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 Mary’s future brother-in-law, 'Count Palombo' [Hamilton spells Palombi as Palombo in his letters], and a visit to Hamilton with Emma Lyon. Sir William writes that if he knew anything that was not 'perfectly right' in the Count Palombo then he would inform her. He has known him for many years and in his 'opinion and the opinion of all his friends a more strictly fervent man does not exist, and indeed he is the only one of my Naples friends that I could continue to answer for'. Sir William writes that it will be difficult for Miss Dickenson to settle in Naples initially but is convinced that after a year or more 'she will like it very much' and Hamilton may be sure that 'my family will contribute all in their power to her happiness'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Sir William writes on the possibility of spending a few days with his niece after his business has been completed. He and Emma will 'appear [...] to be separate must be so in your house' but he notes that he is sure that Hamilton will find Emma 'worthy of everything I could possibly do for her [...] but you must comprehend that Sir W.H. is one thing, & the King’s Minister at Naples, another'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Somerset Street [London].</p>