DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

(. is: -) where his troops proclaimed him Regent for his father. He at once became the object of general atten- tion, but judiciously preferred the camp to the palace. It is recorded that one night, when invited to a ball by the ladies of Perth, he had no sooner danced one measure than he made his bow and withdrew, alleging the necessity of visiting his sentry posts. At Perth Charles was joined by the Duke of Perth and Lord Tullibardine’s brother, Lord George Murray —two most important accessions to his strength, the former on account of his position and wealth, though called by a contemporary ‘a silly horse-racing boy, and the latter for his military ability and experience. Both received commands in the Prince’s small army of 1200 men, but were soon divided by an unfortunate rivalry. We are bound to admire the intrepidity of a man, who, with a mere handful of followers, and actually without a guinea in his pocket, had sufficient con fidence in himself, in the name he bore, and in the feeling it inspired, to attack the mighty force of England. Fortunately for him, at this time a most incompetent Minister, the Duke of New- castle, was at the head of the Government ; the King himself was, as usual, in Hanover; and the country looked on the rising in the far north