] How do you feel about what Johnson had to say about them?

The following is from The Oxford Companion to Literature (Fondly referred to as the Drabble by my family, as it is in use so often it requires a nickname.)

Chesterfield is also remembered in connection with Johnson's Dictionary. Johnson had addressed the Plan of that work to Chesterfield, but it was received with neglect, probably unintentional; on publication of the Dictionary, Chesterfield wrote two papers in The World commending it. Thereupon on 7th Feb, 1755 Johnson addressed to him the famous letter in which he bitterly rejected a notice which "had it been early, had been kind; but it has been delayed till I am indifferent, and cannot enjoy it; till I am solitary, and cannot impart it; till I am known, and do not want it."

Chesterfield received this with good nature, and would show it to visitors with admiration. Johnson's own hostility softened with the years.