Kimberley Biddle, Museums and Heritage Officer, writes: With the generous support of the Friends of the National Libraries and others, The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is delighted to have acquired a personal letter written by Dr Samuel Johnson.
Born in Lichfield and best known as the author of A Dictionary of the English Language in 1755, Samuel Johnson was also a playwright, poet, essayist, journalist, editor, critic and biographer, and is highly regarded as one of the 18th century's most important men of letters.
Penned by Johnson in 1783, the letter features in Bruce Redford’s edition of The Letters of Samuel Johnson (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1992–4). Its location was unknown and remained a mystery until its rediscovery was announced on 31 August 2023. It was found amongst volumes of fascinating manuscripts, some written by Sarah Siddons and Hester Lynch Thrale (née Salusbury; later Piozzi), in a library cupboard belonging to a family who had recently moved into their ancestral home. It was subsequently put up for sale at Chorley’s auction house.
The letter is addressed to a 12-year-old Sophia Thrale, the sixth daughter of Hester Lynch Thrale, British author and patron of the arts. Hester was one of the most important women in Johnson’s life, and his regular correspondence with Hester and her children provides great insight into Johnson’s mind.
In the letter Johnson encourages Sophia to continue her studies, especially her mathematical pursuits. He tells her, ‘Your proficience in arithmetick is not only to be commended but admired’; ‘Never think, my Sweet, that You have arthimetick enough; when You have exhausted your Master, buy Books’. Its contents serve to demonstrate Johnson’s enlightened views on the importance of women’s education, and the openness he had towards young people in general. Further, it provides evidence of his interest in mathematics during his later life, a field for which he is not commonly known.
This charming letter is a rare and documented example of a different side to Johnson, its affectionate and paternal tone shows a softness not often associated with him. Johnson sweetly reassures Sophia, ‘Why You should think yourself not a favourite I cannot guess; my favour will, I am afraid never be worth much, but be its value more or less, You are never likely to lose it, and less likely if you continue your studies with the same diligence as You have begun them.’
The acquisition is a significant addition to our collections. Through Johnson’s letters we can explore the complexities of his personality and better understand his day-to-day thoughts and feelings beyond his outstanding accomplishments. The letter will go on public display at The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum in Lichfield. This free museum welcomes visitors throughout the year and was once the family home where Johnson spent the first 27 years of his life.
The Samuel Johnson Birthplace Museum is extremely grateful that this important acquisition was made possible by funding and support from FNL, The Johnson Society (Lichfield), Lichfield City Council, and Phil Jones, a private donor.
