Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745. Volume II.

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20947

Title

Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745. Volume II.

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Mrs. A. T. Thomson's second volume chronicles the heroic loyalty of Scottish Jacobite nobility during the rebellions of 1715 and 1745. Through intimate memoirs of figures like the Earl of Nithisdale and Lady Winifred, the text explores themes of familial duty, treason, and the perilous sacrifices made for the Stuart cause, offering a dignified tribute to a forgotten chapter of history.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume II of Mrs. A. T. Thomson's *Memoirs of the Jacobites of 1715 and 1745* continues the narrative of Scottish Jacobite history, focusing on the personal stories of high-ranking nobles who supported the exiled Stuarts. The text opens with a historical overview of the Maxwell family, detailing their ancient lineage, royal favor, and eventual downfall due to political intrigue. It highlights the Earl of Nithisdale's imprisonment and his wife, Lady Winifred, who undertook a daring escape to the Continent to save him, only to face further persecution upon his return. The narrative shifts to the Rebellion of 1715, examining the character of commanders like the Earl of Nithisdale and the Earl of Wintoun, noting the contrast between their noble integrity and military incompetence. A significant portion is dedicated to the dramatic flight of Lady Nithisdale, who risked her life to return to Scotland to protect her son's estates from ruin, demonstrating the extreme lengths to which loyalty drove these families. The volume also introduces other key figures such as William Gordon, Viscount Kenmure, and Sir John Maclean, setting the stage for the larger conflicts of the era. Through letters and memoirs, the text captures the tension between personal honor and state law, illustrating how the 'word of Scotchmen' bound these men and women together in a compact of fidelity that often led to imprisonment or exile. The accounts serve as a rescue from oblivion for those whose patriotism was deemed treasonous by the Hanoverian government, preserving their memory and the specific sacrifices they endured for a lost cause.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• History
• Politics