Sir John Munro, XXII of Foulis, 4th Baronet

Notes:

On 23 Jan 1661, before his father's death, John entered into a bond of friendship and manrent with Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth. An old manuscript record, which gives a sketch of the character of Sir John, says:

"He lived in good correspondence with his neighpours, for there was mutual condescendence passed between Kenneth, Earl of Seaforth, John Munro, younger of Fowlis."

In a document dated 7 Dec 1668, it is mentioned that John served as one of the Deputes in the Sheriffship under the Earl of Caithness and the Earl of Argyll.

The lands of Foulis had been appraised from Sir John's father and granted to others, and so even though his father died in 1668, it was not until 1676 that Lovat's rights over the estate were extinguished and the lands adjudged to belong to Sir John as 22nd Baron of Foulis and 4th Baronet.

Sir John was a member of the Convention of the Estates of Scotland at the Revolution in 1688 and 1689. He was a very zealous promoter of that change in the government of the kingdom, and was also very strenuous in assisting Presbyterianism.

During the period between the Restoration and the Revolution -- 1660-1688 -- his eminent piety and zeal exposed him to great sufferings in the cause of religion. He was imprisoned for long periods of time for his religious beliefs. His estates were harassed by fines and confiscations, and burdened and reduced in value.

He was present along with his mother, the Dowager-Lady Munro of Foulis, in her house at Obsdale, near Alness, in Sep 1675, when the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was dispensed by Mr. John Mackillican, minister of Alness, assisted by the Rev. Hugh Anderson of Cromarty, and Alexander Fraser of Daviot. Sir Roderick Mackenzie of Findon, at the urging of Bishop John Paterson of Ross, sent a party of soldiers to apprehend Mr. Mackillican, but before their arrival, the communicants had dispersed themselves and concealed the ministers.

According to tradition, Mr. Mackillican escaped capture by a clever ruse. Sir John Munro was a man of Falstaffian proportions, which with his strong attachment to the Presbyterian religion, had earned for him the nickname of "The Presbyterian Mortar-piece." When the officer in command of the military burst into his apartment in search of Mr. Mackillican, Sir John pleaded indisposition, and on that ground begged the intruder to excuse his inability to rise from his chair. The soldier retired without taking the liberty of looking among the ample skirts of the Baronet's dressing gown, and consequently without discovering that the Mr. Mackillican was hidden there.

During the period of the Prelatic persecution, multitudes of pious and honest people found sanctuaries in Ross and Sutherland. The Earl of Sutherland, Lord Reay, and Sir John Munro of Foulis, showed them much kindness, and their wives, pious and amiable ladies, vied with their patriotic and sympathetic husbands in harboring the poor persecuted fugitives.

It is said that once when Sir John Munro and Archbisiop Sharp were together on some occasion in the Privy Council Chamber, Sharp accused the Baron of Foulis of permitting his wife to harbor so many of those "wandering families." It was generally known that Sharp was skeptical about the fidelity of his own wife, and Sir John retorted that "they could not be responsible for all the foibles and weaknesses of their wives, but those whose wives were religious had one great advantage--they believed that all the children they brought them were their own."

On 8 May 1683, the Privy Council ordered the Munro Chief to be confined to his own house in Ross-shire and a mile around it, for withdrawing from the parish church. He was now old, and this was all the privilege which his friends were able to procure for him. In 1685, he was heavily fined for his non-conformity and was imprisoned in the jail of Inverness, while his son, Robert, was confined in the tolbooth of Tain.

Sir John served as Commissioner to Scots Parliament for the County of Ross-shire from 1689 until his death in 1697. In 1689 it appears that Sir John was a candidate for the job of Sheriff-Principal of Ross to succeed Colin, Earl of Seaforth, who had been removed from that office because he was a professed papist. In the end, Ross of Balnagown was appointed to the office. Sir John was appointed Commissioner of Justiciary for Peace of the Highlands on 30 Mar 1697.

He died at Foulis Castle on 29 Sep 1697 and was buried at Kiltearn.

The Munro Tree says that Sir Kenneth Mackenzie of Coul was Sir John's son-in-law (p. ii), but X (p. 20) says Sir Kenneth was Sir John's father-in-law. It is thought that the latter is correct.

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

«i»Alexander Munro of Katewell fl 1687/8 Son of David Munro of Katewell & Agnes Munro; described as David's eldest lawful son 15 Jan 1687, date of charter by Sir John Munro of Foulis under which Alexander was given Sasine of 2-1/2 oxgate lands of Katewell (David had been called 'portioner of Katewell' 1641); as Alexander of Katewell gave disposition of 2-1/2 oxgate lands of Katewell to George Dallas of St. Martins, W.S., 8 Sep 1688; MacKenzie says Alexander was tenant of Teachait & had at least 2 sons - George (Teachait & Kellaig) & John (d. 1724).

Munro Tree Q/47; Mackenzie, 480, 481; Foulis Writs nos. 276, 277, 279; Register of Deeds 1687 - National Archives of Scotland, ref RD 67/252 ; RWM, The Munros of Katewell (1983) note 17.«/i»
**********

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:
Dingwall Church

John married Anne MacKenzie about 1660. Anne was born about 1641; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

Captain Andrew Munro of Westertown served in the 26th Regiment of the Cameronians and received the Blenheim bounty in 1704. He was town councillor of Dingwall.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - R/13, X & X/1

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - R/13, X, X/1

His [Sir George's] daughters were...5 Helen Lady Bighouse next Stemster and lastly Westerton...

Sir George's drs were...5 Helen m...[3] Capt Andrew Munro of Westertown X/1 (Edin Canongate Marrs 8 Mch 1701)...

Sir John Munro of Fowlis married Anne daughter to Sir Kenneth McKenzie of Coul by whom he had Robert Andrew Jean Christane Anne and Margaret he dyed at Fowlis 15 October 1696.

Captain Andrew Munro of Westertown married Helen daughter to Sir George Munro of Culrain and dyed 1724.

Capt Andrew served in Cameronians (26th Regt) and received Blenheim bounty 1704 (Dalton's Army Lists), town councellor of Dingwall, d Aug 1724 (Heirs 26 Oct 1726, bro Sir Robert aucceeding him in Wester Foulis &c); for wife see R/14 and SRS Edin Canongate Marr Reg 8 Mch 1701.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 94-95, 98

2. Andrew, of Westertown, a Captain in the army, in which he served for many years at home and abroad. He retired before 1708, and took up his residence at Westertown, parish of Kiltearn. Mr Hugh Campbell, then minister of that parish, was translated to Kilmuir-Wester in February, 1721, and it was not till November, 1726, that his successor, the Rev. William Stewart, was appointed. Captain Munro took very active steps in getting the vacancy filled up. At a meeting of Session and congregation held on the 30th of March, 1724, to moderate in a call to a minister, the Session Records show that "Captain Andrew Munro of Westertown protested that any man that offers to vote as heritor to choose a minister for this parish, not paying stipend or tyend bolls to the minister, such votes to be of non-effect." To this protest Captain George Munro, I. of Culcairn, replied, "that as the heritors present do not take upon themselves to be the judges of the queston in the protestation, which is referred to the Presbytery, who are the proper judges, so they are very sorry that any gentleman who has an heritance and residence in the parish should be thereby precluded from a vote at this election, particularly John Munro of Miltown, who pays nothing to the minister, but some tyends to Fowlis and Inchcoulter." Westertown's objection was repelled, and the meeting proceeded to elect a minister. The Rev. Daniel Mackillican, minister of Alness, and the Rev. John Balfour, minister of Logie-Easter, were proposed, but on the vote bing taken Captain Andrew Munro was the only one who voted for Mr Balfour, while all the elders, heritors, and heads of families voted for Mr Mackillican. Captain Andrew Munro of Westertown married Helen, widow of Joseph Mackay of Bighouse, and fifth daughter of his cousin, Sir George Munro of Culrain and Newmore, Commander of all the forces in Scotland, without issue. She died before June, 1723, Captain Munro dying soon after in 1724.

Sir Robert, his son Robert Munro, "yr. of Fowlis, Member of Parliament"; George Munro of Culrain, George Munro of Culcairn, Andrew Munro of Westertown, George Munro of Newmore, Hugh Munro of Teaninich, Hector Munro of Novar, John Munro, yr. of Novar, Alexander Munro of Kilchoan, Farquhar Munro of Teanoird, Hugh Munro of Ardullie, and Hugh Munro of Kiltearn, are among "the considerable persons of the shires of Ross and Sutherland," who signed an address to George I. in December, 1714, imploring his Royal mercy for Simon Lord Lovat on his return from France at the instigation of Major James Fraser of Castleleathers.

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.

Family/Spouse: Helen Munro. Helen (daughter of Gen. Sir George Munro, KCB of Culrain & Newmore and Christian Hamilton) was born est 1660; died about 1723. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

John died after 29 Sep 1697.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Stroud, Anna Margaret

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:

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

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X, X/2

Sir John Munro of Fowlis married Anne daughter to Sir Kenneth McKenzie of Coul by whom he had Robert Andrew Jean Christane Anne and Margaret he dyed at Fowlis 15 October 1696.

Jean his eldest daughter married to Peter Bethun of Culnaskea to whom she bore Anne married to the Minister of Dornoch and Rebecca.

Ann Bethune m John Bayne min of Dingwall (Fasti vii 34).

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 95

3. Jane, who married Peter Bethune of culnaskea, with issue--1. John, who succeeded his father; 2. David, who succeeded on the death of his brother; Rebeca, and Anne.

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.

Family/Spouse: Peter Bethune. Peter was born about 1662 in Of, Culnaskea, , Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

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

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X, X/3

Sir John Munro of Fowlis married Anne daughter to Sir Kenneth McKenzie of Coul by whom he had Robert Andrew Jean Christane Anne and Margaret he dyed at Fowlis 15 October 1696.

Mrs Christane his 2d daughter dyed unmarried at Foulis December 1730.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 95

4. Christian, who died unmarried at Fowlis Castle in December, 1730.

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:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X & X/2

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X, X/4

Sir John Munro of Fowlis married Anne daughter to Sir Kenneth McKenzie of Coul by whom he had Robert Andrew Jean Christane Anne and Margaret he dyed at Fowlis 15 October 1696.

Anne his 3d daughter married Cornet William Robertson of Urchannie son to Collin Robertson of Kindeace.

Marriage contract 12 Mch 1728 (FW 329), and see W/6.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 95

5. Anne, who as his second wife married her cousin, Cornet William Robertson of Urchany, IV. of Kindeace, with issue.

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

Anne married William Robertson about 12 Mar 1728. William (son of Collin Robertson and Rebecca Munro) was born est 1675 in Of, Urchannie, , Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Margaret is described as 'relict of Captain Donald McNeill of Gen Sabine's Regiment'. This regiment was stationed in the Highlands 1723-1727. Her husband may actually have been Daniel McNeil who served in Col William Grant's Independent Company and was captain in Brigadier General Alexander Grant's Regiment of Foot in 1717

Donald MacNeil was a captain in the militia and was accused along with Captain George Munro of Culcairn of destroying Jacobites' property at Loch Broom in 1716.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X & X/5

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X, X/5

Sir John Munro of Fowlis married Anne daughter to Sir Kenneth McKenzie of Coul by whom he had Robert Andrew Jean Christane Anne and Margaret he dyed at Fowlis 15 October 1696.

Margaret Munro his youngest daughter married Captain Daniel McNeil a Kintyre man and dyed 19 of March 1729 at Edinburgh.

Margaret described as 'relict of Captain Donald (sic) McNeill of Gen Sabine's Regiment' (Edin Tests 6 Aug 1731) which was stationed in the Highlands 1723-7 (Royal Welch Fusiliers comp Cary & McCance i 95-6); may be Daniel McNeil who served in Col Wm Grant's Independent Company and was captain in Brig-Gen Alexander Grant's Regt of Foot 1717, h.p. 1722 (Dalton's George I's Army i 316); Donald Macneil captain in the militia accused along with Captain George of Culcairn Y/1 of destroying Jacobites' property at Loch Broom 1716 (Robertson's Lords Appeals from Scotland i 477-82).

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 95

6. Margaret, who married Captain Donald Macneill of Kintyre, with issue. She died in Edinburgh on the 19th of March, 1729.

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

Family/Spouse: Daniel McNeil. Daniel was born about 1671 in Of, Kintyre; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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:

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

Family/Spouse: 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:

Duncan was a Medical Doctor. He served as commissar Principle of Ross in 1734. He spent many years in India and was killed with his eldest brother, Sir Robert, at the battle of Falkirk.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/6

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y, Y/6, R/30

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.

Mr Duncan Munro M:D: and Commissar principle of Ross A D 1734 3d son.

Dr Duncan of Obsdale, b 19 Sep 1687, spent many years in India, killed with eldest brother Sir Robert at Falkirk 17 Jan 1746 (Falkirk MI, Scots Mag 42, Doddridge 258, CP 267-8).

"...Limlair was sold in 1738 to Dr Duncan Y/6..."

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 114-116, 134-135, 295

3. Duncan, born on the 19th of September, 1687, and styled "of Obsdale." Educated for the medical profession at the University of Edinburgh, he graduated M.D., and is said to have been a gentleman of superior knowledge, not only in his own profession, but in several paths of polite literature. "But these," says Dr Doddridge, "I hold cheap when compared to the goodness of his heart; his greatest study was to know himself, and I verily believe that since the early ages of Christianity there has not appeared a more upright person." Dr Munro, after passing through his college curriculum, went to India, where he remained many years, practising his profession. He at the same time diligently inquired into the maners, customs, arts, and manufactures of the natives, and also into the produce and commodities of the Empire. "So that," says Dr Doddridge, "he was much more capable of giving entertainment to persons of curiosity in such things, than travellers commonly are; and his veracity was such, that all who knew him could entirely depend upon whatever he reported as on his own knowledge. To all those advantages was added a memory remarkably tenacious of every circumstance with which he charged it. But, perhaps, it was a loss to the world that it was so, as it hindered him from committing many extraordinary things to writing, which would have afforded improvement, as well as delight, to the public. The want of such memoirs from so able a hand is the more to be regretted as his remarkable modesty did not permit him to talk much in company. One might spend a good deal of time with him without perceiving by any hints from him that he had ever been outside of Britain. But when his friends seemed desirous of information on any of these topics, as they fell in his way, he communicated his observations upon them with the utmost freedom, and gave them the greatest satisfaction imaginable; of which some remarkable instances happened at the houses of persons of very considerable rank, who paid him that respect which he so well deserved. It was the more to be desired," continues this writer, "that he should have left behind him some written memoirs of his own remarks and adventures, as he was a most attentive observer of Divine Providence, and had experienced many singular instances of it. One is so remarkable that it claims a place here, brief as these hints must necessarily be:--"After he had continued eight or ten years in the East Indies, he was shipwrecked on the Malabar Coast, as he was on his passage home. He saved his life on a plank, but lost all his effects, except a small parcel of diamonds. This ruinous calamity, as it seemed to be, obliged him to return to Fort St. George, where he experienced far beyond what he could have expected the extraordinary friendship of several English gentlemen of that settlement, and felt the solid effects of it, as by their assistance he acquired much more in six or seven years following (for his whole stay in that country was about sixteen years) than he had lost by shipwreck. And when he left the settlement he had all sorts of encouragement offered him to induce him to stay; but his health and other circumstances obliged him to return home. This return (which happened, if I mistake not, about the year 1726) was a happy Providence to many; for as he was remarkably successful in both the branches of his profession (medicine and surgery), he took great pains in both; and as he did this without fee or reward, when he was satisfied the circumstances of the afflicted needed such assistance, he was an instrument of saving many limbs and many lives, which would otherwise in all probability have been lost. To this account I must beg leave to add what another of my correspondents writes to me concerning the Doctor in the following words--'As we were often by ourselves, I still found him inclined to turn our discourse to spiritual subjects concerning God and religion, the offices of the Great Redeemer, and the power of God's spirit in converting and sanctifying the souls of men, and the hopes of eternal life through Christ.' I transcribe the passage thus particularly concerning this pious physician, as I esteem it, in one view, a peculiar honour to him, and permit me to say, in another to the profession itself. Blessed by God, that tho' it is so rare a case, yet there are those of that learned body who 'are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ,' but, who, knowing it to be true on incontestable evidence, and having felt (what one would imagine every rational creature who believes it to be true, must immediately see) its infinite importance, have steadily determined to submit to its influence, and to maintain its honours in the midst of all the scorn and derision of their infidel brethern. A determination, which, perhaps, requires no less courage, especially in some tempers, than that generous instance of fraternal love, which will entail such lasting glory on the memory of Doctor Munro."

When the Rising of 1745 broke out Dr Duncan Munro, from pure fraternal affection, accompanied his brother, Sir Robert--who was in command of a regiment--to the battles of Prestonpans and Falkirk. In the latter Sir Robert was hard pressed by six of Prince Charlie's followers, who attacked him with their battleaxes, etc. He defended himself bravely, killing two of his assailants. The Doctor, seeing him in such imminent peril, ran to his assistance, but they were both shot down and their bodies mangled. Their remains were buried in the same grave in Falkird Churchyard, near where they fill fighting so gallantly. Sir Hugh Munro afterwards erected over their grave a handsome monument of stone, with ornamental carving, bearing an inscription on either side commemorating each of them; that to the memory of Dr Munro being to the following effect:--

"Duncanus Munro de Obsdale, M.D., AE., LIX,
Frater Fratrum linguere fugieus
Sancium curausictus incrimis
Commorreus cohonestat Uniam."

Thus died the pious and brave Doctor Duncan Munro on the 17th of January, 1746, in the 59th year of his age, unmarried.

...the 37th Regiment...took part in the battle of Falkirk on the 17th of January, 1746, where fell its new Colonel, Sir Robert,...

Sir Harry Munro, his heir and successor, a few days after the battle, on the 22nd of the same month, wrote to Lord President Forbes as follows:--

"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."

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/7

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y, Y/7

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.

Anne Munro his only daughter married Alexander Gordon of Ardoch to whom she has a son Adam.

Ref: "History of the Munros" by A. Mackenzie - p. 100, 117

Their only sister, married to Mr Gordon of Ardoch, still survives, an example of profound submission and fortitude, mingled with the most tender sensibility of temper.

4. Ann, born in 1693. She married Alexander Gordon of Ardoch (now Poyntzfield) in the parish of Resolis, with issue--a son, Adam. She died in 1768, and was buried in Kirkmichael Churchyard, half-way between the remains of the ancient church and northern wall of the burying-ground where her nephew, Sir Harry Munro, eighteenth Baron, erected over her grave a tombstone bearing the following inscription:--

"Here lies Mrs Gordon, wife to Alex. Gordon of Ardoch, who died in the 75th year of her age. This tombstone is erected to her memory by her nephew, Sir Harry Munro of Fowlis, Bart., 1768."

The monument is altar shaped, of hewn ashlar, and embedded in one side is a tablet of grey freestone bearing the above inscription.

Family/Spouse: Alexander Gordon. Alexander was born about 1691 in Of, Ardoch, Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X/2

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X/2

"Jean his eldest daughter married to Peter Bethun of Culnaskea to whom she bore Anne married to the Minister of Dornoch and Rebecca."

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:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - M/60

"John m first Christian dr of Alexander of Teanord and as as Robert had Hugh and Christian, and second Ann Bethune of Culnaskeath widow of John Bain min of Dingwall."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - X/2

"Jean his eldest daughter married to Peter Bethun of Culnaskea to whom she bore Anne married to the Minister of Dornoch and Rebecca."

Ann was the daughter of David Bethune of Culnaskea. She was also the widow of Rev. John Bain, minister of Dingwall. She and John Munro had no children.

References:

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

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.

Family/Spouse: John Munro, of Milntown of Katewell. John (son of William Munro and Janet Munro, of Milntown of Katewell) was born about 1663; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: John Bayne. John was born about 1680 in Of, Dingwall; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Error alert: Some references say Anne married Rev. William Mercer, a Presbyterian minister of Aberdeenshire, the parents of Gen. Hugh Mercer.

Ref: Clan Munro files - Patton, David Wilson
"The Highlander" - Jul/Aug 88 - p. 38

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

Notes:

George served in the Royal Navy.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Z/2

George Munro his 2d son.

George in Royal Navy d 1743 (Douglas 86).

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

3. George, an officer in the Royal Navy, who died unmarried in 1743.

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

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Z/3

"Mrs Elizabeth Munro his [Sir Robert Munro's] daughter."

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

4. Elizabeth, who died in infancy.

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

Notes:

1. Robert, who died in infancy.

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

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

Notes:

**********
(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:

John Munro of Culcairn (sometime of Bombay) married the daughter of Thomas Ross of Calrossie.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/68 & Y/2

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/67

"Christane married Captaine George Munro of Culcarn son to Fowlis by whom he had Mr John Andrew George and Duncan."

"Mr John Munro younger of Culcarn."

"John of Culcairn, sometime of Bombay, d 24 Aug 1766 (FW 375, Love's Vestiges of Old Madras ii 549, Scots Mag 1766 p 437); wife Katharine dr of Thomas Ross of Calrossie d 11 Jun 1757 (Scots Mag 326)."

John appears to have led a quiet country life at home. In 1751, he established a bleachfield on the spot where later the Culcairn mills stood. It was then the only one in the county of Ross. For several years it succeeded pretty well, but after John's death it passed through the hands of different managers, and was not so successful.

John married Katharine, the daughter of Thomas Ross of Calrossie.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 162

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.

Family/Spouse: Katharine Ross. Katharine was born est 1721; died on 11 May 1757 in Newton. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/67 & Y/3

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/67

"Christane married Captaine George Munro of Culcarn son to Fowlis by whom he had Mr John Andrew George and Duncan."

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/3

"Andrew Munro his [Captain George Munro's] 2d son."

Andrew was not married.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 161

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 a surgeon who served in the 3rd Regiment of Foot Guards.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/67 & Y/4

"Christane married Captaine George Munro of Culcarn son to Fowlis by whom he had Mr John Andrew George and Duncan."

"George Munro his [Captain George Munro's] 3d son..."

"George, surgeon 3rd Regt Foot Guards and nephew of Sir Robert d London 14 Dec 1748 (Scots Mag 614 & see ib 1750 p 206); he and brother Duncan both called doctors of medicine in notes by descendant Mrs Balfour Melville (Berthon MS opp 154)."

George was not married.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 161

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:

References:

(1) "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Edinburgh (1978) - Q/31, Y/4, Y/5

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
162, 477

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

Family/Spouse: Hugh Munro, of Achany. Hugh (son of William Munro, III, of Achany and Isabel McPherson) was born about 1716; died in 1781. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Duncan was a doctor of medicine.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - L/67 & Y/4

"Christane married Captaine George Munro of Culcarn son to Fowlis by whom he had Mr John Andrew George and Duncan."

"...Duncan Munro his [Captain George Munro's] 4th son."

"...he [George Munro] and brother Duncan both called doctors of medicine in notes by descendant Mrs Balfour Melville (Berthon MS opp 154)."

Duncan was not married.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 161

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:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/4, Y/5

"His [Captain George Munro's] daughters are Munros 1 Anne..."

Anne was not married.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 161

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

Notes:

Jane (or Jean) Munro.

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/4

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/5

"His [Captain George Munro's] daughters are Munros...2 Jean Lady Garty..."

"Jane m Alexander Gordon of Garty..."

Jane had two sons. The first, William, died in infancy. Her husband died shortly after the birth of their second son, Alexander.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 161

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.

Family/Spouse: Alexander Gordon, Of Garty. Alexander was born about 1727 in Of, Garty, Scotland; and died. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref. (2) places Christian (or Christina) as the daughter of Hugh Munro of Achany.

References:

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

(2) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie - Inverness (1898) - p.
477

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.

Family/Spouse: Robert Gordon, Of Rhyn. Robert was born about 1729 in Of, Rhyn, Scotland; died in in Of, Invercarron, Scotland. [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

Family/Spouse: Andrew Munro. Andrew (son of George Munro, Of Limlair and Catherine Munro) was born about 1724 in Of, Limlair, Scotland; died about 1809 in Prob., Alness, Scotland. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/4

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/5

"His [Captain George Munro's] daughters are Munros...5 Helen..."

Helen was not married.

References:

(1) "History of the Munros of Fowlis" by A. Mackenzie (1898) - p. 162

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

Notes:

Ref: "The Munro Tree (1734)" by R. W. Munro - Y/7

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.