William Mason to James Beattie from York Thanks Beattie for present of second part of Minstrel. Clear of the comic defects in the first edition of the first part. Sorry Beattie had to write such a long defense of himself. Mason is now much more anxious about a certain picture exhibiting in the town. Memoir of Gray's life not ready for publication in the spring, and Mason would like to keep Beattie's letters a little longer. Foulis of Glasgow has asked to publish an edition of Mason's poems, but through the late decision of the House o fLords Mason has lost all rights in them 9 May 1774