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 is concerned with a proposed visit to Hamilton and mentions the possibility of Hamilton's providing a hand-maid for Herries during her visit.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries writes with regard to Hamilton's invitation for the Herrieses to visit her. Sir Robert was hesitant in accepting the invitation as it would mean him bringing a 'colony' with him, but as they have insisted he cannot 'resist'. Lady Herries's only concern is that, as she is so ill, she does not want to put Hamilton to any trouble. She suffers mostly in the mornings from headaches and is unable to get up before breakfast, during which time she requires attendance. Georgiana used to help her but, as her child sleeps poorly at night, she has been unable to do so and Herries has employed a young girl to help her for a couple of hours each morning. To ease her mind, Herries asks Hamilton if it would be possible to have the aid of a housemaid whilst in her house. She will be needed just for the first two hours of the day and no longer. Herries continues on the young girl she employs and on the condition of her work.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues with news of friends. Lady Cunynghame had waited on Hamilton at Dover Street and found out that Hamilton had left town. Lady Cunynghame herself is to leave town to spend the summer in Scotland. Sir Charles Blagden has also asked after Hamilton [Sir Charles Blagden, physician and scientist, 1748-1820]. Miss Bowdler has still not returned but her sister has heard a good account of her from Gibraltar, where her ship is only waiting for the wind. Herries ends her letter writing on her neighbours, the Crewes.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Cheltenham.</p>