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Erskine (THOMAS a Scotch baron born)

THOMAS, a Scotch baron; born in Edinburgh, Jan. 21, 1750; became a noted forensic orator and jurist, attaining most of his renown as a a pleader in support of the accusations of corruption made against Lord Sandwich; later he added to his success by his defense of Stockdale, Hardy, Thomas Paine, Horne Tooke, and others. He was a member of the House of Commons in 1790-1806. About the latter date he was created Baron Erskine of Restormel, on becoming lord-chancellor. He died near Edinburgh, Nov. 17, 1823.