James Murray of Strowan facts for kids

James Murray (born March 19, 1734 – died March 19, 1794) was an important Scottish soldier and politician. He served in the British Parliament, known as the House of Commons, for many years. Murray was a dedicated military leader who fought in several major wars and later became a respected member of Parliament.

Early Life and Education

James Murray belonged to a well-known Scottish family called Clan Murray. His father was Lord George Murray, and his uncle, Lord John Murray, was also a military officer who later commanded James.

James's father had to leave Scotland and live in the Netherlands because he was involved in the Jacobite Rising of 1745. This was a rebellion against the British government. In 1749, James joined his father there. He received his education at universities in Utrecht and Besançon.

Starting a Military Career

James Murray began his military journey in the Saxon Army, which was the army of a German state called Saxony. He became a lieutenant in their Grenadier Guards. After finishing his studies, he joined his unit in 1751.

He fought in the Seven Years' War, a big conflict involving many European countries. He battled against the Prussians until his unit surrendered after the Siege of Pirna. With help from a British diplomat, he was able to leave the Saxon Army.

Fighting in North America

After returning to Scotland, James Murray joined the famous Scottish regiment known as the Black Watch. He was made a captain and sent to North America to fight in the French and Indian War. This war was between Britain and France, along with their Native American allies, for control of land in North America.

Murray's company helped protect Fort Edward. In 1758, he was injured while fighting at Fort Ticonderoga. The wound was not too serious, and he continued to serve. He later led a special unit called the grenadier company and helped capture Montreal in 1760, which was a big victory for the British.

Injuries and Recovery

In 1761, the Black Watch regiment was sent to the West Indies. Murray fought in the capture of Martinique, an island in the Caribbean. During this battle, he was badly wounded when a musket ball went through his lung and lodged under his shoulder blade.

Doctors initially thought he might not survive, but he recovered within a few weeks. However, this injury affected him for the rest of his life. He could not lie down flat and had to sleep sitting upright. He spent over six years recovering from this serious wound.

Return to Service and Politics

After his long recovery, James Murray rejoined the Black Watch in 1768. He was promoted several times, becoming a lieutenant-colonel in the Scots Guards by 1770.

In 1774, Murray was elected to the British Parliament, representing Perthshire in Scotland. He held this important political position for 21 years. As a Member of Parliament (MP), he supported the government led by Lord North.

Later Military and Political Roles

Murray continued to serve in both military and political roles. He was appointed Governor of Upnor Castle from 1775 to 1778. When the American War of Independence began, he offered to raise a new Scottish regiment, but his offer was not accepted.

He joined the Brigade of Guards in North America in 1777 and was wounded again during the Philadelphia campaign. He was promoted to colonel in 1777 and later commanded the Atholl Highlanders, a new regiment. He led them in Ireland until they were disbanded in 1783.

In 1780, Murray became Governor of Fort William. This was also the year of the Gordon riots in London, a time of unrest. Murray spoke out against his relative, Lord George Gordon, who had caused the riots. When rioters threatened to break into the House of Commons, Murray bravely threatened to use his sword against Gordon if they succeeded.

In his later years in Parliament, he supported William Pitt the Younger. He became a major general in 1782 and a lieutenant general in 1793. He also commanded the 78th Highlanders, which was later renumbered as the 72nd.

Personal Life

James Murray never married. He passed away on his 60th birthday in 1794.