The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Sir William Hamilton to Mary Hamilton

Hamilton, William, Sir

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Sir William Hamilton to Mary Hamilton. The letter relates to the death of Sir William's wife, Lady Catherine Hamilton. Lady Hamilton's health had been precarious for some time and she died from what Sir William called a 'violent fever of the putrid kind'. She was 44 years old and they had been married for 24 years. Sir William describes his wife's character. She was a 'perfect Christian, and 7 years in this corrupt Country made not the least impression on her morals or sentiments'. He writes that even the late Archbishop of Naples 'quoted her as an Example'. Sir William's only consolation is that she is no longer suffering.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Lady Hamilton wished to be buried in her family vault in Wales and to have her husband buried next to her when his time comes. He writes to his niece that he will certainly comply with her wishes.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Naples.</p>