The other Letter was dated April 19th, 1763, and expressed thus,
“Dear General,
It gave me real concern that my health would not allow me to pay my personal respects at Cranmer, during your short stay in Norfolk—Indeed I have now too much reason to fear that my constitution and age will not permit me long to undergo the fatigue and slavery of business in the country, where I have hitherto practised with more reputation than profit; I therefore hope you’ll pardon my present solicitation for some appointment (through your interest and favour) that may render life less laborious to myself, and not useless to my family. Having upwards of thirty years disclaimed any application or pretensions but those of my connection, and long endeavoured to be serviceable in this county, I rely upon your friendship and favour to dispose of me as you shall think properest and best, without any particular attachment to the Profession of Physick, where so many, of a younger date and less service, have been put over my head.
I am, with the utmost regard,
Dear Sir, &c.
T. L.”
The former Letter was not the first the Dr. addressed to that correspondent on the same occasion. We have seen the copy of another, of a prior date, which he wrote to him to the same effect. But these applications or solicitations did not succeed. The Townshends did nothing for him or his family in his lifetime, whatever they did afterwards, though nothing could exceed their professions of respect and esteem for him. The place he got here in the customs was not obtained by their interest, but by that of Lord Orford and Sir John Turner: and he continued in vain to wish and hope for further preferment to his dying day. But however unproductive his practice had been, and much as he had felt on that account, his death was said to be generally and deeply regretted; as appears from the following paragraph in the public papers of that time, drawn up, it seems, by a celebrated character, who was one of his warm admirers—
“Lynn Regis Norfolk, April 18. 1766. On Friday the 11th. instant died here extremely lamented by the whole county, Doctor Thomas Lidderdale, a physician no less eminent for his skill and happy penetration, than for his wit, learning, and probity. His sudden sallies in conversation were so equally fortunate with his premeditation in prescribing, that his power over dulness, and disease, may be said to have been alike irresistable.”
Several Epitaphs, or monumental inscriptions, were also composed for him about the same time, some in latin and some in english, of which the following is one of the most remarkable.
“Sacred to the Memory
Of Thomas Lidderdale, a most eminent Physician,
in investigating the causes of diseases acutely sagacious,
in his practice as remarkably successful.
They to whom he restored health deservedly regret their loss,
The sick will wish, but wish in vain, for a physician
of equal abilities.
He possessed a vein of polite wit, and inoffensive humour,
ever flowing, ever new.
His sentiments, conversation, and actions were all
highly becoming a man of probity and a gentleman.
His Friendship, his Advice, his best services
were wanting to none.
With such sentiments, heightened by such an
amiably moral character, it is little to be wondered
that his life should be dear, and his death afflicting
to all.
If polite literature is held in deserved estimation by men,
If piety, and the duties of humanity are regarded by God,
To his memory will be paid lasting honours
on Earth,
To himself will be given eternal rewards
in Heaven.
He died the 11th. of April 1766 Æt. 57.”
Dr. Lidderdale could, as we have seen, boast not only of the professed esteem and friendship of the great, but, as was before hinted, could claim kindred with some of them, particularly the Stair family, to which he is said to have been very nearly related. The following paragraph on the death of the great Lord Stair, being found among his papers, in his handwriting, was probably drawn up by him—
“Saturday May the 19th. 1747. This night died in the 78th year of his age, at his lodging in the Cannongate, the right honourable Field marshal Joan earl of Stair, one of the sixteen peers for Scotland, knight of the most ancient order of the Thistle, governor of Minorca, General of Marines, Colonel of the royal regiment of Scots Grey Dragoons, and one of his majesty’s most honourable Privy Council—A nobleman of the most rare abilities, being endowed with every virtue that could either accomplish the Statesman, or adorn the Warrior.—The Court of Versailles and States general will tell of his wisdom, and prudence, while the plains of Ramillies, Oudenard, Malplaquet, and Dettingen will continue lasting monuments of his bravery and conduct. Where shall we begin his Encomium? How equally qualified either for Camp or Court; how great without pride; now amiable without vanity; how just without rigour; how wise without arrogance, and bountiful without ostentation: supporting the highest dignities with decency, humanity, and moderation, only to be found among the truly great; being possessed of every talent which can render man great in himself, and beneficial to his friends and country.”
It is reported that Dr. Lidderdale had a genius for poetry, and would sometimes amuse himself in writing verses, and particularly epigrams, one of which is said to be the following—
“God and the Doctor men alike adore,
Just on the Brink of Danger—not before:
The Danger past, both are alike requited;
God is forgotten and the Doctor slighted.”