| 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, Pembroke Hall, Cambridge, to James Beattie, Aberdeen, talking about Gray's suffering from gout and Beattie's invitation for Gray to visit Aberdeen. Letter mentions Beattie's proposal regarding the printing of Gray's poems in Glasgow by the Foulis brothers. Gray writes about the bookseller, Dodsley's proposal that Gray should have his works reprinted in London. Letter talks about Beattie's Ode, which Gray read at Lord Hay's birthday.
Reverse of the letter is annotated: 'By Caxton - Bag', 'Mr Gray Cambridge 24 Decemr 1767' and 'Printed'. |