DUNCAN, Esq. of Culledon, lord president of the court of session in Scotland, was born in the year 1685. In his early life, he was brought up in a family remarkable for hospitality; which, perhaps, led him afterwards to a freer indulgence in social pleasures. His natural disposition inclined him to the army; but, as he soon discovered a superior genius, by the advice of his friends he applied himself to letters. He directed his studies particularly to the civil law; in which he made a quick progress, and in 1709 was admitted an advocate. From 1722 to 1737, he represented in parliament the boroughs of Inverness, Fortrose, Nairn, and Forres. In 1725, he was made king's advocate; and in 1737 lord president of the court of session. In the rebellions which broke out in Scotland in 1715 and 1745 he espoused the royal cause; but with so much prudence and moderation did he conduct himself at this delicate juncture, that not a whisper was at any time heard to his prejudice. The glory he acquired in advancing the prosperity of his country, and in contributing to re-establish peace and order, was the only reward of his services. He had even impaired, and almost ruined, his private fortune in the cause of the public; but government did not make him the smallest compensation. The minister, with a meanness for which it is difficult to account, desired to have a state of his disbursements. Shocked at the incivility and rudeness of this treatment, he left the minister without making any reply. Throughout the whole course of his life he had a lively sense of religion, without the least taint of superstition; and his charity was extended to every sect and denomination of religionists indiscriminately. He was well versed in the Hebrew language; and wrote in a flowing and oratorical style, concerning religion natural and revealed, some important discoveries in theology and philosophy, and concerning the sources of incredulity. He died in 1747, in the 62nd year of his age; and his works have since been published in two volumes octavo.