To Thomas Blacklock from Aberdeen 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. 14 September 1790