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, relating to Herries's time in France and discussing news of family and friends.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries notes that she started writing this letter three days ago and has thus far had only written a few lines. She is determined to write more even though it is by candlelight. Herries wishes to see her friend again. She aims to set off on the journey home by the middle of the following week. She writes on the engagements she has, of meeting a Lady whom she had formerly known and who had been very attentive and kind. She is a 'charming woman' with a 'French character' and the 'warmth' of the 'English' and the woman's husband 'M de Corsay (?)' is 'exceptionally amiable'. The couple 'love one another like - like you & Mr D'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues with news of the health of her family and companions. All are 'tolerably' well with the exception of Mr Sackville, who is ill with a 'feverish cold' but who is trying to ready himself for the journey ahead. Herries also comments on the situation in France, specifically on the cost of food. She notes that bread, which many people live on, is 'alarmingly' expensive '& engages the attention of government - both from policy & humanity - In short this nation is in many respects in a critical state'. Alluding to Hamilton's own letter to her, Herries refers to the economic situation in England and comments that England and France are much to be 'pitied at present'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Moving her letter on to 'little subjects' Herries writes of a cloak and patterns that she has for Hamilton. She also mentions old friends. Herries has received a letter from Mrs [Elizabeth] Carter by the last post who she hopes to see soon on her return and that the 'poor Vesey house bad as it was last Summer is now I hear still more melancholy' and is 'shut to every one except now & then' Mrs Handcock can be persuaded 'to leave her poor friend', but this subject is too 'melancholy to dwell on'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Paris.</p>