The Fall of the Stuarts by Edward Hale

Author:Edward Hale
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pronoun

THE REVOLUTION

SECTION I.—William in England.

ON the 16th of October William took leave of the Dutch Estates. He told them that he went England in defence of the reformed religion, and of the independence of Europe; “that he might not return, but in that case left his beloved wife in their care.” He himself spoke with unfaltering voice but the Assembly was not equally calm, many of the members being moved even to tears. But William remained “firm in his usual gravity and phlegm.”

On the 19th, the embarkation took place at Helvoetsluys. The fleet consisted of 50 men of war, 25 frigates, some fire ships, and 400 transports, having on board 4,000 cavalry and 10,0000 infantry fully equipped. Much discussion and some difference of opinion had arisen as to the part of England on which the descent should be made. Lord Danby had been anxious it should be in Yorkshire, and thither the fleet was first steered.

But few hours had passed at sea before a violent west wind arose, which drove the ships back to harbor. An English fleet, commanded by Lord Dartmouth, lay at the mouth of the Thames. An east wind, which would be favorable to William, would prevent James’ fleet from leaving its anchorage. For days, however, the west wind blew, and Dartmouth was prepared, on the first intelligence of During this delay, William altered his plans. He resolved to land in the West of England, in that West which had before shown its attachment to Protestantism by proclaiming Monmouth, and had in consequence suffered so much from James and his creature Jeffreys. The wind at length changed on the 1st of November; a favorable easterly breeze set in, “a Protestant wind.” For the second time William put to sea. The transports were in the centre; to windward and leeward the Dutch men-of- war were formed, William’s flagship among them, to protect the transports. The rear of the fleet was brought up by a squadron under Admiral Herbert, so that in case Lord Dartmouth should come up with the fleet, he would find himself confronted by English ships. But the east wind effectually prevented Dartmouth from following William. Favored by a fresh gale, William’s fleet rapidly sailed down channel without meeting a hostile ship.

Off Torbay the fleet cast anchor, and William landed. The day of his landing was November 5, the day already endeared to Protestants, the anniversary of the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot. Dr. Burnet was amongst the first to disembark and present himself to William. Understanding nothing of military matters, he fussily interrogated William as to his plans, as to which way he intended to march, and when, and desired to be employed by him in whatever service he should think fit. William was “cheerfuller than ordinary.” He replied by asking Burnet what he now thought of predestination, and by advising him, if he had a mind to be busy, to consult the canons.

William now set to work to make arrangements for the landing of his troops.

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