'By my diligence in the little commission with which I was honoured by
the duchess[975], 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[976] 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,
'ARGYLE.'
'Inveraray, Oct. 29, 1773.'
I am happy to insert every memorial of the honour done to my great
friend. Indeed, I was at all times desirous to preserve the letters
which he received from eminent persons, of which, as of all other
papers, he was very negligent; and I once proposed to him, that they
should be committed to my care, as his _Custos Rotulorum_. I wish he had
complied with my request, as by that means many valuable writings might
have been preserved, that are now lost[977].
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