The Mary Hamilton Papers : Incomplete letter from Mary Hamilton to Charlotte Margaret Gunning

Hamilton, Mary

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Incomplete letter from Mary Hamilton to Charlotte Gunning. The letter relates to John Fisher and John Farhill and Hamilton's time in Eastbourne. Hamilton provides detailed descriptions of John Farhill and John Fisher to Gunning. Farhill is described as very handsome and about 27 years old. He is 'modest, amiable & well bred'. Before he became a preceptor of Prince 'E' [Edward] he was studying law. He also seems to have 'profited by a Liberal education, [and] reads & recites remarkably well, writes poetry in an easy, elegant manner'. Mr Fisher is about 35 years old and 'is in the Church'. Hamilton does not think that he is as handsome as Farhill 'yet there is nothing disagreeable' with him. She views him as amiable with talent and genius and notes that he 'draws finely'. Hamilton Writes that Farhill reads to the party in English, Mr Bruyeres in French and that Fisher instructs her in drawing and has given her a taste for landscapes. The letter continues with descriptions of the country of the area. She also writes about the house in which they are staying which belongs to Lady Elizabeth Compton [Compton House].</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Hamilton also notes that she has ten letters waiting to be answered on her table and writes that 'Perfecta' [Lady Charlotte Finch] is pleased with Gunning's remembrance of her. </p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Eastbourne.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Original reference No. 6.</p>