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. Lady Herries has been passed a frank and is unable to resist writing Hamilton a few words, though as her eyes remain indifferent she will need to 'condense' her letter. Herries writes that she 'rejoice[s]' to hear that Hamilton is 'tolerably well' given her 'present state' [Possibly alluding to Hamilton being pregnant] . She hopes that it will be as Hamilton supposes and 'all will go on to our heart's wish'. Herries continues that it is now near to the 'third month' and she hopes to hear from Hamilton soon as she is 'curious' to know of things that will affect the 'happiness of those so dear to me'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues with general news. Herries has now been in Tunbridge for two weeks and she expects to stay a further week. She reports that Sir Robert Herries has now travelled safely through France and she hopes that he will be in Barcelona soon. She will let Hamilton know when she has any news of when and where she will be joining him. Madame de Sisley now has the letter of recommendation to Sir William Hamilton (see HAM/1/17/194).</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues on the subject of a cousin of Herries's whose daughter is to be married to a 'young Gentleman in business in the City', both to his own and his daughter's 'satisfaction'. He has property in St Christopher's but they are to live in Brompton. Herries continues on meeting Hamilton's own cousins and her delight with one of her cousins whom she describes as a 'sweet girl & only wants health'. She continues on the death of Hamilton' relation, Mrs Graham and her 'poor husband & all her friends'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter concludes with Herries sending regards from Mr Sackville and Nina [Herries] and advising Hamilton to address any letters to her at St. James's Street rather than at Tunbridge.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Tunbridge Wells, reply to be addressed at St James's Street, [London].</p>