Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
A103
Letter
My dear Martin from Harvey Winson Fellows
Money Hill House. Saturday April 15th.
I shall have great pleasure in dining with you on Friday next at ½ past 6. Edward, I am happy to say is quite recovered, he came home on Thursday last, and he goes away again
Continues.
A105
Drawing of a landscape. Ripped.
A106
Long letter to Cirbas Gars Marsh!
1 November 1843 or 1845.Not sure what language it is written in. Difficult to transcribe.
A110
Letter to Mr Marsh. Invite from M. S. Dashwood.
Kullington Park.Woodstock.
Dear Mr Marsh.
Will you give us the pleasure of seeing you at dinner next Wednesday at 7 o’clock. You probably as an Etonian are acquainted with Mr Hotham of Chch, if so will you be so good as to give him the enclosed, as you could arrange to come together.
Yours truly
KirtlingtonPark.
Woodstock.
M.S. Dashwood.
A111
Letter to Posy from Blackheath, March 8th 1838. Can’t really see who from
My Dear Posy,
I write to you as I said I would and expect that you will send your answer soon. I dare say that you are rather surprised that I have not written to you before but I could not well as I have had little time, besides when you come to consider what a long time it takes you to write a letter and to do that which is requisite there to, and then consider that the person you send it to reads it in five minutes, the work of half an hour and great labour and forgets in five minutes what you (remarked?) with the next – to send to the post then let me tell you what is a – mighty and unr-ed task to write a letter and then I dare say you think that all this is “Rank Humbug” but will to more in kind – I like to make my letters (full?) at beginning and –ed at the end. I arrived quite safe at Blackheath about ten minutes past 10 and was very glad to get to sleep for I was very tired indeed. I have chosen a bad moment to write for Stewart to play and I get dull and sleepy, never the less I will proceed, have you heard from Mamma by Papa, if you have I have not, will you enclose (if you have had one and there is anything for me in it) it if you please - - to the Park yesterday from Grandmama was to be buried today at Gillingham they started at ½ past nine and are not yet come back. Papa was not down here till ¼ before 2 this morning and he is to leave here by the ½ past eight o’clock coach. He will be in Londonby ten o’clock tonight. I have at last got my black (trousau?) from Boulogne. The Easter holidays I am glad to say are worth having being about from the 11th or 12th of next month to the 1st of May for there are to be some repairs in the school or something of that sort. I told you I had had my (card?) and it was (delject?) for conduct. I hope that Mrs Holland is now getting rapidly well and so I hope she will be soon. I have not seen Papa yet nor do I expect him for he was to go there to dinner this evening and to go as I said before. Will you send me an answer. Now how do you get on with your talisman play and all the scenes and things. It seems as if it was all yesterday that I saw you. The week has passed so quickly. I hope that all the weeks till Easter will pass as quick and then the time in the holidays will pass very slow indeed so that I shall see some time with you. I have got a very bad cold but I have full recovered my feet which were –ed with walking and I am quite ready to walk as far again to see you and Emily at Brook St at 7 thirty. I must now stop for I have not much more time my dear and will think – George are more to the purpose, can you by any means tell me the Walker’s - - if you please but need not -
Now good buy my dear. Your most affectionate – MM (Mother?)
My love and respects to the Dr
Mrs and Miss E and coo
Holland
-
Continues.
A113
Letter to Martin.
30th Nov 1843
Addressed,
Linbar Lynn (?) Marsh!
Very difficult to read. May be in Greek.
A115
Letter to Martin Marsh from his sister Louisa Marsh.
Wilburton.
Friday 13th
My dearest Martin,
I have nothing in the world to tell you but I must send you a line to congratulate you upon getting through your little go with such success and which I do with my whole heart dearest brother. You know that Papa has been for a few days which I think amused him as he seemed interested in all the farming pursuits of course. I was to have gone back home with him but Minny wished me so much to stay that here I am for a few weeks longer. Yesterday we went for the second time to Cambridge and nearly finished seeing all the colleges, and most beautiful the bulk of them are but the Town itself is perfectly hideous, the streets so narrow and dirty and the houses so shabby, you beat them out and out in that respect at Oxford as much as I remember of the Town though your colleges are not to be compared I think, still as a whole I prefer Oxford. Harry is now inLondonso of course I saw nothing of him. I heard you are getting up an immense collection of picture for your screen and that there will be no end of pasting at xmas. Are you not delighted. The drawing room is done. Mary writes the word that it is quite lovely and that I shall scream with delight when I see it, the glory thereof is so intense. You said in your letter to Papa that you had written to me, if so I have never received this document but I think you must have meant that you intended to write. If you knew the dearth of incidents you would be less surprised at the exceeding dullness of this letter, for though I am very happy and content here there really is nothing to relate, and all I intent this for is to show how truly anything that relates to your interests and whatever success you may have really sympathises in.
Your ever most loving sister,
Louisa Marsh.
A117.
Linley Wood (Re John Loring. 1880s?)
March 21st.
Dearest Georgey,
Here is another letter to be enclosed from Arthur today! Is our John utterly bewitched that he can’t do the like?! I also send you the letter arrived here from the fascinating Bishop this morning, by which you will see that he was well satisfied with the arrangements made for him here. I also send the F.A. account for of I make out right it need not be paid till 1st of April [to be safe], if so I think it might be as well wait till you come back, and the Duty is paid or that if you think not. If you will return it to me I will send the cheque off immediately. The Croftons and Rosamond Lawton are still here. Next week the former are going to (Leithfield?) by invitation from the Bishop, to hear Annehem at the Palace and then go and look at a house near Leithfield which Richard this time think might suit them. He, as well as Fanny is quite charmed with the Bishop, and would like to be here from and Mrs Selwyn. This might I think be very pleasant for them and far better for as than Morwood, would not it. They [the C’s] say they miss you so much. Which I know will give you pleasure dearest Georgey, to hear. All seems going on well at the farm. I meant to have gone to look at the “Barlow Plantation” again today but P. wants me to drive to Rode Hall to take something to the Walbrahams she forgot to give them. I am so glad dearly Georgey that you are coming back soon, and that I shall see you before I make my start again. Ever your most loving L.
There is so – to tell, very different from writing fromWalton Street!!! But very much in its way too, and I am quite taken root at dear old Linley Wood again, only, one must have change from time to time to the real stream of life if one can. That is to say re that it does one much Good.
A119
Letter to Martin Marsh from his sister Adelaide Marsh
From Eastbury
July 10th
My dear Martin,
Many thanks for your letter which we received yesterday. Pray do not write when you are so busy, for I shall be afraid to write for fear you should think yourself obliged to answer them and that therefore any letters would be troublesome instead of otherwise, therefore though I do like having your letters do not pray trouble yourself to write when you are, as I said before, so busy . Dearly beloved Biffy Tiffy dog is very well, but I am sorry to say still very fat. He does not get much though for dinner now but it is want of exercise more than anything else that makes him so fat. He does not ever go out hunting now and all the exercise he has is a little trudge up from the Great Meadow gate but in the end of a fortnight Papa says he may have his liberty again for then the young game will be able to take care of themselves and then he will have a good scarper over the Great Meadow every day. He seems two years younger since he has not been out hunting. He fishes about the garden with his bone wanting me to play with him and with the sole of an old shoe that he picked up one day somewhere like he used to do atBoulognewhen he used to steal the shoes. Do not you remember whey they used to be brought down to be cleaned. Emelia is still here. May you come on Saturday. Mamma is still in town and does not come home till Friday. Papa took us such a delightful drive on Monday. Mr Peake had asked Papa to come and fish with him in the Reservoir some day this week so Papa went to settle with him the day they should go. We took Louisa first down to the Milmans and then went down by that lane a little beyond Sir William’s which unfortunately brought us out nearHarrow. It was such a road it could be hardly called a road, it was (poached?) allover with deep ruts on each side where the carriage went. It was one continual jolt and the road went zig zag so that we always had a hedge in front which looked as if it was the boundary of the lane. Louisa, I am sorry to say, has got a cold just the day she is going to theRichmondaffair but she means to go all the same. Yesterday Papa took Emilia, Fanny, Mary and Riffy Tippy dog a drive to Carpenters after dinner. He sat on the little seat stretched at his full length then sat at the bottom of the carriage and at last got on the back seat and sat between Fanny and Mary all the way home. They say he behaved in the most civilized and gentlemanlike manner imaginable and when Papa lent over the box and asked him whether he enjoyed himself he gave him his paw in the most polite manner. Sily has got a calf and so does Tiny. Sily’s calf is as big as Tiny’s which was born about a month before. Old Agesax is dead. She died suddenly and left three little orphans to mourn her loss which loss Mr Walton is trying to make up to them by the tenderest care and constant attention. Ageosax had six but she laid over three. We are going today to see Mrs Hibberts flower garden. Papa is going to fish with Mr Peake tomorrow all day. There is a covey of eighteen birds in the Great Meadow and another two I believe. In less than three weeks you will be here. Tippy who is (guy?) dozing in the open window desires his best love and adoration to his own dear sweet and darling beloved man and hopes he loves him as he does him, but not hope will sure is of new love and ever so be will and now as I have said my say and believe me dear Martin your very loving and affectionate sister,
H. Adelaide Marsh.
Remembrances to John. Emilia hopes you will keep the enclosed rose she sends you as she is very much flattered to hear you dried the last.
A121
11YorkGate
Friday 13th Oct.
My Dearest Martin,
I was very much disappointed on my returning a long walk yesterday to find your Papa had not written to you as he had quite determined to do so in the morning. Something however prevented him which he was very sorry for, for he was anxious to tell you that he thinks the examination does you very great credit, that it evinces great industry and talent to have mastered so difficult a language as the German and that your being first in that is a great feather. As you had not paid so much attention to French, as he says, you could not expect to excel in it. I own I was surprised you did not seem to study that at all and if you recollect I asked you about it, but you then thought German would carry the day. I read the passage with almost breathless anxiety and to say I did not feel a shade of disappointment would not be true, but when I looked through the names and saw Wympes mentioned in both languages I saw the reason of it at once. However, you have still time to rub up your French which scarcely will be of use to you in after life as much so as German but I think you said you shall not be atEtonfor the next prize. Is it true your papers could be shown up toPrince Albert? I wish it may be. That will be a little balm for he will then have abundant proof of your talents and industry. Let me know dear if it is so. You have heard from your father and mother, I know since you wrote to me so I hope your dear heart is now at rest on that score.
I fear they have had but a dull visit at Melford. No one in the house and no one to come and dine and Sir Hyde away for a week and they did not even go to the sale and Ball at Bury. Very unfair I think to invite people and then take no pains to amuse and entertain them. They return home on Tuesday except Louisa who is to stay yet awhile. I suppose you know Posey is invited to accompany Mrs Holland and Emmy to Ramsgate on the 23rd. I hope it will be good. I went toLeicester Square yesterday to buy a velvet dress, in consequence now I will not detain you except to add our affectionate love and that I am always your affectionate Aunt Georgey. Grand Papa is quite well and continues his walks which are of immense benefit to him. He sends his kindest love.
Dr Holland has been toAlgeria! And enjoyed his trip much. But I dear say this is all old news to you. Grand Papa was not clear (?) you ought to be disappointed for you are first in German which is what you tried for and what he says does you very great credit.
A123
Letter 41. from Martin to Posy.
Eton.
My dear Posy,
I take the opportunity of Frank’s starting toLondonto dismiss a small epistle for you. I had a letter from Mamma the other day, which said that Old Windsor Lodge is entirely given up. We are to stay atBoulognetill the end of August consequently I shall spend another holidays atBoulogne.Sayes Courtis going to be taken in September so that I shall have the “Grand Plaisir” at crossing and settling in (dinner hour?) with you. Is not this news. Is it not delightful. I do not know whether it will be though for if I am right you are for Old Windsor Lodge. Did you seeSayes Court. I did and – it has a most delicious place, a wood and a view and an old romantic house. Such a nice pretty farm, such a garden and fields and an avenue and a gate, and such a nice pleasant pretty cheerful place. I really am perfectly delighted with the thought of it. I have just got your letter and shall ask Frank to put this with theLondonpost. I am most obliged to you for your note and Fanny’s. But now dear Posy as is past (setwollen?) I will bid you good bye and believe me your most affectionate brother,
M. Marsh.
A125
Letter to Martin Marsh,MertonCollege,Oxfordfrom William Marsh. March, 1845
Says his fingers have been playing up. Sending Martin a plaster for a knee injury that is supposed to have great curative power.
2nd March 1845
My dear Martin,
This is the my sc- first for the last 5 or 6 weeks as the 2 middle fingers of my right hand have for that period refused to lend me their aid to hold, or rather to guide my pen! But as I have only just to say that as I find by your letter to your dear and reliant – mother that you have still a little spot open on your knee, I am happy to send you the enclosed small piece of plaister, and which has been known to perform great cures when applied in a larger quantity! If I had just now a larger piece to share you should have it. From your’s
Most affectionately
William Marsh.
Martin Marsh Esq.
MertonCollege,
Oxford.
I did not think I could have written so that you could read it.
A127
Letter from Martin Marsh 1841
FromEtonCollege. With doodle of a person with note saying “Write Soon.” Discusses Foster who has had Scarlet Fever and Garth who is with him. Talks about his journey.
The College atEton.
Same Dane their good act New Erug(?)
April 1841
Montern is the first of June.
My dear Posy,
I dare say you will imagine that I am an oblivious brother but I am not. We arrived here in perfect safety. The train not having upset itself over any embankments and the engine not having burst itself. I secured my luggage upon the top of a tall ‘buss and took my departure for “the Antique Shires” as we read on, in poetry having at length reached this antiquatic space(?) I had my luggage consisting of a large box etc hat box and having seen them safely deposited in doors I proceeded to wait on the worthy two whom I found discussing the merits of some remarkably newCheshirecheese, some very ancient bread [probably baked in the time of O. Cromwell] and some muddy beer. They kindly, very kindly I may say, offered me a share of this. I politely refused and having taken a seat they tenderly enquired after ‘olland and gave an account of the accident. And we had a little political chitchat, and then after being heartily tired and wishing with all my might to catch the faintest echo of an H.J requested permission to [save?] my docing couch. This request was of course graciously acceded to and I was soon wrapped in soft and refreshing slumbers. How isHolland’s hound. Tell him all the fellers is dying to see the light of his countenance. Foster is not come back, the scarlet fever laid hold of him in the holidays and he is now leading the secluded life of a hermit having an elegant suite of apartments to himself. Garth is here at this moment sitting opposite. Pray read this with all due pretty speeches and Aunt Holland and Emily and Frank and always consider me in the light of as much attentive and affectionate brother,
M. Marsh.
And you will be right.
Pray write soon.
A129
Journal – A Sketch of our Journey, Saarbrucken.
Quite a number of pages, densely written. Readible.
It was in the afternoon when the sun was beginning to cast long shadows that we nearedSaarbruckenand I began to ask the guard of our train as he passed our window. They have a way abroad of running along the sides of the carriages and looking in upon you at all unexpected moments. “Are those the hills over which the French came?” “Ya, who,l” “Yes” I found he had been in the battle himself and he promised when we arrived, as he also stopped atSaarbrucken, to tell me ‘all about it.” We drew up into the Station, it is a junction, and there was the usual crowd and bustle of junctions; the station stand between two lines. When all our luggage had been claimed and put in a place of safety, as we had two hours to wait, we struggled with our bags and wraps into the Waart-Saal. {Waiting Room.]
It was a good sized carpetless room, large windows, with folding glass doors in their centre, ran down each side; It looked east and west. Over both platforms was a cover supported by pillars; at the south end of the room dark and gloomy a bar with its customary etceteras and a smartly dressed bar maid; the usual black coated white tyed waiters flitting about; ready to attend to your wants; a long table stretched down the middle of the room, adorned with pots of flowers in full bloom, giving it a festive appearance, the table was laid with a white cloth and detachments of the usual thick white ware, large coffee cups, and plates were set at intervals, ready for parties of travelers; between this table and the bar was a large round table which seemed dedicated to Beer and Tobacco, at least all who were now there were refreshing themselves in that sort. A set of officers and officials sitting candidly round it. Another round table to match was at the other end of the long table, small round and square tables went down each side of the room, at which travelers sat drinking wine and smoking, or consuming more solid food; the usual waiting room seat went round the walls.
After sitting down our heap of bags at the north end of the room we went to the central table and called for café au lait, etc; when we had refreshed we strolled out wishing both to get fresh air and have tobacco.
It was a still evening, a cloudless soft blue sky melting into daffodil yellows and golds; the people were either sitting or pacing leisurely about. I remember one group of very poor ragged children with a little sad faced cripple amongst them. Men in light blue cotton blouses and much worn corduroy trousers; women in capes, it was very still and soothing.
And this wasSaarbrucken, where the first shot of that mighty war was fired, a war which is an epoch in the World’s history. We had come out by the Western door and found the railway on the edge of a deep valley, immediately before us were houses of which we principally saw only the roofs and the spires of two Churches; we knew a river, the Saar, was running deep down below and that it divided the town of Saarbrucken, the – (woman?) from Johannesburg, the what was, French, and that a bridge united them; we could as I said, see the spires of the two Churches and the outskirts of Saar Johannisburg which climbed the opposite hill, those famous hills which stretched up and away West with wide tracts of grass land and dark woods fringing their heights and breaking down in heavy masses on the hill sies; they are very steep and high, and one could only marvel how one German even could get through that plunging fire of mitrailleuse and musketry, much less fight up those heights, crown them, and hurl the invaders back.
On our part of the platform we found only one rather sad looking woman with her two or three children, she was sitting on a bench under one of the waiting room windows, at the south end of this platform were two railway officials in the dark blue and red stripe of the Prussian official uniform; all railways here belong to the State.
We strolled along and looking at one of the pillars found a huge conical shell lodge in it, we were pondering about this shell and wishing for some one to tell us something of it and of what had happened here not two years ago. My guard had proved faithless, or had not seen me again. When our officials strolled up, one was a fine, broad shouldered, well set up young man, of 29, as he afterwards told me, he had a good face, rich colouring and dark hair, there was something about him which inspired you with a friendly feeling. I went up and asked him in the best German I could muster, if he could tell us about “that shell,” he was quite ready to tell us anything we wanted; he had been in the battle himself. “Was he a soldier,” Not serving now, had been, but had served his time and was in the reserve; now a railway official. And so we began to talk, his bright jovial countenance lighting up, one felt he was one of those who helped the poor French housewife to cut her wood and light her fire and took the children on his knee and amused them.
He had been in the Army since he was 18, had fought through the Danish War, the war withAustria(66), had been in all the great opening battles of 70 and through the Orleans Campaign, had never once been wounded!
As I asked him about the shell, he told us of the battle. He shewed us from the south end of the platform, far forward on our left, some hills which looked down, that was the German position, seven miles and more the two ranges of hills stood apart, seven miles and more cannon hurled shot and shell against cannon, the station lay in mid fire, he and his fellows were ranged there to meet the on coming foe; “We were determined to drive them back, we were fighting for wife and children and Fatherland.” The Prussians knew too well by cruel experience, had not their fathers and grand fathers told them, what a French invasion means; I shall not forget the expression of stern determination this bright genial face took when
A133
Letter to Martin from Rystworth, Sept 26th. From Sarah Greenwood.
My dear Martin,
For some days I have been intending to tell you that the announcement of your safe arrival was received with much pleasure by this household, North included, for truly in these days of smashes and explosions one ought to feel peculiarly thankful when a friend arrives at his journey’s end with a full complement of limbs, a nose broken, a shoulder out or a bruised head being considered a mere trifle apparently in the chapter of accidents! Silent and sad did the house seem for a day or two after you and John left us. I missed, as I always do, his merry whistle and cheerful laugh to say nothing of those scraps of time which he always affectionately bestows upon one at odd moments in my room and which leave a warm remembrance on a Mother’s heart. But on the Friday after your leave taking Mary Littledale came for a week, and my Mother has spend another with me, so that I have not been alone till yesterday, when I last the latter and Frederick went to Swarcliffe to shoot till Monday, and so my visit will be when they are gone the middle of October. After which we shall settle into our winter place and tho’ I have the reputation of being a very wandering kind of person in summer [ and I plead guilty to the charge as I have many friends whom I like to visit] no one can accuse me of having propensities in winter, for I am sure one’s own fireside is the most attractive spot in the whole world and already am I anticipating the addition of Louisa and Mary, though I have only just met them. We have had days of cold that would not be out of season in December and January and then comes bright sun to raise our hopes of a good harvest. All are busy here, but the want of ‘hands’ is a continual provocation to my impatient spirit as I drive out, and I really think that such tardy beings almost deserve to lose their crops when they use so little exertion to save them.
No great events have occurred since you were here, save and except the opening ofMortonSchoolon Sunday which was a very successful affair. Three services and a collection amounting to £17 though the perfect deluge which fell in the afternoon must have kept some at home. We went in the morning but I dreaded a sepulcher of the cold stones for my mother and in the afternoon we were at Bingley. I wished for you on Tuesday; we had young Parkinson the Senior Wrangler to dine with us, and very much pleased we were with his unassuming manners and general intelligence. There is nothing awkward about him and he has a great deal of tact. His clear eye and round rosy face give him a very boyish appearance and he does not look as if his honours had been the consequence of deep study so much as the gift of nature for Mr Cheadle says that everything is easy to learn and that during the year and half in which he began and decided mathematical studies previous to his going to Cambridge he had never to solve a difficulty, or to correct a mistake, and the questions he answered before he went [papers sent down by the college tutor] would have enabled him then to take a good degree. So he really may be looked upon as a kind of young Scion here, where we have not a superabundance of wise people, either men or women. I have had a very nice letter from dear John since he returned in answer to rather nor correct - ? – me which – day I was irresistibly moved to write and it is a comfort to feel that advice is affectionately taken and will I trust be readily acted upon. He seems to be providing himself with a mess fellow after he loses Mr Holland in a youth named Mills and as John cannot live alone I am glad he has the prospect of some agreeable companion. Do you know him? I hope he is a reader though I never after all [however as I may wish it] expect John to be one! Do not forget your promise my dear Martin of sending me a letter every now and then, and remember that we are always glad to hear of your welfare and successes. With kind remembrances to your Mother, and family believe me to remain,
Very sincerely your friend,
Sarah Greenwood.
North sends her “duty.”
A137
Journal – Rue de P. Friday.
Goes on for 12 pages. Fairly legible.
Darling Gis,
Will you give my dearest love to dearest Mama and thank her so very much for her letter which I was so glad to get and will you tell her I am so hurried just at this end of my visit I have not time to write her a letter, so I shall from Anstie, a really good one and please tell darling mama I have, I flatter myself a deeply interesting journal to read to her in our drives! Which I have written specially for her edification. I have got Kews Ch: and will send it off also. The metre, about your dress are made with long skirts, plain behind, trimmed at the sides and in front, it is very pretty trimming lining the flounce or trim with bright coloured silk (according, approximate?) to the colour of your material and there the plait stretched back so M M so if you understand the lining being made to shad, it is very pretty and a sack of the material lined the same and interestingly twisted to shew the lining in places. I saw a dress in the Boulevards of that material I sent you. Petit coat, plain pink flounced up garment of the material with a pink stripe in it. It was very pretty. Your corsage for your dress should be a basque kind and shewing the lining. And I think I shall bring you one of the new (parasols?) in jay instead of collars and cuffs with some bows. Tell darling Mama I will get her £1 and suppose I had better put it with her bonnet etc? I had a full day yesterday, to lunch with a friend of M. Hankins, after having been to the Palais Royale and to a china shop to buy a cashe pot for Annie which the lads are to give her. My two W. the Arc de Triomphe, the dirt owing to melting snow well. Then back with Annie to Bellville and there to Les Soeurs de St Vide Parc for some tourneux tickets. Soup tickets. Then a rush for a plant in the Rue de St.H., then dinner partyMrColand Madame de (Eldhech?), Captaine and Madame Arnaud. Mlle Pourquis. What interesting things. I dined at all their places and sat up until a ¼ past 2 this morning writing. The upstart is that R.C.’ism is the death of all that is good in a country. You must come here to see the results. Morality of any thing is more utterly dead than it was before the War, the corruption in the French army owing to their system of promotion seems complete. The ignorance of the officers crasse, if they had known the geography of their own country even in (Milan?) could never have happened, poorFrance. And they seem to have faith in nothing, not even a principal. Annie says if she had had children nothing would have induced her to bring them up inFrance. I must stop dear as we are going, A and I to the Assembly this afternoon and (Oldfant?) earlier and I must write a line to Mary. Thanks darling Gis as you can do without me I will go to Anstie. I am anxious to go for 2 reasons, I will tell you when I write to Mama, no time now, my dearest dearest love to her. I hope to be home Thursday or Friday week. Emma Roscoe has asked me to go and see her so I would enter her hospitality for a night I think.
Your loving
Posy.
A139
26 Rue deP.
Monday 9th.
Dearest Gies,
Before I forget again would you sendCapesto by Post. Annie wants so much to read him. There dear how will you like your £. I paid? There are very pretty collars and sleeves suitable for you. Quite new (pink, fish, fashion?) come in at a large shop in the Rue Revolie for 12 to 14 , 18 frs. There then are bows till had at about 5fs. Then there are a sort of waistcoat but I don’t think it would particularly suit you. And I should think for 1 fr and I don’t think they are very new. The new things are pink. Coming out pink. Tell me whether you want to spend in dress and what kind or what -. There are very pretty black lace purses to be had. The price I have not asked but would turn a morning shop will drive toilette at once. I have got L a lofty cap as the lads say and Fanny a bonnet. They admire very much. Black silk with fais and a brooch with box for I could not buy it without tops. I feel sure she and R will like it. I got it in the Rue St Honore. Will you tell her and thank her for her dear letter. I have so little time to write I can’t write direct to her. I don’t think it is really worthwhile to have a costume made here, so I shan’t and there besides I shall feel easy about moving. And that’s with 100 costumes I did this shopping on Friday and that afternoon with Annie and the Arnauds and I find they spell the name we went to see the Musie de StArilleux, went to beyond the Rue de Pac and Rue – at St Thomas D Aguin so we saw that church and ex votos in white marble tablets and gold letter inscriptions to the Virgin and St. Joseph. One was Recompence a Marie Prolutence de nous tous date 1870, a few, very few had reconnaissance a puis et a Marie. We found the Musee was moved to the Invalides, so walked there and found a very interesting Musee from the stone period to the last new rifle.. We had not time to see more than fr and could not see the (luiqueur?) tonot as it closes at 3p. I have been all down the Boulevards and after all found Mama’s purse in the Rue deSt.H. I hope she will like it, it is of the new fashion, a white blond embroidered with “Jais.” That with neff us for sleeves and little bow will come to almost 40frs. A black one without – would be almost 28frs, pretty little bows with a flower b-s of all shades of colours. Please tell me- by return dear how you wish your £ spent. Tell (Fanny?) she will have a pretty new shaped mantilla in black cashmere lined with silk but no trimming ready to put the lace on for 40frs. It seems to me dear, well L came up and I took him to the Panorama and we went to the Jardin des Plantes, all 4 in the boat and back, such a good and pretty way of seeing the principle buildings inParis. He was very happy. Annie asked him to stay dinner and then tea at my expence of course, went with him to Versailles today with C has sent word there were 2 tickets for the Assembly, so instead of our going to St.Danes they, all four, then Annie and I go on Wednesday. M.B. and Annie tried all they could most kindly to get them tickets for the Grand Ball given tonight by Le President de la Chambre de Commerce, a Monsieur Mahon, but we heard of it too late to succeed. I foolishly keep hoping some how they may even yet chop in as it will be such a grand affair. By the way dear I can get you a charming tournuse which is a petite coat for 12frs. Till I do it makes
A142
Posy letter fromParisto G, difficult to read again.
26 Rue de Ponthierie
Tuesday 3rd March
Darling Gies (Georgey?)
You will have got my letter of thanks for the money which I was grateful to receive. H (Harry?) and I went and changed a 10 yesterday and today we have been shopping. I have enquired about costumes now at 4 shops and find nothing in cloth under 126 or 150 frs. Today I went to the Petit St. Thomas in the Rue de Bac. I was turned over to an English woman who was so nice and civil, as glad to have me as I was to have her. She said their Spring costumes were just coming in, a really pretty one in material trimmed with silk could would be 150frs. She could not show me them today as they were not marked off and they were afraid that they would get into confusion. But she did get me this. I enclose material, it is called “Oxford” because it is made of gentlemen’s shirt stuff and whole costumes [for a “costume” I find may only mean the Palonaise and no skirt] costs 95frs. It is trimmed at the edge [besides silf(?) trimmings] with white embroidery on thick muslin garouch. I think about ¾ inch wide and very pretty, made up - page 2 – the stuff I know is warm of course for a cotton and it washes perfectly. It is very lady-like and she assures me it is a dress a lady would walk out in in the afternoon. I send you some patterns of the stuff. I have marked the pattern I saw. It id not of course look very dressy but R and H like it much and one would feel well dressed though simply in it. The end of the week I can see the costumes. Silks are very dear, does dearest Mama really want some patterns. I could not see anything she wanted in the lingerie way, but have seen what I think she will like about in the shops. Tomorrow we go early toVersailles, going by the right bank and coming back by the left to see the whole country. Mademoiselle Peugeot has left us today. Her somewhat buoyant(?) manners did not suit R, but I am sorry she is gone as they were obliged to speak French to her as she did not understand English. M Picard dined last night and as I find I have written on two sheets, so have to decide their –
Page- He talks incessantly good French. They heard a great deal but he is gone today to Lyons. I much hope some one else will turn up. I thought(?) Madame Michel Chevalier might have called as Mama was so civil to her inLondon, don’t you? Thanks dear for all your news. All sounds as if it was going on so well and it is such a comfort to know that dearest Mama keeps pretty well. I hope dear you are not getting very tired, but I am so thankful Geis I came, even French men seem to thinkParissuch a very dangerous place for young men of R and H’s age. As it is they are dear fellows, as good as gold. There you know of course I lay myself out to keep them amused, combining as far as possible instruction, they are, I can see tonights enormously relieved at having passed. I think they hardly realized it last night and then it is not “good form” to express any (sort?) delight and at dinner this evening R feigned himself on not having shewn any excitement and certainly he did announce the fact in the coolest way.
4 - I am so sorry to hear about Duke (Duke Crofton?) but I hope by what the lads read me it is not anything really serious. I am so glad about the road the house being cleaned. Dear I shall be very glad to get back to you and dearest Mama though I am really enjoying myself and the air and (walking?) is so pleasant. It is all so bright and cheery. I shall come back, I hope, quite stalwart: you did tell me of sirSydney’s striking death. It was as you say as a strong man should die. Thank you my Gies but I am so sorry you should have had any worry about the money. I got rather frightened. I am (pinced?) about Mrs Barnes. I have had no answer from Mary Hankins. Dear things, their grief must be so very great. It lies on ones heart and when one has time to think is ones first thought. The (Furss?) news sounds most prosperous. Alas I am afraid we shall not get toBelleville. Mrs J. shuffled us off but said she would send us a note of introduction tomorrow to Mademoiselle le Brun. But it has not come and they leftParisSunday evening. This is a stupid letter dear but I wrote so lately and it is now 12pm and I have been at it all day. We saw St Clotilde today. It is a fine church but there was no service at the Sacre Coeur on Sundays at 5.30 when we went so the singing they say is lovely.
Love to dearest Mama. Your loving Posy.
B001
Letter to Martin from Fanny.- Feb 4th.
Martin Marsh.
Miss Joyce’s.
My dearest Martin,
A pair of boots and shoes will come to you today. Mamma hopes, and if you want any thing more you must write for it. We are just this instant going out walking so I have no time to write any more.
Believe me ever your most affectionate sister, Fanny
(in pencil) purse in your waistcoat pocket.
B003
Looks like a journal.- Posy’s writing. (1882?)
Discussing John Loring (1854-1900) meeting Annetta Royd.
LW. Thursday 29th May. Darling Gies (Georgina?)
We have so longed to know where to write to you the news. He is engaged! Did it last Saturday, dear fellow and so happy. Its quite delightful to see his peaceful beaming face, and perfectly certain of his little woman being the woman for him. Well I shall write you my story as L(Louisa?) will hers and between the two you will get it all I hope. How we wished you had been here. It seemed to me quite unnatural that you should not be the first to whom he would tell it. Well Wednesday 11th May and Nettie came to stay and Mr Sawyer and Mr Alan Hutchinson to dine. One could see matters were not cooling. Thursday, our young man got up at 5, could not sleep. Thought I to myself, why. The two girls, John, Mr (Sawyer?) and I drove in afternoon stopping to seePoultenelyChurch, to call on Anas: and found her and Mr (Porma, Norma?) just sitting down to a tea and 2 teacups. He looking very happy, she calm and quiet of course. Our young man had to go on the box, which was not quite what we had planned, but Mr Sawyer came back in time to go and so, ! Frank Wade came to stay at Linley Wood and Mr and Mrs W.H. and Arthur to dine. Mr and Mrs H remarked to L(Louisa) that Mr Loring seemed making up to Miss Annetta or words to that effect to which I responded ‘of course there would be little flirtations, quite natural’ i h but it was very patent all the time, no attempt at concealment. Friday we had (Mrs Ugham, theVaughans?) and Mde deDumase Adine, Miss Porter, Mr and Mrs Hutton, 2 Mr and Horace Hutchinson to a lawn tennis. Hu Hutchinson dined. Things did not cool. Maria Milman came also to stay and of course she soon saw. On Saturday morning I went toCookingSchool and on my return, Mr S and W left in morning. I found couples walking and Wade and May, and J & H. Presently May appeared in the morning room looking amused, had had a lecture on Sunday School teaching, “Where were the others” “Oh they had soon left them!” After a bit Nettie came in looking grave and thoughtful. I was sure something had occurred, but could not quite make out what. After lunch Mr W and the two girls left. Maria declares she knew it by their neutral looks when parting at the carriage. I fancied Nettie kissed me rather coldly when she went away. I staid to entertain Maria and L disappeared. I did not know for what. He was telling her, afterwards L and Maria went for a walk and then the dear fellow came and knelt before my chair and said “Aunt Posie, I am bought and sold” looking so happy and so feeling. We embraced him with ones whole heart and (empats, compats?) dear dear fellow. He did it in the N Terrace. Nettie was to tell May on her way home and then her parents. I thought I ought to go over next day and ask Mr Royds consent, but he said no at first. Nettie said she would do it. She knew her people best, etc, still I – au Jallum(?) and it did seem to me the right thing. However Louisa seemed to agree with him and so I thought it was settled. Next morning, Sunday, however, I found L thought he would go so hardly had he swallowed his lunch then attired in his bewitching riding costume he mounted his horse and disappeared down the hill. Rather nervous as to his errand and of course, though one was sure of the woman, one could not feel quite so sure of Mr R. About 9.30 our young man returned. Maria was there and she had been trying to treat it only as a flirtation, which she agreed was all quite natural and quite right. Luckily it had poured and he was (back?). So after he had thrown himself into the Cansense looking very content and we had asked in a casual way after the family, I suggested he was sick, confessed he could so we (both?) on him, dying or course to get him out of the room, at last. Men are so stupid, he was got up and I went out to see all was right and I was left with Maria, dying to know all about it. The lad(?) did not come back, prayers came and I had to call (him, Anna?) out of the book room. Finally Maria went upstairs whilst I was pretending to do something in the morning room. He had come and said “your ar’n’t going to tell, Aunt P?” “Of course not,” say I, so we went into the book room. He had ridden up to the door, rang the bell, given his card to the butler to give to Mr Royds and ask him if he could see him. Mr R came out and like a stupid man instead of taking him to his room took him into the drawing room where were two girls, I think, or Mrs R and a girl. Mr Earl(?) at the S.S. At last L said “Could I speak –
(missing page?)
B005
Letter from Posy to Mama from France
26 Rue de Penthieuse
FaubergIl-
Thursday 19th. (between 1871-1873)
Dearest Mama,
Here we arrived yesterday evening and received the usual hospitality and welcome. The last the Steward said “a beautiful” passage. I did not find it so, but R and H were quite well however I believe it will do me a great deal of good and I only feel a little squeamish. This is a tiny apartment but all very nice. We look into a small court with high houses all around and ivy climbing up the walls and a few shrubs. Not much sun penetrates to the rooms but we see it shining on the walls. It is very quiet also which is pleasant for a home, and just close to the Champs Elysee and very central. R and H are in capital spirits and are gone off on an exploration expedition together. We breakfast at 8.30 so that gives plenty of morning and mon consius(?) example is good. Seeing he was at work long before the lads are very good about speaking French and will, I think, soon get into it. A handsome Mademoiselle Pugeot is here and I think Dick is sufficiently “fetched” soon to find it desirable to chatter away to her. She is a cultivated nice young lady of about 25 I should think. In “breakfast” at 12.30 when R and H will return. H acknowledged to feeling excited they have a complete apartment including kitchen, so are very comfortable and I think if dearest Francis (Louisa, Francia?) could see their bright happy faces she would be quite satisfied with her sacrifice. Annie (Anna Josina Bergeron (nee Marsh) who married Charles Bergeron?) says we can easily find a course for French and Hal wishes to learn dancing so I shall enquire this week and set them to work. Next M.B. (Monsieur Charles Bergeron?) will, I hope, be able to get them an order to see one of the forts (He and a nephew are now talking affairs) and also we hope to go one day to the Assembly. “The House” please tell Richard I am not going to speak a word of English to them henceforth and we chatter French when together which will give him confidence. I have not of course been out as yet and in fact do feel a little tired so shall rest today. Oh I must say the two talk French together. Annie says they are such nice young fellows so I know she will like them more and more. By the way Annie has had all our miniatures framed, and the (Min?) family ones. She wants to know their names. I think I would tell her I can’t. It is so comfortable being inParison a visit, quite a new sensation. We are close to a Barracks to the boys had the delight of hearing the Bugle call and not being obliged to get up, which they (sarnired?) thoroughly. We had no adventures on our journey so I have at present nothing to tell you, except Paris is decidedly anit-(Alhamentane?) and Lyons is split in two halves. The two extremes N.N. and R.R. M.M. I hear “êtes un Aie!” and a curious story of (Lochie?) which I will bring back in my notes. (Broglu gives “Le consigne” is in fact as our Prime Minister. There are so many international formalities to be got through that even if the money is forthcoming for the tunnel it will take 10 years before it can be completed. Mr (Leaths?) appeared here, and L’s and M.B. had to talk over L offered his plan at a round term for -. M.B. says his is better, but he saw L had thought on the subject and seemed struck with his capacities. “Un tête claire et practique” were, I think, this words. Mary seemed very well and happy about Gerard. I do not think Annie looks very well and has a little cough. I had rather she had not but she says it is only a cold. She has not said anything as yet about my stay. Now I really have come to the end. I shall begin my journal. My dear love to you all dear ones.
Your loving dearest (Mane?) and dutiful daughter, Posy
Annie sends her best love.
I hope you are keeping pretty well. This air is – though fresh.
B007
Journal looking letter from Posy.
26 Rue de Penthiserie (?)
Monday 2nd.
Darling Gies(Georgina?) The notes arrived yesterday morning thank you so much for them and for all the trouble you have taken. I cannot get the money I see till tomorrow as Mr (Furmell?) has made them at 7 days sight why I don’t know but perhaps it is a necessary precaution in case they are lost. But I can go tomorrow. I shall seek about in the shops and send you word what there is to be had as R and H have their dancing lesson in the morning. Saturday evening we were went to La Jolie Parteneuse(?). French plays do not raise ones opinion of the French character. Mind we were told by a lady who is supposed to have le Collet Monte, and therefore particular that it was very pretty and great delight to see it. She makes the excuse now that she forgot one scene, the principle one. I am thankful to say R and H seemed as much disappointed as was Mr Johnstone and Annie and even M.B. Mr J told me he had been constantly to the Theatres inStockholm,CopenhagenandBerlinand had never seen anything he could not have taken his youngest sister to have seen. There is not a theatre inParisyou would take an English girl to. I remember we have seen the most Lac colda si Capitaine, That was as full as the often quite young girls of 17 and 18 (Antony?) took his young bride and a girl who had never seen a play to see La Branche Cassé which Annie says is reasonable and when Anne expected she would have be horrified to the last degree she did not seem even to feel anything, but spoke of it without a blush. And she is by way of being a devout Catholic! And be inclined that way!! Oh, I am certain the R.C’ism has something corrupting in it. I suppose it is that it is always cultivating the senses by appeals to them in all possible ways. On Sunday we went as Harry wished it, with Annie and Madamoiselle to the French Protestant service. M.Coguesel however was not preaching and we went on to M. de Prepensies which is orthodox. There was a chapel just like a Wesleyan. The Communion table stood in front of the pulpit and was covered with a white cloth. Also the vessels. There were many many more women than men. The women’s face look so different from the Roman Catholics. There is a marked individuality and strength, moral and intellectual which the others have not. M. de Prepensées did not preach but M. Lichtenstein, who gave us an excellent but too long discourse upon one being new creatures in Christ Jesus. Harry said he did not understand much but R did, I think, and it was one of those manly practiced sermons which would do him good and besides it is as well they should know French. Men can be as primly and sensibly (Christian?) as any others. So I am glad we went. In the afternoon Edon and Comtois came up for the day and they three went out together and did speak French. Harry just tells me he has :learnt the top of French” since he has been here. Captaine and Mrs Armory called. I went to our afternoon service. I really think there is nothing like it, at least to me. There were only three prayers and three hymns, very well sung however at theProtestantFrenchChurch. The prayers were excellent. Today we are going to theBois de Boulogneas it is fine. On Saturday we went to theLuxembourg, but could only see the Musée as since the Hotel de Ville has been burnt the Prefêt lives there. Mr Johnstone rather shuffled us off so we could not go toBellevillebut she has promised us a note to Madamoiselle le Brun so Annie and I shall go there. Yet I hope. Silks are so dear, I am obliged to pay 13frs per metre for the (bit?) I went for a body for my wedding dress which I am having made up a deaux filles with my white lace. But I will get patterns for dearest Mama tomorrow, I hope. And also I intend to write to Francia (Louisa?) a mother’s letter even, one does so think when one has time to think of all the poor dear Greenwoods it makes a sad background to my (Men) wiser pleasant life here, of course having R and H add immensely with they are the dear fellows but very young. Dearest, your loving Posy.
Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com