James Hamilton (British Army officer, born 1777)

James Inglis Hamilton
Birth name Jamie Anderson
Born 4 July 1777
Tayantroga
Died 18 June 1815 (aged 37)
Waterloo, Belgium
Allegiance  Great Britain
Service/branch British Army
Years of service 1792–1815
Rank Lieutenant colonel
Battles/wars
Relations

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.

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.[1]

Military career

Hamilton's adopted father opened a spot in the British Army and Hamilton became a cornet in the Royal Scots Greys at 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 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.[3]

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]

Personal life

Hamilton married Mary Inglis Payne.[4] Upon Hamilton's death, Payne was compensated £200.[2]

He inherited Murdostoun Castle from his father on 18 August 1803.[5]

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Summerville, pp. 189–193
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 Dalton, p. 59
  3. ↑ Almack, p. 200
  4. ↑ Estimates, p. 59
  5. ↑ Dunbar, p. 3

References