The MacGregors of Roro
I. Gregor, who settled in Roro about the time of his father's death, AD1415. He was married and said to have had eleven sons. His eldest son was: Duncan Beg MacGregor, who died at Roro on 17th February 1477.
II. Duncan Beg, known as "Donnacha Lienach", married Elizabeth, daughter of MacNaughton of Dundarawe. She had several children. Among whom were:
1st. Gregor "Duncanson" Duncan died at Roro in April 1515 and was buried at Killin. By the death of John dhu nan Lann , the last of the MacGregors of Glenlyon, Gregor became representative of that family.
2nd. Allastir Mor. Ancestor of the MacGregors of Dunan in Rannoch. Allaster, and his son, called Donnacha Allaster, were murdered by Duncan Breac in Western Culdar 25th May 1529.
3rd. Duncan (Dhu). Ancestor of the MacGregors of Leragan in Rannoch.
4th. John "Duncanson", he died10th March 1491. and his widow, Katrine Cardy, daughter of the Laird of Foss, was buried in the Church of Dull, before the step of the highest Altar, on 14th August 1493.
5th. Para Rhua na Seichdanan, in Culdarbeg.
III. Gregor "Duncanson" Gregor married a daughter of Menzies of Weyme, and had by her numerous issue, among others:
1st. Duncan. His heir.
2nd. James, Ancestor of the Gregories of Netherdaill or Kinairdie,
3rd. Ian (John), surnamed "Mhallich" died at Tulicheamin 9th February 1523, and was buried in Killin, leaving seven sons ---
1. Nial. His heir, in Ardennaig. He had two sons, Gregor and William. They appear together with their Uncle Duncan in a Bond given by the Principals of the Clan Gregor to the Earl of Argyle, 22d April 1601, as descendants of Duncan "Lienach".
2. Ewin. Mentioned in the Commission of 4th February 1589.
3. John Roy Mentioned in the Commission of 4th February 1589.
4. Duncan alias Mac Invallich appears in the record of the Privy Seal of 30th August 1603. He was father of Patrick Drummond, who purchased the Estate of Balhaldie, 9th August 1642.
5. Donald, mentioned in the commission of 4th February 1589.)
6. Thomas dhu in Cullemat.
7. Robert in Dalcapin, who on the 12th May 1605 got a gift of the ownership of property of his deceased brother Thomas,
IV. Duncan. Succeeded his father, and is mentioned in a Proclamation against some of the Clan Gregor 10th January 1563. (This was the first Royal Act issued against the Clan Gregor). He married Miss Macdonald of the family of Keppoch, by whom he had issue:
1st. Gregor, his heir.
2nd John dhu Mor, was a brave man, and made a conspicuous figure in his time. He died at Edinburgh 28 July 1612.
3rd. Allaster Breac, (freckled), had three sons.
1. Duncan in Fernay, he was executed at Edinburgh 17th February 1604 for having been at the battle of Glen Fruin.
2. John dhu MacAllaster breac of Stronfernan, was in the records along with his brother Duncan in 1589 and 1602, and likewise by himself in the Bond given to the Earl of Argyle in 1601, as a descendant of Duncan Lienach. He was murdered by John Campbell, brother of Lawers, and his head presented to the Privy Council in 1611. At the time he was murdered, he had a feu of the Lands of Stronfernan from Strowan Robertson. Campbell pursued Strowan before the Council for a 19 years' Lease of MacGregor's Feu, in favour of the slayer of every MacGregor who happened to possess any property. Strowan was ordered by the Council to pay a Compensation at sight of the Council, and ordered by the Council to eject the Widow and Bairns of MacGregor with servants and tenants from Stronfernan.
John dhu had several children, among whom were Donald, Allastir, Gillespick, and Archibald. All these are mentioned in the Rec. Pri. Cou. 3rd August 1602.
Gregor Mac Ean dhu Vc Allaster of Easter Drumnacharrichad, as "Gregor M'Gregor in Gowlarich in Strathdowine," along with "John MacGregor his only lawful son" obtained a Charter from John Earl of Athol of the lands of Easter Drumnacharric in the Earldom of Atholl, Barony of Garth, and Shire of Perth, under the reversion of 3,000 Marks, 28th December 1655; and from the same Nobleman, a Charter of the South Half of Nether Blorish in the Barony of Garth, and Shire of Perth, to him and to Christian MacWilliam his spouse, and to John MacGregor their son in fec, under reversion of 937 Merks, 01 July 1657, register of Sasines, Perthshire, 06 May 1656, and 30 December 1657.
By the said lady, he had one son, styled of Easter Drumnacharric, but better known as John MacGregor of Delavorer, who as "John MacGregor VC Eanduy Vc Allaster" also "John MacGregor of Delavorer," sold both these impignorated estates to Colonel James Menzies of Culdares 20 May 1694. John MacGregor of Easter Drumnacharric, married a daughter of Farquarson of Auchinheyle, and, by her, had several children:
1st. Gregor, his eldest son, who had been enfeoffed in Easter Drumnacharric 01 Nov 1681 (Register of Sasines, Perthshire, 21st November 1681), and with whose consent, his father sold this estate as above mentioned. He married Marjory, daughter of Robert Grant of Easter Elchies on 18 January 1681, having been enfeoffed in the lands of Drumnacharric at the same time as her husband, gave his consent to the sale. 3. Allaster MacAllister Breac is mentioned as one of the principals of the Clan Gregor in 1614, and occurs often prior to that date. Duncan MacGregor of Roro was succeeded by his eldest son.
V. Gregor MacConachy of Roro, who occurs along with his brother, John dhu, in a Commission of Fire and Sword dated 04 February 1589 against a number of the Clan Gregor named for the murder of Drummond of Drummondergnoch, one of the under-Forresters of Glenartney, who was said to have been very hostile to the MacGregors. Gregor again appears in the record of the Privy Council in February 1592 as a Tenant of the Menzies Laird of Weymes. He appears to have had Roro along with Morinch, Duncroak, etc. in the Barony of Menzies, before 1520, as his son William is styled "Menzies of Roro" this year. Gregor married a daughter of Robertson of Faschoille in Atholl, who had been previously married 1st to Stewart of Appin, to whom she had one son, his heir, 2ndly to Campbell of Glenlyon to whom she had one son, his heir, 3rdly to MacGregor of Roro, to whom she had several Children, among whom were:
1.Duncan, his heir.
2.George, who settled in Inverness shire, progenitor of the MacGregors of Raigmore, of which family was later represented by Peter MacGregor, Surgeon to His Majesty King George the Fourth. The genealogy of the MacGregors of Raigmore is recorded in the Lyon Office, Edinburgh, and dated 11th December, 1782.
3.John dhu, alias "Sinclair" who 24th February 1631, granted a Renunciation of the lands of Roro in favour of Duncan Menzies of Comrie; but Menzies having died without performing his part of the Agreement, MacGregor, 24th April 1633, granted a second renunciation in favour of Alexander Menzies of Comrie, son of Duncan, and at the same time, took a Wadset of the Mains of Roro in security for £1,000 Scots, being the balance due to him for the price of his property, of which the deeds were recorded. John dhu had eight sons:
1.Gregor, who married Margaret, eldest daughter of John MacNabb, at Kinald 14 September 1655. The Bride's dowry was £800 Scots
2. Hugh. 3. Alexander. 4. Duncan. 5. Malcolm. 6. John. 7. Donald.
8. Patrick Roy
VI. Duncan MacGregor alias Gordon of Roro and John dhu, his brother, signed a bond and letter of Slaine, 22nd May 1630, whereby they became bound for all the MacGregors of their own House, to keep the peace with Robert Buchanan of Leny, and his friends, on condition of the latter paying 1300 Merks as compensation for the slaughter of Patrick and Malcom, sons of Patrick Auloch MacGregor, and of Donald, son of Duncan Abrach MacGregor, which sum had been agreed upon by Arbiters chosen by both parties. He married Catherine, Daughter of Duncan Campbell of Glenlyon, by whom he had several Children, amongst them:
1. Alexander, his heir.
2. Gregor.
VII. Alexander, who was killed at the Battle of Inverlochy fighting with Montrose on 2nd February 1645, and was succeeded by his Brother.
VIII. Gregor, who along with Patrick MacGregor, signed a letter of Slaine 5th August 1645, approving the agreement between the Laird of Leny and Duncan & Gregor, sons to Patrick Auloch MacGregor already alluded to. This letter of Slaines and the bond already mentioned with several other original papers referring to a feud between the MacGregors and Buchanans are in the possession of Francis Hamilton, M.D., Chief of the Clan of Buchanan, which is his paternal surname. On 25th April 1673, Gregor obtained of Commissary John Campbell of Glendaruel a renewal of the Mortgage Right of the Mains of Roro, the purchase money being the same as in the transaction of 1633, (£1,000 Scots). Gregor married a sister of Colonel James Menzies of Culdare. By this lady he had two daughters, Anne married to John MacGregor lenial Ancestor of Sir Evan John Murray MacGregor of MacGregor, and Mary, married to MacDonald of Auchnacoichen) + three sons:
1. Gregor, his heir.
2. Duncan Roy.
3. Neil, who is mentioned in a Bond of Cautionary 18 August 1679.
IX. Gregoralias John Gordon of Roro succeeded his father. He burdened his Estate considerably during the rebellion of 1715, by eagerly espousing the cause of the House of Stewart. He married Beatrix, daughter of Campbell, predecessor of Tullybelton. By her he had a son, Duncan, to whom he conveyed all his property as contained in the Wadset Right of the same by Disposition dated 14 March 1721. He was succeeded by his son:
X. DuncanMacGregor alias Campbell of Roro, who joined Prince Charles Stewart in 1745, and was in consequence so much impoverished as to be under the necessity of acting in the capacity of Clerk to his relation, Tullybelton at Perth. Before leaving the Highlands, he borrowed a sum of money from his relation John MacGregor at Lagfearn, and in security deposited the Wadset Right of Roro, which was paid off by the Campbell Earl of Breadalbane, who obtained a renunciation of the Mains of Roro 1st April 1760, signed by Duncan Campbell alias MacGregor and others at Perth. Duncan married Miss Isabella Foster, and died 11 September 1763, left two sons and two daughters:
1st. Gregor, who has not been heard of since 12 June 1744, when he was on His Majesty's Ship "Captain" at Spithead bound for India.
XI. Duncan Roy, married Ann, daughter of Baron MacDairmed, Craignevie, in Glenlyon, and had by her five sons:
1st. John, who died in England without issue.
XII. Hugh, second son of Duncan Roy, married 1st Christian MacGregor of Roro, by whom he had three sons and one daughter, all of whom died unmarried. He married 2nd Christian Lothian, and had by her three sons:
1. Donald, his heir.
XIII. Donald, married 1st Miss Margaret MacIntyre, with whom he had one daughter. He married 2nd Janet McDonald of Glenlyon. He died in 1821, leaving her two sons:
1. James, his heir.
XIV. James, Assistant Surgeon, 42nd Regiment of Foot (RHR).
2nd. Alexander, who was in the East India Company's Service. He disappeared 26 October 1754.
1st. Daughter, Christiana died unmarried.
2nd.Catharine, was married to Donald MacAndrew at Tynaline, with whom she had several children. She died at Perth 4th June 1809.
2nd. Hugh, his heir.
3rd. Alexander, who married Miss MacNabb.
4th. Duncan.
5th. Donald.
2. John.
3. James, married in 1795 Janet MacKay, dau. of John MacKay in Clyth, Caithness, and purchased the Estate of Fonab in Atholl, 1819.
2. Hugh - - and several daughters, the eldest of them, Margaret was married to a. MacIntyre, Surgeon of Fortingall.
[and of Fonab, near Pitlochry. Died in 1875.
XV. Hugh MacGregor, his brother, would succeed; he was known as Eoghann Mòr, and died in 1880. He had a son, Charles.
XVI. Charles MacGregor, who had the Banavie Hotel.
The present Laird of Fonab is a son of Margaret, daughter of Donald XIII and Dr. M'Intyre of Fortingall. and he resides in New Zealand or Australia.]
[Appendix
-- Renunciation of Roro]
(In the original spelling)
At Edinburgh the Elevint day of Junij the yeir of God Im vje threttie three yeirs the renunciation vnder written was producit be Andw. Darling wreitter in Edinburg and registrat in the buck's of generall registre or Session appoyutit for Registratioun of saisings reversiounes and vthere preittis in the 36 buik thereof and in the lieffs following conforme to the Act of Parliament maid thairanent in Anno 1617 Quhairof the tennor follows.
Bo it kend till all men be ther presentis lettres Mr Duncan Gordon alias MacGregor in Cambserich florsamikle as Alexr. Menzies of Comries be his haband and obligatioun subseryvet with his hand the day and dait of ther presents is bunden and obleist To content and pay to me and vtheris specifiet in the said band vpoun the provisiounes and conditiounes at length specifiet and conteinet thair in all and haill the Sowme of ane thousand Pundis money gude vsuall of this realm, as principal sowme remains unpayit togidder with the sowme of To hundreth merks money of liquider expenses as the said band and obligatioun mair and gu'd deeds done by the said Alexr. Menzies to me befoir and at the tyme of the making heirof.
Thairfoir Witt ye, me to have desponit transferrit freelie renunceit quytamit and evergiven, lik as I be thair presents dispones tranferres frielie renouncies quyte clames and over gives fra me my hairs and assegnees and successouries kin and Freindis clame and kyndnes and right fra me or ony preceidant or succeedand me to the possessioun of the Lands of Roro all right tittle entres claime of right kyndness propertie possessioun occupatioun setting and using of the saidis landis of Roro with the pertinents by and in the Centre of Glenlyon and Sherrefdome of Perth In and to the person of the said Alexr. Menzies his aires executouris and successouris my onlie cessioneris and assigneyis thereto.
And grantis and confess myself lawfullie removit frae the samen and that the said Alexr. his possessioun thairof is lawfull and never sal be callit nor persuvit by me my Aires nor be any otheris quhom I may stop or left directlie by way of ejectioun spuilzie wrongous intrusioun or any vther maner of way in any tyme heirafter sumand and transferrand the samen fra me and my saidis aires and all vtheris quhom I may stop or lett as saidis in the persone of the said Alexr. Menzies and his foirsaidis togidder with all right titel entres claime kyndres proppertie or possessioun petitor heritable or possessor quhilk I may partenantis in ony tyme heirefter Surrogattand and aubstitand thame in me and my said aires our full richt and place of the same forever.
With power to the said Alexr.Menzies and his foirsaidis to use lett or occupy sell and dispose the same lands as his own proper Lands and heretage in tyme coming at his pleasure. And for the saides Alexr. Menzies his better securitie I be their presentis faithfullie bindis and obleist me and my Aires to renew this present dispositioun renunciatioun and translatioun or quhatsoniever richt I can make of the foirsaid lands of Roro sua oft as neidis beis ay and quhill the said Alexander find himself sure in the premises keep and always the substance above written and now as then and as now bindes and obleist me and my aires to warrant ther presentis fra the facts and deids of me my aires to warrant ther vtheris quhome I may stop or lett directlie in tyme coming vnder the pane of perjurie and infamie lyke as I obleis me and my Aires to ratifie and approve this renunciatioun in thehaill heids clauses Articles and Conditioun above written als oft as we salbe requyrit thairto be the said Alexr. Menzies and his foirsaidis and for the mair securitie I am content and consentis that this preseentis be insert and registrat in the buiks of Counsell and Sessioun. to have the strenth of ane decreit of the Lordis thairof interponit thairto with all letteris and executonalles necessar to pass thairon. and the horning to be on an simple chairge of six dayes onlie and for that effect Constitutis.
My lawfull prop. &c.
In witness quhairof written by Walter Dalgleish Notar publick, I have subscryvetr ther presentis with my hand at Ballich the 25th day of April Im vjc threttie thrie yeirs before ther witness Mongo Campbell fear of Laweris, Archibald Campbell brother (to Sir JAmes Campbell of LAweris knicht, Thomas Mackie and Donald Stalker servitouris to Sir Colin Campbell of Glenurquhy knight and dewder. I the said Duncan Gordon declaires heirby tht ther presentis sall naywayes be hurtfull nor derogative to an fomer renunciation grantit be me to vncle Duncan Menzies of Comries and his aires of the dait the twentie fourt day of February the yeir of God Im vje thret-teino yeirs. Bot rather in Corroboratioun of the samen quhilk I have subscryvet befoir the foirnamet Witness Sic Subr. Duncane Gordoun alias MacGregor above namet with my hand at the pen led be the notaris vnder subscryvand at my command becaus I cannot wreit myself.
Ita est Walterius Dalgleishe Notarius publicus de mandate et asseruet testemanie mea Ita est Joannes Balvaird connoturieis premisso etiam Scribere demandate dicti Duncane Gordoune alias MacGregor scribers ut assericit nescien Test manumea M. Campbell witness, Alexander Campbell Witness, Donald Stalker Witness, Thomas Mackie Witness.
The Mac Gregors Of Balhaldie |
John Vallich, a younger son of Gregor MacGregor of Roro, had seven sons, of whom "Duncan M'Invallich" who as one of the principals of Clan Gregor and descendant of Duncan Lienoch was 22nd April 1601 proposed Part in Bail Bond by Alaster M'Gregor of Glenstrae to the Earl of Argyle, in the Bond of Clan Gregor; and had before 30th August 1603 taken the Surname of Drummond. The latter circumstance appears from record of Privy Seal of the last mentioned date in which he is called Duncan M'Gregor alias M'Invallich and now Drummond.
His son Patrick Drummond alias M'Invallich appears in record (particular register of Sasines, Perthshire, 17th August 1617.) Patrick purchased the Lands of Balhaldie 9th August 1642 and is styled Patrick Drummond of Culcrieff. He died before 2nd July 1646, for at this date was "John Drummond of Culerieff," his eldest son, retoured in the "Glebe and land of the Parish Church of Monrievaird called Hert with the tythes." To his Younger Son.
III. To Duncan"M'Invallich", he had given his more lately acquired estate of Balhaldie. "On the 17th of March 1658 Duncan Drummond of Balhaldie heir Maill of John Drummond of Culcrieff his brother was retoured in the lands of Clucrieff within the Parochin of Crieff, and Stewartrie of Strathearne, in the Glebre and Kirkland of the Vicar of Monzievaird beside the Water of Turret, with teynd sheaves of the said Glebe called Hert within the Stewartrie foresaid and in 16 acres and 3 roods of hand comprehending two tenements within the Burgh of Abernethie and regalitie threreof."
On the 26th of July 1666 Duncan Drummond of Balhaldie heir of Patrick Drummond his Father was retoured in the three fourths of the lands of Balhaldie otherwise Bohaddies, two fifths of the said lands within the Parochin of Dunblane and Seneschalship of Strathairn. Duncan Drummond was succeeded by his son.
Duncan Drummond of Balhaldie is celebrated as a just and benevolent character, an improver of his Paternal soil and much esteemed and beloved. He had a son and a daughter. The latter as stated in a late Memoir of the House of Drummond married Ninian Drummond of Wester Glassingall.
IV. Alexander Drummond of Balhaldie who was retoured 6th March 1685 in the fourth art of the lands and village of Sheeerdail called Craigheid with the half of the grain Mill of Dolorshire commonly called Rack Mill in the Parish of Dolovand regalitie of Dumfermline. He is designed Alexander Drummond of Balhaldie in a safe conduct on the 3rd of March the foregoing year by James Earl of Perth Lord Drummond and Stobhall, Lord High Chancellor of Scotland, "to travel into the Kingdom of England and particularly to the city of London about his lawful affairs." This Voucher affords a presumption that Duncan had by this time died.
On the 26th of April 1686 Alexander Drummond of Balhaldies married Margaret eldest daughter of the renouned Sir. Ewan Cameron of Lochiell knight by Isabel, Daughter of Sir Láchlan Mac Lean of Dowart and Morven Baronet, Chief of the Mac Leans and Companion in Arms of the Great Marquies of Montrose. Lochyell was the last of the Highland Chiefs who continued Active in James VII's cause.
Balhaldies attached to the Royal House of Stewart both from inclination and marriage had received the following Mandate:
(Seal) "James R."
James the Eighth By grace of God King of Scotland, England, France and Ireland Defender of the Faith etc. We taking into our Royal consideration the constant and unshaken Loyalty of our trusty and well beloved Alexander M'Gregor of Balhaldie as well as the eminent services done and performed by him to us on all occasions from his early youth in an advanced old age of which we being truly sensible are resolved to confer on him as a mark of our Special and Royal favor the Title and precedency hereafter mentioned which after him we hope descend to our trusty and well beloved William MacGregor his eldest son of whose loyalty and attachment to our Royal Person and cause we have essential proofs by his signal services and indefatigable endeavours to promote our Interest and service.
Our Will and pleasure therefore is. That Letters Patent pass under our great Seal of our Ancient Kingdom of Scotland in due and competent form Making and creating as we hereby make and create the said Alexander M'Gregor a Knight and Baronet of our said Ancient Kingdom of Scotland to have and to hold to him and the lawful Heirs male of his own body with the priveleges precedencies and other advantages thereunto appertaining, in as full and ample manner as any other Knight and Baronet of our said Ancient Kingdom holds and enjoys the same.
And we hereby dispence with all informalities (if any be) herein contained and ordain in the said Letters Patent to pass the great Seal of our said Ancient Kingdom of Scotland pr. Saltum, without passing and other register or seal, and for so doing this shall be a sufficient warrant. Given at our Court at Rome this 14th day of March 1740 in the thirty ninth year of our Reign.
Signed "James R."
Alexander M'Gregor of Balhaldie had by his Lady Margaret Cameron issue six sons and five daughters:
1st. William, his heir.
2nd. Margaret, who died unmarried.
3rd. Elizabeth, born 9th September 1689, and married to Drummond of Colquhalzie
issue two sons that died unmarried and two daughters Margaret married to - - Young Esqr.
and by him mother of two sons, who died in France, and Mary Wife of Philip Robertson to
whom she brought three sons, John, Philip, Richard, and three daughters, Janet married to
John Robertson Esqr. Merchant London, Margaret to Robert Keith Esqr. of Granada, and Ann
to Andrew Farquharson Esqr. of Breda Aberdeen Shire.
4th. Ewan, named after his Maternal Grandfather and died without issue as did his
Brothers.
5th. John.
6th. Alexander.
7th. Duncan -- and Sisters.
8th. Helen.
9th. Isabella.
10th. Jacobina, born 3rd March 1710 and married James Wright Esqr. of Loss, but died
childless.
11th. Donald, born 12th September 1713 was bred a Sailor and resided at Pitceapsy
New York when migrating with other Loyalists to Nova Scotia in 1782 he lost what property
he had acquired. He had married Miss. Ann Grosbeck of New York and by her had six
children; a Son, Alexander who died in the West Indies unmarried and five daughters.
1. Ann, married to Lieut.
M'Gibbon and mother of two sons Alexander and John and two daughters.
2. Margaret, unmarried.
3. Mary, married on Christmas 1781, the year before her family has left New York, to
her Paternal Cousin Alexander M'Gregor of Balhaldie.
4. Jacobina, married to Lieut. Dugald Campbell late of the 42nd Regiment of Foot
and mother of three Sons Alexander, Patrick, Ludlow, and two daughters Jacobina and Ann.
5. Susanna, married to Captain M'Lean and mother of two sons and three Daughters.
Mrs. Ann Grosbeck relict of Donald Drummond Esqr. younger son of Alexander Drummond (properly M'Gregor) of Balhaldie died in 1818 aged 84. Alexander was succeeded by his eldest son.
V. William M'Gregor of Balhaldie was born 8th May 1688. He had early in 1740 the year in which his Father was created a Baronet carried to Rome an instrument Signed by his Cousin Donald Cameron of Lochyell and six others of distinction who had thus solemnly bound themselves to endeavour in Arms the restoration of the exiled House of Stewart. In this Service, had William M'Gregor of Balhaldie Esqr. of December 1743 received the following Commission --
"James R."
James by the Grace of God King of Great Brittan France and Ireland Defender of the Faith &tc.
To our Trusty and well beloved William M'Gregor of Balhaldie Esqr. Greeting. We reposing a Special Trust and confidence in your loyalty and good conduct -- Do hereby Constitute and appoint you to be a Colonel in our Service and to take your Rank in our Army as such from the date hereof.
You are therefore carefully and diligently to discharge the duty and trust of a Colonel by doing and performing every thing belonging therunto. And we hereby require all and Sundry, our Forces to respect and obey you as such, and yourself to observe and follow all such orders, Directions, and commands as you shall fromo time to time receive from us. The Commander in Chief of our Forces for the time being, or any other your Superior Officer according to the rule and discription of war. In pusiance of the Power and Trust hereby reposed in you.
Given at our
Court at Rome the 23rd day fo December 1743.
In the 43 year of our Reign. (Signed) J. R.
When in 1745 Prince Charles had come to win his father's Crown or perish, Lochyell with his warriors joined his banner and when they had reached Dunblane his Royal Highness lodged in the family Mansion of Balhaldie Lochyell's son in law. The appartment used as the Royal Levee Room on the evening of the 11th and morning of the 12th of September had til lately remained as it was. It is now modernized. The bed the Prince had slept in is preserved in the family of Balhaldie. William M'Gregor of Balhaldies had been abroad with the Chevalier de St. George may be estimated by the following letter --
Rome, 3rd December 1748.
I received last week yours of the 4th November. I had already heard of Lochyell's death it is a loss to the cause, and I am truly concerned for it. If my recommendation to the Court of France comes in time, and has its effect, Young Lochyell will have his Father's Regiment and on this and all other occasions I shall be always glad to shew him the great sense I reatin of the merits of that family. Poor Lochyell did not long out live his friend Lord Sempil in whom I have also lost a very zealous subject and who had given many Proofs of his being so, I wish I could have been able to be more kind to his family. But the truth is my straits were never so great as the are now, and therefore I cannot authorize you keeping up a correspondence the expences of which I am not able to defray. The Prince in his present situation, can best judge of which use it may be and I have always approved of what you do in that respect by his directions. I desire Lochyell's Lady his Brother and his Son may find here my Compliments on their late loss which I sincerely share with them and have nothing else to add at present but to assure you of my constant kindness and regard for yourself.
For Mr. M'Gregor.
(Signed) James R.
William M'Gregor of Balhaldie had in 1757 married Janet, daughter of Lawrence Oliphant Esqr. of Gask by whom he had one son, his heir.
VI. Alexander M'Gregor of Balhal die was born 7th October 1758 and early entering the British Army he had attained the Rank of Captain in the 65th Regiment of Foot, when he died of Military fatigue in the West Indies in 1794. His Gallant conduct at the capture of Martinique and Guadaloupe were repeatedly mentioned in terms of high approbation in the general orders of the late Sir Charles afterwards Earl Grey Commander in those well known expeditions. Balhaldies had on the 25th of December 1781 married his german (paternal) Cousin Miss Mary Drummond 3rd daughter of Donald Drummond Esqr. of New York by whom he had five sons and four daughters. He was succeeded by his eldest son.
VII. William Oliphant M'Gregor of Balhaldie, he had in 1796 when fifteen, received an Ensigncy in the Regiment in which his Father had bravely fought and honourably died. Having served fourteen years in India and obtained a Majority in the 77th Regiment of Foot. He died in 1810 leaving a Widow but no children. He was succeeded by his Brother.
VIII. Donald M'Gregor of Balhaldie, The 3rd Brother Alexander, Assistant Commissary General in the West Indies, had in February 1815 married Miss Charlotte Houston of the Island of Tobago where he died 19th October 1821 without leaving issue.
4th James, and 5th Robert Keith, both of them died young. Miss Ann M'Gregor only surviving daughter of the late Alexander M'Gregor of Balhaldies married on the 5th April 1826 John Murray Esqr. of Liviland Stirling.
The Family Mansion in Dunblane has been sold several years but the Estate of Balhaldies distant four miles North East of Dunblane remains in the family.
A Note about the Reverend Doctor James Drummond MacGregor
REV. JAMES DRUMMOND MaCGREGOR was born December 1759 in Comrie, Perthshire, Scotland, from parents Duncan Drummond and Janet. He was baptized in February of 1760, and died March 03, 1830 in East River, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada. He married (1) JANET AULD. She was born 1775 in Whitburn, Scotland, and died July 10, 1851. He married (2) ANNA MACKAY 1796 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, daughter of RODERICK MACKAY and CHRISTIANA GRANT. She was born April 15, 1772 in Invernesshire, Scotland, and died July 31, 1838 in Pictou, Nova Scotia.
While attending University in Edinburgh, he changed his surname from Drummond to MacGregor. He studied Gaelic so as to preach to Highlanders who had little knowledge of English. He was selected by the Scottish Presbyterian Synod to go to Nova Scotia and administer to the Highland pioneers in Northern Nova Scotia, southeastern New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. James left Scotland on the Brig Lily on June 4, 1786 and arrived in Halifax on July 11, 1786 and later arrived in Pictou on July 21,1786. He was the only Protestant Preacher in the general area for over twenty years.