The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter and note from Mary Hamilton to Charlotte Margaret Gunning

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter and note from Mary Hamilton to Charlotte Gunning.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>In the letter, dated 8 November [?]1779, Hamilton writes of an unwelcome visit by a gentleman. She notes that a man [whose name has been censored from the letter] 'took it into his head to pay me a visit'. Hamilton writes that she was frightened and confused as she 'dreaded any one coming & finding him in my apartments'. She notes that he actually told a foolish woman' that she had previously mentioned to Gunning and declared that he was aware of Hamilton's confusion and 'wish[e]d he had taken advantage of it'. He said that he could not bear the 'torture of suspense' which he has had for two years. Hamilton did not want to appear rude to him and she acknowledges that his behaviour towards her was respectable.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>In the later note (not dated), Hamilton writes on gossip [about the King].</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 1.</p>