mander-in-chief in Scotland for the time, for so many days as the commissioners or managers after-mentioned shall find the money subscribed for, sufficient to maintain and it is hereby declared, that we have instantly at our subscribing advanced the fourth part of the sum for which we have subscribed, which is deposited in the hands of whom we here nominate to be our treasurer: and it is also hereby provided and declared, that a competent number of managers shall be chosen and elected by us, in manner after-mentioned, for expending of the money according to the intent of these presents, and for giving such necessary directions and orders as shall be proper, from time to time, and that these managers shall forthwith, upon their election, be empowered to employ what part of the money in the hands of the said our treasurer, they shall think fit, for raising and maintaining the said men, and afterwards to order him to lay out and dispose of the remainder, by warrants under their, or the major part of their hands, to him directed, as emergency may require; with full power to them, in case they shall see a necessity for further advances to be made by us, to call for what moieties of the remaining part of our subscription-money they shall think fit, which we hereby oblige ourselves to pay to them, or their order, on demand. And it is further provided and declared by these presents, that such of us as do subscribe for --pounds sterling, or above, shall have a vote in the election of the said commissioners or managers, and that such of us as shall be so entitled to vote in the said election, shall determine the number of the said commissioners or managers, and appoint what part of them shall be a quorum, and give them general directions and instructions how to manage in that trust. Provided always, and it is hereby specially provided and declared, that our said treasurer shall, upon his acceptance, grant an obligation to be lodged in the hands of the said commissioners, to account to them for all the money he shall receive by virtue hereof, and to repay the several contributors according to the sums they shall advance, their proportions of what part thereof shall remain undisposed of, as soon as he shall be ordered so to do by the said commissioners. And, lastly, being sensible that it is our duty to be always on guard against the treasonable practices of these his majesty' restless enemies, we do hereby bind and oblige ourselves, that though God in his mercy should disappoint our fears, yet this association should stand in full force, in case of any attempt which may hereafter be made by the said pretender or his abettors against the person or government of his present majesty, king George, or the protestant succession in his royal family, and to make payment of what part of our subscription-money shall remain unexpended on this occasion, when demanded by the commissioners. In witness whereof, these presents, concerted at Edinburgh, the 1st day of August, 1715, being the first day of the second year of the auspicious reign of our sovereign lord George, of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, are subscribed by," &c. The other association consisted of those who were willing and able to fight, but, being unable to take the field at their own charge, were to receive pay. They signed an obligation, that upon the first notice of the chevalier's landing in any part of Britain, or upon advice of any insurrection, or appearance of his friends and abettors at home in a hostile manner, for the support and assistance of the chevalier, they would assemble and meet together with their best horses and furniture, whether for foot or horse service, according to their abilities, and to the best of their power to comply with and obey such orders as they should receive from the government, for the supporting of his majesty king George, his person and government, and in defence of their liberties, civil and sacred, against the chevalier and all his abettors. They issued the following circular letter :— Edinburgh, 1st August, 1715. Sir,-The certainty of a designed invasion, in favour of a popish pretender to the crown, being no longer doubted of, and the danger thereby threatened, as well to his sacred majesty king George, his person and government, as to all his good subjects, in their dearest and most valuable interests, being equally great, it comes to be the immediate duty of all who have any sincere regard to the true protestant religion, and the civil rights and liberties of mankind, to show a zealous concern for the preservation of these invaluable blessings, by exerting themselves to the utmost, in defence of his majesty's just right and title to the crown, and vigorously opposing all attempts that shall be made to disturb his government. For these ends, we, his majesty's faithful subjects in and about this city, have, under the countenance of those in authority here, cheerfully and unanimously engaged ourselves in a bond of association, to assist and support one another, in manner therein expressed and being also sensible how proper it is to encourage and stimulate others to so necessary a duty, we have thought fit to send a copy of our foresaid association to you, and many other parishes in Scotland, who, we hope, from the same motives contained in the preamble of our paper, will stir up themselves, in their several stations, to act with such resolution as becomes those who have their all at stake. The prize we contend for is liberty; it is essential to our very happiness. For how can we possibly retain our civil and religious rights, if we tamely submit to the yoke, and part with our liberty? Will not life itself be a burden, if all that is dear to us, either as men or christians, shall thus be lost, past all hopes of recovery? This consideration alone should rouse us from a fatal security, and our anxiety for liberty should daily increase in proportion to our danger, which is visibly hastening upon us, by the secret and open attacks of the restless enemies of our peace and happiness. Is it not then seasonable and honest thoroughly to consider our circumstances, and to let our enemies know that we are on our guard? We do, therefore, persuade ourselves, it will be the business of every honest man to look up with spirit, and do his utmost to maintain and defend our excellent constitution both in church and state, the sum of our present happy condition, which, by the blessing of God, nothing can make desperate but our own sloth and cowardice. Has not our good and gracious God hitherto made signal appearances on our behalf? Have not our eyes seen the salvation he hath wrought for us, time after time? Can we, without horror, remember the unparalleled cruelties we met with, when a popish interest and faction had the ascendant? Can we forget the remarkable deliverance God wrought for us, in breaking the yoke of their arbitrary and tyrannical government, by the great king William, in the late glorious revolution? Can we have forgot the goodness of God, in defeating the last attempt of this nature, in such a manner as left no ground to doubt but that God did then appear on our side? Or shall we ever cease to remember the seasonable and surprising interposition of heaven, in bringing his present majesty king George to the quiet and peaceable possession of the throne of these realms; and this at a time when our fears were so great, that nothing but a solid persuasion of the Lord God, his concerning himself for his own interest, kept up our spirits, and made us hope for relief? Why should we then despond? the same hand is not now shortened, that it cannot save; the same God we trust in, is both able and willing to rescue us from the imminent dangers that now threaten us, by the insurrection of a jacobite faction, and the invasion of a pretender to the crown, who has been educated in all the maxims of popish bigotry and French tyranny, and now comes against us with an army of Irish cut-throats, assisted (as we have no reason to doubt) by the grand enemy to the reformed interest in Europe, who hath imbrued his hands so much in protestant blood. It is, therefore, earnestly recommended to you, to further so good and necessary a work, as you cannot but be convinced the above-mentioned association must be at this time. Court the present opportunity, get all the honest hands to it you can, and then appoint your place of rendezvous, that you may be in readiness to come together when you hear of a landing. And let us have the satisfaction to know what happy progress you may make from time to time in this affair, addressing your letters to the secretary of our society, who by our order subscribes this to you. In the meantime, let us all be much employed in fervent prayer to God, that the great Jehovah, Lord of heaven and earth, may prosper and succeed all our endeavours for the preservation of our peace, and the security of our holy religion and civil rights, and that this God may bless and preserve his most sacred majesty, king George, in his royal person and government, and his protestant issue, to latest posterity. And to conclude, 'Let us be of good courage, and play the men for our people, and the cities of our God, and the Lord do that which seemeth him good." " In a few days a considerable sum was subscribed in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and other towns; and all ranks seemed eager to evince their loyalty. This loyal spirit seemed, indeed, to pervade all classes of society in Scotland, and the eagerness to associate spread rapidly through the country; but it was discouraged by the government in consequence of a suggestion which had been made to the king that collecting money and men in this way for a public perceiving frequent consultations among the purpose might be deemed an invasion of the jacobites, and movements among the highprerogative of the house of commons, which landers, they made every preparation necesalone can levy money for the service of the sary to resist their designs, each parish state. When, therefore, the associations exercising regularly with arms. Guards addressed his majesty, and offered him their were placed on the roads, to examine assistance, he expressed his satisfaction at strangers, search for letters, and cut off their zealous endeavours to aid the govern- the communications of the jacobites. In ment, but told them that their assistance one instance, Bell, of Minsca, a jacobite would not be needed, as he understood that gentleman, having insulted the guards at the chevalier had discontinued his prepara- Penpont, and refusing to stand when detions for invasion so soon as he had heard of sired by them, was shot through the leg; the precautionary measures for preventing it. which was the first affray, accompanied with The patriotism of the Scots was not the loss of blood, that happened in the checked by this repulse, and they did not cause of the pretender. About the end of desist from their preparations. The "asso- July, major James Aikman was sent thither ciate volunteers of Edinburgh," amounting from Edinburgh, accompanied by sir Thomas to four hundred men, practised daily in mili- Kirkpatrick of Closeburn, Mr. Gordon of tary exercises, and subscribed the following Earlstoun, and Mr. James Nimmo from bond:-"We, the subscribers, do hereby Edinburgh, to witness and direct the prepamutually promise and engage ourselves, to rations. They inspected several regiments stand by and assist one another, to the in Galloway, and such of those in Nithsdale utmost of our power, in the support and as were properly accoutred, at a review on defence of his majesty, king George, our Marjory Muir; after which, in co-operation only rightful sovereign, and of the protes- with Mr. John Pollock, minister of Glentant succession now happily established, carne, they convened a meeting at Closeagainst the pretender, and all open and burn, to make the necessary arrangements secret enemies; for the preservation and for the security of the country, and it was security of our holy religion, civil liberties, there unanimously agreed-" 1st. That each and most excellent constitution, both in parish be modelled into companies, and church and state." The other cities and proper officers chosen for that effect. 2nd. towns were not less active. At Glasgow, That each parish exercise twice or thrice which had always been distinguished for its a-week. 3rd. That upon the first advice of patriotism, a meeting of the council was the pretender's landing, each parish should held, and they resolved to order out the meet separately, in some convenient place, trained bands, and to double the guards. to concert what should be done either with The alarm was also communicated to Paisley, their horse or foot; and it was earnestly Greenock, Air, Kilmarnock, Irvine, Kilwin- desired that they should bring their arms ning, Saltcoats, Lanark, Hamilton, Strat- and ammunition with them to that place. haven, Rutherglen, and the villages adja- 4th. That upon the first notice of the precent, which were speedily put in a posture tender's arrival at Loch-ryon, Kirkcudbright, of defence, as they were exposed to the upon the borders, or in the Firth of Forth, incursions of the highlanders. The towns Sanquhar should be the place of rendezvous of Kilmarnock and Dumfries also showed for the western shires. 5th. That upon the their zeal in an especial manner. The enemy's landing in any of these places, all trained bands in the latter town were the horses and cattle should be driven from ordered out, and strong guards were con- the coasts into the country; and that a stantly kept. Seven companies, each of body of horsemen attend, to hinder their sixty effective men, were raised among the plundering the country. 6th. That there be inhabitants, who were commanded by the a party of light horse or foot in each parish, provost, and were excellently trained. A to unite with the neighbouring parishes in company of the younger classes was formed preventing the junction of the jacobites from the rest, under the title of the "com-with the French, to interrupt their commupany of loyal bachelors;" to prevent emulation among which, their officers were taken from the married men. The gentlemen, clergy, and people in Nithsdale and Galloway, were actuated by the same zeal, and nications, and harass their parties; and for this end, all roads leading to the enemy should be blockaded, and persons travelling towards them in arms secured. 7th. That all boats on the western coasts be secured, to prevent any communication with the French fleet, should they appear. 8th, and last. That our friends in every particular district fall upon ways and means to make these arrangements effectual." given to a select number of the inhabitants, under the command of proper officers, and distributed through the several wards of the town; and such was the zeal of the inhabitants of this place, that a hundred more On the 8th of August, the inhabitants of offered their services than could be supplied Kelso assembled in their church, and sub- with arms. They were reviewed by sir scribed the following agreement :-" We, William Bennet of Grubbet, and sir John | subscribers, do, by these presents, bind and Pringle of Stitchel. Thus, nearly all the oblige ourselves, by the blessing of God, to towns in Scotland, particularly those which assist and stand by one another, in defence were most exposed to invasion, exerted every of our lawful sovereign, king George, the nerve to render their religion and liberties succession of the crown happily established secure. Nor were individuals wanting in by law, and the protestant religion, in oppo- similar zeal. The earl of Glasgow, whose sition to a popish pretender, and all his seat was near the highlands, understanding abettors." Next day, Mr. Chatto, a magis- that certain clans were preparing to welcome trate, assisted by the neighbouring gentle- and join the chevalier, and perceiving that men, Mr. Ramsay the minister, and the the number of regular troops in the country principal inhabitants, concerted measures was inadequate to the threatened danger, for their mutual defence. Besides those offered to maintain a thousand men upon who were already armed, 120 muskets were his own expense. CHAPTER IV. THE REBELLION OF 1715. WHATEVER were, meanwhile, the preparations of the jacobites in Scotland, they seem not to have acted in concert, and to have been divided into two parties who were suspicious of each other. The first step towards uniting them was made by the earl of Mar, who, when he found all his advances at court treated with neglect, determined to revenge himself on his political opponents, the whigs, by entering into a close alliance with the pretender. He had received money from abroad, it was said as much as a hundred thousand pounds sterling, with letters and instructions in the chevalier's own hand, and he pretended to have a commission appointing him lieutenant-general and commander-in-chief of his forces in Scotland, although it is believed that the commission did not really arrive till after he had raised the banner of the Stuarts. To prevent detection, Mar embarked, on the 1st of August, in disguise, with majorGeneral Hamilton, colonel Hay, and two servants, on board a collier bound from the Thames to Newcastle, where he arrived on the 4th. A vessel was there hired of a man named Spence, which set them ashore at Ely, on the coast of Fife, whence they proceeded to Crail. Mar, on his arrival here, was joined by sir Alexander Erskine (lord lyon), and others of his friends, and they went forward to Kinnoul, in Perthshire, where they spent Wednesday, the 17th, and on the 18th, Mar passed the river Tay, about two miles below Perth, with forty horse, on his way to the north. Next day, he sent letters to all the jacobites round the country, inviting them to meet him at Brae-Mar, in Aberdeenshire, where ho arrived on Saturday, the 20th of August. A proof that Mar's measures were in some degree preconcerted, is found in the circumstance that on Saturday, the 6th of August, the jacobites of his party at Edinburgh were apprised of his movements. Even there, however, it was kept secret among the jacobites themselves, and only a few of the more trustworthy of their own party were made acquainted with it; but early on the morning of the 7th, captain John Dalzell, a half-pay officer, who had resigned his commission to the earl of Orkney, in order to enter the service of the pretender, was sent was resolved to unfurl his standard, and out to give the alarm to his brother, the summon all the fencible men of his own earl of Carnwath, then at Elliock; whence tenants, as he was determined to hazard his information was communicated to the earl life in the cause. He encouraged them by of Nisdale, lord Kenmure, and other friends the assurance that there would be a general in these parts; the earl went immediately insurrection throughout England in his and convened his friends, who repaired to favour; and that their "king" had already Lothian, giving out that they were going to received large supplies, and promises of furhunt in the north. Under this plausible ther assistance, from France, and several pretext, Mar assembled the chiefs of his continental states, who had stipulated, by party at Brae- Mar, on the 26th of August, treaty, to assist in deposing king George, where a number of noblemen and gentlemen and establishing the chevalier. He then assembled, among whom were the marquis of produced letters written by the chevalier Huntley, eldest son to the duke of Gordon; himself, from Lorraine, in which he prothe marquis of Tullibardine, eldest son to mised to come over, and trust himself to the duke of Athol; the earls of Nithsdale, the valour and fidelity of his Scottish subMareschal, Traquair, Errol, Southesk, Carn-jects, and assured them that ships, containwath, Seaforth, and Linlithgow; viscounts ing arms, ammunition, and military stores, Kilsyth, Kenmure, Kingston, and Stor- with officers, engineers, and volunteers, mount; the lords Rollo, Duffus, Drum- would be sent as soon as he was informed mond, Strathallan, Ogilvy, and Nairn; with what port would be most convenient for many chiefs of clans, among whom were their reception. He, at the same time, the two generals, Hamilton and Gordon, produced a commission, appointing him with the lairds of Glenderule, Auldbair, lieutenant-general, commander-in-chief, and Auchterhouse, and Glengarry. After the secretary at war, and concluded by stating hunting, the whole party were feasted, and that as he would be amply provided with in the sequel the earl of Mar addressed money to maintain an army, neither the them in a speech full of invectives against noblemen who might join this cause, nor the existing government. He said that, the country, would sustain any part of the though he had been instrumental in accom- expense. With these and similar arguplishing the union of the two kingdoms in ments, which he delivered in a very animated the late reign, yet now his eyes were opened, manner, Mar prevailed upon his auditors to and he saw his error, and would use every embrace his project, and they are said to exertion to make the Scots again a free have on the spot engaged by oath to remain people; that they should, in the event of true to each other, and to bring over their success, enjoy their ancient privileges, which friends and dependents to the design. After were, by the cursed union, surrendered to the meeting, they dispersed, each to his own the English, whose power to enslave them estate, to make arrangements for appearing was very great, while their design to do so in arms, so soon as they should receive the becoming daily more visible, in the mea- signal from the earl of Mar, who remained sures pursued by the government; that the on his own estate with only a few attendants. prince of Hanover, since he ascended the throne, had disregarded the welfare of his subjects and their religious interests, by making considerable encroachments on their liberties in church and state; and that the conduct of those at present entrusted with the administration of affairs, had aroused many to determine vigorously to defend their liberties and properties against the innovations of the courtiers, and to establish upon the throne of these realms the chevalier, who, he said, had the only undoubted right to the crown, had promised to hear their grievances, and would redress their wrongs. He then excited them to take arms for the chevalier, whom he spoke of as king James VIII., and told them that he The confederates were not allowed to wait long for this signal, for within a few days Mar summoned a general meeting at Aboyne, in Aberdeenshire, which was held on the 3rd of September, when he directed them to concentrate their forces without delay, and returning to Brae-Mar, he collected his own dependents, chiefly horse, and erected the standard of the Stuarts, at Castleton, on the 6th of September. This standard, supposed to have been made by the countess of Mar, was blue, having on the one side the Scottish arms wrought in gold, and on the other, the Scottish thistle, with the words "No union" beneath, and above, the ancient motto, "Nemo me impune lacessit." It had pendants of white ribbon, |