But just as in 1715,it could be said the Jacobites defeated themselves.
They didn't do it on the field of battle, but in this room at Exeter House in Derby,on December 5th, 1745. The prince and his chiefs argued bitterly whether to go forward or retreat. "London is just 130 miles away," Said the prince. Move on the capital and the French will come. Besides, we've got precious little time. The Redcoats will be back from Europe soon. "No," Said Lord George Murray,joint commander of the prince's army. I no longer believe the French are coming. It's time to cut our losses. It's time to go home. This time, the prince lost the vote by a substantial margin. The Jacobites turned about and headed north, beginning the long tramp back to Scotland through dreadful winter weather,