DALTON, JOHN (1725–1811)
Son of Capt. James Dalton of the 6th regt. : born 1725 : appointed to Hanmer's Marine regt., 1741 : 2nd Lt. of Marines on the Preston, 1743 ' to Fort St. David, 1745 : the French took Madras, 1746 : the Marine regts. being reduced at the peace with France, Dalton joined the Independent Companies under Admiral Boscawen (q.v.) : became a Captain in the E.I. Co.'s service : in the expedition to Devikota, 1749 : Muhammad Ali, son of Anwaruddin, late Nawab of the Carnatic, fled on his father's death to Trichinopoly and applied to the English for help : Dalton was in the force sent to his aid : was in the retreat at Volkonda, June, 19, 1751 : at Wootatoor and at Kistnavaram : in the fighting on behalf of Muhammad Ali against Chanda Sahib (q.v.) near Trichinopoly : Dalton made Commandant there, Jime, 15, 1752, to keep it for Muhammad Ali against the Dalwai (the Regent of Mysore), and Morari Rao the Mahratta : defended it with great skill and coiurage against famine, treachery, blockade and the French also : relieved by Major Stringer Lawrence, May, 6, 1753, and again Sep. 21 : resigned the E.I. Co.'s service March I, 1754. and returned to England : died July 11, 1811.