a cardinal of Scotch descent, was born at Rome, February 13, 1753. After entering the profession of a lawyer when still quite young, he attained a rare knowledge of Latin and philosophy, and was honored by Pius VI, who himself had been a lawyer. During the French revolution, Erskine was sent on an embassy to London. by that pontiff, remained there for eight years, and when he came back to Italy under Pius VII received the cardinal's hat. When afterwards he went to Paris he was welcomed by the consular government. Erskine died March 19, 1811. See Hoefer, Nouv. Biog. Generale, s.v.