Morton James Douglas

Morton, James Douglas, 4th Earl of, inherited the Douglas estates through his wife. He joined the reformers in 1557, and became one of the "Lords of the Congregation," and in 1563 became Lord Chancellor of Scotland. He was engaged in the murder of Rizzio, and was cognisant of that of Darnley. He was also present, at Carberry Hill and Langside; and it was he who announced the discovery of "the casket letters." For some years after 1572, when he became Regent, he was the most powerful man in Scotland; but he made many enemies, and in 1581 was beheaded for his share in Darnley's murder, which he always denied. [Mary Stewart.]