Memorial dedicated to Vice-Admiral Sir John Lockheart Ross d. 1790, in Fearn, Scotland.

Location

Fearn Church, Fearn, Highlands, Scotland

Transcript

'Here are deposited the remains of Sir John Lockhart Ross of Balnagown, Bart., Vice Admiral of the Blue. A younger son of Sir James Lockhart of Carstairs and of the Hon. Grizzel Ross, Daughter of William Lord Ross. He possessed, in an eminent degree, / the qualities of a hero: / in his manners, modest and affable; / in his temper, humane and gentle; / in action, brave, enterprising and determined. / His turn of mind, at a very early period of life, pointed out the Naval profession / as a fit line for him to proceed in. / With the approbation of his family and friends, / he entered into His Majesty's Naval Service / in 1735 - then in his 14th year. / His spirit and conduct soon justified / the choice of profession he had made, / while he remained in a subordinate situation. / When advanced to the command of a frigate, / The Tartar, of 28 nine pounders and 200 men / He, in the course of fifteen months, captured in the Channel / with this single ship / Nine of the enemy's ships of war! / Several of them being of superior force; / one of them, the Melampe / carrying 36 twelve-pounders and 300 men / supposed to have been fitted out at Bayonne,/for the purpose of taking the Tartar. / The signal service rendered to the trade of this country, / By his unwearied attention to the protection of it/were rewarded by the general applause of his country / And by distinguishing marks of honour conferred upon him/By the cities of London and Bristol, / While his promotion in the Navy / Advanced in the course of long service, / his zeal intrepidity and good conduct / Never abated: / Which, to the honour of the British Navy / will probably be well recorded / in the annals of this kingdom. / In times of peace / he continued ardent in the public cause / And for several years served in Parliament / with that fidelity and honour / which his constituents looked for in him. / In 1760 he succeeded to the estate of Balnagown / upon the failure of the prior substitutes / in the entail made by his uncle / The Hon. General Charles Ross of Balnagown. / In 1762 he married Miss Elizabeth Baillie / Heiress of Lamington / Eldest daughter of Robert Dundas of Arniston / Lord President of the Court of Session / He died in 1790 aged 68 / And is succeeded in his estate and in title / By his eldest son, Sir Charles Ross / Lieutenant Colonel of the 37th regiment. / To the memory of this most worthy man / And so brave an Officer/whose virtues in private life corresponded to / the honour gained by public exploits / This monument is erected / As a testimony of high esteem and affection / By Elizabeth Baillie, of Lamington / his widow'

Details

Event

Battle of Quiberon Bay

Event Date

1759

Event Category

1756 - 1763 Seven Years War

People

Extra