Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1844 - 1845 - 1846

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Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 59/60          

James Stamford Caldwell of Linley Wood - age 58/59  

Arthur Cuthbert Marsh of Eastbury Park - age 58/59   

Anne Marsh-Caldwell of Eastbury Park – age 53/54   

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – 'Louisa' –  age 26/27     

Frances Mary Marsh (later Crofton) - age 25/26   

Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – 'Gies' – age 24/25

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – 'Posy' - age 21/22  

Martin William James Marsh - age 19/20    

Mary Emma Marsh (Lady Mary  E. Heath) – age 18/19  

Hannah Adelaide Marsh (later Loring) - age 16/17

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Envelop to Posy from
Miss Rose Marsh
Waterloo
Kilburn
London

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File PB130084
Letter to Posy
Miss Rosamond Marsh
3 Southgate House
Tenby
Pembrokeshire
1845 postmark
Red wax seal

Letter to Martin from Posy in Tenby 1840s
Tenby
Saturday

Dearest Martinus,
Economy being the order of the day you must excuse this particularly bad paper and as I shall have no scruples as to taking up your precious moments in deciphering my trail you may expect I warn you honestly beforehand that you may not begin under false pretences. A regular scrawl for you must know most noble sir that I am in a vast[?] hurry for it approachette to the time of the promenade.

In giving thanks for your epistle which I was of course, highly delighted to receive, being bound in sisterly affection so to be. Next, thank the gallant Lax for her amusing epistle. All the more delightful as [to satisfy?] by reading cross scrawls how very much they stand in need of my [sayship?] to keep the peace and order of the sisterhood. Oh Martin, had you known what a bitter way that announcement of your having turned renegade in regard to the Polka faith, caused your unfortunate sister you would not so abruptly have disclosed the fact. What when it has inspired your musical view you give it up!! Unworthy polkene. I well nigh fainted and should certainly have [ending?] have but the power[?] of sitting on my chair had it not been that I had been in a slight degree prepared for the afflicting fact by Adelaides hints on the subject. Why is gentle Adelaide always being poorly, what is the matter with the young damizella. I am so very sorry to hear of the various indispositions.

I had hoped that the return of Lady Cyril, like the return of the summer sun would have cleared away all the clouds of distemper which hang about her. We have made acquaintance with our next doors. Yesterday we went to see Mrs [Sactuss?] infant school. Dont be alarmed. I am not going to describe what we saw and heard. But Mrs and the Miss Phillips were there. After all was over we all set off and walked together to some church yard, the name of which I forget to see and take the water of some medicinal springs. There are 3, all quite different and all quite close to each other, about a foot of ground between them.

We were greeted by the barking of two dear dogs that rushed out from a neighbouring farm house but I was too delighted to see the dear things to be in any fright so I politely addressed them and begged them to desist from barking as it was annoying. They wagged their tails, looked very sweet and walked back to the house. We were in want of something where with to taste the said water in. I gallantly offered to brave the dogs and what was much worse the inhabitants and supplicated in humble terms for the loan of a cup. A regular May Bonnan[?] looking person answered my timid and modest knock and kindly provided me with a glass with which prize I hastened back to my expecting and anxious companions.

Having related my perils and successes, how I had to cross a rapid brook of the extreme width of a foot, how I was encumbered[?] by those fierce birds, Geese, and still fiercer animals, pigs. We proceeded to cross a perilous quagmire in which, if we had had the ill luck to fall, our boots would inevitably have been covered with a black and slimy mud, nay such was the extreme perilous nature of the quagmire that I doubt not but [brave?] arabs might have suffered by being dyed with its black slim. However, thanks to the fates I and Miss Charlotte got safely across and we then, with unheard of bravery and philanthropy began tasting the various springs.

The water was decidedly nauseous. One was rather like our spring at the farm. One was of rather a [warming?] nature but one was like drinking so much cold molten lead. If there could be such a thing, which I rather think is doubtful, eh? After having again made the perilous voyage of which there was no other volunteer and having had a glimpse of a charming old kitchen with huge wide gaping fire place with carved oak settles on each side the respectable farmer was smoking his after dinner pipe of the fragrant weed, we wended our way homeward discovering pheasants on the way and I getting all the scandalous [stories?] of Tenby, it is too good of the Immaculates of England lifting up their [hines?] hands and eyes in horror at the sins of unfortunate Boulogne [AMC and co in Boulogne from August 1845].

Miss Fanny Allen was calling when we came back. Mr Lord[?] Phillips has broken for the second time his only remaining leg. He is the boldest [hunter?] in the county and of course cannot balance himself very well minus a leg, on horse back so that he is getting perpetual falls and has broken almost every bone in his body.

Mrs and Miss Phillips came to make a [final, formal?] call on Aunt Roscoe which Elizabeth and I are going to return today. We are to walk out together and as they are rather agreeable girls it will be very pleasant under their auspices.

We are going to make next Sunday the tour of the monuments in the church. I ought by right to have written to Aunt Georgy but I daresay she will excuse me as I am writing to you. Id give any thing to see Crompton[?] I feel so very inclined for a little from and I think he must be in a perfect state to get a little by him. I hope to goodness though we are not going to be favoured with is[his?] exquisitely delightful company to the St. Albans. It would be rather too good. I am so glad, Mama has asked Mr [banes?] I think he is such a pleasant, agreeable man.

I am delighted too to hear that Mama is going to build herself a new [grow?]. Poor Miss G manages to be low in [prune?] marvels me what yours have. Mary and Adelaide to the festivities. I hope somebody looks that the put on - - straight. I depute you Martin please to overhaul them. Adelaide needn't look so very contemptuous nor Mary toss her head in that grandiose stile in the air. Georgy does not enlighten me upon the number of individuals that are to be made happy or otherwise as the case may be at our abode at new years day.

A happy xmas and a happy new year to the whole house including cats, dogs. I beg the dogs pardon, also cats, peacocks, hens, chicks etc etc. Please give my merry xmas and happy new years to the four maids. I hope they will all have a right merry xmas day. Alac, alas, that I cannot be there but wishes are vain. Georgy does not say either when Mama goes to Holland but I suppose not till after your vacation is over. Do miss dear Timmons[dog?] very often. I long to see his dear white face. Tell him, is he a wicked and does he such a naughtie hope not.

I suppose you are expecting the fascinator and his brother and sister. Please give my very best love to May, either Adelaide or Mary. I hope Adelaide will send me the Porina Polka. Please tell Fanny that I have found some wool in the town so I have finished Papas waistcoat as far as the red is concerned. As to the flag, she must do it [hanly?] must remember I had the collar and though Aunt Roscoe has kindly worked it may all tell Papa yet that is no affair of his.

You know [bindles?] the question[?] my Lady has sent me new directions as to the length or breadth of the said flag and her wise directions about the pocket [packet?] now told not tell me how far from the bottom the pocket hole is to be but as I have worked it all over it does not matter now.

Lindass pass Lindass, I have scribbled you a vast mess of stuff and nonsense with a great amount of bad writing and spelling. You will say well I will not [caril?] on so I make a matter but stop directly to prevent all possibility but of all heartiest loves to Papa, Mama, Grand Papa, Aunt Georgy, the sisterhood, George and yourself. Not forgetting [Scrimmon, Pace and the Itg[?] Miserable Ma and I am every your own most affectionate sister, Posy.

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Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell
Note
6th January 
Agreed with White that he is only to charge ½ a days work for mending the shutter in the bedroom down stairs.

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Mary Emma Marsh [Lady Heath] to her sister Posy
20th January 1845
Eastborough.

Dearest Rosina,
Having arrived home I will finish my letter which I was obliged to break off in that tremendous hurry I left off I think just in the middle of the ball but I shall not tell you much about it for I am sure Fanny’s account must be a so much more interesting one than I could make and that I wont venture to compare myself with her. I had a very pleasant ball on the whole, not such pleasant partners as I had at Swakeleys but the sight was much prettier.

I had no good polkas or waltzes for Harry and Frank are only beginners. I thought my self uncommonly fortunate to escape from Cecil Hodgson who is the most horrible polkerer that ever ventured to show himself upon the boards. He looks just as if he was made of wood and stands as straight as a maypole and never by an chance lifts his feet from the ground. I was his unfortunate victim at Swakelys. Fanny has told you I dare say what portion of the aristocracy was present so I shall not go through the enumeration again.

There were some beautiful men dancers among them, which made me rather envious. But I never saw such a race of immense women and girls. Lady Verulain I did not see which Mr Slack says is very extraordinary as she is a giantess but see Lady T Grimston and Miss Sullivan the Miss Aymes and they were very large and very fine young ladies which [finesse ? ] I don’t at all admire. Altogether I think the men had the best part of the beauty. The band was beautiful, it was Adams, it really was quite delightful to dance the quadrille which are already such very stupid affairs except when you are blessed with that rare astute an agreeable partner.

We arrived at Mr Slack’s at about ½ 5 and found Mr Slack sitting up for us. On Friday we did not come down till eleven and about three we went out in the carriage to call on Mrs Bigham, Mrs Corbet’s sister. Mama met her at the ball. We came home in time for dressing before dinner.

The party consisted of Mr C. Lyon, Sir Astly Cooper, his son and Mr Zellowly, Mr Mounter’s curate. Mr Lyon took me into dinner and he is a most fascinating young man, handsome and perfectly gentlemanlike and [next page] very agreeable. Mr Cooper sat opposite with a little eyeglass continually stuck in his eye which was rather disagreeable. He was rather so so by contrast I suppose with Mr Lyon and Martin who sat at the bottom, he looked so handsome and gentlemanlike but that is no news, he always does. Sir Astly sat next Mamma and Fanny sat near the curate. Sir A and his son Mr G went soon after they came out from dinner and so then we all stood round the fire while Mr Lyon entertained us very agreeably with an account of his travels. He stayed very late and so we did not get to bed till 12.

Mr Lyon told Martin to look him up at Oxford but Martin says he is in such a rich set that he is afraid he will not be able to cultivate him much.

The next day we had Mr Mountain the vicar of Hemel Hempstead and Mr Heal or Healy and his sister. Mr Heal is a rich bachelor but vulgar. He looks apothecary like, don’t you know what I mean. We set of home after dinner and arrived home at about twelve. I was very tired by my dissipation but now I am nearly recovered and can set to my lessons with pleasure. Martin goes on Thursday, Friday is his proper day but he goes to Eton with John Greenwood who comes here tomorrow [next page vertical] shall you not be able to come home before then, dear Posy, I do so long to see you.

Mr Slack enquired after you and your singing several times. He has invited us to come in the summer unless he goes to Weisbaden. It will be very pleasant for he is in such good society and knows such quantities of people. I wish he had come to S A [St.Albans] ball. I dare say he would have introduced us to partners. How I wish you had been able to come to the ball. I forgot to tell you how pretty Emily [Lyon,Holland?] looked (I cannot call her beautiful) She has very much admired I believe and sister they did look so very nice. Georgy’s curls did not quite stick out as they might but she looked very well nevertheless. Mamma looked very well too, her dress looked so well adorned with Aunt G’s beautiful jewels. Now dear dearest Posy, I must stop and fly to my drawing which I have hardly touched for a week so good bye, thanking you again and again for your lovely present. Believe me ever your affectionate sister M.E. Marsh.

All sisters best love. Georgy would have written for finding that I was in the act of doing so she desires to send her best love and say that she will write soon.

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Letter from Martin to his mother A.M.Marsh. ,
Mrs A.C.Marsh, Eastborough, Watford, Hertfordshire.
Postmarked 4th Feb 1845
My dearest Mother,
Thank you very much for the half £1 duly received this morning. February 4th Thursday.

I find that this term is more expensive as it dates (battells?) from July, instead of being less, and that last term is the longest term we have. Then there have been all the Xmas boxes and expenses incident to Xmas. So you see we must not despair of making the end meets yet.

Adieu dearest Mother, love to all and thank Grandpapa for his message and tell him that I hope his hand will soon be well enough to let me have the pleasure of a letter from him. And that I am going to call at Kenlington tomorrow. [Kirtlington?]
Ever your most affectionate son, M.Marsh.
Kiss dear Tippy again. I hope he is quite well. Adieu!
I am in better spirits now certainly

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Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell 

1845

8th February 1845
In London with George to see Mr (Heath?), called at Miss Morrisons, lunched in Brook Street, Emily H(olland?) at Eastbury.
 
9th February 1845, Sunday
Did not go to Church, les servants arrives.
 
10th February 1845, Monday
Gave Hatcher warning.
 
11th
 
12th February 1845, Wednesday
To London with George to Mr (Shute, Thute?) meeting and consultation at Dr Hollands. Saw model of Waterloo Conference, with Mr Chapman on shortening Part 3rd.
 
13th February 1845, Thursday
Busy at Proofs all day, J'ai perd a H & al. Sunday morning luncheon Jacques Cocher.
 
14th February 1845, Friday
Emily went
 
15th February 1845, Saturday
To Pinner Grove, Georgey staid there, Arthur a parle  a Cocher sa justification assurance tolernnel de  son insouciance, Paid off the Laundry Maid, j'ai cefe de purve du vin.
 
16th February 1845, Sunday
To speak to the Fletchers, then to Church and walked with ACM (Arthur Cuthbert Marsh) over farm, Louisa read evening prayers to the servants.
 
17th February 1845, Monday
To the Bany(?) to enquire after coachman. James discharged. Called upon Mrs Fellowes. Mrs Soames, Lady Pell. 
 
18th February 1845, Tuesday
At home.
 
19th February 1845, Wednesday
Arthur to town, Susan Woodward came. Georgey, Pad put on a worn for a few hours.  Sent in last Proof of 3rd Part Mt Sorel.
 
20th February 1845, Thursday
To call at Twekeley and at Mrs Packer (Paske?) Lothman. Louisa takes new medicine for sore throat.
 
21st February 1845, Friday
To London to see Mr Scott, George, Mr Marsh, Georgey Nelson, to Stockdens, bought Drapes for back hall. To Mrs Pigotts. Scotts opinion to leave the Comp to itself, the pad was taken off this morning, not to be put on again. Met Mr Soames going and coming.
 
22nd February 1845, Saturday
At home, discharged James, paid him off and his wife, did not go out.
 
23rd February 1845, Sunday
Read prayers for Arthur in the evening. Walk on woods with Georgey, A [Georgina Amelia Marsh] in morning, planned day of --. And a sort of lemon made up out of Baxter, a spoonful of wine I took today. I shall mention when I take wine, when I do not mention I take none, Posy in bed all day.
 
24th February 1845, Monday
Landry whitewashing. Louisa in bed with calomel for her cough. Louisa no thirst but poorly.  Put in order Henry 4th, had a volume of crimes celebres Ceres Burothers Marquise de Goyes and part of a revoir of  Muchelot or Relyer in La more(?)
 
25th February 1845, Tuesday
Settled accounts and took an estimate of percentage and income with Arthur. New! Wrote Martin, Man about Coachman's place.
 
26th February 1845, Wednesday
Arthur to town. Walk over garden, employed in writing out Corn Law Letter, a little spoonful wine. 
 
27th February 1845, Thursday
Walk over farm, duck house planned. Saw Joseph Turner for Coachman's place. Paid Hudson's bill for farm and Horse (plumbing?) £7.13. Paid a bill from Kennedy for 1/6 interest, a little spoonful of wine, carriage with Georgey to Watford. Lady Milman called.
 
28th February 1845, Friday
Finish Corn Law letter. 
 
1st March 1845, Saturday
To farm to take accounts, looking over Henry IVth. Went on a (bitille?) with Rachel.
 
2nd March 1845, Sunday
Girls to Church in afternoon. Read Wesley. Walk about farm.

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Letter to Martin Marsh, Merton College, Oxford from William Marsh. March, 1845
Says his fingers have been playing up. Sending Martin a plaster for a knee injury that is supposed to have great curative power.

2nd March 1845
My dear Martin,
This is the my sc- first for the last 5 or 6 weeks as the 2 middle fingers of my right hand have for that period refused to lend me their aid to hold, or rather to guide my pen! But as I have only just to say that as I find by your letter to your dear and reliant – mother that you have still a little spot open on your knee, I am happy to send you the enclosed small piece of plaister, and which has been known to perform great cures when applied in a larger quantity! If I had just now a larger piece to share you should have it. From your’s
Most affectionately
William Marsh.
Martin Marsh Esq.
MertonCollege,
Oxford.
I did not think I could have written so that you could read it.

3rd March 1845, Monday 
Rain in the morning. Cold frost at night. Settled accounts, wrote to Martin, took estimate of Farm, encouraging. ½ a glass of wine. Did not go out.

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Diary of Anne Marsh-Caldwell continues...
 
4th March 1845, Tuesday 
Began Henry IVth, with Louisa. Snow.
 
5th March 1845, Wednesday
Mr Carr called, had some singing. Hard frost and snow. Joseph Turner came.
 
6th March 1845, Thursday
To Watford, paid Reeves and Rogers, returned Mrs Mill's visit, snow. Set David to Shrubbery walk.
 
7th March 1845, Friday
Down to farm, settled accounts, ordered Woodon to be discharged. Called on Mrs Turner, coachman's wife.
 
8th March 1845, Saturday
 
9th March 1845, Sunday
Did not go to church, fine day.
 
10th March 1845, Monday
With Mr Marsh and Georgina and Georgey to town to see Mr Scott at Mrs Ogles, pronounced it a tumour, to Mrs Pigotts, and home in a Fly. Snow.
 
11th
 
12th March 1845, Wednesday
Martin came home from Oxford
 
13th March 1845, Thursday
To Lutton Hoo to Lord Bates sale. Dreadful cold.
 
14th March 1845, Friday
Walk with Martin about farm.
 
15th March 1845, Saturday
To Watford with Adelaide to Madame (Oury, Gray?), called upon Lady Capel, Mrs Clutterbuck, Mrs Capel, Saint, the workerwoman and home by Bading North. Martin to Putney to see Oxford and Cambridge boat race. Very cold frosty wind.
 
16th March 1845, Sunday
Girls to Church. Staid at home, heavy snow. Lady Pell came. 
 
17th March 1845, Monday
Heavy snow. Read with Martin two hours, settled accounts, dispatch Coachman to go to 
Minir for Miss (John Lakes?), saw girl for kitchen maids place, to farm, 3rd goose set 5 little chickens hatch last week. May Flower calved her self Dec. 1843, brought forth a calf yesterday, it is reckoned very wonderful. She has not milk enough to support it but has some sent in. Last proof of Mt.Sorel [Mount Sorel or The Heiress of the De Veres, published 1845].
 
18th March 1845, Tuesday
Read with Martin, he dined at Mr Fellowes, sent for things from Luton, walked over to Pinner Hill to look at things for sale. 
(insert) Wine every day after this till (much?) year.
 
19th March 1845, Wednesday
At Pinner Hill sale.
 
20th March 1845, Thursday
At Pinner Hill sale.
 
21st March 1845, Friday
To Church, Mr Slack came 
 
22nd March 1845, Saturday
Mr Slack and Posy to sale, wine.
 
23rd March 1845, Sunday
Could not go to Church. Martin to Clever. Wine. 
 
24th March 1845, Monday
Foster and Martin, things from sale. (Walridge?) Ball. 
 
25th March 1845, Tuesday 
Foster did not come. At home all day, much wind. Took a glass of port wine.
 
27th March 1845, Thursday
Foster came after we had dined. Prayers to the evening.
 
28th March 1845, Friday
Foster went. Mrs Whittingstall called. Wine. (Edmund F Whittingstall of  Langleybury, Watford, Brewer)
 
29th March 1845, Saturday
To Putney Park. Fine day. Wrightsons, Mrs Jenner son and daughter, Prardi, Sir G Larpent, wine. 
 
30th March 1845, Sunday
At Putney Park, to Church, to call upon Mrs Booth, Mrs Pigot to dinner. Wine.
 
31st March 1845, Monday
Home. Arthur called upon Dr Vaughan. Turner's daughter got the washing. 
 
1st April 1845, Tuesday 
At home. Arthur to Watford about overseership. To farm, settled boar to be killed, settled accounts, wrote Eliza, read with Martin. Wine.
 
2nd April 1845, Wednesday
At home. Arthur to London. Louisa and Georgey to call at the Grove. Went with Martin to place the Martin in the tree, to farm. The Paddock has been shut up about five days
 
3rd 
 
4th April 1845, Friday
Arthur to Messrs C & H. Began to think of (torstation?) 
 
5th April 1845, Saturday
To Watford to take Ady to her lesson, called at Marden, at Edge Grove, dined at Mrs Clutterbucks.
 
6th April 1845, Sunday
To Church, long walk over farm with Arthur. Hot sun and cold wind, the weather at present.
 
7th 
 
8th April 1845, Tuesday
To London to Miss Taylors about cooks and maids. Dined at Miss Morrisons, called on Mrs Holland, not at home. Took Martin on his way to Oxford.
 
9th April 1845, Wednesday
Rain
 
10th April 1845, Thursday