We will only remark that, in the closing years of the reign of George II., Jacobites, who had neither been harmless nor intended to remain so if opportunity favoured them, were allowed to live undisturbed. As Justice Foxley remarked to Ingoldsby, they attended markets, horse-races, cock-fights, fairs, hunts, and such like, without molestation. While they were good companions in the field and over a bottle, bygones were bygones. [Illustration: Scrollwork] [IllustrationL Decorative banner] CHAPTER XIV. (1744 to 1761.) [Illustration: Drop-A] subject of great interest in the life of Charles Edward presents itself to consideration in the alleged romantic, but particularly absurd, incidents of his various appearances in London, or England. These doubtful visits commence with the year 1744, and close with the no longer _young_ Chevalier’s supposed presence at the coronation of George III., 1761. In the former year, there was residing at Ancoats, near Manchester, Sir Oswald Mosley, who had been created a baronet by the Hanoverian king, George I., in 1720. At the end of nearly a quarter of a century, if common report do not lie, he seems to have been a thorough Jacobite, with Charles Edward for his guest, in disguise! The ‘fact’ is first recorded in Aston’s ‘Metrical Records of Manchester,’ in the following doggrel lines:―― In the year ’44, a Royal Visitor came, Tho’ few knew the Prince, or his rank, or his name―― To sound the opinions and gather the strength Of the party of Stuart, his house, ere the length Then _in petto_ to which he aspired If he found the High Tories sufficient inspired With notions of right, indefeasive, divine, In favour of his Royal Sire and his line. No doubt, he was promis’d an army, a host! But he found to his cost, it was all a vain boast; For when he return’d in the year ’45, For the crown of his father, in person to strive, When in Scottish costume at the head of the clans He marched to Mancunium to perfect his plans, The hope he had cherish’d, from promises made, Remains to this day as a debt that’s unpaid. [Sidenote: _CHARLES EDWARD IN MANCHESTER._] A foot-note states that the prince was the guest of Sir Oswald for several weeks, ‘no doubt, to see the inhabitants of Manchester and its vicinity, who were attached to the interests of his family.’