Question 1
Using these four sources in their historical context, assess how far they support the view that
desertions from James’ forces were the main reason for his flight in November 1688.
Source A: A Whig bishop who had been exiled under James II explains James’ flight.
It was strange that a great king, who had a good army and a strong fleet, should choose rather to abandon all than either try his fate with that part of the army that stood firm to him, or stay and see the issue of Parliament. This was variously imputed to his want of courage, his consciousness of guilt, or the advice of those about him; but so it was that his deserting in this manner, and leaving them to be pillaged by an army that he had ordered to be disbanded without pay, was thought the forfeiture of his right and the expiration of his reign.
Gilbert Burnet, History of his Own Time, written before 1715
Source B: A Tory MP describes events in James’ camp.
Soon after we heard that several great men, officers of the army and particular confidantes of the King, had revolted from him and were gone to the Prince of Orange and, the King having got to Salisbury, where his army gathered, the Lord Churchill, a major-general, under the excuse of showing his Majesty the outguards of his army, had led him into a trap, where he would have been betrayed into the hands of a party of the Prince, but that a large nose bleed stopped him from going. The number who revolted were not 1000 in all, but everyone was so jealous of one another that they did not know who to trust.
Sir John Reresby, Memoirs, November 28 1688
Source C: The King describes the events of November 1688.
[the defection of his nephew] broke the King’s measures, disheartened the other troops and created such a jealousy that each man suspected his neighbor, and in effect rendered the army useless. It also gave encouragement to the country gentlemen to go to the Prince of Orange, who until then had been diffident, but now not only the discontented party but the trimmers and even many that wished well to the King went in; which gave courage to the enemy, who until then were in a despairing way.
James II, Memoirs, written before 1701
Source D: William of Orange and a naval officer issue a manifesto to the commanders of English ships.
You are only made use of as instruments to bring both yourselves and your country under popery and slavery by means of both the Irish and the foreigners who are preparing to complete your destruction. And therefore we hope that God will put it in your hearts at this time to redeem yourselves, your country and your religion from these miseries.
This in all human appearance can only be done by your coming now to assist us, who are laboring for your deliverance. And we do assure you that we will be ever mindful of the services that you shall now do us.
William, Manifesto to the English Navy, October 1688
[30]
Answer
