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"By order of the Committee of Organization for forming a Provisional Government. Glasgow April 1st. 1820.",

"Friends and Countrymen! Rouse from that state in which we have sunk for so many years, we are at length compelled from the extremity of our sufferings, and the contempt heaped upon our petitions for redress, to assert our rights at the hazard of our lives." by "taking up arms for the redress of our common grievances". "Equality of rights (not of property)... Liberty or Death is our motto, and we have sworn to return home in triumph - or return no more.... we earnestly request all to desist from their labour from and after this day, the first of April [until] in possession of those rights..." It called for a rising "To show the world that we are not that lawless, sanguinary rabble which our oppressors would persuade the higher circles we are but a brave and generous people determined to be free."

Thus began the Scottish Revolutionary War, effected in the year 1820.

It was done in the most radical manner. Scotland was brought to a standstill by April 2nd. In Glasgow, the leadership were preparing for the next step. In their wisdom, the commitee made the decision to take the Carron Ironworks, near Falkirk, at the time the largest in Europe to gain the arms to support the insurrection. It was agreed that for such a move to be succesful, secrecy would be paramount. As such, it was agreed that the target would be divulged only on a need to know basis.

Despite this, however, the need for men to take the works was also very important. As such, word was spread around that volunteers would be required to meet in George Square in Glasgow on the morning of the 4th. It was hoped that they would then march on the works.

As it was, on the morning of the fourth, over a thousand men turned up. Without uniform, and with little weaponry other than pitchforks and a days food, at nine in the morning, they were ordered to march.

It was only en route that for most the destination was given out. The march was as brisk as could be allowed, but did take time. It took time, but at five in the evening, they arrived. The Ironworks, unprotected fell swiftly into the rebel hands. A standing force of some 250 men were ordered to guard the location.

It was at this point that in the village of Strathaven, James Wilson led some 40 men to Glasgow, flying the banner, 'Scotland, Free or a Desart.' News of the fall of the Ironworks began to spread around the country. In Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh Commitees of the Provisional government were established. Inverness was now virtually a fortress town. It was at this time that Scot first killed Scot, when a pro-government militia under Walter Scott was defeated by the rebels just outside Haddington. Scott escaped with his life, to make it to Newcastle.

Scotland was in a state of open revolt. When news hit Westminster, mobilization was ordered. It was their intention to crush it before it got out of control.
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