William Mirtle

On 22 December 1768, he was granted a coat of arms for “having been on the 7th day of January 1763 taken by a French Squadron cruising off Bengal in the East Indies and by desperate attempt overcoming the crew of the vessel whereon he was prisoner, by which success he regained his liberty and got safe to Calcutta where his critical intelligence of the enemy proved of essential service to the Commerce which the Factory testified by public thanks.

After which engaging as a volunteer he served with reputation having likewise had the happiness to succeed in establishing an important fir trade for masts in the interior parts of Bengal with the Mountain Rajas”.

Jean was the niece of Sir David Rannie (1 July 1716 - 17 November 1764),[2] who made a fortune with the East India Company, later returning to Scotland and purchasing Melville Castle.

In 1763 the French privateers Vengeur, Fidèle, and Condé,[5] were cruising in Balasore Roads and captured some English ships, which caused a great panic in Calcutta.

Crest: A Dexter Arm Erect encircled by a Myrtle Branch in the Hand a Scimitar proper Pommel and Hilt Gold on the Blade a Shackle severed Sable.