ARGYLL, JOHN CAMPBELL, second Duke of (1678-1743). A Scotch genera] and statesman. He was the son of the first duke, and took an important part in the political and military affairs of his time. As royal commissioner in 1705, he had a principal share in bringing about the union of England and Scotland. As a soldier he distinguished himself under Marlborough at Ramillies, Oudenard6, Lille, Ghent, and Mal plaquet. Previous to the change of ministry in 1710. Argyll had been a strong Whig. He now joined the Tories in opposing the Duke of Marl borough. As a reward he was appointed by the Tories generalissimo of the British army in Spain; but, considering himself to have been slighted by the ministry, he soon after returned, and finding his influence greatly diminished, lie again became a Whig. His career up to the re bellion of 1715 was tortuous, and seriously de tracts from his meritorious services during that critical period. He was, however. placed in command of the King's forces in Scotland, and was completely sneces*ful in quelling the Jaco bite rising. His services were rewarded in 1718
with an English peerage, and the title of Duke of Greenwich. In 1721 he again played into the hands of the Tories, for the purpose of securing the entire patronage of Scot-land. In 1737 he rose into immense popularity in his own country by his spirited defense before Parlia ment of the city of Edinburgh in regard to the Porteous mob. Pride and passion rather than ambition were the motives which chiefly con trolled him. He was endowed with remarkable oratorical gifts, hut the shiftiness of his policy prevented him from ever attaining a place com mensurate with his seeming abilities. He was noted for his kindness and courtesy in private life. The benevolence of his disposition procured him the title of "the Good Duke of Argyll." See the flattering description of him in Scott's Heart of Midlothian. See also his Lifc, by Robert Campbell (1745).