BUTLER, James (DUKE OF ORMONDE), English statesman: b. London, 19 Oct. 1610; d. Kingston Hall, Dorsetshire, 21 July 1688. When Strafford became lord-lieutenant of Ireland, Butler was made commander of the army, but as it consisted of only 1000 men, and he was overruled by the lords justices, he could do little more than keep the enemy in check, and was obliged to agree to a cessation of hostilities; after which, having been created a marquis, he was appointed lord-lieutenant. On the ruin of the royal cause he retired to France. After the execution of Charles he returned to Ireland with a view to raising the people; but on the landing of Cromwell returned to France. While abroad he exerted himself to further the res toration of Charles; and when that event was brought about by Monk, returned with the King. Before the coronatioa he was created duke, and assisted at that ceremony as lord high-steward of England. In 1662 he was again appointed lord-dieutenant of Ireland, which country he restored to comparative tran quillity, and was an active benefactor of it by encouraging various improvements, particularly the growth of flax and manufacture of linen.
On the exile of Lord Clarendon, his attach ment to that nobleman involved Butler in much of the odium attached to him, and although, on his recall from Ireland, nothing, on the most rigorous inquiry, could be proved against him, he was removed through the machinations of Buckingham. For seven years he was deprived of court favor, but at length was again ap pointed lord-lieutenant of Ireland, which place he held until, shortly before the death of Charles, he was recalled in order to make way for Rochester. He died at his seat in Dorset shire, leaving behind him the character of a man who united the courtier and the man of honor and integrity better than any nobleman of the time.