.BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES. 181
tion in being enabled, from the gradual increase of his salary, to contribute to
her comforts. By his undeviating rectitude, steady application, and the display
of very superior qualifications for the profession, he had early attracted the
notice of Messrs. Coutts, with whom he was, in 1761, admitted into partnership,
with only a small share in the profits. Owing to the death of one of these
gentlemen, and the retirement of the other on account of bad health (the other
two brothers being settled in London), a new company was formed in 1763,
consisting of Sir William Forbes, Mr. James Hunter (afterwards Sir James
Hunter Blair), and Sir Robert Herries. Although neither of the Messrs. Coutts
had any share in the new concern, the firm continued under the old name until
1773, when, on the withdrawal of Sir Robert Herries, who forme& a separate
establishment in London, the name of the firm was changed to that of Forbes,
Hunter, and Co. Sir William was at the head of the concern, over which he
ever after continued to preside, and the uncommon success which attended its
operations is in no small degree attributable to his peculiar sagacity and prudence.
In 1783 the Company commenced to issue notes, which obtained an extent of
credit almost without parallel.
Sir William married, in 1770, the eldest daughter of Dr. (afterwards Sir
James) Hay, which event obliged him to separate from the " venerated guide of
his infant years," who lived to a good old age, happy in the growing prosperity
and kind attention of her son.'
Sir William had now fairly commenced that career of usefulness which so
much distinguished his long life. Naturally of a benevolent disposition, his
attention was early directed to the charitable institutions of the city, many of
which, previous to his taking an interest in them, were in a languishing state.
The Charity Workhouse, of which he became a Manager in 1771, felt, in an
especial manner, the effects of his persevering solicitude. In 1777 he published
a pamphlet on the improvement of this institution, which was characterised as
'' full of practical knowledge and enlightened benevolence ;I' and he continued
through life to take an active interest in its welfare. Of the Orphan Hospital,
too, he was a Manager for many years, and always, from 1774, one of its most
zealous and efficient directors.
The erection of the late High School, in which Sir Walter Scott and other
eminent men were educated, is another proof of Sir William's public spirit as a
citizen, and his active perseverance and power of overcoming difficulties. He
was a zealous Manager of the Royal Infirmary, to which, at his death, he left
Q200. The Lunatic and Blind Asylums owed much to his exertions ; and, in
short, no improvements were contemplated, and no benevolent work projected,
which did not find in Sir William ready and efficient support.
In accordance with a long-cherished desire of restoring his family, which had
been reduced by attainder, to its former dignity and fortune, Sir William
embraced a favourable opportunity of purchasing seventy acres of the upper
1 She died in 1789.
