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, expressing her regard for Hamilton and discussing general family news.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Lady Herries writes of her pleasure on receiving Hamilton's letter and of her longing to see her friend, which she knows is not possible, but that 'the next best thing' is her letters, which 'speak so sweetly the thoughts & feelings' of head and heart. The letter continues on Hamilton's daughter Louisa, who Herries 'delights' in and who she describes as being 'just what a child of that age should be'. She urges Hamilton to make Louisa like her and to ask Mr Dickenson if she is not right to do so.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries is at Teignmouth with her friend, Miss Bowdler [Possibly Rachel Bowdler (c.1747-1835), sister of Henrietta Maria Bowdler (1754-1830) known as Harriet, author and poet. ] and my 'poor sweet child' [Lady Herries's youngest sister. A note at the bottom of the sheet in a different hand refers to this]. Her friend is in poor health and is unable to take any exercise other than 'walking gently'. Herries continues on the poor health of her sister, a proposed visit abroad and on Herries's wish that Hamilton and Miss Bowdler were personally acquainted.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Teignmouth.</p>