'TO DR. DODD.
'SIR,--I most seriously enjoin you not to let it be at all known that I
have written this letter, and to return the copy to Mr. Allen in a cover
to me. I hope I need not tell you, that I wish it success.--But do not
indulge hope.--Tell nobody.'
It happened luckily that Mr. Allen was pitched on to assist in this
melancholy office, for he was a great friend of Mr. Akerman, the keeper
of Newgate. Dr. Johnson never went to see Dr. Dodd. He said to me, 'it
would have done HIM more harm, than good to Dodd, who once expressed a
desire to see him, but not earnestly.'
All applications for the Royal Mercy having failed, Dr. Dodd prepared
himself for death; and, with a warmth of gratitude, wrote to Dr. Johnson
as follows:--
'June 25, Midnight.
'Accept, thou GREAT and GOOD heart, my earnest and fervent thanks and
prayers for all thy benevolent and kind efforts in my behalf--Oh! Dr.
Johnson! as I sought your knowledge at an early hour in life, would
to heaven I had cultivated the love and acquaintance of so excellent
a man!--I pray GOD most sincerely to bless you with the highest
transports--the infelt satisfaction of HUMANE and benevolent
exertions!--And admitted, as I trust I shall be, to the realms of bliss
before you, I shall hail YOUR arrival there with transports, and rejoice
to acknowledge that you was my Comforter, my Advocate and my FRIEND! GOD
BE EVER WITH YOU!'