Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1800

Margaret Skerrett (ne Caldwell) - 50/51 

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich  -  41/42 

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 33/34 

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 46/47 - Elizabeth Caldwell's sister 

James Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 40/ 41.

Elizabeth Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 45/46

Hannah Caldwell (later Roscoe) – aged 14/15 

Stamford Caldwell – aged 13/14

Mary Caldwell – aged 10/11

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – aged 8/9

Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) – aged 7/8

Catherine L. Caldwell – aged 5/6

Diary of James Caldwell

1800

January

Sunday 5^th January 1800:

 Returned from our annual visit to Nantwich. Found a Letter from Mr Barker whom we expected tomorrow, informing us that he will not fulfil his engagement on account of the Gout with which he was then confined. James Hill came to his place on Thursday last. Fine mild day.

Monday 6 January 1800:

At home. Alcock did not come. Engaged greatest part of the day in settling the last years Accounts &c. Passed Beardmores Accounts relative to the Highways he having served the office of Surveyor for the last year.

Tuesday 7 January 1800:

At home. Engaged in Accounts &c. Alcock & his son, Musick.

Wednesday 8 January 1800:

At home.

Thursday 9 January 1800:

Do. Received information from Mr Wood of the discovery of a Clay in Lord Staffords coal mines peculiarly fine for the manufacture of earthen & porcelain wares.

Friday 10 January 1800:

At Stone attending Navgt. Committee Meeting for the purpose of raising Salaries of the Officers employed.

Saturday 11 January 1800:

Returned from Stone to a late dinner. Mild day.

Page 145

Sunday 12 January 1800:

At home.

Monday 13 January 1800:

At Burslem. Alcock did not come.

Tuesday 14 January 1800:

Dined at Mr Watkiss's at . . .[Whidrok]. Mr. Mrs & Miss Twemlows of the Hill & Captn. Furnival. Returned late. Alcock came in the Morning.

Wednesday 15 January 1800:

At home. Thick foggy day. Engaged in writing, accts. &c.

Thursday 16 January 1800:

Do. Mr Danl. Haywood advising relative to the Title to Dwelling house in Burslem purchased from Jno. Lovett. Mr William Hasseles relative to Settlement on his intended Marriage. Drew Drat. of Conveyance from John Turnock of the Lands purchased from him.

Friday 17 January 1800:

At home. Me Wood came staid all night.

Saturday 18 January 1800:

Mt Wood returned home in the Morning after much conversation relative to Mr Turners patent & the new material. Engaged with the Labourers at the alterations in the grounds.

Sunday 19 January 1800:

At home.

Monday 20 January 1800:

Do. Alcock. staid all night. Heavy Snow.

Tuesday 21 January 1800:

Do. Having this day attained the age of 41.

Wednesday 22 January 1800:

Do. Engaged in the alterations in the grounds.

Thursday 23 January 1800:

Do. Received a Letter from J Peake acquainting me that his Marriage with Miss Budgen had taken place on Tuesday last. Cold stormy day with much snow which in the Evening turned to rain.

Friday 24 January 1800:

At home. Blunt came to dinner.

Saturday 25 January 1800:

Do. Blunt left us in the Evening. Mr R Skerrett dined. In the morning walked to Alsager to see the improvements making on William Dales farm.

Sunday 26 January 1800:

Do. Mr William Bent dined. Proposal received for my purchasing Mr Bulkeley's Share in the Brewery concern. Much confidential conversation on various matters. New Clay &c. Agreed to meet Mr William Turner at Bents relative to this subject & his Patents.

At home. Alcock.

Page 146

Monday 27 January 1800:

At home. Alcock. engaged with the workmen in the grounds.

Tuesday 28 January 1800:

Do. Do. Perusing Mr Roger's Lease & Papers.

Wednesday 29 January 1800:

Do. Do. Writing various Letter &c.

Thursday 30 January 1800:

Do. busy all day in the grounds.

Friday 31 January 1800:

At Burslem.

February

Saturday 1^st February 1800:

At home. engaged in the grounds.

Sunday 2 February 1800:

Took Eliza in the afternoon to Newcastle with Lissy & Mary. returned with the two latter in the Evening.

Monday 3 February 1800:

At home, busy all day in the grounds. Alcock.

Tuesday 4 February 1800:

Do. Do. Mr Martin relative to Peake.

Wednesday 5 February 1800:

Do. Do. Basford & Colebough relative to the Cottage at the Rock.

Thursday 6 February 1800:

At Newcastle dining with Mr Skerrett, Blunt, Sneyd, Gibson &c. In the Evening attended the Club & returned home. Mr Funaley. Frosty.

Friday 7 February 1800:

At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Planted the Slope at the Wood with Filbert Trees &c.

Saturday 8 February 1800:

Do. Compleated(sic) the Gravelling to the first gate, Cold frosty day. Wind E.N.E. Colclough & his mother relative to the Rock

Sunday 9 February 1800:

At home. Mr Wood. severe frost.

Monday 10 February 1800:

Do. Mr Wood left us. Mr Penlington on his affairs, Alcock.

Tuesday 11 February 1800:

Do. severs frost. Eliza & Hannah at Newcastle Assembly.

Wednesday 12 February 1800:

Do. Do.

Thursday 13 February 1800:

Do. In the "General view of the Agriculture of the County of Stafford" lately published bu Mr W. Pitt of Pondsford near Wolverhampton, this County is stated to contain 1220 square miles, or 780000 Statute Acres, of which more than 150000 acres are waste. The annual rental of Staffordshire is stated at £600,000; and its population at 250,000. Thirty six inches of rain annually fall in Staffordshire, while from 20 to 21 only fall in & about London.

Page 147

Friday 14 February 1800:

At home. Hard frost. Mr. & Mrs Wm Bent Miss Godeley Mr. & Mrs & Miss Sparrow & Lieut. Gibson dined.

Saturday 15 February 1800:

Do. Do. In the introduction to Miss More's Strictures on the modern system of female education, lately published, in the following observation, which seems to me to be pretty accurately descriptive of some modern practices "A few characters of the opposite cast seem by the rumour of their exploits to fill the world; and by their noise to multiply their numbers. It often happens that a very small party of people, by occupying the foreground, so seize the public attention, and monopolise the public talk, that they appear to be the great lady: and a few active spirits, provided their activity take the wrong turn, and support the wrong cause, sum(sic) to fill the scene; and a few disturbers of orders, who have the talent of thus exciting a false idea of their inattitudes by their mischiefs, actually gain strength and swell their numbers by their fallacious arithmetic."

I was much pleased with the following passage

"I am not sounding an alarm to female warriors or exciting female politicians; I hardly know which of the two is the most disgusting and immaterial character. Propriety is to a woman what the great Roman Critic says action is to an Orator; it is the first, the second, the third requisite. A woman may be knowing active witty and amusing; but without propriety she cannot be amiable. Propriety is the centre in which all the lines of duty and of agreeableness meet. It is to character what proportion is to figure, and grace to attitude. It does not depend on any one perfection, but it is the result of general excellence. It shows itself by a regular, orderly, and inviting course; and never starts from its sober orbit into any splendid eccentricities; for it would be ashamed of such praise as it might extort by any aberrations from its proper path. It announces all commendation but that is characteristic; and I would make it the criteria of true taste, right principle, and genuine feeling in a woman, whether she would be less touched with all the flattery of romantic and exaggerated . . . [panegyria] than with that beautiful picture of correct and elegant propriety, which Milton draws of our first mother when he delineates.

Those thousand decencies which daily flow

From all her words and actions"

Sunday 16 February 1800:

At home. Frost began to leave us. Mt Wood came to dinner. Finally determined to attain a patent for the glazing Earthen & Porcelain Wares without lead, & wrote to my friend T Peake to cause the necessary steps to be taken accordingly.

Page 148

Monday 17 February 1800:

At home. Engaged on the new road. Alcock.

Tuesday 18 February 1800:

At Newcastle. dined at Mr William Bents & met Mr Turner for the purpose of canversing on the subject of the new Material introduced by him & his Patent. Called at Sir Thomas Fletchers & brought with me at his request the papers relative to his Cause with Mr Tollett which he wished me to pursue.

Wednesday 19 February 1800:

At Burslem attending a Meeting for taking into consideration the best means of affording relief to the industrious poor at this Season of Scarcity, when a subscription was opened & another Meeting appointed to be held on Saturday.

Thursday 20 February 1800:

At home. much engaged with the labourers on the new road &c. Mr Fritch in the Evening.

Friday 21 February 1800:

Do. Mr Eardley relative to his Will. Engaged in various other matters in the course of the day.

Saturday 22 February 1800:

At Burslem again attending Meeting. Forming a plan for the application of Subscriptions &c. Dined with Mr Wood. Successful experiments with the metallic glaze.

Sunday 23 February 1800:

At home. Miss Willett Miss Holland & two Mr Byerley attended the service in the morning & dined. Engaged in drawing out Resolutions of the Meeting yesterday to be printed & writing long letter to Mr Wood. Fine mild day.

Monday 24 February 1800:

At home engaged in the morning with Mr Eardley making his will & attending the execution of it. Alcock.

Tuesday 25 February 1800:

Do. Began gravelling the new road from the Plantation, two boat loads of gravel having arrived. Much engaged in the grounds &c all day.

I never look into or hear the plays of Kotzebal spoken of without recollecting the observation of Aristotle, which I think applies to them with peculiar force, namely, That ordinary writers endeavour to raise terror & pity in their audience, not by proper sentiments and expressions, but by the dresses & decorations of the Stage. This trick upon the spectators, for it is nothing more, the Italians happily enough call the Fourberia della scena. If to this Fourberia della scena, we add a constant endeavour to overthrow the morality of the stage and under it the corrupter instead of the reformer of manners, by insidious and delusive palliations of vice, instead of shewing(sic)her in her own image and deformity we shall be enabled to form a pretty just estimate of these celebrated Plays. In my judgement some of the very worst dramatic performances that ever disgraced the heart and pen of a writer, or the taste and judgement of an Audience.

Wednesday 26 February 1800:

At home. Severe cold with snow.

Mr Sheridan in his speech on Tuesday last on the Suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, takes occasion justly, however petulantly, to observe, that Men might change sentiments which they had long professed and inculcated; and asks, why Men who once thought that French principles were favourable to Liberty might not renounce that opinion, when from the evidence of facts, they saw their evil tendency and their pernicious practice? He says he shall ever contend that our safety was owing to the good sense, to the sound morality, and the discernment of the People themselves.

Mr Sheridan here does justice to the English Character, and avows a sentiment which I have uniformly held and expressed; but on such a confession as he has now thought proper to make, with not some spark of honest indignation naturally arise at the recollection of the insult and approbium which was so studiously and undistinguishingly cast by the Friends of the French Revolution upon all those who had a sufficient portion of that good sense and discernment of which Mr Sheridan speaks to apprehend, and spirit enough to pronounce from a very early period. the consequences which have since followed from that event, without waiting for such terrible evidence of facts. as its cures, its follies, and its cruelties now so lamentably and abundantly afford?

Page 150

Thursday 27 February 1800:

At home. Much engaged in planting &c. Mr. . . . [Meleor] relative to the dispute between Admiral Child and his Tenant Mrs Colcough of the Windy Arbone Estate when an appointment. made for them to meet here in the Morning. In the afternoon Mr Cox relative to various matters.

Friday 28 February 1800:

Do. Engaged all morning with Admiral Child who staid to dinner. Mr Jamas Robinson relative to the late Mr Samuel Robinson's affairs.

March

Saturday 1^st  March 1800:

At home. Finished the lower plantation leading to the farm across the meadow.

Sunday 2 March 1800:

At home. Mr William Bent relative to various maters. Miss S went in the afternoon to Nantwich on Horseback. Fine mild Frost.

Monday 3 March 1800:

Do. This morning began sinking a well for a pump in the back yard. Richard Chadwich & Randle Hancocks. Also finished to day gravelling the new Road. Much engaged wrote long letter to Admiral Child. Alcock did not come.

Mt Middleton in his survey of Middlesex states the total population at 3,584,600.

Tuesday 4 March 1800:

At Rode to have met Mr Edlintons at Mr Salmons in order to have endeavoured to settle the Affairs between Mt Salmon & Mr Penlington & have sealed for Sale of Mr P. Moiety of the . . .[Tallworks] but Mr S did not come. From Rode to Bortwick house to settle . . . points with the Tenants. Light snow. Out till late in the afternoon. Mr Skerrett & Miss S arrived in the Evening.

Wednesday 5 March 1800:

At home. Engaged with Mr Skerrett. Sharp Frost with cold N.E. wind. A good deal indisposed.

Thursday 6 March 1800:

Do. Mr A Skerrett. Mr Cox. Mr Funnaly. Very unwell. Severe frost

Friday 7 March 1800:

Do. Mr R Skerrett dined. Mr S returned in the Evening. Still unwell. Alcock.

Saturday 8 March 1800

Do.

In the Appendix to the 3d. Vol. of the Monthly Review, which contains . . .[Ang..t.ls] "Motifs des Guerres &c." The Reviewer speaking of the probability of the French Nation being convinced of the futility and folly of war from the evidence of the Policy which governed the Monarchy observes that if this was the case the same effect might be expected from it on the other Inhabitants of Europe: He adds "but, is it possible that the mass of mankind will ever be taught this lesson of practical wisdom, which as yet they have no where begun to practice?

To those who entertain the high flying notions of the absolute perfectibility of Man, who believe that his passions may one day be endorsed completely subordinate to his reason, and that worth and virtue shall at last become the sole guides of human conduct, such an hope may appear rational, but those who hold the opinion, however comfortless it seems, that man is likely ever to continue the same animal which for so many thousand years history informs as he has been - a creature compounded as well as feeling as of intellect, drawn by different motives in contrary directions, sometimes impelled to vice by passion, and sometimes led by reason to the practice of virtue - such then will from whence it as absurd to expect that war shall be made to cease, or even in a very considerable degree be rendered less frequent than it has been, by speculative proofs that it is neither necessary nor useful, as to hope that the fixed laws of nature shall yield to the benevolent wish of him who would exclude from the material as well as from the moral would all that he deems Evil."

It is amusing and instructive to observe the progressive return of public sentiment of those rational and generally received principles and practical opinions expecting human Policy, which prevailed anterior to the French Revolution, and the mischief as well as folly of departing from which, that Event has so fully demonstrated.

Mercier, a french writer of the present day, though a strenuous Republican says, "We here in proscribing superstition, destroyed all religious sentiment; but this is not the way to regenerate the World."

He declares, the grand evil of the Revolution to have been "the hasty and inconsiderate invitation of the Multitude to the discussion of political matters, which are subjects in general beyond their reach."

The Monthly Reviewer observes "We recognise with pleasure this sentiment in a Republican. A Mob may be in a few moments worked up to madness, but it cannot so soon be instructed.

Monterquim long before made the following Observation "One great fault there was in most of the ancient republics, that the People had a right to active resolutions, such as require some execution, a thing of which they are absolutely incapable.

And yet in what contempt & derision were such sober sentiments as these one time held by the friends of the French revolution; and how vehemently & insultingly were these who entertained and presumed to avow them declaimed against as Enemies to Mankind, Friends to Tyranny, Advocates for servitude and partizans(sic) of every imperfection & abase in the ancient french, or existing British Constitution!. J.C.

Sunday 9 March 1800:

At home. So unwell as to be unable to go through the Service.

Page 152

Monday 10 March 1800:

At home. Alcock. Severe cold. Wind & snow.

Tuesday 11 March 1800:

Do. Mr Jno. Garnett dined. Engaged . . . at part of the Morning in perusing & settling Mr Wm Bents Deeds relative to his purchase of Mr Jno. Hardman's Share in the Brewery Concern. James Wright relative to the well. Agreed for so much as shd. be done by day labour at 16d a week each man. Frost began to go.

Wednesday 12 March 1800:

At home. Began altering the drawing Room. Much rain.

Thursday 13 March 1800:

Do: Mr Boudarde began instructing the children in French. Eliza, Mary, Ann & Emma. Fine mild day. Mr Penlington.

Friday 14 March 1800:

Do. Severe Cold. Engaged writing, drawing &c. Began ploughing for oats in the Hollin's Ground.

Saturday 15 March 1800:

At home.

Sunday 16 March 1800:

Do.

Still very unwell. Returned Sir Thomas Fletcher the papers relative to the dispute with Mr Tollett.

Monday 17 March 1800:

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 18:

Do. Mr. Brandon began instructing  the Children in writing & Accounts.

Wednesday 19 March 1800:

At home. Engaged with various persons.

Thursday 20 March 1800:

Do. Messrs. Alcock Fitch Bagnall T Alcock & Mr Hollins dined. In the Evening Musick. Mrs & Miss Morris.

Friday 21 March 1800:

Do. Mr Turner of Lane End dined. Came relative to the patent lately obtained by him.

Saturday 22 March 1800:

At Burslem. In my absence Sir Tho. & W Fletcher called. Engaged in the Afternoon with various persons. Mr Penlington relative to the proposals made by Mr Salmon. Mr Galley relative to the house at Nantwich &c.&c. Fine mild day.

Sunday 23 March 1800:

At home. In the Afternoon Mr Wood & Mr Davenport relative to Mr Turners patent, with specimins of the material found in Mr Kinnersley's mones at Chesterton. Mild day with Fog & light Rain.

Monday 24 March 1800:

At home. Alcock.

Tuesday 25 March 1800:

Engaged in superintending the . . .[sowing] &c. of the old Road &c. Mr Wood came to dinner & returned in the Evening. Mild day.

Page 153.

Wednesday 26 March 1800:

At home. Much engaged with the workmen in the Grounds.

Thursday 27 March 1800:

Do. Mr Boudarde. Mr R Skerrett dined.

Friday 28 March 1800:

Do. Engaged with the workmen.

Mr Dundas in his opening of the India Budget on Wednesday last, states the quantity of Tea sold by the East India Company in 1799 at 25,000,000 pounds: from whence a Revenue had arisen of about £1,500,000.

In the year 1784 - 5 the quantity sold was 16,000,000 pounds, the duty upon which ammounted only to £324,720.

Saturday 29 March 1800:

At home. Engaged with the workmen, & this day finished filling up the Old ditch in the grounds, leading from the gate to the Turn of the Road at the bottom of the Hill. Messrs. Blunt, Brazier & Ansance dined. Mild day but showery.

Sunday 30 March 1800:

At home. Mr Wm. Bent dined -  Mr Turnock relative to his Tithe.

Monday 31 March 1800:

Do. Alcock. fine mild day.

April

Tuesday 1^st April 1800:

At Newcastle on various matters. Called at Sir Thomas Fletchers dined with Mr William Bent & returned in the Evening.

Wednesday 2 April 1800:

At home

Thursday 3 April 1800:

Do: Mr Boudarde. Much engaged about the farm liming, draining &c. Mr R Skerrett relative to his dispute with Mr Rhodes & which I finally settled.

Friday 4 April 1800:

At home.

Saturday 5 April 1800:

Do. Mr Blunt came to dinner; brought Butlers Analogy which I propose reading again with much attention. Much conversation on various matters. Showery day. Set Early potatoes in the field sowed turnips in the plantations.

Sunday 6 April 1800:

At home. In the afternoon rode out with Lissy, Ann came in the Evening. fine day with light showers.

The present scarcity often reminds me of a very sensible observation of Paley's in speaking of Tithes, namely that, in the . . . at least in which they are collected at present, they operate

"as a County upon Pasturage. The . . .[Burden] of the tax falls with its chief, if not with its whole weight, upon tillage; that is to say, upon that precise mode of cultivation which, as hath been shown above it is the business of the State to relieve and remunerate, in preference to every other"

Palys principles of moral & pol. Phil.

In the Evening rode on horseback with Lissy.

Monday 7 April 1800:

At home. Alcock. Finished ploughing for oats. Mr Sephton began . . .[pl..ting] & . . .[st..ning].

Tuesday 8 April 1800:

Do. Engaged in various matter relative to the farm.

Wednesday 9 April 1800:

Do.

Thursday 10 April 1800:

Do. Receiving Mr Penlingtons Rents. Mr H Booth relative to my undertaking as Arbitration of dispute between Messrs. Booth & Chatterley & R.Baddeley which I declined. Very wet day. Mr. Boudarde. In the evening Mrs Blunt returned with Eliza & Hannah from Newcastle.

Friday 11 April 1800:

At home. fine mild day. Ann returned to Nantwich with Stamford who rode for the first time the roan filly. Lissy & I accompanied them part of the way. Mr Blunt came in the Evening.

Saturday 12 April 1800:

At home. Mr Wood & Mr Hickman dined.

Sunday 13 April 1800:

At home

Monday 14 April 1800:

Went to Stone by Burslem attending Committee of Genl. Assembly of Props. of the Navign. Major Daniel resigned.

Tuesday 15 April 1800:

Returned from Stone. Found Mr Bent at Linley.

Wednesday 16:

At Newcastle dining with Mr Hollins. Blunt &c. Set early Potatoes in the field.

Thursday 17 April 1800:

Do. Engaged with Mr Blunt Mr Boudarde. In the Evg. Mr Keys.

Friday 18 April 1800:

Do. Do.

Saturday 19 April 1800:

Do. Do.

Sunday 20 April 1800:

At home.

Monday 21 April 1800:

Do. Alcock. Engaged in the Grounds.

Tuesday 22 April 1800:

At Burslem. various matters. Finished sowing oats.

Wednesday 23 April 1800:

At home. Finished spreading lime

Thursday 24 April 1800:

Do. Mr Boudarde. Fine day.

Page 155        

Friday 25 April 1800:

At home. Set winter Potatoes

Saturday 26 April 1800:

Do. In the afternoon Mr Wm Bent. Received this morning out of Lancashire a specimen of the material which forms the chief substance of the Jasper.

Sunday 27 April 1800:

Do. Mr Wood dined.

Monday 28 April 1800:

Do. Mrs Penlington. Mr Turnock executing Conveyance of Lands purchased from him. Alcock.

Tuesday 29 April 1800:

Do. Mr Wilbraham & Mr Salmon called. The commencement of an Acquantance with the former from which I cannot but expect much satisfaction.

Wednesday 30 April 1800:

 Do. Engaged in the Grounds & various matters.

May,

Thursday 1 May 1800:

Do. Turned out 3 barren cows into Johnsons Land. One had from Barthomley as a milker last year. Fine growing weather.

Friday 2 May 1800:

At Newcastle Meeting Messr. Sharpe & . . .[lules.] Usk from Manchester perusing & executing Deeds &c relative to Mr William Bents purchase of Mr Hardmans Share in the Brewery. Dined at Mr Wm Bents Sparrow, Hollins, Walker, Poole & F. Fenton. Returned in th Evg. Heavy rain in the Morning

Saturday 3 May 1800:

At home.

Sunday 4 May 1800:

Do.

Monday 5 May 1800:

At Alsager Heath. Attending annual Meeting of Trustees of Alsager Church. Remarkably fine day.

Tuesday 6 May 1800:

At home. In the morning threw some boiling water upon my Leg which confined me all day. Immediately on the accident I had recourse to cold water which I had poured upon the part for an hour, till the pain & Inflamation had surprisingly subsided. I then applied Goalard's extract & later. In the course of the day I scarcely suffered any pain though a very large blister more than the size of a Crown piece had arisen on the shin bone.

Wednesday 7 May 1800

This morning I discharged the water out of the blister, & was scarsely sensible of any Accident having happened, except one such part where the skin had been rubbed off in undressing. The effect of the cold water appeared very manifest, from there being a small blister on the inside the . . .[Ankle], which had been much exposed to the operation of the water, but of which I had never been aware til the blister rose so completely had the application prevented pain or inflamation. Turned three milkers out into the large Linley field.

Thursday 8 May 1800:

Mr Boudarde. In the evening went to Burslem to stay a day or two. Eliza & the three eldest girls walked. At night violent storm of Thunder & Lightening with rain.

Friday 9 May 1800:

At Burslem.

Saturday 10 May 1800:

Returned in the Morning. from Burslem & called upon Mr Wilbraham at Rode hall. Eliza & the children returned in the Evening. Leg well from the exercise. Finished taking down the fence at the corner of the Starcliffe.

Sunday 11 May 1800:

At home. Mr Wm Bent dined. confined with my leg.

Monday 12 May 1800:

Do. confined to the house with my leg. Engaged all morning in writing long letter to Mrs Lurcome relative to Mr Penlingtons affairs &c. Turned out four more feeders.

Tuesday 13 May 1800:

Do. Do. Alcock. Mr R Skerrett

Wednesday 14 May 1800:

Do. Do.

"A variety of Sects in the natural consequence of religious Liberty; and mutual animosity is too often the consequence of a variety of Sects. The mischief is not that men think differently, which is unavoidable; it is, their refusing others that liberty, which they take themselves. To restrain, therefore, the bad effects of bigotry, the prudent legislator protects an establishment; and whatever toleration he may allow to Sectaries (and the wisest hath generally allowed the most) he will however keep such a restraint upon them, as may preserve the tranquillity of the whole."

Life of Zisca by Gilpin.

Thursday 15 May 1800:

Do. Do. Leg still very troublesome. Mr Boudarde. Mr Funnaley.

Friday 16 May 1800:

Do. Do. Miss Potts arrived from Birmingham.

Page 157

Saturday 17 May 1800.

At home. Leg little better. Heavy rain.

Sunday 18 May 1800:

Do. Do. Mr Wm Bent relative to his affairs with Col. Balkeley &c. previous to his going to London to settle the same.

Monday 19 May 1800:

Do. Engaged writing various Letters &c. In the evg. Alcock. Joshua bought 11 sheep & 5 lambs at Leek fair.

Tuesday 20 May 1800:

Do. Alcock.

Wednesday 21 May 1800:

Do. Miss Stamford & Miss Potts set off to Eaton.

Thursday 22 May 1800:

Do. Mr Boudarde.

Friday 23 May 1800:

Do:

Saturday 24 May 1800:

Do: Mr Blunt

Sunday 25 May 1800:

Do: Mr Blunt staid at night. Great improvemt. making by Stamford led us yesterday to a great deal of consideration of his future plan of education. Cambridge strongly recommended by Mr B.

Monday 26 May 1800:

Do. Mr William Bent on his return from London where he had Contracted for the purchase of Col. Balkeley's Share in the Brewery Concern at Newcastle. For the first time since Saturday 10th. inst. walked to the farm having been confined almost to my seat since that day by my leg.

Tuesday 27 May 1800:

Do. Alcock.

Wednesday 28 May 1800:

Do. Mr Wilbraham called & engaged me to dine with him tomorrow.

Thursday 29 May 1800:

 Dined at Mr Wilbrahams . Mr Fritch.

Friday 30 May 1800:

Mr & Mrs Wood & family came to Linley to dinner & to spend a few days.

Saturday 31 May 1800:

At home engaged with Mr Wood &c.

June

Sunday 1^st June 1800:

Do. Do.

Monday 2 June 1800:

Do. Do. Mr Thomas Wedgwood dined.

Tuesday 3 June 1800:

Do. Do. Alcock. In the Eveng. the Woods returned.

Wednesday 4 June 1800:

At home. Purchased a bay & roan from Mr Lander for the gig.

Thursday 5 June 1800:

Attended Agricultural Meeting at the Red ball Lawton.

Page 158

Friday 6 June 1800:

At home. In the evening rode out with Eliza in the gig.

"We shall suffer the most eventful season ever witnessed in the affairs of men, to pass over our heads to very little purpose, if we fail to learn from it some awful lessons on the nature and progress of the passions.

Among the various passions which that Revolution (The French) has so strikingly displayed, none is more conspicuous than vanity; nor is it difficult, without adverting to the national character of the people, to account for its extraordinary predominance. Political power, the most seducing object of ambition, never before circulated through so many Lands; the prospect of possessing it was never before presented to so many minds. Multitudes, who by their birth and education, and not unfrequently by their talents, seemed destined to perpetual obscurity, wise by the alternative rise and fall of parties, . . .[describe] into distinction, and shared in the functions of Government. The short livid forms of power and office glided with such rapidity through successive ranks of degradation, from the Court to the very dregs of the populace, that they seemed rather to solicit acceptance than to be a prize contented for; yet as it was still impossible for all to possess authority though none were willing to obey, a general impatience to . . .[break] through the ranks and rush into the foremost ground, maddened and infuriated the nation, and overwhelmed law, order, and civilization with the violence of a torrent."

Halles Sermon on Infidelity p. 32

Infusing into those interested with the enaction of laws a spirit of rash innovation and daring empiricism, a disdain of the established usages of mankind, a foolish desire to dazzle the world with new and untried systems of policy, in which the precedents of antiquity and the experience of ages are only consulted to be trodden under foot; and into the executive department of Government a fierce contention for pre eminence, an incessant struggle to supplant and destroy, with a propensity to calumny and suspicion, proscription and massacre.

Ibid.

Saturday 7 June 1800:

At home

Sunday 8 June 1800:

Do. Mr William Bent dined

Monday 9 June 1800:

Do.

Tuesday 10 June 1800:

Do. Engaged in perusing Act of Parliament &c previous to attending Newcastle junction Canal Meeting tomorrow.

Page 159

Wednesday 11 June 1800:

At Newcastle attending Canal Meeting & afterwards dined at Mr Wm Bents. First time that I had put on a boot since my accident. Eliza & Miss Stamford & Lissy drank tea at Mrs Willetts. Returned with them in the Carriage.

Thursday 12 June 1800:

At home. Mr Boudarde. Mr Skerrett came. Mr & Mrs Wilbrahim called.

Friday 13 June 1800:

Do. Engaged with Mr Skerrett.

Saturday 14 June 1800:

Mr Skerrett returned. At Burslem. Mr & Mrs Blunt & Messrs. Brazier & . . .[Horcop] dined.

Sunday 15 June 1800:

At home. Mrs Blunt.

Monday 16 June 1800:

Mrs Blunt returned with Stamford. Went with Mr & Mrs Wilbraham to the works at Burslem & afterwards dined with them at Rodehall. Alcock.

Tuesday 17 June 1800:

At home.

Wednesday 18 June 1800:

At Newcastle dining with Mr Kinnersly, Sr. Jno Heathcote, Messrs Manwaring, Swinnerton Henshall & self.

Thursday 19 June 1800:

At home. Mr Boudarde.

Friday 20 June 1800:

Do.

Saturday 21 June 1800:

Do. Mr & Miss Swinnerton & Mr Blunt dined. Called on the Mr S in the  morning at Rode hall & Lawton Hall

Sunday 22 June 1800:

Do. At home

Monday 23 June 1800:

At Burslem. Alcock.

Tuesday 24 June 1800:

Went to Nantwich with Eliza in the Gig. Penlingtons affairs &c.

Wednesday 25 June 1800:

At Nantwich

Thursday 26 June 1800:

Returned home after a very pleasant excursion

Friday 27 June 1800:

Mr & Mrs Lawrence & family arrived in the evening.

Saturday 28 June 1800:

At home. engaged with Mr Lawrence

Sunday 29 June 1800:

Do. Smiths attempt to assassinate Mr Wainwright

Monday 30 June 1800:

Do. Alcock

July

Tuesday 1^st July 1800:

At Burslem

Wednesday 2 July 1800:

Mr Lawrence left Linley in the morning. At Newcastle Races dined at the Ordinary at the Crown & in the Evg. at the Ball with Eliza & Hannah.

Page 160

Thursday 3 July 1800:

At Newcastle again. Dined at the Roebuck. Appointed Steward for the ensuing year on the nomination of Mr Egerton with Mr Wilbraham. In the Evg. at the Theatre.

Friday 4 July 1800:

at home.

Saturday 5 July 1800:

Mrs Lawrence & the Boys left us. Ann & Bessy arrived from Nantwich. Mr & Mrs Turner & Mrs & Miss Willett came to dinner.

Sunday 6 July 1800

At home. Mr Turner performed the Service.

Monday 7 July 1800:

At Burslem with Mr Turner.

Tuesday 8 July 1800:

Mr & Mrs Turner & the Willetts left Linley. Mrs Skerrett arrived.

Wednesday 9 July 1800:

At Nantwich Races. dined at the Ordinary at the Crown.

Thursday 10 July 1800:

Do. dined at Mr Thos. Gametts. Mr Skerrett returned with me in the Evg. Mr Barber had arrived this morning. Found on my return Letter from Dr Percival with an addl. Vol. of a Fathers Instructions.

Friday 11 July 1800:

At home. Began mowing

Saturday 12 July 1800:

Do: Engaged with Haymakers &c.

Sunday 13 July 1800:

Mr & Mrs Turner came. Dined myself at Sr. Thos. Fletchers; Bent &c.

Monday 14 July 1800:

At home. Alcock

Tuesday 15 July 1800:

Do. Mr Yoxall & Mr Adams dined

Wednesday 16 July 1800:

Do.

Thursday 17 July 1800:

Do. Mr Wood dined. In the afternoon Mr Barber left Linley. Sold a feeding Cow £14

Friday 18 July 1800:

Do. Fishing at the Bath Pool. finished mowing

Saturday 19 July 1800:

At Newcastle pursuant to appointment with Mr Jos. Adams on his affairs with Mr T Sparrow relative to the New Arrangements of the Salt affairs. Returned to dinner & brought Miss Stamford in the gig. Appointed with Mr T Sparrow to attend a Commission in Palins & Birks's Bankruptcy, and in a Reference . . . to one the first mark after the assizes.

Sunday 20 July 1800:

At home. read Sickers excellent sermon from the Text 'Man saith the Lord of Hosts Consider your . . .' A composition which I consider as a Masterpiece of Pulpit eloquence.

Page 161

Monday 21 July 1800:

At Burslem with Mr Skerrett in the Gig. finished Hay harvest except  . . . all. . . pieces about the corn &c. Mr Burgiss paying off his late Mothers Mortgage.

Tuesday 22 July 1800:

At home. Messrs. William, Thomas & Jno Garnett dined. Alcock, his son & Bagnall. Musick.

Wednesday 23 July 1800:

At Rode Heath with Mr Skerrett on Mr Penlingtons affairs & the proposed Reference of Mr Salmon's Account to Dr. Thomas Broughton & Mr S. Blunt came to dinner. Mr Skerrett left us in the Evening.

Thursday 24 July 1800:

At home. In the Afternoon at the Bath Pool fishing. Took one brace of Carp. Mrs Skerrett left us in the Evening.

Friday 25 July 1800:

At home.

"It has been estimated by political arithmeticians that the daily employment of the working hands in every state during the space of four hours, is adequate to the full supply, for all its Members of food, raiment, and habitation."

Percivals Fathers Instructions part 3.

Friday 25 July 1800:

At home.

" The judicious maxim, mullins jurare in ouba magistic is construed to imply a bold opposition to every established opinion. And as these may be what Lord Bacon happily turns "a superstitious fear of superstition" then may also subsist a prejudice so strong against supposed prejudice, as to be come with literary men, especially of a metaphysical turn, one great source of Scepticism and infidelity.

Instead of the evidence of Christianity being weakened by the numerous histories of Miracles which are boasted by the votaries of every religion, they are in fact confined by them. For amongst all those histories not one can be produced which does not differ from the narrative of the gospels, in circumstances of the most decisive importance, in the nature of the evidence by which it is supported, or of the facts it relates."

Elringtons Sermons

In confirmation of the above judicious and important observation, it may be remarked, that in respect tp the miracles alleged to have been performed by Vespasian in obedience to a vision of the God Serapis, the partizans(sic) who supported his pretensions availed themselves of such artifices as were suited to the superstitions of the age. It is, indeed, evident that Vespasian himself was engaged in the plot of Imposition. For when he visited the temple of Serapis, to consult that God concerning the fate of the empire. he commanded all to retire, that he might without fear of contradiction pretend to have seen the vision of Basilides, then confined by sickness at a considerable distance from Alexandria, whose name and presence were to be alleged as the assurance of divine favour.

Instead of any direct testimony of Eye witnesses of the facts performed by Christ Jacitus, on whose authority so much reliance has been placed only assures us that in his time the events contained to be recounted and averred by those who had been Eye witnesses , and could reap no advantage from their flattery. Thus . . . the strength of the Evidence at least one & in the most important . . . But the narrative of Jacitus affords no reason even to conjecture that he himself gave credit to these miracles. The accounts delivered too appear to have varied so essentially, and in such striking particulars, that it was impossible that they should have proceeded from Eye witnesses. Sactonius represents that the limb restored was the leg, and Jacitus the arm. The former speaks of the person who was seen by Vespasian in the Temple as a poor man; the latter as a grandee of Egypt.

It should also be observed, that the Physicians who were ordered by Vespasian to examine whether the lameness and blindness were curable by human aid, reported, that in the one the power of sight was not wholly extinct, but would return were the obstacles removed; and, in the other, the joints were only disturbed & might be restored with regular . . . Vid

Note to Ant. Un. HIst. Vol 15. p. 22.

"In the small collection of only nine cures (performed at the tomb of Abbe Paris) there is not one that possesses the characteristics which prove the interference of divine power; not one in which a disorder clearly beyond the influence of the imagination was instantaneously and perfectly removed: Nay more not one of any kind in health and strength were completely and at once restored.

Where ignorance and superstition have prevailed, where interest excites to deceit, and power protects it from detection, where few are willing to doubt, and where none can with safety enquire, instances may occur in which the artifices of men, who took advantages of these circumstances have imposed upon the Multitude. But how is Christianity affected by this? If an instance were produced in which miracles were successfully pretended to arrange such a people as I have described, by persons adverse to their superstitions we then might admit the objection to have weight." Elrington at sup.

Saturday 26 July 1800:

At home. In the afternoon fishing again at the Bath Pool with Mr Kinnersly. I took 22 brace of fine carp of which I had six which turned into the water at the farm.

Sunday 27 July 1800:

Do. very hot

Monday 28 July 1800:

Do. In the morning fine shower of Rain

Tuesday 29 July 1800:

Do.

Wednesday 30 July 1800:

Hannah & Ann with two of the Children set off for Burlington. Still very hot. Alcock

Thursday 31 July 1800:

At home. In the afternoon fishing again at the Bath Pool when we took 25 brace of carp of which I had 8 brace & ½ which I turned into the water at . . .[Terhaas]. Mr & Mrs K & 2 of the young ladies drank tea at Linley.

August,

Friday 1^st August 1800:

Sold a cow to Philip Wood for £11:15 cost £5:8. In the afternoon at Newcastle with Eliza, Lissy & Bess. Drank tea at Mrs Blunts & afterwards went to the Play. Went myself through the Brewery with Mr W Bent with whom I had much conversation & who mentioned to me the . . .[following] substitute for Barm [froth on fermenting malt liquor] substitute.1lb of starch. 1 lb of brown sugar & 2 quarts of small beer Gently boiled together. afterwards add 1 quart of Barm.

Page 164

Saturday 2 August 1800:

At Burslem, Mr Wood being at Buxton. Return this week £700. In the Evg. engaged in drawing up Rules & Regultn. for the Agricultural Society proposed to be instituted at Newcastle under the direction of Captain Sneyd & myself & the first meeting of which is to be held on Wednesday next.

Sunday 3 August 1800:

At home. Mr Wm Bent came to dinner. In the afternoon Miss Willett & Mr Jos. Byerley.

Monday 4 August 1800:

At home. Alcock

Tuesday 5 August 1800:

Do. Began this day the works in old Linley Lane for supplying the house with water: the well which I had begun in the yard not promising a sufficient supply at any commodious depth.

Wednesday 6 August 1800:

At Newcastle. breakfasted at Mr Bents. Afterwards attending first meeting of the Agricultural Society. In the Chair Capt. Sneyd prevented from attending by intelligence which had been received of the death of his Brother Harry in Ireland. Respectable meeting. Resolutions &c unanimously adopted. Served with a Spa. [subpoena] to attend as a witness in the case of Heath v Halland by the latter.

Thursday 7 August 1800:

At home: Engaged with the workmen. Mr Boudarde in the evg. Mr Keys. very hot day.

Friday 8 August 1800:

Do. Do.

Saturday 9 August 1800:

Do. Mr Wood came but did not stay to dinner.

Sunday 10 August 1800:

Hassall & Mr Massey arrived soon after Breakfast. Much conversation with the former on various matters. Rochdale Canal Shares sell for £67

Monday 11 August 1800:

 At home. Alcock. In the Evening rode out in the Gig with Eliza. Turned 12 Trout which the men had taken out of the brook at Alsager into the large pool. Hassall & Mr Massey went in the morning early.

Page 165

Tuesday 12 August 1800:

At home. Engaged all morning with Mr Holland Attorney relative to my attending at Stafford as a witness in the case of Heath agt. Holland when he thought my attendance might be dispensed with. In the afternoon served with a Spa. to attend as a witness in a Case Sr. Tho. Fletcher agt. Jackson & to provide Deeds. In the Evening took Eliza in the Gig to Newcastle. Attended Mr Heath Atty & delivered to him the Deed which he wished me to produce at the Assizes, & got excused attending.

Wednesday 13 August 1800:

At home. Engaged with the workmen. In the Evening. rode out with Bessy in the Gig.

Thursday 14 August 1800:

Do. Do. very hot.

Friday 15 August 1800:

Do. "The average number of Ships employed in the Trade from Newcastle to London is 400, never less than 300, or more than 500. They make from nine to ten voyages in the year.

The price of a London Chaldron [A measure of coal - 36 bushels] of the best coals at Newcastle including the keel dues, lights, town dues, beer money and insurance at Newcastle was during the present year £13/7/4 alongside the Ship before put on board. The expense of loading included in the freight.

On the coals arriving at London, the Custom house expenses, . . .[Mutage] and Orphans duty, Kings duty, additional 5p. cart duty, discount & . . .[scorage] allowed the buyer. factors commission, petty expenses and interest on duties advanced, will amount to 11/6 per load on Chaldron.

The average number of Men and boys in each ship is in the proportion of one to twenty one tons. The wages of seamen in the coal trade is higher than in any other service, on account of the difficulty of the Navigation,  and its being confined to those bred up in the trade.

Wages which used before the war to be from £2: 10 in Summer & £3:3 in winter are now at the enormous rate of £11:11 for a single voyage. A London Chaldron of the best coals, so as to give a fair mercantile profit to all parties concerned, could not at this time (April 1) be sold in the London market for less than 48 per London Chaldron. In time of peace at not less than 37 during summer, and 3g during winter."

Gillespy's Evidence before the Committee of the House of Commons for examining into the coal trade.

Mr Gillespy is a Coal factor, Ship owner &c.

This afternoon the men laid the first retaining Stone on the Wheel race.

Page 166

Saturday 16 August 1800:

In the morning took Eliza in the Gig to Burslem. On our return the mare refusing to take the collar on beginning to ascend the Hill up to Talk, she ran back with the Carriage down a very considerable precipice. In attempting to jump out & seize her head, I was myself thrown down; and Eliza though taken down the precipice & the mare had compleatly(sic) turned over so that she lay with her head to the gig with the Shaft broke, most wonderfully escaped unhurt. To her own carlness(sic) [calmness] & presence of mind this must be in great measure attributed.

On looking at the place in the Evening, I found that had the carriage gone down even a very few yards further, or short of the place where the accident happened there scarcely seemed a possibility that both of us might have been dashed to pieces. Fortunately a few bushes overhung at this spot, which by impeding the descent of the Carriage took the violence of the fall & gave Eliza time to disengage herself. In the evening Mr & Mrs T. Peake arrived.

Sunday 17 August 1800:

At home. Mr William Bent breakfasted & brought us the intelligence of the death of Mr John Willett, which happened about eleven o'clock the night before. Returned the Gig Mare to Mr Lander.

Monday 18 August 1800:

At home. Began cutting oats. Alcock.

Tuesday 19 August 1800:

Do. In the afternoon laid the first stone of the well or Reservoir in old Linley Lane for supplying the house with water.

Wednesday 20 August 1800:

At Newcastle attending the funeral of John Willett. Thunder & Lightening about noon with rain. Attended Turnpike Meeting at the Roebuck & returned home to dinner. Mr Wood Mr Hudson of London & Mr J. Wedgwood dined

Thursday 21 August 1800:

At home.

Friday 22 August 1800:

At Burslem with Mr & Mrs T Peake. Returned to dinner.

Page 167

Saturday 23 August 1800:

At Newcastle breakfasting with Mr Wm Bent from thence to Bullerton & returned home to dinner. In the evening very unwell.

Sunday 24 August 1800:

At home. Still very unwell.

Monday 25 August 1800:

Do. Mr Skerrett. Do. Alcock. Early in the morning a more serious attack of my old nervous complaint.

Tuesday 26 August 1800:

Do. Mr Harding & Mr Beckett relative to the Houses on the Marsh, Acct &c. Memdn. They appointed to come to Linley on Tuesday the 7th Oct & dine for the purpose of closing the Account. In the Afternoon Mr R Skerrett & Mr William Bent.

Wednesday 27 August 1800:

Do. Still unwell.

Thursday 28 August 1800:

Do.

Mr Boudarde. Mr & Mrs Peake & Eliza & Bessy at Newcastle but returned to dinner.

Friday 29 August 1800:

Do.  In a conversation with Peake on the subject of Hadfield's Trial for the attempt to assassinate the King, he mentioned to me, on the authority of Serjt. Best one of the counsel for the prisoner from who he had it, that the prisoners Brief were delivered and the fees paid by Government. To what reflections does not such a circumstance as this lead, on the purity & excellence of the administration of Justice in this country? and the candour and mildness of its Government. Busy carrying oats.

Saturday 30:

Mr Caskine said he could not stand the glance by Mr Pitt's eye in the House of Commons. At home.

Sunday 31 August 1800:

Do.

September,

Monday 1^st September 1800:

Do: Alcock did not come. The person who tithed for Mr Tollett said that on an average through his district the wheat yielded this year 15 Thrave per acre, A Thrave is generally estimated at a Bushel & a half. The medium crop of wheat in Staffordshire was estimated by the person who attended to give information in consequence of the application made by Government. in the year 1795, at 18 or 20 bushels (Staffordshire measure of 38 quarts to the bushel) per acre. The average reported to Government was only 18 bushels per acre. Finished carrying oats. In the Evening. Eliza Mrs Peake Bessy & Lissy went to the play at Newcastle.

Page 168

Tuesday 2 September 1800:

At home. Began cutting wheat.

Wednesday 3 September 1800:

Do. Mr Wood. In the evening very heavy rain.

Thursday 4 September 1800:

Do. Mr Boudarde. Hannah &c. arrived from their Journey into the North. In the evening Mr Fritch.

Friday 5 September 1800:

Ann & Bessy with Mr & Mrs Peake set off to Nantwich. The latter on their Journey into North Wales. Wet evening.

Saturday 6 September 1800:

At home. In the afternoon Mr Wm Bent.

Sunday 7 September 1800:

Do.

Monday 8 September 1800:

At Burslem. Alcock. In the afternoon very heavy rain.

Tuesday 9 September 1800:

At home. Rain with thunder.

Wednesday 10 September 1800:

Do. Sold two cows to Mr Twemlow for £26. In the afternoon cut wheat.

Thursday 11 September 1800:

Do. Mr Boudarde.

Friday 12 September 1800:

At Newcastle.

Saturday 13 September 1800:

At home. Blunt came to dinner.

Sunday 14 September 1800:

At home. Mr Jackson of Nantwich came to dinner.

Monday 15 September 1800:

Mr Jackson left Linley. At Newcastle Fair. Undertook reference between Mr Swinnerton, Barlow & others relative to Delph house. Acct. Colliery &c. Appointed Meeting of Committee of Agricultural Society for Wednesday 23rd inst at the Roebuck. Returned home to dinner. In the Evening. Mr & Mrs Peake arrived.

Tuesday 16 September 1800:

At home. carrying wheat. Began strawberry digging in the Garden at the farm.

Wednesday 17 September 1800:

Do. Finished carrying wheat.

Thursday 18 September 1800:

Do. Mr Boudarde. Mr Wood relative to the proceedings of the Potters respecting the proposals made by the Weaver Company for carrying by that River. In the afternoon acted as Chairman of a Meeting held at Hanley.

Friday 19 September 1800:

At home.

Saturday 20 September 1800:

At Burslem. Mrs Peake, Eliza &c went to Trentham.

Sunday 21 September 1800:

Do. In the afternoon Miss Willett.

Page 169

Monday 22 September 1800:

At home. wet stormy day. Riot commenced in the pottery on acct. of high price of Corn.

Tuesday 23 September 1800:

At home. Alcock. In the afternoon the Rioters came to Lawton & from thence to Rode Hill but committed no great violence.

Wednesday 24 September 1800:

At Newcastle to have attended Agricultural Committee Meeting but owing to the Riots in the Neighbourhood which engaged many of the Committee who were of the Cavalry the same was adjourned to Friday the 3rd Oct.

Went from Newcastle to Longport where the Rioters were expected to be & from thence to Burslem & afterwards accompanied by Captain Sneyd & Mr Sparrow to Hanley when the Rioters were assembled in so great force that the Cavalry & the troops of 17 Light Dragoons has been called out. Staid at Hanley til about six o'clock & in the meantime had gone amongst the Mob & prevailed upon some to go quietly home.

Thursday 25 September 1800:

At Newcastle attending the funeral of Mrs Gaston. Mr Sneyd of Belmont had arrived on acct. of the Riots & went with the Cavalry & Lewarth Volunteers into the Pottery. Dined at the Roebuck with Rev. W. . . . &c

Friday 26 September 1800:

At home. In the evening engaged with Mr Edward Eardley relative to the reference made to me of dissents respecting the Delph house Colliery by Mr Swinnerton. Mr & Mrs Barlow & others. Received notice from Mrs Johnson to quit at Lady day next.

Page 170

[Transcribers note: The entries below refer to an absence of 3 weeks but there are no entries between Sept 25th and Oct 29th. JC clearly very unwell during this period.]

October

Wednesday 29 October 1800:

Returned from Buxton after an absence of 3 weeks. Better but far from well. Found Mr Wood relative to taking a Lease of the Grange Estate which we determined to do.

Thursday 30 October 1800:

At home. Mr Fritch

Friday 31 October 1800:

Do. In the morning coursed for an hour with Mr Chas. Lawton.

November

Saturday 1^st November 1800:

At Newcastle in Palins Bankruptcy &c.

Sunday 2 November 1800:

At home. In the morning Mr Wm Bent.

Monday 3 November 1800:

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 4 November 1800:

Do.

Wednesday 5 November 1800:

Do.

"The immediate cause of Springs consists in the condensation of the atmospheric moisture, during the night principally: by the greater coldness of the Summits of hills. The water thus condensed in the Summits of hills descends between the strata of the incumbent soil, sometimes for many miles together; but generally from the nearest eminences into the adjoining vallies."

Darwins Phytologia p. 259

The best method of preventing the vallies from being too moist must be by cutting a long horizontal ditch into the side of the mountain to intercept the water just before the level land of the Valley commences: and thus to carry it away.       Ibid p. 261

For the various modes of accomplishing this vid. the same Book.

Friday 22 November 1800:

From the time of making the last Entry I have been almost wholly employed at home in superintending the workmen at the wheel &c for supplying the House with water. On the 19th inst. it was brought opposite to the front of the House & this day to the Gates of the Stable Yard. I went in the morning to Newcastle (with Eliza & Hannah) on various matters of business, & dined at Mrs Willetts. Mr McNivin of Lancashire, who I met with at Mr Wm Bents, & who is a Constructor with Government for the supply of the Barracks at Manchester, informed me that the allowance for the Dragoon horses is 12lbs weight per day of hay & 7 lbs of oats.

Gives his cows a little Hay, or good oatstraw chopped, then after Turnips, & sups[?tops] up with grains about a peck. This attention (if the word may be used) more advantageous than any one species of food.

Saturday 22(sic):

Mr Blunt & Mr Vale came to dinner. In the morning finished . . .[had doing] Potatoes. Lissy  returned from Nantwich. Water carried on to the corner of the stable, by which means the house will from henceforth be supplied by the wheel.

Sunday 23 November 1800:

Ay home. Mr William Bent dined.

Monday 24 November 1800:

Do. Rain & snow. Alcock did not come.

Tuesday 25 November 1800:

Much snow.

Wednesday 26 November 1800:

At Newcastle attending Meeting of the Commissioners of the Talk & Lewarth Turnpike Road when order made for completing the new branch. Subscribed £50. Dined at Mr Bents. violent storm of snow at night.

Thursday 27 November 1800:

At home. Mr Boudarde. Mr Fritch.

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Page 172

December,

 Monday 1^st December 1800:

At home. began draining the bank before the house. Alcock.

Tuesday 2 December 1800:

At home.

Wednesday 3 December 1800:

Planted the Trees from the Yew Tree along the bottom of the Ground to the new foot road. Dined at Millsay at Talk in the hill the agriculture meeting.

Thursday 4 December 1800:

At home. Mr Adams relative to his business with Mr Sparrow & dined.

Friday 5 December 1800:

Began the Reservoir for the water at the top of the Back Yard.

Saturday 6 December 1800:

At Newcastle

Sunday 7 December 1800:

At home.

Monday 8 December 1800:

Do.

Tuesday 9 December 1800:

Do.

Wednesday 10 December 1800:

Do. Mr Maris of Baltimore & Mr Wood. Alcock

Thursday 11 December 1800:

Do. engaged with Do. Mr Fritch

Friday 12 December 1800:

Mr Maris & Mr Wood left us. At Newcastle attending a meeting relative to the boarding school buildings.

Saturday 13 December 1800:

At home. Mr Wilbrahim called.

Sunday 14 December 1800:

Do. Mr William Bent dined.

Monday 15 December 1800:

At home. Engaged with the workmen

Tuesday 16:

Do. Do. Began altering the waste weir at the wheel

Wednesday 17 December 1800:

Do. Do.

Thursday 18 December 1800:

Do. Mr Boudarde. Mr R Skerrett

Friday 19 December 1800:

Do.

Saturday 20 December 1800:

At Newcastle on various matters. Finished the waste weir. Mr Blunt & Mr Vale dined.

Sunday 21 December 1800:

Do.

Monday 22 December 1800:

At Burslem. Alcock.

Tuesday 23 December 1800:

At home. In the house all day.

Wednesday 24 December 1800:

Do. Finished claying the Reservoir & began laying the stone at the bottom.

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