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, concerning Herries's brother, Edward Foote, and her visit to Clifton and Bath.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries has not written to Hamilton for some time and updates her with news of her family. Her brother, Edward Foote, and his family had visited and stayed almost a fortnight. She writes on her love for her brother and on his 'tenderness' to her and 'sweet attention' to Sir Robert. His wife, Nina [Sir Robert Herries's natural daughter] could not have behaved better towards her father. She continues on Foote's children and on Edward's improved health. Herries reports that Edward had made some money, 'not a large sum but what helps a good deal a very moderate income'. Edward entertained the Herrieses with stories of 'interesting Events & he lately witnessed & in which thank God his share has been very honourable'. [Edward Foote was Captain of the <i>Seahorse</i> and was in Naples in 1799 at the collapse of the Parthenopean Republic. He had assured rebel leaders of their safety but was overruled by Nelson, the majority of rebels were executed.] Herries writes that he 'was one of eight officers to whom the King of Naples gave a fine Snuff box as a token of approbation & gratitude'. It was said to be worth £700, though its worth is really £300.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries's friend, Mr Bayne (see HAM/1/17/202 and others in this set of correspondence) was not able to visit, as his ship <i>Arethusa</i> was unexpectedly ordered to sea. She hopes he will return soon, as his health is poor and he needs Bath.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries continues on the subject of Hamilton's relations (her father and sister-in-law) and updates her on her trip to Clifton and Bath (see HAM/1/17/247). Sir Robert stayed in Cheltenham whilst she visited. [Herries was visiting her friend Miss Bowdler; as Miss Bowdler and Sir Robert had fallen out he would not have wished to join her.] Herries continues that Miss Bowdler now calls herself 'Mrs Bowdler', as does her sister Harriet.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries ends her letter on Georgiana (see HAM/1/17/234), who is leaving her. Her husband is in Leghorn (Livorno, Italy) and wants Georgiana and her child to join him there.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Cheltenham.</p>