Flora had a numerous family of sons and daughters. Charles, her eldest
son, was a captain in the Queen's Rangers. He was worthy of bearing his
mother's name. As his kinsman, the late Lord Macdonald, saw his remains
lowered into the grave, he remarked, "There lies the most finished
gentleman of my family and name!" Alexander, the second son, also in the
King's service, was lost at sea. Ranald, the third, was a captain of
Marines. He was remarkable for his elegant person, and estimable for his
high professional reputation. James, the fourth son, served in Tarlton's
British Legion, and was a brave officer. The late Lieutenant-Colonel
John Macdonald, in Exeter, long survived his brothers. This officer was
introduced to King George the Fourth, who observed, on his presentation,
to those around him, "This gentleman is the son of a lady to whom my
family (thus designating the Stuarts) owe a great obligation." Of two
daughters, one, Mrs. Macleod of Lochbuy, died not many years ago.
The following letters refer to the family who have been thus
enumerated.[312]
FROM MRS. MACDONALD TO MRS. MACKENZIE OF DELVIN, BY DUNKELL.
"Dunvegan, twenty-fourth July, 1780
"Dear Madam,
"I arrived at Inverness the third day after parting with you, in
good health and without any accidents, which I always dread; my
young 'squire continued always very obliging and attentive to me. I
stayed at Inverness for three days. I had the good-luck to meet with
a female companion from that to Skye. I was the fourth day, with
great difficulty, at Raasay, for my hands being so pained with the
riding.
"I arrived here a few days ago with my young daughter, who promises
to be a stout Highland dairg, quite overgrown of her age. Nanny and
her small family are well: her husband was not sailed the last
accounts she had from him.
"I have the pleasure to inform you, upon my arrival here, that I had
two letters from my husband; the latter dated tenth May. He was then
in very good health, and informs me that my son Charles has got the
command of a troop of horse in Lord Cathcart's regiment. But alas! I
have heard nothing since I left you about my son Sandy,[313] which
you may be sure gives me great uneasiness; but still hope for the
best.
"By public and private news, I hope we will soon have peace
re-established, to our great satisfaction: which, as it's a thing
long expected and wished for, will be for the utility of the whole
nation; especially to poor me, that has my all engaged,--fond to
hear news, and yet afraid to get it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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