Speech of King James VIII, January 16, 1716

King James III and VIII made the following speech before his Council at Perth.

I am now on your repeated invitations come among you. No other arguments need be used of the great confidence I place in your loyalty and fidelity to me, which I entirely rely on. I believe you are already convinced of my good intentions to restore the ancient laws and liberties of this kingdom; if not, I am still ready to confirm to you the assurance of doing all that can give you satisfaction therein. The great discouragements which presented, were not sufficient to deter me from coming to put myself at the head of my faithful subjects who were in arms for me; and whatever shall ensue, I shall leave no room for any complaint that I have not done the utmost they could expect from me.

Let those who forget their allegiance and are negligent of their own good be answerable for the worst that may happen. For me, it will be no new thing if I am unfortunate; my whole life, even from my cradle, has shown a constant series of misfortunes; and I am prepared (if it so please God) to suffer the threats of my enemies and yours.

The preparations which are making against us, will, I hope, quicken your resolutions and convince others from whom I have had assurances that it is now no time to dispute what they have to do. If otherwise, they shall by their remissness be unmindful of their own safety, I shall take it as my greatest comfort that I have acquitted myself in whatever could be expected from me.

I recommend to you what is necessary to be done in the present conjuncture, and, next to God, rely on your counsel and resolution.