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 has sent Hamilton some sulphur impressions which, as she had mentioned in her last letter, she has received from Italy. She has had them sent to the care of her relation, Miss Herries in St. James's Street, whence Hamilton can send for them when she wishes. She thought that this was best to do as, although she does hope to visit Hamilton herself this year, it is still uncertain as to whether it will happen and Hamilton herself may 'have several opportunities of visiting' town. She warns Hamilton that, though the impressions are well packed, the contents are fragile and they will be safer in getting them to her by friend than by transporting them by 'some common coach or wagon'. Herries hopes that she will like them. It is a small collection but 'containing good of the kind'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Sir Robert Herries is to go to town on business relating to the farm that he was left (see HAM/1/17/251). She also has some good news of a legacy of her own to report to Hamilton having been left £60 from an 'aunt in law of mine'. Although not large, it is still something. She continues on an invitation to visit town, she has had to stay with Charles Herries and his family. Herries is very tempted to accept but thought it more 'prudent' to stay in Cheltenham. Sir Robert 'means to go to the City' for business when necessary but 'will not go near St James's St[reet] as you may suppose' [the address where Sir Robert's banking business, which was also the Herrieses' old home]. Though Herries notes that the 'young men' there had asked him to visit, 'he must have had more human than fortitude if he had done that'. Herries herself had left 'the House without shedding a tear, but I do not think my feet would support me ever to enter it more'. Sir Robert is also thinking of visiting Portsmouth to see his daughter, Nina, her children and possibly Nina's husband Edward Foote if he is not at sea.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries ends her letter with general news on her Foote relations and again on her hopes of visiting Hamilton.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Cheltenham.</p>