Blair Collection > Celtic monthly > Volume 5, 1897

THE CELTIC MONTHLY
225
ARCHIBALD MACLEAN, BERL,IN.
rT3|]HERE are few parts of the world where
X^ representatives of the ancient Clan
^^^ Maclean are not to be found. In
Sweden, Morocco, Canada, the United States,
and indeed every quarter of the globe where
Highlanders have wandered, Macleans occupy
positions of honour and trust. Tiie Macleans
of Germany have proved themselves worthy
descendants of a brave and powerful race.
This distinguished family are descended from
the chiefs of the clan, who, in days of yore,
ruled as princes over a large territory, and
figure largely in the history of the nation
Mr. Archibald Maclean of
Czerbienczin Castle, is descended
from Lachlan 0th of Coll, who
married Florence, daughter of
Norman Macleod of" Macleod ;
after whom came ( 1 ) Neil,
of Drimnacross, (2) Allan, and
(3) John, of Grisipoll, and (4)
Archibald. After the rising of
the '45, Archibald went to
Germany and settled at Dantzig,
his great-grandson being the pre-
sent Archibald Maclean, who was
born on 12th June, 1842. He
attended the University of Bonn,
and on the outbreak of the
Franco - Prussian war entered
the I. Leib Husaren regiment,
the commander of which is the
German Emperor himself. In
the course of this sanguinary
struggle, Maclean greatly distinguished him-
self, his most notable achievement, perhaps,
being the capture of Versailles. When riding
on patrol, attended by only five hussars, he
forced an entrance into this large town, which
was occupied by some 30,000 French troops.
Leaving three men to guard the gate, he rode to
the Guildhall wliere the Major and officers were
assembled, and threatened to destroy the town
with artillery if they did not immediately sur-
render. The very audacity of the act had its
effect — the town capitulated with all troops and
provisions. Next day the gallant clansman was
decorated with the coveted " Iron Cross," and
has .ever since been familiarly designated in the
regiment, " the Conqueror of Versailles." On
the 9th October, 1875, he married Erna,
Baroness von Tiesenhausen, d. of His E.xcellency
Eduard von Tiesenhausen, Baron of the Holy
Roman Empire, and has one son, Archibald, born
31st August, 1876, whose portrait we have much
])leasure in giving. He retired from the army,
and lives on his estate, which is one of the finest
in West Prussia.
The young clansman has attended the last
two annual social gatherings of the clan in
Glasgow, and has made himself very popular.
He visited also the Isle of Coll, which for many
centuries was the family seat of his ancestors,
the Macleans of Coll, and was, as their represen-
tative, very kindly received by the population
of the island. He wears the Highland dress, and
is fond of all Highland sports, dancing, pipe
music. He is at present studying at the
University of Berlin, and is looking forward
impatiently to the time when he may be free
again to visit "bonnie Scotland," and spend a
brief holiday among his clansmen.
ZKUBIENCZIN C.\STLE— SEAT OF THE MACLE.\NS OF GERMANY.