Origins of the 'Forty-five : $b and other papers relating to that rising
History
Origins of the 'Forty-five : $b and other papers relating to that rising
Jacobite Rebellion, 1745-1746
But here let us stop and take a short View of the Army’s behaviour
whilst in England. It may be said, and is allowed even by the judgment
of our enemies, that never such an army could be expected to behave
as they did, giving the greatest marks of generosity to our enemies,
paying for what they had, and revenging or oppressing few or none; and
shewing to the World, that a noble design rather than either malice,
rapine or plundering, was at the bottom of our proceedings. But as I
may perhaps be suspected of partiality towards them, I shall refer
the Reader to what was acknowledged by one of our greatest enemies,
viz., one Parson Bissett in Aberdeen,[412] who was one of the heads
of the Presbytery, and much esteemed by his own party for his morals
and great talents as a preacher. This Gentleman, mounting the pulpit,
soon after we had left Aberdeen, and while Cumberland’s Army was there,
began his Sermon with a comparison betwixt us and those then in town,
saying: ‘When the Prince, as they call him, was here,[413] I made it my
business night and day to inspect their conduct, and observe their most
minute actions; and instead of finding subjects of complaint, I found
much to the contrary, and drew honey whence I thought it was not to be
extracted. I heard what they said and did; and I heard of no robbery,
of no ill towards the people: but since these men are come amongst
us, what is the secret that is not revealed? What is holy, that is not
polluted? What’s forbid, that’s not transgressed? and in fine, where is
God or Man obeyed? Here, cursing and blaspheming; there Drunkenness,
Whoredom and Debauchery are carried on in full career, and reign with
unlimited sway.’ So, going on in this strain, he concluded by telling
his auditors, that it was a shame to be out-done by us; that, in
punishment for their sins, nothing less than the curse of God could
fall upon them, and make instruments of us to punish them.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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