| Administrative History | Elizabeth Montagu [1720-1800] She met Dr Gregory in 1766, and he introduced her to Beattie's Poems on Several Subjects, which she admired. Beattie met her in 1771, during his visit to London, and they remained close friends until her death. She was an active promoter of Beattie's advancement and she became his principal adviser on literary matters. His final collection of poems was dedicated to her in |
| Description | ?Incomplete letter, dated 12 February, from Elizabeth Montagu, Portman Square, to James Beattie, regarding Beattie's letters and Beattie's poems inscribed to her. Letter relates to Mrs Beattie's state of mind and talks about how people should be careful when talking around her, and Mrs Montagu's hatred of gossip. Letter provides suggestions to Beattie on how he should handle Mrs Beattie, including not naming to her himself or the Beattie children, and staying away from her. Letter talks about Mrs Montagu's stay in Northumberland and mentions the 'alterations' being made at Sandleford. Letter mentions the Dutchess of Portland and Mrs Mary Delany [Delany [née Granville; other married name Pendarves], (1700 – 1788), court favourite and artist]. Also, letter mentions the Duke of Gordon's English peerage and briefly mentions 'The Times are very turbulent, but the King's good sense & firmness will I hope ? this Country from the andacious attempts of a shameless & ? factions'. |