| Administrative History | David Dalrymple, Lord Hailes [1726-1796]. Lawyer and historian, living at Newhailes, near Edinburgh. Enthusiastic supporter of Beattie and his writings. He succesfully persuaded Beattie to be a candidate for the Chair of Moral Philosophy in Edinburgh in 1774 |
| Description | Letter from Lord Hailes, ?Newhailes, to Sir William Forbes, saying that he is sorry to read that James Beattie has declined the offer to fill the chair of Moral Philosophy at Edinburgh. Letter says that Beattie thinks he is useful in Aberdeen and Hailes writes that Beattie would have more opportunities in Edinburgh. Letter says that the Magistrates of Edinburgh fill professorships with the best qualified people, rather than through party view or private connection. Hailes writes that if Beattie does not accept the professorship, the process of filling chairs will become corrupt, and he wishes that Beattie might understand this. Letter speculates that Beattie does not intend to fill the chair in Edinburgh, as he might think that his enemies there are more formidable than in Aberdeen. Hailes writes that Beattie would not find enemies at Edinburgh University and mentions that Hailes and Beattie have different tastes and opinions. Letter says that Beattie should try to be a judge for six months to see what it would be like. |