James Wallace of Auchens facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Wallace
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|---|---|
| Died | 1678 Rotterdam |
| Allegiance |  |
| Rank | Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Kilsyth, Dunbar, Rullion Green |
James Wallace was a brave Scottish soldier and a Covenanter. Covenanters were people in Scotland who promised to uphold the Presbyterian Church. James Wallace was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. He became a military leader and fought in important battles like Kilsyth, Dunbar, and Rullion Green. He was known for leading the Covenanters during the Pentland Rising.
Contents
Early Life and Family
James Wallace was also known as Colonel Wallace. He came from a family called the Wallaces of Dundonald. His family home was in a place called Auchens, in Dundonald, Ayrshire. This is likely where he was born. We don't know exactly when he was born or much about his early schooling.
A Soldier's Career
James Wallace chose to become a soldier when he was quite young. He was a good fighter and quickly rose through the ranks. He became a lieutenant-colonel in the Parliamentary Army. This army supported the Scottish Parliament.
In 1642, he went to Ireland with a regiment led by the Marquis of Argyll. He was called back to Scotland in 1645. This was to help fight against Montrose, who was leading a different army. Wallace joined the Covenanters under General Baillie. He was captured during the Battle of Kilsyth.
Fighting for King Charles II
After being released, Wallace returned to Ireland. He became the Governor of Belfast in 1649. However, he lost this job later that year. He then moved back to Scotland in 1650. This was when King Charles II came to Scotland. The Scottish Parliament had invited him.
Wallace was made a lieutenant-colonel again. He led a foot regiment that was part of the King's bodyguards. Their flags had a unicorn and the words "Covenant for religion, king, and kingdoms." This showed their loyalty to their faith and the king.
At the Battle of Dunbar in 1650, Wallace was captured once more. After this, he lived a quiet life for a while.
The Pentland Rising
Colonel Wallace became very active again in November 1666. This was during an event called the Pentland Rising. This uprising started when some men helped an old countryman who was being treated badly by soldiers. They disarmed the soldiers. One soldier was hurt, so the men knew they would be in trouble.
They quickly gathered friends and went to Dumfries. They captured Sir James Turner, who was a military leader. The rebels then decided to join forces and demand changes from the government.
Leading the Rebels
Colonel Wallace joined the rebels and took military command. They marched through several towns like Mauchline and Ayr. They hoped to get more people to join them, but not many did.
They decided to renew their Covenants, which were their promises to God and their beliefs. They also discussed what to do with Sir James Turner. They had captured him, but they decided not to harm him.
On November 26, they reached Lanark. They renewed their Covenants with great joy. More people joined them here. They then marched towards Edinburgh, hoping for more support. The weather was very bad, with heavy rain and dark nights.
The Battle of Rullion Green
On November 28, 1666, Wallace's small army met the King's troops. The King's army was led by General Dalzell. The battle took place near Ingliston Bridge, in the Pentland Hills.
Wallace's army had only about 900 men. They were tired, hungry, and not well-armed. Dalzell's army had over 3000 well-equipped soldiers. Wallace placed his men on a hillside.
The Covenanters fought bravely. They even managed to defeat some of Dalzell's horsemen in the first attacks. But as the sun set, Dalzell attacked Wallace's main group. The Covenanters could not hold on. They were defeated and scattered. About 100 men were killed or captured. Many others were killed by people in the countryside who were not friendly to their cause.
Colonel Wallace managed to escape the battle. He rode away with Mr. John Welch. They spent the rest of the night sleeping in a barn.
Life in Holland
After the battle, Wallace hid for a while. Then he escaped to Europe, specifically to Holland. There, he used the name Forbes to stay hidden. He had to move around a lot to avoid his enemies, who were still looking for him.
Later, he settled in Rotterdam. Other Scottish ministers like Mr. Macward and Mr. John Brown had also found safety there. However, the British government asked the Dutch authorities to send Wallace and the others away. This was because Wallace had been declared a traitor in Scotland.
The Dutch government had to agree to send Wallace away. But they gave him a special letter praising him. Wallace soon returned to Holland anyway.
Death and Legacy
James Wallace died in Rotterdam at the end of 1678. Many people who knew him, both English and Dutch, were very sad. He was an elder in his church there. People saw him as a father figure.
Even at the end of his life, he strongly believed in the cause he had fought for. He was proud of what he had risked and suffered for it.
Wallace had one son named William. William got his father's property back after the "Revolution" in Scotland. This was because the sentence against James Wallace was cancelled.
Colonel Wallace was highly respected by other Scottish exiles. He was known for his strong faith and for never giving up on his beliefs, even when things were very hard.
Family
In 1649 or 1650, James Wallace married a daughter of Mr. Edmonstone of Ballycarry. They had one son, William. William inherited his father's property. This happened because the death sentence and other punishments against James Wallace were cancelled after the Revolution in Scotland.
See also
