Letters DEAREST SIR: TO WILLIAM STRAHAN Nov. 1, 1751. The message which you sent me by Mr. Stuart I do not consider as at all your own, but if you were contented to be the deliverer of it to me, you must favor 5 me so far as to return my answer, which I have written down to spare you the unpleasing office of doing it in your own words. You advise me to write, I know with very kind intentions, nor do I intend to treat your counsel with any disregard when I declare that 10 in the present state of the matter 'I shall not write'-otherwise than the words following: 'That my resolution has long been, and is not now altered, and is now less likely to be altered, that I shall not see the Gentlemen Partners till the first volume 15 is in the press, which they may forward or retard by dispensing or not dispensing with the last message.' Be pleased to lay this my determination before them this morning, for I shall think of taking my measures accordingly to-morrow evening, only this that I mean 20 no harm, but that my citadel shall not be taken by storm while I can defend it, and that if a blockade is intended, the country is under the command of my batteries, I shall think of laying it under contribution to-morrow evening. I am, Sir, Your most obliged, most obedient, and most humble servant, 25 SAM. JOHNSON. HONORED MADAM: TO MISS BOOTHBY January 8, 1756. I beg of you to endeavor to live. I have returned your Law, which, however, I earnestly entreat you to 5 give me. I am in great trouble; if you can write three words to me, be pleased to do it. I am afraid to say much, and cannot say nothing when my dearest is in danger. 10 The all-merciful God have mercy on you. I am, Madam, SAM. JOHNSON. SIR: TO MR. BURNEY, IN LYNNE, NORFOLK That I may show myself sensible of your favors, 15 and not commit the same fault a second time, I make haste to answer the letter which I received this morning. The truth is, the other likewise was received, and I wrote an answer; but being desirous to transmit you some proposals and receipts, I waited till I could 20 find a convenient conveyance, and day was passed after day, till other things drove it from my thoughts: yet not so, but that I remember with great pleasure your commendation of my Dictionary. Your praise was welcome, not only because I believe it was sincere, but 25 because praise has been very scarce. A man of your candor will be surprised when I tell you, that among all my acquaintance there were only two who, upon the publication of my book, did not endeavor to depress me with threats of censure from the public, or with 30 objections learned from those who had learned them from my own Preface. Yours is the only letter of good will that I have received: though, indeed, I am promised something of that sort from Sweden. How my new edition will be received I know not; the subscription has not been very successful. I shall publish about March. If you can direct me how to send proposals, I should wish that they were in such hands. 5 I remember, Sir, in some of the first letters with which you favored me, you mentioned your lady. May I inquire after her? In return for the favors which you have shown me, it is not much to tell you, that I wish you and her all that can conduce to your happi- 10 I am, Sir, ness. The account which Miss gives me of your health pierces my heart. God comfort and preserve you and save you, for the sake of Jesus Christ. I would have Miss read to you from time to time 20 the Passion of our Savior, and sometimes the sentences in the Communion Service, beginning, 'Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.' I have just now read a physical book, which inclines 25 me to think that a strong infusion of the bark would do you good. Do, dear mother, try it. Pray, send me your blessing, and forgive all that I have done amiss to you. And whatever you would have done, and what debts you would have paid first, or 30 any thing else that you would direct, let Miss put it down; I shall endeavor to obey you. I have got twelve guineas to send you, but unhappily am at a loss how to send it to-night. If I cannot send it to-night, it will come by the next post. Pray, do not omit any thing mentioned in this letter; God bless you for ever and ever. I think myself obliged to you beyond all expression of gratitude for your care of my dear mother. God 10 grant it may not be without success. Tell Kitty that I shall never forget her tenderness for her mistress. Whatever you can do, continue to do. My heart is very full. I hope you received twelve guineas on Monday. I 15 found a way of sending them by means of the postmaster, after I had written my letter, and hope they came safe. I will send you more in a few days. God bless you all. I am, my dear, 20 Jan. 16, 1759. Your most obliged and most humble servant, SAM. JOHNSON. Over the leaf is a letter to my mother. (ON THE BACK) DEAR HONORED MOTHER: Your weakness afflicts me beyond what I am willing 25 to communicate to you. I do not think you unfit to face death, but I know not how to bear the thought of losing you. Endeavor to do all you [can] for your self. Eat as much as you can. I pray often for you; do you pray for me. I have 30 nothing to add to my last letter. I am, dear, dear mother, Jan. 16, 1759. Your dutiful son, SAM. JOHNSON.“ DEAR HONORED MOTHER: I fear you are too ill for long letters; therefore I will only tell you, you have from me all the regard that can possibly subsist in the heart. I pray God to bless you for evermore, for Jesus Christ's sake. 5 Amen. Let Miss write to me every post, however short. I am, dear mother, Your dutiful son, Jan. 18, 1759. SAM. JOHNSON. 10 DEAR MISS: TO MISS PORTER I will, if it be possible, come down to you. God grant, I may yet [find] my dear mother breathing and sensible. Do not tell her lest I disappoint her. If I miss to write next post, I am on the road. 15 TO MRS. JOHNSON DEAR HONORED MOTHER: 20 Neither your condition nor your character make it fit for me to say much. You have been the best mother, and I believe the best woman in the world. I thank you for your indulgence to me, and beg forgiveness of all that I have done ill, and all that I have omitted 25 to do well. God grant you his Holy Spirit, and receive you to everlasting happiness, for Jesus Christ's sake. Amen. Lord Jesus receive your spirit. Amen. I am, dear, dear mother, Jan. 20, 1759. Your dutiful son, 30 SAM. JOHNSON. |