[6] This lady’s eldest sister was wife of the celebrated Dr. Alexander Webster, of Edinburgh (see _postea_). [7] Dr. Stevens’ “History of the High School of Edinburgh,” pp. 100, 135. [8] In Lord Hailes’ Commonplace-book, preserved at New Hailes, is the following entry:—“1755, April 1.—I began my office of Advocate Depute at Stirling—a ridiculous day of the year. At that time I was very ignorant of criminal law, but good intentions have, I hope, atoned for my defects.” [9] Letter of Dr. Jortin, preserved at New Hailes. [10] Letter to Mr. Temple, dated 1st May, 1761. [11] “Letter to the People of Scotland,” Lond., 8vo., 1785. [12] This person is entitled to more than a passing notice. Long before the modern publication of cheap literature by W. and R. Chambers and Charles Knight, Alexander Donaldson opened a shop in London for the sale of what were termed “spurious editions” of popular books. The London booksellers endeavoured to check his enterprise, but were defeated in the courts of law. Latterly he was unfortunate. His nephew, James Donaldson, also a printer at Edinburgh, founded and endowed the hospital in that city which bears his name. For that purpose he bequeathed the sum of £200,000. [13] Boswell has appended this note. “Who has not heard of ‘_Every man soap his own beard_’—the reigning phrase for ‘Every man in his humor’? Upon this foundation B—— instituted a jovial society, called the SOAPING CLUB.” [14] An Edinburgh tavern. [15] The name of this Soaper has not been discovered. [16] Throughout his whole career Boswell entertained the idea that his mind was imperfectly balanced. [17] Letters between the Honourable Andrew Erskine and James Boswell, Esq. London, 1763, 8vo. [18] “Archibald Constable and his Correspondents.” Edinburgh, 1873, 8vo, vol. I., p. 32. [19] Mrs. Davies was originally an actress, and was celebrated as a beauty. [20] Boswell’s letter at New Hailes. [21] Boswell’s “Life of Johnson.” [22] Original letter at New Hailes. [23] Original letter preserved at New Hailes. [24] “Autobiography of the Rev. Dr. Alexander Carlyle.” Edinburgh, 1860, 8vo., p. 322. [25] Of this society, styled the Lunan and Viney Water Farming Club, the Rev. James Roger, of Dunino, father of the writer, was on Mr. Dempster’s nomination elected perpetual secretary. The minute-book is in the writer’s possession. [26] In 1765 Mr. Dempster obtained the patent office of Secretary to the Order of the Thistle, with a salary of £500 per annum. [27] Cards. [28] Letter of Boswell preserved at New Hailes. [29] “Institutes of the Law of Scotland,” by John Erskine, of Carnock. A standard book of reference in the law courts of Scotland. [30] This account of the quotation from Johnson’s poem of “London” is contained in a letter addressed by Boswell to Sir David Dalrymple. In the “Life of Johnson” Boswell states that the quotation was made by himself.