Lieutenant-Colonel John Hamilton
- Linnae Klutchko
- Aug 15
- 6 min read
August Character Interview
Patricia Parrington ~ August 15, 2025
Hello my lovely readers and fellow book-lovers! For those of you who are new here, I, your curious host Patricia Parrington, have the pleasure of interviewing characters from books all over the world.
Today we have here with us Lieutenant-Colonel John Hamilton from the adult historical fiction La Garde Ecossaise: The Life of John Hamilton c. 1620–1689: Part 1 by Kirsteen M MacKenzie. Kirsteen is an academic historian and author of historical fiction. She has a passion for early modern history (c. 1500–1700).
Meet Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton
[The interviewer, Patricia, meets a man at the gates of the Palace of St Germain on the outskirts of Paris and is taken up a spiral staircase to the attic of the palace. The interviewer is told to wait outside a large plain wooden door and is called in. Lieutenant-Colonel John Hamilton is sitting in a large ornate oak chair behind his desk, and he stands up to greet the interviewer and offers a chair at the other side of the desk. After greeting Patricia, John Hamilton sits down to begin the interview. Hamilton has a serious expression on his face.]
[Patricia smiles warmly as she sits.]
Welcome to Fable Features! Tell me a little about yourself. What do you do for a living?
Good morrow! My name is Lieutenant Colonel John Hamilton, the head of King Louis XIV’s La Garde Ecossaise. I am delighted to make your acquaintance.
I was born in 1620 within the province of Ulster, Ireland. I fled Ireland in 1641 due to the horrid rebellion that year. In 1643 I joined the French forces during the Thirty Years War and became part of Marshal Turenne’s bodyguard serving with distinction.
After a brief period in Spain, I returned to French service in 1653 to form a bodyguard unit for Cardinal Mazarin and King Louis XIV at his majesty’s own request.
We are a unit of soldiers dedicated to preserving the life of our anointed sovereign King Louis XIV.
We also endeavor to protect innocents from harm. However, I will not answer any questions specifically in relation to individual operations as our work is confidential.
I completely understand. It sounds like very important work you get to do! What would you say is the most difficult part of your job?
When our objectives are not fulfilled, although the Garde has an impeccable reputation throughout Europe, not every operation is a complete success. Sadly, I’ve known death to occur despite our best efforts. It is exceptionally hard on everyone concerned.
That does sound extremely hard.
Do you have any close friends? What are they like?
My closest friends are the men I work with in the Garde. They are all different and all with valuable skills which they bring to our regiment.
Timothy Gray—from the North-East of England is our intelligence officer and chief spymaster. He served under Oliver Cromwell in the English civil war. He can blend in and assume different personalities and accents to gain information from our enemies without them even realizing it.
Alexander Murray—from Perthshire in Scotland, our chief military engineer and scientist. Good at solving problems and coming up with innovative solutions. He spent time in the Ottoman Empire and became a Janissary, an elite solider for the Sultan of the empire, before coming to France. He is slightly eccentric and perhaps takes time to get used to, but he is one of the kindest people I know.
Alasdair MacDonald—from the island of Colonsay in the Scottish Highlands, is a man to whom I will forever be indebted to as he saved my life when I was at my lowest point. He may look intimidating and dressed a little strange (in full Highland dress) but behind that steely exterior there is a good heart.
Peter Molyneaux—from the north-west of England. He is the newest addition to our group of men and a relative of mine. He has travelled extensively and is a merchant of fine goods, including porcelain, spices, and chocolate.
We have another member joining us soon, but I cannot give details until he is safely in France.
[Patricia leans forward as she listens.]
Wow, what talented friends! I’d love to hear more about how Alasdair saved your life, if you don’t mind. What did he save you from?
I struggled after I lost my first wife and daughter in the 1641 rebellion in Ireland. Alasdair saved me from myself.
[Patricia’s brows pinch together in sympathy.]
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m glad Alasdair was around to help you through such a hard time. Let’s move onto something a bit more lighthearted!
What makes you feel seen and appreciated?
Speaking for myself and the Garde as a whole, we do not seek to be seen nor appreciated for what we do.
Given the confidential nature of our work, it is to be expected.
I think that’s very noble of you. Many would want recognition, I think, or at least some semblance of appreciation.
[Patricia taps her chin, thinking.]
What’s your favorite season?
Summer. Military campaigning takes place in the summer and has kept me busy through the years.
My beloved and much longed-for daughter, Elouise, was born on a hot summer’s day in August 1654.
That’s wonderful! How old’s your daughter now? Do you get to see her much?
My daughter is now seventeen years old and has grown into a gracious young lady. I credit her mother and my wife Evelyne for her upbringing as I was away frequently during her childhood. However, when I am based in Paris, I make an effort to see her every day.
She sounds like a wonderful young lady! You must be very proud. And that’s great that you strive to see her as much as possible when opportunity allows.
Do you have any enemies right now?
Yes. Many. Some are known to us, others are unknown. We do our very best to keep France safe and secure.
Louis XIV is preparing to declare war on the United Provinces (Dutch Netherlands) and I fear there will be many more.
[Patricia’s expression sobers and she drums her fingers on the desk.]
I fear you’re probably right. Sometimes war is a necessity for protecting the ones we love, but there are always consequences like creating new enemies.
On a lighter note, what would you say is the best type of cheese?
All cheese is good for you but especially if it is French.
[Hamilton grins.]
His majesty and I both enjoy St Nectaire cheese. I particularly enjoy it washed down with some claret.
That does sound good!
[Patricia licks her lips and grins.]
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would that be?
To make peace with my past and return to the jovial nature of my youth in Ireland. However, I fear that it will never be possible.
It does sound like a difficult thing to do.
[Patricia taps her wrist.]
Looks like we have time for one last question! If you had to tell someone one piece of advice, what would that be?
Hold your loved ones close and appreciate them every day.
That is great advice.
[Patricia smiles warmly.]
Thank you so much for letting me come here and interview you, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton. I hope the war goes well and you’re able to protect all your loved ones!
End of interview.
Want to Read More?
Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton’s author, Kirsteen M MacKenzie, can be found on X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, BlueSky, and Threads. Join her newsletter here and check out her website, https://lagardeecossaise.net/. You can buy La Garde Ecossaise here.
See Ya Next Time
Aaand that's all the time we have today. Thank you, readers, for coming. And thank you, Lieutenant-Colonel Hamilton, for letting us get to know you! See y'all next time.
If you would like to submit a character to be interviewed for a future issue of Fable Features, please send an email to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Fable Features.
Please note that erotica and content with excessive vulgar language will not be accepted.
If you have questions you'd like Patricia Parrington to ask in a future interview, please submit them to linnae.writer@gmail.com with the subject line: Interview Questions.
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