CHAPTER IV.

REIGN OF GEORGE II. (_continued_).

Effects of Walpole's Administration--Formation of the new Ministry--Attitude of the Malcontents--Committee of Inquiry into Walpole's Administration--Walpole's Protectors--Ministerial Measures--Prorogation of Parliament--Disasters of the French--British Diversion in the Netherlands--Opening of Parliament--The German Mercenaries--Amendment of the Gin Act--George goes to Germany--Stair and De Noailles in Franconia--Stair in a Trap--Bold Resolution of King George--The Battle of Dettingen--Resignation of Stair--Retreat of the French--Negotiations for Peace--Treaty of Worms--Pelham becomes Prime Minister--The Attacks of Pitt on Carteret--Attempted Invasion of England--Its Failure--Progress of the French Arms--Frederick II. invades Bohemia--His Retirement--Resignation of Carteret--Pelham strengthens his Ministry--Death of the Emperor--Campaign in Flanders--Battle of Fontenoy--Campaign of Frederick II.--The Young Pretender's Preparations--Loss of the _Elizabeth_--Landing in the Hebrides--The Highland Clans join him--The first Brush--Raising of the Standard--Cope's Mistake--He turns aside at Dalwhinnie--Charles makes a Dash for Edinburgh--The March to Stirling--Flight of the Dragoons--The "Canter of Coltbridge"--Edinburgh surprised by the Highlanders--Charles marching against Cope--Battle of Prestonpans--Delay in marching South--Discontent of the Highland Chiefs--The Start--Preparations in England--Apathy of the Aristocracy--Arrival of the Duke of Cumberland--Charles crosses the Border--Capture of Carlisle--The March to Derby--Resolution to retreat--"Black Friday"--The Retreat--Recapture of Carlisle--Siege of Stirling--Battle of Falkirk--Retreat to the Highlands--Cumberland's Pursuit--Gradual Collapse of the Highlanders--Battle of Culloden--Termination of the Rebellion--Cruelty of the Duke of Cumberland--Adventures of the Young Pretender--Trials and Executions--Ministerial Crisis 79