| Administrative History | Thomas Blacklock [1721-1791] Poet and writer. He was blind from smallpox at the age of 6 months, but in spite of his handicap he showed an early taste for poetry. He published his first volume of verse in 1746, and another in 1756. He became a Church of Scotland minister in 1759, but he later gave up and took pupils. He introduced himself to Beattie in 1765 by sending him a copy of his 1756 poems. For some time he was an important confidant and poetic adviser to Beattie. Beattie secured a honorary DD of Marischal College for him in 1767 |
| Description | Regrets Blacklock's weak spirits. Thanks for praise of Elements, but did not want Blacklock to trouble to read it. Beattie's anxious and melancholy life for the past ten months because of James Hay beattie's illness, which began last November. In May Dr Gregory declared it nervous atrophy, and very alarming. Cough began in June, and Beattie has no hopes. Praise of his character and abilities, and regrets for what he could have done and been. Beattie satisfied anything possible has been done. James Hay Beattie can just go up and done stairs. Exceedingly emaciated. May die by end of week. Beattie resigned to divine will. |