A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Talbot, Catharine
TALBOT, CATHARINE,
Was lineally descended from the noble family of Talbots, Earls of Shrewsbury, and was niece to Lord Talbot, created Earl of Chancellor in 1733 Her father, Mr. Edward Talbot, married the daughter of the Key. George Martin, and died suddenly before the birth of Catharine. The fatherless daughter and her mother found a home, in every sense of the word, with Dr. Seeker, Archbishop of Canterbury, whose wife was the friend of Mrs. Talbot. This worthy prelate, having no children, bestowed much affection on Catharine, and took great pleasure in cultivating her mind and encouraging her literary tastes. By constantly associating with him, she reaped all the advantages of his extensive learning, accurate knowledge of the Scriptures, and his critical acquaintance with the sciences and languages connected with that important study.
But the circumstance which had the greatest influence in stimulating the talents of Miss Talbot, (for we do not think that she possessed what is termed genius,) was her acquaintance and intimate friendship with Mrs. Elizabeth Carter. This acquaintance began when Mrs. Elizabeth Carter was twenty-three and Catharine Talbot twenty years of age, and continued till the death of the latter, at the age of forty-eight. Miss Talbot and Mrs. Carter corresponded for many years; and these letters show that the former had an excellent understanding, and a heart warm with piety. After her death, her manuscripts were collected and published, under the supervision of Mrs Carter. These works are, "Reflections on the Seven Days of the Week," "Essays and Miscellaneous Works," and "Correspondence between Mrs. Carter and Miss Talbot." In estimating the character of this excellent woman, we will abide by the opinion of her friend, Mrs. Carter, who says of Miss Talbot:—"Never, surely, was there a more perfect pattern of evangelical goodness, decorated by all the ornaments of a highly improved understanding; and recommended by a sweetness of temper, and an elegance and politeness of manners, of a peculiar and more engaging kind than in any other character I ever knew."