| 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 | Death of Forbes's daughter. Beattie's health. Spent yesterday with Moir, Cumine, Mercer, Livingston etc. Porteus confident Priestley's book will be forgotten by the end of year, and thinks Beattie should not answer directly, but put marginal note in the next edition of Essay. Will send copy of letter he wrote in answer to Bishop of Winchester's generous offer. Fifth edition of first part of Minstrel now printed. Third edition of second part will soon be sold off. Beattie has received 112 guineas from sales of The Minstrel, and property of future edition is still in his hands. Elected to Zealand Society of Arts- should send and essay once in six years. |