St. Clair, James

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Dates 1722-34, 1736-62
Location London
Vocation Politician and army officer
Place of Birth Scotland
Marriage Janet Dalrymple
Issue
Place of birth Source History of Parliament Online

Twelfth Lord Sinclair. Professional soldier who rose through the ranks - Captain and Lieutenant-colonel 3rd Foot Guards (1714), Lieutenant-governor of Berwick and Holy Island (1733), Colonel 22nd Foot (1734-7), General 1761. MP for Dysart Burghs (1722-34) as an Argyll and Walpole Whig. St. Clair prevented from regaining seat by the Squadrone. Secured seat as MP for Sutherland (1736-47) through his kinsman William, 17th Earl of Sutherland. Defeated for the Sutherland seat in the 1747 election, St. Clair returned to represent Dysart Burghs (1747-54). Sent on military and diplomatic missions (1740s). Elected as MP for Fifeshire (1754), supported the Government, following the Duke of Argyll. Retained his seat until his death in 1762.