James Harris (grammarian)

The death of his father in 1733 brought him an independent fortune and Malmesbury House in Salisbury's Cathedral Close.

He adapted the words for a selection from Italian and German composers (subsequently published by the cathedral organist Joseph Corfe).

One of them, Damon and Amaryllis was produced by David Garrick at Drury Lane, as debut piece for the singer Thomas Norris.

[5] In 1741 John Robartes, 4th Earl of Radnor gave him the collection of Handel's music made by Elizabeth Legh (1694–1734).

Harris, his wife and daughter attended a high-powered domestic concert at Burney's house in May 1775, of which a vivid description by the 22-year-old Frances (Fanny) Burney survives: "I had the satisfaction to sit next to Mr. Harris, who is very chearful [sic] and communicative, and his conversation instructive and agreeable."

His daughter Louisa ("a modest, reserved, and sensible girl") was asked to sing, and Harris accompanied her.

[8] Interested in the Greek and Latin classics, Harris sought out manuscripts and printed editions that influenced his writings, as did the works of the 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury, his uncle.