[229] Patrick Murray, fifth Lord Elibank, was an elegant and accomplished scholar. He studied law and passed advocate, but subsequently joined the army. In 1740 he accompanied Lord Cathcart in the expedition to Carthagena. Latterly he established his residence at Edinburgh. Dr. Johnson much enjoyed his society; in a letter addressed to his lordship he used these words:—“I have often declared that I never met you without going away a wiser man.” Lord Elibank employed much of his time in classical studies. He died 3rd August, 1778, aged seventy-six.
[230] Andrew Crosbie of Holm, an eminent advocate, the original of “Councillor Pleydell” in “Guy Mannering.” He met Dr. Johnson at Boswell’s residence in Edinburgh, and engaged with him in keen debate. In his “Journey” Boswell has described him as “his truly learned and philosophical friend.” Crosbie attained opulence in his profession, but having made an unfortunate investment fell into poverty. He died in 1785.
[231] See supra, p. 74.
[232] Orangefield, an estate in the parish of Monkton, Ayrshire, now belonging to A. Murdoch, Esq.
[233] Mr. Bennet Langton, of Langton, in Lincolnshire, was an attached friend of Dr. Johnson. Many sayings of Dr. Johnson, which he preserved, Boswell has included in his great work. Mr. Langton at first sought employment as an engineer; he was an eminent Greek scholar. Possessed of an agreeable demeanour, he excelled in conversation. He died on the 10th December, 1801, aged sixty-four.
[234] ‘History of the Life of James, Duke of Ormonde,’ by Thomas Carte. 3 vols., fol. 1735-6.
[235] Thomas, Marquess of Wharton, a vigorous supporter of William of Orange, was on account of his peculiar manners familiarly known as Tom Wharton. He remained in favour with William III., and held high offices of state under Queen Anne and George I. He composed the celebrated “Lillibullero,” and used to boast that he had sung a King out of three kingdoms. He died 12th April, 1713.
[236] Son of Archibald Campbell, of Succoth, and Helen Wallace, of Ellerslie, Ilay Campbell was admitted advocate in 1757. Obtaining distinction as a lawyer, he was appointed Lord Advocate in 1784, and was in 1799 promoted as Lord President of the Court of Session. This office he resigned in 1808, when he was created a baronet. He died on the 28th March, 1823, in his eighty-ninth year. The Most Reverend Archibald Campbell Tait, D.C.L., Archbishop of Canterbury, is his grandson.
[237] See supra, p. 255.
[238] Alexander Murray was admitted to the Scottish bar in 1758, and three years afterwards succeeded his father as sheriff of Peeblesshire. In 1775 he was appointed Solicitor-General, and was in 1780 chosen M.P. for Peeblesshire. He was promoted to the bench in 1783, with the title of Lord Henderland. He died 16th March, 1795.