Family and Education

b. 22 Dec. 1751, 2nd s. of William Nisbet of Dirleton by Mary, da. and h. of Alexander Hamilton of Pencaitland and Saltcoats (d. 1758); bro. of William Hamilton Nisbet.  m. 1782, Janet, da. of Robert Dundas, ld. pres. of court of session, s.p.  As heir (by entail, 1747) to Pencaitland assumed name of Hamilton.

Offices Held

Receiver of land tax in Scotland 1795.

Biography

Hamilton owed his seat in Parliament mainly to Henry Dundas, his wife’s uncle, who gave him private and prior notice of the vacancy. William Nisbet wrote to Dundas, 11 May 1786:1 ‘I mentioned to you at Wimbledon that I was ready to produce the cash to bring my brother in Parliament (as this seemed what you wished for him) whenever you pointed out a place.’ Although Dundas withheld open support until he had sounded local opinion Hamilton was elected unopposed.

In Parliament he supported Administration on the Regency, 1788-9.

He died 25 Dec. 1804.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Edith Lady Haden-Guest

Notes

• 1. H. Furber, Hen. Dundas, 219-20.