| 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 1784 |
| Description | Worries about France. Previously unknown for civilised nation to become barbarous. But they were never truly civilised, and when aristocracy whom they imitated was abolished, true character of Frenchmen appeared. Beattie's faith in parliament. Mostly quiet in the north, but Dundee most inclined to turbulence. A tree of Liberty planted. People misled by Thomas Paine's silly books, of which one shop has sold a thousand copies. Second volume of Elements has been at printers since the summer, but unlikey to appear before April. He wishes he had kept the political part for longer. However, he has done his best to make others think , as he does, that British constitution is the best in the world. He has talked more of slave-trade than some would think he should in book of Elements. |