| Administrative History | Sir William Forbes [1739-1806] Banker, longstanding friend and later biographer of Beattie. From an Episcopalian family, and related to Lord Forbes of Pistligo, whose estates were confiscated for his part in the 1745 rebellion. He was apprenticed to Coutt's bank, becoming a partner in Forbes, Hunter and Co in 1773. He was well-known in literary circles in Edinburgh and London. Beattie met him in Edinburgh in 1765, introduced by Robert Arbuthnot. Forbes was Beattie's banker, adviser on literary matters, and general confidant |
| Description | Brief note. Today wrote Latin epitaph for Blacklock [enclosed, also some Greek following the Latin inscription], which has not other merit than simplicity and truth. Beattie is in such a state that there may be gross blunders, so please show to Dr Gregory, Fraser, Tyler, and Arbuthnot. |