• Name: Arnot, John
• Gender: Male
• Birth Date:
• Death Date:

John Arnot was a Scottish 'disciple' of Godwin's who walked from Edinburgh to London to meet him after the publication of Political Justice. He fell in love with Godwin's housekeeper Louisa Jones before taking departing on a tour of Northern Europe where he visited Russia, Poland, Austria, and Germany. During the tour, Arnot maintained a correspondence with Godwin who in turn sent him money and kept him informed of political events in England. Godwin also supplied an introdiction to Holcroft, residing then in Germany.

In 1798, prior to Arnot’s European sojourn, there are 19 mentions in incl. a ‘Breakfast in 1798 with J G’ and an ‘au matin’ meeting. The morning meetings, paired with other instances of Arnot dining with the Godwin family, indicates a substantial level of intimacy. Godwin also mentions reviewing Arnot’s manuscript and journal, and a 1799 letter from his brother H R Arnot reveals that their father was known to have a literary reputation.

His father is unknown but the DNB suggests a candidate. Hugo Arnot, esq. (1749-1786) who was the author of An essay on nothing. A discourse delivered in a society (1776) and A collection and abridgement of celebrated criminal trials in Scotland, from A.D. 1536, to 1784. With historical and critical remarks (1785), among other works. Hugo Arnot had 8 children but no details are known.

Arnot is the subject of an undated letter from Godwin to George Tuthill in which Godwin berates Tuthill for pouring cold water on Arnot's plans to travel and publish his journal (MS Abinger c. 54, fols. 44-5). H R Arnot also expresses trepidation about the publication of his brother’s manuscript, and urged Godwin to ensure it be published anonymously, if at all (MS Abinger c. 5, fols. 48-9).

There are references to Arnot in Godwin's and Mary Jane's correspondence with John Fairley, who was in the booktrade, suggesting that Arnot had some connection with the booktrade in addition to his writing.

• MS. Abinger c. 17, fol.68: 1798
• MS. Abinger c. 5, fols. 89-90: 16 February 1800
• MS. Abinger c. 5, fols. 128-9: 18 May 1800
• MS. Abinger c. 7, fols. 16-17: 5,6 July 1800
• MS. Abinger c. 6, fols. 20-2: 19 July1800
• MS. Abinger c. 6, fols. 51-2: 10 October 1800
• MS. Abinger c. 6, fols. 82-3: 26 November1800
• MS. Abinger c. 6, fols. 102-3: 26 December 1800
• MS. Abinger c. 6, fols. 120-1: 4 January 1801
• MS. Abinger c. 7, fols. 1-2: 30 January 1801
• MS. Abinger c. 7, fols. 9-10: 18 February 1801
• MS. Abinger c. 7, fols. 11-12: 21 February1801
• MS. Abinger c. 6, fols. 120-1: 4 January 1801
• DNB

This table lists the people this person is most frequently noted with in the diary.