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. The letter discusses news of Herries's travels in Europe, her plans to travel to Italy and her concerns at not hearing from Hamilton.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Lady Herries complains that it is 'an age' since she has heard from Hamilton and, although she has no doubts with regards Hamilton' friendship for her, she nevertheless remains anxious as to the reasons for this 'silence'. She has taken some comfort in hearing of Hamilton from Hamilton's own relation Miss Dickenson (see HAM/1/17/201,) whilst in Lisbon and to whom she had 'wrote a line'. Herries continues the letter by giving details of the previous letters which she had written to Hamilton. She is glad to learn by Miss Dickenson of the sale of Hamilton's Estate in Taxal had been successful and she hopes that now they will now have the opportunity to see each other more frequently in London. Herries is unable to say when she will be able to see her, as it is impossible at the moment to travel through France and Sir Robert is inclined for her to spend another winter in a Southern climate. She continues on the subject of Spain, staying abroad, on how Herries did not wish to leave England last year but that Sir Robert 'was of a different opinion', the plan to travel to Italy and 'leaving them there I hope with Miss Bowdler' and to return to England at a later date. Herries concedes that it would be very pleasant if there was a 'Bridge from here to Leghorne' Leghorn (Livorno, Italy), but 'alas' there is the sea to contend with. Herries writes that they are looking to get to Italy and that they are 'looking in longing for the English fleet and Lord Hood having been first Admiral at Gibraltar [probably Admiral Alexander Hood, 1st Viscount Bridport, 1726-1814]. Herries writes that there is an English frigate 'here' and that she expects the English fleet under Lord Hood to arrive shortly. The frigate was recommended to her by Captain Inglefield, whom she notes had been shipwrecked.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues on Hamilton's relation Miss E. Dickenson, her journey and her health, for so long in the hope of receiving a letter from Hamilton.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Barcelona.</p>