ARGYLE, Joint CAMPBELL, 2d Duke of, son of the first duke, was b. in 1678, and took an important part. in the political and military affairs of his time. As royal corn miqoner in 1705, lie had a principal share in bringing about the act of union. As a soldier, lie distinguished himself under Marlborough at Ramifies, Oudenarde, Lille, Ghent, and Malplaquet. Previous to the change of ministry in 1710, A. had been a keen whig. He now veered with the wind of the court, and became a declaimer against the duke of Marlborough. As the reward of his apostasy, he was appointed by the tories generalissimo of the British army in Spain; but considering himself to have been unhand somely treated by the ministry, he shortly after returned, and finding his influence greatly diminished, he again became a whig. His career up to the rebellion of 1715 was most tortuous and unprincipled, and seriously detracts from his meritorious services during that critical period. He was, however, completely successful in quelling dis
turbances, and his services were rewarded in 1718, among other dignities, with an Eng lish peerage, and the title of duke of Greenwich. His restless vanity and ambition, however, constantly prompted him to political intrigues. In 1721, he again played into the hands of the tories, for the purpose of securing the entire patronage of Scotland. In 1737, he rose into immense popularity in his own country, by his spirited defense before parliament of the city of Edinburgh in regard to the Porteous mob. He d. on the 3d Sept., 1743. He was a man of lax principles and selfish character, but possessed of con siderable shrewdness and talent, and noted for his kindness and courtesy in private life. The benevolence of his disposition procured him the title of " the good duke of Argyle."