Anne Mackintosh facts for kids
Anne Mackintosh (1723–1784) was a brave Scottish woman. She was known for supporting the Jacobites, who wanted the old royal family back on the throne. Anne was part of the Clan Farquharson, a Scottish clan from the Scottish Highlands. She was married to Angus Mackintosh, who was the chief of the Clan Mackintosh. Anne was the only female military leader during the Jacobite rising of 1745. She was also the first woman to hold the rank of colonel in Scotland.
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Early Life of Anne Mackintosh
Anne Farquharson was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1723. Her father was John Farquharson, the chief of the Clan Farquharson. Her mother was Margaret Murray. Anne's family supported the Jacobites. Around 1741, she married Angus Mackintosh. His family, the Clan Mackintosh, actually supported the British government, not the Jacobites.
Anne Mackintosh and the Jacobite Rising of 1745
In 1744, Anne's husband, Angus Mackintosh, was asked to lead a company of soldiers. These soldiers would support the British government. Anne, dressed in men's clothes, rode around the glens (valleys). She quickly gathered 97 men for her husband's company. During the Jacobite rising of 1745, Angus's company fought for the government. They were part of a group called the Black Watch.
Raising Men for the Prince
When the Jacobite Prince, Charles Edward Stuart, arrived in Scotland in 1745, Anne was 22 years old. She strongly supported the Prince. Anne gathered between 200 and 400 men from Clan Mackintosh and the Clan Chattan. Women could not lead soldiers in battle. So, the regiment was led by Alexander MacGillivray. He was the chief of the Clan MacGillivray, part of the Clan Chattan group. Anne's regiment joined the Prince's army in January 1746. This was at Bannockburn, near Stirling Castle. They joined 12 days before the Battle of Falkirk Muir.
The Rout of Moy
A month later, Prince Charles was staying at Moy Hall, which was Anne Mackintosh's home. Anne received a message from her mother-in-law. It said that 1,500 government soldiers were planning a surprise night attack on Moy Hall. They wanted to capture the Prince. Anne quickly sent five of her staff outside with guns. They made a lot of noise and shouted clan battle cries. This tricked the government soldiers into thinking they were facing the whole Jacobite army. The trick worked, and the government soldiers ran away. This event became known as The Rout of Moy.
"Colonel Anne"
The next month, Anne's husband, Angus, was captured by the Jacobites. He was with 300 government soldiers north of Inverness. Prince Charles let Captain Mackintosh go. He put him in his wife's care. The Prince said Angus "could not be in better security, or more honourably treated." Anne famously greeted her husband by saying, "Your servant, captain." He replied, "Your servant, colonel." This is how she got her famous nickname, "Colonel Anne." The Prince also called her "La Belle Rebelle," which means "the beautiful rebel."
After Culloden
Many of Anne's men, especially from Clan Chattan, died at the Battle of Culloden. This battle took place on April 16, 1746. Alexander MacGillivray, who led her regiment, also died there. Their grave is marked by the Well of the Dead on the battlefield. After the Jacobites lost at Culloden, Anne Mackintosh was arrested. She was later placed in the care of her mother-in-law. Anne also helped stop a local woman, Anne McKay, from being whipped. Anne McKay had helped a Jacobite officer escape.
Later, Anne Mackintosh and her husband met Prince William, Duke of Cumberland. This was at a social event in London. He asked her to dance to a pro-government song. Anne then asked him to dance to a Jacobite song.
Anne Mackintosh died on March 2, 1787, in Leith. Leith is the harbour area of Edinburgh. She is buried in Old North Leith Burial Ground. Her grave has a white Jacobite rose and a special plaque.
Historical Fiction About Anne Mackintosh
- Scottish author Janet Paisley wrote a novel about Anne Mackintosh. It is called "White Rose Rebel" and was published in 2007.
- Author Marsha Canham also wrote a historical romance novel based on Anne Mackintosh. It is called "Midnight Honor." This book is part of a trilogy about the Jacobite rising.
- Portuguese author Hélia Correia wrote a historical novel called "Lillias Fraser." It is set in Scotland and Portugal. Anne Mackintosh is a character in this book.
See also
- Anne McKay (fl. 1740s - 1750s)
