Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1876

Admiral Sir Leopold Heath – aged 59 – Anti-Slavery conference.

Lady Mary Heath – (ne Mary Emma Marsh) – aged 50

Marion Heath – May – aged 20

Frederick Heath – (Gen. F.C. Heath-Caldwell) aged 18

Herbert Heath – (Admiral Sir Herbert Heath) – aged 13

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa – aged 58 of Linley Wood

Georgina Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – aged 56 of Linley Wood

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy – aged 53 of Linley Wood

1876 – Admiral Sir Leopold Heath made a member of the Royal Commission on Fugitive Slaves and in that year, at the invitation of King Leopold of Belgium, attended a conference in Brussels, at which means of opening up commerce and civilisation for the central parts of Africa were discussed. King Leopold seems to have come out of it all with a bad reputation.

Photo of King Leopold of the Belgians, presumably given to Sir Leopold Heath at the conference.

Photo of Queen Marie Henrietta of Belgium 1876

Eastern Daily Press
Wednesday 16 February 1876

The Fugitive Slave Commission.

Mr Disreali is trying to abolish ill deeds by good. His Royal Commission to inquire into the law relating to fugitive slaves may be the weak refuge of an undecided Ministry, but at least he has done well in the men he has chosen to do the work.

At the head of the Commission will be the Duke of Somerset. He will bring to his task a perfect knowledge of the details of Admiralty administration. As First Lord of the Admiralty in Lord Palmeston's Administration of 1859, he for seven years studied naval matters; and since then has continued, as critic, to keep himself au courant with them.

He will represent a "First Lord's" views. But he is not the only practical man who has been appointed. Admiral Sir Leopold Heath is personally acquainted with the difficulty of the present law, in that he has served of slave-holding countries.  - - - Sir Henry Holland is the son of the the physician of that ilk. He was formerly connected with the Colonial Office as its legal adviser, and resigned that position to enter Parliament as member for Midhurst. His public work has been of a quiet, unassuming kind. Few know what a departmental adviser does. But great confidence was placed in him by those who do know him, and Mr Disraeli has probably chosen him because the Earl of Carnarvon has drawn attention to his past good service. 

John Bull
Saturday 19 February 1876

Mr Disraeli stated the names of the persons who have been appointed to serve on the Royal Commission - viz., the Duke of Somerset, the Lord Chief Justice, Sir R. Phillimore, Mr Justice Archibald, Sir H. Holland, Sir G. Campbell, Sir Henry Maine, Mr Fitzjames Stephen, Mr Rothery, Mr Montague Bernard, Admiral Sir Leopold Heath and Mr A. ThesigerQ.C.

Morning Post 

Wednesday 23 February 1876

House of Commons

Sir H.James - 

 - - -continues - - - 

The second Circular was, however, a complete contradiction of the first. An English captain on board an English vessel was free from local jurisdiction - no law could affect him against his will; but those on board a Queen's ship entered foreign waters upon certain terms, and must do nothing to violate the law of the place.  - - - - -

The captain of a ship ought to exercise his discretion, both as to receiving and removing a slave. He ought to treat slave and freeman alike. All that was asked by those who supported the motion for the withdrawal of the Circular was simply that they should not be called on to enforce the law of slavery and give effect to an unnatural law. - - - - -

The result of that would be that if two men were found on a raft or a waterlogged boat on the high seas, the captain of the vessel finding them was to say to one, "Are you a slave?" and if he replied that he was, the captain must say he could not take him; while if the other said he was not a slave but a slaveowner the captain might say, "I am very happy to take you on board." 

He did not know whether the second circular contained any law at all. It was drawn up under the Lord Chancellor's direction apparently for the very purpose of escaping any legal obligation. "The captains of her Majesty's ships going to foreign places should," according to the existing regulations, "take care to avoid giving offence to the authorities or inhabitants, and to cause all under his orders to show due deference to the rites, ceremonies, customs, and regulations of such places, and conciliate as far as possible the goodwill and respect of the inhabitants." 

 - - - continues - - - 

It was stated to the America that it would be utterly impossible for the English Government to render up fugitive slaves, and the result was no treaty was entered into. Adn on a subsequent occasion the British Government showed that they were very careful to guard against the rendering up of any slaves who touched British territory.

The hon. member for Tamworth asked for delay in order to obtain further information through the royal commissio, but, in the first place, who had asked for the information? Why, Sir Leopold Heath. But Sir Leopold Heath, though he was the only person who asked for it, had himself given an opinion upon the subject, and he therefore would sit upon the commission and instruct the House of Commons and her Majesty's Government on the points contained in the amendment of the hon. member for Tamworth. 

Sir Leopold Heath had stated, in reference to a demand made by the Government of Madagascar, that any slave who set foot upon English soil became ipso facto free, and that the deck of a man of war was held constructively to be British territory. (Cheers). 
That was Sir Leopold Heath's view of the matter, and yet he was going to instruct the Government in their policy, and to give information to the law officers of the Crown. 

 - - -continues - - - 

for a power greater than his - that of a freedom-loving people, moved by their instinct and following their traditions, had determined that beneath the British flag there should be no slave, and that no man should be rendered up into slavery (Loud cheers).

Mr Hardy said the speech which they had just listened to did credit to the feelings of the hon. and learned gentleman and to the great majority of those who had heard him, but the Government were there to content that the Circular was not contrary to the law, but in conformity to it, and the hon. and learned gentleman had made an admission that it was so. 

He had referred to Sir Leopold Heath and two slaves on the coast of Madagascar who went on deckof a British ship; but though they were not rendered up it was considered that this country was under an obligation to grant compensation, and that was done;but why should that have been granted if they had become free men? 

What was the state of our relations with the nation from which they came? 

London Evening Strandard

Wednesday 23 February 1876

House of Commons

Mr Hardy -  - - - We are not here to contend whether a certain practice is most consonant with our own feellings, but to contend that our slave circular is not contrary to the law, and that the hon. and learned member did not deny (cheers), and though he intimated that Sir Leopold Heath laid down the law for us, he has also told us that when Sir Leopold Heath had assisted in getting away these slaves on the occasion referred to, on the ground that a slave setting foot on a British ship is free, he also told us that Sir Leopold Heath had advised that the country itself were bound in honour to pay compensation to the owners of the slaves. 

Compensation for what? If these men were already free, they had a right to freedom; and why should we be bound to compensate their former owners?  - - - - continues - - - 

Hampshire Independent
Saturday 26 February 1876

The Fugitive Slave Circular.

Aided by a complliant majority, Mr Disreali on Thursday night carried his point, by refusing to accept Mr Whitread's resolution asserting a principle in reference to the protection to be afforded to fugitive slaves, or to suspend the now too notorious Circular until the Royal Commission appointed to enquire into the subject has presented its report  - thus giving up to Party what was meant for mankind.

 - - - But if we go further, as a matter of law we believe it is agreed that we are under no obligation to surrender a slave who has been taken on board one of the Queen's ships, though when lying in the waters of a friendly State those ships are bound not to violate the local law. 
The Tory Government of England under the Circular practically instructs English officers to deliver up all fugitive slaves who lives are not in danger, the only reason assigned for this being that our ships enter foreign harbours on the understanding that they will respect local laws.

Of course nobody dreams of our wantonly violating those laws by our crews forcibly liberating slaves; but it is quite a different thing to insist that we shall send them back to their masters if they claim our protection; and as Sir William Harcourt pointed out, if foreign nations, knowing what is our policy and determination, state the conditions on which they will allow our ships to enter their ports, surely we are equally at liberty to accept or refuse their hospitality. - - - 

The return reveals another fact which proves how needlessly officious the Government have been in this matter. During the last ten years only one naval officer - Sir Leopold Heath, who commanded on the Indian station for some time - has found it necessary to refer to the Admiralty for instructions with regard to the treatment of fugitive slaves in the territorial waters of slave-holding countries; after which we are tempted to quote Lord Melbourne's suggestion "Why couldn't you leave it along?"

Letter - from Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell to her sister Georgina Marsh-Caldwell



File PB1010039

Letter to Georgina from Posy in London at dentist

13 Wilton Street

Thursday [1876?]

My darling Gies,

I am so vexed about the paper because Louisa and I have taken such great pains to send it well before 5 oclock but it just strikes me that it should not be put in the Pillar post. However, you must surely have got yesterdays this morning, as we saw it posted before 2 in a newspaper box ourselves. Yesterday we had a fly again for Louisa to do all the other visits and it took me up to execution a dear grey haired plump rosy cheeked little man, who was very kind but the gas did not open my jaw much and so it was a difficult operation as he had, as he said, to fumble about in the dark, and I began to get alive again at the worst part, however, very proudly was he when he finally [took?] out a huge good solid fang which he said he should send to Mr Cameron[?].

Ill never have such good honest fangs taken out again. At present my jaw is not unlocked the least, and as I always thought, I believe it will prove the tooth had nothing to do with it, however, as there was a doubt it is as well to have [last?] it out and when all the swelling of the mauling my poor wretched jaw had is gone down perhaps it may prove all right. I took [Aglai?] with me of course.

Louisa had a very successful and pleasant tournee of visits as you will see by enclosed list and got home about 5 and then Annie came and sat a long time. I had taken to my bed so did not see her.

Mrs [Storin?] has asked one of us to dine on the 5^th with you. She has asked the Phillips and Stanhopes to meet you. They were both so pleasant when they called. Louisa is going out this afternoon to see the Creeds. I must stay at home as prudence is the better part.

The Heaths (luckily for what a storm we had last night and thunder and going on until 10 this morning, now it is calmed and bright) have put off coming until tomorrow when Mary, May and Freddie come up and we have asked them to lunch and May and Bertie to dinner at 7 which will give them plenty of time before starting so we shall be a dinner of 6 as the Croftons will be here.

I am so glad that you are not feeling dull and it is nice to think how soon you will be here. We are going on Saturday to the [Monday pop?]: Miss Moore says that the music there is quite beautiful.

The Doctor who has been to vaccinate Cheneau this morning says that short of an earthquake and a tidal wave we had everything last night that nature can do in the way of virtue[?].Poor Chencan[?] was quite overcome, poor man, not with the pain, but it simpressione as Aglais says. Certainly the French dont seem to have the nerve we have. He is quite defaite still, but a run for some stamps will do him good.

This is a stupid letter my Gies. But a visit to the Dentists is not conducive to sharpening ones brains and prevents one seeing people. All the people Louisa saw were very nice, except Adie who for some reason was not herself.

Louisa says she does not go to [Ruitiu?] until after Easter. I daresay there are many [hacuperiei?] Erie is gone out of town to Mrs Scopes for a few days. I think she is looking quite herself again. I dont like that [Oassue?] but as we said nothing, of course, we cant do anything else.

I think its perfectly shocking trying to bring back the English Nation to such superstitions as [scapulous?] but the fact is they do believe every R.C. superstition except the Infallibility of the Pope.

Very curious Dales letter, a sign of the times. Dear the 101^st is sure to come back but he needs some sharp discipline of life. Louisa and I think you had much better look at these bonnet before you go to [No. D?] fancy my extravagance I have bought at Hat at Asingtons and it cost 2.3 but has a really beautiful feather.

Thanks dear for all the things you are sending. My dearest love to you.

Your loving Posy.

PB1010045

Letter from Louisa with Posy in London at dentist to Georgina

Wilton Street 1876[?]

Thursday

Dearest Georgy

Those Griffiths are Welsh people and to judge by my poor womans cottage, who came for mild, of the very dirtiest and untidiest description. I am sure if you went to her cottage you would not wish ever her 100^th cousin to have any cottage of ones [hmel?] less her Mother who brought her up. But as I do not know the Mother, I only judge from this.

And alas that I have a decided objection to Welsh people. They are almost always quarreling with their English neighbours. As you see my judgment against the Griffiths so far is not to be shaken. Still, if Mr and Mrs Beeston know that these people are tidy, neat people, quiet and keeping their cottage clean (their daughter is so very dirty) well, then you know!

I enclose your Gemmells receipt.

Is it not provoking about the Croftons. I had arranged all so beautifully and Mrs Johns and Aglain were so nice and took so much pains. Alack. We are expecting Mary and Fred to luncheon. The latter has passed his Exam and now stands no.2 in all the Academy. Is not that grand. The fruit of shear industry, plan and determination.

Alas, our poor [Joel, Jock?], Georgy dear. What might he not have been if he would. Oh how the Angels must weep over us all. And yet we cant see if for ourselves, in ourselves! Jock might have been any where he pleased. Fred still maintains that he is not clever and that it is work that does everything. If so success is a more moral result that one supposed.

May came up yesterday to start from here for her German expedition. And Bert dined here to escort her to the Station (Victoria) where she was to join Miss [Anjoe?] and her friends and they were to sleep at Dover last night as Mr [Diamond, Rianuad?] does not think it proper that ladies should not travel at night and his daughter is one of the party.

This Mr [Kenniard?] lives in Suffolk and they say Uncle Henery knows him. Do you [know] anything about them? May looked very dear, but not pretty and I am afraid she [page missing?]

Continuing sideways.. opening her mouth and she has sent for Cameron. I am glad to say [L thea?] we shall see if further advice is necessary. I know I had been 10 days before the swelling and pain from having a tooth out is gone. But I am afraid there is a gland swollen or something of that kind here.
Ever dearest and your loving, Louisa

File PB101067

Part of journal from Posy to Georgina may follow earlier letter. [Late 1870s when Georgina away]

Continues - say all we can do is to provide a field and subscribe if others will. I am going, all being well, to start the Cooking School, 2^nd week of May. I think Evans understands about dress making by the way she fitted me. She is slow and melancholy. I fear that I hope she may do and perhaps this air will do her good. Hounslow feels well again.

Monday 2^nd May. I have had two letters from Nele [Nele Loring 1857-1931]. I forgot to mention about your Policy 1.10 [sover chairs?] only 1.18.0 and yesterday I had Arthur asking if your Policy had come in the [1^st, Post?] he only asked me to write again in case it had not and as, of course, I answered his letter and that before it arrived, I did not write again.

He says in his last John is in fit form, five prizes is rather a good achievement taken in one stride I think. You should have seen the beam of pride and pleasure on Buxtons [Beestons?] face when I told him this morning. Walking down with him he had been up about [Barlows End] [bill?] and I on my way to poor Eliza who has just lost the eldest of her 2^nd set, and he drinking and lost a capital place at Rigbys!

I read him your message about turnip etc, to which he remarked different countries had different ways! He said all was coming on beautiful grass growing well which tillering [but?] and 4 such beautiful calves, 2 heifer, 2 bull and one expected [dineby?] all since you went. The 5 calves look so happy and well in their respective apartments, the eldest is a beauty, as I came home I overtook Mrs Harvey who was bringing us word,

I am sorry to say, that Martha Price is gone. Saturday she had a child [aluct a future - ?] Louisa had a letter from Price last week saying she had been very ill but was a little better and wanted much to see us. Louisa wrote to her to say as soon as ever the Dr allowed it we should come. We are sending a wreathe.

Annie Yoxall came up to ask for one for her so we are sending one with a ticket from the Miss Marsh-Caldwells, a token of regard and sympathy. It seems so sad that happy home being broken up. I do trust the [Ligus?] loss may be a blessing as the child was Jones favorite and he seems to feel it very much.

Tonight we dine at the [Llamers?] to meet Maria and Mr Fowler. Tuesday John comes. Wednesday we three lunch at Moreton Hall. Thursday or Friday we go to Stoke for Annes present. Saturday at 3 a G and S meeting to which, of course, your girls will be summoned. 3 more want to join.

The weather is delicious, sunshine and showers. I heard from S Millse[?] yesterday from [Jan Kems?] had kindly been to see Marion who she says looks ill from over work. She is going to take a holiday in the summer.

Had a letter today from Mrs C with a much better account so I feel pretty relieved and much brightened for naturally it has been weighing on one.

From W.M., Bergerons left Algiers. Annie on her way to Champigney. It is so nice to think of you steaming down theAdriatic in lovely weather. I trust I hope you will get this long letter or you will not be posted up in home news.

Next week we hope to have our little party, but May could only say they would if they could. But there was a possible engagement with friends for the [Alter Hound?] Meeting. Were hoping to ask Mr L over. In the mean time our strawberries will be ripe and we shall be able to put them on there. We have a really splendid shew of grapes. Our melons look [vepourous?] and everything in houses most healthy and Harvey says he shall shew a great diminution in coals!

Louisa will now go to [F?] before the wedding so I daresay it will turn out, I shall be here alone. As soon as the company is gone we [persued?] to clean up, covers, curtains, house.

Such a number of deaths I see I have told you of in this letter. I am afraid Louisa is rather dismayed at Evans business! But one cannot judge for a week I think. But Louisa finds her very depressing and slow!

Mrs Coldbugh[?] just been. Has, of course, her story. 7/6 a week to find coals, chips[?], soap, brushes etc out of it. Told Mr Hutchinson [Hutchuine?] she thought something was wrong in the floor. He took no notice so we meet on Saturday at the Club, go through one thing and open school if we get scholars. Saturday week I must go up to the school tomorrow and see who will come.

Poor Mrs C has nothing to do so very glad. As all her children are provided for she will manage. Is not Chenda ashamed of Gladstone! I wonder whether the Radicals letter in the Pall Mall is a squib or a real letter, and if so of Gladstone has really taken the high moral reason for his conduct about Lord Beaconsfield! [B.Disraeli after 1876] I should think it would do his reputation no good. It certainly wont affect Lord Bs will it?

Papers I am remembering all right, the friend was got round alas to the last and with it smoke and cold. Louisa and I are getting on famously, but not the less are you missed beloved Gies and the time counted to your return. Ever your loving Posy.

 Herbert Heath – aged 13 – puts on his buttons and joined H.M.S. Brittannia. 

PB1010093

Envelope letterhead Linley Wood, Talk o th Hill, Staffordshire - 1876

Addressed to

Mr MacHutchin & Mr Wickhams [repaid, liquid?] memorandum accepting condition of my [blotch on envelop] firth to the new [amount?]

Memorandum

Besides the 4 (four) conditions already agreed to by us we farther agree to accept the following:-

5^th That the New Church be not at any time made the Parish Church of Talke without the consent of the Miss Marsh-Caldwells

6^th That no ornament be placed in, nor used, nor any ritual used in this Church contrary to the decisions of the Court, as by Law established, for the ascertaining of the Law on such matters, in the Church of England.

Having explained to the Miss Marsh-Caldwells that the above conditions are not binding only [because?] I cheerfully sign them.
Mr W MacHutchin

Vicar

Nov 27^th 1876

Memorandum

We promise that the Nave shall if practicably be used for Divine Service, when ready. We further agree to accept the donation offered by Miss R.J. Marsh-Caldwell and the condition upon which it is offered.

M.W. MacHutchin

VicarW.A. Wickham

Curate in Charge.

Talke

24^th November 1876

Talke, 25 November 1876

We give our subscription to the proposed new Church to be built in the St. Saviour site with the understanding that when the Church is completed it may, if thought desirable and we are convinced that it is, desirable, be converted into the Parish Church.

Signed by the Miss Marsh-Caldwells