The Manchester Rebels of the Fatal '45Ainsworth, William Harrison
History
The Manchester Rebels of the Fatal '45
Ainsworth, William Harrison
Great Britain -- History -- George II, 1727-1760 -- Fiction; Jacobite Rebellion, 1745-1746 -- Fiction
The duke had warm friends in Secretary Murray and Sir Thomas Sheridan,
so that his position as first favourite was unassailable, certainly by
Lord George.
The duke, who was in the very prime of manhood, being only just turned
thirty, was grandson of the Earl of Perth, created duke by James the
Second on his retirement to France.
Nothing could be more striking than the effect produced by these clan
regiments as they marched through Salford on that morning, the
different hues of the plaids worn by each corps giving variety and
colour to the picture, while the sinewy frames, fierce countenances,
and active movements of the men inspired a certain feeling akin to
fear among the beholders, which the war-like notes of the bagpipe did
not tend to diminish.
The front ranks of each regiment were composed of gentlemen, whose
arms and equipments were superior to those of the others, causing them
to look like officers; but they had no rank. All the men were in good
spirits, and seemed as if victory lay before them.
Regiment after regiment marched over the bridge, with the sun shining
brightly on their picturesque dresses, and glittering on their
firelocks and arms--with their colours and pipes playing--bells
pealing, and spectators shouting loudly, producing a most
extraordinarily animating effect.
Scarcely less striking was it as the Highlanders marched through the
town and drew up in St. Ann's Square.
Completely filled by these clan regiments, the large area presented a
picture such as it has never since exhibited.
But a scene of a very different kind was being enacted at the same
time. While these armed men were gathering in front of the church, a
sad ceremonial took place in the churchyard.
A grave had been opened to receive the remains of a respected
inhabitant of the town, and the last rites were then being performed
by Mr. Lewthwaite, who proceeded as calmly as circumstances would
permit.
But other mourners than those expected gathered round the grave as the
coffin was lowered into it--Highland officers bare-headed, and
noticeable for their respectful demeanour.
The Highland regiments did not remain long in St. Ann's Square. Having
received their billets, the men were taken to their lodgings by the
quarter-masters. The artillery and baggage-waggons proceeded to Castle
Field, where a park was formed, and strongly guarded.
CHAPTER XI.
ARRIVAL OF THE SECOND DIVISION.
Multitudes of people still remained in Salford, patiently awaiting the
arrival of the prince with the second division of the Highland army.
All the inmates of Mrs. Butler's dwelling, which, it will be
remembered, was situated at the upper end of the main street, had
witnessed the march past of the first division. Even the invalid lady
herself, who had not quitted the house for a lengthened period, and
could not do so now without considerable risk, came forth to see the
young prince.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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