[204] The Lowlands of Scotland were, during the year which followed the parliamentary session of 1690, as quiet as they had ever been within the memory of man; but the state of the Highlands caused much anxiety to the government.

The civil war in that wild region, after it had ceased to flame, had continued during some time to smoulder.

At length, early in the year 1691, the rebel chiefs informed the Court of Saint Germains that, pressed as they were on every side, they could hold out no longer without succour from France.

James had sent them a small quantity of meal, brandy and tobacco, and had frankly told them that he could do nothing more.

Money was so scarce among them that six hundred pounds sterling would have been a most acceptable addition to their funds, but even such a sum he was unable to spare.