Andrew Dalziel, A.M., F.R.S.

The accompanying text in the volume begins as follows:

"The title given to the Portraiture of this gentleman has reference to the memorable struggle for the office of Clerk to the General Assembly, which occured in 1789. His opponent, Dr Carlyle of Inveresk, (who has already been noticed in a preceding part of this work,) was supported by the moderate or Government party, and Mr Dalziel by the popular, or, as they were then called, " the Wild Party."

After a keen discussion— on an amendment proposed by Henry Erskine, (then Dean of Faculty,) that the election should proceed under the proviso of a retrospective scrutiny of the votes, which was carried in the affirmative- the two candidates were then put in nomination, viz. " Dr Carlyle, proposed by Dr Gerard of Aberdeen and the Solicitor-General; and Professor Dalziel, proposed by Dr Bryce of Johnston and the Dean of Faculty; and the vote having been put, it carried by 145 to 142 (being a majority of three) in favour of Dr Carlyle. The Moderator (Dr George Hill) being desired to declare in what manner he would give his casting vote, if, upon a scrutiny, there should appear an equality of votes, declared that he gave his vote for Dr Carlyle.

"The Dean of Faculty then moved for a committee of scrutiny in behalf of Professor Dalziel; and Principal Davidson made the same demand on the part of Dr Carlyle. A committee was accordingly named, consisting of ten members on each side, together with the Moderator; after which the roll of the Assembly, marked agreeably to the amendment, was sealed up upon the notion of the Dean of Faculty.

"Dr Carlyle took his place and the oath as Clerk, and addressed the Assembly in a short speech, thanking them for the honour they had conferred upon him; and declaring that he reckoned it the chief glory of his life to have always stood forward in defence of the Church of Scotland against fanaticism.

"No less than 287 members voted on this occasion. The Assembly consists in all of 364; and, it is said, the greatest number ever known to have voted before this time was 221."