134 BRITISH PHYSICIANS. an attempt was made to overcome the repugnance which was felt towards Radcliffe by Queen Anne ; but her Majesty would by no means consent to his coming at that time to court, alleging, in reply to the recommendations of his friends, that he would send her word again that her ailment was nothing else but the vapours. His advice was nevertheless frequently resorted to, on the various occasions of her Majesty's illness, and for his opinions and pre- scriptions he was most liberally rewarded. In 1704, at a general collection for propagating the Gospel in foreign parts, Radcliffe under a bor- rowed name, and unknown to any member of the society, settled bOl. per annum for ever upon them ; — and, in the same year, he made a present to the late deprived Bishop of Norwich, of 520/., to be distributed amongst the poor nonjuring clergy. The secret of the first act of liberality transpired from the avowal of the trustee who made the annual payment, and who thought the knowledge of it might incite others to similar deeds of charity. The letter which he wrote to the bishop was found amongst the prelate's papers, and ran as follows : — " Bloomsbury Square, July 24, 1704. " My Lord, — When I was the last time with you at Hammersmith, you did me the honour to tell me, that I had it in my power to be an assist- ant to the poor suffering clergy, and that Mr. Shepherd had contributed large sums to that end. No one can be more sensibly touched with their misfortunes than 1 am ; and tho' I have not abihties equal to the gentleman's before named, I
