First setting foot on Scottish soil on the Isle of Eriskay, Prince Charles was advised by Alexander MacDonald of Boisdale to go home. To this he famously replied, "I am come home, sir." He then landed on the mainland at Glenfinnan on August 19, and raised his father's standard, proclaiming him King James VIII of Scotland and III of England. The first to join his cause were the Camerons and the MacDonalds of Keppoch. Marching with around 1,200 men, the Prince moved east then south to Perth where he joined with Lord George Murray. With his army growing, he captured Edinburgh on September 17, and then routed a government army under Lt. General Sir John Cope four days later at Prestonpans. On November 1, the Prince began his march south to London, occupying Carlisle, Manchester, and arriving at Derby on December 4. While at Derby, Murray and the Prince argued about strategy as three government armies were moving towards them. Finally, the march to London was abandoned and the army began retreating north.
Falling back, they reached Glasgow on Christmas Day, before continuing on to Stirling. After taking the town, they were reinforced by additional Highlanders as well as Irish and Scottish soldiers from France. On January 17, the Prince defeated a government force led by Lt. General Henry Hawley at Falkirk. Moving north, the army arrived at Inverness, which became the Prince's base for seven weeks. In the meantime, the Prince's forces were being pursued by a government army led by the Duke of Cumberland, the second son of King George II. Departing Aberdeen on April 8, Cumberland began moving west towards Inverness. On the 14th, the Prince learned of Cumberland's movements and assembled his army. Marching east they formed for battle on Drumossie Moor (now Culloden Moor).