Diplomatic Text
H Hamilton
Mrs. Dickenson and Mr. Dickenson -- If I were to be punctual and regular
in any thing, I should depart I suppose from that family likeneʃs, which
I am flatterd in thinking subsists between the lady and me -- I can
however aʃʃure ye most faithfully that I do not value myself on that
part of the likeneʃs (if such there be) for I honor regularity œconomy
sobriety and chastity in those who poʃseʃs such virtues, when they dont
make an outcry about such matters, which, perhaps were born with
them which alltogether makes the longest sentence about chastity
that perhaps ever came from my pen -- As to Lady de V. that is
clear another affair -- how the goods of this World, pearls and other
valuables are disposed of -- Well often have I puzzled my brain to
find out if it was poʃʃiblye to see others mens property without
invading it leʃs or more, or as Bayes expreʃses “graʃping it with
the eye”[1] and I am clear that confeʃʃion tho not a rite of the
Protestant Church has its inconveniencies and that there is little
dependance to be had on human resolutions, so I am resolved I will
make none but rash resolutions, that there may be the leʃs gravity
in forgetting them -- the mention of that rare bird may convince you
that I have lately been reading your letter my kind friend Mrs: D.
and if I never thanked you for it till now, I do now by these
presents thank you by wishing I could accept your invitation to
Derbyshire, a Shire I have great attachment to -- Pray is little
Louisa solitary or does she begin to play with a brother or a Sister?
this by the way, as Wo Mankind is so unreasonable as to wish for additions
to their happyneʃs, that when they are going out of the World they
may have the more to regret -- But I, having such a Woman as
you were mentioning should lament first growing old, then going into
some place where I might never see her again -- I, who could at any
time eat a Woman that pleased me, what a starving life have I led --
Here was lately a West Indian who seldom spoke to his wife, or looked
at her, yet she had a most elegant pair of eyes, and a turn of
cheek, chin and throat that was eternally saying come eat me -- yet
that miserable wretch never sprung from his chair in a transport to
seize the dear Villain by the throat and act the loving cannibal.
I heartily wished him dead and sent into everlasting redemption --
After all, such is the incertainty of that capricious animal man, that
I cant promise if I were marryed to just such another but I might
in a few years call her Madam -- a proof of conjugal death --
If you have never seen Marlows ------ Angler, buy it, &
fancy that you could give better Derbyshire Views that the editor has --
Mr: Gilpin or I I am certain could, for my brain is at this minute
pencilling small views for you to replace those you should cut out --
there was a delicate, pretty Girl (a miʃs Woodhouse) at Matlock when
I was last there, who took a fancy to a scratch[2] of mine of Middleton
Dale, by her, I remember some of the sweet scenery about the wells,
the clear gravelly road, the living water of the pebbly river, the
hanging clifs adornd with varied Shrubs, Miʃs W.s eyes smiling so well
a pleasing countenance to which luxuriant brown hair served as a back
ground -- I never forget pleasing prospects -- and now do you know
that my hair is far more gray than bay, &c but I follow the
advice of the Psalmist, if wrinkles encrease set not your heart
upon them -- such symptoms of departure do not entirely quash
my spirits, and truly my reflexions are seldom of the gloomy cast tho' I allow
a little tinge of melancholy to steal upon my leisure when I think
upon certain pleasant people who I am not very likely to see on this side
of doomsday -- It would require a considerable consumption of Sea coal for
all the fireside conversations I have in store should we three meet again --
It is a question with me which of two of us should be the first silent, there
must be a sort of conveniant treaty set on foot Mr. D. being umpire, I
could divert myself with drawing up Articles but that our conversation may be
differr'd without great detriment to the parties -- pray tell me of Mrs:
Waddington, there appeard to me a good deal of Soul in her body, of life in her
eyes, and a shrewd intelligence which well directed (not controuled I think)
would bid fair for making a clever fellow a happy man, what say you.
Page 5th. --
It is a kind of holiday to me to get rid of letters of letters of busyneʃs and fly to my quarto
paper, so, as I was saying here I am (in my 58th Year, whisper it to Mr. D.) not half so
happy as if I had a companion of the right sort, another myself, yet much happyer
as Banquo's Witches expreʃs themselves, for because I care little about conveniencies,
and delicacies, and what people say or think -- by people, I understand Mob of any
rank in life -- but what the Devil ails the man, he talks as if he did not know his
own mind -- stay -- I am a great admirer of all that is admirable -- the sweetneʃs
of flowers makes me religious, the harmonies of Nature in general delight me, but
Woman makes me devout, that is such a one as No. 1 -- No. 2 -- and so on --
but I want a sympathizer, and men dont know how, besides indeed they are not
made for it -- they have rough faces & rough manners, and are millions of times
more selfish -- thus I am myself for example, so I want a vis à vis of a different
cast of Character smooth & soft that would temper the quirkishneʃs of the
Man, and teach him how moderation & considerateneʃs are better & more estimable
than hate & willfulneʃs -- I have my own will at present in most things, & so
I shall probably from being only old & unmarried, degenerate into a downright
old Batchelor, precise, positive, impatient of advice & controle -- The foresight of this
probability is not flattering -- one comfort I have among others, I am not yet
turned a hoarder -- Wine does not grow old my cellar, nor have I a hidden groat
in the world -- my servants tho have been 14, 8, six years with me and are not tired.
I farm, garden, read, have some pleasant society, that reminds me of what I
have enjoyed in times past -- very faintly -- the beautiful & singular prospects these
Islands afford, would well fill a large pamphlet, I do not find time for the sauntering
stile of drawing I used when in Dovedale, Castleton dale, Matlock &c or -- &c
One of the capital amusements your situation at present affords, must be travelling about
which implies, search after reasonable pastime, and useful variety -- let me recommend
to you, (not a tour (for your knowlege must better direct you than mine) but objects
which you are not far distant from, Ilam Mr: Ports in Staffordsh -- Wetton Mill
and the fairyes cave not far distant -- Bolton Abbey Castle in Craven -- Hardwick a
seat of the Duke of Devonsh -- Keddleston -- tho Chatsworths a tiresome piece of
old dignity & bad taste -- let me entreat you to get the complete British
Angler with plates by Wale -- there is a simplicity and natural Stile which is
perfectly in tune with my youthful taste, which I have not yet lost, and pray
order one for me to the care of John Brickwood Esqr. Mercht Lime Street London
to whom addreʃs any letter you may have the kindneʃs to greet me with -- I
shall view it in a twofold light, provided it should suit your fancy --
What a Vandal am I, not to have enquired after the little cherry cheekd
girl, that has hold of your heart by one of its strongest tyes? You I dare say
think her cherrubic, or Cherryrubic -- perhaps by this time you are
contemplating with divided affection her little brother -- I hope you will take
occasion to compliment and any thing more you please Mrs: Waddington as wife
& Mother if so it is -- I thought that under so watchful & vigilant a hen
as used to hatch her[3] she might figure to great advantage -- She had a uncommon
face characteristic & nearly handsome, a very pleasing form, then pretty well
formed, and a very cunning & intelligent cast of countenance, announcing, what?
do you tell me, I shant paʃs for censorious with you, if we are agreed, tell me.
We are at this time preparing not to be afraid of the Spaniards --
I wont lead you about our rocks or our fortifications, nor will I (it is now
so trite among my correspondents) regale you with Oranges, lemons Citrons limes
Shadocks,[4] grapes, pomegranates dates, olives, mulberries all in disorder and so
most beautifully diversifyd by the negligent skill of Dame Vertue, nor of
Anchovies & whales -- I can tell you of these things more knowingly than
Waller who never was here -- I wish you would help to marry young M. to
a man you approve -- She is to my eye and to my understanding a valuable
piece of Household furniture -- she will die if she hangs too long on the bough.
I would marry her to better than a Prince if I could -- now if you dont
think this too long a talk let me know it from your own Authority.
I am not by any means tired of writing to you, but there is reason in many
things -- my letters remind of the two grains of wheat &c no matter if
my friends provoke me, I must tell them that were I as tedious as a Prince, I
could find it in my heart to bestow it all upon them & continue me in your favor. Adieu H:H.
Mrs: D. when I shall have red your letter more than twice or
thrice, I shall have a chance of knowing how to answer it --
It contains qu. which shall be ans.
[5]happy years and many, and to Louisa's gr. gr. gr
grand Children -- [6]
England --
Mrs: Dickenson.
Taxal
Chapel le Frith --
Derbyshire
X
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Notes
1. Probably a reference to Bayes, the butt of The Rehearsal (1671, published 1672) by George Villiers and others, though in fact it is a different character who uses that phrase: ‘Bayes. Pray mark that Allegory. Is not that good? | Johnſ. Yes; that graſping of a Storm, with the Eye, is admirable.’ (Act II scene 1). The play is also alluded to by John Hope in HAM/1/6/8/5.
2. ‘A rough or irregular mark made by a pencil, paint-brush, etc.; hence, a slight sketch, a hasty scrawl’ (OED s.v. scratch n. 4a. Accessed 30-07-2020).
3. Marianne Waddington (née Port) had lived with her great aunt, Mary Delany, until the latter's death.
4. ‘The fruit of Citrus decumana (also called pampelmoes n.) resembling an orange, but very much larger’ (OED s.v. shaddock n., a. Accessed 09-02-2023).
5. Seal in red wax.
6. This postscript is written upside down.
Normalised Text
Mrs. Dickenson and Mr. Dickenson -- If I were to be punctual and regular
in any thing, I should depart I suppose from that family likeness, which
I am flattered in thinking subsists between the lady and me -- I can
however assure ye most faithfully that I do not value myself on that
part of the likeness (if such there be) for I honour regularity œconomy
sobriety and chastity in those who possess such virtues, when they don't
make an outcry about such matters, which, perhaps were born with
them which altogether makes the longest sentence about chastity
that perhaps ever came from my pen -- As to Lady de Vesci that is
clear another affair -- how the goods of this World, pearls and other
valuables are disposed of -- Well often have I puzzled my brain to
find out if it was possible to see others mens property without
invading it less or more, or as Bayes expresses “grasping it with
the eye” and I am clear that confession though not a rite of the
Protestant Church has its inconveniencies and that there is little
dependence to be had on human resolutions, so I am resolved I will
make none but rash resolutions, that there may be the less gravity
in forgetting them -- the mention of that rare bird may convince you
that I have lately been reading your letter my kind friend Mrs: Dickenson
and if I never thanked you for it till now, I do now by these
presents thank you by wishing I could accept your invitation to
Derbyshire, a Shire I have great attachment to -- Pray is little
Louisa solitary or does she begin to play with a brother or a Sister?
this by the way, as Wo Mankind is so unreasonable as to wish for additions
to their happiness, that when they are going out of the World they
may have the more to regret -- But I, having such a Woman as
you were mentioning should lament first growing old, then going into
some place where I might never see her again -- I, who could at any
time eat a Woman that pleased me, what a starving life have I led --
Here was lately a West Indian who seldom spoke to his wife, or looked
at her, yet she had a most elegant pair of eyes, and a turn of
cheek, chin and throat that was eternally saying come eat me -- yet
that miserable wretch never sprang from his chair in a transport to
seize the dear Villain by the throat and act the loving cannibal.
I heartily wished him dead and sent into everlasting redemption --
After all, such is the uncertainty of that capricious animal man, that
I can't promise if I were married to just such another but I might
in a few years call her Madam -- a proof of conjugal death --
If you have never seen Marlows ------ Angler, buy it, &
fancy that you could give better Derbyshire Views that the editor has --
Mr: Gilpin or I I am certain could, for my brain is at this minute
pencilling small views for you to replace those you should cut out --
there was a delicate, pretty Girl (a miss Woodhouse) at Matlock when
I was last there, who took a fancy to a scratch of mine of Middleton
Dale, by her, I remember some of the sweet scenery about the wells,
the clear gravelly road, the living water of the pebbly river, the
hanging cliffs adorned with varied Shrubs, Miss Woodhouses eyes smiling so well
a pleasing countenance to which luxuriant brown hair served as a back
ground -- I never forget pleasing prospects -- and now do you know
that my hair is far more grey than bay, &c but I follow the
advice of the Psalmist, if wrinkles increase set not your heart
upon them -- such symptoms of departure do not entirely quash
my spirits, and truly my reflections are seldom of the gloomy cast though I allow
a little tinge of melancholy to steal upon my leisure when I think
upon certain pleasant people who I am not very likely to see on this side
of doomsday -- It would require a considerable consumption of Sea coal for
all the fireside conversations I have in store should we three meet again --
It is a question with me which of two of us should be the first silent, there
must be a sort of convenient treaty set on foot Mr. Dickenson being umpire, I
could divert myself with drawing up Articles but that our conversation may be
deferred without great detriment to the parties -- pray tell me of Mrs:
Waddington, there appeared to me a good deal of Soul in her body, of life in her
eyes, and a shrewd intelligence which well directed (not controlled I think)
would bid fair for making a clever fellow a happy man, what say you.
It is a kind of holiday to me to get rid of letters of letters of business and fly to my quarto
paper, so, as I was saying here I am (in my 58th Year, whisper it to Mr. Dickenson) not half so
happy as if I had a companion of the right sort, another myself, yet much happier
as Banquo's Witches express themselves, for because I care little about conveniencies,
and delicacies, and what people say or think -- by people, I understand Mob of any
rank in life -- but what the Devil ails the man, he talks as if he did not know his
own mind -- stay -- I am a great admirer of all that is admirable -- the sweetness
of flowers makes me religious, the harmonies of Nature in general delight me, but
Woman makes me devout, that is such a one as No. 1 -- No. 2 -- and so on --
but I want a sympathizer, and men don't know how, besides indeed they are not
made for it -- they have rough faces & rough manners, and are millions of times
more selfish -- thus I am myself for example, so I want a vis à vis of a different
cast of Character smooth & soft that would temper the quirkishness of the
Man, and teach him how moderation & considerateness are better & more estimable
than hate & wilfulness -- I have my own will at present in most things, & so
I shall probably from being only old & unmarried, degenerate into a downright
old Bachelor, precise, positive, impatient of advice & control -- The foresight of this
probability is not flattering -- one comfort I have among others, I am not yet
turned a hoarder -- Wine does not grow old my cellar, nor have I a hidden groat
in the world -- my servants though have been 14, 8, six years with me and are not tired.
I farm, garden, read, have some pleasant society, that reminds me of what I
have enjoyed in times past -- very faintly -- the beautiful & singular prospects these
Islands afford, would well fill a large pamphlet, I do not find time for the sauntering
style of drawing I used when in Dovedale, Castleton dale, Matlock &c or -- &c
One of the capital amusements your situation at present affords, must be travelling about
which implies, search after reasonable pastime, and useful variety -- let me recommend
to you, (not a tour (for your knowledge must better direct you than mine) but objects
which you are not far distant from, Ilam Mr: Ports in Staffordshire -- Wetton Mill
and the fairy's cave not far distant -- Bolton Abbey Castle in Craven -- Hardwick a
seat of the Duke of Devonshire -- Keddleston -- though Chatsworths a tiresome piece of
old dignity & bad taste -- let me entreat you to get the complete British
Angler with plates by Wale -- there is a simplicity and natural Style which is
perfectly in tune with my youthful taste, which I have not yet lost, and pray
order one for me to the care of John Brickwood Esqr. Merchant Lime Street London
to whom address any letter you may have the kindness to greet me with -- I
shall view it in a twofold light, provided it should suit your fancy --
What a Vandal am I, not to have enquired after the little cherry cheeked
girl, that has hold of your heart by one of its strongest ties? You I dare say
think her cherubic, or Cherryrubic -- perhaps by this time you are
contemplating with divided affection her little brother -- I hope you will take
occasion to compliment and any thing more you please Mrs: Waddington as wife
& Mother if so it is -- I thought that under so watchful & vigilant a hen
as used to hatch her she might figure to great advantage -- She had a uncommon
face characteristic & nearly handsome, a very pleasing form, then pretty well
formed, and a very cunning & intelligent cast of countenance, announcing, what?
do you tell me, I shan't pass for censorious with you, if we are agreed, tell me.
We are at this time preparing not to be afraid of the Spaniards --
I won't lead you about our rocks or our fortifications, nor will I (it is now
so trite among my correspondents) regale you with Oranges, lemons Citrons limes
Shaddocks, grapes, pomegranates dates, olives, mulberries all in disorder and so
most beautifully diversified by the negligent skill of Dame Virtue, nor of
Anchovies & whales -- I can tell you of these things more knowingly than
Waller who never was here -- I wish you would help to marry young M. to
a man you approve -- She is to my eye and to my understanding a valuable
piece of Household furniture -- she will die if she hangs too long on the bough.
I would marry her to better than a Prince if I could -- now if you don't
think this too long a talk let me know it from your own Authority.
I am not by any means tired of writing to you, but there is reason in many
things -- my letters remind of the two grains of wheat &c no matter if
my friends provoke me, I must tell them that were I as tedious as a Prince, I
could find it in my heart to bestow it all upon them & continue me in your favour. Adieu Henry Hamilton
Mrs: Dickenson when I shall have read your letter more than twice or
thrice, I shall have a chance of knowing how to answer it --
It contains questions/queries which shall be answered
happy years and many, and to Louisa's great great great
grand Children --
England --
Mrs: Dickenson.
Taxal
Chapel le Frith --
Derbyshire
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Notes
Metadata
Library References
Repository: John Rylands Research Institute and Library, University of Manchester
Archive: Mary Hamilton Papers
Item title: Letter from Henry Hamilton to Mary Hamilton
Shelfmark: HAM/1/4/6/3
Correspondence Details
Sender: Henry Hamilton
Place sent: unknown
Addressee: Mary Hamilton
Place received: Taxal, near Chapel-en-le-Frith
Date sent: not before 1 July 1791
notBefore 1 July 1791 (precision: high)
Letter Description
Summary: Letter from Henry Hamilton to Mary Hamilton. The letter contains general news and Hamilton’s views on life. He wishes he could accept her invitation to visit Derbyshire which is an area that he is attached to. The letter continues on his memories of some of the landscape of Derbyshire. He writes of his cousin Mary Hamilton and her family and asks if Louisa plays alone or has she now a brother or sister. Hamilton is now 58 years old and not half as happy 'as if I had a complaint of the right sort' and he cares little about what people say or think. He describes himself as an old and unmarried and he is a great admirer of all that is commendable for instance the 'sweetness of flowers makes me religious'. He knows that he is impatient and old bachelor and the thought of this possibility he does not find flattering. His servants have been with him for 14, 8 and 6 years. He has a fine garden and some pleasant society which remind him of times past. The views of the Islands are beautiful and singular but do not make him wish to draw the landscapes as he did when he was in Dovedale and Matlock. He suggests areas for Hamilton to visit in Derbyshire and describes Chatsworth as 'a tiresome piece of old dignity and bad taste'.
Length: 2 sheets, 1769 words
Transliteration Information
Editorial declaration: First edited in the project 'Unlocking the Mary Hamilton Papers' (Hannah Barker, Sophie Coulombeau, David Denison, Tino Oudesluijs, Cassandra Ulph, Christine Wallis & Nuria Yáñez-Bouza, 2019-2023).
All quotation marks are retained in the text and are represented by appropriate Unicode characters. Words split across two lines may have a hyphen on the first, the second or both fragments (reco-|ver, imperfect|-ly, satisfacti-|-on); or a double hyphen (pur=|port, dan|=ger, qua=|=litys); or none (respect|ing). Any point in abbreviations with superscripted letter(s) is placed last, regardless of relative left-right orientation in the original. Thus, Mrs. or Mrs may occur, but M.rs or Mr.s do not.
Acknowledgements: Transcription and XML version created as part of project 'Unlocking the Mary Hamilton Papers', funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council under grant AH/S007121/1.
Transliterator: Christine Wallis, editorial team (completed 29 July 2020)
Cataloguer: Lisa Crawley, Archivist, The John Rylands Library
Cataloguer: John Hodgson, Head of Special Collections, John Rylands Research Institute and Library
Copyright: Transcriptions, notes and TEI/XML © the editors
Revision date: 2 November 2021