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 the recommendation of a governess by Hamilton.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Lady Herries thanks Hamilton for providing the requested letters of recommendation (see HAM/1/17/273) and for her reassurance as to her health. She also writes on a young woman who Hamilton has recommended as a governess. Herries asks after her qualifications and what salary she would expect, as there is a lady currently in Cheltenham who is looking for a governess for her large family. The family are the Swinfens from Staffordshire and Herries had told Mrs Swinfen of Hamilton's 'protégée' but I was afraid that the 'youth of your little protégée' would render her scarcely capable alone of such a charge'. Mrs Swinfen agrees but she herself supervises the children and does a great deal with them. Besides her requirement of having a person with the 'indispensable qualities of religious & moral principles, good character & manners' she also requires knowledge of French and enough musical knowledge to teach the basics of it. They currently have a tutor who teaches them geography, writing and arithmetic. She continues that the children of the family, even the eldest girl, do not dine at their parent's table as the time they dine is too late. Herries finds it very late. She continues that they would expect the governess to dine with them. She continues on Hamilton's protégée', noting that if she is unable to place her as a governess or under one then she may wish to teach for a few years in a good school the experience of which would provide her with a better chance of becoming a governess. Hamilton may of course object to this.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries ends her letter asking Hamilton to reply to her as soon as she is able.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Cheltenham.</p>