possession of a strong pass,
he changed his route, and proceeded northwards as far as Inverness,
leaving the capital and the southern parts of North Britain wholly
exposed to the incursions of the enemy. The highlanders forthwith
marched to Perth, where the chevalier de St. George was proclaimed king
of Great Britain, and the public money seized for his use; the same
steps were taken at Dundee and other places. Prince Charles was joined
by the nobleman who assumed the title of the duke of Perth, the viscount
Strathallan, lord Nairn, lord George Murray, and many persons of
distinction, with their followers. The marquis of Tullibardine, who had
accompanied him from France, took possession of Athol, as heir of
blood to the titles and estates which his younger brother enjoyed in
consequence of his attainder; and met with some success in arming the
tenants for the support of that cause which he avowed. The rebel army
being considerably augmented, though very ill-provided with arms,
crossed the Forth in the neighbourhood of Stirling, and advanced towards
Edinburgh, where they were joined by lord Eleho, son of the earl of
Wemyss, and other persons of some distinction. On the sixteenth day of
September Charles summoned the town to surrender. The inhabitants were
divided by faction, and distracted by fear; the place was not in a
posture of defence, and the magistrates would not expose the people to
the uncertain issue of an assault. Several deputations were sent from
the town to the pretender, in order to negotiate terms of capitulation.
In the meantime, one of the gates being opened for the admission of
a coach, Cameron of Lochiel, one of the most powerful of the highland
chiefs, rushed into the place with a party of his men, and secured it
without opposition. Next morning the whole rebel army entered, and their
prince took possession of the royal palace of Holyrood-house in the
suburbs. Then he caused his father to be proclaimed at the market-cross;
there also the manifesto was read, in which the chevalier de St. George
declared his son Charles regent of his dominions, promised to dissolve
the union, and redress the grievances of Scotland. His being in
possession of the capital encouraged his followers, and added reputation
to his arms; but the treasure belonging to the two banks of that kingdom
had been previously conveyed into the castle, a strong fortress, with
a good garrison, under the command of general Guest, an old offi