[To Dr Porteous], from Peterhead Long letter explaining no objection to Churh of England, and has studied for holy orders. Reasons for declining. Motivation might be misunderstood. Doing good in Aberdeen. May be more attended to if he remains a layman. [Ms 30/1/81 also has a draft in Beattie's hand dated 2 August, with a note added by Beattie that 'this is a copy of letter to Dr. Porteus, occasioned by the offer made to Beattie of a Church of England living worth £650 a year. Letter was read by King and Queen, who were pleased to approve it. King spoke to Beattie on Windsor Terrace summer 1787 expressing strong approval.' The figure of £650 arose from a conversation recorded in Beattie's diary of his 1775 London visit. Beattie was told 'the living is let by the present incumbent who farms it for £650 per annum.']. 4 August 1774