File:Letter from Prince Charles Edward Stuart.jpg

Transcript:

For the Chiefs

When I came into this Country, it was my only view to do all in my power for your good and safety, This I will allways do as long as life is in me, But alas! I see with grief, I can at present do little for you on this side the water, for the only thing that can now be done, is to defend your selves, ‘till the French assist you, If not, to be able to make better terms:– To effectuate this, The only way is to assemble in a body as soon as possible, and then take measures for the best, which you that know the Country are only Judges of: This makes me be of little use here, whereas by my going into France instantly, however dangerous it be, I will certainly engage the French Court either to assist us effectually and powerfully, or at least to procure you such terms as you would not obtain otherways: – My presence there, I flatter my self, will have more effect to bring this sooner to a determination than any body else, For several reasons, one of which I will mention here, vizt, It is thought to be a Politick, ’tho’ a false one, of the French court, not to restore our Master, but to keep a continual civil war in this Country, which renders the English government less powerfull and, of consequence, themselves more; This is absolutely destroyed by my leaving this Country, which nothing else but this will persuade them, that this Play can not last, and, if not remedied, the Elector will soon be as despotick as the French King, which I should think will oblige them to strike the great stroke, which is always in their power, however averse they may have been to it for the time past. – Before leaving off, I must recommend to you, That all things should be decided, by a Councill of all you Chiefs, or, in any of your absence, the next Commander of your several corps, with the assistance of the Duke of Perth and Lord George Murray, who, I am persuaded, will stick by you to the very last.

My departure should be kept as long private and concealed as possible, on one pretext or other, which you will fall upon.– May the Almighty bless and direct you.–