thought my father kept him at bay, and for some time enjoyed his triumph,' but his antagonist soon made a retort, which I forbear to mention.

In the course of their altercation, Whiggism and presbyterianism, Toryism and episcopacy, were terribly buffeted. My worthy hereditary friend, Sir John Pringle, never having been mentioned, happily escaped without a bruise.

My father's opinion of Dr. Johnson may be conjectured from the name he afterwards gave him, which was URSA MAJOR. But it is not true, as has been reported, that it was in consequence of my saying that he was a constellation of genius and literature. It was a sly abrupt expression to one of his brethren on the bench of the court of session, in which Dr. Johnson was then standing; but it was not said in his hearing.

Sunday, Nov. 7.-My father and I went to public worship in our parish church, in which I regretted that Dr. Johnson would not join us; for, though we have there no form of prayer, nor magnificent solemnity, yet, as God is worshipped in spirit and in truth, and the same doctrines preached as in the church of England, my friend would certainly have shown more liberality, had he attended. I doubt not, however, but he employed his time in private to very good purpose. His uniform and fervent piety was manifested on many occasions during our tour, which I have not mentioned. His reason for not joining in presbyterian worship has been recorded in a former page.

Monday, Nov. 8.-Notwithstanding the altercation that had passed, my father, who had the dignified courtesy of an old baron, was very civil to Dr. Johnson, and politely attended him to the post-chaise which was to convey us to Edinburgh.

Thus they parted. They are now in another, and a higher state of existence; and as they were both worthy christian men, I trust

gatory, had ever done to his country; when, after being much tortured, Lord Auchinleck at last spoke out, "God, doctor! he gart kings ken that they had a lith in their neck "-he taught kings they had a joint in their necks. Jamie then set to mediating between his father and the philosopher, and availing himself of the judge's sense of hospitality, which was punctilious, reduced the debate to more order.-WALTER SCOTT.

1 Mr. Chalmers informs me, that there is no such book as Durham "on the Galatians,' though there is "on the Revelations." Perhaps, however, Johnson misheard Galatians for Revelations.-C.

ÆTAT. 64

AUCHINLECK

465

they have met in happiness. But I must observe, in justice to my friend's political principles, and my own, that they have met in a place where there is no room for Whiggism.

We came at night to a good inn at Hamilton. I recollect no

more.

Tuesday, Nov. 9.-I wished to have shown Dr. Johnson the Duke of Hamilton's house, commonly called the palace of Hamilton, which is close by the town. It is an object which, having been pointed out to me as a splendid edifice from my earliest years, in travelling between Auchinleck and Edinburgh, has still great grandeur in my imagination. My friend consented to stop, and view the outside of it, but could not be persuaded to go into it.

We arrived this night at Edinburgh, after an abser ce of eightythree days. For five weeks together, of the tempestuous season, there had been no account received of us. I cannot express how happy I was on finding myself again at home.

APPENDIX.

No. I.

ANSCRIPTION N THE MONUMENT OF SIR JAMES MACDONALD BART, IN THE CHURCH OF SLATE;

AND TWO 1. TTERS FROM THAT YOUNG GENTLEMAN TO HIS MOTHER.

To the memory

Of SIR JAMES MACDONALD, Bart.

who, in the flower of youth,

Had attained to so eminent a degree of knowledge
In mathematics, philosophy, languages,

And in every other branch of useful and polite learning,
As few have acquired in a long life

Wholly devoted to study:
Yet to this erudition he joined,

What can rarely be found with it,

Great talents for business,
Great propriety of behaviour,
Great politeness of manner!

His eloquence was sweet, correct, and flowing;
His memory vast and exact;
His judgment strong and acute;
All which endowments, united
With the most amiable temper
And every private virtue,
Procured him, not only in his own country,
But also from foreign nations,

The highest marks of esteem.
In the year of our Lord

1766,

The 25th of his life,

After a ong and extremely painful illness,

Which he supported with admirable patience and fortitude
He died at Rome,

Where, notwithstanding the difference of religion,
Such extraordinary honours were paid to his memory
As had never graced that of any other British subject,
Since the death of Sir Philip Sydney.

The fame he left behind him is the best consolation
To his afflicted family,

And to his countrymen in this isle,
For whose benefit he had planned
Many useful improvements,
Which his fruitful genius suggested,
And his active spirit promoted,
Under the sober direction

Of a clear and enlightened understanding.
Reader bewail our loss,

And that of all Britain.

In testimony of her love,

And as the best return she can make
To her departed son,

For the constant tenderness and affection
Which, even to his last moments,
He showed for her,

His much afflicted mother,

The LADY MARGARET MACDONALD,
Daughter to the Earl of Eglintoune,
Erected this monument,

A. D. 1768.

This extraordinary young man, whom I had the pleasure of knowing int mately, having been deeply regretted by his country, the most minute particulars concerning him must be interesting to many. I shall therefore insert his two last letters to his mother, Lady Margaret Macdonald, which her ladyship has been pleased to communicate to me.

Sir James Macdonald to Lady Margaret.

66 Rome, 9th July, 1766.

"MY DEAR MOTHER,-Yesterday's post brought me your answer to the first letter in which I acquainted you of my illness. Your tenderness and concern upon that account are the same I have always experienced, and to which I have often owed my life. Indeed it never was in so great danger as it has been lately; and though it would have been a very great comfort to me to have sad you near me, yet perhaps I ought to rejoice, on your account, that you