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 expresses her approval at Hamilton's interest in household matters, something she feels is a very important trait for woman, particularly in the present day when these matters tend to be neglected. She has sent a mould with the letter and gives Hamilton instructions on how it should be used. She hopes her family arrived home safely and goes on to describe the measurements (?) of their coffee lamp and coffee pots that they bought from Rundell and Bridge [a British jewellery firm who were based in London; also produced silverware]. She tells her that Mrs Kerr [her mother?] is doing well and has recovered from her gout, and that little Frederick is also doing well. She explains that her and her husband are still very concerned about their foster grandchildren and have written several times to have them brought to be with them. They want to keep them out of Major Ferguson’s family as much as possible as, she explains, they have expressed a great deal of hatred towards them. She asks Hamilton to keep this matter to herself and expresses her thanks for her friend taking such an interest in their affairs. She goes on to explain however that they have offered that Major Ferguson keep the children with him over winter, since his home must become quite dreary and lonely at that time of year.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Northampton.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 6.</p>