the 1st Maritime Regiment, he commanded this ship until January 1693 and led her into the battles of Barfleur and La Hogue. On 8 February 1693, he was promoted to Rear Admiral of the Blue, hoisting his flag aboard the to escort the king across to Holland. He then joined the main fleet under joint admirals Shovell, Delaval and Killigrew, with the as his flagship. He was knighted by William III, apparently informally, about May 1694 before he joined Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford's grand fleet, but was officially dubbed a Knight Bachelor at Kensington, London, on 6 December 1698. He was a Commissioner of the Admiralty from 1699 to 1702 and a Member of the Lord High Admiral's Council 1702 to 1708. He obtained numerous royal honours and appointments, including that of Gentleman Usher of the Black Rod. Because of his naval knowledge, he became a close professional friend of Tsar Peter the Great. David Mitchell's coat of arms are stated by De Neve to be appropriated for his tomb without justification from the Mitchells of Tillygrieg ('he bears arms, but hath no right', citing his humble background). During the Grand Embassy of Peter the Great in 1697-1699, Mitchell captained the flagship York, which brought him to England. During the voyage the Tsar was given instruction on ship handling by Mitchell, mostly in Dutch since they were both fluent in it. At the Tsar's request, Mitchell was assigned as his official escort and translator during the nearly six months Peter was in London. References Sources archives at RootsWeb.com 1650s births 1710 deaths Military personnel from Edinburgh Lords of the Admiralty Scottish admirals Royal Navy vice admirals Scottish politicians Gentlemen Ushers Ushers of the Black Rod Knights Bachelor