We set out towards Ayrshire. I sent Joseph on to Loudoun, with a
message, that, if the earl was at home, Dr Johnson and I would have
the honour to dine with him. Joseph met us on the road, and reported
that the earl 'jumped for joy', and said, 'I shall be very happy to
see them.' We were received with a most pleasing courtesy by his
lordship, and by the countess his mother, who, in her ninety-fifth
year, had all her faculties quite unimpaired. This was a very cheering
sight to Dr Johnson, who had an extraordinary desire for long life.
Her ladyship was sensible and well-informed, and had seen a great deal
of the world. Her lord had held several high offices, and she was
sister to the great Earl of Stair.
I cannot here refrain from paying a just tribute to the character of
John Earl of Loudoun, who did more service to the county of Ayr in
general, as well as to individuals in it, than any man we have ever
had. It is painful to think that he met with much ingratitude from
persons both in high and low rank: but such was his temper, such his
knowledge of 'base mankind,' [Footnote: The unwilling gratitude of
base mankind. POPE.] that, as if he had expected no other return, his
mind was never soured, and he retained his good-humour and benevolence
to the last. The tenderness of his heart was proved in 1745-6, when he
had an important command in the Highlands, and behaved with a generous
humanity to the unfortunate. I cannot figure a more honest politician;
for, though his interest in our county was great, and generally
successful, he not only did not deceive by fallacious promises, but
was anxious that people should not deceive themselves by too sanguine
expectations. His kind and dutiful attention to his mother was
unremitted. At his house was true hospitality; a plain but a plentiful
table; and every guest, being left at perfect freedom, felt himself
quite easy and happy. While I live, I shall honour the memory of this
amiable man.
At night, we advanced a few miles farther, to the house of Mr Campbell
of Treesbank, who was married to one of my wife's sisters, and were
entertained very agreeably by a worthy couple.