صور الصفحة
PDF
النشر الإلكتروني
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

pp. 429-504.

NOTICE TO THE BINDER.

[graphic][merged small][merged small][ocr errors]

HISTORY OF THE HIGHLANDS.

CHAPTER I.

Warlike attitude of Great Britain and France-Prince Charles Stuart resolves to proceed to Scotland-Secrecy of his preparations-Departure of the Expedition-Naval Action-Other occurrences at Sea-Charles arrives off the Long Island-Lands in Eriska-Interview between him and Macdonald of Boisdale-Arrives in Lochnagual -Interview with young Clanranald, who is sent on a mission to Sir Alexander Macdonald and the Laird of Macleod-Kinlochmoidart, Dr Cameron, and others, visit the Prince Charles lands at Borodale-His reception there-Character of Cameron, younger of Lochiel-His interview with the Prince-Charles resolves to raise his Standard at Glenfinnin-Arrives at Kinlochmoidart-Commencement of hostilitiesArrival of Charles and the Camerons at Glenfinnin—Raises his Standard-Joined by the Macdonalds of Keppoch.

FROM mere auxiliaries in the war of the Austrian succession, Great Britain and France at last entered the field as principals; and in the spring of seventeen hundred and forty-five, both parties were prepared to decide their respective differences by force of arms. The Jacobites, who looked upon war as the harbinger to a speedy realization of their wishes and their hopes, awaited the result with anxiety; though, from the policy of France, it was not difficult to perceive, that the issue, whether favourable or unfavourable to France, would in reality neither advance nor retard the long looked for restoration. France, if defeated in the field, almost on her own frontiers, would require all her forces to protect herself; and could not, therefore, be expected to make a diversion on the shores of Britain. And, on the other hand, if successful in the campaign about to open in Flanders, she was likely to accomplish the objects for which the war had been undertaken,' without continuing an expensive and dubious struggle in support of the Stuarts.

Charles Edward Stuart, the aspirant to the British throne, seems to have viewed matters much in the same light on receiving intelligence of the victory obtained by the French over the allies at Fontenoy. In writing to one of his father's agents at Paris, † who had sent him infor

• This battle was fought on the 11th May. 1745.

+ Letter to Colonel O'Bryan, 16th June, 1745, Appendix, No. 1.

« السابقةمتابعة »