orig. John Stuart
born May 25, 1713, Edinburgh, Scot.
died March 10, 1792, London, Eng.
Scottish-born British statesman.
He was the tutor and constant companion of the future George III ; when the latter ascended to the throne, he named Bute secretary of state (1761). As prime minister (1762–63), Bute negotiated the peace ending the Seven Years' War , but, having failed to create a stable administration, he resigned in 1763.