| 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, Edinburgh, to James Hay Beattie, Peterhead, relating to the arrival of Montagu and James Beattie at Edinburgh, James Beattie's poor health and visit to Dr Gregory. Letter mentions Miss Valentine's cold; Montagu's visit at the play house to see a play written by General Burgoyn and called the 'Heiress', and a play called the 'Maid of the Oaks'. Montagu describes his visit to Edinburgh Castle, thanks James Hay for sending the medal and asks him to start making him the 'Electrical machine'. |