Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
Anne Caldwell of Nantwich - 54/55
Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 46/47
Hannah Stamfrord of Linley Wood - 59/60 - sister of Elizabeth Caldwell
James Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 53/54
Elizabeth Caldwell of Linley Wood – aged 58/59
Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 27/28 -
Stamford Caldwell – aged 26 - called to Bar
Mary Caldwell - age 23/24
Ann Marsh-Caldwell - age 21/22
Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) - age - 20/21
Diary of James Caldwel1
1813
January
Friday 1st January 1813
At home. Mr Skerrett
Gould deposit money for purchase of Meadow from Mr Gilberts Trustees.
Wedgwood Archives
57-32034
Early 1813, Saturday morning
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
Page 177
File C038
(re Mary Caldwell -age 24)
1813
Now began that horrible illness which never more abated, born with the patience and resignation of a Christian, pain and despair alike assailed in vain her unvarying sweetness and composure. She saw all the prospects of life shut up one after the other till nothing was left [‘to a hope’ crossed out] but a sad unchanging sickness that admitted no hope and little solace.
Too weak to enjoy even the conversation of her best friends. The desire of life so long cherished at length forsook her and she wished to be no more. Her wish was granted Sept 10th of this year. She gave up her pure and patient spirit to her God and expired surrounded by her family. With that tranquility and peace which five years of sickness had so well earned. May I die the death of the righteous and may my last end be like hers.
Page 178
Tout ce qui tend a comprioner nos prenttes est toujours une doctrine avilissante. Il faut les ronger vers le but sublime de l’existence le pes petronnement moral, mais ce n’est point par le suicide partiel de tet on tet puissance de notre etre que nous nous rendons enpables de nous elever vers ce but nous n’avons pas trop de tous nos moyers pour nous en rapprocher et si le ciel avait accorde a l’homme plus de genie il en aviont d’aufant plus de verti.
On sait un faut systeme d’education lorsque on vent developer exclusivement tête on tête qualite de l’esprit;car sevouer aune soule pemlte, c’est pende un métier intellectuelle. Tout ce qui fait de change un home est le veritable object de l’ensignament.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 2nd January 1813.
At home. Mr Bent. Various matters. Journey to Macclesfield &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell - age 21
3rd January 1813, Sunday
Mr W Bent dined at Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 4th January 1813
Do. Dr Darwin
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell - age 21
4th January 1813, Monday
Dr Darwin came to see poor sweet Mary. He came to dinner. She saw him in the parlour.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 5th January 1813
Do.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell [Aged 21]
Tuesday 5th January 1813
How our unhappy outward circumstances - - be I believe that a mind in a proper frame would now wish to commit suicide, I do not mean that the person might not wish to die, but it requires a person to have the mind very wretched and agitated before it can get over the repugnant feeling of being a self murderer.
It is passion which is hurried (buried?) away to commit it for it fixes all its possibility of happiness on the one object and is not capable of receiving pleasure from any thing else if this object is taken away or(?) from this passion so mortified, every power of being happy is taken away with the object and the wretched mind is no longer capable of having life. If the mind is employed on thinking of God. There is always a recourse wh: it is impossible should be taken away from it and besides if religion is firmly impressed on the mind and the places its happiness in it having the Christian feelings every other object must appear too insignificant for it to place all its affections upon the trying to attain to the Christian character will bring the mind into so callow a state that nothing will have sufficient power to so entirely disturb it as passion mentalle will do.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 6th January 1813
At Macclesfield. Annual Accounts
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell - age 21
6th January 1813, Wednesday
My Uncle left us. Papa and Mr Bent to Macclesfield. Miss Grigletti went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 7th January 1813
Do. Do. and returned home
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell - age 21
7th January 1813, Thursday
My Aunts,HEC and MEC to Macclesfield. Mary come down no more at present. We nurse her in the yellow room.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 8th – Wednesday 13th.
[no entries]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
8th January 1813, Friday
Papa and Mr Bent returned. Mr Skerrett.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
10th January 1813, Sunday
Aunt B, MEC and I went to Church, came home by the Congelton Road. Mr Dr Belcombe.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 14th January 1813
At Newcastle Assembly
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Sunday 14th February 1813 [?]
Sally Wedgewood paid us a (forward, private?) visit before she left for Devonshire. It is feeling that makes us most inclined to love a person of anything the longer &ldots;page 13
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
14th January 1813, Thursday [page 180] file C052
Newcastle Assembly. We did not go.
15th January 1813, Friday
Enoch Wood dined and staid all night. My Aunts left us.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 15th January 1813
15. — 17. [no entries]
Monday 18th January 1813
Stone in the Evening
Tuesday 19th January 1813
At Wolesley Bridge. Select Committee
Wednesday 20th January 1813
Newcastle
Thursday 21st January 1813
Home
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
21st January 1813
Maria and Dr Thomas Bent called.
Diary of James Caldlwell
Friday 22nd January 1813
At Burslem arranging Accounts &c. &c. & new plan of Books
Saturday 23rd January 1813
. Do. Do.
[Much crossing out and altered entries for 22/23rd with a note written by JC and dated 1819 written against all the dates 24 — 28]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
23rd January 1813
Mrs Lawton and Dr Belcombe called.
Diary of James Caldwell
24 — 28 NB.
At this time very little was done. The only alteration in the Books was that relating to shewing Interest on the . . .[acommatated] Copartners the Books will shew. The only Statement made was the rough & imperfect one annexed & which was done in a very hasty manner with Mr Wood. I think we returned home in the evening of the 23rd. Mrs C & I went to Burslem together. J. C. 1 Sept 1819.
Diary of Catherine Caldwell
Monday 25th January 1813
Read Hall's sermon upon Infidelity wh: is not written to bring forward the proofs against it but to show that it would &ldots;page 7 to page 13Papa said speaking of the education of the poor that if as teaching to read) opens the mind of the powers of taking in what is right it also increases the power of taking in what is wrong which is certainly very true and therefore I do not thing we should be content with merely teaching to read but at the same time one ought to teach them Religion and plainly point out these (duty?) and try to put them in the way of showing having knowing their virtue by what they read.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th January 1813
[Mr Holland, Mrs Notland?] dined here.
27th January 1813
Mrs Wedgwood came to pay us a visit before she leaves the country to settle in Devonshire.
28th January 1813
Sat up with her at night, an evening I never shall forget.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 29th January 1813
At Burslem
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
29th January 1813
HE [HE?] and I took her to Newcastle.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 30th January 1813
At Trentham Inn attending Lieutenancy Meeting. Militia
31. [no entry]
February, [1813]
Monday 1st February 1813
At Madeley attending Meeting. Taxes. Sr. J. Chetwode Mr Tollett & Self
Tuesday 2nd February 1813
[no entry]
Wednesday 3rd February 1813
[no entry]
Thursday 4th February 1813
At Trentham Inn. attending Meeting Tax affairs.
Friday 5th February 1813
[no entry]
Saturday 6th February 1813
[no entry]
Sunday 7th February 1813
Mr Wood & Mr Bent dined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
7th February 1813, Sunday
MR Wood and Enoch dined here. Mr Bent called.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 8th February 1813
[no entry]
Tuesday 9th February 1813
At Alsager looking over & marking timber intended to be fallen. Mr Salmon relative to Sale of Thurlwood & Rode Estate.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
9th February 1813, Tuesday
Mr Salmon of Wheelock called. We were all in Mary’s room. LC, HEC sung and played to him.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 10th February 1813
Dined at Rode Hall. Mr & Mrs Rowland Egerton, Miss Egerton, . . .[? Jotton] Mr & Mrs Lord, Hinchliffe &c. &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
10th February 1813, Wednesday
Went with HEC about 4 o’clock to a Ball at Bostock, very unwell indeed. Too ill to enjoy the evening. Danced with two Mr Yates [Gates?] Saw Lucien Currie and a heap of people I knew nothing about. Mr Brooks etc.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 11th February 1813’
Engaged on grounds
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
11th February 1813, Thursday
Walked in the morning with Lucie Currie and Miss James, sat with M. Crompton, heard Locia [faling?] In the evening danced with Mr S Percival and Mr Brooks with Miss Brordreth[?] the rest of the [gt?] evening tricks upon cards. Agreeable enough.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 12th February 1813
12 — 14 [no entries]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
12th February 1813, Friday
Came away a pleasant walk before we went, with Dr J.
13th February 1813, Saturday
Mr Wedgwood and Sally came. Dr Thompson dined here. Went up to Mary’s room and sat some time with her.
14th February 1813, Sunday
The Wedgwoods went.
Diary of Catherine Caldwell
Sunday 14th February 1813
Sally Wedgewood paid us a (forward, private?) visit before she left for Devonshire. It is feeling that makes us most inclined to love a person of anything the longer &ldots;page 13
File PB20154
Letter - Fanny Allen [1781-1871] Aunt of Emma Darwin.
Mentions Madame de Stael’s visit to England which was 1813. Also Lord Byron in England at that time.
Dulwich 15th February
My dearest Anne,
I like speedy answers quite as much as you do, both to give and receive and therefore it is with great pleasure that I devote this morning to a little conversation with you on paper. I must, however, say, before I go to other subjects, that I do not exactly understand what you mean by ‘answering me shortly,’ unless, indeed, your letter has been frozen up, at some of the post offices and [man, train?] fixed it for me two days ago.
Your letter is not dated, therefore I may guess as I chose. I wrote to you on the 12th of January, about a month after I received yours but in the mean while I had written to Eliza, which I considered almost told before you answered my last letter, and I have not had a line from Eliza since some time before she went to Liverpool.
The beginning of our letter was therefore written in my character and I by you will mind it. Madame de Staël will drive you mad. I do not object to anything you say of her or her books, but I have a great dislike to idolate and in the character of an image breaker I want to prevent your falling down and worshipping you will probably see this divinity of yours in Staffordshire this summer, she means to stay a few at Trentham in her way either to, or from Scotland.
Your name has been mentioned to her, as having infiniment d’esprit, and I give Mackintosh a couple of sentences in your last letter to me, with your name and a description of your person to send to Madame de Stael. I am afraid the chief object of this was to flatter la Baronne, but to this motive another was bound, which I wish may have its effect, that is to say, if she sees you at Trentham, that she may notice you. I do not mean this for vanity sake, but she is undoubtedly very charming in conversation, and will gratify you most entirely.
I like your enthusiasm about her, as it is real; but Mrs Waddington has disgusted me with her mock raptures and enthusiasm, which she sends twice a week to Baugh. She and her daughter Fanny prostrate themselves in the dirt before their idol to gain a little fame.
Now I want you to admire, not wonder and worship; remember the fate of all idolatry is sooner or later to have their images broken. And remember also that you must practice unbelief or forget much before you can worship the good and fair in your idol. Brougham puzzles her by calling her ‘l’amiable inconsequente.’ Can you discover why? The The Viscon de San Paul, I think it is, struck me very much, particularly the part you mention, which I have quoted once or twice as very striking. This gave me great pleasure, as I like to feel with you, but think a little more soberly.
What do you think of a Roman Catholic bishop who was so shocked at the blasphemy of this vision that he would not venture to think of it again?
Emma and I went on Saturday evening to George Street, to go with Kity to a party at Mr Warrens. We found Mackintosh very well and in delightful spirits. Poor Godwin dined there. He always makes me low. He seems so oppressed by the evil opinion of mankind. As I found him so much at leisure I asked him what he thought the best books for you to study the mechanism of verse. And he told me, that he would recommend to you Mitfords Harmony of the English Language. ( I think this was the title, but I am not exactly certain) Kames, he said, you would learn nothing from, and Mitfords was the only good book that he knew, for that purpose.
After that, he would recommend you to study all Spencer, as he is the most harmonious versifier of our poets, Shakespeare, the harmonious parts of Milton, and the best parts of Dryden. To read these after, and all other poets not at all, if you wanted to counteract diffuseness of style, he would recommend you to study Greg who is a pattern of closeness but I should think Dryden is a much better pattern of force and closeness.
I charge you continue your poetical studies, and let me soon have the effect of them. Have you forgotten your tragedy that you promised to send me? I want to see it very much. Speak a word of it in your next. You must also tell me in your next, whether it was you, or Mr Griffin who bet on Wordsworth, but the one who did, has won it. Cribbes diction is very poetical and quite of the old school.
Tell Robertus that Sir J Romily melted the whole company at Bowood to tears by reading to them Cribbes tale of the parting hour. Madame de Stael sobbed and Lady Lansdown was almost in fits. Horner[?] too will back Mr Griffin in his taste for Crabbe, as he thinks him the first poet of the day.
I am very much surprised you speak so slightingly of Lord Byrons’ ‘Corsair.’ I like it better than ‘The Bride of Abydos,’ though it does not [reach, nach?] the ‘Giaour.’ I have received so much pleasure from the [time?] that I should be well content that he produced a few more. He does wisely, however, to work a little harder for lasting fame. The object of the two last poems is very credible to him.
Mr Hodgson, the man who is translating Lucien Buonapartes’ poem, was engaged to be married but he could not afford either to take a house or furnish it. Lord Byron has enabled him to marry, by giving him £500, what he sold the ‘Bridge of Abydos’ for. The same sum was given Lord Byron by marriage, for ‘The Corsair,’ which he wants to give to Moore. He was in a delicate distress how to manage the gift. I have not heard lately how he has got out of the difficulty.
It was said on Saturday that orders have been given to prosecute Lord Byron for those verses that were at the end of some of the copies of ‘The Corsair’ on the Princess Charlottes’ crying at Carlton House. Any thing that is dirty and contemptible we might expect from the Prince.
There are parts of The Corsair that are uncommonly beautiful. The scene between Galnase and the Corsair when she first enters his prison. And also in the boat. His hero is a repetition of his own character again. His notes and preface are written in a detestable style. I have seen one Canto of Lucien Buonapartes poem, it is pretty and I think very interesting.
I am no judge of the poetry, but Madame de Stael does not, I believe, think much of it. I have also seen two Volumes of Madame d’Arblays ‘Wanderer’ [‘The Wanderer’or ‘Female Difficulties’ by Frances Burney, Madame d’A. 1814] which I think excessively interesting. I do not know when it will come out. We have been reading it in a very uncomfortable way, a few hundred sheets now, from Longman and at the end of a fortnight as many again.
Another time I will abstain and not read a work piece meal after this manner. Madame d’Arblay seems to have lost all idea of the manners and I am afraid you are playing a [Judas?] trick both with Griffin [hoof?] and your Jackdaw. I believe you are a sure coquet Annie. I am glad to hear that S.W. [Sarah Wedgwood?] is so well after her journey. She has sent me a kind little note. But Lizzie and Sarah have both a [coughing?] fit on them. Are you going to spend any time at Parkfield soon. Mind write to me soon and believe me ever dearest Annie yours
F. Allen. [Fanny Allen?]
You [must have?] the plant and seeds and if they ever remind you of me I shall love the [sturdy, Hurry?] tribe. I will be your star of Arcady. Where is Stamford. Is he in town now. [Jessie?] and Es’ kindest love to you all, more to all your family.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 15th February 1813
At Burslem meeting Mr Warren of Drayton relative to the Title to the Estate purchased by Mr Wedgwood of Bryankild and on which my opinion & advice had been requested.
Tuesday 16th February 1813
[no entry]
Wednesday 17th February 1813
Attending Meeting at Trentham Inn. Assessed Taxes.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th February 1813, Wednesday
My Aunt MEC, LC to Parkfield.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 18th February 1813
18. — 21. [no entries]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
20th February 1813, Saturday
My Aunt returned. MEC, LC to Maer.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 22nd February 1813
At Burslem relative to Bitchton Flint Mill sale to Mr Wilbraham. From thence to Newcastle attending Meeting for Subscription to the Russians. Drawing Resolutions &c. Dined at Mr Bents. Mr Spode & Sparrow
Tuesday 23rd February 1813
Engaged on the Grounds
Wednesday 24th February 1813
Alsager. Looking over Timber previous to the Sale.
Thursday 25th February 1813.
[no entry]
Friday 26th February 1813
At Penkridge with Mr J. Sparrow & Mr Robinson examining Witnesses relative to the Cause between the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal Co. & the Grand Trunk Co. expected to be tried at the approaching Assizes at Stafford. Returned to Stone that night.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th February 1813, Friday
MEC came from Maer, Mama fetched her. MEC and I have spent a quiet comfortable fortnight reading [Janius?] and nursing dear Mary who now comes down.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 27th February 1813
Returned home. Found Mr Holland. Operation again performed on my beloved sufferer. Successfully and well.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
27th February 1813, Saturday
Mr Holland dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 28th February 1813
[no entry]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
28th February 1813, Sunday
Mr Bent dined here
Diary of James Caldwell
March, [1813]
Monday 1st March 1813.
At home
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
1st March 1813, Monday
Mr Bayley dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 2nd March 1813
At Talk on the Hill. Sale of Timber. but not disposed of
Wednesday 3rd March 1813
Peake. Militia.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
3rd March 1813, Wednesday
My Aunt took ME and myself to the Book sale. Met Miss Albis, a great argument upon subsantus a plusait. [Mocking, morning?] brought LC back.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 4th March 1813
[no entry]
Friday 5th March 1813
At Rode Heath to have met Mr . . .[Jallon] relative to . . . but he did not come.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
5th March 1813, Friday
ME and I to Newcastle.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 6th March 1813
At Newcastle attending Militia Meeting. Apportioning Lists.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
6th March 1813, Saturday
Set out with my Aunt and HEC to Liverpool. Left HEC at Mrs Nawsons, found Anne Lawrence and Miss Jane L at Eton.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 7 — 9th [bracketed together] At Newcastle meeting Mr Robinson relative to the Lough Cause agreed portion of my time & attention for some days past.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
7th March 1813, Sunday
Went to Chapel. Mr and Mrs Shepherd. The evening went read some of Mr Moirs papers.
8th March 1813, Monday
Drank tea at Miss Lawrences. Danced in [gt, yl?] evening.
9th March 1813, Tuesday
To Liverpool, called at Mrs Nawsons, at Mrs Wallaces. Mrs Larvies the Noughtons dined at the Brewery. MN came back to Eton with us
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 10th March 1813
[no entry]
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
10th March 1813, Wednesday
Miss Lawrence and their girls dined at Eton 2 Mr Woods [ht?] Dennison danced in the evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 11th March 1813
Attended the Sherriff. Col. Sneyd to Stafford. Dined & spent the Evening with him. Mr Basnett Tollett Lester & Griffin.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
11th March 1813, Thursday
Dined at the Brewery, called at Mrs Booths, Mr Croppers, Mrs Rawsons. Drank tea at the Park Curries Wallaces &c.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 12th March 1813
At Stafford. Served on the Grand Jury & dined with the Judges Bayley & Grisham.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
12th March 1813, Friday
Walked to Waventree to the gardens.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 13th March 1813
The grand Jury being discharged about 4 oClock & the Navigation Cause not coming on til Monday returned home, bringing Mr Robinson to Stone. & where I promised to stop tomorrow Night on my way back to Stafford.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
13th March 1813, Saturday
HEC [or MEC?] came to Eton.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 14th March 1813
Violent cold. but in the Evening went to Stone.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
14th March 1813, Sunday
Called at Allerton, Miss Brordreth, James Pilkinton, spent the evening at Eton.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 15th March 1813
At Stafford. Cause tried. Verdict. “That Hops Wood and Teazles are comparatively light roads.” Judge decidedly with us. Returned home at night late. Sr. John Chetwode foreman. Mr . . .[E?dd] Mr . . .[Grinday] . . . Jurors. At these Assizes Stamford made his first essay as a Barrister. A Brief given him by Messrs Walthall & Ward in an undefended Cause in which he was . . . to himself & a Brief also given him by Mr Sparrow in the Navig. Cause.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
15th March 1813, Monday
Came home. My Aunts here. LC at Shrewsbury.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 16th March 1813
At home. Letter from Mr J Wedgwood & Bill in Parliament & papers from Mr Tomlinson relative to Hanley Market Place & requesting my assistance.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
16th March 1813, Tuesday
JSC came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 17th March 1813
At Burslem and from thence to Etruria calling upon Mr J. Wedgwood and advising relative to . . .[?rands] committed by his Servants in the packing of Goods, also Conversation relative to the Hanley Bill.
Thursday 18th March 1813
At home engaged on Grounds. Perusing & considering Bill & writing to Mr Tomlinson thereon. Mr Blunt with prospectus of Staffordshire Gazette for my opinion. Strongly disapproved of it.
Friday 19th March 1813
At home. Mr Wood dined. At the trible[sic] Locks with him looking at Steam Engine . . . . . . & that Mr Wood might value it. [This is probably what we now call Bratch Locks]
Saturday 20th March 1813
Do. Engaged Letter Writing G. Wilbraham &c. &c.
Sunday 21st March 1813
Do. Service. In the Evening Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood & Miss T. Allen.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
21st March 1813
Mrs Jas Wedgwood, Fanny Allen came to tea.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 22nd March 1813
At home. Engaged superintending ground at Swallow Moor Gate & other improvements
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
22nd March 1813
My three Aunts and Mrs Josiah Wedgwood went to Manchester.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 23rd March 1813
At Newcastle attending swearing in Local Militia Men for the Hundred of Prichet South
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
23rd March 1813
They all returned.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 24th March 1813
At home. Engaged on various papers. Div. of Conveyance to Mr Wilbraham of Moiety of Packhorse farm. Letter to Mr Lowe &c. &c.
Thursday 25th March 1813
At home. Grounds &c. Late Mr Gilberts meadow. Improvement at Trentham Inn. Property & assessed Taxes. Long & fatiguing day of business. On my return dined with Mr Tollet (who accidentally overtook me) at the Roebuck.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
25th March 1813
Mrs Jos Wedgwood went, Miss Allen and Miss Emma Allen came. My Aunts left us.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 27th March 1813
At home. Grounds. Letters &c. &c.
Sunday 28th March 1813
Do.
Monday 29th March 1813
Do. Improvements at Swallow Moor Gate & Ground. Felling trees &c. &c.
Tuesday 30th March 1813
At Trentham Inn. Local Militia Ballot. Long & fatiguing day.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
30th March 1813
The Allens left us. ME and I to Parkfield. LC there, she came home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 31st March 1813
At home. various matters Farm &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
31st March 1813
Mr Griffin called, rode out with Miss Wedgwood to New inn [Swift?] JSC called.
Diary of James Caldwell
April, [1813]
Thursday 1st April 1813
Do. Dr Balcombe dined. Engaged forming Drft. of Conveyce. to Mr Wilbraham of Moiety of packhorse farm & Letter therewith to Mr Lowe of Nantwich.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Thursday 1st April 1813
A six weeks absence from home except for a few days which has made me enjoy the coming back extremely. My warm love for my sisters I find is much the strongest feeling I have and the most capable of giving me pleasure, (it hair?)
I have in Charlotte a person who I know understands me and who stands next in the place of a sister to me of any body and as her conversation is very agreeable I did not feel the want of the girls company so much, but at Shrewsbury I could think of nothing but of the great pleasure of should have in being with my sisters I so tenderly lived and whose thoughts and feelings were in unison with my own.
I have often thought that those people I love I loved more when I was absent from them than when with them and so it is and the reason is that you think more of their characters and dwell particularly on those part that you love and that give you most pleasure.
The girls at S. are too young for me to have much pleasure in their company. They have not thought upon character and feeling and a person to be very agreeable to me must have done this.
Mrs W.i. was all kindness to me and we had a few conversations together but I did not enjoy them very much because I could not feel quite at ease with her and conversations upon feelings and which these were can never be very agreeable without perfect ease. It is surprising how much uneasiness and bad management there is in the world from people not understanding each others characters and feelings which is reason enough without any other why mothers should educate their children and why they should not be sent to school for if mothers do not know their children's feelings they will in all probability do a great deal of harm admit breaks the strong attachment between sisters and the love of sisters to one another. I think is the most beneficial there can be.
Sisters if they know each other call their lives will love each other for the good qualities of the heart no affections can be got by any thing put on the good quality it must really be these if therefore with being with your sisters you love them and wish them to love you, it is only by (really, sadly?) making yourself deserving &ldots;page 15 continues…
I have been at Maer in the company of the three Miss Allens, all of whom I like exceedingly. There is something more taking in Miss A's manners than in any bodies I ever saw. She is very agreeable, pretty and elegant, and with these superiorities she still seems as pleased with the people she is with and talking to as if they were the agreeable people and she was making herself pleasant to them &ldots;
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
1st April 1813
Miss Allens came to Parkfield.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 2nd April 1813
Home. Grounds. Swallow More Gate &c.
Saturday 3rd April 1813
Home. Do.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
2nd April 1813
Rode with Miss Wedgwood, Mr Butt, Griffin and JSC to PF.
3rd April 1813
Mr Butt dined and went. Dr Belcombe called.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 4th April 1813
Do.[Barrow or Bann], the traveller, & was accounted one of the best things, or the best thing, on this important subject.
23.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
4th April 1813
JSC, MEC and I called at Swinnerton, dined at PF then home. Miss Noble at Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 5th April 1813
Do. Engaged on various matters previous to setting off tomorrow for Shrewsbury. Mr Holland. Operation Mary.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
5th April 1813, Monday
Mr Holland dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 6th April 1813
To Shrewsbury with Sr. John Heathcote & Mr Bent.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
6th April 1813, Tuesday
Miss Noble went. Papa to Shrewsbury.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 7th April 1813
Engaged all day closely on accounts &c.
Thursday 8th April 1813
Finished annual Settlement. Called with Dr Danvrin at Mr Rocks relative to proposed Canal from Stone to Pave Lane, on which subject I had received a Letter from Mr Lock, Lord Staffords Agent. Assurance of the project being approved by supported by the Inhabitants of Shrewsbury & the Propr.[ietors] of the Shrewsbury Canal. In the evening came to Hawkestone on our return home.
Friday 9th April 1813
Arrived at home. Writing long letter to J. Goiton on various matters determined upon last night relative to the . . .[Browsing] Canal at Shrewsbury
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
9th April 1813, Friday
LC and MEC to Newcastle. Papa came home. Mr Butt and Mr Bailey dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 10th April 1813
At home. Engaged on various matters. Farm &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
10th April 1813, Saturday
Took a walk to Rode Heath, conversation as we came back. Played at chess in the [wood?]. The gentlemen went after dinner.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 11th April 1813
Do. Mr Wood dined. G. Wilbraham’s business &c. In the morning Mr Tomlinson relative to Opposition given to the Bill in Parliament for establishing the Market & improving the Market place at Hanley. Perusing & considering with him the Case to be presented for Members, Making out List of Members to be applied to &c. &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
11th April 1813, Sunday
Mrs Wilson, Mary Edward Enoch and Mr Wood dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 12th April 1813
At home. Letter to . . .[ ?da?phed] be by me to Ld. G. L. Gower.
[rest of entry and part of entry for 13th not photographed]
Tuesday 13th April 1813
At Trentham Inn advising . . . [see above] Fatiguing day but returned home to dinner. Mrs Lawton. J. Bent. Dr Balcombe Mr Parlington dined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
13th April 1813, Tuesday
Mrs Lawton, Dr Belcombe, John Bent and Mr B Penlington dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 14th April 1813
At home. Engaged on papers relative to Hanley Market Bill previous to writing Letters to Lord G. L. Gower and other Members which I had promised Mr Tomlinson to do. Farm &c.
14th April 1813, Wednesday
Josiah Wedgwood came.
Thursday 15th April 1813
At Newcastle again attending Militia Ballot. Mr Spode & self. Long Day. but returned to dinner. Began sowing Oats in Hollins Ground.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
15th April 1813, Thursday
A walk in the wood with JW and LC. He went in the evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 16th April 1813
Engaged closely on Hanley Market Bill & papers. Writing Letters to Lord L. G. Gower, Messrs Littleton, Gashall & Wilbraham Egerton. Omitted Mr Brother on acct. of the death of his mother.
Saturday 17th April 1813
At home. Mr Penlington with notices to Mr Twiss to have the Dwellinghouse &c. at Rode Heath on the expiration of his term of 7 years pursuant to the Cov. in the Lease. Letter to Mr Tomlinson with the Letters to Lord G. L. Gower &c. &c.
Sunday 18th April 1813
At home Service &c
Monday 19th April 1813
At home. Farm. Ploughing. Clearing land &c. Stamford left Linley Wood on his journey to Charter & attend the Assizes &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
19th April 1813, Monday [page 184]
JSC went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 20th April 1813
At Newcastle attending the Local Militia Ballot. Mr Spode & self. From thence to Stone attending Committee meeting.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
20th April 1813
Miss Bent and Rowland called.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 21. April 1813
Assembly. Seconded Motion made by Mr Sparrow for electing Mr Littleton a member of the Committee in the room of the late Mr John Philips of . . . which was unanimously agreed to. Conversation with Mr Sparrow & afterwards with Mr Bortle, who was accidentally passing through Stone, relative to Hanley Market Bill. With Mr Chetwynd relative to various points under the local Militia Act with a view to preserving Consistency of Construction in the several Hundreds.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
21st April 1813
My Aunt Eliza and I went to Mr Butts, met the Allens and Wedgwoods. [Cow?] with F.A. on a line of Italian poetry that suited me.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 22nd April 1813
At home. Severe attack of Mary in the last night. Mr R Skerrett slept in the house. Engaged on the Grounds, Letter to Mr Tomlinson informing him of Conversation with Mr Bortle & his permission for Mr B to call upon him with the Bill with promise of Assistance &c. Mr Bortle told me yesterday that the article in the Quarterly Review for December last on the E. India Co. Charter, was written by Mr . . .At Trentham Inn attending further Local Militia Ballot Mr Spode & self. Long & tiresome day. Severely Cold. Retd. late to dinner.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
23rd April 1813
Mr and Mrs C Lawton called.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 24th April 1813
At home. Various matters. Grounds &c. Snow & Hail. Mr R Skerrett dined. Letter again to Mr Littleton on H. M. Bill in reply to one received from him.
Sunday 25th April 1813
Do. Service. In the evening Letter from Lord G. L. Gower relative to Hanley Market Bill.
Monday 26th April 1813
At home. various matters. Began again stoning sunk fence in the Ditches.
Tuesday 27th April 1813
At Botley Hall. Calling on the Tollets but Mr Tollet not at home. From thence to Botley Court calling on Lady & Miss Fletcher. Elizth. Eliza & self
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
27th April 1813
Papa, Mama and Eliza called at the two Betleys.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 28th April 1813
At home. Wm. Penlington a long time this morning on their affairs. payments to be made to Creditors &c. Cold Rain & Sleet. Unwell.
29. Do. In the house all day. Mr Latham with Conveyance of Dwelling house &c. late the property of John Martin & his Brother which I executed.
30. At Burslem. various matters. . . .[Dorn’s] Affairs &c.
May, [1813]
Saturday 1st May 1813
Calling with Elizabeth at Wolstanton, Basford, Etruria &c. Jos. Wedgwood & Elizth at dinner.
Sunday 2: At home. Service.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
1st May 1813, Saturday
Mama, Papa, MEC called at Miss Moretons. Elizabeth[?] and Jos Wedgwood came to Linley Wood.
2nd May 1813, Sunday
They went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 3rd May 1813
Do. Mr Wilbraham called. Dispute with Navigation Co relative to Trees cut down on the banks of the Canal. Engaged with men making improvements old Linley Lane. In the evening received Articles of reference to me agreed by Lord Stafford Sir J Heathcote & Mr Smith of disputes & differences relative to Longton local Gather.
Tuesday 4th May 1813
At Newcastle attending Sessions as Recorder. Afterwards dined with the Mayor &c.
Mr Crosley
Company Office
Rochdale
Linley Wood, 4th May 1813
Sir,
I have received the favour of your letter of the 1st inst, enclosing a Draft on Jones, Lloyd and Co, London bearing No.1038 and value Ten pounds, which balances the account therewith sent, and I am Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
James Caldwell
Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood
Wednesday 5th May 1813
At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Letters &c. &c.
Thursday 6th May 1813
Do. Mr Holland. Operation again performed on Mary. Engaged also with them thinning Plantation at the Farm &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
6th May 1813
I called at Etruria with my Aunt and Eliza. Staid, dined alone with the Allens and S.W.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 7th May 1813
At Trentham Inn attending Local Militia Ballot. Mr Spode & self. Very wet day & much fatigued. Afterwards dined at Rode Hall. Sr. Thos Reid, Mr Wittenhall & self.
Saturday 8th May 1813
At home. Engaged in the grounds felling Trees in the Ditches &c. Miss Wedgwood & Miss Allen to dinner. Letter to Mr Bortle in reply to one received from him last night announcing success in the Committee on the Hanley Market Bill.
Sunday 9. At home.
Monday 10th May 1813
Do. Engaged on various matters grounds &c.
Tuesday 11th May 1813
Engaged with Mr Hintons Men measuring my part of Ditches & Stone Cliffe Wood. Mr Tomlinson relative to Trees cut down on the Banks of the Canal & Letter by him to Mr Wilbraham.
Wednesday 12th May 1813
To Uttoxeter with Mr Thos. Sparrow & Mr Robinson viewing Canal & works, & particularly the ground in dispute with . . .[Earpe] & arranging various matters as per minutes. From thence to Derby with Mr Robinson & where we met Mr Simpson.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
12th May 1813
Rode with Mrs Jos Wedgwood to Parkfield and back to see Emma on her way to town.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 13th May 1813
To Shardlow early & where engaged all day, viewing Wharfs, Workhouses &c. with a view to ascertaining apportioning of . . .[lettings] such parts as it might be expedient for the Coy.[company] to part with the possession of & various other matters previous to taking into consideration tomorrow the state of the Gainsborough Boat Co. Trust & affairs. Engaged nearly all day & returned to Derby late in the evening.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
13th May 1813
F and E Allen Charlotte [‘Elizabeth’ crossed out] and Jos returned home with me. Rode to Bradwell and then walked the rest.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 14th May 1813
At Shardlow again early. Meeting with Mr . . .[Flack], Brightmore & Moore when various points finally arranged & settled & others stated & left for the consideration of the Trustees. Engaged again closely all day & returned to Derby late.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell - age 22
14th May 1813 [page 185]
Jos [Jas?] Wedgwood went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 15th May 1813
Called at Mr William Straths. Returned to Stone to dinner & home in the Evening. [Note. Rest of the entry for 15th is indented]
In the course of Conversation Mr Simpson speaking of the ignorance in which the French Nation were kept as to what was passing in Europe, said that Madame D’. . . [hiblais] who had arrived in England only a few months ago, declared, that till she got here she had never heard mention made, nor did she know of such an event having taken place as the Battle of Trafalgar. — This was told to Mr Simpson by Mr . . . [Harris] who had it from Dr. Burney, Madame D’ . . .[hiblais] brother.
NB. Cows turned out to grass on the 14th.
Sunday 16th V
At home. Service. Cut Cabbage
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell - age 18/19
Sunday May 16th 1813
Anne and Miss F. Allen a long argument upon the word courage. Anne defined it the meeting any thing feared or dreaded. Miss F. Allen meeting danger. She would only allow it to fear of death, a personal danger. Anne said the courage was greater the more the thing was feared, a man therefore who cared for his reputation more than his life would be most courageous in declining a duel than in fighting it. Miss F.Allen said it would not be courage to decline, though it might be virtue. A man who fought the duel could not be a coward because it is a courageous act to put your life in danger but it would be more courageous to decline it.
I think Miss J.Allen one of the most, if not quite the most agreeable people I ever saw. Her manners are delightful and set off to the greater advantage a most elegant mind, she has the easiest way of bringing in literary subjects and has a gaiety about every thing which keeps up great interest. She is a great talker whenever she is called upon but has not that constant chatter upon every subject interesting or uninteresting that makes one get tired of a person --.
I think her much the most agreeable of the family and much the most companionable for a long while. She can talk with interest on every subject, upon feelings, every kind of literary subject and be gay and ready for a joke at any time. If I was (up, less?) to her I would rather make a friend of her than any body I know, but to live quite happily with her you might to be cleverer than her and if she cone had any contempt for you or your abilities you would not be quite comfortable. She would show her contempt and make you afraid of her. I should think her very amicable as long as she like or thought well of a person but she would not be candid to a persons feelings and if once she thought ill of any one her prejudice is too strong to let her soon got over it. &ldots;
Had an interesting conversation with Mary in which I could perceive the exertions she must have gone through to get so perfect. She is the greatest spur to exertion to me I can possibly have. If she can make herself so happy and content and can bear to see almost everyone in so much happier a situation than herself how wrong must I be to complain who have every thing to make me happy and am in general seeing people in so much less happy situations. I am not sufficiently religious I have I fear been more careless lately, I am very careless of my little faults. I am still very vain and caring entirely for myself. When I am mortified I constantly turned to myself and think only of making myself happy by thinking of the shortness of life. I wish I could make myself care for others happiness. It is my duty. I shall know less, I mean read less if (solo?) this but what is that. It is my duty I will try to keep up to it. How often I make resolutions fact. &ldots; page 45 discussing Romans, Alexander.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
16th May 1813
The Allens &c went and Eliza with them.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 17th May 1813
Do. Engaged on Navign. papers. Superintending the fencing out of the Grounds before the House &c. &c
Tuesday 18th May 1813
Do. Various matters. Grounds &c. Thinning Plantation &c.
Wednesday 19th May 1813
Do. Do. Ploughing for Potatoes.
Thursday 20th May 1813
Do. Superintending fencing &c. &c. Jno. Barton Executed a Bond to Jno. Brown for £1400 as Surety Wm Bent being . . . . . . of his . . . money of B. Barrows Share in
. . . Brewery.
Friday 21st May 1813
Do. “. . . hast a province of thy own, adorn this, and mind nothing else” Plutarch on the tranquillity of the Mind.
Saturday 22nd May 1813
Do. Fencing out grounds, thinning Plantations &c. &c.
Sunday 23. At Home. Service
Monday 24th May 1813
At home. Grounds &c. &c.
Tuesday 25th May 1813
At Trentham Inn attending Meeting assessed Taxes receiving Assessments & Local Militia Ballot &c. Sir John Heathcote & Self. Mr Broadhurst of Mansfield & his son at dinner.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
25th May 1813
I went and fetched Eliza from Etruria. Bade farewell to the Allens.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 26th May 1813
Engaged with Mr Broadhurst who staid all day.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell -age 18/19
Wednesday 26th May 1813
With Anne to Betley Hall. Bents, Hills. Mrs F Tomkinson(?) a remarkable sensible manner - - and agreeable one also. I would not judge how agreeable she was but I should think she was very so. Seems very good natured and her manners very natural. Living at home constantly is not the way to have natural manners. Those have the best chance who are brought up a good deal in company and do not go into with any (pretentions?) from which they expect anything for this spoils then all the notice and flattery in the world.
Page 47. E. B. very agreeable. From her odd way of talking she gives a great interest to very thing she says, and very seldom says the same thing that other people do. The dullest thing in a companion is to be pretty certain what they will say next.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th May 1813
LC and I went to Betley. Miss Mill, Miss F Tomkinson, Miss Bents, Mr Griffin. Played chess with [Pip?] and still could not sleep. Calm effect of the wood and water at two in the morning.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 27th May 1813
Mr Broadhurst left Linley Wood. Mr Chas. Lawton.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
27th May 1813
Mrs Tollets [club, chat?] walked. Dined in the evening Mr G
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 28th May 1813
At home. Navigation papers.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Wednesday 28th May 1813
Some Allens came to pay a (favoured?) visit going to take lodgings at Dulwich.
Read the Edinburgh's review upon Alison. It is right I believe in giving the same meaning as Alison, but so much stress is laid upon outward association and so little upon the objects capacity of itself to raise the emotion, that only reading the review one might be led to suppose it deficient from Alison. I understand Alison that he says there is not ….;
Read causes and effects of the conditions of the Poor in - He gives one of the greatest causes the - increase of idleness and bad disposition amongst the poor which he thinks may principally be accounted for by their - - What will most make people work will be hopes of a present advantage sh: he says it diminish much by the taxes he has to pay (who?) prevent him from so quickly earning the ….;.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
28th May 1813
Returned home. Miss Allen, Fanny and E.W. rode over and spent the day.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 29th May 1813
Do.
29th May 1813
My Aunt Bessy came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 30th May 1813
Do. Service. Mr Wm Bent & Mr R Skerrett dined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
30th May 1813
Mr Bent and Mr R Skerrett.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 31st May 1813
At home. Mr Penlington on their affairs &c. Letter to Mr Robinson with Report of proceedings of our late Journey to Shardlow &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
31st May 1813
My Aunt Bessy went.
Diary of James Caldwell
June [1813]
Tuesday 1st June 1813
At Newcastle
Wednesday 2nd June 1813
At Do. attending Meeting Local Militia. Mr Kenworthy & Self. In the evening Mr Ralph of Halifax.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
2nd June 1813
Mr Ralph came, had a second voyage to America. Travelling will do a great deal to good (mind?) but barely any thing to a barren one. Roots of (trees?) are found on the bare mountains of Holland and the New lands. Can the reason why Edinburgh students so often are doubters be that from observing the body so much they are inclined to believe in materialization for believing in this should think could more lead to infidelity than any thing though it is not a consequence of it, for if any combination of matter was capable of producing mind it is possible matter by chance might be jumbled into a shape to give mind and that once done might account for the making of the world ….;
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
2nd June 1813
Mr Ralph came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 3rd June 1813
At home. Engaged with Mr Ralph &c. &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
3rd June 1813
John [Lawrence?] called. Jos Wedgwood dined and slept.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 4th June 1813
Do.
Saturday 5th June 1813
At Parkfields. Elizth. & Self Mrs Darwin Dr Darwin
Sunday 6th June 1813
At home. Service. Mr Robt. Griffin at dinner.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
6th June 1813
Mr Griffin dined, walk to Prospect Hill. LC, G and I walk in the Stonecliff.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 7th June 1813
Do. Mr Ralph &c. Began draining the Meadow lately purchased from Trustees of Mr Gilbert.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
7th June 1813
The Wedgwood girls and the Darwins came, walk to Talk.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 8th June 1813
At Stone early attending Meeting of Select Committee. Messrs Sparrow, Webb, Simpson & Self. Much business.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
8th June 1813
Walk in the evening on Turnpike road.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 9th June 1813
Do. Sparrow, Simpson & Self. busily engaged all morning. Came with Mr S in a Chaise to Newcastle. Home to dinner late. Plan proposed by Mr Sparrow for Lock up houses in different parts of the Country[county] & which he requested me to consider.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
9th June 1813
Walk to fields by [?] and Swallow more.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 10th June 1813
Mr Penlington on their affairs. Perusing & settling Draft of Conveyance sent by Mr Lowe, from Mr Wilbraham to Mr Penlington of Moiety of Land called The eight days work. In the morning Mr Ralph left us.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
10th June 1813 [page 186]
Mr Ralph left us.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 11th June 1813
At home. Farm. Wine put up in . . .[Binn] 17.11 [Doz. B. written over suggests 17doz 11 bottles] 1/3 part of a pipe of Jones & Atkinson had with Poole & Griffin Nov. 1812.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
11th June 1813
The Wedgwoods and Darwins left us.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 12th June 1813
At home. Engaged setting out & superintending draining in Gilberts meadow. In the morning Miss Stamford & Emma arrived.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
12th June 1813
My Aunts and MEC returned late in the evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 13th June 1813
Do. service. Mr Wood dined.
Monday 14th June 1813
At home. Mr Holland of Knutsford. Mary. fine rain
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
14th June 1813
Mr Holland
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 15th June 1813
Do. Wm Penlington on their affairs previous to his going to Nantwich arranging payments to be made to the Creditors. Conveyance from Mr Wilbraham &c.
Wednesday 16th June 1813
Do. Sowed Turnips
Thursday 17th June 1813
At Newcastle calling upon Mr Fitzherbert & Mr . . . [Cogney]. Mrs Fitzherbert gone to Blakemoor on which acct Eliza did not see her. Various other matters. In the morning Mr Penlington. Kents Brewery &c.
Friday 18th June 1813
At home. Farm. Draining &c.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
18th June 1813
M. ME, LC and I with Mrs Lawton and Dr Belcombe to Moldcoss, barrons[?] cottages. Much conversation, a very pleasant day.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 19th June 1813
At home. Farm &c. &c. A.C. from Nantwich.
Letter to Mrs Caldwell 1813 on embossed letter paper.
My dear Mrs Caldwell,
I feel extremely obliged to you for your very kind invitation to dinner on Friday next which I shall have the much pleasure in accepting with Mr Fitzherbert but am sorry it will not be in our power to stay all night as Mr F is obliged to be in the Field at such an early hour in the morning. I beg you will have the goodness to present my best compliments to Mr Caldwell and your daughters and believe me,
My dear Madam
Very sincerely yours
Miss Fitzherbert.
Saturday June 19 1813
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
19th June 1813
My Aunt Anne came in the evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 20th June 1813
Do. Service.
Poopter viterer, vivinder pendere carsam
Monday 21st June 1813
At Burslem
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Monday 21st June 1813
Went to Etruria for a day through Newcastle locals there. Mr F is the most interesting looking man I ever saw with a very handsome face, the most beautiful expressions, which has in it of something I think more interesting than any thing I ever saw. A great expression of kindness with a melancholy cast over it.
Read first volume of Mrs Hamilton's popular plays. For style she is, I think, one of the worst writers I ever read. She uses so many words to one idea and says the same thing over and over again so often in different words that it is not only very tiresome but prevents one having as precise recollection of her book. She has no eloquence or imagination but is not content without chosing some common place picture …….;
Read Jeffrey's review of Madame de Stael sur la literature in which he disagrees with her that the world is arising(?) by progressive steps to a state of perfectibility. I don't believe that the world will ever get much nearer perfection in genius and ability as I think these account .….s;
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
21st June 1813
My Aunt M and MC to Blackpool. ME, L and I dined at Etruria. The locals in Newcastle saw guard returned evening, met large party of officers.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 22nd June 1813
At home. John Blunt
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
22nd June 1813
John Blunt came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 23rd June 1813
Engaged in the morning meeting Mr Halsells & Mr Westhall. Survey of Newcastle Turnpike Road. Abstentions &c. Dined at Lawton Hall.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
23rd June 1813
J.B. went. We dined at Lawton.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 24th June 1813
At Newcastle. Calling on Sir John Boughey who had joined the Local Militia. Engaged him to dine tomorrow.
Wedgwood Archives
57-32035
24 June 1813
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 25th June 1813
Mr & Mrs Fitzherbert Messrs Cogney, Tremlon Josh Wedgwood & Griffin with Miss Sarah Wedgwood & Eliz dined. Mr & Mrs F. all night. Musick.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
25th June 1813
Fitzherberts, Mr Cagney, Twenlon and Griffin, Mr Wedgwood, E and SW dined and staid all night. LC sang in the evening, most charmingly.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 26th June 1813
At home. Farm &c. Mrs & Miss Ainsworth called.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th June 1813
Walk before breakfast. Music [?] Fitzherberts, Mr Griffin and E Wedgwood went.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 27th June 1813
At home. Service. Mr & Mrs Wood Mrs Wilson & Eliza Wood dined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
27th June 1813
The Woods, Mrs Wilson, Eliza W dined here.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 28th June 1813
At home. Miss S Wedgwood left L. Wood. Began mowing but stopped from uncertainty of the weather.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
28th June 1813
Went with S.W. to the Review. Mrs Fitz dined at Etruria. Home at night.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 29th June 1813
Do. various matters.
Wednesday 30th June 1813
Do. Penlington & Wilbraham’s papers previous to going to . . . tomorrow.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell – could be work book notes for a number of pages
1814 – Page 187 – 188 - 189
Si la plupart des homes corcompris se sont appuyes sur le systeme materialiste lorsqu’ils sont voula sacetre methodiquement et methe leurs actions en thione ast qu’ils croyent en sonmollent lame aux sensations si delivrer ainsi de la responsabilite de leur conduite
French transcription continues.
Page 191 – pencil sketch of a bottle.
On ne tient [peut?] plus soi comme a un etre pervelegue quand on en sait beaucoup sur la destine humaine on ne sirait plus de change circumstance comme dan chose sans exemple et l’etinctre de l’esprit sont a nous detacher descalents personnes.
Il y a toujours dans la degradation une douleur don’t on ne se rende pas confite et qui pousant sans cepeen sient l’ennui, la houte, et la fatigue qu’elle cause sort revetnes des formes de l’impartanie et du dedaain par la vanite mais il est bien rare qu’on setablipe in pais dors cette mamieu…
French transcription continues.
Page 193
Dans le monde on se sent oppripee par ses facultes et l’on souffe souvent d’etre sent de sa nature au milieu de tout d’etres qui vivent a si per de frais. Mais le latent creatures suffit de quelques instants du moirs a tous nos vieuz &c.
De Stael – de L’Allamange III d v.
In most cases our habits of inattention may be traced to a want of curiosity and therefore such habits are to be corrected not by endeavouring to force the attention in particular instances but by gradually learning to place the ideas which we wish to remember in an interesting point of view.
Stewarts elements.
In order to give a proper direction to our attention in the course of our studies it is useful before engaging in particular pursuits to acquire as familiar an acquaintance as possible with the great outlines of science, with the most important conclusions which have hitherto been formed in them with the most important desiderata which remain to be supplied. In the case too of those parts of knowledge which are not yet ripe for the formation of philosophical systems it may be of use to study the various hypothetical theories which have been proposed for connecting together and arranging the phenomena. By such general views alone we can prevent ourselves from being lost amid a labyrinth of particulars or can engage in a course of extensive and various reading with an enlightened and discriminating attention.
D. S. Elements vol
Whereas in all other sciences the propositions which we attempt to establish express facts real or supposed in mathmatics the proposition we demonstrate only assert a connection between certain supposition and certain consequences. Our reasonings therefore in matter, are directed to an object essentially different from what we have in view in any other employment of our intellectual faculties, not to ascertain truths with respect to actual existences but to trace the logical [filiation?] of consequences which follow from an assumed hypotheses.
D.S. 2nd vol.
Induction according to D.S. is not merely collecting a number of facts, agreeing in certain particulars and thence inferring[?] a cause, but whenever an interesting change is preceded [proceeded?] by a combination of different circumstances it is of importance to vary our experiments in such a manner as to distinguish what is essential from what is accessory and when we have carried the decomposition as far as we can we are entitled to consider the simplest combination of indispensible circumstances as the physical cause of [yd] event. When by thus comparing a number of cases agreeing in some circumstances but differing in others an all attended with the same result a philosopher connects as a general law of nature [yd, general, great?] event with its physical [use, case?] he is said to proceed according to [yd, ?] method of induction. Thus if I see twenty families of children all distinguished for good humour and good spirits who have all indulgent parents I am not warranted in affirming that indulgence is the general cause of these things till by a careful analysis of every instance I find that indulgence is the only circumstance they all have in common.
Political Arithmetic. Political Economy. [page 196]
The first calculates from particular facts.
The last from general facts.
The first from custom
The last from nature.
The first calculates that slaves are better than freed men and reckons the work done by a slave in a day in St Domingo against the work done by a freedman on the same estate. The last argues from the nature of things that free men will work more for themselves than slaves for their master inasmuch the desire of bettering our condition is [yd, Gd.?] master of human conduct.
Page 196 - Philosophical transcriptions D. S. 2nd Vol.
French and English transcription from Tweddells Correspondence.
August from Dr Johnsons letters toMrs Thrale.
Page 200 - Pencil drawing of a person from behind sitting in a chair.
Transcription continues underneath.
Page 203 – 204 - pencil sketch, basic pattern, rectangles and long octagons.
Page 205
English transcription continues.
From Mad de Motteville Oct 26th. Dec 7th. When we are in adversity we are generally restless and impatient and anxious, full of complaints and when we are above it and our circumstances are improved it is – transcription continues.
Page 207 – Belgay [Belzay?]
French transcription.
De Stael
English transcription
Phillip 4th
Page 209
Pencil sketch of LC 1814. Young girl busy seated holding something close that she is inspecting. Has a plate[?] on her knee.
LC = Catherine Louisa Caldwell ? 1794 - 1814
Pencil sketch insert. Female figure lying in bed looking other way. Bonnet on head. Could be someone reclining on ground or on a sofa?
Page 211
Transcription Chpes 4th.
English transcription
Palestine.
Page 212
Religious transcription.
Page 213
Philosophical transcription – Mrs Hutchinson.
Religious transcription – Luke 12th.
Page 214
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
Pencil sketch. MEC 1814
MEC – Margarent Emma Caldwell – 1792 – 1830. Married Sir Henry Holland.
Diary of James Caldwell
July 1813
Thursday 1st July 1813.
At Nantwich with Eliza & Ann. Mr Lowe. Returned at night.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Thursday 1st July 1813
Went to see a poor woman in a terrible diseased state from cancer. I never was so struck in my life as with my own ingratitude and discontent for the numerous blessings God has given me and thinking if I was not happy now when all the world was smiling on me how could I be resigned and patient if such a fate were to befall me. It made me reflect how happy my situation was and instead of (assuming?) that I had not more my chief aim should be to dispense as much of my overflowing happiness to other as possible. When one does not feel great gratitude to God one may be sure one is not feeling right &ldots;
Page 60. Read Cromecks, Mithsdales and Galloways reliquies of poetry.
The introduction to Blackstone's commentaries in which he strongly recommends and shows the utility of all gentle man who are not bred up to the study of the Law, to give a certain degree of attention to it, and he wishes lectures at the Universities in that subject to be attended. If this was done young men of independent fortunes would much raise their characters, particularly if they did it with the wish to make themselves as useful to their fellow creatures as possible.
Page 61. Went to see Mrs Gover act in the Tragedy of Remorse. There are many beautiful things in the play, but whether from bad acting or a fault in it some of the duet scenes were tedious. When Mrs G first comes on and when she is listening to what Adonis says she was too violent in her gestures and acted too strongly her feelings &ldots;
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
1st July 1813, Thursday
Went with Mama to Nantwich. Miss Crompton came there.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 2nd July 1813
At home. Letter to Mr Skerrett at Hills Court Exeter &c.
Saturday 3rd July 1813
Do. Farm draining &c.
[rest of entry indented]
Mr . . . Atkinson on his speech on the American Trade in the House of Commons on Tuesday last stated the consumption of Cotton in our Manufactures at 75,000,000 lbs annually or about 1,500,000 weekly.
That we had at present on hand 86000,000 & could in six months receive a supply of 40,000,000 from the Brazils, and in the same period, our own Colonies would produce us 20,000,000 to which might be added usual supplies.
Sunday 4.
At home. Service. In the morning Eliza returned from Nantwich with Miss Compton of Eton.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
4th July 1813, Sunday
Chapel. Mrs Baron called. Returned in the evening.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 5th July 1813
At home. Resumed mowing. Miss Strutt, Lawrence & Mr Compton
Tuesday 6th July 1813
At Newcastle. various matters.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
6th July 1813, Tuesday
Mary Crompton, Miss Strutt [Shutt?] and Miss M Lawrence came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 7th July 1813
At home. busily engaged in the hay. Miss Wedgwood & Miss Morgan at dinner & all night.
Thursday 8th July 1813
Do. Hay. began carrying.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
8th July 1813, Thursday
Miss Struth and Miss Lawrence went
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 9th July 1813
At Burslem & Lawton Hall. Light Rain with distant thunder.
Saturday 10th July 1813
At home. Hay Harvest.
Sunday 11th July 1813
At home. Service. In the evening J Bent.
Monday 12th July 1813. At Newcastle. Inspecting the Course & attending a Meeting for making arrangements previous to the Races. dined at the Shakespeare. Sr. J Heathcote, C Lawton & Bagshaw Bilcrumb, Bent, Poal.
Tuesday 13th July 1813
At home.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
13th July 1813
We girls and Mary Crompton shopped in Newcastle and drank tea at Etruria. Walk in the evening and home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 14th July 1813
Mrs Wood & family from Burslem. Hay.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
14th July 1813
Mrs Wood, Edna, Eliza and Mary came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 15th July 1813
Mr Wood with whom engaged. Hay.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
15th July 1813
Mr Wood and Edward came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 16th July 1813
Do. Do.
Saturday 17th July 1813
Do. Finished Hay Harvest left small piece of Meadow behind the farm Gardens. Stamford arrived.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
17th July 1813
The Woods went. JSC came, they returned from Blackpool.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 18th July 1813
Service. Mr Woods family left us.
Monday 19th July 1813
At Wolesley Bridge attending Meeting of the Select Committee.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
19th July 1813
Went with Papa and Mr Sparrow, staid at PF.
Diary of James Calwell
Tuesday 20th July 1813
Engaged on Survey of Uttoxeter Canal. Messrs Sparrow, Simpson, Robinson & Self. In the Evening returned to Stone & slept at Mr Robinsons.
Wednesday 21st July 1813
Returned home to dinner.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
21st July 1813
Came to Etruria. Met Mama &c there. Left LC. Walk in the garden and home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 22nd July 1813
At Trentham Inn attending Appeals on property Tax. Mr Mainwaring, Spode & Self.
Friday 23rd July 1813
At Burslem. various matters. Supply of Clay from Runcorn &c. &c. Wm Penlington on their affairs, & dined.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
23rd July 1813
Party at Burslem.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 24th July 1813
At home.
Sunday 25th July 1813
Do. Service &c.
Monday 26th July 1813
At Newcastle attending Meeting making final Arrangements for Newcastle Races. Perusing lease of the Course which was this day executed by Mr Bennett, Mr Bagshaw & myself. Dined at the Roebuck. C Lawton. D Belacomb & Bagshaw Poal & self.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
26th July 1813, Monday
Mrs Lawton dined with us.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 27th July 1813
At home. Farm, Reading &c. Miss Bent dined. In the evening Mrs Compton of Eton Miss C Compton & Miss Lawrence.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
27th July 1813, Tuesday
Mrs Crompton, Caroline and Anne Lawrence came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 28th July 1813
At Betley Court dining. Mr & Mrs & Miss Hinckley & Sir John Boughey.
28th July 1813, Wednesday
Papa, Mama and Eliza dined at Betley Court.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 29th July 1813
At home.
29th July 1813, Thursday
John Blunt dined here. L.C. home.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 30th July 1813
At Burslem meeting Mr Robinson of Stone inspecting Rail Road Wharfs &c. &c. & making arrangements relative thereto. This morning Stamford set out to join the circuit at Worcester.
Saturday 31st July 1813
At home.
31st July 1813, Saturday
L.C. to Etruria again. All the Cromptons but Mary went.
Diary of James Caldwell
August [1813]
Sunday 1st August 1813
At home
Wedgwood Archives
57-32036
1 August 1813
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 2nd August 1813
At home. Mrs & Miss Compton & Miss Lawton left L. Wood.
Tuesday 3rd August 1813
At Newcastle attending Races Ordinary Ball &c.
Wednesday 4th August 1813
At Newcastle again attending Races Ordinary
Thursday 5th August 1813
Do. Do. went with Mr C Lawton. Called on Mrs Littleton with whose manners & conversation much pleased.
Friday 6th August 1813
Set out to Stafford Assizes. Served on the Grand Jury & dined with the Judges.
Saturday 7th August 1813
The Special Jury Causes on which I had been summoned viz. James agt Addison & Nichols & Vernon agt Antelly not coming on till Monday returned in the Evening to Linley Wood. Stamford also came.
Sunday 8th August 1813
At home. Service
Monday 9th August 1813
At Stafford again. the cases of James & Addison having come on before 9 o’clock in the morning instead of 10 the hour fixed I was a few minutes too late having arrived at Stafford about 10 minutes past 9. Served in the Evening on the Cause Vernon against Antelly for mismanagement of a farm. Verdict £520 damages. Dined with the Sherriff.
Tuesday 10th August 1813
Returned home greatly fatigued & unwell from the . . . of the last 10 days
Wednesday 11th August 1813
At home. Engaged on the grounds, farm &c. &c.
Thursday 12th August 1813
[no entry]
Friday 13th August 1813
Mr . . .[Parkerloke] Mrs Halsell Mrs Heathcote Dr & Mrs Northern dined
Saturday 14th August 1813
Family from Lawton Hall Dr & Miss Belacomb dined
Sunday 15th August 1813
At home. Service.
Monday 16th August 1813
Do. Unwell
Tuesday 17th August 1813
Do. Do.
Wednesday 18th August 1813
At Ashcombe
Thursday 19th August 1813
Do. Belmont.
Friday 20th August 1813
Returned home. In the evening received from Mr Skerrett intelligence of the death of General Skerrett at Exeter.
Saturday 21st August 1813
At home. Wm Penlington on their affairs.
Sunday 22nd August 1813
Do. Service.
Monday 23rd August 1813
At home. Engaged in the Farm &c. in the evening Mrs & Miss Compton & Caroline.
Tuesday 24th August 1813
At home. Farm. mowed vetches in ground behind the Farm Garden. finished ploughing . . .[from] Gilberts Meadow. Fine Summer Day.
Wednesday 25th August 1813
Called at Rode Hall. In the morning Mrs & Miss Compton left L. Wood. farm &c. &c.
Thursday 26th August 1813
At home.
Friday 27th August 1813
At Burslem.
Saturday 28th August 1813
At Newcastle in consequence of a note from the Mayor attending Meeting of the Committee relative to sending the piece of plate from Newcastle to Latham Hall & writing note to accompany the same. Letter to Mrs Alsager in the acceptance of the Deputation of the Manor of Alsager which the ladies had offered to me.
Sunday 29th August 1813
At home. Service.
Monday 30th August 1813
At Newcastle attending Meeting of the Committee for managing the . . . [Shenstre] when Mr Stanton attended. Repairs wanted to be reported by . . .[Rhand] Rent to be measured at £100 per annum. Mr Willenham called in my absence.
Tuesday 31st August 1813
At home. Samuel Jackson relative to his Appointment of Gamekeeper of the Manor of Alsager. Mr Penlington. Began cutting wheat.
September [1813]
Wednesday 1st September 1813
Mr & Mrs Jones of Manchester Miss Bourne & Mr Butt dined with whom engaged. Letter from Mr Sparrow of Bishton. Conference at Stone on the 8.
Thursday 2nd September 1813
The Jones’ &c left L. Wood. At Rode Hall calling upon Mr Wilbraham. Settling Acct of Penlingtons parlour money & directed the same to be paid into the hands of Messrs. Westerman Peter & Co London & the Acct of Tho. Kinnersley. Left with Mrs Wilbraham papers relative to society proposed to be established for relief of sick & aged poor & appointed the girls to call upon her tomorrow.
Friday 3rd September 1813
At Macclesfield with Mr Bent. Brewery &c.
Saturday 4th September 1813
Returned from Macclesfield. Dined at Mrs Hatrells with Mr Parker Coke & a party. Sneyd Mr & Mrs Tomlinson Mr Bent &c.
Sunday 5th September 1813
At home. Service. My poor Mary suddenly much worse. In the evening Mr Robinson of Stone previous to my accompanying him tomorrow to the River Dane Feeder & seeing the . . . & occupiers of the Mills in respect of water unduly taken for the reservoir. Also relative to the unfortunate misunderstanding that had arisen between himself & Mr Sparrow of Bishton. Uttoxeter Cause &c. &c.
Monday 6th September 1813
Left home in good time. Saw Mr Pattison of Congleton relative to water taken from the Silk Mills & with whom a satisfactory conversation. From thence to Rushton. Walked to the Paper Mill 2 or 3 Miles though day extremely wet & stormy. Viewed the Weir header &c. &c. Made a sketch of the same. Returned to Congleton to dinner. Saw Mr Smith Sir Clark of Congleton with whom conversation relative to Silk Mills &c. late belonging to the . . .[Co??er. e ] B Said he had not the . . . . . .of the fine levied by . . . &c. but that such fine had been duly levied & by him for the Parties. Though it was delivered to a purchaser near . . .[Chandler]. Mr Robinson returned to Linley Wood & slept.
Tuesday 7th September 1813
At home. Much engaged on papers &c relative to the Navig. businesses & Affairs previous to my meeting Mr Sparrow of Bishton Mr Webb & Mr Simpson at Stone tomorrow. In the evening Mr Patterson Tenant of the Congleton Corn Mill . . . relative to the River Dane water wrongfully taken by the Co. Taking his examination &c. Prevented this day from seeing my beloved Mary.
Wednesday 8th September 1813
At Stone taking Mr Thos. Sparrow along with me in the Carriage. Met Mr Sparrow who alone attended the Conference. Stated at length to him & as clearly as I was able, the result of my consideration of the various matters that had arisen & the importance of a candid explanation in order to do away all misunderstanding & prevent these mischiefs that could not fail to be brought upon this great concern from want of confidence & harmony amongst those more immediately intended & . . . employed in the management. Heard by Mr S with great candour and patience that finally the satisfaction to . . . [?sever] all his doubts & objections & bring about a perfect explanation & reconciliation between him & Mr Robinson.
Took next into consideration the Dane Feeder business on which much & long deliberation. Gave Mr S the sketch I had drawn to assist him in preparing a Clause to be earmarked to the consideration of the mill owners. Returned home, with that highest . . . . . . gratifications, a self approving mind arising from . . . of the good that by temper & consideration I had that day done.
But short alas! how short the enjoyment of it on returning the house I found Dr Darwin who had arrived a little time before having been sent for express, in consequence of my dear, my heart dear Mary having become much worse. Found all reasonable ground for hope gone. Saw her soon after. Never will be erased from my brain the impression of the moment when I first beheld her or the . . .[…dness] the sweetness the affection with which she took and pressed my hand in hers, called me her “dear papa”
[rest of page blank]
Thursday 9th September 1813
In the morning Dr Darwin left as all hope being at an end.
[space left]
Her mother sat up with her all night.
Friday 10th September 1813
. At about seven o’clock this morning she inquired for me. I hastened to her when she again took & pressed my hand in hers retaining it a considerable time & attesting with peculiar affection her usual tender expression of “dear papa”. Having asked for & given her a kiss I returned after some time. Her pulse was at this time so strong & quiet as to surprise me much. About noon Mr Bent called soon after Mr Skerrett who staid. On Mr Bents going away I went to her Room with her mother where I remained till all was over. She expired about half past five o’clock; having a late time before called “Mamma”. Her mothers hand & mine were locked in one of hers and her passage [sentence left incomplete]
Oh! Death when is thy sting. Oh Grave where is thy Victory?
Saturday 11th September 1813
In the morning after much & painful effort proposed to my beloved Eliza that [sentence incomplete]
In the evening Mr R Skerrett
Sunday 12th September 1813
Mr Holland & Mr R Skerrett. Afterwards Mr Halsell.
Monday 13th September 1813
Mr Wood called. Plate.
Tuesday 14th September 1813
[no entry]
Wednesday15th September 1813
Mr Bent
Thursday 16th September 1813
Found inscription over the Fire. In the evening Mr Skerrett arrived from Teignmouth.
Friday 17th September 1813
[no entry]
Saturday 18th September 1813
At about 12 o’clock, left Linley Wood with the remains of my dear Mary.
Bearers Josiah Wedgwood, Willliam Sneyd Ashcombe, Charles Lawton, William Bent, Thomas Sparrow, Sir John Blunt, Enoch Wood, Rev Tho. Batt.
Red. W Hicken (by whom the Funeral Service performed) & Mr A Skerrett.
[rest of page blank]
Wedgwood Archives
57-32037
18 September 1813
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 19. Service. Read the excellent sermon of Dr. Smalridge Bishop of Bristol from Psalms 42. 11 Why are thou cast down &c. illustrating & confirming the important truth of Trust in God being the best support under affliction.
Monday 20th September 1813
At home. perusing will &c, &c. of late General Skerrett.
Tuesday 21st September 1813
Mr Skerrett & Ann left Linley Wood.
Wednesday 22nd September 1813
At home. Mr Bent called.
Thursday 23rd September 1813
Do. Finished Corn harvest.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell - ag 18/19
Thursday 23rd September 1813
To remember with people of strong and warm feelings not to think them wrong or be angry if at the time of feeling warmly they say very unreasonable things. Perhaps they may be carried away by the very best feelings and be from an excess of something good that they may say something unreasonable and even unkind but one ought to judge them by their feeling and if that is right not to harm them.
Mary I ever remember how much I owe her and never be ungrateful or treat her ill. How seeing the certainty of death makes life seem a little dream(?). The providence of God is shown so clearly in the world that at times it seems impossible there should be such a thing as unbelief. It seems so strange that seeing death so certainly and closely before one, that knowing this is a stage from this life to another and that as regards(?) ourselves in this we shall be judged for an eternal one, knowing this it would seem impossible that we could take sufficient interest in this life to make it a trial, but so it is that with out strong exertion we would to enjoy a moment bliss give up the pleasures of eternity, without strong exertion could do what was most violently against our own in the rest(?).
I can never be sufficiently grateful for the blessings of seeing life in the manner I now do. In considering every thing as working for our good, every misfortune is a trial decreed by God to perfect our characters. I would wish to feel always in this way and as considering myself in a stage by which I am preparing myself by every action of my life to perfect myself to be able to enjoy that bliss which is only to be tasted by those who have purified themselves for it.
Page 66.
May I never be ungrateful to my God for the advantages I have received for the numerous accidents which have happened to me (filled fitted?) to (recal, reveal?) me from the world to God. May I never forget this last before I have received and may the life, the death of Mary show me the excellence of virtue and her example purify me to enjoy happiness with her pure spirit in another and a better world. A death too near at hand, too unperfect I am, how short a time remains to finish the work of correction I have but so lately taken up. In every trial let me never assume but only earnestly pray that it may purify one as it did her. God will not give me more than I can bear. I will fix my trust in God. I shall never be confounded.
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 24th September 1813
Mrs Jos. Wedgwood. Mrs & Miss Woods.
Saturday 25th September 1813
Mr Blunt, Mr Sutton of Shardlow Navign. Concerns.
Sunday 26th September 1813
At home. Service.
Monday 27th September 1813
Do. Mr Prake with land tax & Assessed Taxes Assessments & signing the whole. Drawing & Copying Clause relative to River Dane water previous to going to Stone tomorrow & also drawing a perspective sketch of the Paper Mills &c. for elucidating such Clause. Mr Sturt of Tunstall relative to payment of Princl. & Interest due on Mortgage from Mr Smith to A Caldwell & arranging the same.
Tuesday 28th September 1813
At Stone attending Meeting of the Committee & General Assembly. Lord Harrowby in the Chair. Lord G. L. Leves on T Daniel &c. Proceedings read & no Order of material importance made. returned home.
Wednesday 29th September 1813
Set off with Mr Bent & Mr R Rawson to Liverpool. Arrived at the Brewery in the Evening. Houghton supped with us.
Thursday 30th September 1813
Engaged on Brewery Concerns all day.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
? 31st September 1813 [Not 31 days in September]
The more I live the more it seems as if Faith was what perfected our character and was more necessary to our salvation. For without a trust in God and resignation to his will we seem but got a little way in a devout mind and stand of ourselves and without God in the world and worldy news are the object of our lives.
Diary of James Caldwell
October [1813]
Friday 1st October 1813
Engaged on Do. Afterwards walked out. Called at Houghtons Lodgings in Great George Street & left my Card. R Rawson dined.
Saturday 2nd October 1813
Left Liverpool. Arrived at Macclesfield about four o’clock. Brewery Concerns.
Sunday 3rd October 1813
Left Macclesfield. Arrived at Linley Wood about 12. Mr Bent dined.
Monday 4th October 1813
At home. Unwell. Wet stormy day
Tuesday 5th October 1813
At Newcastle dining with the Mayor
Wednesday 6th October 1813
At home. Farm. Letters &c. Mr Lyon came to dinner with Stamford on their road from Knutsford Sessions to Stafford
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Wednesday 6th October 1813
Suicide. Lesonotifs qui determine a se donner la mort changent tout a fait la nature de cet action, car lorsque on abdique la ne pour faire du bein a ses somblalles on &ldots;
Madame de Stael sur la Suicide.
Madame de Stael shows that suffering if received by a mind which wishes to do right and is well regulated with respect to the legion is the greatest means of perfecting it. That we shall find if we will look that, "Mais loin que le tort soit &ldots;
That committing suicide when we first are unhappy is putting it out of our power to attain to this perfection as we cannot increase the virtues of patience, resignation and trust and dependence on God which are some of the most elevated feelings of our natures &ldots;
Page 71
He who hath bent him oer the dead
Ere the first day of death is fled
The first dark day of nothingness
The last of danger and distress
Before decay's effacing fingers
Have (crest?) the lines where beauty lingers
And marked the mild angelic air
The rapture of repose that's there
The fixed yet tender traits that streak
The languor of the placid eye cheek
And, but for that sad shrouded eye
That fires not, sins not, resses(?) not, now
And but for that still changeless how
Whose truck thrills with mortality
And curdles to the gayers heart
As if to him it would impart
The doom he dreads yet dwells upon
Yes, but for these and these alone
Some moments aye one treacherous hour
He still might doubt the tyrants power
So fair, so calm, so softly sealed
The first, last look, by death revealed.
Lord Byron's (Girour?)
I think no living poet is to be compared to him. Such beauty and such intensity of feeling.
Page 75. I think of Mary now so pure, so heavenly that it elevates my feelings to think of her [her sister Mary Caldwell who died 10 September 1813 aged 24]. I long to pure and intellectual to meet her in heaven. I can never be alone again. When by myself I am most with Mary. I feel sure I shall see her again. Heaven seemed so much the fittest place for her that I can (think?) of her now with more pleasure than ever. I fancy meeting us again with that sweet smile so motionless in death, lighted up with life. O vanity of the world how can I one moment let you - -ger me purifying my feelings so that I cannot enjoy friendship with Mary. O grant God the sisterhood may come pure out of this life and enjoy the friendship they are capable of in the next. Where no (made, male?) crosses will come to interrupt us. I tremble when I look what I have perhaps to pass through in life, how often I have wished and determined to do right, how often I have done wrong. &ldots;
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 7th October 1813
At home. Engaged in various matters
Friday 8th October 1813
At Nantwich with Eliza on account of the illness of Ann who we found very much indisposed.
Saturday 9th October 1813
Returned in the Evening to Linley Wood.
Sunday 10th October 1813
At Newcastle attending the Mayor. In the Afternoon at Church & afterwards dined with the mayor.
Wedgwood Archives
57-32038
10 October 1813
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 11th October 1813
At home.
Tuesday 12 October 1813
At Newcastle with Eliza. Annual Settlement of Brewery Accts. which closely engaged all day.
Wednesday 13th October 1813
Do. Do. Returned home in the Evening.
Thursday 14th October 1813
At home. Letter writing. Engaged on the Farm, though weather very wet & stormy. Sold Daisy to Edwards 78/6 to be paid for at Lady Day. In the Evening reading to the Girls Cornus &c.
Friday 15th October 1813
Do. various matters. . . .[Barn] at Share of property & other Taxes in Lawton. In the Evening reading. lB of Par cost [no amount given]
Saturday 16th October 1813
At home. Farm &c.
Sunday 17th October 1813
Do. Service.
Monday 18th October 1813
At Burslem. In my absence Mr C Lawton called. In the evening received letter from Mr Skerrett informing me of the Major General’s arrival in England. Letter in reply &c.
Tuesday 19th October 1813
With Sir John Heathcote & Mr Bent to Shrewsbury.
Wednesday 20th October 1813
Engaged at the Brewery &c. &c. Called at Dr Darwin’s who was out. In the Evening came to Hawkstone on our Return home. Dark & memorable Drive from him.
Thursday 21th October 1813
Went to Etruria to dinner & afterwards returned home.
Friday 22nd October 1813
At home. Farm. Getting of Potatoes which had been begun on Tuesday. Edwards of Alsager &c. &c.
Saturday 23rd October 1813
At home. Thoughts much & anxiously engaged on the important business under consideration.
Sunday 24th October 1813
At home. Service
Monday 25th October 1813
At home. Letter from Eliza sent by servant to Coole
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Monday 25th October 1813
The load on the heart of expectation long defined(?) and anxiety mixed together is (trouble? Sensible?) This is an anxious period of my life. How old and far advanced in life we are to have such changes taking place. All great changes whether for happiness or misery lessen much as they come nearer. All my life I shall now expect to be much what I am and to feel much the same formerly I used to think that circumstances would make such a difference that they would quite change the current of my natural feelings.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 26th October 1813
At Stone. Attending Meeting of Select Committee. Mr Sparrow Simpson & self.
Wednesday 27th October 1813
Do. Engaged all morning but returned to dinner.
Thursday 28th October 1813
At Newcastle attending Meeting of Friends of the Staffordshire Gazette. In my absence letter from Coole. Delivered to J . . . the designs of the Macclesfield
. . . to be lent to Mr Fitzherbert.
Friday 29th October 1813
At home. Letter again from Coole by Jas. Whalley.
Saturday 30th October 1813
At home. The General & Mr Skerrett came to dinner.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Saturday 30th October 1813
My Uncle and General Sherratt came.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 31st October 1813
Do. Service.
November[1813]
Monday 1st November 1813
Do. Engaged with the Genl. & Mr S the latter being prevented from returning home by the badness of the weather. Dr Holland of Knutsford also arrived. John Bent dined.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Monday 1st November 1813
Henry Holland came. After travelling through Spain, Portugal, part of Turkey, Greece, Sicily. He remained some time with Ali Pasha who wished to keep him with him. He thinks he is clever. His character is very violent and revengeful of which latter feeling Dr Holland saw a strong example.
He passed through the town of Gardichi, it was flourishing and all the people going about like any other town. When he returned the city was perfectly still, perfectly uninhabited with all the doors standing open. Ali Pasha had executed 600 in a yard and seen it done with his own eyes and this was for an affront which 40 years before the city had put upon his mother and sister when it was an enemy he had but just got the city into his possession as the reason of his revenge being so long deferred.
Dr Holland prescribed for a Circasian woman of Ali Patarem. She came to him in the room where he, Ali Pasha, the Physician and a dragoman were. She was exceedingly beautiful, dark eyes, and hair, a robe spangled over with gold and silver and trousers with medals of gold and precious stones forming a sort of necolyte(?) and the same on her head.
He did not like to look much at her as Ali Pasha was sitting by. Ali said nothing to her but had her before Dr Holland showed much anxiety. He saw another woman dying of consumption in bed, every thing very (nice??) about her. She had the remains of great beauty. Ali Pasha wished very much to keep Dr Holland and showed great regard to him when he went away by getting up and kissing him on both cheeks. In general when any body is going they get up some time before that they may not appear too respectful.
Diary of James Caldwell
Tuesday 2nd November 1813
Mr Skerrett left us. Sent him in the Carriage. Dr Holland went to Etruria.
Wednesday 3rd November 1813
At home. Genl. S declared his wishes.
Thursday 4th November 1813
Genl. S engaged with & Conversation previous to his setting off into Northumberland to see his mother. Afterwards attended Meeting of Agriculture Society at Newcastle. On my return in the Evening found Mr Holland.
Friday 5th November 1813
Mr Holland left us. High testimony born by him to the Genl. characters in Spain where he was unanimously esteemed of particularly for his distinguished humanity. Said that he was reportedly heard it mentioned that the French Affairs of the . . . which attacked . . . had sent a Letter of thanks and acknowledgment for his humanity & forbearance on that occasion. Engaged in the Grounds laying out land held to communicate with Lawton Hall.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Friday 5th November 1813
General Skerrett went. Tried to get leave of absence, could not.
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 6th November 1813
At home. Engaged in the Grounds &c. &c.
Sunday 7th November 1813
At Nantwich with Elizabeth & Eliza. Adjusted various particulars with Mr Skerrett.
Wedgwood Archives
57-32039
7 November 1813
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.
Diary of James Caldwell
Monday 8th November 1813
Returned from Nantwich to dinner. In the Evening read out the Bride of . . .[Freeman].
Tuesday 9th November 1813
Called at Trentham. Mr Lawton Mr C Lawton & Dr Belcombe dined
Wednesday 10th November 1813
At home. Engaged on Papers Genl. S. & Co.
Thursday 11th November 1813
At home. Miss Bent dined.
Friday 12th November 1813
At Parkfields. Mr Jos. Wedgwood. Long conversation with him & stated to him particulars of proposed Arrangement which he much approved & consented to be named as a Trustee.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Friday 12th November 1813
Eliza Bent spent a day here.
When I think of those who have miserable feelings and not the consolation of Religion my heart is filled with pity and I cannot understand why such mercy should be showed to me above another. Whilst talking in company to have thoughts come across her that fill her with horror. How well I understand that this is, these are the feelings that when I speak of low spirits are (about?) over come me with pity. &ldots;
Page 80. Manners are so wrong as they do not show the real feelings that you are feeling. This should be unem- -red in trying to improve others. &ldots;
Diary of James Caldwell
Saturday 13th November 1813
Returned home to dinner.
Sunday 14. At home. Service. In the evening I received a letter from Genl. S.
Monday 15. It appeared to me on consideration that the Settlement which Mr Skerrett proposed that the General should make on Eliza viz £800 per annum was too great, referring and Copying Agreement previous to my going to Newcastle in the evening which I had determined to do in order to meet & speak to Mr S who was to be there on his way to London. In the Evening at Newcastle & Conversation with Mr S. who appeared to be much pleased & satisfied with my conduct on this occasion. A miserable Ride on Horseback the weather being dreadfully cold & stormy. Elizabeth & Eliza called in the morning at Rode Hall.
Tuesday 16th November 1813
At home. Engaged on various papers &c. &c.
Wednesday 17th November 1813
At home. Do. Ann & Betsy came to L. Wood.
Thursday 18th November 1813
At Burslem on various matters. Purchased of Land adjoining the Bycars &c. &c.
Friday 19th November 1813
At home. In the Grounds. Mr Penlington with whom making arrangements for payment of money to Mrs Eleanor Penlington of Nantwich. Drawing form of Rct. to be taken &c. &c.
Saturday 20th November 1813
At Newcastle. Engaged all morning with Mr Bent & Mr Ward reading over & considering the specification intended to be given on the Patent for improved . . .[Gyl] Tuns, Mash Tuns &c, previous to Mr Bents going to London on this business. Also called on Mr Sparrow relative to various Navig. maters, Business &c. &c.
Sunday 21th November 1813
At home. Service.
Monday 22th November 1813
Engaged all morning in the grounds. Dined at Lawton Hall. Mr & Mrs Ackers Miss Hatton Mr Soper sent . . . Dr Belcombe.
Tuesday 23rd November 1813
At home. Very wet day. Mrs Willenham called. In the evening Letter from Stamford with account of Genl. Skerrett being appointed to a command on the expedition to Holland.
Wednesday 24th November 1813
At home. Engaged on the Farm, Grounds &c. &c.
Thursday 25th November 1813
Do. Do.
Friday 26th November 1813
At home. Farm &c. &c.
Saturday 27th November 1813
Do. Do. & Grounds
Sunday 28th November 1813
Do. Service
Monday 29th November 1813
At home.
Tuesday 30th November 1813
Do. Severe cold with Frost. Engaged on the grounds laying out & superintending the making of walks through Stonecliffe wood &c. &c.
December [1813]
Wednesday 1st December 1813
At home. Engaged in Do. Navig. Business.
Thursday 2nd December 1813
At home. Busy in Stonecliffe Wood with workmen Mrs Jos. Wedgwood dined. Mr W. at Tea but returned that night. Navig. Business. Letters &c.
Friday 3rd December 1813
Do. Engaged with Labourers.
Saturday 4th December 1813
Do. Finished walks in Stonecliffe Wood.
Wedgwood Archives
57-32161
4 December 1813
Letter from Jessie Allen (later Madame de Sismondi) (1777-1853)
to Anne Marsh ( Marsh-Caldwell nee Caldwell).
Addressed from Dulwich, to Miss Anne Caldwell.
Dulwich, December 4th
I am too grateful and too much pleased with your play to trust my thanks and praise to other hands. I must thank you myself and tell you that though my expectations were considerably raised by my sister’s account, and by my own conceptions of your power, they have been greatly exceeded.
I do not know I have ever enjoyed an evening more than that, which, I passed in your Fairy Island. I have always a devout affection for the inspired. You teach me an additional delight in knowing and loving the person divinely touched. I do not agree with Sara in wishing the play had been all in rhyme. It would have spoilt the effect with which the songs appear now and coming in now and then they … and enliven the pomp of blank verse. Besides that the little details of a story, and familiar phrases of dialogue in English rhyme run some dangers of being jingling and …
The Prince’s speech on the … waiting for his mistress is beautiful. The scenery is delicious particularly I like the little sea apart from the Ocean on which her lover’s voice is heard in the breeze. There is a delicacy and purity in the sentiment throughout that is perfectly delightful. I have handed the manuscript to Fanny to read aloud to Kitty and Mackintosh and have charged her to clear the most silvery of her tones to read it with the sweetest effect. If they do not like it I shall feel as though some little love of my own was rebuked.
I shall like to show it Campbell, but that there is a jealous irritability about him that I think renders him severe in his judgements and sometimes unjust. I think he is towards Lord Byron who has just published another poem I hear more beautiful than the G…, how exactly you and I agree in our opinion about him. I would give a great deal to know what he could not tell me, the little circumstances in life that has perverted great good to evil in him.
I cannot find it easy to tell you how warmly I have sympathised in all the variety of feelings that have lately agitated you, and how ardently I trust in there ending most happily of which I think there is now little room to doubt. Your description of the General is quite poetic. I have an air of romance in the history of my friends. I wish his constancy and wise taste to be rewarded by one of the best of human beings in her fairest appearance. I therefore charge you that you do not suffer Eliza to wear herself with anxious fears. She has nothing to do now but with hope “sweet hope” and it will be ungrateful in her if she has other feelings. Nothing can be happier than his destination. His rank nearly places him in safety, and his return will in all probability be speedy. Let her dress be most handsome, most tasteful, most becoming. There is more truth than you are aware of in what the Bents say about dress.
I don’t recollect that I have any more impertinent charges to give you but that I charge Eliza to look her loveliest and that she will never do her fretting. Sara and my Sisters have been in town since this day week and do not return till next Tuesday. They have exchanged places with the Mackintoshes children. The weather has been bad, much as I love children I find being confined night and day in a small place is no small evil. I will never marry a poor man. They did intend returning on Saturday but owing to a mistake that it will be twaddling to explain to you, they stay till Tuesday to their inconvenience and my weariness. I should be consoled if Mackintosh did not happen to be engaged out almost every day, or if any agreeable scheme offered for Sara, but she has only the pleasant feeling that I have put her off for three days out of a short visit that she had destined me.
One of my evils arising out of the same error, is to go to a young ladies ball, where I shall see forty clumsy uninteresting looking children dance without grace and without spirit, with their toes so turned in, it provokes me to look at them. I have seen them rehearse and nothing has convinced me so much of the aristocracy of grace. These little butchers and brewers and grocers and gingerbread bakers have no comprehension of it (it is well Sara does not see what I write it would set her swallowing for an hour) not withstanding I have great respect for them, though they have none for my beloved Grace. They are very rich, a hundred thousand is a trifling fortune among them. They make a more liberal use of it than half our Nobility and look so contented and happy it does ones heart good to live amongst them. There is not a house in the village that does not keep a carriage and there are three that have realised in trade a hundred thousand pounds. It certainly requires little wit to make money.
Wednesday. I have great aversion to returning to a letter. It always gives me a disgust to what I have written, and I feel so much more disposed to burn, than to continue it that if the Frank was not to go presently, I should write you a fresh letter. My sisters and Sara are returned from the seat of intellect and will write themselves with this, which consoles me, for sending it. I did not tell you that your brother was so good as to call on us, and was very entertaining. I was very glad to see him and was bold enough to ask him to stay dinner and to wish it. Luckily for himself he was engaged. I think you will be delighted with L Allemagne, and hope to read your critique and account of your feelings. There are some exquisite chapters, and the whole beautiful. The chapter on conjugal love and enthusiasm will above all charm you.
We are going to introduce Sara this evening under that character of a great genius to Mr Allen the Warden, of the College and of Lady Holland from which offices we mean her to deliver him. Remember me most affectionately to all your family. Has the fair Emma heard anything of the interesting American Brev… [Brevoort?] or of her rich Alderman?
Farewell my dear Anne.
I am ever your affectionate J Allen.
I wish I could have answered your dedication in verse but incapable of producing anything worthy … was driven to rapid prose. Fan missed your success with M… I enjoy it as much or more than you will y…
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 5th December 1813
At home. Service.
Monday 6th December 1813
Do. Navigation papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 7th December 1813
At Stone attending Select Committee. Mr Sparrow Webb & self.
Wednesday 8th December 1813
Do. Returned late to dinner.
Wedgwood Archives
57-32040
8 December 1813
Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875),
to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).
Addressed
from Dulwich,
to Miss Anne Caldwell,
Linley Wood,
Lawton
Cheshire.
Post marked Dec 8, 1813.
Dulwich. December 8th
My sweet affectionate Anne has deserved my thanks some weeks for her letter by Sarah. I have been putting off the answering it, in the hopes that I should have a whole morning to give you, but as usual I am condemned to give you scraps. I am as sorry for this, as in the strength of my vanity I can suppose you to be, as I have a great deal to talk to you on many subjects, and writing in a hurry frightens all subjects out of ones head. I am indebted entirely to your warm imagination for the charms you have supposed belong to my character.
I would not for a good deal however, that this illusion should be dispelled, both you and I should suffer for the distraction of Armidas Palace in which your affections dwell, therefore (as much depends on my exertions) I shall endeavour to preserve the enchantment unbroken. I have told you and Eliza I believe more than once what good your affection has been of to me. I mean particularly the exaggerated opinion you have both of me, therefore I shall say nothing more on that head, but to thank you for my honorary seat. I have told you before I think that you did me injustice in supposing that I did not like you, when you almost adored me. I always approached to loving you, and if you had been frank enough to have given me a hint that my friendship would have been of value to you the first week I ever passed at Linley, I would have given it and sought yours with great delight. This might seem strange to you as you might reasonably think that being older than you to do.
Baugh was so interested in the story, that he is very desirous that it should be brought on the stage, so don’t be surprised if you should soon hear that a new play of “The Enchanted Island” is to be brought out at one of the theatres, remember your tragedy. Your notion about Mme de Staël is not quite correct. She is the very creature of society, and she finds fault with the English with their want of lightness and brilliancy in society. She is delightful in conversation and exceedingly playful. There is something not right in her character and disposition that offends me every now and then.
If I had time I would give you a better notion of her than I have yet done. Sarah is very amicable. I was sorry that the party at K… was so large as to prevent Sarah’s hearing anything of Mme de Staël. Her friend Rocca who is certainly the most handsomest man I ever saw, talked to me a great deal. He told Kitty to bring him up. I was si embilie that he should scarcely know me. You do not know what a compliment this was, not the words quoted but his speaking at all. He is le fiere hippolite and scandal has named the Phedic languages, but this is too profligate to be suspected, he scarcely speaks to any woman. Paris and London are the two most detestable places in his mind.
Mackintosh was a good deal at home this last week, which I was very glad of for Sarah’s sake. We returned here yesterday and the last three days he was at home every evening. He is much more the fashion and much higher spoken of than Mme de Staël. His two articles in the last ER [Edinburgh Review] are very much prized, particularly his E’Allengane.
Lord Byron was moved almost to tears at his character of him in the article on Rogers. He wrote him an excessively interesting letter with the Bride of Abydas saying it had been written for a week, and has been to distract his mind from the realities of an existence that is almost painful and odious to him.
Praise has done Lord Byron more good, than any blame ever could. Lord Byron is my pet of Poets. I have displaced Campbell for his sake. He is the clever man of Parnassus. I am also fond of his character or what I think is his character.
Tell me honestly how you like E’s bonnet and gown. I met Stamford once in the Street. He gave me a flying shot about W Clifford. I have written him two very discrete notes, but I think it has shocked him a little. I shall however write him another in defiance of his prudery, to insist on his taking down Eliza’s writing case. I have scarce had the ER [Edinburgh Review]. Bentham is by Brougham and the article on libel. The two Spanish articles one by Mrs Allen and Mrs J have told.
We had a pleasant party at the Marriott’s in George Street. Last week it ended in a dance when we had abundance of men and I had to my share so gallant a man that in the country I should have thought something of him, but here I have almost forgotten him now. He was rather pleasant. I had very snug day with Mrs Warren in Bedford Square, only her husband she and I. Tonight we go to Baugh’s Chambers to meet Allen of the house, now for my scheme with him and Sarah.
Sarah is preparing a hand for Mr Allen … … …
My tenderest love to all your family. Sarah’s love and thanks to E.
I am delighted that Eliza is going with Kitty to Exeter for James sake and her own. Adeiu my tres chese … in greater haste than I like to be with you. Yours most warmly tenderly and affectionately. These are adverbs enough for and all true.
F Allen
All here send their love.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 9th December 1813
At home. In the Evening Mr Skerrett arrived in the Mail from London.
Friday 10th December 1813
Engaged with Mr Skerrett. Penlingtons Affairs & various other matters.
Saturday 11th December 1813
At home. Mr Skerrett with Ann & Betsy left Linley Wood on their return to Nantwich.
Sunday 12th December 1813
At home. Service
Monday 13th December 1813
At home. In the Evening received from Mr Fenton Articles for prolonging the time for arbitration relative to Longton Coal Gutter. In the day engaged in the grounds
Tuesday 14th December 1813
At Newcastle on various matters. Mr Bents . . . he having returned from London without being able to come to any Agreement with Mr Valance who claimed the same invention, T. Sparrow Navig. & other matters &c. &c.
Wednesday 15th December 1813
At home. Engaged in the woods, Grounds &c.
Thursday 16th December 1813
Mr & Mrs Sneyd of Ashcombe Col Dobson & Mrs Lawton dined.
Friday 17th December 1813
Engaged with Mr Sneyd &c. Mr Penlington on their affairs. Miss Martin dined. Wet cold day.
Saturday 18th December 1813
Mr & Mrs Sneyd & Col D Left us with Miss M.
Sunday 19th December 1813
At home. Service
Monday 20th December 1813
Mr Penlington relative to Accounts with Miss C Penlington. Mrs Timms &c. Afterwards engaged in the grounds.
Tuesday 21st December 1813
At home.
Wednesday 22nd December 1813
At Burslem on various matters. returned to dinner
Thursday 23rd December 1813
At home. Engaged with Labourers in the Grounds & various matters
Friday 24th December 1813
Do. Do.
Saturday 25th December 1813
Do.
Diary of Catherine Louise Caldwell
Saturday 25th December 1813 - Christmas Day
On reading over what I wrote last Christmas I find I am so far corrected to be much happier then I was then and from not des-ing and making so much a consequence of the good of this world. I should be most grateful to God for this as it is by the circumstances of this year that my thoughts have been turned this way. I find my self faulty now in so very little promoting the happiness of others. I have lived sadly too much to increase my own happiness and welfare. Help me oh God this yet better to work the end for which I have come into the word and having freely received may I freely give the happy and contented with the enjoyment I receive, never cast a wish for more or be fixing(?) my wishes on what is out of my reach. &ldots;
Page 83.
I have lately thought there is much more right in the tory than in the whig side. The tories on every question almost agree with the whigs that what the want is right, but they disagree on the time being proper for it. There seems a great deal of reason when a person says if a thing is right it is not right to have it and why delay it. It is difficult for the tories to refute this, though they know that measures are taken with violence and good done in too great a hurry always leads to harm, yet they can not always at it is a very complex business &ldots;
Page 86.
Read the Bridal of Tuermain written by an unknown gentle man. The fancy of this all through is very pretty and the descriptions pretty but no beauty in descriptions of feeling or any passages that show great ability. He has the fault of Scott in the diffuseness of words &ldots;.
Anne's play delights me very much. There is so much of my favourite feeling in it and remarkable for pretty feeling. Some of it seems so entirely adapted to the poetry and that you could not express it except in that language. Many of the songs are very pretty. The feeling in reading all through is exactly like being upon fairy land, the fancy of the descriptions are so light and pretty. Some of the songs are beautiful, but the feeling all through it is what I admire and like most.
Read Stephens life of Horne Tooke, which although it is written very ill amuses me very much. He makes me tired by some of his minute details which give me no inlet into the character and are therefore useless but at the same time he gives the minute details which lead to being able to form an opinion of his character which make it very interesting. From reading a book written by a friend there is hardly any means of judging what feeling actuated him to such violent measures as of course here they are attributed to the most disinterested patriotism (passion?). If he had no worse reasons still one cannot but think he must have let the natural irritability of his nature have carried him much farther then such a man as he was with so much ability would have been carried if he had let his cool judgment lead him&ldots;
Page 88.
Mr Foster Bower, who was a great oppositionist was obliged to be counsel of his trial for the court party and he said as he had got a brief he was determined to read it with the utmost attention and the result was that he was as certainly guilty of treason as a man could be. He told this himself to Mr Tollet. He seems to have been activated all through more by a hatred to the ministerial party than to gain any particular ends. &ldots;
Page 89.
2nd volume of Madame de Staels Allemagne. Upon Tragedy, Comedy etc. The Germans she says in going to see a Tragedy would sit with the greatest patience watching the development of each plot. From this character in their Tragedies they have fine metaphysical traits and do not make their effect interesting by the development of some grand feeling or passion but in the finer feelings of nature and common life. One of their most beautiful pieces is Faust written by Goethe. &ldots;
Page 93.
The Phylosophy of Kant is charming and is exactly what I have long believed from the first reading of Locke, though without clearly knowing it. Instead of agreeing with the Phylosophers who said we gain every thing by experience that is through sensation from outward nature or with those who say the ideas we have got are born with us and only called out. &ldots;
Page 96.
Madame de Stael says very justly that though it may be said that studying metaphysics is of no use as we never get nearer a certainty yet the attention that is obliged to be brought to it improves the mind &ldots;.
Diary of James Caldwell
Sunday 26th December 1813
Do. Service
Monday 27th December 1813
At home. Began new peat Road to go through Linley Lane meadow. Letter writing &c.
Tuesday 28th December 1813
Do. Engaged in the Grounds & various matters.
Wednesday 29th December 1813
At Burslem. Eliza & Emma. Mr Penlingtons affairs.
Thursday 30th December 1813
At Burslem. Engaged with Books Accts &c.
Friday 31st December 1813
Returned home. Called on Mr Bent on various matters.
-
Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com