MEL'VIL, MELYILE, or MELVILLE, Sir JAMES, of Ha (1535-1617). A Scotch soldier, mat, and historical writer. Ile was the third son of Sir John MeIvil of Melville of Haiti'', Scotland, who was convicted and executed at Stirling on charges of high treason on account of his devo tion to the principles of the P,eformation. Young Nelvil was sent to France and became page of honor to the Bishop of Valence, and was after wards attached to the service of Constable Mont morenci. Under him lie saw his first military service in Flanders in 1553, and in 1557 was taken prisoner at the battle of Saint Quentin. Two years after he obtained his release and was dispatched to Scotland on a secret mission. Dur ing his absence occurred the tourna Men t in Nvhieli Montmorenei killed Henry IT.; and at Melvil's return he judged it best to turn his steps toward Germany, where he was employed by the Elector Palatine. While on a visit to France in 1561 he met Queen Mary of Scotland, to whom he tendered his allegia Dee and Sword. In 1564 he returned to his native land and presented himself to Mary at Perth. Shortly afterwards he was sent to England, as ambassador to Queen Elizabeth.
Again in 1566 he was sent to England to hear the news of the birth of an heir to the Scottish throne. lle adhered to the Queen so long as there appeared to be any hope of her ultimate success, but after she was committed to Loch leven Castle, was sent by the nobles to offer the regency to the Earl of Murray. During Morton's regency he retired from Court, hut when James began to reign, was received with favor. He was knighted and appointed Privy Councilor and Gen tleman of the Bedchamber to Queen Anne. On ,James's accession to the English throne. Melvil retired into private life and died at Hallhill, November 13, 1617. The Memoirs of Sir JR MCS Mara of Dunhill; Containing an Impartial Account of the Most Remarkable Affairs of State During the Lust Age, etc., accidentally discovered in Edinburgh Castle in 1660, were published in 1683 by his grandson, George Scott, hut in an incomplete form. An accurate edition was printed in 1827-33 at Edinburgh. by the Ban natyne Club, and is of great historic value.