Doctor Johnson wrote to Boswell shortly after this was published, as follows:
4 Oxford, March 23, 1768.
My DEAR BOSWELL,—I have omitted a long time to write to you, without knowing very well why. I could now tell why I should not write ; for who would write to men who publish the letters of their friends, without their leave ? Yet I write to you in spite of my caution, to tell you that I shall be glad to see you, and that I wish you would empty your head of Corsica, which I think has filled it rather too long. But, at all events, I shall be glad, very glad to see you.
I am, Sir, yours affectionately,
' SAM. JOHNSON.’

Boswell wrote back in apology, and later recorded in the biography as follows:

"Upon his arrival in London in May, he surprized me one morning with a visit at my lodgings in Half-Moon-street, was quite satisfied with my explanation, and was in the kindest and most agreeable frame of mind. As he had objected to a part of one of his letters being published, I thought it right to take this opportunity of asking him explicitly whether it would be improper to publish his letters after his death. His answer was, ' Nay, Sir, when I am dead, you may do as you will.'"