M.P. and member of the Board of Trade.

M.P. for Dysart Burghs (1741-47, 1754-68) and Fife (1747-54). Whig; specialized in trade policy. Commander of the navy (1745-47). Lord of Trade (1751-59). Lord of the Treasury (1759-63). Member of Privy Council (1763). Joint vice-treasurer of Ireland (1763-67).

Son of Capt. James Oswald of Dysart, Fife. Educated at Edinburgh, Lincoln’s Inn, and Leyden. Married Elizabeth (Townshend) Reynardson (1747); one son.