| Administrative History | Mary (Mally Beattie) (1744 - 1807), Beattie's wife. Beattie met her when he boarded with her father on first coming to Aberdeen in 1758. They married in 1767.
The 'Lord Lytleton' mentioned in the letter is possibly George Lyttelton, first Baron Lyttelton (1709 – 1773), politician and writer. However, Thomas Lyttelton, second Baron Lyttelton (1744 – 1779), libertine and politician was alive at this time. |
| Description | Letter from Mary Beattie, Birmingham, to her father, Dr. James Dun, Aberdeen, mentioning the Beatties' arrival in Birmingham after travelling from Edinburgh and how they saw the Pike of Derby and 'Midleton dale'. Letter says that the Beatties heard afternoon services in the Cathedrals of Carlisle and 'Lietchfield', and that Mrs Beattie will not go into detail about it as her husband has written about the services in his journal. Letter mentions the Beatties' intention to visit Lord Lytleton's [Lyttelton] seat before travelling to Oxford and London. Mrs Beattie is writing to her father as they are uncertain of when they will arrive in Oxford and London. Mr Beattie's health has improved since they had left Edinburgh and Mrs Beattie is feeling better since leaving Aberdeen, although she is still experiencing stomach pains. Letter mentions the Beatties' stay in Edinburgh with Lord Gardenstone [Francis Garden, Lord Gardenstone (1721 – 1793), judge], who was very enthusiastic about 'The Minstrel'. |