Page:Footsteps of Dr. Johnson.djvu/17

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PREFACE.
ix

number. In the former part of my trip I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Speed for my companion; but over the latter part of the ground we had, to my regret, to travel at different times. Like Boswell he had done much "to counteract the inconveniences of travel."

I have the pleasant duty of expressing my acknowledgments for the kindness with which I was received and for the assistance which was given me in my inquiries. Most of all am I indebted to the Rev. Roderick Macleod, of Macleod, Vicar of Bolney, who, by the numerous introductions with which he honoured me, greatly facilitated my progress in the Isle of Skye. To his father Macleod of Macleod, and his aunt, Miss Macleod of Macleod, I am under great obligations. My thanks are due also to the Duke of Argyle; the Earl of Cawdor; the Earl of Erroll; Sir Charles Dalrymple, of New Hailes; Captain Burnett, of Monboddo House; Mr. Macleane of Lochbuie; Mr. John Lome Stewart, Laird of Coll; Mr. J. Maitland Anderson, Librarian of the University of St. Andrews; Mr. G. J. Campbell, of Inverness; Mr. P. M. Cran, the City Chamberlain, and Mr. William Gordon, the Town Clerk of Aberdeen; Mr. Lachlan Mackintosh, of Old Lodge, Elgin; Dr. Paterson, of Clifton Bank, St. Andrews; Professor Stephenson, of the University of Aberdeen; Mr. A. E. Stewart, of Raasay; and to my friend Mr. G. J. Burch, B.A., Librarian of the Institution of Civil Engineers, for some time the Compiler of the Subject Catalogue in the Bodleian Library.

To my friend, General Cadell, C.B., of Cockenzie House, I owe the sketches of the ruins of Ballencrieff, and of a group of ash-trees which were said to have been planted on Johnson's suggestion.

Both at Inverary Castle and at Dunvegan Castle I was allowed to have photographs taken not only of the rooms, but also of the interesting portraits of the former owners who had been Johnson's hosts.

To the Rev. Alexander Matheson, minister of Glenshiel, who came many miles over the mountains to help me with his knowledge as a local antiquary, I am, alas! too late in bringing my acknowledgments It was with great regret that early in the spring I learnt of the sudden death of this amiable man.

I have once more the pleasure of giving my thanks to Mr. G. K. Fortescue, Superintendent of the Reading Room of the British Museum, who does so much to lighten the labours of the student.