| Administrative History | Montagu Beattie [1778-96] Beattie's younger son. Named after Mrs Montagu, who was his godmother and took an affectionate interest in him. In his early childhood he spent less time with his parents than did James Hay, often being boarded with the minister of Durris and his wife, William and Margaret Strachan, who were childless. He attended Aberdeen Grammar School and then Marischal College 1792-96. He is represented as less studious and more outgoing than James Hay Beattie. He hoped to become a clergyman in the Church of England, and in 1791 on a visit to London with his father was confirmed by Beattie's friend Beilby Porteus, Bishop of London. He died after a short illness (probably not tubercolosis) on 14 March 1796, presumably just before he would have graduated MA |
| Description | Letter from Montagu Beattie, Aberdeen, to James Hay Beattie, at Mrs Souttar's, Peterhead, asking after the health of his brother and hoping he has had success with fishing. Letter mentions their safe arrival at Montrose from Peterhead and mentions the health of ?Mrs Valentine and James Beattie. Montagu writes about his class; their new servant from the country and the ?Lion.
"My dear Jamie,
"I hope you have been very well since I saw you last; and that you have been successful in the fishing way. We got safe to Montrose the day after we left Peterhead; Mrs: Valentine is greatly better & old Papa is in his usual way. I entered My Class on Saturday forenoon & on monday I gained nineteen places. Give Papa's, Miss Valentines, & my Compliments to Mrs Arbuthnot & to old Mr Scott & Dr Laing in an especial manner. I shall expect to hear from you soon. Our new servant came from the country yesterday & the Lion is fairly dismissed. Grandpapapa [sic], Willie, & the Divine desire their best Compliment's [sic] to you, & expect to see you soon. Papa joins me in best Compliments to all friends at Peterhead & I am your affectionate brother
[Signed] M Beattie". |