oray (Murray), James Stewart, Earl of (?1531-1570),
regent of Scotland, natural son of James V by Lady Margaret
Erskine. He signed the letter to Knox in March, 1556, inviting
him to return from Geneva. It was mainly through his diplomacy
that aid was given by Elizabeth which counterbalanced that
obtained by the queen regent from France, and led to the removal
of foreign troops from Scotland. After the return of Queen Mary
to Scotland the administration of affairs was mainly left in Lord
James hands; and in 1652 she conferred upon him the earldom
of Moray. When Mary brought matters to a crisis by giving her
hand to Darnley (1565), Moray was compelled to take refuge in
England. He returned to Scotland after the murder of Rizzio and
was chosen regent. On the escape of Mary from Loch Leven (1568)
he continued to govern the country with prudence and skill until
he was shot dead at Linlithgow. [The Home University Encyclopedia,
1946]