Historical and genealogical memoirs of the House of Hamilton

158 HISTORICAL AND GENEALOGICAL MEMOIRS
james, of an heroic and undaunted courage, a clear, ready, and penetrating con-
lOURTH DUKE . , , , , , , ,. .
or- Hamilton, ception, and knew not what it was to be surprised, having at all times,
~ and on all occasions, his wits about him ; and though, in Parliament, he
did not express his thoughts in a style altogether eloquent, yet he had so
nervous, majestic, and pathetical a mode of speaking, and applying what
he spoke, that it was valued and regarded. Never was a man so well
qualified to be the head of a party as himself; for he could, with the great-
est dexterity, apply himself to and sift through the inclinations of different
parties, and so cunningly manage them, that he gained some of all to his ;
and, if once he had entered into a new measure, and formed a project,
(though in the doing thereof he was too cautious,) he did then prosecute
his designs with such courage, that nothing could either daunt or divert
his zeal and forwardness.
" The cavaliers and country party had a great opinion and honour for
him, and that deservedly, for it is well known he often refused great offers
if he would leave them, and was, by his excellent qualifications and emi-
nent station and character, absolutely necessary both to advise and support
them. He wanted not a share of that haughtiness which is in some mea-
sure inherent in his family, though he was affable and courteous to those
he knew were honest men, and in whom he confided. He was extremely
cautious and wary in engaging in any project that was dangerous ; and it
was thought, not perhaps without too much ground, that his too great
concern for his estate in England occasioned a great deal of lukewarm-
ness in his opposition to the Union, and unwillingness to enter into seve-
ral measures that were proposed to prevent the same. But his greatest
failing lay in his being somewhat too selfish and revengeful, which he car-
ried along with him in all his designs, and did thereby several times pre-
judice the cause for which he contended. And to these two failings any
wrong steps he shall be found to make are solely to be attributed. But
since it is certain there is no mortal without some imperfection or other,
and his were so small and inconsiderable in respect of Ins great endow-
ments and qualifications, we may well enough pass them over, and con-
clude him a great and extraordinary man ; and, whensoever a loyal and
true Scotsman shall reflect on his actions, he cannot fail to admire and
love him for the service he did his King and country, and number him
amongst those worthies whose memories ought ever to be reverenced in
Scotland."