Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1836

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Page 63.  1836  January

Friday 1 January 1836

Snow.  Settled & balanced last years Cash Accounts.  Frost, Wind & Snow.

Anne Marsh-Caldwell diary, London

January 1836

1^st January 1836, Friday

At home all day writing out Louisa Mildmay

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 2 January 1836

Severe Frost.  Wrote to Mr Edleston, with a Letter which I received yesterday from Mr Skerratt on his late Uncles Affairs.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

2^nd January 1836, Saturday

At home all day writing out Draft. The cold so intense last night two police men frozen to death on Hampstead Heath.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 3 January 1836

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Child preached.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

3^rd January 1836, Sunday

Did notgo to Church.

 Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 4 January 1836

At home.  Engaged on Penlington Papers.

Tuesday 5 January 1836

Went to Newcastle & delivered to Mr Wilkinson the Case which I lately prepared relative to the Navigation Company Title to small piece of Land etc. of which Sir George C.  desired to have a Copy.

Wednesday 6 January 1836

Miss Wrench, Miss [Ravensthorne] & Miss Dawson dined at L.  Wood & with whom engaged on the Penlington Affairs preparatory to my meeting Mr Skerratt at Rode Heath on Friday next.  The Carriage fetched & took them back.

Thursday 7 January 1836

Engaged again on the Penlington papers & Accounts.

Friday 8 January 1836

Went to Rode Hall Meeting Mr Skerratt with whom & they also engaged on the papers & Accounts.  Examined & found correct my Accounts of which the Monies in the hands of Kinnerslys, & the several payments made by me.,& which the Ladies & I signed.  Also the Account of the Rent due to the late Mary Penlington at the time of her death, & which had been received by the Ladies to their use, & the Account of the Monies paid to them by me on account of the Interest of the Residue in the hands of Kinnersly, which being found correct, we also signed.

Saturday 9 January 1836

At home.  Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Meeting of the Sel.  Com.  on Monday next.

Sunday 10 January 1836

Read prayers as usual, but the weather being severely cold, we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 11 January 1836

Went to Stone, where engaged on Select Committee, & returned home at night, but the cold very severe.

Page 64.  1836  January

Tuesday 12 January 1836

At home.

Wednesday 13 January 1836

At home.

Thursday 14 January 1836

At home.  Engaged on Christmas Accounts.

Friday 15 January 1836

At home.  All night loud Thunder, Lightning & Hail followed by severe Frost.  Engaged again on Accounts etc.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Martin and Rosa came home from Amelia’s in the interval.

15^th January 1836, Friday

Louisa took her first lesson in singing from Mr Scoppa

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 16 January 1836

At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

16^th January 1836, Saturday

Louisa took another lesson in singing.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 17 January 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  Bessy & I attended Evening Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Garratt preached

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

17^th January 1836, Sunday

At home with a bad cold.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 18 January 1836

Wrote to Mr Moore in reply to a Letter from him relative to the Birmingham & Derby projected Railway, & expressing my opinion that the Disposal of the Trent & Mersey Company should be immediately signified to the Parties who had applied to him.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

18^th January 1836

To the Stanmore Ball, met the Milmans. Louisa returned with them to Pinner.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 19 January 1836

Engaged all morning perusing & considering Draft of the Trust Deed of Audley National School received from the Revd. Mr Garratt, writing to him thereon.  Examined papers relative to the money lying in Kinnerslys hands for the use of Talk Chapel, & expressed to Mr G.  my [acquiescence] to any arrangement which he might be able to make with Mr Tollet, for the application of the whole or a part of such money, toward the expense of the later alterations of the Chapel.  Wrote also to the Revd. Mr Child requesting him to dine here after the Evening Service on Sunday next & stay all night.  Sent the papers & Letters by Samuel Jones.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

19^th January 1836

We all dined in Brook Street except F.G and Baby ill with colics. Sent Louisa (boarding?) School

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 20 January 1836

At home.  Engaged on sundry private papers etc. Called at the Bull Wharf.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

20^th January 1836

To Pinner to fetch Louisa home, tookRosa.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 21 January 1836

I this day entered into the 77th year of my age.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

21^st January 1836

Fanny took her first lesson with Mr Scoppa. Louisa is bed with a cold.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 22 January 1836

At home, but rode out on horseback.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

22^nd January 1836

Shopping, preparing Martin for school.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 23 January 1836

Heavy night winds & in the House all day.  Symptoms of a violent Cold.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

23^rd January 1836

To Church. Martin breakfast with Miss (Vogue?) Baby ill with headache.

Sunday 24 January 1836

Much indisposed with my Cold, but read Prayers as usual.  Too unwell to accompany Bessy to Talk Chapel in the afternoon.  Revd. Mr Child who had engaged to dine here today returned with her, & at night went home being engaged early tomorrow morning.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

24^th January 1836

Took Martin to Blackheath School. Called upon Mr Tennant. Mr Roper the head master dined with us. Baby very ill whole night.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 25 January 1836

Very unwell & suffering much from the effects of my cold

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 26 January 1836

The same.  Engaged on papers in the Executorship Affairs of the late Thos.  Jackson of Nantwich, having received a Letter from Messrs.  [Brown] & Smith .  .  .& {Gold] Sol.  informing that Emma .  .  .a Poor remaining [Actuary] Legatee, had attained the age of 21 & wished to have her money.  Wrote to [Brown] & Smith.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 27 January 1836

Very unwell.  Violent cough & considerable Fever.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 28. January 1836

The same.  Very unwell & confined closely.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 29 January 1836

The same.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

29^th January 1836

Took Georgey for a first lesson to Mrs Anderson. Called upon Mrs Clive, and to Bushells to (buy, music?) a piano forte.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 30 January 1836

The same.  Bessy affected by symptoms of a cold.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

(transcript)

Page 135 – continuing from Page 128) to the poor fund receiving from it seldom more than 2,000. 4 percent of the (paupers?) only theirs, their proportion to the whole population in Philadelphia. They were annually for costs 100,000 had six Methodist meeting, two Baptist, two Presbyterian. This (cossotion) one public that all supported by themselves (batsest?) at upwards of 100,000 dollars. They own two Sunday schools two (tent tomut) two temperance societies and one female literary institution. We have among us, say they more than 50 beneficient societies for mutual aid in times of sickness, the members are liable to be expelled for misconduct. 7000 dollars raised among ourselves are expended annually in the relief of distress. No one member of these societies has ever been committed in a court of justice.

Hartford. There the blind are hardly safe in the streets at night. Dot dot dot to pelt them with stones and cry out ‘nigger nigger’ seems to the pastime of the place dot dot dot. I could perceive that I had given great offence in several quarters by the expression of my sentiments, it would be more to my honour if I had given more reason for it.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

30^th January 1836, Sunday

To Church

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 31^st January 1836

The same, but read Prayers.  Bessy growing worse, sent to Mr Davenport.  He said she had much Fever, the consequence of a severe cold, & advised her keeping warm, & the .  .  .here being taken to guard against cold & promised to see her again tomorrow.  He advised me to also to continue in my present low Diet, & not to go out.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

31^st January 1836

To Mr Scoppo’s for a singing lesson, met (Sophy, Lady?) Park, poorly in the evening.

February

Monday 1 February 1836

The same.  Mr Moore came in consequence of a Trial about to take place between the Mersey & Trent Canal Company & the Bridgewater Canal Trustees, relative to the [Gent] forming the Communication of the latter with the .  .  .& which the T & M company as Communication of the River contended .  .  .to us.  I had to see how .  .  .the .  .  .stated on the Letter to Mr Moore from our Agent at Runcorn, the Company could interfere but desired him to show the Letter to Mr Wedgwood.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

2^nd February 1836, Wednesday

At home.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 3 February 1836

Not so well.  Cough very violent & considerable Fever.  Bessy confined to bed.

Thursday 4 February 1836

The same.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

4^th February 1836, Friday

To Mrs Andersons for a lesson. To Mr Scoppo’s for do. To Mrs Martineau to comment upon letter to S. and B (?)

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 5 February 1836

The same.  Wrote to Mrs Roscoe, in consequence of Bessy's illness requesting her to come to Linley Wood.  Mr  Trubshaw called, in consequence of a Letter which I had written to Mr Wedgwood (being on his way to Runcorn) to enquire into the facts of the Question raised & about to be tried by the Mersey & Irwell River Navigation as Conservators of the River as to the right of the Bridgewater Canal to make New Communication with the River at Runcorn.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

6^th February 1836, Sunday

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 7 February 1836

Still very unwell, not hearing anything E.  Roscoe.  Wrote to her again, poor Bessy confined continuously to her bed.  Read Prayers.  In the afternoon E.  Roscoe arrived with her Boy William.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

7^th February 1836, Monday

Dispatch my proposals to S & B. Case the Cook came.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 8 February 1836

The same.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

8^th February 1836, Tuesday

To Mr Scoppo’s, took Rosa to Brook Street

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 9 February 1836

The same, but rather getting better.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

9^th February 1836, Wednesday

To Mr Osgoods to sit for my picture

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 10 February 1836

The same.  Engaged on late Mr Jacksons papers, in consequence of a Letter from Mr Wilson relative to Emma Jackson .  .  .rendering Share of his Effects, & the payment of it.  Received Letter from Trubshaw.  Snow.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

10^th February 1836, Thursday

To dine at Dulwich with Mr B Allen. Lady and (Benon) Alderman(?),  Mrs Miss F & H Wedgewood, Sir Thomas Ainslie, Mr Fuse.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 11 February 1836

Wrote to Mr Wedgwood in consequence of Trubshaws Letter & proposing a Meeting of Mr W.  & myself at Newcastle on the 18.  Engaged again on Jackson's & wrote Letter to Mr Wilson thereon

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

11^th February 1836, Friday

To Mrs Andersons and to Scoppo’s. Baby to Mr (Closely?)

Answer from S & O received.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 12 February 1836

Wrote to Mr Wilson on [Poor's] business & sent him Kinnerslys .  .  .  of [principal] & Int.  Still confined to the House.  Bessy better.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

12^th February 1836, Saturday

At home

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 13 February 1836

Still confined.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

13^th February 1836, Sunday

Sir Hyde Parker and Dr Frith dined with us.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 14 February 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Bessy better.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

14^th February 1836, Monday

To Mr Osgoods, Chaplins. Called upon (Mrs Toolsly, Taddy?) and inBrook Street, got  Rosa’s – for the bab.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 15 February 1836

The day being very fine, went out of doors for the first time after 23 days close Confinement.  Mr Wilbraham called, & left a card.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

15^th February 1836, Tuesday

To Mr Osgoods, and to Scoppa’s. Lady (Posh,  Peel?)

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Page 67.  1836  February

Tuesday 16 February 1836

Mr Randle Wilbraham called.  Walked out a short time again.  Emma Wedgwood called on her way home from Knutsford.  Wrote Letter to Mr Edleston on late Mr Skerratts Affairs, & particularly requesting to know when they were likely to be brought to a conclusion.

Wednesday 17 February 1836

Walked out again; but still feeble & unwell.

Thursday 18 February 1836

The same.  Received Coventry Canal Consolidation Bill.

Friday 19 February 1836

Went to Newcastle to have attended Meeting of Mr Wedgwood & myself, & to have met Mr Trubshaw relative to the Runcorn Business: but no one attended owing to Mr Wedgwood being suddenly called to Town by Sir George Chetwynd.  Took Mr Roscoe with me in the Carriage.  Saw Mr Wilkinson & left with him the Case relative to the Company's Titles etc. in order that another Copy might be made of it.

Saturday 20 February 1836

At home.  Fatigued & Unwell.  Received Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway Bill.Bessy 

Sunday 21 February 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  In the Evening Bessy came downstairs.  Received Trubshaws River Report.

Monday 22 February 1836

Engaged perusing & considering Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway Bill, received on Saturday last & making .  .  .thereon.  Looked also over again the Coventry Canal Consolidation Bill.

Tuesday 23 February 1836

In the Evening had a severe Fall & contusion upon the Hip & .  .  .owing to my Foot becoming entangled in the Rug at the bottom of the stairs.  Snow.

Wednesday 24 February 1836

Much pain through the night, & today.

Thursday 25 February 1836

The same.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

25^th February 1836

With Children to Mrs Booths.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 26 February 1836

The same but rather better.  Received from Sir George Chetwynd Copies of Clauses proposed to be introduced into the Birmingham & Derby Junction Railway Bill for the protraction of the Trent & Mersey Canal, with a request that I would peruse & settle the same on behalf of the Company & return them immediately to him.  In the Evening perused & considered such clauses.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

26^th February 1836

Mr Scoppo and Mr Gardiner

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 27 February 1836

Again perused & considered the Clauses, but for greater [safety] went to Newcastle & perused & compared the same with Mr Wilkinson with the similar Clauses which I had prepared & which were introduced into the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Railway Act.  Mr W.  informed the proposed Clauses correspondent as nearly as Circumstances would admit with the former Clauses & approved the same together with some Observations which I had made thereon.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Saturday 27^th February 1836

Arthur concluded the bargain with Sanders and Otly to give £300 and I allow A.M.J to be put into the title

page.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Page 68.  1836  February

Sunday 28 February 1836

Eliza Roscoe & her son William left us on their return home; having been disappointed of Seats in the Coach the two or three last days.  My Hip & [bruises] painful, increased in some degree by the Journey of yesterday.  Read Prayers as usual.  In the Evening returned the Clauses, with my observations thereon to Sir George Chetwynd No.  8 New [Palm] Yard, by Liverpool Mail.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

28^th February 1836, Sunday

I did not go to Church. Mr Hutton called.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 29^th February 1836

Engaged on Executorship Papers of late Thomas Jackson preparatory to writing to Mr Alex Wilson thereon.  The effects of my late Fall gradually subsiding, but still suffering considerable pain.  Snow going fast.

March

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

29^th February 1836, Monday

To Mr Osgoods. Lady Lewyn. Miss Counteney to Mrs Taddy.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 1 March 1836

Wrote to Mr Wilson.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

1^st March 1836, Tuesday

Went to Mrs Thomas to order a new gown of which I much repented (resented?) myself on finding the price it was to be. To Scoppa’s.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 2 March 1836

Better but still a Prisoner in the House.  Received by the Post from my dear Anne informing me of her intention to publish a 2nd Series of The Old Men's Tales.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

2^nd March 1836, Wednesday

Did not go out, Georgey very ill in the night with a crooping attack.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 3 March 1836

Considered Anne’s Letter, & wrote Letter in reply to it with some Observations for her consideration.  The day being fine walked a short time in the Garden.  The Snowdrops, & yellow Crocuses in great beauty.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

3^rd March 1836, Thursday

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 4 March 1836

Gradually improving the Effects of my Fall, but still suffering pain, & almost blind from poring over Railway Bill & making observations thereon.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 5 March 1836

Improving & walked for a short time inn the Garden.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 6 March 1836

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 7 March 1836

Attacked with Lumbago, & suffering much pain.

Tuesday 8 March 1836

Very unwell, & much pain.  Wm. Faram called on Navigation Business.  In the Evening pain abating.

Wednesday 9 March 1836

Rather easier & better.

Thursday 10 March 1836

Pain much abated.  Letter from H.E.  Roscoe & Wm. .  .  .

Friday 11 March 1836

Better.  Wrote to H.E.  Roscoe.

Saturday 12 March 1836

Better - but unable to go out of doors.

Sunday 13 March 1836

The same.  Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 14 March 1836

The same but still unable to go out of doors.

Tuesday 15 March 1836

Wrote to Anne Marsh with some observations relative to her 2nd Series of Tales about to be published.  Engaged on papers relative to the Affair of the late Mr Thomas Jackson preparatory to discharging Emma Jackson [Poor] residuary shares of his Estate & Effects.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 16 March 1836

Engaged again on Deed & writing Letter to Mr [Alex] Wilson with a statement of the Account of Emma Jackson's share & enclosing a Bill for £595 to discharge the same.  Still unable to go out of doors, the weather being very cold & inclement.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 17 March 1836

My Letter to Mr Wilson not being in time for yesterdays Post, sent it this morning.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

17^th March 1836

Too ill to go out

Separate piece of paper in diary. (page 145)

Size of hail stones that fell at Linley Wood, August 2^nd 1835 after they had been covered in a (morshord?) from the green house.

(two ink round irregular circles)

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 18 March 1836

Walked in the Garden, the day being remarkably mild & fine.  The .  .  .in quite splendid Beauty.  Miss Dawson called & was in great admiration of the Flowers.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

18^th March 1836

Ill at home. Georgey to Mrs Anderson. The girls could not take lesson but it is to be paid.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 19 March 1836

Remarkably fine mild day & walked a considerable time in the Garden.  Received Letters from Sir George Chetwynd, & also the Prospectus of the proposed London & Birmingham Canal.  Received Letter also from Mr Wilson.  Wrote to him & sent him a Copy of the Act as .  .  .with John Poor.  Wrote also to Dr. Holland thanking him for a present of .  .  .

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

19^th March 1836

Ill.P. Wedgewood came.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 20 March 1836

Read prayers as usual.  Much better.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

20^th March 1836, Sunday

Dr (Fink, Frit?) P. Wedgewood.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 21 March 1836

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Rode on Horseback a short time about the Farm.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

21^st March 1836, Monday

Arthur dined inBrook Street

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 22 March 1836

Rain.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

22^nd March 1836, Tuesday

(Huino?), look proofs of first volume and 8^th sheet of 2^nd.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 23 March 1836

Engaged on sundry Papers.  Wrote to John [Lawrence} with [Engines] relative to a new project, the Prospectus of which had been sent to me for making a Canal from London to the Stratford upon Avon, opening a new line of Communication by Canal from London to Birmingham.  Mr Booth relative to the White Lion Public House, the possession of which was [relinquished] by Mrs Watson.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

23^rd March 1836, Wednesday

Miss Morrisons called.Elizabethgave warning.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 24 March 1836

Weather still so inclement as to prevent my going out of doors.

Friday 25 March 1836 - James Caldwell

Severely Cold, with Snow & wind.

Saturday 26 March 1836 - James Caldwell

Heavy Snow.  Received by Post intelligence from Eliza of the death of poor Henry Roscoe, who after a long & lingering Illness of Consumption died yesterday morning about 5 o'clock.  A Person of great mind, an intellectual power & combined with [much] qualities, & amiable manners.  He was highly & .  .  .respected.  Had struggled through great difficulties & was advancing rapidly in his profession.  Distress will be severely felt by his Family, & numerous Friends.

Page 70.  1836  March 

Sunday 27 March 1836 - James Caldwell

In the night severe Frost, & the Grounds this Morning covered with Snow which lay 3 or 4 inches deep on the plain.  Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 28 March 1836 - James Caldwell

Snow & Rain with severe cold.  Still confined to the House.

Tuesday 29 March 1836 - James Caldwell

The weather being somewhat more moderate walked into the Garden, but the cold compelled me soon to return.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & Letters preparatory to the approaching Meeting of the Select Committee Gen. Committee, & Gen. Assembly.

Wednesday 30 March 1836 - James Caldwell

Engaged again on D.  .  ..

Thursday 31^st March 1836- James Caldwell

In the Morning Snow.

April

Friday 1 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Engaged on Navigation Papers, & Letters to the Gen. Assembly with offer of my Retirement from the Select Committee.  The day being rather milder, rode out a short time on horseback, but small snow again came on.

Saturday 2 April 1836- James Caldwell

Very cold & again Snow.  Engaged again on Navigation papers.  In the afternoon Storms of Thunder & lightning & great Fall of Hail.  The Revd. Mr Jackson Curate of Talk called & left for my perusal & execution the Conveyance from Thos.  Boughey of a small piece of land for the section of Audley & Talk School.

Sunday 3 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Read prayers as usual.

Monday 4 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Went to Stone.  In my way called upon Mr Jackson & executed the Deed which he had left with me.  Engaged at Stone on Select Committee.

Tuesday 5 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Engaged all day at Stone on General Committee.

Wednesday 6 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Engaged on General Assembly.  Delivered Letter to the General Assembly, with Letter of my Retirement from the Select Committee, having first shown the same to Mr F. [Twemlow], Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood by all of whom it was much approved, but the consideration of the subject deferred to the next General Assembly.  Dined at Stone, & returned in the Evening.

Thursday 7 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Very unwell.

Friday 8 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Sleepless night & very unwell.  Wrote to Mr Wilson acknowledging the receipt of Papers on Jacksons Affairs, & the [Notice] from Emma Jackson .  .  .  Wrote to Mr Landor requesting him to meet me at the [Stone] to confer on sundry important [Property] in.  .  .  .  to his consultation with Mr [Booth].

Saturday 9 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Still unwell but engaged on Navigation Papers.  In the Evening Stamford arrived.

Sunday 10 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Read Prayers as usual.  Received Letter from Mr [Landor] appointing tomorrow morning between 9 or 10 o'clock for meeting me at Stone.

Monday 11 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Rose early, arranged papers, & made .  .  ..  .  .  Got to Stone at 9: where engaged with Mr Landor looking over various Deeds & Papers, Minutes of proceedings & [notices] of Select & General Committee & General Assemblies, & making Extracts thereupon etc. preparatory to his intended consultation in London with Mr B.  .  .in London for which place he intended setting off tomorrow morning.  Left with him a Copy of the Case which I had a short time ago, relative to the Company Title, Lands etc. Returned to dinner, but much tired & unwell.

Tuesday 12 April 1836- James Caldwell

Fatigued & unwell, & suffering from my Eyes.

Wednesday 13 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Eyes very troublesome, almost entirely preventing writing or Reading.

Thursday 14 April 1836 - James Caldwell

The same.

Friday 15 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Fine mild Spring day.  Rode on horseback over the Ley Ground, which was looking well & promising to repay the expense & trouble of last years setting over.  Called afterwards at Rode Hall & Rode House & left cards; neither Mr W nor Mr R.W.  Being at home.  Called also at Rode Heath & sat half an hour with the Ladies, who had neither seen nor heard anything from Mr Skerratt nor Miss Ward respecting the money in Kinnerslys hands.

Saturday 16 April 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.

Sunday 17 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Read Prayers as usual.  Observed cowslips in flower.

Monday 18 April 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.

Tuesday 19 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Received Letter from Mr [Moore] inclosing Letters from Mr [Williamson] relative to the confirmation for his Harecastle Coals.

Wednesday 20 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Took Mr Moores Letter & Mr Wilkinson's two Letters to Newcastle to have shown them to Mr Wilkinson, but he being out I left them with  [Bladon] for Mr W perusal & consideration.  Afterwards engaged with Mr [D Louden] relative to my Teeth, one of which he extracted.  Bessy accompanied me.

Page 72.  1836  April

Thursday 21 April 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.

Friday 22 April 1836 - James Caldwell

Wrote to Mr Wilkinson relative to Mr [Williamsons] Coals.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

6^th May 1836, Saturday

The Milmans, Mr Harness, Mr B.Allen, dined here.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Saturday 7 May 1836

Executed transfer of 8 Quarter Shares of the Liverpool & Manchester Railway.  Wrote to Mr Roscoe therewith.  Wrote to Mr Moore.  Rod on Horseback & looked over the Ley Ground.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

7^th May 1836, Sunday

Did not go to Church. MacIntosh dined here. (R.J. MacIntosh? photo in AMC’s photo album)

 Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Page 73.  1836  May

Sunday 8 May 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Heard the Cuckoo for the first time this Spring.  But I am told that he was heard here on the 1st inst.  Weather fine but still East wind.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

8^th May 1836, Monday

Took Georgina sen., and Louisa to a party at Lady Bells,Hollands, introduced to Campbell the poet. He expressed himself honoured by being introduced to me, and as evidently gratified to have praise of his poems insinuated by me. How little three years ago did I expect to see this. To Mr Roscoe’s in the morning for the (correction?) of Oak Tree?) The his praises of which made me very happy of Deed and Preference. Mr (Hoth, Stoth?) came home with us at (report?).

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Monday 9 May 1836

Turned out 17 Milking Cows & 1 Feeder into the Field below the Garden Terrace.  In the Evening Stamford arrived.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

9^th May 1836, Tuesday

Took Georg inato Blackheath

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Tuesday 10 May 1836

Called upon the Revd. Mr Jackson at Talk.  Invited him to dinner on Thursday next.  From thence to Newcastle on sundry matters.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

10^th May 1836, Wednesday

Martin came home, dined at Miss Duckworths. (Psariage?) Cary, Dr Sheppard, Mr (Going?) party in the evening.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Wednesday 11 May 1836

At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

11^th May 1836, Thursday

Mrs Basil McIntyre called. Mrs (North, Hoth?)  - - evening. Too (ill, find?) to go to Mrs Coltmans. Arthur

Page 147

Piety. Nothing makes to many hypocrites as this. The pious man should endeavour to avoid as much as possible the external manifestations of his piety, all that can be imitated without being realized. Blackwood.

And she would tell

The old traditions of the world gone by

Of Shadowy spirits that dwell in wood (spring?) or live

Of Natures monsters giant progeny

(Strange?) sons of earth, that cast asunder the throne

Of mighty (Lord, God?), and how his bolt (pasned?)

And whistling past of rocks the (infris?) brood

And how beneath the wheeling keeps they roar

And strike with horrid groans, the heaving

Mountain hoar.

Or she would wake the (shell, skull?) and sweetly sing

Of flower crowned maiads at the

Wells spring virtues

And of that nymph --.

Beneath old oceans caves of darkest blue

And (served?) in (Siuly’s) fair plains her hen(?)

And how the live enrapt world still prove

And fast in flower embroidered fields

Sparing be her side to view.

Tis he! Tis he! One (font?) wild  having any

Tis he! Tis he! Say (vents?) in any vein

Rushes the colour to her cheek the eye

Flashes a light divine, and over the plain

Fleet as the gale (wind crossed out) her winged footsteps fly

Her shiny tender arms are round him thrown

And cowering to his feet she (sirtith?) down

Prone on the earth in (spendless?) existing(?)

Long time she wept.

Page 149

Poem continues – many corrections.

Page 150

Poem continues – many corrections

Page 151

Poem continues – few corrections

Page 152

Poem continues – corrections

Page 153

Poem continues,  written in pencil.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Thursday 12 May 1836

Mr Jackson dined.  Mr [Wilkinson] came on the Navigation & sundry matters.

Friday13 May 1836

At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Saturday 14 May 1836

At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Sunday 15 May 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  A person who came by one of the Coaches & was dining at the Lawton Arms, finding himself arrested by the Police Officers who were in pursuit of him, immediately drew out a Pistol & shot himself through the heart: but the [Ball] taking an upward .  .  .pass though without killing him.  Changed the Milking Cows to the House Field, with one purchased for me by Samuel Beardmore at Congleton Fair last for £14.

Monday 16 May 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.  Stamford left us.

Tuesday 17 May 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.  Finished setting winter Potatoes.  Letter from Mr Holland of Knutsford mentioning his intention of coming to Linley Wood.

Wednesday 18 May 1836 - James Caldwell

Wrote to Mr Holland.

Thursday 19 May 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.  Mr Holland of Knutsford arrived, dined & staid all night.

Friday 20 May 1836 - James Caldwell

Mr Holland went to Maer.

Saturday 21 May 1836 - James Caldwell

Mr Holland returned; took lunch & proceeded Homewards.

Sunday 22 May 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Owing to the cold, we did not attend Service at Talk.  Understood that the Kinnerslys were there in the afternoon with much attendance of Servants etc.

Monday 23 May 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.

Page 74.  1836  May

Tuesday 24 May 1836 - James Caldwell

Mr F. Tomlinson came pursuant to Appointment & with whom engaged on the Affairs of the late Miss Stamford.  Carefully looked over & delivered to him, to be sent to the Trustees under her Will the served Deeds & Writings belonging to the Estates of John York Esq. in Mortgage for £5000 transferred to such Trustees.  Consulted with him relation to my own Will & gave him instruction for a fresh one, & with which he engaged to meet me at Newcastle tomorrow Morning.

Wednesday 25 May 1836 - James Caldwell

Went to Newcastle.  Met Mr F. Tomlinson who brought my Will for which I had given him Instruction accordingly & which I executed in his presence & two of Mr Kinnerslys Clerks.

Thursday 26 May 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.  Very unwell.

Friday 27 May 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.

Saturday 28 May 1836 - James Caldwell

Went to Cliffe Ville with Transfers & Certificates of Trent & Mersey & Warwick & Birmingham Canal Shares late belonging to Miss Stamford, but Mr F. Tomlinson not being at home, left them with his Father, having first examined them with a .  .  .one copy of which I left with Mr T & brought the other with me back.

Sunday 29 May 1836 - James Caldwell

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon attended service at Talk.  Bessy being unwell did not accompany me.  Mr & Mrs Kinnersley sat in our Pew, having before, & now again, particularly requesting them to make use of it whenever they attended Service in Talk.  In the Evening rode out a short time on Horseback.  Reduced one of the Milking Cows who had been a very good one, but was in a hopeless & suffering state to her distress.

Monday 30 May 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.  Very unwell.

Tuesday 31^st May 1836

At home.  The same.

June

Wednesday 1 June 1836 - James Caldwell

At home.  Wrote to Anne Marsh & sent her £25, a Donation on the production of her 2nd Series of the Old Man's Tales.

Thursday 2 June 1836 - James Caldwell

Drew the Pond in the Farm Yard.  Took ten carp found to about 4lb or 41/2lb & 3 smaller Tench & a great number of Carp of about 1lb, all of which we turned in again.  Mr & Miss Wedgwood, Mrs Henry Wedgwood & the Revd. Robert Wedgwood called.  In the Evening a little light Rain.

Friday 3 June 1836 - James Caldwell

James Barker came to inform me of a meeting held today respecting the [Pews] or [Sittings] in Barthomley Church when I directed him to attend & put in my Claim to such Pews or [Sittings] as apportion the Messengers Farms or [Tenements] belonging to it in that [Period] & gave him the written Notice to deliver to the Meeting accordingly.  Unwell.  Light Showers, being the first Rain after a Drought of upwards of a Month, with an almost constant East or Northwest Wind, by which the Pastures were much checked, & the shortages counted.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Saturday 4 June 1836

Called at Betley Hall, & saw Mr & Mrs Tollet & the young Ladies.  Returned to dinner, & received by one of the Coaches, Anne Marsh's new Book, of which she sent me a copy.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Sunday 5 June 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Neither Bessy or I being very [unwell] & did not attend the afternoon Service at Talk, as we had intended.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Monday 6 June 1836

Mr Ledward called in pursuance of my request, when I desired him to go to Macclesfield & settle & pay the disputed Claim set up against the late Mr B made by Miss [Brocklebank & Bagshaw] made (on account of old Mr Bent & the first Partnership), but for which they had neither in his [deputation] though frequently requested during and in the later Partnership but was delivered by them favourably.  Began reading Anne Marsh's new Book a Copy of which I received on Saturday last.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

6^th June 1836, Monday

Arthur changed (Marting crossed out) Georgy for Louisa. Walk in Greenwich Park.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Tuesday 7 June 1836

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & appointing to attend Select Committee Meeting on 4 July as proposed by him & to Mr Moore returning a Cheque for £1000 signed as requested.  Unwell.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Wednesday 8 June 1836

Wrote to Miss Parrott & Colville relative to the Demand made by Miss Brocklebank & Bagshaw, & which they required to be found to their executing the Conveyance of the Fox & Grapes Public House.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Thursday 9 June 1836

At home.  Unwell.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Friday 10 June 1836

Wrote to Eliza Roscoe.  The same.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Saturday 11 June 1836

Finished reading Anne Marsh 2 Series of Tales, which she had kindly inscribed to me.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Sunday 12 June 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Bess & I attended Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 13 June 1836

Wrote to Anne Marsh.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 14 June 1836

At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 15 June 1836

Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Returned to dinner.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Page 76.  1836  June

Thursday 16 June 1836

At home.  My eyes almost entirely prevent Reading or Writing.  James Barker came, with Nature of a Meeting on the 8th July relative to Pews & Sittings in Barthomley Church.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 17 June 1836

At home.  Unwell.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 18 June 1836

In the night fine Rain.  At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 19 June 1836

In the morning said Prayers as usual.  Attended Evening Service at Talk with Bessy.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 20 June 1836

Went to Newcastle in consequence of a Letter from Mr Ward & conferred with him solution to the repairing & letting, or selling to the present Tenant the Bridge House upon the Marsh, & desired Mr Ward to get a Survey & Estimate of the necessary Repairs.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 21 June 1836

Went again to Newcastle, to consult with Mr Ward as to the point he asked in case an Offer of purchasing was made when we [favoured] £500, but I said that I would take £450 if no more could be get for it.  On my return purchased a Milking Cow from Mr Buckley of Talk.  In the afternoon much Rain.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 22 June 1836

At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

22^nd June 1836, Wednesday

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 23 June 1836

At home.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

May
Mrs Eyres Method of Plenty –

The cutting(?) from a side short, never from a lender cut off with it the little torn brown ring from which it starts, end it a little short but make it quite flat before planting leaving the little brown ring, cut off all the leaves but two, cutting 2 inches short , or less, pot (forth?) with the soil in which the plant delights, an inch of  sand at top, covered with a glass and kept quite from the air, water so as to less it drop, take care to wipe glass whenever drops with steam player pot in hot and under home or in store but shade completely from sun, take great care to  keep – (one more line)

Page 161

Mrs Taddy called, had a long and very agreeable and confidential chat with her, such as I most enjoy, but I must not because I like this so much better, neglect to (enthook?) the power of being well bred and agreeable in general company, or suffer a certain indolence (errors?) boastfulness and (caprice?) of spirits to render me ill bred and unsociable. I was not pleased with my manners altogether last night, but it is never too late to mend and though I may never attain to my own standard in manners, continual endeavour will do much for me and for my beloved ones, at least to endeavour at which prevents a decline.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Friday 24 June 1836

Went to Nantwich on late Mr Skerratt's Affairs.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

24^th June 1836, Friday

Very ill again with a sort of universal (Erysifilis?). Mr Haness(?) and Miss Rycroft called.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 25 June 1836

Returned home in the Evening.  In the morning attended a Meeting at Mr Edlestons Office relative to the Debt due to [Harrison's] Executors, which it was agreed should immediately be paid on their signing an Agreement to execute the Conveyance of some of the Saltworks Shares.  Arranged with Mr Edleston & Mr Leverage that a Dividend of [10s] in the Pound should be paid on the [Legacies] given by Mr Skerratts Will.

Sunday 26 June 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  In the Evening attended Service at Talk.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

26^th June 1836, Sunday

Came down in the evening. The Miss Morrisons called.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Monday 27 June 1836

Went to Newcastle on several matters

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

27^th June 1836, Monday

Dr and Mrs Noth dined here.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 28 June 1836

At home.  Engaged on the Farm.

Wednesday 29 June 1836

At home.

Thursday 30 June 1836

At home.  

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

30^th June 1836, Thursday

Luncheon Mrs Montagne, Mrs Proctor and Darwins. Mrs Lister and Mrs Wall.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

July

Friday 1 July 1836

Engaged on half yearly accounts.  Mrs Roscoe, Elizabeth & the two youngest Boys arrived in the Evening.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

1^st June 1836, Friday

To party at Mrs Noths, (Boln?) Smith, Mrs  -- Lansen. –

Saturday 2 July 1836

At home.  Settled Half yearly accounts.

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell in London

2^nd July 1836, Saturday

Went with Arthur to Winkfield to see Martin and Rosa.

3^rd July 1836, Sunday

Too hot to go to Church. Walk with Martin in the hay field.

4^th July 1836, Monday

We went to see Windsor Castle, very much pleased with the view from the Terrace, the (view?) of the little park andEtonCollegeon this glorious sunny day. Observed how darkly black those shadows of the trees were when the sun so bright. I have thought it unnatural in Paul Potter and Gasper Poussin. Of the pictures, the ‘Misers’, with more admiration than ever. Charles, his Queen and baby - Van Dyke, St. Martin (Rolers?). Countess Desmond -  Rembrandt a picture of her in her extreme old age admirably painted but the subject painful. This is all I now can recollect of what pleased me so much at the time. I am much exhausted and my memory and impressions at present very feeble. The ball room with it tapestry - Medea, and beautiful bright gold ornaments very pretty, the stair case ugly and mean. Saw the King and Queen and party go out in two fairy sociables drawn by 4 beautiful little ponies each, and grooms on ponies behind.

Mr (Robertson?) and Mr Brown in the evening.

5^th July 1836, Tuesday

The weather extremely hot. Martin had a (strong?) attached of fever which alarmed me very much, it seems almost occurred by his feelings on being (reserved?) about his lesson, he was very ill at night when there was a tremendous thunder storm.

6^th July 1836, Wednesday

Martin better, we returned home.

7^th July 1836, Thursday

MacIntosh dined with us, long walk in the garden.

9^th July 1836,  Saturday

Sir William and Lady Milman, Emily and Elizabeth, Mr and Mrs Taddy, Dr Noth and (Standford?) Pleasant day. Louisa to Pinner.

Page 163

Light pencil – poetry.

10^th July 1836, Sunday

To Church

11^th July 1836, Monday

To Blackheath for the day. Miss Clarks

12^th July 1836, Tuesday

Called upon Mrs Montagne (Montague?)

13^th July 1836, Wednesday

Settled our accounts!!!

Memoirs of Louisa Marsh-Caldwell

About 1836 Mr Wheeler, an old friend of my Grandfather Marsh’s and a devoted admirer of my father’s mother, died, and left my father a considerable sum of money, several thousand pounds, and before this time our dear mother began her career as an authoress and published her “Old Men’s Tales” which had an immense success and created quite a sensation in London. These I know were published anonymously, as my father had an intense objection to his wife being known as an authoress. Indeed he never could quite re— himself to her writing at all, especially works of fiction. “His wife’s mind was her own possession.” And he did not like others to become acquainted with it as they must be by her books! 

My mothers health however began to improve in a marvelous manner after she began writing again as she had done for her own amusement from childhood till the time of her marriage, and though her nerves were a source of much suffering and discomfort to her to the end of her life, yet all of us who can remember the times before and after she began to write again, can well recall the difference it made in her daily existence by giving, as it were, an outlet to the workings of her brain.

Her first book was published in 1834, and she continued writing every year for many years, having published 18 different books – a History of the French Reformation and various little articles in periodicals. Altogether she has told us that she made £5,000 by her writings, a sum which with her then reputation would

Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell

14^th July 1836, Thursday

To Pinner, the Henry Milmans.

15^th July 1836, Friday

MacIntosh in the morning, Scoppa’s and Mrs Anderson.

16^th July 1836, Friday

MacIntosh and Stanford to lunch with us. Find my mind and spirits more and more exhausted. Very little life, almost necessary.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Page 78.  1836  July    (No page 77)

Sunday 17 July 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  E.  Roscoe & attended Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 18 July 1836

At home.

Tuesday 19 July 1836

H.  E.  Roscoe, Bessy & I dined at Clough Hall.  Mrs Lawton & Miss Lawton (Mr L.  not coming), Revd. Mr Garratt & Revd. Mr Jackson.

Wednesday 20 July 1836

Engaged preparing to accompany Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood on survey of the Canal from Red Bull to Runcorn if I should be well enough.  In the Evening went to the Red Bull, met the Party & invited them & Mr Landor to sleep at Linley Wood.  Rooms & Beds having been prepared for all the three, but which they declined, from the very early hour at which they proposed to set off tomorrow morning.  Being unwell & as the Gentlemen did not think my attendance necessary, I gave up accompanying them.  I had a little conversation with Mr James Trubshaw who promised to be [firm] as to the alteration of the Towing path & not complying with any Arrangement that might give the slightest interest in the present [Survey] to any other .  .  .  Mr T.  also promised to confer as far in his power the Completion of the purchase made from Mr Leigh.

Thursday 21 July 1836

At home.

Friday 22 July 1836

Went to Newcastle.  Called upon Mr Ward, relative to the completion of the purchase made by Mr [Hindle] & Co. of the House upon the Marsh.  Executed a conveyance of a small slip of Land adjoining the Canal, of which some [equitable] interest was viewed in me under [favour].  On my return in the Gig, the Horse fell opposite to [Crossley] Cottage by which Samuel & I were thrown out a with much [violence] but fortunately in .  .  .without serious injury, but our Escape was most extraordinary.  Found William Roscoe, & his two Boys William & Arthur who had just arrived at Linley Wood.

Saturday 23 July 1836

At home.  Found the Ley Cattle on the Swallow Moor Wood.

Sunday 24 July 1836

Prayers as usual.  The weather presented our attending Evening Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Jackson called.

Monday 25 July 1836

At home.  Bessy & E.  Roscoe called at Clough Hall & Lawton Hall.

Tuesday 26 July 1836

At home.  In the Evening Stamford arrived from Stafford.

Wednesday 27 July 1836

At home.  Mrs Lawton called.  Invited us to dine on Saturday next.  Finished Hay Harvest.

Thursday 28 July 1836

At home.  Rain.

Friday 29 July 1836

The Roscoes all left us on their Return home.

Saturday 30 July 1836

At home.

Sunday 31^st July 1836

Prayers as usual.  Bessy, Stamford & I attended Evening Service at Talk.  Collection for Talk Sunday Schools.  Sermon preached by Revd. Mr [Frank}

Page 79.  1835  August.

Monday 1 August 1836

At home.  Stamford left us, going to Buxton.

Tuesday 2 August 1836

The same.  Engaged on the Farm.

Wednesday 3 August 1836

The same.

Thursday 4 August 1836

The same.

Friday 5 August 1836

Mr George Hemmings of Penkhull brought a bay Horse 5 years old for me to look at, bought a short time ago at Borough Bridge Fair, & which I purchased on his strong recommendation of him giving him £40 in addition to the Bay Horse which I have of late years driven in the Gig.

Saturday 6 August 1836

At home.  Men at the Farm busy assisting Samuel Beardmore in his mowing, which he began yesterday.  Samuel Jones on riding the new Horse to Newcastle reported him having dangerously reared up in the street.

Sunday 7 August 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Attended, myself, Evening Service at Talk, Bessy not accompanying me.  Capt.  & Mrs [Hebden] were there with the Kinnersleys.

Monday 8 August 1836

Samuel Jones on making another Trial of the Horse in the Gig this morning guilty of the same dangerous .  .  .of rearing.  I sent him back to Mr Hemmings, [signing] refusal of the purchase money & the Return of the Bay Horse taken in part of the purchase, but Mr Hemmings saying that he could not take him back that night, his Stable being full, but that he would call upon me on Thursday or Friday next.  Samuel brought the Horse back.

Tuesday 9 August 1836

Again returned the Horse by Samuel Jones & Samuel Beardmore also left him at Penkhull & Mr Hemmings said he would call upon me tomorrow morning.

Wednesday 10 August 1836

Hemmings came accompanied by a Friend.  Being satisfied that the .  .  .did not know of the Horses fault, nor had any design to .  .  .upon me.  I consented to his proposal of allowing him £5 on having the Bay Horse but which he sent back accordingly.

Thursday 11 August 1836

At home.

Friday 12 August 1836

At home.  William Faram with good account of the Track upon the Canal.

Saturday 13 August 1836

At home.

Sunday 14 August 1836

Read prayers as usual.  The weather threatening a Storm we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.  Mrs Oldfield came this morning.

Monday 15 August 1836

At home.

Tuesday 16 August 1836

The same.

Page 80.  1836  August – James Caldwell

Wednesday 17 August 1836

At home.

Thursday 18 August 1836

The same.

Friday 19 August 1836

The same.

Saturday 20 August 1836

The same.  Engaged on various matters, but my Eyes rendering Reading or Writing as has been the Case for some time past.

Sunday 21 August 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon attended Service at Talk, but Bessy being unwell did not go.  Mr & Mrs [Hebden], & a Lady who I did not know, were in the seat, but without Mr & Mrs Kinnersley.

Monday 22 August 1836

Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Returned to Dinner.

Tuesday 23 August 1836

Bessy & I called at Clough Hall to invite Mr & Mrs Kinnersley & Capt.  & Mrs Hebden to dinner on Friday next.  The Kinnersleys were out, but saw Mrs Hebden, Capt.  H. being out, she informed us that they were all engaged on Friday with a Party at Clough Hall.  We found a Miss Dixon who we did not know with Mrs [Hebden].  Bessy received a Letter by the Post from Anne Marsh with a great account of them all, & their account at [Boulagne] which she mentions being crowded with .  .  .said to be 12000.

Wednesday 24 August 1836

Capt.  & Mrs [Hebden] & Miss Dixon called.  Dr. & Mrs Holland with their four children arrived about 3 o'clock.  H.  E.  Roscoe & Mary arrived in the Evening.

Thursday 25 August 1836

Engaged with the Hollands.  Mr Jos.  Wedgwood who I had invited to dinner & to stay all night, prevented coming by an Engagement to attend a Meeting of .  .  .Taxes Comm.  At Trentham Inn.

Friday 26 August 1836

Dr. Holland left us, being engaged to spend another day at Knutsford, previous to his proceeding to Dublin & from thence to Cork.

Saturday 27 August 1836

At home.  Mrs Holland with her little Girl left on their journey to .  .  .leaving the two Boys at Linley Wood.  Last night or early this morning, Robbery of John [Fox] in his House at the Toll Bar, by a man who he had .  .  .& his request to .  .  .  .  .  Directed Mr Fox to inform Miss Skerratts the Clerks to the .  .  .of the Road & which he accordingly did.

Sunday 28 August 1836

In the night or early this morning the orchard in Linley [Meadow] was robbed & a considerable quantity of Apples & Pears stolen.  An enquiry found that two or three Gardens in Butt Lane had been robbed at the same time.  Strong suspicion of Daniel Heath, particularly of Samuel, a Boy who some time ago was Cow Boy at the Farm.  Read Prayers as usual.  Bessy with Mary Holland who had arrived last night, E. Roscoe & the four children attended Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 29 August 1836

Hearing this morning that William [Berisford] Garden at the Mill Stone public House, had last night been robbed.  Called with Samuel Beardmore upon Mr Johnson his Landlord, who accompanied me to the Mill House, when finding that [Berisford] had caught Sam Heath in the act of stealing onions in the Garden & .  .  .the property of his being prosecuted, when Berisford promised to have him taken.

Tuesday 30 August 1836

At home.  Mr Johnson & Mr Berisford called to inform me, that the latter on going to [Tunstall] to obtain a summons for Sam Heath, he found that Mr Child was from home, upon which Mr Johnson & I recommended him applying to Mr Tollet or Mr F. Twemlow tomorrow morning, & which he promised to do.

Wednesday 31^st August 1836

At home.  First perceived the young man was perfectly right not going.

September – James Caldwell

Thursday 1 September 1836

At home.  [Edward] killed Hen & 1 Brace of Partridge.

Friday 2 September 1836

The same.  Mrs  Berisford to inform me that her Husband had gone to [Betley] & was to go again on Monday next relative to the Summons request of the Butt Lane Boy.  The mother of Dan, one of the thieves, came to intercede for her son, when I told her I could not interfere, but if there was anything to be said in her favour, she must get somebody to speak for him when before the Magistrates.

Saturday 3 September 1836

At home.  The two little Boys left us, setting off in the [Elmpore] Coach to London.

Sunday 4 September 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  Mary Holland, Bessy & Mary Roscoe attended Evening Service at Talk.  Felt symptoms of a bad cold.

Monday 5 September 1836

Unwell, but went to Stone, & attended Meeting of the Sel.  Committee, taking Mr Wilkinson, who was [unwell], with me in the Carriage.  Returned at night.  Mary Holland left us this morning on her return home.

Page 82.  1836  September – James Caldwell

Tuesday 6 September 1836

Unwell with my Cold, & in the House all day.

Wednesday 7 September 1836

The same.

Thursday 8 September 1836

Rather better, Mary Roscoe left us on her Return home.

Friday 9 September 1836

The same.  Sent some Grapes & a brace of Partridge to the Ladies at Rode Heath.  William Faram came pursuant to a Request from me with whom considered the State of the Canal Waters.  He said he had obtained Mr Davenports consent to a Supply of [about] 2 Locks finding from his Engine Reservoir.  He knew of no faulty supply here & desired him to make Enquiry whether the Macclesfield Canal could accommodate us with any or what water, he said he would immediately go to Bosley & consult the [Case] principal Agent.

Saturday 10 September 1836

William Faram came having seen Mr Hall, who said they had 20 feet of water in their Reservoir.  That he would immediately consult some of the Committee who resided at Macclesfield & would then write to me.  Rain today in Showers.  Arranged with Thos.  [Whitney] to come as Gardener.

Sunday 11 September 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Neither Bessy nor I being very well we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 12 September 1836

At home.  Application by Ashmore & his Relation Joseph Colclough of Windy Harbour for Foxholes Estate.  Letter from Dr. Northen requesting my vote for his son in law Dr. Wilson, as Physician to the North Staffs Infirmary.

Tuesday 13 September 1836

Wrote to Dr. Northen promising by vote to Dr. W.  Began building a chimney on the Roof of the Stables, to take off the deformity of the Gable End.  Mr Hopkins of Burston brought a Gig Horse for me to work out when it was agreed that I should have him a day or two upon Trial sometime next week.

Wednesday 14 September 1836

At home.

Thursday 15 September 1836

At home.  Engaged on Papers previous to going to Nantwich tomorrow.

Friday 16 September 1836

Went to Nantwich on late Mr Skerratts affairs, also to meet Mr Smith of [Stapeley] who had appointed for the purchase of the House & .  .  .  by Mr Burgess & the Land held by Mr Edleston.

Saturday 17 September 1836

Engaged at Mr Edlestons Office with him & Mr Leverage & the Execution of the late Mr Harrison & Mr Small & Mr Burgess of whom they finally agreed to execute the Conveyance of Shares in the Settlement obtained .  .  .  .  .  .on being paid £20.  Mr Smith afterwards called at Dysart Buildings when I promised that he should hear from me in a few days relative to the House & Land at Nantwich.  Mr Levesage on my asking him about price, mentioned £2000.  Dined in Dysart Buildings & Bessy & I afterwards returned home.  Found cards from Mrs Lawton & Dr. Wilson who had called in our absence.

Sunday 18 September 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  Attended with Bessy Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 19 September 1836

At home.

Tuesday 20 September 1836

The same.

Wednesday 21 September 1836

The same.  At night had another Fall owing to my Foot being entangled in the loose carpet the Breakfast Door, which I was stooping to lay straight, but escaped without further hurt than a bruise on the Forehead.

Thursday 22 September 1836

Wrote to Mr Smith of Stapeley with offer of the House & Land at Nantwich at £1950.  At night Rain.

Friday 23 September 1836

Sent Letter to Mr Smith, to Stapeley by Samuel Jones.

Saturday 24 September 1836

Mr & Mrs Smith came to Linley, when I entered into an agreement for Sale to Mrs Gardener of the House at Nantwich in the Occupation of Mr Burgess, the Land adjoining it in the Holding of Mr Edleston.

Sunday 25 September 1836

Read Prayers as usual, but die not attend Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 26 September 1836

At home.  Engaged with various Papers preparatory to attending Thomas Whitney came to his place as Gardener, in the room of William Heath.  General Committee & adjourned Genl.  Assembly tomorrow at Stone etc. A tremendous accident, happened this morning at Mr Wedgwood's Colliery near Audley from an Explosion in the Mine, occasioned by a man using a lighted candle.  Almost 11 men were killed.

Tuesday 27 September 1836

Went to Stone.  General Committee & adjourned Genl.  Assembly, & all of which were most respectfully attended.  Lord Harrowby, Mr .  .  , Mr Daniels, J.  & F Twemlow, Mr Hollinshead, .  .  .  Phillips etc. being present.  Mr .  .  .in the Chair.  When my tender of Resignation for the Select Committee was [endorsed], & a very gratifying vote of Thanks for my Services was passed, & a Committee appointed to consider of the proposed [Reservation].  Mr Phillips told me he had come from the Isle of Wight purposely in order to attend.  Returned home at night, bringing Mr Wilkinson with me in the Carriage to Newcastle.  In my absence Mr B.  .  .of Nantwich called wishing to purchase the piece of Land near Nantwich in his Holding.

Page 84.  1836  September

Wednesday 28 September 1836

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.

Thursday 29 September 1836

Wrote to Mr [Burgess] declining at present to settle the Land.  Mr Park of Silverdale called, & paid Mr [Joseph] Parker money of my allotment of Willaston Heath.  He also left with me the late [[content] of Composition for any assisted Taxes.

Friday 30^th September 1836

Finding an Error in the Contract from my being charged for 3 Male Servants only instead of 4.  Wrote to Mr Peake in order that the Error might be corrected, also a surcharge of Hair Powder Duty.  Wrote on an Agreement Stamp, the Agreement Sale to Mrs [Gardiner] of the House & Land at Nantwich purchased by him & sent to Mr .  .  .Skerratt.  Received Letter from Mr Daniels making a Copy of the [Case] of the late General Assembly in consequence of my Retirement from the Select Committee.

October  – James Caldwell

Saturday 1 October 1836

Sent by Samuel Jones Agreement & Letter to Mr Smith, to Stapeley & received back by him the Agreement duly signed by Mrs Gardiner & a Letter from Mr [Skerratt] informing me that he had himself made a copy of the Agreement.

Sunday 2 October 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  The Weather being very col & stormy prevented our attending Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 3 October 1836

Sent by Samuel Beardmore to Miss Wood, Holden Bank Burslem an order upon Kinnersleys for £6.6s being my Subscription of £5.5s & Bessy's Subscription of £1.1s towards the relief of the Suffering by the late G.  [Johnson] in Mr Wedgwood's Coal Pits near Audley.  Sent Eliza Roscoe for Post a £5 Note to enable her & her two Girls to get a Taste of the Musical Feast at Liverpool this week.

Tuesday 4 October 1836

At home.

Wednesday 5 October 1836

The same.  Mr Hemmings brought a Horse for me to look at belonging to Mr [Butter] but I thought the price about £5.  .  .  , too high, but offered £5 Gns if the Horse was rough  and .  .  .  & being a [Friend] of his.  I Rode out on the young mare she having .  .  .broken late lameness

Thursday 6 October 1836

Wrote Letter to Mr Daniels.

Friday 7 October 1836

Sent Letter by Post to Mr Daniels.

Saturday 8 October 1836

Went to Sandbach.  Saw Mr Skerratt relative to the proposed .  .  .of Linley Lane Toll Gate, & .  .  .my decided Opposition that also on the Penlington affairs.  On my return Revd. Mr [Batty] of .  .  .called.

Sunday 9 October 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Again prevented attending Service at Talk.  Samuel Jones's wife being so ill, that he could not leave her to drive the Carriage.

Page 85.  1836  October  – James Caldwell

Monday 10 October 1836

At home.  Letter writing.  Mr Davenport came, having desired to see me on account of my Eyes.

Tuesday 11 October 1836

At home.  Obliged to abstain from searching or writing my Eyes having for several weeks past been so weak & troublesome as almost to preclude with these pleasures.

Wednesday 12 October 1836

Bessy & I called at Lawton.  Saw Mrs Lawton who said they had just arrived at home after an Excursion of a Fortnight.  Mr Lawton was gone out on horseback, a few minutes.

Thursday 13 October 1836

A very stormy night of wind & heavy Rain.  Engaged on the Penlington papers preparatory to seeing Mr Skerratt, who had engaged to come here tomorrow to consider the Arrangement now proper to be met.

Friday 14 October 1836

Mr Skerratt came, with whom closely engaged on the Penlington affairs, & made several Arrangements with a view to their being brought to a speedy & final conclusion.  Mr Skerratt staid to dinner as he had engaged to do, & the Revd. Mr Jackson also dined.

Saturday 15 October 1836

At home.  Engaged again on the Penlington Papers etc.

Sunday 16 October 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  Bessy & I afterwards attended Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 17 October 1836

At home.  Application from [Thurley] & others accompanied by Samuel  Beardmore for Foxholes Estate.  Offer £55 a year [due] of all Taxes etc. Landlord to pay the [confiscation] for .  .  .Tithes.  Allowed now a fortnight to consider of it.

Tuesday 18 October 1836

Revd. Mr [Furton] called to solicit Stamford's Vote in favour of Dr. Wilson at the ensuing Election of a Physician to the North Staffordshire Infirmary occasioned by the Resignation of Dr. Davidson, when I said that I would communicate his application to Stamford.  Bessy & I went to Maer to dinner & staid all night.  Mr & Mrs & Miss F. Tollet, Revd. Mr & Mrs Langton.

Wednesday 19 October 1836

Returned home to dinner.

Thursday 20 October 1836

At home.  .  .  .applied by the recommendation of William Booth for Foxholes Estate, when I told him that I had given the[Report] of it to another person, but if this was not accepted Mr Booth had better write to me & I should then be ready to [deal].  Busy getting up Potatoes.

Friday 21 October 1836

Mr Lawton called to request that I would permit Mr [Shawbury] who intends purchasing Foxholes to hunt over my Land & also Swallow Moor Wood, which I immediately promised, but to prevent any mistakes I afterwards sent a Note to Mr Lawton confirming this but declining to give any promises as to [measuring] the Farm etc.

Saturday 22 October 1836

At home.  Busy on Sundry Papers.  In the Evening Stamford arrived from Stafford Sessions.

Sunday 23 October 1836

Read prayers as usual but Bessy & I did not attend the Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 24 October 1836

At home.  Heavy Fog.  Josiah Bagley of Norton applied for Foxholes Estate.  Invitation from Mr Lawton to Bessy & myself & Stamford to dine at Lawton Hall on Wednesday, which she & I declined not being very well, but Stamford accepted.  Finished Potato getting.

Tuesday 2 October 18365

At home.  Dr. Mrs & Miss Northen called.

Wednesday 26 October 1836

At home.  Stamford dined at Lawton Hall.

Thursday 27 October 1836

William [Shawbury] & his Foxhounds came, when I finally agreed with him for Foxholes Estate & a Minute for an Agreement was required accordingly.  Stamford dined at Revd. Mr Mainwaring's.

Friday 28 October 1836

Engaged on Papers & sent to Mr Edleston in consequence of Mr Walkers continued refusal to join the Conveyance of Saltworks & Mr Done.  Snow.

Saturday 29 October 1836

At home.  Hard Frost & Snow.  Mr [Audley] called relative to a debt due to his late Father from old Mr Penlington.

Sunday 30 October 1836

Frost.  Read Prayers as usual, but owing to the Weather we did not attend Evening Service at Talk.  Stamford left us about noon on his proceeding to Leamington.

Monday 31^st October 1836

Wrote to Mr Tollett, & signifying my intention to attend a Meeting due on the 7 November, for installing a Society for the relief of the Deaf & Dumb.  Wrote also to Mr B.  Hollinshead, Pendleton.  Hard Frost.

November – James Caldwell

Tuesday 1 November 1836

At home.  Frost & Snow gone but very thick Fog.  Bessy sent a note of Enquiry to [Seabridge].

Wednesday 2 November 1836

At home.  Mr F. Twemlow called with whom long conference on various Navigation business on which he wished to consult me.

Page 87.  1836  November

Thursday 3 November 1836

At home.

Friday 4 November 1836

At home.  Cold Strong Day.  Offer from Boothby of 65/- for [Cheese] which I refused.

Saturday 5 November 1836

At home.  The same.

Sunday 6 November 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  The Inclemency of the weather prevented our attending Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 7 November 1836

Cold Stormy day with Snow, Hail & Rain.  Attended a Meeting at Newcastle for [initiating ] a Branch Society for the relief of the Deaf & Dumb which was unanimously approved, a [Subscription] entered into etc. Communication with the Parish Society at Manchester directed.

Tuesday 8 November 1836

Rode on Horseback.  In the Hollins the Mare being suddenly startled by some Pigs, whisked round by which I lost my Seat & fell to the Ground, but felt [little] & on .  .  .from the Fall as the Mare was quite gentle, and attempting to run away, but stood grazing close to me, till I mounted her again.  This is the fifth Accident which I have met with in the course of the present year.  1.  A severe fall upon the Stairs & Contusion across the .  .  ., occasioned by my foot becoming entangled in the Rug in the [bedroom].  2.  A heavy Fall backwards in going up one of the narrow step.  Walked in the Flower Garden, my head very narrowly escaping the Iron Handles.  This was near to the wall being very from worn & slippery from the sun shining upon it & me having no stick.  3.  A Fall in the Breakfast Room, & Blow against a Stand owing to my foot being entangled in a loose piece of carpeting, which I was stooping to lay straight, fearing it might throw somebody down.  4.  A Fall out of the Gig owing to the Horse suddenly & violently coming down opposite to Crosby Cottage as I was returning from Newcastle.  5.  The Fall from the Mare yesterday.

Wednesday 9 November 1836

Attended a Meeting at the North Staffordshire Infirmary for the Election of a Physician in the room of Dr. Davidson resigned.  Two Candidates Dr. Wilson (son in law of Dr. Northen) & Dr. [Formby], the former proposed by Mr Heathcote , the latter by Mr Edward [Butler].  A very numerous & highly respected attendance & Dr. (blank) was elected.  Took Mr F. Twemlow from Newcastle in the Carriage & brought him back & with whom much conversation on Navigation Business.

Thursday 10 November 1836

At home, being wet all day.

Friday 11 November 1836

The same.

Saturday 12 November 1836

Rode out on Horseback after being engaged all morning on sundry Papers.

Sunday 13 November 1836

Read Prayers as usual.  Did not attend Service at Talk.

Monday 14 November 1836

At home.  Confined with a Cold & Cough.

Tuesday 15 November 1836

The same.

Wednesday 16 November 1836

Better.  Walked out of Doors.

Thursday 17 November 1836

At home.

Friday 18 November 1836

The same.

Saturday 19 November 1836

The same.

Sunday 20 November 1836

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

Monday 21 November 1836

At home.

Tuesday 22 November 1836

At home.  Letter writing to Mr [Peake] Silverdale relative to contract of Composition for .  .  .Taxes, to Mr Skerratt Sandbach on Penlington Affairs.  Bessy called at Clough Hall but Mrs Kinnersly was gone out.

Wednesday 23 November 1836

At home.

Thursday 24 November 1836

At home.

Friday 25 November 1836

At home.

Saturday 26 November 1836

At home.  Engaged on sundry Navigation Papers.  Sent Order to Kinnerslys to bring out £200 for me a new 3½ [percent] Stock.  Mr Hare called to [select] my Vote at the ensuing Election of House Surgeon at the Genl.  Staffordshire Infirmary, but I declined giving my Promise.

Sunday 27 November 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the Evening attended Service at Talk, where Collection for building new Church.  Bessy being unwell did not accompany me.

Monday 28 November 1836

Engaged all morning looking over old Papers Navigation, with a view to a Selection & Arrangement of such as it might be proper to help.

Tuesday 29 November 1836

At home.  Violent wind with continual heavy Rain & all the low Grounds covered with water.

Wednesday 30^th November 1836

Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Called upon Mr Wilkinson on Navigation Concerns.  Saw also Mr F. Twemlow and with whom had conversation on Canal affairs of Great Depression on the price of Shares.

Page 89.  1836  December – James Caldwell

Thursday 1 December 1836

At home.  Engaged on private Accounts preparatory to making out annual Statement of Expenditure.

Friday 2 December 1836

At home.  The same.

Saturday 3 December 1836

At home.  Mr Mason of Newcastle called relative to a Publication of some [music] of his sons, & to which I subscribed.  Wrote to Mrs Roscoe sending her a Letter which I received by the last Nights Post from Mr Peake relative to the purchase of Houses at Liverpool.

Sunday 4 December 1836

In the morning read Prayers as usual & afterwards we attended Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 5 December 1836

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

Tuesday 6 December 1836

Went to Stone where engaged on General Committee.

Wednesday 7 December 1836

At Stone attending General Assembly& returned home at night.

Thursday 8 December 1836

At home.  Wrote to Mr Salt.

Friday 9 December 1836

At home.  Out on Horseback.

Saturday 10 December 1836

At home.  Received from Revd. Mr Garratt Letter relative to National School at Audley etc

Sunday 11 December 1836

Prayers as usual.  We attended Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 12 December 1836

At home.  Unwell with a cold.

Tuesday 13 December 1836

The same.  Wrote to Revd. Mr Garrettt & Dr. Holland from whom we had received Oysters.

Wednesday 14 December 1836

At home.

Thursday 15 December 1836

Wrote to Mr Moore, Tonnage Acct.  etc.

Friday 16 December 1836

At home.

Saturday 17 December 1836

At home.

Sunday 18 December 1836

Prayers as usual.  Bessy not well.  Did not attend Service at Talk.

Monday 19 December 1836

At home.  The day being fine, engaged on the Farm.  Men busy [sorting] manure on Linley Meadow.

Tuesday 20 December 1836

At home, but rode out on Horseback.

Wednesday 21 December 1836

At home.

Thursday 22 December 1836

At home.  Ledward called with whom appointed to go to Congleton on Saturday agreed to meet the Parties & conclude the Fox & Grapes purchase.  Wrote to Mr Edleston, as to my sending the Abstracts of the Tithes to the .  .  .  Land at Nantwich purchased by Mrs Gardener.

 Part of a letter from Anne Marsh to Mrs Young confirming that she is in fact the anonymous authoress of “Two old Mens Tales” published in 1834 and “Tales of the Woods & Fields” published in 1836.  Presumably Mrs Young is Mary Young (nee Abbott) who was the wife of George Frederick Young (1791-1870) Shipowner and Merchant of London, M.P. 1832-1838 and 1851-1852.  His father was Vice-Admiral William Young (1761-1847).  This letter is in the British Library (Add 46713 f 90) in the papers of George Frederick Young.  The letter reads as follows:

The Parke B. Heath

Thursday 22 December 1836

Pax! Pax! Pax! My dear Mrs Young, and tell me I am yet in time to disperse the Clouds of your threatened “everlasting displeasure”, which I have allowed thus long to collect, but feel sure, if they have not already burst in lucky forgetfulness of my and my sins, through the dissipating nature of Xmas preparations, and Schoolboy’s return home.  They will at least dissolve in pity and forgiveness, at the recital of the various excitements and engrossed feelings not sufferings thank God! which the yet more awful storms and visitations of Heaven, have occasioned us for ourselves, and still more for our friends, but let me first bravely face the attack of why and wherefore I never told you Mrs Arthur Marsh was an Authoress simply because I am not an “Old Man” and do not therefore tell “Tales”, especially Tales I have been enjoined to keep secret, no matter to me how this same secret becomes known to everyone, and is revealed to me from North, South, East and West, with a similar enquiry to yours “Is it true . . . ?” till at length I find it so publicly known, that at least the “Old Man” wears petticoats, when he walks in the “Woods & Fields” that he is at once boldly femininized by his Coat picker W. Quarterly, who nevertheless (I agree with you) gives him due praise, as well as (I hope for the sake of our English nobility) due censure, and I agree with you in hoping the next, if any next there should be, will be “better”, though I should say in plot, more than in style, and give the reading world more insight into all the best workings of the human Heart, with less to ponder on, that is evil and miserable.  The Papers seem enough with such thoughts and deeds of real living Men and Women, and I agree with Mrs Trollope, that many a mind gets imbued with ideas of evil, that might never have tainted it, but for the quantity of the sort that it published, and however true of our nature, or well depicted and even morally conducted and concluded, it were better withheld.  The Books in question abound also with body Sentiments of piety and moralities and good feelings, but our fallen nature, is so apt to chide the Evil rather than the Good, that I always wish all Books and Papers recited a preponderance attraction the other way, but dear me, you do  not ask my opinion about the Books, but to tell you all I could about the writer, and how shall I answer you?  Unless in her own words that she is neither “particularly this” nor “particularly that”, tall and thin and wears spectacles in general.  Do you not chance to remember her, the day you so kindly called on us in Stanhope Place, as you entered our room from a Wedding, in Lavender silk, white B . . . and Plume.  She quitted it, in similar attire, to go to a Wedding Déjeuner.  She certainly is clever in many ways more by her own exertions, than by original education, which in a country place in Staffordshire, and from the fashions, or mode of teaching in her days, was limited, and accomplishments little cultivated, so that she neither sings, plays, draws, or even speaks French well, to be noted for either performance, but having by nature an enquiring mind, and intuitive quickness of observation, and great energy, and having many clever and learned connections, and fond of society, for its own sake, caring nought for the forms of it, she has not only improved herself, but has still more merit, in the unsparing exertions, and their successful result, with which she has entirely conducted the education of six girls, three only are yet grown up to be 18, 16 and 15, and they now assist in teaching the 3 younger.  She also grounded well her only Boy who now comes to School here.  Her profits of her pen have given her elder girls some best Masters for Music etc, and they promise to do well, and all have a natural turn for drawing and languages moreover they all contrive to please and make friends wherever they go by their nice and perfectly artless manners, and altogether are an interesting, happy and attached party, and we, of course, love them all dearly.  My brother you have seen, years ago, he has a plain face but good Head and good Heart, and would not exchange one of his Girls for ten Boys he says, and here ends my history of an “Old Man”, or rather “Two Old Men”, which may better excuse its length, and are you satisfied?  My next topic must be sincerely to wish you and yours a cheerful Season and many returns of it in health and comfort.  Your five Branches are, I conclude, assembled round you, all well and merry hearted I trust and Mr Young, free enough in mind, as in person, to give you an agreeable daily prospect at dinner time.  My third subject, to thank you equally for not inviting us now, when we must have the pain of saying no, and for so kindly, as we think, asking us to endure your “unfortunate work”, in Spring, for “ere” Spring, I fear, I must equally forebear, and endure, from now till May, a much greater endurance than passing a few days with kind friends, no matter where, or what, their abode, unless indeed it was in the frozen ocean.  My trial is, to give up all visits, morning or evening, and even exercise out of doors for a fortnight together, but I am repaid (or I was last year) by averting visits from the Doctor, or being laid up.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Page 90.  1836  December

Friday 23 December 1836

Wrote to Mr Wilkinson.  Old Stanley Reservoir.  Fine Day.

Saturday 24 December 1836

Mr Ledward came to breakfast, & afterwards accompanied me to Macclesfield where we met Mr Boulton & his son Mr Colville & I executed the Assignment to Mr B.  of the Fox & Grapes Public House in [Sutton] sold to him.  Returned to dinner.  Received a beautifully worked cushion being a present from Georgina Marsh.

Sunday 25 December 1836

Christmas day.  Read Prayers as usual.  The Cold prevented our attending Service at Talk.

Monday 26 December 1836

Severe Frost.  The old Christmas Party dined, & enjoyed themselves much.  Wrote to Mr Colville requesting him to forward me with an examined copy of the Assignment to Boulton, thinking this proper to be put [against] the late Macclesfield Brewery papers in my possession.  Wrote [Georgina].

Tuesday 27 December 1836

At home.  Severe Frost.

Wednesday 28 December 1836