To Robert Arbuthnot Expecting a proof sheet from Creech, but still kept in suspence. Not greatly surprised of what Arbuthnot tells him of Reid who is a man of speculation and a little of a Republican. Recalls Reid's unrealistic plan for purchase of books for a club with which Beattie was formerly connected. Project came to nothing. Beattie believes Republican (or rather levelling) principles were prevalent in Glasgow and not unknown in Edinburgh. Marischal College is free of them but Beattie wonders for how long. When he proposed an address to the King about the late proclamation, it was agreed only if Beattie would write it. Beattie did write it and sent it to the Principal, but meanwhile another address has been sent off to London. Thanks Arbuthnot and Mr Erskine for praise of James Hay Beattie's Ode on Peterhead. Has tried to do justice in the biographical sketch to the part of his character Arbuthnot mentions with such affection. c. 10 August 1792