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, relating to a proposed visit to Hamilton and a proposed visit to Lady Spencer.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>For a number of reasons Herries has to 'put off our visit [to Hamilton] altogether' for August (see HAM/1/17/246). She asks of they could instead visit in September or October, one of the reasons being that they have to move house. Herries continues on this subject and with news of her friend Miss Bowdler, who is to stay for a few days with Lady Spencer at Holywell [Holywell House, Lady Spencer's house in St Albans; Margaret Georgiana Spencer (née Poyntz) Countess Spencer, philanthropist (1737-1814)]. Herries notes that Lady Spencer has also asked her to meet her. Herries would not 'think of taking my baby under her roof' [probably referring to her relation's child, Georgiana's]. She could still nevertheless stay at an inn and spend her days at Lady Spencer's with Miss Bowdler. If this is not possible, she will instead visit Miss Bowdler at Clifton in the autumn and will spend the winter with her there. Herries assures Hamilton that 'all this is with Sir Robert's knowledge & perfect approbation'. Such plans would not affect the length of her visit to Hamilton and she thanks her for having arranged a housemaid for her during her stay (see HAM/1/17/246), and for her friendship. She continues on Lady Spencer and on Herries's proposed visit to Hamilton. She also briefly writes with news that day of the 'enemies fleets' but no news of 'ours'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Cheltenham.</p>