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Prince Charles Edward, after the battle of Culloden, was conveyed to what is called the Long Island, where he lay for some time concealed.  But intelligence having been obtained where he was, and a number of troops having come in quest of him, it became absolutely necessary for him to quit that country without delay.  Miss Flora Macdonald, then a young lady, animated by what she thought the sacred principle of loyalty, offered, with the magnanimity of a Heroine, to accompany him in an open boat to Sky, though the coast they were to quit was guarded by ships.  He dressed himself in women’s clothes, and passed as her supposed maid, by the name of Betty Bourke, an Irish girl.  They got off undiscovered, though several shots were fired to bring them to, and landed at Mugstot, the seat of Sir Alexander Macdonald.  Sir Alexander was then at Fort Augustus, with the Duke of Cumberland; but his lady was at home.  Prince Charles took his post upon a hill near the house.  Flora Macdonald waited on lady Margaret[550], and acquainted her of the enterprise in which she was engaged.  Her ladyship, whose active benevolence was ever seconded by superior talents, shewed a perfect presence of mind, and readiness of invention, and at once settled that Prince Charles should be conducted to old Rasay, who was himself concealed with some select friends.  The plan was instantly communicated to Kingsburgh, who was dispatched to the hill to inform the Wanderer, and carry him refreshments.  When Kingsburgh approached, he started up, and advanced, holding a large knotted stick, and in appearance ready to knock him down, till he said, ’I am Macdonald of Kingsburgh, come to serve your highness.’  The Wanderer answered, ‘It is well,’ and was satisfied with the plan.

Flora Macdonald dined with Lady Margaret, at whose table there sat an officer of the army, stationed here with a party of soldiers, to watch for Prince Charles in case of his flying to the isle of Sky.  She afterwards often laughed in good-humour with this gentleman, on her having so well deceived him.  After dinner, Flora Macdonald on horseback, and her supposed maid, and Kingsburgh, with a servant carrying some linen, all on foot, proceeded towards that gentleman’s house.  Upon the road was a small rivulet which they were obliged to cross.  The Wanderer, forgetting his assumed sex, that his clothes might not be wet, held them up a great deal too high.  Kingsburgh mentioned this to him, observing, it might make a discovery.  He said, he would be more careful for the future.  He was as good as his word; for the next brook they crossed, he did not hold up his clothes at all, but let them float upon the water.  He was very awkward in his female dress.  His size was so large, and his strides so great, that some women whom they met reported that they had seen a very big woman, who looked like a man in woman’s clothes, and that perhaps it was (as they expressed themselves) the Prince, after whom so much search was making.