Page:Dictionary of National Biography volume 51.djvu/243

 vol. i. (1698). While Alexander Campbell and other Scottish literary historians think the English song is ‘conveyed’ from Sempill, Ritson (‘Historical Essay’ prefixed to Scotish Songs) claims it for D'Urfey, asserting that the original English version was subsequently ‘Scotified.’ The Scottish version was doubtless by Sempill. He is also credited, somewhat indecisively, with the ballad of ‘Maggie Lauder.’ Whether Sempill is responsible for the ‘Blythsome Wedding,’ which is likewise claimed for Sir William Scott (1674?–1725) [q. v.] of Thirlestane, is open to question. The evidence is scanty and traditions conflicting. Its broad humour and manifest knowledge of the Scottish rustic are features that support Sempill's claims, which are stoutly asserted in family records.

 SEMPILL, HEW, eleventh (d. 1746), was the fifth son of Francis Abercromby of Fetterneir, Aberdeenshire, who was created Lord Glassford for life on 5 July 1685. His mother was Anne, baroness Sempill, daughter of Robert, seventh lord Sempill. He became ensign in July 1719, and although he succeeded to the peerage (taking his mother's maiden name), held by his mother, on the death of his brother John, tenth lord Sempill, in August 1716, he remained in the army, serving in Spain and Flanders under Marlborough and Ormonde. In 1718 he was promoted major of the 26th regiment or Cameronians, and in 1719 lieutenant-colonel of the 9th foot. On 14 Jan. 1741 he succeeded the Earl of Crawford as colonel of the Black Watch, then the 43rd and now the 42nd foot. In 1743 the regiment, originally raised to keep watch in the highlands, received orders to proceed south to England; and when a rumour reached the soldiers in London that they were to be sent to the West Indies, they immediately proceeded to return to Scotland, but were overtaken and compelled to turn back. Their destination was Flanders, and there, under Lord Sempill, they specially distinguished themselves in the defence of the town of Aeth when it was besieged by the French. So exemplary was the conduct of the regiment in Flanders that the elector palatine desired his envoy to thank George II for their behaviour, adding that for their sakes he would ‘always pay a respect and regard to a Scotchman in future.’ On 25 April 1745 Lord Sempill was appointed colonel of the 25th foot, and at the battle of Culloden on 16 April 1746 he acted as brigadier-general, his regiment occupying a place in the second line on the left wing. He died at Aberdeen on 25 Nov. 1746, while in command of the troops stationed there. Lord Sempill in 1727 sold the estates of Elliotson and Castle Semple, and in 1741 bought the estate of North Barr. By his first wife, Sarah, daughter and coheiress of Nathaniel Gaskill of Manchester, he had five sons and six daughters; he was succeeded by his eldest son John. His grandson Hugh, thirteenth Lord Sempill (1758–1830), was author of ‘A Short Address to the Public on the Practice of cashiering Military Officers without a Trial; and a Vindication of the Conduct and Political Opinion of the Author,’ London, 1793.

 SEMPILL or SEMPLE, HUGH, (1596–1654), mathematician, born at Craigevar in Scotland in 1596, was nephew of Colonel William Sempill [q. v.] He was aggregated to the Society of Jesus at Toledo in 1615, and became rector of the Scottish College at Madrid, where he died on 29 Sept. 1654.

He was the author of: 1. ‘De Mathematicis Disciplinis lib. XII, in quibus earum utilitas, dignitas, natura, divisio explicantur,’ Antwerp, 1635, fol. (dedicated to Philip IV, king of Spain). 2. ‘Experientia Mathematica, de compositione numerorum, linearum quadratorum, &c.,’ Madrid, 1642, 8vo. 3. ‘Dictionarium Mathematicum,’ which was prepared for the press but never published.

The following manuscripts by him are preserved in the National Library at Madrid: ‘Historia de regimine Philippi IV’ (G. 73); ‘Parecer sobre el riego de los prados de Aranjuez y lugares vecinos, en tiempo de Felipe IV;’ ‘Parecer sobre las señales que se vieron en el cielo, año 1637’ (S. 104); ‘Discurso contra los ministros codiciosos.’

 SEMPILL, JAMES (1566–1625) of Beltrees, called by Knox ‘the dancer,’ was eldest son of John Sempill (son of Robert,