Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Diary of James Caldwell

1833  January

Tuesday 1^st January 1833

Rather better, & in the afternoon came down stairs.

Wednesday 2^nd January 1833

Still very unwell, after a restless & almost sleepless night.  Engaged on papers in the Penlington Affairs, & sent a Letter to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach in consequence of one received from Miss Brundrett & Co. relative to the Money remaining to be paid to the Trustees Executors of Mrs. Simms.

Thursday 3^rd January 1833

The same.

Friday 4^th January 1833

Still very unwell.  Wrote long Letter in reply to Miss Brundrett after looking over their former Letters & Statements which took up much time.

Saturday 5^th January 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Met Mr. Tomlinson at the Roebuck at 11 & with whom engaged several hours on the late Miss Stamford's Will considering Legacy Receipts, Duties, etc. etc.  Returned to dinner.

Sunday 6^th January 1833

Still unwell.  Read Prayers.

Monday 7^th January 1833

The same.  Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.

Tuesday 8^th January 1833

Returned home to dinner, bringing Sir George Chetwynd in the Carriage to Newcastle.

Wednesday 9^th January 1833

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. C. . .Loughborough relative to Leicester & Loughborough projected Railways.

Page 162.  1833  January

Thursday 10^th January 1833

At home being still unable to walk out.  Frost.  Mr. Booth of Keele called & with whom engaged on sundry matters.

Friday 11^th January 1833

The same.  Frost very severe.

Saturday 12^th January 1833

Unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach & sent him a further Letter from Miss Brundrett . . .& Co relative to Mrs. Simms Money.  Engaged on various matters.

Sunday 13^th January 1833

Still unwell, & apprehensive of a Return of Gout.  Read Prayers as usual.  Frost going.

Monday 14^th January 1833

The same.  Mr. William Skerratt of Liverpool came to obtain my consent to the Executors of his late Uncle advancing the Sum of £80 to liberate the Household Goods of himself & his Father from an Execution of the . . of [Harris] Executor of Wilkinson, the Bailiff being in possession. 

I did not hesitate to give my consent, & wrote to Mr. Edleston accordingly in reply to a Letter from him but upon the express condition, suggested by Mr. Edleston that we should upon no account deviate further from the [discourse] of administration of the late Mr. Skerratt assets.  Stamford came to dinner.

Tuesday 15^th January 1833

The same.  Sent to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach for the papers sent to him on the [13] & afterwards engaged thereon & writing another long Letter to Miss Brundrett & Co.  Stamford again dined.

Wednesday 16^th January 1833

Copied afresh my letter to Miss Brundrett & Co. & sent the same by the Post.  Mr. Ledward came relative to the Ground Rent of the . . .House at Macclesfield, & when I gave him £476 being the half year due at [Michaelmas] last to be paid to Mr. Roscoe. 

Received Papers & Letters from Mr. F. Tomlinson relative to the Legacy Duties under the late Miss Stamford's Will & sundry particulars to be furnished by Mr. Winstanley as to the Effects etc.

Thursday 17^th January 1833

Wrote Letter to H.E. Roscoe to accompany the above papers & requesting Mr. Roscoe to obtain the confirmation which Mr. F. Tomlinson requested.  Fine day, & with difficulty rode about an hour on horseback in the Grounds & [hay].

Friday 18^th January 1833

Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to attending a Select Committee Meeting of Mr. Wedgwood & myself at Newcastle tomorrow.  Looked at the Pit now sinking in the Land bought from John Turnock, to ascertain whether Mr. . . .had got any of the Coal in such Land, as about 5 yards drift found a very thin coal.

Your most tenderly affectionate Father

James Caldwell

 Diary of James Caldwell 

Friday 8^th February 1833

At home.  Engaged Settling & copying Accounts in the late Miss Mary Penlington Affairs.

Page 165.  1833  February

Saturday 9^th February 1833

Engaged on papers in late Miss Stamford Affairs.  I wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson thereon sending him Mr. . . .& information being left by E. Roscoe. . . .Mr. Edleston Junr. brought me the contract for Sale of the [Coole] Estate & a Letter from his Father on the late Mr. Skerratts affairs, Stamford being made a Party.  I wrote to Mr. Edleston informing him that Stamford declined acting in these Affairs, but would execute a Release of the Trust.  Mrs. Wilbraham & Lady Edmonston called.

Sunday 10^th February 1833

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 11^th February 1833

Rode on horseback, but unwell.

Tuesday 12^th February 1833

Very unwell, but engaged arranging various Deeds & Papers.  Appeared to be a Return of Gout.

Wednesday 13^th February 1833

Bad night.  Engaged again on various Papers & Letters.

Thursday 14^th February 1833

The same & very unwell.

Friday 15^th February 1833

Still very unwell, but engaged all morning on the Penlington Papers & Acc. previous to going to Sandbach tomorrow pursuant to appointment with Mr. Skerratt to settle with Mr. Chas. Cowell & his wife who had taken out Letter of Admin. with the will [arranged]of the late Ralph [Audley].

Saturday 16^th February 1833

Went to Sandbach, considered the account relative to the late Mrs. Simms a statement of such Account to Mrs. Simms Executors for their approval.  On my return called on Mr. Johnson of the Hollins, who, to my surprize informed me that Joshua Rowley made a Will but gave the Land at Butt Lane to Rob Rowley his eldest son from whom I purchased.

Sunday 17^th February 1833

Very unwell, but read Prayers as usual.

Monday 18^th February 1833

Mr. Robert Heath came pursuant to appointment with whom engaged a long time considering whether any proposition could be made for an amicable settlement of the question between Mr. Kinnersly & the Navigation Co., whom I promised to consult the Select Committee as to their making an offer of £6000.  Afterwards called again at the Hollins to speak again to Mr. Johnson relative to the Will of Joshua Rowley when he informed me that the Butt Lane land etc. were by such Will given absolutely & entirely to Robert Rowley.

Tuesday 19^th February 1833

Mr. F. Tomlinson came pursuant to appointment & with whom engaged settling & arranging Legacy Acct. & various other matters under the Will of the late Miss Stamford.

Wednesday 20^th February 1833

Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Coals in consequence of a further application made by Miss Fenton, when we were of opinion that a Meeting of the Select Committee should be called & I afterwards wrote to Sir George Chetwynd proposing a Meeting of him & myself, Mr. Wedgwood being in Town attending Parliament.

Thursday 21^st February 1833

At home.  Engaged on sundry Papers.

Friday 22^nd February 1833

Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast, pursuant to appointment, & with whom engaged all morning on Navigation Business.  Afterwards engaged on the Penlington papers in consequence of a Letter received from Miss Brundrett Spirits, & . . .inclosing Case & Counsels Opinion to payment of Monies to the Trustees or Executors of the late Miss Simms.  Sent Miss Brundrett & Co letter to Mr. Skerratt for his consideration.

Saturday 23^rd February 1833

Wrote Letter in reply Miss Brundrett & Co, but sent it to Sandbach for the consideration of Mr. Skerratt.  Mr. Ledward came, with whom closely engaged examining his Account with the late Partnership of William Bent & Co. Macclesfield confirming the same with the . . .etc. etc.

Sunday 24^th February 1833

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 25^th February 1833

Closely engaged all day, completing various Accounts Legacy, Receipts & . . .the Will of the late Miss Stamford & paying the Servants Legacies  etc.  Mrs. [Oldfield] Debts & Legacy & William Heath.  Mr. Robert Heath came about an application for . . .of tonnage or [materials] for making Mr. Kinnerslys Railway from . . .to Northwich.  Copied afresh the Letter to Brundrett & Co. At night much fatigued & . . .

Tuesday 26^th February 1833

Engaged again closely on the Executorship papers, Accounts etc. writing various Letters.

Wednesday 27^th February 1833

Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Wolsley Bridge tomorrow to attend a Special Meeting of the Select Committee tomorrow relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Coals etc. etc.

Thursday 28^th February 1833

Went to Wolsley taking Mr. Vaughan from Stone & also engaged with Sir George Chetwynd, (Mr. Wedgwood being in London) considering settling the same, to be offered to Mr. Kinnersly in satisfaction for his Coals.

March

Friday 1^st March 1833

Called at Bishton & sat some time with Mrs. & Miss. Sparrow, the former though in her [91] year, apparently as well as when I saw her some time past, lively, & in full possession of her . . .  Arrived at home to dinner.  Violent Rain & heavy Flood.

Saturday 2^nd March 1833

At home but fatigued.  Engaged on papers, & writing sundry Letters.

Sunday 3^rd March 1833

Prayers as usual.

Monday 4^th March 1833

Engaged on late Miss Stamford's making List of Legacy Duties etc. previous to going to Newcastle tomorrow to settle & pay the same to Mr. Hyde.  Walked for the first time since my illness , on the Farm.

Page 167.  1833  March

Tuesday 5^th March 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Met Mr. Wilkinson on the Road who was going to Linley Wood, in consequence of the Communication which Mr. Landor had yesterday had with Mr. Fenton relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Coals.  He returned with me to Newcastle, where engaged with him some time on this business Mr. Fenton having refused to accept the Offer of £6400.  Mr. Hyde not being at home I returned after writing a card to Linley Wood.

Wednesday 6^th March 1833

Went again to Newcastle & [returning] to Mr. Hyde . . . Legacy Rents etc. under the Will of the late Miss Stamford & settling & paying the Trustees thereon.  Returned to dinner.  Stamford dined.  He & I executed a Transfer to John . . .[Exec.] of the two Grand [Trunk] Shares being mentioned to Stamford by his . . .& which he had sent to Mr. . . .  Rode on horseback to & from Newcastle though in [cloth] . . .

Thursday 7th March 1833

At home.  Closely engaged all day on Executorship Papers.  Bessy & Eliza Roscoe called at Rode Hall.

Friday 8^th March 1833

After breakfast Eliza Roscoe left us on her return home.  Engaged closely perusing & inclosing the printed copies of the London & Birmingham & the Warrington & Birmingham Railway Bill which I had received yesterday.

Saturday 9^th March 1833

Engaged again on these Bills William Faram came & finding that the Warrington & Birmingham Railway would approach [since] to Preston Tunnel.  Wrote Letter to Sir George Chetwynd with observation on the extraordinary powers contained in the Bill, & suggesting the necessity of the same protecting Clause being obtained for this Canal, as was contained in the London & Birmingham Bill relative to the Grand Junction & other Canals

Sunday 10^th March 1833

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 11^th March 1833

Engaged on Navigation Business.  Sent Letter which I had received from Sir George Chetwynd relative to the business with Mr. Kinnersly & Mr. Wilkinson.

Tuesday 12^th March 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson relative to Mr. Kinnersly's business Parochial Rates in [Elton] & Brereton Parishes in Cheshire & Reduction of the Navigation Poor Rate.  Left with Mr. Hyde Ann Parkers Legacy Recd. & paid him the duty thereon.

Wednesday 13th March 1833

At home.  Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers & perusing & considering again the Railway Bills.

Thursday 14^th March 1833

Wrote Letter to Mr. Wedgwood relative to Warrington & Birmingham Bill, but receiving a Letter by the Post from Sir George Chetwynd desiring me to propose a Clause for the protection of this Canal.  I refused sending the Letter.  Engaged on late Miss Stamford's papers & selecting & arranging the Title Deeds to several of the [purchases] as made by me for the consideration of Mr. Tomlinson in order to seeing that they were all right.

Friday 15^th March 1833

Engaged drawing Clause to be inserted in the Warrington & Birmingham Bill.

Page 168.  1833 March

Friday 15^th March 1833

Mr. Tomlinson came pursuant to appointment, & with whom engaged on the late Miss Stamford's Affairs.  Afterwards inspecting & examining various purchases particularly Linley Wood Farm purchased for Mr. [Ball] from Revd. Rowley.  John [Turnock], & Mr. . . .& which he considered right & correct.

Saturday 16^th March 1833

Copied the Clause afresh after having considered & amended it & sent it to Mr. Wilkinson of Newcastle for his perusal previous to sending it to Mr. Wedgwood.

Sunday 17^th March 1833

Prayers as usual.  Samuel Beardmore informed me that Mr. Smith was going to sink for Coals.

Monday 18^th March 1833

Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.  Went to Newcastle & finally settled the [Report] with Mr. Wilkinson, & which was to be sent, when copied afresh, to Mr. Wedgwood by the first Post.

Tuesday 19^th March 1833

Wm. Faram came early with his Report relative to the W. & B. Railway, in consequence of my having requested him to inspect the Plan deposited in the Clerk of the [Record] Office at Chester, & with whom engaged the greatest part of the morning.  Afterwards engaged considering & making sundry Observations previous to writing again to Mr. Wedgwood & Sir George Chetwynd.  First observed the men sinking a coal shaft on Smiths Land.

Wednesday 20^th March 1833

Went to Newcastle to confer again with Mr. Wilkinson, taking with me Letter which I had written to Mr. W. & Sir George.  Considered again the intended protective Clause, & wrote in the word "Tunnels" which had been omitted to be inserted, & which Mr. W. would desire Mr. Wedgwood to be in the copy sent to him.  Left my Letter to Sir George to be sent from Newcastle with a copy of Farams Report & my Letter to Mr. Wedgwood, & of the proposed Clause.  Stamford dined.

Thursday 21^st March 1833

At home.  Engaged on papers etc.

Friday 22^nd March 1833

The same.  Engaged on Executorship Acct.

Saturday 23^rd  March 1833

William Faram came with whom engaged & improving & correcting the Copy of the proposed Bye Laws of the Navigation.  After he was gone, receiving Letters from Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Barker relative to the Clause for the protection of the Canal.  I sent to desire that he would call again which he accordingly did, which after much Amendments of the Clause & which occupied till late at night.

Sunday 24^th March 1833

Sent the Letters to Newcastle by Samuel Jones in order that they might go by this days post.  Prayers as usual.

Page 169.  1833  March

Monday 25^th March 1833

At home & engaged on various papers.  Suffering much from my Eyes, which for the last two days have been very weak & painful.

Tuesday 26^th March 1833

At home.  Heavy snow in the morning.  Mr. Booth of Audley called with the Resolution of the Meeting held at Audley on the 20 instant relative to Revd. Mr. Garratts required in. . .of the Tithe, when I promised to attend a Meeting of the Committee, of whom I had been appointed me, on the 2nd April at Audley.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Wedgwood informing me that the Railway Gentlemen had refused to accede to my proposal of writing the . . .between the Railway & the Preston Tunnel, or to incur the penalty on interruption of the Canal Committee to meet the day which Mr. Wedgwood would attend.

Wednesday 27^th March 1833

Unwell.  Eyes painful & in the House all day.  William Farm came again & with whom engaged.  Men afterwards engaged the Water of the Gutter which discharged itself in Linley Meadow, in order to ascertain whether & how far the water might be affected by the water might be affected by the work carrying on in Mr. Smiths Land.

Thursday 28^th March 1833

At home..  Eyes still painful & obliged to refrain from much writing.  Received Letter from Mr. Wedgwood informing me that the Committee would not alter the line of the Railway, but restrained that it being brought nearer to the Tunnel by any deviation.  Suggested a further Survey being made my Mr. James Trubshaw.  Received also from Mr. Wedgwood the Bill for the Letter observance of the Lords Day.

Friday 29^th March 1833

Eyes still the same.  Wrote to Trubshaw.

Saturday 30^th March 1833

The same.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.  Wrote also (to) Wm. Faram to meet Mr. Trubshaw, & in the meantime a previous copy of the Section of the Railway.  Engaged considering Title Cases preparatory to attending Meeting at [Audley] on the 2 April.  Finished sowing oats.

Sunday 31^st March 1833

Prayers as usual.

April

Monday 1^st April 1833

Engaged on sundry papers.  Wrote to John Lawrence & [Henry] Roscoe.  Sent Saml. Jones with Letters to Mr. F. Tomlinson & Mr. Wilkinson, & to the former relative to E. Roscoe & A. Marsh's Legacy [Recd]. to the latter relative to Transfer of T. Shares to Stamford.

Page 170.  1833  April

Tuesday 2^nd April 1833

Went to Audley, attended Meeting relative to Revd. Mr. Garratt's claim of Tithes.  Mr. Heathcote, F. Twemlow, Mr. Wedgwood (of) Bignall End & myself.  Came to a Resolution to wait the Result of the [Correction] Bill intended to be brought before Parliament by Lord [Althorpe] this day.  On my return found Mr. Vaughan with whom engaged on Navigation business.  He staid (to) dinner & returned home in the Evening.  Fine mild day, with light Rain.

Wednesday 3^rd April 1833

At home.  Unwell.

Thursday 4^th April 1833

The Morning, being very wet prevented my going to Newcastle to call upon Mr. Ward relative to Stoney field house to Mr. Anderton etc. etc.

Friday 5^th April 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Saw Mr. Ward, & who referred to the Dr. of the Lease.  Repairs necessary to be done by Mr. Anderton to be looked over & the . . .agreed to be taken by the Landlord under the Law, to be enclosed.   Acknowledged in writing with Mr. Heathcote to be proposed.  Soon after my return about 3 o'clock.  Mr. [Smith], accompanied by a person who I did not know, called to request my permission to turn the water from his colliery access Linley Meadow & offering to make any satisfaction or to pay which I might require, but which I entirely refused, explaining to him the injury & consequence his colliery would be to my property.

Saturday 6^th April 1833

At home.  Stamford came to dinner.

Sunday 7^th April 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  In the evening sent the [Perfect] Copy of Miss Stamford's Will to Arthur Marsh to go per Liverpool Mail tomorrow morning.  Sent to Mr. Thomas for John Davies.  Received from Mr. Wedgwood on Warrington & Birmingham Railway.

Monday 8^th April 1833

Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow to attend Meeting of the General Committee & General Assembly.  Read over & considered the Railway Bill, & made Minutes of the same.  Afterwards rode out on horseback.  Met Stamford, who returned with me & dined at Linley Wood.

Tuesday 9^th April 1833

The second anniversary of the day of Grief and sorrow !!!!  Went to Stone, where engaged all day on General Committee, as Chairman.

Wednesday 10^th April 1833

At Stone, & engaged at General Assembly as Chairman.  Returned home in the Evening.

Thursday 11^th April 1833

At home.  Tired & unwell.

Friday 12^th April 1833

Revised & corrected the Minutes of the Proceedings of the General Committee & General Assembly & copied the same afresh, for insertion in the Book.  Eyes again painful.

Saturday 13^th April 1833

Went to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Ward in consequence of a Letter from him relative to taking proceedings for survey of the money due to late William Bent & Co Newcastle from (blank) Baddeley when I assented to proceedings being carried . . .to directions which had been given by Mr. John Bent.  Sent . . .Hudson to the Men at work at Mr. Smith's.

Page 171.  1833 April

Saturday 13^th April 1833

Colliery to give them notice this I could not prevent the water from the work to be thrown onto my Land & that if they proceeded to do it                 was at their own peril as I showed being in action.

Sunday 14^th April 1833

Read Prayers.

Monday 15^th April 1833

Sent early this morning by Samuel Jones, the Proceedings of the last Genl. Committee & Genl. Assembly to Mr. Fairbanks, to be forwarded by him to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged on late Miss Stamford's completing Transfers of W. & B. Canal Shares to Stamford & Mrs. [Oldfield] at £260 per Share the sum named by Mr. John Lawrence as what might be fairly accounted the . . .price on the 16 March last when they agreed for them.  Stamford came to dinner.  Mr. Skerratt of Newcastle called to solicit my vote as one of the Executors of the late Mr. Skerratt of Nantwich at the intended appointment of a [Bank keeper] to the salt work concerns at Winsford, when I informed him that the Executors on their land, nor would have any thing to do with their concerns further than discharging the late Mr. Skerratts share of any deficiency at the time of his death, & that I felt assured that both Mr. Edleston & Mr. . . .would remain in my determination not to interfere as it might be construed with a continuance of the Partnership, & to prove any mistake I wrote to Mr. Edleston to this effect by Mr. Skerratt who said that he was going to Nantwich tomorrow.  Executed a Transfer to J. Caldwell of six shares of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal dated 16th March being the time when he agreed for the same & the Transfer of one share to Mrs. B. Oldfield.

Tuesday 16^th April 1833

At home.  Engaged on various papers & matters.  Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson, inclosing one from Mr. [Green] of [Ashby] the . . . .on [Cookhills} business.

Wednesday 17^th April 1833

Mr. Audley came early, & with whom finally arranged new carpet & a cotton [Furniture] for the Breakfast Room, & which he engaged to have completed by the 17 May next.  Afterwards went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson on [Cookhills] business, when he promised to write to Mr. [Green] by this Post.  Paid Mr. Hyde the Legacy duty on the 2 shares of the T. & M. Canal left to Stamford by his late aunt, & left with Mr. Hyde the Legacy Receipt.  Saml. Jones informed me that Mr. Smith was beginning to build on the Land near to the Wood field.

Thursday 18^th April 1833

Engaged on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.  Copied afresh the Transfer of 1 share of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal sold to Mr. Robert Parker, the Transfer sent from Birmingham having been accidentally displaced. Went to Talk on the Hill, viewed with Mr. [Shaw] & Samuel Boardman the Stone Quarry, & arranged that Mr. S. & Mr. B. should set out the Boundary of Mr. [Shaws] Land & Mine.  I directed a Gate to be set up at the entrance into the Quarry.  Afterwards looked at Talk Chapel.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd with a Copy of the Clause & altered by Mr. . . .for notification of the Tunnel at Preston Brook, but which had been rejected by the Railway Company.

Page 172.  1833  April

Friday 19^th April 1833

Engaged on Navigation Papers in consequence of Letter received from Sir George Chetwynd.  Sent note to Etruria to enquire of Mr. Wedgwood was to gone to Town, but finding that he was not but was still I understood to go to Maer tomorrow.

Saturday 20^th April 1833

Went to Maer &had a long conversation with Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Preston Tunnel & the Railway Bill.  Returned to dinner.  Cold day with heavy showers.

Sunday 21^st April 1833

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Trubshaw.  Prayers as usual.

Monday 22^nd April 1833

Wrote to Mr. Lawrence with the Probate of Miss Stamford's Will & the Transfer of the shares of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal sold to J.Caldwell, [Bailey] & Oldfield & Mr. Rob. Parker.  Engaged examining Mrs. J. Accounts, in consequence of the Bank Of England requiring an acknowledgement from me that I was organized of the Receipt & Application of the two last Dividends on 3000 . . .part of her Estate.  First observed the Swallow.  Weighed the Chestnut Colt 48 sold to .  . .& Co Macclesfield 50/-.

Tuesday 23^rd April 1833

Sent the probate etc. to Birmingham.  Wrote to Miss [Padder] & Mrs. S. late Barkers at Preston relative to the Cons. Dividends.  Went to Sandbach on Penlington Affairs & to see Mr. Skerratt, who promised to come to Linley Wood tomorrow.  Left with Mr. Williams the Deed to make a Tenant to the . . .& declining the uses of the Recovery last suffered by Mr. C. Lawton in order there Mr. Wilbraham might get the same executed  by Mr Wickstead James Faram inspected the . . .into which Mr. Smith is about to throw his Mine Water, & also the water course in my Land the Gauge of which he also examined & found right.  Went to Bradwall & called upon Mr. Sneyd, who I found in a very feeble and infirm state, & apparently fast declining.

Wednesday 24^th April 1833

Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach came with whom engaged on Penlington Affairs when he promised to get his Account prepared & that a Meeting of the Executors should be held as early as convenient to settle the Accounts etc. etc.  Mr. S. looked at the papers laid by Mr. Smith into his ditch in the Meadow & thought that his [showing] the water into my meadows was a complete . . .& brought to attention.  He said that he was sure the Trustees of the Turnpike Road could not permit the pipes to be laid across the Road.  That he would consult them upon it & give notice to Mr. Smith accordingly.  Heard the cuckoo.

Thursday 25^th April 1833

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Mr. Wedgwood having sent me one from Sir George & which he had desired him to send . . .relative to the arrangement which had been made with the Railway Company.

Friday 26^th April 1833

Engaged on sundry matters.  Stamford dined.

Saturday 27^th April 1833

The same.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd relative to the Sale of the Navigation Co. Shares in order that the money due to Mr. Kinnersly for his Coals might be further paid.

Sunday 28^th April 1833

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 29^th April 1833

At home.  Engaged all morning on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.  Wrote to the Accountant General of the Bank of England, Mr. Lawrence & John [Hartley] Esq.  Hail & Rain

Page 173.  1833  April

Tuesday 30^th April 1833

Engaged on sundry matters & Accounts.  Called upon Mr. Johnson of the Hollins, who I found in a dying state, by whose bedside I sat sometime, as he seemed much gratified at seeing me.  Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd.  Cold Rain.

May

Wednesday 1^st May 1833

At home.

Thursday 2^nd May 1833

Engaged on various matters.  Stamford dined.

Friday 3^rd May 1833

Received Tunstall & Great Chell Road Bill from Mr. Wedgwood, respecting which Mr. Wilkinson & Charles Trubshaw came in the Evening, such Bill affecting the Navigation.  Long conversation when we determined that Trubshaw should go immediately to London with the Plan etc.  Bessy set off this morning to Nantwich.  On going to the Hollins intending to call upon my neighbour Mr. Johnson, his son informed me that he died this morning about 10 o'clock.

Saturday 4^th May 1833

Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.  Afterwards dined at Mr. Northens.  The Family from Betley Court except Mr. F.T. who was prevented coming.  Mrs. Moreton & Mrs. Balcombe.  In consequence of a Note from Mr. Wilkinson went to his office where engaged with him & C. Trubshaw making final arrangements preparatory to the latter setting off this evening to London.  Fine mild day.

Sunday 5^th May 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon attended the re-opening of Talk Chapel, to which considerable additions have been lately made under the direction of the Revd. Mr. Garratt vicar of Audley.  A numerous & respectable congregation.  A sermon which would have been good & appropriate had it not been spirited by Egotism & personality.  After the service, Mr. John Wood of [Brownhills] came down to Linley Wood, & staid with me sometime walking round the [wood] Garden etc. & then taking coffee.

Monday 6th May 1833

Sent Mr. John Ward some Broccoli, understanding from what he said it would be very acceptable.  Engaged on Miss Stamford's [Drawing] out account of J.T.C. Legacy of £2000, Duties etc. preparatory to settling the same with him this afternoon, & having promised to dine here.  Sent a Letter received from Miss [Bradbury] & Bagshaw of Macclesfield & Mr. Ledward.  Turned out the cows into the House Field.

Tuesday 7^th May 1833

Attended Funeral at Audley Church, Church of my old & much respected neighbour Mr. Johnson of the Hollins who died on Friday last.  Took the Revd. Mr. Garratt with me in the Carriage.  On my return found Mr. & Mrs. J. Wedgwood & Eliza had called & left cards.  Cut asparagus.

Page 174.  1833  May

Wednesday 8^th  May 1833

Sent Messenger to Nantwich with some fresh asparagus to Bessy.  Wrote to E. Roscoe.  Sent with some other things the Legacy . . .for her Share of the Books [Prints] etc. of the late Miss Stamford.  Called upon Mr. Johnson of the Hollins & finding him still in a state of great disturbance of mind & spirits invited to come down & work about the Grounds & Gardens at Linley Wood.  Went afterwards with John [Frost] to Mr. Shaws & settled to their mutual satisfaction a dispute between them relative to the working & getting of the Coal Mines of Mr. Shaws Colliery.  Sent to Stamford by his servant requesting him to dine but he could not come.  In the Evening Mr. Johnson came down & with whom I walked across, but he has appeared to me to be very ill & engaged his getting medical advice.

Thursday 9^th May 1833

Wrote the Receipt to be given by Mr. Shaw to John Frost & where Mr. Shaw afterwards signed.  Engaged settling & paying Frost for work done at the Pit sunk in Samuel Beardmore's Land.  In the afternoon Thunder & fine Rain.  Received by the Post from E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh, also from J. Lawrence with Warwick & Birmingham Canal Dividends.  Called at noon at Mr. Johnsons, but who was in bed, & as they informed me very ill.  Davenport had been called in.  Wm. Faram came, with whom engaged relative to a . . .which had been exposed by the Weaver Company to co-operate with this company in respect to a [recommendation] from [Acton] Bridge.

Friday 10^th May 1833

Called at Lawton Hall in consequence of late . . .in the Family for Mr. William Lawton eldest son of the late John Lawton having died on the (blank) instant in consequence of having become entangled in the machinery of a Bone Mill at [Potts] Kingsley, by which his arm was torn off & he was otherwise so much injured as to occasion his death.  He was about 18 years of age, very promising, & was working with a Gentleman at P. Kingsley preparatory to his going to the University.

Saturday 11^th May 1833

At home.  Wrote to John Lawrence.  Revd. Mr. Anderton & Mr. Ward (of) Newcastle.

Sunday 12^th May 1833

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon attended Service at Talk.

Monday 13^th May 1833

Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged on Navigation business.  Stamford came to dinner & staid all night.  Got early Potatoes.

Tuesday 14^th May 1833

Went early to Nantwich to see Mr. Edleston on the late Mr. Skerratts Affairs & with whom I had a long conference, particularly relative to the Title to the [Coole] Estate & the sale of the Shares of the Settlement Concern, the latter of which we determined i[ndisputably] to another meeting.  Returned in the Evening , leaving Bessy who was so busy that she could not return back with me.  Sent Mrs. Clarkson some early Potatoes, French Beans & Asparagus.

Wednesday 15^th May 1833

Went to Keele & called upon Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood at Mr. H. Wedgwood's.  Returned to dinner.

Thursday 16^th May 1833

At home.  Bessy arrived from Nantwich to dinner.

Friday 17^th May 1833

At home.  Turned the Riding Horses into Linley Meadow.  Engaged in the morning on sundry papers.

Saturday 18^th May 1833

At home.  Ditto.

Sunday 19^th May 1833

Read Prayers as usual.

Page 175.  1833  May

Monday 20^th May 1833

At home.  Engaged on the late Stamford's Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. F. Tomlinson who had appointed tomorrow for coming here to arrange respecting . . .Account etc.

Tuesday 21^st May 1833

Wrote to Captain Bradshaw in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the . . .Carrying Trade.  Mr. F. Tomlinson came with whom engaged till 4 o'clock on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Wednesday 22^nd May 1833

Went to Newcastle & paid by recommendation of Mr. F. Tomlinson the Legacy Duties on the 4 remaining Trent & Mersey Canal Shares & the 3000 . . .to Mr. Hyde.

Thursday 23^rd May 1833

At home.  Unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.  Engaged all day on late Miss Stamford's Affairs & Accounts.  Extremely hot & dry.

Friday 24^th May 1833

Bessy & I dined at Betley.  Mr. John Wedgwood being there upon with Revd. Mr. Garratt dined.  He said that the Alterations of Talk Chapel had cost £900.

Saturday 25^th May 1833

Returned home to dinner.  The Wedgwood's appointed to come to Linley Wood on Tuesday June 4.

Sunday 26^th May 1833

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr. Drake preached.  A great plain upright Service.

Monday 27^th May 1833

At home.  Wm. Faram came relative to agreeing with Mr. Kinnersly for Harding wood Mill & the Main Waters, when I directed to have as far as he could the [current] . . .of the water, with, or without the Mill.  Mr. Shaw called to whom I mentioned the [depreciation] upon the coal in my Land & said that I am willing to have the compensation to be made me to a . . .& which he approved & said  he had no obligation to Mr. Robert Heath who I mentioned, but he wished first to speak to John & Wm. . . .  I told him that I would have nothing at all to do with them, nor consider to him my name to be used in any thing he may say otherwise as I might notably take up some other severe measures against them.

Tuesday 28^th May 1833

At home.  Mr. F. Twemlow called, with whom a long conversation on Navigation Business particularly as relative to Capt. Bradshaw, the communication at Anderton ,& the River Weaver.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Audley putting up Prints in the Breakfast Room etc.

Wednesday 29^th May 1833

Took Bessy in the Gig to Newcastle, where engaged a considerable time on various matters.

Thursday 30^th May 1833

At home. Mr. Mason of Newcastle came & tuned the Piano Forte & [violin cello]. After dinner had a long musical conversation with him.

Page 176. 1833  May

Friday 31^st May 1833

Engaged on various matters.. George Beardmore with papers relative to [alterations] relative to the additions made to Talk Chapel, previous to the same being shown to Mr. Tollet, when I suggested a more particular Acc. being made with which he said he would get done & bring it to me on Monday morning.

June

Saturday 1^st June 1833

At Newcastle again.  Eliza & Mr. Roscoe came to dinner.

Sunday 2^nd June 1833

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 3^rd June 1833

Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged a long time on Navigation Business.  Afterwards George Beardmore with more particular Account of Talk Chapel additions & alterations done by order of the Revd. Mr. Garratt, & which he said that he would show to Mr. Tollet.  Drew the Pond in the Farm Yard, which we had stored with a large quantity of fine Carp & Tench, but to my great surprize & disappointment took nothing but a few small Tench & Carp.

Tuesday 4^th June 1833

At home.  Mrs. & Miss Wedgwood arrived to dinner.

Wednesday 5^th June 1833

Engaged with our Friends.  Mrs. & Miss Tollet & Rob. Wedgwood came to dinner & staid all night.  Dr. & Miss Northen dined, Mr. Tollet prevented coming by an Engagement at Lord Talbots.

Thursday 6^th June 1833

Engaged again with our Friends.  The Tollets & R. Wedgwood went after breakfast.

Friday 7^th June 1833

The same.  Mr.  Mrs. F. Twemlow & Miss Fletcher came to dinner & staid all night.  Mr. & Mrs. Kinnersly who had engaged to dine prevented coming by Mr. Kinnersly being obliged to attend the Induction at Lichfield, Revd. Mr. Mainwaring also prevented coming.  Got green Peas of which we had a plentiful dish at dinner.

Saturday 8^th June 1833

The Twemlows & Miss Fletcher went after Breakfast, & the Wedgwood's early in the afternoon, returning to Betley Hall.  An . . .& suffering day, this being the 49 anniversary of the day which united me to my beloved & ever to be Eliza, though now a Saint in Heaven.

Sunday 9^th June 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Mr. Wilkinson came to consult me on urgent Navigation business, particularly Cockshutt business, when from the conduct of the Parties we are both of opinion that it would be proper to proceed with the [Execution].  Considered also various points relative to Mr. Kinnerslys Title to the Harecastle Mines, & which he left with me the Draft of the Conveyance for my perusal & consideration.

Monday 10^th June 1833

Mr. James Trubsahw & Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast pursuant to appointment on their way to Anderton & Preston Brook, & with whom a long conversation, preparatory to their seeing Mr. Bradshaw.  Afterwards looked over the Draft Conveyance left with me by Mr. Wilkinson, & then went to Newcastle & had a further conference with him on the business & also on Cockshutts, when he determined to go to Stafford & see Mr. [Keene].

Tuesday 11^th June 1833

Weary, listless, & unwell, & unfit for anything! the consequence of too much effort during the last week.

Wednesday 12^th June 1833

The same.  Mr. Ward of Newcastle came relative to the Agreement for letting Stoney Field to Mr. N. Heathcote which we arranged & I appointed to go over on Saturday to view & settle the Repairs etc.

Thursday 13^th June 1833

Still Unwell.  In the morning Miss Dawson & Miss Wrench called relative to the Repairs of [Rode] House & which I said should be done at the mutual expense of the Parties intended.  I also explained to them the difficulty & delay which had arisen on and of the late Mrs. Simms & the late Ralph Audleys money, expressing my great desire to have the Executor ship Account settled.

Friday 14^th June 1833

At home.  Better but still unwell.  Looking over Letters & papers relative to Stoney fields preparatory to going to Newcastle tomorrow.

Saturday 15^th June 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Walked up to Stoney field with Mr. Anderton & Mr. Ward.  Looked over the premises.  Agreed to have the question as to what Repairs need to be done by Mr. Anderton, & which by myself, to Mr. Watson of Stoke.  Spoke also to Mr. Hulse about the painting which I desired him to look over. & then we called at Mr. Wilkinson's on Cockshutts business, when he showed me a Letter to Mr. [Keene] of Stafford, which he had written, & which I approved, & which he said he would send by the Post.

Sunday 16^th June 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  Letter from Mr. . . ..  Meeting of Gen. Committee.

Monday 17^th June 1833

At home.  Received Letter from Mr. Ward.

Tuesday 18^th June 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson, with whom engaged on Cockshutts business & the Meeting of the Gen. Committee.  Called also upon Mr. Ward settling further particulars as to Repairs of Stoney fields etc.  Bessy accompanied me in the Gig.

Wednesday 19^th June 1833

Engaged on sundry matters.  Considered Audley Tithe Question, & desired Samuel Beardmore to make enquiry as to the incumbency of the Revd. Mr. Wright & Revd. Mr. Stanier former Vicars of Audley.  Went to Sandbach & saw Mr. Skerratt on the Penlington Affairs.  Saw also Mr. Williams who said that he [would] copy the Lawton [Recovery] Deed at Betley Hall with Mr. Tollet for execution by Mr. Wickstead, but that he was going there tomorrow, & would get it completed.  Thomas Reeves called.

Thursday 20^th June 1833

At home.  Corrected Audley Tithes Question & papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Committee & the Parishioners tomorrow at Audley.

Friday 21^st June 1833

Attending Meeting at Audley when engaged from 11 to 5, when the business was 

friendly & amicably settled between the Vicar & the Parishioners & in [affecting] which I had the pleasure to be instrumental the kind of arrangement which I proposed being unanimously approved by the Vicar & the Landowners & Tenants present & adopted.  It being highly desirable to preclude that all with which the Tithes so [frequently] occasions between the Minister & the [Companies] of Farms & Lands & proposed that the Landowners should take upon themselves to pay a certain [coverage] in proportioned according to the Poor Rate Survey, & to be taken by the Vicar in satisfaction of all the advantages which the Vicar would . . .from them he agreed to accept1 January instead of 3 which he had required & the matter was so settled to the satisfaction of all Parties.  Might not a judicious application of the principle be confirmed in all cases?, & with useful . . .

Saturday 22^nd June 1833

Went to Newcastle to have spoken to Mr. Ward relative to the Audley Tithe Agreement, but he not being at home, I left a Note, expressing that it should be distinctly expressed that the Landowners agreed only for themselves respectively etc. not jointly or for one another. Called also upon Mr. Wilkinson on Navigation Business.  Saw Mrs. Moreton who said that she & Mrs. Sneyd of Keele who intended calling at Linley Wood.  She wanted me to meet & dine with Sir George Chetwynd on the 9 July.  Understanding that Mr. Drake, Mr. Garratts Curate, would do the duty at Talk tomorrow on his return from Tunstall, where he was to [perform] it in the morning.  I sent to invite him to dine here.

Sunday 23^rd June 1833

In the morning Read prayers as usual.  Mr. Drake came to dinner.  Took him with Bessy in the Carriage to Talk when he read prayers & Mr. Garratt preached.

Monday 24^th June 1833

At home.

Tuesday 25^th June 1833

Went to Newcastle & executed Transfer of Shares belonging to the Navigation Co. to Mr. Salt & Mr. [Pointon].  Long conference again with Mr. Wilkinson relative to Cockshutts business.

Wednesday 26^th June 1833

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.

Thursday 27^th June 1833

At home.  The same.

Friday 28^th June 1833

Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged examining the Minutes of the . . .of the Gen. Assembly etc. & making various [amendments] preparatory to the Meeting of the Gen. Committee on the 2nd July.  He promised to write to Mr. James Trubshaw & desire him to come here on Monday next.  After Mr. V. was gone I rode out, & met Mr. [Reid], who speaking of the late Reduction of Tonnage of the Pottery Materials & Goods, said, that it was the most absurd thing that ever was done, being entirely unnecessary, & uncalled for, circumstanced not at all requiring it.  Boulton the Tenant of the Public House at Macclesfield, late belonging to the Brewery called, & after some conversation appointed to come again tomorrow with Mr. Ledward.

Saturday 29th June 1833

Ledward & Boulton came when we settled respecting the House.  Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.

Page 179.  1833.. June

Sunday 30th June 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended the Service at Talk Chapel.

July

Monday 1^st July 1833

Engaged on Papers preparatory to attending Committee Meeting at Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 2^nd July 1833

Went to Stone, & where closely engaged all day on Committee.  Mentioned to Mr. F. Twemlow my instruction of proposing a Subscription in aid of the expense incurred by the Rev. Mr. Garratt in the alteration of Talk Chapel, when he promised to write to Sir Thomas Boughey upon the subject & let me know whether he would contribute.  Returned at night.

Wednesday 3^rd July 1833

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.  Wrote to Mr. James Trubshaw suggesting further information necessary to be obtained relative to Mr. Sneyds Coals.

Thursday 4^th July 1833

Revised & copied afresh the Minutes of the Committee Meeting, & sent the same, with a Letter to Mr. Vaughan, by the Post.  Wrote also to Mr. Wilkinson relative to obtaining payment on security for the costs & expenses in Cockshutts business.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd appointing to meet me at Newcastle on Wednesday next.

Friday 5^th July 1833

Still unwell.  Flying pain of Gout & great depression of Spirits.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of the Letter received from Sir George Chetwynd.

Saturday 6^th July 1833

The same.  Eyes affected, so as to render writing or reading very painful.  Passed an idle useless day, not I hope a common case with me.

Sunday 7^th July 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  Thunder & Lightening with uncommonly heavy Rain.

Monday 8^th July 1833

Went to Newcastle & met Mr. F. Twemlow, when after some conversation we called upon Mr. Kinnersly pursuant to the Regard of the General Committee & amicably settled with him & Mr. [Vaughan], all parties in the dispute relative to the payment for Harecastle Coals.  Title etc. etc.

Tuesday 9^th July 1833

At home.  Engaged on Papers previous to meeting Sir George Chetwynd tomorrow at Newcastle where we had appointed to hold a Select Committee Meeting.  Began Mowing in the Meadow.

Wednesday 10^th July 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Called upon Mr. Ward, but he being engaged, rode up to Stoney fields.  Spoke to Mr. Hulse junior relative to the painting & gave him directions as to the inside & suggested him to send me an . . .of painting the outside.  Mr. Thursfield, who was doing the Repairs was not there but afterwards called upon Mr. Wilkinson where I gave him directions about some trifling particulars.  Went to Mr. Wilkinson's office at 12.  Found Mr. Vaughan, Sir G. Chetwynd, & Mr. Landor came soon after, & where engaged on Select Committee.  Afterwards dined at Mrs. Moretons at Wolstanton.  Sir George, Miss Chetwynd, Revd. Mr. Bagot, Mr. Hales & (I think) Mr. Bentley & his nephew, Mr. Landor & Mr. Wilkinson.  Returned home at night.

Thursday 11^th July 1833

At home.  Finished Mowing the Meadow.  In the Evening Eliza Roscoe & her six children arrived.

Page 180.  1833  July

Friday 12^th July 1833

At home.  Unwell.  Revised & Copied afresh the Select Committee Minutes, & wrote to Mr. Vaughan therewith by Post.  In the Evening Stamford arrived.  Weather so foggy & inclement to Rain, as to prevent our doing anything in the Hay.

Saturday 13^th July 1833

Busy in the Hay, the weather having improved.

Sunday 14^th July 1833

At home.  Very unwell.  Flying pains of Gout.  Wrote to Mr. Edleston on Skerratts Affairs.

Wednesday 24^th July 1833

This morning early Eliza Roscoe received a Letter by the Post from Mr. Roscoe announcing the stoppage of their [Bank], his [Ruin] in consequence of payment of their Bills having been refused by their Bankers in Town.  She determined to go home immediately, but their being no room in the first Coach, she went in the second about 2 o'clock.  Passed a miserable day in consequence of this calamitous account.  Misfortune indeed seems of late to have had her hand upon me, & I fear it will prove too heavy long to support & had a suspicion indeed of miseries have I had to endure within the last 4 years!!

Thursday 25^th July 1833

Unwell but engaged on the late Miss Stamford's papers preparatory to settling with Mr. F. Tomlinson tomorrow the Account of Residue of the Estate.

Friday 26^th July 1833

Unwell.  Mr. F. Tomlinson came about eleven o'clock in the morning & with whom engaged till 12 o'clock at night on Miss Stamford's Affairs, Account of Residue etc. when it was determined to obtain the Opinion of Counsel on several points particularly, whether the specific Legacies for [intent] from the death of the . . .or only from the [expiration] of one year etc.  Mr. F. T. went home though so late.

Saturday 27^th July 1833

Very unwell but went again through the Papers, & made observation as to other points in which it may be advisable to take the Opinions of Counsel.

Sunday 28^th July 1833

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon attended Service at Talk Chapel.  Bessy, the two Roscoe Girls & the oldest Boy also attended.  In the evening very unwell.

Monday 29^th July 1833

Great Depressing of Spirits.  I had sinking of the Heart, compared with which all Gout & bodily pain seem light & inconsiderable.  Bessy received a Letter from E. Roscoe, but with a comfort less Account of the Affairs of the Bank.  Wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson on Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Tuesday 30^th July 1833

Still very unwell.  Perused Act of Parliament & made observations in writing relative to the power of the Navigation Company to alter the course of the Towing path at Anderton.

Wednesday 31^st July 1833

The same.  Eyes weak & painful.  Bessy had the misfortune to break the bone of her little finger by falling from a chair in which she was getting to put up some Books.  I sent immediately to Mr. Davenport who came & set the fracture & said it would be of no consequence.  Received long Letter from E. Roscoe principally relative to her late Aunts Affairs.

August

Thursday 1^st August 1833

Still very unwell.  Engaged on Miss Stamford's papers & making observations in writing in consequence of Eliza Roscoes Letter.

Friday 2^nd August 1833

The same.  Engaged again on the papers & making observations in writing thinking it necessary to consult Mr. F. Tomlinson on various points which had in consequence of the unfortunate state of William Roscoes Affairs.

Saturday 3^rd August 1833

Went early to Cliffe Ville, & had a long conference with Mr. F. Tomlinson, in consequence of which I determined to go immediately to Liverpool though very unfit for the Journey.

Sunday 4^th August 1833

Various further important considerations having occurred to my mind on these affairs.  I set off this afternoon on my journey & got to Prescott, where I staid all night.

Monday 5^th August 1833

Arrived at Brook Farm early to Breakfast.  Charles Crompton, who I much wished to see, being at Chester attending the Assizes.  Eliza informed him by Letter of my being here & my wish at Brook Farm & requesting to see him as soon as he could . . .

Tuesday 6^th August 1833

Considering these unfortunate affairs, as a little relief to Eliza, took her to Zoological Gardens.

Wednesday 7th August 1833

Waiting for Charles Crompton, but he did not come till Evening, when I explained to him what I had done in Miss Stamford's Affairs, all of which he approved, & also of the opinion of Counsel being taken upon the points proposed by Mr. F. Tomlinson & myself.

Thursday 8^th  August 1833

Set off on my return home & arrived at Linley Wood between 5 & 6 o'clock.  Found a present of Grapes from Mrs. Crompton of Eton.

Friday 9^th August 1833

Fatigued & unwell.  The Revd. Mr. Turner who had come to reside with his son, a Surgeon at Audley called with a Miss Bury from London, to look at the place, when I walked with them in the Grounds, & they afterwards had Luncheon.  Received Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan.

Saturday 10^th August 1833

The Children left us about 9 this morning on their return.  Sent by them a Letter to Eliza Roscoe inclosing G. T. Dividends & a Note to Mrs. Crompton.  Answered Letters received from Sir G. Chetwynd, Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. Ford of Abbey field as to [Charter] of John . . .  Wrote to Mr. Williams (at) Sandbach, with enquiry after the Lawton Deed left with Mr. W. for execution by Mr. Wickstead.  Sadly & weary in body & depressed in mind.

Sunday 11^th August 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon attended Service at Talk Chapel.  Much disgusted with a Meeting of Methodists in a Field so near to the Chapel as to be heard from it.

Monday 12^th August 1833

Wrote to E. Roscoe returning the Draft of a Will which had been drawn for her by Mr. H. Roscoe & which I recommended to her to execute.  Wrote also to Mr. [Gwynn] of the Agency Office in reply to an Application for the remaining Duties on the late Miss Stamford's property.  Began cutting Oats in Banky Swallow Moor, but on looking at them with Saml. Beardmore we thought them not quite ready & stopped further cutting.

Tuesday 15^th August 1833

Weary & dejected, & almost incapable of any exertion.

Wednesday 14^th August 1833

The same.  Letter from Sir George C. appointing & requesting Meeting of Select Committee to be held at Wolsley Bridge on Monday next instead of Stone, as a personal accommodation.  Wrote to him expressing my ready acquiescence.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan informing of the Meeting.

Page 183.  1833  August

Thursday 15^th August 1833

Went to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Wilkinson informing him of the Meeting, but as he had nothing particular to lay before them, & as he . . .to him to attend on Monday, I said that he would be excused.  Took Tickets & places for Bessy & myself for Paganini's Concert on Saturday Evening, all the places for Friday being engaged.

Friday 16^th August 1833

At home.  Unwell.  Perused & Considered a Draft of Case & [Queries], received from Mr. F. Tomlinson, in the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford's proposal to be laid before Counsel.  Began cutting Wheat in the field.  Purchased from Miss (blank)  Busy in the Harvest.

Saturday 17^th August 1833

Busy in the Harvest.  Wrote to Peake for an attested Copy of H. E. Roscoe's Settlement.  Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Select Committee at Wolsley Bridge on Monday next.  In the evening took Bessy to Paganini's Concert at Newcastle.  His performance particularly on the single string is certainly very satisfying, & displays the extraordinary skill or dexterity of the performance, & capacity of the Instrument, but as music I thought little of it, & should feel no desire to hear it again.

Sunday 18^th August 1833

In the morning read Prayers.  Weather cold & wet & which prevented our attending service at Talk in the afternoon.

Monday 19^th August 1833

Set off early to Wolsley Bridge, going in the Gig to Stone, from whence Mr. Vaughan & I took a Post chaise & arrived soon after 11.  Engaged on Committee till near four, when we took a hasty dinner & I returned home that night.

Tuesday 20^th August 1833

Fatigued & unwell.  Revised the Minutes of the Proceedings of yesterday previous to copying the same for Entry in the Book.  Received Note from Mr. F. Tomlinson appointing Thursday next for meeting me at Newcastle on the affairs of the late Miss Stamford. Finished cutting oats.

Wednesday 21^st August 1833

Closely engaged all morning, selecting & considering papers preparatory to meeting Mr. F. Tomlinson tomorrow.  Received Letter from E. Roscoe.  The conduct of . . .appears to have been most infamous, & to have been the . . .occasion of the miserable circumstances which has taken place.

Thursday 22^nd August 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Met Mr. F. Tomlinson on perusing & considering Draft of Case & . . .under the Will of the late Miss Stamford & finally settling the same for Counsel.  Returned home to dinner.  Found Letter from Peake promising a copy of E. Roscoe's Marriage Settlement, which I had requested him to furnish me with.

Friday 23^rd August 1833

At home.  Fatigued & dejected & feeling deeply the . . .my loss & disappointment, which I have myself suffered, & by which my power to afford that assistance & relief which I so earnestly seek, is so much . . .& limited.

Saturday 24^th August 1833

Wm. Faram came, with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation business.

Sunday 25^th August 1833

Read Prayers in the morning.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel.  A comfortless Letter received by her from poor Eliza, with a miserable account of the Bank Affairs.  My heart aches to its very core for herself, her Husband, & their four Children.  But the case is far beyond any power of mine to remedy.  From the sorrows & disappointments which have of late come so thick upon me, I endeavour to harden myself against misfortune, & to learn that philosophy which consists in practice, not in speculation, & to think of the world only as it deserves.  His a Dream which is in fact drawing to a close with me, & must shortly end with everybody.

Monday 26^th August 1833

Mr. Tomlinson's Clerk [Covt.] A Deed of [Coc.] for production of the Deed & [Fine] relating to property in Derby heretofore sold to (blank) & which I executed, desiring at the same time by a Note to Mr. F. T. that an attached copy might be made to be kept with the Deeds & [Fine], & at the expense of the Parties.  Engaged in the Grounds etc. etc.  Received Note from Mr. Wedgwood.

Tuesday 27^th August 1833

Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood.  Copied afresh the Minutes of the last Committee Meeting, & wrote to Mr. Vaughan therewith.  Wrote also to Mr. Wilkinson respecting Kinnerslys Bonds & Deed of Indemnity relative to Harecastle [Coals]  Daniel Thomas Light conveyance of some Houses at Talk on the Hill for my perusal, & finding some irregularity in the execution of it I recommended his showing the Deed to Mr. Harding by whom it had been proposed.

Wednesday 28^th August 1833

At home.  Busy in the Harvest.  Finished carrying the Wheat out of the Land bought from Miss [Hatchell].  Began carrying oats.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood in reply to a Note from him expressing his readiness to attend Sel. Committee whenever necessary.  Long fine Harvest weather.

Thursday 29^th August 1833

Went to Sandbach early.  Called upon Mr. James Skerratt relative to the Penlington Affairs, when he promised to fix an early day for coming over to Linley Wood & bringing the papers & brochures, in order that we might go through the whole of the accounts, & arrange the affairs as far as possible.  Called also upon Mr. Williams who delivered to me the Recovery Deed relating to the purchase from the Lawtons, executed by Mr. Wickstead the . . .Received Letters from Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan on Navigation business.  Finished carrying Oats, which we had no sooner done, than Rain came on, & was at night very heavy.

Friday 30^th August 1833

Daniel Thomas brought his Title Deeds which I again examined, & found the Title correct, but advised him to speak to Mr. Harding again, as to the execution of the conveyance by William Wilshaw.  Henry & Albert Crompton called on their way into Leicestershire.  They took some refreshments but I could not prevail upon them to stay (to) dinner & all night.  In the evening heavy Rain.

Saturday 31^st August 1833

At home.  Eyes very weak & troublesome & rendering Reading or Writing painful.  Violent Storm of Wind.

September

Sunday 1^st September 1833

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel.  Sermon preached by a stranger.  The [inclosing] of the Liverpool appeared in the Sun Newspaper . . . the [Ruin] of Thomas Fletcher, William Stanley Roscoe, Richard Roberts, John . . .& Francis Fletcher.  Bessy had also a Letter from E. Roscoe announcing this wretched Event.

Monday 2^nd September 1833

At home, but suffering from my Eyes.  Looked again over the Penlington Papers.

Tuesday 3^rd September 1833

At home.  Eyes the same.

Wednesday 4^th September 1833

At home.  The same, but looked over & selected various Navigation papers which I was likely to have occasion to refer to previous to the next Committee Meeting, & also prepare to take with me to Maer tomorrow when I propose calling upon Mr. Wedgwood.

Thursday 5^th September 1833

Went to Maer, but Mr. Wedgwood was gone out.  Bessy accompanied me to call upon Mrs. Wedgwood, who is still in a very weak & infirm  state.  Found there Mr. & Mrs. G. Tollett, . . .Wedgwood & Dr. Dawson junr.  Returned to dinner.  Received Letter from Mr. P. . .Derby relative to the completion of his purchase of B. . .in Derby & complaining of Mr. Balgarys delay.

Friday 6^th September 1833

Sent Mr. P. . .'s Letter by the Post to Stamford at Buxton & wrote to him therewith, [requesting] his going over to Derby.  Oakes killed a hare & a [half] of Partridge on the Alsager Estate, & Mr. Booth of Audley caught a hare.

Saturday 7^th September 1833

At home.  Unwell.

Sunday 8^th September 1833

Prayers as usual.  Mr. James Trubshaw came just before dinner on Navigation business.  He dined & staid till about 5 o'clock, & in the mean time I had much conversation with him on several matters of much importance to the canal.  His arrival prevented our going to Talk Chapel as Bessy & I had intended.

Monday 9^th September 1833

At home.  Eyes still rendering Reading or Writing painful & loathsome, but looked over sundry Navigation Papers & wrote to Mr. Vaughan requesting to him to come over to Linley Wood this week & having the [Committee] Minutes preparatory to the Meeting on the 24th.

Tuesday 10^th September 1833

Unwell with Mr. Johnson of the Hollins the Turnpike Road the Fence at the Hollins which is in a dangerous state & recommended his calling upon Mr. Fenton the Clerk to the Trustees & representing the necessity of the Fence being repaired.  Received from Mr. Tomlinson the Case in the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford with Mr. Knights opinion, which I carefully perused & considered, & concluded to go to Cliffe Ville tomorrow morning previous to writing to Mr. Charles Crompton, from whom I had received a Letter yesterday.

Wednesday 11^th September 1833

At home, but very unwell.  Perused & considered the Case & Mr. Knights opinion in the affairs of Miss Stamford, & made observations.  Considered a Will brought by John Lowe & his [wife], & giving them my opinion & advice thereon.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan, appointing Saturday next for his coming to Linley Wood.

Thursday 12th September 1833

At home.  Still unwell.  Got Grapes out of the Hot House.

Friday 13^th September 1833

Went to Cliffe Ville.  Considered with Mr. F. Tomlinson the opinion obtained in Miss Stamford's affairs, & made appointment for settling the Residue Account & a Meeting of the Trustees under the Will.  On my way back called upon Mr. Ward, with whom I went up to Stoney field.  Saw Mr. N. Heathcote & looked at the alterations of the Grounds & House, & which appear to be great improvements.  The Gin at Mr. Smiths colliery was begun upon & a fresh annoyance thus given to my enjoyment of Linley Wood.

Saturday 14^th  September 1833

Mr. Vaughan came, & with whom engaged all morning looking over the Minutes of the General & Sel. Committee, making Memorandum for next General Committee & other matters.

Sunday 15^th September 1833

In the morning read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk Chapel.  Revd. Mr. Garratt preached.

Monday 16^th September 1833

Wrote to Mr. Charles Crompton & sent him a Copy of the Case & Mr. Knights opinion on Miss Stamford's affairs, proposing also Meeting of the Trustees under the Will at Linley Wood on the 28 of this month.  Wrote also to Eliza Roscoe.  Sent the whole by the Mail.

Tuesday 17^th September 1833

Engaged again on papers & accounts in Miss Stamford's Affairs.  Eyes weak & painful.  Looked at several [accounts] in the Hollins Ground which had been lately [purchased]]& which John Crossley told me of this morning.  E. [Anderson] . . .& papers of the [Debts] for the presentation of . . .particularly Hollins.

Wednesday 18^th September 1833

Eyes weak & painful.  Saml. Jones first mentioned one of the large Oaks in the [Road] field being cut by the Bricklayers at work for Mr. Smith, & which I then viewed.

Thursday 19^th September 1833

Eyes the same.  Engaged in the Grounds.  Cut down two small oaks, etc. in the Fence at the old Road in the front of the House.  In the Gazette of Tuesday last appeared the Bankruptcy of my unfortunate Son in Law, Mr. Roscoe & the Bank in which he was engaged.  To what a train of painful recollections & anticipations does it lead?

Friday 20^th September 1833

James Barker came & with whom settled the account of his Rent ,& of which he paid £100 on account.  Looked with Saml. Beardmore at the . . . by Mr. Smiths Bricklayers.  Desired him to speak to Mr. Smith about it and also to see Mrs. Walker, relative to her staying another year at Foxholes, which I understood that she was very desirous to do.  Received Letter from Charles Crompton fixing Saturday the 28 for meeting Mr. Lawrence here on the late Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Saturday 21^st September 1833

Wrote to Mr. Lawrence.  Unwell & confined to the House almost the whole of the day, & still suffering from my Eyes.

Sunday 22^nd September 1833

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk.  Mr. Drake.

Monday 23^rd September 1833

Called on Mr. Thos. Ledwards near Wolstanton, in consequence of an Application which I had received from Mr. Thos. Bullock for the purchase of the [Grapes] Public House at Macclesfield, but Mr. L. was not at home.  On my return engaged on papers etc. preparatory to attending Meeting of the Genl. Committee at Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 24^th September 1833

Went early to Stone.  Closely engaged all day on Committee.  Returned home at night.

Wednesday 25^th September 1833

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.

Thursday 26^th September 1833

Mr. Thomas Ledward came relative to the Public House at Macclesfield, & I wrote to Mr. 

Bullock accordingly.  Wrote to Capt. Bradshaw informing him of the request of the Committee, that Mr. F. Twemlow & I would confer with him upon the subject of the Pottery Carriage.  Afterwards engaged on papers in Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Friday 27^th September 1833

Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with intelligence of the sudden death of Capt. Bradshaw on Tuesday last.  Mr. Lawrence, Chas. Crompton & G. Roscoe came to dinner.

Saturday 28^th September 1833

Mr. F. Tomlinson came to breakfast, with whom & Mr. [Lawrence] & Mr. Crompton closely engaged the whole of the day & till late at night settling the Residuary Account on the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford etc. etc.

Sunday 29^th September 1833

After breakfast Mr. Lawrence & C. Crompton left us on their return home.  Read prayers as usual.

Monday 30^th September 1833

At home.  Eyes very troublesome & making me unfit for business.

October

Tuesday 1^st October 1833

Eyes the same.  Miss Dawson came relative to the House at Rode Heath, when was arranged that Mr. Williams of Sandbach, as Solicitor of Mr. Randle Wilbraham, should prepare the Draft of a Lease proposed by him, & send it for my perusal.  Mrs. Walker paying her Rent, when I agreed that she should continue another year.  Eliza Roscoe went to Maer.  Sent a present of Grapes to Mrs. Wedgwood.

Wednesday 2^nd October 1833

Went to Rode Heath & looked with the Ladies at the Repairs of the House, let to Mr. R. Wilbraham.  Invited Mr. Collinson who was at Rode Heath, to dinner tomorrow.  Viewed this morning with Mr. Elliot ( the Surveyor of the Newcastle Road) Mr. Johnson & S. Beardmore the Repairs necessary to be done at the Fence opposite to the White Lion, & which Mr. Elliot thought reasonable & proper to be done by the Trustees of the Road.  Joseph Hudson informed me of this intention of his wife & himself to give up service on account of her sight, which has of late been much affected, & [oncoming] blindness.

Thursday 3^rd October 1833

Engaged on sundry matters.  Bessy & E. Roscoe, who she met at Newcastle on her return from Maer, called at Wolstanton, but Miss Moreton was away from home.

Friday 4^th October 1833

At home.  Bessy & E. Roscoe called at Clough Hall, but Mrs. Kinnersly was from home.  Began sowing wheat.  Invitation from Mr. Lawton to dine today at Lawton Hall, but which I could not accept, expecting Dr. & Mary Holland & the Children, & who came to Tea.  Stamford sent a Horse to . . in the leg.

Saturday 5th October 1833

Engaged all day with Dr. Holland, & with whom I had much interesting conversation both on . . .& . . .affairs.  Our opinions upon both exactly coinciding.  Amongst other things I showed him the Will & explained to him what had been done in the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford & which he fully approved.

Page 188.  1833  October

Sunday 6^th October 1833

Dr. Holland left us early this morning going in the Gig to Maer on his return to Town.  The Horse Gin at Mr. Smiths colliery was at work almost the whole of the day.

Monday 7th October 1833

Samuel Beardmore showed me the ditch along which Mr. Smiths mine water is thrown & by that means passes into my ditch & watercourse.  I desired him to inform Mr. Smith who he expected to see in a day or two that I could not submit to this, as it would be very injurious to my property, & if persisted in could . . .me just to bring an action.  This was . . .product to what I had before send by Letter to Mr. [Dutton], Mr. Smiths Solicitor.  Began digging the ground for a Plantation for a Screen against the Reservoir which Mr. Smith had created upon his Land.  Viewed also with Saml. Beardmore the ditch at the bottom of the Meadows into which the drains for laying it along empty . . .  & in which he found a considerable deposit of [tar] & by which in a short time the mouth of the drains would be stopped.

Tuesday 8^th October 1833

Eliza Roscoe left us on her return home & Mary Holland went to Maer.  Elizabeth Wedgwood coming for her.

Wednesday 9^th October 1833

At home.

Thursday 10^th October 1833

Went to Newcastle on sundry matters.  Brought Mary Holland back to Linley Wood to dinner.

Friday 11^th October 1833

Executed Transfer before Mr. Fairbanks at the Red Bull to Wm. Mills & Henry Smith both of Birmingham of two Shares of the Warwick & Birmingham Canal part of the Estate of the late Miss Stamford No. 785 &786 in [commission]of £275 each & of 2 Shares of the Warwick & Napton Canal in [commission] of £224 each & which had been sold by Mr. Lawrence as arranged at the Meeting on the 28 Sept.  Eyes very painful all day.  Stamford arrived in the evening.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan desiring him to advise Mr. Wedgwood of the Meeting of the Select Committee on the 24 instant.  Sent by Saml. Jones this morning a Note to the Mayor of Newcastle excusing my not accepting his invitation to dine with him at the Sessions on Wednesday next.

Saturday 12^th October 1833

At home.  Eyes very painful.

Sunday 13^th October 1833

Received Draft of Lease of Rode House to R. Wilbraham Junr. Esq. per Mr. Williams with letters from him & Mr. R.W.  Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & Stamford attended Service at Talk.

Monday 14^th October 1833

Went to Sandbach & saw Mr. Williams with whom I left the Draft of the Lease, & which he acknowledged & gave me much "praising" particularly in the particular respects which I [printed] it, & he said that he would carefully change & alter the Draft & then send it to me again.  In the evening Saml. Beardmore informed me that they had hit upon coal in Mr. Smiths Land.

Tuesday 15th October 1833

I this morning, in the presence of Saml. Beardmore informed Hammersly Mr. Smiths Tenant, & James Hancock who was . . .at the Colliery, which of the mine waters was thrown into my Ditches or watercourses I should bring an [Action] at Law.

Wednesday 16^th October 1833

At home.  Very unwell.

Thursday 17^th   October 1833

Mr. Vaughan came, with whom engaged on Navigation business.  Still very unwell.

Page 189.  1833 October

Friday 18^th October 1833

Went to the Red Bull Office, re executed the Transfer of the Warwick & Napton Canal Shares which I received last night from Mr. Lawrence in consequence of an Error & which I returned to him by this days Coach.  Afterwards met Mr. Thos. Mayer of Newcastle who said that he was coming to Linley Wood to procure my signature to an Address of Condolence intended to be presented to the Duke of Sutherland tomorrow by a Deputation which had been appointed for that purpose, but it seeming to me that my Signature in Accordance without attending the presentation might appear to be a want of disrespect to his Grace.  I mentioned this to Mr. Mayer, who said that he felt the power of my observation, & that he would mention it to the Gentlemen this evening in the course of which I should hear from him.  Engaged on papers in Miss Stamford's Affairs preparatory to meeting Mr. F. Tomlinson at Newcastle tomorrow.  Stamford came on his return from Knutsford Sessions.

Saturday 19^th  October 1833

Went to Newcastle.  Met Mr. F. Tomlinson.  Whilst engaged with him, Mr. Hall & Revd. Philips the Trustees of the Borough & Mr. [Coombes] came to request my attendance at the presentation which having consented to be produced at Trentham Inn & where we met the Mayor (Mr. Saml. Mayer) & Mr. Fenton.  After I had signed the Address we presented the Mayor, Mr. R.Hall, J. Phillips, Thos. Mayer, Mr. Fenton & myself to the Hall where we were received by the Duke & Duchess, their Children being present in the most kind & obliging manner.  After I then introduced Mayor & the other Gentlemen by name to the Duke.  Mr. Fenton read the address, to which the Duke & Duchess with great attention, the Duke replied expressing in a very elegant & responsive manner dwelling much upon the strong sense which he put as their mark of respect, his late father & the honour done to himself.  I had then the pleasure to sit some time next to the Duchess & had a great deal of conversation with her in which it was supposed most to desire the most  amicable . . .& . . .added to an extraordinary & . . of manner & hardness of [department]  The Duke was the same . . .as I had [conferred] him . . .& kind & friendly.  I understood from Mr. Fenton had expressed much pleasure on hearing that I had attended the presentation.  We afterwards partook of a long lunch, & came away everyone of the party gratified & delighted with the reception we had met with.  On our return we called at the [Leys ] & . . in drinking a few jovial glasses of wine with Mr. Fenton.  I took the Mayor to his home at . . .& then returned home.

Sunday 20^th October 1833

Prayers as usual.  Mary Holland, Bessy, Stamford & the Children attended service at Talk in the afternoon.

Monday 21^st October 1833

At home.  Unwell.

Tuesday 22^nd October 1833

The same.  In the afternoon Stamford left us.

Wednesday 23^rd October 1833

Went to  Newcastle, & met the Mayor & other Gentlemen at the Public Office to settle the Report of the presentation of the Address to the Duke of Sutherland.  From thence to Cliffe Ville on Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Thursday 24^th October 1833

Went early to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.

Page 190.  1833  October

Friday 25^th October 1833

Returned from Stone.

Saturday 26^th October 1833

At home.  Engaged making out Eliza Roscoe & Ann Marsh’s Accounts in Miss Stamford's Affairs.  Saml. Beardmore informed me that they had given up [further] getting or search for Coal in Mr. Smiths Land.

Sunday 27^th October 1833

In the morning Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Mary Holland & Bessy with the Children attended Service at Talk.  In their absence Mr. Tomlinson came & with whom engaged some time considering & discussing his plan for the abolition or arrangement of the Title.  His proposed . . .constitution for the Potteries.  The dispute in the Parish of Stoke relative to the Church Rates, with the Letter proposed to be sent by the Rector in reply to an Application made to him to call another meeting, & an introduction of which suggested by me he approved and considering also the Arrangements in respect of the intended approaching . . .for the benefit of the North Staffordshire . . .  In the course of the conversation I could not but be forcibly . . . with the knowledge however & good sense which he arrived in the discussion of these various subjects & the candour with which he listened to any observation which I made.  Pity! That all this should be in general defeated by the total want of transfer & self command.

Monday 28^th October 1833

After an early Breakfast, Mary Holland & the three fine & outstanding Children under her care left us on their return home.  Eyes very weak & painful.

Tuesday 29^th October 1833

Eyes the same & rendering writing or Reading troublesome & painful.

Wednesday 30^th October 1833

The same.

Thursday 31^st October 1833

The same.  Wrote to E. Roscoe & Anne Marsh sending them further money on account of late Miss Stamford's Estate!  Wrote also to Mr. F. Tomlinson desiring him to ride over to Linley Wood, wishing to consult him on the subject of Mr. Smiths Colliery.  The Fox hounds came, & lost the Fox after a smart Run from Alsager [Sprint], in the Earth in the . . .Wood.  Mr. C. Ford, Mr. White of Newcastle, & two other Gentlemen took some refreshments on horseback.  Afterwards Mr. Wickstead, Mr. Hales of Cobridge, Mr Child Grandson of the Admiral, & the Revd. Edward Powys took Luncheon.  After them Mr. J. Wood of Burton & a young Farmer of the name of Barker came up to the Farm & took Luncheon.  Then came Mr. Trubshaw, who had been at Talk, surveying the work done at the Chapel, & who staid to dinner, when we had much conversation & correction of Navigation business.

November

Friday 1^st November 1833

Mr. Williams of Sandbach with the Draft of the Lease of Rode House to Mr. R. Wilbraham which I approved & promised to speak to them respecting letting to him the piece of Land called the [eight] days work, & the small piece of Land belonging to the House entitled by them.  Mr. Wedgwood called.

Saturday 2^nd November 1833

Mr. F. Tomlinson came with whom & Samuel Beardmore surveyed the Lands & Watercourses affected by Mr. Smiths Colliery, & the Water received thereupon, when Mr. T. being of opinion that Mr. S. had no right to throw his water into my Watercourses in the manner in which it is done.  We resolved that he should write to Mr. Dutton Solicitor thereon, & that Mr. . . .should be retained on my part, as Counsel in case I should be drawn to bring an Action.

Sunday 3^rd November 1833

Joshua Hancock called this morning, & confirmed what he had before said that  there was no coals in Mr. Smiths Lands that would . . .the expense of an Engine, & that the money [laid] out in me would be thrown away, but which he said he should tell Mr. Smith, who he understood intended to contact him on the occasion.  He said the Buildings lately erected & the Colliery as at present worked was certainly a great nuisance to my property, & that the Mine Water thrown into my Watercourse was of a very poisonous nature.  Mr, Vaughan came to dinner & to consult & settle the communication proper to be made to Mr. Southern (the newly appointed Agent of the Bridgewater Canal in the place of Mr. Bradshaw who had lately resigned) relative to the carriage of Pottery Goods & raw material between Runcorn & the Potteries, when having suggested a few alterations in the Statement proposed by Mr. V. he said that he would get a fair copy for my [perusal], & which I recommended should afterwards be shown to Mr. Wedgwood.

Monday 4^th November 1833

At home.  Sent Letter to Mr. F. Tomlinson requesting him to postpone sending a Retainer to Mr.[Jervis] & Letter to Dutton till I had seen Stamford.  Wrote to Mr. Hartley, Solicitor, & to Mr. John Lawrence, Birmingham, acknowledging to the former Receipt of . . .Yards Mortgage, & to the latter Receipt of Warwick & Birmingham Canal [Dividend] but Warwick & Napton Div. Left unpaid.  Invitation from Dr. & Mrs. Northen to dinner on the 12 inst. but which we declined.

Tuesday 5^th November 1833

At home.  Perused & considered papers received from Mr. F. Tomlinson being the Case & Declaration in the Colliery Cause [against] [Martin] Eyes very painful.

Wednesday 6^th November 1833

Mr. Reid called, with whom engaged relative to the proprietors made by Mr. Reid & Co. respecting the Carriage via Anderton of Pottery Goods & [Martins], & which I took down in writing.  At night Stamford arrived.

Thursday 7^th November 1833

Closely engaged all morning perusing & considering Letters & papers relative to the above proprietors, & writing long Letter thereon to Mr. Vaughan, with his proposed Letter to Mr. [Latham].  Sent an . .. [Ticket] to Mrs. Martin, Newcastle.

Friday 8^th November 1833

At home.  Much suffering from my Eyes.  Stamford called at Trentham, but the Duke was gone to Lilleshall.  In the Evening Joshua Hancock called to inform me that Mr. [Finistone] of Newcastle, to show Mr. Smith had offered to sell his Land, but was looking it over with him (Hammersley) today, but both were of opinion that there was no Coal worth getting, & that Mr. Smith had no right to throw his Mine water into my watercourse, as now done.

Saturday 9^th November 1833

Stamford left us, on his Journey to London by way of Derby.

Sunday 10^th November 1833

Read Prayers in the morning as usual, but the inclemency of the weather prevented me attending at Talk Chapel in the afternoon as we had intended.

Monday 11^th November 1833

Wrote to Eliza Roscoe her Letter received a short time ago relative to investment of the Trust Monies under the Settlement made on her Marriage.  Joshua Hancock came with calculations showing that Mr. Smith's Mines were not, as he had before stated worth getting, but that the Colliery was now attended with considerable daily loss.

Tuesday 12^th November 1833

Went with Bessy to Stoke, & attended the performance of Sacred Music in the Church, which went off very well, but the attendance was not so full, as we expected, & it was proved would severely defray the expense.

Wednesday 13^th November 1833

At home.  Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.

Thursday 14^th November 1833

Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.

Friday 15^th November 1833

Returned from Stone to dinner.  Found that Mr. Sutton of Shrewsbury had called yesterday in my absence.

Saturday 16^th November 1833

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.  We had today green Peas at dinner, nearly as fresh & good as in July.

Sunday 17^th November 1833

Unwell, but read prayers as usual.

Monday 18

The same & confined all day in the House.  Perused & considered Draft of the conveyance of House in Derby to Mr. P. . .received on Saturday last from Derby received from Stamford on Saturday last & making his observations thereon.

Tuesday 19^th November 1833

.  Sent cards of Invitation to the Mayor of Newcastle.  Mr. Fenton, Robert Fenton, Mr. Hall. Mr. Mayor's son, Thomas Phillip & Mr. [Coombes] to dinner on Thursday the 28 November at ½ past 5.  In the House being still unwell.  Bessy unwell with Cold & Fever, Mr. Davenport came to see her.

Wednesday 20^th November 1833

Executed in the presence of John Davies Conveyance to Mr. [Firmstone], that I had received from Mr. Ward of the Duke of Wellington public House on Land late belonging to Bent & Co. & sent it afterwards to Mr. Ward by Samuel Jones.  Wrote also to Mr. Balgary of Derby with the Draft of the conveyance to Mr. P. . .and proffered Bond of Indemnity with my Observations thereon.

Thursday 21^st November 1833

Wrote to Mr. Henry Roscoe, & after signing, returned to him Receipt & Order for Dividends on [Regent] Canal Shares belonging to H .E. Roscoe.  Eyes being still very troublesome.  Consulted Mr. Davenport, who strongly urged my abstaining from writing, & the use of an Application which he promised to send.  N.B. Letter omitted being sent by this Post.

Friday 22^nd November 1833

At home.  Eyes the same.

Saturday 23^rd November 1833

Went to Newcastle on sundry matters.  Left a written order at [Downs] for [High} etc. for Thursday next.

Page 193.  1833 November

Sunday 24^th November 1833

Read Prayers as usual in the morning.  Prevented going to Talk in the afternoon by Bessy being still unwell, my own Eyes being very indifferent, & the weather wet & inclement.

Monday 25^th November 1833

At home.  Eyes painful, but engaged on various matters.

Tuesday 26^th November 1833

The same.  Engaged on Navigation Papers relative to the Carrying . . .

Wednesday 27^th November 1833

Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Revised & copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee for Entry in the Book.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan, appointing to be here at ½ past 8 o'clock on Friday morning next to confer with me previous to his seeing Mr. [Latham] the Agent of the Bridgewater Canal that day at Runcorn.

Thursday 28^th November 1833

The Mayor of Newcastle ( Mr. S. Mayer Esq.), Mr. Fenton, Rob. Hall, Mr. Phillips, Mr. Coombes, being (with Mr. Thos. Mayer junr. I invited but who was prevented coming) the [Deputation] who presented the Address from Newcastle to the Duke of Sutherland, dined, also the Revd. Mr. Garratt.

Friday 29^th November 1833

Mr. Vaughan came early to Breakfast, (on his way to Worsley), & with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation Business, preparatory to his conference with Mr. . . .the newly appointed Agent of the Bridgewater Canal particularly relative to Carriage between Runcorn Transshipment at Anderton . . .Improvement of the Canal or the plans etc. & on which matters Mr. Wedgwood had desired to see me.

Saturday 30^th November 1833

At home.  Engaged on Navigation papers etc.

December

Sunday 1^st December 1833

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 2^nd December 1833

 Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 3^rd December 1833

Went early to Stone.  Closely engaged all day on General Committee.  Lord Harrowby in the Chair.

Wednesday 4^th December 1833

The same.  General Assembly.  Lord Harrowby again in the Chair.  Returned home in the evening.

Thursday 5^th December 1833

At home.  Fatigued I unwell.  Engaged on private Accounts.  Navigation papers etc.

Friday 6^th December 1833

Wrote to J.S.C. at Leamington, with a Letter received yesterday from Mr. B. . .relative to the House in [Gower].  Wrote & sent to Miss Dawson by Henry an order on Kinnerslys for payment of £17.17.2 on behalf of Repairs of Rode House.  Wrote & sent to the Revd. Mr. Garratt Audley by Saml. Beardmore a Mourning Ring which he had dropped & left in the Drawing Room the day he dined here.

Saturday 7^th December 1833

Went to Newcastle taking Bessy with me, who with Mr. F. Tomlinson the . . .in the Bond on that united admin. to the late Miss Stamford granted out of the Court at York, to [enable] me was for the Mortgage per [£5000] due John York Esq. to the Trustees under Miss Stamford's Will. Recd. Sir William Dunbar of [Ashwell] was the Surrogate.  Mr. F. Tomlinson thinking it prudent to give Mr. Smith notice, that if the water from his Mines was thrown into my Ditches, I should bring an action.  I desired him to write to Mr. Smith accordingly.  Returned to dinner.

Sunday 8^th December 1833

Read Prayers as usual.  Thomas Alcock came to offer himself as Butler in the place of John Davies.  From his former good behaviour, & understanding that a good character be given by Mr. [Rigby] in whose employ he was, I agreed to take him from Christmas next.  He desired to leave the wages entirely to me.

Monday 9^th December 1833

Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood at Newcastle tomorrow.

Tuesday 10^th December 1833

Went to Newcastle where engaged with him on Select Committee, Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Vaughan attending.  Returned to dinner.  Found invitation to Bessy & myself to dine at Betley Court on the 18 inst., but which owing to our proposed journey to Nantwich in that week, we declined.

Wednesday 11^th December 1833

At home.  Engaged on the Penlington Affairs in consequence of a Letter which I had received from Mr. Field, & wrote to him.

Thursday 12^th December 1833

Eyes again very troublesome.  Wrote to Mr. Edleston informing him that I should be at Nantwich on the 17 & requesting to see him that evening, or the following morning.  Snow.

Friday 13^th December 1833

The same.  Engaged selecting & arranging various Letters & papers.

Saturday 14^th December 1833

The same.  Wrote to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach requesting him to meet me at the George Inn Sandbach on Tuesday next at 12 o'clock being desirous to see him on the Penlington Affairs, & other matters.

Sunday 15^th December 1833

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel.  Revd. Mr. Denham.

Monday 16^th December 1833

Wrote to Mr. Lawrence Birmingham & sent him the Probate Copy of the late Miss Stamford's Will, as requested, to be registered at the Warwick & Napton Canal Office.

Tuesday 17^th December 1833

Went to Nantwich with Bessy where we arrived to dinner.  In the evening saw Mr. Liversage & with whom I had long conversation on the late Mr. Skerratts affairs, & appointed to call upon Mr. Edleston, who was unwell in the morning.

Wednesday 18^th December 1833

Mr. Liversage & I called upon Mr. Edleston with whom we had a long conference on the affairs, particularly the completion of the Sale of the Coole Estate the . . .appearing to be now completed, & the Sale of the Shares of the Settlement for which an offer had been made of £600, but for which we were of the opinion that we should not accept less than £600, & Mr. Liversage wrote to the Builder accordingly.  In the evening Mr. Taylor called with the Deed for the inclosure of Willaston Heath, which I executed.

Thursday 18th December 1833

Mr. B. . .called & paid his Rent of the House & Land.  Saw Mr. Liversage again, who promised to effect the Insurance of the former.  Called at Mr. Edlestons on my way home, & where arrived to dinner.  Bessy proposing to stay at Nantwich till Saturday.  Stamford who expected to find at L. Wood did not arrive.

Page 195.  1833  December

Friday 20^th December 1833

At home.  Wrote to Mr. P. . .Derby.  Samuel Beardmore with Account of [Cheese] sold to Mrs. Cliffs & & delivered yesterday at [Whichurch], 2 ton at 53/-, the residue to be delivered & paid for in March or April.

Saturday 21^st December 1833

Mr. Williams of Sandbach called with the Lease of the House & Land at Rode Heath let to Randle Wilbraham Esq. which I executed, the same having been previously executed by the Rev. H. Broughton.  Bessy returned from Nantwich.

Sunday 22^nd December 1833

Read prayers as usual.  Day being very wet & stormy, did not attend Talk.

Monday 23^rd December 1833

At home.  Engaged on Christmas Accounts, & settlement of this years expeditions.  Suffering from Lumbago & in the House all day.

Tuesday 24^th December 1833

The same.  Stamford arrived to dinner.  Mrs. [Felton] came in her place, in the [room] of Mrs. Hudson.  Stamford mentioned some new claim to the Derby property but which Mr. Balgary did not think desiring of my Notice

Wednesday 25^th December 1833

Christmas day.  The usual Roast Beef Party of old Servants with their Children etc. etc.  Reasonably fine mild day, with clear sunshine.

Thursday 26^th December 1833

At home.  Thomas Alcock came to his place as Butler, in the [room] of John Davies, who left Linley Wood this day.

Friday 27^th December 1833

At home.  Unwell.

Saturday 28^th December 1833

The same.

Sunday 29^th December 1833

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I & Stamford attended Service at Talk.  Mr. Drake.

Monday 30^th December 1833

Joshua Rowley brought the Plan which he had made of the Coal mine in my Lands in the Parish of Audley.  Afterwards Mr. Rigley & Samuel Beardmore relative to the Claim upon Mr. Shaw for the Coals got by him in my Land, & for which trespass he refused to make satisfaction, when it was thought proper that John [Daniel] & Mr. Chadwick should be seen & examined as to the persons by whom such coal was got.

Tuesday 31^st December 1833

Strong wind, so violent as to break some panes of Glass in the front of the House.  Stamford called at Lawton Hall, Rode Hall & upon Mr. Mainwaring.  The latter of whom he saw.  The two other Families were from home.  Sent Samuel Jones to Newcastle to inquire on which day the Sessions would be held, fully proposing to attend thereon, when he informed me on his return that they were held today but it was too late to go.