AN ACCOUNT OF THE 



ever, were prepared for the evening of a well- 

 spent life. His daughter, an elegant and accom- 

 plished young lady, suddenly disappeared ; and 

 his eldest son suffered shipwreck, narrowly 

 escaping with his life. These, and other circum- 

 stances of a similar nature, gradually impaired 

 his health, which, naturally delicate, ultimately 

 sunk under a series of accumulated infirmities, 

 and he died on the 16th of November, 1776. 



For some years prior to his death, Mr. Fergu- 

 son was in the frequent habit of visiting the royal 

 residences at Kew and St. James's, his late Ma- 

 jesty being much attached to the company and 

 conversation of men of science. He was also 

 elected a member of the Royal Society, without 

 paying the usual, admission fee, an honour seldom 

 conferred on any but the most distinguished 

 foreigners.* 



* Some notion of Mr. Ferguson's success as a public Lecturer, may be con- 

 ceived by a perusal of the annexed Letter, which forms part of the valuable 

 autographic collection belonging to the Editor's friend, William Upcott, Esq. 

 of the London Institution. It should, however, be remembered, that the Letter 

 was written at a period when science was but little prized by the scanty popu- 

 lation of a provincial town. 



BRISTOL, MAY 21s*. 1774. 

 DEAR SIR, 



I HAD 118 subscribers at Bath ; at Bristol I have just finished 

 a course to 62, and it is likely that I shall begin a second course on Thursday 

 next to about 24 subecribers. But my health is far from being good. 



Considering the great success I have so often had in this city, I cannot 

 do less than make a present of all my six books, in octavo, to the public 

 Library here ; and am with great respect, 



Pear Sir, 

 Your most obliged humble servant, 



JAMES FERGUSON. 



