When I went into Dr Johnson's room this morning, I observed to him how
wonderfully courteous he had been at Inveraray, and said, 'You were
quite a fine gentleman, when with the duchess.' He answered, in good
humour, 'Sir, I look upon myself as a very polite man': and he was
right, in a proper manly sense of the word. As an immediate proof of
it, let me observe, that he would not send back the Duke of Argyle's
horse without a letter of thanks, which I copied.
To his Grace the Duke of ARGYLE.
My Lord,
That kindness which disposed your grace to supply me with the horse,
which I have now returned, will make you pleased to hear that he has
carried me well.
By my diligence in the little commission with which I was honoured by
the duchess, I will endeavour to shew how highly I value the favours
which I have received, and how much I desire to be thought,
My lord,
Your grace's most obedient,
and most humble servant,
SAM. JOHNSON
Rosedow, Oct. 29, 1773.
The duke was so attentive to his respectable guest, that on the same
day, he wrote him an answer, which was received at Auchinleck:
To Dr JOHNSON, Auchinleck, Ayrshire. Sir,
I am glad to hear your journey from this place was not unpleasant, in
regard to your horse. I wish I could have supplied you with good
weather, which I am afraid you felt the want of.
The Duchess of Argyle desires her compliments to you, and is much
obliged to you for remembering her commission. I am, sir,
Your most obedient humble servant,