An entry in Mary Hamilton’s diary for 17 May 1784

© JRUL

An entry in Mary Hamilton’s diary for 17 May 1784.  Ref. HAM/2/10. She describes a dinner that she attended with Samuel Johnson and other guests, and records Johnson’s unflattering comments about Oliver Goldsmith. 'Dr Johnston [sic] said of the late Dr Goldsmith that he never knew a Head so unfurnished - that he knew very little of any subject he ever wrote upon. That his abilities were equal to any man's he ever met with - but that he had no application upon the most common subjects he was very ignorant - of w[hi]ch he gave many & daily proofs - he was one of the most envious of men - he could not bear to hear of praise of any one nay even the Beauty of a woman being praised he could not indure [sic]. Mrs Carter said that Dr G was a very vulgar man and vastly conceited.'