To Jean Valentine from Aberdeen Apologising that niece [Margaret Valentine] has to stay though she ought to be visiting father and mother. Have attempted three times to go to Montrose, but James Hay Beattie is so ill that he didn't want them to leave him. Continues on asses' milk and ripe fruit. Skene not hopeful, Laing more so. Wilson constantly with him and sleeps in his room, so Beattie and niece, though they see him every hour of the day, do not have to be constantly with him. 4 September 1790