Why did Jonathan Swift write Journal to Stella?

Jonathan Swift wrote the Journal to Stella between 1710 and 1713 while he was living in London, away from his close friend Esther Johnson (known as Stella) and her companion, Rebecca Dingley, who resided in Ireland.1

The letters served as a personal record of his life during this period. In them, Swift shared his reactions to current political and social events, provided commentary on eminent figures of the time, and offered humorous or reflective descriptions of his daily experiences. Beyond these observations, the journal functioned as a medium for maintaining his lifelong, affectionate bond with Stella, containing warm personal messages directed to her and Dingley.12