The Glencairn Uprising, 1653-54 Helen Baker Department of ...

Charles II maintained contact with his former subjects in Scotland after his disastrous
defeat at Worcester. From his exile in Paris, he discussed with Highland chiefs the
possibility of retrieving his regalia and personal belongings that had been left at
Dunnottar Castle. The defeat of Dunnottar meant that the royal agent, Major-General
Vandruske, who was sent to Scotland in March 1652 was forced to abandon the
project. The exiled King, however, was encouraged by the onset of the Anglo-Dutch
war and a missive sent three months later ‘from diverse of the most considerable
nobility’ in the Highlands. As Dow has argued, Charles II and his supporters saw
Scottish support as a useful backdoor which might eventually allow manipulation of
the entire European sphere. 70
On 25 June Charles commissioned John Middleton as Lieutenant-General of
Scotland, directing the nobles of Scotland to assist him in every possible way. Charles
II explained to his leading supporters in Scotland that he had chosen Middleton
because of his consistent loyalty, his military experience and skill, and his popularity
among the Scots. However, like many men of his time, Middleton had fought both for
and against the Royalist cause. He had supported Montrose when the latter had been a
Covenanter and had also fought on the side of the Parliamentarians at Marston Moor.
However, his later exploits were more pleasing to the King. He had become an
Engager, fighting at Mauchline Moor and Worcester. He was imprisoned at Worcester
but had escaped the tower in what seems to have been the usual disguise of the time -
women’s clothes - and had joined the King at St. Germains. 71
Letters have survived between Sir Edward Hyde and Charles II’s secretary, Sir
Edward Nicholas, that praise Middleton’s ‘great modesty, courage and judgement’. 72
Middleton’s political connections with English royalists would have been viewed as
potentially useful by an exiled monarch whose ambitions exceeded the rule of
Scotland. On the other hand, Middleton was not an enthusiastic supporter of
Presbyterianism and was never fully accepted by the Church party. 73
70 Dow, F.D. Cromwellian Scotland, pp.68-69 and Firth, C.H. Scotland and the Commonwealth, p.xlii.
71 Dow, F.D. Cromwellian Scotland, p.69 and Willcock, J. A Scots Earl in Covenanting Times, p.37.
72 At this time Hyde was living with Charles II in the role of chief advisor and general co-ordinator of
the Royalist effort. Firth, C.H. Scotland and the Commonwealth, p.53.
73 Firth, C.H. Scotland and the Commonwealth, pp.xlii, 66.