Letter

  • This material is held at
  • Reference
      GB 133 HAM/1/15/1/35
  • Dates of Creation
      17 Mar 1789
  • Physical Description
      1 piece; 1 sheet. Condition: small sealing tear on page 3, affecting several words.

Scope and Content

Letter from Charlotte Gunning to Mary Hamilton, relating to the recovery of George III's health. Gunning writes of her misery during his illness: 'I only remember the dreadful three or 4 Months that are over as a horrid dream from which thank God I have awakened, I trust for ever [...] it was miserable to exist at that time.' She recalls that the King's enemies used 'indecent & inhuman language', which was 'irritating & oppressiv[e] to the last degree'. She writes that 'this dear & good King' is now better than ever. He is 'equal to business as a proof of the strength of his mind & nerves'. He has heard of the Duke of York's conduct during his illness, but even this has not caused a relapse.

Despite having a cold, Gunning reports that she has attended two suppers at the French Ambassador's residence, and he is going to give a ball. The Gunnings are to give two balls, after which she intends to retreat to Richmond 'to enjoy a little comfort and quiet'. She writes about her many sources of 'misery or at least disquiet', in particular her brother's state of health: he has a 'slow fever & looks the picture of death'. She has been reading a great deal of German literature.

Original reference No. 10.