Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1799

Margaret Skerrett (ne Caldwell) - 49/50 

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich  -  40/41

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 32/33 - sisters of James Caldwell

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 45/46 - Elizabeth Caldwell's sister 

James Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 39/40. 

Elizabeth Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 44/45 

Hannah Caldwell (later Roscoe) – aged 13/14 

Stamford Caldwell – aged 12/13 

Mary Caldwell – aged 9/10 

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – aged 7/8 

Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) – aged 6/7 

Catherine L. Caldwell – aged 4/5 

Diary of James Caldwell

1799

January,

Monday 21^st January 1799: I this day attained the age of 40. Horae quidem cedunt et dies et Mensis et Anne; sed praeteritum tempus nunquam revertitur, necquid sequator sciri polest.

There was a time, when the matter which composed my body was as void of life, as it will be when it has lain twenty years in the Grave; when the elementary particles whereof my eye is made up, could no more enable a percipient Being to see than they can now enable me to speak; and when that which forms Substance was as . . .[mint] as a . . .[Form] yet now the first lives, the last moves, and by means of the second I preceive light & Colours.

Tuesday 22 January 1799:

At home. Drawing. Resumed the Reading of Saleys Evidences. Mr Penlington on his affairs.

Wednesday 23 January 1799:

At Cobridge on the reference of the Case of Parr & Robinson. Called at Burslem. Experiments on the application of Metallic Glazes going in with fair appearance of Success. Severe, snowy day.

Thursday 24 January 1799:

At home. Engaged in ordinary occupations.

Friday 25 January 1799:

Mr Penlington & Mr Collison on their affairs. Mr Edwd. Kirling. Received a letter from Mr Ward relative to the further progress of the Glazes.

Saturday 26 January 1799:

Went to Burslem. Engaged all morning relative to the metallic Glazes, adjustment of Colliery disputes &c. Examined old witnesses relative to Sr. Thos Fletchers claim to a cottage on Coalpithill.

                                                For pleasure     For Husbandry            Four wheels     Two wheels    

Houses under 6 windows       354,391          

From 7 to 10 Incl         160,084

          11 to 15 do.         61,473

          14 to 19 do.         61,356

          20 to 24 do.         19,898

          25 & upwards     31,642

                        699,844           56,850 178,784           900,700           19,070 24,305

Sunday 10 February 1799:

At home. read the usual service. Fine mild day & thaw

Monday 11 February 1799:

Do. Drawing &c, Tempestuous Night & heavy fall of snow. received Peakes opinion on a patent for the metallic glazes.

Tuesday 12 February 1799:

Do. In the 51st Edward 3d. (1377) it was found that the Population of England & Wales amounted to about 2,092,978 souls, in 1483 to about 4,688,000; at the revolution (1688) about 6,500,000 or 7,000,000, and at present (1787) probably to near 8,000,000.

In the year 1377 the population of London was found by enumeration to be 33.000 souls, and that of Westminster 10,000

In 1588, the Navy of England contained 31,335 Tons and              15,272 Marines

In 1688                                                  101,032 Tons & from 30 to 45,000 Mariners

In 1781                                                 422,760                             104,978 Marines

At the end of the reign of Charles 2d. Poors rates amounted to £665,302 in 1776 to £1,566,804

During the last four years of King Williams reign, the revenue of the Post Office amounted on an average to £83,319; and arose by a gradual progression, till in the year 1784 it amounted to £452,404.

vid. Chalmers's Estimate of the Comparative strength of G. Britain published in 1786, a Book which from the number and importance of the facts which it states, should be read by all political Speculators, particularly such as incline to the gloomy and desponding notions of the late Dr. Price and his Followers.

W.C. has been at great pains to prove by a variety of examples that nothing deserves to be so little relied upon as the opinions generally disseminated by political writers concerning the prosperous or unprosperous state of the Manufactures & Trade of the nation, at the time of the publication of their works, since it appears that many men of great character & eminent abilities have frequently represented the nation as being in an uncommonly declining state at the very moment when (as W.C. contends) it was enjoying an extraordinary degree of prosperity.

Herrenschevard in his discourse on Population for instance states it as a notorious fact that since the loss of America our trade thither & consequently our manufactures have greatly & alarmingly declined, and yet W.C. shows that in the year 1771, 1772, 1773 our average exports to the American Colonies amounted to the value of £3,064,843 and in 1784 to £3,359,864.

So easily may Men believe what they have preconceived should naturally come to pass.

Vid the Monthly Review of this book, March 1787.

Wednesday 13 February 1799:

At home. Thaw. Mr Wood came to dinner.

Thursday 14 February 1799:

Do. Do. Mr Wood - busy in various small experiments on the metallic glaze - Drawing &c.

Friday 15 February 1799:

At home. Mr Wood went early.

                                                                                                In length

The Duke of Bridgewater Canal                                              27 Miles

Grand Trunk all                                                                      100

Staffordshire & Worcestershire  (Canal to the Severn)           46

Coventry Canal                                                                        37       

Birmingham                                                                             22

Oxford                                                                                      87       

Fazely                                                                                      17

Leeds & Liverpool                                                                  100     

Erewash                                                                                  12

Thames & Severn with the Stroud                                           37       

Stourbridge Dudley Droitwich                                                  18

                                                            Monthly Received      178

Sea Freight of Clay to Liverpool        11/6    

Freight by Canal                                 9/.

Crates to Liverpool                             2/6

                                                Estimate                      Miles long       }

Rochdale Canal                       £291,900                     3 1½    } Fulton on Canal

Ellesmere Do.                          £400,000                     57        } Navigt. published

Kennet & Avon Do.                  £420,000                     70        } 1796 p. 27 Note.

Grand Trunk in Do.                  £500,000                     90        }

Leeds & Liverpool                    £800,000                     129      }

The Speaker of the House of Commons, Mr Addington, observed in his Speech in the House of Commons on the Union with Ireland on Tuesday last that "full two thirds of its whole population are Catholics, and yet eight tenths of the prosperity of the Country are rested in the Protestants, who alone are eligible to trusts and offices under Government"

Vid. Star of Wednesday the 13th  inst.

Saturday 16 February 1799:

At home. On this day died my old and worthy friend Janus Robinson, after a long tedious illness. He was one of the first persons with whom I formed a friendship on my entrance into life, which I date [rest of line cut out]  on July 1777. From that time the most perfect intimacy subsisted between us: nor for a period of nearly two & twenty years did the smallest crossness or misunderstanding ever raise betwixt us. Great good sense, coupled with sterling honesty & a peculiar frankness & kindness of manners commanded the respect & . . . they secured to him the affections of a numerous and respectable circle of friends & Acquaintances by whom he is deeply & deservedly lamented. He fell a Martyr to a glandular Complaint contracted by the preparation of Cobalt a material branch of his business.

Mr Wm Bent & Mr Blunt dined at Linley. The former coming to consult me on the Brewery Concerns.

Sunday 17 February 1799:

At home. Spent as usual. bought a black cow from Waldlate.

Monday 18 February 1799:

Heavy Snow. Alcock however came & Mr R. Skerrett.

Tuesday 19 February 1799:

Fine mild day. Began plowing(sic) the . . .  . . .[hanky pail] in the Hollins Ground. Revd. Mr Salmon on his affairs with Mr Penlington.

Wednesday 20 February 1799:

Mr. Skerrett & Major Skerrett came here.

Thursday 21 February 1799:

At home with Do. Mr R Skerrett dined.

Friday 22 February 1799:

At Newcastle with Do. dining with Mr R. Skerrett.

Saturday 23 February 1799:

Mr S & the Major returned to Nantwich leaving us all much pleased with the latter. Mr Wm Bent. Martha & Blunt Bilkely & Best. This day agreed with Wm Dale for a new lease of 9 yrs. of the Alsager Estate at £250 clear

Fon mihe res, sed rebus me submittere conor.

Mr Josiah Potts came in the Evening.

Sunday 24 February 1799:

Mt Potts left us after dinner. Bone dust best applied on cold grass Land. About 30 Bushels per acre, laid on in the Spring, about the middle or later end of March.

Monday 25 February 1799:

At Burslem. Alcock. Received & began to read the Jesuits perspective, recommended by Mr Barber.

Tuesday 26 February 1799:

At home. James Wright came. Valued the Ash proposal [beginning of next line cut out]  Eliza &c went to Newcastle.

Wednesday 27 February 1799:

Eliza &c returned with Miss Willett.

Thursday 28 February 1799:

At home. Ordinary occupations.

March,

Friday 1^st March 1799:

Do. Do.

Saturday 2^nd March 1799:

Do. Do.

Sunday 3 March 1799:

Do.

Monday 4 March 1799:

At Newcastle relative to the redemption of my Staffordshire Land tax. From thence to Longport & Burslem. Came home to dinner. Alcock.

 [Transcribers note: Dates transcribed as written in the diary. Numbered days do not run consecutively - no 9th - correction by JC occurs on page 128]

Tuesday 5 March 1799:

At Nantwich. Major Skerrett. Land tax &c.

Wednesday 6 March 1799:

Returned with Major Skerrett to Linley. An amusing & instructive Ride the Conversation turning on Tactics engineering &c.

Thursday 7 March 1799:

Thursday at home with the Major

Friday 8 March 1799:

Miss S & the Major & Bess went to Nantwich.

Saturday 10: 9^th March 1799

Saturday at home. Blunt dined. much Conversation. returned with Miss Willett with them during her stay at Linley I had had a great deal of interesting Conversation relative to her intended marriage with Mr Turner.

Sunday 11: 10th March 1799

At home. Capn. Sneyd came after dinner but staid & spent the day engaged to attend on Wednesday sennight to swear in the Burslem Volunteers as a Deputy Lieutenant.

Monday 12: 11^th March 1799

At home. Alcock.

Tuesday 13: 12^th March 1799

Do. Mr Cox.

Wednesday 14: 13^th March 1799

Do. Mr Jos. Wedgwood - various matters. much Conversation Mr McIntosh's Lectures &c the General Change in the public Opinion on French politics &c. &c.

Thursday 15: 14^th March 1799

Walked to Newcastle with Eliza, dined & stayed at night at Mrs Willetts, arranging various matters for them. Messrs. Chalkely, Spode & Tomlinson relative to the appointmt. of Commercial Commrs. for the Potteries under the . . .[marine] Bill. appointed to meet again on Saturday at Newcastle. Mr Jos. Wedgwood . . . tea & spent the evening with us at Mrs Cox.

Friday 16: 15^th March 1799

Returned home

Saturday 17: 16^th March 1799

At Newcastle agreeable to appointmt. From thence to Wolesley bridge with Mr Spode to speak to Mr Sparrow of Bishton relative to the Nomination & appointment of Commissioner. Commr. & returned home at night.

Transcribers note: Dates written as entered in the diary. Note correction to numbers from 24th.]

Sunday 18:  17^th March 1799

Mr Wood came to dinner. Staid all night.

Monday 19: 18^th March 1799

Heavy Snow. Mr Wood returned. Alcock. Miss S returned from Nantwich with A.C.

Tuesday 20: 19^th March 1799

At home.

Wednesday 21: 20^th March 1799

At Bradwell dining with Mr Wm Sneyd. From thence to Burslem attesting the Volunteer Corps, as a Deputy Lieut. returned home at night.

Thursday 22:  21^st March 1799

At home. usual occupations.

Friday 23: 22^nd March 1799 

Do. Do. laid the Bone & Hair Dust had from Birmingham on the Land in the front of the House.

. . .[Sewed] by hand.

Saturday 24:  23^rd March 1799

At Newcastle. Eliza Miss S & I dining at Mr Sparrows. The Willets Leut. Gibson Mr Bent.

Sunday 24 March 1799:

At home

Monday 25 March 1799:

Stone Navigt. Meeting.

Tuesday 26 March 1799:

Do. Genl. Assembly. returned home at night.

Wednesday 27 March 1799:

At Burslem. received by express intelligence of the death of old Mr Crompton of Chorley who died the night preceding in consequence of falling near the fire by which his feet & legs much burnt.

Thursday 28 March 1799:

Miss S & I set off for Chorley. Stopped all night at Knutsford.

Friday 29 March 1799:

At noon arrived at Chorley Hall found the Dr &c.

Saturday 30 March 1799:

Attended the funeral &c. Dr. Taylor, his Son Robt. & JW Pilkington dined.

Quid, quoque et cui dicas, caveto.

Sunday 31^st March 1799

Miss S & I went to Revington drank tea with Miss . . . returned at night Miss S staid at R.

April,

Monday 1^st April 1799

Left Chorley Hall. took up Miss S at Revington & arrived at home at 8 o'clock at night. Bent . . .  . . . that the Pools would run Clear,

Tuesday 2 April 1799:

At Burslem &c relative to the income Bill & the appnt. to be delivd. in. For several days past the wind has been uniformly in the North east, most severely cold accompanied with Snow in Sleet & hard frost so as to prevent the least appearance of vegetation and the Country every where having the appearance of the month of January in a severe winter. Straw & Hay very scarce & dear. The former 4 or 4/6 p Cw. the latter 5. Joshua brought home a Cow for feeding Cost 8 Gnes. Mr. Dale, Waller the . . . [spor] &c

Wednesday 3 April 1799:

At home much engaged in settling Income so as to deliver a Statemt. under the Act. Severe cold day, with wind. Frost still continuing.

Thursday 4 April 1799:

At Newcastle & Burslem. Eliza & 1 dined at the latter place having left Miss S at Mrs Willetts. Returned in the Evening. Mr Fritch. Severe cold with Sleet. Settled the return under the Income Bill.

Friday 5 April 1799:

Weather so extremely severe this morning with wind & snow that Mr F detained some hours. Snow before the door & in some part of the Ground drifted from 3 to 4 feet deep much engaged in completing my private return under the Income Bill which I returned to the Assessor this day.

Saturday 6 April 1799:

Mr Blunt dined. Recd. from Mr Jos. Wedgwood Mr McIntoshs discourse on the Study of the Law of Nature & Nations, Much conversation with Mr Blunt.

Sunday 7 April 1799:

At home. Service &c as usual. Read Mr McIntosh's Book which meets my unqualified approbation as it seems admirably adapted to restore good sense to Politics, instead of these wild theories & fantastic though imposing speculations which have so long bewildered the undertakings, and disturbed the peace & safety of Mankind. The sentiments expressed in this book are literally those which I have myself invariably entertained & firmly & unequivocally expressed through the awful period of the French Revolution: believing, both now & always, that fact & experience are the only sure guides in the application of Philosohy & Law to the regulation of human affairs; and that the business of a Legislation consists, not in the framing new & visionary systems, but in the just adaptation of General Laws & principles to particular cases, circumstances, & situations.

Monday 8 April 1799:

Snow. At home. Alcock. Musick as usual.

Tuesday 9 April 1799:

At Newcastle. Basford. Hanley & Burslem. At Hanley on account of the rejection by the Grand Jury of the application for Comml. Commrs. made by the Pottery, & the correspondence which had passed between Mr Sparow & myself on the subject; in consequence of which the Sherriff had at Mr S's request advertised another Meeting to be held on Friday next; when it was determined that some leading Gentlemen out of the Potteries shd. attend such Meeting.

Wednesday 10 April 1799:

At home. Very wet. Mr Bent.

Thursday 11 April 1799:

At home.

Friday 12 April 1799:

At Stafford with Mr Wilson Mr Chatterley & Mr Tomlinson. attended Meeting when the appointmt. of Comml. Commrs. given up unless appointed for other parts of the County: as it might subject the Pottery Commrs. to act for other manufacting parts.

Saturday 13 April 1799:

At home. receiving Mr Penlongton's  rents. engaged with the Tenants & him all day.

Sunday 14 April 1799:

At home as usual.

Monday 15 April 1799:

Do. Alcock. Heavy Snow this morning for Act. per  . . . [Low]

Tuesday 16 April 1799:

Do. Began ploughing again in Mrs Johnsons Land. Fine mild day.

Wednesday 17 April 1799:

Dined with Captn. Sneyd at Bradwall. R Williamson. From thence to Burslem swearing & attesting the Burslem Volunteers. Longport.

Thursday 18 April 1799:

At home.

Friday 19 April 1799:

Mr Wood & Mr Thomas Wedgwood. The latter relative to giving up Deeds belonging to one Hall. when I appointed to meet Mr. Poole Atty. at Burslem on Friday next. Miss S & Lissy set off this morning for Birmingham on their way to London.

Saturday 20 April 1799:

At home. Mr Blunt dined & staid at night.

Sunday 21 April 1799:

Do. Being unwell Eliza read a Sermon to the Servants. Mr Cox.

Monday 22 April 1799:

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 23 April 1799:

At Burslem agreeable to appointmt. Agreed with Mr Wood to go to Cornwall & Devonshire.

Wednesday 24 April 1799:

At home.

Thursday 25 April 1799:

At Newcastle relative to payment. of for Land tax Dr. Thomas Fletcher relative to Britains Cottage referred to my determination & various other matters. Began sowing 4 Acres in the Hollins Ground but stopped in the afternoon by rain & wet.

Friday 26 April 1799:

At home.

Saturday 27 April 1799:

Do.

Sunday 28 April 1799:

Do.

Monday 29 April 1799:

At Burslem. Sir George Youngs service sent away returned to dinner. Alcock. Miss Potts & Miss Willett returned with Eliza from Newcastle in the Evening.

Tuesday 30 April 1799:

At home.

May,

Wednesday 1^st May 1799:

Do. Mr Wood relative to various matters.

Thursday 2^nd May 1799:        

Do.

Friday 3^rd May 1799:

At Nantwich with Eliza. Mr Skerrett signed the Bond in Comptons admon. returned in the Evg.

Saturday 4th May 1799:

At home. began sowing Mrs Johnsons field. cold dry morning. Oats at Nantwich 4/10. Wheat 12/- Hay 10/- p. Cwts.

Sunday 5 May 1799:

At home.

Monday 6 May 1799:

At Alsager Heath attending annual Meeting of the Trustees of Alsager Church. Mr Twiss Mr Rowley & myself. Continued sowing though rain in the morning but dry afternoon.

Tuesday 7 May 1799:

At home. finished sowing oats & began sowing Grass seeds but prevented by rain.

Wednesday 8 May 1799:

At home. unwell with a Cold. Much rain but mild & growing day. Sold Mr Johnson of . . .[Forlow] 12/3 cw at 9/- but the running price 10/-.

Thursday 9 May 1799:

Do. Alcock

Friday 10 May 1799:

Do.

Saturday 11 May 1799:

Do. Fished the Pool at . . .[Torhads]. In the Evening Mr Skerrett from Nantwich relative to the purchase of Lands at Nantwich behind the House. Finished sowing grass seeds.

Sunday 12 May 1799:

At home. Mr Skerrett returned in the Evening.

Monday 13 May 1799:

Do. Blunt came to breakfast. Alcock. much Conversation relative to the Dispute with Mr Hollins concerning the . . .[organ] Salary. when I fixed to go to Newcastle on Wednesday to endeavour to settle the matter. Joshua bought a Cow at Congleton fair.

Tuesday 14 May 1799:

At Burslem. Mr Wood & Mr T Wedgwood returned with me to dinner.

Wednesday 15 May 1799:

At Newcastle engaged with Hollins & Alcock. returned to dinner.

Thursday 16 May 1799:

At home

Friday 17 May 1799:

Do.

Saturday 18 May 1799:

At Newcastle with Eliza signing Bond &c. in the Prorogation Court in Cromptons admon. Drank Tea at Martins

Sunday 19 May 1799:

At home. Fine Day. Began reading Lord Clarendons History.
[Linley Wood library list: History of the Rebellion and Civil Wars in England by Edward Clarendon, 3 Volumes, 1708]

Monday 20 May 1799:

Do. Alcock. Fine day but heavy showers. wrote to Mr Josiah Wedgwood amongst other things to thank him for McIntosh's Book of which I expressed myself as follows

"Permit me to take this opportunity of thankng you for Mr McIntosh's Book which I have read with singular pleasure. It appears to me, indeed, to display throughout the happiest union of spendid talents with sound judgement and extensive knowledge, nor do I know how to form a better wish for the Author or the Public, than that he may live to execute in all its parts the noble, useful and reasonable work of which he has here given so beautiful and masterly a sketch. To one I must confess, it could not but afford peculiar gratification to find the same leading principles of morality & Politics which I have invariably held and endeavoured to act upon thus forcibly vindicated and also greatly expressed; as well as such truly critical justice done to those Authorities from whence I have derived whatever little knowledge of the Subject I myself possess, and to whom I must always look up as the "Great Masters" in that Science on which depend the Order and Happiness of the World."

In page 25 Is not superficial Sciologist a Redundance?

Began setting potatoes for winter crop in the Store.

Tuesday 21 May 1799:

At home. Cold windy day.

Wednesday 22 May 1799:

At Newcastle on Alcocks business. From thence to Burslem. Rolled the great Meadow.

Thursday 23 May 1799:

At home

Friday 24 May 1799:

Do. Messrs. Gibson Sneyd Sparrow Bent & Blunt dined. Remarkably high wind & cold.

Saturday 25 May 1799:

At Newcastle again relative to Alcocks business. Returned to dinner. Miss Willett & the two Miss Sparrows dined. Mr Wood also came. Much Conversation with him.

Sunday 26 May 1799:

At home

Monday 27 May 1799:

At home

Tuesday 28 May 1799:

Took Eliza to Burslem in the Afternoon in the Chair.

Wednesday 29 May 1799:

At Do. to Newarth to meet Miss Stanford & Lissy on their return from London. Drank tea at Mrs Willetts.

Thursday 30 May 1799:

At home. Turned out 5 feeders & 2 milkers into the Barkey field under the Wood. Mr Fritch.

Friday 31^st May 1799:

At home

June,

Saturday 1^st June 1799:

At Newcastle

Sunday 2 June 1799:

At home.

Monday 3 June 1799:

At Newcastle . . .[??executing] Bond in Cromptons Admon. Returned to dinner. Alcock.

Tuesday 4 June 1799:

At home engaged in preparing Articles &c previous to the Marriage of Miss Willett with Mr Turner. Cold Stormy day.

Wednesday 5 June 1799:

Miss Harwood Ann & Bessy came from Nantwich. Mr Turner Miss Willetts & Mrs Holland also dined. Engaged in settling Mr Turners affairs.

Thursday 6 June 1799:

At Burslem. Took Bessy in the Gig. fine day. Changed the Feeders in the field before the House.

Friday 7 June 1799:

At Newcastle on act. of Mr Turner & Miss Willetts. Atty. Mr . . .[Tryboyne]

Saturday 8 June 1799:

Do. Attending their marriage. They set off from the Church for Newcastle upon Tyne. Returned early to Linly. Mr Blunt dined. This is the 15th anniversary of the happy union with my Eliza. with what

[sentence not completed and space left]

Sunday 9 June 1799:

At home. Read the service as usual. In the Evening took Miss Harwood in the Gig as far as Wentheath. fine Evening.

Monday 10 June 1799:

At home. Alcock. Began draining the smaller hanky field in the Hollins Ground & setting Winter Potatoes.

Tuesday 11 June 1799:

At home.

Wednesday 12 June 1799:

Do. Mr & Mrs Wood dined & returned in the Eng. Mr Thos Garnett came to dinner & staid all night.

Thursday 13 June 1799:

At home.

Friday 14 June 1799:

Do.

Saturday 15 June 1799:

At Burslem. Fixed with Mr Wood who had had a slight return of his Rheumatic Complaint to go to Burslem on Tuesday 25th.

Sunday 16 June 1799:

At home.

Monday 17 June 1799:

Set out with Eliza . . . Lancashire on Acct. of the Admon. of the effects of the late Mr Crompton.

Wednesday 19 June 1799:

Returned home & brought Miss Noble along with us having settled every thing amicably with Mr. C. Long political Conversation with Mt Duckworth of Manchester

Thursday 20 June 1799:

Mr & Mrs Shepherd & Miss M Nicholson with Master Wakefield arrived in the Evening. changed the feeders into the wood field.

Friday 21 June 1799:

At home engaged with the party.

Saturday 22 June 1799:

At home. Mr & Mrs S &c left us in the Morning.

Sunday 23 June 1799:

At home. Peas. I this day observed in pod.

Monday 24 June 1799:

At Newcastle on various matters. In the afternoon Mr E Keding.

Tuesday 25 June 1799:

At home

Wednesday 26 June 1799:

Do. In the afternoon at Burslem.

Thursday 27 June 1799:

At Burslem

James Caldwell

Linley Wood

Near Lawton

Cheshire 3

Preston June 27^th, 1799

[to] James Caldwell Esq.

Sir,

We beg your [reforms?] to our respects of the 16^th Inst have now to advise Mr Crompton of Chorley hall has been here this day, for the payments of the late Mr Crompton’s property now in our hands to be [ - ] forwarded this[-] to you.

£1000 to the 1^st August

£1000 to the 1^st September

£1000 to the 1^st October

£1000 to the 1^st November

Mr Crompton does not take away his £ 4,000 and [desires?] the same to be [b—d] to his - you will beg the same manner might be prepared with the Bank Notes accordingly we are at your convenience all much obliged.

Your most Humble Servant,

Atherton Greaves and Denison

Friday 28 June 1799:

At home.

Saturday 29 June 1799:

Do. Sir. Tho. & Lady Fletcher & family with Messrs. Gibson & Bent dined. pleasant day.

Sunday 30 June 1799:

At home. Changed the feeders & milkers into the field before the House.

July,

Monday 1 July 1799:

At home. Miss Watkins came. This day we heard the cuckoo at about ½ past 6 oclock in the Evening. Still warm night with the appearance of Rain & Thunder.

Tuesday 2 July 1799:

 In the morning called upon Mr Watkins at Willock. Alcock & his son. Mr Wood & Mr T Wedgwood dined. Mrs Morris &c in the afternoon - much pleasant musick.

Wednesday 3 July 1799:

At Newcastle Races. dined at the Crown. In the morning at Butterton.

Thursday 4 July 1799:

Do. Dined at the Roebuck

Friday 5 July 1799:

Friday Mr. & two Miss Wood dined - got potatoes for the first time. singular Instance of the lateness of the Season.

Saturday 6 July 1799:

At home. Spread more lime on the Hollins field - fine showery weather.

Sunday 7 July 1799:

At home.

Monday 8 July 1799:

At home. Alcock.

Tuesday 9: July 1799

Set off for Birmingham. On horseback to Stafford.

[Transcribers note. 1 week omitted]

Tuesday 16 July 1799:

Returned home from Birmingham leaving Eliza & Miss Stamford at . . .

Wednesday 17 July 1799: At home. found the men had begun draining in the Hollins Ground. fine & dry but appearance of more rain which had fallen here very heavily for some days past.

Thursday 18 July 1799:

At home. much rain.

Friday 19 July 1799:

Do. Alcock

Saturday 20 July 1799:

Do.

Sunday 21 July 1799:

Do.

Monday 22 July 1799:

At Newcastle

Tuesday 23 July 1799:

At home. Began make alterations with Farm yard. & enlarging the water

Wednesday 24 July 1799:

Do. engaged with workmen &c.

Thursday 25 July 1799:

Do. Mr Blunt. sold two Cows to Hockenhill for £31.10.

Friday 26 July 1799:

At home.

Saturday 27 July 1799:

Went to Rudyard Vale to look in the Reservoir. Mr Wood Mr Collins & Mr. Blunt. Messr. W & B. dined at the George. Leek. On my return found Peake who had come early in the day. began to seed the Clover.

Sunday 28 July 1799:

At home.

Monday 29 July 1799:

Do. Rain.

Tuesday 30 July 1799:

Mr & Mrs Wood & Miss Grainger R. Robinson & T Wedgwood dined at Linley Wood. Fine day & a very pleasant party. Delivered to Mr Robinson out of his Deeds Mr Blurtons Undertaking to . . .  . . . an Assignmt. of a term of years in the Estate purchased by him.

Wednesday 31 July 1799:

At home mowing.

August,

Thursday 1 August 1799:

At Burslem. Mrs & Miss Wedgwood & Mrs & Miss Willett dined Mrs. W & Mrs Wedgwood & Miss Wedgwood staid all night. At noon instant Storm of Hail & Rain with Thunder.

Friday 2 August 1799:

Mrs Wedgwood &c staid to dinner & left us in the Evg.

Saturday 3 August 1799:

At home. In the Morning fishing in the Bath Pool violent rain.

Sunday 4 August 1799:

Do. Rainy afternoon.

Monday 5 August 1799:

At Sandbach attending Meeting of the Commr. of Linley Lane Turnpike. Dined Col. Frost Mr Salmon &c. heavy rain in the afternoon with Thunder.

Tuesday 6 August 1799:

At home. Fine morning. Spread . . . the Clover. Engaged to go to Burslem, but prevemted by the rain in the afternoon. Mr Peake Miss Noble & Miss S went in the Carriage.

Wednesday 7 August 1799:

At home. Alcock.

Abraham Crompton

Chorley Hall

Chorley

Lancashire

Dear Sir,

Mr Caldwell has shewn me Mr Crompton’s letter of Wednesday last, and as the Doctor is not [here?] to take the money in the manner preferred [hole in letter] I think the arrangements you have made with the Preston Bank highly proper and that if you will take the trouble of getting the money from Heywoods so that it may be divided with the others the business will be much facilitated.

As the Act of Parliament imposes a penalty of 10 per cent on any executor or administrator who shall pay any legacy or residue without taking such a Receipt as that which I inclosed to you, it will be necessary that on the 1^st [instant?] each party gives such a Receipt, whether they received the money in Bank notes, or leave it in Messr’s [Atherton, Albert?] own hands. The letter of which will be the case in respect to Miss Stamford and Mrs Caldwell’s shares.

When, however, it is settled whether Heywoods [Hagwoods?] Money will be divided or not at the time of the first installment of Athertons, I shall be much obliged to you, or them to inform me of the gross amount of such installment in so far that I may fill up two Receipts accordingly and which I will send duly signed to Messrs Athertons who will perhaps take the trouble of paying the Legacy duty upon each parties Installment and returning the Receipts to the Distributor of Stamps at Preston.

The business will be so far correct and the same course may be pursued in respect to the future installments. I have not yet received the Bills for the Administration but as soon as I do, I will send them either to you or Mr Leigh.

Mrs Caldwell and Miss Stamford beg to [join?] their kind respects to Mrs Crompton and yourself.

With Dear Sir

Yours sincerely

James Caldwell

Linley Wood

7^th August 1799

P.S. I presume that it will be sufficient if you and Mrs Caldwell addressed letters to Messrs Atherton & Co., requesting them to make the payments on the 1^st August and [sent?] as soon as it is determined whether Heywoods [Hagwoods?] money will be divided on that day or not, they had better send such Order as they may judge to be signed by you and Mrs C. I perfectly agree with you in opinion as it is better for such of the Parties as choose to receive the Shares in Bank notes to attend at Preston for the purpose, than that they should apps through the hands of the Administrators.

Diary of James Caldwell

Thursday 8 August 1799:

Do. Sold the white Heifer for £16 to Barker.

Friday 9 August 1799:

Do.

Saturday 10 August 1799:

Do.

Sunday 11 August 1799:

Do

Monday 12 August 1799:

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 13 August 1799:

Do.

Wednesday 14 August 1799:

Took Peake to Stone on his way to London to which place he was obliged to return. Returned home in the Evg.

Thursday 15 August 1799:

At home.

Friday 16 August 1799:

Engaged all day at Talk as Foreman of the Jury at a Copyhold Court passing Childs . . .[Jarndes] &c found a verdict that double fees are not payable at special Courts. Mr Wood came in the Evg. to forward to Bicton.

Saturday 17 August 1799:

Detained at home by a violent storm of rain & wind all day the weather more resembling in every respect Novemr. or Decemr. than August. Maid did not arrive at night.

Sunday 18 August 1799:

Set off with Mr Wood for Buxton

[Transcribers note. 2 weeks omitted]

Saturday 31^st  August 1799:

Returned from Buxton. During our stay at which place we had only one day without rain. This day the wind & rain were so violent that between Buxton & Leek we were apprehensive that the Chaise would have been blown over.

September,

Sunday 1 September 1799:

At home. fine day but a slight shower in the Evg.

Monday 2 September 1799:

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 3 September 1799:

Went to Congleton to meet Mr Buchan, with whom I had formed an Acquaintance at Buxton & who came to spend a day or two at Linley. Returned with him in the Chaise to dinner.

Wednesday 4 September 1799:

At Burslem with Mr Buchan. fine day & busy mowing.

Thursday 5 September 1799:

Mr Buchan returned to Buxton. Engaged in the Hay.

Friday 6 September 1799:

At home busy in the Hay

Saturday 7 September 1799:

Do: Sold 2 Cows to Lander for £29 one cart £5.5s the d. £8.8s.

Sunday 8 September 1799:

At home. Dr. & Mrs Crompton Miss Crompton & 3 children arrived in the Evening.

Monday 9 September 1799:

At Sandbach attending Turnpike Meeting pursuant to adjournment. fine day & busy in the Hay.

Tuesday 10 September 1799:

At home. finished the Hay harvest, which terminated finely & favourably.

Wednesday 11 September 1799:

Dr. Crompton left us on his journey to Derby.

Thursday 12 September 1799:

At Burslem with the Ladies. Retd. to Dinner.

Friday 13 September 1799:

At home. Mrs Crompton & family leave us tomorrow. Every day's experience & observation, concur with that Father of Judgment which I possess (whatever it may be) in leading me to consider as above all things most injurious to social happiness that spirit of it be wanton & licentious Innovation which quits time & fundamental principles in order to pursue fantastical & visionary schemes of reformation & singularity.

Saturday 14 September 1799:

Mrs Crompton &c left Linley. fine day.

Sunday 15 September 1799:

At home. fine day.

Monday 16 September 1799:

At Newcastle fair - purchased 2 cows. Mrs Skerrett came.

Tuesday 17 September 1799:

At home. Mr Skerrett.

Wednesday 18 September 1799:

At home. engaged in the morning by appointment with Mr Harssells relative to his Sons intended Marriage. Lissy & Mary went to Betley.

Thursday 19 September 1799:

At home. Mr Funaley

Friday 20 September 1799:

At home. Alcock

Saturday 21 September 1799:

At Burslem

Sunday 22 September 1799:

At home.

Monday 23 September 1799:

Do. began cutting oats.

Tuesday 24 September 1799:

Do. Mr Skerrett returned. to Nantwich

Wednesday 25 September 1799:

Do. busy in the oats

Thursday 26 September 1799:

At Burslem. Mrs Skerrett & Eliza

Friday 27 September 1799:

At home. Mr Cox was to have dined but did not come

Saturday 28 September 1799:

At home. Mr Blunt with his pupils Mr Norriss & Mr Brazier & Mr Wood & Mr R Skerrett dined. wet morning.

Sunday 29^th September 1799:

At home. cold damp day.

Monday 30:

At Newcastle on various matters. began again cutting oats which the unfavourable weather had stopped.

James Caldwell Esq,

[from] Preston, October -^th 1799

Sir,

Agreeable to your favour of the – Inst we this day met our draught at ½ months [fod?] £1800 – to Messrs Vine & Co of the - - of Newcastle- -

Sir

Your most humble servant

Atherton, Greaves & Denison

Crompton Esq., leg ads Rep

An understanding from my Agent Mr. Peake that on the 17^th instant a Rule to plead was given on this matter which will expire on the 5^th May. I take the liberty of enquiring whether the Attorney General has yet taken any notice of Mr Crompton’s Representation of his case which you was so obliging as to deliver, or whether the Presentation[?] is still intended to be carried on - - in which Mr Crompton -- James Caldwell Esq,

[from] Preston, October -^th 1799

Sir,

Agreeable to your favour of the – Inst we this day met our draught at ½ months [fod?] £1800 – to Messrs Vine & Co of the - - of Newcastle- -

Sir

Your most humble servant

Atherton, Greaves & Denison

Crompton Esq., leg ads Rep

An understanding from my Agent Mr. Peake that on the 17^th instant a Rule to plead was given on this matter which will expire on the 5^th May. I take the liberty of enquiring whether the Attorney General has yet taken any notice of Mr Crompton’s Representation of his case which you was so obliging as to deliver, or whether the Presentation[?] is still intended to be carried on - - in which Mr Crompton -- sufficient.

[on back – A.C. 24^th April 1793]

sufficient.

[on back – A.C. 24^th April 1793]

Wedgwood Archive

28-20691

October 1799

Bill of Sale from Wood & Caldwell to Messers Wedgwood and Byerley (Thomas Byerley 1747-1810) for £16:8:10

Diary of James Caldwell

October,

Tuesday 1 October 1799:

At home.

Wednesday 2 October 1799:

Mr & Mrs Watkiss dined.

Thursday 3 October 1799:

Musick. Mr Alcock Frith Bugnall & T Alcock

Friday 4:

Mr & Mrs Sherett & Miss Noble retd. to Nantwich

Saturday 5 October 1799:

At home

Sunday 6 October 1799:

Do.

Monday 7 October 1799:

 Do. Alcock

Tuesday 8 October 1799:

Mrs & Miss Peake arrived with whom engaged for some days.

[Transcribers note: several days missing]

Sunday 13 October 1799:

Mrs & Miss Peake left us.

Monday 14 October 1799:

At home. Alcock

Tuesday 15 October 1799:

Went to Stone to adjourned General Assembly.

Wednesday 16 October 1799:

Returned from Stone.

Thursday 17 October 1799:

At home. Miss Wood came.

Friday 18 October 1799:

At Newcastle on Mr Thomas Baddeleys affairs. Finished carrying wheat. dined at Mr Gilberts with Mr Lawton. violent rain at night.

Saturday 19 October 1799:

At home. Mr Wood. staid all night relative to Railway &c.

Sunday 20 October 1799:

Do.

Monday 21 October 1799:

Alcock. Mr & Miss Woods left us.

Tuesday 22 October 1799:

Dr Cromptons family arrived with Miss Wakefield on their return from Dorchester.

Wednesday 23 October 1799:

Out all morning shooting with Dr Crompton. who killed 3 brace of birds. fine day.

Thursday 24 October 1799:

Dr Cromptons family left us. Delivered to the Dr. Mr Gen. Taylors . . .

Friday 25 October 1799:

At Burslem with Miss S. Railway in great forwardness.

Saturday 26 October 1799:

At home. engaged receiving Mr Penlingtons Rents, Mr Penlington with Mr Blunt his pupils Mr Brogan & Mr Jessop dined.

Sunday 27 October 1799:

Do. My friend Hassall arrived at noon.

Monday 28 October 1799:

Do. Engaged with Hassall. Alcock &c.

Tuesday 29 October 1799:

Went with Hassall to Burslem. Mr Wood returned with us to dinner but left us in the Evening.

Wednesday 30^th October 1799:

Hassall left us on his return home. engaged with Mr W Hassells relative to his intended Marriage, sealing proposals &c. &c.

Thursday 31 November 1799:

At home. fine day. busy in the fallow ploughing & preparing for sowing wheat. Mr Fritch.

November,

Friday 1 November 1799:

At home indisposed. Wet day which stopped sowing Wheat. Sent Mr Martin Mrs Wilkiss's Deeds in Mortgage to Miss Crompton which I had received from her.

Saturday 2 November 1799:

Very wet morning which prevented my going to Bagnall as I had appointed to with Mr Davenport & Mr T Sparrow to ascertain the damage done to Mr Val. Close by the late breaking down of the Reservoir. Engaged all day in looking over & arranging Letters papers &c.

Sunday 3 November 1799:

At home. At night very high wind.

Monday 4 November 1799:

Do. Engaged in arranging papers &c. A Hare this morning came curiously into the Kitchen where the Servants were at Breakfast, & being pursued by the Grey hound (Catch) which happened to be lying by the fire was killed by her at the entrance into the wood. Sent it by Stamford to Mr Wood. Day so wet that little progress could be made in the sowing wheat & getting up potatoes. Alcock did not come.

Tuesday 5 November 1799:

Do. Day so wet as to prevent sowing &c. In the afternoon Mr Martin sent by Mr Jones the principal. £500 owing on Mortgage to Miss Crompton from the call Mr Watkiss. Began writing a few observations on the use of Perspective as applicable to the common purposes of drawing, for the benefit of the Children.

Wednesday 6 November 1799:

At Newearth to meet Mr Davenport relative to the Navg. Business. Finally settling Miss Cromptons &c. Eliza took three Children Ann Emma & Louisa to Mr W Bents in order to take the Measles.

Thursday 7 November 1799:

At home. dry cold day. engaged all morning writing Letters &c.

Friday 8 November 1799:

At home. Do.

Saturday 9 November 1799:

At Newcastle attending meeting of Mr Close Mr Robinson & Mr Thos. Sparrow & others settling damages sustained by means of the breach in the Bignall Reservoir. all day.

Sunday 10 November 1799:

At home. As an add. proof of the extreme & singular inclemency of the late season I this day got a . . . [Mospark] Apricot off the tree at the farm which was not yet ripe.

Monday 11 November 1799:

At Burslem. Railway proceeding well. so far finished as to admit of Coals being carried to the works. returned to dinner. Alcock.

Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13, Thursday 14 November 1799:

At Stone attending meeting of the Navigation. Committee but a sufficient number did not attend. Engaged there all day on Wednesday. dined & spent the Evening with Mr Robinson. engaged in perusing various Navgt. papers &c. particularly in relation to the proposed increase in the Salaries of sevl. Clerks. On Thursday Morning went to Sandon relative to a division of the wine &c. belonging to the Archery Society, which was done. Mr Sneyd of Barrow Hill Mr Edwd. Sneyd of the Forest Mr Chas. Wolsley Mr Blount Mr . . .[Someruiler] & self attended & dined. Returned home in the Evening. Remarkably fine day: so much so that we . . .[bowled] 2 hours before dinner.

Friday 15 November 1799:

At home fine day. Sowing wheat. Engaged in the afternoon with William Dale & Mr Thomas Baddely of Newearth on his late Mothers Affairs.

Saturday 16 November 1799:

At home. Fine dry Morning.

Sunday 17 November 1799:

Do. Mr Wood came on the afternoon & staid all night.

Monday 18 November 1799:

Do. Sowing Wheat. Mr R Skerrett atty. Emma.

Tuesday 19 November 1799:

At Newcastle on various matters particularly relative to the Building erected by Mr Ger. [George] Wilkinson on land belonging to the Subscribers to the Theatre.

Wednesday 20 November 1799:

Fine day. Mr R Skerrett dined. Emma broke out with the Measles. In te Afternoon engaged at Talk on the Hill with many of the neighbouring farmers relative to stopping the depredation which had been lately committed by persons unlawfully sporting &c. Formed a small agricultural Society to meet the first Wednesday in December & the first Wednesday in June at Talk on the Hill, Alsager, & Lawton alternately.

Thursday 21 November 1799:

At Newcastle with Miss Stamford. Fine warm day.

Friday 22 November 1799:

At Newcastle attending a Meeting of Subscribers to the Theatre relative to Land belonging to them which Mr George Wilkinson had built upon & various other matters. Cold foggy day.

Saturday 23 November 1799:

At home. In the evening Mr Josiah Potts came.

Sunday 24 November 1799: