The Mary Hamilton Papers : Journal-letter from John Dickenson, and notes from Maria and Maria Eliza Rundell (née Ketelby), to Mary Hamilton

Dickenson, John, Rundell, Maria, Rundell (née Ketelby), Maria Eliza

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Journal-letter from John Dickenson to his wife Mary née Hamilton covering the period 27-31 July 1789. The letter includes two notes to Hamilton on the back of the sheet, one from Maria Rundell and the second from her mother, Maria Eliza Rundell (see <a target='_blank' class='externalLink uom-purple' href='https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/manchesteruniversity/data/gb133-ham/ham/1/8/6'>HAM/1/8/6</a>).</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dickenson's letter relates to his health and of his time in Bath. He updates Hamilton on the people he has met and on what he has been doing. He notes that he has been reading Hester Piozzi's Travels but he does not 'admire [...] [it and notes that] it is just worth reading'. He has been to his drawing master, visited friends and has been to Villa Gardens to see some fireworks, which he describes 'as very pretty'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Hamilton had offered to visit him in Bath and he advises against it. He informs her that he is now in good health and that the medicine he has been given by his doctor has been effective and the waters agree with him. He also cites the extra expense her visit will incur.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>In his note, Dr Rundell writes that Dickenson has told him that he will have the pleasure of seeing Hamilton in the spring and that he is looking forward to this. Maria Rundell informs Hamilton in her note that Dickenson is 'wonderfully well' and in good spirits. He has told her that Hamilton is worried about him and she assures her that there is no need for her to be. Rundell also advises Hamilton what to do if her daughter Louisa has a tendency to rickets [she writes that Louisa's legs are crooked]. Her legs should be bathed up to the knees and to rub them with 'neats foot oil, the former every other night, the latter every night – & give a little physich once a week'. She continues with her advice.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Bath.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 12.</p>