Origins Of The Forty Five And Other Papers Relating To That Rising

Origins of the 'Forty-five : and other papers relating to that rising

The collection 'Origins of the 'Forty-five: and other papers relating to that rising' compiles a series of historical essays and documents that meticulously explore the Jacobite uprising of 1745. This scholarly work delves into the socio-political context of 18th-century Scotland, elucidating the complex tapestry of loyalties, aspirations, and grievances that fueled the rebellion. Utilizing a mix of narrative styles and analytical discourse, the authors present a well-rounded examination of primary sources, including letters, pamphlets, and contemporary accounts, revealing the multifaceted motivations behind the uprising and its enduring significance in Scottish history. Assembled by a group of distinguished historians and literary figures, this volume draws on extensive research and personal narratives from both Jacobite supporters and their detractors. The contributors' backgrounds in Scottish studies, cultural history, and political science enrich the compilation, highlighting their commitment to preserving the legacies of those who fought for the Jacobite cause. These papers serve not only as a testament to the authors' academic rigor but also reflect their passion for elucidating a pivotal moment in Scottish heritage. Readers with an interest in Scottish history, rebellion narratives, or the intricate dynamics of political movements will find 'Origins of the 'Forty-five' indispensable. This book not only serves as a crucial entry point into the discussion of the Jacobite uprisings but also enhances our understanding of the complex social fabric of pre-industrial Scotland, making it a recommended addition to any scholarly library.

Origins of the Forty-five and Other Papers Relating to that Rising

James II. and VII. died on 5th September 1701 (16th Sept. N.S.), and immediately on his death LouisXIV. acknowledged his son as king, and promised to further his interests to the best of his power. The first opportunity of putting the altruistic intention of the King of France into operation occurred within a year of King James’s death, and the evil genius of the project was Simon Fraser, the notorious Lord Lovat. Lovat, whose scandalous conduct had shocked the people of Scotland, was outlawed by the courts for a criminal outrage, and fled to France in the summer of 1702. There, in spite of the character he bore, he so ingratiated himself with the papal nuncio that he obtained a private audience with Louis XIV., an honour unprecedented for a foreigner. To him he unfolded a scheme for a Stuart Restoration. He had, he said, before leaving Scotland visited the principal chiefs of the Highland clans and a great number of the lords of the Lowlands along with the Earl Marischal. They were ready to take up arms and hazard their lives and fortunes for the Stuart cause, and had given him a commission to represent them in France. The foundation of his scheme was to rely on the Highlanders. They were the only inhabitants of Great Britain who had retained the habit of the use of arms, and they were ready to act at once. Lord Middleton and the Lowland Jacobites sneered at them as mere banditti and cattle-stealers, but Lovat knew that they, with an instinctive love of fighting, were capable of being formed into efficient and very hardy soldiers. He proposed that the King of France should furnish a force of 5000 French soldiers, 100,000 crowns in money, and arms and equipment for 20,000 men. The main body of troops would land at Dundee where it would be near the central Highlands, and a detachment would be sent to western Invernessshire, with the object of capturing Fort William, which overawed the western clans. The design was an excellent one, and was approved by King Louis. But before putting it into execution the ministry sent Lovat back to obtain further information, and with him they sent John Murray, a naturalised Frenchman, brother of the laird of Abercairney, who was to check Lovat’s reports. It is characteristic of the state of the exiled Court, that it was rent with discord, and that Lord Middleton, Jacobite Secretary of State, who hated Lovat, privately sent emissaries of his own to spy on him and to blight his prospects. Lovat duly arrived in Scotland, but the history of his mission is pitiful and humiliating. He betrayed the project to the Duke of Queensberry, Queen Anne’s High Commissioner to the Scots Estates, and, by falsely suggesting the treason of Queensberry’s political enemies, the Dukes of Hamilton and Atholl, befooled that functionary into granting him a safe conduct to protect him from arrest for outlawry.

Origins of the 'Forty-Five, and Other Papers Relating to that Rising. Edited by Walter Biggar Blaikie