Dr Johnson appeared to day very weary of our present confined
situation. He said, 'I want to be on the main land, and go on with
existence. This is a waste of life.'
I shall here insert, without regard to chronology, some of his
conversation at different times.
'There was a man some time ago, who was well received for two years,
among the gentlemen of Northamptonshire, by calling himself my
brother. At last he grew so impudent as by his influence to get
tenants turned out of their farms. Allen the printer, who is of that
county, came to me, asking, with much appearance of doubtfulness, if I
had a brother; and upon being assured I had none alive, he told me of
the imposition, and immediately wrote to the country, and the fellow
was dismissed. It pleased me to hear that so much was got by using my
name. It is not every name that can carry double; do both for a man's
self and his brother'(laughing). 'I should be glad to see the fellow.
However, I could have done nothing against him. A man can have no
redress for his name being used, or ridiculous stories being told of
him in the news-papers, except he can shew that he has suffered
damage. Some years ago a foolish piece was published, said to be
written "by S. Johnson". Some of my friends wanted me to be very angry
about this. I said, it would be in vain; for the answer would be, S.
Johnson may be Simon Johnson, or Simeon Johnson, or Solomon Johnson;
and even if the full name, Samuel Johnson, had been used, it might be
said; "it is not you; it is a much cleverer fellow."
'Beauclerk and I, and Langton, and Lady Sydney Beauclerk, mother to
our friend, were one day driving in a coach by Cuper's Gardens, which
were then unoccupied. I, in sport, proposed that Beauclerk and
Langton, and myself should take them; and we amused ourselves with
scheming how we should all do our parts. Lady Sydney grew angry, and
said, "an old man should not put such things in young people's heads".
She had no notion of a joke, sir; had come late into life, and had a
mighty unpliable understanding.
'Carte's Life of the Duke of Ormond is considered as a book of
authority; but it is ill-written. The matter is diffused in too many
words; there is no animation, no compression, no vigour. Two good
volumes in duodecimo might be made out of the two in folio.'
Talking of our confinement here, I observed, that our discontent and
impatience could not be considered as very unreasonable; for that we
were just in the state of which Seneca complains so grievously, while
in exile in Corsica. 'Yes,' said Dr Johnson, 'and he was not farther
from home than we are.' The truth is, he was much nearer.
There was a good deal of rain to-day, and the wind was still contrary.
Corneck attended me, while I amused myself in examining a collection
of papers belonging to the family of Col. The first laird was a
younger son of the chieftain M'Lean, and got the middle part of Col
for his patrimony. Dr Johnson having given a very particular account
of the connection between this family and a branch of the family of
Camerons, called M'Lonich, I shall only insert the following document
(which I found in Col's cabinet), as a proof of its continuance, even
to a late period:
To the Laird of Col.
Dear Sir,
The long-standing tract of firm affectionate friendship 'twixt your
worthy predecessors and ours affords us such assurance, as that we may
have full relyance on your favour and undoubted friendship, in
recommending the bearer, Ewen Cameron, our cousin, son to the deceast
Dugall M'Connill of Innermaillie, sometime in Glenpean, to your favour
and conduct, who is a man of undoubted honesty and discretion, only
that he has the misfortune of being alledged to have been accessory to
the killing of one of M'Martin's family about fourteen years ago, upon
which alledgeance the M'Martins are now so sanguine on revenging, that
they are fully resolved for the deprivation of his life; to the
preventing of which you are relyed on by us, as the only fit
instrument and a most capable person. Therefore your favour and
protection is expected and intreated, during his good behaviour; and
failing of which behaviour, you'll please to use him as a most
insignificant person deserves.
Sir, he had, upon the alledgeance foresaid, been transported, at
Lochiel's desire, to France, to gratify the M'Martins, and upon his
return home, about five years ago, married: But now he is so much
theatened by the M'Martins, that he is not secure enough to stay where
he is, being Ardmurchan, which occasions this trouble to you. Wishing
prosperity and happiness to attend still yourself, worthy Lady, and
good family, we are, in the most affectionate manner,
Dear sir,
Your most obliged, affectionate,
and most humble servants,
DUGALL CAMERON, of Strone.
DUGALL CAMERON, of Ban.
DUGALL CAMERON, of Inveriskvouilline.
DUGALL CAMERON, of Invinvalie.
Strone, 11th March, 1737.
Ewen Cameron was protected, and his son has now a farm from the Laird
of Col, in Mull.
The family of Col was very loyal in the time of the great Montrose,
from whom I found two letters in his own hand-writing. The first is as
follows.