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 is concerned with Lady Catherine's social obligations as the wife of an ambassador, and her dispute with Lady Maynard. The letter also refers to her coach accident (see HAM/1/4/5/8/2) and to Sir William organizing an annuity for the courier who had been injured.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Lady Catherine describes the society of Naples as 'wanting' and reports that she is obliged to attend the Queen at Court balls, and she also writes of the British women visiting Naples, including Lady Maynard, who has given her much trouble. Lady Catherine had refused to receive her when she called at her house and did not return her call, and she refused to present Lady Maynard at Court because of her 'reputation'. Lord Maynard approached Sir William to ask if he supported his wife in her views and then in a violent temper said that King George should either recall his minister or lose his friendship. Lady Catherine writes that Maynard's words had no effect on Sir William. She continues her letter on this subject.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 8.</p>