Flora Macdonald

Flora Macdonald, whose memory will be forever cherished by all patriotic Scots worldwide for her noble actions in aiding Bonnie Prince Charles to make his escape after the battle of Culloden, was the danghter of Macdonald of
Milton, in South Uist. Her father, a tacksman, left her an orphan when only a year old, and her mother married a Macdonald of Annadale, in Skye, who, at the time of the Rebellion, commanded one of the militia companies raised on the island by Sir Alexander Macdonald for the services of the government.

When she helped Bonnie Prince Charlie, Flora was about twenty-four years of age. She was of the middle size, and, a handsome figure with great vivacity. She also possessed good sense, an admirable temper, and a, above all else, a kind heart. After the Prince’s escape she was apprehended by a party of militia, and placed on board Commodore Smith’s sloop where she was treatad with great kindness and attention by him and General
Canphell.

She was a prisoner for a short time in Dunstaffnage Castle; and after being conveyed from place to place,
she was moved to London, where she remained in confinement from December 1746 until thr following July, when she was discharged at the special request o[
Frederick, Prince of Walas, father of Georga III., without a single question having been put to her.

After her return to Skye she married Macdonald of Kingsburgh, with whom she emigrated to America. There her husband died, and, after enduring many privations during the American War of Independence, she returned with her family to Skye, where she died, March 4th, 1790, leaving a son, Lieutenant Colonel Macdonald of the Royal Clan Alpin Regiment, an able writer on military tactics and telegraphy; and a daughter, married to Macleod of Skye. She retained her Jacobite beliefs to the last hour of her existence.