[mairead]

Probably the earliest and one of the greatest Jacobites was James Graham of Claverhouse who so vehemently had opposed William of Orange, and who, more than any, fanned the flames of Jacobitism into the fire which swept Scotland.
Claverhouse was also known as Bluidy Clavers by the Covenanters who had risen in rebellion against the King (James) and who was sent by James to put down the insurrection.
Born at Old Claverhouse Catle in 1643, James Graham was the elsest son of Sir William Graham of Claverhouse in Angus and his wife Lady Jean Carnegie.
He was descended from the Royal House of Stewart through the marriage of his ancestor, Sir William Graham, Lord Kincardine, who had married the second daughter of King Robert 3rd.
In the year 1660, at the age of 17, James was sent to further his education at the University of St. Andrews where he excelled in the study of mathematics, also studing humanity and poetry at which he excelled. He was a firm believer in an established way of life.
After several years at the University, he travelled for a time arpound the country before going to France and entering French Military service in 1670 where he learned the skills of leadership and combat.
As an accomplished soldier, he left the French army and went to Holland where he joined the Royal Guard of the Prince of Orange. He distinguished himself at the battle of Seneffe, where he save the life of the Dutch prince.
In 1677, he returned to Scotland and received a commission as Captain in the newly formed Scottish Regiment.
In the early days of the reign of King James he was sent into southern Scotland to quell the Covenanters, and as a loyal supporter pf the House of Stewart he obeyed the orders of his King.
The Covenanters.--- During the reign of King Charles 1st, the Covenant was passed ay Greyfriars Church in Edinburgh in 1638 and was a direct result of the determination of the KIng to force a new Episcopal prayerbook on the Presbyterians. The Sxcots were incensed at this attempt to change their religious beliefs, and saw this as a prelude to a return to Catholicism. They declared their determination to defend their religion.
After the deaths of King Charles and the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell and into the reign of James the Covenanters continued their fight for religious freedom.
Under the brief reign of King James, Presbyterianism was outlawed and it became an offence and considered an act of treason against the King.
Graham remained completely loyal to his King and in due course was promoted to from Captain to Brigadier and the to general, before being raised to the peerage with the titles Viscount and Constable of Dundee.
He continued to harass the Covenanters until the usurper, William of Orange came to the throne and forced King James into exile.
Dundee continued to support King James nd at a meeting of the estates in Edinburgh, he refused to kiss the hand of King William and stormed out of the meeting.
He rode north to his homelands from where he rallied the clans to his banner.
He was declared anh outlaw and would concede no terms. He continued his oppoosition to William until his death at the Battle iof Killiecrankie when a stray musket ball found it's mark. He was in his 46th year when he fell in battle and died before knowing his army was victorious. He was buried that night, wrapped in plaid, at the little church at Blair.
Killiecrankie may have been a victory for the Jacobites, but with the death of Dundee, the one man who could have rallied all Scotland to the cause of King James was gone, and instead of Killiecrankie becomng a turning point for King James, it was in fact, the precursor of his ruin.