Midwinter · Chapter
IX: Old England explained
Alastair Maclean, disguised as a charcoal-burner, travels with Amos Midwinter through the English countryside.
What happens
Alastair Maclean, disguised as a charcoal-burner, travels with Amos Midwinter through the English countryside. Midwinter advises him to write to the Highland army and to investigate Sir John Norreys, whom Alastair suspects of treachery. They journey on foot, meeting a woodcutter named Jerry Tusser, as Alastair regains his vigor and resolve.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Disguise
Alastair adopts a charcoal-burner's disguise to evade capture and move secretly through Old England.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Alastair questions the loyalty of Kyd and Sir John Norreys, fearing betrayal could doom the Jacobite cause.
Honor and Duty
Alastair feels duty-bound to uncover the spy and ensure the success of the Prince's campaign.
Characters to notice
- Alastair Maclean
Disguised as a charcoal-burner, he writes to Lochiel and plans to investigate Sir John Norreys.
- Amos Midwinter
Guides Alastair through Old England, offering counsel and arranging their journey on foot.
- Edom Lowrie
Mentioned as a servant whose honesty Alastair defends; his papers provide news from Badminton and Monmouth.
- Mr. Nicholas Kyd
Alastair debates Kyd's loyalty; Midwinter questions whether Kyd might be false.
- Sir John Norreys
Suspected of being a traitor; Alastair plans to visit him in Derbyshire.
- Claudia Norreys
Mentioned as Sir John's wife; Alastair thinks of her with a sense of joy.
- Lochiel
Alastair writes a letter to Lochiel, his kinsman, urging the Prince to march south.
- Jerry Tusser
A woodcutter who provides a meal for Alastair and Midwinter.
Key passages
“Yesterday morning your Prince was encamped outside Carlisle. By now the place may have fallen.”
Midwinter informs Alastair that Prince Charles is near Carlisle, which may have already been captured.
Midwinter shares news of the Prince's progress using his own network of messengers.
“I have my own messengers who journey in Old England”
Midwinter explains that he uses a system of travelers to relay news faster than post-horses.
Midwinter's method of communication is quicker than conventional means.
“If he were false, it would indeed go ill with you; for on him, I take it, depends the rising of Wales and the Marches.”
Midwinter warns that if Kyd is a traitor, the planned Welsh uprising would fail.
Kyd's role is critical to the Jacobite strategy in Wales.
“Write straightway to the Army—choose the man about the Prince who loves you most—and tell him of the great things to be hoped for from the West.”
Midwinter advises Alastair to write to a trusted contact in the Prince's army, encouraging a march south.
Midwinter's counsel aims to keep the Prince's forces motivated and informed.