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 cannot believe that she has not answered Hamilton's letter to her dated 14 May [not available in our edition]. She thought she had done and was waiting for Hamilton's own letter in return. It was only after looking at her letter book that she became aware of her mistake, although she still believes that she had done so and only forgotten to put it down in her book. Whatever may be the case, it has been too long since she has heard from Hamilton that she must write to her.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries updates her friend with news since receiving her last letter. Not long after this last letter, Herries and her husband had to go to London in relation to Nina and Edward Foote's divorce. Sir Robert had to attend the House of Lords on this case. She will talk no further on this upsetting subject. Thankfully it is now finished or as much as something like this can be. Nina has been given a 'decent annuity £150'. She is currently staying with a family close to London and Herries hopes that she will settle somewhere further away. Herries has not seen her but hopes that she is sorry for what she has done and believes she is at least so to a degree.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries moves on to her brother Edward, informing Hamilton that she will be surprised to learn that he is to remarry. 'It certainly appears quick'. She continues on the subject and on his bride, the daughter of a friend of his [named Mary, daughter of Vice-Admiral Philip Patton, see (see HAM/1/17/278) ].</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Cheltenham.</p>