Sorting the Douglas of Cavers family

[William Douglas]

Whilst continuing work on the Douglas of Cavers family, I am looking at several 'missing links' that now seem to be coming together.

The Posthumous Son

This story begins in the late 17th century with William Douglas, the 11th of Cavers, whose life ended in December 1676. His youngest son, Thomas Douglas, was born five months later, in May 1677, an important posthumous arrival noted in Sir Bernard Burke’s History of the Landed Gentry. Thomas later married Jean Pringle of Haining, Selkirkshire.

Thomas and Jean’s children formed the next key generation. They included at least three notable sons: Andrew, Robert (later a Planter in Jamaica), and Captain Archibald (later the Inspector of Works at Berwick). These three brothers were also recognized in the will of their cousin, Rev Dr Sir James Douglas, the 16th of Cavers.

The London Merchant and Paymaster

The main thread of the story follows the eldest, Andrew Douglas. He initially made his way as a London Merchant. In 1752, Andrew married Mary Mercer of Surrey. The couple settled down to raise a family that included two sons, George (born 1753) and Archibald, and two daughters, Jane Rachel and Violet Mary.

Andrew’s career peaked when he transitioned from commerce to government, becoming the Paymaster to the Navy, based at Suffolk St, London. In this powerful role, he managed Navy funds and held Power of Attorney for Viscount Melville, who was the Minister for the Navy. Andrew’s own reflections on his life and times, including philosophical notes and political commentary, were preserved in three commonplace books dating from the 1770s.

Meanwhile, his brother, Captain Archibald Douglas, was occupied with military affairs. In August 1779, during the height of the American War of Independence, he was tasked with organizing coastal defence measures in Northumberland against the threat of French and Spanish raids.

The End of a Career

Andrew Douglas died on December 29, 1785, as noted in his will, where he referred to a legal matter concerning land in the Manor of Taunton Dean, Somerset, involving his brother, Robert Douglas.

However, Andrew's death did not close the book on his time as Paymaster. An inquiry soon followed into the handling of Navy funds, which ultimately involved Viscount Melville. The Viscount was acquitted of charges of misappropriating money. It was noted that had Andrew Douglas still been alive, he might have faced similar charges himself.

Despite this controversy, Andrew's legacy was secured by his eldest son, George Douglas, who succeeded the family line and went on to become the 18th Laird or Lord of Cavers.