APPENDIX OF HISTORICAL DOCUMENTS. No. I. THE following letter from the old Pretender to one of his adherents in Scotland affords some insight into the plans, hopes, and expectations of the Stuarts, in the years immediately preceding the attempt of Charles. 66 "March 11th, 1743. "I received, a few days ago, yours of the 18th of February, and am far from disapproving your coming into France at this time. The settling of a correspondence betwixt us on this side of the sea, and our friends in Scotland, may be of consequence in the juncture. I hope you will have concerted some safe method for that effect with Lord Semple, before you leave him; and that, once determined, you will, I think, have done very well to return home, where you may be of more use than abroad. I shall say nothing here of what is passing in France, of which you will have been informed by Lord Semple; and you may be well assured that I shall neglect nothing that depends on me to induce the French to assist us, as it is reasonable to hope they will, if there be a general war. But, if they ever undertake anything in my favour, I shall, to be sure, have some little warning of it before; but that may be so short, that I fear it will be impossible that General Keith can come in time to Scotland, how much soever both I, and, I am persuaded, he himself also desires it; because you will easily see that one of his rank and distinction cannot well quit the service he is in, either abruptly or upon an uncertainty. I remark all you say on that subject, and when the time comes it shall be my care to dispose all such matters, as much as in me lies, for what I may then think the real good of my service and the satisfaction of my friends, for in such particulars it is scarce possible to take proper resolutions before the time of execution. "I had some time ago a proposal made to me in relation to the seizing of Stirling Castle. What I then heard, and what you now say on the subject, is so general, that I think it not impossible but that the two proposals may be found originally one and the same project. I wish, therefore, you would enter a little more into particulars, that I may be the better able to determine what directions to send. As to what is represented about the vassals, I suppose what you mean is the same as what I have inserted in a draught of a declaration for Scotland I have long had by me, viz.; That the vassals of those who should appear against my forces, on a landing, should be freed of their vassalage, and hold their lands immediately of the crown, provided such vassals should declare for me, and join heartily in my cause. As this is my intention, I allow my friends to make such prudent use of it as they may think fit. "Before you get this, you will probably have received what was wrote to you from hence about the Scotch Episcopal Clergy, so that I need say nothing on that subject here, more than that I hope the steps taken by me will give satisfaction, and promote union in that body. It is a great comfort for me to see the gentlemen of the concert [? council] so zealous, so united, and so frank VOL. II, |
