Robertson, William

historian, born in Borthwick, Mid loth i an; was educated in Edinburgh; entered the Church; became minister of Gladsmuir; distinguished himself in the General A embly of the Church; became leader of the Moderate party; one of the ministers of Grey friars Church, Edinburgh, and Principal of the University, having previously written his "History of Scotland," which brought him other honours, and which was followed by a "History of Charles V." and a "History of America," all of which contributed to awaken an interest in historical studies; he was what is called a "Moderate" to the backbone, and his cronies were men more of a sceptical than a religious turn of mind, David Hume being one of the number; while his history of Scotland, however well it may be written, as Carlyle testifies, is no history of Scotland at all (1721-1793)