| Administrative History | George Thomson [1757-1851] Collector of Scottish music. Friend of Robert Burns. Compiler of A Select Collection of Original Scottish Airs for the Voice (1798) |
| Description | Arbuthnot has told him Beattie approves of his plans concerning Scottish songs and that he would endevour to comply with Thomson's request. Therefore sends Beattie some specimen of the music and poetry. Has resolved to furnish new verses in place of those which are poorly or indelicately written, and to give an additional song in the english language to every one of the airs that has Scottish words. submits two songs written for the work, 'Oh open the door, love Gregory' in English, and 'Highland Mary' in Scottish, to be substituted for Alan Ramsay's insipid and vulgar stanzas to the tune of 'Kath'rine Ogie' |