fore, they certainly met when Reynolds visited his sister,
Mrs. Palmer of Great Torrington, during his Journey into the west
country with Johnson in 1762. According to Reynolds' engagement book,
Morrison was his host on August 27 of that year; while a letter written
by Johnson, after returning to London, contains a message for "Dr.
Morison" to say that a set of _Idlers_ was being sent to him with
sincere acknowledgements of all his civilities. The first of Reynolds'
letters is dated, at the end, August 16, 1766.

Dear Sir,

The greatest compliment I have ever yet receiv'd for any fancied
eminence in my profession has not been so flattering to my vanity
as having had the honour to have so excellent a Poem address'd to
me as this really is which I have now before me, and the
consideration that this compliment is made me by Mr. Morrison
makes me at a loss in what manner to express the obligation I feel
myself under for so great a favour. I may truly say and without
affecting much modesty that I am not worthy of the attention you
please to honour me with.

As I have not had time yet to consider it as maturely as I intend
to do, I can only say in general terms that I admire it
exceedingly.

Here there is a break in the letter.

I am quite ashamed to have kept this Letter so long, which
proceeded from an expectation I dayly had of reading the Poem with
Mr. Johnson and Dr. Goldsmith but which I have not yet been able
to accomplish.

The former part of this Letter was wrote a few days after I had
the pleasure of seeing your Son; you have surely the greatest
reason in the world to think me the most ill mannered as well as
the most ungrateful person breathing in not returning my thanks
sooner; and now that it is delay'd so long it has not answerd any
end except that I have the pleasure of saying, I find no cause on
a second and third reading to retract what I said in the former
part of the Letter, my own opinion is worth but little; but I hope
soon to have the pleasure of acquainting you with the approbation
of those Critics which it is some honour to please.

With great acknowledgment for the distinction you have been
pleased to honour me with,

I am with the greatest respect your
most obliged humble servant,

J. Reynolds.

I beg my compliments to Miss and Mr. Morrison.

To thi