Patrick Murray, 5th Lord Elibank facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Patrick Murray
Born	1703
Died	1778 Ballencrieff Castle

Patrick Murray, 5th Lord Elibank (1703–1778) was an important Scottish person. He was a soldier, a lawyer, a writer, and an expert in economics.

Patrick Murray's Life Story

Patrick Murray was born in 1703. His father was Alexander Murray, 4th Lord Elibank, and his mother was Elizabeth Stirling. Patrick had two younger brothers: James Murray, who became a general, and Alexander Murray. Alexander was known for supporting the Jacobites, a group who wanted the old royal family back on the throne. Patrick was also the uncle of Major Patrick Ferguson, a soldier who died in a battle in 1780.

From Law to Military Service

Even though Patrick became a lawyer in 1722, he soon decided to join the army. He started as an ensign, which is a junior officer. Later, he became a major and then a lieutenant-colonel in the marines. He fought in the Battle of Cartagena de Indias in 1740. This was a big military event.

After this battle, Patrick left the army. In 1735, he got married. The next year, he became the 5th Lord Elibank after his father passed away.

Life in Scotland and Literary Friends

When he returned to Scotland, Patrick spent a lot of time with lawyers. He was very well-liked. But his main interests were writing and books. He was good friends with Lord Kames and David Hume, who were famous thinkers in Edinburgh. People in Edinburgh thought these three friends were the best judges of writing.

Patrick also helped new writers. He supported Dr. Robertson and John Home, who wrote plays. Both of them were ministers in country areas near Patrick's home.

Politics and Later Years

When George III became king, many Jacobites, including Lord Elibank, decided to support the new royal family. There was a plan to have him join the House of Lords, which is part of the British Parliament. However, a writer named Wilkes wrote a very critical article about him. This stopped the plan. Wilkes had wanted to be the governor of Canada, but that job went to Patrick's brother, General James Murray.

In 1773, a famous writer named Dr. Johnson visited Lord Elibank at his home, Ballencrieff Castle. Patrick was also a member of two social clubs, the Cocoa Tree Club and The Poker Club.

Patrick Murray died at Ballencrieff Castle on August 3, 1778.

Patrick Murray's Family

In 1735, Patrick married Maria Margaretta. She was the daughter of Cornelis de Jonge van Ellemeet and the widow of William North, 6th Baron North. Patrick and Maria did not have any children. Maria's home was Kirtling Park in Cambridgeshire, England. She and Patrick often lived there. Maria passed away in 1762.

Patrick Murray's Writings

Lord Elibank wrote several books and papers. Here are some of his works:

• Thoughts on Money Circulation and Paper Currency (1758): This book was about how money moves around and the use of paper money.
• Queries relating to the proposed Plan of altering the Entails in Scotland (1765): This discussed changes to old Scottish laws about land ownership.
• Letter to Lord Hailes on his Remarks on the History of Scotland (1773): This was a letter responding to another person's comments on Scottish history.
• Considerations on the present State of the Peerage of Scotland (1774): In this work, he strongly criticized how Scottish nobles were chosen to be part of the House of Lords.