White Cockades: An Incident of the "Forty-Five"

by Edward Prime-Stevenson

"White Cockades: An Incident of the 'Forty-Five'" by Edward Prime-Stevenson is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. It tells the story of Andrew Boyd, a Highland lad caught up in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, and his encounter with a fugitive nobleman, Lord Geoffry Armitage, who is on the run after the failed uprising. The narrative explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the complexities of political allegiance amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous time in Scottish history. The opening of the novel introduces us to Andrew Boyd, who is hard at work felling a tree in a serene Highland glade when he accidentally injures a stranger, later revealed to be Lord Armitage. The two soon discover their common cause—the support of the exiled Prince Charles Stewart. As they bond over their shared loyalty to the Jacobite cause, tensions arise from the outside threat posed by Hanoverian soldiers. The urgency escalates as they navigate danger together, setting the stage for a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the struggle against tyranny in an era marked by rebellion and strife. The chapter sets a foundation for their daring adventure as they strive against the odds to protect each other and uphold their beliefs.