← Table of contents
Life of Johnson, Volume 4, 1780-1784

Note 647 — THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. (continued 4)

Reading edition

This duel was fought on April 21, between Mr. Riddell of the Horse-Grenadiers, and Mr. Cunningham of the Scots Greys. Riddell had the first fire, and shot Cunningham through the breast. After a pause of two minutes Cunningham returned the fire, and gave Riddell a wound of which he died next day. Gent. Mag. 1783, p. 362. Boswell's grandfather's grandmother was a Miss Cunningham. Rogers's Boswelliana, p. 4. I do not know that there was any nearer connection. In Scotland, I suppose, so much kindred as this makes two men 'near relations.'

Explore with AITake your curiosity a little further.

Reading settings