[To Sir W. Forbes], from Gattonpark, near Ryegate Apologizes that he has been too busy to write. Has been with Porteus, now with Sir William Mayne. Reasons for refusing great church living offered by Bishop of Winchester, of £650 per annum, are much approved, even by those who still want Beattie to enter the church. Saw the King at court who knew and spoke to him. Priestley's book condemned by everyone Beattie has met. Beattie not replying, because it would gratify Priestley if wrote against him. Forbes had wished to see curious poem written by Mercer, Arbuthnot and Co. Encloses several stanzas of own composition, not inferior he humbly trusts to the original. 27 June 1775