The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Lady Catherine Herries (née Foote) to Mary Hamilton

Herries (née Foote), Catherine

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Lady Catherine Herries to Mary Hamilton. She writes to assure Hamilton that she had never suspected her of 'want of feeling' and requests her to banish these ideas from her mind. She suggests that Hamilton has been feeling 'distracted' by her concern over her friend Anna Maria Clarke who has recently 'suffered a great & unexpected loss' [the death of her sister, Mrs Jackson]. Herries believes that Miss Clarke is facing her loss with 'fortitude'. She reports that Mrs Vesey and Mrs Handcock saw Miss Clarke on the Wednesday and believes she looks well as can be expected. She assures Hamilton that she should not 'agitate' herself over her friend. She notes that the loss is a 'heavy one', more so 'for the husband & helpless infants' and that they should look to their faith at such times.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries continues to write about her concerns for Hamilton's health and sends news of friends. She was surprised to learn of Miss [Frances] Burney's appointment [to the royal household]. She hopes to see her on Monday at Mrs Vesey's. Herries informs Hamilton that Mrs Vesey is well and that Mrs Handcock is 'tolerably so'. She continues on Nina Herries, who is visiting Tunbridge Wells for the benefit of the waters. Herries will collect her on her way to the seaside early next month.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues on a possible journey abroad, Herries's health and with news of her relations, specifically upon the marriage of her eldest brother. Herries concludes the letter with some lines that she has received from a Mrs Horton, who enquires after Hamilton.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at St James's Street, [London].</p>