During the rest of 1744 the debates were given in the old form, and in a style that is a close imitation of Johnson's. Most likely they were composed by Hawkesworth (ante, p. 293). In 1745 they were fewer in number, and in 1746 the reports of the Senate of Lilliputia with its Hurgoes and Clinabs passed away for ever. They had begun, to quote the words of the Preface to the Magazine for 1747, at a time when a determined spirit of opposition in the national assemblies communicated itself to almost every individual, multiplied and invigorated periodical papers, and rendered politics the chief, if not the only object, of curiosity.' They are a monument to the greatness of Walpole, and to the genius of John son. Had that statesman not been overthrown, the people would have called for these reports even though Johnson had refused to write them. Had Johnson still remained the reporter, even though Walpole no longer swayed the Senate of the Lilliputians, the speeches of that tumultuous body would still have been read. For though they are not debates, yet they have a vast vigour and a great fund of wisdom of their own. I.-38 APPENDIX 594 Appendix B. APPENDIX B. JOHNSON'S LETTERS TO HIS MOTHER and MISS PORTER IN 1759. (Page 394.) Malone published seven of the following letters in the fourth edition, and Mr. Croker the rest. 'TO MRS. JOHNSON IN LICHField. 'HONOURED MADAM, 'The account which Miss [Porter] gives me of your health pierces my heart. God comfort and preserve you and save you, for the sake of Jesus Christ. I would have Miss read to you from time to time the Passion of our Saviour, and sometimes the sentences in the Communion Service, beginning "Come unto me, all ye that travail and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” I have just now read a physical book, which inclines me to think that a strong infusion of the bark would do you good. Do, dear. mother, try it. Pray, send me your blessing, and forgive all that I have done amiss to you. And whatever you would have done, and what debts you would have paid first, or any thing else that you would direct, let Miss put it down; I shall endeavour to obey you. 'I have got twelve guineas' to send you, but unhappily am at a loss how to send it to-night. If I cannot send it to-night, it will come by the next post. Pray, do not omit any thing mentioned in this letter: God bless you for ever and ever. 'Jan. 13, 1758'.' 'I am your dutiful son, 'SAM. JOHNSON.' TO MISS PORTER, at Mrs. JOHNSON'S, IN LICHFIELD. 'MY DEAR MISS, 'I think myself obliged to you beyond all expression of gratitude for your care of my dear mother. God grant it may not be without 'Six of these twelve guineas Johnson appears to have borrowed from Mr. Allen, the printer. See Hawkins's Life of Johnson, p. 366 n. MALONE. 2 Written by mistake for 1759. On the outside of the letter of the 13th was written by another hand-‘Pray acknowledge the receipt of this by return of post, without fail.' MALONE. success. |