The Memoirs of the Lives and Actions of James and William Dukes of Hamilton: and Castleherald, & c. In which an Account is given of the Rise and Progress of the Civil Wars of Scotland with other Great Transactions both in England and Germany, from the Year 1625 to 1652

Burnet, Gilbert. (1643-1715) The Memoirs of the Lives and Actions of James and William Dukes of Hamilton and Castleherald, & c. In which an Account is given of the Rise and Progress of the Civil Wars of Scotland with other Great Transactions both in England and Germany, from the Year 1625, to the Year 1652. Together with many Letters, Instructions, and other Papers, Written by King Charles the I. Never before published, all drawn out of, or Copied from the Originals. London, Printed by J. Grover, for R. Royston, Bookseller to the Kings Most Excellent Majesty, 1677. Folio, 12 x 7.5 in. First edition. []3, a6, B-Zz, Aa-Zz4, Aaa-Lll4. Contains both portraits where other volumes are lacking. Also contains portrait of King Charles I praying and with much symbolism surrounding him of his divine rights. "[Burnet's] vacations were spent chiefly in Hamilton, where the duchess engaged him in putting in order all the papers relating to her father's and uncle's political careers. Lauderdale, who had his own reasons for anxiety as to the light which might be cast upon transactions in which he had himself been engaged, no sooner heard of this than he sent for Burnet to come to court that he might give him all the informa¬tion in his power. The 'Memoirs of the Dukes of Hamilton', Burnet's first historical work, was published in 1676, [actually 1677]. His investigations led in a curious way to a reconciliation between Hamilton and the court. Among the papers which he ex¬amined were found undoubted claims of the family upon the crown, for satisfaction of which Hamilton consented to concur in the court measures. This was 1671". (DNB) In Burnet's Preface to "Memoirs", he states one of the reasons for undertak¬ing this work, saying, "And particularly, I wondered to find James Duke of Hamilton represented to the World, with such foul and base Characters, as if he had been a Monster both for Ingratitude and Treachery, though he had laid down his Life for the King, and involved his Estate in vast Debts for His Service. It seemed to me the great¬est Injustice in the world, that one who served his Prince and his Country so long, and so faithfully, and sealed all with his blood, should not only be deprived of the Honour due to his Memory, but that a company of ignorant and impudent Slanders should do what they could to attaint his Blood and Family, by the black Imputations they have cast on him, and that this should pass current without any Vindications." Wing B-5832