To Reynolds, April 12, 1783. Appealing for Lowe's picture to be admitted to the Academy

To Barry, April 12, 1783. On the same subject
To Reynolds, May 2, 1783. In behalf of Mr
Cruikshanks (sic), who wished to succeed Dr
Hunter as Professor of Anatomy at the Royal
Academy

To Windham, May 31, 1783. Introducing Philips, father of Mrs Crouch, the singer

To Reynolds, June 2, 1783. Asking for the admission of young Paterson, his godson, to the Academy School

To Dr Taylor, June 17, 1783. Giving an account of his paralytic seizure on June 17

To Davies, June 18, 1783. On the same

To Mrs Thrale, June 19, 1783. On the same

To Boswell, July 3, 1783. On the same; but now considered cured

To Mrs Porter, July 5, 1783. On the same.

Going into Kent. "Let us pray for one another." I live now in a melancholy way, "The world passes away and we are passing with it"

To Miss Lawrence (extracts), July 22, 1783 (n). So glad of her father's recovery-not vigorous, but better. Aug 26, 1782, on improvement in her father's state. Feb. 4, 1783, his own condition improved

To Dr Brocklesby, Aug. 29, 1783. Giving an account of himself on his journey to Salisbury. Not wearied

To Langton, Sept. 29, 1783. Excuses. "Went to Wiltshire, there employed in palliating my own malady." Disease produces much selfishness. Has a troublesome and dangerous complaint To the same (extract). Is helpless as an infant. Miss Williams left her little substance to a charity school

To Boswell, Sept. 30, 1783. Baxter's "Anacreon " a very uncommon book

To Mrs Porter, Nov. 10, 1783. On the death of Mr Porter. The death of a friend is always unexpected. He was a thinker and a religious man. Last month died Mrs Williams, for thirty years in the place of a sister. During the two last under pressure of successive diseases. Lately had the gout with some severity. As our friends die daily round us we must cling closer and pray for one another

To Mr W. Gerard Hamilton, Nov. 19, 1783. Thanks for his 66 generous offers."

Entreats that sullenness or

his refusal be not put down to
pride." His sickness, owing to the kindness of
his physicians, of little expense to him. But if
unexpected exigence should arise, he will apply
to him

To Mrs Chapone, Nov. 28, 1783. Criticism on Lord Carlisle's play, "The Father's Revenge," sent to him in MS.

To Mrs Porter, Nov. 29, 1783. Omission of condolences no great crime. His nights are miserably restless, and his days therefore heavy; but tries to hold his head as high as he can. Sorry her health is not good, but she must submit to the Eternal Goodness

To Reynolds, Dec. 4, 1783. Asking him to join the Essex Head Club

To Boswell, Dec. 24, 1783. Neglect of Boswell by his great friends Disastrous state of politics To Dilly, Jan. 6, 1784. Asking that the "Burton Books" be procured for him, and "Baxter's Call" To Perkins, Jan. 21, 1784. Asking him to call To R. Clark, Jan. 27, 1784. On his taking the chair at the Essex Head Club. Forfeits, etc.

To Boswell, Feb. 11, 1784. Seized at Essex Head Club with a spasmodic asthma, and confined to his house eight weeks. Nights bad. Would like to go abroad to a warmer climate. Ramsay recovered his limbs in Italy. Fielding was sent to Lisbon. "Forgive a man struggling with disease," his neglect of politics and Boswell's pamphlet. To ask your physicians about my case To the same, March 2. 1784. Acknowledges the

opinion of the Scotch physicians. Thanks to Sir A. Dick

To Langton, March 27, April 8, and April 13, 1784. Troublesome cough from standing at an open window. At eighty Sir J. Floyer when asked his age replied, "Go look." Remedy for Miss Langton. April 8 (extract), "The man so busy about addresses is our Boswell. Let me have your prayers." April 13 (extract), about his health. "God has wonderfully restored me To Boswell, March 30, 1784. Boswell did right to hasten home when Parliament was dissolved. Advice on his entering on politics and elections. Above all, be scrupulous in the use of strong liquors. "One night's drunkenness may defeat the labours of forty days." All busy here. Fox stands, etc. About young

To Ozias Humphry, April 5, 1784.

Paterson and the Academy School

To the same, April 10, 1784. On the same matter To Dr Taylor, April 12, 1784. Anxious to hear from him. "I want every comfort." His life was solitary and cheerless. Still weak, and have not passed the door since Dec. 13. Received the Sacrament at home. The approach of death very dreadful. "No friend now living of my youth but you and Hector

To Lord Portmore, April 13, 1784. Thanks him for his enquiry

To Mrs Porter, April 26, 1784

To Miss Jane Langton, a child, May 10, 1784. Glad she writes so well. Hopes when older she will learn arithmetic. "Say your prayers and read the Bible"

To Ozias Humphry, May 31, 1784. Thanking him, and asking him to let his godson see him at his work

To Boswell, June 11, 1784 (extract). (This date must be a mistake, as Boswell was with him that day in London). Warning him that "the first approach to riches is security from poverty.” Makes his keeping within his income a condition of his coming to live in London. Debates the point

To Reynolds, July 6, 1784 (extract). On the applica tion for an increase of his pension. Wishes not to be misunderstood by the Chancellor, and explains his views

To Dr Brocklesby, July 20, 1784. at Lichfield. The asthma. His systems. July 31: Loss of Mr Allen, the printer, one of his best and tenderest friends." "Loth to think I grow worse. Aug. 5: Thanks for good offices. Aug. 12: His malady. Aug. 14: On the same. Aug. 16: "better, I hope, and

"

better."
A very liberal dinner. Favoured with
a degree of ease. Nights sleepless and the water
rises. Aug. 19: Asthma relaxing. Dr James'
Powder. Aug. 21: The balloon. Aug. 26:
Vacancy of his life. Gloom and depression.
Sept. 2: Windham here. Came forty miles out
of his way.
Nature is recovering her original
powers. Sept. 9: At Chatsworth on Monday;
kindly received. Sept. 11: Better, except as to
sleep. A short walk. Sept. 16: Growing weary
of solitude. Sept. 29: Three letters about the
balloon. This last month better than the former.
Hope to run about the town on my own legs.
Oct. 6: On the balloon. Oct. 25: Now not
weaker. Town is my element.

To Reynolds, July 21, 1784. Describes a sudden
remission of his asthma. Still weak. Sept. 2:
Breath easier, etc. Sept. 9: On the refusal as to
his pension, and the Chancellor's liberality.
Encloses a letter for him. At Chatsworth. Met
young Burke.
"The dinner was public." Sept.
18: Legs weak. The balloon. Oct. 2: The
refusal I did not expect, but doubted "whether
the Chancellor had so much tenderness for me as
to ask." Refers to Reynolds' loss of place.
To Boswell, July 26, 1784 (extract). Wished he
could have stayed and pressed the business

To the same, July 26, 1784 (extract). "Found at Ashbourne a half-built house of very uncomfortable appearance." Wonders that a man of seventythree should pass his remaining life in ruins and rubbish. "The doctor is busy in his fields, and goes to bed at nine." His whole system different so has to seek amusement within myself. Bids Boswell write often and write like a man, Considers his fidelity and tenderness a great part of the comfort that is left to him. Sincerely wishes "we could be nearer to each other. Life is very short," etc.

To Boswell, July 28, 1784. The previous letter contains the truth; and truth kindly intended. "Make the most of your lot. Compare yourself not with them above you but with those below." "Be well when you are not ill, and pleased when you are not angry." Loves him with great ardour and sincerity

To Dr Burney, Aug. 2, 1784. "I struggle hard for life." Driven twenty-four miles, "but who can

run the race with death?" Sept. 4: Nothing deserves more compassion than wrong conduct with good meaning. Nov. 1: Dr Burney's book. Caution in adjusting narratives. "Some tell what they do not know; others quite indifferent to the truth." Cannot boast of advancement in health To Hoole, Aug. 7, 1784. Ashbourne news. Two robbers hanged themselves in their cells. Aug. 13: The balloon. Sept. 4: Our acquaintance a long one

Sending him relief

To Heely, Aug. 12, 1784.
To Davies, Aug. 14, 1784.
To G. Nicol, Aug. 19, 1784.
To Cruikshank, Aug. 19, 1784.
ings

His health and sufferings
His maladies
His health and suffer-

To Langton, Aug. 25, 1784. Got to Lichfield in a coach in two days, little fatigued. Complaints of his sufferings. Does not want his money repaid. To Windham, Aug. 1784. "What can a sick man say but that he is sick." Thoughts all on himself. Oct. 2: "A sick man wishes to be where he is not," etc.

To Reynolds, Sept. 9, 1784. Thanking him for his efforts about the pension, and enclosing his letter to the Chancellor

To the Chancellor, Lord Thurlow, Sept. 1784.
Gratefully declines his offer of an advance on
mortgage of Johnson's pension. Explains how
he stands, not wishing to be thought to advance
a false claim, "solicited without my knowledge,
yet did not expect to hear of a refusal." Not
disappointed as he had not "rioted in hope"
To Perkins, Oct. 4, 1784. Struggling with his dis-
eases. Breath obstructed.

To Gerard Hamilton. Oct. 20, 1784. Thanks for
Hamilton's interest in his affairs in the spring.
His maladies and sufferings.
To J. Nichols, Oct. 20, 1784.

met him at Lichfield. "Life." Allen's death.

Sorry not to have Pleased with Bowyer's Weak and sleepless

THE reader who is not disposed to go steadily through the work may perhaps be glad to have the opinion of an expert, if I may venture so to call myself in this matter, as to what are the most striking and dramatic

passages.

Such are: Boswell's account of his introduction to the Sage, given in a most natural and unaffected manner (95). His account of Johnson's interview with the King (133), where we almost

seem to be listening. Boswell's dinner to Johnson, Goldsmith, Garrick, Reynolds, and others, most amusing (145). Dilly's dinner of May 7, 1773, with the spirited discussion on Toleration with Dr Mayo, and others (192). The "jaunt" to Oxford, in March 1776 (247), where we have Johnson in his best spirits en voyage; also the capital scene with "honest George Catcott, the pewterer," described with almost Pickwickian humour, under the date of April 1776; also scenes at Birmingham and Lichfield (252, 254). The delightful visit of Boswell to Ashbourne (298), where he has caught the "local colour" of the place. The very striking account of the Club Meeting of April 5, 1778, and the interesting discussions in which Burke and others talked with much effect (326). The quarrel of Johnson and Dr Percy in April 1778 (337), and Boswell's awkward attempt at reconcilement-both amusingly told. The dinner and discussion with Mrs Knowles the Quakeress (341). The last "jaunt" to Oxford in 1784, and the home discussions with Dr Adams and his daughter (468), and Boswell's final parting with Johnson pathetically described (483). Last, and best of all, we have the admirably graphic scene, conceived in the finest comedy spirit, of the dinner at Dilly's on May 15, 1776, at which Boswell contrived that Johnson should meet Wilkes. The way in which the characters are touched and stand out is marvellous, and shows Boswell to have been an artist of the first rank.

In the Hebrides Tour there is even more spirit and variety, and quite a dramatic "movement." A pleasant scene is the showing to Johnson the "Lions" of Edinburgh (445), where the exact tone of that charming city has been caught. The meeting with

JUL 9

Lord Monboddo (554), that eccentric person being admirably sketched. The visit to Lord Errol's (560), also the visit to Rasay (579). All the account of Dunvegan, Lady M'Leod, etc. (393). The dramatic and stormy voyage from Ostig to Mull (615). The capital discussion between Johnson and the grim Reverend Hector M'Lean, like a bit of the "Man of the World" (618). The animated scenes at Inverary Castle (638).

There are also many little short sketches, touched with infinite point and humour: such as the story of the "Ambassador says well," and the scene where the Sage awes the company, after saying that the woman had "a bottom of sense," when "we all sat composed as at a funeral" (415).

Still more interesting is Boswell's remarkable power of touching character. The best drawn and the most difficult to draw is perhaps that of Goldsmith-whose simplicity, awkwardness, thoroughly Irish "giving himself away," by which all know and love him, are known to us entirely through Boswell's masterly sketch. Johnson said that he talked like poor Poll, but here we have his actual talk. After Goldsmith we would put Garrick. These are the two best. Mrs Thrale is in a different vein, and admirable, Burke and Reynolds are more or less colourless. Dr Percy is excellent. Best of all is Boswell himself, one of the oddest revelations of natural weakness, revealed unconsciously, that can be found. The "Life" is indeed the life of Johnson, but as has been hinted at, at the close of the notes, Boswell was at the same time writing his own psychological life, pleading his great friend's authority for his own lapses and "anfractuosities."

1917

PERCY FITZGERALD.

Paterson,, d. 1802. Father of the young candidate for the

Royal Academy. A bookseller, latterly an auctioneer, and skilled in drawing up catalogues.

Pearce, Dr Zachary, b. 1690, d. 1774. He edited Longinus and Cicero. Before going to Rochester, in 1756, he had been Bishop of Bangor.

Pennant, Thomas, b. 1726, d. 1798. An industrious antiquary, traveller, and naturalist, who travelled for the object of writing books on his travels. These are full of knowledge and accurate observation. He wrote "British Zoology," Tours," ""Account of London," and "Memoirs." Philidor, Andrew, one of the most celebrated of chess-players, b. 1726, d. 1796. A Frenchman. He wrote "The Analysis of Chess." He could play two games blindfolded. Piozzi, Gabriel, b. 1741, d. 1809. A popular singer in London, who sang with great refinement. Miss Burney describes his performances. He captivated the fair Thrale, who had a passion or infatuation for him, and in spite of the opposition of her daughters, they were married in 1784. She travelled abroad with him, and returning about 1795, settled in Wales, where they built a villa, called Brynhella, in the Vale of Clwyd. Here he died of gout, in March 1809, having saved £6,000. The pendant to this sketch is the one of Miss Burney and Gen. D'Arblay. Both the gentlemen were respectable, but rather "poorish" creatures, not worthy of two such women.

Pitt, W., b. 1759, d. 1806. Son of the great Lord Chatham. Was Chancellor of the Exchequer and Leader of the House at twenty-four. Boswell sang a song before him at Grocers' Hall, and excited his amusement by his tipsy antics. Pott, Percivall, surgeon, b. 1714, d. 1788. The son of a scrivener. He became a skilful surgeon, and brought about reforms, such as the abolition of the barbarous practice of cauterising wounds. He fractured his ankle-bone in the streets, and courageously lay there till, under his own orders, a door and poles were procured to carry him. He thus saved his leg.

Pott, Archdeacon, b. 1759, d. 1847. He enjoyed much preferment, many canonries, etc. He assisted Nichols in his Literary Anecdotes," and wrote sermons, charges, etc. Priestley, Dr Joseph, of Birmingham, b. 1733, d. 1804. A Unitarian, and a great chemist. Made the discovery of oxygen gas. His house was sacked in the Birmingham riots of 1791, after which he went to America, where he was rather coldly welcomed. He wrote "Institutes of Religion," "Letters to Burke," "History of the Christian Church." W. Priestley, M.D. and M.P., is a descendant of his. Pringle, Sir John, a physician and philosopher of eminence, b. 1707, 1782. He was President of the Royal Society. Psalmanazar, George, b. 1679, d. 1763. A Frenchman. The name was an assumed one, altered from an Assyrian one. Always eager for notice, and having learned much from his Jesuit masters of the missions to Japan and China, he gradually began to assume the character of a native of those climes, wearing the dress; and later wrote an imaginary account of Formosa customs, with memoirs of himself. He even invented a jargon. For a long time the imposture prevailed. He traded artfully on Protestant prejudices, but was at last exposed. He then became an industrious hack writer, gave up his eccentricities, and seems to have enjoyed respect and esteem.

Ramsay, Allan. There were two Allan Ramsays-Allan the father, who was a poet, b. 1686, d. 1758; and Allan the son, who was the court-painter, b. 1713, d. 1784. The former began as a wig-maker, but soon showed his literary taste in a number of poems,. "Tea-table Miscellany"; songs like "The Yellow-haired Laddie"; and his famous work, The Gentle Shepherd" (1725), a pastoral drama. The son was an elegant artist, trained abroad. His portraits strike one at once. He was portrait-painter to the King, but by an accidental injury to his arm he was forced to abandon work. He was a man of great social gifts and games, with power of talk, as can be seen from Boswell's chronicle.

Reynolds, Sir Joshua, b. July 1723, d. Feb. 1792. Perhaps

the greatest of English portrait-painters for the number and variety of his works. His Discourses on Painting" are well written, and still reprinted. A man of cultured and refined tastes in other directions-social, and competent to

"stand up to Johnson. Founder of the Literary Club in 1764, and First President of the Royal Academy. He died unmarried.

Rich, John, b. 1682 (?), d. 1761. Originally manager at Lincoln's Inn Fields, where he introduced pantomime, until then unknown. In 1732 he built the theatre at Covent Garden, where he had much success, notably with "The Beggars' Opera," the history of which piece Boswell was so eager to write. He used to play Harlequin himself under the name

of Lun.

Richardson, Samuel, b. 1689, d. 1761. Perhaps the greatest of English novelists. He was a common printer by trade. He wrote "Pamela," "Sir Charles Grandison," andgreatest of all-"Clarissa" (1748), one of the most powerful tragical narratives ever written. It has been received all the world over, and read with tears. These tales were of inordinate length.

Robertson, Dr William, b. 1721, d. 1793. His Histories in their day had extraordinary popularity. They included that of Scotland during the reign of Mary and James I. (1759), of Charles V. (1769), and An erica (1771). They are now considered unreliable and theatrical in style, a judg ment to which the learned Dr Maitland has contributed. Robinson, Sir Thomas. There were two Sir Thomas Robinsons, one of whom was always spoken of as the "long," or "tall Sir Thomas," to distinguish them. The shorter became Lord Grantham.

Romney, George, b. 1734, d. 1802. One of the great English portrait-painters, long known for his repetitions of the lovely Lady Hamilton's face, but in our day risen enormously in public estimation, his pictures fetching vast sumseight and ten thousand pounds. This would have staggered Boswell, and even Reynolds. He has now deservedly established a high reputation. The allusion in the text to Cumberland's praise must refer to his sketches in the "Observer," where Romney is drawn under the name of Timanthes. Reynolds is held to have been jealous of him.

Rothes. "Everybody marries a Lady Rothes" was a jest at the time, as there were several jointured widows of the Her second daughter, Jane Langton, was Johnson's god-daughter, who survived till 1854.

name.

Rousseau, J. J., b. 1670, d. 1741. Known for his "Confessions," "La Nouvelle Heloise," and other works of a loose description. His life corresponded with his principles. He was also a good musician.

Rudd, Mrs Margaret, who so attracted Boswell, was the talk of the town about 1776. She was the mistress of one of the Perreaus, and was tried before them, but acquitted, to the general applause. They were convicted and hanged. Mrs Rudd's acquittal, it was said, helped to convict them; and their conviction weighed with the King in refusing to pardon Dodd, who was convicted for the same crime. "If he spared Dodd, the Perreaus would have been put to death unjustly."

Ruddiman, Thomas, b. 1674, d. 1757. A Scotch schoolmaster and grammarian. Librarian in the Advocates' Library. He edited and revised many works. He was also a printer. His "Rudiments of the Latin Tongue" is his famous book, issued in 1714, and of which he saw fifteen editions.

Russell, Alexander, F.R.S., b. 1715, d. 1768. A physician and naturalist, who wrote medical treatises in Latin. He went out as physician to the English Factory at Aleppo. There he learned Arabic, and acquired much influence with the native princes. He studied the plague in the Lazarettos, and in 1756 published his "Natural History of Aleppo."

Scott, George, F.R.S., formerly Sub-preceptor to the King, and later a Commissioner of Excise. "An amiable and learned person," Malone calls him.

Scott, Sir William, afterwards Lord Stowell, brother of the Chancellor Lord Eldon, a distinguished Admiralty lawyer, b. 1745, d. 1836.

Secker, Archbishop, b. 1693, d. 1768. Originally intended for a dissenting minister. In 1735 was Bishop of Bristol: in 1758 Archbishop of Canterbury.

Settle, Elkanah, b. 1648, d. 1724. "The City Poet" spoken of by Wilkes. "An animal of most deplored understanding," wrote Dryden of him; "he sometimes labours with a thought, but with the pudder he makes, it is commonly stillborn.' He is best known by his turgid play, "The Empress of Morocco," interesting for the plates which represent the scenery, arrangement, and dresses of the time.

Shebbeare, John, M.D., b. 1709, d. 1788. A popular and fanatical agitator, who wrote and worked against the Crown. He wrote on the " Marriage Act" (1754); "Letters on the English Nation," by B. Angeloni, a Jesuit; on the "Origin of Society." A series of "Letters to the People of England on the Present State of Affairs" (1755-57) brought him to the pillory.