'MR. BOSWELL TO DR. JOHNSON.
'Edinburgh, June 25, 1776.
'You have formerly complained that my letters were too long. There is no danger of that complaint being made at present; for I find it difficult for me to write to you at all. [Here an account of having been afflicted with a return of melancholy or bad spirits.]
'The boxes of books[248] which you sent to me are arrived; but I have not yet examined the contents.
* * * * *
'I send you Mr. Maclaurin's paper for the negro, who claims his freedom in the Court of Session.[249]'