A rapid glance at the varying fortunes, and the more interesting incidents in the history of the Hamiltons is all our space will permit; but, before we enter on even this brief epitome, it is necessary to state that the present chief and heir male of this mighty race is the Duke of Abercorn, K.G., who descends, from father to son, from James Hamilton, Duke of Chatelherault, the Regent Earl of Arran, declared by Parliament to be heir presumptive to the Crown of Scotland. The heir general of the Hamiltons is the Earl of Derby, great-grandson of Lady Elizabeth, only daughter and eventual heiress of James, sixth Duke of Hamilton. The present Duke of Hamilton and Brandon is really by male descent the head of the great and historic House of Douglas, and is as such Marquis of Douglas and Earl of Angus. The Dukedom of Hamilton comes to him under a special limitation in the patent of creation.

Source: The Illustrated London News, No.2254—Vol. LXXXI, Saturday, July 15, 1882, p.70