This Day in Jacobite History: Jacobite Retreat from Derby - 6 December 1745

On this day 261 years ago - 6 December 1745, the Jacobite army under Charles Edward Stuart, aka "Bonnie Prince Charlie", having failed to rally a substantial number of English Jacobites to their cause, and awaiting a French naval force that never arrived, began the weary and disheartening retreat from Derby, England, back to Scotland where the rebellion had begun:

Swarkestone Bridge was the farthest point south reached by Bonnie Prince Charlie’s troops, for against what the prince believed was his better judgement it was decided by the council, led by his commander Lord George Murray, that in the face of advancing government troops, they should retreat. Charles’ own words tell of his disappointment and disillusionment:

“In future, I shall summon no councils since I am accountable to nobody for my actions but to God, and my father, therefore I shall no longer ask or accept advice.”

The highland army began its retreat from Derby before daybreak on the morning of December 6th. With the exception of the war council members, none of the officers or men were aware of the resolution to retreat, for it was believed that to have communicated such to the whole army would have led to mutiny. To keep the army in suspense about its destination, a quantity of powder and ball was distributed amongst the men as if they were going into action. At the prospect of meeting the enemy the Highlanders displayed the greatest cheerfulness, but as soon as they recognised by daylight that they were retracing their steps, nothing was to be heard but expressions of rage and complaint. It has been said that had it sustained a defeat, the grief of the army could not have been more acute.

Despondent and beset by melancholly, the prince stayed in his quarters until 11am when all his highlanders were well clear of Derby, before mounting his horse and riding directly to Ashbourne. Little did he know that just 126 miles away in London, the King had packed his belongings and was making hasty preparations to leave the country and take ship for Holland because he feared a resounding defeat!

Previous Pro Ecclesia posts on this subject:
This Day in Jacobite History: Mary Queen of Scots Deposed - 24 July 1567

This Day in Jacobite History: The Battle of Killiecrankie - 27 July 1689

This Day in Jacobite History: Death of Queen Anne; George, Elector of Hanover, Becomes King - 1 August 1714

This Day in Jacobite History: Proscription Act Introduced, Banning Tartan and Carrying of Weapons - 1 August 1747

This Day in Jacobite History: Latin Mass Outlawed in Scotland - 11 August 1560

This Day in Jacobite History: Raising of the Jacobite Standard at Glenfinnan - 19 August 1745

This Day in Jacobite History: Marriage Ceremony of James Francis Edward Stuart and Princess Maria Clementina Sobieska - 1 September 1719

This Day in Jacobite History: Death of King James II and VII - 16 September 1701

This Day in Jacobite History: Charles Edward Stuart Arrives in Edinburgh, Proclaims His Father Rightful King - 17 September 1745

This Day in Jacobite History: Lochaber No More - 20 September 1746

This Day in Jacobite History: Charlie Stuart's Finest Hour, the Battle of Prestonpans - 21 September 1745

This Day in Jacobite History: Birth of King James II and VII - 14 October 1633

This Day in Jacobite History: Charles Edward Stuart's Entry into Derby, England - 4 December 1745