DALRYIVIPLE, Sir .Jour, second Earl of Stair (1673-1747). A Scottish general and diplo mat. The second son of the first Earl and grandson of Viscotint Stair, he was born in Edin burgh, July 20, 1673. When eight years old, he killed his elder brother by the accidental dis charge of a pistol. Alienated from parental affection by this unhappy circumstance, he was placed under the care of a clergyman, who, by prudence and kindness, developed the excellent qualities of the youth. lle proceeded to Leyden University, where he won a reputation for schol arship, and, after completing his curriculum at Edinburgh. in 1701, accepted a commission as lieutenant-colonel of the Scottish Regiment of Foot-guards, and gained high distinction in Marlborough's campaigns. In 1711 he retired from the army, and when George 1. succeeded to the throne, Dalrymple, who had become Earl of Stair by the death of his father in 1707, was made Lord of the Bed Chamber, Privy Councilor, and Commander-in-Chief of the Forces of Scot land. The following year he went as ambassador to France, and exhibited the highest ability in counteracting the schemes for the reinstatement of the Pretender. But, as he refused to flatter
his countryman, Law, then high in favor with the regent Orleans, he was recalled. For twenty t•o years he lived in retirement at Newliston, near Edinburgh, and devoted himself chiefly to scientific agriculture, in which he originated dis tinct advancements. He was the first to plant turnips and cabbages in the open fields. In 1742 he was sent as ambassador to Holland. and in the following year served under George If. at the battle of Dettingen. Later he was made Commander-in-Chief of the forces of Great Brit ain. He died in Edinburgh, May 9, 1747. His Countess, a beautiful and cultured woman, who survived him twelve years, is the heroine of Scott's novel My Aunt Margery's Mirror. Con sult Graham, Annals and Correspondence of the Viscount and First and Second Earls of Stair (Edinburgh, IS75).