| Administrative History | Thomas Gray (1716 - 1771). The modern poet most admired by Beattie. Beattie heard in 1765 that Gray was visiting Scotland, introduced himself by letter, and spent two days with Gray at Glamis Castle. Gray advised Beattie on 'The Hermit' and 'The Minstrel'. Beattie supervised the publication in 1768 of a magnificent edition of Gray's poems by the Foulis Press in Glasgow. |
| Description | Letter from Thomas Gray, 'Glames - Castle', to James Beattie, Aberdeen, sending acknowlegements to Beattie's learned Society [Aberdeen Philosophical Society (1758 - 1773)]; mentioning Gray's membership of the University of Cambridge and his failure to complete his Doctor's degree. Gray also mentions his connection with the University of Aberdeen. Letter talks about Gray's and Beattie's time at Glamis Castle and their discussion regarding the pursuit of poetry. Letter mentions Gray's curiosity and love of superstition, and his intended journey to England.
Includes a post - script: 'P. S: Remember Dryden, & be blind to all his faults'.
Letter is annotated by two notes signed with James Beattie's initials. One relates to Marischal College and Gray's receiving of a Degree of Doctor of Laws:
"N. B. The Marishal College of Aberdeen had desired to know whether it would be agreeable to Mr Gray to receive from them the Degree of Dr of Laws. I wrote to him on the subject; and this is the answer. J B".
The other note relates to Gray's interest in superstitions in Scotland:
"(a) Mr Gray was very inquisitive after the popular superstitions of Scotland. I sent him two books on this subject, very silly ones indeed, but the best ?they could be had, a history of Second ?Light, and a history of witches. J B".
On the reverse of the letter is annotated: 'Mr Gray of Cambridge Glammis 2 October 1765' and 'Printed'. |