Samuel Johnson to John Jay, 27 October 1763

Stratford Oct. 27 1763

Dear M r . Jay

I should long since have answered your kind Letter 1 but heard you & Benson 2 intended me a Visit in the Vacation, which I should have been very glad of, & since that, I have been much engaged either in Company riding or writing.–€” It was with much pleasure that I received your Letter & the Account you gave me of the good Condition of things at the College since I left it, 3 for which I am no less solicitous that it may do well & flourish, than while I was there.–€”I hope the Studiousness & good Conduct of all of you that are members of it, will be such, as will always be a Credit & Hon r to it.–€”I desire you to give my love to them all, & assure them that I retain the same affection & tenderness for them & concern for their best good & welfare, as I had while I was among them.–€”I gave Brooks 4 a much better & more correct Copy of what I had added to Ossian–€™s Address to the Sun, 5 than what you had had before, from which I would wish you & all them would exactly transcribe for the Future–€”I give you Joy of the Honor done your Brother in England, & the great success he has had in collecting for the College, which must greatly contribute to make it flourish.–€” 6 If you write to him remember me to him very affectionately & tell him I heartily give him Joy.–€”I thank God, I enjoy My self here in much Health & Tranquility, & with my best prayers & wishes that you may continue to act a good part & prosper in the Course of your whole Life, &c., I remain y r hearty Friend

S. Johnson