HAMILTON, [SSNE 8251]
Text source
Hamilton was a soldier in the Scots-Dutch Brigade of unknown rank. He was killed at the siege of Breda in 1637. It was said that he had killed four Walloons, captured a Neapolitan Cantelmo, and four Burgundians before he died. William Lithgow wrote that he wore distinctive red clothes, and because of this and because of his particular ferocity in the field, the Spanish "knew [him] well." After he was killed, Lithgow said his body was mutilated by the garrison "in a base and inhumane revenge, [in which they] they mangled, cut, and carved his head, face, and dead body," and threw it over the moat the following day for all to see. He was later buried at Gertruidenberg.
Sources:
Lithgow, William, A true and experimentall discourse, upon the beginning, proceeding, and victorious event of this last siege of Breda With the antiquity and annexing of it, to the house of Nassaw, and the many alterations it hath suffered by armes, and armies, within these threescore yeares. Together with the prudent plots, projects, and policies of warre: the assailants and defendants matchlesse man-hood, in managing martiall affaires: the misery and manner of souldiers living, their pinching want, and fatall accidents: strange weapons and instruments used by both parties in severall conflicts. Lastly, their concluded articles, with circumstances and ordering of the siege and victory. Being pleasant to peruse, and profitable to observe. Written by him who was an eye witnesse of the siege. (London, 1637), pp. 29-31.
This entry created by Mr Jack Abernethy.
Service record
- THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, THE SCOTS BRIGADE
- Arrived 1637-01-01, as ?
- Departed 1637-12-31, as DECEASED
- Capacity SOLDIER, OFFICER?, purpose MILITARY