DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

In 1734, when he was only fourteen of age, he obtained a command in the Spanish army, and distinguished himself at the siege of Gaeta in the kingdom of Naples. It is reported that, while he was coasting along the bay his hat flew off and fell into the sea. A boat was lowered to recover it; but Charles begged the crew to desist, saying, ‘It was not necessary, as before long he would have to go and fetch himself a hat in Eng- land;’ alluding to the crown of which his family had been deprived. For two years afterwards he lived in study and retirement ; then went on a tour through the chief Italian cities, where he was received with every mark of distinction. Visitors knelt to him and kissed his hand; in the Pope's presence he was accorded an arm-chair, and the highest prelates and nobles treated him with the honours. of royalty. He soon began to crave for the reality instead of the shadow of his position. His ambition, more- over, was fanned into the highest expectation by the presence in Rome of some Scottish Jacobite chieftains, who formed themselves into an asso- ciation for the restoration of the Stuarts. France, actuated by its ancient enmity, saw in these intrigues the means of embarrassing England. Cardinal Tencin, the Prime Minister, wrote to James inviting Charles to visit him in Paris. Charles,