This sub-collection mainly consists of letters received during the period when Dundas was first lord of the Admiralty, 1812 to 1827. There are some papers concerning Lord Cochrane's secret plan of 1812, and letters from naval officers, including Admiral Sir Charles Rowley, Admiral Sir David Milne, Admiral Sir Graham Moore and Captain Sir George Grey.

Administrative / biographical background
Robert Saunders Dundas, only son of Henry Dundas, 1st Viscount Melville, entered Parliament as representative for Hastings, 1794 to 1796, Rye, 1796 to 1801 and Edinburghshire, 1801 to 1811. He first came into prominence when he defended his father against impeachment in 1806. In 1807 he was made President of the Board of Control. In 1809 he was briefly Irish Secretary before resuming his former office. From 1812 to 1827 he was First Lord of the Admiralty, resigning because he refused to serve under Canning. He held the office again from 1828 to 1830.