ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

I am indebted to the many people who, over many years, have contributed, directly or otherwise, to this book. To those sources already mentioned in the text, I would also like to acknowledge my debt to the staff of the Mitchell Library; the National Library; the Scottish Record Office; and to librarians in Dumfries and Hamilton.

I also wish to re-affirm my gratitude to the Committee of the Allan Ramsay Library, for the opportunity to be involved in its affairs and for access to its collection. Indeed if it had not been for this connection, it is safe to say the book might never have been written.

Finally, I would add my thanks to my own family, in particular my wife Helen for her support, and now to my sons, William and George, for respectively initiating this WebSite and setting it up.

January, 2000