Gilbert John Elliot Murray Kynynmound (1845- 1914), who was styled Viscount Melgund from 1859 and succeeded as Earl of Minto in 1891. He served in the army in the Russo-Turkish War, 1877, in Afghanistan, 1879, and in Egypt, 1882; from 1883 to 1886 he was Military Secretary to the 5th Marquess of Lansdowne, Governor-General of Canada, from 1898 to 1904 he was himself Governor-General of Canada, and from 1905 to 1910 he was Viceroy of India. He was also much involved in local affairs, especially in the Volunteer Movement. The papers cover all aspects of his career, and are particularly rich for the history of Canada and India.

Gilbert John Elliot Murray Kynynmound, the 4th Earl of Minto is referred to throughout this section simply as 'the 4th Earl of Minto'. His wife is referred to as 'the Countess of Minto'. Unless otherwise stated letters are to, and correspondence of, the 4th Earl of Minto.