'Your most affectionate
'SAM. JOHNSON.'
'July 6[255], 1776.'
'Mr. BOSWELL TO DR. JOHNSON.
'Edinburgh, July 18, 1776.
'MY DEAR SIR,
'Your letter of the second of this month was rather a harsh medicine; but I was delighted with that spontaneous tenderness, which, a few days afterwards, sent forth such balsam as your next brought me. I found myself for some time so ill that all I could do was to preserve a decent appearance, while all within was weakness and distress. Like a reduced garrison that has some spirit left, I hung out flags, and planted all the force I could muster, upon the walls. I am now much better, and I sincerely thank you for your kind attention and friendly counsel.
* * * * *
'Count Manucci[256] came here last week from travelling in Ireland. I have shewn him what civilities I could on his own account, on yours, and on that of Mr. and Mrs. Thrale. He has had a fall from his horse, and been much hurt. I regret this unlucky accident, for he seems to be a very amiable man.'
As the evidence of what I have mentioned at the beginning of this year,
I select from his private register the following passage: