Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-07-07
THE MAN WHO MISSED A THRONE
Charles IFS Natural Son Might Have Been King of Eng
land if He Had Been Prudent Mystery of
the "Iron Mask"
By JOHN ELFRETH WATKINS

|
WTHEN that Prince of Wales who
w became King Charles II of England
was lad barely IS he enjoyed romance
upon that garden spot, the Isle of Jersey.
| Some authorities state that a secret NOR.
ganatic marriage resulted, others that the
affair was q mere adventure. Whatever
its status a child resulted-a son, who
assumed the name James de la Cloche.
There were persistent rumors that the
lads mother was Marguerite de Cartaret,
who, with her brother, Sir George Car.
taret. dwelt in the beautiful old Manor
de la Trinite, in the isle above mentioned
The young prince and his brother, the
Duke Of York, were entertained there by
Sir George, to whom Charles, when King
gave what is now our State. New Jersey
named in honor of that Eden which had
such warm place in the royal memory
In any event, James de la Cloche is
known to have been recognized by
Charles II as his son. His royal father
had him educated in France and granted
him pension of $500 year. which was
to continue so long as he remained a
Protestant-this proviso being more on
aversion borne by the King to the Cath
olio faith. for His Majesty was at heart
Catholic.
In several letters Charles II expressed
his purpose TO one day publicly recognize
his son. He further hinted that he
might declare that youth his rightful
heir to the throne. for Charles II and
his Queen had no issue; and neither did
the Duke of York, at that time. King
Charles stipulated to James de la Cloche
that he must not reveal his parentage
until his recognition should be openly
made. but the young man disobeyed this
command by confding in Queen Chris.
tina, OF Sweden, whom he met at Ham.
burg Subsequently he proceeded to
Rome bearing with him a letter written
by Her Majesty in Latin and attesting
that Charles II had privately acknowl
edged him TO be his son.
Charles Called Him "Our Honored Son"
In Rome James de la Clochs chose TO
further disobey his royaI sire and to for
felt his comfortable pension by Joining
the Jesuit order and entering one of It's
monasteries when he was 22 years old.
But King Charles instead OF seeking to
punish his offspring for this defiance.
either forgaye him forthwith or affected
so to do. for not long afterward he sent
a secret message to Olivia. general of
the Jesuits, eonfessing that his heart
cravsd Catholicism and asking that the
young Jesuit, James dc la Cloche, be
sent TO him to instruct him In the faith.
About the same time James received from
his father letter addressing him ass
"our Honored Son, ths Prince Stuart. |
dwelling under the name of signor de la |
cloche."
So. in the autumn OF 1868. de la Cloche, |
In disguise and under an assumed name |
proceeded TO London to see the King, |
bearing with him the belief that he |
might one day sit upon the British throne, |
should he see ut TO leave the militant |
order Of the Church OF Rome But King |
Charles was not yet ready 10 acclaim him |
to the multitude as his son ana heir. In |
stead he wished to make use OF him as
secret messenger between him and his /
ally. the Pope.
The message which de Ia cloehs was /
o bear gave assurances 70 tbs Holy See
that Charles Il. hls sister. Duchess item