The matter of fact is made plain by the circular (No. 2) which states that “Piozzi is coming back from Italy.”  He arrived on July 1st, after a fourteen months’ absence, which proved both his loyalty and the sincerity of the struggle in her own heart and mind.  Her letter (No. 1) as printed, is not signed with the initial of her name; and both Dr. Johnson’s autograph letters are addressed to Mrs. Thrale.  But she has occasioned the mistake into which so many have fallen, by her mode of heading these when she printed the two-volume edition of “Letters” in 1788.  By the kindness of Mr. Salusbury I am now enabled to print the whole correspondence, with the exception of her last letter, which she describes.

No. 1.

Mrs. Piozzi to Dr. Johnson.

“Bath, June 30.

“My Dear Sir,—­The enclosed is a circular letter which I have sent to all the guardians, but our friendship demands somewhat more; it requires that I should beg your pardon for concealing from you a connexion which you must have heard of by many, but I suppose never believed.  Indeed, my dear Sir, it was concealed only to save us both needless pain; I could not have borne to reject that counsel it would have killed me to take, and I only tell it you now because all is irrevocably settled and out of your power to prevent.  I will say, however, that the dread of your disapprobation has given me some anxious moments, and though perhaps I am become by many privations the most independent woman in the world, I feel as if acting without a parent’s consent till you write kindly to

“Your faithful servant.”

No. 2. Circular.

“Sir,—­As one of the executors of Mr. Thrale’s will and guardian to his daughters, I think it my duty to acquaint you that the three eldest left Bath last Friday (25th) for their own house at Brighthelmstone in company with an amiable friend, Miss Nicholson, who has sometimes resided with us here, and in whose society they may, I think, find some advantages and certainly no disgrace.  I waited on them to Salisbury, Wilton, &c., and offered to attend them to the seaside myself, but they preferred this lady’s company to mine, having heard that Mr. Piozzi is coming back from Italy, and judging perhaps by our past friendship and continued correspondence that his return would be succeeded by our marriage.

“I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant.

“Bath, June 30, 1784.”

No. 3.[1]

[Footnote 1:  What Johnson termed an “adumbration” of this letter appeared in the “Gentleman’s Magazine” for Dec. 1784: 

“MADAM,—­If you are already ignominiously married, you are lost beyond all redemption;—­if you are not, permit me one hour’s conversation, to convince you that such a marriage must not take place.  If, after a whole hour’s reasoning, you should not be convinced, you will still be at liberty to act as you think proper.  I have been extremely ill, and am still ill; but if you grant me the audience I ask, I will instantly take a post-chaise and attend you at Bath.  Pray do not refuse this favour to a man who hath so many years loved and honoured you.”]