264 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
In a Postscript to his Memoirs, which were published two years subsequent
to his decease, his son (the editor) thus describes the latter years of his life :-
Indeed,
from the result of private correspondence, and the casual information I have been able to obtain,
it would but indifferently gratify the reader, were I to record the fortuitous events which clouded
the last few remaining years of the author’s chequered life. His sensibility had been severely
wounded by the contumelious and repulsive behaviour he had experienced from tyrannic
managers, and a series of unpropitious circumstances which attended him through the progress
of his professional career. His spirits were broken, and his powers evidently on the decline,
by a melancholy concomitancy of mental inquietude and bojily suffering, being liable to a
periodical attack of an anasarcical complaint, which advanced from his legs to his thighs, and
eventually brought the vital parts under its influence. Having taken lodgings at the Middleton’s
Head, Saddler’s Wells, for the benefit of his health, on the 22d July 1803, in the sixty-third
year of his age, he supped with Yr. Townsend, of Covent Garden Theatre, and some friends,
apparently in his usual state of health and spirits ; and on the following morning was found
dead in his bed. He was buried at St. James’s Chapel, Pentonville, his funeral being attended
by a few of his relatives and friends.”
“ I have to regret the apparently abrupt conclusion of these dramatic memoirs.
Lee Lewes appeared on the stage for the last time on the 24th of June
previous to his demise ; when, as he stated to the public, “ in consideration of
seven years’ ill health, and consequent embarrassment, the Proprietor of Covent
Garden Theatre had kindly given him authority to announce a Play and
Entertainments.” The
house was filled to overflowing, and he was loudly and repeatedly applauded.
On this occasion he performed Lissardo in the Wonder; and Violante was
enacted by Mrs. Jordan.
‘
This appeal was responded to in a warm manner.
No. CCLVIII.
DR. THONAX HAY,
CITY CHAMBERLAIN,
AND SIR JAMES STIRLING, BART.
DR. *THOMAS HAY, the figure to the left, was City Chamberlain at the
period referred to in the Print (1796); and Sir James Stirling, whom he is
saluting, had for the second time held the office of Lord Provost during the
two years previous. Dr. Hay was the youngest son of Lord Huntington,’ one
of the Senators of the College of Justice. After completing his medical studies,
he commenced the practice of surgery in Edinburgh, which he prosecuted with
much success throughout a long course of years. A member of the Royal
College of Surgeons, he was elected Deacon of the Incorporation in 1784-5 ;
Thomas Hay of Huntington was admitted a member of the Faculty of Advocates in 1725. He
was appointed Keeper of the Signet in 1742, and raised to the bench in 1754. On the 4th of February
the following year he wag suddenly taken ill while occupying hia seat on the bench, and died in
the course of a few minutes afterwards in the Parliament House.