CARSTAIRS, or CARSTARES, William, Scottish clergyman of political eminence: b. Cathcart, near Glasgow, 1649; d. 1715. He pur sued his studies at the universities of Edin burgh and Utrecht. He returned to Scotland with the view of entering the ministry, but after receiving a license to preach resolved to return to Holland. As he was to pass through London, he was employed by Argyle and his party to treat with the English exclusionists and became privy to the Rye-house plot. On the discovery of that conspiracy he was appre hended. After a rigorous confinement in irons he was subjected to the torture and endured this trial with great firmness; but being after ward deluded with the hopes of a full pardon, and assured that his answers should never be made evidence against anyone, he submitted to make a judicial declaration. Being released he returned to Holland, and was received by the Prince of Orange as a sufferer in his cause. The Prince made him one of his own chaplains and procured his election to the office of min ister of the English congregation at Leyden.
He accompanied the Prince in his expedition and always remained about his person, both at home and abroad. During this reign he was the chief agent between the Church of Scotland and the court, and was very instrumental in the establishment of Presbyterianism, to which William was averse. On the death of William he was no longer employed on public business; but Anne retained him as her chaplain-royal and made him principal of the University of Edinburgh. When the union of the two king doms was agitated he took a decided part in its favor. The memory of Carstairs is for the most part revered by his countrymen as that of an enlightened patriot; and few men of active power and influence have steered between parties more ably and beneficially. Consult McCormick, °Life of Carstairs," prefixed to 'State Papers and Letters Addressed to Wil liam Carstairs> (London 1774) ; and Story, 'Character and Career of William Carstairs.>