Hamilton, William Hamilton, 2d duke of, 1616–51, Scottish nobleman. With his brother James Hamilton, 3d marquess and 1st duke of Hamilton, he gained favor with Charles I of England. He was created (1639) earl of Lanark and made (1640) secretary of state for Scotland. In 1643, on Charles's orders, he was arrested with his brother for supposed implication in the latter's intrigues, but he escaped (1644). He regained favor when he went in 1646 as one of the Scottish commissioners to treat with Charles at Newcastle. In 1647 he was one of the signers for the Scots of the treaty with Charles known as the Engagement, and he helped to organize the second civil war. After the Scottish defeat at Preston (1648), he fled to Holland. He returned in 1650 with Charles II and joined the Scottish invasion of England. He died of wounds received at the battle of Worcester.
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