found that such conversation as London affords, could be found no where else.  These feelings, joined, probably, to some flattering hopes of aid from the eminent physicians and surgeons in London, who kindly and generously attended him without accepting fees, made him resolve to return to the capital.  From Lichfield he came to Birmingham, where he passed a few days with his worthy old schoolfellow, Mr. Hector, who thus writes to me:—­

’He was very solicitous with me to recollect some of our most early transactions, and transmit them to him, for I perceive nothing gave him greater pleasure than calling to mind those days of our innocence.  I complied with his request, and he only received them a few days before his death.  I have transcribed for your inspection, exactly the minutes I wrote to him.’

This paper having been found in his repositories after his death, Sir John Hawkins has inserted it entire[1158], and I have made occasional use of it and other communications from Mr. Hector[1159], in the course of this Work.  I have both visited and corresponded with him since Dr. Johnson’s death, and by my inquiries concerning a great variety of particulars have obtained additional information.  I followed the same mode with the Reverend Dr. Taylor, in whose presence I wrote down a good deal of what he could tell; and he, at my request, signed his name, to give it authenticity.  It is very rare to find any person who is able to give a distinct account of the life even of one whom he has known intimately, without questions being put to them.  My friend Dr. Kippis[1160] has told me, that on this account it is a practice with him to draw out a biographical catechism.

Johnson then proceeded to Oxford, where he was again kindly received by Dr. Adams[1161], who was pleased to give me the following account in one of his letters, (Feb. 17th, 1785):—­

’His last visit was, I believe, to my house, which he left, after a stay of four or five days.  We had much serious talk together, for which I ought to be the better as long as I live.  You will remember some discourse which we had in the summer upon the subject of prayer, and the difficulty of this sort of composition[1162].  He reminded me of this, and of my having wished him to try his hand, and to give us a specimen of the style and manner that he approved.  He added, that he was now in a right frame of mind, and as he could not possibly employ his time better, he would in earnest set about it.  But I find upon enquiry, that no papers of this sort were left behind him, except a few short ejaculatory forms suitable to his present situation.’