A GEORGE II SCOTTISH SILVER TABLE SNUFF-BOX

John, 4th Marquis of Tweeddale (c.1695-1762) studied law at Edinburgh and in 1721 was appointed Extraordinary Lord of the Session. The following year he was selected as one of the 16 representative peers of Scotland, a position he would hold through six parliaments. From 1742-46, under Lord Wilmington's administration, he was appointed Principal Secretary of State for Scotland. He was also appointed Keeper of his Majesty's signet. The 1st Earl of Egremont described him as 'a fine and bold speaker in public, very learned in the Civil Law, and above all, esteemed an honest and virtuous man.' Tweeddale also served as Governor of the Bank of Scotland and was appointed Lord Justice-General, position he held until his death. In 1748 he married Frances, daughter of John, Earl Granville, by whom he had two sons and four daughters.