James Campbell (1745–1831)

Sir James Campbell (1745–1831) was a Scottish officer of the British Army, and author of Memoirs of Sir James Campbell of Ardkinglas, written by Himself. Until 1810 he was known as James Callander. While not a baronet, as he claimed, he used the title "Sir". James Callander Campbell was 5th Laird of Craigforth and 15th Laird of Ardkinglas.

Campbell was the eldest son of John Callander of Craigforth, by his wife Mary, daughter of Sir James Livingston of Glentirran and Dalderse, he was born at Ardkinglas Castle on 21 October (O.S.) 1745. James was educated at Edinburgh High School and under a private tutor.

In 1759 James Callander, as he then was, joined the 51st regiment as ensign, and served in the Seven Years' War. After 1763 he was in Ireland and Minorca, returning to Scotland in 1789. He ran into financial troubles, and his cousin Sir Alexander Livingston-Campbell of Ardkinglas had him imprisoned for debt, as he believed that Callander had not voted for him in the election and had voted for Callander's friend Sir Thomas Dundas. In fact, James Callander had voted for his cousin.

Taking work abroad, under Sir John Acton, 6th Baronet, Callander was inspector-general of troops at Naples. At the request of Lord Nelson, Callander claimed, he went to the Ionian Islands to confirm the inhabitants in their attachment to the English cause. This authority was thought by some to be fictitious, however. He remained there till the Peace of Amiens in 1802.

On succeeding in 1810 to the estate of his cousin Sir Alexander Livingston-Campbell of Ardkinglas, Callander adopted the name of Campbell. He also used the title of baronet to which he was not entitled, the Campbell baronetcy of 1679 having terminated with his cousin's death. However his claim to the Livingston baronetcy of 1685 was legitimate, as it was merely dormant.

Campbell died in 1831.

Campbell was four times married after a legal form, and left a large family. His first wife was Catherine Forbes, the daughter of George Forbes of Hitchner Hall Surrey, they were married in 1769 in Geneva. His second wife was Harriet Dutens, the daughter of Peter Dutens jeweller to the Prince of Wales, they were married in 1772. His third wife was Lady Elizabeth McDonnell, the daughter of Lord Alexander Earl of Antrim. They were married in 1777 and one of their children was the novelist, Caroline Henrietta Sheridan in 1779. Campbell's fourth wife was Melle Descot, the daughter of his Paris banker, they were married in 1815.

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