Dundas, Henry, 1st Viscount Melville and Baron Dunira 1742-1811
Scottish jurist and politician

Admitted to the Scottish Bar in 1763, he was successively advocate-depute and Solicitor-General. In 1774 he became MP for Midlothian, in 1775 Lord Advocate, and in 1777 Keeper of the Signet for Scotland. Elected in opposition to the current administration, he soon became a strenuous supporter of Lord North and one of the most obstinate defenders of the war with America. When North resigned in 1781 Dundas continued as Lord Advocate under the Marquis of Rockingham. On the formation of the coalition he passed over to William Pitt, the Younger, and became his ablest coadjutor. When Pitt returned to power in 1784 Dundas was appointed president of the Board of Control, and introduced a bill for restoring the Scottish estates forfeited after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion. He resigned with Pitt in 1801, and in 1802, under the Addington (see Sidmouth) administration, was made Viscount Melville and Baron Dunira. For 30 years he was the effective ruler of Scotland. In 1805 he was impeached for 'gross malversation and breach of duty' as Treasurer of the Navy, but was acquitted by his peers on all charges involving his honour.