Paintings in the Collection of Henry Clay Frick, 1915 [page 93]

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GEORGE ROMNEY (1734-1802) MISS HARFORD

HALF-LENGTH, in oval, full face. Dressed in a low neck, white muslin gown, with brown scarf about the neck and over her shoulders. Wears a pearl necklace. On her head a white cap.

Frances Mary was the natural daughter of Frederick Calvert, sixth Lod Baltimore; she married, July 21, 1784, as his first wife, the Hon. Frederick William Wyndham (1763-1828), youngest son of the second Earl of Egremont. This lady's eldest son became fourth Earl of Egremont in November, 1837, and was afterwards first Duke of Leconfield.

Harford County, in Maryland, takes its name from this young lady's brother, who was also an illegitimate child of Lord Baltimore. Their mother was a Mrs. Hester Wheeland.

This erratic nobleman, born in 1731, married Diana Egerton, youngest daughter of the Duke of Bridgewater, but continued the wild, licentious life which, as a bachelor, had made his name a by-word in a society not overburdened with morals. In 1768 he was tried at Kingston on a vile charge, but acquitted. He lived thereafter mostly abroad, and died at Naples in 1771, without legitimate children. The title became extinct on his death, and by his will he bequeathed the province of Maryland, in America, to Henry Harford, a child. He also bequeathed 30,000 pounds to Miss Harford, the subject of the present portrait, besides annuities for life to her and her mother. The residuary property, which was very large, was left to trustees to pay to Henry Harford and sister.

As wife of Frederick William Wyndham, Miss Harford seems to have overcome the disadvantages of her irregular birth, and as the Countess of Egremont became the mother of four children, all more or less distinguished. She died in 1876.

Collections of Earl of Egremont and Mr. Archibald Coates.

93

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