TYTLER, WILLIAM, of Woodhouselee, one of the most strenuous defenders of Queen Mary, was born at Edinburgh 12th October 1711. He was the son of Mr Alexander Tytler, writer in Edinburgh, by Jane, the daughter of William Leslie, merchant in Aberdeen, and grand-daughter of Sir Patrick Leslie of Iden, provost of that city,—a cadet of the Leslies of Balquhain. He received his education at the High School and the University of his native city, and distinguished himself by an early proficiency in those classical studies which, to the latest period of his life, were the occupation of his leisure hours, and a principal source of his mental enjoyments. At the age of thirty-one he was admitted into the Society of Writers to the Signet, and till the time of his death he continued the practice of his profession with entire success. In September 1745, he married Anne Craig, daughter of Mr James Craig of Dalnair, writer to the signet, by whom he left two sons and a daughter. In 1759 he published his Inquiry, Historical and Critical, into the Evidence against Mary Queen of Scots, and an Examination of the Histories of Dr Robertson and Mr Hume, with respect to that Evidence. Here he warmly espoused the cause of that unfortunate princess, and attacked with severity the conduct of her enemies; effectually, for a time, turning the tide of opinion in her favour. On its first appearance, the book was much read in Britain, and was translated into French. He afterwards published the Poetical Remains of James the First, King of Scotland, Edinb. 1783, 8vo. This volume includes a dissertation on the life and writings of the royal author, and a Dissertation on the Scottish Music. He contributed several papers to the first volume of the Transactions of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. In the Lounger he wrote a single paper, No. 16. Tytler died on the 12th of September 1792. Of an ardent and enthusiastic temperament, in domestic life his character was particularly amiable. He was the kindest of husbands and most affectionate of fathers.