All Leveson’s sweetness and all Beaufort’s grace.”
In the “Life of Johnson,” Boswell, in allusion to having met the Hon. Mrs. Boscawen at dinner at Allan Ramsay’s (29th April, 1778), writes: “Of whom, if it be not presumptuous in me to praise her, I would say that her manners are the most agreeable, and her conversation the best, of any lady with whom I ever had the happiness to be acquainted.”
[356] See postea.
[357] Sir Philip Ainslie, of Pilton, Edinburghshire.
[358] Sir John Pringle, Bart., a distinguished physician. He was in 1772 elected President of the Royal Society, and six discourses delivered by him to that body were published after his decease, under the care of Dr. Kippis. These discourses form the theme of Boswell’s criticisms. John Pringle died on the 18th January, 1782, aged seventy-five.
[359] The Hon. Patrick Boyle, second son of John, second Earl of Glasgow.
[360] Sir John Wemyss, Bart., of Bogie, Fifeshire.
[361] This improvident gentleman, who had sought refuge from his creditors in the sanctuary of Holyrood Abbey, was related to the family of Lord Colville, of Culross. From a dinner card pasted into the commonplace-book, the wife of Dr. Alexander Webster, of Edinburgh, formerly minister of Culross, thus entreats Boswell’s support to this unfortunate bankrupt:—
“Mrs. Webster begs Mrs. Boswell would set about the collection for poor Mr. Colville, who is truly starving and has not a house to cover his head. Mr. Ely Campbell has too much humanity not to give something handsome.”
[362] Sir Thomas Rumbold was created a baronet 23rd March, 1779, being then Governor of Madras and M.P. for Shoreham. He had distinguished himself at the siege of Trichinopoly and the retaking of Calcutta. He was wounded at the battle of Plassey, when acting as aide-de-camp to Lord Clive. He died 11th November, 1791.