Letters to Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville and others regarding appointment of Aberdeen clergy to vacant King's Chaplaincies MS. 2011/1 10 February 1820 Letter from Dr. Duncan Mearns, King's College, Aberdeen to Earl of Aberdeen. Puts forward claim to 'be considered for appointment to one of the deaneries of the Chapel Royal in Scotland vacant since the death of Dr. Muter of Kirkcudbright, and asks to be recommended to Lord Melville; if application is too late for present vacancy Mearns wishes to be considered for one of the other royal chaplaincies when vacant; asks if it would be improper to request a recommendation from the Bishop of London (William Howley, 1766-1848). MS. 2011/2 12 February 1820 Letter from A[lexander] Brebner, Provost, Council Chamber, Aberdeen to Rt. Hon. Viscount Melvllle. He recommends Rev. Dr. Duncan Mearns, Professor of Divinity at King's College, for deanery of the Chapel Royal rendered vacant by the death of Dr. Muter. A pencilled draft of reply appended states that someone had already been selected for this preferment. MS. 2011/3 13 February 1820 Letter written by [Alexander Gordon, 4th] Duke of Gordon, Gordon Castle to Rev. Duncan Mearns, D.D. He acknowledges recent letter requesting recommendation for preferment but cannot be of assistance on this occasion as duke had previously applied unsuccessfully on behalf of Professor [Patrick] Forbes. If Professor Forbes has not applied again now, Gordon might be able to assist Mearns, whom he advises to contact Lord Aberdeen, who is on the spot in London. MS. 2011/4 [14 February 1820] Letter from Rev. Dr. Duncan Mearns, King's College, [Aberdeen] to [Earl of Aberdeen]. Encloses MS 2011/3 just received from Duke of Gordon in reply to request for assistance in obtaining preferment as outlined in earlier letter to Aberdeen (see MS 2011/1). Professor Forbes has no intention of applying for the vacancy. MS. 2011/5 19 February 1820 Letter from Earl of Aberdeen, Argyle House, to Rt. Hon Viscount Melville. Encloses two letters from Dr. Mearns (MS 2011/1 and MS 2011/4) for his attention. He cannot make any specific request on Mearns' behalf. He was writer's parish minister [at Tarves, Aberdeenshire] for many years, when he became acquainted with the Bishop of London, who had a favourable opinion of his attainments. 1820