See introduction to Selected Letters of Samuel Johnson, ed. R. W. Chapman (London, 1925). The letters of condolence referred to are those (to Elphinston) of 25 September 1750; (to Mrs Thrale) of 25 March 1776, and 12 April 1781; (to Langton) of 21 September 1758, and 20 March 1782; (to Lawrence) of 20 January 1780; and (to Dodd) of 26 June 1776.