[See pp. 6 and 157.]

James Boswell to Lord Elibank

London, 22 April 1773.

MY DEAR LORD,--This letter is intended as a happy prologue to a swelling
act. It is to announce to your lordship that I do now seriously believe that
our illustrious friend Mr. Samuel Johnson will visit Scotland this year. I
know your lordship's high respect for him, and your warm admiration of
his wonderful genius; and therefore I need only hint to you that your
throwing out to me a little of what you feel in abundance will, when read
to him with my enthusiasm, fortify that resolution, which, I flatter myself,
is already very strong. He talks of coming to Edinburgh about the begin-
ning of August, that he may just see our courts of justice, and then he and
I may set out directly on a tour through Scotland, particularly to see the
Highlands and some of the Islands; after which we shall return to Edin-
burgh, where (and at your lordship's country seat) we must try to keep
him as long as we can. I shall not be many more weeks in London at this
time, so I beg that your lordship may send me an epistle full of insensible
attraction for Mr. Johnson without delay. I have often told your lordship
what influence you have with him; and my Johnsoniana contain compli-
ments by him to your lordship more valuable than any titles which princes
confer. I have the honour to be, my dear lord,

Your obliged humble servant.

Lord Elibank to James Boswell

August 21st, 1773.

DEAR BOSWELL,--I flew to Edinburgh the moment I heard of Mr. John-
son's arrival; but so defective was my intelligence that I came too late.

It is but justice to believe that I could never forgive myself, nor deserve
to be forgiven by others, if I was to fail in any mark of respect to that very
great genius.--I hold him in the highest veneration; for that very reason I
was resolved to take no share in the merit, perhaps guilt, of enticing him
to honour this country with a visit.--I could not persuade myself there was
anything in Scotland worthy to have a summer of Samuel Johnson be-
stowed on it; but since he has done us that compliment, for heaven's sake
inform me of your motions. I will attend them most religiously; and though
I should regret to let Mr. Johnson go a mile out of his way on my account,
old as I am, I shall be glad to go five hundred miles to enjoy a day of his

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