The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Francis Napier, 8th Lord Napier, to Mary Hamilton

Napier, Francis Scott, 8th Lord

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Francis Napier, 8th Lord Napier, to Mary Hamilton. It has not been laziness that has prevented his writing but visitors. Having returned from London he found that in his absence two guest had 'possessed themselves of two spare Beds' and that their 'affection' for him lasted longer than he wished it to, as they would not let him out of their sight. It took a hint from his grandmother, Lady Cathcart, 'to take themselves off' before they would leave. Napier continues his letter with news of his relations at Tewin Water and of his hopes of 'preferment' from the army, which remain 'as gloomy as ever. Not that I have been quietly sitting with my hands before me'. He continues on this subject and on the expense that has been incurred by his horse falling on to his groom, who luckily was only bruised but must now 'draw a card'. The incident will cost Napier at least fifty guineas to replace his cavalry – an amount which he does not possess.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Tewin Water, [Hertfordshire].</p>