| Administrative History | James Boswell (1740 - 1795). The friend and biographer of Samuel Johnson, who appears to have been an early friend of Beattie, though it is unclear when they first met. He is first mentioned in the Beattie correspondence in 1770. He introduced Beattie to Johnson in 1771. |
| Description | Letter from James Boswell, Edinburgh, to James Beattie, London, mentioning Sir William Forbes' [Sir William Forbes, of Pitsligo, sixth baronet (1739–1806), banker and benefactor] desire for Boswell to tell Beattie about Samuel Johnson. Letter talks about Samuel Johnson's intention to travel for six weeks. Boswell writes about how, when and where in London Beattie can find Johnson. Also Boswell writes that he wishes to hear about Beattie's meeting with Johnson and gives advice on how Beattie should talk with him. |