| 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 | He has received Forbes's packet. Forbes's conduct has been prudent, benevolent and friendly. Sorry to have given so much trouble to Forbes, Arbuthnot, and Mr. Nairne. He did mishapprehend Lord Hailes, whose letter in the packet is very friendly [MS 30/2/190]. Chiefly concerns his history of Scotland and encloses specimen. Beattie resolves to remain at Aberdeen as long as belives his duty to self, family and public do not require to move to Edinburgh. The King, Archbishop of York, and Kinnoull all approve |