Sir Hugh Munro, XXVI of Foulis, 8th Baronet

Notes:

Hugh was born 25 Oct 1763. In 1781, when he was eighteen years of age, he succeeded his father and became the 26th Baron and 8th Baronet of Foulis.

Shortly after his father's death, he went to London, where he lived for many years. In Nov 1794, he "entered into an irregular union" with Jane Law, who was the daughter of Alexander Law. Alexander was a native of the parish of Keithhall in Aberdeenshire and served as chef to King George III. Hugh and Jane had an illegitimate daughter, Mary Seymour Munro, who was born in London on 14 May 1796.

Sir Hugh and Jane later married in London on 24 Sep 1801, as shown by the following affidavit:

"23rd Sept., 1801.--Appeared personally Sir Hugh Munro, Baronet, and made oath that he is of the parish of Saint Mary-le-bone, in the county of Middlesex, a bachelor aged twenty-one years and upwards; and intendeth to marry with Jane Law, of the same parish, a spinster likewise aged twenty-one years and upwards; and that he knoweth of no lawful impediment by reason of any pre-contract, consanguinity, affinity, or any other lawful means whatever, to hinder the said intended marriage, and prayed a license to solemnise the same in the parish church of Saint Mary-le-bone aforesaid; and further make oath that the usual place of abode of him, the said Sir Hugh Munro, was and hath been in the said parish of Saint Mary-le-bone for the space of four weeks last past. (Signed) "H. MUNRO.

"Sworn before me, N. Parson, Sur."

"Sir Hugh Munro Baronet of this parish, batchelor, and Jane Law of the same parish, and spinster, were married in this church by license, this 21st day of September, in the year 1801, by me "BENJN. LAWRENCE, Curate.

"This marriage was solemnised between us H. MUNRO. JANE LAW. In the presence of THOS. BIRD. JOHN WILLOCK."

Shortly after their marriage Sir Hugh Munro and his new wife took up their residence at Foulis Castle. On 1 (or 3) Aug 1803, Jane tragically drowned while swimming in the Cromarty Firth. She was 27 years old. Hugh and Jane had no other children besides Mary Seymour Munro, but Sir Hugh did have a natural son, George.

It was soon realized that because of the entail that Hugh's father, Sir Harry, had made, that Mary Seymour Munro would inherit the estate of Foulis, but that the title would go to Hugh's closest male heir. If Mary should marry and leave heirs, then the separation of the estate and title would be complete, leaving the head of the house of Foulis and Chief of the clan practically landless. This was all dependent on recognizing Mary Seymour, who was born out of wedlock, as Hugh's legitimate heir since Hugh had later married Mary's mother, Jane. If the marriage had taken place in Scotland, there would have been no grounds for dispute, but since it was performed in England interested persons began spreading stories to the effect that Mary Seymour Munro was not the legitimate heir to the estate of Foulis.

On 27 May 1831, Mary started a lawsuit against her father, and all of the possible heirs of Foulis in order to clarify her right to inherit the estate. Although Sir Hugh was named as a defendant in the action, it is not clear on which side of this issue he stood. The Mackenzie reference says on p. 150 that Sir Hugh was "nominally one of the defenders, but [was] the lady's father and the real pursuer himself." But later on p. 153 it says that because the courts ruled that Mary was entitled to inherit the estate of Foulis, Sir Hugh "gave orders for dismantling it. The furniture of the castle was sold, and all the beautiful timber around the castle and throughout the estates was cut down, and the lands as well as the duties of the proprietor were left for many years to the administration of factors."

Mr. Joseph Mitchell, C.E., Inverness laments the loss of the forests around Foulis by writing that "The trees around this ancient seat were of great age and magnificent size. Nature seemed to have planted them in most picturesque grouping. One chestnut of vast dimensions in front of Ardullie house would, it was said, when in full foliage, shelter 1000 men under its branches... Succeeding generations, however, will lose the charm which groups of antique and venerable trees afforded to the lover of the picturesque in this locality."

Mary Seymour's victory was a hollow one because she found her estate dismantled of its beauties and even in that condition she did not long enjoy it. She intended to make Foulis her permanent residence when her father died in 1848, but she died on 12 Jan 1849 before she could move there. She was unmarried and so, after all, the Foulis estates reverted to Sir Hugh's nearest male heir along with the titles.

Sir Hugh lived for many years at his town residence, 22 Manchester Square, London, where he died on 2 May 1848, at the age of 85. His remains were brought to Ross-shire, and interred at Kiltearn in the family burying-ground of his ancestors.

On his death without legitimate male issue, all the descendants in the male line of Robert, 24th Baron and 3rd Baronet of Foulis, became extinct. The titles, and after his daughter's death in the following year, the estates, reverted to his nearest male heir, Charles Munro, eldest son of George Munro of Culcairn and Culrain.

References: (1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
146-155

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The following is a transcription of RW "Billy" Munro's genealogy notes:

[Alexander Munro] «i»son of William Munro, tacksman of Delnies (d. 1778) & Margaret Spens (d. 1750); 'preacher of the Gospel', d. 22 June 1777; tutor to Sir Hugh Munro of Foulis (1763-1848) when a boy at Foulis for two or three years; went with Sir Harry & son Hugh to Edinburgh & remained with them till he was taken ill, when he was sent back to Ross-shire by Sir Harry & died 'early in harvest' 1777; prob. the 'Mr. Alexander Munro student of Divinity at Arduilzie' named in Dingwall Presby 28 Feb & 10 July 1776, witnessed the Foulis entail 28 June 1776, & perhaps the 'preacher of the Gospel' who d. 22 June 1777.

Alness Monument Inscription; Foulis Case v 55; Reg. of Tailzies vol 21 fol 218; Presbytery of Dingwall Minutes, vol 8, pp. 28,34 (NAS ref CH 2/92/8).
«/i»**********
**********
The following is a transcription of RW Munro's genealogy notes:

[Alexander Munro] «i»tacksman of Culnaskeath; with son Robert had tack of town & lands of Culnaskeath for 19 years from Whitsunday 1794 from Sir Hugh Munro of Foulis.

Foulis Case vi 48
«/i»**********

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

Died:
22 Manchester Square, London, England

Buried:
Kiltearn church-yard

Family/Spouse: Unknown. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. George Munro was born about 1803; died in in Newmore.

Hugh married Jane Law on 21 Sep 1801 in St. Mary-Le-Bone, London, Middlesex, England. Jane was born about 1776; died on 1 Aug 1803 in , , , Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Mary Seymour Munro was born on 14 May 1796 in London, , Greater London, England; died on 12 Jan 1849 in Perry-Hill, Sydenham, Kent; was buried in Norwood.

Notes:

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(The following is from the "Clan Munro Magazine" - NO. 26, 2012 - "Sir Charles Munro - The Ninth Baronet" - by Hector Munro of Foulis)

«i»It was well known in Ross-shire and beyond that in 1776 Sir Harry Munro of Foulis, 7th Baronet, after gathering in much (an estimated 36,000 acres) of the ancient Munro lands previously conveyed or leased out under the old system of wadsets and tacks, had drawn up a Deed of Entail, not only detailing who exactly was to succeed to Foulis and in what order of precedence"...For support and continuance of my family and name..." commencing with his own sons Hugh and George and lawful, (i.e. legitimate) heirs male of their bodies, whom failing (lawful) heirs female etc. This was followed by a list of the male members of the leading Munro cadet families, starting with Culcairn and follwed by Culrain, Novar, Fyrish, Achany, Teaninich and Auchenbowie, whom failing the females of the same, but also severely restricting heirs and successors from selling or burdening the Estate with debt.
«/i»**********

Harry (or Henry) was educated in Dr. Philip Doddridge's famous academy at Northampton. In 1737, his tutor there was the Rev. Gilbert Robertson, who later became the minister of Kincardine. His classical learning was started at Westminster School and completed at the University of Leiden in Holland, which had long been used by Scottish students and scholars. Sir Harry was known as the Scholar Chief.

In 1746, Sir Harry Munro succeeded his father and became 25th Baron and 7th Baronet of Foulis.

He served as a Member of Parliament uninterruptedly from 1746 to 1761, first for Ross-shire (1746-1747) and then for the Wick Burghs (1747-1761).

He built the present Foulis Castle in the Dutch mode to replace the older castle which burned in 1750. The old castle was described in an old Gaelic poem as "castle gaunt-peaked, the eagle's nest".

On 13 Jan 1758, he married Anne Rose, the daughter of Hugh Rose of Kilravock by his second wife, Jane (Rose).

On 28 Jun 1776, he entailed all his estates by a deed signed at Ardullie on that date. This entail was in favor of certain female as well as male heirs, and therefore was responsible for much litigation and expenditure at a later period in the history of the family.

For nearly thirty years he devoted his leisure hours to a critical work upon Buchanan's "Psalms of David," which he finished and left ready for the press at his death. During his lifetime he submitted the manuscript to the examination of Thomas Ruddiman, whose reputation as a Latinist and careful editor of Buchanan's "Opera Omnia," then stood high in Scotland. Ruddiman was very well pleased with it, highly praised it, and paid the handsomest compliments to Sir Harry's classical knowledge and critical ability, as shown by a letter of several pages long that he wrote. From this it is apparent that Sir Harry was entitled to the reputation which he had for distinguished attainments in Latin literature.

He died on 12 Jun 1781, at Edinburgh, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. He was interred in Grey Friar's church-yard, about thirty yards southwest of the church, and contiguous to the burying-ground of the Monros of Achenbowie. Sixty-seven years afterwards, his grand-daughter, Mary Seymour Munro of Fowlis, erected a tombstone to his memory with the following inscription:

"SIR HARRY MUNRO, BART. 1848. This tablet is placed here by Mary Seymour Munro of Fowlis, as a tribute of respect to the memory of her grandfather, Sir Harry Munro, Baronet. who died in Edinburgh on the 12th of June, 1781, and was buried here."

He was succeeded by his second and elder surviving son, Hugh Munro.

**********
«i»Foulis Castle ... was accidently burned down in 1750 after having been garrisoned for the government and suffering at the hands of the Jacobites in two uprisings. It was completely rebuilt by Sir harry Munro, 7th Baronet. The term "castle" is used in the sense of "chateau" and the structure itself was called "a mighty fine house" by a visitor in 1762. It does boast a four-story tower and was the first house in county Ross to be assisted financially on the recommendation of the Historic Buildings Council for Scotland. «/i»

(The Monroe Book - by J. S. Guilford)
**********


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

Buried:
Grey Friar's church-yard

Harry married Anne Rose on 13 Jan 1758. Anne was born est 1722; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 144-145

"To me the said Sir Harry Munro myself, whom failing, to Hugh Munro my eldest lawful son and the heirs male of his body, whom failing, to George Munro my second lawful son, and the heirs male of his body, whom failing, to the heirs male to be procreate of my body of my present marriage with Dame Anne Rose, my spouse..."

Sir Harry married on the 13th of January, 1758, Anne, [Kilravock Papers, p. 406.] daughter of Hugh Rose, XIV. of Kilravock, by his second wife, Jane, eldest daughter of Hugh Rose of Braidley, M.P. for the county of Ross from 1734 to 1740.

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

Notes:

Sir Robert Munro was 24th Baron and 6th Baronet of Foulis. He was a gentleman of calm wisdom, determined courage, and unassuming piety. He was sincere in his friendship and full of compassion even to the lowest of those around him.

At an early age, Sir Robert highly distinguished himself during his education at the Edinburgh University. Upon leaving college, he at once entered the army as a Captain in the Earl of Orkney's Regiment.

In 1705, when only 21 years old, he went to Flanders, where he served for seven years with distinction as a Captain in the Royal Scots under the famous Duke of Marlborough. The Colonel of his regiment was Lord Semple, but he was generally absent and so during the war, the regiment was run mostly by Sir Robert. The manner in which he handled this great responsibility is an honor to his memory.

He had an intense influence over the men in the regiment and a high sense of honor pervaded them all. A letter was written from the Elector-Palatine to his envoy in London, asking him to thank the King of Great Britain for the exellent behavior of the Highland regiment while in his territories, "which was owing to the care of Sir Robert Munro, their Lieutenant-Colonel, for whose sake he would for the future always esteem a Scotchman."

During this period of time, he formed a very close friendship with the well known Colonel James Gardiner, who was then a Cornet of Dragoons. This friendship lasted until death ended it.

After the peace of 1712, Captain Munro returned to Scotland. In 1710, he had been elected member of Parliament for the Wick Burghs, a position which he held continuously until 1741.

While sojourning in England after his return from Flanders in 1712, Sir Robert was introduced to Mary Seymour. The gallant young soldier was smitten by her, and had the happiness of perceiving that he had succeeded in at least attracting her notice. The introduction soon resulted in mutual friendship which ripened into mutal attachment of no ordinary warmth and delicacy. Before Sir Robert left England for the North, he arranged with Miss Seymour a plan of regular correspondence, and wrote to her as soon as he arrived at Foulis.

After waiting with the usual impatience of a lover for a reply which did not come, he sent off a second letter, complaining of her neglect, which had no better success than the first. Shortly afterwards, he sent a third which also failed to elicit a response.

The inference seemed too obvious to be misunderstood, and he strove to forget the lady. He hunted, fished, visited his friends, and engaged in numerous and varied concerns, but to no purpose. She still filled his mind.

After a few months, he returned to England, a very unhappy man. When waiting on a friend in London, he was unexpectedly ushered into the midst of a fashionable party, and to his surprise found himself in the immediate presence of his lady love. She seemed much startled by his appearance and blushed deeply, but suppressing her emotion, she turned to the lady who sat next to her, and began to converse on some common topic of the day.

Sir Robert retired, beckoned to his friend, and begged him to procure an interview with the lady, which he did. She said that she had not received a single letter, and believed that Sir Robert had lost interest in her. She had tried to forget him but had been as unsuccessful as Sir Robert had. They both were very relieved to find that there was still a strong emotional bond between them and they parted more attached than ever. Less than two months later, Mary Seymour became Lady Munro of Foulis.

Sir Robert succeeded in tracing all his letters to one point--a kind of post-office on the border of Inverness-shire. There was a proprietor in the neighborhood who was deeply engaged in the interests of the Stuarts, and directly hostile to Sir Robert. There was little difficulty in ascertaining what had happened to the letters. Sir Robert was satisfied at having solved the mystery and, true to his nature, exacted no revenge.

After the failure of the Rising of 1715, the guilty proprietor was among those who were proscribed for taking part in the rebellion. Sir Robert's influence with the Government, and the office to which he was appointed, gave him great power over the confiscated proprietors, and this power he exerted to its utmost in behalf of the wife and children of the proprietor. "Tell your husband," he said to the lady, "that I have now repaid him for the interest he took in my correspondence with Miss Seymour."

Since his father was blind, Robert no doubt took a leading part in putting into action his father's anti-Jacobite policies during the rising of 1715. In Nov 1715, Robert, younger of Foulis, was appointed Governor of Inverness. In 1716, he was appointed a Commissioner of Inquiry into the forfited estates of the attainted Highland Chiefs. In this office he was able to procure a number of parishes to be erected through the rebel countries and provide them with suitable stipends out of the confiscated lands, so that Protestantism began to be preached in lands where it had not been known before.

At that time, the retiring Councilors of a Royal burgh elected their successors in office, usually themselves, and the right of electing members of Parliament was largely vested in the various Town Councils. The composition of the Council, therefore, was all important to Parliamentary candidates such as Sir Robert.

During the 1721 municipal election in Dingwall, Sir Robert took some unusual steps to ensure that the majority of the Council favored him. There are several versions of this story, but Sir Robert and his brother, Captain George Munro, appears to have kidnapped some of the opposing Councilors just before the election so they were not able to vote against him. The Munro claim was that the Councilors owed money and were being apprehended for that reason, but the timing of their arrest was such that they were not able to cast their votes in the municipal election.

Like his father, Sir Robert was an elder in Kiltearn Parish Church and discharged the duties connected with that office with characteristic conscientiousness and consistency.

During his long Parliamentary career of more than thirty years, he distinguished himself as a consistent friend of the people and his Sovereign, and a stout upholder of the religion and liberty of his country.

In 1740, when Scotland was on the eve of what he deemed a just war, even though he was then 56 years of age, he resigned from Parliament to accept a commission as Lieutenant-Colonel in the 42nd Royal Highlanders, the Black Watch. This is the same position he held when the Black Watch was first organized in 1729.

On 9 May 1745, his regiment was among the first on the field at the battle of Fontenoy and he surprised the whole army by a display of extraordinary yet admirable tactics directed with the most invincible courage against the enemy. From the main battery of the French, which he was ordered to attack, he dislodged a force far superior to his own, and found a strong body of the enemy stationed beyond it preparing to open upon him a sweeping fire. He commanded his men to prostrate themselves to avoid the shot, which accordingly swept harmlessly over them. Then, when the French were in the act of reloading, the Highlanders suddenly sprang up, poured in their own fire, slung their muskets, and, under cover of the smoke, they charged with targe and claymore with such force that they quickly cut their way through the French lines.

Then retreating for a little, according to the tactics of their country, he again brought his men to the charge, and with a similar maneuver of alternate attack and retreat, which was frequently repeated during the day, committed great havoc upon the French army. Sir Robert was everywhere with his regiment even though he was so fat that when he was in the trenches, he had to be hauled out by the arms and legs by his own men. He also was unable to prostrate himself just as the enemy raised their pieces for firing. He stood alone with the colors behind him exposed to the volley. His preservation that day was the surprise and astonishment not only of the army, but of all who heard about it.

At one point, Sir Robert was ordered to silence a French battery which was annoying the allied army. The Black Watch Regiment immediately drove away the French and spiked their cannon, but then soon found themselves surrounded by three regiments of French cavalry. Seeing their dangerous position, Sir Robert shouted to his troops, "Now, my lads, mind the honor of your country." The regiment immediately assumed a determined "lion-like" posture and cut their way through the enemy, suffering severely in the action.

When the battle had become general, the British began to give way before the numerically superior forces of the enemy and Sir Robert's regiment formed the rear guard of the retreating army, because they were the only regiment that could be kept to their duty. A strong body of French horse came galloping up behind, but when within a few yards of the Highlanders, they turned on Sir Robert's command and received them with a fire so well directed and so effectual, that nearly one-half of them were dismounted. The rest weeled about and rode off and did not again return to the attack.

At Fontenoy, the Black Watch suffered five officers and thirty men killed, and two sergeants and eighty-six men wounded.

The Duke of Cumberland was so much struck with the conduct of Sir Robert Munro's regiment that he decided to grant them any favor that was in his power to give. The men of the regiment asked for the pardon of one of the soldiers of the regiment who had been court-martialed for allowing a prisoner to escape, and was under sentence of a heavy corporal punishment which they felt would not only disgrace them all, but also their families and their country. The request was immediately granted and the Duke was even more impressed by the nature of the wish.

Even the French could not withold their praise for Sir Robert and his regiment. A French writer says, "The British behaved well, and could not be exceeded in ardor by any but our officers, who animated the troops by their example, when the Highland furies rushed upon us with more violence than ever did a sea driven by a tempest...In short we gained the victory; but may I never see another."

King George I had never seen a Highland soldier and expressed a desire to see one. Three privates were selected from the Black Watch Regiment and sent to London. Gohn Grant, one of the three, died on the journey, but Sir Robert presented the other two, Gregor Macgregor and John Campbell, to the King. They went through their broadsword exercise and showed their skill in handling the Lochaber axe, or lance, before a number of general officers who had assembled for the purpose in the Great Gallery at St. James' Palace. The King was greatly impressed and gave them each a guinea. The soldiers gave their guineas to the porter of the palace gate as they left.

In Oct 1745, Sir Robert's Regiment was ordered home to deal with the Rising. They arrived on the Thames on 4 Nov 1745, and while other regiments were sent to Scotland under General Hawley to assist in quelling the insurrection, Sir Robert's 42nd Regiment was marched to the coast of Kent, where it joined the division of the army there assembled to repel an expected invasion. This was done because more than three hundred men had fathers and brothers engaged in the Rising, and the prudence and humanity of keeping them aloof from a contest between duty and affection is evident. Sir Robert was promoted to Colonel and given command of the 37th Regiment which was ordered to Scotland.

On 17 Jan 1746, Sir Robert's regiment took part in the Battle of Falkirk. His new regiment was deployed on the left wing of the army, but in the moment of attack, it participated in the general panic which had seized the other regiments on the left, and fled, leaving its Colonel surrounded by the enemy, alone and unprotected. In this situation, Sir Robert was attacked by six men of Lochiel's Regiment, and, for some time, gallantly defended himself with his half-pike, but was ultimately overcome and slain.

Sir Harry Munro of Foulis, Robert's heir and successor wrote to Lord President Forbes a few days after the battle saying:

"My Lord,--I think it my duty to acquaint your Lordship of the deplorable situation I am in. The engagement between the King's troops and the Highlanders on Thursday last, within a mile of Falkirk, proves to me a series of woe. There both my dear father and uncle Obsdale were slain. The last, your Lordship knows, had no particular business to go to the action, but out of a most tender love and concern for his brother, could not be dissuaded from attending him, to give assistance if need required. My father, after being deserted, was attacked by six of Lochiel's regiment, and for some time defended himself with his half pike. Two of the six, I am informed, he killed, a seventh coming up fired a pistol into my father's groin, upon which, falling, the Highlander with his sword gave him two strokes in the face, one over the eyes and another on the mouth, which instantly ended a brave man. The same Highlander fired another pistol into my uncle's breast, and with his sword terribly slashed him, whom he killed. He then despatched a servant of my father's. That thus my dearest father and uncle perished, I am informed, and this information I can depend on, as it comes from some who were eye-witnesses to it. My father's corpse was honourably interred in the Church-yard of Falkirk by direction of the Earl of Cromarty and the Macdonalds, and all the Chiefs attended his funeral. Sir Robert was the only body on the field on our side that was taken care of. Now, my Lord, you may easily conceive, all circumstances duly weighed, how dismal my situation is. I depend on your advice and assistance."

Sir Harry erected a large and elaborately ornamented sarcophagus over his father's grave. The English translation of the Latin inscription reads:

"Here lies what is mortal of Sir Robert Munro, Baronet of Fowlis, Chief of his clan. An officer in the army whose life was honourably spent in the field and in the British Parlia- ment for the Liberty and Religion of his native country. He died most gloriously on the Battlefield near Falkirk, 17th January, 1746, in the 62nd year of his age, renowned for his virtue and counsel. He commanded the Highland Regiment which will be remembered as long as the battle of Fontenoy. Let us ever desire to continue friendship and fidelity from friends, kindness and clemency to foes, goodwill and goodness to all even to enemies."

During his distinguished military career, Sir Robert fought at many battles including Dettingen, Fontenoy, Culloden, Quebec, and he was killed at Falkirk.

References:

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

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
117-138

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

Buried:
Falkirk Church Yard

Robert married Mary Seymour in , , , England. Mary (daughter of Henry Seymour) was born about 1686; died on 24 May 1732. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

"Sir Robert Munro of Fowlis member of parliament for the northern Burrows succeeded A D 1729 he married Mary Seymour daughter to Henry Seymour by whom he has 2 sons and a daughter."

"...His marriage to Mary dr of Henry Seymour of Woodlands in Dorset seems to have taken place in England (licence 1716 in Bishop of London's Registry; Miller's Scenes and Legends of the North of Scotland 445-7)..."

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 136-138

Sir Robert married Mary, daughter of the Hon. Henry Seymour of Woodlands, Dorsetshire, Speaker of the House of Commons, by his wife, Miss Tregonwell of Anderson. Mr Seymour was a lineal descendant of Sir Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, Protector of England from 1547 to 1549, through his first marriage, being eldest son of Edward Seymour, Clerk of Hanaper, son of Thomas Seymour, by his wife Anne, daughter of Sir Richard Anderson. Thomas was son of Sir Edward Seymour, Baronet, son and hear of Sir Edward, son and successor of Sir Edward, son of the Protector. The following interesting anecdote, handed down by tradition, relative to Sir Robert's introduction to Mary Seymour, places his character in a very amiable light:--While sojourning in England after his return from Flanders in 1712 he met with and was introduced to the young lady. The gallant young soldier was smitten by her apearance, and had the happiness of perceiving that he had succeeded in at least attracting her notice. This happy introduction soon resulted in mutual friendship; and, at length, what had only been a casual impression on either side, ripened into mutual attachment of no ordinary warmth and delicacy. On Sir Robert leaving England for the North he arranged with Miss Seymour the plan of a regular correspondence; and wrote to her as soon as he arrived at Fowlis Castle. After waiting with the usual impatience of a lover for a reply which did not come, he sent off a second letter, complaining of her neglect, which had no better success than the first, and shortly afterwards a third, which shared the fate of the other two. The inference seemed too obvious to be misunderstood, and he strove to forget the lady. He hunted, fished, visited his friends, and engaged in numerous and varied concerns, but to no purpose; she still continued the engrossing object of his affections, and after a few month's stay in the Highlands, he again returned to England, a very unhappy man. When waiting on a friend in London, he was unexpectedly ushered into the midst of a fashionable party, and to his surprise found himself in the immediate presence of his lady love. She seemed much startled by his appearance and blushed deeply; but suppressing her emotion, she turned to the lady who sat next to her, and began to converse on some common topic of the day. Sir Robert retired, beckoned to his friend, and entreated him to procure him an interview with the lady, which was effected, and an explanation ensued. She said she had not received a single letter; and forming at length, from the seeming neglect of her lover, an opinion of him similar to that which he had formed of her, she attemped to banish him from her affections; an attempt in which she was scarcely more successful than he had been. They were, however, much gratified to find that they had not been mistaken in their first impressions of each other, and they parted more atteched and convinced than ever that the attachment was mutual. so it turned out to be the case, for in less than two months Mary Seymour became Lady Munro of Fowlis.

Sir Robert succeeded in tracing all his letters to one point--a kind of post-office on the confines of Inverness-shire. There was a proprietor in the neighbourhood--one who was deeply engaged in the interests of the Stuarts, and directly hostile to Sir Robert, the scion of a family whose members, from the first dawn of the Reformation, had distinguished themselves in the cause of civil and religious liberty. There was, therefore, very little difficulty in ascertaining who the author of the plot was; but Sir Robert was satisfied in having traced it to its origin. Regulating his principles of honour by the moral of the New Testament rather than by the dogma of the so-called "code of honour" which regards death as the only expiation of insult or injury, he was no duelist. An opportunity of having himself avenged in a manner more agreeable to his character and principles soon occurred. On the breaking out of the rising of 1715 the person who had so wantonly trifled with his affections joined the Earl of Mar, and after the failure of the enterprise was among the number of the proscribed. Sir Robert's influence with the Government, and the peculiar office to which he was appointed, gave him great power over the confiscated proprietors; and this power he exerted to its utmost in behalf of the wife and children of the man by whom he had been thus injured. "Tell your husband," he said to the lady, "that I have now repaid him for the intrest he took in my correspondence with Miss Seymour."

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:

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:

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.