Personal data
Lauchlan Macpherson
ca.
Born 1740   Died 1766  
in Africa

Son of Donald Macpherson of Breakachie, and Christian Macpherson. In 1759 he became an ensign in the 78th Foot Regiment (known as Fraser's Highlanders). In 1760 he was promoted to Lieutenant. His regiment was disbanded in 1763, but he returned to active service in August 1765, in a company headed for Africa. The next year he became seriously ill and died in Africa on December 5, 1766.

According to Boswell "Lord Marischal took a liking to [Macpherson] in Scotland and made him come to Berlin to see the world a little at his Lordship's expense."1

Boswell met Macpherson in Berlin on July 5, 1764, and described him as "a fine, honest, spirited fellow." They spent a lot of time in each other's company during Boswell stay in the city.

    Boswell on the Grand Tour I, 1764

    Unless otherwise noted, the source for a dated quotation of Boswell's is generally the corresponding volume of the Yale Trade Editions of Boswell's journals.