The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Lady Dartrey (later Lady Cremorne) to Mary Hamilton

Dawson (née Freame), Philadelphia Hannah, Baroness Cremorne

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Lady Dartrey to Mary Hamilton. The letter relates to Dartrey's aiding a woman who has fallen on hard times and living in poverty. Dartrey is disappointed that Hamilton had not called on her the previous night. She writes that she dedicates Sundays and Thursday to her children and to friends such as Hamilton and calls such days 'holiday'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dartrey writes on Lady Spencer [née Poyntz], (Margaret) Georgiana, Countess Spencer (1737-1814) who she notes has 'left a Magdalen to my care'. Dartrey called on this poor woman to give her money and advice and notes that she felt awkward. The woman was once a fine Lady but now is a 'penitent'. She told the woman that she was calling on Lady Spencer's behalf with some money from her. the woman 'with the air of a Baccilli, [...] said "ah Ma[d]am, we are vastly mortified that we "were out when your La[dys[h]ip did us the Honour of Calling" [this was the Dartrey's second visit] just as if I went to leave my name, & expected she should return my Visit'. This caused Dartrey some discomfort but she writes that as a rule she tries not to judge people on outward appearances and resolved to talk with her and find out 'whether her sentiments corresponded with her manner' and was greatly moved by their conversation. The letter continues on the woman and her situation and with general news of acquaintances.</p>


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