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. She does not think that she will find a frank for her 'needles' (see HAM/1/17/220) until tomorrow and therefore she will not post this letter yet, but will begin it now that she has a little 'leisure this morning' to do so. She expects to be busy tomorrow, although she is not well enough to be, 'for I am a sad poor Creature'. She hopes to be better soon, as she wishes to go to Brighthelmstone on Saturday and see what two or three weeks of the 'sea air' will do for her. Herries knows that Hamilton is anxious to hear her plans for travel as soon as she had settled them, and is hence determined to write to her today to update her. Herries is suffering with her eyes again. She believes that this is caused by her travelling in a phaeton whilst the weather was very windy. She continues that she is to take her niece with her Brighthelmstone, which will provide her with 'some company' and will also 'do the poor thing good', as she is also in poor health.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>As to general news, Herries continues with both political news as well as news of family and friends. With regard to the 'late sudden changes in France', Herries does not know what to tell Hamilton on Sir Robert's or indeed anyone's opinion [possibly referring to the Coup De Fructidor, where power was seized by members of the French Directory on 4 September 1797], though she does think that the 'majority however incline to hope yet it may produce peace -- God grant it'. She continues that she is sure that Hamilton will be glad for Herries to hear that her friend Bayne [she refers to this person in other letters simply as 'my Good Bayne' (HAM/1/17/224), it is not clear who this person is] has arrived at Spithead, which she is greatly relieved to hear. Nina Herries and her children are very poorly, although Herries notes that Nina is cheered up with the hope of seeing her husband (Edward Foote) very soon.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries continues her letter writing the following day. She is determined to go to Brighthelmstone on Monday (the letter is written on Friday). This will allow her time to see her friend Bayne and to 'avoid any unnecessary travelling on a Sunday'. Mr Falls [Sir Robert's brother-in-law] had travelled to Brighthelmstone earlier in the week and has returned that morning having travelled on the night coach, and is now leaving for Dartmouth on business. The letter ends with Herries commenting that there is no news excepting what is in the papers '& opinion seems divided as to what the later change in France will do for or against peace -- a little time will show'. The letter ends with Herries saying that she has recently seen their mutual friends the De Salises (see <a target='_blank' class='externalLink uom-purple' href='https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/manchesteruniversity/data/gb133-ham/ham/1/21'>HAM/1/21</a>) and Miss Blosset.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at St. James's Street, [London].</p>