Letter

Scope and Content

Letter from Lady Catherine Herries to Mary Hamilton. She writes of her poor health and of wishing to return to Cheltenham (from a visit to her brother's) to see her physician, Mr Newall, who knows her health best. She also writes of Hamilton's proposed visit to Cheltenham in the autumn.

Herries refers to a falling out between Hamilton and a Lady W. [possibly Lady Wake see HAM/1/8/8] writing that it would not be possible for anyone to 'prejudice' her against Hamilton and confirming that she has burnt Hamilton's letter after reading it. Lady W. has long loved Hamilton and 'one day or other she will do you justice & lament to so have acted'. Herries ends her letter agreeing to pass Hamilton the verses on Mrs Elizabeth Carter once she has had them copied (see HAM/1/17/294). Herries also writes of Mrs Carter leaving her items in her will including a silver inkstand and candlestick. Mr Pennington is going to 'publish her life' [Mrs Carter's nephew published her letters] and her sister Mrs, Douglass is to write a sketch of her character.