Sir James Douglas - Definition and Overview

James Douglas, 4th Duke of Hamilton (1658-1712), eldest son of William Douglas, Duke of Hamilton and of Duchess Anne, succeeded his mother, who resigned the dukedom to him in 1698, and at the accession of Queen Anne he was regarded as leader of the Scottish national party. He was an opponent of the Union with England, but his lack of decision rendered his political conduct ineffective. He was created Duke of Brandon in the peerage of Great Britain in 1711; and on 15 November in the following year he fought the celebrated duel with Charles Mohun, Lord Mohun, narrated in Thackeray’s Esmond, in which both the principals were killed. Their seconds George Macartney, Esq and Colonel John Hamilton were found guilty of manslaughter.