Waverley · Chapter
XXVIII: The March explained
The Young Chevalier's army marches into England in November, facing a cold reception from the populace.
What happens
The Young Chevalier's army marches into England in November, facing a cold reception from the populace. Fergus MacIvor and Edward Waverley, once close, quarrel over Flora's rejection of Edward's suit. Edward transfers to the Baron of Bradwardine's cavalry, where his skills earn him respect.
Themes in this chapter
Romanticism vs. Reality
Fergus's romantic vision of conquest clashes with the cold reality of English indifference and the poor quality of recruits, as observed by Edward and the Baron.
Loyalty and Allegiance
Edward's transfer from Fergus's regiment to the Baron's cavalry highlights shifting loyalties and the personal conflicts within the Jacobite army.
Social Class and Hierarchy
The tension between Highland clans and Lowland gentlemen, and Fergus's pride in his chieftaincy, underscore class and hierarchical divisions within the army.
Characters to notice
- Edward Waverley
Endures the march, becomes acquainted with Highland language, and quarrels with Fergus over Flora's rejection, eventually transferring to the Baron's cavalry.
- Fergus MacIvor
Leads his regiment with pride, argues with Edward about Flora, and suppresses his desire for a duel, but remains resentful.
- Flora MacIvor
Refuses Edward's suit, leading to the rift between Edward and Fergus; mentioned as the subject of their quarrel.
- Baron of Bradwardine
Welcomes Edward into his cavalry regiment, attempts to reconcile Edward and Fergus, and comments on the poor quality of new recruits.
- Prince Charles Edward Stuart
Leads the march into England; later attempts to mediate the quarrel between Edward and Fergus.
Key passages
“It is not our purpose to intrude upon the province of history. We shall therefore only remind our readers that about the beginning of November the Young Chevalier, at the head of about six thousand men at the utmost, resolved to peril his cause on an attempt to penetrate into the centre of England, although aware of the mighty preparations which were made for his reception.”
The narrator steps back from historical detail, simply noting that in early November, Prince Charles led around 6,000 men on a risky march into England despite knowing the government's strong defenses.
Sets the historical stage for the chapter's events.
“He could not but observe that in those towns in which they proclaimed James the Third, 'no man cried, God bless him.' The mob stared and listened, heartless, stupefied, and dull, but gave few signs even of that boisterous spirit which induces them to shout upon all occasions for the mere exercise of their most sweet voices.”
Edward noticed that when the Jacobites proclaimed James III, the crowds were silent and unenthusiastic, showing none of the usual noisy support.
Highlights the lack of popular support for the Jacobite cause in England.
“The Baron of Bradwardine, being asked what he thought of these recruits, took a long pinch of snuff, and answered drily, 'that he could not but have an excellent opinion of them, since they resembled precisely the followers who attached themselves to the good King David at the cave of Adullam— videlicet , everyone that was in distress, and everyone that was in debt, and everyone that was discontented, which the vulgate renders bitter of soul; and doubtless,' he said, 'they will prove mighty men of their hands, and there is much need that they should, for I have seen many a sour look cast upon us.'”
The Baron dryly compared the new recruits to King David's followers—the distressed, indebted, and discontented—and noted that they would need to be strong, given the hostility they faced.
Shows the Baron's learned humor and his realistic view of the army's prospects.
