V. of Cape Horn Head. « Uist
" The roads of Sheep.Haven. » That is to i
■' [Barra Head on the Island of Berneray.] distinction to the islands. * Uitt in the Hébrides. ^ Canna, one of tlie Hel
W. of Cape Horn Head. « Uist. ' Barra [Lsland].
2 The roads of Sheep.Haven. » That is to say the mainland in contra-
Canna, one of the Hébrides,
as our sails were set, we saw a ship tacking, her top-sails close reefed/ The said ship is a big one. We take her to be a man-ofwar. We hâve held council to see what has to be done. We hâve agreed to change our route and to seek a port which lies between the island of Barra and the island of Uist which is fairly bio- and from which it is only possible to leave by the West. (This port can be recognised by a square tower, which served formerly for fire," demolished at the top. It forms the N. side of the entrance.) Having a pilot we went there to anchor.
Tuesday, 3rd August. — At 2 o'clock in the afternoon, the ship which had obliged us to look for this port, as soon as our change of route was seen, went about and chased us. She made every effort to reach us in the port. Seeing this, ail our passengers embarked in our beat and in one belonging to the country, and went to land on the island of Uyst of which the Lord is a Magdonald (Mac-Donald).^ At 4 o'clock the English ship having been unable to reach the port in which we were, put into another port which was a mile or a mile and a half more to windward than ours.
Thinking that this ship would anchor in that port, T sent a boat of the country with an officer to warn our [passengers] to return from it and that we might get out of our port by favour of the night. It was terrible weather. Our gentlemen could not get back. At 10 in the evening I sent off the boat to find out, in the port which the ship had entered, if it had been discovered.
Wednesday, 4th August. — At 5 o'clock in the morning, our boat came and reported no ship had been seen. We thought it had been a feint and that the ship had pretended to go to anchor in those roads, but had sailed at night to seize us if we leffc. At 6 o'clock in the morning I sent back my boat to fetch our gentlemen, who returned on board at 8 o'clock, and had been wet through by the rain.
At 9 o'clock we saw, 6 miles from land, the same ship as yesterday and a frigate which kept her company. The ships did ail that was possible to gain the port by tacking. The wind was
'■ ['Tous les ris pris dans ses huniers.' — Tr.] landed in Eriskay, a sniall island south of
^ A beacon of the time. South Uist, where the Prince spent his first
' [Macdonald of Clanranald. This was the night on Scottish soil. See Itinerary of Prince
day (.Tuly 23 in Old Style) when the Prince Charles Edward, p. 2.— Tr.]
24 A KOYALIST FAMILY AND
contrary, and they were imable to do so. Always fearing thèse said vessels, we held council, and it was resolved that we should set sail as soon as night came, silently and by favour of the dark weather and gusts. At half-past 9 in the evening, I raised anchor and sailed with the sprit-sail,^ the boat in front, that the sails might net appear, and we coasted the shore N. of the port in order to be protected by the land, and as soon as we felt ourselves between the land and it,^ I put on ail sail and coasted very near, proceeding to the N.E. I must hâve passed within three miles' distance of the said ship.
Thursday, at 5 o'clock in the morning, the Isle of Skye^ was N.E. of me. Canay * to the S.E. and E,um^ to eastward. I arrived between Scaye (Skye) and Canay and continued my course eastward, not wishing to anchor at the said islands for fear those vessels should come to seek for us there. When I had passed Rum and Canay, Eigg '^ was on my starboard and the mainland ^ on my port. I held on to the S.E. I saw ail the mainland in front of us. I continued my course to find it. I saw to eastward of my port a low point jutting out from the mainland, and beyond the point a rock in the form of an island. I steered to pass the islet on the starboard. Mr. Macdonald embarked in a boat we had brought from Barra, with his servant, to go and find a brother who was in this country. When I was alongside the said islet I went to port and made the complète tour round the island. I saw before me two great bays. I steered east and anchored at 3 o'clock in the evening at the head of a bay. (The tides are of 6 hours in ail thèse coasts.) A fine plain with a few poor houses and a great many cattle. The place is called Lochnanuagh.^ At 4 o'clock I lowered my boat, and the Abbé " being there, the Prince with three or four gentlemen landed and went to the houses." They found Mr. Macdonald, who
' [' Civadière ' — Sail of the bowsprit. — ^ Tbe fjord of the Caverns.
Tr.] " The Ohaplain on board.
^ [The Port ? or the enemy ? — Tr.] '" Prinue Charles disembarked from the
3 Skye, one of the Hébrides. The Mac- Du Tillet (Doutelle) the 25th July 1745,
donalds are still proprietors of the island. accordiug to the Julian Calendar (5th August
■• Canna in the Hébrides. of the Cregorian Calendar). The farm of
'' Rum in the Hébrides. Borrodale on Loch nan Uagh was tenanted by
l Eigg, another of the Hébrides. Aiigus Macdonald. At Glen Finnan, at the
' i.e. Scotland. head of Loch Shiel, is a round tower built by
was known as the Lord [Laird] of the place, and we said that we were smugglers.^ The son of Mr. Magdonoel (Macdonald) came on board with a priest who lived at the place.
Friday, 6th August. — Conversations began. Several gentlemen of the country came on board, and we asked for a place where we could disembark our arms. We emptied ail our barrels of sait water and filled them with fresh ; also took three barrels of ballast.
Saturday, 7th. — Some Lords ^ came on board, who quickly returned to raise the country.
Sunday, 8th. — We landed.
Monday, 9th. — At 10 in the morning we sailed to anchor in another little bay called Loch Aylost.^ At the entrance of this bay there are three big islets. We entered the said bay, skirting the coast to the S. between the southernmost island and the side.
At 10 o'clock in the evening, we unloaded a portion of our arms and ammunition and took it to land.
Tuesday, lOth (August). — A great 'chaloupe' came alongside with several gentlemen of the country to see the Prince, the 'chaloupe' in returning took with it a good deal of the luggage of the Prince and the gentlemen. We went on shore through the day to amuse ourselves. At 10 o'clock at night, we commenced sendiug arms and ammunition ashore, till 3 o'clock in the morning.
Wednesday, llth (August). — We eut down wood, and at night
Mr. Macdonald of Glenaladale on the spot English blood in the combats of Kilsyth,
where, on Aug. 19, 1745 [Old Style], Prince Killiekrankie and Sheriffmuir. The tower
Charles hoisted his standard, the honour is surmounted by a colossal statue of Prince
of raising which was reserved for the Marquis Charles by Greenshields. He is dressed in
of Tullibardine. This standard, broujjht Scotch costume (highlaiid) and with the right
from France, was woven in red silk with arm points to the South (England) as if he
a white shield in the centre. When it still addressed his partisans. A bronze tab-
floated to the wind of Scotland, about 12Û0 lette bearing a triple inscription in Latin,
blue bonnets (700 of the Cameron Clan, and English and Gaelic, recalls the last effort of a
.300 of the Macdonald Clan) were thrown race to préserve its independence. [The
into the air to sainte it. The Bag Pipers Jacobite feeling was far more disinterested.
(piperbragh) sounded national pibrochs ; as ïheir efforts were not for independence, but
says a ballad, a gênerai acclamation friohtened in the cause of loyalty to the then most direct
the young eagles on their steep rocks, and descendant oftheir lawlul sovcreigns. — Tr.J Charles Edward saw shining in tbe hands of ' [' Frordeurs.' — Tr.]
the faithful highlanders, 1200 claymores, of ^ Chit-fs of Clans.
which most had already been reddened by ^ Loch Ailort, S. of Loch nan Uamh.
26 A KOYALIST FAMILY AND
unloaded ammunition. The great ' chaloupe ' came alongside, bringing a number of gentlemen, and took off a good deal of luggage. The next day we went ashore to fish and shoot.
Thui'sday, 12th (August). — The day passed doing nothing. We went ashore to amuse ourselves and see the Highlanders.
Friday, 13th (August). — We took on board water and wood, and put into two ' chaloupes ' merchandise to be taken to Mr. Magdonel.
Saturday, 14th (August). — We took on board water and wood. A Bishop of the country came on board.
Sunday, 15th (August). — We did nothing. We carried our dinner on shore and fished for oysters.
Monday, 16th (August). — Five of our passengers went away to Mr. Magdonoel's, brother of the banker, and the Prince embarked in our little boat with four gentlemen and went to sleep at Mr. Macdonoel's at Lochnannuagh. We landed ail our ' pierriers ' ^ in the Magazines where we put our ammunition.
Tuesday, the I7th (August). — I saUed in the bay where I was and returned to anchor at Loch-an-Uagh. I arrived there at 8 o'clock in the morning. We sent dinner to the Prince, who had nothing. M. Walsh landed in the afternoon.
Wednesday, 18th (August). — We embarked oxen and sheep for our provisions. M. Walsh and I went ashore to see the Prince and to wish him success. We left him with two of the gentlemen who had crossed over (from France) with him, and not more than twelve men for company.
Thursday, 19th (August). — We sailed from the roads of Lochnan-Uagh at 8 o'clock in the morning. When I was between Aige ^ and the mainland, I went north to find the passage between the island of Skye and Scotland. When between the point of Skye and the coast of Scotland, I steered N.E. The charts must not be foUowed, they are not good. I followed the middle of the channel and gave space to ail the points of the compass ^ [i.e. sailed by traverse]. There is good anchorage in the channel as soon as you get inside it. At noon I was opposite a castle, which is on a plain between
' [A kind of mortar.— Tr.] = Island of Eigg. s [' J'ay donné rumba à toutes les pointes.'— Tr.]
two hills. We were quite 12 miles from tlie entrance to the castle. When we were in front of the castle, we saw soldiers there. I doubled a point behind which were four small vessels in a bay called Callioyheston/ which were English, and of which I made myself master without firing.
Names of the vessels: Ist. The ilfarf;are« of Aberdour, Captain William Moyes, going from Nairn to Londonderry, laden with 31 tons of oatflour. Ransomed for £100 sterling and £10 st. for the cabin.
2. The Unity, Captain Charles Thompson, going from Portsoy to Londonderry, laden with 31 tons of oatflour. Ransomed for £200 sterling and £10 for the cabin.
3. The Prlncess Mary, Captain Snaip of Renfrew, going from Inverness to Londonderry, laden with 10 tons of oatmeal and 30 tons of barley. Ransomed for £100 sterling and £10 for the captain's cabin.
4. The Lirwindiwin, Captain William Miller, laden with planks and iron ; coming from the Baltic and going to . . . Ransomed for the sum of £650 st. and £10 for the cabin.
Friday, 20th (August). — We remained at anchoi-.
Saturday, 21st (August). — Sailed from the roads of Callioyheston.
Note, that having hoisted sail, I could no longer see the channel which I had left the previous Thursday . It was closed by high grounds. It is necessary to be straight in front of it to find it. There is a rock at the entrance of this channel. I found myself opposite a demolished castle (keeping always mid channel) of which there remains a little square tower called Albermate, at the foot of which castle are two rocks which rather stand ont. The channel is very narrow in this passage. It is much better to keep close in to the N.E. coast rather than to the other side. When we had passed the Fort, we steered N.W.,then entered a great bay of which the outlet could not be seen. There are several islands in this bay, which is formed by the Isle of Skye and the coast of Scotland. From the middle of the bay one cannot see a good spot at which to find a way
1 [' Cailleachstane,' a small harbour in Skye, R. L. Thomson, Esq. of Strathaig, that this to the N.W. of Kyle-rhea, where sailing beats name appears on an old map. — Tr.] lie awaiting a fair wind. I am informed by ^ Port between Cullen and Bantt'.
out. I found myself opposite a plain on which was a fine white house belonging to Mr. Albelecross,^ who sent dut a boat to see if we were bringing back the Prince. We wrote tliat we were net doing so, and that he should hasten to join the Prince with ail tbe followers he could.
From Saturday, 21 (August), at midday, to vSunday, 22nd. — I remained becahned ail night, and was obliged to employ oars to enable the ship to be steered, hoping to be able to double the north of the island of Uist ; but not at ail. I found myself more than 15 miles under the wind [to windward ?]. It is necessary to take care when you want to pass between the Isle of Skye and the Isle of Uist to avoid fvAlowing the channel. There is no passage on account of the sunken reefs."
From Sunday,22nd August, at noon, to Monday,23rd. — We tacked ail night. At 6 o'clock in the morning saw two vessels trying to make the passage between the two islets and the island of Uist. I hoisted the Engiish flag and sent for the captains to corne on board. They were Captain W. Ettring Haru, commanding the vessel Princesse of Ligne, ransomed for £150 and £10 for the cabin, and Captain Jean Clampit, commanding the Fontaine from Ligne, ransomed for £320 sterling. Saw a brigantine which came from the south and passed between the two islands and Uist.
From Monday, 23rd (August), to Tuesday, 24th August, at noon. — A fearful sea, top sails close reefed,^ I tacked between Uist * and the coast of Scotland. I pressed on till 6 o'clock in the morning. The island of Uist and Cape Wart^ were to the S.E., 12 miles distant.
From the island of Uist to the coast of Scotland there are only 36 miles of crossing, whilst the charts mark much more. The wind was contrary and violent. We held a council as to whether we would pass by the islands of the Orcades. We had on board two Engiish pilots as ransom," who expressed themselves strongly in favour of going by them, in which we acquiesced.
' Probably Maokenzieof Applecross. — Th.] the mainland near Cape Wrath was mistaken
2 f ' Kécils.'— Tr.] for ' Uist,' that is, Lewis.— ïr.]
' [' Tous les ris aux huniers.' — Tr.] " That is, as guarantees of the marchant
* Must hâve been the Lewis. ships to be ransomed, which were sailing
' [Wrath. Apparently the ship had been with men from the DutUlet attached to their
driven north of its course, and some part of crews.
(Remark.) We did not see the island of Rona' marked on the charts to the north of the Isle of Skye about 30 or 36 miles. Our pilots said it was N.N.W. of the island of Uist. They told us that N.E. of Cape Faro" there were two rocks high above the water. We saw them.
From Tuesday, 24 (August), at noon, to Wednesday, 25th. — I 3aw the isle of Hoy of the Orcades,^ E.S.E., 12 miles distant. It is a high island and large, eut short, as it were, in the western part. At 6 o'clock in the evening we wished to pass between Hoy and the island Kiroualle.* Our pilot told us there was a good passage and good anchorage, but as we had the wind and tide, if we liked he would pass us between Hoy and the mainland in two hours. We ail acquiesced in this, and went S.E. to reach the passage, which is very open. We pressed on ail sail, but ail we could do was to pass at midnight. We left some little islets on the starboard, and after passing them we skirted Cape Caillière, or Roagisby,^ of the mainland. At midnight I steered east. At 5 o'clock in the morning I saw several herring fishing-boats which were in company with two Dutch war vessels. I remained amongst them till noon.
From Wednesday, 25th August, noon, to Thursday, 26th. — Saw a brig with a Danish flag steering west. By dayligh^ saw a big ship which chased us and gained upon us.
FromThursday, 26 (August), at noon, to Friday, 29th. — This vessel continually followed us. At 8 o'clock in the evening, a great calm fell upon us. I ordered out 8 oars. At 10 o'clock the wind freshened. I took ofiP the oars and held as close as possible to the Cape, S.S.W.
Friday, 27th August, atnoon, to Saturday, 28th.— Tempest, fearful sea. We sailed différent courses, sometimes sails close-reefed, sometimes with mainsail, and shipped several seas.
From Saturday, 28th Augt.,at noon, to Sunday, 29th. — Tempest.
From Sunday, 29th (Augt.), at noon, to Monday, 30th. — Saw a ' dogre ' " at the Cape.
' [Evidently the référence is to North Kona, * Kirkwall.
forty miles N.W. of Cape Wnith, but there » Diincansbay Head, the ' Promontorium
was some confusion between it and South Vervedrum ' of Ptolemy.
Rona, near Skye.— Tr.] « 'Dogger-lougre' [a small-decked fishing
2 [Farout Head.— Tr.] boat.— Tr.].
3 On the Pentlaud Firth.
Passiug the Dogre Bank ' the sea appeared very clear and green.
From Wednesday (ist Sepbev.) to Thursday, 2nd. — I saw the light of the tower of Vly." I remained tacking ail night, and at daylight I approached the land. A pilot came on board. I had at the time an English flag, so that the pilot made me steer for the passage of the Vly. At 1 1 o clock I was in the roads ; there were six vessels of the company^ of Holland and a vessel of the company (India) of England. The pilot wished me to anchor. I would not do so, and he took me in one tide to within 24 miles of Amsterdam.
Friday, 3rd (Sepber.). — At 4 o'clock in the morning I raised anchor and sailed. I was only able to reach the ' Pampus,' * 12 miles from Amsterdam. Monsieur Walsh embarked in the boat with the Chaplain^ for Amsterdam, where they hired a carriage the same day and went off to France.
Saturday, 4th Sepber. — The winds being contrary I went to Amsterdam to see my correspondent, who told me I was in a bad plight, and that my ship was likely to be confiscated ; so that I went to the town hall to make a déclaration that I came from France and that I had touched in the roads hère. I was asked why I had not made a déclaration at the Vly. I said I did not know the custom, that my pilot wished me to anchor, but that the fear I was in of a large English vessel made me continue my course.
From Saturday, 4th Sepber., to the 15th. We received orders from M. Walsh to dismantle the ship, but for this, the hostages * I had on board gave me anxiety, as I did not wish to lose them ; so I chartered a boat of the country to take my crew and convey them to Ecluse 9 miles from Bruges. I put my hostages with them, as belonging to my crew, which passed without being discovered.
The 16th Sepber., a Dutch captain and crew were sent to me. They hoisted the flag of their nation, and my correspondent having passed the sale of the ship to a merchant of the country, the ship
' Dogger Bank in the North Sea ofif New- ' The East India Company,
castle and Hull. < Roads and outer Port of Amsterdam.
" On the ishmd of Vlealand, showing the ■'' ['Aumônier.' — Tr.]
' Vliestrom' by which to enter the Zuyder See " The English prisoners, cautioners taken
and reach Amsterdam. from the trading ships captured.
entered the port as Dutch ; otherwise she would hâve been seized for the voyage she had made.
Archives of Serrant : An original M S. of 35 pages in quarto, a little yelloiu and effaced hy the vinegar of 'lazarets,' [i.e. quarantine ports'].
MONSIEUR WALSH
Boradel, \6lh August, O.S.,^ 1745.
Chevalier Walsh, notwithstanding ail I said to you verbally, I cannot let you leave without giving you a testimonial in writing of the satisfaction which your services hâve afforded me. I hâve begged the King, my Father, to give you a mark of it, which 1 would do myself at once if I had it in my power. Thus you may rely that if ever I reach the throne, to which my birth calls me, you will hâve occasion to be as pleased with me as I am with you, and I could not say more. — Your good friend, Charles P.
