Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1857-02-25

"The Life and Character of Flora Melon
aid by James Banks, ESQ, Fayetteville.-,
Printed by Edward J. Hale & Son.
Through the courtesy Of the Publishers,
a neatly printed pamphlet copy of Mr..
Banks Lecture on Flora Mcdonald is on our
table. II has been read with great interest,
and rs a Woman, l thank Mr.. B.. for giving
US. in 90 concise and attractive a form, the
deeds Of loyalty, Of heroism, Of c~onjugal aud
m lternal devotion, which ~signulizcd t Q hisl
tory of this remarkable Lady-deeds which
have i'm uortalized her name, and rendered
her an ercmplar for every true woman, in
these respects. A brief epitome Of her his
tory, as given by Mr.. Banks, may prove in
teresting TO readers who may not see the
Lecture in full
Flora NJ Donald was but in the early
blush Of womanhoOd when Prince Charles
Edward, Of Scotland, entered upon tho haz
ardous auddoubtful campaign Of wrestling the
crown Of his fathers, the sceptre of great
Britain, from the hands Of those who had
usurped it. lie reared the " fiery cross
overran Scotland and penetrated England
within ninety miles Of London, causing the
King to tremble and prepare for an abdica
ton Of his throne. But, unfortunately, sus
pending operations for the winter, his stal
began to wane, which was finally extinguishet
on the fatal field Of Culloden, and the hero
Prince had to fly f,r refuge and safety t.
the glens and mountains Of his highland
home. He was hunted and prosecuted from
mountain to cave, he was hemmed in as Will
q wall Of fire on the small island of Uist
s%entinels were at every pass and gorge t
prevent his escape, and a high reward offere,
for his head.
1t was while the Prince was thus environe'
with dangers and death, that Flora resolves
to undertake to save him. She succeeded il
finding him in his hiding place, gaunt, weak
half-famished and his clothes in t~atters.-
After disclosing her purpose she sat out t
execute it, but on the day following wa
taken prisoner. The commander of the OF
posing forces turned out to be her step-fatf
or, who, not suspecting her, granted a pass
port for herself, Neill McEachim Mcdonald
n servant man, and Betty Burke, an Iris
servant girl. After obtaining these pass
ports, and suitable apparel for her servar
Girl, she had an interview with the hunte
Prince, whom she attired in the servant girl
dress and under this disguise she succeede
in eFecting his escape, through many tryin
perils.
Flora Mcdonald was afterwards arreste
on the charge Of aiding in the Princes e
cape and while a prisoner, it is related TIL
upon one occasion, Frederick, Prince
Wales, demanded of her how she dared
aid a rebel against his fathers throne Z
Her reply lives as a testimonial of her goo
ness Of heart, as she said in true woman
simplioity-"I would have done the san
for you, had ! found you in like Distress
The answer converted him into one of h
most steadfast friends.
Flora was married in 1850 to Alexand
NJ, mali, whose pecuniary affairs becomir
embarrassed. he migrated to North CAROLYN
They laod-d in Wilmington, and afterwar
settled AT " Cross Creek'-now known
Fayetteville. In 1775 Gov. Martin ga
Mcdonald the chief command Of the Roy
Highland Enisrant Regiment" destined
be s,nt 70 Boston. But, at the Battle
Mlure's Creek, he was captured md impr
Onci by the wings Of the revolution. d.
ing AZ his trials and reverses Of fortune $
clung t. him, sometimes ~encamping W
him on the tented field. Finding, at lengt