James Hamilton (British Army officer, born 1777)

Lieutenant colonel James Inglis Hamilton (born Jamie Anderson, 4 July 1777 – 18 June 1815) was a Colonel in the British Army killed at the Battle of Waterloo.

For other people named James Hamilton, see James Hamilton (disambiguation).

James Inglis Hamilton
Birth nameJamie Anderson
Born(1777-07-04)4 July 1777
Tayantroga, American Colonies
Died18 June 1815(1815-06-18) (aged 37)
Waterloo, Belgium
Allegiance Great Britain
Service/branch British Army
Years of service1792–1815
RankLieutenant colonel
Battles/wars
Relations

Early life

He was born as Jamie Anderson on 4 July 1777 at a camp of the Saratoga Campaign in New York. He was the second son of William Anderson, a Sergeant-Major of the 21st Foot.[1] Hamilton was baptized on 28 August 1777.[2] General James Inglis Hamilton adopted him following the Battle of Bemis Heights, and funded his education at Glasgow Grammar School and the University of Glasgow .[1] [3]

Military career

Hamilton's adopted father opened a spot in the British Army and Hamilton became a cornet in the Royal Scots Greys in 1792.[2] This is when he changed his name to James Hamilton.[2] Hamilton was promoted to lieutenant on 4 October 1793.[2] On 15 April 1794, he was promoted to captain.[2] Hamilton became a major on 17 February 1803.[2] He was promoted to lieutenant colonel on 16 June 1807,[2] and he commanded the Royal Scots Greys.[1] On 4 June 1814, Hamilton was promoted to Colonel.[4]

Battle of Waterloo
The Royal Scots Greys at the Battle of Waterloo, depicted by Elizabeth Thompson.

By the time of the Battle of Waterloo he was a Lt. Colonel, commanding the Royal Scots Greys. While leading a charge on horseback, he lost his left arm. He put the reins in his mouth and continued the charge, even after his right arm was severed by a French lancer. Moments later he was shot and killed. He was found with a bullet wound through his heart, as well as other injuries; Hamilton's scabbard and silken sash were sent to his brother,[1] Lieutenant Jno. Anderson, who died in Glasgow on 3 December 1816 from wounds received at the Battle of Salamanca.[2]

Personal life

Hamilton married Mary Inglis Payne.[5] Upon Hamilton's death, Payne was compensated £200.[2]

He inherited Murdostoun Castle from his father on 18 August 1803.[6]

Notes
  1. Summerville, pp. 189–193
  2. Dalton, p. 59
  3. "University of Glasgow :: Story :: Biography of James Hamilton". universitystory.gla.ac.uk.
  4. Almack, p. 200
  5. Estimates, p. 59
  6. Dunbar, p. 3

References
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