Chapter XVIII: Appendix (1)

_Page 52._—In his “Life of Garrick” (Lond., 1868, vol. I., p. 422) Mr. Percy Fitzgerald presents the following narrative of Boswell’s appearance at a dinner in Guildhall. The date 1759 assigned to the occasion is evidently erroneous. It is not improbable that it took place shortly after the interchange of letters between him and Mr. Pitt. “The Grocer in London” was probably composed in the manner of the “Song of the Barber,” quoted at page 36.

“At a Guildhall dinner, when Mr. Pitt was present with Sir Joshua [Reynolds] and other celebrities, Mr. Boswell contrived to be asked to sing; then, standing up, he delivered a short speech referring to himself, in which he said that he had had the good fortune to be introduced to most of the crowned heads and distinguished characters in Europe, but with all his exertions had never attained the happiness of being presented to a gentleman, who was an honour to his country, and whose talents he held in the highest esteem. All the company understood the allusion, but Mr. Pitt remained perfectly cold and impassive. Then Mr. Boswell gave his song, which was a sort of parody on Dibdin’s ‘Sweet Little Cherub,’ and called ‘A Grocer in London.’ The minister was a member of the Grocers’ guild, and this absurdity was in his honour. So far this was ludicrous enough, but Boswell, half volunteering and half pressed by the company, and no doubt much affected by the wine, sang this song over no less than six times, until Mr. Pitt’s muscles at length relaxed, and he was obliged to join in the general roar. Mr. Taylor, who was present, walked home with the author of the song, and recollected that they roared ‘Grocer of London’ all through the streets.”

_Pages 49_ and _110_.—Boswell was wont to attend public executions, both in Edinburgh and London, but the propensity of witnessing such spectacles was in his mind unassociated with an indifference to suffering. His love of excitement overcame his natural sympathies, and obscured his judgment. In June, 1790, he induced Sir Joshua Reynolds to accompany him to Newgate, to witness the execution of five convicts. One of these, an old servant of Mrs. Thrale, recognised Boswell among the crowd, and bowed to him from the scaffold. Some persons having censured Sir Joshua for being present at such a revolting spectacle, he justified his procedure in a letter to Boswell. An extract follows:—

“I am obliged to you for carrying me yesterday to see the execution at Newgate of the five malefactors. I am convinced it is a vulgar error; the opinion that it is so terrible a spectacle, or that it in any way implies a hardness of heart or cruelty of disposition, any more than such a disposition is implied in seeking delight from the representation of a tragedy. Such an execution as we saw, when there was no torture of the body, or expression of agony of the mind, but when the criminals, on the contrary, appeared perfectly composed, without the least trembling, ready to speak and answer with civility and attention any question that was proposed, neither in a state of torpidity nor insensibility, but grave and composed,—I am convinced from what we saw, and from the report of Mr. Ackerman, that it is a state of suspense that is the most irksome and intolerable to the human mind, and that certainty, though of the worst, is a more eligible state; that the mind soon reconciles itself even to the worst, when that worst is fixed as fate.... I consider it is natural to desire to see such sights, and, if I may venture, to take delight in them, in order to stir and interest the mind, to give it some emotion, as moderate exercise is necessary for the body.”

_Page 136._—When he was passing through the press his “Tour to the Hebrides,” Boswell conceived the idea of sitting for his portrait to Sir Joshua Reynolds. The following letter which he addressed to the great artist is peculiarly characteristic:—

“MY DEAR SIR,—The debts which I contracted in my father’s lifetime will not be cleared off by me for some years. I therefore think it unconscientious to indulge myself in any expensive article of elegant luxury. But in the meantime you may die, or I may die; and I should regret very much that there should not be at Auchinleck my portrait painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds, with whom I have the felicity of living in social intimacy. I have a proposal to make to you. I am for certain to be called to the English Bar next February: will you now do my picture? and the price shall be paid out of the first fees which I receive as a barrister in Westminster Hall. Or if that fund should fail, it shall be paid at any rate five years hence by myself or my representatives. If you are pleased to approve of this proposal, you signifying your concurrence underneath upon two duplicates, one of which shall be kept by each of us, will be a sufficient voucher of the obligation. I ever am, with very sincere regards, my dear sir, your faithful and affectionate humble servant,

JAMES BOSWELL.

“_London, 7th June, 1785._”

This letter was endorsed by Sir Joshua thus:—“I agree to the above condition.—London, September 10th, 1785.” Boswell’s portrait, in _kit-cat_ size, was painted by Sir Joshua some time afterwards. Whether a price was named or paid does not appear, but it is certain the biographer and the great painter remained in terms of the closest friendship. Sir Joshua died in 1792; he bequeathed to Boswell the sum of £200, to be expended, if he thought proper, in the purchase of a picture at the sale of his paintings, to be kept for his sake. Boswell’s portrait by Reynolds is now in the collection of Sir Robert Peel, Bart. (“Life and Times of Sir Joshua Reynolds,” by C. R. Leslie, R.A., and Tom Taylor. Lond., 1815, 2 vols.)

INDEX.

Aberdeen, Earl of, 226

Abingdon, Mrs., 97

Adam, Lord Chief Commissioner, 252

Adams, Dr. of Oxford, 109

Adolphus, Gustavus, 3

Affleck, Rev. Mr., 326

Ainslie, Sir Philip, 318

Alexander II., 2

Alexander, Cosmo, 314

Alexander, John, 314

Almack’s Hotel, 224

Alva, Lord, 199

Amelia, Princess, 195

Ameté, Mademoiselle, 230

Anstruther, Sir William, Bart., 257

Antonetti, Signor, 48

Argyll, Duchess of, 92

Argyll, Duke of, 12, 92, 229, 231, 245, 260, 305

Armstrong, John, M.D., 255, 287

Arran, James, first Earl of, 3

Ashbourne, 115

Aubrey, Mr. 299

Aubrey, Mrs., 300

Auchinleck, Lord, 4, 5, 12, 13, 35, 43, 48, 65, 79, 82, 92, 100-109,
114, 128, 129, 199, 221, 229, 234, 238, 242, 244, 245, 246, 247,
248, 251, 257, 258, 260, 261, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267, 306

Auld, Rev. William, 263

Bagnall, Miss, 167

Baidlin, Laird of, 267

Baillie, George, of Jerviswoode, 306, 317

Bainston, Letitia, 123

Baird, Sir William, Bart., 312

Baldwin, Thomas, printer, 136, 155, 171, 174

Balfour, Andrew, 279

Baliol, Mrs. Bethune, 327

Balmuto, Lord, 4, 82, 108

Banks, Sir Joseph, 163, 269, 270, 273

Barclay, Harry, of Collairnie, 303

Bardarrock, Laird of, 262

Baretti, 53

Barker, Jane, 6

Barker, John, 6

Barnard, William, D.D., 111

Barrow, Dr., 165

Beauclerk, Lady Diana, 296

Beauclerk, Lord Sidney, 289

Beauclerk, Topham, 289, 323

Beattie, Dr. James, 20, 85, 191, 282

Beaufort, Duke of, 317

Bedford, Duke of, 62

Berghen, Bishop of, 273

Berkeley, Bishop, 238

Bernard, Dr., Bishop of Killaloe, 111, 297

Bernard, Mr., 232

Bertie, Captain Peregrine, 238, 239

Blacket, Sir Thomas, 139

Blacklock, Dr., 20, 86

Blair, Bryce of Blair, 267

Blair, Laird of, 267

Blair, Miss, of Adamtown, 67, 78

Blair, Mr. William, 267

Blair, Rev. Dr. Hugh, 27, 86, 207, 209

Blair, Rev. Robert, 267

Bodens, Mr., 290

Boscawen, Admiral Edward, 317

Boscawen, Mrs., 317

Bosville, Adam de, 2

Bosville, Elizabeth Diana, 67, 89, 139, 140

Bosville, Godfrey, 140

Bosville, Robert, 1

Bosville, Sieur de, 1

Boswell, Alexander, (_see_ Lord Auchinleck)

Boswell, Alexander, W. S., 198

Boswell, Sir Alexander, Bart., 106, 154, 186, 318

Boswell, Andrew, of Balmuto, 4

Boswell, Claude James, Lord Balmuto, 4, 82, 108

Boswell Colonel Bruce, 188, 196, 197

Boswell, David, of Auchinleck, 3, 4

Boswell, David, of Glasmont, 2

Boswell, David, or Thomas David, 5, 150, 154, 169, 177, 181, 185, 186

Boswell, Dr. John, 4, 30, 124, 197

Boswell, Elizabeth, 82, 155, 195, 196

Boswell, Elizabeth M. M., 196

Boswell, Emily Harriet, 195

Boswell, Euphemia, 154, 195, 196

Boswell, Grace Jane, 194

Boswell, Grace Theresa, 194

Boswell, Henry St. George, 198

Boswell, James, 1, 333

Boswell, James, jun., 136, 154, 180, 192

Boswell, James Paoli, 196

Boswell, John Alexander Corrie, 198

Boswell, John, of Auchinleck, 3

Boswell, John Campbell, 198

Boswell, John de, 2

Boswell, John William, 197

Boswell, Julia, 195

Boswell, Lieutenant John, 5, 185

Boswell, Major John James, 198

Boswell, Margaret Emily, 194

Boswell, Mrs., 93, 94, 106, 120, 149-152, 183, 193

Boswell, Mrs. Elizabeth, 197

Boswell, Richard, 2

Boswell, Robert, of Balmuto, 4, 82

Boswell, Robert Cramond, 196

Boswell, Robert W. S., 186, 197, 198

Boswell, Roger de, 2

Boswell, Rev. Robert, 2

Boswell, Rev. Robert Bruce, 198

Boswell, Sir James, Bart., 194

Boswell, Sir John, of Balgregie, 2

Boswell, Sir John, of Balmuto, 2

Boswell, Sir William, 2

Boswell, Thomas Alexander, 195, 197

Boswell, Thomas, of Auchinleck, 3

Boswell, William, advocate, 196, 197

Boswell, Veronica, 4, 85, 148, 154, 195

Boswelliana, 203, 328

Bouflers, Countess de, 50

Boulton, Mr., 110

Bowes, Jack, 247

Boyle, Hon. Patrick, 319

Brisbane, Captain, 322

Bristol, 112

Briton, A., 295

Brocklesby, Dr., 301

Brompton, Robert, 289

Brown, George, of Elliestoun, 254

Brown, Bailie John, 281

Brown, Matthew, 260

Brown, Rev. James, 326

Brown, Rev. Laurence, 220

Brown, Rev. William, of Utrecht, 42, 219, 222

Brown, William Laurence, D.D., 220

Bruce, Lady Elizabeth, 4, 183

Bruce, Miss, of Kinross, 303

Bruce, Mrs. Bell, 185

Bruce, Sir William, Bart., 303

Brun, Madame le, 66

Buchan, Buller of, 88

Buchan, Earl of, 206

Buchanan, George, 142

Buchanan, Mr., 154

Burke, Edmund, 116, 152, 153, 163, 171, 291, 316, 327, 328

Burke, Edmund, jun., 163, 321

Burke, Richard, 287

Burnet, Mr. Secretary, 227, 228, 230

Burnett, James, of Monboddo, 285

Burney, Charles, Mus. D., 300

Burns, Robert, 24, 33, 129, 162, 253

Bute, Earl of, 48, 97, 122, 133, 252

Buttafoco, Mr., 48

Cadogan, Lord, 178

Caithness, Earl of Orkney and, 3

Caldow, James, 186

Cambridge, Richard Owen, 63, 158

Camden, Lord, 279

Camden, Lord Chancellor, 66

Campbell, Annabella, of Loudoun, 3

Campbell, Archibald, of Succoth, 274

Campbell, Captain, of Skipness, 310

Campbell, David, of Shawfield, 310

Campbell, Mr. Islay, 141, 274

Campbell, Sir Hugh, of Loudoun, 3

Campbells of Succoth, 244

Carlisle, 115

Carlyle, Dr. Alexander, 32

Carlyle, Thomas, 189

Carmichael, Mr. William, 258

Carnwath, Earls of, 3, 307

Carron Company, 80

Carstairs, Sir John, 303

Cassilis, Earl of, 149, 313

Cathcart, Lord, 59, 262, 302

Chambers, Sir Robert, 86

Chambers, William, 3, 20

Chapelle, Monsieur, 219

Charlemont, Lord, 79

Charles I., 3

Charles II., 316

Chartres, Colonel Francis, 305

Chatham, Earl of, 52, 58, 231

Chesterfield, Earl of, 155, 172, 211, 297

Churchill, Charles, 239

Clark, Baron, 244

Clark, Dr., 265

Clarke, Dr. Samuel, 175, 219

Clerk, John, physician, 244

Clerk, Sir John, Bart., 244

Clive, Lord, 270

Cochrane, Anne, 321

Cochrane, Charles, 246, 264, 322

Cochrane, General, 7

Cochrane, William, of Ochiltree, 5, 199, 321, 325

Coke, Viscount, 305

Col, Isle of, 91

Colebrooke, Sir George, 270

Colline, Battle of, 227

Colman, George, 292

Colquhoun, Sir James, Bart., 92

Colville, Lady, 23, 93, 325

Colville, Lord, of Culross, 320

Compton, Lady Charlotte, 324

Constable, Archibald, 24

Conway, General, 153

Cooper, Dr., 248

Coote, Sir Eyre, 88

Corbet, Jacobie, 309

Cork, Earl of, 126

Cosway, Mrs., 299

Cosway, Richard, R.A., 299

Courtenay, John, M. P., 137, 150, 163, 165, 172, 181

Cramond, Robert, of Auldbar, 197

Crawford, Marion of Kerse, 3

Crawfurd, Mr., of Rotterdam, 213

Crawley Grange, Estate of, 6, 197

Crichton, Lord, 323

Croker, John Wilson, 34

Crosbie, Andrew, advocate, 272, 283, 286, 294, 295

Cullen, Dr., 224

Cullen, Lord, 250, 251, 252

Cumberland, Duke of, 254, 325

Cumberlye, Catherine Augusta, 197

Cumberlye, Elizabeth Mary, 197

Cunningham, Allan, 253

Cunningham, Jessie Jane, 194

Cunningham, Sir David, 97, 205

Cunningham, Sir Jas., of Glengarnock, 4

Cunningham, Sir James Montgomery, Bart., 194

Cunningham, Sir William A., Bart., 205

D’Anhalt, Governeur, du, 227

D’Ankerville, M., 299

Daer, Lord, 301

Dalrymple, Andrew, 186

Dalrymple, David, 325

Dalrymple, Henry, of Drummore, 325

Dalrymple, Sir John, 256

Dalrymple, Sir David, Bart., 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 24, 29, 30, 35, 37,
39, 40, 86, 106, 221

Dalliol, Honorius, 5

Dalzell, Christian, 3

Dalzell, Sir Robert, 3

Damer, Mr., 239

David I., 1

David II., 2

Davies, Thomas, 25, 97

Delany, Dr., 297

Dempster, George, M.P., 31-34, 173, 185, 210, 270, 287, 307

Dempster, Helen, 224

Derrick, the poet, 16, 216

Dick, Miss, 75

Dick, Sir Alexander, Bart., 75, 86, 280

Dick, Sir John, Bart., 185, 298

Dilly, Charles, 59, 62, 127, 137, 155, 171, 174, 185, 317

Dilly, Edward, 59, 62, 113, 186

Donaldson, Alexander, 20, 203

Douglas Case, The, 65, 66

Douglas, Duke of, 66

Douglas, Duchess of, 86

Douglas, Lady Jane, 66

Douglas, Lady Mary, 325

Douglas, Mr. Archibald, 66, 92

Douglas, Sir John, 312

Dreghorn, Lord, 203

Drummond, Mrs. Home, 303

Duff, William, of Braco, 311

Dumfries, Countess of, 248

Dumfries, Earl of, 149, 323

Dun, Lord, 277

Dun, Rev. John, 6, 151, 162, 177

Dunbar, Mrs., of Mackermore, 308

Dundas, Henry, Lord Melville, 98, 141, 149, 152

Dundas, Lord President, 66, 255, 266, 275

Dundas, James, of Arniston, 266

Dundas, Mrs., of Melville, 206

Dundonald, Earls of, 5, 199

Dunlop, John, of Dunlop, 283

Dunlop, Major Andrew, 283

Dunmore, Earl of, 313

Dunning, John, 291

Dunvegan castle, 90

Edmonstone, Colonel Archibald, 241

Edward, Prince Charles, 90, 245

Eglinton, Countess of, 92

Eglinton, Earl of, 14, 15, 97, 142, 149, 207, 218, 232, 308

Eldon, Lord Chancellor, 195

Elibank, Lady, 312

Elibank, Lord, 93, 271

Eliott, Sir William Francis, Bart., 194

Elliot, Sir Gilbert, 257

Elizabeth, Princess, of Brunswick, 237

Errol, Countess of, 88

Erskine, Captain, 97

Erskine, Charles, of Tinwald, 246

Erskine, Colonel John, 5, 199

Erskine, David, Lord Dun, 277

Erskine, Euphemia, 5

Erskine, Hon. Captain Andrew, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 235, 252, 255, 315

Erskine, Hon. Captain Archibald, 282

Erskine, Hon. Charles, 199

Erskine, Hon. Henry, 205, 206, 207, 294, 325

Erskine, Hon. Sir Charles, Bart., 5, 199

Erskine, Lady Anne, 282, 308

Erskine, Lt.-General Sir Henry, 199

Erskine, Mary, 199

Erskine, Rev. Dr. John, 266

Fairlie, Alexander, of Fairlie, 185

Falconer, George, 79

Falconer, Mr., 123

Ferdinand, Prince, 263

Ferguson, George, Lord Hermand, 286

Fergusson, Professor Adam, 86

Fergusson, Sir Adam, Bart., 149, 152, 232, 283

Fergusson, Sir James, Bart., 286

Fife, Earl of, 311

Fitzwilliam, Earl, 117

Fletcher, Andrew, of Saltoun, 236

Flood, Mr., 79, 164

Foley, Lord, 298

Folly, Colonel, 306

Foote, Samuel, 215, 254

Forbes, Duncan, of Culloden, 255

Forbes, Sir William, Bart., 86, 183, 185, 186, 191

Fordyce, Dr. George, 217, 234

Fordyce, Rev. Dr. James, 217

Forglen, Lord, 256, 264

Forrester, Colonel, 314

Fort Augustus, 88

Fort George, 88

Fox, Rt. Hon. Charles, 122, 132, 171

Frank, Betty, 260

Frank, George, advocate, 260

Franklin, Dr. Benjamin, 61, 298

Fraser, Sir Alexander, 313

Frazer, Sir Peter, of Dores, 313

Fullerton, “the Nabob,” 73, 74

Gainslaw, 83

Gaio, M., 234

Galloway, Lord, 304, 310, 311

Garlies, Lady, 304, 310

Garrick, David, 26, 62, 81, 85, 95

Gentleman, Francis, 12

Gibbon, Edward, 31, 111, 112, 301, 319

Giffardier, M., 219, 222, 223

Gilchrist, Mr. John, 6

Gilmour, Sir Alexander, 73, 74

Glanville, William Evelyn, 317

Glasgow, 92

Glen, Sir John, 2

Glencairn, Earl of, 149

Glenelg, 89

Goldie, John, 193

Goldie, G., 303, 314

Goldsmith, Dr., 85, 136

Gordon, Alexander, of Kinghorn, 2

Gordon, Cosmo, 294

Gordon, Duchess of, 72, 286

Gordon, Duke of, 275

Gordon, Hon. Alexander, 253, 254

Gordon, Lord George, 206

Gordon, Mr., of Dumfries, 20

Gordon, Sir William Gordon, Bart., of Park, 245

Gotha, La Grande Maîtresse de, 232

Grantham, 94, 98

Grant, General Sir Alexander, 280

Grant, Sir Francis, Bart., 265

Gray, the poet, 8, 63, 147

Green, Anne Catherine, 6

Green, General Sir Charles, Bart., 6

Green, Mr., 182

Gregory, Dr., 58, 86

Gronovius, Abrahamus, 37

Grumet, Laird of, 262

Guy, the bookseller, 50

Gwynne, Nell, 196

Haddington, Earl of, 254, 255, 308

Hadfield, Miss, 299

Hailes, Lord, 5, 10, 11, 12, 17, 24, 29, 30, 35, 37, 39, 40, 58, 59,
61, 62, 86, 93, 102, 106, 111

Hall Stevenson, John, 210

Hamilton, Anne, 4

Hamilton, David, of Monckland, 296

Hamilton, Duke of, 66, 92, 312

Hamilton, James, of Bangour, 270, 271

Hamilton, James, of Dalziel, 4

Hamilton, John, of Sundrum, 285

Hamilton, Lady Janet, 3

Hanger, Colonel, George, 302

Hardwicke, Lord Chancellor, 235

Harley, Robert, Earl of Orford, 297

Hastie, a schoolmaster, 85

Hastings, Warren, 158, 165

Hawkesworth, Dr., 91

Hawkins, Mr., M. P., 165

Hawkins, Sir John, 155, 156

Hay, Charles, Lord Newton, 275, 279

Hay, David, of Naughton, 2

Heaton, Mr., 110

Hebrides, Tour to the, 85-94, 105, 151

Henderland, Lord, 275

Henderson, Matthew, 253

Heron, Mrs., of Heron, 302, 303

Heron, Patrick, M. P., 303, 308

Herries, Charles, 5

Hertford, Marquess of, 153

Hervey, Captain Augustus, 230

Hird, John, 186

Hood, Miss de, 262

Home, Rev. John, 17, 20, 32, 100, 252, 308

Honywood, General Philip, 243

Hope, James, Lord, 215

Hope, John, Lord, 249

Hope, Sir Thomas, Bart., 303

Horne, Dr., 109

Houston, Lady, 59

Howard, General Sir George, 316

Howe, Admiral, Earl, 239

Howe, General Sir William, 239

Hume, David, 8, 17, 31, 33, 50, 86, 210, 221, 255, 262, 263, 268, 283,
308

Hunter, Rev. Thomas, 220

Hutton, Charles, 300

Hutton, James, M. D., 300

Hyndford, Lord, 313

Inchkenneth, 91

Inverary, 92

Inverness, 88

Iona, 91

Irving, Colonel John, 310

James, Dr. Robert, 323

Jockey Club, 14

Johnson, Samuel, LL.D., 1, 8, 10, 11, 16, 24, 32, 49-53, 59-63, 82,
84-98, 103-6, 109-129, 131-136, 139, 141, 145-7, 155-160, 196,
207, 209-217, 273, 287, 289, 291, 324

Johnston, John, of Grange, 54, 56, 185, 188, 204

Johnston, Maggy, 265

Johnstone, Sir James, Bart., of Westerhall, 327

Jortin, Rev. Dr., 13

Kames, Lord, 102, 278, 303, 307, 308

Keith, Miss Jenny, 327

Keith, Mr., Collector, 88

Keith, Robert, 327

Keith, Mrs. Murray, 327

Kellie, Earl of, 19, 254, 271, 275-310

Kenmure, Lord, 307

Kennedy, David, advocate, 284

Ker, Lord Mark, 309, 311, 313

Kettle, Mrs. Betty, 282

Kilda, St., 88

Kincardine, Alexander, second Earl of, 1, 316, 325

Kincardine, Countess of, 85, 184

Kinghorn, 87

Kinloch, Elizabeth, 264

Knight, Joseph, a negro, 115, 279

Kirby, Mr., Governor of Newgate, 182

Langton, Bennet, 95, 118, 119, 158, 274, 278, 298, 318, 324, 328

Leinster, Duke of, 79

Leland, Dr., 79

Leslie, General Alexander, 326

Leslie, Hon. Alexander, 266

Lestsch, M., 227

Leven, Earl of, 266

Lichfield, 109, 110, 122

Lindsay, Rev. John, 178

Lochore, Mariota, 2

Lochore, Philip de, 2

Lockhart, Alexander, advocate, 279

Lockhart, George, of Carnwath, 252

Lonsdale Club, 143

Lonsdale, Lord, 133, 143, 145, 149, 151, 152-4, 158-161, 195

Love, Mr., the player, 10, 31

Love, Rev. William, 251

Loudoun, Earl of, 243, 244

Lowther, Sir John, 133

Lumsden, Andrew, 240, 319

Lutterel, Colonel, 327

Lyttleton, George, Lord, 215

Maasdain, Mademoiselle de, 235

Macaulay, Lord, 88, 189

Macaulay, Rev. Aulay, 88

Macbride, Dr., 79

Macbryde, Captain John, 142, 185

Macdonald, Flora, 90

Macdonald, Mr., of Kingsburgh, 89

Macdonald, Sir Alexander, 89, 139-140

Macdonald, Sir James, Bart., 216

Macfarlane, William, 192

Macfarlane, Lady Elizabeth, 315

Macfarlane, Walter, of that Ilk, 315

Mackermore, Lady, 308

Mackinnon, Mr., 89

Maclaine, Rev. Dr., 235

Maclaurin, John, Lord Dreghorn, 203, 276, 284

Maclaurin, Professor Colin, 203

Maclean, Donald, 91

Maclean, Sir Allan, 91

Macleod, Lady, 90

Macleod, of Macleod, 85, 90

Macpherson, James, 20, 207

Mallet, David, 23

Malone, Edmund, 136, 148, 150, 156-158, 163-172, 181-182, 185, 192

Malte, Chevalier de, 263

Mansfield, Earl of, 18, 250, 268, 270

Marchmont, Earl of, 212, 268

Marischal, Earl, 47, 231, 236

Marlborough, Duke of, 178, 296

Mary Anne, an Irish beauty, 77-79

Mason, Rev. Mr., 147

Maxwell, Alexander, 296

Maxwell, Lady, of Monreith, 322

Maxwell, Miss Eglinton, 286

Maxwell, Miss Jane, 311

Maxwell, Sir Robert, 307

Maxwell, Sir William, Bart., of Monreith, 213

Maxwell, Sir William, Bart., of Springkell, 311, 312

M’Claren, Rev. John, 259, 260

McKie, John, of Bargaly, 307

McKye, J. R., 322

McMurdo, Mr., 253

McQuane, Mr., 91

McQueen, Rev. Donald, 90

Meadows, Captain, 62

Melville, General Robert, 285

Melville, Sir Robert, 2

Meredith, Sir William, 269

Millar, Andrew, bookseller, 59

Miller, Miss, 167

Minto, Earl of, 241, 257

Mitchell, Sir Andrew, 43-47, 228

Moira, Earl of, 195

Monboddo, Lord, 87, 142, 285, 327

Monckton, Hon. Mary, 126

Moncrieff, David Stuart, of Moredun, 281

Monro, Sir Robert, Bart., 322

Montgomerie, Colonel, M.P., 133-5, 153

Montgomerie, David, of Lainshaw, 4, 79

Montgomerie, Hugh, of Skermorly, 309

Montgomerie, Lady Frances, 208

Montgomerie, Miss Margaret, 79, 82

Montgomery, Lady Mary, 97

Montrose, 87

Montrose, Duke of, 126

Monypenny, David, of Pitmilly, 266

Moray, Earl of, 261

Mounsey, Mr. George, 195

Mountstuart, Lord, 48, 97, 100, 122

Mundell, Mr. James, 6

Murdoch, A. of Monkton, 272

Murdoch, David, 129

Murdoch, James, 183

Murdoch, William, 186

Murray, Alexander, Lord Henderland, 275

Murray, Colonel, 313

Murray, Fanny, 18, 269

Murray, Lady Catherine, 306

Murray, Mr., of Broughton, 305

Murray, Patrick, advocate, 294

Murray, Patrick, Lord Elibank, 271

Murray, Sir Robert, of Hillhead, 254

Mull, 91

Nassau, Count, 37

Nairne, William, Lord Dreghorn, 234, 296

Nairne, Sir William, Bart., 236, 249, 280

Needham, John Turberville, 234

Neitschutz, Mr. de, 227

Newhall, Lord, 246

Nisbet, William, of Dirleton, 254, 280

Nichols, John, 203, 205

Nicholls, Rev. N., 82

Nivernais, Duke de, 209

Normaville, John, 186

Ogden, Dr., 90

Ogilvie, Dr. John, 208

Ogilvie, Lord, 220

Oglethorpe, General, 62, 85

Orde, Lord Chief Baron, 86, 252

Orkney, Earl of, 3

Ormonde, Duke of, 274

Oughton, Sir Adolphus, 86

Oxford, Earl of, 297

Palliser, Sir Hugh, 289

Palmer, Rev. Mr., 94

Paoli, General, 48, 49, 51, 52, 58

Paradise, John, 321

Parnell, Thomas, D.D., 297

Parr, Dr., 164

Peden, James, 185

Pembroke, Earl of, 62, 95, 290

Perreau, the brothers, 110

Pettigrew, Rev. John, 251

Pigot, Sir George, Bart., 288

Pindar, Peter, 138, 140, 146

Piozzi, Mrs., 85, 105, 129, 139, 155

Pitcairn, Robert, 3, 59, 62, 63, 79, 80, 99, 111, 112, 180, 291, 293,
318, 321, 328

Pitt, Rt. Hon. William, 132, 149, 153, 231

Poniatowski, King of Poland, 232

Pope, Alexander, 118, 305

Porter, Mrs. Lucy, 110

Prade, Abbé de, 227

Preston, Charles, 228

Preston, Sir George, Bart., 199, 321

Preston, Lady, 199, 321

Preston, Miss, 228

Price, Richard, D.D., 301

Pringle, Sir John, Bart., 61, 319

Pringle, Sir Walter, 246

Prussia, King of, 215, 223, 227, 263

Prussia, Prince of, 238

Queensberry, Duke of, 23

Quin, James, the player, 217

Rae, Sir David, Bart., 284

Ramsay, Allan, the painter, 255

Ramsay, Rev. James, 240

Rasay, Isle of, 89

Regent, The Prince, 195

Rennie, David, of Melville, 206

Reynolds, Sir Joshua, 85, 97, 118, 119, 150, 163, 169, 172, 287, 292,
320

Richardson, Rev. Mr., 235

Richmond, Mr., of Bardarrock, 262

Rickslepen, Mesdemoiselles, 232

Riddell, Robert, of Glenriddell, 312

Ridley, Lady, 298

Ridley, Sir Matthew White, Bart., M. P., 298

Rivarola, Count, 48

Robert the Bruce, 2

Robertson, Baldwin, advocate, 217

Robertson, Barbara, of Orbiston, 267

Robertson, Dr. William, 17, 32, 85, 86, 93, 100, 210, 250, 271

Robinson, Mr., bookseller, 170

Rockville, Lord, 254

Roger, Rev. James, 33

Rogers, Sir William, 3

Rolland, Rev. James, 323

Rose, Mr., at Utrecht, 217

Ross, David, tragedian, 17, 18, 59, 269

Rosslyn, Earl of, 199

Rousseau, 48, 49, 50, 51, 58, 64, 68, 234

Rowlandson, Thomas, 137

Rudd, Margaret Caroline, 110

Rumbold, Sir Thomas, Bart., 320

Sackville, Lord George, 263

Samson, William, 185

Sanderson, the Quaker, 310

Scott, Colonel, 236

Scott, General, of Balcomie, 279, 280

Scott, Sir Walter, 92

Scott, Sir William, 86, 163, 167, 171

Selwyn, George, M. P., 314

Seward, William, F.R.S., 288

Seymour, Algernon, 297

Seymour, Lady Elizabeth, 297

Shakespeare, 80, 81

Sharp, Archbishop, 245

Shelburne, Earl of, 301

Sheldon, Captain, 81

Sheldon, Mrs., 81

Sheridan Thomas, 24, 64, 211, 213, 215, 221

Sheridan, Richard Brinsley, 211

Short, James, optician, 324

Shuter, Edward, comedian, 316

Sibthorpe, Mr., 78

Sidmouth, Lord, 195

Silverton, Miss, 99

Sinclair, Lady Margaret, 3

Sinclair, Pate, 3

Sinclair of Briggend, 251

Shebbeare, Dr., 282

Skye, Isle of, 90

Smith, Dean, 123

Smith, Dr. Adam, 11, 111, 112

Smollett, Dr. Tobias, 92

Smollett, Mr. Commissary, 92

Soaping Club, The, 21

Solander, Dr., 270, 273

Somerville, John, Thirteenth Lord, 16

Somerville, Mrs. Mary, 4

Somnelsdyck, 85

Spencer, Edmund, of Rendlesham, 245

Spencer, Lady Diana, 296

Spottiswoode of Spottiswoode, 290

St. Andrews, 87

Stair, Earl of, 243, 256

Steevens, Mr., 169

Stevenson, John, 123

Stevenson, John Hall, 210

Stewart, Houstoun, 302

Stewart, Miss, of Blackhall, 218

Stewart, Sir John, Bart., 66

Stewart, Sir Michael, Bart., 218, 302

Stobie, Mr., 322

Stormont, Lord, 312

Stratford-on-Avon, 80

Stuart, Andrew, M.P., 236, 279, 288

Stuart, Captain Keith, 241

Stuart, Hon. Col. James A., 97, 122, 123, 143, 185

Stuart, Hon. Mrs., 97, 99, 298

Stuart, James, of Dunearn, 193

Suard, Jean Baptiste Antoine, 298, 299

Sunderland, Lord, 248

Swinton, Lord, 284

Sydenham, Thomas, 118

Syme, Mrs., 211

Tait, Archbishop, 275

Tait, Rev. Mr., 88

Talbot de Malahide, Lord, 195

Talbot, Hon. Richard Talbot, 195

Taylor, Dr., oculist, 248

Taylor, Dr., of Ashbourne, 115

Taylor, Michael Angelo, 165

Temple, Captain Robert, 36, 47, 209

Temple, Mr., jun., 180

Temple, Mrs., 8, 82, 99

Temple, Rev. William Johnson, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 29, 30, 35-38, 40,
51-57, 65, 67-78, 82-84, 96-106, 111, 120-126, 144-161, 163-167,
172, 176-183, 185, 190

Templeton, John, 185

Theodore, King, 64

Thomson, George, 24

Thrale, Mr., 82, 112, 321

Thrale, Mrs., 85, 105, 129, 139, 155

Thurlow, Lord Chancellor, 135

Tinwald, Lord, 199, 246

Tobermory, 91

Tronchin, Theodore, 221, 222

Trotz, C. H., 35, 42, 214

Trumbull, Watte, 3

Tucker, Miss Charlotte Maria, 198

Twamley, Mr., 132

Ulva, Isle of, 91

Utrecht, 35, 37, 42, 43, 214

Vansittart, Councillor, 270

Vassall, Major-General, 194

Vasseur, Therese La, 50

Vaux, Marshal De, 80

Voltaire, 48, 51, 68, 214, 219, 227, 230, 235

Wake, Captain, 230

Walker’s Tavern, 326

Wallace, George, advocate, 278

Wallace, Isabel, 3

Wallace, Lady, 286

Wallace, Rev. Robert, D.D., 278

Wallace, Sir John, of Cairnhill, 4

Wallace, Sir Thomas, 253

Walmesley, Gilbert, 323

Walpole, Horace, 52, 63

Walpole, Sir Robert, 211

Walshe, Lt.-Colonel, 79

Warburton, Bishop, 268

Ware, Charles Edward, 197

Ware, Edith Caroline, 197

Ware, Mr. Cumberlye, 197

Warton, Joseph, 170

Warton, Thomas, 109

Warwick, Earl of, 304

Waters, Mr., banker in Paris, 50

Webster, Captain, 211

Webster, Dr. Alexander, 5, 86, 199, 211, 248, 249, 276, 277, 278, 325

Webster, Mrs. Alexander, 199, 320

Wedderburn, Alexander, 199

Wellesley, Marquis of, 118

Wemyss, Sir John, Bart., 320

Wesley, Rev. John, 121

Westhall, Lord, 325

Wetherell, Dr., 109

Wharton, Marquess of, 274

White, Thomas, 221

Whitefoord, Allan, 311

Whitefoord, Caleb, 224

Whitefoord, John, 149, 152

Wilberforce, William, M.P., 176

Wilkes, John, 27, 51, 112, 113, 141, 165, 274, 291, 299, 301, 322

William the Conqueror, 1

William the Lion, 2

Williams, Miss, 26

Williams, Mrs., of Crawley Grange, 197

Windham, Mr., 163

Wolcott, Dr. John, 138, 175

Wright, Mr., 271

York, Duke of, 14, 15

Yorke, Sir Joseph, 79, 237

Young, Dr., physician, 206, 233

Zelide, 75, 77

Zoilen, Mademoiselle, 220

Zuyl, Mademoiselle de, 225, 235

J. AND W. RIDER, PRINTERS, LONDON.

FOOTNOTES:

[1] I happened however to be present on an occasion when a quotation from Dr. Johnson served as a special illustration of the infallible memory and rapid intuition of a man of letters in whose distinction Scotland has a considerable share. It was in the house of a lady of literary and social importance in her day, who was fond of displaying her disregard of religious decencies. At one end of the table the party were talking of a remarkable fall of some fronts of houses in Tottenham-court-road, leaving the rooms open to the street in all their usual conditions. At the other the hostess was tracing resemblances between Mormonism and Christianity, with peculiar application to their founders. Mr. Macaulay, seated in the middle, leant over to Dean Milman opposite, and said in a low tone, “You remember Johnson’s London,—

‘Here falling houses thunder on your head,
And here a female Atheist talks you dead.’”

[2] This opinion receives an accidental confirmation of its events by the publication of the Life of Sir Gilbert Eliot—a work highly honourable to a Scottish house by the dignity of its records and the talent of their reproduction. This cannot be better expressed than in the words of Lady Minto, writing from Edinburgh, February 21, 1802:—

“This country has arrived at the true pitch of comfort and happiness. The people are full of information, are natural, unassuming, and social, but with a great mixture of occupation. People meet together to be pleased, cheerful, and easy; even the Scotch pride has its uses by putting the poor often on an equal footing with the rich. A Douglas or a Scott would consider himself on a par with persons of the highest title and rank; their education is equally good, their society the same, their spirit and love of their country possibly much greater. Almost every family can boast of heroes in some generation, which excites emulation; and nothing is so uncommon as to see idle men and listless manners. All is energy, and every one has some object in view to exercise his faculties and talents. I must say, at the present time I think the race very superior to the English, who are too far gone in luxury and dissipation to be agreeable or happy. _Morals_ here are certainly very good, and yet the manners are much more free, and one scarcely ever meets with affectation and airs. People meet like friends, and not with a cold bow and a distant curtsey.”

[3] In reference to Thomas Boswell the following entries appear in the Treasurer’s books:—May 15th, 1504. “Item, to Thomas Boswell he laid downe in Leith to the wife of the kingis innis and to the boye ran the kingis hors 18s.” Aug. 2, 1504. “Item, for twa hidis to be jakkis to Thomas Boswell and Watte Trumbull, agane the Raid of Eskdale [an expedition against the Border thieves], 56s.” January 1, 1504-5. “Item, to Thomas Boswell and Pate Sinclair to by thaim daunsing geir, 28s.” December 31, 1505. “Item, to 30 dosane of bellis for dansarris, delyverit to Thomas Boswell, £4 10s.” In his “Collection of Criminal Trials,” Mr. Pitcairn, who quotes these entries, supposes that Thomas Boswell held the position of royal minstrel. In this office he was probably the successor of Sir William Rogers, chief musician to James III. Rogers, like Boswell, obtained from his sovereign a grant of lands in guerdon of service. He suffered a violent death in 1482. (“Traquair Papers,” quoted in Chambers’ “History of Peeblesshire,” Edinb., 1861, 8vo., pp. 81-86.)

[4] Lord Balmuto was a large coarse-looking man, with black hair and beetling eyebrows. Though not vulgar he was passionate, and had a boisterous manner. My mother and her sisters gave him the nickname of the “black bull of Norr’away,” in allusion to the northern position of Balmuto.—“Personal Recollections of Mary Somerville,” Lond., 8vo., 1873, p. 55.

[5] In a MS. commonplace-book of Lord Hailes, preserved at New Hailes, near Edinburgh, occurs the following entry in his lordship’s handwriting:—“1754, Feb. 14. My friend Mr. Alex. Boswell, of Auchinleck, admitted a Lord of Session. He has told me that it was by the interest of the Duke of Newcastle. For once at least his Grace judged right.” The Duke of Newcastle was Prime Minister.

[6] This lady’s eldest sister was wife of the celebrated Dr. Alexander Webster, of Edinburgh (see _postea_).

[7] Dr. Stevens’ “History of the High School of Edinburgh,” pp. 100, 135.

[8] In Lord Hailes’ Commonplace-book, preserved at New Hailes, is the following entry:—“1755, April 1.—I began my office of Advocate Depute at Stirling—a ridiculous day of the year. At that time I was very ignorant of criminal law, but good intentions have, I hope, atoned for my defects.”

[9] Letter of Dr. Jortin, preserved at New Hailes.

[10] Letter to Mr. Temple, dated 1st May, 1761.

[11] “Letter to the People of Scotland,” Lond., 8vo., 1785.

[12] This person is entitled to more than a passing notice. Long before the modern publication of cheap literature by W. and R. Chambers and Charles Knight, Alexander Donaldson opened a shop in London for the sale of what were termed “spurious editions” of popular books. The London booksellers endeavoured to check his enterprise, but were defeated in the courts of law. Latterly he was unfortunate. His nephew, James Donaldson, also a printer at Edinburgh, founded and endowed the hospital in that city which bears his name. For that purpose he bequeathed the sum of £200,000.

[13] Boswell has appended this note. “Who has not heard of ‘_Every man soap his own beard_’—the reigning phrase for ‘Every man in his humor’? Upon this foundation B—— instituted a jovial society, called the SOAPING CLUB.”

[14] An Edinburgh tavern.

[15] The name of this Soaper has not been discovered.

[16] Throughout his whole career Boswell entertained the idea that his mind was imperfectly balanced.

[17] Letters between the Honourable Andrew Erskine and James Boswell, Esq. London, 1763, 8vo.

[18] “Archibald Constable and his Correspondents.” Edinburgh, 1873, 8vo, vol. I., p. 32.

[19] Mrs. Davies was originally an actress, and was celebrated as a beauty.

[20] Boswell’s letter at New Hailes.

[21] Boswell’s “Life of Johnson.”

[22] Original letter at New Hailes.

[23] Original letter preserved at New Hailes.

[24] “Autobiography of the Rev. Dr. Alexander Carlyle.” Edinburgh, 1860, 8vo., p. 322.

[25] Of this society, styled the Lunan and Viney Water Farming Club, the Rev. James Roger, of Dunino, father of the writer, was on Mr. Dempster’s nomination elected perpetual secretary. The minute-book is in the writer’s possession.

[26] In 1765 Mr. Dempster obtained the patent office of Secretary to the Order of the Thistle, with a salary of £500 per annum.

[27] Cards.

[28] Letter of Boswell preserved at New Hailes.

[29] “Institutes of the Law of Scotland,” by John Erskine, of Carnock. A standard book of reference in the law courts of Scotland.

[30] This account of the quotation from Johnson’s poem of “London” is contained in a letter addressed by Boswell to Sir David Dalrymple. In the “Life of Johnson” Boswell states that the quotation was made by himself.

[31] “I could give you pages of strong sense and humour which I have heard from that great man, and which are treasured up in my journal. And here I must inform you that he desired me to keep just the journal that I do; and when I told him that it was already my practice, he said he was glad I was upon so good a plan.”—_MS. letter from Boswell of 13th July, 1763, preserved at New Hailes._

[32] Dutch for “our envoy.”

[33] The meaning here is defective.

[34] “Memoirs and Papers of Sir Andrew Mitchell, K.B., Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary from the Court of Great Britain to the Court of Prussia, from 1756 to 1771,” edited by Andrew Bisset, Esq., vol. ii., p. 381.

[35] Boswell’s “Account of and Tour to Corsica,” London, 1769, 8vo., p. 288.

[36] Boswell’s “Corsica,” 3rd edition, p. 349.

[37] “Life of Johnson.”

[38] “Private Correspondence of David Hume.” Lond. 1820, 4to., p. 131.

[39] “Chatham Correspondence,” vol. ii., p. 388.

[40] Richard Owen Cambridge, author of “The Scribleraid” and other works. A gentleman of opulence, he entertained in his villa at Twickenham the literary celebrities of his time. He died in 1802, aged eighty-five.

[41] In his letters to Mr. Temple of 9th September, 1767, and 14th May, 1768, Boswell evinces a particular desire to possess Mr. Gray’s opinion of his work, and to obtain his personal acquaintance. It is hoped that he remained uninformed of the poet’s sentiments concerning him.

[42] “The Works of Thomas Gray. Edited by the Rev. John Mitford.” London: 1816, 2 vols., 4to, vol. ii., p. 498.

[43] Boswell’s servant.

[44] Sir Alexander Gilmour, Bart., of Craigmiller, M.P., Boswell’s supposed rival in the affections of Miss Blair, died _unmarried_ in France, on the 27th December, 1792.

[45] Miss Dick was eldest of the three daughters of Sir Alexander Dick, Bart., of Prestonfield. Mr. Temple met her during his visit to Scotland on the Adamtown expedition.

[46] Letter to Mr. Temple, written from Auchinleck, 24th August, 1768.

[47] Letter from Boswell to Mr. Temple, dated Edinburgh, 9th December, 1768.

[48] “The Carron Company has furnished me them very cheap; there are two 32-pounders, four 24’s, four 18’s, and twenty 9-pounders, with one hundred and fifty ball to each. It is really a tolerable train of artillery.” (Letter from Boswell to Mr. Temple, dated 24th August, 1768.)

[49] See Correspondence between the Rev. N. Nicholls and the poet Gray, _passim_.

[50] Boswell’s “Tour to the Hebrides.”

[51] John, fifth Duke of Argyll, married Elizabeth, relict of James, sixth Duke of Hamilton, and daughter of John Gunning, Esq., of Castle Coote, co. Roscommon. The Duchess was a celebrated beauty.

[52] Life of Johnson.

[53] John, Lord Mountstuart, eldest son of John, third Earl of Bute, and afterwards first Marquess of Bute. He was born 30th June, 1744, and died 16th November, 1814.

[54] This lady was Margaret, daughter of Sir David Cunninghame, of Milnecraig, and his wife, Lady Mary Montgomery, daughter of Alexander, ninth Earl of Eglinton. She married, in 1767, the Hon. James Archibald Stuart, second son of John, third Earl of Bute. This gentleman was one of Boswell’s most attached friends.

[55] Afterwards Viscount Melville.

[56] A forcible rendering of what he meant by styling Dr. Johnson “Ursa major.”

[57] Letter dated 6th June, 1775.

[58] Boswell’s “Life of Johnson,” London, 1818, 10 vols., 12mo., vol. vi., p. 34.

[59] From the Register of Tailzies, preserved in the General Register House, Edinburgh, vol. xix., folio 233.

[60] The Rev. Thomas Barnard, D.D., Dean of Derry, was elected a member of the Literary Club in December, 1755. Son of William Barnard, D.D., successively Bishop of Raphoe and Derry, he was educated at Westminster School. Obtaining orders, he was appointed Dean of Derry in 1769. He was consecrated Bishop of Killaloe in 1780, and translated to the see of Limerick in 1794. He died at Wimbledon, Surrey, on the 7th June, 1806. He was a cherished friend of Dr. Goldsmith, and an associate of Johnson, Burke, and Sir Joshua Reynolds.

[61] “Life of Johnson.”

[62] The negro gained his plea.

[63] Correspondence of the Right Hon. Edmund Burke, edited by Charles Earl Fitzwilliam. Lond., 4 vols., 1844, vol. ii, p. 207.

[64] “Life of Johnson.”

[65] Mr. Croker relates the anecdote on the authority of the Marquess of Wellesley, who received it from Mr. Thomas Sydenham. That gentleman got the story from Mr. Knight, to whom it was communicated by Sir Joshua Reynolds.

[66] “Life of Johnson.”

[67] Throughout these papers Boswell adopts his peculiar system of orthography, presenting _judgement_ for judgment, _authour_ for author, _empannael_ for empannel.

[68] The Honourable Mary Monckton was youngest daughter of John, first Viscount Galway. She married, on the 17th January, 1786, Edmund, seventh Earl of Cork; she died in 1840.

[69] “Life of Johnson.”

[70] This gentleman was, we believe, father of Mr. John Murdoch, the first and most efficient instructor of the poet Burns.

[71] A Mr. Twamley invented a kind of box-iron for smoothing linen.

[72] Lord Lowther was son-in-law of the Earl of Bute, and brother-in-law of Boswell’s friend, Colonel Stuart. Boswell’s relations with this influential nobleman will form a prominent feature in the subsequent narrative.

[73] Life of Edmund Malone, by James Boswell, jun., contributed to the _Gentleman’s Magazine_, and reprinted for private circulation.

[74] Mr. Malone published in 1778 his “Attempt to ascertain the order in which Shakespeare’s Plays were written.”

[75] A Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D., with Notes by John Courtenay, Esq. Lond.: C. Dilly, 1786.

[76] The celebrated Flora Macdonald.

[77] The pseudonym of Dr. John Wolcott, the eminent satirist.

[78] From the Hebrides Dr. Johnson wrote to Mrs. Thrale in these terms:—“We had a passage of about twelve miles to the point where Sir Alexander Macdonald resided, having come from his seat, in the middle of the island, to a small house on the shore, as we believe, that he might with less reproach entertain us meanly. If he aspired to meanness, his retrograde ambition was completely gratified; but he did not succeed equally in escaping reproach. He had no cook, nor I suppose much provision; nor had the lady the common decencies of her tea-table; we picked up our sugar with our fingers. Boswell was very angry, and reproached him with his improper parsimony.... I have done thinking of Sir Alexander Macdonald, whom we now call Sir Sawney; he has disgusted all mankind by injudicious parsimony, and given occasion to so many stories, that Boswell has some thoughts of collecting them, and making a novel of his life.” (Letters to Mrs. Thrale, vol. i., p. 137.)

[79] Lady Macdonald, _née_ Elizabeth Diana Bosville, was a member of the eldest branch of the Boswell family, and was one of those gentlewomen to whom early in life Boswell thought of offering his hand (see page 67). Daughter of Godfrey Bosville, Esq., of Gunthwaite, Yorkshire, she married Sir Alexander Macdonald in 1768.

[80] Sir Alexander Macdonald, Bart., was raised to the peerage, as Baron Macdonald of Slate, on the 17th July, 1776.

[81] See _postea_.

[82] In the Library of the British Museum is contained a copy of the pamphlet which belonged to Mr. Wilkes. In Boswell’s handwriting it is thus inscribed:—

“Comes jucundus in via pro vehiculo est.
“To John Wilkes, Esq., as pleasant a companion as ever lived.
“From the Author.
“...Will my Wilkes retreat,
And see, once seen before, that ancient seat,” &c.

[83] This satirical allusion to Lord Monboddo is conceived in the very worst taste. His lordship had shown marked attention to Boswell in his youth, and had entertained him and Dr. Johnson at Monboddo, during the progress of their tour. Latterly his lordship and Dr. Johnson had differed, and probably on this account Boswell considered himself entitled to make this offensive allusion to his philosophical opinions.

[84] Boswell’s motion in Court, _quare adhæsit pavimento_, is preserved as a jest in the courts of Westminster.

[85] Letter from Boswell to Mr. Temple.

[86] Letter to Mr. Temple of 22nd May.

[87] Letter to Mr. Temple.

[88] Henry Seymour Conway, a General in the army, was brother of the first Marquess of Hertford. He was under the Rockingham administration Secretary of State for Ireland, and leader of the House of Commons. He died in 1795.

[89] Pitt was brought into Parliament for the close borough of Appleby by Sir James Lowther, afterwards Lord Lonsdale.

[90] Letter to Mr. Temple.

[91] Mrs. Piozzi’s Anecdotes of Dr. Johnson. London: 1785.

[92] Boswell called on Sir John Hawkins, and complained of being slighted in his book. “I know what you mean,” said Sir John; “you would have had me to say that Johnson undertook this tour with _the_ Boswell.” _Miss Hawkins’ Johnsoniana._

[93] Malone’s Edition of Shakspere, in ten volumes, was published in 1790.

[94] Lord Chancellor Thurlow.

[95] Boswell’s Life of Johnson, edited by the Right Hon. John Wilson Croker and others, London, 1848, 12mo., vol. x., pp. 209-220.

[96] “Sermons, in two volumes, by John Dun, V.D.M. Kilmarnock, 1790,” 8vo.

[97] John Courtenay, Esq., was born in Ireland in 1741, and died in 1816. He composed the “Poetical Review of Dr. Johnson” and other works. He was, when Boswell knew him, Surveyor of the Ordnance and M.P. for Tamworth. He was a warm friend and pleasant companion.

[98] See “Life of William Wilberforce,” Lond., 1838. Vol. iii., pp. 63, 70.

[99] From the Commissariat Register of Glasgow, preserved in the General Register House, Edinburgh, vol. 74, p. 194.

[100] “Life of James Beattie, LL.D.,” by Sir William Forbes, of Pitsligo, Bart., Edinb. 1807, 3 vols., vol. iii., p. 378.

[101] Statement of Mr. William Macfarlane, of Edinburgh, to Robert Chambers. “Traditions of Edinburgh,” 1869, 12mo., p. 74.

[102] See the Poetical Works of Sir Alexander Boswell, Bart., with memoir, by Robert Howie Smith, Glasgow, 1871, 12mo.

[103] Decisions of the Court of Session, 20th March, 1851.

[104] The celebrated Nell Gwynne, who is believed to have transmitted a benefaction to the starving poet, which did not reach till after his decease.

[105] The only son of Thomas Alexander Boswell, of Crawley Grange, died in India in his 18th year.

[106] Births Register of Auchinleck.

[107] The Rev. Robert Bruce Boswell published in 1842 a volume of “Psalms and Hymns, chiefly selected,” dedicated to Daniel, Lord Bishop of Calcutta.

[108] John Maclaurin, eldest son of Colin Maclaurin, Professor of Mathematics in the University of Edinburgh, was admitted advocate in August, 1756. After a period of successful practice at the bar, he was raised to the bench by the title of Lord Dreghorn in January, 1789. He died at Edinburgh 24th December, 1796. Maclaurin was one of Boswell’s early associates; he contributed several poems to the first volume of Donaldson’s “Collection,” Edinburgh, 1760. Three dramas from his pen, entitled, “Hampden,” “The Public,” and “The Philosopher’s Opera,” are of very ordinary merit. His collected works were published in 1798 in two octavo volumes.

[109] John Nichols, printer, the celebrated author of the “Literary Anecdotes,” was born in 1744 and died in 1826. A person of ripe and varied scholarship, he enjoyed the esteem of Dr. Johnson.

[110] John Johnston, of Grange, was one of Boswell’s early and more confidential associates. Professionally a writer to the signet, he owned the small estate of Grange, Dumfriesshire, which brought him a rental of about £100 per annum. In a letter to the Hon. Andrew Erskine, dated 8th May, 1762, Boswell alludes to Johnston in these terms:—“I shall be at Dumfries soon, when I hope to see my friend Johnston. We will talk much of old Scotch history, and the memory of former years will warm our hearts. Johnston is a very worthy fellow. I may safely say so, for I have lived in intimacy with him more years than the Egyptian famine lasted.” In his reply Erskine desires to be kindly remembered to “honest Johnston.” He inquires whether “his trees are growing well at his paternal estate of Grange; if he is as fond of Melvil’s Memoirs [“Memoirs of Sir James Melvil, of Halhill,” London, 1752, 8vo.] as he used to be; and if he continues to stretch himself in the sun upon the mountains near Edinburgh.” Johnston fell into bad health. He predeceased Boswell, who became a creditor on his estate. At Boswell’s death the trustees on Johnston’s estate were indebted to his representatives in the sum of £195. (See _supra_, p. 188.)

[111] Sir William Augustus Cunynghame, fourth baronet of Milncraig, Ayrshire, was eldest son of Lieutenant-General Sir David Cunynghame and his wife, Lady Mary Montgomery, only daughter of Alexander, ninth Earl of Eglinton. For many years he represented the county of Linlithgow in the House of Commons; he also held several important offices in the public service. He died 17th January, 1828.

[112] The Hon. Henry Erskine, a celebrated humorist, was second son of Henry David, tenth Earl of Buchan, and brother of Lord Chancellor Erskine: he was born at Edinburgh, in November, 1746. He passed advocate in 1768, and soon attained professional eminence. He was appointed Lord Advocate on the accession of the Coalition Ministry in 1783, and three years afterwards was chosen Dean of Faculty. On the return of the liberal party to power he was reappointed Lord Advocate, and was at the same time elected M.P. for the Dumfries burghs. After a period of broken health, he died on the 8th October, 1817. Many of his sparkling witticisms and humorous sallies are included in popular collections of _bonmots_.

[113] Mrs. Dundas, of Melville, was daughter of David Rennie, Esq., of Melville Castle, and first wife of Henry Dundas, subsequently Viscount Melville. She died about 1790.

[114] On the 2nd June, 1790, Lord George Gordon, M.P., a younger son of Cosmo George, third Duke of Gordon, led 100,000 persons in procession to the House of Commons, to present a petition against a measure for relieving Roman Catholics from certain disabilities and penalties. The procession was followed by a riot, which continued several days, and was attended with the destruction of Catholic chapels and private dwellings. The prisons of London, too, were thrown open by the rabble, and the mansion of the chief justice thrown down. Lord George Gordon was tried for high treason, but acquitted. Afterwards convicted of libelling Queen Marie Antoinette of France, and presenting a petition reflecting on the laws and administration of criminal justice, he was committed to Newgate, where he died on the 1st November, 1793. Lord George Gordon evidently laboured under mental aberration, and ought to have been placed in a lunatic asylum.

[115] This anecdote is included by Boswell in his “Life of Johnson.”

[116] Alexander, tenth Earl of Eglinton, was a friend of the Auchinleck family, and one of Boswell’s early patrons. Born in 1726, he succeeded his father in his third year. A zealous promoter of agriculture, he was much beloved by his tenantry and neighbours. He was mortally wounded by a poacher, whom he sought forcibly to deprive of his firelock: he died on the 25th October, 1769.

[117] Dr. Hugh Blair, the celebrated preacher and rhetorician, was a central figure in the literary society of Edinburgh. He was collegiate minister of the High Church, and professor of rhetoric in the University. The first volume of his “Sermons” was published by Strahan, on the recommendation of Dr. Johnson. Dr. Blair was an early patron of Burns, and to his encouragement and active assistance Macpherson was much indebted in producing his first specimens of Ossianic poetry. Dr. Blair died at Edinburgh on the 27th December, 1800, aged eighty-two.

[118] James Macpherson, the editor of Ossian, established his residence in London in 1766, in his twenty-eighth year. In 1780 he was elected M.P. for Camelford. He died at Belleville, Inverness-shire, on the 17th February, 1796, aged fifty-eight. Boswell’s allusion to John Bull is explained by the attacks made on Macpherson by Dr. Johnson and other English writers, in reference to the authenticity of Ossian’s poems.

[119] Lady Frances Montgomerie was daughter of Alexander, ninth Earl of Eglinton, and sister of the tenth and eleventh earls. She died unmarried.

[120] Dr. John Ogilvie, was minister of Midmar, Aberdeenshire. He composed many volumes of poetry, and several of his lyrics have obtained celebrity. He died in 1814, at an advanced age.

[121] Captain Robert Temple was younger brother of Boswell’s intimate friend, the Rev. William Johnson Temple, rector of Mamhead. (See _supra_, pp. 36, 47.)

[122] John Hall-Stevenson was a relative of Laurence Sterne, and the “Eugenius” of his “Tristram Shandy.” His “Crazy Tales,” which appeared anonymously in 1762, are described by Sir Walter Scott as “witty and indecent.” Bishop Warburton describes Hall-Stevenson as “a monster of impiety and lewdness.” He died in 1785. He is noticed in Dr. Alexander Carlyle’s Autobiography.

[123] George Dempster, M.P. (See _supra_, pp. 32-34.)

[124] Dr. William Robertson, the historian, was son of a Scottish clergyman, and claimed descent from the Robertsons of Struan, an important family in the Highlands. Born in 1721, he was appointed minister of Gladsmuir in 1743; he was translated to one of the city churches of Edinburgh in 1758, and three years afterwards was appointed Principal of the University. He became historiographer royal for Scotland, and received other offices attended with honours and emoluments. His “History of Scotland during the Reigns of Mary and James VI.” appeared in 1759, and at once attracted attention. His other historical works sustained his reputation. He died on the 11th June, 1793, aged seventy-one. His sister, Mrs. Syme, was grandmother of Henry, Lord Brougham.

[125] Thomas Sheridan, father of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, whose acquaintance Boswell formed at Edinburgh early in life. Mr. Sheridan was a lecturer on elocution, and author of a pronouncing dictionary. He was latterly at variance with Dr. Johnson. He died in 1788.

[126] Sir Robert Walpole, latterly Earl of Orford. This eminent statesman was born in 1676, and died 18th March, 1745.

[127] Captain Webster, only son of the Rev. Dr. Alexander Webster, minister of the Tolbooth church, Edinburgh, was Boswell’s maternal cousin. Captain Webster attained the rank of colonel; he fell in the American war.

[128] Hugh Home, third Earl of Marchmont, was celebrated for his elegant learning and remarkable powers of debate. He enjoyed the esteem of Chatham and Walpole. Lord Cobham placed his bust in the temple of worthies at Stowe; and Pope, who enjoyed his intimacy, has thus celebrated him in the grotto at Twickenham,—

“There the bright flame was shot through Marchmont’s soul.”

Dr. Johnson entertained a prejudice against him, but was induced by Boswell to wait on him for his recollections of Pope. Johnson was received by the earl with much cordiality, and at the close of a long interview he remarked to Boswell that he “would rather have given twenty pounds than not have come.” Lord Marchmont died on the 10th January, 1794, aged eighty-six.

[129] Captain Andrew Erskine (see _supra_, pp. 19-24).

[130] Sir William Maxwell, fourth Baronet of Monreith, Wigtonshire. He died 22nd August, 1771.