The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Mary Kerr (née Tompson) to Mary Hamilton

Kerr (née Tompson), Mary

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Mary Kerr to Mary Hamilton. She complains about her husband, who has called upon Hamilton without her, but she has received her kind invitation and is now writing to let her know that she won’t miss any opportunity to pay her a visit; she doesn’t leave her husband during the Winter but he encourages her roaming in the Summer months. She explains that she only recently heard about Hamilton's illness from Mrs Mainwaring, who had been speaking with Mr Dickenson, by which time she was feeling much better.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>She hopes she can find Mrs D’s ‘young woman’ a position as a housemaid in a good household, where good servants are prized. Lady Spencer only asked if she could find someone to work for her just a couple of days ago. She promises her friend that she will make enquiries today and trusts her judgement, as usually she does not like to make recommendations for people she hasn’t met, particularly for such a high position.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>She then goes on to discuss military movements; describing Napoleon’s preparation of his troops for invasion and the Archduke’s preparation of a force to march into France. She goes on to explain that even the ladies of her neighbourhood are taking on young recruits for the cause. She also updates her friends on the fortunes of these neighbours; including the Hanburys and their liveries and the Armitages, who are currently in Yorkshire.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>She is glad that her friend is well again and advises that she take action at the first sign of something being wrong in the future. She continues to update her on mutual friends/acquaintances and passes on her regards from her husband.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Northampton.</p>