^ - .ci#%'V< / / / '" >r 'f ' NARRATIVES OF PERIL AND SUFFERING, BY R. A. DAVENPORT, AUTHOR OF " THE LIFE OF ALI PASHA," " HISTOBY OF THE BAST1LE," &C &C. ' Wherein I spoke of most disastrous chances, Of moving accidents by flood and field ; Of hair-breadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach ; Of being taken by the insolent foe, And told to slavery." SHAKSPKARB. IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. II. LONDON: PRINTED FOR THOMAS TEGG, 73, CHEAPSIDE. MDCCCXL. CONTENTS. MM THE WANDERINGS OF PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD .... I THE ADVENTURES OF THE CHEVALIER JOHNSTONK .... 47 THE ESCAPE OF J. J. CASANOVA FROM THE STATE PRISON OF VENICE 96 THE SUFFERINGS OF LUC* ANTONIO VITERBI 148 THE ESCAPE OF COUNT DE LAVALRTTE . 170 THE EXPULSION OF CORTES FROM MEXICO, ANO HIS RECON- (JUEST OF THAT CITY 208 THE SIEGE OF SZ1GET 265 THE SIEGES OF SANCERRE 270 THE SIEGES OF HAARLEM AND LEYDEN 278 DARING ENTERPRISES OF SPANISH TROOPS IN ZEALAND . . 309 THE SCALING OF DUNBARTON CASTLE . . 317 THE SURPRISAL OF THE FORT OF FECAMP 321 THE MARCH OF ALEXANDER THROUGH GEDROSIA .... 325 THK RETREAT OF THE SWEDISH ARMY FROM NORWAY . . 333 EXPLOSION AT HATRASS . 338 IV CONTENTS. PAGE EXPLOSION AT LEYDEN 342 EXPLOSIONS AT FILLING COLLIERY 348 FALL IN THE HURST PIT 359 INUNDATION OP THE BKAUJONC MINE 360 INUNDATION OP THE HEATON COLLIERY 364 INUNDATION OP THE BOW MONZIL MINK 369 THE INUNDATION IN THJt VAL DE RAONE 377 INUNDATION OP THE RHINE 390 INUNDATIONS IN HOLLAND 393 AVALANCHES, &C. IN SWITZERLAND, ITALY, AND THE CAUCASUS . 418 PERILOUS ENCOUNTER WITH A WOLP 441 THE SHIPWRXCX OP THE MEDCSA FRIGATE 444 NARRATIVES OF PERIL AND SUFFERING. PERILS AND SUFFERINGS OF CAPTIVITY AND FLIGHT, CONTINUED. THE WANDERINGS OF PRINCE CHARLES EDWARD. THE venturous attempt of Prince Charles Edward to recover the throne of his ancestors, may perhaps justly be regarded as one of the most remarkable instances of the kind, when we take into account the scantiness of his means at the outset, the progress which he made, the rapid succession of events, and the final reverse of fortune which prostrated his family for ever. Landing with only nine followers, he, in the course of nine short months, gained possession of the capital and part of the kingdom of his early progenitors ; utterly routed a veteran army at Preston Pans ; penetrated, in the depth of winter, nearly two hundred miles into England, and to within a hundred and twenty miles of its capital ; effected a retreat with his forces unbroken, in the face of two armies ; won another victory at Falkirk; and, lastly, sank under outnumbering enemies at " pale, red Cul- loden, where his hopes were drowned." When the battle of Culloden was irrecoverably lost, the prince, with a party of horse, chiefly composed of VOL. II. B NARRATIVES OF his counsellors ami friends, fled towards the river Nairn, which he crossed at the ford of Faille. Here, almut four miles from the scene of his disaster, he rested for a short time in a cottage, and held a sort of council. The result of the deliberation was, that the routed army should be assembled at Ruthven in Badenoch, while he himself should traverse the country for the purpose of rousing those chieftains who had hitherto hung back, and prevailing on them to bring their forces into the' field, in order to make another struggle against the ivi_';iing monarch. There was, indeed, some ground for believing that a stand might yet be made ; in the course of a day or two a great part of the defeated troops \ rallied under the Stuart banner at Iluthven, they held all the passes between Iluthven and Inverness, were more diminished in numbers than in courage, were soon reinforced by clans which had been on their march to join them before the fight of Culloden, and had the prospect of being strengthened by several clans which were absent on leave, and by others which dreaded tin- barbarity of the conquerors. But, influenced probaUy by his Irish counsellors, Charles seems to have lost all hope of accomplishing anything with his brave ltit irre- gular bands, and, accordingly, at the very moment when they were expecting his orders to take the field, he broke them up by the disheartening message that " every man must provide for his own safety in the best manner he could." This was, of course, the signal for a general flight. From the river of Nairn, meanwhile, Charles had con- tinued his course to Gortuleg, a seat of one of the Frasers. Wishing, in case of pursuit, to divide and mislead the enemy's parties, he is said to have directed the major part of the gentlemen around him to disperse upon different routes. At Gortuleg, Lord Lovat was then residing. This wily and unprincipled personage, PERIL AND SUFFERING. traitor alike to the cause which he really loved, and to that which he had long pretended to espouse, was driven almost to madness, when he heard that Charles was approaching as a hopeless fugitive. All the ruin which he had brought upon himself and his family now stared him in the face, and he broke out into the bitterest execrations, reproaches, and bewailings. Charles, whom, however, Lovat received with the outward tokens of respect, endeavoured to console him, by exciting a hope of better days ; " they had," he said, " had two days of triumph over the elector's troops, and he did not doubt that they should yet have a third." He at last succeeded, or seemed to succeed, in calming Lovat, and a discussion was entered into respecting his own future movements. Gortuleg was deemed too near to the royal army to be a safe abode for the princely fugitive ; and, therefore, after having rested for two hours, taken some trifling refresh- ment, and changed his dress, he continued his flight, accompanied by several of his confidential friends. It was ten o'clock at night when the prince and his followers quitted Gortuleg, to pursue their rugged and melancholy journey along the shore of Loch Ness. Invergarry, the seat of Macdonnel of Glengarry, a few miles beyond Fort Augustus, was the refuge which they were seeking. They reached it about five in the morn- ing, but there was no one to give them a hospitable reception. The furniture had been removed, there were no provisions, and a solitary domestic was the only person who remained in the mansion. All the fugitives were, however, so exhausted by a ride of forty miles, and the perturbed state of their minds, that they were glad to sleep upon the bare floor. They must have departed without satisfying their hunger, had not the servant of Alexander Macleod caught two salmon in Loch Garry, on which they dined ; to quench their thirst they had nothing but water. This was a foretaste 8 4 NARRATIVES OP of what the wanderer was destined to endure. At Invergarry ho dismissed all his adhere-nts, except Sul- livan, O'Niel, and Edward Burke, the servant of Macleod. The latter individual was to serve as his guide, and the prince now disguised himself in Burkc's clothes. A wearisome journey of seven hours brought the diminished party to Loch Arkeig, to the house of Donald Cameron of Glenpean, where Charles halted, so com- pletely worn out, that he dropped asleep while Burke was loosening his spatterdashes. In the morning he resumed his flight to the westward. He stopped at Newboll, where he was liberally entertained, and, for the first time in five nights, enjoyed sound repose. He had need of it to strengthen him for the toil which he was to encounter. In expectation of hearing from some of their friends, he vainly waited for a few hours on the following day ; but the fear of being overtaken by his enemies at last urged him forward. Hitherto he had travelled on horseback ; he was now compelled to give up that accom- modation, for the route lay over a chain of high moun- tains, where roads were unknown. The travellers crossed this almost inaccessible ridge, and in the evening reached the head of Loch Morrcr, at a place called Oban. A miserable hut, which was situated on the verge of a wood, and was occasionally used for sheep-shearing, was their shelter for the night. The next day, which was Sunday, was no sabbath-day for Charles. Accompanied by nis three adherents, he, with infinite difficulty, made his way over another range of steep and rugged mountains, and penetrated into the district of Aresaig, where he found a temporary refuge at the village of Glcnlwisdule. There he spent four days, and was joined by several of his fugitive partisans, among whom were Clanrpnald, Lock hart the younger of Carnwath, and ..'Eneas Macdonald. While he was staying PERIL AND SUFFERING. 5 there, he received a message from Lord George Murray, assuring him that the cause of the Stuarts was by no means hopeless, and imploring him not to quit the country. This message was backed by Clanronald and several others, who offered to build for the prince several summer huts in various extensive woods, near which a careful watch should be kept, and from the one to the other of which he could always remove, whenever cir- cumstances might require it. In the meanwhile, Clan- ronald and some of his trusty friends would visit the western islands, and secure a vessel, by which Charles might escape to France, should such a measure at last become necessary. But Charles turned a deaf ear to this advice; Sullivan had successfully laboured to impress him with a belief that lie would find a more safe asylum in the western islands than on the mainland, and thither he was obstinately bent upon going. The prince would not, perhaps, have tarried so long in Aresaig, had he not been waiting for one Donald Macleod, whom he expected from the Isle of Skye, to be his guide to the islands. He was convinced that he should meet with no mercy if he fell into the hands of his enemies, and he might reasonably fear, that the offer of thirty thousand pounds, formerly made for the seizure of him, and which was now more sedulously reproclaimed, would prove a temptation far too strong to be resisted by a weak or an avaricious mind. While he was labouring under these ap- prehensions, a false alarm was one day raised, that foes were approaching. An instant dispersion of the fugitives ensued. A neighbouring forest was the place to which Charles retired for security. While he was wandering there, he saw an aged Highlander coming towards him. On questioning the stranger, he found him to be the very Donald Macleod whom he was so anxiously expect- ing. " Then I am he who sent for you," exclaimed Charles ; " You see the distress I am in, and therefore I I'. NARRATIVES OF throw myself into your bosom ; do what you please with me ; I am your prince." Donald was so deeply affectrd, that for a while he could only reply by tears. At last, he replied that he was old, and he feared that he cnuM be of no great use to him, but that he would do \vlialcvrr was in his power. He added, that some of the hostile, party were not more than ten or twelve miles off, seeking for him, an 1 consequently it would be prudent to remove from Aresaig with as little delay as possible. By means of Clanronald,* an cight-oarcd open boat, was speedily obtained. Four pecks of oatmeal and a p't in which to boil their victuals when they landed, formed the whole of their stores. Charles had assumed the name of Mr. St. Clair, and Sullivan passed for his father. Maclcod, who had a long experience of the signs of the weather, foresaw that a storm was at hand, and endeavoured to persuade the prince to drfer his voyage till the morrow. But Charles, who thought that he had more to dread from his merciless enemies than from the raging elements, was determined to put instantly to sea. The crew of the boat were willing to l>in\ r tin- danger, and at twilight they accordingly pushed from land. The prediction of Macleod was soon verified. Scarcely had they got out to sea, when a terrible tempest arose, and the rain poured down in a deluge. Their situa- tion became perilous in the extreme ; they had neither compass to steer by, nor pump to discharge the water, and the night was pitchy dark, so that they were in utter ignorance of the course they were taking. On one side, the waves threatened every moment to swallow them up ; on the other, they ran the risk of being driven on the coast of Skye, where numbers of the militia were roam- ing about in quest of their proscribed passenger. The light of morning at length dawned upon them, and dis- pelled their terrors, by showing them a friendly shore. In nine or ten hours the wind had wafted them upwards PERIL AND SUFFERING. 7 of a hundred miles, and they found themselves off Ros- sinish point, the north-east corner of Benbecula, which forms one of the group called the Hebrides. With .joyful hearts the rowers ran the boat upon the beach, and landed with their passengers in safety. They took possession of a deserted cow-house without a door, and the prince helped to light a fire to warm the crew, who were almost perished with wet and cold. He also pur- chased a cow for thirty shillings, a part of which, and some meal, was put into the pot, to relieve their hunger. When he had partaken of this rude refreshment, he lay down upon the floor, covered by an old sail-cloth, and slept soundly. The storm, painful and alarming as it had proved, had, nevertheless, been beneficial to them ; as it had driven into harbour all the boats and small vessels, which were upon the look out for the wanderer, it being impossible, they thought, for any frail skiff to live in such a tremendous sea. The storm continued to rage for fourteen hours after the prince's landing, and it was not till the third day that they could safely put to sea. They were now bound to Stornoway, in the island of Lewis, where they meant to represent themselves as Orkney men, who had been wiecked upon the isle of Tiree, and wanted to hire a vessel, to convey them to their own country. Once being masters of the vessel, there would be nothing to prevent them from steering for France. Taking with them part of the cow which they had purchased, they set sail, on the 29th of April, for Stornow 7 ay, a voyage of about seventy miles. But they had not gone more than halfway when they were overtaken by a storm, which compelled them to put into the little island that bears the double name of Glass and Scalpa. This island be- longed to a hostile laird, and they were consequently obliged to appear under their borrowed character of ship- wrecked merchantmen. They fortunately fell in with 8 NARRATIVES OF one Donald Campbell, a farmer, a partisan of the Stuarts, who hospitably entertained them, and li-ut his own l>oat to Donald Macleod, that he might proceed to Stornoway, and hire a vessel for the prince. Charles, meanwhile, remained in the farmer's house. In tho course of a few days, Donald having sent word that he had engaged a vessel, the prince and his friends set sail for Stornoway. Stress of weather, how- ever, soon compelled them to land in Loch Seaforth, whence they had to travel thirty miles, over a wet and trackless moor. The distance was increased by the stupidity of their guide, who led them several miles out of their way. It was not till the next day at noon that they reached Arnish, about half-a-mile from the town. From that place Charles sent a messenger, to desire that Donald would send them some food, as they were almost starving. Donald himself came with the provisions, and then took the prince to the house of Mrs. Mackenzie of Kildun, where he was to take up his abode for the night. He then went back to Stornoway, to prepare for their embarkation. When Donald returned to Stornoway, he found it all in commotion. The townsmen were fully convinced that the prince was at hand with five hundred men, and meant to burn tho town, take away their cattle, and seize upon a vessel, to carry him to France. The origin of this commotion is variously related ; by some the cause of it is said to have been a letter, sent from South Uist by a prcsbyterian clergyman, communicating the terriMt; intelligence of the wanderer's design ; by others it is ascribed to want of prudence in Donald, who had behaved in a manner to excite suspicion, and had confirmed that suspicion, by offering to purchase the vessel at a high price, on the owner refusing to abide by his original agreement. Be that as it may, it is certain that the townsmen were in a violent state of excitement. Had PERIL AND SUFFERING. 9 the prince been among them, which he would have been but for his having been delayed, there can be no doubt that they would have proceeded to extremities against him. It was in vain that Donald protested the prince |iad no forces, nor any wish to injure them if he had the means. All he could gain by his eloquence was a de- claration that they had no desire to hurt the prince, provided he would depart ; but they positively refused to furnish him with a pilot, or to lend him any assist- ance whatever. With this disagreeable intelligence Donald went back to Kildun. Some advised the prince to fly to the moun- tains ; but, being wisely of opinion that flight would tempt pursuit, he rejected this advice. To set off im- mediately by water was impossible, for two of the boat- men, in a fit of panic, had fled into the country, and the other two had put out to sea with the boat. The remainder of the day they were therefore compelled to spend at Mrs. Mackenzie's, in momentary expectation that some sinister occurrence would happen. Their feara were relieved in the morning, by the return of the two men with the boat, and they delayed not a moment in making ready for their flight. They had part of a cow, which they had purchased at Kildun, and this, with two pecks of oatmeal, a lump of butter, and some brandy and sugar, formed the stores for their voyage. The hasty meal which they took before their departure was prepared by the prince himself ; it consisted of a cake, made of oat- meal, and the brains of the cow, and baked upon a stone before the fire. On the morning of the 6th of May they left this in- hospitable shore. It was the wish of the prince to steer for the Orkneys, but the boatmen were averse from venturing to such a distance, and it was resolved to take a southerly course. Danger was on all sides of them. The government was aware that Charles was wandering 10 NARHATIVES OF among' the Hebrides, and the coast was consfc|ucntly swarming with English ships, in \\.iit t<> intercept him. Before they had proceeded far, the sight of four vessels drove them to take shelter in the small island of Eiurn or Iffurb, a little to tin- north of Scalpa. This island was inhabited by a few fishermen, who, seeing the vessels and the boat, concluded that the hitter wiis conveying a pressgang, and were so alarmed that they made the best of their way into the ulterior. Here Charles staid for four days, lodging in a wretched hovel, the dilapidated roof of which they covered with a sail-cloth, and partly subsisting on the fish which the fishermen had spread upon the rocks to dry. Charles would have left some money in payment for the fish, had not the politic Donald suggested that this would prove they were not a press- gang, and excite an idea that persons of consequence had been there. An attempt to land on Scalpa was frustrated by four fellows laying hands upon the boat the moment it touched the beach ; a circumstance which induced them to push out to sea. The wind fell, and they had to row all night, though almost fainting for want of food. In the morning they again hoisted their sail. During this day they had nothing to eat but a mixture called drammock, made of oatmeal and salt water, for of fresh water they had none. This unpalatable composition the prince is said to have eaten with apparent relish. It was washed down with a glass of brandy. Twice, in their way to Benbecula, they were chased for miles by English ships, from one of which they could escape only by running among the rocks, near Roundil point, on the island of Harris. Soon after the prince had landed a storm arose, which blew his pursuers off the coast ; on which he exultingly exclaimed, that Providence pro- tected him, and would baffle all the designs of his enemies. Subsistence being a primary object, the boatmen im- PERIL AND SUFFERING. 11 mediately began to search among the rocks for shell-fish. One of them caught a crab, and joyfully held it up to the prince, who seized a bucket and joined in the hunt. The bucket was filled by their conjoint exertions, and Charles, in spite of the remonstrances of his followers, persisted in carrying it for two miles, till they came to the hut where they were to reside. The door-way of this small and dirty hovel was so low, that they were obliged to creep in on their hands and knees. This mode of entrance being by no means pleasant, Charles ordered that a part of the soil round the door should be dug out. From this goodly abode the prince despatched Donald to the mainland, with letters to Lochiel and se- cretary Murray, desiring a supply of money, and in- formation as to the state of affairs. The arrival of Charles being made known to the old laird of Clanronald, who had taken no part in the out- break, that gentleman hastened to him, with wine, provisions, shoes, stockings, and shirts ; the last was not the least acceptable of these articles, the linen of the prince having by this time become " as dingy as a dish- clout." The wearer himself was in very indifferent plight ; his spirits were good, but he had begun to suffer corporeally from his toils and privations ; his frame was emaciated, his countenance was haggard. To better in some small degree the condition of his guest, Clanronald removed him to a secluded hut, called the forest-house of Glencorrodale, in the island of South Uist, so situated that, in case of alarm, its inmate could take either to the mountains or the sea. Thither Charles was accompanied by several of his friends ; and twelve of Clanronald's dependants were stationed near his retreat, to serve as guards, guides, or messengers. In this place Charles enjoyed the luxury of having two cow-hides, stretched upon four sticks, suspended over his couch, to shield him from the weather. Here he remained for three weeks, 12 NARRATIVES OF amusing himself with hunting, shooting, and fishing, and sometimes enjoying the society of old Clanronald and his brother Boisdale. \Vhili- the prince was here, Donald returned empty-handed, as far as regarded money ; Murray having told him that he hod only sixty louis- d'or for himself, and could spare nothing for his ma Donald, however, had not forgotten to purchase and bring back a couple of ankers of brandy. The situation of the prince in South Uist was one of comparative comfort. But it was too pleasant to last. His indefatigable pursuers were dogging him closely, and ho had no alternative but flight or destruction. They had girdled the whole coast of the Hebrides with vessels of all sizes, and the military had orders to sweep the chain of islands from end to end, and leave no corner uncxamined. Even the remote island of St. Kilda, whose inhabitants lived in a profound ignorance of war and politics, had been rigorously searched. Already, troops had been landed in Barra and other neighbouring isles, and were preparing to overrun South Uist. Charles, therefore, sought refuge in the petty islet of Wia, was scared from thence by his advancing foes, and found shelter for a few days on the banks of Loch Boisdale, after having encountered a storm and some hostile cruisers. At Loch Boisdale he parted from all his friends, except Colonel O'Niel ; after which he removed to a lint near the sea-shore, about a mile from Clanronald's mansion. The moment at length arrived when to remain on South Uist was impossible, the king's troops being on the advance from both extremities of it. Yet how were the means of escape to be procured ? They were fur- nished by a woman ; one whose memory will be honoured as long as courage and compassionate feeling can claim the respect of mankind. There was then visiting at Clanronald's seat a lady, nearly related to him, named Flora Macdonald, whose father-in-law commanded one of PERIL AND SUFFERING. . 13 the militia detachments which were searching South Uist. " She was about twenty-four years of age, of a middle stature, and a very pretty, agreeable person, of great sprightliness in her looks, and abounded with good sense, modesty, gentleness, and humanity." In the hope that she might render them service, O'Niel narrated to her the sufferings and imminent danger of the prince, and her womanly pity was excited by the mournful tale. She had an interview with Charles, and consented to convey him to Skye, dressed as her female servant. Under pretence of wishing to see her mother, who was in Skye, she next obtained from her unsuspecting father-in-law a passport, for herself, her male attendant Mac Echan, and her Irish maid Betty Burke. Flora seems to have felt a mischievous pleasure in trying how far she could play upon her step-father ; for, on the plea of her mother having a large quantity of flax in store, she actually prevailed upon him to give her a letter, recommending the supposititious Betty Burke as an admirable spinner. The plan was communicated to Lady Clanronald, who cordially concurred hi it. Attire suitable for the assumed character of the prince was provided by ^the two ladies. It consisted of a coarse cotton gown, with purple flowers upon a white ground, a light-coloured quilted petticoat, and a mantle of dun camlet, made after the Irish fashion, with a hood to it. These articles they carried to the hut where Charles was hidden. When they entered, they found him busied in roasting the liver and heart of a sheep upon a wooden spit, and were much affected by seeing him reduced to this neces- sity. The prince, who felt that his dignity was not at all compromised, made light of the matter, and remarked that " the wretched to-day may be happy to-morrow." He added, in a more serious tone, that " it would be well if all who were born to greatness had a little of the same experience that he had." They then sat down to dinner; 14 NARRATIVE*! OF the prince placing Lady Clanronald on his left hand, and Flora on his right. While they were at their meal, a servant came in haste, to warn Lady Clanronald that Captain Ferguson, with a party of soldiers, was at her house, in quest of the prince. She therefore returned to her home. A boat had been secured, to convey Charles to Sk\ , and he now began to prepare for his voyage, by putting on his female apparel. This being completed, he pro- ceeded with Flora towards the beach, and joined the boat's crew. Being wet, and having to wait some time before they could depart, a fire was lighted to dry them. But they had not been long there, when they were startled by the sight of four cutters, full of armed men, sailing along near the shore. The fire was hastily extin- guished; they concealed themselves among the heather; and their enemies passed by without being aware of them. About eight in the evening, on the 28th of June, tin y quitted South Uist. After they had sailed some distance, the wind rose, and the sea began to swell. Charles, who saw that his companions were ill at ease, did his best to enliven them, by singing pleasant songs, and telling merry stories. At day -break, a wide expanse of water alone was visible, and, the wind having often veered about in the course of the night, they knew not when- they were. In a short time, however, the hills of Skye came in sight; and, unconscious of the danger which awaited them there, they made for the point of Water- nish, which projects from the north-west corner of that island. They had come within musket-shot of the land, before they perceived that it was covered with soldiers. Hastily reversing their course, they plied their oars vigorously, regardless of the threats of the soldiers. The threats were followed by volleys of musketry ; the balls whizzing around the boat on all sides. In this critical PERIL AND SUFFERING. 15 situation the courage and coolness of the prince remained unshaken. He had but one fear, and that was for his deliverer. He earnestly entreated Miss Macdonald to lie down in the bottom of the boat to avoid the bullets ; but, with a Spartan firmness, she replied, that she came there to save his life, not to look to her own, and that she should blush to shrink from danger, and leave him exposed to it. Nor, though the shots were thickly fall- ing about them, could he prevail on her to follow his advice, till he himself consented to take the precaution which he recommended. By dint of strenuous exertion they at length got to a safe distance, and, happily, no one was hurt. Flora, however, was so worn out by fatigue and anxiety, that she dropped asleep in the bottom of the boat. The prince covered her up care- fully, and sat by to watch, lest any of the crew should chance to disturb or hurt her. Their landing was effected at Kilbride, near Mage- stad*, the seat of Sir Alexander Macdonald. It was to Magestad that the prince and his guide were bound. Sir Alexander, and most of the other lairds of Skyc, were, indeed, ostensibly well affected to the existing govern- ment, and seemed to lend it a cordial support ; but their prejudices, and perhaps their affections, were on the side of the Stuarts. Sir Alexander himself was with the Duke of Cumberland ; yet it was to his wife, Lady Margaret, that Flora had confided her secret, and looked for assistance. Having placed Charles in safety, Flora proceeded, with her attendant Mac Echan, to Magestad. The house was full of British officers. She contrived, never- theless, to have a private interview with Lady Margaret, * The name of this place is spelt in various ways MogstoJ, Mungestod, Mugstot, Mugstat, Moydhstat, and Magestad. It appears under the latter form in Faden's Map of* Scotland. I suspect, nevertheless, that Movdhstat is the correct spelling. 16 NARRATIVES OF in which it was settled that the prince should go, for the present, to the house of Macdonald of Kingsburgh, the steward of Sir Alexander, who chanced to be tin n at the family mansion. Kingshurgh was speedily despatched to the prince, who, on hearing his approach, rushed out from his concealment with a large knotted stick, and stood on the defensive till Kingsburgh explained the purport of his mission. Charles and his conductor then journeyed on towards the house of the latter, which was several miles off. Unaccustomed as yet to his disguise, the prince was more than once in danger of betraying his sex. " I never saw such a tall impudent jaud in my life," exclaimed a girl; " see what Inug strides she takes, and how her coats wamble about her 1 I daur say she's an Irish woman, or else a man in woman's clothes." Sometimes, instead of curtsying, he bowed to those who greeted them on the road. In fording a stream, he raised his petticoats far higher than was seemly in a woman, and when this error was pointed out to him, he remedied it by the still worse mistake of allowing them to float on the water. " Your enemies call you a pre- tender," said Kingsburgh, " but if you are one, I must say that you are the worst at your trade I ever met with." On the road they were joined by Flora, who at first had taken another route on horseback, and the party reached Kingsburgh's house at eleven at night. His wife was gone to bed, and she sent down a welcome t<> the guests, and an apology for not rising. She little thought who one of her guests was. Her daughter, who was seven years old, now ran up to her, declaring that her father " had brought 'a very muckle ill shaken up wife as ever she had seen ; ay, and had ta'en her into the hall too." The child was followed by Kingsburgh, who told his wife that she must get up and entertain the company. The lady obeyed, and in the mean time sent PERIL AND SUFFERING, 17 her daughter to fetch the keys, which had been left in the hall ; but the timid girl returned without them, saying, that she could not go in, " because the muckle woman was walkin' up and down the hall, and she was afraid of her." The mother was obliged to go for them herself, received from the formidable guest the customary salute on entering the room, and was sadly discomposed by feeling the roughness of a male cheek. Suspecting that it was some distressed gentleman in disguise, she questioned her husband as to the name of the person, arid whether he was likely to know what was become of the prince. " It is the prince himself, my dear," replied Kingsburgh. Warm as her feelings were towards Charles, this abrupt intelligence alarmed her. " The prince !" exclaimed she, " then we are ruined ; we will a' be hanged noo ! " Kingsburgh succeeded in quieting her fears, and desired her to bring some eggs, and butter and cheese, for supper. The idea of presenting such a supper quite overthrew her again ; for she could not imagine the possibility of a prince condescending to sup upon anything so homely as butter, cheese, and eggs. This difficulty being removed, by an assurance that Charles had lately lived upon much worse fare, another arose out of his telling her that she must come to table. " / come ! : ' said the astonished dame; " I ken naething of how to behave before Majesty !" At last her terrors and scruples were dispelled, and the party sat down to their repast ; the prince placing her on his left and Flora on his right. When the ladies had with- drawn, Charles took out a short dingy pipe, and began to smoke; a practice to which, he said, the toothache had compelled him to have recourse in his wanderings. This pipe was known among his friends by the name of " the cutty ;" an Irishman would call it a dtideen. While the prince was enjoying his cutty, Kingsburgh brought forth a small china bowl, in which he mixed VOL. n. c 18 NARRATIVES OP some toddy ; and so palatable was the liquor that l>o\vl followed bowl, and the host and his guest sat quall'iim and familiarly conversing for several hours. Though loth to seem inhospitable, Kingsburgh was at last obliged to hint at the necessity there was that the prince should retire to rest, in order to be prepared for the fatigue of the morrow. Charles, however, good-humouredly insisted on another supply of toddy, and, seeing Kingsbur-h take up the bowl to put it away, he seized upon it to prevent him. Both held the bowl fast, and in their amicable scuffle it broke asunder, -each of them retaining' a portion of it. The destruction of the bowl put an end to the debate, and they retired to their beds*. Charles, who, as he himself said, had almost forgotten what a good bed was, enjoyed his couch so inm-h, that he slept for ten hours, and would have slumbered longer had not his host roused him up. It was necessary that he should depart without delay. A change of dress was also requisite, and accordingly " a short coat and waist- coat, a philibeg and short hose, a plaid, a wig, and a bonnet," were provided for him. As, however, it would not be prudent to shift his attire in Kingsburgh 's house, no other alteration was at present made than substituting new pair of shoes for those which he wore, and through which his toes were peeping. Kingsburgh carefully tied the cast-off shoes together, and hung them up, declaring that they might yet be of great service to him. " How BO?" asked the prince ; to which his host replied, that he would come, when his guest was firmly settled in St. James's, and sliake them at him, to bring himself to his recollection. Koasay, an island between the mainland and Skye, * The habit of inebriety, which was a stain upon the latter years of this unfortunate prince, originated, perhaps, in the necessity of resorting to the use of spirits, when ho was worn with toil, and suffer- ing from wet and cold, during his wanderings in Scotland. PERIL AND SUFFERING. 19 was the place which was chosen for the prince's asylum, and he was to proceed thither from Portree, a small town on the eastern shore of Skye. To procure a seaworthy boat was a matter of some difficulty ; it would not be prudent to confide in a Portree crew, and all the boats in Raasay had been destroyed, except two, which were in the possession of Malcolm Macleod, a partisan of the Stuarts. This obstacle was, however, surmounted by the contrivance of one Donald Macleod. Knowing that there was a little boat in a neighbouring lake, he pro- cured assistance, dragged it across a highland mile of land, which was half bog, half precipice, and ventured in it to Raasay. He returned speedily, bringing with him Malcolm Macleod, his boat, and two stout boatmen. At parting from his hostess, who had lost all her dread of being hanged, and who was full of enthusiasm for him, Charles received her mull, or snuff-box, as a keepsake, and allowed Flora to cut off a lock of his hair, which the ladies shaved between them. The prince, Flora, and Kingsburgh, now set off for Portree. When they had gone far enougli from the house, Kingsburgh took the prince into a wood ; there Charles resumed his mascu- line appearance, and was himself again. They then went on to Portree, and found that the boat was wait- ing for them within half a mile of the town. Here, at the inn, Charles took a grateful and affectionate leave of the high-minded Flora, to whom he presented his mi- niature, with a request, that she would ever preserve it for his sake. Kingsburgh attended him to the water- side, and they embraced and wept when they parted*. Charles landed in Raasay early in the morning of * Miss Macdonald, Macleod, and Kingsburgh, were arrested goon after : the lady and Malcolm were conveyed to London ; and Kingsburgh was taken first to Fort Augustus, and stfbsequently to Edinburgh Castle. After having been imprisoned for more than twelve months, they were all set at liberty. c2 L''> NARRATIVES OF the first of July. There was but sorry accommodation for him in his new place of abode. Nearly all the houses liad Wn burned by the soldiery, and he was obliged to put up with a poor hovel, which some shepherds lind lately built A bed was made for him of heath, with the bloom uppermost. For provisions they were toler- ably well off, as the young laird of llaasay brought them i kid and a lamb, concealed in his plaid. Cause for ap- prehension soon arose. There was a man in the island who had ccrnc there a fortnight before, for the purpose of selling a roll of tobacco. The tobacco had long been sold, and yet he continued to stray about, without any apparent business to detain him. In such times, the natural conclusion was that he was a spy. He having chanced to Approach the hovel, Malcolm, Murdoch, and young Raasay determined, without hesitation or inquiry, to shoot him. The prince was shocked, and he strongly remonstrated against murdering a person who probably was innocent. John Mackenzie, who was on watch at the door, heard him, and remarked, in the Erse lan- guage, " He must be shot you are the king, but we are the parliament, and will do as we please." On the re- mark being translated to Charles, lie laughed heartily, and called him a clever fellow. The stranger, mean- while, went on without noticing them, and thus escaped an otherwise inevitable death. It is prolwble tliat this incident induced the prince to remove from llaasay, after having been there only two days. He desired to be conveyed back to Skye, and the whole party consequently set sail, on the evening of the third. The wind soon rose alarmingly, and the boat -hij'jiod so much water, that his companions declared they had better return. Charles, however, opposed their wish; telling them that Providence, which had brought them through so many perils, would preserve him for a nobler end than being drowned. To divert PKRIL AND SUFFERING. 21 their attention from the gale, he sang them a merry Erse song, and then took his turn in assisting Malcolm to bale out the water, which often threatened to swamp the boat. It was eleven at night when they arrived at Scorcbreck, in the Isle of Skye. To reach the land they were obliged to jump into the sea, and the prince was one of the first to make the plunge, and help to haul the boat ashore. Wet and hungry, they spent the night in a cow-house, without food, or fire. In the morning, Charles parted from all his compa- nions but Malcolm. As soon as they were alone, he told him that he wished to be conducted to that part of Skye which belonged to the laird of Mackinnon. Mal- colm represented the danger, but Charles replied, that there was nothing now to be done without danger. "You," added he, "shall be the master, and I the man;" and he immediately began to assume the character, by strapping their linen bag over his shoulders, and changing his own vest, which was of scarlet tartan with gold twist buttons, for Malcolm's, which was of a plainer kind. Thinking this not sufficient, he afterwards took off his wig, tied a dirty napkin round his head, under his bon- net, stripped the ruffles from his shirt, removed the buckles from his feet, and made his friend fasten his shoes with strings. He was also .careful to touch his bonnet when his nominal master spoke to him while any one was passing by. They set out in the evening, and" travelled all night. The journey was long and weari- some ; more than thirty miles, over hill, heath, and morass. In walking, Charles was more than a match for his companion, and he declared that, provided he was not within musket-shot, he would have no fear of being captured by English soldiers. Malcolm asked him what they should do if they were taken by surprise. '' Fight, to be sure," replied the prince. Malcolm said that, if their assailants did not exceed four in number, he thought NARRATIVES OF lie could manage two of them, and Charles promised to IK; answerable for the two that fell to his share. Yet they were in no favourable condition for lighting, wearied us they were, and having had no food for several hours ; their only refreshment hud been a little brandy, with water from tin- spring, the last glass of which Charles insisted that Malcolm should drink, as he himself could do without it. Their tedious journey ended at Ellagol, near Kilmarie, ia the south-west corner of the island. Malcolm had a sister living there, whose husband, John Mackinnon, hud l>ecn a captain in the prince's army, and might therefore U- trusted. Mackinnon was from home, but his wife received them kindly. Charles was introduced to her as his servant Louis Caw, who had fallen ill on the road. At table, Malcolm desired Louis to sit down with them, as there was no company ; an invitation which the seem- ing servant accepted, with a well-acted show of thank- fulness and humility. According to Highland custom, water was brought in after dinner, to wash the feet of the guests. The old crone who brought it, having washed Malcolm's feet, he requested her to perform the -.inn- office for his attendant. Her Highland blood was fired by what she thought an insult, and she warmly ex- claimed, with a Gaelic redundancy of speech, " Though I have washed your father's son's feet, why should I wash his father's son's feet ? " She was at last prevailed on to do it as an act of humanity, but her humanity was displayed with a very ill grace. She rubbed Charles so roughly that he complained. Instead of an apology, however, he was greeted with, " Filthy fellow, it ill be- comes the like of you to murmur at anything my father's daughter could do to you ! " The next morning he gave her fresh offence. Having taken but two hours' rest, he had long been up, and was dandling Mrs. Mackinnon's infant, when Malcolm, who had only just risen, come PERIL AND SUFFERING. 23 into the room, and expressed his surprise at seeing him so actively engaged, and so little affected by the previous fatigue. " Who knows," said the prince, " but this boy may hereafter be a captain in my service?" This re- mark must, under the apparent circumstances, have sounded strangely to the testy dame, and it is no wonder that she corrected him, by saying " Or you rather an old serjeant in his company ! " Mackinnon now returned, and was delighted to hear that the prince was under his roof Charles was resolved to go to the mainland, and it was settled that Mackin- non should go to his chief, ard hire a boat for that pur- pose ; without, however, letting him into the secret. But John had not the retentive faculty, and, in the fulness of his heart, he made everything known to the laird. The old chief, who was a warm friend of the Stuarts, directly ordered out his boat, and set off with his wife to welcome the prince. He carried with him some wine and provisions, and the whole party partook of them in a neighbouring cave. There it was arranged, that the old laird and Mackinnon should conduct Charles to the mainland ; Malcolm being left behind to mislead the enemies in case of their pursuing. After smoking a pipe with Malcolm, giving him a silver stock-buckle, .and "the cutty" as tokens of remembrance, and com- pelling him to receive ten guineas to bear his expenses while hiding, Charles bade him an affectionate farewell, and departed, late in the evening, from Skye. Two English ships were in sight, bearing down in this direc- tion ; but he insisted on proceeding ; being convinced, he said, that Providence would protect him. The wind soon veering round, the ships stood upon another tack, and he passed unseen. The voyage, which was of thirty miles, was tempestuous. The roughness of the weather proved eventually to be a favourable circumstance ; for it pre- vented them from being stopped by a boatful of soldiers, 24 NARRATIVES OF who hailed them. Charles landed, on the morning of the 5th of July, at Little Mallag, on the southern shore of Loch Nevish. The coast of the western part of Inverness-shire, on which the prince landed, is intersected by several lochs or inlets of the sea, which indent the country deeply ; thus forming a series of alternate inlets and peninsulas. Passing from north to south, we find the lochs of Duich, Houm, Nevish, Morrer, Aylort, and Ranach, of which the last two are united, and Moydart and Shell, which also communicate with each other. Taken in the snmu order, the peninsular districts between them are denomi- nated Glenelg, Knoydart, Morrer, Arasaig, and Moy- dart. They are wild and mountainous, varying in breadth from live to ten miles, and the hills which com- pose them join, or rather are ramifications from, a moun- tainous chain, which runs north and south, from Loch Shiel into Ross-shire. Over this chain pass the roads, which in those days were merely paths, from the sea- coast to Glengarry, Glenmorrison, and other glens, ter- minating to the eastward at the great line of lakes which insulates the north of Scotland. The return of Charles to the mainland was speedily known by his enemies, and measures were taken to hunt him down, before he could quit the circumscribed dis- trict which has just been described. If they could con- fine him within its limits, there was a great probability that he would fall into their hands ; or, it he again sought shelter in the neighbouring islands, that he would be captured by the British cruisers. To prevent his escape from the circle, a chain of strong posts was formed along the mountain range, extending from the head of Loch 1I-. urn to the head of Loch Shell. The posts were connected by sentinels, stationed within sight of each other. Not a traveller was suffered to pass during the day without a rigid examination. At night, large PERIL AND SUFFERING. 25 fires were lighted at the posts, and the sentinels were kept in constant motion, crossing from one fire to the other, so as to leave no space untraversed throughout the whole extent of the line. For three nights after his return to the mainland, Charles and his party slept in the open fields. Two of the fugitives were then sent in search of a cave, for an abode, and, in the meanwhile, the prince, with four com- panions, rowed up Loch Nevish. As they were round- ing a point, they were discovered and pursued by a boat, which was full of militia. The fugitives, however, plied their oars so vigorously, that their pursuers were soon left too far behind to think of continuing the chase. After a short stay at Mallag, they crossed the hills be- tween the Lochs of Nevish and Morrer, with the pur- pose of procuring an asylum at Morrer-house, the seat of Lieutenant-colonel Macdonald. On their way they came to a hut, in which as they were approaching it they saw some people ; and Charles, who feared that he might be known, desired Mackinnon to fold his plaid for him in the true Highland manner, and throw it over his shoulder, with his knapsack upon it. He then tied a handkerchief round his head, settled his features to the character which he assumed, and declared that he was a servant again. At the hut he was not recognised, and he and his companions were refreshed with a draught of milk. When they arrived at Morrer-house, they found that it was reduced to a pile of scorched and blackened ruins, and its master was living in a neighbouring hut. Macdonald, nevertheless, gave them a hospitable wel- come, and sheltered them in a cave, where they enjoyed ten hours' sleep. As Macdonald of Morrer was not in a condition to succour him, the prince resolved to cross the loch, into Arasaig, and throw himself upon Macdonald of Borodale, from whom he doubted not of meeting with a cordial re- 26 NARRATIVES OP ception. But, when he reached IJorodale. he found (hat the mansion had been consumed, and that the laird, like his namesake, was abiding in a hut. This wretched dwelling Macdonald willingly shared with his dangerous guest. Having received intelligmcr-, which gave reason to believe that the hut would be an unsafe residence* i'<>r ( 'harles, his host removed him to an almost unknown and inaccessible cave, about four miles to the eastward. There the prince remained till the coming of Glenaladale, one of his most attached followers, to whom he had sent a message to join him. The departure of Charles was hastened by a letter from a gentleman in the peninsula of Morrer, who stated that the prince's place of concealment began to be known, and offered one which was more secure. Charles sent Ronald Macdonald, to ascertain whether the new spot was really preferable, but he did not wnit his return ; for, an alarm being given, that an English tender was hover- ing on the coast, he thought it prudent to proceed without loss of time to Glen Morrer. On his way thither, ho was met by a messenger, who informed him that Cl;m- ronald was a few miles off, and had prepared a safe asylum for him. Charles, however, who was near Glen Morrer, determined to rest there for the night, and pro- ceed to meet Clanronald in the morning. The prince was not destined to avail himself of Clan- ronald's services. In the course of the night, tidings were brought to the laird of Borodale, that General Campbell, with several men-of-war, and a large body of troops, had cast anchor in Loch Nevish, and also that Captain Scott had advanced with five hundred men into the lower part of Arasaig. This was a heavy blow to the prince ; he was now completely surrounded, and must either break through the net which enveloped him, or inevitably perish. Not a moment was to be lost, for every moment would contract the circle which inclosed PERIL AND SUFFERING. 27 him. It was indeed doubtful whether, even now, with his best diligence and skill, he would be able to find a penetra- ble point in the line of posts and sentinels by which every outlet was watched. Leaving behind him all his at- tendants, save Glenaladale and two other Macdonalds, he set out early, and halted at noon, to take refreshment on the hill of Scoorveig, in the eastern extremity of Arasaig, whence he proceeded to the top of a hill called Fruighvain. From the summit of the latter hill, they perceived some men driving cattle. They proved to be Glenaladale's tenants, removing the cattle out of the reach of several hundred of the king's troops, who had come to the head of Loch Arkeig, for the purpose of shutting in Charles upon that side. On their setting out from Morrer, they had intended to reach in the evening a hill, named Swerninck Corrichan, near Loch Arkeig, and Glenaladale's brother had been sent to Glenfinnen, to direct two men to join the prince on that eminence. A messenger was now despatched to recall the brother, and a second to summon Donald Cameron, who was in the neighbourhood, and was excellently qualified to act as guide. While the perplexed and weary fugitives were waiting for the return of these men, a wife of one of Glenaladale's tenants, in pity to her landlord, brought some milk for him up the hill. The weather was sultry, and they were suffering from thirst, yet welcome as this refreshment was, Glenaladale would rather that the donor had been less kind, as he dreaded the chance of the prince being recognised. But Charles did not lose his presence of mind ; as she approached, he covered his head with a handkerchief, and played the part of a servant who was tormented by headache. A trifling circumstance pro- longed her stay. Glenaladale, who wished to preserve some of the milk for the prince, was obliged to retain the pail, and he found it rather difficult to persuade her to 28 NARRATIVES OP depart without a utensil which was indispensable in her domestic economy. The man who had been pent to recall Glenaladale's brother now came back. He had aeon neither that gen- tleman nor the two men ; they were gone to the place which the prince named. But, though he had missed seeing them, he had fallen in with something which alarmed his hearers beyond measure. He informed them, that upwards of a hundred of the Argyle militia were approaching the foot of the hill on which the fugitives now stood. This news rendered it necessary to take flight, without waiting for Cameron. The sun was setting when they began their hurried march. About eleven o'clock, as they were stealing through a hollow way between two hills, a man was seen descending to- wards them. Glenaladale stepped forward, to ascertain whether the stranger was an enemy, and was delighted to find that it was Donald Cameron. Under the guidance of Donald, they travelled all night, through wild and gloomy paths, which even in open day would have been difficult to traverse ; and, at four in the morning, they reached the summit of the mountain, called Mamryn Callum, hi the braes of Loch Arkcig. In the prospect which lay before them their sight rested upon one offen- sive object ; at scarcely the distance of a mile from them there was a camp of the royal forces. Danger from the proximity of the enemy was, however, at present, rather apparent than real ; Cameron knew that the mountain had been narrowly searched the day before, and he rationally concluded, that the search would not imme- diately be repeated. A sharp look out was, nevertheless, kept. Here they remained during the day, obtained two hours' sleep, and had the pleasure of being rejoined by Glenaladale's brother, whom they had given up for lost. Bending their course to the southward, they set out at PERIL AND SUFFERING. 2Q nine in the evening, and, after four hours' march, reached Corrinangaul, between Knoydart and Locli Arkeig. Here Cameron expected that he should be able to pur- chase provisions from some of the country-people who had driven their cattle hither, that they might save them from the soldiery. The party had fared but scantily during their wearisome journey, and all their present stock of food consisted of a little butter and oatmeal, which they could not prepare for eating, because they could not venture to kindle a fire while their enemies were within eye-shot. When, however, in search of supplies, Glenaladale and Cameron went down to the huts, they found them deserted, and were obliged to go back empty-handed. The place where they were not appearing to be quite secure, they removed to a fastness on the brow of the hill, at the head of Loch Naigh. There they resolved to pass the day, and to sleep for a while, that they might be in a better condition to make the perilous attempt of penetrating through the hostile line an attempt which could no longer be delayed. Within the distance of a mile there was an English en- campment. While the rest of the party were slumbering, Cameron and Glenaladale's brother again went in quest of food. It was three in the afternoon before they re- turned, and two small cheeses were all that they procured. The tidings which they brought were discomfortable ; on the opposite side of the hill there were upwards of a hundred soldiers, busily employed in searching for the country-people who had hidden themselves. This made them keep closely concealed for the rest of the day, and they remained undiscovered, though the troops were roaming all around them. Towards night-fall, the soldiers being withdrawn, the coast was left clear for the retreat of the prince and his followers. They quitted their hiding-place at eight in the evening, and pressed forward at their best speed, to 30 NARRATIVES OF the rugged eminence of Drumachosi, up which they climbed. Directly before them the fires of an KnirlUU camp were burning. In reconnoitring this post, they advanced so nigh to it, that the voices of the soldiers were distinctly audible. They then ascended a neighbouring hill, and beheld from it the fires of another camp. It was between the Scylla and Chary bdis of these two posts that they must steer their hazardous course. With a devotedness which, in his situation, was doubly praiseworthy, Cameron volunteered to go forward alone, to ascertain whether there was a possibility of effecting a passage at this point. " If," said he, " I get back, you may venture with more confidence, and I shall be better able to guide you." It is probable that, when he made this odor, he looked upon himself as going to certain death. Highlanders were at that period peculiarly sub- ject to superstitious feelings, and, at that moment. Cameron was under the influence of one of those feel He had been complaining that his nose was itchy, and he considered that itcliiness to be an infallible indication that they were in extreme danger. Yet, such was his native bravery, and his affection for the son of the inau whom he regarded as his sovereign, that he was ]>r.><,f against omens. We may pity his weakness, but w<; must admire the courage and fidelity which over- came it. There are moments when the mind transiently feels tin- j>ower of ideas which it holds in utter contempt. Charles had smiled at Cameron's absurd forebodings. ; but, though he thought them ridiculous, hi* anxiety to see him return was perhaps increased by them. The daring explorer did return, however, in spite of all sin- ister auguries, and he made an encouraging report. Two circumstances were favourable to the party. While the patroles were alternately passing between the posts, they necessarily turned their backs on each other during PERIL AND SUFFERING. 31 a part of the time, and a chance was thus offered of eluding their vigilance. It was another advantage to the fugitives that, where they purposed to break through, there was a deep and narrow ravine, hollowed out by the floods which, in winter, converted an insignificant mountain-stream into a furious torrent. About two o'clock in the morning, when the patroles were supposed to be receding on either hand, the fugitives silently en- tered the ravine. Crawling on their hands and knees, and scarcely daring to breathe, they toiled up it, and at length, to their inexpressible joy, they emerged beyond the line of posts and sentinels. In a few minutes they arrived at a spot where they were safe from being seen. The magic circle, which had so long held them bound, was broken, and they had at least regained the power of choosing to what quarter they would direct their flight. Charles now laughingly asked Cameron how his nose felt, to which the Highlander replied that it was much better, but was still rather uncomfortable. As the best mode to complete its cure was to get out of danger, they walked on for about two miles, till they came to Cor- riscorridil, on the Glenelg side of Loch Hourn. There, having found a secluded spot, they sat down to refresh themselves. The repast was a humble one ; it consisted of a slice of cheese, which, as they had no bread, they covered with oatmeal. Their drink was procured from a neighbouring spring. They remained on this spot the rest of the day, debating upon their future movements, and it was finally decided that they should direct their course northward, to a part of the Mackenzies' country, which was not infested by the military. They set out at eight o'clock in the evening, and discovered that they had passed the whole day within cannon-shot, of two English camps, into one of which they could see a com- pany of soldiers driving a flock of sheep for slaughter. 32 NARRATIVES OP Quickening their pace, they pursue