Allan Maclean of Torloisk facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allan Maclean
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Allan Maclean
1725 |
| Died | 18 February 1798 (aged 72–73) |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | British Army officer |
| Employer |  Jacobites Dutch Republic British East India Company Great Britain |
| Known for | Battle of Quebec (1775) |
| Title | Brigadier-General |
| Term | 1756–1783 |
| Political party | Jacobite |
| Children | son out of wedlock |
| Parent(s) | Donald Maclean, 5th Laird of Torloisk & Mary (Campbell) Maclean |
| Relatives | Francis McLean |
Allan Maclean of Torloisk (1725–1798) was a Scottish soldier. He started as a Jacobite, supporting the Stuart royal family. Later, he became a general in the British Army. He was born on the Isle of Mull, Scotland. Maclean is famous for leading the 84th Regiment of Foot (Royal Highland Emigrants). He played a key role in the Battle of Quebec (1775).
Contents
Allan Maclean's Early Life
Allan was the third son in his family. His parents were Donald Maclean, 5th Laird of Torloisk, and Mary (Campbell) Maclean. He had many siblings: Hector, Lachlan, Archibald, Mary, Anna, Alicia, Christiana, Betty, and Elizabeth. Even though his family had a title, they were not rich. Their property was worth about £671.
When he was 17, Allan began his military training. He joined the Scots Brigade of the Royal Dutch Republic. This was after a short time as an adjutant, which is a military assistant.
Joining the Jacobite Rising
Allan took part in the Jacobite rising of 1745. This was a fight to put the Stuart family back on the throne. He fought at the Siege of Fort William and the Battle of Culloden. He was with the Maclachlans and Macleans battalion.
After the rising failed, he spent four years in exile. This means he had to live outside Scotland. During this time, he served France in the War of the Austrian Succession. He was a lieutenant in the Scots brigade.
Prisoner of War
In 1747, Allan fought at the Siege of Bergen op Zoom. He and another officer, Francis McLean, were captured. They were part of a group that fought bravely through French lines.
General von Lowenthal, a French commander, praised them. He told them, "If all had fought like your brave group, I would not have captured Bergen-op-Zoom." Allan returned to Edinburgh in 1750.
Serving in the Seven Years' War
On January 8, 1756, Allan became a lieutenant in the British Army. He traveled to the American colonies with the 62nd Regiment. This regiment later became the 60th Royal American Regiment. He served there for two years.
In 1758, he was badly wounded at Ticonderoga. He was with James Abercromby's troops. They were attacking Montcalm's forces at Fort Carillon.
Captain and Regiment Leader
Allan served as a temporary captain under General Wolfe. This was during the capture of Quebec in 1759. On January 16, 1759, he became a Captain of the Third New York Independent Company. He was also at the siege of Niagara in July, where he was again seriously injured.
From 1761, he helped create a new regiment. It was called the 114th Foot (Maclean's Highlanders). He helped raise six companies when he went back to Scotland. He stayed with the regiment as the Major Commandant until 1763. However, this regiment never saw active combat. It mainly supplied new soldiers to other Highland regiments.
Life After the War
Some officers and soldiers from his regiment settled on St John's Island. Today, this is Prince Edward Island. Allan also received land there, but he never lived on the island.
In 1765, he moved to Paris. There, he had a son. Later, he returned to England. He met Janet Maclean in Glasgow and later married her in London in 1771. She was much younger than him.
Allan also wrote letters under the name "Junius." These letters appeared in a newspaper called the Public Advertiser. They supported freedom of the press.
In 1772, he became an active lieutenant-colonel in the army. He received good pay but had no specific duties. His older brother, Lauchlin, became Commissary-General of the army in Bengal. His other brother, Harry, worked for the British East India Company. Allan was close to both.
Allan wanted to return to active service. He asked to join the East India Company. But the Secretary at War, William Barrington, 2nd Viscount Barrington, refused. The Crown needed experienced officers in the American colonies. Trouble was expected there because of new taxes like the Townshend Acts and the Stamp Act.
Return to the American Colonies
Maclean suggested forming a Highland regiment for service in the colonies. The King had to approve this plan. The regiment was first called the Royal Highland Emigrants. It would be formed in the colonies from Highlanders living there.
When Maclean arrived in New York, he was warned. Wearing his uniform would cause problems with the rebels. The British soldiers had already left for Boston. So, he sailed to Boston to get commissions for his officers.
Defending Quebec
General Gage, who was in charge, soon retired. Maclean then went to New York with General Haldimand. But Haldimand was replaced by Sir William Howe.
Maclean then secretly organized his officers to recruit soldiers. The 1st Battalion was recruited in Canada and New York. The 2nd Battalion was recruited in Nova Scotia and St John's Island. Maclean traveled alone and in disguise as a doctor.
During the defense of Quebec, he became second-in-command. Governor Guy Carleton appointed him. Maclean often slept in his uniform. This was because the city was threatened by a rebel army. This army was led by Benedict Arnold. It appeared on the Plains of Abraham in November.
During the long siege, Maclean commanded many troops. He suffered a leg injury. This caused him to have trouble using his leg for the rest of his life.
Promotions and Appeals
On May 11, 1776, Maclean became a Colonel. He was appointed Adjutant-General of the army in Canada. He held this position until June 6, 1777. Then, he was promoted to Brigadier-General. He was ordered to take command of the Montreal Garrison.
In 1778, he went to England again. He made a personal appeal to the King for his regiment. This appeal was successful. He returned to Quebec in August 1779.
Maclean finally became a regimental colonel in the active army on November 17, 1780. His regiment became the 84th Regiment of Foot. It was stationed on the Canada–US border until 1782.
Life After Colonial Service
Maclean was promoted to Brigadier-General for his services. This happened soon after the 1783 Treaty of Paris. He retired from military service in 1784.
Allan Maclean was unusual for his time. He was a career soldier who rose high in rank based on his skills. He did not have a lot of family wealth or important connections.
A letter he wrote shows he had trouble getting back money for his regiment. He did not return to live in Scotland. Allan Maclean died in London in March 1797. Letters suggest he died without much money.
Remembering Allan Maclean
The MacLean Memorial School is in Chibougamau, Quebec. This town is about 230 km north of St-Félicien.
In 2007, a stone monument was unveiled. It is at Kilninian Church. It honors Brigadier-General Allan Maclean of Torloisk. He is remembered for helping to "save Canada for the Empire" in 1775.
