Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 57/58
James Stamford Caldwell of Linley Wood - age 56/57
Arthur Cuthbert Marsh of Eastbury Park - age 56/57
Anne Marsh-Caldwell of Eastbury Park – age 51/52
Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – 'Louisa' – age 24/25
Frances Mary Marsh (later Crofton) - age 23/24
Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – 'Gies' – age 22/23
Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – 'Posy' - age 19/20
Martin William James Marsh - age 17/18
Mary Emma Marsh (Lady Mary E. Heath) – age 16/17
Hannah Adelaide Marsh (later Loring) - age 14/15
File PB 1010111
Ripped envelop addressed
Miss R Marsh
Dr Holland
25 Lower
Grosvenor
London
43 [1843?]
Black wax seal on back.
B124
Mr Marsh
To C Barton
invoice
1843
April – Share in beating and repair(?) (caipeb?) & repairing Do. -.2.6
Do in new Holland to roller blind, fixed with new brass bracket &c. -.5.0
May 22. Repairing castors to chair, screws. -.1.-
-8.6
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
9th April 1843, Sunday
Once more resolved to try total abstinence out of a desire my self to prove it again, partly for my own benefit and with the great wish before I die, to be able to have the benefit of my experience upon this subject for my children and others. Convinced that being of so feeble and perverse a temperament if I succeed no success can be a greater (purpose?) of its benefits(?).
Sheep in Paddock, calves l- in little acres Upper Meadow. Birch trees all shot up and have been for a month or so with some more, some less.
Stamford Caldwell's 3rd book, "Results of Reading"
Stamford Caldwell's book - "Results of Reading."
B125
Letter to Martin Marsh.
12 Abermarle Street
May 2nd, 1843
My dear Marsh,
I am sorry to say that I shall not be able to have the pleasure of seeing you on Thursday, as my father is obliged to put off the ball till next week in consequence of the Duke of Sussex being buried on next Thursday, and he is told it would be incorrect to have any party on that day.
I wished him to have it the day before, but he would not as he said there was not time to let the people come before. Have you done any holiday task, I have not made a verse, and I am sure I do not know what I shall do.
Believe me
Yours very truly,
John C Lock
Letter from Arthur Cuthbert Marsh
to his son Martin Marsh.
Eastbury
16 May 1843
My dear Martin
I enclose a note which I have just received from Mr Clutterbuck. What do you say to standing for a Postmastership at Merton this year? Do you feel up to it? Consult Mr Corkesley sharing Mr Clutterbuck’s letter.
In the meantime I have accepted for you the offer of the Rector of Exeter and you will at all events be entered at that College. But I do not quite understand whether it will be necessary that you go up and matriculate there this next month of June.
Perhaps you can ascertain that point by enquiring at Eton. The days of examination at Merton for the Postmastership, and at Exeter for matriculation are about the middle of the month and within a week or so of each other.
You observe that Mr C. says that should you be so fortunate as to get a Postmastership this year; you need not go into residence until after the long vacation of 1844. He does not say so positively in his note I see, but he told me so verbally, when I met him by chance yesterday afternoon in Watford, after his note was written and dispatched.
Your first object I think should be to get a Postmastership, failing that you are entered of Exeter; but on several accounts I should prefer the former for you and either this June or next you must try your chance, but I expect consult Mr Corkesley on the expediency of trying this year.
Yesterday came Sir Henry Mainwaring and Miss Carry M. who with Miss Lyon and your Aunt Roscoe fill us well up and give … enough to your Mother! But I … swear she will find time to write to you.
My complements to Mr Corkesley. We shall be delighted to see you and Mr Garth on this Holiday you speak of and if you bring a Postmastership in your pocket, so much the better.
Ever most affectionately yours
ACM.
Martin Marsh’s “Aunt Roscoe” was Ann Marsh-Caldwell’s sister Hannah Elizabeth Roscoe (nee Caldwell) who married William Stanley Roscoe.
A “Postmastership” was a scholarship, carrying with it a great reduction in fees, available to Eton students wishing to go on to Merton College, Oxford University.
Letter from Ann Marsh (Marsh-Caldwell)
to her son Martin Marsh
also a letter from Arthur Cuthbert Marsh written on the same piece of paper.
May 30th 1843
My dearest boy
I hope you got Posy’s letter yesterday to tell you why I most unwillingly gave up writing to you. I had to go to the farm on an errand for your father, then to pay a visit to poor James, and before I could get back from this George came flying after me to tell me that the Wedgwoods were arrived.
We had Mr & Mrs Hensleigh Erasmas and Catherine Darwin and two children. They came to stay the day and before their departure it was time for me to go and dress to dine at Morden, so my letter to my sweetest boy was t…d to be put off till today.
I congratulate you most heartily my dearest upon your success in getting into the saying class and I … and … your fur foolest representative not being able to miss his loved master. My tenderness for said dog is always much increased by him playing the part of proxy for you and I offer him several dainties to celebrate the good news all of which he refused which you will consider if not a sign of tenderness and gratitude to his grand ma, at least as a proof that he gets dinner enough.
Before going further while I remember I will ask you whether you received a letter from Louisa enclosing the £1. I hope you did but always acknowledge a money letter by a few lines as soon as you receive it. I hope too you got your cape which left this by … load on Thursday.
We have been made very sorry this week by an account of the dangerous illness of Baron Alderson at Hastings. Our Doctor has been down to see him twice and I fear he is yet not quite out of danger. His poor children have been in great affliction. They are now a good many of them at the Grove, and Fanny and Georgy are just gone down to enquire the news from Hastings and to ask whether they can be of any use in amusing the children. He is a clever and a good man. His loss to society will be great, to his family incalculable, but I trust he will be spared.
We dined as I said at Morden yesterday. We met no one but Mr and Mrs … [Robert Eden?] He is a clergyman and a brother of Lord Auckland’s and a most excellent man. Your father found him very agreeable also.
There was much talk of the present secession of the Scotch Ministers 400 of whom have thrown up their livings at once and ploughed themselves and families into poverty for conscience sake. Everyone is sorry for they think the point in dispute is not one which called for such a sacrifice. It being merely one regarding the appointment of the Ministers of their church, yet when one looks at it in another point of view, one cannot but be glad that so many exist in these evil times ready to sacrifice all worldly good for conscience sake.
They talked also of P… which there seems an endeavour to check at Oxford, if it cannot make its stand in the University. I for one hope that the cause is lost, and that the great schism with which the Church of England is threatened may be avoided.
Now for farm news. The foal is born and proves an ugly cart horse. So much for fine expectations in that line. The calf we most valued is dead. The arable land at least the B… is in a very uncompromising state. Poor James is again laid up with his leg. In short the bulletin from home is anything but satisfactory. However the rain seems to be over and that will help us in every way it is to be hoped.
You cannot think how Mr Darwin admired Mary’s sketches or how much he admires the pretty sketcher herself. He thinks her quite beautiful.
Your father wishes to write you a few lines so I have left him a piece of my letter. We are very sorry not to see Mr Garth on the 24th. If the weather be fine we shall have a pleasant party at Sir Williams.
We are going to town on Friday to stay a few days, so will you direct your next journal to me at James Booth Esq, Hyde Park Square, London. I will write to you from there and tell you all the wonders I see in the Great City.
Fairwell my beloved boy.
Ever your most loving Mother.
My dear Martin
I am highly gratified by the distinction you have obtained in being placed in the Saying Class and I flatter myself that all these little triumphs are but earnest of the success that will … attend you through life.
I shall be glad to hear more about Mr … [Schimitedt’s?] friend at … [Bingen?] and I suppose it will be time enough to decide on the matter when you are here on the 24th next month.
I fell in with Mr Clutterbuck about two days ago, no it was yesterday week after church and I thought he talked less confidently about getting you entered at Exeter College, how difficult it was, how great a favour of the Principle and so forth. However he is to be at Oxford on 1st June and I sent him Corkesley’s last note to me, together with the examination paper to show to the Principle from which I hope he will comprehend that it is not for an idle blockhead that we seek admittance. Merton however for choice.
Has Mr Corkesley seen his Oxford friends yet? And what say he?
Ever most affectionately yours
ACM
We shall be delighted to see Frank … Garth.
George is probably a reference to young boy who seems to have been a family relation living with Ann and Arthur at Eastbury. The list of the contents of Eastbury compiled in 1849 lists one of the rooms as being Mr George’s Room (4229/1/1/4 Stafford Record Office). George may have been George Cuthbert Marsh who was the son of George Marsh and his wife Josina Arendina Marsh. George Marsh died around 1862 and at this date his son George Cuthbert Marsh is noted as being older than 21 years (4229/1/5/1 Stafford Record Office).
Letter from Arthur Marsh to his son Martin Marsh. The letter reads as follows:
E…
20 June 1843
My dear Martin
I enclose a few lines for the Warden of Merton, which you will enclose or not in your letter to him, at your discretion; but it strikes both your Mother and me that I should at least convey to him some expression of my desire that you should be admitted at his College. Write me a line to say what you think on this subject and also to say for what day I must write for leave from Dr Hawtrey for you and Greenwood to come home. I expect your Mother with Fanny and Mary on Wednesday Evening next.
Ever most affectionately yours
ACM
These showers of yesterday and today although light are doing us much good here. I have mown about 18 acres but shall now wait in hope of … crop.
Letter from Arthur Marsh to his son Martin Marsh. The letter reads as follows:
Monday 20 June 1843
My dear Martin
I enclose a Post Office order for £5. James expected your timeous arrival at Drayton last night. You will let me hear in due time all about B… [Bingea?].
Ever most affectionately
Arthur Marsh
C33
Mr Rham presents his respects to Dr Hawtrey and requests he will permit Mr Martin Marsh to spend next Saturday and Sunday at Winkfield Vicarage. Mr Marsh will be sent back on Sunday evening.
Eton. June 23 1843.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
1843 – Eastborough
Went
Dairy to ‘great meadow’, began to mow this on 20th June.
1st Large sheep are in ‘Ricks yard’, dry and 2 in Paddock, 1st sheep in Partons, 2nd Ley sheep in Bush. 2 lay to JW.
(Great Meadow was one of the paddocks on the Eastbury Estate.)
B103
Letter to Martin Marsh, post mark 4th July 1843 possibly from Louisa
Addressed to Martin Marsh Esq, Mrs Horsfords, Eton College, Bucks. Post mark 3 July 1843
39 Hyde Park Square
Here till Wednesday
Wont you enquire at your Post Office.
My dearest Martin,
I cannot tell you how grieved I was to find you had never got my letter enclosing the £1, how ungrateful and unkind you must have thought me for your dear kind note. I hope dear brother that you thought there must have been some mistake, not that I had been so utterly neglectful I cannot bear to think what you must have thought of me if you did not look at it in that light.
I wonder what has become of it. Somebody must have stolen it. I dispatched it the same day I received your note which was Wednesday – B104right – [necp?] last the Sovereign was wrapped in a piece of paper by itself and put that beside the note and that again inside an eveloppe.
It is very disagreeable. I would [besides the loss of the money] have much rather the public had not had the benefit of my effusion to you. I will enquire how I had better send you the next Sovereign [and?] will do in a day or two at [B104righvertical] latest you may depend. My own dear [Sings?].
We are now staying at Mrs Booth’s, yesterday Mama, Mr and Mrs Booth dined at Mr Jones. Loyds and Georgy and I with Mrs Hensleigh Wedgwood. In the day we went to the exhibition where we unexpectedly met Posy and Emily, both looking like two old hags from Ealing the previous night.
The London season has not improved Emmy’s beauty. She goes out immensely, but I hope the [lissole?]of the country will restore her in the summer from the traces of the Spring campagne.
I am going in a few minutes to walk across the park with Mary Tillet to see Mrs Eden, who I am sorry to say is far from well, give my love to Frank, and believe me your most affectionate and (Louisa?)
Saturday. 39 Hyde Park[ Taneau?] here & Louisa M till Wednesday
16th July 1843
At Church. Crompton Hutton here.
17th July 1843
Crompton Hutton went
18th July 1843
Mrs Holland evening, and Harry
19th July 1843
Took Mrs Holland to station to ask for (Signs, Signatures?) Saw Miss King
20th July 1843
Drive with Mrs Holland by Grovely Green and to Money(?) Hill to call upon Lady Alderson, the children came and they all went. Arthur to town.
21st July 1843
With Posy round from giant oak in (Busogh, Bushey?) Hill.
B131
Mr Marsh
Bill
Mr Marsh D
1843
To Roth and HJ Crook
24th July 1(SaswSg?) Crown glass broke at the Revd
W Cookesley’s -.1.6
From January to July – Share of the Expence of Windows broken. -.3.6
£-.5.-
C37
Letter to Martin Marsh
from his Aunt, Georgina Nelson Marsh (aged 42)
Mr Martin Marsh,
At Mrs Horsfords
Eton College,
Bucks.
27th July 1843
11 York Gate
Regents Park.
My dearest Martin,
I fear you must think me lost, it is so long since I have written to you. I am sure you need not reproach yourself for not writing as I know how much your time is taken up and wished much to have answered yours by return of post but was quite unable and I find whenever I lay out my plans for the morning and determine to write such and such letters I am always frustrated in my intentions by letters coming requiring an immediate answer or friends popping in from Blackheath and also where’s stopping all my proceedings (?).
This morning just as I had sat down to my writing table who should come in but Mrs (Prosser?) and two children from Blackheath and who is now resting on the sofa whilst I write and waiting for an omnibus to take them to the city in time for the Blackheath coaches. Mr Prosser quite well. The examination begins today and the school breaks up of course.
I heard of your visit to Eastbury. I hope our turn will soon come, just now we are in the comfortable bustle of sweeping chimneys for the summer, beating drawing room carpets and cleaning paint &c and I have a great deal to attend to before I can leave home in looking through and replacing house linen &c &c. We have had the house so full all the spring that I have had not had time to attend much to these necessary duties.
Your sisters have all been here in detachments and Mrs Jones, her sister from Oxfordshire and Miss Delmar for three weeks. In short we have had a cheerfully if not a gay spring, but gaiety in the usual acceptation of the word is not much in our way.
Grandpapa enjoys his life and house and all and looks very well indeed, every one likes him.
We shall be delighted to see you my dear Martin whenever you come but if you can give us a days notice we shall be more comfortably ready for you.
Aunt ME comes on Thursday en route to Miss Jerards so she will only be here a couple of hours. When that visit is over she is going to two or three more friends and then she will come here for a short time before leaving for St.Servan. I hope the plan will answer for it is a great undertaking packing up furniture &c so often.
Dear Willy passed one night here. He is now at Eastbury thoroughly enjoying himself with his brother. He is immensely grown and very much improved in every way I think and so do we all. So all Aunt Mee’s pains have not been thrown away. George too is excessively impressed do not you think so.
I hope your two friends like Eastbury. It must be looking lovely. I long to get there. We have not been since Xmas and Grandpapa gets every day I think more averse to leaving home which is not unnatural at 87. The only surprising thing is that he can move at all.
However I do hope to go there for a little while. Thank you for your glowing description of the day making party at Sir (Williams?). I had not heard much about it so your account was very welcome. I think they seem to lead very cheerful indeed tolerably gay lives at Eastbury which I am delighted at their having – one family they know was a very happy circumstance and the Milmans seem a great acquisition.
London is thinning apace and I dare say in another month we shall walk about the streets quite freely and cross without risk. I wish our visit to Eastbury may be in August as we have a notice to paint outside from the Commissioners of the Woods and to (asti?) in that month and we have consented that they should do it so we shall have no trouble but to pay for it and probably they will do it in more reasonable terms than we could and it tests the very – to be out of the way during the time.
I must now say goodbye my dearest Martin. We send you our kindest love.
Ever your affectionate Aunt Georgina Marsh.
B091
Letter from William Marsh
to his grandson, Martin Marsh
addressed to Mrs Horsford’s , Eton College.
York Gate
28th July 1843
My dear Martin,
You letter to your Aunt I find confirms what I had seen in the Times, an extra week for Dr Hawtry and all the Masters and Tutors! as well as all “The Fellows!” of the college, and I cannot say which Party will enjoy it most!
I find we are not likely to see you on Monday! I expect however to see your dear Father tomorrow in his way home!
The enclosed will as usual help you to a good party breakfast tomorrow or Sunday morning! I had a letter yesterday from St.(Servan?), and one this morning from Chanceaux, all well! With every cordial good wish,
I am ever, Dear Martin, yours affectionately Wm Marsh.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
1843, August 5th
Hay Cumberland Market
Course 80 to 90
Useful 92 to 98
Fine 98 to 113
Diary of Ann Marsh-Caldwell
Proceedings at Eastbury Farm
24th August 1843, Thursday
The day wet and lowering, the wheat is not cut, at least only a very small part yesterday. The evening proving fine they have gone on reaping. The men are inclined to think the grain not dry enough, the ear is in most case brown, in some with a tint of green, the stem towards the top slightly tinted with green, the grain not hard but not milky, to remark whether any injury arises from cutting in this state.
In the garden I have cut my apple and pear trees according to the (perch?) directions, shortening each this years shoot one half, observe the effect. Gooseberries I have cut this month being told that will prevent the growth of white wood consequent upon other cutting, observe it his be so.
Proceedings at Eastbury, Natural History.
25th August 1843, Friday
Today the dairy went into the Upper Marlins and Hay Meadow which are to be shut up for hay pastures, were eaten so bare last winter and in the spring that as late as June it appeared portentously upon Upper Marlins that there would be nothing on them, they have been shut up for two months and are now covered with clover and good hedge.
(Upper Marlins, field at Eastbury estate)
26th August 1843, Saturday
Day very fine, one man cutting wheat.
27th August 1843, Sunday
Day fine
28th August 1843, Monday
Showery and dull, two men cutting wheat, one lawns. Mr Marsh and Georgina went.
29th August 1843, Tuesday
Morning cloudy. Afternoon very rainy. Men cutting wheat and lawns in the morning.
Letter to Martin Marsh
From his Aunt, Georgina Nelson Marsh
11YorkGate,
31st August 1843
My dearest Martin,
Your letter was a most welcome greeting on our arrival home on Monday and quite unexpected for I did not the least expect you to write to us knowing you must write journal letters home and that your time must be fully occupied by more important occupations just now.
We were at Eastbury when your 3 first letters arrived there so we are au fait of all your proceedings and delighted we were to hear you so thoroughly are enjoying yourself. You appear to be most fortunate in your host and party and especially in your hostess’s brother. To have so agreeable and constant companions would be at all times a great acquisition but in your present circumstances, invaluable as a solitary walk would not benefit your [health, liabth?] and [promote, welfare?] your German and Herr Dole does not appear to have time to bestow so much of his own company upon you.
We all seem disposed to envy you your expedition or rather [see shore?] all [looking?] to set sail on the same. The scenery must be enchanting, and your Ball very amusing. The same exquisite manners [that of using the floor instead of a pocket [handkerchief?] prevailed at Versailles when we were there, at least some of the Soi disant Messieurs so acted which astonished my [layt-?] vision not a little.
We enjoyed our visit to Eastbury very much. The weather was lovely, the finest and warmest we have had this summer and the drives are beautiful. I was so glad dear Grand[papa?] was able to drive about for he enjoys it much. The lanes are so pretty. I only wish the waterway was better.
That A the only drawback to its perfection was wh- such a water [drinker?] felt this a serious inconvenience. They are come up today, that is Mama, Fanny, Posey and Mary to make completions for Milford and see the cartoons, and to see housemaids as Mary Bormu[?]is going [as you probably know]. Fletcher is going to live with you, what you will be glad to hear as you liked him, I believe for respectability, honesty and as a thorough good servant. I do not think you could have done better and he liked very much for the idea of the situation. I believe he is engaged to our [lams?], indeed I know he is.
But I do not like him better than our present servant George who is everything I could wish and I discovered the day before I went to Eastbury that he [is a married man and has a nice pretty little wife and child].
He says I did not ask him when I engaged him if he was married man or he should have told me and I dare say I did not for he is so very young looking it never entered into my head to think he was married. However, it is no objection to us, quite the reverse. He and Cook have made our kitchen floor quite a paradise having coloured and painted every bit of it themselves.
We are very comfortably servanted now and I only hope will last. I caught sight of your message on the table to– you could have reached High St so the only way was to send George with it and I am sure you would have been lost without it. It did not cost us much trouble so thanks are not necessary and as to careless, I cannot accuse you of being that either for it was pushed to the other side of the table out of sight.
When the tea was brought I was only glad I discovered it in time. My dear cousin Mary and my Aunt are going to Leamington tomorrow morning to my great grief. I shall fell quite desolate without them and they are going for an uncertain time for if Kate is not sufficiently well to be able to travel I fear they will stay till after Xmas but as she has tried the carriage twice and not suffered materially from the motion I am in the greatest hopes she will continue to mend and accompany them home to Cambridge Terrace in Nov.
I was in hopes Mary would have dined here today but that is impossible as (Robert?) and his wife dined there the last day and she would (verily?) be too tired.
William Roscoe too cannot come as he has been at Brighton for a fortnight and must not spare any more time away from his studies as his examination begins next month. I should have thought he might have passed this one evening but he knows best and perhaps he is right.
So we have only Mr Eliot who I asked in order that he might bring some engravings to show Mary as I thought it would be of use to her.
I asked too, Mr Morrison to talk to your Mama as he is an agreeable talkative man and cousin of the Miss Morrisons who has been all over the world and has plenty to say but I have had no answer so conclude he is out of town, but I am disappointed as I fear they will have but a dull visit.
We are all to see the Cartoons tomorrow. This is the last week of then. Sprite was quite well and so was Wasp and [Tarte?] too, they are all nice dogs, and very loveable. Sprite is an immense pet of every bodys and I should say was the infant [gate?] of the family, though his noble nature prevents his being spoiled by indulgence.
We shall all be glad to see you back again but not, I hope, till you have secured Prince Albert’s [finger, praise?]. You will, I hope, make this your resting place when you return, till when adieu my dearest Martin knowing [how much?] we both love you,
Affection
Aunt Georgina N. Marsh.
Letter from Arthur Cuthbert Marsh to his son Martin Marsh.
It would appear that Martin is on a holiday in Prussia and is learning to speak German. The letter and envelope are all one piece
Mr Martin Marsh
Am Herr Doll’s
St Goar
Prussia
London Thursday 7 Sept 1843
My dear Martin
Your letter leaves us in considerable uncertainty as to the state of your funds when you reached St Goar after your tour by Frankfurt … so I must make the best calculation by estimate that I can and then remit you what will appear ample funds to settle with Herr Doll and bring you home.
I have therefore paid into the House of Rothschild & Co £25 which you will receive on application at de Rothchild & Co at Frankfurt on the 13th or any day after … the Rothschilds here do not write to Frankfurt until tomorrow.
You will ask for £25 in £20 and £5 seeing that I paid in the latter sum today thinking that the former which I deposited yesterday might be hardly enough, so that they may possibly give the credit with their letter … in the 2 sums. You will have been about 5 weeks … … when this reaches you which … … … … will take £15.
But supposing that you have still a considerable part of the … £20 left. Hope you will reach home with a purse tolerably well stocked. Do not my dear boy lay out anything in presents for your mother, or sisters or me; the … …, making money the most acceptable article you can bring.
Set out on your return as soon as you conveniently can after you get this. Do not hurry yourself nor even fatigue yourself but get a good bed and a good nights rest if you can every night.
If you like to vary your route by … at B… Antwerp, … When you arrive in London, either stop at York Gate or come home according to the time of day you are over. … … … … … simply that you have in your pocket … … … … address both in England and St Goar and written both in English and German. Your … fit at Frankfurt has made us all a little uneasy.
I fear I have written a stiff business sort of letter … … … for time and cannot say all I wish, however I must add that I hope that you have derived both pleasure and … from your sojourn at St Goar and you know with what heart felt joy and delight we all shall see you again at Eastborough. God bless you my dear boy.
I am ever most affectionately
ACM
We hope to see you on the 20th at latest.
C32
Eton,
Election 1843
Marsh,
Mathematical Tuition three quarters from January 1st to October 1st 1843. £7.17.6
Mrs Horsford with Mr Hawtrey’s compliments.
File PB120038
Letter to Posy, Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell
From her mother, Ann Marsh-Caldwell
– tattered, big hole in it. Looks like it has got wet at some point.
Melford Hall.
11th October 1843 year added later [?]
My dearest Posy,
I send you Martin’s letter. He probably has written to you, but you will like to see what he says to [me] upon this interesting occasion. It is evident how it is he has [hole in letter] by the French. It is very provoking a little more pains taken with that would have excused it.
It is too bad that we have been in France and have failed in that which ought to have been secured years ago. A great lesson in neglecting opportunities which I hope all of you sweet girls will remember both for yourselves and your children should you ever have any.
I am in bed having been laid up with a seizure in my [hole in letter]. I brought it on by my own imprudence in walking to speak to a farmer about driving[?] my cows. When the pain had a [little?] begun. I am better however, and I hope to be at home Monday or Tuesday at the latest.
Mrs Eden has just been asking Louisa to stay with her, which I am delighted to give my consent [as?] she is very well and very happy. Your Uncle Stamford’s letter was to put off our visit till the Spring. I think it will be better delayed till then on my account. I hope my pretty Mary will not be disappointed. We shall enjoy ourselves more at pretty Linley Wood then.
I have a very poor account of your Uncle Roscoe William S. Roscoe died 31st Oct 1843] from your Aunt Roscoe, but you are not to say anything of it in your letters there. If you have to write only say you are very sorry to hear he is not well.
I am very glad we are going to have dear [hole in letter – Arthur?] You have got him already [hole in letter] if so give my [hardys?] love to him, and tell him I depend upon his taking good care of you till I come back. Keep[?] him as long as you can.
Nothing happens here. Fanny is busy taking lessons in drawing from Col. Eden. I pass away the time as well as my uncomfortable back will let me but am anxious not to get home.
My dear love to you all sweet girls, every your tenderest Mother.
Send the letter back to me to shew your father when he comes. I expect him on Friday.
Letter from Arthur Marsh
to his son Martin Marsh.
Eastborough
11 October 1843
My dear Martin
You will suppose I was a little anxious to hear of your fortunes, which I first did on Monday from Lady Gifford who had read the account in the newspaper. I own that when the word second prize were p…ed I felt very much as if a wet blanket had been thrown over me.
You must have been very weak in French me thinks and have lost a good deal of ground in that tongue; for if I remember right you were away the first six at the examination before the holidays.
However to be the first German scholar of the lot, is something, for it is out and out a more difficult language than French.
Now I wish you would lay aside the Moderns, or take them up only as a recreation, and devote yourself to the regular business of School. I hope that Mr Corkesley still thinks you worthy of being started for the Newcastle, and although I do not at all expect you to … that, I am very anxious that you should be well placed. It would be so strong a recommendation of you at Merton.
Your Mother is still at Melford and I mean to go there myself either Friday or Saturday and hope to have her at home again the beginning of next week. Good bless you.
Ever most affectionately yours
Arthur Marsh
Pray make my best compliments to Mr Corkesley.
B129
Letter to Martin Marsh
From his grandfather, William Marsh
Mr Martin Marsh
Mrs Horsford’s
Eton College
(from )
York Gate
13 October 1843
My dear Martin,
I have delayed writing you intentionally, because I felt you would have writing enough of your own, and not less of that of others! But I now have great satisfaction to say to you that I feel and consider you have deservedly obtained great credit, and have merely suffered that disappointment which has arisen as far as I can judge by your not having taken the whole view of the case, for you had considered, “the travel(?) I conclude but as a subordinate point to the German (Grammar?) as I am sure I did, and all your friends here, I think and may assert you would have carried the whole!; and that at all events you have obtained great credit!
And I am sure all your dear friends must think so!
I should be grieved if I could think that upon full reflection you do not feel as I now state it! German, German, was I am sure considered by all, as the paramount object to be obtained!
So my dear Martin think no more about it! I had the happiness of seeing your dear Father here to dinner yesterday, and stays with us today and tomorrow starts by the train for (Linley? LinHyde’s) intending to bring all home on Monday or Tuesday, except indeed I find dear Louisa is to remain some time longer at Mrs Eden &c. All also to remain for some time.
Your dear Father appears pleased and satisfied that he took the trip to Wyhill Fair, he bought all the sheep he wanted. He looks very well, which I rejoice at, as Wyhill is a most exposed situation.
I also am that he appears to think of your disappointment just as I do! The day of his Business at Wyhill like this was fine but the next day the 11th was a sad wet day for my old Farnham neighbours with their crops! I think he says he also bought some cheese there!
God bless you my dear Martin, and I add Aunt Georgy’s love to that of your’s affectionately,
Wm Marsh.
I am in a hurry to go out though I feel it very cold.
A106
Long letter to Cirbas Gars Marsh!
1 November 1843 or 1845.
Not sure what language it is written in. Difficult to transcribe.
B015
Part of letter from Martin to his mother. Early Nov 1843.
Part of you will do that without but you shall see what sort of a public speaker (unpop?) I make. What a capital story that was of Mr Smith and what a capital thing it must be to be in such a situation that one is able to (prepare?) such delightful riches. I have finished the (Sept?) to Thebes by myself. I went accordingly to my tutor and told him so expecting him to say “Well done” etc etc and praise me. No such thing. “Have you?” Oh make haste and do another play, the next will come easier to you. Mind you fill up your time are that’s all” The fact is a Play is child’s play to him and so he cannot conceive that anybody should think so small care of himself for having finished one. I did not care to ask though, and what one one? In plain tense and (locqui?) -! “Do so and so.” I went off. He looked over my (three?) and said “Very well Marsh, there is great improvement here.” So (course?) I do not always escape Enoglglance(?) I told you about Thucydides. If I did not I will some time or other, and I have finished my Greek Iambic and so I am just now very happy etc and hoping you are the more. I will say adieu!
Thursday. I have just received intelligence that I am to play in a grand match at football next Friday. Today I have had a splendid run with be. However, P A was out and Holland I and two other Etonians signalized ourselves by pulling down a stiff fence for him to get over and he asked us if we were not tired with running so far and a few other “soft nothings.” I had a good mind to answer him in German and so my friends exhalted me to but I thought better of it and did not. Suppose he had said “Did you pick up my fence, if you did I have got an honourable foot for you.” Would not that have been capital.
My books I have arranged in my shelf and they look very handsome. Today I also got a letter from Adelaide and will answer it when I can but really the (weight?) of luxuries a one at present is as “Etna on the King and Thucydides piled.” For in addition to all my reading I have school business for one of the (higher, prized?) divisions in the school to do, and so this sapping is all extra, out of play. I would have you understand and if it was not where would be the merit of it. And shall I tell you as I say merit because I fell so much pleasure in doing it that I am sure there is a merit in it. Is the argument good. I will venture to anticipate the answer yes. I’ll just tell you what I did today and it is my usual allowance. Got up at ¼ to 7. School and said 33 lines of Catullis. Stephen Hawtrey 1 ½ read Polybins ½ an hour, did Homer Denvations, 12 learnt the lesson. Breakfasted ¼ to 10 till 11. Counting 35 lines of Hom and 79 of Virgil. Did Homer in school. Run all after 12. Dinner at 2. Virgil at 3. Hockey after 4. Virgil at 5. Tea 6. The evening’s work was 180 lines of part Play. 85 lines of Horace. 7 or 8 chapters of Thucydides. This. Supper learnt 75 lines of Homer by heart. So my time is clam packed up but I did it however, and now I may be let to go to bed as soon as I have learnt my Homer full.
I was very very much surprised and grieved to hear of Uncle Roscoe’s death (31st October 1843) today. [Friday in a letter from Fanny]. and the manner as such a calamity an totally unexpected on my part. I have written to William today and said all I could but I always fear that letters of that description on such occasions as these might prove intrusive but I do not think that William will think it so. I learn tonight a fresh wave of melancholy news. Poor Mr (Mrs) Rham(?) my dane told me was dead. This shocked me very much indeed as it will you all, and with this sad addition to our lately sad list. I will, dearest mother say good night. I could say more as one feels more than one can explain (uncoldly for hained?) sentences and so with my dearest love to all, Papa and sisters, not forgetting my dear Dog,
I remain (?) your most affectionate dutiful son
M. Marsh.
May God in his mercy spare you and my father to us.
Thank you very very much for your taking such a (were fine?) over asit is and so good and also for the two (parts of - - up and down page over other writing.)
Letter from Posy [Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell] to Martin Marsh.
Pozy appears to be one of Martin’s sisters, possibly Mary [Roasmond]. This letter was not tied up with string but was in an envelope and was separate from the other letters. The envelope is addressed to Martin at Eton and has postmarks of Brighton 14 November and Windsor 15 November 1843. The letter reads as follows:
Lewes …
Have you thought me neglectful ungracious unkind etc for not having answered your letter. I never got it between this and Brook if it was lost. You will be surprised dearest boy to find me still here but one thing and another has made me stay but I have not written to you have I since I have been staying with Tho Lyons but of course you have heard from headquarters of my being here. They sent me your Journal letter of the Sunday before last so I have not been quite in the dark as to your proceedings.
I have been enjoying myself here very much. I have made great friends with Emilia Lyon. One of those you met at Col G… [Giradeaus] amusing she over heard you entreating Fanny to give you topics to talk about and the delight you evinced when Fanny after long search remembered the approaching Richmond ball. Mr Lyon is here. I like him very much. He is so nice to his mother and sisters. At first we were like two … together but we are getting more genial I fancy. … how American you mistook when you fancied … fine, not but that I discover they have rather high notions of their family which is certainly very old and good as they can trace … to Robert Bruce but what cannot scotch families do. In that way they would make nothing of tracing again a … … to Adam, but they are well connected besides.
I think I leave this letter Thursday to Friday. I shall then stay at York Gate till the 23rd when I go to brook … till the end of the month and then go to the dear place with Emy. I am so glad dear boy for your sake you are going to … but you must excuse my feeling very delighted. I like this place as much as I did at first and this end of the town better than the other. Eleanor and Mary Lyon are staying with their cousins the L… [Lewards?]. There are some Lewards at Eton … Do you know a … or … a jacket boy he said he knew you. He is staying here for his health.
I have not been out once here in the evening. I mean so I have no events to tell you of. I heard the other day from Louisa who is now staying with the B… [Barnardistons?]. She seems to be enjoying herself very much but I don’t imagine we shall see her again this year. I can’t hear anything of … so please be so good as give me your second hand information about him. All the Eastburianes seem to be keeping too flight even George. I wish I could send you an entertaining letter but il ny apas de g… to make one how exiting the breakfast seems to have been. I hope you are not working yourself to fiddle … You seem really as if you were going to become in a short time a living elegant extracts. Pray present my most affectionate complements to Mr Frank Holland. I hope he is in a robust state of health. Tell him I aided in the connections of his two French letters sent to Brighton. I should have written a small paragraph of German but there is no dictionary hence please send me word how bad my German was. I have nothing more to tell you though I could go on in insane writing but as I do not wish you to become anxious as to the state of my intellect I cease. Ever dearest of all brothers yours affectionately Pozy.
I think I will make you conceited so will tell you there’s nothing like you under the sun except
… … … … ?
Have mercy and if you can write soon soon soon.
11 York Gate, Regent’s Park, London, was owned by Arthur Marsh’s half sister Georgiana Nelson Marsh (1800-1861) and appears to have been used very much as a town house by all the family. It was purchased in 1840 and sold on her death in 1861.
B027
Letter from Martin at Eton to Posy
Eton College
Nov 16th 1843
My dear Posy,
Thank you very much for your letter which I got late right today and l‘carpe prosentau horoui’ to answer it as I am on short allowance of time and light. First and foremost your German was very good considering the little knowledge of the grammar you have had and it wants a great deal of practice to write well and very few there are that attain to it.
I am very glad that you enjoy your Brighton visit so much. I think that Miss Emilia Lyon is a vastly pleasing young lady though you [would?] not say so, at least I thought so from my first acquaintance at [M Geradsons’s?]
Emily has written a long apology in one of her letters to Frank about some letter or other that she was[has?] delayed or lost but I am at loss to fathom her mysterious hints.
I do not think that I shall be quite a fiddle string or perhaps a harpstring at the end of the half. But I’ll tell you about the fiddle string has done today. He has seen one of the glorious eleven at Eton College who have just beaten the first 11 of hockey players come down from London and other parts of the country, so the fiddle string is not quite a–ed of as yet.
I am [happy?] though two [John’s?] [appointment?] and [pretty?] deeply too. I do not think that you have put a direction to the top of your letter so I am at a loss to send it to Brighton but [must?] let him stay poste restante at Brook St. As for Mr Gallant and Illustrious Tip, he is blooming, they tell me and gets no small share of capley[?] and patty, even from his great ma and the [constant?] dark hints that he has been seen in the drawing room and no dog longer lying in a modest corner of the bow, but boldly thrusting himself forward into the beau milieu of the fire instead.
Did you hear that I had got my books and [plos?], they are two, a Lessy’s Wooks and Goethe, a Schiller. This time de Venice, GilBlas Illustrated and a Moliere. As for your postscript, I do say this [doodle blowing raspberry?] so now I must [-?] as it is just school time and thank you for your {Eilli?] very much though I can find no [instant, suitable?] reply.
I am always your most
affectionate brother,
M.Marsh
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
18th November, The wheat proves very good. (line added in)
Letter from Arthur Marsh to his son Martin Marsh. The letter reads as follows:
M Club
23 November 1843 (or 1842?)
My dear Martin
Your Mother tells me that she thinks you may be in want of a little money so I enclose a Post Office order for £5 on Windsor. I shall look out for you and Frank on the 6th
Keeping your walk a profound secret.
Ever most affectionately yours
Arthur Marsh.
A113
Letter to Martin.
30th Nov 1843
Addressed,
Linbar Lynn (?) Marsh!
Very difficult to read. May be in Greek.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
1844 Notes Dec 3rd H 81833
C & B N 300 for £500. N. 4475 £100
To be looked after June 1st.
Letter from William Corkesley to Arthur Marsh. The date is difficult to read and appears incorrectly to be January 7. The letter is filed between 11 October 1843 and 17 December 1843. The following letter from Arthur, dated 17 December, seems to make a reference to Corkesley’s letter being received only a day or so earlier so it was presumably sent mid December 1843. The letter reads as follows:
Eton College
My dear Sir
I have very great pleasure in telling you that your son has done his examination papers for his private business remarkably well. He has got the prize the numbers being
|
|
S…y |
P…th |
Total |
|
|
|
|
1. |
2. |
|
1. |
Marsh |
80 |
428 |
374 |
882 |
2. |
Woodbridge |
80 |
410 |
283 |
773 |
3. |
Jones |
50 |
420 |
300 |
770 |
4. |
Walker |
40 |
388 |
270 |
698 |
He always gives me satisfaction. His fault is that he thinks things are easier than they are, and so does not do as well as he might from want of … This is particularly the case with his German.
Believe me my dear Sir.
Yours very truly
W G Corkesley
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
4th December 1843, Sunday
Weather open and fine. All the cattle still out. Dairy in Paddock, other cattle and sheep in the hay meadows. Not well, at home all day.
Letter from Arthur Marsh to his son Martin Marsh. The letter reads as follows:
Eastborough
Sunday 17 December 1843
My dear Martin
If you are as anxious to know the result of your examination as your Mother and I were you will be glad to see the enclosed.
I congratulate you my dear Boy on your success and begin to feel assured that whenever you take pains towards the attainment of any object, you will not greatly fail. You are favoured in your weather and I hope you are amusing yourself; if you hunted yesterday and had a tolerable run you must have been delighted.
I am writing in the dark and make a bad substitute for your Mother as a correspondent; but she is lying down with one of her annoying pains in the back and cannot write; so rather than delay the sending of the examination paper another day, I have taken the pen in hand. All … … … …
Ever most affectionately yours
ACM
Walter wants to know when Master Martin will come home for he promised him not to … the Bacon for Rats until he comes back.
Write.
Adelaide asks whether I have told you that the dear Dog is well.
William Gifford Corkesley (1802-1880). Educated at Eton and King’s College Cambridge. Assistant master at Eton.
Edward Craven Hawtrey (1789-1862). Educated at Eton and King’s College Cambridge. Provost of Eton.
Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
Copy of note sent to Mr Reeve, Dec 20th 1843
Mrs Marsh begs Mr Reeve will make up the book with the articles given to the Cook on Tuesday and she begs in future that Mr Reeves will not give credit to any servant unless they bring the book in their hand as a note from herself, it was quite a mistake on the part of the cook who is as much aware of the will of the family.
3 Nails of grains to let about 12 quarters to each nail. Hay and straw taken in exchange. Mr Smith , 30 Chichester Place, Grays inn-is a soap boiler.
(Page 82)
Hay
The proper time to cut hay is just when the majority of the grasses have opened and their blossoms as if delayed and the mowing continues 8 or 10 days it becomes too ripe and both renders the crop light and inferior and impoverishes the ground. Herts paper.
Potter guano yielded 2 tons 8 cal of Hay per acre. 2 cut per acre, Lord Tethard.
(Page 83)
Corn
Grub.
"I believe the pest is easily conquered that I have no pity upon the farmer who suffers from this cause. The infallible means of destroying.
(Page 84)
Dairy
Proposed trial on making butter.
x
x
x
Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com