The Scottish Orphans

THE estate of Monteith belonged, in the year 1745, to a gentleman of that name, who in his domestic circumstances was truly happy. A marriage of affection had united him to a young lady of beauty, virtue, and good sense; and Providence had blessed them with three lovely infants, to the care of whom the fond parents devoted a mutual and constant attention.Unfortunately, Mr. Monteith had been brought up in principles of firm attachment to the House of Stuart. At the period of which I speak, the last attempt was made to place a prince of that family on the throne of Great Britain. Mr. Monteith thought himself bound in honour to take an open part in the insurrection; but the rash undertaking was soon quelled, and he found that, by engaging in it, he had for ever forfeited his rank and fortune. He was forced, after the last battle, to fly for his life; was discovered by a party of the king’s soldiers, and was carried prisoner to Stirling Castle.

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