The rebels have not left their camp near Edinburgh, and, I suppose, will not now, unless to retreat into the Highlands.  General Wade was to march yesterday from Doncaster for Scotland.  By their not advancing, I conclude that either the Boy and his council could not prevail On the Highlanders to leave their own country, or that they were not strong enough, and still wait for foreign assistance, which, in a new declaration, he intimates that he still expects.(1123) One only ship, I believe a Spanish one, has got to them with arms, and Lord John Drummond(1124) and some people of quality on board.  We don’t hear that the younger Boy is of the number.  Four ships sailed from Corunna; the one that got to Scotland, one taken by a privateer of bristol, and one lost on the Irish coast; the fourth is not heard of.  At Edinburgh and thereabouts they commit the most horrid barbarities.  We last night expected as bad here:  information was given of an intended insurrection and massacre by the Papists; all the Guards were ordered out, and the Tower shut up at seven.  I cannot be surprised at any thing, considering the supineness of the ministry—­nobody has yet been taken up!

The Parliament met on Thursday.  I don’t think, considering the crisis, that the House was very full.  Indeed, many of the Scotch members cannot come if they would.  The young Pretender had published a declaration, threatening to confiscate the estates of Scotch that should come to Parliament, and making it treason for the English.  The only points that have been before the house, the address and the suspension of the Habeas Corpus, met with obstructions from the Jacobites.  By this we may expect what spirit they will show hereafter.(1125) With all this, I am far from thinking that they are so confident and sanguine as their friends at Rome.  I blame the Chutes extremely for cockading themselves:  why take a part when they are only travelling?  I should certainly retire to Florence on this occasion.

You may imagine how little I like our situation; but I don’t despair.  The little use they made, or could make of their victory; their not having marched into England; their miscarriage at the Castle of Edinburgh; the arrival of our forces, and the non-arrival of any French or Spanish, make me conceive great hopes of getting over this ugly business.  But it is still an affair wherein the chance Of battles, or perhaps of one battle, may decide.

I write you but short letters, considering the circumstances of the time; but I hate to send you paragraphs only to contradict them again:  I still less choose to forge events; and, indeed, am glad I have so few to tell you.

My lady O. has forced herself upon her mother, who receives her very coolly:  she talks highly of her demands, and quietly of her methods — the fruitlessness of either will, I hope, soon send her back—­I am sorry it must be to you!

You mention Holdisworth:(1126) he has had the confidence to come and visit me within these ten days; and (I suppose, from the overflowing of his joy) talked a great deal and with as little sense as when he was more tedious.