Mackenzie Sir George

Mackenzie, Sir George (1636-91), born at Dundee, a cadet of the family of the Earl of Sleaforth, showed great precocity in classical and other studies. He became an advocate in 1659, and in 1661 defended the Marquis of Argyll on his trial for high treason. Before the Restoration he published several moral essays and a poem, Celia's Country House and Closet. Soon after the Restoration he was appointed justice deputy, or assistant chief-justice. In 1669, as representative of the county of Ross, he delivered a fine speech against the union between England and Scotland. In 1677 he became king's advocate, and earned infamy in that capacity as a cruel instrument of oppression. In 1686 be lost his office for opposing the efforts of James II. to restore the Roman Catholic ascendency, but regained it in 1688. At the time of the Revolution his public life ceased; after founding the Advocate's Library, Edinburgh, he retired to Oxford. He died at St. James's.