| 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 | Account with Creech settled. He has also received account from Cadell, with balance of £39-14s in Beattie's favour, so Beattie is in a fair way to get out of accounts of booksellers. He has had an account for Moir, and receipt for £51-3s. Apologizes for abrupt conclusion to last letter. Dun has read the Miscellany with great attention, praised Beattie, and expressed affection for the memory of James Hay Beattie. He had said formerly he would pay half expenses of publication, but no further mention. Beattie glad since Dun cannot now give away half the edition to people who would make no good use of them. |