Letter

Scope and Content

Letter from Lady Catherine Herries to Mary Hamilton, who had 'bid' Herries to write her short letters. She says that since it has now been over three weeks since receiving her letter, 'you will have thought me long in doing it at all'. She continues on the subject of the Palombis [Hamilton's sister-in-law and brother-in-law see HAM/1/3/2] and on the ill health of Miss Dickenson, Hamilton's other sister-in-law. '[W]hat vexation have you not had about these Palombi's from the beginning & I fear will have to the end'. How 'nobly [...] have you & do you both act! Far above the comprehensive of his Italian narrowness of mind I dare say so'. Herries is glad for Hamilton's sake that she has gained the 'favour' of her father-in-law for them and hopes that they 'show themselves deserving'. The letter continues on the subject of Louisa Dickenson's birthday and on her looking forward to seeing Hamilton in London. Herries understands that Hamilton will be in London by the middle of the following month and notes that she herself will probably still be in Bath at this time. Herries has only been able to take a little of the waters at Bath and for the past ten days she has had a cold.

The letter continues briefly with general news of friends, including Elizabeth Carter and the Duke and Duchess of York.

Dated at Bath.