letter written by Thomas Carlyle to his mother on 3 September 1848, in which he describes her as having been: "brisk-talking, friendly and an entertaining character". He goes on to say that she "has been beautiful" at one time; with "plenty of money, fair health, but nothing to do". Louisa died on 19 April 1862 at the age of 81, and was buried in Barnwell, Northamptonshire. Following her death, Jane Carlyle wrote in a letter to a relative in Scotland - "Nobody will believe what a loss Lady Sandwich is to us. They say 'a woman of eighty! That is not to be regretted.' But her intimate friends know that this woman of eighty was the most charming companion and the loyallest, warmest friend; was the only person in London or in the world that Mr C. regularly used to see. Twice a week he used to call for her; and now his horse makes for her house whenever he gets into the region of Grosvenor Square, and does not see or understand the escutcheon that turns me sick as I drive past." In art A bust of Lady Louisa was made by renowned Venetian sculptor Antonio Canova. She was also the subject of at least three portraits; one was an allegorical portrait painted by Sir Thomas Lawrence in which she is represented as Hope. It is displayed at the La Salle University Art Museum. References www.the Peerage.com English countesses 1781 births 1862 deaths Louisa Daughters of Irish earls 18th-century Irish people 18th-century Irish women 19th-century Irish people 19th-century Irish women