Page:Johnsonian Miscellanies II.djvu/90

 82 Extracts from

��P- 752 (Person's Tracts, p. 342) : * In the Life [by Hawkins], p. 460, 461, we have an ample description of a watch that Johnson bought for seventeen guineas ; but, just as we expect some important consequence from this solemn introduction, the history breaks off, and suddenly opens another subject. Now, Mr. Urban, some days ago I picked up a printed octavo leaf, seemingly cancelled and rejected. It was so covered with mud and dirt that I could only make out part of it, which I here send you, submitting it to better judgment, whether this did not originally fill the chasm that every reader of taste and feeling must at once perceive in the history of the watch. It is more difficult to find a reason why it was omitted. But I am per suaded that the person who is the object of Sir John's satire was so hurt at the home truths contained in it, that he tampered with the printers to have it suppressed.

FRAGMENT.

'And here, touching this watch already by me

mentioned, I insert a frotable instance of the craft and selfishness of the Doctor's Negro servant. A few days after that whereon Dr. Johnson died, this artful fellow came to me, and surrendered the watch, saying at the same time, that his master had delivered it to him a day or two before his demise, with such demeanour and gestures that he did verily believe it was his intention that he, namely Frank, should keep the same. Myself knowing that no sort of credit was due to a black domestic and favourite servant, and withal considering that the wearing thereof would be more proper for myself, and that I had got nothing by my trust of executor save sundry old books, and coach-hire for journeys during the discharge of the said office ; and further reflecting on what I have occasion elsewhere to mention, viz. that, since the abolishing general warrants, temp. Geo. iii l y no

1 On April 30, 1763, Wilkes had papers.' Such a warrant as this

been arrested on ' a general warrant Chief Justice Pratt (Lord Camden)

directed to four messengers to take declared to be ' unconstitutional, il-

up any persons without naming or legal, and absolutely void.' The

describing them with any certainty, messengers ' broke open every closet,

and to bring them, together with their bureau, and drawer in Mr. Wilkes's

good

�� �