Autograph letter signed : Aberdeen, to William Angus Knight, 1896 February 2.

Thanking Knight for his letter of congratulations on the "honour done me by the University of Aberdeen" (referring to the honorary degree of Doctor of Law granted him by the University); telling him that things at Blairs College are "going very much in the old groove. Nothing has been done yet in the way of building"; complaining at length about "the Marquis", probably referring to John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, Marquess of Bute: "The Marquis' interference has retarded progress with us quite as much as judging from your letter he has done in St. Andrews matters. He is a good man -- and means well -- but he has curious notions -- and must have things carried out according to his views -- some people would call them fads. I hear he calls me very hard names. I am sure I have been actuated all through this wretched business by motives as high and pure as his own. I give him credit for his good intentions -- and I do feel it a little hard to be designated by one in his position as a scoundrel!"; discussing the transference of Blairs College and the future of the University of St. Andrews; inviting him to visit and expressing concern over Knight's health: "A run up would do you good -- do come."