Erskine died at Aachen in exile in 1732, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the turbulent and transformative history of Scotland and the United Kingdom during the early 18th century.

This heraldic emblem has a historical association with Longwy-sur-le-Doubs, a town in the Jura department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in eastern France, known for its strategic importance in the defense of the Kingdom of Burgundy.

[10] Mar Lodge Estate is a popular destination for hill walkers, having four of Scotland's five highest mountains, including Ben Macdui, the second-highest peak in Britain.

[2] His shift to the Jacobite cause occurred during a tumultuous period marked by the arrest and impeachment of Robert Harley and the exile of other notable Tories, including Lord Bolingbroke and the Duke of Ormonde.

It was during this period of shifting allegiances and active engagement in the Jacobite cause that his English detractors labeled him "Bobbing John," a nickname that reflected their perception of his changing loyalties.

Mar, along with several Scottish nobles and military leaders, determined that the time had come to take up arms openly to restore King James to the throne and to free Scotland from what they viewed as oppressive foreign rule.

Mar invoked divine support, stating that "in so honourable, good, and just a cause, we cannot doubt of the assistance, direction, and blessing of Almighty God, who has so often rescued the Royal Family of Stuart and our country from sinking under oppression."

The document highlights Mar's leadership role and the deep sense of righteousness and divine backing felt by the Jacobite supporters at the outset of the rebellion.

His strategic decisions, including a prolonged stay at Perth and a simulated attack on Stirling, were part of his broader military campaign, though they had limited success in advancing his cause.

In the battle's aftermath, while Mar's cautious approach led to missed opportunities, it is important to consider the complex circumstances and the challenging decisions he faced as a commander.

The Jacobite rising of 1715, despite not achieving its ultimate goal, remains a significant event in Scottish history, reflecting the enduring spirit and aspirations of its participants.

His version of the journal was widely circulated and effectively overshadowed the original, influencing public perception by framing the Jacobite leaders, including Mar, as ineffectual and misguided.

Defoe's intervention in the journal highlights his prowess as a political writer and propagandist, effectively aligning the document with the interests of the Hanoverian government and discrediting the Jacobite movement and its leaders.

[29][30] John Erskine, 6th/23rd Earl of Mar, recognized for his significant contributions to politics, architecture, and urban planning, was a visionary leader and a creative thinker.

John Erskine served as Sovereign Grand Commander of the Order of the Fleur de Lys from 1716–1730, with the purpose of re-establishing the Judaic-Christian Kingdom of Jerusalem.

His work in exile showcased his unwavering commitment to his principles and his homeland, underlining his role as a prominent and influential figure in the historical and cultural narrative of the United Kingdom.

In 1719, he was involved in orchestrating an invasion plan, leveraging Spain's ongoing war against Britain, though this initiative was ultimately hindered by adverse weather conditions.

Mar's actions during his exile, particularly his negotiations with the British government, were primarily driven by a desire to secure his financial future and restore his family estates, rather than a betrayal of the Jacobite movement.

[30][36] In 1717, while James Stuart was in Italy, John Erskine, Duke of Mar, spent several months in Paris to meet with his wife and discuss their strained financial situation.

Mar likely inquired about the Act's potential coverage out of a desire to secure his financial future and reclaim his estates, rather than seeking reconciliation with King George.

[39] Despite the careful coordination and efforts, the invasion did not come to fruition, as it faced significant challenges, including insufficient support and effective countermeasures by the British government.

To address this, John Erskine, 6th Earl of Mar, advocated for a Stuart restoration that would bring back Ireland's ancient aristocracy, promote religious tolerance, and grant self-government.

Mar envisioned that the Irish, if freed alongside the Scots, would form a closer bond with Scotland, recognizing their shared heritage and suffering under English oppression.

[42] Mar's vision included the cessation of England's control over Irish legislation and judicial matters, aiming for Ireland to have a parliament and governance of its own, similar to Scotland.

Mar's approach combined the concepts of civic virtue with practical governance, reflecting the intellectual environment of early 18th-century Scotland and influencing later economic thinkers like Adam Smith.

[44][43] Mar's vision for Ireland and Scotland emphasized the need for both nations to support each other in their quest for freedom, prosperity, and self-governance, forming a united front against English domination.

His architectural interests were particularly evident in his work on ancestral homes and castles in Mar, notably transforming the House of Alloa by integrating traditional Scottish and baroque styles.

In addition to architecture, Erskine's political involvement was substantial, engaging deeply in the nation's affairs, from industrialization to landscape designing, particularly during the crucial period of the Parliamentary Union of 1704–1707.

Both Erskine and Jefferson drew inspiration from European sources, including the works of Blondel, integrating these influences into their designs to create environments that reflected an idealized social order.

His Jacobite exile saw him playing a key role in the court's affairs, marked by interactions with prominent figures and experiences across Europe, underscoring his political and international insight.