Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Letter to

James Caldwell Esq.

Linley Wood

Newcastle

Sir,

I am directed by the Lord Lieutenant to inform you, that your appointment of Deputy Lieutenant for this County, has been executed, and is now deposited in the Clerk of the Peace’s Office in Stafford. It is necessary to observe, that you should within six months take the oaths, and subscribe the declaration, as directed by the 13^th Section of the Militia Act of 26^th of this present Majesty, unless you have already complied with those forms.

I am, Sir

Your very obedient

And humble Servant,

Thomas Hinckley

Stafford, 22^nd Nov 1796

Letter from James to Eliza Caldwell

 Mrs Caldwell

No.44Margaret Street

Cavendish Square

London

Linley Wood, 3^rd December 1809

It was my full intention my beloved Eliza, to have written a few lines to you yesterday, but having only returned in the afternoon from Sandon, where I had been most laboriously employed the whole of the preceding day, as well as that morning, on the reference between Mr Hill and Mr Heathcote and Mr Wood (who is still here coming to dinner) I could not bring it in; and I was the less solicitous about it, as I found that Eliza was writing. Inclosed is a Bank Post Bill for ten pounds, and the sinister half of another for twenty. The other half I will send you by the first letter that goes from Linley Wood. When you want more let me know, and remember my former injunctions. You may well suppose, that we shall all wait with the greatest anxiety and impatience for your next letter, which will I trust bring us a good account of Mr Home’s second attempt. It is grievous that it shall be necessary to repeat the operation; but let us profit by the hope that is afforded us that our endeavours will ultimately be crowned with success, and the happy circumstance that the pain and suffering of our dear, dear girl was not greater. It would, indeed, be a heartfelt satisfaction to me to see you all, though but for a few minutes. Of my thoughts, I need not say, that you have full possession; and in my dreams you are indeed all before me. You will be glad to hear, that I have brought this Talk Reference to an end; Mr Harvey and I having executed our Award about six minutes before twelve o’clock Friday night; that being the last hour that was allowed us. Mr Harvey was most particular in his enquiries after, and expressions of kindness towards you all, and seems sincerely desirous for further communication with us. He had not a single unpleasant word through the whole discussion, though it certainly was one of the most perplexing harassing and arduous matters that I ever was engaged in. I am going to Stone on Tuesday, to attend a Select Committee meeting, and shall be detained there that, and the following day. Most unfortunately Mr Wedgwood has fixed Tuesday for coming to Linley Wood; so that I shall [ton?] so much of the company of our good and kind friends, but hope they will make it up by a protracted stay. Early in the next week I must go to Nantwich on the old business betweenSir Rd[Richard?] Broughton, Mr Penlington and Mr Salmon; which, bad as the Talk business has been, will, I fear, so far as relates to me at least be only passing(to use a homely expression) from the frying pan into the fire. However, I must make the best of it; and when this matter is ended, I do seriously intend to close any Books; and look a little more to my own comfort, and a little less to the interests and concerns of other people. It will please you to know that on the Talk business I accomplished every thing to my entire wish and satisfaction; and believe that substantial justice has been done to all parties; but whether this is what will exactly satisfy them; I neither know, nor care so far as relates to myself. Every day’s experience proves to me the wise and good sense of the Fable of the Painter, who in endeavouring to please everybody, pleased nobody; and if it were left to [me] to infuse into the minds of men, what would most of [hole in letter] a hindrance to their interests, as well as happiness, it would be a few additional drops of common candour. A simple and unexpensive prescription, my beloved Eliza, but such as, if in worldly matters there be a Panacea, will be found to contain it. I will not ask you to write to me immediately because I know, that the pleasure of writing to and receiving each others letters is completely reciprocal. Tell my dearest Mary to accept my tenderest love and sympathy and that I hail the moment, when she will sing to me again with an interest that it has never yet possessed, the song that is often vibrating in my ears, and on every string on my heart “Cease thy Anguish, Smile Once More.” To see her indeed, wear again the smile of perfect health and happiness will be a bliss that however fondly I hope to experience, I should vainly endeavour to express. Of your dear good girls at Linley Wood, I cannot say too much. They gain on my affection any approbation, and esteem, as circumstances [could?] to develop their understanding and their hearts. How blest, how unspeakably blessed are we in our dear children. How vain and empty is every other earthly good compared to this? Farewell, dear and beloved mother of them, and may you long, long enjoy the fruits of these seeds of virtue and if happiness which you have sown in their hearts and which have hitherto so happily grown with their growth, and strengthened with their strength. Receive in one word, all that diverse the most tender and in friendship and esteem affection can distill. Our dear girls here join me in every fond and kind remembrance to all about you and believe me, that I truly am more and more, your own grateful and affectionate husband.

James Caldwell.

Letter form James Caldwell to Eliza Caldwell - 1810

Mrs Caldwell

Linley Wood
Lawton

Cheshire

11 St.Albans Street

20^th April 1810

Things have again assumed so doubtful an appearance, as to a final amicable adjustment that I think it extremely uncertain whether I shall be able to leave London so soon as I had fondly hoped and fully expected, and I therefore think it right my beloved Eliza, to write one line just to say, that you must not expect me till you see me. I had fully depended upon leaving London tomorrow, in which case I should have reached home on Sunday night, though it would probably been late, but I cannot now indulge any expectation of this. To be sure, I never was so tired out in my life; the repeated obstructions and delays which we meet with, being almost intolerable. However, we must do the best we can; and it will I know be the greatest of satisfactions to you to be assured that I continue very well. I was much gratified by Mr Skerrett’s appearance yesterday morning. We afterwards dined together and he seems a good deal relieved by the Opinion which Dr Bayley had expressed of his complaint, and which he assured him would never prove fatal. He is to make some stay in town by the Doctor’s recommendation. I am sorry to find that your sisters arm continues in the same uncomfortable way. I think she had better have followed Mr S’s example and consulted Dr B at once. I began to count the hours and minutes as they pass, since every one brings me nearer to the time when I shall once more fold you to my heart. I hope and trust no circumstances will again arise to part us long from each other; but that what remains to us of life may be passed if possible without separation. Indeed, my own feelings and reflections tell me more and more that the sacrifice is too great. Whatever presents itself to my imagination in the form of happiness is drawn from the idea of enjoying the tranquility and peace in the midst of my own dear and beloved family; and the abstraction of myself as much as possible from the bustle and hurry of the world. Indeed my mind seems taking a turn that indisposes me more and more towards it; and if nothing else has had the power to teach me wisdom in this respect, age and experience will at last do it. Since writing the above, I begin to hope that I may be able to leaveLondonon Sunday, in which case I shall be at home sometime on Monday night. You must not however be surprised at not seeing me. I am suddenly called away, and can only therefore again send my tenderest love and affection which you will share with our dear children and assure yourself my ever dear Eliza that I am if it be possible more than ever your most tender and affectionate attached husband, James Caldwell

Letter to Mrs Caldwell from  James Caldwell re Caroline Wedgwood and his daughter Ann being in a thrown out of a gig when returning fromHanleyChurch. Ann got a broken arm and possibly a rib. Caroline Wedgwood had more serious injuries.

Mrs Caldwell

John Wedgwood Esq

Etruria

Staffordshire

Liverpool, Tuesday 3^rd Oct[?], 1809

Mr Bent kindly spared me till five minutes before the arrival of the Post this morning the intelligence which you have with so much tenderness and kindness, my beloved Eliza, communicated. My first impulse, as you may easily imagine, was that of immediately joining you that I might take my full share in the painful and trying circumstances under which you are placed, but on taking a little time for recollection and finding that as it is now Noon, I could not possibly reachEtruriaat any reasonable hour. I have determined, however great the effort, to remain here today, and set off as early as possible in the morning so that you may depend upon seeing me in the course of the day. Mr Bent makes his arrangements so to accompany me home and I know not that I have ever given you a stronger proof of that implicit confidence which I repose, than by this delay, as nothing but the full and long proved experience that you will never deceive me by too favourable representations on occasions like these could have kept me from you and home[?] The first shock of the intelligence was as you may well believe, [severe?] but in gratitude that things are not worse, I hope that I have composed myself as much as could be reasonably expected and that you will find me prepared for whatever painful feelings await me. Express to the sufferers about you my tenderest sympathy and deep concern for what has befallen them. Then on occasions in which it is in vain to endeavour to describe what one fails, nor would like it if [hole in letter] avail. How thankful ought we to be that our dear Mary was not even a witness of the accident. My sweet Ann does not surprise me by the satisfaction which she expresses at her [injuries?] she suffers [other?] than her sister. It is like herself and adding a tenfold interest to her misfortune. It is useless to write more. I hardly know indeed what I have written but I thought it best at all events to apprize you of my plans. For ourselves, my sweet, my kind and affectionate friend and wife, we can only indulge the gratifying thought that by the full and tender participation of affection we can alleviate in some manner at least [Calarenc?] misfortune. Distress in whatever forms prescribed [hord?] find one unfailing source of thankfulness to God, for having first united and long procured us to ourselves and to our beloved children. Say everything they that is most kind and sympathizing from me to Mr Wedgwood and belive me with a force of feeling that never can be expressed ever your most grateful and tenderly affectionate husband. James Caldwell

Letter from James to Eliza.

Mrs Caldwell

Mr Lawrences

Digbeth

Birmingham

Linley Wood, 25^th December 1809

Though it might possibly be unreasonable, my own dear Eliza, yet I could not help feeling a little disappointment at not receiving some intelligence from you by the last night post; but I console myself by concluding from it that your stay in London is not protracted, and that you are now on your road to Birmingham; where, as I well know that it will be a satisfaction to you to meet with a line from me, I will not suffer the Post to depart tonight without one, though it be only to tell you that I am perfectly recovered from my late attack, and that you maybe quite comfortable and at ease on my account during the time you stay. Need not attempt to express to you, with what extreme delight we all anticipate our approaching meeting. Most joyful, indeed, will it be, if it be crowned with the prospect of the recovery of our dear girl; and most happy the moment, when with such hopes and expectations, we once more draw all together round our own fireside. Eliza had a letter from Ann Lawrence a day or two ago, giving us reason to hope for the pleasure of seeing her tomorrow at Linley Wood, but speaking of only staying one day, this arrangement you will probably alter. Miss Wedgwood is also coming to dinner tomorrow, and will stay all night. This visit is for the purpose of a grave Law Consultation with me, upon some knotty or point or other, about which she says, she can get no satisfaction from any body else, and so as she expresses it “like the rest of the Country” she is coming to me. I do not know whether if things continue to go on as they have hitherto done, I may not in time obtain the honour of a kind of Whitworth Doctor like fame in Law, at least whilst they continue to take small [hus, issues?] and I take none we shall probably not want practice, and that serves to keep up a sort of reputation whatever may be its solidity. If you stay at Birmingham, as you propose, and which will as Mary dearest be very prudent and proper, you will, I hope, give me a line by the return of the Post, as we shall all be impatient to know on what day we may expect you. It is very fortunate that the weather continues so mild. We [hole due to wax seal] Church this morning, and are give [wax seal] roast beef dinner today. One at the farm, and one at the Hall, as I suppose our guests will call it. Your girls are all well, and I believe I may add all happy. Mrs Beardmore is to drink tea with them; so you see we endeavour to let people suffer as little as possible by your absence. But be not afraid, my beloved wife, nothing in this world can ever make up the worst of your absence. At best it is to me scarcely life without you. I should unwillingly think of our ever being again separated for so long a time. But let me not cloud the dear and happy hope of our so soon meeting, with the comfortless idea of future partings. All these dear good girls join me in every tender and kind remembrance of yourself and your two companions, and you will also present our kindest regards and remembrances to all our friends atBirmingham. Should you not particularly mention [affix?] something about their coming to Linley Wood? Farewell dear friend and partner of my heart, and ever regard me as your most tenderly affectionate attached and grateful husband.

James Caldwell

Letter from James to Eliza.

Mrs Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

BedfordCoffee House

Friday 4^th March 1808

My ever dear Eliza,

On my return home from the House of Commons I have this morning received your letter which could never have come at a better season, as this is the third day that I have been dancing attendance in the Lobby from ten o’clock in the morning till three in the afternoon. I was amused at finding written in pencil on one of the Pillars “Another Misery of Human Life – Obliged to dance attendance in this Lobby for ten days waiting upon an Election Committee.” Mr Fletcher’s Counsel finished their Case today, and I trust that tomorrow I shall get unburthened of a lot I have to say. The whole question is reduced to the single point of the Opinion which I gave to the Returning Officers to close the Poll; so that you see I must stand the [Rub?] to the Cash. I would not have anything said about it, but it will be I know a great satisfaction to you to know that I have reason and hope that there is no doubt of the result. Indeed every lawyer I believe agrees that I was right. My decision was important, as it will set a precedent in future in all Elections. But to have done with this hateful subject. It will be a much greater satisfaction to you my beloved wife, to know that although not perfectly stout[?], I feel nothing materially amiss and that I am upon the whole considerably better than when I left home. It is merely to say this that I write a line by this night’s Post for as to any attempt to caress the emotions of tender and grateful affection all which your kind, soothing and animating expressions fill my heart, that would be now impossible. I will endeavour to believe that your union with me has been a source of the happiness which you describe, for of all reflections that will ever be to me the dearest and most delightful. I have seen nobody since I came to Town. I had an invitation to dine at Mr Macdonalds at [hole in letter due to wax seal] and at Mr Boothes today, both of which I declined, preferring the quiet even of a solitary room in an Coffee house to going into any company till our business is finished. Dr Crompton leftLondonbefore I arrived. I think the decision a hard one upon the individual; but very well as a check upon the needless protraction of contested elections; by withholding voters unnecessarily and only to open at time[?] Pray let me know in your next whether be any little thing that will be acceptable to you or any my very dear girls. I forget to mention this to you before I left home I know to what to turn my thoughts? Pray give me a hint. I have not yet called upon Stodhart, and leave you with which I trust will be by the first opportunity said on the direction of Mr Cooper. I am pretty sure I met Mr Gaskell twice in the Lobby but as he did not seem to recognize me, I took no notice. I can say nothing at present of any Returns; but trust it cannot now be long. Lord Stafford’s Gallery will be opened purposely on account of his [Staffordin?]. Remember me in the tenderest manner to my dearStamfordand his dear sisters and ever think of me as your tenderly affectionate and grateful husband.

James Caldwell

Letter from James to Eliza

Mrs Caldwell

No. 44 Margaret Street

Cavendish Square

London

Linley Wood, 17^th November 1809.

In the first place, my beloved Eliza, let me thank you for your kind and considerate remembrance in giving me such early and comfortable intelligence of your journey, about which I could not but feel a good deal of anxiety, though the weather was certainly as favourable as at this time of the year could be reasonably expected. I hope and trust everything will continue to go on well with you on this interesting expedition, and that I shall ere long receive a comfortable account of our dear girl, who with yourself, are the two [ideas?] here always uppermost in my mind. We are going on here very well and every one of our daughters seems on the alert to make me as little as possible sensible of your absence. They are indeed very good, and I think exactly what one ought and wish them. Just as we were going to dinner yesterday, the two Mrs Wedgwoods drove up to the door on their return fromLiverpool, and seemed much to enjoy taking a part of our family dinner. Mr Paske has I understand a favourable opinion of poor Bessy’s case, and Mrs Jos. Wedgwood takes her there again, in about a fortnight. They were only at Liverpool one day and did not see the Ladies fromEton, but Mr Jos. Wedgwood dined there with the Doctor. In your next letter I hope you will be able to give me some account ofStamford, and that his situation promises the advantages which he hoped to desire from it. If there be any thing material perhaps he will write a line himself; though I can easily conceive that the whole of his time is fully taken up. If he proposes going into another Office on the expiration of his year with Mr Bradby, I think Mr Abbots the most eligible that he could have solicited. Anne continues to go on well, though she felt sensibly the severe cold of the frost. It has set in again here last night, but has not affected her so much. Indeed she is gaining ground every day as fast as can be reasonably hoped or expected, and will I trust be soon restored to perfect health and happiness. In spite of myself, I cannot help already beginning to anticipate the happy moment of our reunion, and to which I look, my beloved Eliza, with a tenderness and fondness, that I should in vain endeavour to express, but which you I trust will not be disposed to blame. Age, may mellow, indeed, but believe me, it can never chill the love and friendship to which I bear you. Remembrance of the past would close [wax seal hole] the fire and preserve it in unabating warmth, ours is no common attachment, and will know neither decline nor change. Pray take all possible care of yourselves and regard nothing but making your anxious and interesting situation as easy and light as possible. When you can want a recruit in your finances let me know, and do not let any consideration of this kind interfere with any advice or other step whatever that it may [offer, offend?] you even in imagination only a satisfaction to take. This I now charge you not on your obedience my beloved wife but as another proof of your confidence and affection. In consequence of your sister’s message I have spoke to Thomas and agreed with him again. He behaved very well and said that his wages did not allow him to save anything at all and keep himself so neat as he wished. I fixed eighteen pounds for the ensuing year, which I hope you sister will approve, and if he continues to give her satisfaction perhaps she will not object to theGuineasfor the year following that. You will be glad to hear that I have let the Alsager Estate to Mr Jackson to my satisfaction. Mr Skerrett came with him the day you left and we soon settled the business. He takes both Michd farm and Cashmores, and will I dare say prove a comfortable tenant. You may mention this toStamford. Thank you my dear wife, for you kind remembrance of us in the [Larks?]. What a valuable thing is real love in having the power to impart even to trifles the means of giving happiness. Farewell, the paper is done and as I cannot read, so I shall not attempt to write cross ways. All the dear girls unite with me in everything most kind and affectionate to yourself and beloved Mary and your sister, not forgettingStamford. Pray write to me immediately, every and more than ever your own,

James Caldwell

Letter to Eliza from James. Post mark 20^th Dec 1809

Mrs Caldwell

No. 44 Margaret Street

Cavendish Square

London

Linley Wood, 18 December 1809

On my return home, my beloved Eliza, from Nantwich yesterday, I found your letter of the 14^th. The hope of meeting with me on my arrival, had cheered and animated my ride, which was otherwise uncomfortable enough, as I was on horseback and the roads are in the most miserable state. That I may lose no time in sending the money you mention, I have procured a Note for £60 from Mr Kennerly which you will receive inclosed, and be kind enough to apply as follows, £25 to Stamford being in full of his Quarters allowance.

22.10 to your Sister being Mr Skerretts Interest, and the remaining Balance of 12.10 you will take to your own occasion letting me know when you have learnt the amount of Mr Home’s demand, what more you will want, and which you may be assured shall not only be most cheerfully, but gratefully sent. And here, my beloved wife, would I willingly stop, nor fair you and my reply adanting[?] to that part of your letter which relates to Stamford’s advance and which he [implies, misplace?] his allowance, if I did not feel it to be my duty, not to conceal the surprise and regret which it has excited in my mind. After all that I have done and all that has so recently been settled on this subject of his Allowance, I must be excused if I say that I begin to feel something very like being trifled with or at least to apprehend that I never am to be at rest from the miserable harass of mind and spirits arising from being thus perpetually obliged to object to schemes and arrangements professing to have for their end the welfare and happiness of those I am most anxious to serve and to oblige, but the futility and increased [contempt, ?] of which it is impossible for me not to see, what indeed can I, or that could any man of common sense, foresight and discretion think of any plans which proceeds upon the idea of the whole of a years income being advanced and appropriated within 9 months or three fourth parts of the time? As to laying on a stock of wine, I really am at a loss what to understand by this, unless I am to infer, that the same expensive course is to be pursued in London which was followed at Cambridge, I may at once prepare myself to endure as well as fear, the total loss of all comfort and ease or quiet or mind. It signifies not, making us of words, as well I therefore agitate your mind or my own further than to say that £300 a year paid quarterly is all that my circumstances will admit of my allowing Stamford. That this too cannot be done without great inconvenience and privation on my part as well as some injustice to those who have equal claims with himself on my affections and my consideration and my kindness. That circumstanced as I am I know it to be a truly liberal and bountiful allowance and such as perhaps not many fathers would make, and if therefore it is not sufficient to enable him to live entirely in the way that he may wish, it is his first duty to contract his plan, and square it to his means. He will do me great wrong if he thinks that any thing that I have said proceeds from anger. My sensation at this moment, and indeed of a very different cast; it is grievous in any case to find one’s utmost efforts still fall short of their aim; but fortunately so when they have for their object the contentment of those whose happiness as well as welfare it has been one unremitting endeavour to promote. If you think proper to mention the subject to Stamford, I wish you to say only what you may yourself think right; without the smallest regard to what has fallen [hole in letter] me, further than what may be necessary (if he ig- [hole in letter] again be) to apprize him of his own real situation [hole in letter] mine. I have never yet deceived him by [hole in letter] fallacious hopes or expectations; and an only [hole in letter] he may not deceive himself by the indulgence of a [hole in letter]. The three girls dine today at Etruriaand go from thence [hole in letter] Mrs Wedgwood to the Assembly: but I am myself un- [hole in letter] at home with our dear little [Lonis, Loris?]for my only companion. I shall wait with great anxiety and impatience for your next letter, from a kind of hope, that it may give us some intimation of the time of your return. Happy indeed will be the moment when I shall again fold you to my heart for never was one animated by a more sincere and tender affection. Ann and Bessy will come here some day in the middle or later end of the Christmas week, but the particular one is not yet fixed. Mr Skerrett is not very well and talks of going to Londonere long to consult Dr Bailey. They all desire me to send their kindest remembrances when I wrote, which I told them I should do today. And here am I yet to the end of my paper, without one word to my dear dear Mary. She has not however been the less in my thoughts, to which she is indeed almost always present. Give my tenderest fondest love to her and tell her how delighted I shall be to escort her to the next Newcastle Ball: for which I hope she will be fully qualified both in health and spirits. What a Lady like appearance Emma would make on the road today! A carriage to herself with two servants? Farewell dear friend and partner of my heart, remember me in the kindest manner to your sister and Stamfordand think of me ever as your most tenderly affectionate and grateful husband.
James Caldwell

Letter to James Caldwell from Eliza Caldwell, very scrawly difficult to read handwriting.

James Caldwell Esq.

103Pall Mall

London

Linley Wood, 7^th March  1822

I hope my dearestCaldwellthat I may rely again on your making a faithful report of yourself when you tell me that you continue tolerably well though I lament to say that the business and uncomfortable like you lead might well have an unfavourable effect upon your health. I hoped that after Mr [F F?] went up you might have a little more company at dinner and in the evening. I am happy my best friend to give pleasure to your affectionate heart by sending a favourable account of myself, as I seem to make a daring though gradual advance to recovery though prudence restrains me from assuming my old accustomed habits: I do not rise till after breakfasting, dine at one and join my friends

a tea. Mr Davenport watches me with the eye of a Lynx, and my confidence in him makes me scrupulously attentive to all his directions. It is now more than a week since he has judged either bleeding or [etriter?] me necessary. On Wednesday we expect to see my Sister and Eliza, she judged it best to bring only her infant with her and in this I believe she judged as she generally has readily. I shall keep my dear Bessy as long as I can prevail upon her to stay as her gentle and tender attention I am much indebted and am convinced she has greatly contributed to my amendment. Mr Skerrett continues fairly well, and the report of Mr Smiths[?] proved fully and send a letter from Mr Mansley[?]. None is come from Mr Belging. A letter came from Beith on Saturday to inform you of the death of Mr William Caldwell, father in law of the writer, Mr John [Fuller?]. Nothing more in the letter. I feel that I must not write much more, so farewell tenderest friend of my heart and ever continued to care as you are fondly loved by mine.

Truly affectionate wife

Eliza Caldwell

Letter to James Caldwell – post mark  2 MR1831 from Eliza Caldwell. Scrawly handwriting for which she apologizes.

James Caldwell Esq

103Pall Mall

London.

Linley Wood.

Feby 28.

It goes to my very heart my dearest friend to send you so[-bley?] a return for your kind long letters; which make me so happy, as I trust to your truth and love that I may rely upon your being in reality as well as you describe  yourself to be. For myself I go on improving though not with very great rapidity, the weather for the last two or three days having been very cold with a [pior] wind has made me very cautious in going down stairs, I know however my dear Caldwell that you will not blame me for a little unnecessary caution on that score of prudence, and I feel completely accountable to you as ever for my regards, more even than when you are present. Should[?] Mr Davenport not write quite so often as you expect, one thing you may certainly rely upon, that no news was good news. Stamfordwas prevented reaching us at the time he intended and we did not see him till Saturday, and he goes to the Sessions in the middle of the week. He and my faithful Bessy (who still kindly continues with me) send their kind love. Eliza came downstairs on Friday after a confinement of eleven weeks and hopes that she and my sister may be with us about the 8^th, should the Parliament be dissolved and you set at liberty it has occurred to me that you would perhaps bring Anne down with you, this I shall not mention to her as you alone can judge how far it may be possible. I could have written better had I had better materials. I hope however it will be sufficient to convey the tender, fondest affection of the most attached of wives is yourE. Caldwell

Be so good as to send Davies to Beck and Allens seed shop and desire they will send me by the post a printed list of her flower seeds. The shop is in theStrand.

Letter to James Caldwell from Eliza Caldwell

James Caldwell Esq.

8 New Palace Yard

Westminster.

Brook Farm

19^th March 1829

You will think my dearest friend that my letters come quick upon you, this will not be a long one; but I wish to tell you of my plans that your dear letters may not be longer in reaching me, as they would be in travelling from place to place. I left the hospitable house atEtonyesterday, and am going to Nantwich tomorrow. I could not think of returning home without paying a visit to my dear Bessy; it being of more importance to her than any of my friends to have a little of my company. This is so vain a speech that I could find in my heart to blot it out. It shall go however I would not tell you of my plan till their accomplishment best you should feel nervous at my crossing the water, and the other road is so rough it was not prudent to attempt it. My letter shall be finished when my tremendous voyage is over. My sister and Eliza are to accompany me so far. When a few days are passed at Nantwich my greatest happiness would be to return and meet you at our peaceful happy home. This I fear will scarcely be so soon as my wishes. I mean however to be at Linley Wood a few days before you. Pray direct to me at Nantwich for a week or ten days. The weather is ungenial, no cold has attacked me, and I feel tolerably well. I wish my dearestCaldwellthat you could tell me that you cough was gone. It hangs on a terrible long time. I can not tell you how anxious I am to hear from you again, if only one line for you are ever in my thoughts. I am rather glad that the Potts’s are not atChester, as it would have been terrible one to have made a call in my road. Don’t mention my passing through the city if you see them, which I hope you will if you have not done it.

Nantwich, Saturday morning.

I came here most safely to tea yesterday. We came up the river as far as Eastham, Mr Roscoe taking care of us. The water was rough, the wind in our favour and being high tide we had not one step either up or down. The vessel was not full and I enjoyed the little voyage very much, and the road from Eastham was all smooth and good. I find Bessy’s cough exceedingly troublesome and Mr Skerrett is grown thinner and did not appear to looking very well. They had a melancholy piece of intelligence to communicate, which I am sure you will be very sorry to hear. Mr Garnett of Filstone has been thought in rather a declining since Christmas; but was not considered in danger, he walked out of d—last Wednesday but one, and died very suddenly the Friday following and was buried last Thursday. Mr J Garnett came to the funeral, also Mr Atkinson and his eldest son. The Atkinsons are going toLondonand many persons think that they will not reside again at Maple [Hays]. I had planned to send this last night not calculating on its being no post day. Any letter that you may have sent toLiverpoolwill find me here. I do most earnestly wish to see you again my dearest best of friends. Farewell dearest one as you are beloved by your faithful and tenderly affectionate wife, E.Caldwell

Bessy’s kindest love to you – did not walk out on Wednesday but was so well as to have intended.

Letter to James Caldwell from Mr Davenport.

James Caldwell Esq

103Pall Mall

London

Tunstall. March 3. 1831

My dear Sir,

Mrs Caldwell ahs been so – an so will  I have not considered it necessary to trouble you, daily, with a report. If I remember rightly you wished me to write you only so long as might seem requisite; I hope therefore my silence for the last few days has not been production of uneasiness. Indeed I have understood at Linley Wood that Mrs Caldwell has written to you lately. With respect to my present report of her case, all that I can say is, she appears in all respects quite as well as she has been for the last 6 or 7 months. Should anything seem contrary to Mrs Caldwell’s well being, be assured I will immediately inform you of it, but at all events, I will write in a few days.

Most humble?

Davenport.

Letter to James Caldwell, post mark 24 Feb, 1831.

James Caldwell Esq

103Pall Mall

London

Tunstall, Tuesday 22^nd Feb 1831

My dear Sir,

Mrs Caldwell is still going on well.

Dear sir,

Yours respectfully

J[?]Davenport.

Letter to James Caldwell

J. Caldwell Esq.

103Pall Mall

London

My dear Sir,

I am most happy to inform you Mrs Caldwell is going on quite well.

Dear Sir,

Most respectfully,

J. Davenport.

Monday

21^st February 1831

Letter to James Caldwell, postmark 26^th Feb 1831

J.Caldwell Esq

103Pall Mall

London

Tuesday 24^th February 1831

Mrs Caldwell continuing going on well.

Davenport.

Letter to James Caldwell from daughter Anne Marsh-Caldwell

James Caldwell Esq

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

Waterloo,

Wednesday Jn[?] 4^th, 1832

My dear Father,

I have to thank you for quite a noble round of red beef which arrived in perfect safety yesterday morning. Its appearance gave rise to some rash thoughts, as was natural, but I felt much gratified at this proof, that we were remembered so kindly by one so deeply honoured. And whose thoughts must have so many other matters to occupy them. The Beef was followed by your letter, most gratifying and most touching. I feel an awkwardness sometimes in expressing my feelings, fearing that if I were to express all the affectionate admiration of which my heart is full that it might appear to go something beyond that reverence, which as a child I always have and always shall feel for my Father. But you are very indulgent to my poor efforts to explain my feelings. And such words of affection and confidence are dearer to me than I can find words to tell. How well I think I understood that sad return of the thoughts, after a little distraction in society, and it is the apprehension that such are the solitary hours, which diminishes so much the happiness with which I hear of improved cheerfulness, and apparent health. Still I greatly rejoice even in them because I cannot but consider a proof that the general health and strength must be improved where such efforts are possible. The affliction, the privation, few have experienced, few experiencing have the heart to feel in the same degree, few feeling have had the courage to endure with what, forgive the expression, I think heroic patience, my poor dear Uncle. Got when he will, and how he will, it is impossible not to grieve very much over such a kind worthy cheerful friend as he has been, for so long a course of years. My dear good Aunt Bessy seems repaid for all her exertions by the affectionate letter of approbation she has received from you. I look forward to coming to Linley in Spring when you are so good as to say you will be glad to see me, with quite a longing feeling. I will not attempt to say how often my thoughts dwell upon the many hours I passed with you last spring, and how often I wish I had the power to fly down for a few days and renew them. My children are thank God, all well now except Louisa, whose eyes are still useless. For myself I only suffer by being obliged to be very idle, with abundance of rest I am very comfortable, and few in this world have so little reason to complain. I have been quite a prisoner of late, and have heard nothing. There is little I believe to hear if I circulated more. Barnes the Editor of the Lines[?] the 4^th power in the state, says over his wine, that the Bill once passed, he shall write the Ministry out in six weeks and then shall proceed to write down the Church. He acknowledges to an old College jealousy of the Bishop of London as the cause of this last determination. Mr Majendie the famous French anatomist who is celebrated by the way for his barbarous experiments upon animals, has been dining inBrook Street on his return from Sunderland toParis. He says the Cholera differs from other disorders, in that they end, but this beings with death. He has seen the most robust men, pass from apparent perfect health to death in one hour. He has invented the term [hole in paper] Graveriser[?] to express the change produced on the countenance in this extraordinary disease. We are all going tomorrow, 7 children to pass twelfth day in Brook St. Noise enough there will be. My dear Father your affectionate and dutiful daughter, Anne.

Letter to James Caldwell from Mr Tremlow atBetley Court. 1831.

James Caldwell

Linley Wood

Betley Court

2^nd February 1831

My dear Sir,

I am extremely glad to hear that Mrs Caldwell is better, though I cannot help regretting the necessity which obliges you to leave home. When I sent my servant to Linley on Friday last, I really felt so unwilling to trouble you on the subject of business that I refrained from trying, but the note you are kind enough to write to me, now has induced me to call upon you tomorrow, with the hope of going after to fix a day for our travelling together which to me would have been much the most agreeable plan. I am unfortunately so circumstanced with respect to some private business of my own, that my leaving home before the middle or end of the week is quite out of the question and I have calculated that about Thursday or Friday would have been the most convenient time for you as the case now stands I have only to regret that I cannot accompany you tomorrow, and to add that I hope to reach London by the Chester Mail on Friday or Saturday morning next, when I shall be glad to relieve you from as much labour as it may be in my power to do. I wrote to Sir George Chetwynd by last night’s post.

Believe me,

Very truly yours,

Frn.Tremlow.

Letter to James Caldwell from Eliza Caldwell

To

James Caldwell Esq

103Pall Mall

London

Linley Wood, 19^th March 1831

I have the vanity to believe, my dearest Caldwell, that you love to see my handwriting, if only for a few lines, particularly when it tells you as it may this morning, that I am tolerably well, at the same time feeling sensible that 76 does not rally so speedily or permanently as 36, but I have the fear of you before my eyes being careful of myself. For your dear sake hope we may be permitted to pass on in comfort together some time longer. I fear that you will be terribly harassed with the great exertions you are called upon to make and that there is little probability of your release before the end of the month. The pound note that came in the packet was a cordial to my heart in every respect; and all the contents of the packet were most satisfactory being precisely what I wished. I of course, have not given the slightest hint to Anne of her returning with you knowing that you could best judge of the propriety of it, and thinking that Mr FT [Tollet?] might perhaps accompany you; in a letter I had from her on Tuesday she said my father was last year so kind as to propose bringing me down with him when I dared not venture; should he have the goodness to repeat the proposal I should now have no fear by accepting it. Should there be any objection to this, for you must do nothing that can by possibility expose you to any restrain or uncomfortableness it has occurred to me that Anne might return with Mr Wedgwood and Elizabeth if they travel, as they generally do in the mail coach, and it might be well to mention this to her if you think proper. I have asked Mrs Wedgwood and Elizabeth and Ann I – if she can come to dinner tomorrow as my sister and Eliza will be there to entertain them. I shall just take that portion of their company which will be perfectly proper for me and no more. Mrs Moreton brought Mrs Sneyd of Ashcombe yesterday morning to call and whom I was very glad to see, we not having met for years. An invitation came for you to attend the funeral of Mr Lawton on Saturday. I replied that you were inLondonand not expected to return before that time, that I was sure you would regret not having it you power to show this respect to the memory of Mr Lawton. We hope Eliza is gaining a little strength amongst us. Bessy went home yesterday.Stamfordis not yet returned fromStaffordwhere I am told there is much business. And now my dearest best of husbands and of friends, farewell, and ever loved as you are beloved by your tenderly affectionate wife,

Eliza Caldwell

My sister and Eliza beg kind love to you

Letter to James Caldwell from Eliza Caldwell

To

James Caldwell Esq

103Pall Mall

London

Linley Wood, 26^th February

Your letter, my dearest friend was a cordial to my heart, and I thought you the best of men for writing so much but fear your wish to gratify and amuse me was attended with much trouble to yourself. I cannot allow you to sacrifice too much. You inspire most plentiful proof of your love for which I feel truly grateful. I should have written a line on Thursday had not Mr Davenport thought it right to lay another blister on my back which put it out of any of my power, and yesterday I wished to tell you what a dreadful night I had passed and there was no post, the delay only gives me the opportunity of speaking of the good nights instead of me, my sleep seems to be returning to me and no complaints remaining except an occasional numbness in my hand and these gradually subsiding, and not the slightest unpleasant sensation in my head. Tomorrow I propose trying the air of the breakfast room, but it is very cold this morning, so I shall be wonderfully prudent to feel greatly obliged to St.George for the interest he so kindly takes about me, and pray make my affectionate acknowledgments to Dr Holland for his unremitting kindness to me and Mary for her good letters and I am a poor sender at present and own and fear scarcely intelligible I will write to her when I can and A’s letter. My line also atWaterloo. Bessy desires her best love to you. It goes to my heart to return so shabby a letter for your excellent one, but I can only affirm you dearest best of men that I am more than ever your tenderly affectionate and faithful wife,

Eliza Caldwell

Letter to James Caldwell

To

James Caldwell Esq.

103Pall Mall

London

Linley Wood

14^th March 1831

Thank you again and again my dearest Caldwell for your long and most welcome letter, would I could answer it with the like, but though it is now many days since I had a return of sensation[?] in my hand it is very over tired with the exertion of writing, and Mr Davenport is always recommending me doing them in this way and every other, particularly those parts of my frame as have most affected. I was particularly well on Friday; but being not quite so tired on Saturday he advised a repetition of leeches, which seemed to have set all right again. I certainly feel gaining ground. Bessy will return tomorrow should the day be per-=-l ; it will grieve me in not to part with her but she thinks it not right to leave Mr Skerrett any longer; all desire and love to you. I hope we shall improve Eliza’s health but she is not very strong. Her baby is one of the loveliest infants that I ever saw. Pray give my love to Mr H with my sincerest thanks for the kind letters and things, I will answer as soon as I have the power of doing it. At present it is all I can do to scrawl a letter to you my dearest friend even in this upsetting[?] and useless way. I trust and assume it will give you the assurance and tried ever truly never be necessary as long as life remains to me, but I am ever and at all times your tenderly affectionate and faithful wife,

Eliza Caldwell

Forster, the [Clerk?] at Talke was on Saturday found dead in his garden, assumed to have fallen on returning from his work.

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