The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Mary Hamilton to Lady Mary Wake (née Fenton)

Hamilton, Mary

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Mary Hamilton to Lady Wake. Hamilton writes that she has had little time to write because of Prince Alfred's ill health (1780-1782). He has now been ill for some time and there is little hope that he will now recover and even the King and Queen are 'prepared for the worse'. Hamilton informs Lady Wake that she has not seen the account of Prince William's accident in the newspapers that Lady Wake mentions but reports that the Prince had injured his shoulder in a fall and that it will be some time before he is able to use his arm as normal. Lady Dartrey visited Windsor for the Prince of Wales's birthday, at the request of the Queen, and Hamilton notes that she was in good health and spirits.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Hamilton is disappointed that Sir William Wake has not yet arrived in Buxton for the benefit of his health. She asks Lady Wake to inform him on her behalf that the 'best proof he can give you of his affection is not to trifle with his health, surely he has not forgot his sufferings of last Winter?'</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Hamilton enquires if Lady Wake has decided what school Hamilton's godson is to be sent and notes that if it was to be the decision of the King then he would send him to Eton as his Majesty is 'very partial to this school & thinks, Boys ought to go even at as early age of five or 6 years old & not go to a nurse school as he terms them first'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Hamilton ends her letter by asking Lady Wake to write soon as the only real pleasure she has is 'hearing from my friends'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Windsor.</p>