I may remark on this extract, that it confirms the account given in the text of the resistance offered by some of the English infantry.  Surprised by a force of a peculiar and unusual description, their opposition could not be long or formidable, especially as they were deserted by the cavalry, and those who undertook to manage the artillery.  But, although the affair was soon decided, I have always understood that many of the infantry showed an inclination to do their duty.

Note 9, p. 101

It is scarcely necessary to say that the character of this brutal young Laird is entirely imaginary.  A gentleman, however, who resembled Balmawhapple in the article of courage only, fell at Preston in the manner described.  A Perthshire gentleman of high honour and respectability, one of the handful of cavalry who followed the fortunes of Charles Edward, pursued the fugitive dragoons almost alone till near Saint Clement’s Wells, where the efforts of some of the officers had prevailed on a few of them to make a momentary stand.  Perceiving at this moment that they were pursued by only one man and a couple of servants, they turned upon him and cut him down with their swords.  I remember when a child, sitting on his grave, where the grass long grew rank and green, distinguishing it from the rest of the field.  A female of the family then residing at Saint Clement’s Wells used to tell me the tragedy, of which she had been an eye-witness, and showed me in evidence one of the silver clasps of the unfortunate gentleman’s waistcoat.

Note 10, p. 118

The name of Andrea de Ferrara is inscribed on all the Scottish broadswords which are accounted of peculiar excellence.  Who this artist was, what were his fortunes, and when he flourished, have hitherto defied the research of antiquaries; only it is in general believed that Andrea de Ferrara was a Spanish or Italian artificer, brought over by James IV or V to instruct the Scots in the manufacture of sword blades.  Most barbarous nations excel in the fabrication of arms; and the Scots had attained great proficiency in forging swords so early as the field of Pinkie; at which period the historian Patten describes them as ’all notably broad and thin, universally made to slice, and of such exceeding good temper that, as I never saw any so good, so I think it hard to devise better.’—­Account of Somerset’s Expedition.

It may be observed that the best and most genuine Andrea Ferraras have a crown marked on the blade.

Note 11, p. 124

The incident here said to have happened to Flora Mac-Ivor actually befell Miss Nairne, a lady with whom the author had the pleasure of being acquainted.  As the Highland army rushed into Edinburgh, Miss Nairne, like other ladies who approved of their cause, stood waving her handkerchief from a balcony, when a ball from a Highlander’s musket, which was discharged by accident, grazed her forehead.  ‘Thank God,’ said she, the instant she recovered,’that the accident happened to me, whose principles are known.  Had it befallen a Whig, they would have said it was done on purpose.’