The Jacobite Rising Vol 345

The Edinburgh Gazette 

April 23, 1746

Vol. 345

THE JACOBITE RISING: HEROES AND HEARTBREAK

Brave Scots Fight for Freedom Amidst Tragic Defeat at the Battle of Culloden

By Angus MacGregor

In these troubled times, our dear Scotland stands at a pivotal moment. The recent upheavals of the Jacobite Rising have rent our nation asunder, with friends and kin taking opposing sides in this fraught struggle for the throne. These past years have witnessed an escalating tumult, now reaching its dreadful climax at the Battle of Culloden mere days past. As we ponder these trying times, it is fitting to recount the significant events and notable personages who have shaped our current plight.

BACKGROUND OF THE RISING

The Jacobite Rising of 1745, under the leadership of Charles Edward Stuart, known affectionately as Bonnie Prince Charlie, aimed to restore his father, James Francis Edward Stuart, to the British throne. This insurrection, a continuation of earlier endeavors, found substantial backing within the Scottish Highlands, where the Jacobite cause holds deep-rooted loyalties among the clans.

The Prince made landfall in Scotland in July 1745, swiftly garnering support and marching southwards. By December, he had ventured as far as Derby in England, yet the paucity of local support and the mounting pressure from government forces necessitated a retreat. The Jacobites eventually made their stand on Culloden Moor on April 16, 1746.

THE BATTLE OF CULLODEN

The Battle of Culloden, now tragically etched in our history, saw the Jacobite forces vanquished by the government army commanded by the Duke of Cumberland. The battlefield, a bleak expanse near Inverness, bore witness to the swift and brutal rout of the Jacobite army. The government's numerical superiority, coupled with their artillery and tactical prowess, proved insurmountable.

Accounts from the field recount scenes of harrowing carnage, with numerous brave Highlanders succumbing to musket fire and the bayonet's cruel thrust. The once resolute ranks of the Jacobites were broken, their hopes dashed against the relentless might of Cumberland's forces. The aftermath has brought severe reprisals, with homes razed, livestock seized, and many Jacobites either captured or compelled to flee.

CAPTAIN THOMAS MONTGOMERY: 

A HEROIC FIGURE

Amongst the many who fought with valor, one name shines brightly: Captain Thomas Montgomery. A gentleman of noble lineage and exceptional bravery, Captain Montgomery has emerged as a symbol of the indomitable Scottish spirit.

Born into a venerable family with deep ties to the Highlands, Montgomery's devotion to the Jacobite cause was unyielding. From the uprising's onset, he rallied his men, his charismatic leadership and strategic acumen proving indispensable in numerous skirmishes preceding Culloden.

Montgomery's conduct during the battle was naught short of heroic. Commanding a contingent of Highlanders, he held a crucial position on the Jacobite right flank, a sector that bore the brunt of the government assault. Eyewitnesses recount how, even as the battle turned against the Jacobites, Montgomery fought with relentless fervor, rallying his men amid the tumult.

In the face of overwhelming odds, Captain Montgomery's tenacity enabled many of his comrades to retreat, thus preserving countless lives. It is said that he was among the last to quit the field, ensuring his men's safety before considering his own. Though wounded, he managed to evade capture, and his whereabouts remain unknown, attesting to his resourcefulness and resolve.

AFTERMATH AND REPRISALS

The Duke of Cumberland, oft referr to as "The Butcher" for his merciless tactics, has enacted stringent measures in the wake of the Jacobite defeat. Highland customs and traditions are imperiled, with the wearing of tartans and the playing of bagpipes now proscribed. The ancient Highland way of life, steeped in centuries of tradition, faces annihilation under these severe reprisals.

For those who supported the Jacobite cause, the future is fraught with uncertainty. Many have fled to the Continent, while others seek refuge in Scotland's remote glens and isles. The government's relentless campaign to root out remaining Jacobite sympathizers continues unabated, with reports of brutal crackdowns reaching even the most secluded communities.

A NATION'S HOPE

As we teeter on the brink of an uncertain future, the legacy of figures like Captain Thomas Montgomery offers a beacon of hope. His gallantry and dedication to Scottish independence embody the resilience and spirit of our people.

Though the Jacobite Rising has ended in defeat, the principles it championed – sovereignty, honor, and loyalty – endure in many Scottish hearts. As we navigate these dark times, the memory of those who fought and sacrificed will guide us, ensuring the flame of our heritage remains undimmed.

CONCLUSION

The Jacobite Rising of 1745-46 will forever be inscribed in Scotland's annals as a time of great strife and heroism. As we reflect upon the events that have unfolded, let us honor the sacrifices made and cherish the legacy of men like Captain Thomas Montgomery, whose bravery and steadfastness continue to inspire.

May the future bring peace and reconciliation to our divided land, and may the spirit of Scotland remain unbroken.

Angus MacGregor is a correspondent for The Edinburgh Gazette, chronicling the events of our time with a dedication to 

TRuth and historical integrity.