| 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 | Beattie did not think James Hay Beattie's disorder would continue for so long. No cough or appearance of consumption, and very little pain, but very weak and emaciated. Laing attends him, and has sent details to Gregory, who a month ago had bad hopes. Symptoms more favourable since then. Laing thinks its nervour atrophy. Beattie's own health suffers from long confinement. Three weeks ago James Hay Beattie wanted to go on a journey, but unhappy to be more than half a day from medical assistance. Beattie thought Wilson, who had been brought up by Beattie, and been James Hay Beattie's companion since they were boys, might accompany them. Trained in physics by Skene. But surly, Dr Findlay, his partner at Fraserburgh, refused to release him. Laing will try to get him to change his mind. |