Record

MS 30 - James Beattie, Professor of Moral Philosophy and Logic, poet, essayist and moral philosopher: papers
- 1 - James Beattie's copy letters

Collection	GB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
Level	Item
Ref No	MS 30/1/131
Title	To Mr Baron Gordon, Cluny, from Aberdeen
Date	22 May 1777
Extent	1 Item
Administrative History	Cosmo Gordon [1735?-1800] He was at Marischal College in 1749-1753, and thus he was a contemporary of Beattie. However, they became friends only after they met at Lord Monboddo's house in Edinburgh in 1775. Beattie and Gordon shared literary tastes and often met at the latter's house at Cluny, in south Aberdeenshire. He was member of parliament in 1774-1777, and from 1777 baron of the Court of the Exchequer. From then Beattie referred to him as Baron Gordon. He was Rector of Marischal College thanks to Beattie's influence, between 1782-1788
Description	Encloses Campbell's sermons and a little book containing all the poetical things of which Beattie is not utterly ashamed [Poems on Several Occasions]. When it is reprinted probably will insert a song in imitation of 'Blow, blow', since Gordon approves it. Flatters himself Gordon will find 'Pygmies and Cranes' a tolerable thing. 'Fables of Hares' drawling and tedious, though greatly shortened. 'Epistle to CB' inserted to show Beattie not so sour metaphysician as some people believe. First four stanzas of 'The Hermit' written long ago, last two added lately at desire of some friends who wished to see the hermit a Christian.
Access Status	Open
Physical Description	1 leaf folded; seal
Publication Note	Published in "The Correspondence of James Beattie - Letters 1758-1775", ed. Roger J. Robinson

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