Hervey printed. The occasion of this correspondence
between Dr. Johnson and Mr. Harvey, was thus related to me by Mr.
Beauclerk. 'Tom Harvey had a great liking for Johnson, and in his will
had left him a legacy of fifty pounds. One day he said to me, "Johnson
may want this money now, more than afterwards. I have a mind to give it
him directly. Will you be so good as to carry a fifty pound note from
me to him?" This I positively refused to do, as he might, perhaps, have
knocked me down for insulting him, and have afterwards put the note in
his pocket. But I said, if Harvey would write him a letter, and enclose
a fifty pound note, I should take care to deliver it. He accordingly did
write him a letter, mentioning that he was only paying a legacy a little
sooner. To his letter he added, "P. S. I am going to part with my wife."
Johnson then wrote to him, saying nothing of the note, but remonstrating
with him against parting with his wife.'
In February, 1767, there happened one of the most remarkable incidents
of Johnson's life, which gratified his monarchical enthusiasm, and which
he loved to relate with all its circumstances, when requested by his
friends.
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