Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1801

Margaret Skerrett (ne Caldwell) - 51/52 

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich  -  42/43 

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 34/35 

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 47/48 - Elizabeth Caldwell's sister 

James Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 41/42

Elizabeth Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 46/47

Hannah Caldwell – aged 15/16 (Hannah E. Roscoe)

Stamford Caldwell – aged 14/15

Mary Caldwell – aged 11/12

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – aged 9/10

Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) – aged 8/9

Catherine L. Caldwell – aged 6/7

Anne mentions that her father, James, never went to school but he read widely and seemed to a certain extent to have been self-educated.  He became a lawyer and a businessman.  He was Deputy-Lieut. for the County of Stafford and Recorder for the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme (1801).

Diary of James Caldwell

January,

Friday 9^th January 1801

Returned from Nantwich, after an absence of a fortnight spent with much festivity and enjoyment amongst our kind affectionate friends. Frances & Louisa left behind, & having been retained one day extraordinary ourselves owing to my having a severe cold.

Saturday 10^th January 1801

At home. Engaged amongst the workmen &c. Mr R Skerrett dined.

Sunday 11^th January 1801

Do. Mr William Bent dined

Monday 12^th January 1801

Do. Mrs Penlington. Alcock.

Tuesday 13^th January 1801

At home.

Wednesday 14^th January 1801

Do. Mr Swinnerton of Ballerton relative to Ld. Kenyon & Mr Tomkinson &c. Delivered to Mr Swinnerton the various papers & Letters relative to his business. Began draining the old pit in the middle of the field before the house.

Thursday 15^th January 1801

Do. Mr Boudarde. Engaged with the workmen.

Friday 16^th January 1801

Do. The water was this day brought into the Reservoir.

Saturday 17^th January 1801

Do. The Reservoir was this day finished; & began filling with water for use.

"It has already been hinted, but it is an observation so pregnant with salutary inference, that it may well bear a repetition under a different aspect, that few, if any, of the forms of Government which have had any permanency, and which could boast of the advantages of civil liberty, have ever, sprung from a set of theoretical rules or maxims, digested methodically by a single, or perhaps by a numerous body of the dogmatical legislators; but that they have in general assign from a long series of experiments, and practical observations, and acquired their consistency from the occasional  remedies applied to exigencies as they occurred in the course of progressive events. Thus have none of the politics of . . . by Solon, Lycurgus, the adventurous Cromwell, and the no less presumptuous regicides of our days, had any duration, or scarcely survived their original founders; nor have the admired systems of Plato, More, Harrington, and many other of the speculative theorists, who have laboured in this field of investigation (and some of them confessedly with much sagacity and wisdom) been ever reduced into useful practice. When on the other hand we contemplate the Roman Republic, and the British empire, and the gradual perfection each required through a series of years according as experience pointed out the remedies to be applied to defects, against which all abstract wisdom could not originally provide, we shall be equally struck with the contrast, and be compelled to acknowledge that a good political constitution, necessarily comprizing(sic) a multitude of remote and intricate combinations, is not the work of a day, or of one man, or set of men.

The Helvetic Confederacy is another instance of the progressive and at the same time, unpremeditated tendency towards perfection. The Swiss cannot boast of any Legislation. Resolutely bent on preserving the independence for which they had incessantly struggled from the very beginning of their existence, justice was the corner stone on which they erected their political fabric. Without any refined maxims, or complicated set of rules, they followed the bent of their honest hearts; and by the gradual improvements of more than three centuries, at length completed a constitution, which while it afforded much matter censure to acute theorists, was productive of the happiest consequences, in securing the lives and prosperities of individuals, and the honour and prosperity of the nation at large."

Planta's History of the Helvetic Confederacy.

Quarto Vol 2d. p. 246

An intelligent and well informed writer (vid. Dict. de la Suisse) says "Thus the union of the Helvetic States depends far more upon the rude combination of the internal parts, and the nature and fortunate situation of their country, than upon nice estimates of their proportionate equilibrium or an elaborate system of political theorems."

Ibid. p. 248

No event in history will perhaps ever afford so much matter for speculation to moral, as well as political theorists, as the tremendous revolution, which has of late been spreading horror and devastation over the fairest part of Europe. The investigation of its origin and progress, whenever it can be entered into with the ample stock of materials, in which we shall yet a while be deficient, will be attended with the greater difficulty, as no former conflict of a similar nature had ever probably called forth so many energies and virtues, or let loose such a variety of vices and destructive passions, as the conclusion we are doomed to witness.

While a few attentive observers have laboured with abundance of ingenuity, to trace the whole cause of the evil up to the pernicious efforts of a few miscreants, endowed with great genius, courage and perseverance, but with ambivalence which could only be gratified by the miseries insufferable from anarchy and sedition; others have derived the calamity from the great change introduced within this century into the state of society, by the rapid influx of wealth from both the Indies, which falling chiefly to the lot of the industrious, raised the lower classes nearer to a level with the superior orders; and by the improved cultivation of the mind, which insensibly produced a spirit of enquiry, and a presumptuous arrogance, that gradually led men to overrate the powers of reason, and unfitted them for the subordination, without which no government can possibly subsist. Many also have not scruples to decide that a thorough change in the polity[civil government] of Europe had become unavoidable through the many glaring defects in most of the existing governments rendered still more insupportable by the incapacity and maladministration of those to whom the direction of affairs had been committed.

[Transcribers note: It is not clear how the following two lines go together since there are no visible omission marks. They are written very close together and I have transcribed them as laid out.]

                     noting the puerile ambition & love of innovation of the Emperor, the irreligion of 

Frederic, the wanton diluter of all principle in Catherine, & the . . . injustice of the . . .[predition] of

After a relaxation had probably taken place in Poland & observing that from these circumstances the ties of reverance & loyalty which ought at all times to bind the people by their sovereign, and a political indifference which gave free scope to the disorganizers(sic) of our days, who were too keen and industrious not to avail themselves of the encouragement so profusely held out to them he proceeds.

In France the means of resistance were still more feeble than in other parts of the Continent, and here, accordingly, the seeds of sedition first broke out into open insurrection. that country had patiently supported two long reigns of depravity and enormous profusion, which had so . . . its finances that the benevolent Monarch who succeeded, unwillingly to recur to the despotic means used by his two predecessors, loosened the reigns of his government by demanding voluntary supplies, which his people would still have cheerfully granted, had not various concomitant circumstances damped their loyalty, and alienated the ardent zeal for the glory of their monarchs, for which that nation had so long been eminently distinguished.

Those to whom the administration of public affairs had been consigned were, for the most part, men dissolute of the skill and vigour which the dangers of the times imperiously demanded. The glaring instances of depravity, moreover, not only winked at by the government, but even countenanced by the examples of those of higher ranks, and in the conspicuous situations, had long since offended and alarmed even the well disposed part of the nation, and greatly favoured the spirit of insubordination which gradually burst forth in all quarters. To this spirit the improvident . . .[Virgennes] gave additional vigour by his most impolitic American War, which while it countenanced an open resistance to the established authorities, greatly increased the spreading evil by additional derangement of the finances.

All this, too, happened at a time when the popularity of the Sovereign was greatly impaired by his frequent dissensions with his parliament whom the people had accustomed themselves to look upon as their steady advocates, and whom repeated successes had taught to aim at further triumphs. Designing men were not wanting, who eagerly embraced the opportunity of accelerating the disturbances which they saw were now impending, and from which they had no doubt of drawing essential advantages. Aware that in order to arrive at their ends they must subvert the present system of society, they resolved to rouse the lower classes by the fascinating cry of Liberty and Equality, which they well knew no labourer, no journeyman, no vagrant of idle propensities and vicious habits would be disposed to suppress, and by a specious tender of a representation in the government, which men even of superior rank will be inclined to favour, deeming it much more eligible to have an ostensible share in the administration of public affairs, than to adhere to the peaceful enjoyment of domestic comforts and the improvement of their private fortunes by the honest arts of industry and economy.

Ibid. pp. 370 et seq.

Sunday 18^th January 1801

At home. Service &c. as usual

Men desire to have some share in the management of public affairs, chiefly on account of the importance which it gives them.

Smiths Wealth of Natures

Quarto. 2 Vol. p. 232.

Monday 19^th January 1801

At home. Alcock. In the evening Mr Fritch who came to spend a few days.

Tuesday 20^th January 1801

At home. engaged with Mr Fritch & his friend Lieut. Cope who came in the morning & staid to dinner.

Wednesday 21^st January 1801

I this day entered the 43rd. year of my age. Messrs. Hollin's, Alcock Cope Fritch of Bugnall dined, & in the evening we had some Musick.

Thursday 22^nd January 1801

The weather being very stormy Mr Hollins with Alcock & Fritch staid to dinner but left us in the afternoon.

Friday 23^rd January 1801

Early this morning a Messenger arrived from Nantwich with an account of the illness of our two dear little Girls Louisa & Frances in consequence of which Eliza Hannah & I immediately set off, and on our arrival found them in so alarming a state, as to induce me to send for Mr Bent. Their complaint a putrid sore throat with fever.

Page 178

Saturday 24^th January 1801

Mr Bent arrived early at Nantwich and found our dear little girls in an alarming & doubtful state. In the afternoon Hannah & I returned to Linley on account of the other Children, to whom Mr Bent had recommended the use of Bark, by way of precaution.

Sunday 25^th January 1801

At home.

Monday 26^th January 1801

Went again to Nantwich found our dear Louisa much better but my sweet Fanny extremely ill.

Tuesday 27^th January 1801

Returned home.                    

Wednesday 28^th January 1801

At home.

Thursday 29^th January 1801

Went again to Nantwich

[Transcribers note. The entries for 26th - 28th are bracketed together with the following entry across all three entries]

Miserable alternation of hope & fear for the state of my sweet Fanny: but my Louisa safe.

Friday 30^th January 1801

Mr Bent came again to Nantwich & gave us good hopes of the recovery of our darling little girl.

Saturday 31^st January 1801

Returned home from Nantwich

[February 1801]

Sunday 1^st February 1801

At home. Mr Bent dined. In the afternoon recd. a favourable account from Nantwich. In the evening attacked with sore throat & fever.

Monday 2^nd February 1801

The greatest part of the day in bed having passed a miserable night. Miss Stamford went to Nantwich.

Tuesday 3^rd February 1801

Do. but in the afternoon something better. Eliza & Bessy came with Miss Stamford, but returned in the Evening. Better . . .  . . . of my dear little girl. Received a Letter from Mr Fenton informing me of my having been unanimously approved at an Assembly of the Corporation of Newcastle for their Recorder in the room of Mr Tollett & requesting me to take upon myself the Office. Alcock.

Wednesday 4^th February 1801

Mr Bent came in the forenoon & staid to dinner. Sent a Letter by him to Mr Fenton intimating my willingness to take the Office of Recorder. Account from Nantwich of the advance though slow of my beloved Fanny. Sore throat better.

Thursday 5^th February 1801

Better. Walked out in the middle of the day. Good Account from Nantwich. Mr Rubotham & Mr Lander relative to the reference which had been made to me of the matter of Rubotham agt. Rogers for breach of promise of Marriage. In the evening Mr Fritch.

Page 179

Friday 6^th February 1801

At home. Mr R Skerrett dined. Not out of Doors - good Account by William Dale from Nantwich.

Saturday 7^th February 1801

At home. Better.

Sunday 8^th February 1801

In the morning read the Service as usual, and after dinner went to Nantwich, where I had the unspeakable delight to find my more than ever beloved & darling girl still better in as promising a way as we could reasonably wish or expect.

Monday 9^th February 1801

Our dear little girl so much better this morning that Eliza (who was very desirous to see the Children at home) & I returned to Linley after a peculiarly tender parting with our dear Frances. Never will be erased from my Remembrance the sweet & pretty manner in which she repeatedly raised herself up to kiss me. Ann engaged to write in the succeeding day a particular account.

Tuesday 10^th February 1801

At Newcastle attending general Meeting of the Agricultural Society. Dined at the Roebuck & slept at Mr Bents.

Wednesday 11^th February 1801

Returned home, and received in the evening from Ann the heart gratifying intelligence that our dear Fanny was recovering so fast as could possibly be expected or desired, and for the first time since her seizure indulged myself in the fond & certain assurance of her perfect safety.

Thursday 12^th February 1801

At home but not very well.

Friday 13^th February 1801

About eleven o'clock this morning a Messenger arrived from Nantwich with a letter from Ann informing us that a change for the worse had taken place in our darling child, on which we immediately set off, after despatching a Messenger to Bassford with the account & symptoms.

Saturday 14^th February 1801

Between five & six o'clock this morning terminated all our hopes & all our fears: and I felt for the first time what it is to lose a child.

Page 180

Sunday 1:

[no entry]

Sunday 15:

[no entry]

[March 1801]

Sunday 1^st March 1801

Mr Bent breakfasted. The slough separated from my leg but still unable to go out of Doors.

Monday 2^nd March 1801

Still confined with my leg. Alcock. staid all night.

Tuesday 3^rd March 1801

Went out for the first time.

Wednesday 4^th March 1801

Went out again, but my leg rather worse. Mr Wilbrahim. Mr Jno. Garnett dined. Informed me that he had given 8½ pr. lb for Cheese the Dairy through. Edwards's of Alsager.

Thursday 5^th March 1801

Mr Boudarde. Fine day. Mr Fritch.

Friday 6^th March 1801

Confined all day. In the afternoon Mrs Skerrett with Ann & Bessy arrived. Rainy & cold.

Saturday 7^th March 1801

Still confined with my leg. Mr Skerrett arrived. Mr Blunt & Mr Vale dined.

Sunday 8^th March 1801

Do. 

Monday 9^th March 1801

Alcock. Engaged all day with our friends.

Tuesday 10^th March 1801

Do. Do. Mr Skerrett went to Nantwich.

Wednesday 11^th March 1801

Engaged with our friends. &c.

Thursday 12^th March 1801

Mr Boudarde. Mr Skerrett returned

Friday 13^th March 1801

Engaged with our friends

Saturday 14^th March 1801

Great snow. Engaged with Brookes the Carpenter relative to the additions proposed to be made to the House.

Sunday 15^th March 1801

Snow. Mr Wood dined.

Monday 16^th March 1801

The weather so bad that our friends prevented from returning today as they had intended. At Newcastle in consequence of the illness of Mrs Bent who had been entirely given up by Mr Bent & Dr. Campbell, but I found her today out of danger in consequence of having the night before parted with a Gallstone which was measured by Mr W. Bent in the presence of myself & his Brother & the dimensions of which were 4¼ inches in circumference one way & 3½ inches the other. An astonishing fact which I therefore mention thus particularly.

Page 182

Tuesday 17^th March 1801

At home. Our friends left us this morning but the day proved very wet & bad.

Wednesday 18^th March 1801

Do.

Thursday 19^th March 1801

Mr Johnson of Daisy Bank & Mr T Sparrow dined by appointment for the purpose of a conversation on the subject of the Customs of the Manor of Audley, & the new claims set up by Sir Thomas Fletcher, the Lord. Blunt came with Mr S. Mr Johnson staid all night.

Friday 20^th March 1801

Mr Johnson left us though the morning very wet & stormy, having first looked over a good deal of the Farm & particularly the draining in various parts.

Saturday 21^st March 1801

Dined at Newcastle at Mr W Bents with Miss Hollins Blunt & Joseph Adams relative to Newcastle races &c. & appointed to accompany Mr B. to Manchester on Wednesday next on a visit to Mr Jno. Hardman & for the completion of the Brewery Title &c.

Sunday 22^nd March 1801

At home.

Monday 23^rd March 1801

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 24^th March 1801

At Newcastle with Eliza & Miss Stamford. Settled finally Hollins &c. Arbitration with Mr Hassells. Brewery. From Newcastle to Etruria & Burslem. dined at Mr Woods. In the evening Bent arrived.

Wednesday 25^th March 1801

Set off for Manchester, & got to Somerville to dinner. Mr Hardman &c met us.

Thursday 26^th March 1801

Dined at Mr William Hardmans with a party of friends. Engaged all morning in taking a survey of the Salford Brewery & afterwards in viewing the fine Pictures of Mr Thomas Burns & Mr William Hardman. Called at the two Atkinsons.

Friday 27^th March 1801

Went to Manchester again. Called at Miss Hardmans in Moseley Street & Dr. Percivals. Returned to Somerville to dinner. Mr Sharpe the Atty arrived. A sensible & candid young man.

Saturday 28^th March 1801

Returned home & arrived in the Evening after a very agreeable & useful excursion having settled the Brewery business to our perfect satisfaction.

Page 183

Sunday 29^th March 1801

At home.

Monday 30^th March 1801

Do. Engaged all day on the farm. Set early potatoes on the slope behind the house & busy sowing Oats. Alcock.

Tuesday 31^st March 1801

At home. Engaged on the farm. Mr & Mrs Jos. Wedgwood called.

[April 1801]

Wednesday 1^st April 1801

At home. Do.

Thursday 2^nd April 1801

Do. Mr Boudarde

Friday 3^rd April 1801

Do. Miss Wedgwood & Miss Willett dined.

Saturday 4^th April 1801

Do.

Sunday 5^th April 1801

Do.

Monday 6^th April 1801

At Newcastle fair. dined at Mr Adams's with Captain Sneyd. relative to Newcastle Races &c. Bought 4 pigs cost 3:12. [No units given]

Tuesday 7^th April 1801

At home. Set early potatoes before the house. Hannah & Lissy set off for Manchester.

Wednesday 8^th April 1801

Do.

Thursday 9^th April 1801

At Burslem. Mr Boudarde. Mr & Miss Bent of Besford called in my absence.

Friday 10^th April 1801

At home. Mr Wood, Mr Blunt & Mr Vale dined.

Saturday 11^th April 1801

Do.

Sunday 12^th April 1801

Do.

Monday 13^th April 1801

Do. Engaged on the Farm &c.

Tuesday 14^th April 1801

At Betley calling on Mrs Tollett but Mr Tollett had gone away the day before. Called at Sr. Thos. Fletchers. Miss S & Eliza returned in the Evening.

Wednesday 15^th April 1801

At home. Sir Thomas & Lady Fletcher made a long call, some conversation with Sr .Thos. relative to the Customs & Times (tythes?) within the Manor of Audley.

Thursday 16^th April 1801

At Newcastle. Engaged at the Brewery & appointed to accompany T. Sparrow to the Genl. Assembly at Stone on Tuesday next & to attend the Mayor & Corporation of Newcastle on Wednesday at their Sessions in order to take the oaths &c as Recorder. Mr Boudarde.

Friday 17^th April 1801

At home.

Page 184

[Transcribers note. The numbers ascribed to the days by JC are as written but are in fact one day out. Saturday should be the 18th.]

Saturday 19: Dined at Sr. Thos. Fletchers with Mr & Mrs Jos. Wedgwood Miss W. & Mr & Mrs Broughton

Sunday 20^th April 1801

At home.

Monday 21^st April 1801

Engaged all morning at Alsager looking over Taxes to be taken for the intended new Buildings at Linley Wood. Alcock

[Transcribers note. This is the first time JC has referred to the house as Linley Wood within the body of the diary. The only other time the name has been given in full is when the house was bought in 1794, ref. p. 110]

Tuesday 22^nd April 1801

At Stone attending General Assembly of the Navigation.

Wednesday 23^rd April 1801

At Newcastle attending the Sessions & qualifying for the Office of Recorder to which I had been unanimously elected. Dined with the Mayor & Justices &c at the Roebuck & slept at Sparrows.

Thursday 24^th April 1801

Returned home to dinner.

Friday 25^th April 1801

Sir Thomas Lady & W. Fletcher with Mr & Mrs Jos. Wedgwood. Mrs Wedgwood & Miss Wedgwood dined.

Saturday 26^th April 1801

At Newcastle dined at Admiral Child's.

Sunday 27^th April 1801

Dined at Capt. Sneyds relative to appointing persons to receive the agricultural Claims.

Monday 28^th April 1801

At home.

Tuesday 29^th April 1801

Do. Mr Skerrett came relative to the intended new Building. Alcock.

Wednesday 30^th April 1801

Engaged all morning at Alsager with Mr Skerrett looking over Timber.

[May 1801]

Thursday 1^st May 1801

Mr Skerrett returned. At Newcastle engaged all day settling the Brewery Books for the last half year. staid all night. Miss Fletcher at Linley.

Friday 2^nd May 1801

Returned home to dinner after a Meeting relative to Newcastle Races. In the afternoon Dr. Mrs & Miss Crompton arrived.

Saturday 3^rd May 1801

Called at Rodehall but Mr Wilbrahim from home.

Sunday 4^th May 1801

Mr Jos. Wedgwood called.

Page 185

Monday 5^th May 1801

At home. Weather remarkably dry. Dr Crompton & Edwd. left Linley. Alcock.

[written in the RH margin alongside the following] Vid. Walkers Sermon on the right of individual judgement. Preached at Chewbent 25th June 1800.

The right of individual judgement in matters of religion, is a principle of immutable stability, and on which religion's liberty must rest. At the same time it must be confessed that the cause of liberality is often most illiberally defended; and that many who contend most strenuously for this right, measure the exercise of it by their own opinions. To the Churchman as well as to the Dissenter, for instance, the right equally appertains; and yet any degree of external conformity unaccompanied by conscientious correction has been sincerely reprobated, and from thence the enlargement of the Dissentient Church warmly argued. But it may be asked and fairly asked too, does not the very principle itself, give to every Man the right of determining how far his disapprobation of parts of an established creed, ought to operate in making him hostile to the whole, and require him to become an avowed and active Dissenter?

That Man is not only justified but bound to separate, who feels that conscience and by fair investigation dictate it; but may not another person equally influenced by conscience and the fair result of his injuries, as well as actuated by a love of peace & harmony, deem it to be no less his duty to abide by the established system, as far as outward appearance extends, while it is in his opinion sufficient for the purpose of virtue and piety, though his approbation of it be not unqualified and complete. Instances are not wanting of men of very discriminating understandings who although they perceived errors in the public ritual, preferred their own selection in rehearsing the common prayer, to the abandonment of themselves to the extemporaneous devotion, which is common in dissenting characters. And as it is vain to look for, or expect a public service, which shall throughout exactly correspond with the statements and feelings of each individual and one unpleasant auditor. Men without intending to be either hypocritical or insincere may think, that by writing themselves to any hostile Church, they shall not attain to a perfect satisfaction of mind, but only exchange one difficulty and one unpleasant circumstance for others.

Vid. Monthly Review for March 1801 p. 334 for the greater part of the above Observations.

Tuesday 6ht May 1801

Mr & Mrs Turner & Miss Willett dined.

Wednesday 7^th May 1801

Mrs & Miss Crompton left Linley. Dined at Etruria with Mr & Mrs Turner Mrs & Miss Willett.

Thursday 8^th May 1801

At Burslem. Boudarde.

Friday 9^th May 1801

At home. Ann & Bessy arrived from Nantwich, having been fetched by Miss Stamford.

Saturday 10^th May 1801

Mr & Mrs Turner & Miss Willett dined & staid all night.

Sunday 11^th May 1801

Mr Turner performed the Service. Returned in the Evg. 

Monday 12^th May 1801

At home. Alcock.

Tuesday 13^th May 1801

Miss Stamford Bessy & Mary set out to London. Mrs Blunt arrived & Ann returned in the Chaise to Newcastle.

Wednesday 14^th May 1801

Dined at Newcastle at Mr Wm Bents with Mr & Mrs Wright of Liverpool & Mr Mrs & Miss Bent of Batsford.

Thursday 15^th May 1801

Mr Blunt & Stamford & Mr Turner dined & staid all night.

Friday 16^th May 1801

At home. Mr Blunt & Mr Turner returned to Newcastle

Saturday 17^th May 1801

At home

3 Roods of Land (eight square yards to the Rood) with five pecks of potatoes for seed if well managed will produce 15 bushels or 1200 pounds. 30 weeks at 40 pounds a week.

Sunday 18^th May 1801

At home. Fine showers

Monday 19^th May 1801

Do. Alcock

Tuesday 20^th May 1801

Eliza took Mrs Blunt to Newcastle. Mr & Mrs Wood & family came to spend a few days. Mr Penlington dined.

Page 187

Wednesday 21^st May 1801

At home engaged with Mr Woods &c.

Thursday 22^nd May 1801

Do: Boudarde. I this day broke the ground for the new stables: & the digging for the foundations was begun.

Friday 23^rd May 1801

At home. Engaged with the Woods

Saturday 24^th May 1801

Mr & Mrs Woods & family left us. In the Evening Mr & Mrs Wm Bent arrived.

[Note. dates are correct from now on - see page 184]

Sunday 24^th May 1801

Mr Cox breakfasted relative to Mr Chantins business with Mr Skerrett.  Mr S came about 10. Mr Wood to dinner. Mr S Mr Wood & Mr W Bent went in the course of the afternoon.

Monday 25^th May 1801

Mrs W. B returned. At Newcastle fair. Dined at W. B.

Tuesday 26^th May 1801

Eliza & Lissy went to Newcastle. Engaged about the farm.

Wednesday 27^th May 1801

At home. Engaged with the workmen at the new stables & in the farmyard raising the pavement in order to . . .[find] the water higher.

Thursday 28^th May 1801

At Newcastle attending Meeting as a Commr. for final Divd. in Danl. Morris's Banktcy

Friday 29^th May 1801

At home. engaged with workmen

Saturday 30^th May 1801

Do. Do.

Sunday 31^st May 1801

Do.

[June 1801]

Monday 1^st June 1801

At home. Alcock

Tuesday 2^nd June 1801

Do.

Wednesday 3^rd June 1801

Dined at Talk on the Hill. Agriculture Meeting. Mr Skerrett.

Thursday 4^th June 1801

At home. Boudarde. Fritch

Friday 5^th June 1801

At Newcastle, from thence to Etruria calling upon Mr Wedgwood. Dined at Burslem & drank tea at Mr T Wedgwoods.

Saturday 6^th June 1801

At home.

Sunday 7^th June 1801

Do.

Page 188

Monday 8^th June 1801

At home. The anniversary of the happy day which seventeen years ago united me to the best of friends & the most amicable of women; & my respect & esteem for whom can be equalled only by the tenderness of the passion which is so far from having abated seems every day to glow with increasing ardour. With such a tonic of Recollections as mine, how indeed could all this be otherwise?

Tuesday 9^th June 1801

Do. The stone masons who had not come to work the last week owing to their being engaged at Trentham returned, & the stables were set about with vigour.

Wednesday 10^th June 1801

Engaged with the workmen. In the forenoon at Newcastle on various matters

Thursday 11^th June 1801

At home engaged with the workmen. Boudarde.

Friday 12^th June 1801

Eliza & I dined at Newcastle at Mr William Bents with Mr & Mrs James Hardman, who in the evening returned with us to Linley.

Saturday 13^th June 1801

Mr & Mrs Hardman left us on their return home.

Sunday 14^th June 1801

At home

Monday 15^th June 1801

Do. Engaged with the workmen

Tuesday 16^th June 1801

Do. Messrs. Sneyd, Sparrow, Hollins, Adams, Fenton, Poole & Wallhall dined.

Wednesday 17^th June 1801

At home.

Thursday 18^th June 1801

Mr Wood dined. Boudarde. In the evening went to Nantwich to attend the funeral of Miss Skerrett.

Friday 19^th June 1801

After the funeral dined at Mr Skerretts & in the evening returned home.

Saturday 20^th June 1801

Mr. Blunt & John dined & staid all night.

Sunday 21^st June 1801

At home.

Monday 22^nd June 1801

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 23^rd June 1801

At Burslem. In the evening Hannah & Mary with Bessy returned from London.

Page 189

Wednesday 24^th June 1801

At home. Mr Skerrett came to dinner. Engaged with the workmen. Eliza &c called at Etruria.

Thursday 25^th June 1801

Stamford laid the first stone of the new wing to the house. In the afternoon cut down the large Scotch fir in the front, owing to its beginning to die at the top & decay.

Friday 26^th June 1801

Dined at the Boot at Talk on the Hill where I gave a dinner to about twenty of the farmers & neighbours who had assisted me in carrying gravel for the new Road & Sand . . . &c for the new Buildings.

Saturday 27^th June 1801

At home in the Morning. In the afternoon went to Newcastle to attend the entrance of the Horse. Their being little expectation of discussion the first matched the little bay horse to run against Mr Thomas Fentons grey mare.

Sunday 28^th June 1801

Dined at Mr Sparrows at Newcastle previous to my attending the Mayor & Corporation to Church in the afternoon as Recorder, which I had the day before engaged to do. An excellent sermon from Blunt, on the inefficacy of Faith without works, which had he known of my attendance I should have thought applicable to the occasion.  In the evening called at Bradwall with Sparrow & prevailed upon Captain Sneyd to permit me to nominate him as one of the Stewards at the succeeding Races.

Monday 29^th June 1801

In the morning called at Rode Hall, but Mr Wilbrahim not returned. Alcock. In the afternoon very unwell.

Tuesday 30^th June 1801

So unwell as to be in bed the greatest part of the day; but in the Evening better. Boudarde.

[July 1801]

[Headed June by JC but actually July]

Wednesday 1^st July 1801

At Newcastle Hannah, Eliza Lissy & myself at Mr Bents. Dined at the Ordinary as Steward. Very full attendance from the Match. In the evening the largest attendance at the Ball that had been known at Newcastle. Everything went off well.

Page 190

Thursday 2^nd July 1801

Full ordinary again at the Shakespeare; and a most crowded house at the Play.

Friday 3^rd July 1801

Returned home by Burslem. Gratified as I could not but be, by the marks of respect & attention which I had experienced during the two last days.

Saturday 4^th July 1801

At home engaged with the workmen &c.

Sunday 5^th July 1801

Do. Service &c. as usual. In the Evening Mrs Skerrett arrived on their annual visit.

Monday 6^th July 1801

At home. Much engaged with the workmen.

Tuesday 7^th July 1801

Do. Do. In the evening Mr Skerrett.

Wednesday 8^th July 1801

At home engaged with Mr Skerrett & the workmen.

Thursday 9^th July 1801

Do. Do. Boudarde

Friday 10^th July 1801

Do. Do.

Saturday 11^th July 1801

At Burslem with Mr Skerrett & Miss Stamford

Sunday 12^th July 1801

At home.

Monday 13^th July 1801

Do. Mr Skerrett & I engaged with the workmen. 

Tuesday 14^th July 1801

Do. Do. Mr Blunt came to dinner.

Wednesday 15^th July 1801

Do.

Thursday 16^th July 1801

Mr Yoxall Mr Thos. Yoxall Mr Adams & Mr & Mrs R Skerrett dined

Friday 17^th July 1801

At home. Blunt left us. Boudarde. In the evening Mr Skerrett left us.

Saturday 18^th July 1801

At home.

Sunday 19^th July 1801

Mr William Bent dined.

Monday 20^th July 1801

At home. Alcock. In the evening Mrs Skerrett left us. Began mowing the meadow.

Tuesday 21^st July 1801

At home. In the evening in running with Mary got a severe sprain in the thigh.

Page 191

Wednesday 22^nd July 1801

Confined to the house in consequence of the accident

Thursday 23rde July 1801

Do. with much pain. Mr N & Miss Lawrences called.

Friday 24

Th July 1801

Do.

Dr. Anderson observes on the subject of Quick lime as a Manure, that we are unacquainted with the mode in which lime operates as a Manure, but that contrary to the prevailing Theory he considers it amongst the enriching manures, instead of being a mere exciting manure, because it operates upon poor land, and had failed on Land impregnated with dung, & therefore exactly in the state in which the Theory supposes that lime should produce greatest effect.

He says, there is but one kind of calcareous matter, and that all the varieties of calcareous substances, such as Marl &c are entirely occasioned by a diversity in the nature of the extraneous bodies with which they are united.

That it is a mistaken idea, that lime in the end, renders land more steril(sic) than formerly.

Recommends to plough the lime in, instead of laying it upon the grass.

The best lime is that which swells very much in slaking, [combining with water] is light, fine to the touch, and of a pure white.

In case of an accident by which a horse or a man is scalded from working amongst lime, he recommends to wash well the part affected with very sour milk or whey; which will destroy the poignancy of the lime. The sourer the milk or whey the better. For want of this vinegar, or stale wine, but the milk or whey the best remedy.

Saturday 25^th July 1801

Still confined with much pain.

Sunday 26^th July 1801

Do. Captain Sneyd & Mr William Bent dined.

Monday 27^th July 1801

Do. Alcock. Thomas Walls came as Butler & Postman 21 Gs per annum. Finished the Hay Harvest in the meadows. Got without rain

Tuesday 28^th July 1801

Do. In the afternoon Mr Gilbert called & Mr Bent

Wednesday 29^th July 1801

Do. Mr Gilbert dined.

Thursday 30^th July 1801

Do: But the symptoms began to abate. Mrs John Wedgwood & Mrs Fearn dined. Boudarde.

Page 192

[Page heading] July

Friday 31^st July 1801

Still confined.

[August 1801]

Saturday 1^st August 1801

Do.

Sunday 2^nd August 1801

Do.

Monday 3^rd August 1801

Walked out. Nearly finished the Hay Harvest.

Tuesday 4^th August 1801

Do.

Wednesday 5^th August 1801

Rode out in the afternoon & saw Mr & Mrs William Hardman at Talk.

Thursday 6^th August 1801

Not so well. Boudarde & in the Evening Mr Keys.

Friday 7^th August 1801

Set the Roof upon the additional building to the House

Saturday 8^th August 1801

At home. Finished with the Stone masons.

Sunday 9^th August 1801

Mr & Mrs William Bent came to dinner. In the afternoon Mr Wood.

Monday 10^th August 1801

Bent returned with Stamford leaving Mrs Bent at Linley. Alcock. Began cutting oats before the house.

Tuesday 11^th August 1801

Eliza & I took Mrs Bent home in the Carriage. The two eldest girls walked to Newcastle.  Attended general Meeting of Agricultural Society, returned home in the Evg.

Wednesday 12^th August 1801

At home. In the evg. Dr Crompton Ldr. & Henry arrived.

Thursday 13^th August 1801

Dr Crompton left us this morning. Boudarde. Mr Wilbrahim called

Friday 14^th August 1801

Eliza & I with Lissy & Ann went to Burslem & from there to Longport calling upon Mrs Williamson & Mr Henshall & afterwards dined at Burslem.

Saturday 15^th August 1801

At home.

Sunday 16^th August 1801

At home.

Monday 17^th August 1801

Do. Alcock. In the evening called at Mr Gilberts to ask him to meet the two Mr Bents & Mr Watkiss to dinner in Wednesday. Found the riding on horseback still very incommodious from my hurt. Mr G not at home.

Page 193

Tuesday 18^th August 1801

At home.

Wednesday 19^th August 1801

Mr & Mrs Watkiss Mr & Miss Bent Mr & Mrs Wm Bent & Mr Gilbert dined Gave Mr Bent the following . . .[imperative] Statement of building with Stone or brick at Linley Wood

[Large section of page left blank]

Thursday 20^th August 1801

At home much engaged in the harvest. Boudarde. Mr Lawton sent a present of fruit,

Friday 21^st August 1801

At home. finished carrying the oats in the field before the house. In the evening Miss Stamford returned.

Saturday 22^nd August 1801

Dined at Mr Gilberts with Mr Wittenhall, Watkiss & Wm Bent. Agreed to give Notice in order to prevent the depredation of Gamekeepers

Sunday 23^rd August 1801

At home.

Monday 24^th August 1801

Do. In the morning Mr Skerrett arrived with whom engaged all day. Captain Sneyd called. In the evening carried wheat. A very fine & abundant crop. Carried till one oclock in the morning.

Tuesday 25^th August 1801

Engaged with Mr Skerrett &c. In the Afternoon Mrs Byerly &c. drank tea. very busy cutting oats.

Wednesday 26^th August 1801

Mr Skerrett returned early. Sir Thomas, Lady & Miss Fletcher called. Sir Thomas & I executed the Deeds in which I am named as a Trustee for Mr [?W] Fletcher. Mr Wood dined.

Thursday 27^th August 1801

At home. Boudarde.

Friday 28^th August 1801

Do. Engaged with the workmen & carrying oats. Mr Eardley relative to the reference made to me of the Cause of Roebotham v Rogers, when I appointed Thursday the 3rd Sep. for the purpose at the Swan Talk.

Saturday 29^th August 1801

At home. Mr Blunt & Mr Vale dined.

Sunday 30^th August 1801

Do.

Monday 31^st August 1801

Do. In the evening Mr Adams of Newcastle arrived on a shooting expedition.

[September 1801]

Tuesday 1^st September 1801

Went out with Mr Adams. Killed the first bird I shot at being a single one. Mr Adams returned in the afternoon having killed 3½ brace & a mallard. Mr Beckett Mr R Skerrett & Mr Adams dined.

Wednesday 2^nd September 1801

Out again but without success. Adams killed only one bird & a leveret. Mr Adams returned in the evening.

Thursday 3^rd September 1801

At home. Boudarde

Friday 4^th September 1801

Do. Mr & Mrs Broughton called.

Saturday 5^th September 1801

Eliza Hannah & Lissy went to Newcastle. Mr Beckett dined. Engaged all te afternoon with him in settling accounts relative to the . . . in the Marsh. With regard to myself, I honestly confess, that I am sincerely attached to the present (Mr Pitts) administration, and that I take a decided part with it, not on account of any personal connexions(sic), for I have not the honour of being acquainted with any of the Members of it, but because a full investigation of the subject, has convinced me, that not the British Ministry, but the French Rulers alone, were the authors of the war.

Preface to Marshs Hist. of the Politics of G. B. & France.

Page 196

[blank]

Page 197

[blank]

Page 198

[blank]

Page 199

Wednesday 4^th November 1801

At home. Engaged settling accounts &c. Letters &c.

Thursday 5^th November 1801

Do. Gradually recovering.

Friday 6^th November 1801

Do. Do.

Saturday 7^th November 1801

Do. Do. Fever much abated.

Sunday 8^th November 1801

Do. Went through the service as usual. Mr Bent dined.

The late establishment of the Roman Catholic religion in France, which seems to me to be pregnant with greater consequences and to have originated in deeper political motives than may at first view be imagined, recalls to my mind the following observation upon it made by Robertson in his Hist. of Scotland by De Lolme on the Cons . . . of Eng.

"Popery is a species of false religion, remarkable for the strong impression it takes of the heart. Contrived by men of deep insight in the human character, and improved by the experience and observation of many successive ages, it arrived at last to a degree of perfection, which no former system of superstition had ever attained. There is no power in the understanding, and no passion in the heart, to which it does not present objects adapted to rouse and interest them."

Vol 1. p.349.

De Lolme says " - A Religion which repeated Acts of the Legislature had proscribed; and proscribed, not because it tended to establish in England the doctrines of transubstantiation and purgatory, doctrines in themselves of so political moment, but because the unlimited power of the Sovereign had always been made one of its principal tenets."

De Lolme p. 57.

What is the present state of France, and the wealth at this moment of all horrors & devastation occasioned by the Revolution? Liberty has already given place to military despotism, and the . . . overthrow of religious prejudices & the ancient system of Superstition.

Page 200

Monday 9^th November 1801

Remarkably fine mild day. Alcock. In the Evening the three Miss Hardmans arrived.

Tuesday 10^th November 1801

Engaged on the farm.

Wednesday 11^th November 1801

At home. Do. Stamford came home in consequence of the illness of Mrs Blunt.

Thursday 12^th November 1801

In the Morning at Burslem. Received the intelligence of the death of Mrs Blunt and on my return a Letter from Mr Blunt on the occasion. In the Eveng. Mr Fritch.

Friday 13^th November 1801

"Many sages and politicians have fondly extolled and strenuously recommended Representative Governments. Under these forms, it has been said, the governor sought only the good of the governed; while the latter in each exchange for subjection, shares in every comfort and in every blessing which endear and give value to existence. Recent experiences however, - that which the directional rule in a neighbouring country furnishes has not only ill corresponded with but has completely contradicted this Theory.

While that political regimen prevailed all authority was derived from Sufferage; and surely never was power entrusted to more unworthy or more incompetent hands. Had minions and mistresses appointed the occupiers of places of trust and influence, could they have been worse filled? In what age, or in what country, have rulers shown more want of dignity, greater propriety to abuse found, and more aptitude to betray their trusts, than were exhibited by these persons; whose misconduct had occasioned the French to embrace usurpation and military Tyranny as boons, to receive their yoke with pleasure, and to bless them who imposed it on them?

Appendix to the 35th Vol. of Monthly Review P. 477.

Those who are carions in observing the caprices of the human mind, and desirous of drawing practical influences, will find an ample fund in the events of the French Revolution which may teach.

Page 201

Friday 13^th November 1801

At home. Wet day.

Saturday 14^th November 1801

At Newcastle. spent the whole of the Forenoon with Blunt & returned to a late dinner.

Sunday 15^th November 1801

At home. Service as usual.

Mr Erskine in his Speech on the Convention with Russia, as supported in the Star of Saturday the 24th inst. was the following expressions.

"I know that the Country in which Providence had cast my lot, is the sphere of my duties; and therefore must be the chief object of my affections. We cannot embrace all alike. Our attachment must proceed from the near to the more distant objects. Like the circles made by the pebble in the water, our affections must expand in the same system. Here is the sphere of our duties; here, the dearest the immediate object of our regard and devotion. It is our own country that first demands our love, our cares, our wishes, our hopes. But if we can save the honour of other nations whilst we secure our own it is true magnanimity.

I was pleased with, and transcribe the passage as a good definition of real patriotism & rational philanthropy.

Monday 16^th November 1801

At home. Engaged all morning planting the ground in the stable yard &c. Alcock. In the evening Musick.

Tuesday 17^th November 1801

At Newcastle attending the Funeral of Mrs Blunt. Service performed by Mr John Fenton. Of this beautiful & deserving woman, I can truly say, that I never saw her do nor ever heard her say a thing, that offended my judgement or my feelings or that I wished undone or unsaid. She afforded a peculiar example of that propriety which without any striking perfection, desirous general excellence together with that necessary union of good sense & good disposition which forms what is not valuable respectable & amiable in female character.

Wednesday 18^th November 1801

At home engaged in planting &c. Mr Wood dined

Page 202

Thursday 19^th November 1801

At home. Boudarde.

Friday 20^th November 1801

At Newcastle. Engaged in the morning at the Brewery. Dined at Mr Hollins's with a Party & slept at Mr Bents.

Saturday 21^st November 1801

Returned to dinner. Miss Hardmans gone this morning. Mr Wilbrahim called. Roads, Packham Estate &c &c.

Sunday 22^nd November 1801

At home. Service as usual.

Monday 23^rd November 1801

Do. Engaged planting &c. Alcock. Joshua Rigby & family went from Linley,

Tuesday 24^th November 1801

Do. Do. receiving Mr Penlingtons Rents, Mr P. dined much discussion relative to his affairs &c.

Wednesday 25^th November 1801

Do. Engaged on the farm in various matters.

Thursday 26^th November 1801

Do. Mr Boudarde.

Friday 27^th November 1801

At Newcastle settling & adjusting the annual Accts. of the Brewery.

Saturday 28^th November 1801

Returned home in the afternoon having been busily engaged all the morning in the Counting House.

In the Committee of the House of Commons on the Distilleries & high price of Corn on Tuesday last (vid. Star) Mr Vansittart stated that it appeared to the Committee of that House appointed to enquire into the causes of the high price of provisions in 1799, that the crop of barley in Great Britain in a year of ordinary plenty, was five Millions of quarters out of which the consumption of the distilleries in no year exceeded 300,000 quarters or at most one twentieth part of the whole.

This fact is alone sufficient to show how little pretence the opening of the distilleries would afford for keeping up the price of Corn: and it should also be kept in mind that not less than 60,000 hogs are computed to be fed annually by the distilleries & brought into the market in rid of Butchers meat.

The public revenue is about £400,000 per annum.

Page 203

Sunday 29^th November 1801

At home. Engaged as usual.

Monday 30^th November 1801

Do. on the farm various occupations

The new Husbandry so often quoted by agricultural writers, without a definition, consists, "In allotting certain portions of an arable farm to the purpose of summer and winter feeding a stock of Cattle, sufficient, with their dung to manure and fertilize the whole of the land. In the eradicating as far as possible, all useless vegetation with the hoe. In the use of the various improved, or newly invented implements for the purpose of expediting or abridging labour, and in the judicious solution of domestic animals."

New Turners Calendar p. 160

Alcock who staid all night. In the Evening. Musick. 

[December 1801]

December, Tuesday 1^st December 1801

Do. Ploughing before the house. On this piece I have laid about four tons of lime to the acre, after a crop of Oats.

Wednesday 2^nd December 1801

At home. Engaged all morning in private Accounts &c.

Thursday 3^rd December 1801

Do. Do. In the arrangement of Letters, papers &c.

Friday 4^th December 1801

Do. Do. all day. In the evening began to read to the children short lectures in natural experimental Philosophy, or those laws by which the material universe in ground, most enables us to account for the various appearances in nature; and one of its most important uses is, in enabling us to apply these principles to many of the common concerns & operations of life, and thereby not only to explain, but perform them with greater ease and advantage.

Saturday 5^th December 1801

At home.

Sunday 6^th December 1801

Do.

Monday 7^th December 1801

Do. Engaged in arranging papers &c. Alcock.

Tuesday 8^th December 1801

Do. in the forenoon Mr Skerrett arrived

Wednesday 9^th December 1801

Do. Engaged all morning with Mr Skerrett on various matters particularly Mr Penlingtons affairs, perusing papers &c. &c. Mr R Skerrett dined.

Page 204

Thursday 10^th December 1801

Engaged with Mr Skerrett, who this morning settled with Mr Dale for him to have the Alsager Estate in the Spring of 1803 & which he agreed to do. Mr Blunt came to dinner  & in the Evening Mr Fritch.

Friday 11^th December 1801

Mr Skerrett left us after breakfast. Called upon Mr Gilbert with various papers & Letters relative to the settlement of Mr Day Broughtons saltworks affairs with St. Thos Broughton, in which Mr B had consulted me and the proposed arbitration; & left all the papers Accounts &c. which I had received from Mr B. with Mr Gilbert.

Saturday 12^th December 1801

At home. Engaged about the farm.

Sunday 13^th December 1801

Do.

Monday 14^th December 1801

Do.

Tuesday 15^th December 1801

At Newcastle dining with Mr Thos. Sparrow. Extreme wet day.

Wednesday 16^th December 1801

At home. Engaged in settling various Accts. &c.

Thursday 17^th December 1801

Do. Boudarde.

Friday 18^th December 1801

At Burslem

Saturday 19^th December 1801

At Newcastle meeting Mr Wood relative to Mr Browes Coals &c. Brewery. Mr Sparrow relative to the Arbitration Roebotham & Rogers. Plant relative to the Reference to the Sheriff of the County & myself of Barlow & Swinnertons Cause in Chancery with various parties at . . .[Cheadh] respecting making Containers &c. Mr Wood returned with me to Linley to dinner. At night Tho. Wall & Th. Hill went off. Alarm from fire in the dining room.

Sunday 20^th December 1801

At home. In the evening very . . . I hear.

Monday 21^st December 1801

Do. Alcock.

Tuesday 22^nd December 1801

Do.

How silly and how dangerous is the error of considering the rejection of general opinion as a mark of superior understanding?

Wednesday 23^rd December 1801

At home.

The following is a comparison between the average weight of Bullocks &c at it was 100 years ago and as it is as present. viz:

Bullocks              100 years ago          on average        370 lbs  now 800

Calves                        Do.                        Do.                 50 lbs          140

Sheep                         Do.                        Do.                 28 lbs            80

Lambs                        Do.                        Do.                 18 lbs            50

Notwithstanding this increase of size, the number of Beasts has increased in the proportion which appears from the following averages (containing nine years each) of the Cattle & Sheep sold in Smithfield Market from the year 1731 viz.559,891

1732 to 1740 inclusive       yearly average          Cattle 83,906  Sheep 564,650 

1741 to 1749  Do.                    Do.                                74,194              559,891

1750 to 1758  Do.                    Do.                                75,331              623,091

1759 to 1767  Do.                    Do.                                83,472              615,328

1768 to 1776  Do.                    Do.                                89,362              627,805 

1777 to 1785  Do.                    Do.                                99,285              687,588

1786 to 1794  Do.                    Do.                              101,075              707,456

The average of the last 7 years is understood to have exceeded any o f the former.

Thursday 24^th December 1801

At Newcastle on various matters, Boudarde.

Friday 25^th December 1801

At home.

Saturday 26^th December 1801

Do. Engaged on various papers.

Sunday 27^th December 1801

Do. Mr Barron dined.

Monday 28^th December 1801

Do. Engaged at the farm on various matters. Alcock

Tuesday 29^th December 1801

Do. Do. & Altering the plantation at the Turn into the Stable yard. Received from Peake his Compendium of the Law of Evidence.

Wednesday 30^th December 1801

Do. Perused a great deal of Peakes Book.

Thursday 31^st December 1801