returns some day a millionaire and replaces it. Shortly
afterwards one of its paws followed the horn, then followed
the claws of the other. Willie Pow, we believe, could account
for the paws and the claws; and now it has but one poor stump
left to do battle with the elements. The exact height of this
piece of antiquity is from the ground to the top of the solid
masonry 12 feet; parapet 3 feet; the pillar 21 feet, and the
unicorn surmounting it 3 feet more; in all, 36 feet.
On coming down the curious little stair, one may observe two
recesses on the inside lintel of the door. Everyone lays hold
of this, in order to assist in his outward journey through
the narrow entrance. These holes in the stone are said to
have been actually worn in by the fingers of the visitors:
there is no mistaking the finger-marks.
" THE REAL CAUSE OF DISAFFECTION AMONG THE
HIGHLAND CLANS, AT THE 1715 REBELLION.
"The following, " says D. R. in that magazine, "is
a faithful copy of an address of 102 chief heritors and heads
of clans in the Highlands of Scotland, to King George I.,
on his accession to the throne; which, by court intrigue,
was prevented from being delivered to His Majesty. The consequence
was, that the clans, in resentment of this supposed neglect,
raised a rebellion in the following year, 1715. The Earl of
Mar was instrumental in procuring the signatures; but the
Duke of Argyll prevented its being presented. The original
address was in possession of the Earl of Mar at Antwerp, was
given to Mr Dundas forty years ago (1747), and was by him
communicated to the Society of Antiquaries, at Edinburgh,
who caused a few copies to be printed for the use of the members.
CHAPTER XXI.
THE BATTLE OF PRESTON.
Battle of Preston—Curious Account—The Real Cause, etc. —Court
Intrigue—Argyll—What led to it—James VIII. Proclaimed King—Argyll
at Sheriffmuir—The Prince in Disguise—Charles's Proclamation—£30,
000 offered for his Head—Cope's Arrival—£30, 000 offered
for King George's Head—Prince Charles at Edinburgh—At Fawside—At
Birslie—At Tranent—Before the Battle—Fight and Flight—Colonel
Gardiner—After the Battle—Curious Notes, etc. —Protest against
the Name of the Battle.
THE Battle of Preston was fought on the 21st September 1745,
and the rival forces were the disaffected High- land clans
under Prince Charles Edward on the one hand, and the Royal
troops under Sir John Cope, commander of the British forces
in Scotland, on the other. Where disaffection prevails, a
grievance, real or affected, is sure to be found. In the Gentleman's
Magazine, October 1787, we find: —
|