James Edgar (Jacobite) facts for kids
James Edgar (born 1688, died 1764) was an important Scottish official for the Jacobites. The Jacobites were supporters of the exiled Stuart royal family. They wanted to bring the Stuarts back to the throne of Great Britain.
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Who Was James Edgar?
Early Life and Beginnings
James Edgar was born in 1688 in a place called Keithock, Scotland. His family was not rich, but he had some important connections. For example, a powerful nobleman, the Earl of Panmure, was his godfather.
Joining the Jacobite Cause
In 1715, a big event called the Jacobite rising of 1715 happened. This was when Jacobite supporters tried to put the Stuart family back on the throne. James Edgar was one of the first people to join this movement. He worked as a clerk during the uprising.
Life in Exile
The Jacobite uprising of 1715 failed. After the defeat, James Edgar had to escape from Scotland in disguise. He joined other Jacobites who had also left the country. First, he went to Avignon in France, and then to Rome, Italy, by 1717. He never returned to Scotland.
Working for the Pretender
In Rome, James Edgar started working for James Francis Edward Stuart. This Stuart prince was known as the "Old Pretender" because he claimed the British throne. From 1728, Edgar became his private secretary. This was a very important job.
Edgar's Key Responsibilities
Edgar's main job was to handle all the letters and messages for the Jacobite court. He wrote most of the letters himself, and the Pretender would then sign them. Edgar was very good at his job. He was known for being efficient and honest.
He also collected secret information and reports for the Jacobite cause. He managed to stay out of the many arguments and power struggles among the Jacobite supporters. This helped him earn the trust of both the Old Pretender and his son, Charles Edward Stuart.
Rising Through the Ranks
From 1732, James Edgar took on even more responsibilities. He started doing many of the tasks of the Pretender's Secretary of State. This was a top position in the Jacobite government.
In 1759, he was given the title of clerk of Scotland's Councils, Registers, and Rolls. Finally, in 1763, he was officially named Secretary of State. Sadly, he suffered a stroke and passed away in September 1764, just over a year later.
Much of the important letters and documents he wrote for the Jacobite court are now kept in the Royal Archives. They help historians understand this period of history.
