The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Anna Maria Clarke to Louisa Dickenson (later Anson) and Mary Hamilton

Clarke, Anna Maria

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Anna Maria Clarke to Louisa Dickenson and her mother, Mary Hamilton. Clarke first addresses Louisa, congratulating her on her engagement to Sir William Anson. She heard yesterday from Louisa's father that 'there is a prospect of your being united to a Gentleman of the most respectable Character & distinguished Family', and she expresses her 'cordial & affectionate' wishes for her happiness.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Clarke appends a letter to 'Mrs Dickenson', i.e. Mary Hamilton. She hopes that Hamilton will derive all possible satisfaction from an alliance 'so respectable & desirable'. 'Louisa's residence with you will be a most delightful circumstance & save the pang of continual absence from a Daughter from her whose merit & amiable qualities render her so justly dear'. She also congratulates Hamilton on her reconciliation with Lady W. [Lady Mary Wake, née Fenton (d. 1823), wife of Sir William Wake, 8th Baronet (1742-1785)]. She understands how Hamilton could not be 'quite at ease' when divided from a friend 'so dear & estimable'.</p>