TAMES BOSWELL TO LORD THURLOW 1 . MY LORD,
Dr. Samuel Johnson, though wonderfully recovered from a complication of dangerous illness, is by no means well, and I have reason to think that his valuable life cannot be preserved long, without the benignant influence of a southern climate.
It would therefore be of very great moment were he to go to Italy before Winter sets in ; and I know he wishes it much. But the objection is that his pension of 300 a year would not be sufficient to defray his expence, and make it convenient for Mr. Sastres, an ingenious and worthy native of that country, and a teacher of Italian here, to accompany him 2 .
As I am well assured of your Lordship's regard for Dr. Johnson I presume, without his knowledge, so far to indulge my anxious concern for him, as to intrude upon your Lordship with this suggestion, being persuaded that if a representation of the matter were to be made to his Majesty by proper authority the Royal Bounty would be extended in a suitable manner.
Your Lordship I cannot doubt, will forgive me for taking this liberty. I even flatter myself you will approve of it. I am to set out for Scotland on Monday morning ; so that if your Lord ship should have any commands for me, as to this pious negotia tion, you will be pleased to send them before that time. But Sir Joshua Reynolds, with whom I have consulted, will be here, and will gladly give all attention to it.
I am with very great respect,
My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient
and most humble servant,
JAMES BOSWELL.
General Paoli's, Upper Seymour Street, Portman Square 3 . 24 June, 1784.
1 From the copyin Boswell's hand- see ib. p. 336 ; ante, i. 441. For this writing of the original. This copy interesting letter I am indebted to Boswell, no doubt, had given to Lady Colomb.
Reynolds, when, on setting out for 2 In the Life there is no mention of Scotland, he left the management of Sastres as his companion, though the ' pious negotiation ' described in his going explains why a larger sum the letter in Sir Joshua's hands. Life, was required.
iv. 326, 339. For Thurlow's answer 3 ' I was (writes Boswell) enter-
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