To Sir William Forbes from Aberdeen James Hay Beattie died this morning at seven. Death as tranquil as life had been innocent and amiable. Retained rational faculties to the end. Consolation that an eternity of happiness is before him. Has left many papers, but will be some time before Beattie can examine them. Would wish if possible to conceal James Hay Beattie' death from his mother, though this may be difficult if she sees the newspapers. Hopes Cadell has paid the fifty guineas [presumably half-share of the copy money for the first volume of Elements]. Beattie will have occasion shortly to draw £140 or £130. 19 November 1790