1801 DAVID JOHNSTON. Scottish Minister Assists the Poor in His Parish - Founded Asylum for the Blind.

A nicely preserved early 19th century letter by Reverend Dr. David Johnston (1734–1824), a prominent Church of Scotland minister who served for nearly sixty years at the North Leith Parish Church, having been presented to the charge in 1765. Highly regarded for his civic devotion and philanthropic work across the Edinburgh area, Johnston is today remembered as the co-founder of the Edinburgh Asylum for the Industrious Blind in 1793 alongside Dr. Thomas Blacklock. He also served as Chaplain in Ordinary to King George III, a role in which he was offered a knighthood in 1812, which he famously declined.

Written by Johnston in 1801, during this period, ministers like Johnston functioned not only as spiritual leaders but also as key administrators of local poor relief, community welfare, and civic governance in major Scottish port towns like Leith. Correspondence from this era provides insight into the social networks, parish management, and institutional initiatives that defined Enlightenment-era Scotland and the development of early modern charitable institutions.

Addressed to Revd Mr. Moody. Perth

The letter, in full:

Leith 13 Feby 1801

Dear Sir

In consequence of your letter respecting Dav: Graham, I wrote to the Duke of *****, and you have his answer inclosed. I hope your ** session will have no difficulty in complying with his Grace's proposal, as the poor man would certainly become a burden on your parish. By contributing the sum of 7.10 your parish will be effectively relieved, and the poor man will be put in a way to earn his bread. I shall have a more unfavourable opinion of your **** session than I am disposed to entertain, if they should hesitate a moment.

Believe me to be, My Dear Sir
Yours Faithfully
Dav: Johnston. 

Please return the Duke's letter [not present]