The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Wilhelmina Murray (née King) to Mary Hamilton

Murray (née King), Wilhelmina

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Wilhelmina Murray to Mary Hamilton, conveying society and family news. Murray enquires after John Dickenson Senior, Hamilton's father-in-law, who is recovering after a fall. Murray is to travel to Scotland and her sister is to be of the party, much to the surprise of many of her acquaintances who have 'no idea, of any thing in Scotland, but barren ground, frost, and snow'. Murray writes that her sister was at the rehearsal [possibly for a music event] at Westminster Abbey on Friday and is there again today.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Murray reports 'the Prince' [of Wales?] becoming 'dangerously ill' at a ball and having to go home at 3 o'clock in the morning. She notes that it is now the fashion for such parties to 'end with a Breakfast; [at] five, seven, or even eight in the Morning'. The letter reports on the disappointment of Lady Augusta Murray in once again not getting married. She had accepted a Mr Macnamarra, but after her acceptance it was found that he was not as wealthy as thought and the marriage has been stopped. The letter continues to list society marriages at this date.</p>