Janet Munro

Notes:

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
498

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Family/Spouse: Tulloch. was born est 1752 in Of, Dingwall, Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Henry Tulloch was born est 1776 in Of, Jamaica; died in in Of, London, England, United Kingdom.
2. Jessie Tulloch was born est 1778 in Of, Edinburgh, Scotland; and died.

Notes:

Andrew took part in a riot which occurred in Dingwall in 1721, and was obliged to go into exile. He went to the Netherlands and joined the Scottish Brigade there. He proved himself to be a very efficient and able soldier and rose to the rank of Colonel and Brigadier of his regiment, commanding it throughout the war between Holland and France.

The Scotish Brigade, as such, was disbanded and taken into the service of Great Britain when Colonel Andrew Munro retired in 1793. Andrew returned home and took up residence with his son-in-law, the Rev. Angus Bethune, in the manse of Alness, where he died about 1809.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - R/30, R/32,
Y/5

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
495-497

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Andrew married Janet Munro. Janet (daughter of George Munro, Of Culcairn and Christian Munro) was born est 1733 in Of, Culcairn; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Janet was maid of honor to the Queen of King William IV of Holland.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - R/32, Y/4, Y/5

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
161-162, 495-497

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Notes:

George served as Commissioner of Supply for Ross in 1695 and 1704.

George took a great interest in the affairs of his native parish. He was an elder in Kiltearn, and worked with others to get a school built in the parish and to secure an income for a qualified schoolmaster. The first schoolmaster chosen was Robert Robertson, appointed on 27 May 1717.

On 21 Nov 1726, George reported to the Session the "indigent condition of Anna Munro, relict of the late George Munro in Knockankirn." The Session appointed a half boll of meal to be giver to her out of the funds of the mortcloth dues.

He possessed some lands in the parish of Alness, and was one of the Commissioners from the Presbytery of Dingwall to the General Assembly of 1727.

His last appearance in the minutes of the Session Records of Kiltearn was on 2 Sep 1728.

He sold Limlair to Dr. Duncan Munro in 1738 and probably died soon after.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - R/13, R/29,
R/30
(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
193, 494-495

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

George married Catherine Munro. Catherine (daughter of Gen. Sir George Munro, KCB of Culrain & Newmore and Christian Hamilton) was born about 1666; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - R?6, R/13,
R/30

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
193, 495

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Notes:

George was the second son of Sir Robert Munro, the 23rd Baron of Foulis. He was born on 18 Sep 1685.

He received a liberal education and was a man of considerable intelligence and erudition. In addition to the branches of learning common to all the professions, he acquired an extensive knowledge of theological literature. Before he turned seventeen years, he was so well acquainted with the ecclesiastical history of the world that he was able to give a good account of the advance and decline of the Christian religion in various countries and ages, and of the degree and manner of the corruption of the Church and how its reformation had been introduced, obstructed, and finally established.

He entered the army when he was quite young, and attained the rank of Captain before the Rising of 1715. On 20 Jul 1715, the Rising was formally announced to Parliament. The Munros, the Grants, and the Rosses were mustered by their respective Chiefs. On 26 May, the Earl of Seaforth, in the Chevalier's name, requested Sir Robert of Foulis to deliver up to him all his defensive weapons. Sir Robert refused to comply with this request. Instead, he garrisoned his house and sent the remainder of his men to the general rendezvous called at Alness under the command of his son, Captain George Munro.

In 1719, General Wightman was ordered to the West Coast of Scotland to repel the Spanish invasion of 1719. The Spaniards and Highlanders were encamped at Glenshiel, but General Wightman was unable to obtain guides to conduct his troops over the mountains, so he was detained in Inverness for some time. Captain George Munro, acting for his father, quickly assembled a body of Munros and marched to Inverness to the general's assistance. The Munros marched with the regular troops to the West Coast.

This petty rising was the idea of Cardinal Alberoni of Spain. He hoped it would cause the re-establishment of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland. The Cardinal organized an army of six companies of Spanish infantry, which he placed under the command of the Earl Marischal, with a Spaniard named Don Alonso de Santarem second in command. After a stormy and dangerous voyage, the small army landed at Stornoway in the Lewis. After some delay there, the Earl passed over to Kintail, where he was met by the famous Rob Roy and a company of Macgregors, Mackenzies and Macraes.

General Wightman, on his way across country from Inverness, was joined by those clans who had declared for the Government. When he reached Glenshiel he had 1600 men under his command. He arrived on 14 Jun, and found the Highlanders strongly posted ready to receive him. The road by which he came followed the course of the stream at the foot of the Pass of Glenshiel, and could easily be commanded from the precipitous heights on either side. The scantily covered rocks shelved down towards their base in such a manner that a passage through the Glen while an opposing force held the upper ground appeared quite impossible.
The Highlanders were distributed in admirable order upon the hill which rose on one side of the glen. The Spaniards were posted upon the higher ground, as it was expected that their skill in musketry would prove most valuable in that position, while next to them were the Mackenzies under Seaforth, and a small body of Murrays under the Marquis of Tullibardine. The advanced guard was composed entirely of Macgregors, with Rob Roy at their head, and to them was entrusted the task of leading the attack.

The forces seemed so nearly equal that both parties stood at bay, each expecting the other to make the first advance. At five o'clock in the afternoon General Wightman made a movement as if to pass through the glen, and when, deploying in line, his troops had reached a critical position, the Spaniards opened fire and disorded the enemy's ranks. Taking advantage of the confusion the Macgregors rushed down the hill, threw away their firelocks after they had discharged them, and met their opponents at the point of the claymore. At this juncture the skirmishers, whom Wightman at the outset had placed on the hills, poured their deadly fire upon the Highlanders and forced them to retreat, surprised, but not defeated. The Spaniards, somewhat staggered at the simultaneous appearance of enemies above and in front of them, lost heart and became useless, but the undaunted Highlanders, goaded to greater enthusiasm by the odds against them, repeatedly advanced to the attack, and at close quarters did great execution.

Again and again the Mackenzies, Macgregors, and Macraes assailed their opponents in front, in flank, and in rear, but the defection of the Spaniards had made the conflict hopeless. For three hours the battle raged without either side gaining much apparent advantage. Had it been possible for Wightman to engage his opponents upon an open plain, he would have had no difficulty with his superior numbers in defeating the Highlanders, but their heroic defence of the strong position which they held forced him to withdraw and call in his skirmishers before nightfall.

When the Highlanders were able to review the situation, they found that three of their leaders, Seaforth, Tullibardine, and Lord George Murray, had been seriously wounded, and that many of the clansmen had fallen. Numbers of the Spaniards, unused to the mode of warfare adopted, had in the meantime ignominiously fled, and those of them who remained were too demoralised to be of any real service. The most sanguine among the Highlanders could not now hope for victory, and in the circumstances it only remained for them to make the best possible terms of surrender. But Rob Roy, upon whom the command now fell, dared not approach Wightman since it was not at all likely that the Hanoverian General would agree to treat with a man like him whom the Government had so repeatedly denounced. He proposed, therefore, that the Highlanders should quietly disperse, bearing their wounded Chiefs along with them, and that the Spanish leader should yield himself and his men as prisoners of war, and in that way secure a safe passage for themselves to their native land. The advice was adopted, and the Highlanders soon found their way by various paths, only known to themselves, from the place which had witnessed their fruitless but indomitable bravery. Don Alonso de Santarem and his crestfallen soldiers capitulated, and thus ended the battle of Glenshiel.

General Wightmen, on reckoning his losses, found that he had twenty-one men killed, and a hundred and twenty-one wounded, among the latter being Captain George Munro of Culcairn, dangerously in the thigh. The enemy, posted on the declivity of the hill, kept on firing at him, it is alleged, after he fell. When he realised that they were determined to kill him, he told his servant, a clansman of his own, who was faithfully watching him, to get out of danger, as he could be of no further service to him, and requested him when he got home to let his father, the Blind Baron, and his family know that the son had done his duty. The faithful Highlander thereupon burst into tears and asked his master how he thought he could leave him in that condition, and what would they think of him at home if he did? He refused to leave, but on the contrary, determining to shield him from further injury, laid himself down on his hands and knees over his master's body, until Sergeant Robert Munro, son of Hugh Munro of Tullochue, with a small party, dislodged Captain Munro's assailants, after having previously swore upon his dirk that he would effect his rescue. The body servant who thus bravely saved his master's life afterwards became the Captain's companion, and was ever after treated by him more like a friend than as a subordinate.

Having recovered from the wounds received at the battle of Glenshiel, the gallant Captain continued active for several years in the service of the Government, and ultimately obtained the command of one of the Independent Companies, then in the national pay, and first formed in 1729-30. On 25 Oct 1739, these companies, then known as the Black Watch, were formed into the 43rd regiment, later the 42nd Royal Highlanders, and placed under command of the Captain's brother, Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Robert Munro. George was appointed senior Captain, and in 1743 accompanied it to Flanders.

In 1744, he was obliged to retire from active service, owing to a severe attack of asthma, aggravated by the air of that country. He accordingly sold his commission, and on the advice of General Wade and his own brother Sir Robert, returned home to his seat at Newton, in the parish of Kiltearn, intending to spend the remainder of his days with his family and friends in that peaceful retreat. But it was otherwise determined, and Captain Munro soon found himself destined for further service in the military field.

The Rising of 1745 broke out soon after his arrival at Newton, and the danger which he felt threatened his country and its civil and religious liberties brought him renewed strength and vigour.

When Sir John Cope came to Inverness, he had been assured of being joined there by a number of Highlanders to conduct him and his small army through the Jacobite counties between Inverness and Aberdeen, but Captain George with two hundred Munros, were the only persons found willing to implement the promises thus made. He conducted Sir John to Aberdeen, where he was himself ordered back to Ross-shire. On the homeward journey he had to pass through a district invested by a detachment of the Jacobites under Gordon of Glenbucket, who seemed disposed to oppose his return, but finding that the Captain was determined to force his way, Gordon retired and allowed him to proceed without further molestation. That this special service was highly appreciated by the Earl of Loudon is evident from the following extract from a letter addressed to Sir John Cope by Lord President Forbes, dated "Culoden, Friday, 13th September, 1745, 10 at night." Addressing Sir John the Lord President says--

"I do not know whether there will be room for what Lord Loudon seems to point at, the giving three companies among the Munros, who marched with you, because, though they have merit as being first, nay the only kindred that have hitherto broke the ice, yet so signal notice taken of them, when the number of Commissions to be given out will not permit of the bestowing in anything like proportion on the kindreds more powerful, may create a kind of jealousy, and may provoke Highland vanity in such sort as to produce indifferent consequences. Besides that I imagine that if you were to consult with Captian Munro of Culcairn, they will be content with less. However, sir, if you, upon weighing what I have represented, shall think otherwise, they shall have their Commissions, and I shall save Commissions for 3 Captains, 3 Lieutenants, and three Ensigns, till I receive your directions." (Culloden Papers, p. 404)

Not long after this, the Earl of Loudon, who commanded for the King at Inverness, sent Norman Macleod of Macleod and Captain Munro with 600 Macleods and Munros to relieve the city of Aberdeen and the neighboring country, and to counteract the Jacobites there under Lord Lewis Gordon.

They marched as far as Inverury, a small town a few miles west of the city of Aberdeen, where they halted to receive intelligence. Here they were obliged to quarter a considerable number of their men in different places throughout the neighborhood. In the meantime a strong reinforcement from the main body of the Highland army, then stationed at Perth, was sent under command of a French officer to Lord Gordon's assistance. On their arrival, Gordon resolved to surprise and cut off Macleod, Captain Munro, and all their followers. With object the Jacobite leader, taking advantage of his knowledge of the fact that the Munros and Macleods had been quartered on the inhabitants in the town and district, moved toward the town in the dusk of the evening of 23 Dec 1745, after Macleod and Munro had dismissed their men to their quarters.

Gordon's impending attack was accidently discovered in time for Macleod and Munro to quickly position some of their men in the town. They briefly resisted the attack before being forced to retreat into the country side by vastly superior numbers. Munro and Macleod lost quite a number of men killed and captured. Lord Gordon did not attempt pursuit, but marched to the Highland rendezvous at Stirling.

When the Jacobites retreated northward before the Duke of Cumberland, the Earl of Loudon had not sufficient strength to maintain his position at Inverness, and in consequence he, with Lord President Forbes and Captain George Munro, retreated through Ross into Sutherlandshire, with the intention of defending themselves there until the season allowed the Duke to march his troops to Inverness. But in the interval, the Jacobites, having spread themselves over the counties of Ross, Moray, and Inverness, got possession of a number of boats by means of which, under cover of a dense fog, they transported a large body of their men across the Kyle of Sutherland. This action of the enemy compelled Loudon, the President, and Captain Munro to retreat through the west of Ross-shire into the Isle of Skye, where they remained until the Prince's army was broken up and dispersed at Culloden.

On his return from Skye, Captain Munro was constantly employed on expeditions through the insurgent districts, reducing them to order and submission, duties which he diligently and zealously, but at the same time most humanely, performed. This the Highlanders themselves acknowledged, as he never did the least injury to anyone, and in all his vast circuit over the North and West Highlands he neither seized, nor allowed those under his command to seize, anything but arms. Yet, notwithstanding all his humanity, his diligence and zeal during the whole period of the Rising had rendered him so obnoxious to the Jacobites that they vowed his destruction upon the first opportunity. He was, however, shot dead by accident on Sunday, 31 Aug 1746, having been killed by mistake in place of another officer.

After the suppression of the Rising, an order was issued to the Highlanders to deliver up their arms. A Lochaber man named Dugald Roy Cameron sent his son to Fort William with his arms to be delivered up. When proceeding down by Loch Arkaig, the young man was met by an officer named Grant, who was conducting a party of soldiers to Knoydart. Grant seized young Cameron and shot him on the spot. His father swore to be revenged, and hearing that the officer rode a white horse, he watched behind a rock for his return on a height above Loch Arkaig. Captain Munro had borrowed the white horse on which Grant rode, and while he was passing between the advanced guard and the main body of his men the, he passed the spot where the irate Lochaber man lay in ambush, and met the fate intended for Grant, Cameron firing and killing him on the spot. Dugald Roy escaped and afterwards became a soldier in the British army.

There are several variations to this story, but at the heart of each is the fact that Captain George Munro was killed in a case of mistaken identity.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro (1978) - L/66, L/67, Y, Y/1

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 97-98,
103-114, 121-127, 159-161, 497, 507

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

George married Christian Munro. Christian (daughter of John Munro, Of Nonikiln and Janet Munro, of Milntown of Katewell) was born about 1696; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Christian (or Christina) and her two younger sisters were left orphans at a young age. Her father died in 1705, when Christian was only nine years old. It is said that the Mackenzies, who knew that she would succeed to a fair fortune for those days, resolved to kidnap her in order to marry her to one of their own relatives when she arrived at a suitable age. The old family nurse placed Christian in a creel, covered her over with cabbages, and walked down one avenue from the house with the creel on her back while the Mackenzies rode up the other.

The faithful nurse in this way got clear away with her charge and found her way to Foulis Castle, where Sir Robert, the twenty-third Baron, received her hospitably, and agreed, on the solicitations of the nurse, to bring up the girl until she arrived at an age to choose a husband for herself. The "Heiress of the Creel" as she was called, ultimately married Sir Robert's son, George.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/66, Y/1

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
161, 507

-----

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Notes:

Captain Robert Munro inherited Limlair from his brother, George, who had no sons.

He was also known as Robert Munro of Clynes (or Little Clyne).

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - R/25, R/26,
R/29

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
82, 493-494

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Robert married Jean MacKenzie. Jean (daughter of Kenneth McKenzie, I and Margaret Munro) was born about 1641 in Of, Scatwell, Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Jean was the eldest daughter of Kenneth Mackenzie of Scatwell.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - R/21, T/1

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
494

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Notes:

George grew up a bold, powerful, fearless man, playing a conspicuous part in the history and feuds of his time. He entered the army at an early age and accompanied his famous uncle, Colonel Robert Munro, to the German wars, in which he very rapidly and highly distinguished himself. When the war between Sweden and Austria broke out in 1629, George tendered his services to Gustavus Adolphus under whom he subsequently served with marked distinction.

At the battle of Lutzen, on 6 Nov 1632, where Gustavus Adolphus was killed, George of Newmore commanded the left wing of the Swedish army. It is worth noting that this battle was the only one in which Gustavus engaged the enemy without having the mass of his Scottish troops along with him. But although he fell, the Swedish army was victorious, for Wallenstein and his Imperialists were totally defeated and forced to retreat to the mountains of Bohemia.

After the death of Gustavus, jealousy on the part of George Munro and the other officers of the Swedish army prevented that unanimity among the Generals which is so necessary for successfully carrying out any military campaign. At the battle of Nordlingen, the disastrous effects of this were painfully exemplified, for the petty differences on the part of those in command led to no properly defined plan of attack having been arranged, and the result was that, after a desperate struggle, the Imperialists gained a complete victory of the the combined army of Scots and Swedes. George was so disgusted with the state of matters which prevailed that he resigned his commission and returned home.

A family legend says that after George returned home, he sent for Walter Innes, a sincere Christian residing at Inchnadown, who was much given to prayer. George asked him what he had been doing on a certain date which he named. Walter at first could not remember, but after some consideration, he said that he was engaged all that day in his barn praying to God to protect Newmore in the battlefield. "I thought you were so engaged, my good man," said Newmore, "as all through that day, in whatever direction I turned in giving the command and directing the battle I saw you as it were in person before me shielding me from danger, and thank God he has answered your prayers, and I have returned home safe and unhurt."

In 1641, George accompanied his uncle, Colonel (soon after General) Robert Munro, to Ireland, where he also attained the rank of Colonel. In 1644, Colonel Robert was recalled to Scotland with a considerable part of the Scottish army to oppose the victorious progress of the Great Montrose. During his absence, the command of the army in Ireland was given to George, whose principles inclined him to favour the Royalists. He subsequently joined them, and became a stout opponent of the Presbyterian party both in Ireland and Scotland.

In Jan 1645, the Scottish forces in Ireland suffered greatly from want of provisions, and Colonel George Munro was dispatched to Edinburgh to inform the Scottish Parliament of their needs. He told them that if they weren't speedily resupplied, they would have to abandon Ireland. He returned to Ireland, but not in time to take part in the battle of Benburb, where General Robert Munro was severely defeated by O'Neil.

In 1648, Colonel George Munro was appointed Major-General by King Charles I and sent to Scotland with 1200 horse and 2100 foot to assist the Duke of Hamilton. The progress of the force under his command across the channel was greatly impeded by two warships sent by the Parliament of England to guard the passage, and 300 of his men were taken captive. After a detention of two days, the men were liberated. They all duly arrived in safety on the coast of Ayr, and at once marched for Carlisle to join the Duke. The whole army under Hamilton proceeded to Preston, where they were met by Cromwell, and in the sanguinary battle which followed on 17 Aug 1648, they were completely defeated and their commander, the Duke of Hamilton, taken prisoner at Uttoxeter.

The result of this disaster to the Scottish army was fatal to the supporters of King Charles, secured the ascendancy of the Covenanters, and brought the second Civil War to a close. It accelerated the overthrow of the monarchy, and laid the foundation of dissensions in Scotland which afterwards rendered it an easy prey for Oliver Cromwell.

After the defeat at Preston, George retreated into Scotland, where he committed great and reckless excesses, and aroused the utmost repugnance and alarm. Because of this he was forced to leave the country. He went to Holland to visit the exiled King Charles II, who bestowed the honor of knighthood upon George. He accepted a new commission from his Majesty and returned to Ireland at the head of a party of Scottish Highlanders. Once in Ireland, a body of Irish confederates was immediately placed under his command. With this force of Roman Catholics under his command, he marched from Connaught to Derry, and joined in the famous siege of Derry.

On 7 jun 1649, he went to Coleraine, besieged the town and captured it. A small local force was assembled to resist him, and they sent a message asking him what were his intentions. General Sir George Munro replied that he had no object in view but to restore lawful authority and to oppose sectaries. He would not molest any persons who did not oppose him, and who were not known as enemies to authority. This satisfied the local force and they returned to their homes.

Major-General Sir George Munro was authorized by Lord Montgomery of Ards to demand immediate possission of the town of Carrickfergus and its castle, which were held by Major Edmund Ellis. After George was joined by Montgomery, the castle garrison found it impossible to successfully defend themselves and surrendered. On 4 Jul 1649, the town and castle were transferred to the Royalist Party and the notorious Dalzell of Binns, was appointed Governor.

Sir George returned to Coleraine, of which he had been appointed Governor. He sent letters to some of the Presbyterian ministers summoning them to appear there before him, and informing them that if they refused, he would pursue them, because he was told that their preaching tended to prejudice the King's interest. He told them that if they pledged themselves not to meddle in state affairs, he would not molest them. The ministers declined to pledge or to appear before Sir George, and many of them fled to Scotland.

On 17 Jul 1649, Sir George left Coleraine for Derry, where he joined the besiegers with considerable reinforcements of horse and foot, and twelve pieces of field ordnance. Derry was the last stronghold in Ulster which held out against the Royalists, and the attack and blockade which had been maintained with varied success, were now pushed forward with increased vigor.

To cut off the communication of the city with the sea, the besiegers built a fort at the Knock of Ember, near the narrowest part of the river between Culmore Castle and the town, to which in honor of his Majesty, they gave the name of Fort Charles. No sooner was it completed than Colonel Coote, who so bravely defended the city, directed Captain Keyser, the commander of a Parliamentary frigate stationed in the Lough, to proceed with a hundred musketeers to attack and demolish it. The fort was well manned and mounted with eleven pieces of ordnance, and the attackers were repulsed by General Sir George's force.

On 26 Jul, Lord Montgomery joined General Munro with a considerable force. He sent Colonel Coote a copy of his commission from King Charles II and summoned him to surrender the city to his Majesty's army. The summons went unheeded and was followed on the 28th by a smart attack upon the town. Several of the garrison were killed, but Montgomery and Sir George were repulsed with considerable loss. They were ultimately compelled to abandon the siege, and George retired to Coleraine.

The Royalists, without any support from the Presbyterians, were very insecure in the garrisons of Coleraine and Carrickfergus. On 15 Aug 1649, Cromwell appeared in Ireland, and by his vigorous and successful prosecution of the war speedily rendered the arms of the English Commonwealth triumphant throughout the whole island. Sir George was soon forced by Colonel Coote to evacuate Coleraine and retire to Carrickfergus. From there he sent a party under Colonel John Hamilton to rescue the town of Antrim. He himself followed, setting fire to that town and to Lisnegarvey.

On 6 Dec, Coote and Colonel Venables met Sir George and Montgomery in battle on the plain of Lisnegarvey, at a place called Lisnestrain, not far from Lisburn, a town also burned by General Munro. The infantry was under the command of Lords Montgomery and Clanbrassie, and the cavalry under Sir George. A severe and determined engagement took place in which the Royalists were completely defeated and totally dispersed. Many of the officers and about 1000 men having been killed. Sir George fled towards the river Blackwater, and saved himself by swimming across, escaping to Charlemont, and then to Enniskillen.

Colonels Coote and Venables then marched to Carrickfergus and compelled Dalzell to capitulate and deliver up the town and castle on 13 Dec.

In Apr 1650, Colonel Coote obtained possession of Enniskillen from George, who, despairing of relief, surrendered the town and castle on favorable terms for himself and those under him, most of whom accompanied him back to Scotland.

In 1653, war broke out between England and Holland. In Paris, the exiled King Charles judged it a favorable opportunity to take up arms against Cromwell's Government. The king commissioned General Middleton as Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Forces in Scotland, superseding the Earl of Glencairn, who was at that time on his march through Moray, ravaging the lands of all who refused to join him. Sir George joined Middleton and in Jan 1654, they landed in Caithness. Middleton ordered Glencairn to join him at Dornoch, where his Lordship arrived in Mar 1654. Although Glencairn was deeply mortified at having to resign his command to Middleton, he resolved to put the best face on it. The appointment of Middleton was also resented by Glencairn's men, who were greatly attached to him, and their commander's treatment created considerable irritation.

Having assumed command, Middleton ordered a review of Glencairn's forces in order to inspect them. As might be expected among irregular troops hastily gathered together, there were many defects in themselves as well as in their armor, which Middleton's officers were not slow to detect and openly comment upon, much to the annoyance of Glencairn and his officers.

After the review, the Earl invited Middleton and all the principal officers to dine with him at his headquarters, at Kettle, four miles west of Dornoch. After having entertained them to the best of everything the place could afford, he turned to Middleton and said, "You see, my Lord, what a gallant army I and these noble gentlemen with me have raised out of nothing. They have hazarded their lives and fortunes to serve his Majesty. Your Excellency ought, therefore, to give them all the encouragement you can."

Irritated by the tone of this speech, Sir George Munro, who had been appointed Lord Middleton's Lieutenant-General, and who probably regarded the rank and file of the "gallant army" with all the contempt wich a veteran of the line entertains for volunteers and holiday soldiers, jumped up and with an oath exclaimed, "My Lord, the men you speak of are no other than a pack of thieves and robbers. In a short time I will show you other sort of men." This offensive remark threw the company into a tumult. The proud chiefs who followed Glencairn could not brook such a gross affront. There was quite a contention for the honor of defending Glencairn, each rising with his hand on his sword, and demanding the statement to be withdrawn and apologised for. Glencairn turned to Sir George and exclaimed with heat, "You are a base liar, for they are neither thieves nor robbers, but much better than you could raise."

Middleton then found it necessary to interfere, and commanded them both, on their allegiance, to keep the peace and, addressing them said, "My Lord, and you Sir George, this is not the way to do the King service, to fall out among yourselves, therefore I will have you both be friends." He filled a glass with wine, turned to the Earl and said, "My Lord Glencairn, I think you did the gravest wrong in calling Sir George a liar. You shall drink to him, and he shall pledge you." Glencairn, feeling the truth of Middleton's remarks was willing to overlook the insult to himself, and without hesitation drank to Sir George, who, however, did not respond in an equally cordial manner, but in an imperious and haughty air muttered some words which were inaudible. The matter was allowed to pass, and Glencairn appeared to have recovered from his annoyance.

Later in the evening, after Middleton had left, Colonel Alexander Munro, Sir George's brother, appeared at the gate and desired an audience with Glencairn. The Earl welcomed him cordially and invited him to join the festivities. After a time, Alexander said that he was sent by his brother with a challenge to fight a duel, and asked him to name the time and place of meeting. It was arranged that Glencairn and Sir George whould meet early next morning half way between Dornoch and his quarters. The arrangements were kept secret from everyone but the principals and their seconds, Alexander Munro and John White, the Earl's valet.

It was arranged to fight the duel on horseback, with one pistol each, and broadswords to be used if necessary. They fired simultaneously, without any effect, and drawing their swords attacked each other with concentrated fury. After a few passes, Sir George was wounded in the bridle-hand, which caused him to lose control of his horse, and so he asked the Earl's permission to finish the duel on foot. Glencairn instantly dismounted, exclaiming. "Ye carle, I will let you know that I am a match for you either on foot or on horseback." He soon proved this was no idle boast, for in a few minutes Sir George was severely wounded on his forehead, which bled so profusely that he was quite blinded. Still Glencairn was not satisfied and made a lunge with the intention of running his antagonist through the body, but John White interposed, and with a quick movement seized the Earl's hand and pushed the sword upwards, saying, "That is enough, my Lord. You have got the better of him." Glencairn was so enraged that he turned on his second and gave him a severe blow across the shoulders for daring to interfere. However, he did not resume the duel.

Sir George was quite helpless, and it was with great difficulty that his brother brought him back to Dornoch. When Middleton heard of the affair, he was exceedingly angry, and sent Captain Campbell with a guard to arrest the Earl, whom he deprived of his sword and made prisoner on parole.

The duel caused much contention among the officers and men of the regiment as to who was to blame. Hot words on the subject passed between Captain Livingstone, who maintained that Sir George acted properly, and a gentleman named Lindsay, who insisted that he had not. Another challenge was issued and the two parties met on the links of Dornoch to fight another duel. Lindsay was a superior swordsman and ran Livingstone through the heart at the first thrust. Lindsay was at once arrested, tried and condemned by Middleton to be shot at the Cross of Dornoch. The sentence was duly carried out the same day, although Glencairn, supported by other officers, made every effort to save him. The evident partiality shown to Sir George naturally proved exceedingly mortifying to Glencairn, and he withdrew from the regiment. Sir George and he never became reconciled.

Couped up among the mountains by strong parties which Monk posted at Inverness, Perth, and other gates of the Highlands, General Middleton marched backwards and forwards through Ross and Inverness, cautiously followed by General Morgan. On 26 Jul 1652, Middleton's forces were surprised by his pursuer in a defile near Lochgarry. Middleton was routed and the King's army retreated in confusion. there was no great slaughter, as night came on soon after they were engaged. Every man shifted for himself and went where he best liked. Such was the inglorious end of "the gallant army of worthy gentlemen."

Sir George was not held in high esteem by General Middleton or by Captain John Gwyn, who wrote a defamatory poem about him. These feelings were no doubt prompted by Sir George's vaccillating proclivities in changing sides so often, and by his unfortunate duel with Glencairn.

In 1661, Sir George was elected member of Parliament for Ross-shire and continued to represent that constituency until 1663. He represented the county of Sutherland from 1669 until 1674 when he became a member of the Privy Council. He was again returned fro Ross-shire in 1685, but gave it up in 1686. He was finally elected for the same county in 1689, and continued to represent it in the House of Commons until his death in 1693.

On 7 Jan 1669, the Lords of the Privy Council granted a commission of fire and sword to Sir George Munro and others against William Sinclair of Dunbeath and his confederates for invading the lands of Lord Reay. Sir George, however, declined to act, and a new commission to the same effect was granted to John Campbell, younger of Glenorchy.

Although Sir George has not been well treated by certain historical writers, there are several indications that he was not such a villian.

In about 1678, Christina Ross, widow of Andrew Fearn of Pitcalnie, was left with twelve children. She was cruelly persecuted by her parish curate for harboring the Rev. Thomas Ross, and allowing him to preach in her house. The curate finally got a warrant from the Privy Council authorizing a military officer to seize all her goods, attach the rents from her small estate, and imprison her. She fled with her eldest son, then twelve years old. The rest of her children were taken charge of by Sir George Munro, Sir John Munro of Foulis and others.

During the persecuting period, Sir George was appointed to suppress conventicles and non-conformity in Easter Ross. John Paterson, Bishop of Ross, had spies all over the district who reported to him all conventicles held or about to be held. The Bishop continually gave Sir George instructions to disperse the meetings and capture the leaders. Sir George's heart was not in the work and according to tradition, whenever he received instructions from Bishop Paterson, he would call his dog to his side and speak to him when he knew that Lady Munro, a sincere friend of the Covenanters, was within hearing, but not in his presence. He would tell the dog that he had been instructed to go and disperse a conventicle at ________. Of course, Lady Munro would send a warning and Sir George would find no meeting and report so to the Bishop, giving his Lordship at the same time a bit of his mind for sending him on such a fool's errand.
On 30 Dec 1684, at Edinburgh, the Privy council commissioned Sir George and the Earls of Erroll and Kintore "to prosecute all persons guilty of Church disorders and other crimes in all the bounds betwixt Spey and Ness, including Strathspey and Abernethie". In other words, they were to stamp out non-conformity. There are several stories which indicate that Sir George did not have much of a stomach for the cruelties that he was expected to carry out in the name of religion and he used a number of clever ruses to save defendants from time to time.

Sir George held vast lands in his estate. His properties included Newmore and Culcairn in the parish of Roskeen, Gildermorie in Alness, Kinrive and Strathrory in Kilmuir Easter, culrain in Kincardine, Rosehall and the fishings of the Shin in Sutherlandshire.

He bought Newmore from his uncle Robert in 1646. Carbisdale and other lands were detached from the Foulis Barony and created into the new Barony of Culrain for Sir George in 1670.

He eventually changed sides again and became a rigid Presbyterian at the Revolution, and became an elder in Rosskeen Church under the ministry of the Rev. William Mackenzie. His name appears on the Commission of Assembly in 1690 for settling the affairs of the Church north of the Tay.

George's first wife was his cousin, Anne, the daughter of his paternal uncle, Major General Robert Munro of Obsdale. She died in 1647.

In 1649 he married Christian Hamilton, the only daughter of Sir Frederick Hamilton of Manner. Her brother, Gustavus, was the first Viscount Boyne. She was a descendant of Mary, eldest daughter of King James II of Scotland. Christian was a very pious woman and was a sincere friend of the Covenanters and ejected ministers, and a consistent opponent of the Episcopal hierarchy.

George died at his home and was buried at Roskeen.

She was on friendly terms with Brodie of Brodie, and a frequent visitor at Brodie Castle. She survived her husband and continued to live in Newmore Castle. She died soon after 1700 and was buried within the Newmore Chapel in the churchyard of Rosskeen.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/32, R/4,
R/6, R/13, V

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
176-195, 296, 495

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Died:
Newmore Castle

George married Christian Hamilton in 1649 in Culrain, , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. Christian (daughter of Hugh Hamilton, of Culrain) was born about 1620; died about 1700; was buried in Rosskeen, , Ross and Cromarty, Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Notes:

Married:
Married at "Coleraine"

Notes:

Sir Robert succeeded his father becoming the 23rd Baron of Foulis and the 5th Baronet. King William III granted him a charter of confirmation of the lands and Barony of Foulis and all his other estates on 22 Jan 1698.

Like his father, Sir Robert was a strenuous upholder of the Protestant succession, and a zealous supporter of the Presbyterian system of church government and its principles. He represented the County of Ross in Parliament from 1697 to 1702. He apparently lost his sight at a fairly early age and so became known as the Blind Baron.

Sir Robert, his son, Robert Munro, yr. of Foulis, the heads and eldest sons of almost all of the major Munro families, and other important people of the shires of Ross and Sutherland, signed an address to King George I in Dec 1714, imploring his Royal mercy for Simon Lord Lovat on his return from France at the instigation of Major James Fraser of Castleleathers.

A letter written by Sir Robert to John Forbes of Culloden on 17 Feb 1715 shows exactly where his loyalties lay as the rising of 1715 approached. It says in part:

"I find the Jacobites are very uppish, both in Edinburgh and in England, so that if you go to Parliament, as I hope you will, recommend to some trusty, faithful friend to take care of your house of Culloden,...The vanity, insolence, arrogance, and madness of the Jacobites is beyond all measure insupportable. I believe they must be let blood. They still have a trick of presuming upon the levity of a moderate Government. It seems God either destines them for destruction, or infatuates others to allow them to be pricks in our sides and thorns in our eyes. I have account from very good hands from Edinburgh, that to their certain knowledge saddles were making in that city for Dragoons to serve the Pretender, and that all the popish Lords and very many popish and Jacobite gentlemen are assembled there now; so that all friends and loyal subjects to his present Magesty are advised to be upon their guard from thence against an invasion or insurrection which is certainly expected, which the Jacobites pretend will interrupt the meeting of Parliament."

On 26 May 1715, the Earl of Seaforth, in the Chevalier's name, requested Sir Robert to deliver up to him all his defensive weapons. This Sir Robert refused to do. Instead, he garrisoned his house and sent the remainder of his men with his son, Captain George Munro at their head, to the general rendezvous called at Alness, and sent a message to Lord Strathnaver that he had done so.

On 18 Jul 1715, two days before the 1715 rising was formally announced to Parliament, Sir Robert wrote to Lord Strathnaver asking for assistance in case he should be attacked by the Jacobite clans. In the letter, he reminded Lord Strathnaver that in the past, the Munros had always responded in times of danger and had sent assistance whenever asked. He briefed his Lordship of the precautions that he had already taken in defense of his own territories and clan, and asked that a number of fighting men be made ready in case he needed them. His request was honored, and at the same time, the Munros, the Grants, and the Rosses were mustered by their respective Chiefs.

On 13 Oct 1715, the Earl of Sutherland was informaed that the enemy intended to invade Sutherland with 2000 men. He dispatched his son at the head of an opposing force to reinforce the passes and gathered his fighting men to defend the territory. But the rebels did nothing but plunder and destroy the goods and estate of Sir Robert Munro of Foulis and other Munros in the area.

In the meantime, Lord Duffus, with Loard Seaforth and his main body of men in support, marched into Tain with about 400 or 500 men of the Mackenzies, Chisolms and Macdonalds, and proclaimed the Pretender there. Duffus found it impractical to penetrate further, and Seaforth was under great pressure to march to Perth to releive the Earl of Mar, so Duffus marched back to Inverness taking Foulis Castle on his way with about 200 stands of arms. He remained for two days at Inverness and then on 22 Oct, he continued his march to Perth.

Seaforth levied heavy fines on the Munro territories before he left the area and the Munros retaliated with interest within the Mackenzie borders at every opportunity. At one point, Sir Robert and the Earl of Sutherland were encamped near Seaforth's house. That night they vented their vengance by destroying everything they could. The force of 1500 men ate well from Seaforth's stock for dwo days, and took as much booty and supplies with them as they could carry when they left.

On 9 Jun 1725, King George I rewarded Sir Robert for his family's loyalty to the House of Hanover by appointing him Sheriff-Principal of Ross-shire, a high and important office. He held that post until his death four years later. He also served for a time as a Captain in the army.

Sir Robert was a pious and benevolent man. He was an earnest and active elder in the Kiltearn Parish Church and his name appears regularly in the Session records of the parish. He regularly addended the Session meetings and when not present, as on 6 Dec 1709, his absence is noted as an unusual incident in the minutes of the meeting.

Sir Robert's name also appears frequently in the Dingwall Presbytery records. He was repeatedly appointed by that Presbytery as one of their Commisioners to the General Assembly, the last occasion on which he represented them being at the Assembly of 1724.

On 14 Apr 1726, the Synod of Ross wrote to him as Sheriff-Principal of the county, asking him to interpose his authority in order to give Mr. James Fraser access to the church and manse of Alness. He had been assigned as Minister of Alness, but most of the heritors opposed his assignment. Sir Robert summoned all parties to appear before him on 22 Apr, and after hearing their arguments, he ordered the heritors to give Mr. Fraser the keys to the church and manse, which they did.

Sir Robert, the Blind Baron, died in 1729, and was buried at Kiltearn Churchyard.

At the time of his death, his character and funeral were described as follows:

"The Baron of Fowlis was a very ancient gentleman, and chief of a considerable clan, who died in the enjoyment of general esteem. Four counties turned out to show their respect at his funeral. There were six hundred horsemen, tolerably mounted and apparelled. The corpse was carried on a bier betwixt two horses, fully harnessed in deepest mourning. A gentleman rode in deep mourning before the corpese uncovered, attended by two grooms and four running footmen all in deep mourning. The friends followed immediately behind the corpse, and the gentlemen (strangers) in the rear. The scutcheon were the handsomest I ever saw; the entertainment magnificent and full."

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - Y

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
96-103, 113, 117

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Robert married Jean Forbes about 1684. Jean was born about 1661; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y

Sir Robert Munro of Fowlis Sheriff principle of Ross succeeded A D 1696 he married Jean daughter to John Forbes of Culloden by whom he had 3 sons and a daughter and dyed 1729.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 113, 159

Sir Robert Munro married Jean, eldest daughter of John Forbes, II. of Culloden (by his wife, a daughter of Dunber of Grange), aunt of Duncan, the famous President of the Court of Session, with issue--

1. Robert, his heir and successor.

Sir Robert Munro, fifth Baronet and twenty-third Baron of Fowlis, by his wife Jean, eldest daughter of John Forbes, II. of Culloden, had issue--

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

Birth:
Estimate: This birth date is an estimate based on the birth dates of nearest relatives or contemporaries, or based on other clues such as christening date, marriage date, birth order, etc.

Notes:

John Munro of Tearivan and his wife, Janet, had other daughters in addition to those listed.

After 1695, John purchased the lands of Tearivan in the parish of Kiltearn. He was an elder in the Church and took a great interest in the poor of the parish.

John before after 11 Jun 1705.

When he died, he left 500 merks to be distributed among the poor who feared the Lord. A mortcloth was purchased with this money and the dues for its use was distributed to the poor.

He also left 500 merks to "erect an aisle for his burial place" and for enlarging the Kirk.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - L/65, L/66,
Y/1

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
393, 506

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA

John married Janet Munro, of Milntown of Katewell. Janet (daughter of Robert Munro, of Milntown of Katewell and Christian Munro) was born est 1640 in Of, Katewell, Ross-Shire, Scotland; died in in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Janet inherited the estate of Milntown of Katewell.

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - p. iv, L/66,
M/58, M/59, M/65

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
391-392, 506

Compiled and edited by Allen Alger, Genealogist, Clan Munro Association, USA