Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
B007
Journal looking letter from Posy.
26 Rue de Penthiserie (?)
Monday 2nd.
Darling Gies(Georgina?) The notes arrived yesterday morning thank you so much for them and for all the trouble you have taken. I cannot get the money I see till tomorrow as Mr (Furmell?) has made them at 7 days sight why I don’t know but perhaps it is a necessary precaution in case they are lost. But I can go tomorrow. I shall seek about in the shops and send you word what there is to be had as R and H have their dancing lesson in the morning. Saturday evening we were went to La Jolie Parteneuse(?). French plays do not raise ones opinion of the French character. Mind we were told by a lady who is supposed to have le Collet Monte, and therefore particular that it was very pretty and great delight to see it. She makes the excuse now that she forgot one scene, the principle one. I am thankful to say R and H seemed as much disappointed as was Mr Johnstone and Annie and even M.B. Mr J told me he had been constantly to the Theatres inStockholm,Copenhagen andBerlin and had never seen anything he could not have taken his youngest sister to have seen. There is not a theatre inParis you would take an English girl to. I remember we have seen the most Lac colda si Capitaine, That was as full as the often quite young girls of 17 and 18 (Antony?) took his young bride and a girl who had never seen a play to see La Branche Cassé which Annie says is reasonable and when Anne expected she would have be horrified to the last degree she did not seem even to feel anything, but spoke of it without a blush. And she is by way of being a devout Catholic! And be inclined that way!! Oh, I am certain the R.C’ism has something corrupting in it. I suppose it is that it is always cultivating the senses by appeals to them in all possible ways. On Sunday we went as Harry wished it, with Annie and Madamoiselle to the French Protestant service. M.Coguesel however was not preaching and we went on to M. de Prepensies which is orthodox. There was a chapel just like a Wesleyan. The Communion table stood in front of the pulpit and was covered with a white cloth. Also the vessels. There were many many more women than men. The women’s face look so different from the Roman Catholics. There is a marked individuality and strength, moral and intellectual which the others have not. M. de Prepensées did not preach but M. Lichtenstein, who gave us an excellent but too long discourse upon one being new creatures in Christ Jesus. Harry said he did not understand much but R did, I think, and it was one of those manly practiced sermons which would do him good and besides it is as well they should know French. Men can be as primly and sensibly (Christian?) as any others. So I am glad we went. In the afternoon Edon and Comtois came up for the day and they three went out together and did speak French. Harry just tells me he has :learnt the top of French” since he has been here. Captaine and Mrs Armory called. I went to our afternoon service. I really think there is nothing like it, at least to me. There were only three prayers and three hymns, very well sung however at the Protestant French Church. The prayers were excellent. Today we are going to theBois de Boulogne as it is fine. On Saturday we went to the Luxembourg, but could only see the Musée as since the Hotel de Ville has been burnt the Prefêt lives there. Mr Johnstone rather shuffled us off so we could not go to Belleville but she has promised us a note to Madamoiselle le Brun so Annie and I shall go there. Yet I hope. Silks are so dear, I am obliged to pay 13frs per metre for the (bit?) I went for a body for my wedding dress which I am having made up a deaux filles with my white lace. But I will get patterns for dearest Mama tomorrow, I hope. And also I intend to write to Francia (Louisa?) a mother’s letter even, one does so think when one has time to think of all the poor dear Greenwoods it makes a sad background to my (Men) wiser pleasant life here, of course having R and H add immensely with they are the dear fellows but very young. Dearest, your loving Posy.
B009
Letter to Louisa from France– 10 pages.
Thursday 17th August.
Les Plans
Dearest Louisa,
I got your dear letter on Monday evening. The post is long and G’s yesterday. Thanks so much for both, I saw the announcement of dear Charles’s death in the Daily News on Tuesday evening, it was a shock, as one did not think dearest Emily’s calamity could come upon her so soon. We shall be grateful for all details dear dear Charles, he will leave a great blank behind him in many hearts so young too for a man it seems, not 50. Amy felt it very much. The first person she has lost that she really cared for, poor children, what a loss for them all. Mama and you all will have felt it very much and at an Inn, altogether so sad, so sad. I am so glad that you have had such a splendid weather for the hay weather changed on Monday night, when we had a thunder storm. I am so glad you approve of our expedition but of course it will depend upon weather and many things and we are so happy here and have so many excursions to make. We may not do it after all but please thank dearest Mama very much for getting me a fresh letter of credit. I do trust dearest Gies (Georgina?) that the Minotaur will be well overhauled before it is allowed to go to see again. Surely, bad as our government is, it will not wish another Captain but cannot Arthur be moved? Pray send us one of Henry’s “Collegeof Preachers” and thanks so much for promising to send one to Rowland: “the Smile (Mute?)” I think or just your off it was only “A Smile (Mate?)” on her side rather more I fancied rather it was just because it was not to my mind, though he really is a thoroughly gentlemanlike clever nice little man, that I would not undertake the shadow of a responsibility but of course if we go this tour we do not stay in Paris and by the looks of things in France I should not be a bit surprised if we had to come back via the Rhine and Ostend. All seems dans une etat si tendu. Anything may happen. I am so glad John recovered himself. I do hope some one will come to the bottom of those exams. How sad Mrs Dean Milman’s death and to me who can remember her in her youth and beauty in London drawing rooms it is a chapter out of Ecclesiasts. I heard from Evie at last the dress got all right. Cecile enclosed a note asking us and Evée a message form Madame de Linnu to spend the day there on our way through (Venice?) but that we could not do being with the B’s and besides it takes money. The B’s (Bergerons?) had asked the C.E.s and Evee to stay here whilst we were here, not knowing of C.S. illness. Evee seems low, but C. seems decidedly better by her account. I was gone before Grace’s letter. I suppose Captain Hall was like Mr Robinson’s case, and now for our doings, just come up for 2nd breakfast where we, A.B., A.M., and Madame Winterhalter and F have been having a religious discussion, very interesting amongst all these people, the “Spirit” is what they are seeking, forms including dogma are brushed away as useless. But can you get rid entirely of form and dogma and if you cannot, they must have their importance, it appears to me. But to our doing, Sunday we went down to (Rex?) to Church, such a lovely day and you know the drive in all its exquisite beauty. We went down in a country carriage. Annie in the back seat with the D’s, she had come up to see M. Pierre who on Saturday was taken with a kind of fit. I am afraid she was jolted but A and I were most comfortable. We sat in the Hotel Garden waiting whilst the (Swiss?) service was being finished. I reading an R.C. book which had been left on the seat. Suddenly A said “I am sure that is Mr Horsford Brooke.” I looked up and saw a large grey tweeded man with a soft wide awake walking along, only his back so with (great?) determination to reconnoiter I saw a cigar, then glasses on the nose, could it be. We suddenly turned straight opposite each other “It is you.” said he. “It is you.” SaidI. He seemed delighted to see me, asked if he was going to preach “Oh no, not to Church, have had 10 months of it.” Which was a little startling. Took him back telling him I would introduce him to A.B. and he must come to Les Plans. Brother and sister. Never mind. Introduced A.B., asked him, we talk, after Church, out come his brother and sister, he waited outside to meet us. Introduced brother and sister. All a Table a’hote Hotel des Grand Salines, where we had a table to ourselves and most agreeable dinner. Miss and Mr William B being the one very pleasant and conversable, the three pleasant, clever and willing, then in garden (skai?) we sat down and talked apropos of! Mr S.B. was very charming and A returned to her allegiance which had been somewhat shaken by his conduct about church as he asked our opinion. I gave mine that he was decidedly wrong as it seems to me a clergyman is not entirely his own man but belonging to the Public, has to be more careful of scandalizing.
Tuesday morning, Mademoiselle Peujeot and M. Pierre left. We were all very sorry to part with her, such a sweet dear little woman. Our heavy friend was no loss to the Society. We took a walk to the Montecale which M.B. has bought and which he offered to Mr S.B. for £30 who said he should wait and consult “Emma” who is at Broadstairs. It is a very nice situation but not quite equal to this I think. Rain came on and I got my petticoats wet so I went home whilst A.B., A., Mr W went to see Madame Hecks exquisite water colour paintings of the wild flowers of theAlpswhich she groups beautifully. In the evening suns sitting in the balcony with B came and sat by me and began to talk of his religious feelings. I had not idea he was such a deep believer in God. The puzzle of his being an upright so kind, so really good as he is, is over. The conversation was most interesting and instructive. He thinks it is a dishonour to God to prostrate yourself before him. He is our Father and it is our confiding love that pleases him. I understand his feeling though I think deepest love begets deepest reverence and that adoration is the highest expression of our love to Him.
Wednesday. We got up at ¼ to six, breakfasted at 7 and started a little before 8 for the ascent of the Argentines. A.B., A, Mr W, W andI.We went up the Valley Richard, how lovely it was. That was comparatively easy. We intended only to go on a lower part, began our ascent. All trees gone but the sides of the mountain drifted with rich grass spangled with flowers of all sorts and colours known and unknown. I had no idea of this affluence of flowers. A few bees, some butterflies, one flock of birds and one kite Mr W saw were all the animals we saw after we left. The herd of cows with their tinkling bells and two cowherds in the upper (cup?) of the valley. What an ascent it was and how ones heart did beat. I could not get on so fast as the others. Neither could Annie. It was like crawling up the steepest house roof but what a lovely roof. Blocks of stones here and there, dried up water courses. High cliffs barring our passage, we had to skirt at first. All was bright and clear. Mid way up A.B. and I were resting on a bank of soft grass sprinkled thickly with flowers. It sloped from us a few yards and then the eye plunged with the cup of the valley and one saw the cows like specks. The faint tinkling of their bells rising up in the most exquisite air. From this valley rose hills of rocks covered with grass and then behind sloped up perfectly bare and rugged the mountains to the glacier and behind the glacier which lay like a lake which had been suddenly frozen and arrested in its flow down the mountain side, covered with sparkling (sums?) in a basin formed by the towering sharp cut peaks, it the Meurons then (trys?) left. The valley rose rugged and bare and was lost in peak after peak and to your right it sloped down with crossing lines, fir covered. Sloping up to the bare rugged peaks of the Grant Meurons and Donts Rouge and was lost in a blue haze. It was a wonderful sight but now the smoke as of a huge cauldron comes curling up the valley and carrying the mountains and it rises and rises, a bad sign and the valley is gone and nothing but mist at your feet and up we (trot?) and again A.B. and I fling ourselves to rest on our flower banks. Suddenly the veil is rent, we seemed on the very slope of the highest pitched roof. The valley, thousands of feet below the place and mountains opposite it made one giddy. One felt one must cling to the other, so up we got and on we went to it but the air exquisite, stopping to rest to pick flowers, to see way those (chemris?) Mr N and A were gone. W keeping the middle distance. At last nearing the top Mr W who acted as our guide kindly came and helped me on only a little more, a bed of deep blue Monks Hood, a patch of rich grass spangled with bluest of blue Forgetme not and pinkest of beauty. One struggle more, nous voila at the top rich, luxuriant (file B011) grass a yard or two of width. Amy seated a little further along the ridge on a boulder of rock. Mist round at ones feet but allowing one to see what looked like a sheer precipice on the other side of our ridge, much mist and the prowling of thunder. Might have to spend the night. Mr W. went to reconnoiter if we could get by the other side of the mountain home. Whilst he was gone suddenly the mist curled off. There below, thousands of feet rich valleys far away, Lac Leman and the Deut Dache and the thunder storm amongst its peaks to the right the high peaks of the Diableries, splendid well with ones to it(?) but oh how thirsty I was. I put my hand to my face, it was as if it was covered with fine sand. I found that it was salt. The thunder goes on growling, the mist comes back, so does Mr W, no possible descent on that side for as now a little wind rises but thunder seems to come nearer so we give up all hopes but of rebroussering(?) chemin and being our descent and after difficulties for the mist though allowing you to see quite enough before you for safety prevents you seeing your bearings. One thing we had done, we had seemed being (HilsHeures?) when the mist rose suddenly down I slip in a long slippery grass and just for a moment I am afraid I have sprained my ankle. I take off my galoshes, the fact is I am not properly shod. After the kind Mr W helps me and we creep down the mountain (file B014) It is rather slow work however for me specially and Mr W goes and reconnoiters at times whilst we walk. At last we get down to the cup of the valley and it is comparatively easy [we had reached the summit at 12], thirsty, tired at least I speak for myself and Annie. Amy declared she was so utterly untired that she was ready to go again. I am satisfied now that she is really strong. Well way worn and thirsty we reached the Chalet Richard. I rushed to the stream where W and A were already and before I got there she brought me a glass of water. A.B. and Mr W were in the Chalets asking for milk and bread and butter so one followed picking ones way through cattle dirt and low door which I had to stoop to enter a dark unpaved muddy floored cabin, a few embers (?) on the floors against one wall, a huge copper caldron on a most primitive wood hook. Cheese on the ledges of the wall under the roof a half division running through the cabin on which were hung (emplemsly?) clean wooden spoons, pretty buckets in wood as clean, the same hanging on the beams of roughly hewed pine, a primitive cheese press which would drive a Cheshire farmer to despair. One table made of a roughly hewn slab of pine and four straight branches as legs. One equally rough bench, a fine table, stalwart, handsome, calm faced Swiss, the usual little difficulties about milk, bread and butter. The bread lifted off and rather excellent and butter also (certain a sneak buckets?) of milk. Annie meantime had cut and spread thick slices of bread and butter. Soon all the spoons were in the milk. Oh how refreshing it was. About 20 minutes and we started again, a few more steep descents but pathway now. Met two sets of cowherds coming up and going down and now the rain began and at last we reached the Chalet. Flung oneself, A.B. and I on chairs at the table in the dining room and drank wine and water and eat some fruits. It was 4 o’clock, having been 9 hours and a bit and done at least 14 miles. I am stiff and went to bed at and as you may suppose, at 8. We had all enjoyed it except I fear kind Mr W who was burdened with me. I shall not go such an expedition again. It is hardly fair on the others. I think as a little au depus de mes forces. But I am grateful to have done it, seen it, and felt that air. This air actually felt heavy after it. Amy enjoyed it immensely and really she was hardly tired at all. We went much higher than we intended to the highest peak but one of the Argentines the Tete de Lions and today it is misty and rainy, but has somewhat cleared and Amy with Mr and Mrs W are gone an 8 miles walk to Guyon, a village higher up in the next valley to enquire at what hour Mr Dant, a famous Irish preacher who is doing duty there just now has his service on Sunday. And now goodbye to you dearly beloved, your loving Posy.
Nothing can exceed dear Annie and mon cousins kindness and William is very nice. M.B. is at Lausanne for a few days.
Adam and Eve. Men and women. Mr S.B. very paradoxical and they to see the old tower crowning a hill in the wood.
We back. Monday was a lovely day. We all sat in that arbour Aunt Annie was so fond of. A.W. making our hiking mountain dress and I talking of all sorts of things. The conversation is always worth having. We expected the Brooks at 11.30 and Annie had such a pretty breakfast but they did not come until past 1 when she had finished. Some time, however, they were fed and then we took a walk up the Avancon crossed by some planks an scrambled up the side of the Tete de Cheval, down again to river and at last found a way across up to Pont du Huat and sat on this some little way in the Valley Richard, all very happy, specially M S.B. who talked a great deal with A and was so anxious she says but he might have scandalized her by his paradoxes. Most agreeable all were, they dined and then left. He full of a project of buying a bit of land and building a chalet. He evidently enjoys himself immensely and it was a real pleasure meeting them, as you may suppose. Last evening M.B. showed me a letter he had received from Mr Oliphant, “Piccadilly” you know, he is a disciple of the Medium Mr Harris who is founding a Society called the New Life. It is a Christian Society. This letter was filled with a deep religious enthusiasm and was very interesting. He showed it to Mr Brooke. I am afraid, owing to language difficulties, they had not so much talked together as I hoped for they would interest each other.
B015
Part of letter from Martin to his mother. Oct, 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 andHollandI 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 fromAdelaideand 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.)
B017
Letter to Mary and sisters from Posy in France.
Les Plans, July 12th.
Dearest Mama: and sister. Here we are in the most striking and lovely M.B. Its beauties are not to be expressed. I cannot describe, it is useless so I will go back to our journey first telling you that Amy and I after a walk of about 5 miles up the Valley. Oh such a Valley, such Peaks of bleak rock and all their (veil Jassanere?) veils of blue, their bases and sides dotted with splendid pines, a rushing torrent or crystal waters foaming over the rocks below the crystalline on the ground, lovely beyond description. Every spot a study of (‘nature’ crossed out) for painting in details as lovely as the magnificence new flowers scattered amongst old friends. Well, after this and 2nd breakfast Amy and I are sitting in the gallery, not of my room looking to the East up to the bare Peaks of (St Menowns?) with their palates(?) of snow seen through a gorge made by the Cheval Blanca, the Aquitine Peak behind on left and the Dent Rouge on the right hand. These clothed with firs, the rush of the stream wending below. Well, my last letter was after our tour on the Lake Leman. On Tuesday Annie took us to see the wood of the sauva Haue above Lausanne from the signal post, a lovely view all over the Lake and the towers of the old 14th century Cathedral and Castle and old town sloping down into new, as foreground. At dinner we had a grand talk on the Commune to be tried as the form of regimented society. Man to live for the good of each other and when we objected there were those who would not work etc. it must be tried first by familys who know each other and can depend upon each other. They are to show the world by example the beauty and charm of this life and then everyone will see and imitate and we talked of Christianity and Roman Catholicism etc etc.
Wednesday. M.A. and I out alone and when I came back Annie gave me a letter to read of a young (PO?) of hers who has (for?) a Roman Catholic education in part, gone into free thinking and unbelief and to whom she had sent Mrs (Mosiers?) book. This had brought on a discussion with M.Bu” about “libre arbitre” I was reading the letter when in came M. Pailletey, an oldish little man who writes aesthetics in papers and brochures, republican of course. He said nothing particular. At 2nd breakfast we had a long discussion on “like arbiter.” After that we four [went] by boat to Chillon, such a lovely excursion. We landed at Territets, had a broiling walk to the castle, such a curious red place. The views so lovely one longed almost to be a peasant, it is a prison still. Bounivards(?) dungeon. For a dungeon very nice and light and dry. We took a row boat to Vevey which was, if possible, more lovely of transit than any paddled our hands in the soft velvet water. We walked and shopped in Vevey and then to the trios Canronuus (Cantonells?). Met M.B., dined at Table D’Hôte, sat in garden, had coffee to pretty music. Amy gave us a lesson on the stars and were very happy. All is so lovely, it is a papiere of loveliness which makes ones spirits almost Jaeuh(?): fine ecstasy, if you know the feeling. You feel drawn into it until you are almost lost. We came back by rail.
Thursday. We got up at six. We three and W and (went?) drove to Ouchy through pretty gardens of the Beau Rivare Hotel to the bathes and bathed in the blue Lake Leman waters and were very merry at one our costumes and then in the water it was delicious. I longed for my Gies(Georgina). I see it was today that the letter and M. Pailletey came, and in the afternoon your letter dearest Gies for which so many thanks. I hope you enjoyed having your boy but I am so sorry they do not think him looking strong. Amy says that (F?) would like a coat better than anything, black silk of course. Oh dear, how I long for you all. I wish I could have put you into the loveliness of the afternoon. A.W. and I went to the Blind Asylum where I had to speak German for Annie. There is a deaf, dumb and blind there who they have receipts by the way. Amy and I flatter ourselves we talk (tres?) admirably! No but really we got on very well. After dinner I sat in the garden with M.B. and W. M.B. spoke utterly desponding ofFrance. C’est pourie, c’est comme le Admire, mais d’ese fortira. La belle fleur de la religion de l’humanite, la nation tres caise et comme la nation greif. Elle pernisce comme elle après avoir cutault la christianisme. One sees this French, what shall one call it, one does not like the bad name of vanity because it is a form of patriotism but self national (material?) flattery amongst them. Le facte esti, that they are as he and M. Barguens says, so divided that there is nothing but decomposition before them and they despair of themselves which seems fatal to a nation. But M.B. added que vanity nous, le nation est pourie. When I tell you I hear constantly children brought up to admire and hear praised disrespectful, dishonesty and trickery and despise honesty – (file B017) which prevents a man rising to riches what can you expect. What indeed. It was a sad sad conversation and made me feel that the nation is gone and then I came in to read a French paper despairing ofParishaving absolutely learned nothing, all its vices and follies flourishing side by side with those awful ruins. M.B. gave me and account of his plans for an army which sound excellent. Very much on our old plan when regiments were raised and officers in the separate counties, but no standing Army, only for defensive uses.
Friday (9th?) Bucklan(?). An Alsatien, little anti-Prussian though looking all over German. He is a returned Colonel. That is he was dismissed the Army in 58 for being a republican and has since been restored since this last republic. He said nothing except how he would not even answer a Prussian officer with whom he was travelling, when he asked him about the country, beyond Non, and turned his back on him. We started for this after 2nd breakfast, stopped a little at the (Ouchy, Condy?) Hotel des Salines which is an enchanting place and came on here up such a drive, the dents de Midi splendid, up all that valley of theRhone, so beautiful. Here we found a charming middle aged lady, Madame Maquet, a Mr and Mrs Winterhalter. She was Miss Morgan, about Annies age? He, the same, he a Professor a Badois and an M.P., Pierre Maquet, nephew of Madame M, a young man, a heavish and (wip?), the Winterholters are very pleasant and agreeable. We had a charming walk this morning. This is a clean little Chalet and all so comfortable in a simple way, except lack of baths! And that with us luxury of water. Good bye dearest Mam and sisters. My letter is a short one but I hope I shall write better one has a little breathing time. My mind is crammed at present and I want a little quiet to sort and arrange de poposseris.
Your loving,
Posy.
B019
Letter from Posy in France or Switzerland to Mama and Sisters.
Les Plans, Monday 28th.
Dearest Mama and sisters. Thanks first dearest L and G for your two most welcome letters. I hope the Ad: visit was a success and that you all enjoyed it very much. I am so glad the Lawtongirls are enjoying themselves. We hope R and (G?) and you will be in the mountains this week. I wonder whether M. de Valmers will (will) make any difference at Talke. I hope Mr P will give some lectures. Duke seems very happy and content in his letter to A. Who, by the way, affects(?) fu. I think she choose not to see him to Ms indifference about Lawton proceedings. I hope Mr C.S. may come when we are here. Dear Annie was talking just now of taking (la Nio deu?) party, if it would do C. good. They are so hospitable one feels that this air must set up anyone. A. has lost all her flabbiness, what with the air and her mountain “course.” Dearest Emily lies at the bottom of all ones thoughts and sent such sweet extracts form her letter to (L?),dear sweet thing, this trial is sent to perfect(?) her, one thinks. Thanks dear (L?) for remembering to send to H the right name. Would you dear be so kind as to looking in Laurie or what is the right medicine for a “weeping eye.” Mademoiselle Muquet who was returned here wishes me to try and cure her eye, as I have succeeded and will in curing Mr Winterholter’s little dog, a Mone who got bronchitis. I do hope PHL will succeed, he seems near it now. What storms you seem to have and so fatal. I am so glad crops are prospering as to weather, it is glorious here too. Mary tells me several people approve “The Minute” (skit?) said the Ad. Is not dearest Mama rejoicing in the Surrey Election. Only one wishes that he were not a brewer. Annie’s dear love to you all. I hope that you all keep well. I have been talking to Annie about our going. She won’t hear of it at present. Also about our little trip money (th-also?) and I don’t think that I shall have more than £20 to spend. These little trips take money too. Well, now for our proceedings. I wrote you last after our walk to(Vellaris?) I thing, Tuesday, we spent quietly. I sketched Murions and had boldness to try a little colour. I hope it may give Mama a faint idea. M.B. went to Lausanneand to draw for me my 2nd £10. I have never said I received the new letter of credit for 30, quite safe and return Dio warrant are not South Western’s come? Or Midlands. Will the drawing(?). I had a grand political discussion with M. Winterhalter. I maintaining all the advantage of a governing class, which like (ours?) was constantly recruited by ability from other classes. Our House of Lords. Poor foreigners have not the advantage we have of a House of Lords independent in Purpose and I believe in the former Empire the Upper House is chosen by the King. Just all the difference. Napoleon chose his Senate also. As usual (Democrats?) are more aristocrats than we. Mr Winterholter quite simply that some people must be servants. What would we do if they were not in work. Intellect is to the Autocrat, that is all the difference that I see between us. Au fond, such lovely day. Wednesday. A. W. and Mr W started with Esloppet to go up to the glacier of Les Plans Nevés as a sort of trial excursion before attempting the Diableries. They started at 7.30 and came back about 6. A’s comporting herself to the entire satisfaction of Esloppet who says she has le pied sure, and her head never fails her. She enjoyed – here is a poor old woman begging. The old and the (cidins?) seem the only beggars and one feels our system is best for both these classes. An old man of 80. I have just been talking to Louise. She says drink at the bottom of so much misery, having families where the husband spends all a Sunday at the Cabarets and leaves the wives and children to starve. The beggars come principally to St.Valais and C.Canton but there it is that unhealthy Rhone district. (AneRex?) is in the Valley, but the air is much better than at (Trient?) or St.Maulaise. They however, live on rye bread and certainly they look, many of them, most unhealthy and listless. Well, to return. She enjoyed her trip immensely. She certainly is very strong. Here she is never anything more than wholesomely tired. A.B., Mr W. and I went to Monticale where I sketched a thunder and creatures in the pass frightened Mrs W so we went back. How stupid Hoods things sound to one now.Mr(or Mrs?) W read whilst A and I tried our hands at the exquisite valley with its hanging woods of dark fir, the Rhone valley bright in sunshine and then the hills, spurs, peaks of the Dents Doche rising in front of us and just below some hundreds of feet a bright green meadow sloping down from its dark fringe of fir wood and a chalet, and all framed by a graceful beech on our right and a mullbush on our left. In the evening we played at “Seeks and Seeking,” a German game, very good. Wednesday was a thorough rest day. I tried to improve my sketch, failed and washed out. A. sketched chalet. A.B. prepared her mountain dress for the Diabliries. I was afraid of these Diableries so Estoppat was called, assured me there was no danger when people could ‘marcher bien’ like A. and A.B. so I could not say nay as I had no orders to prevent mountain climbing. They were talking at breakfast over French character. A.B. does not respect it, she says what all say. They prefer believing, sticking to a pleasant untruth though they know that it is untrue and the paper which is taken in preference by French people is the “Dijare” which is perfectly shamelessly in its morality. Sale as A.B. and M. W expressed it.
Well Friday 25th. All morning we were variously employed and after breakfast at ¼ to 1 Mr W started with the guides, the well known Phillippe Marley and Estoppet for Arrindez, prounded Euindes. Where they were to sleep the night and start at 4 (they?) morning for the Diablerets. A. will tell here adventures, how A.B. and she jumped out of their window, no conveniences. How they slept on pailliasse(?), how with difficulty an inch of candle was found which popped into the bottle just as they could spare. Oh how the vachie guide’s dog snored. How at 12 a horrible (vacarine?) of people knocking at the door awoke them etc etc. And all the wonders and glories of their 13 hours expedition of which only 1 ½ was resting. We gladly staid at home having walked with them as far as the Pont du March where we all embraced our own and took a touching farewell. M.B. arrived with Madamoiselle Maijuet(?) in the afternoon. I think we were all a little anxious as to our travelers. Madame W and I played as “Seek and Seeking” and then to bed for we were too tired.
Saturday. At 7 and breakfast at a ¼ to, which we did, but including Ravi and excluding Cora the Mona, and bags and boxes in account. The W’s were to return to Lausanneafter the expedition. That drive down gets more lovely every time. Every time one sees new beauties, little bits missed before. At the Hotel des Salines we got into the “Corbeille” as A. will have it, instead of ‘panier’ as she declares that we are flowers, not potatoes. Two short grey horses and a good cockee and drove rapidly through a delicious wind, cool and good refreshing and hot sun, a lovely drive along the RhoneValley. Dents Doche to left, to right Diableries-Argentines Tour d’Oié etc etc and splendid Chestnuts by the road side in places. All ever varying scene of loveliness. We reached Aigle with its old Castle like a Scottish one, tours with extinguishers(?) and looking up a Gorge, high and precipitous on both sides and clothed with masses of the richest words imaginable, a torrent rushing at the bottom. We mounted a road cut in the left hand mountain, the high 2nd half there – (file 021) – is beautiful then, from the tiny flowers to the grand snow-capped (rip in page) at last we reached a first Hotel and as we saw, we had a long steep ra- (rip in page) before we reached the Kulm. We determined to leave wraps and anything (rip in page) here. Mine host came out with a beaming face and pressing welcome, waiters (rip in page) forward to take our things. People generally go on to the Hotel at the Kulin, we – we should return for luncheon and set forward again. Groups of our companions passed us and we passed those who rode got on faster. Some ladies were carried up by en in chairs walking between two poles. Generally four men to a chair taking it up in relays. At last, panting and exhausted we reached the Kulm and now the mists were rising up the sides of the Mountains and we feared we should see no view. We looked over the edge of the precipice. It was a white sea of fathomless mist. Suddenly it went curling off like magic up and we saw stretched beneath us lakes, mountains. Lakes of wonderful greens and blue; meadows gold in sunlight, dark woods, town and villages with their church spires, bright white spots lying amongst them. Then hills sweeping up with woods of yellow green (lawn? Town?) Chestnuts and green vails. Mountain sides clothed with dark Pine forests and farther away rugged cold and stern the snow covered Peaks of St.Gothard. To our right a ridge of the Righi covered with green grass stretched away and hid theLake ofLucern.Lake Lerwutz(?) cradled in the mountains lay at our feet.Lake (Tuy?) to our left. The mountains separating it from Lake Lovertz and then a flat rich cultivated country alive with towns and villages stretching away to the horizon. It was a sight never to be forgotten and as the mist close and broke and closed and broke again, the effect was magical and then as one stood apart on the edge of that precipice far from the voices of others, one got wrapped in that wonderful silence of the Alps: a silence which is like the breath of heaven. So soft, so soothing, so living, though so intense on which is embroidered the hum of a bee, the distant tinkle of cattle bells, the sound of the Angelus rising from the village churches thousands of feet below. The trilling of a bird or the heavy thud of an avalanche falling in those far of snow mountains [seem embroidered only on it]. You feel as if you felt the very presence of that and life in whom we live and more and have our being but we had to get back. Our descent was quick though along the unfinished [rip in page] edge of a steep precipice which went sheer down thousands of feet [rip in page] to tops of huge fir trees. We got to our hotel and there during our much – [rip in page] what hard lives they have the four months of the season. Never [rip in page] and hours sleep. They are fed very well he told us or it would be simply impossible to do the work and so here as so often everywhere, enjoyment and suffering seem twice others. We walked down to the station and there found the same crowd of men and ragged boys, some offering bunches of flowers, some, a few, alpine strawberries. Others waiting for the incoming batch of human beings they hoped to persuade to ride their horses and mules. A great deal of chattering, talking, laughing. One train arrived, disgorged its passengers and we took their places and seemed to slide down a roof as we climbed up one. The views were, if possible, more exquisite. The evening shadows bring with them a peaceful, restful feeling. We reached the bottom in safety, took the steamer and found many of our companions of the morning going back with us. One lady ahd got her lap full of loveliest flowers, blue gentians such intense blue, and yellow primroses and Aurieulia’s. She was hoping to carry them safely toLondon to show them to her friends. Poor little plants, one felt so sorry for them being torn from their mountain side and delicious alpine air to struggle or die in smokyLondon. But perhaps it is a higher vocation for them to give pleasure to others, even at this cost than to live alone for themselves even on their beautiful mountain side. It would be for us. In a shower of rain we got back to Lucerne.
B023
Short invite to dinner.
Dear Mr Marsh,
We are all going to a Windsor Ball on Thursday, are you inclined to join our party? We can give you a bed and shall be happy to see you at dinner at seven o’clock. With compliments to Mrs Marsh and your sisters.
Believe me truly yours
James Clarke
(Thakelys?)
Tuesday.
B025
Short letter to Tiny? From Aunt M
Saturday Morning.
Most beloved Tiny,
These are the same silks I think that you were admiring in your Paper Wardrobe, if there is not enough of each to make you a Waistcoat you must call young Mr White out, for informing me that ¾ of a yard was enough for one. I hope you do not sport the Tricoloured flag this cool day, a (you me ?) the chance of getting rheumatism. The Chorus of Days at Eastbury is more agreeable if the two (have, name?) the beer, beer, beer, beer, that I am (making, drinking?) now.
God bless you (from?) your affectionate Aunt Me
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 yourBrighton 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 along 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 toBrighton but [must?] let him stay poste restante atBrook 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
B029
B031
Letter from Posy at Linley Wood
L.W. Wed evening 14th.
Dearest Georgey, your welcome letter came this morning; your account of all at Gillingham are so pleasant. All but your one grey spot, but that will clear some day dear. Your account of dear Nele delightful and I am so glad to hear of the result of (cayseulu?) the very object I had in view in getting him to read it, and so glad that he like his Macmillan. We cannot of course compete with Henry’s early garden for you see our little (cucumber?) house, which is not really a C.House at all, has to act as store for the flower plants during the winter and as we have to keep the grape house as cool as we can we have no (forcing?) power until it is time to shut it up and until we can move our (stove, store?) plants into that and the green house. Our strawberries are just beginning to show flower, our cucumbers and melons are just going to be sown. You know melons don’t ripen with us but under glass and that only just in the hottest part of summer. I was looking at the winter spinach today. It is all scorched with frost and you could not pick even a small dish from it. We have a good show for fruit [in blossoms] but what will May do? We have had Mr Wickham to luncheon. He came at 1.30 and gave him dressed eggs which little [unbigoted, enlightened?] attention I think he appreciated. Before lunch and for some time after we were talking of the Church. I enclose Mr M.H letter we have got now £1,200 and probably the [TMui?] Society will give £300 more so we shall have £1,500 but Mr W thinks we ought to have £2,000 promised before we begin. Mr Hunt can make use of the stone which will be a saving also though brick walls will make the foundations. He wants me to build my cooking room in wood and rubble. As the Church I shall write and ask Mr Date [Bate?] if I can, not mentioning Mr W! Mr B says he can build it for £50 so I can manage that and he is going to make the plan 15’ by 14’ and a little scullery. By the way his Mr B’s estimate is come in and all the Oak Farm repairs etc are to cost £50. By his account now he wants £59 or £69 more as due to him. Well after lunch we broke in on the real object and we had a long tattle. He was very nice as always, did not deny mixing the water with the wine and could not see the harm. Perhaps he did a little doubt after our expressing our opinion. He denied that he had said that he had done nothing to make to people stay in Church. Still the impression left on my mind was that he was conscious that all had not been quite above board. But at the same time I felt he had seen this afterwards and would not do such a thing again. The story about Angel Gabriel he said he only told as a story to the children to illustrate having ones will always fixed to the will of God. I wish we had asked him to tell the story about confession he said it was, he felt, some good for some minds but would by no means enforce it on any. He still maintains that though of course not agreeing with him in everything Mr Wilkinson is the man who most truly represents his views, certainly not Mr Tooth concerning the Holy Sacrament. He says he believes in a Presence in a special manner of our Lord there, but where and how he cannot define to himself. Therefore, not to others he fully entered into our conscientious difficulty in supporting teaching which we held to be most seriously dangerous and bad. L and I don’t think that he had before seen it and that in a way it was a relief to his mind as justifying our interference in the matter. He has promised to tell us if he gets ever inRome[?] in his views. L and I feel that the man Wickham, like R, does not belong to the school, but he has had his religious impressions given him in it and his friends are of it. He said of Baring-Gould, that he was a man he should never follow. Much too eccentric and extravagant and had no proclivities to scapulurius. That was clear on the whole. I felt very satisfied and I very fairly and hopeful again of his passing out of this school. He seemed to me true, did not refuse discussion and had no shiftyness, [file 034 right] about him. We settled that the best plan between us was to be quite true and above board. Of course we differed but on one point we were united that Christ, not a system, was what we believed in and what we desired people to be brought to and we parted very good friends relieved on both sides by explanations and he asked us not to believe stories we might hear of him until we had asked him ourselves. I do trust that good will come of this. He still holds that he is bound to obey as curate, his vicar, of that there is not doubt, though he said that was how far a incumbent must obey his Bishop! Mr W.H name was never mentioned on either side in connection with the matter we had heard of him. Mrs Buxton has been up tonight to hear Mr Git Rex letter about Buxton. She was very anxious to know what he thought of him so L wrote for her and asked. He says that he has had a sharp attack of Bronchitis. That though he looks entirely a strong man he is by no means one really and that he should have something before he goes out in the morning and a little wine will do him good, so she is to send for a bottle tomorrow. Johnny’s hand is still bad, so I have ordered him a week more milk [medicine?]. Poor fellow, how he must have suffered with it. Mr [Got Rex?] says had he not been a teetotaler he must have lost his hand! This afternoon we went and called on Mrs Kinnersley who we found very well and the other, Alice, I think, Miss [Baluston, Daruston?] with her. She seemed very pleased at our coming. Mrs Palmeston[?] was in town! I enclose you Mrs [Letne Kurr’s?] note I had written by L’s suggestion to say how sorry we were not to have been able to return her call and to ask them on their down so now I have written. Will try on their way back. I don’t want either [note?] back. L wrote to Mrs Denman to the same effect and got a very friendly answer and would like to offer themselves, but cannot come now things [?] in our parts on account of Easter holidays. L told you perhaps that G.S. had made a mistake of the time of little Martins [Morton?] holidays so he will come later. R will not come, I think, until after Whitsuntide. L has been with Buxton this morning at the plantation up Talk way and Mrs B was highly gratified by being told by L this evening that it is to be called henceforth “Buxtons Wood.” L had a nice little note from from C.B. [P?] saying he had intended fully to come up from Clough and see us but weather would not allow and hoping they shall prevail on us to come and see them at Parkridge. Also yesterday got a note from Mr W saying he had so bad a cold, afraid of coming out at night, but hoping to be more fortunate another time so we have asked Mr [Sheringham?]. Mr Wade very pleased at being asked but past the invite on to his son, [as he is too poorly to go out], which he was very pleased evidently to do. The Wilbrahams find their own way up as they go to Creswelshawe [Cresswell’s house?] en route. Fanny and Harriet come and by what Mr OK said seem to be looking forward with pleasure. And I must tell you of [Fruske?]. She actually on Sunday came and asked me to give her medicine. She followed me into my room and watched me take some [Med acon Tine?]. I thought nothing but when I last shut the drawers and was going she stood pointing at it and made me feel, don’t you know, she wanted me to give her some med. I began to look through the boxes and she quietly waited. Not finding them in the small ones I took out the large one and went to the sofa to look them over. She jumped there on, thrust her nose into the box and then quietly sat on her tail watching me until I found it. Sat as quietly until I gave it her. Then jumped off, wagged her tail and departed. There. I declare this is a fact. However much Henry, Nele and co may scoff at it! It is so odd to see her and her [cat?]. Did L tell you she is devoted to the cat. They sleep together, wash each others faces and indeed are quite the happy family. She has deigned to give us somewhat more of her company today. This is [9] ringing[?] and I – to write to Rachel if I can. As I want all to m- moch for my pattern. I have done up all the [sweets?] and made all [puil?] right but one week, so I [might??] a/- more in my book that you made. My love to Henry, Charlotte, Nele and the children that - - Posy
Fanny looks so pretty in her bonnet and Richus pleased! My bonnet so pretty. L and I go on as happy as possible. She is full well again.
B035
Letter to Martin, possibly from Louisa (LM)
My dearest Martin,
I had written half a letter to you on Monday when I found that Mama was going to write so took it and tore it up. We are all recovering fast from the influenza Mama is plagued with a cough and poor Mary (Jill eht” ?) looks shockingly pulled down. Yesterday Mary and Adelaide went to be confirmed in London, which was done by the Bishop of London, who they said was very impressive. I see that one of the poets you met at Herr Dolls is become a person of some political importance owing to his books. Herr Frulligrath, I mean, he makes a great noise in one of the articles of the Revue des Deux Mondes. I should think that society at St Gras must have been some of the most really clever you ever mixed with. Certainly the foreign form of society is much preferable to ones there. You get really good refined and clever without all the luxury which is indispensably necessary if you mean at all to mix with your fellow creatures. Fanny and Posy are going toPutneyParknext week where they stay for a ball which they are going to give there which will be a change and entertaining for them. Owing to some circumstances too long to explain Sapsford never sent your groceries but Papa will get them for you and send them down to you. Papa is come down from town with Mr Slack and he says that if you don’t come and see him when you come home he will cut you out of his will. The farm as far as it goes, continues well. The grass fields look very green. The oats look very well and the barley beautiful, but for the wheat, alas! Alas! Papa says he shall let it stand as it is for a month and then if it does not behave pretty well and look pretty he will plough it up and sow turnips which there will still then be time for. What do you think the naughty Mr Tip did yesterday? Aunt G and Georgy went up yesterday to Betchworth Heath to speak to some workwomen and at their house was a poor little dog whom Wasp and May most civilly made their bow to and entered into a little polite conversation when Mr Tip, who had lagged a little behind came up and without saying anything most cruelly and barbarously fell upon the poor little dog and rolled him over and frightened him very much. What do you say to “The dear dog” for this very unjustifiable conduct. I hope you are of Solomons opinion about the rod. The dressing bell has rung so I must go and dress after this interesting little anecdote about your son, which I sincerely hope will not too much afflict the paternal heart.FannyTower, the Paragons eldest sister is going to be married to a Captain Hamilton of the Navy, a match at which they are all much pleased. I shall get no dinner and shall get scolded for being so late so good bye,
Caro fretillo mio sempre la vostia soulla,
Affectuos essima. LM.
.
B039
Receipt to make Arrowroot.
On other side.
To make a breakfast cup of Arrowroot take a good spoonful of Arrowroot mix it in a little cold milk till quite smooth measure yourself a cupful of new milk and boil it sweeten it to the taste; pour it boiling on the Arrowroot and stir it till it thickens.
B041
Letter from M Marsh. (or James M.Marsh?)
-is coming to Eastbury. She seems to like it so much and was very much pleased with Georgy’s warm acceptance of her. I am sure she well deserves any pleasure in a day I am sure will be good for her.Elizabeth seems just the same. She cannot bear even Aunt R to talk to her about herself, and sits when she is not employed and looking really quite stupid. I hope she will be better for going to the races, but she does not seem to care about any body or any thing, and this state lasts so long, that is really quite alarming. Every body seems to know about it which is a pity I think, as I think on her own account it is very desirable to say as little about it as possible. I think she would feel it very disagreeable when she gets well if she thought every one knew how she had been. But it seems impossible to keep anything quiet in this chattering world. Indeed any one who we [visit?] could not avoid notice how – [smudges on letter] – her behaviour is to other people’s. I had a letter from Martin today. How happy he seems. He tells us that John will not be able to go to Eastbury. How tiresome. When do you go to Melford. I wonder what Mama could be so very kind as to write us a small line in the - - letter you send us. But do not ask her if she is tired and too busy. Thank dearest Gies-gies for her last kind letter. I heard from [Emily, Emis?] this morning. She seems to write in good spirits, so I hope she is recovering. Miss Sullivan’s, which I heard from Charlotte Holland, she had been suffering much from. Tell Georgy that I wrote to Jane the other day, who is now with Caroline at Gayton[?] and toldCharlottethat she was projecting[?] a voyage to the Moon for in search of the letter she expected from her.
Give my dearest love to Papa and Mama, the sisterhood, Grandpapa and Aunt Me etc etc. Aunt Georgy and also to the cousins.
Ever my [beloved comate?]
Your affectionate
[Fanny, James?] M. Marsh.
B043
Journal – Posy.
12 densely written pages with shorthand. Difficult to read. Condense version of trip to France and Switzerland
1871[?] with AC -
Tuesday August 4th.
Left Linley Wood (LW) and arrived at Charing Cross Station
Stopped on way. Morton and G Eden met us, had tea, slept there. Pointer met us at Euston.
Wed August 2nd by 8.30 Tidal train to Folkstone. Pointer saw us of, beautiful calm crossing, leftBoulogne, 3 American ladies in carriage, saw Prussians at (Criel?) (but?) no damage to be seen on arriving towardParis, delay of train, accident luggage train. Mr Beuguieres servant met us, drove to Hotel Larestin(?), Passage Madeleins, talk with garçons and ride on siege etc and revolution.
Thursday 3rd.
Dressed, A and I after breakfast to see Madeleine, funeral service. Place de la Concorde by Tuileries Garens, therein[?]Ministry de Fenaners[?]. Place Vendome, back to Hotel. M.Berguiere at 11.30 drove to Tuileries, got [dets, tickets?] saw ruins, Place Carousel, Louvre. St.Halles and the St Germain and Veux crois. Ruins Hotel de Ville. To Notre Dame in and up Tower. New stet Dieu. Rue de Lille by Rue de Bal. Ruins Public offices and Hotels in Rue Lille. Storm of rain before Rue du Roi[?], St.Chapelle and Palatin de Festive. Ruins and Pas Perdu. Torrents of rain and to Palais Royale to [transonic?] to Palais Royale again. Dined at Table D’Hote. Drive down Boulevards to Place laBastia. Traces of revolution and houses.
Friday 4th
Breakfast at 9. M.B. walked to Louvre. All good pictures gone, as also almost all good statues. Saw Henri [and?] room. Talk old Guaddiue and Blouse. Took carriage to Nue la Michodine, waited M.B. boat toSt Cloud, all ruins, through Park, battery, ruins torn Diaque to Sevre. Omnibus home, set walking, rain in boat, took Omnibus to Place de la Canende. Back to Hotel. [staned?] Boulevard Francoise? Dinner at 5.30. Ready 6. M.B. came, drove to Station. Gare de Lyon, Passed [Penier d’aboundance?] in ruins taking up macadam left and – in carriages a old [heachatdon?] brother and sister from [Fnols?] Officer, 21 and 1 more atDijon. Prussian building Gare. Officers and others left, 2 English gentlemen got in. Hardly any sleep.
Saturday 5th.
With day light as began to rise to Poulailier, splendid view overFranceand distant mountains,JuraRange, forests of Rines, [graigiey?] country. Magnificent descents by Val de Travees, customs at Perriers.Tours. Got out to another carriage. Pontalbin. Missed breakfast there. Through tunnels at intervals to Auvernier where changed carriages for Lausanne. Nantios, Lady and baby. Uninteresting but rich country. M.Bergeron and W meet at station. Walked up hill to house, detached in garden, English flowers. Apartment Annie had breakfast. I went out walking inLausanne, to shops etc. Splendid mountains[?], lake. Dinner, walk with M.B., the world, ourselves, future life.
Sunday 6th.
Breakfast in rooms. To Cln Ouchy after regular 2nd breakfast. Staid Holy Can: down to Beau Rivage to [det?] walked and sapatouts[?] up to 4 servicesSt. Francois, oled[?] no Communion, table, all seats to face pulpit. Apse fine, in to dinner. To bed early. Lovely day.
Monday 7th.
Lovely day, up at 6.15, breakfast, 7.30 left Lausanne by rail for Geneva and passed Coppet. Misty. Breakfast Hotel Burgues. Russians to bridge. Cathedral, Calvin Chair. Old fine, seats to face pulpit, no table. Up tower, splendid view, first glimpseMont Blanc. Took boat and stopped, cosmopolitan Germans, English, Swiss, French, Turk. Splendid Mont Blanc, valley, menarel lever Dourges? To Lyon, across again to [Sviau gohonts?] up to Clablefeenest. Brought up to Hotel. Jewels, no dinner, down, none to be got Hotel Mt.Blanc, half cabaret, quarreling people. Esplanade, sat under trees. M.B. fetched cakes. M. and Mde Maquet, boats, water, wooded heights, bare rock peaks, porters took boat to Tour Rond [Mecthenare?] to Vevey, valley Rhone Sous and Aigle, Monveons glaciers Mont d’Oche dents . . .dents du Midi. Grey shadows below, rosy peaks, setting sun, Vevey picturesque town, Hotel Trois Courevones, fairy scene, mine host and M.B. excellent dinner, empressement. Morning, Dents du Midi. Jastly, by rail to He: brilliant stars, towns with glowing lights on border lake. Now day, exquisite.
Tuesday 8th. [Lausanne, Switzerland]
Breakfast 1st, wrote letters, breakfast 2nd, in town shopping then drove to Signal by [torel, rail?] de Sauveau Blue, fine view from Signal. Cathedral, old tower, town, to Juca, to Don’t Doche, lake flat calm and oily, few boats, clouds rising, down valley and view on bridge, by St Francois, a casino, home, dinner, talk referention of society by Edumme, to be tried by safe members. Christianity, Roman Catholicism, but honesty, Christian like dishonesty, sacred nalism: read and letters after dinner.
Wednesday 9th.
In morning to walk to bazaar, shopping after breakfast [more words inserted??]. Annie, A.W and R to Chillon via boat, landed Torrelets and walked to castle, dungeons, rooms D and D of Savoy. Salle des Chevaliers Savoie, by row boat back to Vevey, shopped, M.B. met us, dined, table D’Hote, German, Turk, English, sat in Garden, coffee, Home by rail.
Thursday 10th.
Go bathe in morning up at 6. Packing Mr Pailletez in afternoon with A.B. and W to [Rlaidless?] and shopping, after dinner sat, met with M.B. talked of France, so divided [Pourie pemice?] out of which the flower of the future for the world. Children brought up to admire “sharp practice” and despise honesty, plans for Army.
B043
Friday 11th.
Mr Bruckner to early breakfast. –ed to rant on French Army, Alsatian, bitter anti-French: A and B shopping. Taking[?] [panks?] after 2nd breakfast to Les Plan by rail. Grand Hotel des Salines. Lovely route up to Les Plans. Dents du Midi, Grand Meurons, arrive at Chalet. Mr and Mde and Winterhalters, Mdlle Maquet, Mr Pierre Maquet and a little boy, Mona-ish, Music toilette.
Saturday 12th.
Breakfast, 7.30. after up Valley to Somees of Achuçour[?], too lovely, woods, mountains, milk at Chalet. Wood bowl, large spoons. Flower going up hill Mde Wailu: and MrB back with M.Winterhalter and M.B. Geology theories Sun, Moon etc etc. Talk of Germany with M.W. enthusiasm, acknowledgment other nations gifts, glad to be united. Badois in afternoon with A.B. [mch?] us rain, M.Pierre ill.
Sunday13th.
To Bex. To Church. W. walked, A.B., and I and Dr Du Laix, Righi rail. Lovely drive, sitting in Hotel garden. Chs introduced Mr W and Miss B all dine at table D’hote. Hotel des Salines. Sit in garden. Talk, men and women, Adam and Eve. Etc, back to Les Plans. Early to bed.
Monday 14th.
Lovely hot day. Work in arbour at climbing dress and A and I, Mr W and AB joined W with a paper. Miss Broughton Breaddn etc etc, Mr W, M.Pierre, Miss Maquet and M.B., very pleasant. 2nd breakfast Brookes, walk up valley, crossed stream, climbing hill 500 feet, down to cross [search?] of stepping stones although to make passage M.B. finds, all across, Mr SB, cows, alpine stock. Mr B recovers, very agreeable. Discussion roses, at Valley Richard [descented?] [shdly?] etc home, dinner, very merry B’s left after, M.B. Fauvier[?] small [marchand?] no fids, wonderful power, all have[?]
B045-right side
Faith in the harmonies, Light, Music, Astronomy. All day at business, evenings writing. Very self opinionated, could not stand being asked explications. Failed [reton?] M.B. for being confounded with B.Leinonica. Thunder at night.
Tuesday 15th.
Wrote letters and did up accounts. M.du Maguests, M.Pierre left before dawn. In afternoon all but Mr W to Monticulo. Iain, A.B., A., and Mr W to see Mde Kicks painting R and W home and M.B. conversation on religion with M.B. after dinner. Then in Daily News saw C.B. death.
Wednesday 16th.
Fine morning, up at ¼ to 6, breakfast 7,and started 7.30, A.B., A., Mr W, and W and J to climb Argintines via Valley Richard. Mr B toLausanne. Steep ascent. Flowers, conselves, glaciers, mist, lifting of mist, rocks and Mass water courses, climb of 4 ½ hours. Mist thick, grass, signs of goats, narrow top, Mont Lion Blanc. Must mists, clear.Lake Leman, Dent Toche. Diabeliers, Valley mist again, descent. Fall, hills, Mr W, find ourselves end of Valley. Great thirst, walk on [faie?] reach Chalet Richard, dark room, unpaved, lighted by [din?] copper cauldron, fire on hearth, no dining chairs. Tubs etc, beautiful clear primitive [press, pigs?] etc. Plank table, young man in charge, milk in small tub, wooden spoons. Bread and butter excellent, descart rain, home, lunch, stiffness. Then early to bed.
Thursday 17th.
Rainy day. Wrote to E.B., to L.L. and [loie?] worked and read. A.M.W and W to Goyon, lovely walk, religious discussion at 2nd breakfast.
Friday 18th.
Lovely day, letters in morning. After 2nd breakfast by Ravi’schar 4 ladies to Bex. Mr W and W walked. Lyndic and chalet at station to Vernayaz, by rail up Valley Rhone, Dominican Hermitage B Maurice first right of Cascade perfect grave. Undine Nymphs by Omnibus to Hotel de Payes de Frient. Passed cascade Eythuse of its fall, mist and lightness. ToForges[?] de [Lient?] Grand Paye, formed by affluence ofRhone. 5ft wide, narrowest part 50 ft deep. 50ft wide at widest, 30ft deep, no [ardere?] turn source lovely. Verdure light shrubs, ferns and plants and flowers pitching in rocks, sunlight, 3 pieces wood caught, more bring down woof for [sonlbe?] in branch Mont Blanc. Ladders from rock to rock. First saw one rapids at end. Dinner hotel German father and son. He at Forbach etc, impossibility to hold in German soldiers of [French, Tek?]: deduce war again, peace not too soon. Told Mr W. in evening, walked to Cascade after, more force and passion, exquisite. Turned back, walked across marshes to Martingny[?], quacking of ducks.Chamonix guides said were Troys called Caille. Bad air, gnats, back to Hotel. Travellers on mules, game of conglomeration. Tea. To bed.
Saturday 19th.
Lovely morning, up at 5, sunlight on snow, mountains. Velin, Sketched sunlight creeping down. Workmen about, opening windows, dining room. Balc. Breakfast, walk to cascade, enter, climb up, irresistible beauty, springs from mountain, falls in showers of falling stars of mists, a falling rockets. Strength and passion and so [steep?] exquisite grace and musical rhythm of lines got height, walk behind wind, wet rain bows. Fascination, view in Dents du Midi. Touching with loses beauty read for saw mills rushes rest over rocky stones, flung back with passionate desire for its birth place. Then career over still watery meadows and trees and to [it have?] back to hotel by carriage. [Enye roomy?] to St.Mansiu, pretty drive, arrive at old Castle bridge, rushingRhone, chalk and water quite [guilt, swill, thick?]
046 – right.
Thick, Mountains behind, red and white shutters. Tickets for gtte Gotte des Lees. Climb up hill, wait for guite, cold damp for mountain of Gortto Ranges. File one by one, [wrarylet?] by water from old glacier winding 600 metres, low, and high. Little steam dropping in cavities. Annie’s slip, lake at end. Branch 600 metres long, end ion [tunnel?] from want of fresh air keeps go not cannot proceed further. We return, descent. Breakfast at Hotel des Alpes. Hostess all in herself. Swiss bourgeoisie, fresh trout, dirty forks and knives. [Bagaine?] sold, some of Mexican foch; army to [Frances?] and pocketed money. Paid Mr W in francy[?] array informanto Annie Pelissici etc the same. Mr B said on Tuesday M.de.Movery advised F Emperor wait down after his death, paid of Mr B’s concession Spanish rail De Morny’s perquisite 500,000 frans before a thing done,[londs?] in two days demanding £250,000, pd £150,000, lovely drive to Bex. RhoneValley, up to lake, Deuli Doche, rich valley, mountains, right and left. [to for] Hotel de Salines, met M.B.. Bazaar, garden. A. W. and Mr W walked to Les Plans. A and M.B. Mr W Cora and I in basket carriage, very tired, early to bed.
Sunday 20th.
Lovely day. A, W and I inRavi’s car to Bex. Lovely, Dents du Midi and sums and glaciers of the Mrs Viliu, sat in Louden to de L- to Ch. Fair sermon. Staid Holy communion, good congregation. Dined at 1.30, Hotel des Salines, drove back inRavi’s car, walked a little. Sat in arbour, dinner, out after dinner, after four on Meurons, all back Mr W and I played at conglomeration.
Monday 21st.
Breakfast 7, started about ¼ to 8,the whole party to Villars up by Monticule, skirting slope Argentines, Lnn valley. Crossed Goyon river up again, splendid views down valley, Dent du Midi, Valley Rhone on left. Meurons after des Argentines Diableries behind and to right saw mills where and -eautifully situated Hotel de Gd Meuvrons. Splendid view, part of rangeMountBlanc, snow covered.[met Miss Guidnard on way to Folears]. Return by Gyon[?] Miss Guitgnard again, view water, view down steep descent to Gyon. Crossed bridge, up steep ascent to Monticule, lovely spot for Chalets. Lauches and Buches home. Gentlemen came to dinner. M.Pellichaudait, eldest Golles and Rodieux. Entrepreneir of railways M.P. distinguished Swiss by birth. Others Swiss [Propey?] made all Austria Moldavian, Hungarian rails and [coffs a get?] name. Difficulty of finding entrepreneur for new Hungarian rail, nobles give land, materials, wood and stove and take a number of shares. [Gt, Fr?] Capitalists provide money at a considerable percentage. Suez Canal would have been stopped from lack of money but Legislative Assembly voted 200 Million Frs. Harm the Jesuits have done and are doing inChina.
Tuesday [22nd?]
M.B. left forLausanne. Sketched Muerens all morning. Wrote letters afternoon. Political discussion with Mr W. King of Prussia nominates Upper Chamber. Lovely day.
Wednesday 23rd.
Lovely day. A., Mr W and W started at 7.30 with Estoppet to Peaks of Lexpixci[?] Worked, talked, read after 2nd breakfast. To Monticule. A.B. and I sketched and Mr W read. Stupid party, back about 6. Cards in evening.
Thursday 24th.
Painted [Henkial?]in arbour. A sketched. A.B. prepared mountain dress. Shameful paper Figaro. Paper most [hated, taken?] by the French. Lovely day.
Friday 25th. Mending all morning. A sketching. A.B. German lesson. At ¼ to 1 A.B., A., Mr W, Estoppey and Phillipe [Nearlazey?] as guides started for luanday on their
B047 – way to Diableries. Were to sleep at Aucinday and start tomorrow early, guides with knapsacks and cloaks on backs. Hatches at end of short alpine stocks. PM with to end. We all walked together as far as Pont de Haut. William to Lise to Chalet Richard, worked and talked with Mrs M on her own affairs, having discussed race etc, on way down. M.B. and Mdlle Macquet arrived. Mdlle M poorly, music after dinner. Poor, letter from Mary, Mrs Bright’s death. Letter from L.
Saturday 26th.
Lovely day, breakfast ¼ to 7, started forRavisix and Cora for Hotel des Salines. Basket carriage. Lovely drive to Aigle Meurons Argentines Diableries, tour Aie on right valleyRhone. Dents du Midi, Dents Doche on left. Old castle at Aigle, route to Thesso, valley narrows to precipitous gorge clothed with trees, Firs etc rushing torrent on left vineyards Zig zag road. Old destroyed heat bare rocks, woods, cascades eboulement, always mounting,DiableriesValleywidens with clothing of trees. Chalets thicken, rich meadows, creep up side of mountain sprinkled with chalets. Pepey shue de laid nice little village, Hotels Pensions cakes, skillet. Dents du Midi. Mount again valley widens, dark menacing aspect Diableries. Bare peaks. Large glacier. Semi circle cascades, valley of meadows. Rising up mountainside for , chalets, villages, narrowing to fir wood, widens out meadow then barren semicircle cascades, rocks, glaciers, peaks. Breakfast, Swiss German, English,[girls?]. I walk to Diableries. Look through chalets, meadows, by rushing stream. Girl making hay excellent weadle, surprise after [Ades?]goes up mountains through village, pains inscriptions on old houses. Through Fir wood. Sweet smell of moss, loudness roar of torrent waterfalls disappearing
File 048 – opens out in meadows always ascending, Chalet, [green?] trees, set down, silence, white butterflies, roar torrent, grasshoppers about ½ hour for base clouds on mountain to return. Milude. walk W. who with Mr W and Mdlle M to fish in river. Met post woman first inscriptions, vieux temps. 2 pastors Eg liberale es Nationale more to Nationale, large families, often 10, old times reach 14, never now. Lose no children. Health of place compulsory education, children uneducated, ne vaut rien. Sat by river W to [teach, tell] others. Did not fine [wills, bills] W to top of mound behind Hotel, talk, come dome down, sit in garden. Look out, presently Mr W, Mdlle M descried rush to meet them, all well. Tremendous affair, no danger having 3 conditions, fine weather, good guides, good walkers. A’s rapture, dress, dinner, Salon, games, to bed early. Splendid thunder storm rapidity of flashes, vividness roll thunder, damp sheets.
Sunday 27th.
Mist clears off, breakfast. M.B. relation [acknowledges?] M. Picard and friend. M W service, sermon, start for Bex, part with W’s, Mdlle M, A, W and I in basket carriage. B’s and W and Cora in carriage, dinner 20 minutes return of other carriage for missing portmanteau. On splendid scenery, lose diableriers, Don’t du Midi above clouds, depth of valley, stop for A to drink thirst on and after courses. Valley narrows, widens again, sides richly clothed with wood, old castle, Scotch style, valley Rhone Don’t du Midi, Dent Doche straight rugged mountain on left, down which 2nd zigzag in one place lu 4 [tonack 2nd?] arrived Aigle, people out walking, set of young people, tres dessus dessons, cheerful quiet gay look. Chargnzny splendid Chestnuts on 2nd beautiful view, valley Rhone on left, Dont Doche, Dents to Midi Range above St.Maurice, light, Diableries, Argentines, Dents de Moreles, on right mountains covered trees, rich look town, villas, [tirrond, Tyrol?] people, Gt Salines, in Salon rich lady in Jardin, elderly lady, children. At 6.20 B’s arrive per rail from Aigle basket carriage. A.B., A., Mdlle M, J, M.B., and W. in chair behind. Rose tint on Dents de Midi and clouds across it. Clear in front white goat. Foaming depths of valley on left arrive at last. M.B. walked, arrived, cheerful dining room. Mr, Mdlle and M Pierre Macquet dinner, tire, bed.
Monday 28th.
Lovely day. Reading and writing letters all morning after 2nd breakfast all the party but Mdlle M to Valley de Neut collecting plants with W., working and music in evening. M.B. left in morning. [Latin from R.?]
Tuesday 29th.
Lovely morning, clouds, uncertainty, start at 10am, all but Mdlle M, Estoppet as guide to Mt Gruenue[?] to [Henier?] Mount V steep through silver woods, then meadows to Chalet Javerue [Gavenue?] cows, bulls, goats, pigs, dirty men, Chalets clear up to rock above, sun, breakfast, cream, milk, up again, masses rock, meadows, woods pine, cliff up side rocky path, green smooth grass, sudden view. Donts du Midi in front, beneath Valley Rhone to left, Mont Blanc all snow, with Dents de Mordes behind, Gd Meurons, Tours d’Aie, Lake Leman in mist, face to left of Dents du Midi Dents Doche, Lake, marvelous beauty, heavy air in valley, lights, shadows, spurs of mountains hiking down.
B047
To valley, then perpendicular hills rising from valley. Fine woods, meadows, streams. Cascade Trient. Mounted to Point de C. Old blasted firs. Moss grass, bilberries. Sunlight over all splendid, descent very steep. 3 ½ hours ascent, 2 ½ descent. Got home at ¼ to 6, dinner, tired, work, to bed.
Wednesday 30th.
Lovely day, wrote to R in afternoon, game of croquet, all but me arranged if M.B. agree to go to Ammenface with M.B. and A.B., music in evening, Mr Brelurand.
Thursday 31st.
Lovely day, M.B. to Pex to Gd Hotel [Thuslerlakes?] Meeting Queen Holland, made to pay more than others for rooms, sketching valley all morning, after 2nd breakfast M and Mde and Mr P Maquet with W and I went up the side of the Cheville d’Argentines about ¾ way up. Steep ascent, grass and slope studded with trees likeEnglishPark. Lovely descent through Ravine near Lerne. Mr B returned for dinner, discussion as to [possibility?] of Deviil. Mrs M, A.B. and I after dinner chess, have one game with M.M., letters from C.C., E.B. and L.
Friday 1st.
M and A.B. left for Lausanne. Oberland people with things brought large manufactury at Interteshew,1000s of [francs, firs?] toAmerica,Africa. Journey from pere to end of September or October, according to weather. Sat at home Mand M and MBM and W up Chercoat, Annies fall, Dent Rouge very steep. Chess in evening. Lovely day. Wrote to Mama.
Saturday 2nd.
Lovely day, working all morning and billiards in afternoon, all walleur open, Monticule to Ferniciers to meet A.B. A excursion, music in evening.
Sunday 3rd.
Lovely day. A and I service. M P and Mlld M billiards. M and M out walking in afternoon. A.B., A., M and M., and I up Valley Richard. Lovely dvalle terms, crossing stream, Pio kiocus W to Rex. Had. M de Bu—ant Truiencute all morning rever the rest and consequences in evening.
Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com