(Vol. v, p. 425.)
On volume i, page 471, Johnson says: 'Don't, Sir, accustom yourself to use big words for little matters.'
Atlas, the Duke of Devonshire's race-horse.
(Vol. v, p. 429.)
Johnson, in his Diary of a Journey into North Wales, records on
July 12, 1774:—
'At Chatsworth…, Atlas, fifteen hands inch and half.'
Mr. Duppa in a note on this, says: 'A race-horse, which attracted so much of Dr. Johnson's attention, that he said, "of all the Duke's possessions I like Atlas best."'
Thomas Holcroft, who in childhood wandered far and wide with his father, a pedlar, was at Nottingham during the race-week of the year 1756 or 1757, and saw in its youth the horse which Johnson so much admired in its old age. He says: 'The great and glorious part which Nottingham held in the annals of racing this year, arose from the prize of the King's plate, which was to be contended for by the two horses which everybody I heard speak considered as undoubtedly the best in England, and perhaps equal to any that had ever been known, Childers alone excepted. Their names were Careless and Atlas…..There was a story in circulation that Atlas, on account of his size and clumsiness, had been banished to the cart-breed; till by some accident, either of playfulness or fright, several of them started together; and his vast advantage in speed happening to be noticed, he was restored to his blood companions…..Alas for the men of Nottingham, Careless was conquered. I forget whether it was at two or three heats, but there was many an empty purse on that night, and many a sorrowful heart.' —Memoirs of Thomas Holcroft, i. 70.
Sir Richard Clough.
(Vol. v, p. 436.)