Letter from Lady Catherine Herries to Mary Hamilton, concerning the health of Hamilton and her husband, Herries's family and, briefly, Mrs Rundell (see HAM/1/8/6).
It seems so long since Herries has heard from Hamilton that she has a 'million' things to tell her. She is often anxious for news of her and looks forward to hearing accounts of her - not only from the letters she sends her but also from the letters that John Dickenson sends her or from the ones that Hamilton sends Miss Anna Maria Clarke. Herries is aware of how 'occupied' Hamilton is at the moment and how important it is for her not to tire herself in any way, even by writing.
Herries writes of having little time to herself. She proves her point by having to continue her letter the following day, noting for that she has little time but fulfilling 'our duties'. Duties which may seem 'taken singly may appear small [...] that they might easily be dispensed with, yet the sum when taken together is large & the omission important'. Herries had recently received a letter from Miss Clarke giving a good account of Hamilton's health and with news that Hamilton had thoughts of going to Bath on account of the benefits that waters would give to Mr Dickenson. Herries is sorry to know that he needs them but she believes that they are the 'very thing for his stomach'. She thinks the place 'admirable' both on the account of Dickenson and for Hamilton as she is close to her confinement. If only she could be there with her. '[O]nly think that I spent all last January there [...] If we could go where we wish & when we wish'. Herries refuses to give up entirely her hope of seeing her in Bath or in London.
Herries continues her letter with news of her husband, Sir Robert Herries, his daughter, Nina and of her sister, Mary Foote. Since beginning her letter Herries has received a letter from Hamilton and is sorry to hear that John Dickenson's 'disorder had been so alarming' noting that she will not allow Hamilton to 'conceal your sorrows' anymore. She writes of her hopes that the Bath waters will restore his health. She is concerned with Hamilton's up-coming confinement and recommends that she seeks out Rundell who has a high reputation. The letter concludes with news of Mrs Vesey and Mrs Handcock.
A note in Hamilton's hand on the back of the sheet notes that the letter was received in Bath.
Dated at St James's Street, [London].