THE MEMOIRS OF Majr. _Alexander Ramkins_, A HIGHLAND OFFICER, Now in Prison at _AVIGNON_. BEING An Account of several remarkable Adventures during about Twenty Eight Years Service in _Scotland, Germany, Italy, Flanders_ and _Ireland_; exhibiting a very agreeable and instructive Lesson of Human Life, both in a Publick and Private Capacity, in several pleasant Instances of his Amours, Gallantry, Oeconomy, &_c._ _LONDON_: Printed for _R. King_ at the _Queen's-head,_ and _W. Boreham_ at the _Angel_ in _Pater-noster-row,_ 1719. Price _1s. 6d._ Stich'd, and _2s._ Bound. THE PUBLISHER TO THE READER _I Think it proper to inform the Reader that these Papers were deliver'd into my Hands by a near Kinsman of the Authors, who lately came from the Southern Parts of_ France. _His Design in imparting these Memoirs to me, was (as I quickly perceiv'd) to know my Sentiments of the Performance. It seems the Gentleman had been sour'd by_ French _Practises, and was willing that the World should be no longer a Stranger to what was the ground of his distast. The Author appears very well qualify d for his Task, and opens a Scene of Politicks which the good natur'd part of Mankind will scarce think human Race capable of. Those that are acquainted with the Person of Major Ramkins, assure me, that the late King fames never had a more active and diligent Servant, and that he was one never wanting in his Station. If I am of a contrary Opinion to the Publick in judging these Remarks worthy of the Press, 'tis what I do not at present find my self convinc'd of. One Benefit at least may be expected from 'em, that they will induce all true Britains to be cautious, and not imbark themselves in a foreign Interest for the future, if not for the sake of their Country, at least for their own Sakes. I will not anticipate the Contents, but only take the freedom to acquaint the Reader in General. That it will be one of the greatest Paradoxes in future Ages to read, that the Court of_ St. Germains _should have been a Sleep, and impos'd upon for Twenty Eight Years successively, unless their being trick'd by the greatest of Politicians, be a Circumstance to take off from the Surprize_. THE MEMOIRS OF _Alexander Ramkins, &c._