[567] The Prince arrived at Blair Castle 6th February, and left on the 9th.
[568] App. 47. C. of G., ii. 222. (From Inverness.) Giving news of the abandonment of the siege of Stirling Castle by the Jacobites and their retreat to the north. The desertion among them has been very great, and it will take time to re-collect their people before they can hurt us.
[569] App. 48. Intelligence sent to Lord Loudon by Mr. Grant, 9th February 1746.—Last Thursday Mr. Grant sent by a Ministers son not having had time to write, being busied in his own Preparations, Intelligence of the Rebells motions, and what was said by some of their leaders to be their Intention.
Saturday morning he wrote M‘Leod the substance of it with the orders then brought to Badenoch, which as M‘Leod would forward was unnecessary for Mr. Grant to do. Since the above many confirmations of it have arrived but nothing new all this day.
The inclosed is a copy of their Resolutions taken at their Meeting in Badenoch, where Cluny was present and approved of them.
Many of the M‘phersons came home before Cluny and many of them expressed Resolutions not to be further concerned; but how far they will be steady is uncertain.
It is said by pretty good authority, that the Glengerry men after the Interment of Angus MacDonald openly and in a body left the army, and many of the Camerons followed their example. It is certain most of Keppoch’s men were at home some time ago, but people are sent to use their outmost Endeavours to bring all the above back, and influence what more they can, for which purpose it is said they will remain at least two days at Badenoch.
Their Prince was said to be at Cluny last night, but the men remaining with him, and coming through the hills to be only in the Country this night.
A deserter from those coming by the Coast, and who only left them in Angus, says Duke Cumberland was entering Stirling, as last of their army was going out, Confirms the great desertion since the battle, and asserts it continues dayly, also that there is no division coming by Braemar.
The above Deserters and others and Letters say that Clanhatton, Farquharsons, French, Pitsligo, Angus, Mearns and Aberdeenshire People came by the Coast for whom Billets were ordered last Wednesday at Aberdeen, and that some M‘Donalds, M‘Kenzies, Frasers, M‘Leods, Camerons, Stewarts, M‘Phersons, Athole and Drummond men are coming by the Hills.