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. The letter relates to Napier's eldest son William [9th Lord Napier of Merchistoun (1786-1834) naval officer and trade envoy]. He writes of his son's desire to go to sea. Napier wondered at his choice but consented and wrote to Sir John Warren to place him on his ship the following spring. Napier writes that 10 days ago Mr Dundas made Napier a voluntary offer of sending his son to India ‘with the view of putting him in the way of repairing the worn out Fortune of our Family’. He will leave the decision to his son as he will not force his son into a profession that he is not inclined to. He has written to William asking him if he has definitely determined on the navy. He has made it clear that he will support his decision.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Napier also writes that he came to London in Spring was entirely due to the subject of the ‘Union with the Ireland’. He also notes that he has voted for a bill which is known as the ‘adultery bill’. Napier notes that he is aware of Hamilton's sentiments on that subject which is the opposite of his own.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at St Albans Street.</p>