[ William Roscoe of Liverpool. ] Autograph Letter Signed ('W: Roscoe') to Dr William Henry of the Manchester Infirmary, discussing the death and career of Dr John Ferriar, author of 'The Bibliomania'.

Author: 
William Roscoe (1753-1831) of Liverpool, historian, connoisseur, abolitionist [ William Henry (1774-1836); John Ferriar (1761-1815), author of 'The Bibliomania' ; Manchester Infirmary ]
Publication details: 
Allerton [ Liverpool, Lancashire ]. 6 February 1815.
£180.00
SKU: 17032

3pp., 4to. Bifolium. In good condition, on aged and worn paper, with the seal neatly cut away resulting in damage to a couple of words of text. Roscoe has felt 'sincere sorrow' on receiving Henry's letter conveying the news of the death of Ferriar (a colleague of Henry's at the Manchester Infirmary). 'I had flattered myself that after all apprehensions from the alarming attack which he some time since experienced had been entirely removed, in which opinion I had been confirmed by his Letters on the subject of Mrs. Roscoe's health, which were characterized by his usual accuracy & most friendly attention'. He praises Ferriar for having 'fully accomplished that which every good & elevated mind wishes to attain, & will not only live in the memory of his friends, but in the literary & scientific annals of his Country as one of its most distinguish'd benefactors'. Despite the sudden termination of Ferriar's 'brilliant career' Roscoe draws consolation from the fact that he has been spared 'the most aflicting spectacle in human nature, that of a great man surviving the powers of his own mind'. He praises Ferriar's medical skill with reference to his own family. He had intended to write to thank him for attending to his wife, whom he now has 'reason to hope will effectively recover from her long indisposition but who is affected by this event far beyond what any considerations for her own loss coud' [sic] occasion'.