(908) General James Oglethorpe, born in 1698.  His activity in settling the colony of Georgia obtained for him the friendship and panegyric of Pope-

“One, driven by strong benevolence of soul, Shall fly, like Oglethorpe, from pole to pole.”

He was one of the earliest patrons of Johnson’s “London,” on its first appearance, and the Doctor, throughout life, acknowledged the kind and effectual support given to that poem.  The General sat in five parliaments, and died in 1785, at the age of eighty-seven.  For a striking pen-and-ink whole.length sketch, taken a few months before that event, while the General was attending the sale of Dr. Johnson’s library at Christie’s auction-room, see “Johnsoniana,” 8vo. edit. p. 378.-E.

(909) Charles Edward, the young Pretender.  His person, at this time, is thus described by Lord Mahon:  “The Prince was tall and well-formed; his limbs athletic and active.  He excelled in all manly exercises, and was inured to every kind of toil, especially long marches on foot, having applied himself to field-sports in Italy, and become an expert walker.  His face was strikingly handsome, of a perfect oval, and a fair complexion; his eyes light blue; his features high and noble.  Contrary to the custom of the time, which prescribed perukes, his own fair hair usually in long ringlets on his neck.  This goodly person was enhanced by his graceful manners; frequently condescending to the most familiar kindness, yet always shielded by a regal dignity:  he had a peculiar talent to please and to persuade, and never failed to adapt his conversation to the taste or to the station of those whom he addressed.”  Hist. vol. iii. p. 280.-E.

363 Letter 132 To Sir Horace Mann.  March 5th, 1744, eight o’clock at night.

I have but time to write you a minute-line, but it will be a comfortable one.  There is just come advice, that the great storm on the 25th of last month, the very day the embarkation was to have sailed from Dunkirk, destroyed twelve of their transports, and obliged the whole number of troops, which were fifteen thousand, to debark.  You may look upon the invasion is at an end, at least for the present; though, as every thing is coming to a crisis, one shall not be surprised to hear of the attempt renewed.  We know nothing yet certain from Matthews; his victory grows a great doubt.

As this must go away this instant, I cannot write more-but what could be more?  Adieu!  I wish you all joy.

364 Letter 133 To Sir Horace Mann.  March 15th, 1744

I have nothing new to tell you:  that great storm certainly saved us from the invasion-then.(910) Whether it has put an end to the design is uncertain.  They say the embargo at Dunkirk and Calais is taken off, but not a vessel of ours is come in from thence.  They have, indeed, opened again the communication with Ypres and Nieuport, etc. but we don’t yet hear whether they have renewed their embarkation.  However, we take it for granted it is all over-from which, I suppose it will not be over.  We expect the Dutch troops every hour.  That reinforcement, and four thousand men from Ireland, will be all the advantage we shall have made of gaining time.