| 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 | Though as Rector there was no great risk of brethren opposing his request, though best to prevent any embarassment from a prior application. Called on Baron Stewart, and wrote to chief Baron and sir John Dalrymple, so Beattie's nephew unlikely to be disappointed. But knowing Beattie's connection, the Barons would probably have bestowed it without Gordon's intervention. Was pleased trustees received application from Beattie's College so properly - they decided to let motion originate from Lord Gardenstone, giving Gordon freedom to support it. Assumes it has been communicated to Principal. reference to politics, and spirit of disobedience and misrule. |