The family of Irving is from Scotland, in the northern part of which kingdom it was (as an ancient record quoted by Chambers the historian, and by Sir Walter Scott, observes.) " an ancient and principal family." Very frequent mention is made of them in the early annals of that country ; and in several instances they are spoken of by the above named writers as possessing a distinguished position and great influence among the baronial families of the north-east counties.
An old and curious manuscript history of this family is preserved by one of them in this country, entitled, "The original of the Family of Irvines, or Erivines, written by Christopher Irvine, M. A., State Physician and History-grapher to his majesty, King Charles the Second, in Scotland, and gent to his brother Sir Gerard Irvine, Bart., of Castle
a Knickerbocker Matmruu.. C'pon pood authority McDonald says that " Jac >>> van Tassel was during the Revolutionary war, a lieutenant of militia, etc. W hile in the service 01
„ ' ; ..« 1 , 1 r 1 i , 1 tu-n v,virs mid four months.
hou~i' and quarters 10. me omoer.s ami men, eie. 111 nn- niumu ^ ,„...,..,,,....•,.. ...
man <>f wa r, lying In the river, lauded a large party of men, and, after driving th • guards off, re to his "house and out-liouses, and destroyed or tooR away all his .-; >ek. cattle, grain, ure and farming implements, etc" McDonald MSS., in possession of Geo. Moore, of