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

Hamilton, Mary

The Mary Hamilton Papers

<p style='text-align: justify;'>Letter from Mary Hamilton to Mary Beauvoir (née Sharpe) in which Hamilton writes on the subject of a dispute she had with Sharpe (see HAM/1/22/43 and HAM/1/22/52). She notes that Mrs Carter had initially suggested that Hamilton made acquaintance with Sharpe, and that Hamilton had become friends with Sharpe and placed her confidence in her. She notes that when Sharpe had a misunderstanding with Carter, Hamilton did not interfere and remarks to Sharpe 'as you are pleas'd to affirm'. Hamilton adds that she was happy when they reconciled. She continues on the subject of the dispute and Hamilton describes Sharpe's last letter as 'the most ill bred I ever read from any person' who claims to be 'a Gentlewoman'. She notes that Sharpe's 'accusations are void of foundation & truth'. She refers to an instance 'on ye. 17th of Febry 1783' which Hamilton considers to be a snub from Sharpe (see HAM/1/9/63 and HAM/1/9/64). She concludes with a postscript to say that she will not renew their acquaintance and 'shall only continue to regard [Sharpe] as I have done since ye. Year 1783 as one of ye. many instances of ye. imperfection & fickleness of human Nature'.</p>