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

Herries (née Foote), Catherine

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Incomplete letter from Lady Catherine Herries to Mary Hamilton [possibly the letter referred to in HAM/1/17/171, in which Herries asks Hamilton for a letter of recommendation for a Mr Stanley]. The first page is missing.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>This surviving page begins with Herries writing of a 'living that fell to a most deserving man, a Mr Parton of Richmond' before returning to the subject of Lady Hamilton. Herries notes that a Mr Cambridge had asked her to thank Hamilton and her husband for giving him the 'opportunity' to meet Lady Hamilton whom he describes as possessing 'a variety of Talents' although he was not fortunate enough to see her attitudes [a series of classical poses] for wh[ich] she is generally famous'. Herries notes that Mr Cambridge continues on Lady Hamilton's knowledge of Italy and of his being very pleased with her. As he is such a 'judge' Herries knows that this will give Hamilton pleasure.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues with gossip and general news. The Duchess of York is generally considered to be 'lively' and it is thought that she will 'play a considerable part in our Court'. There has been talk that Mrs Fitzherbert's popularity with the Prince is in decline but as to whether or not this is true Herries cannot say. She only knows that Mrs Fitzherbert was at the 'great ball given by the D[u]k[e] of Cd to the D[u]k[e] of York last Monday'. The letter ends with Herries noting that she is 'having Company to dinner'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Inglefeld.</p>