| 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 | Complicated arrangements about getting James Hay Beattie appointed joint professor with Beattie. College do not want Beattie to resign, even temporarily, in case somehow office should get lost to both Beattie and James Hay Beattie. Worries if James Hay Beattie should die while Beattie's resignation was in effect or if crown do not appoint two professors. Message sent to Duchess of Gordon, who is dealing with Dundas, who they hope will arrange it all. Also question whether James Hay Beattie is too young, but Beattie says he will only assist occasionally to begin with. |