The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Julia Henrietta de Salis (née Blosset) to Mary Hamilton

De Salis (née Blosset), Julia Henrietta

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>This item contains two sheets, with two possibly separate letters.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The first sheet is a letter from Harriet de Salis to Mary Hamilton, relating to Lady Emma Hamilton. Salis writes on the safe return to England of Hamilton's uncle, Sir William Hamilton. She knows that she has a high regard for him and she hopes that the change in climate [he has returned to England from Naples] will not be detrimental to his health. Salis also writes on Hamilton's brother-in-law, Palombi, and Sir William's wife, Lady Emma Hamilton. Salis is of the opinion that whether or not people will choose to have a connection or intimacy with her should depend on her conduct, 'present and to come, with little thought and allusion to the past as possible'. She continues on the topic of Lady Hamilton, noting that she was not married to any other man when she met Sir William and he was also single at the time 'he took her'. She notes that Lady Hamilton has 'only God and herself to settle with for what is past'. For her future she should look to her husband and his family. Salis continues her letter on Lady Hamilton and with other general news. Dated at Hastings.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The second sheet contains an incomplete letter, probably an afterthought to the previous letter.</p>