The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Lady Catherine Hamilton (née Barlow) to Mary Hamilton

Hamilton (née Barlow), Catherine, Lady

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Lady Catherine Hamilton to Mary Hamilton. The letter relates to Lady Hamilton's longing to remain in England rather than return to Naples. She informs her niece that she and Sir William will take leave of the King and Queen on Thursday and notes that she will find it difficult as she is unwilling to return to Naples. If her husband 'had the same way of thinking I am inclined to believe we should give up every thing & take care of our own Estate which would be a much more comfortable scheme than our present situation & I believe would be a more lucrative one'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Lady Hamilton also writes of her pleasure at her niece's position at court, although she admits that she herself is a 'bad Courtier'. Queen Charlotte is described as the 'best of Queens' but she herself 'would not be in the family of any Sovereign upon Earth was it in my power'. She then adds that this remains between her and Hamilton.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 5.</p>