Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1820

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 66/67 - Sister of Elizabeth Caldwell

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich -  61/62 -Spinster

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 53/54 - Spinster

James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 60/61 

Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) - 65/66 

Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 34/35 - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.

James Stamford Caldwell - 33/34  - son of James and Elizabeth C.

Margaret Emma Holland - 27/28   - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.

Arthur Cuthbert Marsh - age 33/34   

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – age 28/29 – (Lady Mary’s mother) - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa –  age 1/2 

Frances Mary Crofton (ne Marsh) - age 0/1 

Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – born 13 November 1820

Wedgwood Archive

28-20545

1820

Note of payment for Wood & Caldwell to Miss Hannah Stamford from 1792 –1820 £6,962:16:3

Diary of James Caldwell

January 1820

Saturday 1st January 1820
The first day of the new year. If it be passed like the last, with what little satisfaction can I look forward to it! The Burslem and Liverpool Affairs having almost deprived me of a single day of comfort or quiet. However, let me be thankful that they are so nearly brought to a conclusion! But to me, who am conscious of having never failed to use my utmost endeavours to promote the interests of both the one and the other, and to preserve harmony amongst the Parties concerned, so painful and troublesome [close of?] them seems hard measure: independent of the heavy pecuniary loss that I shall sustain by the latter: and the want of satisfaction to me in the former.
The snow lies very deep: more so than any that I have observed for many years, and therefore pleasant. Walked with Mr Williamson to Talk-on-the-Hill to meet [Henndah?] Moss and other inhabitants in order to obtain information relative to the School to enable me to reply to Mr Brougham’s enquiries.
Wrote to W. Hostage. Isaac Cooper to whom paid his years interest. Lawtons prevented dining today as they had engaged to do, owing to being unwell.

Sunday 2nd January 1820
At home. Service. Heavy fall of snow.

Monday 3rd January 1820
At home. The snow lay this morning 15 inches deep upon the Plain surface.

Tuesday 4th January 1820
Set off to Stone on my way to Wolseley Bridge to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr Thomas Sparrow went with me from Newcastle. In the evening much conversation with Mr Vaughan on various Navigation matters.

Wednesday 5th January 1820
Went from Stone to Wolseley Bridge where we arrived about 11. Mr T Sparrow, Mr Vaughan and myself: owing to the great depth of the snow and bad state of the roads obliged to take 4 horses from Stone. Adjourned the meeting to Bishton. Mr Sparrow, Mr Chetwynd, Mr Lister, Mr Webb and myself. Augmentation of Mr Vaughan’s salary from 300 to 500 a year, proposed by me, approved and ordered. Dined and stayed all night at Wolseley Bridge, but Mr Chetwynd and Mr Lister went home before dinner; the former on account of the death of the late Lady Talbot.

Thursday 6th January 1820
Called at Bishton with Mr Thomas Sparrow. Sat with Mr Sparrow upwards of an hour, in the course of which much conversation and discussion of various matters, and received from him some very strong expressions of his confidence and regard. Returned to Newcastle. Dined with our Party at Dr Northens. Mr and Mrs Clarke, Kinnersley, some Officers, Miss Moreton and ourselves. Eliza, Emma and E Roscoe. A gentle thaw had commenced in the morning and which continued at night.

Friday 7th January 1820
At home. Engaged on various matters. Frost returned.

Saturday 8th January 1820
At home. Dr Belcombe and Mr Richard[?] Wedgwood of Betley dined and stayed all night.

Sunday 9th January 1820
At home. Dr B and J.W. went after breakfast. Service. Severe frost.

Monday 10th January 1820
At home. Mr Skerrett arrived to dinner. Emma went to Betley Hall.

Tuesday 11th January 1820
At home. Much snow. Read out a great part of the 1st Volume of Ivanhoe.

Wednesday 12th January 1820
At Macclesfield meeting Mr Bent who had come by the way of Leek. Took the horses in the Talk chaise to Congleton: the carriage being at Betley Hall. Engaged at Macclesfield all day on annual Brewery Accounts. Then busy setting out burnt clay on the land above the pool.

Thursday 13th January 1820
Finished Accounts and returned home to dinner. Mr Bent going on to Newcastle. Found Mr, Mrs and Miss Wedgwood of Betley hall. The two latter stayed all night. In the evening A. Marsh arrived by the Mail. Mr Skerrett and my sisters had gone away in the morning.

Friday 14th January 1820
At home. Various matters. Frank and Harry Wedgwood dined and stayed all night.

Saturday 15th January 1820
At Sandbach meeting Mr Hostage on the Burslem business when I explained to him the omission of the Hall purchases 2350 on the Partrinear[?] of the Partnership property sent to me by Mr Ward, when he undertook to communicate with Mr Ward on this extraordinary circumstance. Returned home to dinner. Mr Roscoe arrived soon after.

Sunday 16th January 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 17th January 1820
At home. Sent Articles of Dissolution of Liverpool Brewery Partnership to Mr Denison per Mail and wrote to him therewith. Engaged on various matters.

Tuesday 18th January 1820
At home. A.C. Marsh and Mr Roscoe with there wives and Stamford went to Parkfields. Some appearance of a thaw, but very cold.

Wednesday 19th January 1820
At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers. Letter to Mr Vaughan on Tomlinson’s business. Wm Penlington relative to Mear Lake farm for which he recommended a tenant. Also consulting on his affairs. Delivered to him the last conveyance of part of Linley Lane that he might shew it to Mr Darlington and point out an error in the description.

Thursday 20th January 1820
At home. Engaged on various papers, accounts &c.

Friday 21st January 1820
The night had been so stormy and the snow which had fallen so much, and so drifted, that Wm Dawson who set off early with the horses to here brought [here tonight?] the Party from Mare Hall was obliged to turn back at the first Turnpike.
I this day completed the 60th year of my age.

Saturday 22nd January 1820
J.W. Bent and Dr Belcombe called. The Party from Mare Hall arrived and Marsh, Roscoe and Stamford with Ann and Emma dined at Lawton Hall.

Sunday 23rd January 1820
At home. Service. The frost began to give way and a thaw commenced but unaccompanied with rain. In the evening received the intelligence of the death of my old Tenant Michael Ashmore.

Monday 24th January 1820
At home. Prevented by the weather and state of the roads from going to Newcastle.

Tuesday 25th January 1820
At home. Again prevented going to Newcastle by the weather &c.

Wednesday 26th January 1820
Went to Newcastle taking Eliza in the carriage. Paid off Christmas Bills. Swearing affidavit before Mr Thomas Sparrow relative to the Fine [levied, carried?] on Harrison’s affairs. Returned to dinner.

Thursday 27th January 1820
At home. Various matters.

Friday 28th January 1820
At Trentham Inn attending Dep. Lieutenancy meeting, Mr Spode and self, receiving lists and hearing appeals. Engaged all day.

Saturday 29th January 1820
At home. Mr and Mrs Charles Lawton, Mrs Northen dined. Dr Northen, Miss Moreton and Mr and Miss Bent who were to have been of the party being prevented coming. In the morning walked over the farm with A. Marsh. Spreading burnt clay upon the pastures above the Pool.

Sunday 30th January 1820
In the evening at Talk Chapel with Eliza.

Monday 31st January 1820
At Newcastle with A. Marsh and W Roscoe calling upon Mr Bent and Dr Belcombe. Heard the first rumour of the death of the King, and which at night was confirmed by a message from Mr Smith informing me that the Mail had brought certain intelligence of the event having taken place.

Tuesday 1st February 1820
At home. A.C.Marsh, W.Roscoe and his wife and Eliza (Anne Marsh being prevented going) went to Betley Hall to dinner and to stay all night. Engaged relative to Wm Johnson’s claim to property at Bearsly, and writing there on to Mr Jones.

Wednesday 2nd February 1820
At home. The Party returned from Betley. Mr and Mrs Jos. Wedgwood, Jos, Eliz and Charlotte Wedgwood dined and stayed the night.

Thursday 3rd February 1820
Walked in the morning with Jos Wedgwood junior ( Mr Wedgwood having gone away early) over the Alsager Lands. On return overtaken by Mr Bent and Miss Turnival and returning from the marriage of Miss Turnival of Sandbach with Dr Thorpe of Ludlow.

Friday 4th February 1820
At Trentham Inn with Mr Spode hearing appeals under assessed Taxes. Long and fatiguing day’s business and returned late to dinner. In the evening A. Marsh left us on his return to London.

Saturday 5th February 1820
The eldest of the children being unwell Dr Northen was sent for. Received a note from Mr Thomas Sparrow expressing the wish of the Mayor of Newcastle to see me tomorrow to consult on the Procession at the intended Proclamation of the King’s accession on Monday next.

Sunday 6th February 1820
At home. Service. Received another note from Mr Sparrow saying that my attendance would not be requisite till Monday, the order of the Procession having been nearly fixed.

Monday 7th February 1820
Went to Newcastle taking Eliza and Emma with me in the carriage. Looked over the order of the Procession with the Mayor, when the same was finally arranged and was as follows-
Lanciers
Yeomen Cavalry, Newcastle and Pottery Troop.
Band.
Infantry part of 90th Regiment.
High Constable and Town Clerk.
Sergeants
Clergy
Mace.
Mayor and Recorder
Justices.
Bailiffs.
A.C.Dermer D of D.
Gentlemen &c

Monday 7th February 1820
The procession moved from the Town Hall to the Marsh where the Proclamation was first read in the centre of a circle formed by the Militia &c &c, by the Rev.Mr [Kycke, Hyde?] the Curate of Newcastle, from thence to the [Guan?] where it was again read from thence into the Lower Street in the Middle of which it was again read, then to the bottom of tehe [Lenthall?] Street where it was again read and then to the Market Cross from the Slope of which it was finally read, and ended by the national Air of God Save the King being sung. Huzzars succeeded each reading of the Proclamation. The Military were under the command of Major Dixon of the 90th, who conducted the whole with great order and precision. From the Market Cross the Gentlemen adjourned to the Town Hall where cake and wine were provided and after a few loyal toasts, the Party broke up. Returned home to dinner and found Dr Northen at Linley Wood, who had again attended Anne Marsh’s eldest girl, and who stayed all night. The child much better.

Tuesday 8th February 1820
In the morning Roscoe and his wife left Linley Wood on their return to Liverpool, the carriage taking them to Knutsford. At home all day. Engaged on various papers and matters.

Wednesday 9th February 1820
At Cliffe House meeting Mr Vaughan relative to the Title Compensation question between Mr Tomlinson and the Company in order that I might inform myself fully on the subject with a view to settling the same at the next Meeting of the Select Committee. Conversation also with Mr Tomlinson relative to the Burslem business and the properties made by Mr Hostage for settling the same, in consequence of the disarray that I had made of the error in the particular of the Partnership papers sent by Mr Wood to me.

Thursday 10 February 1820
At home. Engaged all morning on the affairs and papers of the late Mrs Tollet in consequence of an Application from the Stamp Office for Duties left unpaid by the late Mr Armistead and writing letter to Mr Prichet of Hull thereon.

Friday 11th February 1820
At home. Engaged in the Burslem business and writing letter to Mr Hostage thereon. Mrs Wilbraham of Rode and Mrs Antioben[?] of Congleton called.

Saturday 12th February 1820
At about 8 o’clock this morning my dear Anne with her two lovely and most interesting children set off on their return home. The carriage taking them to Trentham Inn. Engaged on various papers and matters. Men busy digging the ground for enlarging the plantation before the House, which we had agreed yesterday.

Sunday 13th February 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 14th February 1820
Met in the morning in the Gig to Newcastle it being the Fair, but made no purchases. Cattle selling high. Long conversation with Mr Fenton relative to a deviation of the Newcastle to Liverpool road so as to avoid Talk-on-the-Hill summits, when he and Mr Bent promised to dine with me some early day, and look over the ground, with a view to this important improvement. Saw Sir John Heathcote relative to Talk School, when he informed me that he could not find my papers respecting it, but understood that they must be in the hands of the late Reverend Mr Fernyhough of [Newcastle?]. Returned home to dinner.

Tuesday 15th February 1820
At home. Busily engaged planting before the House. Eliza, Miss Stamford and Emma went to Newcastle. Mr Brittain with message from Mr Martin relative to treaty for sale of the Foxholes Estate.

Wednesday 16th February 1820
At home. Engaged again with the men planting, particularly some large oak plants rumoured from Swallow Moor Wood, of which Emma planted the one which is the largest, and a few other. Sent James Whalley with a letter to Mr Martin in consequence of what Mr Brittain had showed me yesterday. This, Mr Martin, said in his reply was a mistake; but that if he should dispose of the Estate, he would himself offer it to me, deferring other men. In the evening sharp frost.

Thursday 17th February 1820
At home. Mr Hostage came in the forenoon pursuant to appointment relative to the Burslem business when after a long discussion I finally agreed to accept the £594 (it should have been expressed £594.14.9), with the common costs of entering the appearance of the Bill (which though not specified in the Memorandum which we signed Mr Hostage undertook to pay) and left the remaining costs to the consideration of Mr Enoch Wood junior and his brother. The £594 to be paid as the other monies within 5 years from the dissolution of the Partnership.

And this I trust is for ever ended this most unjust and vexatious [‘litigation etc’ crossed out] business originating as I verily believe the dissolution of the Partnership did in feelings of malignity and revenge on the part of Mr Wood and fellowship as it has been by the violation of all probity, truth, justice and good faith.
Mr Henshall and Mr Taddon[?] called to obtain Mrs Stamford’s and my vote on person of the ballot[?] as House Surgeon to the North Staffordshire Infirmary.

Friday 18th February 1820
At home. Engaged on various papers and matters. Eliza and Emma went to Newcastle and brought an account of Mr Bent’s being very unwell having been attached with much indisposition at Shrewsbury from where he returned the day before.

Saturday 19th February 1820
Went to Newcastle to see Mr Bent who I found very unwell and in bed. Asked his opinion of Mr Seddon the Candidate for the Surgeons place to the Infirmary; at which he said had he been well enough he should have attended to have examined the pretensions of the several Candidates, but without which he should give his vote, not knowing their respective merits. I therefore determined to make no promises myself. Returned home to dinner. Cold frosty day with slight snow or sleet.

Sunday 20th February 1820
At home. Service. Sent to Newcastle a better account of Mr Bent.

Monday 21st February 1820
At home. Received further account, but not more unfavourable.

Tuesday 22nd February 1820
Went with Eliza, Miss Stamford and Emma to Parkfield to meet the Sneyds of Ashcombe. In our way Eliza and I called at Stoney field. Mr Bent having had a bad night did not see him. From fear of receiving any hurry; and not the smallest apprehension of danger appeared to be entertained. He had been affected with violent sickness attended with shivering. The inflammation which had begun and been confined to one part had spread, but abated on the part at first affected.
Dined at Parkfields, Mr Sneyd, Wedgwood of Betley and Dr Balcombe.

Wednesday 23rd February 1820
Went to Stone to breakfast, where Mr Thomas Sparrow had arrived. Proceeded with him and Mr Vaughan there closely engaged all morning on business. Mr Sparrow being pretty well. Much trouble on Mr Tomlinson’s business, but which I finally settled. Letter which I had written to Dennett and Gears &c. in reply to one from them in Pickfords business, highly approved by the Select Committee and ordered to be sent.
Signed Requisition to the Sheriff for a County Meeting for an Address of Condolence and Congratulation to the King.
Dined and stayed all night at Wolseley Bridge, but Mr Chetwynd, Lister and Webb went after dinner.

Thursday 24th February 1820
Called at Biston, and from thence came to Stone. On getting out of the chaise Mr Fowler who I met in the passage without any preparation announced to me the unexpected intelligence of the death of my old, intimate, and highly valued friend and associate William Bent, who Mr F informed me died about 2 o’clock this morning. Went on to Newcastle.

Stopped at Mr Sparrows and sent a message to Stoney fields by the Stoney field servant who happened to be passing that I would come up there in a few minutes. Went up accordingly. Saw Wm Bent who had just arrived from Macclesfield. Mrs Bent being much hurried did not see her and left the house.

Called back by Mr Bent who said his mother wished to see me, on my return saw Dr Thomas Bent who said Mrs Bent understood that I had something particular to communicate. On my saying this was not the case he said from the excitement she had undergone he thought I had better not see her, and I came away without having that satisfaction and without a word being said respecting the Funeral or anything in the least relating to my old and valued friend.

Friday 25th February 1820
Sent a servant to Stoney field with letter to Mrs Bent and received a favourable account of them all. Symptoms of a bad cold.

Saturday 26th February 1820
Being prevented going to Stoney field by my Cold and a violent inflammation of the chest which let me in bed all day, sent again to Stoney field. Mr Charles Lawton and Mr Richardson called but could not see them.

Sunday 27th February 1820
Confined all day; but the fever with which I had been much affected and inflammation considerably had subsided in the night.

Monday 28th February 1820
Still so very unwell as to send for Dr Northen, who came in the evening. Eliza and I prevented by this illness from going to Ashcombe, but Mrs Stamford, Emma and Stamford went.

Tuesday 29th February 1820
Still very unwell though considerably better and [power?] from fever.

Wednesday 1st March 1820
Having had a bad night sent again for Dr Northen who pronounced me decidedly unfit to attend the Funeral of my old and dear friend Wm Bent tomorrow. Received letter from Mr Kinnersly relative to the Funeral, which he wished to be as early as possible on account of his Election Engagements. Sent to Stoney fields to inform them that it would not be in my power to attend. Prevented also going today to Newcastle to meet Mr Birds and Mr Vernon to complete the purchase of Linley Lane Meadow pursuant to appointment.

Thursday 2nd March 1820
The carriage went to attend the Funeral at Newcastle. About 2 or 3 o’clock this morning a tremendous squall of wind, which did considerable damage to the – wood; Mr Birds and Mr Vernon came to Linley Wood where I paid Mr Birds the purchase money and received the conveyance of Linley Lane Meadow. In the afternoon snow. Felt considerably better today, the fever and cough having much subsided.

Friday 3rd March 1820
Still confined to the House. Better, but recovery very slow. Frost.

Saturday 4th March 1820
The same. Snow and sharp frost.

Sunday 5th March 1820
Much the same. Read prayers, not being well enough to go through the whole service.
That form and Institution of Religion is proportionately the most perfect which has the fairest positive external Rites, and lays the least stress upon them; and wherein these Rites which are appointed have the most direct and immediate tendering to promote real virtue and holiness.
Clark - - 250

Monday 6th March 1820
Still confined to the house.- - [not visible in image] getting better. Sharp frost. Stamford went to Newcastle relative to the approaching election.

Tuesday 7th March 1820
Stamford went again to Newcastle to sit as Assessor for which he had been retained by the Returning Officers, the Election commencing this day. The Candidates Mr J. Kinnersley, Mr Wilmot and a Mr Gates Browne from London. About noon went out in the carriage for the first time of my going out of doors, but meeting Mr Walthall who was coming to Linley Wood on poor Bent’s affairs I rode only to the Turnpike and then returned. Much conversation about the affairs, Will &c. And the carrying on of the several concerns with the Executors which I promised to consider of and recommended to Mr Walthall to call upon Sir John Heathcote, which he promised to do. The Executors Mr W said, were himself, Dr Thomas and Richard Bent, the Will being made out in 1814.

Wednesday 8th March 1820
Eliza and I made our first call at Stoney fields on the late melancholy event and had an affecting interview with Mrs Bent. Saw Mr Thomas Sparrow relative to the Election &c.

Thursday 9th March 1820
Set off early to Stafford to attend the Nominations. Took Mr Thomas Sparrow in the carriage. Stopped at Tellington to join Lord Gower’s procession which was by far the most numerous and respectable that I had ever seen both as to carriages and [Merriment?]

Proceeded from thence to the Race Ground and Stafford. The Stand big and as a Hustings, but found that all the front space had been some time occupied by the Opposite Party; which proved on the shew of hands to be highly disadvantageous to Lord Gower, as to the nomination.

Lord Gower proposed by Mr Ricketts, seconded by Mr Monckton. Mr Littleton proposed by Sir Oswald Moseley, seconded by the Rev. Henry d. Broughton. Sir John Boughey proposed by Mr Tollet, seconded by P [Lloyd?] Kennedy. Shew of hands declared in favour of Mr Littleton and Sir John B and Roll drummed by Lord Gower.

There was upon the whole the largest concourse of people I had ever seen assembled on any such occasion, and the day being fine, the appearance upon the ground was very striking. Stayed at Stafford all night though far from well, resolving to attend the Assizes. Mr Morris, Mr [Colough?] and [Walter?] Barlow attended at – the Nomination.

Friday 10th March 1820
Served upon the Grand Jury; which contrary to my expectation, was but thinly attended, there being only 18 Jurors. I had never known less then the full number sworn in before. Dined afterwards with the High Sheriff.

Saturday 11th March 1820
Engaged closely all day on the Grand Jury. Discharged between 5 and 6 o’clock. Dined again with the High Sheriff.

Sunday 12th March 1820
Left Stafford on my return home, thinking that my presence might be useful in my own neighbourhood on securing some votes for Lord Gower and Mr Littleton stopped at Newcastle. Saw Mr Walthall, Sparrow and Wilson, and called at Mr Fenton’s to obtain [lad?] tax assessment. Was introduced for the first time to Mr Wilmot by Mr Walthall. He and Mr Kinnardy had been returned the day before for Newcastle after a contest which had cast since Tuesday last. Stamford sitting as Assessor. Majority in forum of Mr Wilmot upwards of 40 for Kinnersly [?] much greater.

Arrived at home to dinner. Found a letter from Lord Gower requesting me to act as one of his Committee. Sent again for Beardmore in order that he might again speak to the Freeholders who had promised me their votes. Samuel Salmon of Audley, one of those who had promised me on application made through Beardmore on my first hearing of a Contest being expected, had changed to Mr Tollet

Monday 13th March 1820
A heavy snow had fallen in the night one which account did not go to Newcastle as I had intended. William Bent called, with whom much conversation in consequence of the late event, relative to the Brewery concerns &c &c. Sent to Mr Robert Fenton for list of Freeholders in this Parish, who were duly rated to the Poor Rates.

A little before two o’clock, to my unspeakable surprise received by a special messenger, a letter from Lord Gower announcing that he should not continue. The Contest for the County !!!!! From my personal observation as well as from what I have since learnt, there was a very great majority of freeholders in favour of Lord Gower at the Nomination.

The Concourse of people was greater than I had ever before witnessed on such an occasion. But Lord Gower by coming late had suffered his active opponents to gain possession of the vantage ground nor could the Sheriff see the great number of Lord Gower’s people who stood behind. It was a miserably ill managed business.

Tuesday 14th March 1820
Went with Eliza to Stoney fields. Called at the Brewery and long conversation with Rowland on sundry matters. Called upon Mr Ward and afterwards upon Mr Walthall relative to the Brewery concerns but they were both out. Called upon Mr Sparrow relative to the proposed address of Condolence and Congratulations by which, by request of the Mayor, I undertook to prepare and move on Saturday next, being the day appointed for the meeting. Returned to dinner. Fine mild day.

Wednesday 15th March 1820
Again at Newcastle. Met Sir John Heathcote with whom much conversation relative to the extraordinary event of Lord Gower’s resignation and the reasons which might have let to it.

On arrival at Newcastle found strong rumours of what Sir John had mentioned, an opposition to Sir John Boughey being still [set] up either by the return of Lord Gower, or some fresh Candidate. Saw Mr Walthall relative to the Brewery concerns, and endeavours being used to collect in the doubtful debts. Fixed with him to go to Shrewsbury on the 25th April. Sir John H and I thinking that the presence of one of the Executors at the Annual Settlement would be highly proper.

Called upon Sir John at Talk on my return and finally fixed the day with him. Rode for the first time the horse which I lately bought and liked his paces much. On my return engaged copying the proposed Newcastle Address and draft of which I had before sketched out.

Thursday 16th March 1820
At home. Engaged on the Address &c.

Friday 17th March 1820
At home. The like.

Saturday 18th March 1820
Went to Newcastle in the morning. Moved the Address of Condolence and Congratulation to His Majesty in a speech which seemed to be much approved as was the Address. Returned to dinner. In the evening Stamford arrived from Shrewsbury Assizes. Mr Kinnersly sent this morning 40 brace of Fry Carp.

Sunday 19th March 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 20th March 1820
At Newcastle. Examining the [Engrossment, engagement?] of the Address, copies of the Resolutions &c previous to their being sent away. Wrote letter to Lord Sidmouth to accompany the Address. Called upon Mr Kinnersly; invited him to dine upon the 29th which he promised to do. Recollecting in the Evening that there was an omission in the Resolution of the thanks of the Meeting to Mr Thomas Sparrow, who returned for Answer that he would attend to it.

Tuesday 21st March 1820
Called with Stamford at Lawton Hall. Mr William Sneyd of Ashcombe, Mr Clement Kinnersly Allan and Tom and Caroline Wedgwood came to dinner.

Wednesday 22nd March 1820
Set off early to Wolseley Bridge to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. Took mr Thomas Sparrow in the carriage to Stone, from whence proceeded in a chaise with Mr Vaughan and arrived about 11. Went over to Bishton where the business was done. Mr Chetwynd, Lister, Webb and self. Afterwards much conversation with Mr Chetwynd relative to the late extraordinary event in the County. General surprise and indignation excited by it. Dined all together at the Bridge. Mr Thomas Sparrow, Vaughan and I returned to Stone.

Thursday 23rd March 1820
Engaged examining Cash Book and Accounts with Mr Vaughan. Returned to dinner. Found all the young party had left Linley Wood this morning except Caroline Wedgwood. Showers but still very cold.

Friday 24th March 1820
In the morning snow.
“The names of Whig and Tory will, I am afraid last as long amongst us as those of Guelph and Ghibellini did in Italy. I am sorry for it; but to some they become necessary for distinction sake, not so much for the principles formerly adopted to each name, as for particular and worse reasons. For there has been such chopping and changing both of names and principles that we scarce know who is who. I think it, therefore, necessary in order to appear in my own colours, to make a public profession of my political faith; not doubting but that it may [assure?] in several particulars with that of many other persons who are as undisuredly no posed as I am.

My notion of a Whig. I mean of a real Whig, for the nominal are worse than any sort of man is, that he is one who is exactly for keeping up to the strictness of the true old Constitution, under the three estates of King (or Queen) Lord and Commons: the Legislature being seated on all three together, the Executive entrusted with the first, but accountable to the whole body of the People in case of maladministration.
A true Whig is of opinion, that the Executive power has as just a title to the allegiance and obedience of the subject according to the rules of known Law enacted by the Legislature as the subject has to protection, liberty and property; and so on the contrary.”
Lord Molesworth’s Preface.

The moderate Whigs are much in the same sentiments with the moderate Tories; both desiring that the Government may be maintained on the ancient foundation.
The moderate Tories would not suffer the King to loose any of his Constitutional prerogative; but then, they would not sacrifice the rights of the People.

But, unfortunately, the general motives that have formed and kept the two parties, appear in the main to be no other than the private motives of particular persons; Self interest is the primour mobile of their actions; ever since the rise of these factions, each has struggled earnestly to get the advantage of the other; in as much as from such superiority accrue places, and honours, and promotions &c which the prevailing party usually distributes amongst its own members exclusive of the contrary party.
With respect to the points which have discriminated the two parties, it is the same as it is with all other sects of men under the agitation of hope and fear, ambition and interest; they tighten or relax their principles as suits best their convenience.

Under these impressions I early determined to abstain, as I religiously have done, though life, from connecting or committing myself with either party, and to judge for myself; to look at things as they really appeared from History and observation, and to act and speak my mind, with that freedom which becomes truth and independence; never suffering however, occasional predominance of any feeling or opinion in respect to either party to withdraw me from the performance of those active duties which contribute the practical good of the State; and to which wise and good men will direct their attention instead of suffering themselves to be diverted by abstract theories, or inflamed by exaggerated and distorted representations of fact.
J.C.

Mrs Stamford, Mrs Noble and Priscilla arrived from Nantwich.

Saturday 25th March 1820
In the morning storm of hail and snow; the latter very heavy.

Sunday 26th March 1820
At home. Service as usual. In the morning received a letter from Lord Sidmouth stating the presentation of the Address and that it had been most genuinely received by the King.

Monday 27th March 1820
At home. Engaged on various matters. William Penlington called.

Tuesday 28th March 1820
At home. In the morning rode to Oaklinger Hall, the weather being milder and finer than for some time past.

Wednesday 29th March 1820
In the morning rode to Alsager. Mr Sneyd of Bradwall, Mr Kinnersly, C. Lawton, Sparrow, Balcomb and Ab Wilson dined and Mr Sneyd staid all night.

Thursday 30th March 1820
At home. Looked over the farm with Mr Sneyd; who went about noon. Fine Spring day.

Friday 31st March 1820
At home. Reading &c.

Saturday 1st April 1820
At home.

Sunday 2nd April 1820
At home. Service. Miss P. Noble so unwell, that in the evening we sent for Dr Northen and Mr Davenport.

Monday 3rd April 1820
At home. Mr Skerrett and my Sisters came from Nantwich. The latter returning at night.

Tuesday 4th April 1820
In the morning engaged with Mr Skerrett who left us at noon on his way into Devonshire. Afterwards went to Stone taking Mr Thomas Sparrow with me in the carriage from Newcastle to meet Mr Webb for the purpose of examining the half yearly account previous to its being laid before the General Assembly tomorrow. Left my dear Emma very unwell.

Wednesday 5th April 1820
Engaged in the morning again with the Books. General Committee unanimously requested on the motion of Mr Chetwynd to take upon myself the arduous Office of permanent Chairman of this great concern in the absence and on the retirement of Mr Sparrow, and which I consented and encouraged to do from the very handsome and gratifying terms in which the Committee were pleased to express themselves in regard to myself. Took the Chair accordingly; and the day seemed to pass off pleasantly and well to all present.

Returned in the evening and found to my great affliction that my dear dear Emma had suddenly grown much worse soon after my departure in consequence of which Dr Northen had been called in. But I had the joy to find her better, though still very ill. Great fear and apprehension of inflammation in the brain. The bleedings however, had been beneficial and produced the intended effect. Mr Davenport slept here.

Thursday 6th April 1820
[‘At home. My dear Emma still very ill but upon the whole better’ crossed out]
In the morning Mr Davenport mentioned to me the noise made by Mr Martin’s Engine, which he said might be injurious to his Patient in consequence of which I sent over to Mr Martin, who returned answer that he would call upon me on Saturday morning. At home all day, my dear Emma something better but still very ill. Mr Davenport again slept in the house.

Friday 7th April 1820
Emma something better. At Trentham Inn attending Meeting Militia and Taxes. Returned to dinner. Emma rather better.

Saturday 8th April 1820
At home. Emma rather improving. Mr Martin and John Martin of Norton called. Promised to conserve the smoke at the Engine and prevent the noise. Dr Northen dined.

Sunday 9th April 1820
At home. Service. Emma better.

Monday 10th April 1820
At home. Various matters. Emma still mending.

Tuesday 11th April 1820
Began taking down the fence in Mr [Jenks, Tonks’s ?] land in the Turnpike Road. Emma not so well. Dined at Miss Moretons. Eliza being prevented going by Emma’s illness. Met the Mills’s of Barlaston and Mr Sneyd of Ashcombe.

Wednesday 12th April 1820
At home. Engaged on various matters.

Thursday 13th April 1820
Went to Ashcombe to dinner. Emma better but not so much so as to admit of Eliza’s accompanying me. Mr and Mrs Goldsmith, Miss [Assen?] Mr and Mrs Sneyd, Kinnersly, Clem Kinnersly, Mr Burton Philips dined. The Kinnersly and Mr Philips staid.

Friday 14th April 1820
Walked with Mr Sneyd in the morning to Hazlehurst Locks, viewing the same and the alteration. Lady and Miss Buller, Mr Willett and Mr John Buller, the latter of whom had yesterday come of age, dined.

Saturday 15th April 1820
Returned home to dinner, and had the comfort to find my dear Emma much recovered and once more safe. Left with Mrs Sneyd the Deed which I had received from Stamford.

Sunday 16th April 1820
At home. William and Rowland Bent called, but did not stay. Service.

Monday 17th April 1820
Set off early to Wolseley Bridge to attend meeting of the Select Committee, Mr Vaughan accompanying me from Stone. Arrived about eleven. Mr Chetwynd, Mr Lister and Mr Webb. Whilst there Lord and Lady Stafford stopped with whom a very pleasant interview both being extremely friendly and cordial. Lord Stafford told me that Lord Gower intended calling at Linley Wood today. Went over to Bishton where we did business. Dined at the Inn and got back to Linley Wood at night.

Tuesday 18th April 1820
At home. Put 24 brace of the Fry Carp which were lately sent by Mr Kinnersly, and which had been hitherto kept in a small [stew?], into the large Pool, and 14 Brace into the Kite Pool.

Wednesday 19th April 1820
At home. Alsager Title &c.

Thursday 20th April 1820
At Newcastle. Engaged with Roland Bent at the Brewery. Settling the Books &c. Returned to dinner.

Friday 21st April 1820
At home. Farm &c.

Saturday 22nd April 1820
At Newcastle again. Finishing with R. Bent the Books &c. Called also at Stoney field. Returned to dinner. Cut Asparagus.

Sunday 23rd April 1820
William Penlington called. Service as usual.

Monday 24th April 1820
At Rode Heath called upon Mrs M Penlington in relation to transfer of Nav Shares.
Got early Potatoes out of the frames at the back of the Stable. Very fine. Engaged on papers &c previous to setting out to Shrewsbury tomorrow.

Tuesday 25th April 1820
Set off to Shrewsbury about 8 o’clock. Received a note at Newcastle from Miss Heathcote mentioning that Sir John was so unwell that he could not accompany Mr Walthall [and] myself. Proceeded to Shrewsbury with Mr Walthall. Arrived about half past 3. Dined. Engaged all evening on Tomly’s business.

Wednesday 26th April 1820
Engaged closely all morning with Books, Accounts &c and drawing out Balance Sheet; but thinking it proper that Sir John should see this, before the Entries were made in the Books, Mr Walthall and I determined to get to Turnhill on our return home, this evening but just before we were to set off Sir John Heathcote arrived. In the mean time I had called at Dr Darwin’s and saw the Doctor, from whom I experienced the greatest cordiality and kindness. He had called twice in the morning at the Talbot in the hope of meeting with me.

Thursday 27th April 1820
Engaged again at the Brewery. Made all the necessary entries in the Books, which I finally settled and with the concurrence of the Parties and the Balance Sheet was signed by Sir John, Mr Walthall and myself. Came to Turnhill to dinner and got home in the evening. Mr Walthall promising to dine with me tomorrow.

Friday 28th April 1820
Unwell. Mr Walthall did not come to dinner being prevented by a hurt in his leg which he got at Shrewsbury. Elizabeth Wedgwood dined.

Saturday 29th April 1820
Lady Macintosh and Eliza Wedgwood came from Betley to breakfast, and returned soon afterwards taking Eliza W with them. Went to Newcastle to have seen Mr Walthall again on Brewery concerns but he was gone to Hanley. Stayed some time at the Counting House with Rowland Bent advising on several matters. Still unwell.

Sunday 30th April 1820
At home. Service.
“there is not a deeper and finer observation in all my Lord Bacon’s works, than one which I will apply and paraphrase.

The most compendious, the most noble, and the most effectual remedy which can be opposed to the uncertain and irregular motions of the human mind, agitated by various passions, allured by various temptations, inclining sometimes towards a state of moral perfection, and oftener even in the best, towards a state of moral depravity, is this. We must choose at times such virtuous objects as are proportioned to the means we have of pursuing them, and as belong particularly to the stations we are in, and to the duties of those stations. We must determine and fix our minds in such manner upon them, that the pursuit of them may become the business, and the attainment of them the end of our whole lives.”
Bolingbroke. Idea of a Patriot King. 117

Monday 1st May 1820
In the forenoon went to Alsager Lodge to attend meeting of the Trustees; but returned to dinner. Busy sewing Oats in the Land in Alsager in my own hands, on the piece next to Swallow Moor Wood, and the little Birchen field.

Socrates used to say, that although no man undertakes a trade he has not learned, even the means by yet every one thinks himself qualified for the hardest of all trades, that of Government.

Tuesday 2nd May 1820
In the morning Mr and Miss Noble and Emma set off to London, the carriage taking them to Sandon. At Newcastle the meeting Mr Walthall on the Brewery concerns. Sealed the salaries of William and Roland Bent at £200 each. Returned home to dinner.

Wednesday 3rd May 1820
At home. Mr Potter called with whom much conversation relative to Navigation concerns and promised to accompany him to Knapersly on Friday to view the situation of the intended Reservoir.

Thursday 4th May 1820
At home. Miss Stamford and Eliza went to Newcastle. Engaged on Navigation business.
“It happeneth frequently to men that are wise by experience and not learning, that they cannot give a reason of their opinion or advice, tho’ it be really that best; as a mere mechanical workman knows there is a fault in the work, tho’ he cannot tell punctually what it is. Dispise not such mens opinions for want of discourse.”
Rbt Walker.

Friday 5th May 1820
Mr Potter came to breakfast, with whom I afterwards went to survey the ground for the intended Reservoir at Knypersly. In our way called at Mr Kinnersly’s boat wharf, on occasion of a child having been drowned this morning by the sinking of a boat occasioned by running for the train. Ordered the Surgeon to be sent for to look at the body, though it was a hopeless case.

Met Mr Vaughan and John [Trubshaw?] at [at -?] with whom and Mr Potter looked over the ground. The idea struck me of the practicality of enlarging the proposed Reservoir by raising the dam so as to be level with and take in the present one and with a view thereto, I directed John Trubshaw to furnish me with an accurate statement of the supplies of water. Mr Vaughan returned with me to Linley Wood to dinner. Found John Bent on Brewery affairs who also dined. Mr Wilbraham also called.

Miss Stamford and Eliza dined at Miss Moreton’s which I was prevented doing by the various engagements of the day.

Saturday 6th May 1820
In the morning attending Coroner’s Inquest on the child drowned yesterday. Mr Thomas Sparrow afterwards dined at Linley Wood.

Sunday 7th May 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 8th May 1820
At home. Fine mild rain. Engaged on various matters. In the afternoon Miss Stamford and Eliza went to Newcastle to drink Tea at Dr Northen’s; and hear the Band of the 55th Regiment play. This morning began putting down the Rail fence to the Turnpike Road in the land late Mr Jenkins.

Tuesday 9th May 1820
At home. Wrote to Rev Mr Yates, Liverpool, in consequence of letter received from him relative to Nantwich Chapel. Engaged in the forenoon. Mrs Bent and her three Daughters and Miss Kirk came to dinner.

Wednesday 10th May 1820
At home. Heavy shower of rain. Turned 11 milking cows into the land before the House. Engaged in the grounds. Daniel Johnson relative to the Will and affairs of the late Michael Ashmore.

Thursday 11th May 1820
In the morning Mr Peak and Daniel Johnson, one of the Executors again relative to the affairs of Michael Ashmore, and advising them thereon. Afterwards at Newcastle at the Brewery on sundry matters. Returned to dinner.

Friday 12th May 1820
At home. Rowland Bent dined. Farm &c. Opened the [Levy?] at Mear Lake. Turning out into the Big Broken field which had been saved last year.

Saturday 13th May 1820
At Newcastle in compliance with the wish of Richard Bent attending at Mr Ward’s Office relative to the affairs of Mr [Tittinson, Tillinson?] on which the late Mr Bent was Trustee and advising thereon. Returned to dinner. Cut Cabbage. Mrs Bent and the Party left us in the evening. At night fine rain.

Sunday 14th May 1820
At home. Service. Fine growing weather.

Monday 15th May 1820
At home. Rev Mr Yates of Liverpool and two Miss Yates called on their way to London. Thunder and lightning with heavy showers of rain. Engaged with papers previous to going to Wolseley Bridge tomorrow.

Tuesday 16th May 1820
Set off early to Wolseley Bridge, taking Mr Thomas Sparrow and Miss Sparrow from Newcastle. Arrived there about ½ past ten. Engaged on Committee at Bishton. Dined afterwards at the Bridge; and returned to Linley Wood at night. Miss Stamford and Eliza were gone to Maer Hall. A busy and fatiguing day.

Wednesday 17th May 1820
At home. Mr Morris of Lawton relative to a reduction of the tonnage of salt between his Works at Malkins Bank and Preston Brook. Wrote to Mr Rennie, inviting him to Linley Wood during his stay on the proposed Survey of [Newcastle, Harecastle?] tunnel. Men busy setting Potatoes.

Thursday 18th May 1820
At home.

Friday 19th May 1820
At Trentham inn. Militia and Assessed Taxes, but as other Dep. Lieutenant or Commissioners attended in consequence of which much of the business could not be completed, but I swore the Assessors to their Assessments, leaving them to be signed at the next Meeting, as without the being done they would all have been under the necessity of attending another Meeting clearly much vexatious trouble and inconvenience would have been occasioned to the company [country?] Returned late in the afternoon. Mr Lawton, Mr and Mrs C. Lawton and Miss Louisa Belcombe dined.

Saturday 20th May 1820
At home. Engaged writing long letter to Arthur Marsh relative to the letting of the House in Gower Street. &c &c.

Sunday 21st May 1820
At home. Turned the last horses out to grass.

Monday 22nd May 1820
At Newcastle. Brewery and various other matters. Returned to dinner. Mr Beardmore sold the Cheese which had last year fetched 82/per [lev?] to Mr Bate for 56/6, an instance of the depression in the price of agricultural produce.

Tuesday 23rd May 1820
At home. Engaged on Navigation papers. Wrote letters to Mr Rennie, Mr Sparrow of Bishton and Mr Vaughan. Turned the carriage and riding horses out to grass and changed the milking cows from the land before the house to that under the wood.

Wednesday 24th May 1820
At home. Miss Stamford went to Coole. Engaged reading &c &c.

Thursday 25th May 1820
The morning being wet prevented my going down to Lawton to look over Mr Lawton’s farm as I had engaged to do when they dined here on Tuesday last. The painters began painting the Hall &c.

“Since the qualities of our minds are the ornaments of human nature with what pains and industry ought we to cultivate and improve them all, but most especially the understanding? The understanding is to man, what the Sun is to the Universe, a glorious light and most admirable ornament. It is the very faculty that distinguishes us; our peculiar characteristic, and the prerogative that renders us conspicuous, and illustrious. Whatever difference Birth, Quality, or Fortune seem to make between one man and another, there is really no essential difference between them, but what is made by their understanding; that is the only particular property that makes them more or less men. Intelligence certainly gives the Angel an essential superiority over man; Reason gives the same to man over Brutus; and the case is exactly the same between man and man. Such is the peculiar, eminent prerogative of our intellectual Faculty. That it belongs to that alone to raise us above common and sensible objects, to think, to reason, to apprehend, to penetrate into the most abstruse things, and to unravel their secret principles; to soar to the very Deity, and venture in some measure even to define his nature and essence, though infinite and incomprehensible. But this noble superiority over the rest of mankind is not attainable without great application. This our business therefore to cultivate and perfect the seeds of wisdom and virtue which [he well?] sows in us; and no person in the world is exempt from the care and pains of improving and perfecting himself in his rank and station.

The way is from our youth upwards to employ all the hours of our time and use all our endeavours to improve the Talents and gifts of nature. The study of the best authors, whether of letters &c the conversation of judicious, able men in different arts and employment, frequent reflexion, deep and intense thinking, experience, custom, practice and exercise; this is the way to give the finishing stroke to the work, which nature, though never bountiful to us did but roughly design.

By these advance steps in our early years we may acquire such a rich and plentiful stock of merit, as not to be so sensible of those decays and lapses which age brings upon us. For though at this period the memory may decay, the wit flag, the taste be impaired, all the fine qualities of the Soul savour of the frailty and infirmity of the body, which in regard to them is no longer capable of discharging the same functions; yet along accustomed happy practice and habit of improving and perfecting all the faculties of the soul, leaves such marks and impressions behind it, as are not easily defaced. The memory may grow less faithful to names, but things and facts it still retains. The imagination is not perhaps so sprightly, but reason and judgment understand the flights to condemn them if wild, and to admire them if regular. The Taste may be somewhat superannuated as to the composing of [risk?] and [body coolly?] things; but yet it relishes what is good and excellent in others. In short the luster and beauty may perhaps be past, but all the substance and solidity remain.

When too a man looks back upon his past memories, his imbecility, ignorance and darkness, his own weak understanding, false reasonings, trivial thoughts and childish taste together with all the mistakes, errors, and wanderings of his own heart, what a pleasure must it be to reflect that by time and study he has rendered himself superior to all this and is no more the sport of so many imperfections.”
Gratian Passion.

Eliza and I dined at Lawton Hall.

Friday 26th May 1820
At home. Navigation business. Wrote to Mr Hollinshead of Liverpool in reply to a letter from him relative to the Liverpool Embankment Bill now in Parliament. Received papers from Mr Vernon relative to the Road Bill now in Parliament in which the Navigation Company were interested and requesting my attention, thoughts and considered the same previous to seeing Mr Vaughan tomorrow.

Saturday 27th May 1820

Eliza went to Coole early. Went myself to Norton Green to meet Mr Vaughan and John Trubshaw to view the valley at Norton, as a situation for a Reservoir; but did not think the same would answer principally from the great length of dame that would be necessary. [Agreed?] with Mr Vaughan to go to Stone to meet Mr Vernon relative to the Bills in Parliament previous to attending a Meeting of the Select Committee. Returned to dinner. Eliza and Miss Stamfordcame back in the evening.

Sunday 28th May 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 29th May 1820
At home. Engaged on Navigation papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow to meet Mr Vernon relative to the Chindle and Ashborn and Derby Road Bills and the Tolls from [Newcastle?] Wharf &c. Also on papers relative to [Martins?] Colliery.

Tuesday 30th May 1820
Went to Stone. Conference with Mr Vernon. Returned home to diner. Miss Stamford went to Betley. Miserably wet day.

Wednesday 31st May 1820
At home. Letter writing &c. To Mr Denison, Mr Hollinstead. Wet stormy day.
“I can hardly believe there are any men upon earth so perfectly equal in their tempers as never to show the least discomposure or alteration. We continually see and hear things so very much out of the way, and so repugnant to reason, that our indignation will of necessity rise up in us, and suddenly bolt out, before we can possibly repress its first sallies and motions.”
Gratian.

Thursday 1st June 1820
Revised and corrected the minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee and sent the same to Mr Vaughan to be entered in the Book. Eliza went to Betley early to fetch Mrs Stamford. Mr Potter called with whom engaged on various Navigation matters. Finished painting the Hall and other Door, Oak.

Friday 2nd June 1820
At home. Various matters.

Saturday 3rd June 1820
At home. Changed the Milking cows to the Hollins Land. Weather still remarkably cold, wet and stormy.

Sunday 4th June 1820
At home. Service. Roland Bent came to dinner with whom much conversation and consideration of various matters relative to the Brewery Concerns. Still very wet.

Monday 5th June 1820
Closely engaged on the various Navigation papers and matters intended to be laid before the Select Committee at their Meeting tomorrow, particularly on the Liverpool Embankment Bill now in Parliament, the Extension of the [Sarkey?] Canal Bill. Cheadle and Ashbourne Roads Bill &c &c, and which businesses had engaged much of my attention for some days past, drafting Circular Letter to Members &c for the consideration of the Committee. Miss Stamford went to Mare Hall. Mr Blunt came to dinner and staid all night.

Tuesday 6th June 1820
Set off early to Wolseley Bridge, taking Mr Thomas Sparrow from Newcastle, and Mr Vaughan from Stone. Arrived about half past ten. Meeting of Committee held at Bishton; where engaged closely on Liverpool Embankment Bill and other business. Dined at the Inn, and returned home at night. A hard days work.

Wednesday 7th June 1820
At home. Engaged writing to Mr Hollinshead; and a long letter to Mr Chetwynd relative to the Liverpool Embankment and Sankey Canal Bills. John Bent came, relative to Accounts with Liverpool Brewery &c. Arranged with him the manner in which the same should be finally settled, and the balances paid. Miss Stamford returned from Mare Hall.

Thursday 8th June 1820
The anniversary of the blessed day that united me with my more than ever beloved and adored wife with whom I have now passed 36 years.
At home. Engaged closely all morning at various matters. Mr Johnson of the Hollows sent a very fine brace of Carp which turned into the small Stew [stream?] in the Farm garden. At night much rain and wind.

Friday 9th June 1820
At home. Rain almost the whole of the day. In speaking at breakfast this morning of the imperfectness of humor, felicity and the pains and sorrows of this life, how much was I delighted to hear my beloved Eliza say that she had had so much happiness that she should be content to live her life over again.

Saturday 10th June 1820
“Il n’y a point d’etat de vie si huereuse, qui ne soit accompagnie de beaucoup de chagrins secrets qui empichent qu’on ne puise jouer transquillement de son Bonheur.Voila ce qui fait que ce qu’il y a deplus eclatent dans la fortune des autres leau portent anise; c’est qu’ils ne connaissent pas leurs peines secretes.
Bellgarde. Les Regles de la vie Civile.

Sunday 11th June 1820
At home. Service.
“The most general and greatest difficulty in understanding the true sense of the Scriptures arises from our not knowing the proportion between the ways of speaking used in the East, and those in such a northerly Country as our own. An Italian would not stick at calling that little Parterre, with two rows of trees about it, a paradise and my villa in the County a magnificent palace. As we are acquainted with their ways of speaking, we know very well that they mean nothing by this but a pretty little garden and a tolerable house; but, if any one less acquainted with their way should take it literally, and assert in plain honest English, that I was master of a magnificent palace, and that my garden was equal to the garden of Eden, nothing could well be more ridiculous. Now the disproportion between our ways of speaking and that of the Orientalists is much wider at present and was still more so formerly, then between our plainness and the Italian Hyperbole.”
Lord Bolingbroke.
In the evening Mr Roscoe, his wife and Miss Georgina Tollet arrived from Liverpool.

Monday 12th June 1820
At home. William Penlington, Mr Edwards and his son relative to a fresh survey of Alsager when I appointed a meeting of the occupiers of Lands for Saturday next at Alsager Lodge at 11. George Beardmore for a recommendation to Mr Tomlinson for building one of the intended new Churches in the Pottery. Surveyor of Halms Chapel relative to a Claim on the Navigation Company for repairs of Bridges on that road. Mr Beardmore relative to an order of removal of Mrs Cliffe’s family from Parish at Audley to Alsager.

Tuesday 13th June 1820
At home. Engaged on various matters. Two Miss Tollets called to fetch their sister. Still much rain.

Wednesday 14th June 1820
At home.

Thursday 15th June 1820
At home. Mrs Jos Wedgwood and Elizabeth came to dinner. Began taking down more fences in the Land purchased from Mr [Tonks, Jenks?] and engaged with the men.

Friday 16th June 1820
At Trentham Inn attending Meeting of Land tax and Assessed Taxes. Commissioners, Mr Spode and self. No other Commissioners attending though Sir John Heathcote, Mr Tollet and the Rev Mr H Broughton had promised to be there. Mrs Jos Wedgwood went in the morning leaving Elizabeth.

Saturday 17th June 1820
Attended meeting at Alsager Lodge relative to an Appeal against the new Assessment to the Poor; but nothing could be done, Mr Tremlow having possession of the old Assessment and neither attending himself, nor sending the Book. Afterwards called at Rode Hall, but Mr Wilbraham was gone to London. Fine day; being the first for a considerable time past. Mr Adams of [Ashbridge?], Mr Preston of Burslem called relative to the completion of the Title and conveyance to Thomas Beardmore of Lands in Burslem on which I had been consulted by him and arranging the same.

Sunday 18th June 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 19th June 1820
At home. Mr Tremlow and Mr Lowe relative to the Alsager Assessment and long discussion with the thereon. Miss Stamford and Eliza Roscoe set off to Park fields on their way to London. Wrote long letter to Mr Wilson relative to the House in Gower Street.

Tuesday 20th June 1820
At home. In the evening Mr Wm Roscoe left Linley Wood on his journey to London. Received letter from Mr Vaughan inclosing one from Mr Simpson relative to improvement of the Oxford Canal.

Wednesday 21st June1820
At home. Mr Wedgwood of Bignall came with the half year’s Interest of £23,000. Engaged at the farm &c. Wrote to Mr Vaughan relative to the Oxford Canal &c.

James Caldwell letters

21 June 1820

W Rowley

To

James Caldwell Esq.

Linley Wood

John Edwards of Alsager is now with us respecting the new Rate which has been made in that Parish and against which certain of the inhabitants find themselves aggrieved and I understand from him that the business is left to you and me to settle. I therefore propose that Mr Charles Heaton of Enden, a very respectable person and Land Surveyor should go over the [furrus?] of those persons who feel themselves aggrieved and then [revos?] Mr Booth who made the Rate and if they cannot agree in the valuation then that it should be left to a third person to be by those chosen and if this meets with your approbation you will have the goodness to instruct Mr Edwards accordingly.

I am dear Sir

Your most obedient and humble servant

TW Rowley

[Breeton?] 21 June 1820

James Caldwell diary

Thursday 22nd June 1820
At Newcastle on Brewery and various other matters. Called also at Stoney fields. Returned to dinner.

Friday 23rd June 1820
At home. Engaged on the farm &c. Fine day and the weather apparently taking up after almost incessant rain and wet for the last month; this being the first day that we had not had fire at dinner.

Saturday 24th June 1820
At Newcastle with Eliza. Brewery &c. Weather becoming very hot. Returned to dinner.

Sunday 25th June 1820
At home. Service. In the afternoon at Talk Chapel. Service prepared by the Reverend Mr [Lawton, Carter?] Day very hot.

Monday 26th June 1820
At Newcastle and breakfasting at the Roebuck with the Bishop of Chester Dr Law and the Mayor and Corporation, it being a Confirmation at Newcastle. From the little conversation which I had with his Lordship, he appeared to be a mild sensible and moderate man. In speaking of the unfortunate business of the Queen, he said he was no advocate for introducing many names and particularly many persons in the Liturgy. Thought the King was proper, but he thought the more general prayers were the better [beyond?] this. Returned to dinner. Very hot day.

Tuesday 27th June 1820
At home. Engaged on sundry papers. Woodfield Colliery &c. Mr Edwards relative to Alsager Assessment, when he said the matter would be settled by Mr Booth and myself. Great annoyance all morning from the noise of the Engine.

Wednesday 28th June 1820
At Stone, where Mr Webb met me and wit whom engaged all morning examining Cash and other Navigation Accounts, comparing the same with the branches &c. Called upon Mr Vernon who said he had not written to Mr Martin but would call upon him, and come with him to the Colliery, where he had no doubt but that matters would be settled to my satisfaction and in the mean time he requested that I would not commence any proceedings. Returned to dinner. Weather very hot. At Trentham and a few other places they began the Hay harvest.

Thursday 29th June 1820
At home. Mr Walthall came to dinner and with whom much conversation on Brewery business previous to our going together to Macclesfield tomorrow to examine the Books, Accounts and to settle the same up to the 24 inst.

Friday 30th June 1820
Went to Macclesfield with Mr Walthall. Settled the Books and Accounts to Midsummer.
Afterwards dined at the Hotel and returned to Linley Wood at night. Rain.

Saturday 1st July 1820
After breakfast walked with Mr Walthall. Observed with him the total diversion of the water by Mr Martin, from the ancient watercourse, and which appeared to us both to be as gross a nuisance and a violation of right as we had ever known. Mr Walthall also noticed the offensive small at the House door occasioned by the smoke from the Engine and Brick kiln and made a Memorandum of it at my request in order that if necessary he might prove it. Mr W. left us at noon.

Sunday 2nd July 1820
At home. Service. Cold and rain.

Monday 3rd July 1820
At home. Mr Booth of Knutton relative to the Alsager Survey, and with whom engaged a considerable time. Wrote to Mr Vernon of Stone on Martin’s Colliery, and to Mr Wright of Flaxton in reply to a letter from him requesting my application to Lord Stafford relative to the Vicarage of Eccles and in favour of Mr Barton.

Tuesday 4th July 1820
Went to Alsager, called upon the Edwards; Barker and Dav Johnson relative to the Survey when they all agreed to my recommendation to leave any of the Estates about which there was a question to be resurveyed by Mr Heaton of Endon and Mr Booth. Eliza went to Congleton.

Wednesday 5th July 1820
At home. In the evening Anne and Bessy with Mrs Lum and Miss Holland of Knutsford arrived from Nantwich.

Thursday 6th July 1820
At home. Began mowing. Changed the Milking Cows to the Clover in the Hollins ground.

Friday 7th July 1820
At home. Mowing.

Saturday 8th July 1820
At Newcastle. Brewery. Hay. Mr and Mrs Charles Lawton called.

Sunday 9th July 1820
At home. Service. Roland Bent came to dinner. In the afternoon Eliza, R.B. and I at Talk Chapel.

Monday 10th July 1820
At home. Busy in the Hay. Mr Frank Tremlow called relative to his acting as a Commissioner of the Land Tax &c. Began carrying Hay.

Tuesday 11th July 1820
At Trentham Inn attending Meeting for hearing Land Tax Appeals. Busy day; but returned to dinner. Mr F Tremlow who qualified and acted as a Commissioner, Mr Spode and self. Carried Hay.

Wednesday 12th July 1820
At home. Busy in the Hay. Carrying.

Thursday 13th July 1820
Called at Lawton Hall and went with Mr C. Lawton to survey a Navigation Bridge in their lands which had been made only for foot passengers, instead of for carriages. Looking also at the Towing Path, fence &c, previous to mentioning these matters to the Select Committee on Monday next.
Men busy mowing at the lower end of the Meadow. In the evening Mrs Stamford, Emma and E. Roscoe arrived.

Friday 14th July 1820
At home. Busily engaged with the Hay. Eliza, Emma and E. Roscoe went to Betley calling upon Lady Fletcher. About noon W. Roscoe arrived.

Saturday 15th July 1820
Busy in the Hay. Very light rain, but only for a few minutes. Rode with W. Roscoe to Alsager. Elizabeth and Frank Wedgwood came to dinner and Stamford arrived in the evening from Stafford Sessions.

Sunday 16th July 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 17th July 1820
At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Violent storm of rain. Returned at night.

Tuesday 18th July 1820
At Newcastle attending the Sessions. Took the Oaths afresh of Allegiance Infirmary and Abjuration along with the Mayor and Justices. Afterwards dined with the Mayor &c at the Castle Inn and returned at night.

Wednesday 19th July 1820
At home. Hay &c. Mrs and two Miss Tollets, Miss Plummer, Miss Ricketts and the three young men from Mere Hall dined after being on a party to a [Molcap?]

Thursday 20th July 1820
At home.

Friday 21st July 1820
Set off early with Stamford to Stafford Assizes. Served on the Grand Jury. Dined with the Judges Best and Richardson.

Saturday 22nd July 1820
Engaged all day on the Grand Jury. Discharged about 5 o’clock and returned home with Stamford. Found Mrs Wedgwood of Betley and Mrs Wedgwood of Mare Hall.

Sunday 23rd July 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 24th July 1820
At home. Mrs Wedgwood of Mare went.

Tuesday 25th July 1820
At Newcastle on various matters. Went in the carriage with Mrs Wedgwood and Eliza. Returned to dinner.

Wednesday 26th July 1820
At home. Engaged all morning letter writing, Navigation minutes &c. Weather showery, and unable to make much progress with the Clover in the Hollins ground.

Thursday 27th July 1820
At home.
“Nisi utilie est quod facimus, frustra est Gloria” Phadrus.
The day being fine, carried some of the Clover. In the forenoon Mrs Wedgwood left us.

Friday 28th July 1820
At home. Mr Kemep of Burslem relative to Mrs Stamford’s Interest due from Mr Wood and examining her Account with her. Dr Northen to see Miss Stamford who was unwell.
We this day began spreading Salt ashes on the fallow late Mr Jenks’s land. This land was in the most impoverished state possible, having been 25 years and upwards under the plough without rest; and was a complete bed of Collsfoot and Couch grass &c. We ploughed and harrowed it twice and raked it once with the cultivator. In this state we have begun to lay on the ashes, after the rate of a full ton to an acre, spreading them thin.

Saturday 29th July 1820
At home. Finished hay harvest. Engaged on papers &c previous to going to Stone tomorrow.

Sunday 30th July 1820
At home. Service. Mr W. Roscoe arrived. In the evening went to Stone accompanied by Mr Thomas Sparrow in order to set off the next morning on annual Survey of the Canal.

Monday 31st July 1820
Set off from Stone. Mr Chetwynd, Mr Lister, Mr Webb and self with Mr Thomas Sparrow, Vaughan and Potter. Arrived at Middlewich at night and where we slept.

Tuesday 1st August 1820
Proceeded on our journey. Dined at Runcorn and arrived at Liverpool in the evening going in the Steam Packet from Runcorn.

Wednesday 2nd August 1820
At Liverpool. Conference at the Exchange with Mr Hollinshead and Mr Stratham on the Liverpool Embankment and Sankey Canal Bills &c. Mr Hollinshead dined with us at the Waterloo Hotel. In the evening Mr Lister left us returning home.

Thursday 3rd August 1820
Early in the morning called at the Porter Brewery but did not see the Doctor or Mr H. Crompton. After breakfast set off on our return home. Going by land to Runcorn in order to view the intended new Communication of the Sankey Canal with the River. Got to Middlewich that night were we slept.

Friday 4th August 1820
Proceeded early on our return home. Arrived at the Red Bull where the Party took a hasty dinner and I then left the Gentlemen and got home about 3 o’clock. We had a prosperous and satisfying journey, finding the Canal and works upon the whole in good repair but more and more satisfied of the propriety of actual journeys by the Select Committee.

Saturday 5th August 1820
At home. Engaged on various matters, accounts &c in consequence of my late absence.

Sunday 6th August 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 7th August 1820
Set off early to Wolseley Bridge, taking Mr Thomas Sparrow from Newcastle and attending Meeting of Select Committee and returned at night. Miss Stamford gone to Nantwich.

Tuesday 8th August 1820
Went to Newcastle to attend the Races. Met Mr Littleton and Mr W. Kinnersly at Talke who were coming to call at Linley Wood. Dined at the Ordinary at 12, Roebuck, and after the Race returned home.

Wednesday 9th August 1820
At home. Engaged closely investigating the disputed Interest Account between Miss Stamford and Mr Wood of Burslem. Eliza, Emma and Stamford went in the forenoon to Newcastle, the horses starting at one o’clock.

Thursday 10th August 1820
Went again to Newcastle. Called and left cards for Mr Littleton and Mr Kinnersly. Dined at the Ordinary at the Roebuck. Went to the ground and witnessed the most extraordinary Race perhaps ever known. Three horses started. Sir William Lynnes Tarragon, Sir John G Egerton’s Asthry and Mr Myttins Handel. Handel and Tarragon ran successively three severely contested dead heats. As they won the 4th heat Tarragon was then drawn and Asttery won the 5. This was a handicap. The horses more handicapped by Mr Billy’s of [Antrim, Astumn?] Returned home off the ground. Eliza, Emma and Stamford staying to a second Ball.

Friday 11th August 1820
At home. Engaged investigating Mrs Stamford’s Interest Account with Mr Wood.

Saturday 12th August 1820
At home. The like. Ann and Bessy returned to Nantwich. Engaged also on Navigation papers.

Sunday 13th August 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 14th August 1820
At home. Engaged much in the grounds. Engaged much also looking over papers &c preparing to survey, Mr Rennie.

Tuesday 15th August 1820
Engaged again on Navigation Papers. Called the Red Bull to enquire of the Mr Rennie.

Wednesday 16th August 1820
Mr Rennie with his two daughters having arrived at the Red Bull this morning, I immediately went down with Mr Potter, who had come to Linley Wood to inform me of his arrival. Long conversation with Mr Rennie relative to the objects of his Survey and Report, and afterwards walked with him to the entrance of the Tunnel, where I left him and Mr Potter. On my return home I found the two Miss Rennies whom I had desired Emma to call upon and bring up, that they might take up their abode at Linley Wood whilst Mr Rennie stayed. Lady Fletcher, Mr and Mrs Tremlow, Miss Fletcher, Dr and Mrs Northen and Miss Moreton dined. The Betley family stayed all night, and the day passed off very pleasantly and well.

Thursday 17th August 1820
Up very early, about 5, to breakfast and went to the Red Bull where Mr Rennie and Mr Potter had slept. The former thinking that this would be more convenient to him than sleeping at Linley Wood. Proceeded with him and Mr Potter to Etruria Locks, which examined. From thence to Leek, where we took pack horses and proceeded to the Churnett about 3 or 4 miles upon the Buxton Road. Examining the river &c &c. when Mr Rennie was of opinion that the surplus waters might be conveyed by a Fendor into the Reservoir and would yield an abundant supply. Returned to Leek and from thence to the Reservoir at Rudyard, the dam and works of which Mr Rennie carefully examined and thought all quite safe. The bubbling up of water at the Arch of the fender, he was satisfied was mainly from the Spring in the side of the banks, and did not come from the Reservoir, it being perfectly clear and which it would not be if it oozed through the dam. From Rudyard returned to Leek and from thence to Hazelhurst Locks which were also examined. Mr Rennie of opinion that three single locks would have been, to use his own expression beyond comparison, better, both as to the saving of time and water; but at the same time the alterations lately made might do very well. From Hazelhurst went to Knypersley to examine the proposed situation of an additional Reservoir, which Mr Rennie thought very favourable and recommended, provided the quantity of water that it would contain would repay the expense. It is supposed that it would hold about 3000 Locks. From Knypersley returned to the Red Bulll, where we did not arrive till after 10 o’clock, and of course too late to go to Linley Wood to dinner, which we had intended and agreed to do when we set off in the morning. Got to Linley Wood about eleven having been out myself nearly 19 hours, nor had we had any refreshment except a mouthful of dried meat at Leek in the forenoon. Found Mr and Mrs Lawrence and two Miss Lawrences of Bingham who had come to spend a few days with us.

Friday 18th August 1820
Up again early and went to the Red Bull where I expressed my earnest wish that Mr Rennie would go and look at the Dam feeder and the Works at the Paper mill, which after some little hesitation he agreed to do, but being then deeply engaged in various calculations respecting the Tunnel he desired me to join him in about 2 hours which I accordingly did and we set off to the Place being about 14 miles. Walked up the side of the Feeder from the Turnpike Road. Examined the drains, tunnel &c all of which Mr Rennie disapproved for indeed (he could not but do) being incapable of conveying the quantity of surplus water which the river would in floods yield, into the Reservoir. He was satisfied that the Dam water, if properly managed and conducted into the Reservoir would yield an abundant supply. There had been some showers which had occasioned the water to run one foot over the weir yesterday. Had the weir and feeder been properly constructed this supply would have yielded 1800 or nearly 2000 Locks in 6 hours; whereas the quantity which actually passed into the Reservoir was only about 500; or about one fourth of what ought to have been obtained. Mr Rennie was satisfied that the banks of the Feeder might with safety be raised, and that if this were done, and the feeder taken out of the upper instead of the lower [loci?] and which he said that he had originally recommended a full 10 feet in the feeder might be obtained, by which means the supply of flood water would be increased, as before observed. Returned to Red Bull between 5 and 6.
Mr Rennie, Mr Potter afterwards dined at Linley Wood. Dr Belcombe also dined; and we had a very pleasant evening, but Mr Rennie and Mr Potter returned to the Red Bull to sleep.

Saturday 19th August 1820
Went again to the Red Bull, where Mr Rennie read over to me the rough draft of his intended Report as to Harworth Tunnel, and on which as one bill or on the other work[?] of the Canal we had much conversation and discussion. Mr Rennie promised to complete his Reports previous to the General Assembly and transmit them to me. Miss Rennies soon after arriving we parted after many expressions of kindness from Mr Rennie and the ladies, and a cordial wish on all sides that we might meet again, and which Mr Rennie had strongly expressed yesterday to Eliza together with a warm invitation to visit them whenever we came to London. The young ladies were, I believe, what they repeatedly and most warmly expressed, much delighted with their stay at Linley Wood, declaring them some of the happiest they had ever spent. They, and my dear Emma, seemed to have suited each other perfectly. Both Miss Rennie and Miss Anne are intelligent, accomplished and well read, with the best manners, but at the same time simple, natural and unpretending, and [conoiliating?] at once affection and esteem. Mr Rennie I found to be of the first order of men that I had ever met with. On every subject, and if there were a few that he did not tread upon he seemed quite a home. Copious fluent and at the same profound, minute and particular. He seemed to know things not merely in a general and comprehensive way, but on all their details. Abounding in facts and anecdotes his conversation is no less amusing than it is instructive; and I shall ever reckon amongst my highest enjoyments the hours that I was o fortunate as to pass with him. He promised if he returned from Scotland (where he is now going) through this part of the Country, that he would see us again at Linley Wood, and the young ladies equally promised all their influence to accomplish this, declaring again and again their ardent wish to keep up the friendly communication which had been thus so happily commenced.

Engaged the rest of the day with Mr Lawrence.

Sunday 20th August 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 21st August 1820
The Lawrences went to Knutsford but returned in the evening. At home myself.

Tuesday 22nd August 1820
At home. Engaged with Mr Lawrence &c. Felt symptoms of indisposition.

Wednesday 23rd August 1820
The Lawrences left Linley Wood in the morning; but being very unwell I did not get up in time for their departure.

Thursday 24th August 1820
Though very unwell, went to Stone to meet Mr Webb, pursuant to appointment examining Cash Book, Accounts &c. In the evening much worse. In my absence Colonel and Mrs Tryon called. Eliza and Emma also went at Newcastle.

Friday 25th August 1820
Severely ill with violent cold. Cough and inflammation on the chest. In bed almost the whole of the day.

Saturday 26th August 1820
In bed almost the whole of the day. Mr Martin and Mr Vernon called relative to my purchase of the Foxholes Estate, when it was agreed that a [fine?] should be put upon it by two persons, one to be chosen by each party and at which I was to have the refusal. Eliza and Emma called upon Lt Col and Mrs Tryon at Congleton.

Sunday 27th August 1820
Ill.

Monday 28th August 1820
Ill.

Tuesday 29th August 1820
Ill. Symptoms of Gout. Stamford arrived.

Miss H Stamford

James Caldwell Esq

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

CamdenTown,

Near London29^th August 1820

Dear Madam,

As the senior branch of the Family, it devolves upon me to communicate to you with becoming respect the afflicting intelligence of the death of my revered and venerable Parents, which took place at Woolwich on Wednesday the 16^th instant. He was seized with a paralysis that deprived him of utterance and the use of his right side on Sunday the 6^th and continued fluctuating though perfectly sensible until ten minutes before two o’clock on the day mentioned when his spirit imperceptibly took its flight. This heart rending affliction has involved us all in so much grief that I have felt myself unable to communicate the mournful event at an earlier period.

In order to ensure your regard to some of his surviving relatives it might only be necessary to inform you that our beloved Parent had many trials to endure throughout life and with a numerous family and ever scanty means it will not be a matter of surprise that out of ten surviving children two of the daughters, Mary and Jacinta are unsettled and without any provision whatever. Sarah is also unmarried and without provision though at present in a respectable situation in Woolwich. The other two were residing under the roof of a fond Parent at the time of his decease. What cause to pursue with respect to these we are at present not determined on; but it is thought that should you and your Sister be pleased in the exercise of your discretion, to award the 300 (being the residue of the 400 originally allotted by your kind partiality to my dear Mother under Mr Stamford’s Will) to the use by these two principally with some reserve as to the other in case of absolute necessity. We might be enabled to raise an annuity and put them in a way of eking out a subsistence in Woolwich, where the memory of my dear Parent is cherished with peculiar respect by all who enjoyed the felicity of their acquaintance. Should this suggestion be acted on by you, I should most cheerfully give you a more ample explanation; and on the part of the Family allow me to state, that your concurrence would be hailed with grateful delight.

I trust I shall stand excused as a stranger for having mentioned so far and I can only hope that in urging your attention to the situation of others who are the immediate descendents of a valuable woman whom I believe you highly respected you will make every reasonable allowance for my feelings.

Having a copy of Mrs Stamford’s will before me I am fully aware of the unlimited discretionary power vested in you and your sister, and in looking over the correspondence I am sorry to find that my dear Mother should have incurred your displeasure by her letter to Mr Caldwell of the 5^th March 1801 which was no doubt written under the impression of your early letters wherein you have not only pointed out that in the exercise of your discretion you had in the first instance, set apart £400 for the benefit of herself and children, but after placing £100 of the principal at her disposal, in your letter to her of the 13^th October 1792 you appear to confirm the opinion she had formed in your first letter, by using the term “your £300” and “your mortgages.” There is also a further confirmation in a subsequent letter; but I merely notice these circumstances as an extenuation on the part of my dear Mother, and to remove, if possible, any unfavourable impression from your minds: confident that you will be guided in your determination by what you may conceive to be the path of duty and that we have nothing to fear from the result. I beg leave to add for your information that although the other branches of the family are settled and in comfortable circumstances, yet none of us can boast of affluence and several have increasing families with very limited means.

My brothers and sisters unite with me in every sentiment of regard and esteem to yourself and Mr and Mrs Caldwell and I am, Dear Madame

Yours most respectfully

James Caldwell diary

Wednesday 30th August 1820
Gout much worse. Mr and Mrs C. Lawton called.

Alsager Enclosure

30^th August 1820

J.N. Lockett

To James Caldwell Esq

Lindley Wood

Near Red Bull

Sir,

In consequence of Col Tryon being in the Country and anxious to promote the Inclosure of the Waste Lands within the Manor of Alsager, (so long neglected) he, on behalf of the Ladies of the Manor, therefore requests another meeting of the freeholders and parties interested in the Inclosure of the same, to be held at the House of Mr John Cork, at Alsager Lodge, on Friday the 8^th day of September next, at 10 o’clock in the forenoon, with a view of then considering the same, and ascertaining the several parties entitled to allotments of Common from such Waste Lands; at which meeting it is intended that Resolutions shall be then entered into, by such of the parties then met, and entitled to a proportion of the Waste Lands, with a view of facilitating such Inclosure.

[Col: ?] Tryon directs me further to add, on account of his being limited for time in his stay in the Country, is the reason for the shortness of the notice given of the intended meeting, which he trusts will be a sufficient apology.

Congleton,

30^th August 1820

I remain, Sir

Your very obedient servant

J.N. Lockett

Thursday 31st August 1820
Gout much worse.

Friday 1st September 1820
Gout severe. All ache in both feet and unable to walk or move from the sofa. Lt Col and Mrs Tyron, Mrs Belcombe, Mr Wittenhall and W. Penlington dined.

Saturday 2nd September 1820
Still very ill. Dr Northen called in. The Tryons again dined. Also Dr Northen. The two Martins again.

Sunday 3rd September 1820
Severe pain and suffering. The Tryons left Linley Wood.

Monday 4th September 1820
Ill.

Tuesday 5th September 1820
Ill.

Wednesday 6th September 1820
Ill.

Thursday 7th September 1820
Ill.

Friday 8th September 1820
Ill.

Saturday 9th September 1820
Ill. But some little remission of all the complaint.

Sunday 10th September 1820
Ill.

Monday 11th September 1820
Ill. Mr Johnson and Mr [Mem?] consulting relative to purchase of Foxholes Estate, when he recommended Mr Daniel Eandly as a proper person to value on my behalf.

Tuesday 12th September 1820
Ill. But rather better. Carried the Wheat.

Wednesday 13th September 1820
Mr Vaughan. Ill.

Thursday 14th September 1820
Ill.

Friday 15th September 1820
Ill.

Saturday 16th September 1820
Ill. In the evening Mr Johnson relative to Foxholes Estate and the Meeting which had taken place between Mr Martin and Mr [Bent?], Audley. Wrote letter to Mr John Martin and Mr [Boyd, Robert?] Eadly with my refusal to be bound to take the Estate.

Sunday 17th September 1820
Sent the letters by Mr Dawson. In the afternoon Mr [Boyd?] Eadly.

Monday 18th September 1820
Ill, but gradually mending.

Tuesday 19th September 1820
Gradually mending.

Wednesday 20th September 1820
The same.

Thursday 21st September 1820
For the first time enable to walk from bed; and with difficulty get down stairs. In the evening William Bent came.

Friday 22nd September 1820
Better, and again down stairs.

Saturday 23rd September 1820
Went out in the carriage but still very weak and inferior. At night Miss Stamford and Emma arrived from Southport. William Bent left Linley Wood in the afternoon.

Sunday 24th September 1820
Better, but still very inferior and unwell.

Monday 25th September 1820
Though very unfit for it, yet thinking my presence necessary at the Meeting of the Select Committee held at Stone today and of some other propositions for the purpose of taking into consideration Mr Rennie’s reports, I went there taking Mr Thomas Sparrow with me from Newcastle. Got there about eleven o’clock and, being in the Chair, had a long and fatiguing day of business.

Tuesday 26th September 1820
At Stone, but a sufficient number of Proprietors not attending the General Assembly stood [down?] to the 17th October. Lord Harrowby attended who, not without much difficulty, I persuaded upon to take the Chair, and a day sitting of the Committee took place. A Report which I had drawn up of the State of the Canal and the Company’s Affairs was read and approved. In the course of the day I had much conversation and communication with Lord Harrowby with above I was much pleased finding easy and pleasant in his manners, with great knowledge of business and Mr Simpson accompanied by Mr Daniell also attended and said that if they had not found me at Stone it was their full intention to have come on to Linley Wood. Mr Simpson took an opportunity of mentioning in the strongest and kindest of terms the universal satisfaction which my taking the situation of Chairman had given, and how much reason the Proprietors had to congratulate themselves on my consenting to accept it. Stayed to dinner and returned at night, but much fatigued with the hurry and exertion of the last two days, which had indeed been great.

Wednesday 27th September 1820
Closely engaged all day in Navigation papers and finally correcting the Report. Eliza and Emma and Miss Stamford went to Mare Hall.

Thursday 28th September 1820
The like. Making also a Copy of the Report and writing letter to Mr Chetwynd to whom I sent the copy of the Report, in order that he might shew it to Mr Sparrow. Still very inferior and unable to go out of doors. Party returned from Mare Hall.

Friday 29th September 1820
Closely engaged in various Navigation papers. With some difficulty walked out for the first time. Eliza, Emma and Miss Stamford went to Newcastle Assembly.

Saturday 30th September 1820
Engaged on various papers. In the afternoon Mr Fieldon (son of Mr Fidder of Didsbury) a friend of Stamford arrived.

Sunday 1st October 1820
Mr [Fieldon, Fiddon?], Mr Tomlinson of Cliffe Ville called. In the evening read papers for the first time since my illness.

Monday 2nd October 1820
Engaged on various papers. Jos Wedgwood junior dined.

Tuesday 3rd October 1820
The same. Dr Belcombe, Jos, Harry and Frank Wedgwood and Mr Weekes, Tomlinson dined.

Wednesday 4th October 1820
Still lame and unable to walk without much difficulty.

Thursday 5th October 1820
Little amendment. Mr and Mrs Charles Lawton, Mr Kinnersly,
Nigel Heathcote and Jos Wedgwood dined. The two latter staid all night.

Friday 6th October 1820
Engaged on various papers. Mr Fieldon [Fiddon?], Stamford and Emma dined and staid all night at Lawton Hall.

Saturday 7th October 1820
Rode out on horseback for the first time since my illness. The party staid all day again at Lawton Hall, the Hounds having turned out this morning. Mr Wickstead called. Busy sowing wheat in the land late Mr Jenks’s. In the evening received the Navigation Report from Mr Vaughan, to whom it had been sent by Mr Sparrow of Bishton with a strong expression of his approbation of it.

Sunday 8th October 1820
Busy sowing wheat. The party returned from Lawton Hall having first gone this morning to Lawton Church. Not well enough to go through the usual Service but prayers in the evening.

Monday 9th October 1820
Engaged on Navigation Papers. Rode out on horse back. The weather being fine busy sowing. Moses Barker with whom settling Rent. Stamford and Mr Fiddon went to Leighton to dinner to stay all night. In the evening received an account from Mr W Roscoe of Eliza having a daughter and being very well.

Tuesday 10th October 1820
Elizabeth set off to Liverpool. Mrs Penlington on their affairs. Drew out and sent statement of the Property to Mrs Penlington, that she might judge as to meeting my alteration in the present Deed of Appointment. Engaged in various papers.
“When due regard is not had to the parity and honour of women, all women Society is assaulted; and from Custom and Opinion they are far less offences exposed to dishonour than men.”
A.

Wednesday 11th October 1820
Stamford went to Lady Bullers. Mr Fieldon delayed leaving Linley Wood till tomorrow. Engaged with him.

Thursday 12th October 1820
Mr Potter called on Navigation business. Afterwards Mr Morris of Lawton with whom a long conference relative to the goods from Liverpool to Macclesfield being brought by the Canal to Middlewich, instead of by the River [lvearre?] to Northwich as at present. Also Mr Thomas Sparrow with papers relative to the prosecution of men committed for stealing iron from the Red Bull Wharf, and consulting thereon. Mrs and Miss Sparrow called with him. Afterwards rode with Mr [Fiddon?] and called at Lawton Hall. Parted with Mr Fiddon at the Red Bull soon after, he setting off in to one of the coaches to Buxton. Called at the Wharf and spoke to Mr [Taubank?] relative to the above prosecution and desired him to send immediately to the Consignors of the iron said to be stolen, to learn whether it had been missed. If so, when and what quantity.

Friday 13th October 1820
Stamford returned from Dilbourne. Engaged on various matters. Rode out a little but still very infirm. Busy sowing wheat.

Saturday 14th October 1820
Mr [Taram, Faubenks and James Taram] relative to the prosecution. Examining them carefully as to the facts and afterwards writing letter to Mr Thomas Sparrow. Mr Anderton of Newcastle and Roland Bent called. Emma returned from Ashcombe. In the night rain.

Sunday 15th October 1820
For the first time since my illness went through the Service as usual.

Monday 16th October 1820
At Newcastle attending Agricultural meeting. Lord Gower in the Chair. Meeting well attended and a pleasant day.

Tuesday 17th October 1820
At Stone attending adjourned General Assembly. Mr [Smith?] Chair. The Report which I had prepared, read and much approved and ordered to be printed and sent to the Proprietors. Returned at night with Mr Thomas Sparrow who had gone with me in the morning; and called on Lord Gower who was at Trentham Inn, it having been the ploughing until [now?] and who seemed much pleased with the attention. Left the Report with Mr Smith, Printer, Newcastle in order that a proof Sheet might be prepared.

Wednesday 18th October 1820
At home. Engaged on various papers and matters.

Thursday 19th October 1820
At home. The like. Carriage of goods from Liverpool to Macclesfield by the Canals, instead of going as at present by the River Weaver and making Memorandum relative to this.

Friday 20th October 1820
At Newcastle correcting the Proof Sheet of the Report with Mr Smith the Printer. Afterwards called at Stoney fields and the Brewery, but they were all gone to [Draycott?] Miss Stamford and Emma accompanied me.

Saturday 21st October 1820
At home.

Sunday 22nd October 1820
At home. Unwell.

Monday 23rd October 1820
At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee and returned at night. Much business.

Tuesday 24th October 1820
At Newcastle attending the Sessions; and afterwards dined with the new Mayor (Bentley) &c at the Roebuck. Mr Chetwynd was a Newcastle and dined with us.

Wednesday 25th October 1820
Engaged copying Minutes of the last Select Committee and writing therewith to Mr Chetwynd. Dined at Rode Hall. Eliza, self and Emma. Met Mr and Mrs Willoughby Crewe, Mr and Mrs Ford, Mr C. Ford and Miss Ford. Reverend Mr Warburton and Mrs W., Reverend Mr Royd, Mr Manning, brother of Mrs W. Crewe. Pleasant day receiving much and particular attention from Mr and Mrs Wilbraham.

Thursday 26th October 1820
At home. Mr Johnson and Mr Heaton relative to Valuation of Foxholes Estate, when it was agreed that Mr Willis Bayley should be called in to value the Coals.

Friday 27th October 1820
The Mayor and many respectable inhabitants of Newcastle thinking it proper that an Address should at this time be sent to the King, and having requested me to prepare such Address, engaged this morning drawing up the same. This proceeding originated in an Address having been sent from a certain description of persons in the Town to the Queen but my private opinion is that the proposed measure had better be delayed if not omitted.

Saturday 28th October 1820
Mr Vaughan came to breakfast with whom engaged a long time on Navigation business. Draw out a circular letter to be printed and sent to the Proprietors with sundry orders made at the General Assembly relation to Proxies &c.

Sunday 29th October 1820
Service as usual.

Monday 30th October 1820
At home. Various matters previous to going to Newcastle tomorrow.

Tuesday 31st October 1820
At Newcastle, called at the Mayor to have shewn him the Draft of the Address, but he was not at home. Afterwards at Mr Smith the printer correcting the proof sheet of the letter and orders of the General Assembly, to accompany the Report. From thence to Stoney field where closely engaged the remainder of the day with Mr Walthall and Mr Bent on annual Statement of the Accounts. Slept at Stoney fields.

Wednesday 1st November 1820
Engaged again all morning on Accounts. Dined at Stoney fields and in the evening Eliza, who had accompanied me, and I returned home.

Thursday 2nd November 1820
At home.

Friday 3rd November 1820
At home.

Saturday 4th November 1820
Again at Stoney fields meeting Mr Walthall, John and William Bent examining the list of Debts &c., and separating such as are good and fining the valuation of the Stock of [Liquors?] &c. Engaged all morning. Dined at Stoney field, and returned at night. In my way to Stoney fields called on Mr T. Sparrow and shewed him the Address which I had prepared.

Sunday 5th November 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 6th November 1820
At Newcastle attending Meeting of Commissioners Assessed Taxes. Mr Kinnersly and Mr Booth of Clayton qualified as Commissioners. Called afterwards at Mr Kinnersly’s and shewed him the Draft of the Address but we agreed in opinion that the measure had much better be deferred.

Tuesday 7th November 1820
At home. Mr [Ronson] relative to the establishment of an Association at Talk-on-the-Hill for the prosecution of felons.

Wednesday 8th November 1820
Rode with Emma to Oakhanger Hall. First heard of the afflicting state of our old and valuable servant Mary Beardmore from an attach of [Gillta Serenor?].

Thursday 9th November 1820
Rode again with Emma. We all dined at Lawton Hall. Meeting Mr and Mrs Willoughby Crewe, Mr Harvey and Reverend Mr Wood.

Friday 10th November 1820
At Betley with Eliza and Miss Stamford calling upon Mr and Mrs Tollet. Also called at Betley Court and on the Wedgwoods. I also called upon the Reverend Mr [Tanton?]. Rode the grey horse for the first time since my illness.

Saturday 11th November 1820
At home. Farm &c.

Sunday 12th November 1820
Service. In the afternoon went to Stone, where I met Mr Webb and with whom and Mr Vaughan commenced examination of the Treasurers Account with the Navigation Company, engaged them till late at night.

Monday 13th November 1820
At Stone. Resumed examination of Accounts and on which closely engaged till meeting of the Select Committee which commenced about 2 o’clock, Mr Chetwynd and Mr Lister having arrived. Engaged on Select Committee. Afterwards dined at the Crown and returned home at night.

Tuesday 14th November 1820
At home. Various matters. Farm &c. Letter from Mr Wedgwood of Bignall End relative to the payment of £3000 part of his Bond and Mortgage and fixed to receive the same at Newcastle on Saturday next.

Wednesday 15th November 1820
At home. Mr and Mrs Wilbraham of Rode, Mrs Antrobus, Two Miss Wedgwoods of Parkfields, Mr Wedgwood of Betley, Reverend Mr Tarton[?] and Mr [Frank, Francis?] Tremlow dined. The five latter staid all night. In the evening attacked with symptoms of violent cold such as preceded my last attack of gout.

Thursday 16th November 1820
Much fever in the night, but better this morning. Mr Wedgwood, Mr [Fenton?] and Mr T [F?] Tremlow went after breakfast. Long discussion and consideration with Mr Tremlow relative to the liability of the Canal to Poor and Highway Rates. Mr Thomas Wedgwood of Betley came to dinner.

Friday 17th November 1820
Better, but still very unwell. Miss Wedgwoods and Mr Rd Wedgwood went after breakfast. Mr Edwards of Alsager relative to the Will of Mary [Hanley?] and advising him thereon. At night Mrs and Miss Crompton of Eton and Miss C. Crompton arrived.

Saturday 18th November 1820
At Newcastle meeting. Mr Wedgwood of Bignall called, who paid on £3000 in part of his Bond and Mortgage. At the Brewery &c. Returned to dinner.

Sunday 19th November 1820
At home. Service. Still very indifferent. Rowland Bent came to dinner. In the afternoon Dr Northen to see Mary Beardmore, and considered her case very doubtful.
“When Parties prevail a principal way to get popularity is, to act foolishly for one side and wickedly against the other. So that popularity is often but the price that people pay to their Chiefs for deceiving them.” Gordon Cators Letters.

Monday 20th November 1820
At home. Engaged closely on Navigation Papers and particularly as to the liability of the Company to the Poor Rates and the manner and extent of rating. Mr Bate of Chesterton and Mr Beardmore relative to the Chaise for which the former bid 55/.

Tuesday 21st November 1820
At home. Various matters. Farm &c.

Wednesday 22nd November 1820
Went early to Stone. Met Mr Webb at the Office with whom and Mr Vaughan closely engaged finishing examination of the Treasurer’s Accounts. Afterwards dined at the Crown and returned home at night.

Thursday 23rd November 1820
At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers &c. Received letter from Mr Kinnersly informing me that a Requisition to the Mayor was signing, to call a Meeting for the purpose of addressing this [majority?] which I informed him that I would attend.

Friday 24th November 1820
At home. Engaged on the Address &c.

Saturday 25th November 1820
At home. Various matters.

Sunday 26th November 1820
In the morning the Cromptons left us. Afterwards received another letter from Mr Kinnersly informing me that the Mayor had appointed Tuesday next for the Meeting. Service.

Monday 27th November 1820
At Newcastle. Met Mr Fenton and Mr Sparrow at Mr Kinnersly’s reading over the Address which I had drawn up to them, and which with some slight addition they approved. Returned home to dinner.

Tuesday 28th November 1820
At Newcastle. Attending Meeting which was very numerously and most respectably attended. Read and proposed the Address, which was unanimously approved, and which after the signature of it was completed, I was desired to transmit to Lord Sidmouth, in order that it might be presented to His Majesty.

Wednesday 29th November 1820
Again at Newcastle. Settling with Mr Smith the printing of the Address in the newspapers. Eliza, Miss Stamford and Emma called at Mr Butts.

Thursday 30th November 1820
Eliza and I called at Trentham. Saw Lady Stafford, Lord S. being gone out. Very friendly reception from her Ladyship and much pleasant conversation. Speaking of the Queen, she seemed to entertain no doubt of her guilt, and said Lord S had attended the whole of the 53 days without being absent an hour. Lord Stafford also satisfied of her guilt as I collected from her Ladyship. Called afterwards at Mr Butts but they were out. Wrote letter to Lord Sidmouth.

Friday 1st December 1820
At home.

Saturday 2nd December 1820
Again at Newcastle with the letter to Lord Sidmouth and which I delivered to Mr Swinnerton at Mr Sparrow’s, in order that it might be forwarded along with the Address, to Lord S by tomorrow morning’s Post. Found the Address had been fully signed, there being upwards of 300 signatures, comprehending almost the whole of the respectable inhabitants.

Sunday 3rd December 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 4th December 1820
At home. Farm &c.

Tuesday 5th December 1820
At home. Very wet day.
“The Physician who heals the diseases, and alleviates the anguish of the body may merit a more conspicuous and honourable place in the temple of Fame, but the Musician, who eminently sooths our sorrows and innocently diverts the mind from its cares during health, renders his memory dear to the grateful and refined part of Mankind, in every civilized nation.” Baird. R. Cyc.
Dr Northen came again to see M. Beardmore, whose case had become less formidable that it was a few days ago.
“In some cases, travelling has not inaptly been compared to sporting; the exercise of it being of much more value than the Game.”

Wednesday 6th December 1820
At Newcastle meeting Mr [Ranyclay?] Mr Sandon and Mr Vaughan relative to Messrs R and S’s new invented Steam Machine for passing the boats upon the Canal. Long conversation and discussion with them, and drawing up minutes of their proposition which I promised to lay before the Select Committee at their next meeting and when I desired Messrs R and S to attend.
Mr Sandon stated that the number of horses at this time employed in taking boats upon Canals &c in the Kingdom amounted to 50,000. Sent them Fulton’s book on Navigation, which contains many drawings of Boats, they not having before seen the work and thinking it might be of use to them.

Thursday 7th December 1820
Engaged all morning on Navigation papers and particularly in considering the business of yesterday and framing an Agreement that would be proper to be entered into. Afterwards rode on horseback to meet Emma, who was returning from Betley. Remarkably mild fine day.
Classed [word rubbed out] in the number of able and useful men, whose nature is superior to their fame, a class of which there are members in every profession and rank of life, and to whose assistance the first rate characters are [served?] great part of their celebrity and success.”

Friday 8th December 1820
At home. Engaged on various matters particularly in reconsidering and correcting minutes relative to the Agreement to be entered into by the Navigation Company with Messrs Rangeley and Sandon.

Saturday 9th December 1820
At home.

Sunday 10th December 1820
At home. Service. In the evening received by the Post a printed letter signed “Thomas Swinnerton, E.J. Richetts and Mr Lister” regarding my signature to a Requisition to the Sheriff to call a County Meeting.

Monday 11th December 1820
At Newcastle meeting Sir John Heathcote on Shrewsbury concerns. Found a letter from Lord Sidmouth to me, at Mr Sparrow’s Office, stating that he had presented the Newcastle Address to His Majesty, and which had been received in the most gracious manner. On my return home, replied to the letter relative to a County Meeting, and informed Mr Ricketts that I could not permit my name to be added to the proposed Requisition cases. Found letter from Mr Boyd Eardley stating that Mr Bagley would tomorrow view the Woodfield Colliery, in order to put a value upon the same, sent to Mr Johnson, who came to Linley Wood and again assured me that there were no coals of any value or worth the getting; but promised to attend the Meeting tomorrow of Mr Bagley and Mr [Bogr?] Eardley.

Tuesday 12th December 1820
At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow. Received a note from Mr Eardley informing me that Mr Bagley could not attend till the 23rd.

Wednesday 13th December 1820
At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Took Mr Thomas Sparrow from Newcastle and returned home at night.

Thursday 14th December 1820
At home. Engaged all morning writing various letters to Lord and Dudley who had appointed me his Proxy in the Navigation Concerns. Mrs Finch the like. &c. &c. Mr Morris called relative to the state of the Towing path &c. Fine cold frost.

Friday 15th December 1820
Eliza and I, Miss Stamford and Emma dined at Dr Belcombes. Met Mr and Mrs Meath, two Miss Wedgwoods, Miss Moreton, William Kinnersly and a Captain Smith who came with him. Rowland and two Miss Bents of Stoney fields. Hard frost accompanied with a high wind. Men busy at the farm carrying out manure to the upper part of the meadow.

Saturday 16th December 1820
Hurricane of wind in the night and extreme cold.
“The Lore of our Country is a fixed disposition of mind to promote the safety, welfare and expectations of the Community in which we are born, and of the Constitution under which we are protected.”
Freeholder. 22.

Sunday 17th December 1820
At home. Service. In the last night snow. Stamford arrived in the evening.

Monday 18th December 1820
At home. Thaw. Navigation papers and matters.

Tuesday 19th December 1820
At home. Various matters. Miss Stamford and Emma went to Parkfields.

Wednesday 20th December 1820
At Lane End meeting Sir John Heathcote and Mr Vaughan, viewing Watercourse, Rent Road and the Alterations proposed which Sir John wished to be made by the Company. Out all day but returned late to dinner. Found Mr [Bary?] Eardley had called in my absence relative to the Woodfield Colliery and the meeting fixed for Saturday next for the same being [received?] by Mr Bagley. Mrs Tollet called.

Thursday 21st December 1820
Wrote to Mr Hugh Bourne in reply to his letter accompanying a plan for the improvement of the Trent and Mersey Navigation by cutting a Canal from Caldon leave Railway to the Leek Canal and thereby saving the water consumed by the Limestone carriage at Hazelhurst Locks. Afterwards called at Mr B. Eardly’s but he was from home. Called also upon Mr Johnson who promised to attend on Saturday next. Miss Stamford and Emma returned from Parkfields.

Friday 22nd December 1820
At home. Mr Johnson of the Hollins called to inform me that Mr Bagley had arrived today and that they were then inspecting the mines.

Saturday 23rd December 1820
Mr Bagley called early to inform me that he had examined the mines but, with a view to enable him better to judge, he thought it best not to come to any conclusion till the Pit which was now sinking was gone on with so as to ascertain better the mine which they expected to find about 8 yards lower was there or not. He said they had already been disappointed in one mine which instead of being 7 feet thick as they expected, was not thicker than a hands breadth. He said that if Coal was found, yet was it his own case, he would let them go on, as it could at the utmost be but of a few years continuance. Afterwards he called upon Mr Johnson who confirmed all that he had before said relative to the coals. Wrote to Mr Jones relative to the Lawton title.
Stamford and I dined at Mr Kinnersly’s, Newcastle. Met Mr. C. Lawton, Reverend Mr Basnett, Mr G. Sparrow, Dr Northen, Mr Davenport of Longport and Mr Hassells. In the forenoon Rev Mr and Mrs Butt called.

Sunday 24th December 1820
At home. Service.

Monday 25th December 1820
At home. Upwards of 50 persons, servants &c dined here and ourselves.

Tuesday 26th December 1820
At Sandbach consulting Mr Jones relative to obtaining an Act of Parliament for confirmation of Swallow Moor Wood and Stone Upper Title, when it was agreed that I should speak to Mr Charles Lawton about the matter. Returned to dinner. In the evening ill, so as to prevent Eliza accompanying Mrs Stamford, Emma and Stamford to Newcastle Assembly.

Wednesday 27th December 1820
A dreadful night, not having slept a minute. Sent to Mr Tomlinson requesting to see him tomorrow on the Lawton business.

Thursday 28th December 1820
Better this morning. Miss Stamford and Emma set off to Liverpool. Mr Tomlinson and Mr Weeks Tomlinson came. Long conversation with Mr Tomlinson on the Lawton business, when we finally determined that it would be best to proceed on obtaining the Act of Parliament.

Friday 29th December 1820
At home. Engaged in various papers.

Saturday 30th December 1820
At home. The like.

Sunday 31st December 1820
At home. Service.