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 the Queen of Naples and Lady Catherine's life in Naples. Lady Catherine describes herself as a bad courtier and says that she knows the Queen's [of Naples] 'disposition too well to place any confidence in any encouragement she pleases to give me'. Lady Catherine notes that she would not be so open if she were not sending this letter via a friend. The queen is described as clever and quick witted, and she 'hates & loves violently, but her Passions of both kind pass like the Wind'. Lady Catherine notes that you cannot depend on what she says, as she frequently changes her mind. She continues that the Queen's 'principal Object makes her use every Art to please the King in order to get the Reins of Government into her hands in as great a measure as is possible'. She also describes her as an excellent mother, and generous. The King is very different and has 'neither education or art', although he has 'an uncommon deal of quickness'. He is very kind and a sincere friend. Lady Catherine Hamilton notes that although the Queen shows some favour for the French, the King 'detests them'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Concerning her life in Naples, Lady Catherine Hamilton writes that she tries to live as 'English a life' as possible and continues her letter on this subject. She also writes on the French ambassador and on Lady Maynard, and Lady Catherine's refusal to present her to the Queen. Dated at Naples.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 9.</p>