Fowle's New Hampshire Gazette And General Advertiser

ANECDOTE

Of the humane Dr. FOTHERGILL, a celebrated Physician, and one of the people called Quakers, to which society of Christians he was truly an honour.

The following anecdote was communicated by a clergyman, who reveres the name of this amiable physician, and places his obligations to him, in a very high station, near to his heart. A friend of his, a man of a worthy character, who has at this time an income of about £1000 per annum, church preferment, was, in the eldest part of life, seated in London upon a curacy of £30 per annum, with a wife and a numerous family. An epidemical disease, which was at that time prevalent, seized upon his wife and five of his children. In this scene of distress he looked up to his doctor for assistance, but dared not apply to him, from a consciousness of his being unable to reward him for his attendance. A friend, who knew his situation, kindly offered to accompany him to the Doctor's, and give him his fee. They took the advantage of his hour of audience, and after a description of the several cases, the fee was offered and rejected, but a note was taken of his place of residence. The Doctor called assiduously the next and every succeeding day, till his attendance was no longer necessary. The curate, anxious to return some grateful mark of the sense he entertained of his services, strained every nerve to accomplish it; but his astonishment was not to be described, when instead of receiving the money he offered, with apologies of his situation, the Doctor put £10 guineas into his hand, desiring him to apply to him without diffidence in further difficulties.