Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Sandilands, James (d.1753)

602841Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 50 — Sandilands, James (d.1753)1897Thomas Finlayson Henderson

SANDILANDS, JAMES, seventh Lord Torphichen (d. 1753), was the eldest surviving son of Walter, sixth lord Torphichen (d. 1698), by his second wife, Hon. Catherine Alexander, eldest daughter of William, viscount Canada and lord Alexander. He was a warm supporter of the treaty of union in 1707. Subsequently he served under Marlborough as lieutenant-colonel of the 7th dragoons. At the outbreak of the rebellion in 1715 his regiment was stationed in Scotland, and on 17 Oct. he made an attempt to drive the highlanders out of Seton House, but without success. He was also present with his regiment at Sherriffmuir. In 1722 he was appointed a lord of police. He died on 10 Aug. 1753. By his wife, Lady Jean Home, youngest daughter of Patrick, first earl of Marchmont, high chancellor of Scotland, he had three daughters, who died unmarried, and eight sons. Of the latter, James, master of Torphichen, a lieutenant in the 44th foot, was badly wounded at the battle of Prestonpans (cf. Alex. Carlyle, Autobiography, p. 143), and died on 20 April 1749; the second son, Walter, afterwards eighth lord, was sheriff-depute of Mid-Lothian at the time of the rebellion of 1745, and was of great service in preserving order in Edinburgh; while Andrew and Robert distinguished themselves as soldiers.

[Histories of the Rebellion of 1715; Alexander Carlyle's Autobiogr.; Douglas's Scottish Peerage (Wood), ii. 595–6.]

T. F. H.