[To Sir W. Forbes], from Aberdeen, Did not answer Forbes's last letter at the length it deserved. Encloses letter to Lord Hailes left open so Forbes may read it [presumably letter MS 30/30/3]. Beattie thought the two letters from Lord Hailes meant: 1. Lord Hailes thought Edinburgh University would suffer if Beattie did not go there. 2. Beattie was under an indispensable obligation to sacrifice health, happiness and family. 3. If he refuse, the public would charge him with shrinking from his principles. 4. Beattie's reasons for refusing were frivolous. Beattie also thought Hailes was treating him as a child. Beattie did not think the tone of the letters was as it should be, and a friend strongly agreed with him. Forbes saw Lord Hailes's sentiments in a different light and Beattie is sure this was correct since Forbes was judging them by actual conversation with Lord Hailes. 24 May 1774