Tour to the Hebrides,' which lies open before me, as to gunpowder; which he spoke of to the same effect, in part, that you relate.

"On one occasion, when the regiment were going through their exercise, he went quite close to the men at one of the extremities of it, and watched all their practices attentively; and, when he came away, his remark was, 'The men indeed do load their musquets and fire with wonderful celerity.' He was likewise particular in requiring to know what was the weight of the musket balls in use, and within what distance they might be expected to take effect when fired off.

"In walking among the tents, and observing the difference between those of the officers and private men, he said, that the superiority of accommodation of the better conditions of life, to that of the inferior ones, was never exhibited to him in so distinct a view. The civilities paid to him in the camp were, from the gentlemen of the Lincolnshire regiment, one of the officers of which accommodated him with a tent in which he slept; and from General Hall, who very courteously invited him to dine with him, where he appeared to be very well pleased with his entertainment, and the civilities he received on the part of the General; the attention likewise of the General's aid-de-camp, Captain Smith, seemed to be very welcome to him, as appeared by their engaging in a great deal of discourse together. The gentlemen of the East-York regiment likewise, on being informed of his coming, solicited his company at dinner, but by that time he had fixed his departure, so that he could not comply with the invitation."

In the course of this year there was a difference between him and his friend Mr. Strahan; the particulars of which it is unnecessary to relate. Their reconciliation was communicated to me in a letter from Mr. Strahan in the following words:

"The notes I showed you that past between him and me were dated in March last. The matter lay dormant till 27th July, when he wrote to me as follows:

'TO WILLIAM STRAHAN, ESQ. 'SIR, It would be very foolish for us to

continue strangers any longer. You can never by persistency make wrong right. If I resented too acrimoniously, I resented only to yourself. Nobody ever saw or

1 [Ante, vol. i. p. 363.—BosWELL.]

2 When I one day at court expressed to General Hall my sense of the honour he had done my friend, he politely answered, "Sir, I did myself honour."-BOSWELL.

"15th October, 1773. Lett

"As to Dr. Coilier's 3 epitaph, Nollekens has had it so long, that I vol. ii have forgotten how long. You ne- p. 20. ver had it.

"There is a print of Mrs. Montague, and I shall think myself very ill rewarded for my love and admiration if she does not give me one; she will give it nobody in whom it will excite more respectful sentiments. But I never could get any thing from her but by pushing a face; and so, if you please, you may tell her.

"When I called the other day at Buiney's, I found only the young ones at home; at last came the doctor and madam, from a dinner in the country, to tell how they had been robbed as they returned. The doctor saved his purse, but gave them three guineas and some silver, of which they returned him three-and-sixpence, unasked, to pay the turnpike.

"I have sat twice to Joshua, and he seems to like his own performance. He ras projected another, in which I am to be busy; but we can think on it at leisure.

"Mrs. Williams is come home better, and the habitation is all concord and harmony; only Mr. Levett harbours discon

tent.

"With Dr. Lawrence's consent, I have, for the two last nights, taken musk: the first night was a worse night than common, the second, a better; but not so much better as that I dare ascribe any virtue to the medicine. I took a scruple each time

3 [Dr. Collier, of the Commons, an early friend of Mrs. Thrale's, who died 23d May, 1777. -ED.]

We surely cannot but admire the benevolent exertions of this great and good man, especially when we consider how grievously he was afflicted with bad health, and how uncomfortable his home was made by the perpetual jarring of those whom he charitably accommodated under his roof. He has sometimes suffered me to talk jocularly of his group of females, and call them his Seraglio. He thus mentions them, together with honest Levett, in one of his letters to Mrs. Thrale; "Williams hates every body; Levett hates Desmoulins, and does not love Williams; Desmoulins hates them both; Poll loves none of them."

Hawk. p. 408.

[These connexions exposed him to trouble and incessant solicitation, which he bore well enough; but his inmates were enemies to his peace, and occasioned him great disquiet: the jealousy that subsisted among them rendered his dwelling irksome to him, and he seldom approached it, after an evening's conversation abroad, but with the dread of finding it a scene of discord, and of having his ears filled with the complaints of Mrs. Williams of Frank's neglect of his duty and inattention to the interests of his master, and of Frank against Mrs. Williams, for the authority she assumed over him, and exercised with an unwarrantable severity. Even those intruders who had taken shelter under his roof, and who, in his absence from home, brought thither their children, found cause to murmur; "their provision of food was scanty, or their dinners ill dressed;" all which he chose to endure rather than put an end to their clamours by ridding his home of such thankless and troublesome guests. Nay, so insensible was he of the ingratitude of those whom he suffered thus to hang upon him, and among whom he may be said to have divided an income which was little more than sufficient for his own support, that he would submit to reproach and personal affront from some of them; even Levett would sometimes insult him, and Mrs. Williams, in her paroxysms

of rage, has been known to drive him from her presence.]

66

TO CAPTAIN LANGTON 2, WARLEY-CAMP. "S1st October, 1778. "DEAR SIR,-When I recollect how long ago I was received with so much kindness at Warley common, I am ashamed that I have not made some inquiries after my friends.

"Pray how many sheep-stealers did you convict? and how did you punish them? When are you to be cantoned in better habitations? The air grows cold, and the ground damp. Longer stay in the camp cannot be without much danger to the health of the common men, if even the officers can escape.

"You see that Dr. Percy is now dean of Carlisle; about five hundred a year, with a power of presenting himself to some good living. He is provided for.

"The session of the Club is to commence with that of the parliament. Mr. Banks 3 desires to be admitted; he will be a very honourable accession.

"Did the king please you4? The Cox heath men, I think, have some reason to complain 5. Reynolds says your camp is better than theirs.

"I hope you find yourself able to encounter this weather. Take care of your own health; and, as you can, of your men. Be pleased to make my compliments to all the gentlemen whose notice I have had, and whose kindness I have experienced. I am, dear sir, your most humble servant,

"SAM. JOHNSON."

I wrote to him on the 18th of August, the 18th of September, and the 6th of November; informing him of my having had another son born, whom I had called James 6, that I had passed some time at Auchinleck; that the Countess of Loudoun, now in her

2 Dr. Johnson here addresses his worthy friend, Bennet Langton, Esq. by his title as captain of the Lincolnshire militia, in which he has since been most deservedly raised to the rank of major. BOSWELL.

3 [Afterwards Sir Joseph.-ED.]

4 [His majesty and the queen visited Warley Camp on the 20th October.—ED.]

5 [Of the King's not visiting that camp as well as Warley, which, however, he did, on the 3d November.-ED.]

[This was the gentleman who contributed a few notes to this work. He was of Brazenose

College, and a Vinerian Fellow, and died in February, 1822, at his chambers, in the Temple.HALL. The editor had the pleasure of his acquaintance. He published an edition of Shakspeare; was very convivial; and in other respects like his father, though altogether on a smaller scale.—ED.]

"London, 2d November, 1778.

,

"DEAR SIR,-Dr. Burney, who brings this paper, is engaged in a History of Musick; and having been told by Dr. Markham of some MSS. relating to his subject, which are in the library of your college, is desirous to examine them. He is my friend; and therefore I take the liberty of entreating your favour and assistance in his inquiry; and can assure you, with great confidence, that if you knew him he would not want any intervenient solicitation to obtain the kindness of one who loves learning and virtue as you love them.

"I have been flattering myself all the summer with the hope of paying my annual visit to my friends; but something has obstructed me: I still hope not to be long without seeing you. I should be glad of a little literary talk; and glad to show you, by the frequency of my visits, how eagerly I love it, when you talk it. I am, dear sir, your most humble servant,

"SAM. JOHNSON."

TO THE REVEREND DR. EDWARDS 2,

OXFORD.

"London, 2d November, 1778. "SIR,-The bearer, Dr. Burney, has had some account of a Welsh manuscript in the Bodleian library, from which he hopes to gain some materials for his History of Musick; but being ignorant of the language, is at a loss where to find assistance. I make no doubt but you, sir, can help him through his difficulties, and therefore take the liberty of recommending him to your favour, as I am sure you will find him a man worthy of

[Benjamin Wheeler was entered at Trinity College, November 12, 1751, at the age of eighteen. Having taken the degree of M. A. from that house in 1758, he removed to Magdalen College, where he became B. D. 1769, and D. D. the year following. In 1776 he was appointed Regius Professor of Divinity and Canon of Christ Church, in which he was succeeded by Dr. Randolph, late Bishop of London, in 1783.HALL.]

every civility that can be shown, and every benefit that can be conferred

"But we must not let Welsh drive us from Greek. What comes of Xenophon & If you do not like the trouble of publishing the book, do not let your commentaries be lost; contrive that they may be published somewhere. I am, sir, your humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON."

These letters procured Dr. Burney great kindness and friendly offices from both of these gentlemen, not only on that occasion, but in future visits to the university. The same year Dr. Johnson not only wrote to Joseph Warton in favour of Dr. Burney's youngest son, who was to be placed in the college of Winchester, but accompanied him when he went thither.

"TO JAMES BOSWELL, ESQ.

"21st November, 1778.

"DEAR SIR,-It is indeed a long time since I wrote, and I think you have some reason to complain; however, you must not let small things disturb you, when you have such a fine addition to your happiness as a new boy, and I hope your lady's health restored by bringing him. It seems very probable that a little care will now restore her, if any remains of her complaints are left.

"You seem, if I understand your letter, to be gaining ground at Auchinleck, an incident that would give me great delight.

"When any fit of anxiety, or gloominess, or perversion of mind lays hold upon you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaints, but exert your whole care to hide it; by endeavouring to hide it, you will drive it away. Be always busy.

"The Club is to meet with the parliament; we talk of electing Banks, the traveller; he will be a reputable member.

"Langton has been encamped with his company of militia on Warley-common; I spent five days amongst them; he signalised himself as a diligent officer, and has very high respect in the regiment. He presided when I was there at a court-martial; he is now quartered in Hertfordshire; his lady and little ones are in Scotland. Paoli came to the camp, and commended the soldiers. Of myself I have no great matters to say: my health is not restored; my nights that I have had these twenty years was at are restless and tedious. The best night Fort-Augustus.

66

"I hope soon to send you a few lives to read. I am, dear sir, your most affectionate, "SAM. JOHNSON."

3 [Dr. Edwards was preparing an edition of Xenophon's Memorabilia, which, however, he did not live to publish.-En ]

"DEAR SIR, I have sent you the Grammar,' and have left you two books more, by which I hope to be remembered: write my name in them; we may, perhaps, see each other no more; you part with my good wishes, nor do I despair of seeing you return. Let no opportunities of vice corrupt you; let no bad example seduce you; let the blindness of Mahometans confirm you in Christianity. God bless you. I am, dear sir, your affectionate humble servant,

"SAM. JOHNSON."

Johnson this year expressed great satisfaction at the publication of the first volume of "Discourses to the Royal Academy," by Sir Joshua Reynolds, whom he always considered as one of his literary school. Much praise indeed is due to those excellent Discourses, which are so universally admired, and for which the authour received from the Empress of Russia a gold snuff-box, adorned with her profile in bas relief, set in diamonds; and containing, what is infinitely more valuable, a slip of paper, on which are written with her imperial majesty's own hand, the following words: "Pour le Chevalier Reynolds, en temoignage du contentement que j'ai ressentie à la lecture de ses excellens discours sur la peinture."

This year Johnson gave the world a luminous proof that the vigour of his mind in all its faculties, whether memory, judgment, or imagination, was not in the least abated; for this year came out the first four volumes of his "Prefaces, biographical and critical, to the most eminent of the English Poets,*" published by the booksellers of London. The remaining volumes came out in the year 1780. The poets were selected by the several booksellers who had the honorary copyright, which is still preserved among them by mutual compact, notwithstanding the decision of the house of lords against the perpetuity of literary property. We have his own authority, that by his reCommendation the poems of Blackmore, Watts, Pomfret, and Yalden, were added to the collection. Of this work I shall speak more particularly hereafter.

MS.

["DR. JOHNSON TO MRS. ASTON. London, Bolt-court, Fleet street, 2d Jan. 1779. "DEAR MADAM,-Now the new year is come, of which I wish you Pemb. and dear Mrs. Gastrell many and many returns, it is fit that I give you some account of the year past. In the beginning of it I had a difficulty of breathing, and other illness, from which, however, I by degrees recovered, and from which I am now tolerably free. In the spring and summer I flattered myself that I should come to Lichfield, and forbore to write till I could tell of my intentions with some certainty, and one thing or other making the journey always improper, as I did not come, I omitted to write, till at last I grew afraid of hearing ill news. But the other day Mr. Prujean 2 called and left word, that you, dear madam, are grown better; and I know not when Í heard any thing that pleased me so much. I shall now long more and more to see Lichfield, and partake the happiness of your

recovery.

"Now you begin to mend, you have great encouragement to take care of your self. Do not omit any thing that can con duce to your health, and when I come, I shall hope to enjoy with you, and dearest Mrs. Gastrell, many pleasing hours.

"Do not be angry at my long omission to write, but let me hear how you both do, for you will write to nobody, to whom your welfare will give more pleasure, than to, dearest madani, your most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON."]

Pearson

["DR. JOHNSON TO MRS. LUCY PORTER "Bolt-court, Fleet-street, 2d Jan. 1779. "DEAREST LOVE,-Though I have so long omitted to write, I MSS. will omit it no longer. I I hope the new year finds you not worse than you have formerly been; and I wish that many years may pass over you without bringing either pain or discontent. For my part, I think my health, though not good, yet rather better than when I left you.

"My purpose was to have paid you my annual visit in the summer, but it happened otherwise, not by any journey another way, for I have never been many miles from London, but by such hindrances as it is hard to bring to any account.

"Do not follow my bad example, but write to me soon again, and let me know of you what you have to tell; I hope it is all good.

"Please to make my compliments to Mrs. Cobb, Mrs. Adey, and Miss Adey, and all the ladies and gentlemen that frequent your mansion.

2 [Mr. Prujean married the youngest of the Misses Aston.-HARWOOD.]

"If you want any books, or any thing else that I can send you, let me know. am, dear madam, your most humble servant, "SAM. JOHNSON."]

On the 22d of January, I wrote to him on several topicks, and mentioned that as he had been so good as to permit me to have the proof sheets of his "Lives of the Poets," I had written to his servant, Francis, to take care of them for me.

66 MR. BOSWELL TO DR. JOHNSON. "Edinburgh, 2d February, 1779. "MY DEAR SIR,-Garrick's death is a striking event; not that we should be surprised with the death of any man, who has lived sixty-two years; but because there was a vivacity in our late celebrated friend, which drove away the thoughts of death from any association with him. I am sure you will be tenderly affected with his departure; and I would wish to hear from you upon the subject. I was obliged to him in my days of effervescence in London, when poor Derrick was my governour; and since that time I received many civilities from him. Do you remember how pleasing it was, when I received a letter from him at Inverary, upon our first return to civilized living after our Hebridean journey? I shall always remember him with affection as well as admiration.

"On Saturday last, being the 30th of January, I drank coffee and old port, and had solemn conversation with the Reverend Mr. Falconer, a nonjuring bishop, a very learned and worthy man. He gave two toasts, which you will believe I drank with cordiality, Dr. Samuel Johnson and Flora Macdonald. I sat about four hours with him, and it was really as if I had been living in the last century. The episcopal church of Scotland, though faithful to the royal house of Stuart, has never accepted of any congé d'élire since the revolution; it is the only true episcopal church in Scotland, as it has its own succession of bishops. For as to the episcopal clergy, who take the oaths to the present government, they indeed follow the rites of the church of England, but, as Bishop Falconer observed, 'they are not episcopals; for they are under no bishop, as a bishop cannot have authority beyond his diocese.' This venerable gentleman did me the honour to dine

1 On Mr. Garrick's monument in Lichfield Cathedral, he is said to have died, "aged 64 years." But it is a mistake, and Mr. Boswell is perfectly correct. Garrick was baptised at Here

ford, Feb. 28, 1716-17, and died at his house in London, Jan. 20, 1779. The inaccuracy of lapidary inscriptions is well known.—MALONE. [The inscription, as given in Harwood's History of Lichfield, has sixty-three years.-F.D.]

Any fresh instance of the uncertainty of life makes one embrace more closely a valuable friend. My dear and much respected sir, may God preserve you long in this world while I am in it. I am ever, your much obliged, and affectionate humble servant, "JAMES BOSWELL."

p. 145-6.

[When Garrick was on his last sick-bed, no arguments or recitals Piozzi, of such facts as reached him would persuade Dr. Johnson of his danger: he had prepossessed himself with a notion, that to say a man was sick, was very near wishing him so; and few things offended him more, than prognosticating even the death of an ordinary acquaintance. "Ay, ay,” said he, "Swift knew the world pretty well. when he said, that,

Some dire misfortune to portend,
No enemy can match a friend. "

The danger then of Mr. Garrick, or of Mr. Thrale, whom he loved better, was an image which no one durst present before his view; he always persisted in the possibility and hope of their recovering disorders from which no human creatures by human means alone ever did recover. His distress for their loss was for that very reason poignant to excess: but his fears of his own salvation were excessive: his truly tolerant spirit, and Christian charity, which hopeth all things, and believeth all things, made him rely securely on the safety of his friends, while his earnest aspiration after a blessed immortality made him cautious of his own steps, and timorous concerning their consequences. He knew how much had been given, and filled his mind with fancies of how much would be required, til his impressed imagination was often disturbed by them, and his health suffered from the sensibility of his too tender conscience: a real Christian is so apt to find his task above his power of performance ! ]

["DR. JOHNSON TO MISS REYNOLDS

me.

Reyn.

"15th February, 1779. "DEAREST MADAM,-I have never deserved to be treated as you treat MS. fore, I undertook your affair 2 and succeed When you employed me beed, but then I succeeded by choosing a proper time, and a proper time I will try to choose again.

"I have about a week's work to do, and

2 [This seems to allude to some favour (probably a pecuniary one) which Johnson was to solicit from Sir Joshua for Miss Reynolds.-ED.]