The Mary Hamilton Papers : Letter from Mary Sharpe (later Beauvoir) to Mary Hamilton

Beauvoir (née Sharpe, later Douglas), Mary

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Mary Sharpe to Mary Hamilton. The letter relates to Sharpe's journey (see HAM/1/22/9). She writes that, since leaving London, her life as been one of almost 'perpetual motion'. She is happy that the journey has not affected the health of her 'mama' [possibly Elizabeth Carter], who has only undertook the journey on her behalf.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Sharpe also writes of Hamilton situation at Court and of her unhappy 'spirits' at not being able to spend her time as she pleases. Sharpe attempts to stress to Hamilton the positive situation that she is in. That she is in a place where her 'virtues may be of great [...] use to those under [...] [her] care, who I fear too seldom meet with characters of real honesty, & integrity'. Hamilton also has the comfort of being 'esteemed' by the Queen. She also notes that when Hamilton is in London, she has access to the society of those she holds dear. Her situation in Kensington is not equal to that of London but even there she must 'have an advantage which every one has not'. Sharpe does not want to seem unfeeling towards Hamilton's situation but wishes that she will follow the 'maxim [...] [her] dearest Mama has endeavoured to teach me, of looking always to the bright side of things' and that Hamilton's situation certainly is bright.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>The letter continues with news relating to Sharpe's village and Mrs Carter, who had intended to add a few lines to this letter but is ill with a headache.</p><p style='text-align: justify;'>Dated at Deal, [Kent].</p>