might be recognised, he
desired Charles not to evince any anxiety when he (Malcolm) should
speak to them, but remove to a short distance and sit down till the
conversation ended. They met a few of these people from time to
time, on which occasion Charles not only observed the injunction of
Malcolm, but superadded the customary menial duty, of touching his
bonnet when addressed by his supposed master. With the exception of
a bottle of brandy, the two travellers appear to have had no other
sustenance during their long and fatiguing journey. When reduced to
a single glass, Charles urged Malcolm to take it, lest he should
faint with the excessive fatigue. Malcolm refused, and insisted that
the prince himself should drink it, but Charles resolutely refused,
and compelled Malcolm to drain the bottle. Malcolm then hid the
bottle in a thick bush of heath, where he found it about three years
thereafter. Honest Macleod long preserved it “as a curious piece,”
which he expected would one day make a figure in Westminster.[1265]
When opportunity offered, the prince and Malcolm relieved the
tediousness of the journey, by conversing on a variety of topics.
The conversation happening to turn upon Lord George Murray, Charles
observed that his lordship, whether from ignorance or with a view to
betray him, he would not say, misconducted himself in not obeying
orders, and that in particular, for two or three days before the
battle of Culloden, Lord George scarcely did anything he desired
him to do. When Malcolm told him of the many atrocities committed
after that battle, he appeared amazed, and said, “Surely that man
who calls himself the duke, and pretends to be so great a general,
cannot be guilty of such cruelties. I cannot believe it.” Talking of
the fatigues he was obliged to undergo, the prince said, “Do you not
think, Macleod, that God Almighty has made this person of mine for
doing some good yet? When I was in Italy, and dining at the king’s
(his father’s) table, very often the sweat would have been coming
through my coat with the heat of the climate, and now that I am in
a cold country, where the climate is more trying, and exposed to
different kinds of fatigues, I really find I agree equally with both.
I have had (pointing to his kilt) this philibeg on now for some days,
and I find I do as well with it as any of the best breeches I ever
put on. I hope in God, Macleod, to walk the streets of London with it
yet.”[1266] A man holding such sentiments as these was not likely to
be easily discouraged.
When approaching Mackinnon’s bounds, Malcolm stated to the prince
his apprehensions, that, disguised as he was, he was afraid he would
still be recognised by some of Mackinnon’s people, who had been out
in his service. He, therefore, suggested that Charles should disguise
himself still further. The prince then proposed to blacken his face
with powder; but Macleod objected to this plan, which, he said,
would tend rather to discover than to conceal him. “Then,” observed
Charles, “I must be put into the greatest dishabille possible;” and
pulling off his wig, and putting it into his pocket, took out a dirty
white napkin, which Malcolm, at his desire, tied about his head close
to his eyebrows. He then put off his bonnet, tore the ruffles from
his shirt, and took the buckles out of his shoes, and made Macleod
fasten them with strings. Charles now asked his friend if he thought
he would still be recognised, and on Malcolm answering that he
thought he would, Charles said, “I have so odd a face, that no man
that ever saw me once but would know me again.” In Malcolm’s opinion,
Charles, though almost a Proteus, could never disguise his majestic
mien and carriage; and he declared that there was not a person who
knew what the air of a noble or great man was, that would not, upon
seeing the prince, however disguised he might be, at once perceive
something about him that was not ordinary,--something of the stately
and grand.[1267]
They had not gone far after this conversation, when Malcolm Macleod’s
opinion was verified, for no sooner had the travellers entered
Strath, than Charles was recognised by two men of Mackinnon’s clan,
who had been out in the insurrection. They stared at the prince for
a little, and on discovering him, lifted up their hands and wept
bitterly. Malcolm begged that they would compose themselves, lest
by showing so much concern they might discover the prince. After
cautioning them not to mention the meeting to any one, he swore them
to secrecy upon his naked dirk, and then dismissed them. They kept
their word.
Being within two miles of the laird of Mackinnon’s house, Malcolm
asked him if he wished to see the old chief; “No,” said Charles,
“by no means. I know Mackinnon to be as good and as honest a man as
any in the world; but he is not fit for my purpose at present. You
must conduct me to some other house, but let it be a gentleman’s
house.” They then proceeded, at Malcolm’s suggestion, to a place
called Ellagol, or rather Ellighiul, near Kilvory or Kilmaree, where
they arrived in the morning after a journey of twenty-four Highland
miles, being upwards of thirty English miles. At Ellagol there lived
one John Mackinnon, who had served as captain under the laird of
Mackinnon, and had married a sister of Malcolm. Being desirous to
ascertain the state of matters in the neighbourhood before conducting
Charles into the house of his brother-in-law, Malcolm left the prince
at a little distance from the house, and went forward to make the
necessary inquiries. He found that Mackinnon was from home; and
on informing his sister that he had come to stay a short time at
Ellagol, if he could do so with safety, she assured him that he would
be perfectly safe, as there were no military people about the place,
and that he was very welcome. Malcolm then told her that he had
nobody along with him but one Lewis Caw, son of Mr. Caw, a surgeon in
Crieff, whom, being a fugitive like himself, he had engaged as his
servant, but that he had fallen sick. Mrs. Mackinnon felt interested
in the stranger, and requested her brother to bring him in.
Charles accordingly entered with the baggage on his back, and,
taking off his bonnet, made a low bow, and sat down at a distance
from Malcolm. Mrs. Mackinnon looked at the prince, and instantly her
sympathy was excited. “Poor man!” she exclaimed, “I pity him. At the
same time, my heart warms to a man of his appearance.” Malcolm having
told his sister that he was almost famishing with hunger, she set
before him a plentiful Highland breakfast. Charles still sitting at a
respectful distance, Malcolm invited him, as there were no strangers
in the house, to draw near and share with him, there being abundance
for both. Charles appeared very backward to obey the summons to eat,
and said that though in an humble station, he knew better how to
conduct himself than by sitting at the same table with his master;
but Malcolm pretended to insist upon compliance, Charles rose from
his seat, made a profound bow, and advancing towards the table, sat
down, and attacked the viands without farther ceremony.
In the course of their journey, Charles and his companion had fallen
into a bog during the night, and as their feet and legs were still
dirty, Malcolm desired the servant-maid in Gaelic, as she could not
speak English, to bring some water into the room, and as he was much
fatigued, to wash them. Whilst in the act of washing Macleod’s feet,
he said to the girl, “You see that poor sick man there. I hope you’ll
wash his feet too: it will be a great charity; for he has as much
need as I have.” “No such thing,” said she, “although I wash the
master’s feet, I am not obliged to wash the servant’s. What! he’s
but a low country woman’s son. I will not wash his feet indeed.”
Malcolm, however, with much entreaty, prevailed upon the girl to wash
Charles’s feet and legs; but being rather rough in her treatment, he
implored Malcolm to desire her not to rub so hard.[1268]
After this operation the wearied travellers went to bed; and at the
desire of Malcolm, Mrs. Mackinnon went out of the house, and sat down
upon a neighbouring knoll, where she kept watch, whilst her guests
remained in bed. Charles, who had thrown himself upon the bed in his
clothes, slept two hours only; but Malcolm slept much longer. When
Malcolm awoke, he was surprised to find Charles out of bed dandling
Mrs. Mackinnon’s child, singing to it, and appearing as alert as if
he had been in bed all night. He expressed a hope that the little
boy--Neil Mackinnon--whom he carried in his arms, would be one day a
captain in his service.
Informed that his brother-in-law was seen approaching the house,
Malcolm went out to meet him. After the usual salutations, Malcolm,
pointing to some ships of war that were hovering about the coast,
said to Mackinnon, “What if the prince be on board one of them?” “God
forbid,” replied Mackinnon, “I would not wish that for anything.”
“What,” said Malcolm, “if he were here, John? Do you think he would
be safe enough?” “I wish we had him here,” rejoined Mackinnon,
“for he would be safe enough.” Macleod, now fully assured that his
brother-in-law might be confided in, said, “Well, then, he is now
in your house.” Mackinnon, transported with joy, was for running
directly in and paying his obeisance to the prince; but Malcolm
stopped him for a little, till he should recover from his surprise.
“When you go in,” continued Malcolm, “you must not take any notice
of him, lest the servants or others observe you. He passes for one
Lewis Caw, my servant.” Mackinnon promised to observe faithfully the
injunction given him, which he thought he would be able to fulfil;
but, as soon as he entered the house, he could not avoid fixing
his eyes upon Charles; and unable to repress his feelings at the
spectacle he beheld, this generous and faithful Highlander, turning
his face aside, burst into tears. To prevent suspicion, Mackinnon, at
Malcolm’s desire, left the room to compose himself.
[Illustration: MACKINNON. (Tartan)]
Before being introduced to the prince, Mackinnon sent away all
his servants from the house on different messages, and, during
their absence, a consultation was held as to Charles’s future
destination. It was then resolved that he should proceed to the
mainland immediately; and John Mackinnon was directed to go and hire
a boat, as if for the sole use of his brother-in-law. As the laird
of Mackinnon was old and infirm, and could be of little service to
Charles in his present situation, Mackinnon was enjoined not to say
anything about Charles to his chief, should he fall in with him.
Meeting the old chieftain, however, on his way, Mackinnon, unable or
unwilling to conceal the fact of the prince’s arrival at Ellagol,
disclosed the secret, and mentioned that he was going to hire a boat
to carry Charles to the mainland. Gratified with the intelligence,
the chief desired his clansman not to give himself any further
trouble about a boat, as he would provide a good one himself, and
would wait upon the prince immediately. John returned to Ellagol, and
having informed Charles of the interview with the laird, the latter
said that he was sorry that Mackinnon had divulged the secret; but
as there was now no help for it, he would comport himself according
to circumstances. In a short time the aged chief appeared, and
after doing homage to the royal wanderer, conducted the prince to a
neighbouring cave, where he found Lady Mackinnon, who had laid out a
refreshment of cold meat and wine, of which the whole party partook.
Before the arrival of the chief, Malcolm Macleod had represented
to the prince, that, being within the laird’s bounds, it would be
necessary to allow him to direct everything in relation to the
voyage, and, to prevent a difference of opinion arising between
him and the chief, he suggested the propriety of remaining behind.
Charles, extremely unwilling to part with one who had rendered him
such important services, insisted upon his going along with him
to the mainland; but Malcolm insisting on the other hand that the
measure was proper, Charles, with much reluctance, consented to part
with the faithful Macleod.
About eight o’clock at night the party left the cave, and proceeded
towards the place where the boat lay. In their way they observed two
English men-of-war standing in for the island, before the wind, under
a press of sail. Malcolm thereupon entreated the prince to defer his
voyage till such time, at least, as these vessels should take another
course, more particularly as the wind was against him; but Charles
disregarded the admonition, and observed, that after so many escapes,
he had no apprehensions of being caught at that time; that Providence
would still take care of him; and that he had no doubt of obtaining
a favourable wind immediately. Recollecting his sham appointment with
Murdoch Macleod, for not keeping which Malcolm promised to make his
apology, Charles thought the least thing he could do was to notify
his departure, which he accordingly did, by writing him a short note,
delivering it to Malcolm.[1269] He then desired Malcolm to light
his pipe, as he wished to enjoy a smoke with him before parting.
Snapping his gun, Malcolm, by means of the flash in the pan, lighted
some tow which he held at the mouth of the pipe whilst Charles blew
it. As the pipe was extremely short, Charles’s cheek was scorched
with the blaze of the tow. At parting, Charles presented him with a
silver stock-buckle, and then embracing Malcolm in his arms, saluted
him twice, and begging God to bless him, put ten guineas into his
hand. Malcolm at first positively refused to accept the money, as he
perceived that the prince’s purse was much exhausted; but Charles
insisted upon his taking it, and assuring him that he would get
enough for all his wants upon the mainland, Malcolm yielded. Having
procured a better pipe, Charles presented the one with which he had
been smoking to Malcolm, who preserved it with great care.[1270]
Between eight and nine o’clock in the evening of Friday, the 4th of
July, the prince departed for the mainland, accompanied by the chief
and John Mackinnon. The observation of Charles, that he would obtain
a fair wind after putting to sea, had made a deep impression upon
the superstitious mind of the generous Malcolm, who accordingly sat
down upon the side of a hill to watch the expected change, which,
according to him, took place very soon, for the crew had not rowed
the boat half a mile from the shore in the direction of the ships,
before the wind chopped about, and whilst it favoured the prince,
drove the men-of-war out of sight.[1271]
After a rough voyage, the party reached a place called Little Mallag
or Malleck, on the south side of Loch Nevis between Morar and
Knoydart, distant about thirty miles from the place where they had
embarked. At sea they met a boat, containing some armed militia.
No attempt was made to board, and a few words were exchanged in
passing. Charles’s visit to Skye soon became public, and the fact of
his having been harboured and protected by certain persons in that
island could not be disguised. Malcolm Macleod’s connexion with the
prince being reported, he was apprehended a few days after Charles’s
departure for the mainland, put on board a ship, and conveyed to
London, where he remained a prisoner till the 1st of July, 1747, when
he was discharged without being asked a single question. Kingsburgh
also was taken up and conveyed to Fort Augustus, where, after being
plundered of his shoe-buckles, garters, watch, and money, he was
thrown into a dungeon, and loaded with irons. He was discharged by
mistake for another person of the same name, but was brought back,
and afterwards conveyed to Edinburgh, and committed to the castle, in
which he remained till the 4th of July, in the same year.
Flora Macdonald was also apprehended about the same time by a party
of militia, while on her way to the house of Donald Macdonald of
Castleton in Skye, who had sent her notice that Macleod of Talisker,
an officer of an independent company, had requested him to send for
her. She was put on board the Furnace Bomb, and afterwards removed
to Commodore Smith’s sloop, and treated with great kindness and
attention by him and General Campbell. She was confined a short
time in Dunstaffnage castle. After being conveyed from place to
place, she was put on board the Royal Sovereign, lying at the Nore,
on the 28th of November, and carried up to London on the 6th of
December following, where she remained in confinement till July
in the following year, when she was discharged, at the especial
request--according to the tradition of her family--of Frederick,
Prince of Wales, father of George III., without a single question
having been put to her. After her liberation, Miss Macdonald was
invited to the house of Lady Primrose, a zealous Jacobite lady, where
she was visited by a number of distinguished persons, who loaded her
with presents. She and Malcolm Macleod returned to Scotland together
in a post-chaise provided by Lady Primrose, and, on their way, paid
a visit to Dr. Burton at York, who had been previously liberated
from jail. This gentleman having asked Malcolm his opinion of the
prince, the trusty Highlander replied, that “he was the most cautious
man he ever saw, not to be a coward, and the bravest, not to be
rash.” Few persons, now-a-days, will be disposed to concur in this
eulogium, for though personally brave, Charles was extremely rash and
inconsiderate.[1272]