Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1825

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 71/72 

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich -  66/67 - 

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich -  58/59 - 

James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 65/66 

Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) of Linley Wood - 70/71 

Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 39/40          - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.

James Stamford Caldwell - age - 38/39  - son of James and Elizabeth C.

Margaret Emma Holland - age - 32/33    - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.

Arthur Cuthbert Marsh - age 38/39  (London)

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – age 33/34 – (Lady Mary’s mother)(Londonj)

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa –  age 6/7 

Frances Mary Marsh (later Crofton) - age 5/6 

Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – age 4/5 

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy -1/2 

Martin William James Marsh - born 24 August 1825

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood, Stoke on Trent

1825 February

Tuesday 1^st February 1825

At home.  Closely engaged all morning copying afresh the Dent. Of the Petition, with some additions & alterations as approved by Mr. Eyre Lee.  Very unwell & almost overcome with hurry & fatigue both of mind & body.

Wednesday 2 February 1825. 

Mr. Vaughan came early to breakfast to inform me that Sir Geo. Chetwynd did not think the Meeting of the Select Committee which I had sent Mr. Vaughan purposely to propose, necessary, having written to me to propose a Meeting at Lichfield as I went to Town. 

So many things however of the utmost importance, admitting too of our delay & on which it was not proper for me solely to determine, made me [restive] to set out tomorrow in order to see Sir George & Mr. Lister, & if judged properly by them to go forward to London understanding this there was great enquiry amongst the Prospectors why somebody was not there on the behalf of this Canal. 

Made arrangements as necessary with Mr. Vaughan who, promised to accompany me..  Mr. Potter afterwards came to report to me upon the progress of the Tunnel, & the Knypersley Reservoir, but still no Tidings of Mr. Telford.  Road man Mr. Rob. Heath, with whom I selected to give his assistance on the survey of the branch line so far as selection to the [Morris] Minerals etc. & which Mr. Lister requested me to get some proper persons to do. 

Wrote to Mr. S. Wright in reply to an application made by him on the behalf of the Trustees of the River Weaver Navigation respecting the intended Repeal of the restrictive Clauses contained in their Act.  Wrote to Arthur Marsh in reply to a Letter received from him last night.  Wearied out & almost exhausted, & in a very unfit state for the anxious and laborious duty that lies before me for Journal from February 3 1825 to March 31.  bid Paper Book marked A.

…..?

Derby Mercury

Wednesday 16 February 1825
We the undersigned, being Fifteen Proprietors of the Navigation from the Trent to the Mersey, do hereby appoint a special Meeting of the Proprietors of the said Navigation, to be held at the FreeMasons Tavern, Queen Street, London, on Friday the fourth day of March next, at twelve o'clock at noon; for the purpose of taking into consideration the state of the Company's Concerns, and the measures most proper to be adopted, in consequence of the Projects now in agitation, whereby the interests of this Navigation may be affected.

London February 12, 1825

James Caldwell, Chairman of hte Select Committee.

Archibald Macdonald, P. Pleydell Bouverie, James Trebeck, J.S. Salt, Nathaniel Robarts, J. Stamford Caldwell, Abraham Wilkinson, W.H. Hargrave, Edward Smith Godfrey, George Reveley, W. Wheatley, Thomas Salt, Richard Mountford, Josiah Wedgwood.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

1825  April

Friday 1^st April 1825. 

At home.  Miss Dawson on the Penlington Affairs.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Received in the evening from Mr. Vaughan a copy of the Evidence which had been given before the Committee on the Manchester & Liverpool Railway Bill upon Monday March 25.

Saturday 2 April 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Papers, Farm etc. & afterwards called at Rode Hall withStamford.  Saw Mr. R. Wilbraham & invited him to dinner Tuesday next.

Sunday 3 April 1825. 

At home.  Service.

Monday 4 April 1825. 

Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation business. Went afterwards to Newcastle it being Fair day.  Returned home to dinner.  Received in the evening further Evidence given before the committee upon the Liverpool & Manchester Rail Road Bill.  This morning sent notes to the Kinnersley's inviting them to dine on Saturday the 16, but they . . .were engaged.  When atNewcastlesigned with Mr. Booth as the new Deputy . . .for calling out the . . .

Tuesday 5 April 1825. 

Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.  Mr. Potter called, with whom engaged some time, and afterwards accompanied him to the Tunnel.  About 10 yards at the North end was completed & into which I was clear.  The work appeared to be going on well, but will cost I think much more than was estimated expense.  Observed to Mr. Potter that an Agreement in writing should have been obtained from Mr. Williamson for our taking down the Houses built upon his Land.  Revd. Mr. Mainwaring, Mr. Randle, Wilbraham & Jos. Wedgwood dined.

Wednesday 6 April 1825. 

Went to Stone early; & where afterwards engaged all day at the General Assembly.  Returned home at night, bringing Mr. Sparrow with me to Newcastle.  On my arrival at home found Mrs. Stamford who had returned this Evening fromEton.

Thursday 7 April 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on various matters & papers.  Wrote to Miss Sparrow & Wilkinson & sent them a copy of the order of the General Assembly relative to the Financial [addition]

Friday 8 April 1825. 

Accompanied Miss Wrench & Miss Dawson to Sandbach, & who I took in the Carriage from Rode Heath to Sandbach, where we proved the Will of the late Miss Penlington before the Revd. Mr. Batty, & which was stated by the Ward of Chester to be necessary to previous to Letters of [Comonde] Lines now of the later Mr. Penlington having granted.  Long Search & Conversation with Mr. J Sherratt relative to the Title to the Tithes, but we could find no Deed.  At Sandbach saw Mr. Sutton & the Revd Mr. H. . ..   Mentioned to the former the Fence at Anderton.

Saturday 9 April 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on papers etc.  Considered Letter from Mr. Bagley relative to the cutting of the Preston Brook Warehouse with a view to replying to the charge contained in Mr. Sanders Pamphlet.  Afterwards upon the Farm , busy sowing oats in the meadow lying up to the Hollins.

 London Courier & Evening Gazette

Saturday 9 April 1825

In 8vo. price 14s. boards.

A Digest of the Laws relating to the Poor, containing the Statutes and Cases to the 5th Geo.IV.1824, inclusive. - By J. Stamford Caldwell Esq., Barrister at Law.

The Supplement, containing the Statutes and Cases from 1821 to 1824 may be had separately. Price 9s. sewed.

London: Printed for Joseph Butterworth and Son, 45 Fleet Street.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Sunday 10 April 1825. 

At home.  Service.  William Bent came to dinner, and with whom engaged, but he returned to Meadowfield early.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan for Mr. Sanders 2^nd Edition of his Pamphlet.

Monday 11 April 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. Williams of Shrewsbury & sent him by by [Bangup] Coach from Talk on the Hill, Mr. Hubbert's Trust Deed which I declined executing.  Engaged on Papers & various matters.

Tuesday 12 April 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Edward Roscoe in reply to his Letter relative to an Invention for facilitating the Navigation of Boats upon canals.  Engaged in the Grounds.  Finished sowing oats.  Planted a Portugal Laurel at the corner of the dining room left side window.  In the evening Letter from Mr. Vaughan with Copy of one from Mr. Bateman relative to Knypersley Reservoir & requesting an Inspection of the work.  Began repairs of Water Wheel.

Wednesday 13 April 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Wrote the draft of a Letter to Sir George Chetwynd relative to Mr. Sanders observations respecting the Warehouse at Preston Brook, & considering his portions.  In the night there had been some light storms. Stamfordcame to dinner fromChesterAssizes & afterwards set off toStafford.

Thursday 14 April 1825. 

At home, but suffering from my eyes, which prevents my writing.  They have since my returns fromLondonbeen weak & occasionally painful.  Another symptom of declining age.

Friday 15 April 1825. 

At home, but abstained from writing. Stamford returned from Stafford Sessions.  In the evening Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Saturday 16 April 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Copied and sent to Mr. Vaughan the Minutes of the Proceedings of the last General Assembly.  Firm light showers cut the advance of Spring slow & gradual.

Sunday 17 April 1825. 

At home.  Service as usual.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Monday 18 April 1825. 

At home.  Engaged with private accounts, settling Cash Book etc.

Tuesday 19 April 1825. 

At home.  Miss Dawson on Penlington's affairs, & to inform me that the Letters of Admin. de Bones now had been granted to her. & would be sent to me in a day or two.  Mr. Kirk the Engineer inspecting the progress of the work at the Water Wheel & Reservoir, when he said he would request Mr. Potter to look at the latter.  Kirk on speaking of [Redstone] & Locomotive Steam Engine expressed a decided opinion against them as a mode of general Carriage.  Received in the evening a Box containing very old Deeds & papers belonging to the late Penlingtons.

Wednesday 20 April 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Potter and with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation business, & when I desired him to call upon Mr. Bateman & explain to him that there was no delay or default on the part of the Company in respect to carrying the whole of the Agreement into immediate effect.  Engaged afterwards all the rest of the day examining the papers etc. contained in the Box sent by Miss Dawson, chiefly with a view to the Title to the Tythes of . . .& Bostock House Estate.  In the evening Stamford set off to London.

Thursday 21 April 1825. 

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & sent him enclosed Mr. Bayleys Letter & a copy of the Minute in the Select Committee Book relative to the Warehouse at Preston Brook.  Mr. Kinnersley, and afterwards Mr. Rob. Heath & another person, the Manager of Mr. Williamson's Colliery relation to the constitution amongst the Colliers for advance of wages & many of whom had struck & were going about in large bands to advise others to join them or compel them to give up work. 

The principal object of Mr. K. & the others seemed to be to whether the Company would resist any increase of wages to the men working at the Tunnel.  I said that these People were employed under Mr. Telford who had undertaken the execution of the Work & therefore that the Company could not interfere with these & with which explanation they appeared to be satisfied. 

I observed too that they might be possibly be engaged on some critical part of the Water Wheel which would not advise of stopping.  In this case Mr. R. Heath observed they must go on . . .what they would.  I desired them to mention the business to Mr. J. Potter.  The Colliers . . wages amount to about 24/- per week.  They want 27/- which the.[Gutter] men said was too much & more than could be afforded. 

They said there were no Coals beforehand for the Potters use, & of the Colliers refusal to cut the whole of the seam fortresses would be stopped at the end of the present break  Mr. H. estimated the number of working Colliers in this neighbourhood at about 4000. 

In the conversation I urged repeatedly the importance of the Masters being able to show that the Wages they gave or were willing to give were fairer and reasonable otherwise those responsible would see that the other blame would fall upon themselves.  Considered Minutes of Manchester & Liverpool Rail Road Comm., received by this Evenings Post.  Mrs. Twemlow & Miss Twemlow called.

Friday 22 April 1825. 

At home.  Various matters.  In the afternoon James Potter with whom a long conversation relative to the Colliers etc.  He assured me that Mr. Pritchards Wages had been no more than 24/- a week to the miners for 8 hours a day.  a day.  Banksmen & Pitmen 3/- a day.  Other Labourers at about 14/- a week of the latter there were no more than about 35 in the company's employment of them.  The whole employers by Mr. Pritchard.  From this it appears that the complaints made of the men employed at the Tunnel having received greater wages & thereby considered a demand for higher wages amongst the Colliers etc. is granted.

Saturday 23 April 1825. 

At home.  Eliza & Mrs..Stamford called at Clough Hall.  In the evening Letter from Sir Geoge Chetwynd.

Sunday 24 April 1825 

At home.  Service.  Letter again from Sir Geo. Chetwynd.

Monday 25 April 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Slater called, & with whom I surveyed and finally settled the line of the new branch Road from the Hollins toLinley Lane.  Afterwards engaged on Navigation papers, and wrote a long Letter to Sir George Chetwynd.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Wilkinson with a copy of a fourth affidavit made by Mr. Wooliscroft in the Caldon business & requesting my opinion thereon.

Tuesday 26 April 1825. 

At home.  Perused & considered Affidavit received from Mr. Wilkinson.  Wrote to A. C. Marsh.  Wrote also to Miss Ward & [Aldon] of Balford Sgt. London, & sent them (by Mail from the Red Bull) the Deed of Indemnity executed on Anne's marriage, which was necessary to be inspected for the completion of some of the Indemnities.  Eliza & Mrs.. Stamfordwent to Newcastle& engaged the Wilkinsons & Andertons to dine on Thursday the 5^th of May.

Wednesday 27 April 1825. 

At home.  Heavy Rain all day.  Finished the repair of the Reservoir, plastering etc.  Mr. Kirks then went from work at the Wheel.  In the evening Letter from Sir. G. Chetwynd.  In the morning James Beardsmore came up to speak to me in consequence of which I had a conversation with him, when we settled for him to go, as soon as convenient.

Thursday 28 April 1825. 

Wrote to Miss Sparrow & Wilkinson on the Caldon case.  Mr. Booth of Audley called for my opinion on a case under the deal for comprehending the Assessed Papers, & which after looking into the Act, I gave him in writing, to show to Mr. Peake.  Unwell.  Eliza & Mrs. Stamford called at the Hill, and at the Wheelock.

Friday 29 April 1825. 

At home.  Unwell.  Letter from Mr. Bateman relative to the business of Knypersley Reservoir.  Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd.

Saturday 30 April 1825. 

Wrote  Letter to Mr. Bateman in reply to the one received from him.  Called upon the Revd. Mr. Mainwaring, and engaged him to dine on Thursday next.  In the evening Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.

May 1825

Sunday 1^st May 1825. 

At home.  Service.  In the afternoon Mr. Giles on his way toChester, who dined & staid till eight o'clock.  I had much conversation with him on the Manchester & Liverpool Rail Road business, his own project of Canal & Roadway &. . . . . the Message etc. etc.  He showed me the [heads] of the evidence which he was proposed to give before the Committee of the former, & which appeared fully to show the ignorance or blunder of Stephenson, particularly as to his Lands and Estimates. 

Mr. Giles said he should proceed to ascertain the [possibility] of the Agreement across the Mersey by trying for whatever there was a sufficient foundation.  This I recommended him strongly to do before any further step was taken.  He spoke of the whole expense of the load being about £800,000.

Monday 2 May 1825. 

At home.  James Potter called, & with whom looked at the wheel work which Mr. Kirks man had left in such a state that it would not work, when he promised to send a proper person to set it right.  Soon after he was gone two men came from Mr. Kirks, who immediately began the job.  Afterwards engaged all morning on Navigation Papers & wrote long letter to Sir George Chetwynd.  In the evening Letter from Mr. Vaughan proposing Wednesday next for seeing me, which he wished to do, & whence in reply agreeing Wednesday accordingly.

Tuesday 3 May 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Potter called, and with whom engaged on Navigation business.  In the evening Letters from Sir George Chetwynd informing me of the decision of the Caldon Case being the Court of King's Bench & with Minutes of the decision in our favour.  Also enclosing for my perusal Copy of the Willington Special Case as settled by Counsel for Agreement.

Wednesday 4 May 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Vaughan came according to appointment, & with whom engaged all morning.  We arranged that he should purchase the Buildings now on sale opposite to the office at Stone, the Company having the option of taking the purchase, if they thought proper.  Afterwards wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & returned him the Willington Case.  Engaged on the Farm.  Mr. Holland of . . .& the two Miss Hollands came to dinner.

Thursday 5 May 1825. 

After breakfast went to Sandbach to see Miss Sherratt on the Penlington's Affairs, & to enquire after the Probate of Miss P's. Will & the letters of Admin. but neither of them had been received back from Chester, though Mr. Batter who I saw said the Will had been immediately transmitted to the Office by him.  In consequence I desired Mr. Sherratt to see the Registrar at Middlewich tomorrow when he was expected to do, & desired then the article be dispatched immediately. 

Long conversation relative to the Title & the Hassall Estates, when it was finally arranged that I should request Mr. Tomlinson to go to Sandbach & inspect the Deeds with Miss Sherratt.  Dr. & two Miss Northen's, Revd. Mr. Anderton & Miss Anderton, & the Revd. Mr. Mainwaring dined.  In the evening Letter from Sir Geo. C.  N.B. Got early Potatoes.

Friday 6 May 1825. 

Engaged on the Farm.  Mr. Harding [Atly] of Burslem called to enquire as to the Deed relating to the Security from Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End, previous to the money being paid on the 19 instant, when I planned Saturday the 14 for his inspecting the Deeds.  Sent the Carriage to Newcastle for the two Miss Byerleys & who came to dinner.  My sisters also came from Nantwich.  In the evening Letter from Sir. Geo. Chetwynd, with a favourable report of Gile's examination before the Manchester & Liverpool Railway Committee.  Turned milking cows out into the field under the Terrace, 15 Milkers, 1 Feeder.

Saturday 7 May 1825. 

After breakfast Mrs. & Miss Hollands and the Miss Byerleys went.  Engaged upon the Farm, & various matters.  Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.  Purchased a Milking cow for which I gave £16.

Sunday 8 May 1825. 

At home.  Service.

Monday 9 May 1825. 

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Mrs. Stamford, Ann & Bessy set off on their Journey into Lincolnshire.  Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson to request him to accompany me to Sandbach tomorrow or Wednesday.

Tuesday 10 May 1825. 

Mr. Tomlinson came about 9 o'clock when we proceeded to Sandbach, and engaged there till near three, examining the Penlington Title Deeds & comparing the same with the abstract.  Minute taken by Mr. J. Sherratt of the particulars necessary for completing the Title which he promised to obtain & also to prove the Will of the late Mr. Darlington.  He said on his applying to Mr. Head. relative to the Letters of Admin. he gave him a short answer, & said he could do nothing till he got back to Chester.  The Conduct of these People's insufferable from their relationship & . . .  Mr. Tomlinson dined at Linley Wood afterwards & showed me the correspondence between himself & Mr. Heathcote.  Sowed Turnips in the orchard.

Wednesday 11 May 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Balgery on Harrisons Affairs.  Barlow to consult me relative to trespass committed on an Estate which he holds under the Sneyds of Keele, by water being fetched from a well in the Lands,  where I advised him to act intuitively under the direction of his Landlord, but if any [damage had been] done he might apply to a Magistrate.  

Morris to advise with me on this criminal of some . . .Buildings which he had erected on Lands in Alsager. held it on the Lawtons of the Manor, whom I declined interfering on the occasion.  John Taylor relative to his claim to the Estates in Warwickshire, whom I sent ,by Mr. Williams of Sandbach, whom he said wished to see it, have a Letter from Mr. . . .Parkfield on 7 September 1824 requesting at the same time that it might be returned to me.  Turned the Milking cows into the House field.

Thursday 12 May 1825. 

At home.  In the House almost all day, it being heavy Rain.  In the evening Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd.

Friday 13 May 1825. 

Engaged in the morning selecting Title Deeds to Estates in mortgage to me from John Wedgwood of Bignall End. For the inspection of his solicitor Mr. Harding tomorrow morning.  Dined at Dr. Northen's (Eliza not being well enough to accompany me).  Met Mr. & Mrs. Ralph Adderley & a Gentleman with them. (Mr. Whaley I think they called him), Mr. & Mrs. F. Twemlow & Miss . . ., Miss Moreton & Miss Morgan.

Saturday 14 May 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Mr. Harding of Burslem examining Title Deeds with a view to preparing . . .of Mr. Wedgwood's mortgage & to whom I delivered one of the Deeds by direction of Mr. Wedgwood.  Turned the Cart Horse to grass in the Land next to the house of Mr. Jenks.

Sunday 15 May 1825. 

At home.  Service.

Monday 16 May 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd in reply to his last Letter, & also of the Select Committee at Lichfield.  Wrote to Mr. [Shortage] of Northwich, & to Mr. Sherratt of Nantwich.  George Beardmore came by appointment & with whom I looked at the Ground for the site of the Public House intended to be built at the Hollins, & Mrs. Chas. Lawton & Mrs. [Fryer] called.  Sowed Swedish Turnips in the small piece of Land adjoining the Road.  Mr Wedgwood of Bignall End called & appointed Thursday next at eleven 1 March for discharging the principal & Interest remaining on his Mortgage & Bond.

Tuesday 17 May 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Potter on Navigation business, and to whom I delivered a Letter which I had received from Mr. Bateman relative to the Title & a Plan of the Land agreed to be given to him in exchange, in order that he might show it to Sir George Chetwynd.  Desired Mr. Potter to inform Mr. Webb that I would meet him any day at Stone to examine & settle the . . Cert. and if Mr. Vaughan did not think a Meeting of the Select Committee quite necessary, to communicate this to Sir Geo. Chetwynd, & that the Meeting which I had proposed at Lichfield might stand over, & that he & Mr. Lister were in the . . .

Wednesday 18 May 1825. 

At home.  Engaged looking over Deeds etc. previous to Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Harding coming here tomorrow to discharge the residue of principal & Interest due on Mr. Wedgwood's Mortgage & Bond.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan relative to Settlement of the Treasurer's Account, examination of Cash Book etc., & which I replied to by this Post.  Mr. Booth Of Audley relative to the case & opinion under the passed times which I had given him a short time ago & to regard my attendance tomorrow at Trentham Inn but which I was prevented from, by my engagement with Mr. Wedgwood & of which I had by Letter informed Mr. Peake.  Thomas Morris relative to his nomination to be a collector of the Land tax.  Wrote by him to Mr. Peake.

Thursday 19 May 1825. 

Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Harding paying off all principal and Interest remaining due me on the Bond & Mortgage, & delivered to Mr. Wedgwood the Bond together with all the Title Deeds after the same had been compared with the Schedule by Mr. Harding.  Afterwards went to Newcastle & paid £5695 into the hands of Kinnersley & Co. to whom I am directed to pay by . .  £1000 to J. T. Caldwell being a further advance made to him, & also to purchase for me £3000 now 4 for Cons. Stock.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan, [Balgery],[Shortage & . . .

Friday 20 May 1825. 

Mr. Sutton of Shardlow & Mr. Clifford called relative to a communication with the Canal at Anderton for Rock Salt when I recommended that a Plan should be made of what they proposed previous to any thing being done & said that I would speak to Mr. Vaughan about it.  Also relative to an indulgence being given in the Tonnage of Rock Salt , but for explaining which they promised to furnish the necessary Statements & Calculations. 

Wrote to Mr. Hartley of Stoke acknowledging the receipt of a Letter enclosing £100 Bank post Bill for Mrs. Stamford.  Took a short Ride with Eliza in the Carriage.  Mr. Vaughan came to dinner, & with whom engaged on Navigation business & various matters on which he wished to consult me.  He left with me the Cash Book in order that I might go over the same, previous to meeting Mr. Webb at Stone, & which I promised to do the next week to settle the Insurers Accounts etc. it being the day to be fined by Mr. Webb. 

I engaged also to accompany Mr. Vaughan to Anderton some day in the week after next, in order to see the plan & the proposed communications with the River.

Saturday 21 May 1825. 

Engaged with the Navigation Cash Book a long time, & the examination of which I completed.  Called at Mr. Morris's but he was not at home.  Called also at Daniel Johnson's.  Turned the Carriage horses out in the Hollins Land Saw Mr. Slater who was taking the Levels of the branch Road.  He said they should have begun in a few days, but that he thought it best to let the Hay Crop be first got in.  He thought they would finish the Road this year.  Mentioned to him a slip of Ground being left at the intended near building, which he said should be done.  Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.  Mrs. Stamford, Ann and Bessy arrived to tea.  Almost the whole of the day I have been very unwell.

Sunday 22 May 1825. 

At home.  James Bent arrived after breakfast.  Service.

Monday 23 May 1825. 

James Bent went after breakfast.  Went myself to Cliffe Ville to show the Bond of Indemnity given to me by Mr. Wood & his sons in the dissolution of the late Mr. . . .wife to Mr. Tomkinson, who was decidedly of opinion with me that it neither could nor ought to be given up.  Returned home direct, not stopping at Newcastle, though it was the Whitsuntide Fair & on my return sent the Navigation Cash Book to Mr. Vaughan by the Messenger who came for it.  In the evening Thunder with heavy showers of Rain & Hail.  Alsager to agree for the making of the Land called when he appointed to come again in the morning.

Tuesday 24 May 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. [Hartage] declining to give up the the Bond of Indemnity & sent him a copy of the material Words.  Thunder & lightening in the night with heavy Rain.  Letter from Mr. Eyre Lee with Statements etc. relative to Birmingham & Liverpool Rail Road.

Wednesday 25 May 1825. 

At Stone early examining & settling with Mr. Webb & Mr. Vaughan the Treasurer's Accounts, & the Cash Book.  Engaged closely all day.  Returned in the morning.

Thursday 26 May 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Dr. Holland relative to the payment of the £2000 under his marriage Settlement.  Wrote to Mr. Eyre Lee (Thomas Eyre Lee) in reply to his Letter accompanying the Birmingham & Liverpool Rail Road Papers.  Engaged afterwards with Mr. Sherratt, and with then making sound for all in Alsager Lands.  In the evening Letter from Sir George Chetwynd enclosing , for my consideration, a long letter from Lord [Clive] relative to a proposed branch of Canal from the Chester Canal to Middlewich.

Friday 27 May 1825. 

At home.  Considered the Letter from Lord [Clive] I engaged on this matter previous to replying to Sir George Chetwynd's Letter, then on preparing the old Marsh Pit in the Land late Mr. Jenks, the Marsh approving to be good, and being recommended by the late Tenant Mr. Twemlow.  Mr. Latham of Talk with his account which I settled and paid.  Mr. John Wilson of Newcastle relative to the question in dispute between the Trustees of the Brereton & Linley Lane Turnpike Roads & the Coach proprietors, & to obtain a Meeting of the Commission when I recommended it to him to apply to Col. Ford.  He said that there had been a late Decision of the Court of Kings Branch in favour of the Coach Proprietors though the Words of the Act of Parliament were thought then in this case., & which confirmed the opinion I had originally given.  Mr. Sherratt left us in the afternoon, & I sent him in the Carriage to Sandbach.  Miss Morgan came to dinner.

Saturday 28 May 1825. 

Miss Morgan went after breakfast.  At home.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd in reply to his Letter enclosing Lord Clive's, and the latter of which I returned to Sir George.  Engaged on the Farm  Mr. Booth of Audley relative to his case under the assessed Taxes, & for the opinion of the Judges, which the Commissioners had agreeably being opinion directed to be prepared, when I recommended it to him to see Mr. Peake again, a distress having been threatened to be made.  Eliza, Ann & Bessy went in the morning to Newcastle.

Sunday 29 May 1825. 

At home.  Person called from Mr. Robert Williamson relative to Harecastle Tunnel, when I appointed to see Mr. W. at Linley Wood tomorrow at one o'clock, he preparing to call on his way to Liverpool. 

Service.  In the afternoon went to see Daniel Johnson, who had grown much worse since I was last there.  Sat a considerable time with him & endeavoured to make his mind easy about his account with me etc.  From thence called at Mr. [Barkers] who had been seized with a fit whilst at Danl. Johnson's this morning.  Saw his wife & his son & strongly their leaving not a moment in obtaining medical advice.  In the evening Letter from Dr. Holland relative to the payment of the £2000 which I had proposed paying in pursuant to the Settlement made on his marriage.

Monday 30 May 1825. 

Changed Milking cows into the Hollins Ground.  Mr. Rob. Williamson called pursuant to appointment & with whom a conversation relative to the Tenants necessary to be made in the new Tunnel for the accommodation of his Coal Boats, but said that some might be applying to me, he understood this was intended to be done.  There were other matters spoken of but which he said he would write to me upon.  Called afterwards at Danl. Johnson's & Mr. [Barkers].  The former still very ill, the latter his wife said was much better.  D. Johnson I employed today at the Macclesfield carrying the mud etc. being the beginning of the Draining.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & appointed Friday next for going to Anderton.

Tuesday 31 May 1825. 

Went to Newcastle & made arrangements with Kinnersley for the payment of the £2000 to Dr. Holland by direction to . . .to pay that sum to the order of J. S. Caldwell, on account of his signature being known to them.  Mr. Davenport called & made a more favourable Report of Decl. Johnson , previous to this I had sent a Messenger with a note to Tunstall from

Tuesday 31 May 1825.

Mr.Davenport had not been at the Oak since Sunday last.  Letters from Mr. Vaughan & Sir Geo. Chetwynd.  In the evening our dear Anne and her four children arrived.

June

Wednesday 1^st June 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. Sutton of Shardlow in reply to a Letter received from him by this morning's Post relative to the recommendation which he wished to have at Anderton, and informing him that Mr. Vaughan & I were going to Anderton on Friday next.  Wrote to Dr. Holland relative to the payment of the £2000 under his Settlement, & in consequence of the Letter which came by the Post, wrote a second time, desiring him to take the money upon his own party & let the investment of it under the Settlement wait his accommodation.  George Beardmore with further Plan of the proposed new Buildings at the Hollins, when I desired him to stake out the ground, & which he said he would do on Monday next.

Thursday 2 June 1825. 

At home.  Sent Messenger with a Letter to Kinnersley to take care that the £2000 was payable on Saturday next, & if necessary to write by the Post.  Engaged with Navigation Papers previous to going to Anderton tomorrow.  Mr. Vaughan came to dinner, & with whom engaged.  Letters from Sir George Chetwynd, Mr. Davenport of Capesthorne & Mr. Giles.

Friday 3 June 1825.  

Accompanied Mr. Vaughan to Anderton & Acton Quarry at which places engaged all day taking the necessary survey of the works carrying on at Anderton,& the proposed communication with the Canal etc. in order that the same may be considered by the Select Committee.  Dined at Middlewich on our return, I looked at the Ground in dispute with Henshall.  In the course of the day I had much conversation with Mr. Vaughan relative to the proposed [Audherly] & Middlewich Canals, when he fully agreed with me as to the danger to be apprehended from those schemes and the necessity of this company meeting with the greatest caution & being competent to commit themselves this very necessary enquiry had been made.  In my absence the Revd. Mr. Aitkens had called.

Saturday 4 June 1825. 

Long conversation again with Mr. Vaughan relative to the projected Canals,  which more & more confirmed my opinion of the necessity of caution.  Gave Mr. Vaughan a minute of the particulars on which I wished for information such as the comparative distances.  Low wages, Tonnage etc. & which he promised as far as possible to obtain.  After Mr. V. was gone, wrote to Sir George Chetwynd in reply to his last Letter, & proposed a meeting of the Select Committee.  Wrote also to Mr. Davenport.  N.B. Mr. V. took with him my Volume of Navigation Acts, in order to get this new Act bound into it.

Sunday 5 June 1825. 

At home, but very unwell, and suffering much.  Service.

Monday 6 June 1825. 

Still very unwell.  Wrote to Miss Sherratts of Sandbach on late Penlington's Affairs, & arranging dispatch.  Wrote to Mr. Giles in reply to his Letter.  In the evening Letter from Mr. Lister preparing a Meeting of the Select Committee & wrote to him in reply offering to attend any day in this or the next week that he appoint.

Tuesday 7 June 1825. 

Ill.  Miserable suffering.  Eliza , Mrs. Stamford & Anne Marsh went to Newcastle.  Letter by the Post from Sir George Chetwynd requesting that a meeting of the Select Committee might be appointed for the 5 of July, but thinking it not proper to defer so long seeing Mr. Lister, I wrote by this Post & proposed meeting him at Stone on Monday next, being the day he had mentioned for that purpose.

Wednesday 8 June 1825. 

Ill.  Severe suffering.  Wrote a Letter to the Revd. Mr. Aitkens to inform him of the cause of the delay in the payment of the Navigation Dividend to him & Mrs. Penlington, but he called soon after, when I gave him the Letter, & satisfied him that it was entirely owing to them now being unable to obtain the Letters of Admin. from Chester.  Mr. Roscoe arrived in the Evening.  Brought me from his Father 'Observations on Parish Justice' part 3 which he had just published.

Thursday 9 June 1825. 

At home.  Engaged with Mr. Roscoe.  In the evening Letter from Mr. Lister appointing Tuesday next for my meeting him at Stone.

Friday 10 June 1825. 

Anne & Louisa with Mr. Roscoe set off to Liverpool after breakfast the Horses taking them to Knutsford.  Called at the Hollins where Mr. Johnson informed me that Mr. Danl. Eardley & another person had this day been looking over the Hollins Grounds, in consequence as he considers word of Mr. Heathcote having some Coal scheme on foot.  This appeared to me extraordinary behaviour without any coaching as had, or notice taken, things Mr. Heathcote was himself over to Linley Wood.  Mrs. Lawton who called today, having mentioned that she saw, and spoke to him, as she turned in at the Linley Lane Gate, he being on the stile opposite, & saying that he was coming in search of a Coal Mine. 

N.B. The Coal in all the Lands belonging to me both Copy hold & Freehold, & can mine having purchased from Mr. Meynall whatever might or interest therein belonged to the Land of the Manor.  In the evening went up to Talk with John Crosby to look at Mr. Hardings cows, with a view to an exchange of one with him.  By the Post Letter again from Mr. Lister, rather of a gratuitous tone which I replied to this evening and finally fixing Monday for new meeting at Stone.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan.

Saturday 11 June 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Lister at Stone on Monday next.  Mrs. Northen & Miss Moreton called.  Wm.  . . .brought the Plan of the Canal etc. at Anderton & Acton Quarry etc. & with whom engaged a considerable time.  Navigation business.  In the evening as I was sending a Letter, got a violent fall, the chair which I thought was behind me being removed in consequence of which I came upon the floor, & which was attended with a great shock & strain across the back & [spine].

Sunday 12 June 1825. 

Much pain in the night & in bed almost all day.  Mr. Davenport.  Sent Letter to Mr. Lister to postpone our Meeting.

Monday 13 June 1825. 

Still suffering very much & upstairs all day.  Mr. Potter Navigation business & who I particularly [insisted] to call upon Mr. Bateman without delay.  Letters from Mr. Lister & Mr. Vaughan.

Tuesday 14 June 1825. 

Still upstairs, but the pain having much subsided.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & to Mr. Vaughan appointing Monday next for the Meeting at Stone.

Wednesday 15 June 1825.

Still upstairs.  Mr. Barker to inform me of the Sale of the late Miss Hatchells Lands in Alsager, when after a good deal of conversation he left with me the permitted advertisement & promised to call again tomorrow morning.  In the evening went downstairs, & walked a little out of doors, but still in great pain.

Thursday 16 June 1825. 

Came downstairs after breakfast being much better, but still pain. 

Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.  Mr. Barker called again, when I determined to attend theSalethis afternoon.  I told W.B. That if Col.[Teyan] wished to purchase, I would on no consideration make a Bid against him, & the Ladies for the Lands which Mr. B said were so desirable & valuable to the Estate. 

Mr. Harding of Burslem called with the reassignment of Mr. Wedgwood's Mortgage & a [sum] of years both of which Deeds I executed, conforming to a note from Mr. Tomlinson who had perused & approved them on my behalf. 

In the afternoon went to Sandbach.  Saw Mr. Sherratt who said that he would received the Transcript of the [Recovery] in Penlington's Title in a few days: but that he could not yet obtain the Letters of Admin. though he had written again.  Afterwards attended the sale of Miss [Hachells] Lands & purchased the Briny Field with the Timber, & left on Commission with Mr. Sherratt to purchase the 3 pieces of Land called the . . .at £770 & giving him a discretion for something more.  These were the Lands which Mr. Barker particularly wished to purchase by me.

Friday 17 June 1825. 

Went to Stone.  Met Mr. Lister & Mr. Thos. Lister.  Engaged on the Select Committee & returned at night, but a good deal fatigued with the hurry of this and the preceding day.  Mr. Lister said that many of the Proprietors of the Trent & Mersey Canal had become . . .to the repeatedly his wish that I would take shares, and said I cover urgency into it,as by doing so may be beneficial to this company.  Found on my return notes of Proceedings of the Court of Kings Branch in the Caldon (Cumberland) & Oxford Canal.

Saturday 18 June 1825. 

At home, but unwell & a sense of pain from my accident.  Perused notes of Proceedings of the land of K.B. in the Caldon Case, and the Oxford Case.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him a copy of the order made yesterday relative to the Towing Path at Anderton.  Wrote to Dr. Holland to suggest the use of his name in trust for me in the [Autherley] Canal Subscription, thinking of expense & paper, in consequence of what Mr. Lister stated to me yesterday, to take some shares.  By the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.  Wrote to Mr. Eyre Lee, and desired him to subscribe for 20 shares in the Nantwich & [Autherley] Junction Canal.

Sunday 19 June 1825. 

At home.  Service.  Mr. Bent came to dinner.

Monday 20 June 1825. 

At home.  Unwell & still pain.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  In the evening Letter & old Linley Lane Conveyance from Mr. Sherratt who informed me that Mr. [Galway] was the purchaser of the Land called [Spratts] at £765.  [Long] & advised that he would give £2000 rather than not be the Purchaser, which Mr. S. said induced him to deadline handling further.

Tuesday 21 June 1825. 

At home.  Unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  By the Post, Letter from Dr. Holland with full authority to use his name in the [Autherley] Canal Subscription in trust for me.

Wednesday 22 June 1825. 

At home.  Still unwell.  Sent the Horses to Knutsford to meet Anne Marsh, who arrived in the evening.  By the Post letter from Mr. . . .

Thursday 23 June 1825. 

At home.  Unwell but rather better.  Began mowing the small piece of Clover at Mere Lake.  By the Post letters from Mr. Vaughan & from Mr. Giles.  The former containing statements of distances etc. of the proposed [Autherley] & the Trent & Mersey Canal.  The letter with an account of the steps he was taking in the proposed Canal & Roadway Scheme to Runcorn.  Mr. Buckley of Congleton called in the morning to mention a Claim of the Parish of Congleton has upon the late Mr. Penlington.

Friday 24 June 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers, & considering the Statements received from Mr. Vaughan.  Wrote to Mr. Eyre Lee & endorsed Deposit money on 20 shares of the [Autherley] & Nantwich projected Canal.  Mr. Chas. Lawton called to request my viewing with him on a commission the alteration of theTurnpike Road at Lawton, & furnish tomorrow for the purpose. Stamford arrived to dinner.  Still very unwell.  Eliza, Ann & Mrs.. S. called at Rode Heath.

Saturday 2 June 18255. 

Engaged settling Cash Account for the Half year ending the 24 instant.  Weather changed to Rain, but went down to Lawton Hall & afterwards surveyed with Mr. Chas. Lawton the new branch of Road.  Eliza, Anne & Mrs. S. went to Newcastle.  Examined the additions in Mr. Telford's Estimate of Birmingham & Liverpool Rail Road, and in which there appears to be an error of £8000 instead of £6000 as mentioned by Mr. Eyre Lee against the project,& which I have stated to him.  Changed Milking cows to the Pool field & Hollins Ground.

Sunday 26 June 1825.

 At home.  Service.  “No man can help his own opinion or so command his own judgement, as to think what helplessness.  For the understanding follows not the Will, but the Will the understanding.  Our conception of things will be such as the evidences of them appear to us, and as our capacities can receive them: and therefore the man, who in the utmost sincerity of his Soul, uses all the means in his power to inform his judgement right, as to the touch of things, cannot possibly in our any guilt whatsoever, however his thoughts may happen to be determined for what can human abilities do more?  Such a man's conscience must be innocent, however his judgement may be mistaken.  How miserable then must it be for the affections of brethren to be united in charity, when their different apprehensions of things may be on both sides considerable! A practice to punish involuntary error!”            Hayley D.D

Received in the evening account of poor Daniel Johnson being worse & immediately sent down Joseph [Handsom] to look after him.  Mr. Davenport also sent word that he would call here tomorrow.

Monday 27 June 1825

At home.  Wrote to Mr. [Balgery] on the late Richard Harrison's Affairs in consequence of my not having received the Accounts as promised by W.B.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in reply to a Letter received from him by the last night's Post.  Mr. Davenport called, & made a bad report of Danl. Johnson, being apprehensive of water in the Chest.  Still very unwell myself. Stamford went to Newcastle on Bank business.  Cold and wet day.  Wrote to Miss . . .& son with order for Madeira Sherry wine.

Tuesday 28 June 1825.

Mr. Potter called & with whom engaged on Navigation business, who he said was satisfied Mr. Bateman   etc. etc.  Afterwards Revised & copied & wrote therewith to Mr. Vaughan to whom I sent them by this Post, ( the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting.)  Still very unwell.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Wednesday 29 June 1825. 

Went to Newcastle & left with Mr. Wilkinson the notes of Proceedings on the Caldon & Oxford Canal Cases.  Spoke also to Mr. Fenton about the completion of Mr. Bateman's Title, but he said he had not lately heard from him.  Attended meeting of Commissioners of the Newcastle Turnpike Road, when the making of the new Branch market to [Bayley] & Wm. Bate for £1035 being the amount of this Estimate, & also engaged to complete the same before the end of May next.  Mrs. T. & Anne Marsh went to Betley.

Thursday 30 June 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. R. L. Percy & enclosed a Bill.  Wrote to Mr. Vernonof Stone, & paid to call upon him on Tuesday next to discharge his account & secure the Deed of Covenant for the production of the Gilbert Title Deed.  Went to the . . . & staid a considerable time with Danl. Johnson, who I found in a very precarious state, proposed him seeing Dr. Northen, but to which he objected.  Desired that they would tell Mr. Davenport to call upon me tomorrow.  Mrs.. Burgess called to propose her son for any situation that might be situated in the Navigation Co. company.

July

Friday 1^st July 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach in Penlington's Affairs, but before the Messenger returned, Miss Dawson brought me a parcel from Mr. Sherratt containing the Copy of the Manuscript of Receiving that was wanted.  The letters of Admon. De . . .& the purchase.  Agreement of the Land purchased at theSaleat Sandbach for Miss Hatchells for my execution.  Saw Mr. Davenport with whom a long consultation about Daniel Johnson when I desired that he would request Dr. Northen to see him without delay & which he promised to do this morning or tomorrow morning.

Saturday 2 July 1825. 

Heard at breakfast this morning of the death of Mrs. Kinnersley atLeamingtonon Thursday last.  Went to Audley it being a private Grant, to speak to Mr. Tomlinson on Penlingtons, Title etc.  Saw him thereon & also spoke about the Lawton Bill, when I said that I would see Mr. Williams to arrange the suffering of the . . .at the approaching Chester Assizes if this had not been already done.  Saw Mr. T. Twemlow, with whom I promised to dine on Friday next.  Returned by Alsager, whence I called & sat some time with Daniel Johnson who appeared to me to be declining.  Mentioned to him that Dr. Northen who I had seen on my way to Audley would call upon him.  The weather today dry & fine for the Hay, then finished the mending & I engaged them to begin mowing on Monday morning.

Sunday 3 July 1825. 

At home.  Service.  By the Post Letter from Mr. Wright of Knutsford relative to conversation with the River Weaver.

Monday 4 July 1825.

At home.  Closely engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to attending Select Committee Meeting tomorrow.  Mr. James Potter called & brought Letter from Mr. Telford relative to the allowance to be made to him.  Eliza & Mary Ann [Tollet] came to dinner.  Jos. & Sarah Wedgwood dined.  Began mowing the meadow.

Tuesday 5 July 1825. 

Went early to Stone & where engaged closely attending Meeting of the Select Committee.  Previous I had called upon Mr. Vernon & discharged a Bill for business done.  In the course of conversation he mentioned Mr. Martin's Estate,& who he assured me would not sell to any person till it had been refused by me.  Mr. Vernon said he wished me to have it & having said something of £2500 & I at length said that as I wished to give a . . .price I would give £2250 thus dividing the difference between the price suggested, & the price which I had in my own mind thought of being £2000.  Mr. Vernon said he would speak to Mr. Martin.  Sir George Chetwynd & I staid all night, Mr. Lister & his son returned home in the morning.

Wednesday 6 July 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. Wright of Knutsford.  Called at Mr. Sparrow's office & executed the Letters of Admin. de bones now in Penlington's Affairs.  On my arrival at home found that Mr. Pickford & Mr. [Dickens] ofCoventryhad called relative to John Taylor's Claim to the property in Warwickshire.  Sent a note to request their company at breakfast tomorrow morning.  Eliza & Mary Ann Tollett returned home & took Anne Marsh & . . .along with them.  Received from Mr. Williamson abstract of the Title to be taken for the . . Reservoir.  Brought by Hollins.  George Beardmore with specification of the intended new Building at the Hollins.

Thursday 7 July 1825. 

Mr. Pickford & Mr. [Dickens] came to breakfast, after which had a conversation relative to Taylors Claim, when they produced a Pedigree showing that he was descended from John a younger branch of the Family, & the Pickford's from Wm. an elder, & that the claimant had mistaken the younger for the older Brother.  I recommended their suing Mr. Williams, & which they agreed to do, & that the proper Registers to be searched to ascertain the print of Seniority, on which the whole case hinges.  Mrs. C. Lawton & Mrs. [Miler] called.  Wrote to Mr. Giles to request his attendance at the Meeting of the general Committee on the 18 instant.  Went to Betley Hall to dinner taking Stamford in the carriage.  Eliza & Mrs. Stamford not being well enough to go.  Met at dinner Mr. & Mrs. T.Twemlow & Revd. & Mrs. Fenton.

Friday 8 July 1825. 

After breakfast at Betley Hall, called upon Mr. . . .  From thence went to Betley Court & met Mr. Twemlow of [Parts Wood] who had come purposely to talk to me about the proposed Autherley Canal, which is intended to pass near to his House, & which he said that he would join in opposing if there were any hope of doing it with success, but the sense of the Landowners were definitely in favour of the project,  that there [was] every reason to consider that it would be carried into effect.  Dined at Mr. T .Twemlow's.  Mr. . . .also dined.  Returned home at night.

Saturday 9 July 1825. 

Went early to Clough Hall to attend the the Funeral of the late Mrs. Kinnersley.  She was in her 68^th year, 67 in the 18 of April last.  The procession which was large, consisting of 16 or 17 carriages left Clough Hall at 1/2past eleven, but did not arrive at Ashley till four.  Mr. H. Williamson went with me.  The Bearers were as follows, Mr.John Robinson, Mr. Davenport. Mr. H. Williamson, Mr. Caldwell Mr. Johnstone. Mr. Tollet, Mr. W Hassalls & Mr.Heathcote.  Returned . . .from Ashley.  Found Mrs. C. Lawton, [Mrs. Milner],Miss Morgan, Dr. Northen & Jos. & Sarah Wedgwood went at dinner.  W.L. Lawton being prevented coming by being unwell, & Mr. Wickstead who had engaged to dine & stay all night, being prevented coming by the arrival of a print at Betley Hall.  Violent flash of lightening in the evening, with instant Thunder, but no mischief done.  Rain succeeded.

Sunday 10 July 1825. 

Miss Morgan went after breakfast.  Mr. Pickford & Mr. Dickens, who had called in my absence came again relative to Taylor's business & to confirm what they had before stated as to the Pedigree but Mrs. Williams being prevented meeting there at Linley Wood, it was thought that Mr. Dickens should write to Mr. Williams & desire finally to know whether he meant to . . .with the . . .causes or not.  Afterwards attended service at Talk, Eliza going with me.  In the evening, called upon Mr. Dickens at the Red Bull, to show him a copy which I had found of my Letter to Mr. . . . in the [oats] & of this business.  Mr. Dickens said he had got the Letter of which he spoke in very handsome terms, & said that Mr. Pickford had himself acted very injudiciously in insisting the case in his reply to me, on the ground of Taylor the [Divisions] insolvency, instead of going at once to the question of Pedigree.  That he had instead led to the conclusion, that on point of pedigree the Claim was correct.  By the Post Letter from Mr. Lister.

Monday 17 July 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & to Mr. Vaughan.  Afterwards engaged in the Hay.  Thunder in the forenoon, but no Rain to impede the Hay-making  till about four o'clock when it became violent.  Mrs. Turner arrived in the evening.  By Post, Letter from Mr. Hollinshead of Liverpool.  George Bent came & then began this morning with the foundations of the intended new House by Building at the Hollins.  Received this morning from Mr. [Balgerys] clerk by Coach, the Bills of Costs & Cash Account in the affairs of the late Mr. Richard Harrison of Derby.

Tuesday 12 July 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on Navigation business.  Wrote to Mr. Hollinshead.  Busy in the Hay.  Wrote to Mr. Horrocks of Derby on Harrison's affairs.  Received draft of Worthington Case from Miss Sparrow & Wilkinson.

Wednesday 13 July 1825. 

At home.  Sent Abstract of Mr. Williamson's Title to Miss Sparrow & Wilkinson per Mary [Bickerton].  Perusal & considered the Willington Case.  Mr. Sherratt & my two sisters came from Nantwich.  Busy in the Hay.

Thursday 14 July 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Horrocks of Derby requesting his Account in the Affairs of the late Richard Harrison.  Wrote to Miss [Carbonell] & Son & include Bill for wine.  Inspected with George Beardmore the foundations of the House at the Hollins as now set out.  Very busy in the Hay & carried.  Loads.  Called at Danl. Johnsons, with whom I staid some time, but found him little or no better.  By the Post received Letter from Mr. Giles.

Friday 15 July 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to the Meeting of the Committee on Monday next.  Very busy carrying Hay & in night finished with great Meadow.  Went again to the Hollins to consider further the situation in of the Toll gate House intended to be deviated, & desired George Beardmore who called at Linley Wood afterwards to see Mr. Slater.  Saw Mr. Johnson who approved the situation of the House, & said there was plenty of good water.  Miss Sarah Wedgwood came to dinner.  Mr. Mainwaring called.

Saturday 16 July 1825. 

Miss S. Wedgwood went after breakfast.  Then mowed the small Croft at the back of the Farm Garden.  Hot day.  In the evening went to Sandbach & met Mr. Williams who was on his way to Linley Wood.  Conversation with him on Taylor's pedigree when we agreed that all further proceedings shall be staged at last for the next Assizes, it appearing that Taylor was not descended from the older branch, & Mr. Williams promised to write to Mr. Dickens accordingly by this Post. 

Mr. Williams informed me that the Lawton. . .would be suffered at the next Chester Assizes, & when the Draft of the Deeds which had been prepared by Mr. Sugden was completed he would send it to me I mentioned to him that Sir.W. Boughey  will probably have a Bill in Parliament the next Session & that the same Survey might be sufficient for the purpose of both Bills & of which Mr. W. expressed his approbation. 

Afterwards saw Mr. James Sherratt & urged the necessity of the immediate completion of the Penlington Title in order that the Creditors might be paid.  This indeed was the principal object of my Journey.  He perceived that there should be no delay on his part.  Left with him the agreement for the purchase from Miss Hatchell for examination previous to my signing it.

Sunday 17 July 1825. 

At home.  Service.

Monday 18 July 1825. 

Went early to Stone & met Mr. Giles & with whom I had a conversation previous to the Meeting of the General Committee.  Afterwards closely engaged all day on the Committee, & returned home late at night.  Weather intensely hot, & which remained, the business of the day very fatiguing.

Tuesday 19 July 1825. 

Much tired & unwell.  At home all day.  Weather very hot.  In the evening Thunder & Rain.  George Beardmore called today, when I finally paid for him to proceed with the new Building, but omitting for the present the large [loan].

Wednesday20 July 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers, revising Minutes etc.  Wrote Letter to Mr. [Bouverie], & to Mr. Wright of Knutsford pursuant to Resolutions of the Committee.  Men completed the Hay stack & finished this year's Hay Harvest.

Thursday 21 July 1825. 

Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Met there with Mr Adderley of . . .who introduced himself to me on the sense of former communication, & with whom I had a deal of conversation.  He mentioned the Bishop of Durham as an extraordinary instance of longevity being in his 96 year.  Lasting as clear and good & handsome as at any time of his life.  I think Mr. A. said he had lately.have a Letter from him.  On my arrival at home found a Summons to attend from a Special Jury Case & which in addition to the Summons upon the Grand Jury determined me to go.

Friday 22 July 1825. 

Set off early to Stafford, & got there about nine o'clock, but finding that the special Jury Case was upon a Canal Navigation Tender (the Birmingham), I thought it would not be proper to serve, & as there was no great business for the Grand Jury, I determined to return home, & which I accordingly did.  Saw Mr. . . ., Sir . . .,George . . .etc. etc.  W.L. Said that Eyre Lee was now planned. in all sides for bringing forward the project of the Authereley Canal, but that it will go on.  Mr. Peake agreed to spend Monday next at Linley Wood & Mr. [Mahon] would have accompanied him had he not been obliged to stay at Hereford on Sunday.

Saturday 23 July 1825. 

At home, but not very well.  Wrote to Mr. [Balgery] on Richard Harrison's affairs.  A .C. Marsh arrived at Linley Wood before dinner & with whom engaged.  Wrote to Mr. Daniell of Little Berkhampstead in reply to a letter received from him on Navigation business.

Sunday 24 July 1825. 

At home.  Service.  Received by the Post Letters from Mr. [Bouverie] & Mr. Wright of Knutsford on Navigation business. Stamford arrived from Stafford Assizes.  Unwell myself all day, with symptoms of Gout.

Monday 25 July 1825. 

At home.  Still very unwell.  Sent the Horses early to Trentham Estate to meet Mr. Peake who arrived in the forenoon.  Considered Letters received from Mr. Bouverie & Mr. Wright.  Wrote to the Rev. Mr.. . .& sent him his share of the Navigation Dividends on the shares late vested in Mr. Penlington decl. in hand for W.A. & Mrs. M. Penlington.  In the evening A.Marsh left us on his return to Town.

Tuesday 26 July 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mrs. M Penlington & sent her share of Navigation Dividends.  After breakfast Anne Marsh & her dear little children set off on their return home, our horses taking them to Park Fields where she proposed staying till Thursday.  Mr. Peake & Stamford went to Longport to speak to Mr. Philips inspecting the Highway Robbery committed upon him & leniency being shown to the offender, convicted at the late Stafford Assizes.  Holiday.

Wednesday 27 July 1825.

 After breakfast Mr. Peake left us on his way to Shrewsbury.  Lent the horses to him to [Nantwich].  Engaged on Navigation business, in consequence of a Letter from Mr. [Hostage] relative to the communication with the River Weaver. Stamford went to Stafford proposing to attend the Insolvent Debtors Court.  Engaged on the Penlington Papers & accounts, & completing list of Creditors.

Thursday 28 July 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. [Hostage] in reply to his Letter.  Remitted Miss Woodhouse Liverpool their account for him.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach on Penlington Affairs, urging dispatch in order that the Creditors might be paid; nd to Mr. Williams on the Lawton business, & proposing a Meeting with Mr. Tomlinson at Linley Wood, whenever the Draft of the Deed is ready for perusal.

Friday 29 July 1825. 

At home.  Very hot day.  Letter from Mr. Morrison enclosing observations relative to Harecastle Tunnel & sent late for new coach.  Viewed the new Building at the Hollins.

Saturday 30 July 1825. 

Called with Eliza at Clough Hall, & saw the three Miss Kinnersley's.  Mr. K. being gone to Newcastle.  Extremely hot day, afterwards engaged on sundry matters.  Letter to Miss [Byerley] relative to the House at Newcastle.

Sunday 31 July 1825. 

At home.  Service. Stamford returned from Shrewsbury to which place he had gone from Stafford.  In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Eliza.

1825  August

Monday 1^st August 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Potter called on Navigation Business, and with whom engaged a considerable time.  He brought me from Mr. W. . . .a printed Copy of his argument on the 4 & 9.  I was last submitted to the Court of Kings Bench in the Case of the King on the prosecution of Sir George Chetwynd Bart. Against [Caslton] & others propr. & publishers of the British Press for a Writ against Sir George on the business of Abraham & Charles . . .  Afterwards went with George Beardmore to view the new Building, & the cross of the new Hannah Road from the Hollins to Linley Lane, which was begun upon this morning.  Received a fine Pike from Mr. Vaughan, & which I sent to Lawton Hall.

Tuesday 2 August 1825. 

In the morning few light showers.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & appointed Saturday next for his coming to Linley Wood on Navigation Business in consequence of my intended Journey to Liverpool, & on other canal matters.  Bate & Bagley the tender takers of the new Branch Road called, & with whom engaged a long time viewing the ground, & whom I suggested the coming upon the part of the Linley Road at the junction & which they both thought about, & agreed in principal & said they would mention to Mr. Slater.  Mrs. C. Lawton & Mrs. [Milner] called.  The bridge having been cut in the large Pool, the net was . . .the fish where we took two brace of Carp of a moderate size, which we turned into the pit in the Farm Yard.

Wednesday 3 August 1825. 

At home.  Note from Mr. James Potter informing me that Mr. Telford was expected to be at Harecastle Tunnel tomorrow.  Looked out Navigation papers to which I might have occasion to [suffer].  Viewed again the cross upon the Branch Road which the men were marking out, previous to seeing Mr. Slater & Mr. Bate again tomorrow.

Thursday 4 August 1825. 

Wrote & sent a note to Mr. James Potter, & soon after received one from him saying that Mr. Telford was then at the Tunnel, where he wished to see me.  I considering went & had a long conference with Mr. Telford, who gave me the most satisfactory account of the progress of the Tunnel. 

He said he could not now wait to see the Select Committee nor was it all necessary it being sufficient to see me, but if they wished it he could come down on purpose.  He said he was to be at Birmingham tomorrow night & was then going to view the Reservoir.  I think he would furnish me with a full report upon the whole in the course of a week. 

On my return found Mr. Rob. Hill of Newcastle who had accompanied Mr. Slater & Mr. Bate & with whom I finally arranged as to the new Branch Road & the point of junction with Linley Lane Turnpike Road. 

By the Post Eliza received from Dr. Holland the happy intelligence of our dear Emma having yesterday morning at 9 o'clock been brought to bear of a fine healthy Boy  (Henry Thurston Holland, 1s Lord Knutsford) & that she & the Child were going on perfectly well.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan. 

Friday 5 August 1825. 

Called at Trentham, Stamford accompanying me.  Saw Lord & Lady Stafford, who received us with much kindness, & with whom we spent half an hour.  By the Post, Letter from Sir George Chetwynd with a Copy of one which he had received from Lord Clive.

Saturday 6 August 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan who came in the afternoon, & with whom closely engaged all the evening upon Navigation business.

Sunday 7 August 1825. 

Mr. Vaughan went after breakfast.  Service.  James Bent came to dinner, & returned in the evening.  Very unwell myself.

Monday 8 August 1825. 

At home.  Wrote to Mr. . . . Child relative to . . .on the Tonnage of his Iron Stone . . on the Canal & which had been allowed by the Company.  George Beardmore & paid him £100 on cut of new Building at the Hollins.  Received instruction from Mr. Peake that the . . .Post would after they will leave Lawton at 10 in the morning.  Mr. Williams of Sandbach called relative to the Lawton Estate Bill & engaged to meet Mr. Tomlinson at Linley Wood any day the next week that would be appointed.

Tuesday 9 August 1825. 

In the morning engaged on Navigation Papers.  Afterwards at Newcastle taking Stamford in the Carriage.  Dined at the [Ordinary}, & went to the Race Course, but returned home before the Race was over it growing late.

Wednesday 10 August 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on various matters.

Thursday 11 August 1825. 

Dined at Hanley & attended the Pottery Races this day.  In the morning engaged making preparations for Journey to Liverpool tomorrow.

Friday 12 August 1825. 

Set off with Eliza to Mr. Roscoes.  Called at the Hollands at Knutsford having accidently met Mr. Holland on the road.  Arrived at [Sonitham] Lane to dinner.  Mr. Roscoe dined with us.

Saturday 13 August 1825. 

Eliza & I went with Mr. Roscoe ( who we called upon & took in the Carriage,) to Liverpool.  Saw the Casts etc. etc. at the Institution.  Saw also the Diorama, a wonderful Deception of the Sight, representing the inside of Trinity Chapel Canterbury. 

In the afternoon the Christening of the two Boys took place, the ceremony being performed by the Revd. & Mr. [Hericks].  The older Boy called William Caldwell, the younger Arthur.  Afterwards a Party at dinner, Mr. Lace, Mr. & Mrs. Edw. Roscoe, Revd. Mr. [Hericks], some other friends Edw. & Chas. Crompton.  Mr. & Mrs. H. Booth, & in the Evening Mrs. Griffiths etc. etc.

Sunday 14 August 1825. 

Mr. Roscoe called with Miss Roscoe & took Eliza with them to the Chapel.  Mr. Roscoe & I walked , & afterwards I passed an hour or two in reading.  Dined at Mr. Roscoe's, where we met with great kindness & attention.  This indeed had been strongly received throughout by all our friends.  In the evening Mr. Roscoe read . . .to me the Manuscripts of some been as intended to be preferred to his intended catalogue of the Books at [Halsham], we passed a very pleasant evening.

Monday 15 August 1825. 

After breakfast left our friends at [Sonitham] Lane on our return home.  Called at Etonto enquire after Miss Vaughan, who was ill at . . .account ago very . . .  Called upon Miss Noble at . . ., who I considered an exemplary instance of 'patience . . .   Suffering much but complaining little.  Generous & high minded.  Arrived  at home to dinner.

Tuesday 16 August 1825. 

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.  Engaged on the farm & viewing the new Road, with which they are rapidly proceeding.  Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson, assenting to his wish to meet Mr. Williams here on Saturday, instead of Friday next. Stamford returned from Buxton.

Wednesday 17 August 1825.

 In the morning Mr. Vaughan came on Navigation Business, & with whom engaged a considerable time.  Appointed a Meeting of the Select Committee

Derby Mercury

Wednesday 17 August 1825

Arrivals at BuxtonMr J. Stamford Caldwell - - - 

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Wednesday11 August 1825.

For Tuesday the 30 instant, and of which Mr. Vaughan was to inform the Clerk of the Trustees of the River Weaver.  Afterwards engaged with the Men working at the new Road, & who had stopped up the Approach to the House.  Heavy Rain.

Thursday 18 August 1825. 

Mrs. Stamford set off to Southport.  Engaged closely n Navigation Papers, & began drawing a Case for Parliament, relative to the proposed Autherley & Middlewich Canals. Stamford went to Buxton.  Unwell myself & suffering much.  Received intelligence of the death of Lady Eliz. Heathcote of Leamington, and of my late Nightman Mr. Speakman.

Friday 19 August 1825. 

At home.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  In the evening Mr. Giles arrived being on his survey of the Canal, & with whom closely engaged till late at night, considering & discussing various important mattes relating to the Canal, its improvement etc. etc.

Saturday 20 August 1825. 

Mr. Giles went after breakfast, but with whom I had a previous conversation, & relating to several matters to which I requested his attention Conduction.,. . .Survey etc.  He said that he should return on Monday or Tuesday, & would call again at Linley Wood. 

Wrote to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach on Penlington's Affairs.  Miss Dawson called with a letter which she had received from the Stamp Office & which I requested her to show to Mr. Sherratt (Skerratt?).  Mr. Tomlinson & Mr. Williams came at noon, & with whom engaged all day on the Lawton Business, papers etc. preparatory to applying for the Act of Parliament the next session, but it appeared that fresh difficulties had arisen from an unfortunate disagreement between Mr.. Charles & Mr. John Lawton. 

Elizabeth staid to dinner.  In the evening received the Penlington Abstract from Mr. Sherratt.  Mr. [Ferman] called in the afternoon on Navigation Business, & said they were very busy surveying the Middlewich intended line of Canal.

Sunday 21 August 1825. 

At home.  Service.  Very unwell & suffering greatly.  Received Note to attend Funeral of Lady Eliz. Heathcote on Wednesday next.

Monday 22 August 1825.

Engaged on Navigation papers, & with Case intended for the Proprietors.  Mr. Charles Lawton called, & with whom I rode &  looked as the Hollins & Lawton new Land ship of Rode.  He mentioned, with great warmth, the new Partners of . . .introduced by his Brother John in the Parish of Lawton, & planned much the manner in which it had been carried into effect.  I endeavoured to soften the business, but found that a little time must be given before conciliation could be hoped for. 

By the Post arrived the melancholy intelligence of the death of poor Miss Crompton of Eton. She died at Dublin, where she was on a visit to her sister Mrs. Hatton, on Friday last.

Tuesday 23 August 1825. 

At home.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Giles who I expected this evening.  Finished cutting the wheat in flat Swallow Moor. Stamford came to dinner from Buxton. George Beardmore with application from Mr. Acton of Burslem for refusal of the House at the Hollins, but which I declined making any promise of.

Wednesday 24 August 1825. 

Went early to Longton & attended the Funeral of Lady Elizabeth Heathcote.  The Pall Bearers were a under (picture of coffin) left side, Revd. Mr. Hutchinson, D. Northen, Mr. T. Twemlow, Mr. Tollet, and right side Revd. Mr. Butt, T. Caldwell, Dr. Bent and Mr. Cunnliffe.  Lord Sir . . .&Mr. Parker of Parkhall I understand had been asked but did not attend.  About half past 12 . . .Mr. Parker sent his empty carriage, but we had been kept waiting for him upwards of an hour.  I believe written note or Message accompanied the carriage. 

The concerns of people was very great.  Lady Elizabeth was a person of very visible manners, highly respected & greatly commended.  She also possessed much talent, & . . .in all very well.  I did not see the inscription upon the coffin, but I understand that she was about 42 years of age.  Two gentlemen, who I understood were the Bishop of [Kildern] & Lord [Belcarver], Lady E. . . .of Burslem attended.  Soon after my return Mr. Giles arrived in time for dinner & staid all night & with whom the whole of the evening was passed in close consideration & discussion of the Navigation business.

Thursday 25 August 1825. 

Stamford went this morning to Nantwich on his way to the Chester Assizes.  Engaged again this morning with Mr. Giles previous to his proceeding upon his Journey to survey the southern part of the Canal.  He promised to write to me at length previous to the Meeting of the Select Committee on the 30 instant. 

Afterwards engaged with Wm. [Farance] who called on Navigation Business.  Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson & sent him by Mr. [Beckiston] the Abstract of the Penlington Title with a letter which I had received from Mr. Sherratt (Skerrett?) & the Estates from the Registers.  Wrote also to Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood inviting him to Linley Wood for the 7 & 8 September.  By the Post Eliza received a Letter from Arthur Marsh with the gratifying intelligence of our dear Anne having a son, & that both she & the child were doing very well, though the latter had arrived rather sooner than he was expected.

Friday 26 August 1825. 

At home and unwell with an attack of Gout in my foot.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & on case for the [Persecution].  In the evening the Revd. Mr. J. Lawton & the Revd. Mr. Carter called to consult with me upon the present differences in the Lawton Family, & to request my good Offices in officiating an amicable Settlement of them.  A long conversation took place in which I [undisguisably] explained my sentiments as related to both Parties & which ended on Mr. John Lawton requesting me to see his Brother & he giving me a written Authority to state to them that he would cover the conformation for Title between the Parish of Lawton & the Arrangements of the intended Titlement of the Lawton Estate to Lord Crewe & Mr. Tollet, with any assistance if they desired it.

Saturday 27 August 1825.

Looked over & selected papers necessary for the Meeting of the Select Committee on Tuesday next, & searching Minutes of the several matters requiring their attention.  Afterwards went to Lawton Heath to have seen Mr. Charles Lawton & communicated to him what passed last night & used my best endeavours in restoring harmony and peace, but he was gone to Manchester. 

On my return called at the Revd. Mr. Carter's, who confirmed all that had been said last night & particularly that as objection would be made by Mr. James Lawton to the allowance of £500 for . . .to Mrs. Charles Lawton for her life in case she survived her husband.  Gout still painful & compelling me to use a cloth shoe.

Sunday 28 August 1825. 

At home.  Service as usual.  Wm. Bent came to dinner.  Agreed to take jointly 10 more shares in the intended

Macclesfield Canal.  In the afternoon attended service at Talk Chapel.  Gout better.

Monday 29 August 1825. 

Mr. Charles Lawton called & with a long conversation relative to the Tithes etc. when I gave him a copy of Mr. James Lawton's proposition for a Reference to Lord Crewe & Mr. Tollet, & which Mr. C.L. said he would show to the former. 

Afterwards went to Cliffe Ville & communicated what had passed to Mr. Tomlinson, who wrote a note to Mr. John Lawton to prevent his again collecting Milk till the court of the Reference was known.  Engaged with Mr. Tomlinson also on the Penlington Title & Affairs.  Returned to dinner, & then engaged putting up papers etc. previous to going to Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 30 August 1825. 

Went to Stone early & where engaged closely on Select Committee all day.  Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Lister also attended.  Mr. T.L. Also there.  Brought Mr. Wilkinson with me in the carriage back to Newcastle.

Wednesday 31 August 1825. 

At home but fatigued with yesterdays business.  Busy carrying wheat. Stamford returned from Chester.  Called in the morning at the Revd. Mr. Mainwarings.

September

Thursday 1^st September 1825. 

At home.  Engaged with Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. Giles, & to Mr. James Potter.  Received 2 brace of Grouse from Richard Bent of Manchester.  Received by Post from Mr. Wilkinson the proof I had of the Notice to the Proofs of the adjournment of the General Assembly to the 25 of October next.  Finished carrying wheat.  Mrs. Tollet, Mrs. Wickstead, Mrs. [Crowthorn] & Miss Tollet called.

Friday 2 September 1825. 

Went to Newcastle to settle the Proof of Share etc. with D.Smith some attention being necessary.  Saw Mr. Wilkinson & with whom considering the Admission of Transfers of Shares containing Trusts in which he wanted to hear my opinion.  I thought . . .signing necessary.  Called at Dr. Northen's & requested his seeing Eliza.  On my return wrote to Revd. Bent.  Dr. Northen came, his report favourable.  AfterwardsStamford& I dined at Cliffe Ville.  Mr. Tollet, T. Twemlow, Spode, Northen etc.  Carried oats & nearly finished.  NB.  Delivered to Mr. Tomlinson Official copy of Transcript of Recovering in Penlington's Title & brought work over a Draft of an Assignment of the Debts.

Saturday 3 September 1825. 

Finally settled Proof of Share of the Navigation.  Letter sent the same by a Messenger toNewcastle.  At home wrote also to Mr. . . .relative to the Road& complaining of what had been done.  Received from Mr. Williamson Declaration of an Agreement for the pasture Land taken for the Reservoir, with a request that I would immediately look over the same.  The Declaration is long & special & will required care.  Received Letter from Stamford Crompton, accompanying a copy of the late Miss Crompton's Will, of which, I am appointed an Executor and Trustee.

Sunday 4 September 1825. 

Attended Service at Talk in the Forenoon.  Wrote to Stamford Crompton, James Bent dined.  Mr. James Lawton mentioned to me that he & his Brother Charles had shook hands, & thanked me in the warmest terms for the part that I had taken.

Monday 5 September 1825. 

Mr. Slater came in the morning, & with whom engaged a considerable time considering the best course for making a Road to Linley Wood in line of that taken away when he promised to speak to Mr. Fenton upon the subject. 

Note from Mr. Charles Lawton, which to my great surprise still shows difficulty in the way of the proposed Reference.    Answered the note by the servant expressing my concern, & shortly stating the advantages of the Reference. 

Mr. C.L. sent me a brace of Partridge.  Looked at the Draft of the Navigation Agreement sent by Mr. Williamson but found it necessary to see Mr. Potter previous to making any observation thereon.  Looked also at the Draft of the Assignment on Penlington Affairs which I had brought from Mr. Tomlinson in order to enable me to make the necessary enquiries. Stamford went to Ashcombe.

Tuesday 6 September 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on various matters in the Grounds etc. etc. Stamford returned from Ashcombe.  Letter by the Post from Mr. Vaughan.

Wednesday 7 September 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Hollins called from Mr. Williamson for the Draft of the Agreement when I informed him that it was necessary to see Mr. Potter & probably Mr. Tomlinson before it could be finally settled.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan with a Draft of General Assembly but mentioned for the Staffordshire Advertiser.  Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood, Mr & Mrs. F. Twemlow , Miss Fletcher, Jos. & Mary Wedgwood dined & staid all night.  Mrs. Antrobus called.

Thursday 8 September 1825. 

Engaged with our Party Mr. Twemlow, Mr. F. Twemlow &  I went to Harecastle & inspected the Tunnel.  Saw Mr. Pritchard & James Potter with whom much conversation.  Everything going on well.  Revd. Mr. Mainwaring  dined but the Revd. Mr. had promised, did not come being prevented by setting off into . . .  Mary Wedgwood dined, & Jos. came in the Evening.

Friday 9 September 1825. 

Mr. Twemlow went before breakfast, & Mr. F. Twemlow & the ladies, the two Wedgwood's after.  Rode with Mr. F. Twemlow as far as the oak, he going that way to Audley.  He spoke again about my having the cottage at the Farm & said he would mention it to Sir George Chetwynd.  Called at Daniel Johnson's & with whom & sat sometime, but thought his Recovery very doubtful.  Mr. C. Lawton sent 2 brace of Birds having sent some a few days ago.

Saturday 10 September 1825. 

At Newcastle on various matters.

Sunday 11 September 1825. 

In the morning Service as usual.  After dinner went with Eliza to Nantwich.  Previous to leaving home, I aspired & sent to Mr. Vaughan by the Post the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting.  Reached Dysart Buildings to tea. Stamford set off toLeamington.

Monday 12 September 1825. 

At Nantwich.  Mr. John Garnett & Mr. Josh. Salmon called.  Mr. Sherratt dined.  Received bad account of Emma's little Boy.

Tuesday 13 September 1825. 

Called at Mr. J. Garnett's Bank.  Called also upon Mr. J. Salmon.  Saw Mr. [Edleston] & left with him my consent relative to the Navigation Transfers from Mrs. Sutherland in order that he might settle with Mr. Chas. . . .Walked with Bessy to . . .Nursery Ground & called at Mrs. Wicksteads.  Dined at Mr. Sherratt's, Two Miss Garnett's & Miss W. . .came to tea.  Received by the Coachman Letter from Mr. Giles.  Better account of Emma's little Boy.

Wednesday 14 September 1825. 

Returned home to dinner.

Thursday 15 September 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Slater came by appointment, and with whom engaged setting out the approach from the new branch of Turnpike Road, to the House.  Wrote to Mr. Ford of . . .field by Bayley, & informed him that the Select Committee could not consent to the alteration of the Aquaduct at [Child's Hill] an amount of the great inconvenience to the . . ., that the necessary stoppage of the Canal 14 days would occasion.  Eliza received by the Post a Letter from Anne with the account of little Rose having broken her arm.

Friday 16 September 1825. 

Engaged again at the new Road.  Eliza & I afterwards called at Rode Hall, saw Mrs. Wilbraham & with whom we spent half an hour, Mr. Wilbraham being out.  Afterwards called at Rode Heath.  In the evening Mrs. Stamford arrived from Southport.

Saturday 17 September 1825 

Went to Sandbach (Eliza accompanying me) on the Penlington's Affairs, and engaged a long time with Mr. James Skerratt upon the Title.  Also respecting the purchases from Mrs. Hatchell & Mr. . . .where he promised to get these matters arranged & completed without delay. 

On my return found Mr. Wilbraham had called, Mr. Chas. Lawton afterwards called upon Stamford but who was from home.  He spoke to me of the Title business on the same strain as before  & whom . .condemning Mr. John Lawton for the steps he had taken.  He said Lord Crewe was outrageous Lord W.

Willoughby advised him to [respect] upon the claim to the title.  I said his Brother should call the Tenants together & they should agree it amongst themselves. 

This I said could actively be the easiest course.  He said he had not seen Mr. Williams lately about the Settlement, but expected to do it shortly.  Mr. C. Lawton appeared to me to have some injudicious  [corrosions] who instead of using this .  . .to heal an unfortunate Family boil and make peace between Brothers, indulged in declamation about the Title business, & thereby keep Mr. C. L. in a state of much excitement. 

On my way to Sandbach this morning met Mr. Vaughan, who was returning out of Cheshire & said he had intended calling at Linley Wood, but being anxious to get home, we talked over our Navigation business on the spot & he then proceeded forwards.

Sunday 18 September 1825. 

At home.  Service.

Monday 19 September 1825. 

Engaged on Navigation & other papers.  Birthday.  Looked at the new approach to the House from the Turnpike Road, surveying the same with the Men who were pleased with it.

Tuesday 20 September 1825. 

Engaged again on the same papers.  Afterwards went to Alsager & called upon Daniel Johnson who I found better, but still in a very precarious state.  Called also upon Mr. Barlow & looked with him at the piece of Land which I lately purchased from Miss Hatchells.  

By the Post arrived various Letters from Mr. Vaughan being replies to those written relative to the rating of Canals to the Poor with a Case & Mr. Nolan's opinion the latter of which I promised and wrote to Mr. Vaughan by his request relative to his attending a Meeting at . . .[Grounds] in Cheshire. 

Wrote by this Mornings Post to Eliza Roscoe & sent her half years interest due the 10 inst.

Wednesday 21 September 1825. 

At home.  Engaged perusing the Case & opinion & the several Letters received last night from Mr. Vaughan.  Afterwards viewed with [Everardworth] & Sarah Beardmore the slip of Ground in Linley Lane, & comparing the Plan made by the farmer with the ground.  Miss Dawson with whom engaged a considerable time on the Penlington's affairs examining sundry accounts etc.  James . . . relative to Thos. Johnson's discharge from the Company Service as a watchman & which he said he had referred to his Brother & Mr. Vaughan & of which I expressed my approbation.  Viewed with George Beardmore the new Building at the Hollins which is going on well.

Thursday 22 September 1825. 

At home.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers all morning.  John Turnock to whom I spoke relative to his getting the Home in Talk Quarry for the Navigation Company and promised to mention the matter to Mr. Potter.  Emma arrived in the evening with her two children.  The little Boy in a very delicate state.

Friday 23 September 1825. 

At the new Buildings & viewing also the Road.  Afterwards at Newcastle.  Upon my way called at Mr. Dales to have looked at a horse, but found was not yet upon sale.

Saturday 24 September 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to Mr. Giles expected arrival tomorrow.  In the evening Mr. Davenport called to say that he had purchased a Horse for Stamford, price £52 and to be sent for.

Sunday 25 September 1825. 

At home.  Service.  Dr. Holland came to dinner.  J. Bent also dined.  Mr. Giles arrived in the evening.

Monday 26 September 1825. 

At home.  Closely engaged with Mr. Giles on Navigation business.  Dr. Holland went to Knutsford at noon.  In the evening a Mr. . . .who stated himself to be a Solicitor called with another person to make a claim to the late Richard Harrisons property at Derby.  I declined asking any questions or entering into any conversation observing only that being satisfied with the validity of the . . .Tithe we should defend it, and resist any claim set up thereto.

Tuesday 27 September 1825. 

Went to Stone taking Mr. Giles with me in the Carriage and where engaged all day on Select Committee.

Wednesday 28 September 1825. 

Returned to Linley Wood.  But far from well.

Thursday 29 September 1825. 

At home.  Unwell.  Wrote to Mr. [Balgary] & sent him enclosed the note received from Mr. Smith on Monday night last.  Engaged with Dr. Holland , who returned from Knutsford, bringing his three sisters along with him.  Mrs. Holland who had promised to dine at Linley Wood did not come.  By the Post, received a Letter from Mr. Vaughan requesting my instructions for his Reply to one which he had received from Miss Eccles & Co relative to the intended Macclesfield Canal.

Friday 30 September 1825. 

After breakfast went with Dr. Holland to the North end of the new Tunnel, which we surveyed, & with which he was most gratified.  From thence went to Rode Hall, where we called & saw Mr. & Mrs. Wilbraham.  The former said he was just setting off to call at Linley Road.  Mr. Holland came to dinner. In the evening the Doctor left us on his return to Town, his Father accompanying him in the Carriage to Talk.  Afterwards much conversation with Mr. Holland relative to the Macclesfield Canal and of which he thought very favourably.  He said that Mr. Telford had pronounced a canal connection between Knutsford & Macclesfield to be quite out of the question, from the nature & difficulty of the intervening country.

October

Saturday 1^st October 1825. 

Mr. Holland went after breakfast.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & returned the Letter which he had sent me from Miss Eccles . . & [Shots].  Afterwards engaged at the new approach to the House, cutting Trees etc. etc.  Miss Hollands went before dinner, the Carriage taking them to Brereton Green.  Stamford arrived from Buxton to dinner.  He brought an Account of the death of poor Wm. Hoggarth which took place on the 26^th of Sept at 8 pm.

Sunday 2 October 1825. 

At home.  Service.  Unwell and suffering much as has been the case for several days past.

Monday 3 October 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Morris called, & with whom a long conversation relative to the proposed Coal from the Canal into the River Weaver at Acton Quay, & which he strenuously recommended.  Spoke to him about the Deeds of Covenant necessary in Penlington's Affairs as well for the other purchasers as for the use of the Devises about the Will, to which he made no objection, & said he would mention the matter to Mr. Barker.  He said he wished to hold the small piece of Land at the Canal Side & said that he & I should not differ about the Rent.  Engaged closely all morning on Navigation Papers.  Emma & Stamford called at Betley Hall.  By the Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Tuesday 4 October 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in reply to his Letter, & fixed Saturday next for seeing him at Linley Wood.  Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson by J.S.C. on the Penlington Affairs & his seeing Mr. Williams relative to the Lawton Settlement.  Engaged again on Navigation papers.  Afterwards with a Labourer making a passage for Carriages through Linley Meadow, the old Road being stopped.  Observed this morning when fine a clock in the long window of . . .& . . .& which presented a beautiful appearance.

Wednesday 5 October 1825. 

At home all day, engaged on various matters.  Emma & Stamford went to Betley Hall to dinner.

Thursday 6 October 1825. 

At home.  Mr. Potter came after breakfast, and with whom engaged perusing and making observations from the Draft of the Agreement with Mr. Williamson relative to the Land taken for Knypersley Reservoir.  Copied & delivered to Mr. Potter, along with the Draft, the Minutes made at the Roebuck 29 May 1824, in order that he might show it to Mr. W.  Afterwards engaged at the new Road.  Emma returned from Betley Hall bringing Miss Tollet along with her.

Friday 7 October 1825. 

At home.  Engaged on private accounts.  Mrs. Stamford, Miss Tollet & Emma went to Mare Hall & returned to dinner.  Stormy day.  By the Post received from Sir. G. Chetwynd printed statement (being cut out of the newspaper) of a Birmingham & Liverpool Rail Road Meeting.

Saturday 8 October 1825. 

At home.  Miss Tollet went after breakfast.  Engaged again on Accounts etc.  But very unwell.  Wrote to Miss Sherratt of Sandbach on Penlingtons Affairs, . . .the number made in the Deed of Settlement of 1697 of a Deed which  Mr. T. thought to be produced, but which appeared to be only giving an Estate for life to the Party manner.  Remitted A. Caldwell 1/2 years Interest due at . . .& £20 to be paid to Mrs. Phillips on account of debt due for the Party . . .

Sunday 9 October 1825. 

At home.  Service.  In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Eliza.

Monday 10 October 1825. 

At home.  Engaged in the Morning on Navigation papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan who had appointed to come here today, instead of Saturday last, and who arrived about 2 o'clock accompanied by Mr. Wilkinson.  Closely engaged with them till dinner, after which Mr. Wilkinson went and then engaged again the whole of the evening with Mr. Vaughan.  Mrs. & Miss Wilbraham called.

Tuesday 11 October 1825. 

Engaged again with Mr. Vaughan, but who went after breakfast.  Afterwards dined at Newcastle with the Mayor, Mr. Cooke.  A large Party and as agreeable day.  There appeared to be a strong disposition in favour of Mr. Wilmot Horton, notwithstanding the difference of opinions upon the Catholic question, and I took an opportunity of expressing strongly any high opinion of the Gentleman and my good wishes for him, & which seemed to give great satisfaction.

Wednesday 12 October 1825.

 At home.  Wrote to Mr. [McClark] Nantwich on Penlingtons Affairs & to Mr. Smith Stapeley on Nantwich Bible Society & . . .him to put down my name as an annual Subscriber of 1 [Guinea].  Engaged on various matters. Stamford went to Betley Court to dinner.  Looked over & assayed various Navigation Papers.

Thursday 13 October 1825. 

Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood requesting to see him here on Thursday next, to dinner & to look at Mr. Telford's Report, which he had expressed to Mr. Vaughan, a wish to see on other Navigation business.  Wrote to Miss Byerley . . .(the . . .of the years rRent) & mentioned that I would call soon & look at the House.  Afterwards went with Eliza to Newcastle.  On my return from thence inspected the new branch Road etc. etc.

Friday 14 October 1825. 

At home.  Received Book with copy of Select Committee Minutes from Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers etc.  Eliza Roscoe came in the Evening with her four children.

Saturday 15 October 1825. 

Called at Longton, but Mr. Heathcote was from home.  On my return met at Stoke Mr. Giles, who was upon his survey of the Canal, and with whom I had a conversation, & requested his attention particularly to the [punctualbility] of any additional [Resources] being made in Rudyard Vale.  In the evening engaged on Navigation affairs.  Eliza unwell.  Mr. Davenport came at night.

Sunday 16 October 1825. 

At home.  Service.  Eliza better.  William Bent came to dinner.  Whilst he was at Linley Wood received from Mr. Fitzjohn, Mr. [Hallarts] Trust which had been sent again for my execution, but which I declined, & returned the Deed by the Messenger.  Very unwell myself & suffering severely.

Monday 17 October 1825. 

A miserable night.  At home and engaged closely from Breakfast to dinner & again in the evening on Navigation Papers & drawing up a Report to be made to the General Committee and the Proposition at this Meeting on the 25 of October instant.

Thursday 18 October 1825. 

Bad night again, with much suffering but this being the day on which the General Assembly should, strictly, meet under the Act of Parliament I deemed it proper to attend, and having occasion also to refer to the Books, in order to complete the Report. 

I set off early to Stone, where I arrived a little after nine o'clock.  I had also engaged to attend a Meeting of the Prospectors of the Newcastle Theatre today relative to see arrangements respecting the Buildings executed by the late George Wilkinson.  After having  been closely engaged a long time with Mr. Vaughan.  I returned to Newcastle & attended the Theatre Meeting, which indeed had been posponed an hour or two on my account. 

Got home to dinner but much harrassed and fatigued with the business of the day. Stamford set off this morning to Knutsford Sessions.  The weather changed today to heavy Rain after been fair some part [unnecessary] favourable and fine.

Wednesday 19 October 1825. 

Received two copies of the Report from Mr. Vaughan, which I considered.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd enclosing one of them, & which I sent by Stamford who stopped here on his way from Knutsford to Stafford.  Engaged the remainder of the day on Navigation Papers, preparatory to a conference with Mr. Wedgwood tomorrow, pursuant to appointment for that purpose.  Still very unwell.

Thursday 20 October 1825. 

Bad night.  Wrote to Mr. Lister, and sent him a copy of the Report.  Engaged again on papers for the inspection of Mr. Wedgwood, who with Mrs. Wedgwood Elizabeth & Fanny came to dinner.  Immediately after dinner Mr. Wedgwood & I began with the Navigation Papers & which engaged our close attention for hours without interruption.  Received note from Mr. Giles saying that he wished to confer with me upon the subject of his Report & that he wants to come to Linley Wood tomorrow at four o'clock.

Friday 21 October 1825. 

Engaged again till 12 o'clock with Mr. Wedgwood on various Canal Papers & business which we had not time to go through last night.  The Wedgwood's went before dinner.  Received and made a Copy, to be laid upon the Table, of my Report to the Committee & the Proprietors.  Mr. Giles came to dinner.  After which closely engaged with him the whole of the Evening and till between 11 and 12 o'clock midnight relative to his late Survey of the Canal, intended Report Supplies of Water etc. etc.  Received from Mr. Bent per Post Copy of Mr. Telford's Report on the intended.

Saturday 22 October 1825. 

At home.  Closely engaged on Navigation Papers, Scheduling and arranging them for the Committee Meeting on Monday & Tuesday next.  Mr. Martin called and staid some time & with whom I had much conversation relative to the Jurisdiction . . .by his Estates seen making the . . .Agreement being completed especially etc. etc.  The agent promised that he would dispose of the Estate without giving me the refusal.  He also gave me the right of sporting & pursuing the game upon it to Mr. J.L. [Card] said he would give the necessary directions that day to the Tenant. 

Stamford returned from Stafford Sessions.  Unwell being [greatly] unsure as to the labour & fatigue of the work.  Nearly the whole of my time & thoughts having been closely engaged on Navigation business.

Sunday 23 October 1825. 

At home & very unwell.  Service . In the evening put up Papers for Stone tomorrow.

Monday 24 October 1825. 

Set off early to Stone.  Still unwell.  I met Mr. Giles with whom engaged previous to the Meeting of the General Committee & on which afterwards closely engaged the whole of the day, being in the Chair.  Mr. . . & Mr. Brook Hollinshead attended.

Tuesday 25 October 1825. 

Up before seven o'clock though after a disturbed & restless night.  Copied afresh the Minutes of the Proceedings of yesterday.  Again in the Chair, when the General Committee went through the whole of the business that remained to be done, including the reading and consideration of Mr. Giles Report which took up much time.  Received note from Lord Harrowby with consequence of his being unable to attend & which I replied to.  Dined at Stone & returned to Linley Wood in the evening but much harassed & fatigued with the business & execution of this on the previous day.

Wednesday 26 October 1825. 

At home, but far from well.  Busy, looking over & arranging Navigation Papers.  By the Post Letter from Mr. Eyre Lee, with an account of the Stockton & Darlington Railway expansion etc.

Thursday 27 October 1825. 

At home.  Considered proposed new branch of Canal from Stone to Radford Bridge.  Wrote to Mr. Eyre Lee.  Very unwell.