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 loss of a baby to Mrs Jane Holman (see <a target='_blank' class='externalLink uom-purple' href='https://archiveshub.jisc.ac.uk/manchesteruniversity/data/gb133-ham/ham/1/4/3'>HAM/1/4/3</a>).</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Lady Herries writes from Mrs Holman's and Holman's maid is sitting with her to give her the details of Mrs Holman's delivery. Herries knows how Hamilton is eager for news and informs her that Mrs Holman is safe in bed and is as well as can be expected, but sadly the baby 'is dead: indeed there was no expectation of any thing better'. Her labour pains started on the Thursday morning but the pain stopped yesterday [Friday]. It was hoped that the pains would start again but they did not, and there being no chance of a natural delivery, Mr Newell [Dr Thomas Newell, Surgeon Extraordinary to the King] 'was obliged to use force'. The baby was 'a fine boy'. Herries continues noting that everything possible was done to save the child. From the account that Mr Newell had received from Mr Clarke, her former accoucher in London, he knew there was little hope for the baby. Mrs Holman's maid has told her that he acted with 'kindness' and 'patience' throughout.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries informs her friend that Mr Holman left for Dublin three weeks earlier for an engagement both as an actor and theatre manager. This separation affected them both, but Mrs Homan's parents are with her and also her sister Lady Aldborough. A young girl is also with Mrs Holman, whom Herries supposes to be 'M H's daughter'. Herries finds her 'pleasing' and 'attentive'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Herries continues the letter the following day with general enquiries on Hamilton and her family.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Cheltenham.</p>