to have acted as a British agent in Russia and was
involved in the proceedings regarding the possible rescue of the Tsar after
the Russian revolution. Lord Armitstead was separated from his wife soon
after their marriage, and on his death the title expired. The following
article was provided by a Mrs Hamilton, herself an Armitstead and I think
of his branch. The anonymous author has confused the two Georges, father
and son, in this very scurrilous account.

Lord Armitsteaddrawn by Spy in 1882

"He was born on February 28 1824. As a youth he refused to obey his
father, the vicar of Easingwold Yorks' wishes and injunctions to study
for the clerical profession, or even as a teacher at Giggleswick school
for the sons of gentlemen, but fled by night to the great North road, where
he was ableto be of some assistance to a wealthy merchant of Dundee whose
coach had been beset by robbers. The merchant had carried him over the
border to his home, for he had taken a misguided liking to the stalwart
youth, who frequently bewailed his lot under a stern father. George was
offered a small place in the merchant's office, and quickly became a presbyterian,
on hearing which the Vicar of Easington immediately altered his will.

In seven years the boy, now 24, was admitted senior clerk, and five
more saw him senior partner, (his benefactor now dead) in the firm of George
Armitstead and Co, Dundee London and Riga, jute merchants, a flourishing
concern. Being now received in the most respected circles, he wooed and
won Miss Jane Baxter, the daughter of the First Lord of the Treasury,