Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com

1825 - 1826 - 1827

James Heath R.A. aged 68/69
Mary Heath (ne Phillipson) aged 68/69

George Heath aged 44/45/46/47
Anne Raymond Heath (ne Dunbar) aged 36/37/38/39

Julia Anna Heath (later Harrison) aged 18/19
John Moore Heath aged 17/18
Douglas Denon Heath aged 14/15
Dunbar Isidore Heath 10/11
Leopold G. Heath 8/9
Emma Jane Heath (later Whatman) 4/5

Tuesday 17 January 1826
Morning Post.

Messrs.Hurst Robinson and Co.
A Morning Paper of yesterday circulated a report of the stoppage of the respectable bookselling firm of Hurst, Robinson and Co., which we have authority to say was "not only unauthorized, but false." We have received a letter from their Solicitor upon the subject, from which we give the following extract:-

The amount of their engagements is most grossly exaggerated, and it is untrue that they have made a general stoppage of payments. It is not, however, to be denied that bills have been dishonoured, from the impossibility of raising cash in the present unexampled state of the Money-market, though they have an abundance of funds to meet all engagements, and a handsome surplus of property.

Monday 23 January 1826
Charles Heath, 6 Seymour Place, Euston Square, to Dawson Turner (Banker)

My Dear Sir,
I should have answered your last kind letter on Saturday but could not get the information I wished to send you. The news of this morning is that Messrs.Hurst & Robinson have commenced paying again. And from the quarter I have heard it from I think it true. But a blow has been struck that will be felt by every one of the most distantly connected with them. Nearly all the Booksellers have stopped and as for getting a farthing in the shape of money it is absolutely impossible and for Bills no one will look at them - the times are indeed awful, everybody in the same situation.

For myself I know not what to do. I must candidly confess to you that I fear I shall one way or another be implicated beyond my means though I trust no one will eventually lose by me.

I remit this to you in very bad Spirits as far as regards myself. But I bed to assure you it is a great relief to my mind that you who have always been such a very kind friend can in no way suffer.

With best respects to yourself and Family believe me Dear Sir,
Yours most gratefully,
Charles Heath

P.S. As far as Fleet Street Business is concerned nothing can do better excepting this. That the money we clear is swallowed up as capital. This is one reason why I am so poor.

Monday 30 January 1826
British Press

Partnerships Dissolved.
Jacob Perkins and Charles Heath, Fleet Street, dealers.

Sunday 12 February 1826
Englishman

Charles Theodosius Heath, of No.6 Seymoure Place, Euston Square, engraver, Feb.21, 28 at nine, and March 28, at ten,at the Court of Commissioner of Bankrupts, Basinghall Street. Solicitor, Mr.Bausfield, 12 Chatham Place, Blackfriars.

Monday 20 March 1826
Representative 1826

Mr.Charles Heath's Collections of Engravings, Water-colour Drawings, &c., will be Sold by Auction, by Mr.Southgate at his Rooms, 22 Fleet Street, early in April. Mr.Heath has displayed exquisite taste and skill in the formation of these collections, among which will be found some of the finest specimens of Art ever submitted to the attention of the public.
Gentlemen who may wish for Catalogues are requested to address a line to Mr.S. who will forward them as soon as completed

Friday 12 May 1826
New Times (London)

Sales by Auction
Mr.Charles Heath's sale of Engravings &c.
Mr.Southgate respectfully announces that in consequence of certain pending Proceedings in the Court of Chancery, the further sale of these Engravings &c., is Postponed for a few days - Timely notice will be given on the Sale being resumed.

Friday 2 June 1826
Charles Heath to Dawson Turner (Banker)

My Dear Sir,
I regret very much from Mr.White that you have taken legal proceedings against him more especially as I from your letters never anticipated anything of the kind. I will get from my offices the paper you wish, which I trust will satisfy you as I am confident when the Plates are sold there will be plenty to liquidate all Mr.White's claims on them.

I had hoped to have the pleasure of a visit from you. Believe me I am greatly concerned respecting the Bills you noted but I have every reason to think you will not lose, as they have all several names on them and the different estate you can prove on will liquidate the whole.

I hope things will turn out better than was at first anticipated. With respect to Hurst & Co., I shall be extremely sorry if you sustain one shillings loss after your many acts of kindness to me. No one could possibly foresee the dreadful storm which has taken place. I trust therefore you will acquit me of all blame. I have suffered severely and but for the talent which I have still [in] life things would have gone very bad with me. But I am happy to say I am in full employ. I hope to do better than ever.

If it had not been for the late Act of Parliament prohibiting one Pound Notes the sale of my share in that with my other assets would have paid all I owed. When I say all I owed I include the many sums I am unfortunately liable to for others.

In future be assured I shall be more careful and have nothing to do with Bills in any way.

With best respects, I remain Dear Sir, Yours most obliged.
Charles Heath

Wednesday 14 June 1826
Morning Herald (London)

Sales by Auction
Mr.Charles Heath Collection
Mr.Southgate respectfully announces, that the Sale of Mr.Charles Heath's splendid Collection of Engravings, Water Colour Drawings, &c., will take place this day, Wednesday, June 14, and Three following days, at half past Twelve each day - Catalogues are now ready, and may be had, price 1s. at the rooms, 22 Fleet Street.

Friday 16 June 1826
Morning Herald (London)

Arliss's Pocket Magazine, &c. - By Mr.Southgate, at his Rooms, 22 Fleet Street, on Tuesday, June 20, and following Days, at Half-past Twelve each Day, by order of the Assignees of Messrs.Knight and Lacey

Consisting of the entire Stock of Numbers, Volumes, and Copper Plates of Arliss's Pocket Magazine, including many very finely engraved coppers by Charles Heath, &c., with copyright; also the stock and half copyright of Gutteridge's Imperial Tables, remainder of Catholic Miracles, Sacred Fugitives, Life of Byron, &c. - Catalogues are preparing.

Wednesday 28 June 1826
British Press

Insolvent Debtors' Court, Tuesday, June 27
Joseph Humphries, the driver and proprietor of a Paddington stage-coach, was opposed by Mr.Heath on the part of the retaining creditor, a person residing in the country, who suffered an injury from the furious driving of the insolvent. The insolvent had offered thirty pounds in compensation of the injury, which was refused by the opposing creditor, who subsequently brought an action of damages against the insolvent, and obtained a verdict for fifty pounds damage. The insolvent had a sale of his goods, consisting of household furniture, coaches, &c.; these, it appeared in evidence were bought by Mr.Gardiner, the insolvent's brother-in-law. With the produce of the sale the insolvent paid several creditors; but there was a sum of forty-eight pounds, which did not appear satisfactorily accounted for in the insolvent's balance-sheet.

The Chief Commissioner said it was clear there was a sum quite adequate to liquidate all the debts which the insolvent appeared to owe. It was not, in fact, satisfactorily shewn to the Court that the petitioner was an insolvent at all. The judgment of the Court therefore, was that the insolvent's petition should be dismissed.

Tuesday 29 August 1826
Chester Courant

Important to Insolvents and Creditors.
In the Insolvent Debtors' Court last week, in the matter of William Sweetman, an insolvent, who was discharged in 1820, Mr.Heath supported a Rule Nisi, obtained on a former day, which called peremptorily on the insolvent to shew cause why his discharge should not be revoked, he being of ability now to pay all the debts mentioned in his schedule.

The Rule was obtained upon the affidavit of Mr.George Martin Bird, of the firm of Browning and Bird, of Waterloo Wharf, who are creditors to the insolvent's estate. It appeared that in May 1820 the insolvent petitioned this Court for his discharge, which he accordingly received; but as his schedule was blank as to property, no assignee was appointed.

A short time before the insolvent then went to prison, he conveyed over to William Goddard, a freehold and leasehold property of considerable value, and that, after the discharge issued, the said property was re-conveyed to the insolvent, and it was sworn that the said property was far more than adequate to pay the insolvent's debts. It was further stated on oath, that, in the year 1824, the insolvent stated the circumstance to Messrs.Bird and Co., who advised him to vest the property in a trustee, for the benefit of his creditors, without prejudice to himself and family; they (Bird and Co.) consenting to advance the money to pay off the annuities, which the insolvent had advanced thereon, since his discharge in 1820. To this proposal the insolvent agreed, and a deed was prepared accordingly, but the insolvent altered his mind, and refused to execute it, and had neglected by other means to satisfy the demands of his creditors. - - -

He. (Mr.Heath) had been informed that the insolvent had offered, or intended to offer, £50 a year in liquidation of his debts, on condition that he might retain the estate in his possession. He hoped that the Court would not accede to the proposition, as by such an arrangement, the creditors, who had been kept out of their money six or seven years, would double that period before their demands were settled. He (Mr.H.) thought it was too bold an application for an insolvent, like the present, to request an indulgence, which the most honest would hesitate to solicit. Under all the circumstances of the case, he hoped the Court would exercise its power, under the 14th section of the 53d Geo.III.cap.102, and compel the insolvent to pay his creditors; and that permission might be given for the assignee to sell the estate, without hindrance or stipulation. - - -

The Chief Commissioner said that a man who had been guilty of fraud and perjury, was entitled to but little indulgence. The Learned Chief Commissioner then took a review of the case, which he considered one of great importance, both to insolvents and to their creditors. He hoped that by the publicity given to this case, the former would learn, that however they might unite fraud with perjury, the day would arrive when their iniquity would be discovered. - - - With respect to the present case he would observe that fraud in itself considered was a great offece, but when it was covered by perjury (as in this case) the crime was aggravated in a ten-fold degree. Under all the circumstances, the Court would make the Rule absolute, to its fullest extent, and he hereby ordered it accordingly.

Tuesday 24 October 1826
Letter - From Charles Heath to John Murray Esq.

Dear Sir,
You will perhaps be surprised at receiving this from me considering the legal measures you have been induced by false representation to institute against my business, but as it is not my intention to discuss that subject which will shortly be settled on a point of law and with which personally I have no concern, I shall proceed to the real object of this letter requesting you to consider the proposal herein contained as if it came from an entire stranger and as a mere matter of business.

I have commenced a work similar to the Forget me Not and the 'Literary Souvenir' and I flatter myself that in the Embellishments it will surpass every Book hitherto published.

The subjects are of such a nature that every one will sell as a separate Print, and experience has shown that Proofs enough may be sold to cover the whole or great part of the original expense. The whole ought to be ready by July in the next year.
The Plates would do for a French and an American Edition.

Now Sir, if you would like to join me in this Speculation and would get the Literary department done as you could get it done, I think so splendid a work as could be brought out by our united exertions, and with your influence, would take the Lead in this sort of publication and we should divide annually very considerable Profit.
My motive for engaging in this and other works, is to get the Profit of my own Labour and Talent, as it is my intention (as far as lies in my Power) to engrave for none but such Works as I have an Interest in, or, are entirely my own property.
I must again request you to consider this as a Letter of Business and to give me you answer as soon as possible.

I am, Sir, Your Obedient Humble Servant,
Charles Heath
6 Seymour Place, Euston Square.

P.S. I understand Mr.Ackerman has sold 12,500 copies of his Forget me Not and is now printing 6,000 more. Mr.Hall informed me yesterday that the subscription for the Amulet has already paid all expenses, and I know that the 'Literary Souvenir' has done the same.

Messrs Longmans have taken four thousand. I send a Proof of the Plate I have just engraved for the Souvenir [this would have been the frontispiece to the 1827 Literary Souvenir: 'Girl in a Florentine costume of AD 1500']

Friday 26 October 1827 - ?
London Courier & Evening Gazette

Court of Requests.

A case of no small importance to families and to the character of this Court in its extensive influence over the lower orders was tried at Kingsgate Street on Thursday.

Martha Merrit, a servant, summoned her master, Mr.Williams, for her full wages, he having deducted one guinea on the ground of her leaving his service before the expiration of a month, an agreement existing of "a month's warning, or a month's wages."

The plaintiff urged, first, that she had given warning on account of the defendant's using certain specified terms of abuse; secondly, that she had then remained a fortnight, rather than by going subject the family to inconvenience; and thirdly, that she at length left the house upon the consent of the defendant, conveyed to her by his daughter, and upon the expressed consent of his sister, her mistress. - - --

At the breaking up of the Court the defendant stated that a warrant had been served upon him to pay the amount of the verdict. He wished to move to set aside that verdict, on the ground of the misdirection of the Judge to the Jury.

Mr.Dubois - by the Act of Parliament our decision admits of no re-consideration.

Defendant - For which reason you ought to be more cautious in your decisions.

Mr.Dubois - We never rescind or reconsider a verdict given.

Defendant - I beg your pardon, Sir; I know to the contrary. Some years ago, a case of wages was given against me. I exposed the case in the Times, Morning Chronicle, and other newspapers, and I personally laid charges against yourself before the County Clerk, Mr.Heath, who so far protected me, that the Court has never demanded of me the amount of your judgment, but has paid the defendant at its own loss.

Mr.Dubois - I see no reason, in the present circumstances for disturbintg the verdict.
Defendant - Nor did you in the case I have just cited; yet my complaints against you procured me redress.

Mr.Dubois - I left the case to the Jury.

Defendant - But the Jury, instead of consisting of twelve, is reduced, by the arbitrary practice of the Court, to three persons. They are chosen out of an extremely low and illiterate clase, and stand much in need of the direction of the Judge; and it is on the ground of your misdirection that I move for a new trial.

A Juryman - We are very much obliged to you, Mr., for the compliment you have paid us.

Defendant - You richly deserve. Mr.Dubois, your dicision at this moment amounts to petitio pincipii; and its effect is, to screen yourself from the charges which I intend to move against you. When can I lay my complaint before the County Clerk?

Mr.Dubois - I don't know when he will be here. You will find him in the Insolvent Court.

Defendant - I know nothing of Mr.Heath in the Insolvent Court. I know him only as County

Clerk, and it is openly in the County Court that I expect he will receive the motion I have to make.

Mr.Dubois - Mr.Heath is out of town.

Defendant - But when will he be in town; for the warrant is peremptory on my paying the money on Wednesday next?

Mr.Dubois - He will be in town probably next week.

Defendant - Then I expect your warrant to be stayed, until Mr.Heath performs his public duty in hearing my complaint against you as his deputy.

No answer was returned, and the defendant withdrew.

28 October 1826
The Heath Family Engravers 1779-1878, Volume 3. by John Heath

Letter from Mr.Murray to Charles Heath

Wimbledon.
Mr.Murray returns his thanks to Mr. Chas. Heath, for the favour of his tempting proposal, and regrets to add that there are many reasons which prevent him engaging in it.

Mr.Murray returns the portrait, which Mr.Chas. Heath was so obliging as to send to Mr.M. to look at and which he thinks very beautifully engraved.

The Heath Family Engravers 1779-1878, Volume 2. Charles Heath A.R.A. by John Heath

The History of Sandford and Merton (Thomas Day) - Two plates engraved by Charles after Henry Corbould, published by J.F.Dove
1. - Frontispiece: 'And exhorted them...' - plates size 7 x 6cm.
2. - Title page: 'There poor little Tommy tumbed about...'

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The Improvement of the Mind (Isaac Watts) - Three plates engraved by Charles Heath after Henry Corbould - published by J.F.Dove.
1. - Frontispiece: 'The child you have brought forth...' - plate size 8 x 6cm.
2. - 'If you spend some hours....' - plate size 6 x 5cm
3. - 'From being born...'

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Romaine's Life Walk and Triumph of Faith - two plates engraved by Charles Heath after Henry Corbould - published by J.F.Dove.
1. - Frontispiece: 'That whomsover believeth...' - plate size 8 x 6cm
2. - Title page: 'This is the privilege...' - 6 x 5cm.

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New Historical Description of Cheltenham (S.Y.Griffith) - two plates engraved by Charles Heath after J.D.Harding - published by Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown and Green.
1. - The South-West View of Charlton Park - plate size 9 x 14cm. Inscribed 'To George Prowse (Engraved at his expense.'
2. - 'The North-East view of East Court.' - 'To Alexander Nicholson, His seat (Engraved at his expense.'

Tuesday 14 November 1826
Sun (London)

Insolvent Debtors' Court - This day.
James Marsh, milk-dealer, was opposed, and his case adjourned till Saturday week, to amend his schedule. Isaac Guthrie, of Bagnigge-Wells, cabinet-maker, was opposed by Mr.Pollock on behalf of Mr.Bullock. Mr.Heath was retained by the insolvent. The latter exhibited a great deal of levity in the course of his examination, and being asked a question by the Commissioner, turned from the Court in a very consequential manner.

Mr.Commissioner Bowen - Turn this way, Sir; you seem to think yourself in a very meritorious situation.

He then conducted himself in a more decent manner was and sent back to amend his schedule.

Wednesday 29 November 1826
Globe

Insolvent Debtors' Court
William Jarman was opposed by Mr.Heath on behalf of Mr.Walpole and some other of his creditors. The prisoner stated himself to be a board and lodging-house keeper, in Fare Street, Manchester Square, and Mr.Walpole's claim was on two bills, which he had discounted for the prisoner, which had been accepted by two persons who had boarded and lodged with him, and who gave these bills in payment of the debt they had incurred.

Of these two persons the prisoner stated that he knew nothing, except that they were "gentlemen," the one giving his address, "Walmer Cottage, Deal," and the other, "Guildford, Surrey;" but whether they did or did not reside according to their addresses he could say nothing, but that they had so informed him. It appeared also that in the course of the last year several executions had been put into the prisoner's house for debts of £18/., £40/. &c. which had been paid out by a lady, called Mrs.Bendy, who lived at Eton Street, Pimlico, but who had afterwards commenced proceedings against the prisoner to recover a sum of £980/., stated to have arisen from the various sums lent to and paid for him, by this lady. For this debt the prisoner gave her a warrant of attorney, under which she now holds possession of the furniture of the house, a sheriff's officer being on the premises to keep them safely for her.

In reply to questions from Mr.Cooke, who was Counsel for the prisoner, he stated that at the time he got these bills discounted, he had no reason to suspect that they were not good. Mr.Walpole had discounted other bills for him. He really owes Mrs.Bendy this £980/. Hers was the last execution.

By Mr.Heath - Had destroyed the original document containing the particulars of Mrs.Bendy's claim on him.

Mr.Heath, in addressing the Court, congratulated it on the slight and comparatively trivial cases of fraud which had for the last four or five months been brought before the Court. He regretted that this was a case of a very different character. The sum was large, the plan of fraud complete in all it parts, and more deliberate perjury had never been committed than by the prisoner this day. He had given no explanation whatever of his affairs; he could not give the date of a single circumstance, and this too, be it remembered, not from any want of experience, for he had gone through the same ordeal before.

He hoped the Court would call on the prisoner to give some account of these bills. No jury in the world could doubt that the acceptances of these two bills were in the same handwriting. Unless he could shew who were these two persons who had accepted these bills, it was a case of gross fraud.

Mr.Walpole was a grocer, and had a bill for £40/. against the prisoner for groceries furnished to him. He (Mr.Heath) mentioned this merely to shew that the transactions between these two parties were not merely bill transactions. The learned counsel, in conclusion, called on the court to appoint assignees to take care of the property in his house for the benefit of his creditors.

The Court reprimanded the prisoner, and ordered him to be brought up on a future day, when he should have amended his schedule, and have served proper notice on all his creditors.

Saturday 30 December 1826
Leeds Mercury
Hurst, Robinson & Co.'s Bankruptcy

A meeting was held yesterday week before the commissioners at Guildhall, London, for the proof of debts under the commissions against Hurst, Robinson and Co., Booksellers as partners and against Thomas Hurst on his separate account.

Several debts were proved, and among them a proof was tendered of a debt of £19,000 due to the firm of Messrs.Longman, Rees, Orme and Co. of Paternoster Square. It appeared from the statement of Mr.Lorraine who was counsel for Longman and Co. that a discovery having been made by the other partners of that firm, that Mr.Thomas Hurst had engaged in bill transactions in their names for the benefit of the firm of Hurst, Robinson and Co., and without the knowledge of Longman and Co., in whose house Mr.Thomas Hurst was then a partner, an explanation took place between them, in consequence of which, it was arranged that Mr.Thomas Hurst should leave their firm, and be paid the sum that was due to him on account of his capital share therein.

This arrangement was forthwith carried into effect, but some time afterwards the partners of Messrs.Longman's house heard that there were £19,000's worth of bills in circulation drawn by Mr.Thomas Hurst in their names on Hurst, Robinson and Co., and accepted by the latter. The bankruptcy of Messrs.Hurst Robinson and Co then happened, and the bills returned to Messrs.Longman and Co., were of necessity paid by them. This was the debt, therefore, which they now sought to prove. - - - continues - - -

1827