He was also an author, though this was the least of his merits.

He was an appreciative patron of literature, and gave large sums for the best books of the day.
Mr.Elliot, whose place of business was in the Parliament Close, and whose daughter subsequently married Mr.Murray's son the subject of this biography, was a publisher of medical and surgical works, and Mr.Murray was his agent for the sale of these in London.

We find from Mr.Elliot's letters that he was accustomed to send his parcels of books to London by the Leith fleet, accompanied by an armed convoy.

In June 1780 he wrote: "As the fleet sails this evening, and the schooner carries 20 guns, I hope the parcel will be in London in four or five days"; and shortly afterwards: "I am sending you four parcels of books by the _Carran_, which mounts 22 guns, and sails with the _Glasgow_ of 20 guns." The reason of the Edinburgh books being conveyed to London guarded by armed ships, was that war was then raging, and that Spain, France, and Holland were united against England.

The American Colonies had also rebelled, and Paul Jones, holding their commission, was hovering along the East Coast with three small ships of war and an armed brigantine.