Exile and Return
In 1683, after being charged with sedition and being acquitted, Fletcher fled Scotland to join with English opponents of King Charles in the Netherlands where he joined James Scott, 1st Duke of Monmouth's rebellion. Landing in Dorset Fletcher - who was to command the cavalry - appropriated a fine horse belonging to leading sympathizer Thomas Dare who furiously demanded that he dismount; Dare threateningly raised a cane whereupon Fletcher shot him dead. This ended his involvement with the doomed rebellion and almost certainly saved his life. He again left the country and after escaping from a Spanish prison fought in Hungary against the Turks before joining William of Orange in the Netherlands. Fletcher returned to Scotland in 1688 but his alliance with the Prince of Orange faded when it became clear William II - as he was in Scotland - was only interested in using the country to help fight foreign wars. His estates were restored to him and, increasingly, Fletcher defended his country's claims over English interests as well as opposing royal power. In 1703, at a critical stage in the history of Scotland, Fletcher again became a member of the Scottish Parliament as member for Haddingtonshire. Now Queen Anne was on the throne and there was a campaign to join England and Scotland in a parliamentary union, thus closing the "back door" to England that Scotland represented.
Read more about this topic: Andrew Fletcher (politician)
Famous quotes containing the words exile and/or return:
“Public employment contributes neither to advantage nor happiness. It is but honorable exile from one’s family and affairs.”
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