Letter to Hamilton from Harriet de Salis. She writes that her sister had written to her informing her that Hamilton and her family have returned home from Northampton and that they are all well. She congratulates Hamilton on her successful visit to Northampton. Her sister also mentioned to her ' our unanswered letter' Hamilton had referred to. She notes that it was a long letter which Hamilton was concerned that she has not received. She assures Hamilton that she had never received a letter from either her or 'squire Dick[enso]n, that I did not answer by the following post' and she had been in daily expectation of receiving a letter from either Hamilton or her husband. That she would have been worried if she had not heard by mutual friends that 'Lou' [Louisa Dickenson. Louisa was recovering from a serious illness at this time: see HAM/1/17/265-7] was much better. She continues on the subject of her health (she has been suffering with an eye complaint) and of general acquaintances. She writes on taxes and on the possibility of taxes on horses. She hopes that this will not be the case otherwise Hamilton's husband will have to convert to donkeys. Though she jokes, that in a year or so times there will be likely tax on donkeys as well and that they will all have to learn to walk or stay at home.
De Salis continues her letter with news of her sister.