Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
PB 1010001
Part of letter done in previous pile
PB1010002
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Miss Rosamond Jane Marsh
3 Southgate House
Tenby
Pembrokeshire
[stamp cut off] Postmark Watford. 3rd Dec 1844
PB1010004
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Miss R. Marsh-Caldwell
Linley Wood
Talk oth Hills
Staffordshire
England
Part of post mark on rear visible
-rent.
-y
4
PB1010006
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Miss R. Marsh-Caldwell
Linley Wood
Lawton
Cheshire
Note Last letters of and about [Millye, Nillye?]
Post mark Clifton, Bristol. 13th October 1866.
Stamp cut off
Pencil note on envelop- Synonyms of the New Testament [Trench, Trenet?]
PB1010008
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Miss R MarshCaldwell
Linley Wood
Lawton
Cheshire
Post mark London1874, back post mark Lawton Ju 26 1874
Envelop covered in light pencil writing. Religious text
PB1010010
Card pencil writing Aunt Emmies description of our Father and Mother.
File PB1010011
May be rear of previous Stamfords writing?
Continues about 40: to be paid to Miss [Wranch?] of Batt-Green. See Mr Firmin of Rode about it.
[Pencil] The colts not to be in the [Ley?]. Colnaghi turned[?] Prints
Birmingham
Swift and Swift bay to Beardmore.
[5 or 6 more words at bottom of page not readable] [Lindenbdy by Houghath ?
PB1010013
Letter to Posy.
Feltre
9th July
Dear Aunt Posy,
We had a most amusing afternoon yesterday, Aunt Amy and I and three others of our party took a photo of a quaint old house in Feltre, we asked an old woman in the road what the name of it was, and we understood her to say that we could go and see the house if we liked, and as it looked interesting we knocked at the door and after some time a girl and her governess looked out of the window, we explained what we wanted and they told us that it was a private house but that they would ask the father if we could see it, he gave permission and we went in. The girl was only 16 years old, but seemed much older. She and the governess were both charming, they really seemed so pleased to see us, we might have been old friends, instead of impertinent English people who had imagined that their house was a kind of museum. The house had beautifully painted ceilings, carved old furniture, and pictures. It was very interesting. They insisted on us having coffee and then took us into the little garden and gave us flowers. Then they told us that a friend of theirs had some beautiful pictures and statues that we must see, so they sent a servant to explain to their friend that they had sent us to see the pictures. The friend was a charming old lady who could speak nothing but Italian, which none of us could speak, so she sent the servant back to fetch the girl and her governess, and until they came she was most amusing, laughing and making us all laugh, trying to understand what we said and trying to make us understand her. She had some beautiful pictures of fishermen and fish, also of people, the statues were wooden ones of Prometheus, Mercury and Justice and others most beautifully carved.
I really think they enjoyed our visit. It certainly was most amusing and we all enjoyed it immensely.
Today we are going to drive to Promuro, where we stay for three nights.
We stayed at Innsbruck for two nights, and then went to Schluderback, which is such a pretty place, with Dolomites all round, and beautiful flowers, gentias, daffney, Alpine roses, blue salvias etc. The mountains are beautiful, they are very bare and rocky at the top, and are a soft grey colour with dark patches, and then bright pink bits and snow on the top, the lower parts of the mountains are covered with trees, chiefly larches and flowers. We stayed at Schluderbach for two nights and then drove to Cortina [Cortina de Ampezzo] where we stayed till Saturday.
Primiero [Transaqua?]
10th July
I didnt have time to finish my letter yesterday.
At Cortina we went for beautiful walks every day, one day we went up Belvedere, a small hill, but a good long climb up it, from the top of which there is a beautiful view of Antilao, which is a splendid Dolomite.
On Friday we drove to the valley of the [Boita, Borca?] river up which we walked. It was very pretty, we came to a bridge, a great height above the river, on one side the rocks nearly met over the river, on the other they were a little further apart, it was beautiful looking down; further on we came to another bridge over a narrow gorge. On each side there were waterfalls. On Saturday we drove to Belluno and went by train from there to Feltre, and yesterday we drove here, it was a beautiful drive along the valley of the Chismoeni river, the road was a good height above the river, cut on the rock, some of the hills were red sandstone which looked very fine with the bright green trees etc growing on it. This is a very quaint old town, we went into the old part yesterday. Some of the houses are painted such bright colours, others have pictures painted on them, and the people are so picturesque. Today we are going for a long expedition up a beautiful valley.
Please give my love to Aunt Missings.
With much love, your loving great niece,
Mig Loring. [May be Mary Dorothea Loring /Vesey?
File PB1010017
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Sherness
Mrs R.H. Crofton
Banks Terrace
MileTown
Postmark 2nd August 1851[?]
Friday evening
Thank you dearest Fanny for your note received yesterday and for the veils which are beautifully done I thin, and just as good as new. I daresay you will not mind our remaining in your debt till you come. I am very glad you are not going to take any more such hugely long walks. Mary and I intend making you walk with us every morning, will not you. It is so very pleasant you cannot think. Mary and I have been just down to the Grove, and leaving Mamas cards on Mrs Kelby. The good Dr looks so happy and it must be more comfortable for him when he comes home, must not it? Fancy how grand I was this morning, the only person who had letters and I had four. I must say goodbye now dearest Fanny. I am very sorry we are not to have your journal after all. I thought you were in earnest at first when you said that it would be a very good thing for me to go and see Aunt Roscoe. Mary R goes there the 18th . Laura Roscoe is to be married in the Spring. Henriettas [Margaret Henrietta New 1858-1919? Wrong date for to match envelop?] marriage is put off, for another year. Ever dearest Fanny your loving sister,
Georgina A. M.
File PB1010021
Letter to Posy from [AMC?] at Linley Wood.
8th June [1867]
Here is a [leader?]mother for my Posy. Yesterday among many letters to write, my head was bothered with the idea that there was one, I particularly wanted to write, and could not think which it was. And when post was done then came my dear, one to my mind. I have, however, got your second, and it is pleasant to talk them over, both together. I am glad you got your Galoshers safe. I was restless till you had them and took them down to Mrs [Collisson?] myself to ensure dispatch. You letter is, as usual, most interesting and your pictures make one see the people. I fear Mr Eyre must have suffered tortures and so unjustly. I think it was very right and very courageous of the Queen and Prince to [submit?] to his defence. The attack was so unjustifiable. Nothing has happened of moment since you went. Charles [Buxton of Fox Warren, not Sir Sydney Buxton] is, I think, without doubt steadily advancing to recovery [after fall from horse] though there will be ups and downs. Someone, I suppose Georgy, has sent us [Trigers? May?] in which is Charles little poem, Staghounds. It is really as beautiful as a thing of the sort can possibly be. L and G were charmed with it. So [freed?] so spirited. It is liking a dart through the air on the brightest of mornings to read it. Whatever dear fellow, has gone amiss. His wits are not the worse for his misadventure that is [tedious?] and I have been busy corresponding with Fanny. I bethought myself that this was a fine opportunity for sending a little present to my Godson [may be Duke Crofton?] by the Commission. I was bothering what to send, Louisa suggested some fine [parted?] harnesses for my young officer. I bethought myself of those beautiful dress shirts that [Fanny crossed out] Mary told me off that she was making for her Commodore. So I have taken measures to send my young Dandy as I hope he is a couple of the most beautiful that can be got suitable for a young midshipman of good family to wear and a dozen do. Long pocket [Hand?] I was obliged to ask Fanny to get them, as I had no one else I could employ and I look to Richards taste to choose the right thing. I sent her 5 cheque yesterday 100/1 pay for my commission but it will not come to that. I charged her not to be regardless of expense. I hope my dashing [steven?] will not think his master very extravagant but if was my Godson and the opportunity will not occur speedily again. The shirts I hope will cost a guinea a piece at least. Here is a note from the Twemlows [not?] me and one or if not me, two to dinner. Louisa has accepted. She has been out once on her horse which [agreed?] perfectly and we are going to persevere every other day. My cough continues must mean sad weather[?] but I am quite [fussy, fully?] and L is charmingly amiable and makes me very happy. Dear love to my dear Mrs Corbet, Mary and [Elouisa?]. And my kind regards to Mr Corbet. Louisas love and her love and thanks toMrs Corbet for her kind thoughts of her, and will certainly try the remedy if she does not go on right. Maria has got the [Hamlon Parcket Hamran?]
THE STAGHOUNDS. By Charles Crompton
Forrard away ! Forrard away !
Cheerly, ye beauties, forrard away !
They flash like a gleam o'er the upland brow,
They flash like a gleam o'er the russet plow,
O'er the green wheatland, fair to see ;
Over the pasture, over the lea.
Forrard away forrard away !
Cheerly, ye beauties, forrard away !
Continues.
File PB1010025
Letter to Georgina from Louisa at Linley Wood
LW.
Sunday 5th
My dearest Gs
What joyful news your letter brings me this morning!! So! We may actually hope to see your beloved face in a fortnight! And to have you safe and sound amongst us ever more. How intensely joyful this will be, and dear Mrs Harper, how glad we shall be to have her at Linley Wood once more. And wont Harper be delighted! His face shone this morning when I told him how soon he might expect his beloved wife home again. I know Posy told you all up to yesterday afternoon, after the Cottage had left us, and Nele also. P and I have both been to Talk church this morning. But there is nothing more to tell, absolutely. We saw the Woods and heard that they are going almost immediately to their House Boat as they call it, its the yacht anchored on the Southampton water. They were all so kind and helpful, on the School [teach?] day, impossible to be more so, and with no fuss about it. Tuesday 21st is the day fixed for our Garden party here which suits John. The A. Lorings will be here, and you also dearest of Gs, we hope. The idea of our giving a party of this sort seems to give marked satisfaction to all our friends. Adieu my child. Ever your loving L. Kindest remembrances to Mrs H.
Oh it is so bright to think of your coming so soon.
PB1010027
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Miss R Marsh Caldwell
Linley Wood
Talk o th Hills
Staffs
England [stamp cut off]
Post mark on rear Stoke on Trent, 23rd July
S.Ubrich in Grodenthal
July 20th
Dear Aunt Posy
We stayed at S.Martino for a week, it is so pretty all round. S. Martino itself consist of about 4 or 5 hotels and about two or three cottages. It is very high and has splendid Dolomites all round. We were lucky for after the first two days we had beautiful weather, and we were told that it had rained every day for a month before that. There were very pretty walks through the woods, winding in and out by the side of little waterfalls. One evening there was an Alpine glow over the mountains, and they were all a beautiful rosy colour. On Thursday we drove from S. Martino over the Rolle Pass, from which you get a good view of Cimone di Palla, a very high Dolomite, and right down the valley. We drove through Paneveggio to Piedazzio where we had lunch and then drove on to Cavalese, where we stayed for one night. There is a very interesting looking Church there, but unfortunately we couldnt get into it. There were some frescoes on the outside of the porch and some carving inside and a carved wooden ceiling to the porch. We walked down a steep path into the valley, and looking up the valley there was beautiful view of the river with the mountains on both sides which were a dark purple. In the very far distance some Dolomites that just caught the evening sun and were a pale pink and white where the snow was on them. Yesterday we left Cavalese at 7.30am and drove toNewmarket, we drove right down into the valley of the Adije, which is a very long wide valley in which they grow the vines; we crossed the bridge and took the train to Bozen, where we stayed for two hours. The Cathedral at Bozen was very interesting, one spire was very finely carved in stone, the other was covered with bright coloured tiles. At the West end porch were two large lions and a large door carved in dark wood with pictures of the Evangelicals and some other pictures. Inside the church looked very grand, it is very lofty and has a very fine altar, with a picture by a pupil of Titians behind it. Behind the altar there is a carved panel standing on two lines of red marble. The pulpit is carved in stone with the four Evangelists, each represented as a bishop, pope or cardinal, and below them little monks of different orders. We walked about the town, there are some quaint old arcades. From there we drove up the Grodener Thal to S. Ulrich, a three hours drive as it was uphill all the way. The Grodener Thal is very pretty. There are a great many Water Elder bushes with their bright red berries, and there are great rocks in the groden that make it into a series of little waterfalls. We had great difficulty in getting our rooms as some mistake had been made about ordering them and all the hotels seemed to be full, but at last we found one that could take us in and are quite comfortable. S.Ulrich is quite a big place, they do a great deal of caring here and make a great many toys. You can just see the top of Lang Koxel, it is very pretty all round, but I dont think that it is as pretty asS. Martino, but I havent had time to see much of it yet. We passed some very pretty Mallow trees yesterday. I had never seen them before. We are just going out for a walk to a village near here. Please give my love to Aunt Missings.
With much love, your loving niece,
My Loring.
File PB1010033
Letter to Georgina from at Linley Wood
Saturday 14th
Dearest Georgy,
Your welcome letters to us both came today. I am so glad dear Me and you have got such a nice room and I think it will be more shady than the one above. Our Pensioni and room was a follows
1st Week 121.45 there was wine extra and baths.
2nd Week 116.0
3rd Week 114.30
4th Week 112.0
So it seems you get a better room for at least the same. I hope your beds are better too. I think of you so constantly my G, as I know so well what you do. It is a blessing that you have had as satisfactory an operation as the last and one is so thankful for you dear and I do hope as you thought that the change will do your general health a great deal of good. A great comfort to that the Professor thinks your other eye in good order. I hope he and the [Professorium?] may be able to come and see us. Mrs Harper will, I think, do well at the Pensione. I am very glad you have been able to get her so nicely fed. Better than you will be unless the feeding has improved as much as the W.C. which improvements greatly relieve me for I rather dreaded the W.C.s for you and Mrs Harper. No wonder you were both tired. But I hope are both resting now. I wonder where your Pensioni is. Is it above or below the Klinik? I dont remember Ritters. I hope Mrs Harper will have some pleasant walks with Fraulein Ritter. I suppose Herr Kalb would quite welcome you again and his changing the cheque proves he thinks us reliable people! I rather hoped you would have our cool weather so much better for your eyes. Today is lovely, a nice cool breeze and July sun. Perfect for the hay and as there was only a light shower yesterday I hope they will get on with it. Boon [Brown?] has a small stack I saw yesterday at the field near Long Hill. Today in very good fettle. It is very nice the Chenda [Crompton?] will come and see you but I dont think she would be allowed today would she. Well, now for our doings. I got a letter from Clara crossing mine saying she was so delighted I was coming that by Ls advice I sent a Tel. to her myself for Monday until next Saturday 21st. and Clara so delighted to have me I hear this morning. When I go to Heathyfield Louisa will forward me on Mrs Hs [Harper] letters so unless there is anything very particular I wont trouble her to write to me as well. But of course if you should not be going on all right I should wish her to write directly to me. Miss C. Corbet, 36 Norham Road, Oxford. And from Saturday Heathyfield [Twicham?] Surry. And on the 28th I am at home again. Thursday about 4.30 Sybil and Grace came up to congratulate and staid to tea. May had made herself very popular with them all. Sybil looking much better is going to the Aunts for the Chester Festival (to which of course, now I do not go) and looking forward to it with great delight. Yesterday Louisa and I went to Mrs Kennedys garden party. We, L. Mrs Wilbraham, Mrs Mariott, Mrs Kenney and I walked to the Church as I wanted to see Mrs Ks carvings which are beautiful. They took her 11 years but of course she says she did other things besides. The Church is one of Scotts and was built by her father with 20,000. a former curates daughter had saved up for the purpose to build a church in memory of her father and the ground was bought, the Church and parsonage built and an endowment to the church besides. Mrs Kennedy said it was such a rest and pleasure to her father who had been begging and struggling to get money for all the good works he did at Sandbach, to have the money given him for all that. But must not the Curate daughter have done well and she was far from stingy. Mrs Kennedy says Mrs Ks carvings are of course at the East end, the Reredos and sides, and round where the choir seats begin. Clement Swetenham was there, Mrs S. has to have 3 weeks more of bed. They do not go abroad before November. All the usual people of that side were there and vigorous Lawn tennis in 4 courts and croquet on a lawn going on. It was a lovely afternoon and the evening quite perfect. [thereon?] saw our view looking more lovely. We had a rabbit in the garden who is eating the nasturtiums so Harper takes Judy out in the evening and she has a fine chase but of course, never catches the rabbit! But I hope frightens him horribly. I will write to Mle Coniton[?] about the Klinik [Armen?] but I fear it will be difficult if some one must go with Maria. Louisa is, I think, very fairly well and ready getting rested. I think Lilian is very likely to come here whilst I am away, which will be nice. We have not heard again from Liverpool so I trust all is going well with Maude. Fanny was expected home on Monday as Amy was going to take her place. All very pleased at Rode etc, at Phils honours and being introduced to the Royalties at Harrow last Saturday. School feast fixed for 3rd July, Friday. So sorry you and Mrs Harper will not be here. Please give my kind remembrances to Sister and Herr. We shall anxiously wait Mrs Harpers letters. My kind regards to her. Your loving Posy.
I do so think you dear Louisas dear love and hope to write to you Monday.
File PB1010037
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Miss Rosamond Marsh
N Barnardistones Esq
Sudbury
Suffolk
Post mark Sudbury 2nd August 1846. Rear post mark from Watford with red wax seal. Date 31st July 1846 [10 days before Martins death in Athens]
File PB1010039
Letter to Georgina from Posy in London at dentist
13 Wilton Street
Thursday [1876?]
My darling Gies,
I am so vexed about the paper because Louisa and I have taken such great pains to send it well before 5 oclock but it just strikes me that it should not be put in the Pillar post. However, you must surely have got yesterdays this morning, as we saw it posted before 2 in a newspaper box ourselves. Yesterday we had a fly again for Louisa to do all the other visits and it took me up to execution a dear grey haired plump rosy cheeked little man, who was very kind but the gas did not open my jaw much and so it was a difficult operation as he had, as he said, to fumble about in the dark, and I began to get alive again at the worst part, however, very proudly was he when he finally [took?] out a huge good solid fang which he said he should send to Mr Cameron[?]. Ill never have such good honest fangs taken out again. At present my jaw is not unlocked the least, and as I always thought, I believe it will prove the tooth had nothing to do with it, however, as there was a doubt it is as well to have [last?] it out and when all the swelling of the mauling my poor wretched jaw had is gone down perhaps it may prove all right. I took [Aglai?] with me of course. Louisa had a very successful and pleasant tournee of visits as you will see by enclosed list and got home about 5 and then Annie came and sat a long time. I had taken to my bed so did not see her. Mrs [Storin?] has asked one of us to dine on the 5th with you. She has asked the Phillips and Stanhopes to meet you. They were both so pleasant when they called. Louisa is going out this afternoon to see the Creeds. I must stay at home as prudence is the better part. The Heaths (luckily for what a storm we had last night and thunder and going on until 10 this morning, now it is calmed and bright) have put off coming until tomorrow when Mary, May and Freddie come up and we have asked them to lunch and May and Bertie to dinner at 7 which will give them plenty of time before starting so we shall be a dinner of 6 as the Croftons will be here. I am so glad that you are not feeling dull and it is nice to think how soon you will be here. We are going on Saturday to the [Monday pop?]: Miss Moore says that the music there is quite beautiful. The Doctor who has been to vaccinate Cheneau this morning says that short of an earthquake and a tidal wave we had everything last night that nature can do in the way of virtue[?].Poor Chencan[?] was quite overcome, poor man, not with the pain, but it simpressione as Aglais says. Certainly the French dont seem to have the nerve we have. He is quite defaite still, but a run for some stamps will do him good. This is a stupid letter my Gies. But a visit to the Dentists is not conducive to sharpening ones brains and prevents one seeing people. All the people Louisa saw were very nice, except Adie who for some reason was not herself. Louisa says she does not go to [Ruitiu?] until after Easter. I daresay there are many [hacuperiei?] Erie is gone out of town to Mrs Scopes for a few days. I think she is looking quite herself again. I dont like that [Oassue?] but as we said nothing, of course, we cant do anything else. I think its perfectly shocking trying to bring back the English Nation to such superstitions as [scapulous?] but the fact is they do believe every R.C. superstition except the Infallibility of the Pope. Very curious Dales letter, a sign of the times. Dear the 101st is sure to come back but he needs some sharp discipline of life. Louisa and I think you had much better look at these bonnet before you go to [No. D?] fancy my extravagance I have bought at Hat at Asingtons and it cost 2.3 but has a really beautiful feather. Thanks dear for all the things you are sending. My dearest love to you.
Your loving Posy.
File PB1010041
Follows last letter. Posy in London at dentist to Georgina. 1876
13 Wilton Street, [London]
Friday
Darling Gies,
Thanks for your letter to me and that this morning to Louisa and enclosures. Mr B seems to justify himself, what a nice letter from Harry. Now dear for our proceedings. The whole resident Heath party were here yesterday, all looking gloriously well. But Arthur, whose looks I do not like at all, and he seemed quiet and depressed but then he never is himself, I think, when Leo is there. Is it not grand Fred is No.2 in the Academy. He is grown quite tall enough and is still growing and does look so nice and dear. Mary [or May?] looks quite [stalwart?] [fat?] and blooming and in excellent spirits General F [Fox?]. Cotton came just as she and Ted came all up together. I am afraid as he says, that they are very poor. He has money still in the [Aquarium?] but has nothing more to do with the management. He said he was going down to see the American meat at Cannon Street, all the vaults under the Grand Hotel are made of butchers shops and he asked if any of us would go down with him so Louisa and Fred said they would and off they started and both on them return about 3! Declared they had enjoyed it much. The meat shop was crowded principally with butchers from the most topping, downwards. Louisa says they looked highly disgusted at seeing a gentleman spying out the land and bon vivant the General [learns?] wrote and ordered a sirloin of beef. It was sent him bill with its 9d lb and he said it was most excellent. Then they went to Billingsgate where General bought a huge cod of 6/- with fear and trembling lest he should have done wrong. Fred staid with me and was so nice and pleasant. He is not well set up though. Does not look so smart as the Croftons. As an instance of the improving civilization amongst school boys he says a fight is the surest occurrence. Mary and Louisa went off in Emilys carriage which came for them and then with her calling, they called on Sybil. There is quite a breeze between them and Brooks St about Agnes acting and one understands how both in a way are right as the [fr Hs?] never heard of anything but a reading then when they consented to As [Agnes?] taking a part and Caroline did it all as a sort of introduction to Agnes.Erie [Eden?] ran in for minute.
Wednesday. I as usual, staying at home like a spider in my net caught all the [visitors?] Mary B came in in the morning to ask after me. And was so dear and nice. May came about 3 looking very fat and bonnie but not pretty. Very radiant and looking forward immensely to her 3 months. I got a card from her this morning saying her quite calm but owing to tide they [they?] could not leave until past 1 instead of 9 in the morning as they hoped. The card streamed out enjoyment dont you know. I am sure the paper one write on gets impregnated with ones mood! Because there is not a word to express it and yet I am sure she was feeling it. Margaret Holland [Margaret Jean Trevelyan (1835-1906).] was the first to call looking so handsome and friendly. Came with the olive branch and a note this time to invite [twfeul, twsseul?] and Fanny, (which finding they were not coming she took back) away to Harrys [hand, land, band?], they had not been able to join any parties or go any where and on going away insisted on a kiss. So thats all right again. Annie came in whilst she was there as dear as usual. Then Emma [Linque?] looking fat and aged and lame. Afraid she always will be so. Very pleasant. Then Pinkie, so bright and cherry, like the old Pinkie from something Lady Donaldson said. Louisa thinks something may be up. Louisa was out all this time as you know. Then Adie and Lady D who both want me to go to Paget or Prescots [Hewitt?] but I hope I [mudnt?] spend my 41.8. My jaw was decidedly more open this morning but it has a way of doing that and then closing up again to do its former vidello. Mr C come to see me today. The Heaths all thought me looking so well that I didnt extract much pity from them! And Leo declared I liked wearing this becoming headdress. My bon marche white wool!! However, he advised if I was not better going to see Paget. I shall see what Cameron says, but I do feel sure in spite of anything people may say the tooth had nothing to do with it. Well, Bertie came to dinner and took May off to her train. He comes to dine tonight and off to the House for the chance of getting a place to hear the debate which as the scrimmage is not to come off he will. Oh, by the way, Mrs C. Stanley called in in the morning. She says Gladstone has quite finished himself by his last speech. The Dean had seen the Duke of Argyle before the debate. He was very excited but the Dean could not quite see the logic of his wishing to send the fleet again to Constantinople. Its a lovely bright day again. I hope Cameron will let me out. I want to go to Lewis and Allenly where there is a grand sale on account of some change of partnership, and do some calls. If we can get tickets we go to the Monday Pop and I am going to give [Bertie?] one. The General kindly understood to see for me, but I almost fear as they have not been sent, we think, they say its hardly any use having them after 13 row but if I can get out I shall go and see for myself. Joachim and Lehmmann! You may fancy our despair on Wednesday when after getting a telegram from Mary to say she would not come with May, but next day [with?] Fred, we got one from Croftons to say May could not come. But what a mercy they did not risk it. I do trust, dear Richard is better. Now of course, he will not come at all. It has been apparently most unfortunate. I called on L Croft and J.G. yesterday. Of Gerard Mrs Brackenley[?] writes that he is clever and industrious, dear lad, he is so happy there and quite blossoming out and eating and growing. I cant think what there is at Waterfields that does not suit the Heaths. I know you like to know what Mr C says so I shall just add it. L at Church. The Litany at 11. Mr C says the muscle is paralysed. Recommends [Hartshorn?] and oil rubbed in twice a day. Says it wont get well for some. Believes tooth had [plenty?] to do with it as fang was diseased in upper part. Mr Lintott sent it him and said he had given him a difficult [set?], never had a more difficult one and could not have done it if I had not been feelingly[?].
Your loving Posy.
PB1010045
Letter from Louisa with Posy in London at dentist to Georgina
Wilton Street1876[?]
Thursday
Dearest Georgy
Those Griffiths are Welsh people and to judge by my poor womans cottage, who came for mild, of the very dirtiest and untidiest description. I am sure if you went to her cottage you would not wish ever her 100th cousin to have any cottage of ones [hmel?] less her Mother who brought her up. But as I do not know the Mother, I only judge from this. And alas that I have a decided objection to Welsh people. They are almost always quarreling with their English neighbours. As you see my judgment against the Griffiths so far is not to be shaken. Still, if Mr and Mrs Beeston know that these people are tidy, neat people, quiet and keeping their cottage clean (their daughter is so very dirty) well, then you know!
I enclose your Gemmells receipt. Is it not provoking about the Croftons. I had arranged all so beautifully and Mrs Johns and Aglain were so nice and took so much pains. Alack. We are expecting Mary and Fred to luncheon. The latter has passed his Exam and now stands no.2 in all the Academy. Is not that grand. The fruit of shear industry, plan and determination. Alas, our poor [Joel, Jock?], Georgy dear. What might he not have been if he would. Oh how the Angels must week over us all. And yet we cant see if for ourselves, in ourselves! Jock might have been any where he pleased. Fred still maintains that he is not clever and that it is work that does everything. If so success is a more moral result that one supposed. May came up yesterday to start from here for her German expedition. And Bert dined here to escort her to the Station (Victoria) where she was to join Miss [Anjoe?] and her friends and they were to sleep at Dover last night as Mr [Diamond, Rianuad?] does not think it proper that ladies should not travel at night and his daughter is one of the party. This Mr [Kenniard?] lives in Suffolk and they say Uncle Henery knows him. Do you [know] anything about them? May looked very dear, but not pretty and I am afraid she [page missing?]
Continuing sideways.. opening her mouth and she has sent for Cameron. I am glad to say [L thea?] we shall see if further advice is necessary. I know I had been 10 days before the swelling and pain from having a tooth out is gone. But I am afraid there is a gland swollen or something of that kind here.
Ever dearest and your loving, Louisa
File PB1010047
Letter to Georgina from Louisa in London. Brown paper.
Wilton Street
Monday
Dearest Georgy,
Thanks very many for your letter dear. You will have heard that the Croftons have put off coming till Wednesday which I am sorry for Mrs Johns was so pleasant with the duck which I told her you have sent from your farm. She is so nice. One feels quite at home and as if with Prentice. We had the whole of the afternoon yesterday devoted between Henry Holland and Mn Bergeron. Both stayed ages and both were most pleasant, speaking [speeching?] each other with only a few moments intervals. Was it not provoking after Gladstones speech, which was a complete failure. The whole opposition seem disorganized and disjointed and at 7 oclock Henry walking with some of them to dinner, they were in the most miserable spirits and considered their party as done for. Then after Mr Chaplins intemperate speech and the consequent adjournment of the debate the very reverse process took place. The opposition all reunited again and the Government and their supporters equally cast down. And they dont know what the result will be now. Henry says that had [DIgyey Disreali?] still been in the House Mr Chaplin would never have dared to speak as he did. His maths was good and satisfiable but the intemperance of his manner though alas justifiable! Spoiled all and reunited the whole opposition as I said, again! A lesson in life this for everybody I think. Mn Bergeron was equally interesting about (Henry is so happy about Elizabeths[?] marriage, it is evidently an inexpressible relief to him to have her happily married out of the house) Engineering matters. His plan for drawing the harbour from sandbanks was to have been tried about the 28th of this month by the French Government at Boulogne harbour. But there... continues?..
File PB1010049
Letter to Georgina from
Linley Wood
August 7th
My dearest G,
Posy left here about 11 yesterday and I could not get in your letter to you my darling G. Do what I would, there were a many letters that had to be written, interrupted by the Off Fellows club coming up, whom I tried to entertain alone. But this time I made Hillson and Emily come in (while Thompson was dispensing in the kitchen) and help the officers to their food, while I entertained them with conversation, as well as I could. And they behaved rather much more nicely than the Shepherds did. And not in the free and easy manner I had to undergo from the latter when they were last here. And I also entertained them alone without anybody with me, but poor [Hangort?] darting in and out, now and then, from the outside men. He was set quite free this time, and altogether it did much better. I think, if you and Posy [think?] well we will continue this method in future. Then I rushed back to the reprieved letters, still hoping I should have time for my G. Then luncheon and I took minutes rest. And had only just finished my 8 letters when Mrs Twemlow and Miss Paynter drove up to the door and I had to give up my budget to Harper to stamp. The two ladies were very nice and pleasant and I like their little visit very much. Mrs Twemlow seems less well now, I think, over time one sees her. She would like so much, when we are quite alone, to come to stay a Sunday here, and go to St.Saviours Church. She seems quite to have set her heart upon so doing, poor thing, so of course I asked her. And we must not forget to invite her.
Dont let Miss G try her eyes with reading this. [May be someone elses handwriting]
File PB1010051
Heathyfield
Tuesday 24th July [1890s]
Dearest G,
Such a dull misty morning which if it was not for the buzzing of the flies which I think always means warm dry weather coming, would make one rather in despair for Helens G.P. with some 50 people coming, about half they know certainly, folk dont [lack, rack?] in their neighbourhood, and I always wish when I am here that Fanny and Richard were in these parts. The air is so light and delicious and plenty of pleasant people with brains and interests for F to know. Mr Whitmore left here on Monday morning. He is very pleasant will maintain in the oddest way to H and H that he knows her very well like an old friend etc and really if I have met him twice it is the [alter?] most and his last words were when I said we shall meet again as friends, not strangers. We shall be cousins. Its so funny! He is quite enthusiastic about Mr Balfour, says he is head and shoulders above anyone in the House. When first he became leader they were all very anxious, he seemed shy and nervous when he spoke and did not speak well. But all that has passed away. His manner with the House is charming. He speaks admirably and is very popular with both sides and he says he is so dutiful. Then he is always in his place sitting through all the dull prosy speeches when, of course, he might be enjoying the pick of society and art and music which he loves. But no, duty comes first with him. So England has got a man, and happily on the right side. Sir Henry Cunningham told me yesterday, when with Henry I walked over by invite to 5 tea. Helen laid up with a bad headache, that he made such a perfectly beautiful and persuasive speech the other day on bi-mettalism. His language, manner, gestures and arguments quite prefect so everyone went away persuaded he was right! He takes the bi-mettalist view, as against the mono mettalists. Sir Henry has been converted to bi-mettalism but he says it is a most difficult and perplexing subject and no one really knows or can know what the effect would be of the change. Well we went to Church walking there and back. Too much for Helen. Hence her head ache. Its a pretty church but so stuffy, everyone was complaining and I felt soon there will be no air to breathe! It was a dull day. We walked part way back with the Cunninghams and they and Miss Anderson came over in the evening. Lady Cunningham is charming and quite as agreeable as Sir H.Cunningham. Full of interests. Of course Sir H and Mr Whitmore had political talk which I did not hear as Lady Cunningham, Henry[Harry?] and I were talking Death duties and its consequences. It appears Sir H writes some of the articles in the Times, so was [harassing?] Mr Whitmore a bit. He, Mr Whitmore is a on a great many committees of the House of Commons and all those relating to London affairs and meet John Brown who he likes but does not quite trust. JB [John Brown?] seems to have charming manners and is decidedly clever to a certain point. I dont think Mr Whitmore thinks there will be a dissolution. The present people will hang on as long as they can. Lord Roseberry seems to have lost himself entirely and disappointed the hopes people had of him and now even his Ladas [a racehorse] have been beaten. There is nothing successful about him! Mr Whitmores seat, Chelsea, is quite safe. He has no opponent so no anxiety about a coming election which may tend to make him think it is farther off than it is. We met Mrs and Miss Anderson yesterday coming here to ask if they could lend anything in the way of plate etc to H. and H for their party. Mrs Anderson is quite devoted, Helen says, to Harry for all his unwearied kindness to her son. Latterly he came up twice a day to have a talk with Harry. Mr Pooley is still living with them as their agent and a third son has come to live with Mrs and Miss Anderson. I am so sorry I did not see the flattering notice of Arthur which Louisa tells me she has sent you from the Times. There was only a short notice of the meeting in the one is saw. Helen says that there was a notice of it in the Standard saying all that Arthur had done for the cause, but the paper cannot be found I fear, but I shall try again tomorrow and if it is will send it you. There are very good accounts of dear Maude. I am thankful to day. And I do rejoice dear that the P. [Professor] is so satisfied with your progress and I hope now you get into the garden daily and perhaps beyond. Fancy that poor woman going on all these years driving her Schwarzen Rappen! I hope you have found some pleasant people in the Klinik and had a pleasant day with Chenda [Richenda Buxton/Talbot] Mary has asked me to go to Anstie but of course I cannot and Fanny would have like me to have gone to them only of course having the two boys she could not take me in and besides I could not have gone there either. Did I tell you Harry is going on the 16th to join [Dicko?] for the manoeuvres at Okhampton and Kate come to see Helen [Helen Rose Milman/Crofton] whilst he is away. Oh dear, it does look bad, a sort of Scotch mist hanging about the oaks and firs. They have got a pretty grey and pink parrot sent them by Hugh, but it says nothing at present and dont seem clever. Now dear, I think I have exhausted all my topics for the present and must write to Louisa. My kindest regards to Mrs Harper who I hope keeps well and likes Wiesbaden. It is envious that you have the same weather that we have. The crops look splendid about here, principally oats and the turnips very fair.
Your loving Posy.
PB1010055
Letter from Louisa to Georgina as G set off to the Eye Clinic in Wiesbaden.]
Linley Wood
July 5th [or 9th?]
Dearest Georgy
Your welcome wire arrived safely, telling us of your due arrival at Euston, Mrs Harper now being with you which is an immense relief. I hope you arrived safely at Little [Watercourse?] and I know we shall have intelligence of you before you leave England. The F. Heaths, Grace W and [Georgy, Gregory?] W arrived all right. I am afraid the last finds it rather a young party but it was his own fault, that he did not meet the [Bikes?] as we asked him to do, and he would much have like, he says, he (Georgy) is as nice and charming as ever. John and Nele left early this morning before anybody was down, but return this evening. Some of the men are going down the mines today and the ladies take a drive to Old Moreton [Hall] this afternoon. It is heavenly weather and they all seem more or less happy, but where they all are at this moment, I cannot say. They all seem to have evaporated. After Stables Fred came round the wood with me about some wood work, with old Leath and since then it has been, as you know, account day and I am writing for dear life, before Cresswell Shewe comes, in B&S, so excuse this very itinerary letter, my dearest of all Gs but you know what it is sometimes with the [house full?] I found all your private little things left by Hillson in your room so I cleared them all up myself just before M.W. came - - and it was as proper in every way as possible. L and I have put them neatly away so do not fear. One must[?] goodbye my darling G. All blessings go with you [to Eye Clinic inWiesbaden] and bring you back safe and well to us as soon as may be. Best love to all with you. Ever your L[Louisa]
File P1010057
Letter to Georgina from Marion Heath
Anstie Grange
May 18th 1881
My dear Aunt Georgy, I must write to thank you for your share of the lovely bracelet, which I have received today. I had two to choose from, one was plaited gold studded with pearls, and the other a narrow gold band with pearls and diamonds clustered at the top. This is the one I have chosen and I think, as do we all, that it is a most beautiful bracelet. I know Alfred [Cotton] will like it immensely too and I hope my dear Aunt Georgy you will see it on my arm on the wedding day, the wedding will not be before the 15th of June or perhaps the 22nd, so I hope you will be back by that time. You seem to be enjoying your journey. It must be great fun going into those wild parts. What news this is about John! But I suppose you knew about it before you went. I should think Netta Royds would make a very good wife, she looks such a nice girl and I think it is so much better for them to be engaged (than to both waiting in uncertainty as to their feelings towards each other) although they will have to wait a little to be married. You see I speak from experience! My waiting is coming to an end now. I should think by this day week Alfred will be home again, which is very nice to think of. I am asking Aunt Missings to enclose this for me, in her next letter, as I do not know where you are now. Please give my love to Chenda.
Your very affectionate niece
Marion Heath.
File P1010059 - 1894
Letter to Georgina
Linley Wood
4th.
Dearest G
Thanks for you letter. It is curious how alike your weather is to ours. Harper just brought in a basin of Honeysuckle[Librts?] brought us, so lovely! It simply poured yesterday all morning. Began to clear about 12 and kept without rain till about 5 when slight showers getting heavier when it began to pour again about 7 and went on with slight intermissions till 8.30 when every one was ready to go. They enjoyed themselves, all who came [166?] children, 54 laundry, 106 in dining room, for it blew such a Westerly gale the tent would not stand so there had to be a rush about 2 to prepare the dining room, all which was done! 233 guests, band 15, 29 servants altogether 568. I think about 100 less than last year. Weather of course, preventing and very few outsiders came up. 2 Miss Pooles, Mr [Skene?] and the 2 children, 5 MacHutchins, and Mr Haslam and Mrs Wood and her 3 girls and Grace and Miss [Twiltone?] Mr Goddard and 2 children, Miss Rigby and Mrs Rigby and 4 children, the 2 [Mchalls?] and Mr Thomas were the guests, the Woods and MacHutchins worked so hard and were so helpful with the childrens games. The band played well and constantly and Mrs H got up a race for them for a new [dress?] and white satin tie which caused great excitement. Nele, looking very bright and happy, appeared before lunch. John, Nettie and her 4 children who greatly enjoyed themselves came about 2.30. Ned [Finu?] and looking very well and boyish the others looking very well and Meg[?] so pretty. Kate is getting to the ugly age, all arms and legs but I think she will grow up pretty. The Hutchinsons did not come. Mrs Hutchinson weaken but very bright, happy and patient. Florencewrites they have got a night nurse as the daughters were getting over done. The feast went of very well on the whole. Sibbilts[?] came and stayed the night. She is engaged to her old friend Mrs Harper knows and is to be married on the 5th September. He is Manager in a grocers shop in [East, Little?] Drayton and wisely instead of going into business themselves and losing probably all they have saved, he will continue where he is and when he is practically master and they have taken a little cottage and we have promised Sibbilts when we go to [Melton?] Drayton to go and see her when she is settled. She looks very happy but sadly too thin and her eyes brighter than I like. I do trust she will have her health. She does not intend to take in dress making but make her husbands house bright and cheerful. So wise of her. She said she had enjoyed herself very much. Beeston and Mrs Beeston came but of course we did not see much of them. They put up at Wainwrights and came to see us this morning. Beeston, I am sorry to say is not so well and Mrs B is evidently very unhappy about him. He was going to se Dr Gt Rex who I hope may set him right again. Southport seems to have not suited, of course. Both and [Jelbilts] enquired after you. John and Nele left by 8.50. Nettie and children leave 3.20. The 4 [chicks?] are now in the Drawing room, very quiet. Shall I go and see what they are about. As Ada says in her letter the jumped up and did and found hers refreshing themselves with gooseberries. Ada will only bring Stewart with her and we hope may come when the A.L.s are here.Marion is to go to [Hounslow, Houston?] and Leo [Heath] will either stay at Anstie or go home. Their building is getting on but Ada wants to be back as soon as possible as she wisely knows work men dont go unless you are their! I am going on Monday to L to ls for the Christian Unity Meeting on Tuesday and come home Thursday as I will not leave L for longer. She gave me a sort of invite to go and meet the Gaskells week after next but of course I could not though Louisa would much like me to have done so had it been possible and so would I. Clara will come to us 1st week in October so Louisa has written to ask Mrs Bickersteth to come then and fix the day. Clara and she knew each other well at Cheltenham.
Lunch!
Since lunch. How it rains fine mizzle in which 3 oclock they have just left in carriage, well since lunch. Rob came in his insinuating little way and said May we have the box opened. And so Ned and I opened it. Rob possessed himself of a puzzle. Ned and May took various toys and played together. Kate sat by Aunt Louisa and was giving her very intelligent answers to her inquiries as to what she had seen at the British Museum and then some question arising Nettie [Loring] got one of those Roman Antiquities books we bought and Rob got on her knee and all four heads were very interested over it. But it was very nice the intelligent interest Kate took. There arose a question where did the Danube fall into and the wildest answers to all! Baltic, North Sea, Bay of Biscay etc etc. And Berlinand Brussels suggested as the town it ran by! So it resulted in Louisa giving them her World, Europe, Asia and Africa set, North and South America Maps to hang up adjacent the wall and I told Nettie how Sir Henry Holland used to teach Emily and me and how I learnt more Geography that way than any other. So next time we will hope they will know all about the Danube! We are so glad that you have found some people you like in the Klinik and it is delightful that dear Chenda will be with you for some time and we think you seeing your lovely lady opposite you is a grand sign of how good after all your eye sight must be as you can do that through blue glass on ordinary ones. No wonder your lovely lady because she is lovely can do with dressed hair and no cap! Well I think the Professor had better have said things must be made more comfortable It seems hardly fair not to do so as of course, in a way, people are at his mercy. We have fixed our Garden party for the 21st as Tuesday suits John and we want to have it when the A.Ls [Arthur Lorings?] are here. I am afraid you will not be back for it. I do hope you may though Fanny seems quite gay and I am glad to say Mrs Thurston Holland is come to live at [Sketcby?] but it is 9 miles off and she was going to tea with Mrs Richard Arnold and met there Mrs Matthew Arnold. Mr R.A. is Inspector of Factories and they live in Worcester so there are two more pleasant people for Fanny to know. It appears the invitations to the Wedding are not yet set out. So that is why John, Arthur and we have had no notice. Violets ball dress was very simple, satin brocade ( I should not have thought that very simple for a girl but they all go into silks and satins now) trimmed with a little chiffon and had seen none of them since so had heard nothing of this 1st ball! There seems no Political news except that Sir W Harcourt is putting on the closure on the Amendments to the Eviction Bill [Sir William Harcourt, Chanellor of the Exchequor] and the opposition will have nothing more to do with it. Which the Times seems to think is a pity. And so [opinions?] the Lords will know it out.China and Japan seem in for, I fear, a terrible war. 1580 Chinese and 2000 Japanese already victims and one is so afraid it may lead to war between the great powers sooner or later. The Colliers here seem to have quietly accepted the terms settled by the Conciliation Board. The tram way goes much oftener so I hope they find that they make it out and better with more days to work. I see I have forgotten to tell you that the Trustrams have 3 MacHutchin girls and Mrs [Haslin, Hastie?] and Thomas staid supper at which Ned of the children was admitted, the others had their tea in the Room I think now I have really, I think, told you all dear, so will stop. One is tired and stupid. Kindest remembrances to Mrs Harper. Your very
loving Posy.
File P1010063
Letter to Georgina from Louisa after the party at Linley Wood enclosed with Posys letter.
March 9th.
The little line dearest G. to add to Posys. I hope you got down as all right as we did. All seems perfectly in order and as we should wish it to be. The house now beautifully clean and smelling of soap and soda than I have ever seen it before. I hoped to get down to the farm today. But it is snowing so steadily that I doubt it! One is very busy shaking down as you may imagine [paying?] yesterdays books, 1 balancing!! What I have done to /8df too much ale [London?] and Posy cant find the blunder. As soon as I have made the costs [known?] I will send it you. One of Mr Johns cheques I made too much. As I remembered afterwards some money for P was included on the cheque. In spite of its being dull, thick [acrid?] and snowing, Linley Wood looks dear and homey. But going to Wilton Street has done one oceans of good! I will write again very soon darling G. and tell you all about farm etc etc. Hope [turning?] your Louisa
I hope you are very happy sweet G with your 2 lads! [could be trip to Paris?]
File P1010065
Letter to Georgina from Mary at Anstie Grange, Holmwood,Surrey
19th May 1881
Dearest Georgy,
I have to thank you for three dear and interesting letters. I hope that you will have received my one letter. We have had extraordinary cold weather also. But you seem to be enjoying and interesting yourself in everything nevertheless. Well, we shall be dead before we are over-run by the Slavs. I hope, as you think as Freddy that the more I see of other people and countries, the more I congratulate myself that I am an Englishman. What a disagreeable state we are in though, with those horrible Land Leagues and their outrages. We are expecting Alfred [Cotton] next week and are hesitating till he comes, whether to have the wedding on the 15th or 22nd June. I think it will be the latter and then I hope you will be come with Louisa and Posy. What an awful day it will be to me!! If I had had the slightest conception what I should feel at parting with a daughter in this way I never should have wished a wedding in the family!! (horribly selfish) and feel mighty indifferent as to whether Ada marries or no. And shall never even wish it. The doubt and fears, the numerous and nameless dreads. I am a woman with a most unhappy[fut..?] disposition. May [Marion Heath] seems very happy in her prospects and please God, by whose will I trust, she and Alfred have come together all will go well with them. I wish there was more money. I think the older one gets, the more [conscious?] one becomes and the more disinclined to rough it for oneself or ones children. How differently one felt when one was young. Sir James Hope is given up, but may linger for weeks or months. If he died this event would make as still more quiet one than it is to be. Flora and Arthur are very flourishing and happy and are going to [Sweden?] I believe in June. Fred safe at Malta. Fancy! Having said nothing about John. He seems radiant, happy to have made a nice and good choice.
Ever you most affectionate,
Mary E. Heath.
File P1010067
Part of letter
Continues... and laboured for them. And two of them are now distinguished artists and the third in some good place or another. When they were all grown up and were getting on in the world she called them to her and said my sons, in your childhood and boyhood, I have laboured hard and sacrificed everything to your educations and now you are men I have nothing left to maintain myself upon. I now depend upon you. And well have they repaid her confidence in them. Mrs Rich says they heap comfort upon comfort and laxing upon laxing around her. I wish you could have seen Scheffers most beautiful pictures [X in pencil on side] at the French exhibition in London this Spring and you would have been as interested as I am in this artists history. Such a picture! Of Dantes seeing Francesca da Rimini and her lover floating by! So touching, so intensely melancholy. A vision of two beings purified by suffering from human dross. But suffering and loosing still in a manner as one can conceive by Dantes description but never thought it would be capable to image by pencil. What an immense way I have run from My personal narrative. We adjourned to Colonel Wedgwoods about 7 and then the good natured Colonel after we had feasted on a most splendid tea, good naturedly wrote all the directions for my packages for me which took a weight...
Continues?
File P1010069
Letter to Posy from .. at the Isaacs place, Boughton Park.
May be 1840s 1850s.
Saturday
My dearest Posy,
We leave this next Thursday. Will you make out whether we had better come to Slough by the Great Western or to Watford by the Londonand Birmingham as there is Bradshaw there for us to consult ourselves. By the former we should avoid Birmingham which would be an advantage, as I do not know who we could ask to meet us this third time, without we view to propose ourselves to pay a visit of a day to Balsall Heath (Mr Lawrence asked us to go and see them), not that we want to go, but by that means we should get taken off and put on the railway. This is very mean, this making use of ones friends, but the oftener our changes at Birmingham the more one sees how very disagreeable it would be to have no one to meet one, and would go through a good deal and avoid it. Pray with an answer to these questions, and I am [wrong?] to say we must have some more money to bring us home. I have only got 1.3.6 left.
The Isaacs seemed to have so many engagements upon their hands that I thought it best to relieve them as to our movements by fixing an early day for our departure, and named Wednesday. Louisa [Isaac] asked us to stay till Thursday, to which I readily consented, but they did not press us to stay any longer. They are expecting the Julia Hollands as Lady Gifford calls them, and Mr and Miss Duckworth and other friends the end of this month. Lady Gifford says she is going to Grimley on the 26th and hopes we shall be still here. We are so sorry not to see her again. They are expecting Mr Frederick Holland every day. He went to escort Lady Bell to Scotland and from thence diverged to the Lakes where he is now staying. I do not know whether he will come during our stay here. Mrs Isaac and Louisa are so very kind, making plans for us every day to drive and see something or other. I like Mrs Isaac very much and we cannot think what Louisa and Posy found to dislike in her. On Thursday Louisa [M?] drove with us to Grimley. The monks were not at home unfortunately but we explored the Palace. That is we went into the parlour, the garden and Mrs Bishops dairy. It looked so comfortable, and the garden so gay. John is perfectly adored by his parishioners. One woman declared he was an angel and indeed I think he has something of that look about him. Louisa left an invitation for him and George to dine here as yesterday, but they were engaged to dine elsewhere. Mrs Isaac has asked them again for Tuesday, I hope, with better success. Yesterday Mrs Isaac and Louisa took us to see Westwood, a fine old place belonging to Mr Packington and said to be the original of Sir Roger de Coverleys house. I never saw such a model of an Old English house. In the evening Miss Whitmore, a model Maiden Aunt came and drank tea. Mr Isaac retires every evening to practice his violin cello, so that we do not see much of him, but he seems a very nice person. I am so vexed that I have got a cough and cold which prevents me singing as he wants me to practice some German songs with violin cello accompanying with him, which I should have enjoyed beyond measure and I feel there is no chance of my recovering my voice before we leave, which vexes me sadly. The children here are very nice, not at all spoiled. Tell Mary with my love that I was very glad to hear of her safe arrival and thank her for her letter. When are you going to Melford? You have none of you said. I hope you are not going to be disappointed. We had hoped to have heard from home today, perhaps we shall tomorrow. We were to have gone to see Malvern today but on account of the coldness of the day and of my cold it is put off. Lady Gifford is at Shrewsbury, now and Jane and Caroline [Gifford] still at Gayton. If Mary has heard from Aunt Roscoe how Elizabeth and William are going on pray let me know when next you write as I much want to know. I wrote to Aunt Roscoe the day after our arrival as she desired I would and begged her to let me know how they were but perhaps she will be too much engaged to do so. We shall be so glad to get home again. It is now so long since we left you all. What talks we shall have, we four in our rooms at night.
Give my and Marys dearest love to Papa, Mama and everyone, particularly to each individual.
Ever my own [comati?] Your most loving L.M. Marsh.
File P1010071
Letter to Posy from her mother AMC at Eastbury 1845?
Charles Eyre and Mr Pooley at Eastbury, Dec 1845
Dec 29th 1845
A many happy new years to you my sweetest Posy and may the new year speedily bring you to us again for Eastbury is not Eastbury scarcely without you my dearest. I hope you got your money quite safe and that now you are in marching order ready to profit by the very first opportunity to get to us. You are not to clever as Louisa who arrived on Saturday night looking very well and as charming as ever, and not sorry at all to get home again, happy as she has been. She spent a pleasant fortnight at the [Ryes, Kyes?]. Mrs Morden was there with her husband, a little mill of a man, but now we see the advantage of marrying a mite. He says he never can be enough obliged to her for marrying him. I wonder whether the [quaint, quiet?] Mr Abbott will say the same to you if you will marry him. We dined at the Fitzgeralds on Friday and he was very anxiously enquiring whether the sister that he thought was called Rosawould be at home for New Years night. Fanny said Georgy? No, No, he meant Miss Rosa. This is an interruption in the third of my discourse about Ryes. There was only, I think, Charles [Eyres?] there beside he is devoted to his lady love who by all accounts is what he says a wife should be. Very much less clever than her husband. And very much more good. Louisa is come home in excellent spirits. I hoped she would return engaged to John Pooley but she declined off any such thing and says she would rather be an old maid all her life in spite of [Bosch, Boxsh?] and four thousand a year. What stuff your foolish mother is writing to you. The St. Albans ball is fixed for the 16th, the Swakeleys for the 14th, the 6th we dine at Swakeleys, the 3rd at the Milmans so we have plenty to do. I do hope you will come in for one of the Balls, but you must be content with the health that would ...
Continues.?
File PB1010075
Letter to Georgina from Posy 1881/2
Linley Wood
I hope, dearest G., you have the cooler weather we have today with rain but Times says only shallow depression so I hope it will be fine on Friday. John appeared this morning to breakfast having walked up to Alsager and goes back by 3.20. I enquired about [Menitti?] and find they live just opposite our little farm so I send them tickets today which Jackson will deliver when he takes John down. Yesterday Louisa went after 4 to Butt Lane and did not get back until after six I think. But as I was cutting off [Ireland?] Poppy seeds I dont know when exactly as I came in to my MM about 4.30 and got my tea and went out into the garden and cut said seeds which took one longer than one would have thought as buds had to be disentangled and not cut off with the seeds. I hope now we shall get a second crop of flowers. [Mell?] just sent up things to choose from which Hillson and Thoughton went down yesterday evening to choose. They look as if they would be suitable and nice. So I hope I shall make a good selection. We do not know until tomorrow whether the Doddington children will elect to come on Friday. Ned is to decide. They come home today. John seemed pleased that Jock had been asked so if they come I suppose he most likely will too. I heard from Helen this morning. She says that Archibald Milman spoke of Mr Balfour in exactly the same tone as Mr Whitmore did. Said he was A man of principle etc which as Helen says is very refreshing. We are blessed then by having a leader for the Nation. When the time comes the Lords have determined to oppose the 2nd reading of the Eviction Bill so that wont pass. As John says, the Government [went third?] will tell their Irish supporters they have done all they can. The Lords to blame! And probably be very glad the Lords have refused to pass it. I am so glad dear that the Doctor would not let you go out in the damp. The more I think of it the more convinced I am that hot walk to the Park must have done the damage to your eye. I do trust not an irreparable one, but I do hope you will take Louisas admonitions to heart and not do anything. Mrs Harper advises against. You, really dear, cannot judge for yourself and had better give up all idea of doing so at present! I should think the Doctor would give a most decided No to the idea of your reading your letters!! John and Arthur have not yet received notice of the Wedding day. But it seems definitely fixed for 25th Sept as Mrs Loring and Lilian have for Amy. John does not know whether they have settled to take [Hivstock?] Villa or not. Yesterday Mrs Harris, Amelia [Jallimons?] sister came up to bring me the notes and read for Mrs Mercier of the [Kennerton?] home. Poor Amelias eye sight has given way and Dr had seen her and they think she will never be able to get her living by work and so she is coming home and I shall get her to Manchester Eye Hospital and trust it may prove only that they are strained and may be get right again. But is it not sad. Mrs Harris told me she was so tired because people mocked at her and made fun of her. Is it not horrid of them. Brutes! I must say, Mary Nevitt has come back much better from the Infirmary. Had no operation and the Doctors hope she will out grow her malady, poor girl. I trust she may in the meantime, I want to get her, if I can, as servant to Miss Mangles Home for Nurses and then, perhaps, as she gets stronger which she much wishes to become. Helen is going to enquire for me. It is clearing up now, clouds getting thin and passing away, so I hope Times Chart is right. Mr Royds was better, but is worse again. Did Louisa tell you Mr Hutchinson is very ill and I dont think there can be much hope of his rallying. He is 84. [Arcadey?] went took the morning service, preached, took a large Sunday School. Went to evening church and then collapsed and has been ill ever since. The young [Dutchess?] had sent a Tel. to enquire after him. Our dear Queen has set that example. And the Bishop of Shrewsbury had come to see him which was a great [careful?] to them should he be really mending Mr Sanford and Miss Annie will come over on Friday. Mr S was to come and preach for the collection for the Organist at St. S next Sunday and one of my church women at the meeting said it would be a sore disappointment to many if he could not come. He is much beloved by many of his old congregation, I think. Now dear I really have exhausted all there is to say.
My kindest regards to Mrs Harper.
Your loving
Posy.
File P1010077
Letter to Posy 1841 probably from AMC.
Saturday 5th June 1841
I have found two notes from you here (at the Club) to say our [ofols?] rate[?] about Martins trousers which had been miss-sent to the Oxford & Camb. Club and the other of yesterday. I can bring you back to town very well on Wednesday after dinner and as I do not think of returning to Boulogne before Saturday or Sunday at earliest you will have time for your shopping etc. Do you come to York Gate or Brook Street? I believe the former as they are talking of Horticultural Gardens etc. I heard from Martin yesterday but he says nothing of money matters. Tomorrow I will write to him on that interesting topic on Monday. I got your letter yesterday at York Gate and left it in the hands of your Aunts that they may make themselves thoroughly mistresses of all the particulars of Martins dress[?].
File P1010079
Letter headed paper.
Lawyers or bankers to Posy
46 LincolnsInn Fields
5th December 1861
Madam,
In Mr Wynnes absence I beg to acknowledge the receipt of the Drafts for 293, 100 and 100 enclosed in your letter of the 4th instant.
Mr Wynne will return to Town tomorrow and on Saturday your letter shall be laid before him and he will forward a Draft for the tenants rent of the Ewhurst property.
I am, Madam, Your very obedient servant.
H. J. Tyler.
Miss Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell
File P1010080
Letter to Stamford from.
3 Loundes Street
5th January 1858
My dear Uncle Caldwell,
I intended to have written to you some days ago but someway with the multiplicity of things there are to do, days slip away before one is aware of it. On Friday last the Buxtons gave a dance and were in terror lest they should be short 7 of dancing men. So we engaged Sir E. Page Turner [Sir Edward Henry Page Turner] and James Brown. The one very rich and at [letch?], the other very handsome, so we were thought to have well done our duty by the dance. Georgy and Rosamond dance incessantly. I have given up the pastime as more becoming to my years to do so though my feet tingle terribly to be at it when the music is going and it requires some moral courage in me to refuse proffers for dancing. Lady Trevellyan and her handsome and nice daughter were. Mrs Wodehouse the mother of Lord Wodehouse and Mrs Drummond with her, one handsome and her one plain daughter. Mr Garney [Hoall?] and his wife and sons and daughters very nice people and a good many others besides. Dr Whenell, the Dr Whenell was there. I never like his looks. He seems so coarse and heavy in his expression. They say the Princess of Prussia, the mother of Prince William is a most disagreeable woman, and that now things are coming to a point, our poor little Princess is losing heart. Much as she is attached to her affianced. The thing she feels most is that she is no longer to be an Englishwoman, of which title she is uncommonly proud. It will be the most difficult thing in the world to see the processions. The marriage itself sheerly impossible, as the Chapel...
Continues?
File P1010082
Letter to Georgina from Louisa at Linley Wood, about 1880
March 20th
Dearest Georgy,
The enclosed came this morning and I send it you in the way you described me to do. I do so hope it will report dear Arthur all right and I shall be so glad to hear. One thinks so of John and you and his poor Father. His Mother one believes sees and understands all about it, better than we can.
The two Wilbrahams took their departure this morning and professed to have liked their visit very much. They have been most agreeable and pleasant and are thoroughly excellent women. The Croftons stay with us till Friday and sweet little Rosamond Lawton and [then?] Fanny wants her to go and stay with her at [White?] Hall. She plays so [meely, sweetly?] and is such a dear girl altogether. I should be quite pleased to see her Mrs Arthur Heath. The Bishop took a good deal of notice of her and gave her such good advice in such a charming playful way, to be sure to read and cultivate her mail! You have one lamb arrived. Mrs Beeston says Beeston is distressing himself that there are not more. And she tells him they will be all the stronger! Rowland Corbet is coming here on the 9th. I am sorry I shall just be gone. He has sent us some [mittens?] and I send you the pair I think will fit you hands. Are they not beautifully knitted and pretty? I meant to have written for a long letter today but what with the farm accounts, business letters etc etc. I have again no news left. I do hope to do better soon. Your ever affectionate and loving Louisa.
File P1010084
Letter to Martin from Posy in Tenby 1840s
Tenby
Saturday
Dearest Martinus,
Economy being the order of the day you must excuse this particularly bad paper and as I shall have no scruples as to taking up your precious moments in deciphering my trail you may expect I warn you honestly beforehand that you may not begin under false pretences. A regular scrawl for you must know most noble sir that I am in a vast[?] hurry for it approachette to the time of the promenade. In giving thanks for your epistle which I was of course, highly delighted to receive, being bound in sisterly affection so to be. Next, thank the gallant Lax for her amusing epistle. All the more delightful as [to satisfy?] by reading cross scrawls how very much they stand in need of my [sayship?] to keep the peace and order of the sisterhood. Oh Martin, had you known what a bitter way that announcement of your having turned renegade in regard to the Polka faith, caused your unfortunate sister you would not so abruptly have disclosed the fact. What when it has inspired your musical view you give it up!! Unworthy polkene. I well nigh fainted and should certainly have [ending?] have but the power[?] of sitting on my chair had it not been that I had been in a slight degree prepared for the afflicting fact by Adelaides hints on the subject. Why is gentle Adelaide always being poorly, what is the matter with the young damizella. I am so very sorry to hear of the various indispositions. I had hoped that the return of Lady Cyril, like the return of the summer sun would have cleared away all the clouds of distemper which hang about her. We have made acquaintance with our next doors. Yesterday we went to see Mrs [Sactuss?] infant school. Dont be alarmed. I am not going to describe what we saw and heard. But Mrs and the Miss Phillips were there. After all was over we all set off and walked together to some church yard, the name of which I forget to see and take the water of some medicinal springs. There are 3, all quite different and all quite close to each other, about a foot of ground between them. We were greeted by the barking of two dear dogs that rushed out from a neighbouring farm house but I was too delighted to see the dear things to be in any fright so I politely addressed them and begged them to desist from barking as it was annoying. They wagged their tails, looked very sweet and walked back to the house. We were in want of something where with to taste the said water in. I gallantly offered to brave the dogs and what was much worse the inhabitants and supplicated in humble terms for the loan of a cup. A regular May Bonnan[?] looking person answered my timid and modest knock and kindly provided me with a glass with which prize I hastened back to my expecting and anxious companions. Having related my perils and successes, how I had to cross a rapid brook of the extreme width of a foot, how I was encumbered[?] by those fierce birds, Geese, and still fiercer animals, pigs. We proceeded to cross a perilous quagmire in which, if we had had the ill luck to fall, our boots would inevitably have been covered with a black and slimy mud, nay such was the extreme perilous nature of the quagmire that I doubt not but [brave?] arabs might have suffered by being dyed with its black slim. However, thanks to the fates I and Miss Charlotte got safely across and we then, with unheard of bravery and philanthropy began tasting the various springs. The water was decidedly nauseous. One was rather like our spring at the farm. One was of rather a [warming?] nature but one was like drinking so much cold molten lead. If there could be such a thing, which I rather think is doubtful, eh? After having again made the perilous voyage of which there was no other volunteer and having had a glimpse of a charming old kitchen with huge wide gaping fire place with carved oak settles on each side the respectable farmer was smoking his after dinner pipe of the fragrant weed, we wended our way homeward discovering pheasants on the way and I getting all the scandalous [stories?] of Tenby, it is too good of the Immaculates of England lifting up their [hines?] hands and eyes in horror at the sins of unfortunate Boulogne [AMC and co in Boulogne from August 1845]. Miss Fanny Allen was calling when we came back. Mr Lord[?] Phillips has broken for the second time his only remaining leg. He is the boldest [hunter?] in the county and of course cannot balance himself very well minus a leg, on horse back so that he is getting perpetual falls and has broken almost every bone in his body. Mrs and Miss Phillips came to make a [final, formal?] call on Aunt Roscoe which Elizabeth and I are going to return today. We are to walk out together and as they are rather agreeable girls it will be very pleasant under their auspices. We are going to make next Sunday the tour of the monuments in the church. I ought by right to have written to Aunt Georgy but I daresay she will excuse me as I am writing to you. Id give any thing to see Crompton[?] I feel so very inclined for a little from and I think he must be in a perfect state to get a little by him. I hope to goodness though we are not going to be favoured with is[his?] exquisitely delightful company to the St. Albans. It would be rather too good. I am so glad, Mama has asked Mr [banes?] I think he is such a pleasant, agreeable man. I am delighted too to hear that Mama is going to build herself a new [grow?]. Poor Miss G manages to be low in [prune?] marvels me what yours have. Mary and Adelaide to the festivities. I hope somebody looks that the put on - - straight. I depute you Martin please to overhaul them. Adelaide needn't look so very contemptuous nor Mary toss her head in that grandiose stile in the air. Georgy does not enlighten me upon the number of individuals that are to be made happy or otherwise as the case may be at our abode at new years day. A happy xmas and a happy new year to the whole house including cats, dogs. I beg the dogs pardon, also cats, peacocks, hens, chicks etc etc. Please give my merry xmas and happy new years to the four maids. I hope they will all have a right merry xmas day. Alac, alas, that I cannot be there but wishes are vain. Georgy does not say either when Mama goes to Holland but I suppose not till after your vacation is over. Do miss dear Timmons[dog?] very often. I long to see his dear white face. Tell him, is he a wicked and does he such a naughtie hope not. I suppose you are expecting the fascinator and his brother and sister. Please give my very best love to May, either Adelaide or Mary. I hope Adelaide will send me the Porina Polka. Please tell Fanny that I have found some wool in the town so I have finished Papas waistcoat as far as the red is concerned. As to the flag, she must do it [hanly?] must remember I had the collar and though Aunt Roscoe has kindly worked it may all tell Papa yet that is no affair of his. You know [bindles?] the question[?] my Lady has sent me new directions as to the length or breadth of the said flag and her wise directions about the pocket [packet?] now told not tell me how far from the bottom the pocket hole is to be but as I have worked it all over it does not matter now.
Lindass pass Lindass, I have scribbled you a vast mess of stuff and nonsense with a great amount of bad writing and spelling. You will say well I will not [caril?] on so I make a matter but stop directly to prevent all possibility but of all heartiest loves to Papa, Mama, Grand Papa, Aunt Georgy, the sisterhood, George and yourself. Not forgetting [Scrimmon, Pace and the Itg[?] Miserable Ma and I am every your own most affectionate sister, Posy.
File P1010090
Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com