Record

CollectionGB 0231 University of Aberdeen, Special Collections
LevelItem
Ref NoMS 30/2/542
TitleCosmo Gordon to James Beattie from Edinburgh
Date17 April 1787
Extent1 Item
Administrative HistoryCosmo 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
DescriptionApproves Dundas plan. Question of whether Beattie should resign, and he and James Hay Beattie be jointly appointed, with survivorship; or James Hay Beattie be appointed assistant and successor without Beattie's resignation. Gordon favours the second which removes doubt about James Hay Beattie's age. But either way no difficulty. Bute should be informed in courtesy. Union goes slowly. Beattie's paper will be printed by Royal Society.
Access StatusOpen
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