MONDAY, NOVEMBER 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[1045].

Thus they parted.  They are now in another, and a higher, state of existence:  and as they were both worthy Christian men, I trust 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[1046].

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

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 9.

I wished to have shewn 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 absence of eighty-three 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.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10.

Old Mr. Drummond, the bookseller[1047], came to breakfast.  Dr. Johnson and he had not met for ten years.  There was respect on his side, and kindness on Dr. Johnson’s.  Soon afterwards Lord Elibank came in, and was much pleased at seeing Dr. Johnson in Scotland.  His lordship said, ‘hardly any thing seemed to him more improbable.’  Dr. Johnson had a very high opinion of him.  Speaking of him to me, he characterized him thus:  ’Lord Elibank has read a great deal.  It is true, I can find in books all that he has read; but he has a great deal of what is in books, proved by the test of real life.’  Indeed, there have been few men whose conversation discovered more knowledge enlivened by fancy.  He published several small pieces of distinguished merit; and has left some in manuscript, in particular an account of the expedition against Carthagena, in which he served as an officer in the army.  His writings deserve to be collected.  He was the early patron of Dr. Robertson, the historian, and Mr. Home, the tragick poet; who, when they were ministers of country parishes, lived near his seat.  He told me, ’I saw these lads had talents, and they were much with me.’  I hope they will pay a grateful tribute to his memory[1048].