Dalyell, or DALZELL, THOMAS

Dalyell, or DALZELL, THOMAS, a Scottish general famed for his zeal in the repression of the Covenanters, was born about 1599, the son of Thomas Dalyell of Binns, Linlithgowshire. Entering the army at an early age he was made a general major of foot by Charles II. in 1650; and excluded from Cromwell's Act of Grace, he entered the service of Russia and distinguished himself in the wars against the Tartars and Turks. At the request of Charles II. he was permitted to return home, and in 1666 was appointed commander-in-chief in Scotland with the view of repressing the Covenanters. On 28th November he defeated them at Rullion Green, in the Pentlands, and, in Burnet's words, 'acting the Muscovite too grossly,' made his name a byword of terror. A very devoted royalist, he is said never to have shaved his beard after the execution of Charles I. He died 23d August 1685.