Family and Education

b. 1737, yr. s. of Sir Alexander Lindsay, 3rd Bt., of Evelick, Perth by Amelia, da. of David Murray, 5th Visct. Stormont, sis. of William Murray, 1st Lord Mansfield.  m. 19 Sept. 1768, Mary, da. of Sir William Milner, 1st Bt., M.P., of Nunappleton Hall, Yorks.  Kntd. 10 Feb. 1764; K.B. 28 June 1770.

Offices Held

Lt. R.N. 1756; capt. 1757, commodore in East Indies 1769-71; c.-in-c. Mediterranean 1783; r.-adm. Sept. 1787.

Ld. of Admiralty Apr.-Dec. 1783.

Biography

During the seven years’ war Lindsay served at Louisbourg and Quebec and, for his gallantry at Havana in 1762, was knighted on his return home. On the death of his grand-uncle David Scott in December 1766, he was brought in for Aberdeen Burghs as a stop-gap, through Mansfield’s influence. He made no figure in the House, if indeed he attended; and no speech or vote is recorded. He did not seek re-election in 1768.

In 1769 he was sent out to Madras as naval commodore and minister plenipotentiary to treat with native rulers. By his autocratic behaviour and intrigues he incurred the hostility of the East India Company who in 1771 obtained his recall.1 He resumed his naval career, served during the American war with the home fleet under Keppel, for whom he ‘stood forth as a champion’ at his court martial, and with whom he resigned his command in March 1779.2 Through Keppel he was appointed a lord of the Admiralty under the Coalition, but lost his place at the change of Government in December 1783, and thereafter served in the Mediterranean until forced by ill health to return home.  He died 7 June 1788.

Ref Volumes: 1754-1790

Author: Edith Lady Haden-Guest

Notes

• 1. L. S. Sutherland, E.I. Co. in 18th Cent. Politics, 196-201, 242.
• 2. Walpole, Last Jnls. ii. 234; Fortescue, iv. 307, 318.