| Administrative History | George Thomson [1757-1851] Collector of Scottish music. Friend of Robert Burns. Compiler of A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice (1798) |
| Description | Agrees with Beattie's opinion but, since it would offend the generality of Scotch people to omit all broad Scotch words, he is contenting itself with removing the silly and exceptionable verses. Thanks Beattie for excellent verses to 'Kath'rine Ogie'. Sends a poem by Burns 'Oh mirk is this midnight hour'. Rather than write more verses, Thomson hopes Beattie will extend and adapt the observations on Scottish pastoral music from his essays on music and poetry. Burns, when told of the possibility, greatly apporved and said 'Dr Beattie's essay will of itself be a treasure'. Beattie's letter gives Thomson some hope about the essay and he apologetically asks for an answer |