Douglas book > Angus memoirs

SUCCEEDS TO HIS GRANDFATHER, 1G60. 447
Amid such embarrassments James, Earl of Angus, succeeded to the
Marquisate of Douglas upon the death of his grandfather on 19th February
1660. About the same time occurred the death of his tutrix, Lady Alex-
ander, and in January 1661 the young Marquis repaired to Edinburgh to
make choice of those he wished to become his curators. This he did in
presence of the provost and two bailies, choosing sixteen of the barons most
nearly related to the family of Douglas, who took oath and mutually became
securities for the faithful discharge of their trust. 1
James, Marquis of Douglas, did not attend the meeting of Parliament
held at Edinburgh on 1st January 1661, — the first Scottish Parliament after
the restoration of King Charles the Second, — but it was deemed advisable on
this occasion to preserve the ancient honours and privileges of the family
by protesting that the absence of the Marquis through minority should not
prejudice his right to these honours. Tins protest was written, 2 and duly
made in his behalf by Lord Mordington, at the first session of Parliament, 3
and it was repeated a few days later by the Earl of Hartfell, when opposition
to these claims was raised both by the Duke of Hamilton and the Duke of
Lennox. 4 The right of the Marquis, however, was admitted and confirmed
by an order of the Privy Council in 1669, intended to settle disputes as to
precedency at the riding of Parliaments. It ordained that the Marquis
should carry the crown on these occasions. 5 But although the Marquis did
1 The curators appointed were William, Lord Aubigny, James, Earl of Galloway, Sir
Duke of Hamilton, John, Earl of Lauderdale, James Stewart of Kirkhill, and John Stewart
John, Earl of Wemyss, William, Earl of of Kettlestoun. [Original instrument in
Hartfell, William, Lord Drumlanrig, William, Douglas Charter-chest.]
Lord Mordington, Walter, Lord Torphiehen, z Vol. iii. of this work, p. 341.
Sir William Douglas of Kelhead, Sir Archi- 3 Acts of the Parliaments of Scotland,
bald Douglas of Cavers, Sir Robert Douglas vol. vii. p. 5.
of Blackerstoun, Sir Daniel Carmichael, the 4 Ibid. p. 13.
Duke of Richmond and Lennox, Ludovick, 5 Vol. iii. of this work, p. 342.