I am, dear Sir, &c.  SAM.  JOHNSON.

Lichfield, Oct. 20, 1784.’

’To Mr. George Nicol[1127].

’Dear Sir, ’Since we parted, I have been much oppressed by my asthma, but it has lately been less laborious.  When I sit I am almost at ease, and I can walk, though yet very little, with less difficulty for this week past, than before.  I hope I shall again enjoy my friends, and that you and I shall have a little more literary conversation.  Where I now am, every thing is very liberally provided for me but conversation.  My friend is sick himself, and the reciprocation of complaints and groans affords not much of either pleasure or instruction.  What we have not at home this town does not supply, and I shall be glad of a little imported intelligence, and hope that you will bestow, now and then, a little time on the relief and entertainment of, Sir, ’Yours, &c.  ‘Sam.  Johnson.’

‘Ashbourne, Aug. 19, 1784.’

’To Mr. Cruikshank.

’Dear Sir,

’Do not suppose that I forget you; I hope I shall never be accused of forgetting my benefactors[1128].  I had, till lately, nothing to write but complaints upon complaints, of miseries upon miseries; but within this fortnight I have received great relief.  Have your Lectures any vacation?  If you are released from the necessity of daily study, you may find time for a letter to me. [In this letter he states the particulars of his case.] In return for this account of my health, let me have a good account of yours, and of your prosperity in all your undertakings.

’I am, dear Sir, yours, &c.  ‘Sam.  Johnson.’  ‘Ashbourne, Sept. 4, 1784.’

To Mr. Thomas Davies:—­

August 14.  ’The tenderness with which you always treat me, makes me culpable in my own eyes for having omitted to write in so long a separation; I had, indeed, nothing to say that you could wish to hear.  All has been hitherto misery accumulated upon misery, disease corroborating disease, till yesterday my asthma was perceptibly and unexpectedly mitigated.  I am much comforted with this short relief, and am willing to flatter myself that it may continue and improve.  I have at present, such a degree of ease, as not only may admit the comforts, but the duties of life.  Make my compliments to Mrs. Davies.  Poor dear Allen, he was a good man.’

To SIR JOSHUA REYNOLDS:—­

Ashbourne, July 21.  ’The tenderness with which I am treated by my friends, makes it reasonable to suppose that they are desirous to know the state of my health, and a desire so benevolent ought to be gratified.  I came to Lichfield in two days without any painful fatigue, and on Monday came hither, where I purpose to stay:  and try what air and regularity will effect.  I cannot yet persuade myself that I have made much progress in recovery.  My sleep is little, my breath is very much encumbered, and my legs are very weak.  The water has encreased a little, but has again run off.  The most distressing symptom is want of sleep.’