It has been observed and wondered at, that Mr. Charles Fox never talked with any freedom in the presence of Dr. Johnson, though it is well known, and I myself can witness, that his conversation is various, fluent, and exceedingly agreeable.  Johnson’s own experience, however, of that gentleman’s reserve was a sufficient reason for his going on thus:  ’Fox never talks in private company; not from any determination not to talk, but because he has not the first motion.  A man who is used to the applause of the House of Commons, has no wish for that of a private company.  A man accustomed to throw for a thousand pounds, if set down to throw for sixpence, would not be at the pains to count his dice.  Burke’s talk is the ebullition of his mind; he does not talk from a desire of distinction, but because his mind is full.’

After musing for some time, he said, ’I wonder how I should have any enemies; for I do harm to nobody.’  Boswell.  ’In the first place, Sir, you will be pleased to recollect, that you set out with attacking the Scotch; so you got a whole nation for your enemies.’  Johnson.  ’Why, I own, that by my definition of Oats I meant to vex them.’  Boswell.  ’Pray, Sir, can you trace the cause of your antipathy to the Scotch?’ Johnson.  ‘I cannot, Sir.’  Boswell.  ’Old Mr. Sheridan says, it was because they sold Charles the First.’  Johnson.  ’Then, Sir, old Mr. Sheridan has found out a very good reason.’

I had paid a visit to General Oglethorpe in the morning,* and was told by him that Dr. Johnson saw company on Saturday evenings, and he would meet me at Johnson’s that night.  When I mentioned this to Johnson, not doubting that it would please him, as he had a great value for Oglethorpe, the fretfulness of his disease unexpectedly shewed itself; his anger suddenly kindled, and he said, with vehemence, ’Did not you tell him not to come?  Am I to be hunted in this manner?’ I satisfied him that I could not divine that the visit would not be convenient, and that I certainly could not take it upon me of my own accord to forbid the General.

     * March 22.—­Ed.

I found Dr. Johnson in the evening in Mrs. Williams’s room, at tea and coffee with her and Mrs. Desmoulins, who were also both ill; it was a sad scene, and he was not in very good humour.  He said of a performance that had lately come out, ’Sir, if you should search all the madhouses in England, you would not find ten men who would write so, and think it sense.’

I was glad when General Oglethorpe’s arrival was announced, and we left the ladies.  Dr. Johnson attended him in the parlour, and was as courteous as ever.