In the course of our researches, we have frequently found a Mackay serving with distinction in the field; but the first of this family that ever joined the royal navy is the officer whose services we shall presently notice. His immediate ancestor, Sir Donald Mackay (created Lord Reay, June 20, 1628), was a highland chieftain, whose conduct as a warrior is highly spoken of in “Naylor’s History of the Seven Years’ War[1].” A General of the same name and family commanded the royal troops at the battle of Killicrankie, 1689; and was afterwards
- ↑ Sir Donald Mackay went over to Germany, 1625, at the head of 1500 chosen followers, armed with pikes and fully accoutred at his own expense. After assisting the King of Bohemia, he successively entered into the service of the monarchs of Denmark and Sweden, acquired great reputation, and enjoyed the confidence of the heroic Oustavus Adolphus, who was so much pleased with the bravery and good conduct of the highlanders that he always kept them near his royal person.
Sir Donald was created a Baronet of Nova Scotia, Mar. 18, 1627, and advanced to the dignity of the Scotch peerage, as above stated. During the civil war his lordship, having joined the royal party, was taken prisoner at the surrender of Newcastle to the Scots army, and sent to the castle of Edinburgh, in order to be tried; but being relieved by the Marquis of Montrose, he retired to Denmark, and there spent the remainder of his days.
and surrender himself; which resolution he communicated to the English minister at Stockholm, who accordingly notified it to the Secretary of State. On his way to England, however, he was arrested by the British Resident at Hamburgh, who detained him close prisoner till the time limited by the act for the attainted persons to surrender had elapsed. He aftenvards entered the naval service of Russia, and died a flag-officer. It was this unfortunate nobleman who commanded the Advice of 46 guns, in an action which is thus described by Campbell:
“On the 27th June, 1711, an English man-of-war, called the Advice, commanded by Kenneth, Lord Duffus, was attacked in Yarmouth roads, by several French privateers. His Lordship engaged them with great bravery, and did not give up his ship, which was a fourth rate, of 46 guns, till all his sails were torn to pieces, not a brace or bowling left, shrouds cut away, two-thirds of his men killed and wounded, and his lordship had five balls in his body. The eight privateers that took him, carried the ship with great triumph into Dunkirk, where they most inhumanly stripped both olficers and private men of their wearing apparel, and, but for the kindness of the inhabitants, had left them in a manner naked.” – See Campbell’s Lives of the British Admirals, vol. 4, p. 116, edit, of 1812.
