The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Mary Glover to Mary Hamilton

Glover, Mary

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Mary Glover to Mary Hamilton, who writes a journal for Hamilton’s amusement. Glover’s letter relates to news of what she has been doing and the society she has been keeping and with news of her fiancé [Henry]. Glover writes of her marriage proposal which she accepts and informs Hamilton of a secret she has which is that her fiancé has two ‘natural’ children, a boy and girl, who were born in India ‘therefore of a different complexion from ours’. The gentleman brought them to England so that they could be educated and the girl is to return to India when she reaches a ‘proper age’ and the boy is to remain in England. She notes that he has not mentioned them to her mother yet. She will be glad when he does and notes that she will pay the proper attention to both children. At a party the talk was of India and of the custom of women burning themselves after the death of their husbands. One of the party, Mr H witnessed such a funeral and attempted to prevent her from burning herself. She could not be prevented and said that she would again be reunited with her husband.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Glover continues her letter the following day. Her ‘friend’ told her mother of his children and her mother said that she is certain that if the children are well behaved then her daughter will love them and he replied that he would have not thought of marrying her if he was not of the same opinion. He said that he did not expect her to like his children as much as he does. Her mother has promised that they can go and see the girl who is attending a school in Clapton. Glover writes that ‘Henry’ wishes to be married as soon as possible.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 22.</p>