Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — Volume 2Scott, Walter
History
Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — Volume 2
Scott, Walter
Historical fiction; Jacobite Rebellion, 1745-1746 -- Fiction; Scotland -- History -- 18th century -- Fiction
I may remark on this extract, that it confirms the account given
in the text of the resistance offered by some of the English
infantry. Surprised by a force of a peculiar and unusual
description, their opposition could not be long or formidable,
especially as they were deserted by the cavalry, and those who
undertook to manage the artillery. But, although the affair was
soon decided, I have always understood that many of the infantry
showed an inclination to do their duty.
NOTE 9, p. 101
It is scarcely necessary to say that the character of this brutal
young Laird is entirely imaginary. A gentleman, however, who
resembled Balmawhapple in the article of courage only, fell at
Preston in the manner described. A Perthshire gentleman of high
honour and respectability, one of the handful of cavalry who
followed the fortunes of Charles Edward, pursued the fugitive
dragoons almost alone till near Saint Clement's Wells, where the
efforts of some of the officers had prevailed on a few of them to
make a momentary stand. Perceiving at this moment that they were
pursued by only one man and a couple of servants, they turned upon
him and cut him down with their swords. I remember when a child,
sitting on his grave, where the grass long grew rank and green,
distinguishing it from the rest of the field. A female of the
family then residing at Saint Clement's Wells used to tell me the
tragedy, of which she had been an eye-witness, and showed me in
evidence one of the silver clasps of the unfortunate gentleman's
waistcoat.
NOTE 10, p. 118
The name of Andrea de Ferrara is inscribed on all the Scottish
broadswords which are accounted of peculiar excellence. Who this
artist was, what were his fortunes, and when he flourished, have
hitherto defied the research of antiquaries; only it is in general
believed that Andrea de Ferrara was a Spanish or Italian
artificer, brought over by James IV or V to instruct the Scots in
the manufacture of sword blades. Most barbarous nations excel in
the fabrication of arms; and the Scots had attained great
proficiency in forging swords so early as the field of Pinkie; at
which period the historian Patten describes them as 'all notably
broad and thin, universally made to slice, and of such exceeding
good temper that, as I never saw any so good, so I think it hard
to devise better.'--Account of Somerset's Expedition.
It may be observed that the best and most genuine Andrea Ferraras
have a crown marked on the blade.
NOTE 11, p. 124
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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