Nelson & His World

I am just reading my newly acquired copy of Betsey Fremantle's diary. Included are some laconic entries from Captain Fremantle's diary. At first, he appears to enjoy Lady Hamilton's company: '28 May 1794: Dine with Sir Wm Hamilton. My lady an uncommon treat, tells stories about the King [of Naples]. Later, however, he notes on 22 November 1796, 'Dined with Sir Wm Hamilton....got on tolerably with my lady, whom I dislike.'

Betsey, on the other hand, liked Emma very much: 'January 11th 1797: 'Sir Wm Hamilton and his Lady came in the morning. It is impossible to say how civil they were, especially Lady Hamilton, she is a charming woman, beautiful and exceedingly good humoured and amiable. She took over all the management of the affair, and the wedding [Betsey's to Fremantle] is to be tomorrow at her own house.'

I haven't finished the diary yet. Maybe she will change her opinion when the gossip about Nelson and the Hamiltons begins?

There are many conflicting contemporary opinions about Lady Hamilton and I thought it might be interesting for members to note any opinions of Emma, favourable, unfavourable or balanced, that appeared in contemporary letters, diaries etc. I'd like to focus on first hand reports, not the opinions of biographers or people who never met her.

The one I can recall straight away is that Lord Minto said to his wife after dining with William and Emma Hamilton, 'let us all speak very quietly!' He obviously found her rather loud and was exhausted by her personality! Later he criticised her and Nelson for vulgarity and self-worship at Merton, but then visited again and found the exterior had been much improved - he said 'she is clever after all.' She was very generous - always giving people gifts that she couldn't afford, throwing parties etc. so perhaps people who found her vulgar/irritating could not be critical for long - it is hard to dislike someone who suddenly surprises you with a gift or effusive praise!

Caitlin