Page 60 - A Jacobite Exile

the sufferings that afflicted the country, through the wars into which the
foreign intruder had plunged it, even though the plan entailed the removal

of the usurper. The writer assured Sir Marmaduke of the satisfaction that
such an agreement on his part had caused at Saint Germains, and had

heightened the high esteem in which Sir Marmaduke was held, for his long
fidelity to the cause of his majesty. It then went on to state that a plan had
been already formed, and that several gentlemen in the south were deeply

pledged to carry it out, but that it was thought specially advisable that some
from the north should also take part in it, as, from their persons being

unknown near the court, they could act with more surety and safety. They
would, therefore, be glad if he would take counsel, with the friends he had
mentioned, as to what might seem to them the best course of proceeding.

There was no occasion for any great haste and, indeed, some weeks must
elapse before the blow was struck, in order that preparations should be

made, in France, for taking instant advantage of it.

"The rest of the letter was to the same purpose, but was really a repetition

of it. The second letter was dated some time later, and was, as before, an
answer to one the knight was supposed to have written. It highly approved

of the suggestions therein made; that Sir Marmaduke and his friends should
travel, separately and at a few days' interval, to London, and should take
lodgings there in different parts of the town, and await the signal to

assemble, near Richmond, when it was known that the king would go
hunting there. It said that special note had been made of the offer of Sir

Marmaduke's son, to mingle among the king's attendants and to fire the first
shot, as, in the confusion, he would be able to escape and, being but a boy,
as he said, none would be able to recognize him afterwards.

"In the event, of course, of the first shot failing, the rest of the party,

gathered in a body, would rush forward, despatch the usurper, cut their
way, sword in hand, through any who barred their path to the point where
their horses were concealed, and then at once scatter in various directions.

For this great service, his majesty would not fail to evince the deepest
gratitude, upon his restoration to his rightful throne, and pledged his royal

word that each of the party should receive rank and dignity, together with
ample estates, from the lands of which the chief supporters of the usurper