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 Lord Melville and his trial, the Princess of Wales and Napier's family. Napier writes that Lord Melville should have been replaced in the List of Privy Counsellors as soon as the Peers acquitted the charges that were brought against him. He continues to note that he has no doubt that the King wished this. The King's 'present advisors seem not to be hasty in acknowledging the injury they have done him'. Napier has not seen Melville since he came to Scotland as he was away from Edinburgh when Melville was there and it is not convenient for Napier to visit Melville. Napier also notes that Melville's house is situated at Dunierd which is 'subject to Earthquakes and as Thunder & Lightning have rather been prevalent this Season, I have not trusted myself where Volcanic appearances abound'.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Napier also notes that he believes that the Princess of Wales is the 'most injured Woman in Great Britain'. He has been told that the Prince of Wales and the Duke of Clarence are to visit Scotland although Napier does not believe that he will travel so far north.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Queen Street [Edinburgh].</p>