MacLEAN, Sir Allan, British soldier, born at Torloish, Scotland, about 1725; died there in 1784. He began his military career in the service of Holland as lieutenant in a brigade of Scotch Highlanders, and was in the assault and capture of Bergen-op-Zoom. He subsequently obtained a commission in the 60th or royal American regiment, of which he was for some time adjutant. He served as a captain in the expedition of General Wolfe in 1759 for the conquest of Canada, and was afterward appointed to the command of the New York independent company, with which he was present at the battle of Ticonderoga, where he was severely wounded. He was again dangerously wounded at the action that immediately preceded the surrender of Niagara. At the end of the Canadian war he returned to England. On the revolt of the American colonies he was promoted to the rank of colonel, he and his men were mainly instrumental in the defeat of Arnold before Quebec. The garrison consisted, besides 50 fusileers and 350 Highland emigrants, of 700 militia and seamen. Sir Guy Carleton being occupied with arrangements for the general defence of the colony, the defence of the town was intrusted to Colonel MacLean. Some of the faint-hearted and disaffected were now inclined to open the gates to the enemy, but were held in check by MacLean, who guarded the gate with his Highlanders, forbade all communication with the besiegers, and fired upon their flag, an ensign of rebellion, with the result that, after Montgomery was killed, Arnold abandoned the siege and left the country. Colonel MacLean was subsequently stationed at Niagara, and was in the battle of Eutaw Springs with his regiment. He was promoted brigadier-general after leaving this country.