ABSTRACT
In 1745, Captain Robinson, who had put into the Isle of Skye during his passage from the Baltic, brought the news to Liverpool that the Young Pretender had landed in Scotland. An express was immediately despatched to the Secretary of State with this important intelligence, and vigorous preparations were made to defend the town in case of attack. The sum of £6,000 was quickly contributed to defray expenses; and a regiment called the “Liverpool Blues,” 900 strong, was raised from amongst the inhabitants. The Jacobites passed within 16 miles of Liverpool, but did not dare to risk an encounter with the local forces. When the Duke of Cumberland pursued the retreating insurgents, the Blues, thirsting for glory, joined his army and assisted at the siege of Carlisle.
