by Mr. Dalyell to our countrymen, and in return allow him, upon the express application we have now the honor of making, to return to his native country, upon such conditions as it may please your Excellency to determine.
“In case your Excellency should not have it in your power to comply with our application to its whole extent, permit us to supplicate you to allow Mr. Dalyell six months’ leave of absence, during which he might be empowered to return to the bosom of his family, where his presence, for the arrangement of bis private affairs, is indispensably necessary. Should your Excellency require it, knowing tbe sentiments of honor and sincerity which animate that officer, we offer without fear to assume the responsibility that you may deem needful to impose for his re-appearance at the expiration of his leave of absence. Desirous of obtaining from your justice this act of benevolence, we claim it with the utmost confidence, and have the honor to be, with most profound respect, &c. &c. &c.”
In Dec. following, without any previous anticipation. Lieutenant Dalyell received from the Due de Feltre his passport to return to England; which favor he attributed to the effects of the above memorial. Universally respected, it is not too much to say, that every one who knew him rejoiced in his good fortune. On this happy occasion, the then senior British naval officer at Verdun supplied him with a testimonial thus worded:
“This is to certify, that Lieutenant Dalyell, R.N. has conducted himself, during his long captivity, in a regular gentleman-like manner; that by the late commandant, Baron de Beauchesne, he was apppointed one of the Council of Administration, in which situation he took care, as far as lay in his power, that justice was done to his countrymen; and that I know, from the confidence the present commandant. Major de Meulan, has placed in him, he has been enabled to render important services to several of his fellow-prisoners. Given under my hand, at Verdun on the Meuse, the 20th of Dec. 1813.
On the 17th Feb. 1814, a few days after his return to England, Lieutenant Dalyell was promoted to the rank of commander. The Committee of the Patriotic Fund soon afterwards presented him with a handsome sword, value £50; and on the 9th Mar. following, he was acquainted by Mr. Croker, that the Admiralty had “been pleased to confirm the pension of five shillings a day,” which had been granted to
