Copies by James Beattie of letters from Reverend W Mason Copies by James Beattie of two letters, dated York, 17 October 1771 & Cambridge 20 November 1771, from Reverend W Mason about Thomas Gray's works. Letter, dated 17 October 1771, regarding Gray's works, which he bequeathed to Mason and the discovery of some of Beattie's letters among Gray's papers. Letter praises the first book of Beattie's 'The Minstrel' and his 'Essay on the Immutability of Truth', and criticises David Hume. Mason writes that he is happy the remaining books of Beattie's Minstrel will soon be published. Letter talks about how England has lost a writer such as Beattie. Letter, dated 20 November 1771, regarding Mason's business relating to Gray's works. Mason writes about his disappointment in not seeing Beattie in York and the good use Beattie would have been in selecting Gray's works for publishing. Letter mentions Dr Hurd, who had helped Mason select some of Gray's works for publication and who admires Beattie's 'Essay'. Letter provides a list of Gray's poetical pieces - a sonnet on the death of a friend; stanzas in alternate rhyme to Mr Bentley [?Richard Bentley (bap. 1708, d. 1782), writer and artist] and an epitaph on Sir William Williams [this must refer to Sir William Williams, first baronet (1633/4 - 1700), lawyer and politician], plus fragments of poems - opening scene of a tragedy 'Agrippina'; an address to Ignorance; beginning of an Ethical Essay on Education and Government and a few stanzas of an ode on 'the pleasure that man receives from the vicissitude of the seasons'. Also, letter talks about Gray's classical translations and works written in Latin. Mason writes that there are more of Gray's works and Beattie is welcome to have copies. Mason also writes that he found two more of Beattie's letters, which he will deliver to Mr Dilly. Letter annotated with 'Copies of 2 letters from The Revd Mr Mason of York To J Be'. 1771