Forbes, Sir William, of Pitsligo

manuscript fair copies of fifty letters addressed to his children, each on a named religious topic, with a partially autograph signed preface ("Memorandum"), in at least two scribal hands, each volume with contents pages, volume 3 signed by the author at the end, text on rectos only, with footnoted references, scattered erasures and corrections and also occasional insertions on the facing versos in various hands, volume 2 with a bibolium of notes loosely inserted apparently by Bishop [Daniel] Sandford and volume 3 with a single leaf loosely inserted, paginated, altogether 1074 pages, bound in 3 volumes, large 4to (280 x 220mm.), preface dated 5 October 1803, tree calf with morocco lettering piece on spine ("Letters") and labelled 1-3;
[with:] sixteen additional letters, entitled "Letters on Study", with title page, content page, in a single scribal hand, text on rectos only, with occasional erasures and corrections, 263 pages, large 4to (287 x 222mm), c.1800, calf backed marbled boards, matching lettering piece and labelled 4;
[with:] thirteen additional letters, entitled "Letters on a right Conduct in regard to Society", with title page, content page, in a single scribal hand, text on rectos only, scattered erasures and corrections with occasional insertions on facing versos, 388 pages, large 4to (292 x 226mm.), c.1800, calf backed marbled boards, matching lettering piece and labelled 5 (5)

Sir William Forbes, bookplates in volumes 1-3

The Forbes Baronetcy was created in 1626 for Sir William Forbes (d. circa 1650) by James VI in the Barontage of Nova Scotia. The majority of the works offered here were acquired by the sixth Baronet, also William (1739-1806), who added Pitsligo to his title in 1781. He was an eminent Scottish banker and benefactor, good friend of James Boswell and Samuel Johnson (see lots 45-46), and finally succeeded in recovering the Pitsligo estates forfeited after the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. His son William, the seventh baronet, beat Sir Walter Scott to the hand of the renowned beauty Williamina Belsches Stuart (1776-1810), and it was with their marriage that the family moved to her family seat, Fettercairn House in Kincardineshire, Aberdeenshire.

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing unless otherwise stated
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Forbes's prefatory memorandum explains the origin of this extensive series of letters of advice to his children. They were begun soon after the birth of his eldest son, William, in December 1773. His first manuscript took about two years to complete, but over the years and decades that followed Forbes returned repeatedly to the work and the current volumes represent the third version of the text, including not only his own further thoughts and readings, but also revisions made on the advice of his friends (one such set of suggested changes is still found loosely inserted in the second volume). The final two volumes show Forbes expanding his remit beyond religious concerns.

"...Whenever I think of the infinite importance of those few years that are usually dedicated to the purposes of education, and which in a great measure determine the future happiness of mankind, both here and hereafter; I cannot help feeling for you the utmost degree of anxiety..."