DIGITISED MANUSCRIPTS

fae) The Pretender’s council now became almost unanimous in urging him to retrace his steps and establish himself firmly in Scotland, instead of ven- turmg into the heart of England. Again the boldness of Charles prevailed, and, at the head of his small army, he made for Manchester. He requisitioned the city and pressed about three hundred of its inhabitants into his battalions, then set forth on the Ist December and reached Derby on the 4th, having successfully eluded the force of Marshal Wade. The English people had, hitherto, entertained an inadequate idea of the insurrection, as well as of the Highland army, which was invariably spoken of with contempt. But when intelligence reach London that Charles had penetrated to Derby, consternation took possession of the town. Many persons fled to the country ; the shops were closed ; and a run was made on the Bank of England, which barely escaped insolvency; public business was suspended ; prayers were said in the churches ; the Guards of the City were strengthened ; alarm- posts were erected in the suburbs; and volunteers were asked to enlist. The Duke of Newcastle seri- ously thought for one day whether he should not declare for the Stuarts. King George himself was said to have ordered a yacht, in which he embarked his valuables, to remain in readiness at the Tower