| 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 | Apologizes that he has been too busy to write. Has been with Porteus, now with Sir William Mayne. Reasons for refusing great church living offered by Bishop of Winchester, of £650 per annum, are much approved, even by those who still want Beattie to enter the church. Saw the King at court who knew and spoke to him. Priestley's book condemned by everyone Beattie has met. Beattie not replying, because it would gratify Priestley if wrote against him. Forbes had wished to see curious poem written by Mercer, Arbuthnot and Co. Encloses several stanzas of own composition, not inferior he humbly trusts to the original. |