Duke of Cumberland to the Earl of Albemarle. 1746. Jacobite Rising of 1745. The National Archives, United Kingdom. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/jacobite-1745/securing-scotland/.
The Duke of Cumberland wrote in 1746 to the Earl of Albemarle upon his appointment to commanding the English forces in Scotland on how to construct the defense of the Scottish Lowlands after the Jacobite uprisings which concluded at Culloden in 1745. The Duke provides instructions for the remaining English troops in Scotland after the final rebellion was put down. The Duke of Cumberland was referred to as the “butcher” of Cumberland due to his violent tactics to suppress the Jacobite rebellions. In his letter, the Duke informs the Earl that Scotland remains in a precarious situation and asserts that specific areas, such as the south of Scotland, need to remain secured. He specifically mentions the Scottish Highlanders in his instructions and tells the Earl that whatever clan is involved in any violence or destruction, which they have been known for, will be severely punished. The Duke advises it is unsafe for small groups or detachments to travel alone due to the rebels (Jacobites) still being armed. He intones that the English army needs to be at the ready at all times, with no leave given to any solider aside from settling any private affairs. The letter from the Duke of Cumberland to the Earl of Albemarle portrays the struggle that the English troops felt even after the uprisings had finished. It shows that the Jacobite cause was widespread throughout Scotland and the English were continuously worried about the threat of potential further violent rebellions within Scotland. The Duke, from the position of the English and from a high position within English governance, saw the Scottish as a threat to the stability they had established by quelling the previous uprisings. This source provides evidence to the argument that the Jacobite cause was prevalent within all parts of Scotland, and that the English were especially wary of Scottish highlanders. It also portrays the English perspective towards the Jacobites; although the Jacobites were ultimately unsuccessful, the English were still aware that future violence could occur and were on edge. This letter provides background information on English attitudes after the Battle of Culloden and how the English intended to keep Scotland under control.
Stuart, Charles Edward. Case for the Jacobites. 1745. The National Archives, United Kingdom. https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/education/resources/jacobite-1745/case-jacobites/.
Charles Stuart wrote an address, a call to arms, to his supporters and non-supporters alike, encouraging them to aid him in his quest to overtake the English thrown. He argues he is “true Father of the People” and implores the people of England to abandon what they have been taught about the Jacobites; he also argues that the only way to stop the violence and rebellions that have been occurring is to accept him as the true king and reinstate him as the king of England. Stuart refers to the Jacobites as “true lovers of their country” and intones that he, like God, would show mercy to those who sought to go against him. Charles Stuart’s audience for this address is combination of those who support him and those who do not. He is providing an explanation for the ardent and sometimes violent support of the Jacobites and also calling on those who do not support him to understand the Jacobites’ actions while also requesting that he be reinstated as king of England, the true King. Stuart wrote this address in 1745, after violent rebellions and battles against English forces were leading up to the Battle of Culloden, in which the Jacobites would be defeated once and for all. Charles Stuart’s address provides context to the cause of the Jacobites; it is clear that he respects their support and is attempting to provide both an explanation and a call to arms. This source also provides essential evidence that while the Scottish may have supported Stuart’s cause to be king of England, he does not mention self-determination or independence for his Scottish supporters.