Record

CollectionGB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
LevelItem
Ref NoMS 30/2/259
TitleRobert Arbuthnot to James Beattie from Edinburgh
Date6 August 1776
Extent1 Item
Administrative HistoryRobert Arbuthnot [1728-1803] was a member of a distinguished Jacobite/ Episcopalian family. He was brought up and later owned Haddo-Rattray House, north of Peterhead. He was a merchant and then a banker in the firm of Arbuthnot and Guthrie, which failed in 1772. He then moved to Edinburgh where he bacame secretary of the Board for the Encouragement of Manufacturies and Fisheries in Scotland. He befriended Beattie after Beattie moved to Aberdeen in 1758, and became for some years his principal poetic adviser and promoter. He negotiated on Beattie's behalf and often in conjuction with Sir William Forbes, with the booksellers over several of the publications
DescriptionCreech says he has written to Beattie about a new magazine and review. [Gilbert] Stuart has lost many friends by his injurious and petulant manner [ in his articles in the Edinburgh Magazine and Review, attacks on Lord Monboddo's The Origin and Progress of Language]. Creech agreed there is a favourable opening for something conducted with more temper and moderation, and Arbuthnot therefore asks Beatie's assistance. Anything by Beattie would greatly add to its reputation, but Arbuthnot does not want him to injurre his health
Access StatusOpen
Add to My Items