Alexander Lindsay, 6th Earl of Balcarres Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Alexander Lindsay, 6th Earl of Balcarres passes away in 1825.

Alexander Lindsay, 6th Earl of Balcarres was a Scottish peer and soldier.

Lindsay was born on January 18th, 1752. At the age of 15 he enlisted in the army as part of the 53rd Regiment of Foot. He attended Eton College and later the University of Göttingen in Germany for two years.

After leaving school Lindsay purchased a captaincy in the 42nd Highland Regiment in 1771. Six years later in 1777 he went with the 53rd Regiment of Foot to serve in the American Revolution. There he was promoted to major and put in command of a light infantry unit in the regiment. He was was with the British Army at the Battle of Saratoga. He surrendered with General Burgoyne of the British army and was taken prisoner. He remained in captivity for two years until 1779. During his imprisonment he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel in the 42nd Highland Regiment.

Shortly after Lindsay's release in 1779, he helped start the Haigh Ironworks. He started the business with his brother and another partner. The ironworks later become one of the largest manufacturers of steam engines.

Lindsay was transferred to the 71st Regiment of Foot which was present at the Battle of Yorktown. Lindsay's battalion was not involved with the surrender.

Sometime after Lindsay returned from the American Revolution he encountered Benedict Arnold. The two men had already met on the battlefield at Saratoga. Lindsay did not like Arnold and snubbed him as a traitor. This led to a duel between the two men. Neither of them were injured in the duel.

In 1784, Lindsay was elected representative peer for Scotland. He was re-elected to the position through 1807.

In 1789, Lindsay was appointed colonel in the 63rd Regiment of Foot. In 1793 he was promoted again to major-general. He was promoted to a full general in 1803.

Lindsay served as the Governor of Jersey in 1793 and 1794. He was then made Governor of Jamaica.

Lindsay passed away on March 27th, 1825.

Lindsay was the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Scotland from 1780 to 1782.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.