of retirement, we are to look for his peculiar excellence, and we shall not search in vain, for there his activity and benevolence long shone with undiminished lustre, and ceased only with his latest breath.

He was descended from the antient and wealthy family of the Gurdons in Norfolk (the name of Dillingham having been assumed in consequence of a testa. mentary injunction); and in 1759 was admitted of Clare Hall, where he honourably graduated A. B. and M. A. At his then early period of life, when young men of family and independance, giddy with the united incitements of opulence and health, usually wander in the mazes of frivolity, and are immersed in the vortex of dissipation, Mr. Gurdon settled at Letton Hall, the seat of his ancestors, where, in the bosom of an extensive and happy tenantry, he diffused those benefits which are naturally produced when an enlightened gentry cheer with their smiles the mansion and shades of their forefathers. Here in the magisterial chair for upwards of fifty years he sat, the mirror of justice and humanity, while his attention to, and his sentiments concerning the interior economy of the various prisons which officially came within his cognizance, would have done honour to that illustrious name who fell a victim to his philanthropy.

In 1789 he was appointed to serve the office of Sheriff for his native county; and during his year of office an unusual propriety was remarked in many of the arrangements he made, and particularly in the order and method he introduced in the execution of criminals, which in that period were unhappily so frequent. In order to produce the beneficial effects intended by such aweful spectacles, he was unsparing both of his attendance or of his purse, and he amply succeeded in creating a solemnity which before his time had rarely been witnessed; the recollection of its imposing influence is still familiar to the minds of many of his survivors. In all these public stations he pursued one undeviating line of rectitude, guided by a firm and enlightened mind. These are, however, but trivial decorations of his character, compared with what was exhibited in his Christian course. In this his numerous admirers may partially imitate, but they can never surpass it; for continuing untainted with the poison of political ambition, and, secluded in an elegant retirement, he had leisure to bring into action those higher Christian duties, which, when persevered in, cannot be too bighly appreciated for their moral consequences.

It shall not here be suppressed that the breath of suspicion has whispered abroad that the declining years of this amiable man were marked by a dereliction from the paths of sound orthodoxy in which he and his ancestors (whose names are among the most illustrious. divines of their day) had trod. These suspicions, however, are but the results of a partial observation of Mr. Dillingham's motives, or of a too unbending adherence to opinion on a given subject which men have previously formed. In the instance before us they must instantly melt away before the penetrating rays of truth. It will be found that be lived and died the oldest member and admirer of the Society for the Promotion of Christian Knowledge; on the establishment of the Bible Society he afforded also to that young sister his fostering aid, and was instrumental, by his influence and bounty, in forming seve ral Tract Societies, over which he presided, as he did also over a branch society of the parent stem. Neither party motives, or an over-heated enthusiasm, called forth his patronage of the Bible Society; he was therein solely guided by that love of human nature, and by that tolerant spirit which characterized every action of his life. Ever alive to the welfare of the Church of England, he watched her interests with the solicitude of a genuine son, and omitted no opportunity of testifying his admiration of her allprevailing superiority. Rigidly constant in a double attendance at his parishchurch, and in the punctual observation of her Sacraments, to which he carefully trained his numerous domestics, he secured by his example and presence such a punctual attendance of the congregation as can rarely be effected by zealous divines. The most infallible testimony, however, of his attachment to the Church within whose pale he was born, is to be viewed in the annual provision which he made during the latter years of his life for the full performance of the ministerial functions in those churches on his estate where the smallness of their revenue would not admit of more than an alternate service, and he placed the final seal of his steady attachment to it by making a donation of 2007. to one of the livings in his patronage only a few months before his decease; so that to the few who have questioned his religious firmness, the divine maxim, that " no man can serve two masters," may perhaps be aptly and conclusively offered to their contemplation.

On the marriage of his eldest son, Mr. Dillingham removed from Letton to Grundisburgh Hall, a seat on his Suf

folk

1820.]

MR. R. E. MERCIER.

C.

April 3. At his house, in Angleseastreet, aged 60, Mr. Richard Edward Mercier, for many years Bookseller to the University of Dublin. He was of an ancient and highly-respectable Hugonot family. Since their arrival in this country they have held high rank in the army. His grandfather lost his life in the service. By the female line Mr. Mercier was de. scended from the De Daillons, Dukes de Lude. In 1666 Henri Duke de Lude, Grand Master of Artillery, dying, Monsieur, his great uncle, succeeded to one of his titles; but he leaving no issue, the dukedom became extinct. Mr. Mercier was a man of extensive information in his profession; and we can say with truth, that his death is a loss, to the Booksellers of Ireland that will not be easily repaired. He published some of the finest books that have issued from the Dublin press. Among which were the Codex Rescriptus of St. Matthew, edited by the present Vice Provost of Dublin University, and probably the first and only Persian work that has appeared in Ireland. In addition to his knowledge of books, Mr. Mercier possessed a fund of general information that rendered his conversation amusing and instructive. Though not affluent, no man was more respected for private worth and inflexible integrity. He met with severe pecuniary embarrassments, which he bore with uncomplaining for titude; yet the disease which terminated his existence, originated in intense anxiety of mind, induced by adverse circumstances. The perfect simplicity of his character, his sincere piety-piety that enabled him to endure acute sufferings with manly resignation, and to meet his last hours with unshaken resolution, combined with his many amiable and exalted qualities, will long endear his memory to all who enjoyed his acquaintance.

In 1794, Mr. Mercier married his cousin Maria, daughter to Major Cotterell Mercier, by whom he has left several

children.

GENT. MAG. May, 1820.

JOHN BELL, Esq.

473

April 15. At Rome, John Bell, esq. late of Edinburgh, one of the most eminent surgeons of the present day. He published The Anatomy of the Human Body, vol. I. 8vo, 1793, containing the Bones, Muscles, and Joints; vol. II. containing the Heart and Arteries, 1797; vol. III. containing the Anatomy of the Brain, Description of the Course of the Nerves, and the Anatomy of the Eye and Ear, with Plates by Charles Bell, 1802. 3d edit. 3 vols. royal 8vo, 1811. Engravings of the Bones, Muscles, and Joints, illustrating the first Volume of the Anatomy of the Human Body, drawn and engraved by himself, royal 4to, 1794. 3d edit. Engravings of the Arteries, illustrating the second Volume of the Anatomy of the Human Body, royal 4to, 1801; 3d edit. 8vo, 1812. Discourses on the Nature and Cure of Wounds, 8vo, 1795; 3d edit. 1812. Answer for the Junior Members of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh to the Memorial of Dr. James Gregory to the Managers of the Royal Infirmary, 8vo, 1800. The Principles of Surgery, 3 vols. 4to, 18011808. Letters on Professional Character and Manners, or the Education of a Surgeon, and the Duties and Qualifications of a Physician, 8vo, 1811.

MAJOR W. G. WAUGH.

Jan. 11. At his house, in Port Louis, Mauritius, after an illness of only 12 hours, Major William George Waugh, of the Hon. East India Company's Military Service. He was born in London in the year 1779, and was the fifth son of the late Joseph Waugh, esq. an eminent and opulent merchant, of Dowgate Hill, London. Proceeding to India at an early period of life, he gradually rose to the rank which he held at the time of his death. His early babits of industry and application, joined to a peculiar aptitude at accounts, qualified him more particularly for those civil branches of service to which military men are eligible; and in offices of this nature Major Waugh was successively employed at the Presidency of Madras, and in the Eastern Islands.

Circumstances of a domestic nature called him to England at a moment when the prospect of a rapid and splendid fortune had opened upon him, with all the attractions of certainty; but filial and fraternal affection prevailed over every other consideration, and Major Waugh returned to his native country at the call of a widowed mother; where, on his arrival, he found himself doomed only to weep with and console his orphan sisters. Having fulfilled these duties in

a manner

a manner as much beyond human praise as earthly reward, he returned to India, to seek that advancement, which was become more than ever necessary to him; and on his passage, in 1810, was captured in the Company's ship Windham, and brought a prisoner to the Mauritius; from whence, being exchanged, he returned to Madras. On his arrival there, he joined the Expedition then preparing for the conquest of this Island; and obtained, on that event, from his former friend and protector, his Excellency Governor Farquhar, the post of Treasurer and Accountant General to the new colonies. He has since filled a variety of the highest situations in each, under various circumstances, until ministerial arrangements having left him without public employ, and his active disposition revolting at the idea of that indolence which attends on want of occupation, his military views having already terminated by ill health, and a consequent retirement on full pay on the Invalid List, Major Waugh turned his attention to other objects, and determined to embark his property in commercial and agricultural pursuits. In consequence, at the period of his death, he was a partner in the house of Berry and Company, of Port Louis, and a proprietor, in equal shares, with Mr. Telfair, in the large estate of Belombre.

In every relation of life a rigid unbending integrity, and a strictness of principle bordering on severity, was, to the world's eye, the prevailing feature of Major Waugh's character. To those who gained his confidence he gave his friendship with such a single-heartedness, such devotion, such sincerity of attachment, as no language can describe, and experience only appreciate; and this was accompanied by a generosity of feeling and practice, which none but its objects ever knew.

The writer of these lines knew him well; and in the fulness of that knowledge he tenders to his virtues this tribute of affection, gratitude, and respect.

DEATH S.

1819, AT the Presidency, Calcutta, Νου. 11. aged 40, John Mitford Rees, esq. of the Civil Service, and Second Judge of the Provincial Courts of Appeal and Circuit for Calcutta.

Nov. 17, at Calcutta, aged 22, Thomas Temple Blackburn, esq. of the Civil Service, son of Peter Blackburn, esq. of Clapham.

Dec. 24. At the Mauritius, Edward Howe Tyrer, esq. of the firm of Messrs. Weston and Tyrer, London.

March 3. At St. Petersburg, aged 35,

Louis Duncan Casamajor, esq. Minister Plenipotentiary of His Britannic Majesty at the Court of Russia. Distinguished by literary acquirements, by the purity of his principles, and the virtues of public and private life, Mr. Casamajor, cut off as he has been in the midst of his career, bears with him the regrets of his countrymen, and of those foreigners to whom he was known. His funeral, at which the Diplomatic Body and a great number of persons of distinction assisted, took place this day at noon in the English Chapel. Mr. Casamajor was fourth son of Justinian Casamajor, esq. of Potterells, co. Herts.

March 13. At his house in Burtoncrescent, Mr. James White, Agent of Provincial Newspapers. He was justly endeared to his friends, by the qualities of his heart and endearments of his mind. He was the author of an ingenious little work, called "Falstaff's Letters," published soon after the detection of Ireland's celebrated Shaksperean Forgery.

March 22, at Offord, Hunts, aged 67, Thos. Sisney, esq.

At Paris, Emma, wife of Lieut.-gen. Coghlan, and daughter of the late Rev. Sir Thomas Broughton, bart. of Doddington Hall, Cheshire.

April 1. Aged 15, Caroline, only daughter of the Very Rev. Dr. Busby, Dean of Rochester, and grand-daughter of Dr.Thackeray, formerly Physician at Windsor.

April 5. At St. Petersburg, in his 20th year, John, eldest son of Wm. Venning, esq. of Holloway-place.

April 9. At Marseielles, Cecilia, relict of Capt. H. Howorth, late of the East India Company's service in Bengal.

April 11. Near Dublin, in her 90th year, Olivia, Countess Dowager of Rosse, widow of Sir Rich. Parsons, second Earl of Rosse, who died in the year 1764, without issue. She was the daughter of Hugh Edwards, esq.

!

April 14. Suddenly, at Chester, aged 55, George Barnard, esq. Inspector of Taxes for Chester and North Wales.

April 15. In St. James's-square, Edinburgh, James Robertson, esq. writer to the Siguet.'

At Amorborch, in Germany, in her 18th year, Louisa, fourth daughter of John Butler Butler, esq. Commissary General of the Forces, whose family have thus been deprived of two children in the short space of nine days. (See p. 380.)

April 17. Elizabeth, daughter of the Jate E. Gould, esq. of Kew Bridge, Middlesex.

At Twickenham, aged 81, Mrs. Anne Thomas.

April 19. 1. F. Wood, esq. of Vineyard Walk, Clerkenwell, late of his Majesty's Customs.

April 21. In one of Davy's houses,
Exeter,

whom she had issue, the present Duke; Lord Prudhoe ; and other children. The remains of the late Duchess were removed, in grand state, from Lord Gwydir's House at Whitehall, for interment in Westminster Abbey,

In Whitehall Place, in his 65th year, John Garden, esq.

Of apoplexy, instantly, Mr. Clementson, of Basinghall-street, Blackwell-hallfactor.

In Charlotte-street, Bloomsbury, Jas. Leaver, esq. late of Halifax, Nova Scotia.

At Hampstead, in his 6th year, Henry, eldest son of Henry Ellis, esq. of the British Museum.

In consequence of a fall from his horse, Sir John Trollope, bart. D.C.L. of Casewick, near Stamford, Lincolnshire. Sir John succeeded his brother, Sir Thomas William, May 13, 1789, and married March 24, 1798, Miss Thorold of Lincoln, by whom he has left a numerous family.

At Lymington, Hants, Elizabeth, the relict of Dr. Richard Pulteney, eminent as a physician and botanical writer; (who died Oct. 13, 1801; see our vol. LXX!. pp. 1058. 1207). Her unaffected and amiable manners had endeared her to a

large circle of friends. Blessed with an uncommon share of health, she died af. ter a very short illness, at the advanced age of 81 years. The bulk of her pro perty she has bequeathed to her godson, (a minor), Charles Pulteney St. Barbe, the eldest son of her adopted daughter.

April 29. At Farleigh, near Maidstone, in his 78th year, Wm. Phelp Perrin, esq. At Sunbury, in his 40th year, Colin Douglas, esq. of Maius.

April 30. At Clifton, in his 79th year, Schaw Grosset, esq.

In Park-street, Grosvenor-square, Mary, relict of Jeremiah Dixon, esq. late of Fell Foot, Westmoreland.

At Bayswater, Anne-Elizabeth, daughter of Col. Wade, C.B. late Rifle Brigade.

At Gravesend, suddenly, aged 18, Isabella, only daughter of Thomas Hearn, esq. of the Commercial-road.

Lately. At Pimlico, Mrs. Stephenson.She was always complaining of her income being scarcely sufficient.

Her exe

Sussex At Brighton, in his 99th year, Mr. Austin, the Drawing Master, of eccentric memory, well known to the Electors of Westminster some years ago, for his singular exertion in support of Mr. Fox. when a Candidate for that City. Yorkshire Aged 82, the Rev. John Myers, of Shipston Hall, Rector of Wyberton, near Boston, in Lincolnshire, and one of the Justices of the Peace and Deputy Lieutenants for those Counties. ABROAD In the Tyrol, the celebrated Tyrolese Patriot, Spechbacher, who distinguished himself so much in the war of 1809. His remains were interred with the greatest solemnity.

-

At Longville, Jamaica, aged 19, Charles Henry, son of the Rev. H. Wood, of Grenton, Somersetshire.

In the East Indies, John Hilbert Kaye, esq. Commander of a Corps of Auxiliary Cavalry in the Company's service, and second son of Jus. Kaye, esq. of New Bank Buildings.

At Wallahjahbad, in the East Indies, in his 21st year, Lieut. Wm. Haldane, 24th reg. Native infantry, on the Madras, Establishment, fourth son of Lieut.-col. Haldane.

Ou his passage from Madras to the Cape, in his 34th year, Capt. Arrow, of East India Company's service. May 1. At Crafton Hill, Miss Magnall, many years conductress of the Ladies' Academy near Wakefield. From her pen, amongst other works intended for the instruction of youth, came the "Miscellaneous Questions," which have obtained extensive circulation; together. with a volume of Poems, entitled "Leisure Hours," which will always remain as monuments of the acuteness of her uuderstanding, the extent of her research, and the amiable and attractive nature of her piety.

Louisa, third daughter of Thomas Fowell Buxton, esq. M.P.: during the last month