Campbell, John, fourth Earl of Loudoun, and titular governor of Virginia (1756-1763), the only son of Hugh, third Earl of Loudoun, and Lady Margaret Dalrymple, only daughter of the first Earl of Stair, was born on 5 May, 1705. He succeeded his father as earl in 1731, and from 1734 till his death was a representative peer of Scotland. He entered the army in 1727, was appointed gove4nor of Stirling Castle in April, 1741, and became aide-de-camp to the King in July, 1743. He performed an important part in suppressing the rebellion of 1745, and had nearly the whole of his regiment killed at the battle of Preston. On February 17, 1756, Loudoun was appointed captain-general and governor-in-chief of the British forces in America in the French and Indian war. He arrived at new York on July 23, 1756. owing to his own tardiness and the incompetency of those at the head of the government he accomplished nothing, and was therefore recalled to England, General Amherst being named his successor. On the declaration of war with Spain in 1762 he was appointed second in command, under Lord Tyrawley, of the troops sent to Portugal. He died at Loudoun Castle, April 27, 1762. He was unmarried, and on his death his title passed to his cousin, James Mure Campbell. he did much to improve the grounds around Loudoun Castle, in Ayrshire, Scotland.
