The Virginia Gazette

Copy of a Letter from His Royal Highness the Duke of Cumberland to the Duke of Newcastle, dated at the Camp of Falkirk, Feb 1, 1745-6.

My Lord Duke of Newcastle,

IN my last, of the 30th of last Month, I inform'd you of our Intention to march to the Relief of Stirling Castle, when I wrote that I hop'd the Rebels, flush'd with their late Success, would have given us an Opportunity of finishing this Affair at once, which I am morally sure would have been in our Favour, as the Troops in general shew'd all the Spirit that I could wish, and would have retriev'd whatever Slips are past: But, to my great Astonishment, the Rebels have blown up their Powder Magazine, and are retired over the Forth, at Frew, leaving their Cannon behind them, and a Number of their Sick and Wounded, besides 20 of our wounded Prisoners, taken at the late Affair, which I have found here. I hope to be at Stirling To-morrow, from whence I shall be better able to inform you of all this strange Flight. Brigadier Mordaunt, with the 2 Regiments of Dragoons, and Lieutenant-Colonel Campbell, with the Highlanders, are in Pursuit of them.

I am, Your affectionate Friend,

WILLIAM.

This Moment came a Man from Stirling, who says, Blakeney had put Troops in the Town, and that all the Rebels had cross'd the Forth. I inclose the best Account, for the present, I cou'd draw up.