 when these three were together, their greatest work was who should
make the finest and sharpest roundel, and breathe the quickest jests upon one
another, and to tell what valiant acts they were to do, and who could laugh
loudest and most heartily among them; and when at any time they came out to the
country, whatever other things they had, they were careful each of them to have
a great flask of brandy with them, which was very heavy to some, particularly to
Mr. Cameron, Mr. Cargill, and Henry Hall - I shall name no more.« - Faithful
Contendings, p. 198.
 
35 In Crichton's Memoirs, edited by Swift, where a particular account of this
remarkable person's dress and habit is given, he is said never to have worn
boots. The following account of his rencounter with John Paton of Meadowhead,
showed, that in action at least he wore pretty stout ones, unless the reader he
inclined to believe in the truth of his having a charm, which made him proof
against lead.
»Dalzell,« says Paton's biographer, »advanced the whole left wing of his army on
Colonel Wallace's right. Here Captain Paton behaved with great courage and
gallantry. Dalzell, knowing him in the former wars, advanced upon him himself,
thinking to take him prisoner. Upon his approach, each presented his pistol. On
their first discharge, Captain Paton perceiving his pistol-ball to hop upon
Dalzell's boots, and knowing what was the cause, (he having proof), put bis hand
in his pocket for some small pieces of silver he had there for the purpose, and
put one of them into his other pistol. But Dalzell, having his eye upon him in
the meanwhile, retired behind his own man, who by that means was slain.«
 
                            Dalzell's Proclamation.
 
I Generall Thomas Dalyell Lieutenant General of his Majesties Forces Doe
sincerely affirm and declare that I judge it unlawfull for subjects upon
pretence for Reformation or other pretences quatsoever to enter Leagues and
Covenants or to rise up in armes against the King or those commissionat by him;
and that all these gatherings, Convocations, Petitions, Protestations, erecting
and keeping of Councill tables that were used in the beginning and for carrying
on the late troubles were unlawfull and seditious and particularly these oathes
quherof the one is commonly called the Nationall Covenant (as it was sworne and
explained in the year 1638 and thereafter) and the other entituled a Solemn
League and Covenant, etc. etc.
At Edinburgh 1st May 1685.
                                                                        Dalyell.
 
36 This was the
