persons of the surname at this day; and by none more deservedly than Commander Dalyell.
The above anecdote is detailed in “Nisbett’s System of Heraldry,” Vol. I. and “Crawford’s Peerape of Scotland,” p. 67. We read also, in a work called “Scoti-chronicon,” of Sir William Dalyell, a Scottish champion, who was celebrated at the battle of Otterburn (in 1388), where he lost an eye; and the chroniclers of the time exultingly dwell on his prowess. Descending to more modern times, we find the name of General Thomas Dalyell (an immediate ancestor of the commander), who distinguished himself by his attachment to the royal family during the civil wars. In the reign of Charles I. he commanded the town and garrison of Carrickfergus, where he was taken prisoner. He was again made captive, when major-general, at the battle of Worcester (A.D. 1651), and committed to close confinement in the Tower: his estates were forfeited, and himself excepted from Cromwell’s general act of indemnity. However, he made his escape, and, at the head of a small party, raised the royal standard in the north of Scotland. When it proved impossible, for the time being, to retrieve the fortunes of Charles II. this warrior repaired to the continent, bearing strong recommendations from that prince to foreign powers, for courage and fidelity; and having entered into the service of the Czar Alexis Michaelowitch, he was soon promoted to the rank of general in the Russian army. There he was employed in the wars with the Turks and Tartars: but the restoration of t!»e family of Stuart, having in the mean time taken place, he requested permission to return to his native country. The Czar, thereupon, directed a testimony of his services, written in Russian, to pass under the great seal of the empire; and it is still preserved by his descendants. After enumerating the titles of the Czar, it proceeds thus:
“He (General Dalyell) formerly came hither to serve our great Czarian Majesty. Whilst he was with us, he stood against bur enemies and fought valiantly. The military men that were placed under his command, he regulated and disciplined, and himself led them to battle; and he did and performed every thing faithfully as becoming a noble commander. For his trusty services, we were pleased to order him to be made a general. And now, having petitioned us to give him leave to return to his own country, we are pleased to command, that the said noble general, who is worthy of all honor, Thomas, the son of Thomas Dalyell, shall have leave to go into his own country. And, by this patent, we do certify of him, that he is a man of virtue and honor, and of great experience in military affairs; and in case he should be willing again to serve our Czarian majesty, he is to let us know of it beforehand, and he shall come into the dominions of our Czarian majesty with our safe passports, &c. &c. Given at our court in the metropolitan city of Moscow, in the year, from the creation of the world, 7173, January 6th.”
On his return to Scotland, this renowned general was immediately ap-
