General John Forbes
The Dunfermline Man and his Connection to Pittsburgh
By Colin Maxwell
Pittencrieff House is a well known feature in Pittencrieff Park. It has been a dwelling house, a museum, and a venue for arts and crafts over its three-hundred-year history. However, the house also has a link to America, and not just through Andrew Carnegie.
A drawing of Pittencrieff House from The Dunfermline Story. Artwork by Martin Baines.
In 1707 John Forbes was born at Dunfermline. His father, who died before John’s birth, owned Pittencrieff Estate and lived there with his wife Elizabeth and their seven other children. Educated in Dunfermline and then probably Edinburgh University, John grew up with ambitions of being an officer in the army. He joined the Royal Scots Greys in 1729 as a surgeon. At the time promotion was gained through payment and John borrowed heavily to maintain his military career. Meanwhile, Arthur, his elder brother, drew on the family fortune to extend Pittencrieff House (eventually falling into such debt that he had to sell the estate).
As a lieutenant, John Forbes served in the War of Austrian Succession as an aide to Colonel John Campbell. Although many of the Scots Greys were recalled to Britain to deal with the 1745 Jacobite Uprising, it is not believed that Forbes was involved in that conflict. After returning to Britain, Forbes again borrowed money to purchase a promotion to lieutenant-colonel.
Forbes depicted by Martin Baines for The Dunfermline Story.
In 1757 Forbes was sent to Nova Scotia with a contingent of Scots Greys to attempt a capture of the French held Louisbourg. The mission failed, but Forbes did gain a commission to Brigadier-General. Despite being ill at the time, and having to be carried in a litter, Forbes’ military skills were held in high regard and he was given the task of capturing Fort Duquesne (pronounced doo-cane) in Pennsylvania, from the French. Forbes commanded an army of British troops, Swiss mercenaries and local militia (among whom was one George Washington).
Previous attacks on the French-held fort had failed, so Forbes suggested a new strategy. He planned to build a road through the Pennsylvania forest and construct forts along the route to protect it. Although there were protests at the plan, much of Forbes’ suggestions were implemented and soon the British and their allies were fast approaching Fort Duquesne. The methodical plan was almost upset when one of Forbes’ officers, Colonel Grant, attacked the fort with his company of Highlanders. They were surrounded by the Native Americans who were allies of the French and almost all of the soldiers were captured or killed.
This plaque near Pittencrieff House depicts Forbes’ route through Pennsylvania.
When the British signed a treaty with local Native American tribes in October 1758, the French lost their local support and Forbes saw an opportunity to attack the weakened fort. However, the French had learned of the approach of Forbes’ army, and realising they were severely outnumbered, they set fire to the fort and fled. When Forbes’ army reached the fort they found the heads of many of the captured Highlanders displayed on the fort walls along with their kilts.
The Treaty of Easton was made between the British and several Native American tribes. Drawing from The Dunfermline Story. Art by Martin Baines.
Fort Duquesne was renamed Fort Pitt in honour of the British political leader, William Pitt, and the city of Pittsburgh was founded on the location. Sadly Forbes died soon afterwards from an illness thought to be stomach cancer.
Ninety years after Pittsburgh's founding, Andrew Carnegie's family emigrated to America, and he ended up in the city. Carnegie founded his steel empire there and, many years later, purchased the Pittencrieff Estate and gifted it to the people of Dunfermline.
Colin is a lecturer at Fife College and is the driving force behind the new book ‘The Dunfermline Story’ which will be out on 25th May. If you are interested in purchasing a copy you can contact him at colin.maximized@gmail.com