Letter from William Thomson to David Steuart Erskine, 1792.

Scope and Content

Autograph letter signed, William Thomson to David Steuart Erskine, earl of Buchan, at Dryburgh Abbey.

Concerning the publication by Debrett's of Erskine's Essays on the lives and writings of Fletcher of Saltoun [London, 1792] together with observations on the earl's brothers as students at the university of St Andrews.Signed William Thomson.London, 11 March 1792.

Administrative / Biographical History

William Thomson (1746-1817) studied theology at St Andrews University and at Edinburgh, despite being the son of a carpenter. He was ordained in 1776 as assistant in the parish of Monivaird in Perthshire, but found the restrictions of ministerial life too constraining, and resigned 2 years later. He moved to London and tried to make a living as a writer, eventually gaining great success. He could turn his hand to histories, biography, Bible commentary, novels, plays, travelogues, memoirs and philosophical tracts. He briefly owned the English Review and wrote most of its articles. He also wrote under various pseudonyms.

David Steuart Erskine (1742-1829), 11th earl of Buchan, Scottish antiquarian and political reformer.

Arrangement

Single item

Access Information

By appointment with the Keeper of Manuscripts. Access to records containing confidential information may be restricted.

Acquisition Information

Purchased from Ifan Kyrle Fletcher for one guinea, 20 February 1953.

Note

Call number used to be ms1404

Other Finding Aids

Individual Manuscripts and Small Collections database available as part of Manuscripts Database.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Paper: 1 sheet, 37x22.5cm folded.

Archivist's Note

Description compiled by Maia Sheridan, Archives Hub project archivist, based on material from the Manuscripts Database

Conditions Governing Use

Applications for permission to quote should be sent to the Keeper of Manuscripts. Reproduction subject to usual conditions: educational use and condition of documents.

Accruals

None