It was in all probability Mrs. Henry Goldsmith of whom Johnson wrote to
George Steevens on 25 February, 1777, as recorded by Boswell in Volume
III, Chapter III:
“Mr. Steevens ... joined Dr. Johnson in Kind assistance to a female
relation of Dr. Goldsmith, and desired that on her return to Ireland
she would procure authentic particulars of the life of her relation.
Concerning her is the following letter:
“To George Steevens Esq.
“February 25th 1777.
“Dear Sir,
“You will be glad to hear that from Mrs. Goldsmith whom we lamented
as drowned, I have received a letter full of gratitude to us all,
with promises to make the enquiries which we recommended to her. You
will tell the good news,
“I am, Sir,
“Your most etc.
“Sam Johnson.”
Prior (II, 562) expands this incident, assigning it definitely to the
widow of the Revd. Henry, but gives no new facts, except to add that
“being but slenderly provided for, she accepted the situation of Matron
to the Meath Infirmary at Navan.”