Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
B124
Mr Marsh
To C Barton
invoice
1843
April – Share in beating and repair(?) (caipeb?) & repairing Do. -.2.6
Do in new Holland to roller blind, fixed with new brass bracket &c. -.5.0
May 22. Reparing castors to chair, screws. -.1.-
-8.6
B125
Letter to Marsh.
12 Abermarle Street
May 2nd, 1843
My dear Marsh,
I am sorry to say that I shall not be able to have the pleasure of seeing you on Thursday, as my father is obliged to put off the ball till next week in consequence of the Duke of Sussex being buried on next Thursday, and he is told it would be incorrect to have any party on that day.
I wished him to have it the day before, but he would not as he said there was not time to let the people come before. Have you done any holiday task, I have not made a verse, and I am sure I do not know what I shall do.
Believe me
Yours very truly,
John C Lock
B127
Letter from Louisa Marsh to
M. Marsh Esq,
Merton College,
Oxford
Note –
Commission (in red ink)
Martin Marsh Esq
Merton College
Oxford
(red ink) Existed(?) as sent by Wm Marsh.
Dear Martin (black edged paper)
The Post Office orders are just arrived and I have only time before the bag goes to say Mama begs you will send us one line/only one (Guinea?) to acknowledge the receipt of them.
Your ever attached
Louisa Marsh
Thursday, quite dark.
B129
Letter to Martin address to
Mr Martin Marsh
Mrs Horsford’s
Eton College
(from )
York Gate
13 October 1843
My dear Martin, I have delayed writing you intentionally, because I felt you would have writing enough of your own, and not less of that of others! But I now have great satisfaction to say to you that I feel and consider you have deservedly obtained great credit, and have merely suffered that disappointment which has arisen as far as I can judge by your not having taken the whole view of the case, for you had considered, “the travel(?) I conclude but as a subordinate point to the German (Grammar?) as I am sure I did, and all your friends here, I think and may assert you would have carried the whole!; and that at all events you have obtained great credit! And I am sure all your dear friends must think so! I should be grieved if I could think that upon full reflection you do not feel as I now state it! German, German, was I am sure considered by all, as the paramount object to be obtained! So my dear Martin think no more about it! I had the happiness of seeing your dear Father here to dinner yesterday, and stays with us today and tomorrow starts by the train for (Linley? LinHyde’s) intending to bring all home on Monday or Tuesday, except indeed I find dear Louisa is to remain some time longer at Mrs Eden &c. All also to remain for some time. Your dear Father appears pleased and satisfied that he took the trip to Wyhill Fair, he bought all the sheep he wanted. He looks very well, which I rejoice at, as Wyhill is a most exposed situation. I also am that he appears to think of your disappointment just as I do! The day of his Business at Wyhill like this was fine but the next day the 11th was a sad wet day for my old Farnham neighbours with their crops! I think he says he also bought some cheese there! God bless you my dear Martin, and I add Aunt Georgy’s love to that of your’s affectionately,
Wm Marsh.
I am in a hurry to go out though I feel it very cold.
B131
Mr Marsh
Bill
Mr Marsh D
1843
To Roth and HJ Crook
24th July 1(SaswSg?) Crown glass broke at the Revd
W Cookesley’s -.1.6
From January to July – Share of the Expence of Windows broken. -.3.6
£-.5.-
B133
Letter from Mary Lyons addressed envelop to
Martin Marsh Esq
Merton College
Oxford
(from)
10 Eaton Place
Tuesday (May 19th 1845)
Fair Sir,
I should be most uncurteous not to express my thanks for so speedily answering my few lines. Credit me I regret much the bad treatment you complain of, but if I have hurt your feelings it was quite unintentionally as I trust you are ere this convinced of, and as a farther proof of my sentiments towards you, I accept you as my knight and herewith send you my color which request you to wear in your button hole, and evermore swear that pink is the prettiest color, if you do not (usually?) (Murte?) so which I hope you do.
The Lady Saras is indeed a heavy charge, but for the sake of her brother I will not abandon her till she is again safe in the bosom of her family. We part tomorrow, and I feel Sarah, with all (my thy?) faults I love thee still. “the fair Georgina wrote me a few hurried lines yesterday under the excitement which the near prospect of a ball creates in all those fair damsels your sisters, her words were incoherent rather, as she says she shall be so delighted to see me but how when, and where, she in a remarkably (underhorse?) like manner fails to mention. However Saras [Sarai?] has already most courteously invited me to her sylvan domain and probably the sprightly Georgy may have that in her thoughts, therefore Sir Knight it is possible we may have the great pleasure, as you had the galanterie to express it, of meeting again, or please(?) certainly. Do you know that Miss Miggs came up to town yesterday to foot it feathy(?) in the festive dance? Also that my dear Mr Marsh is going to testify his fatherly affection in an almost unexampled manner namely by driving up to London and back next Thursday, to chaperone Georgy and Mary to a ball. I trust something will come of it that one or other of them will make their fortune. That might so reward him. I write all this in fear and trembling for I am dreadfully afraid of the jealousy of the Tortoise which in her, alas, for her unfortunate friend is sometimes awakened without any adequate cause. Consequently I know not what she might not say to me if she knows of this letter. I must send her a (compact?) and becrossed epistle by Louisa tomorrow, so whose spirits shall be obliged to have recourse to keep up my own. We have been so inexpressibly cosy together. You cannot imagine, she acting Penelope with an enormous piece of work which never seems to get any further and I with a book in my hand for appearance sake which I neglect for the charms of her conversation, of course this is a picture of us early in the day. My (Ladye?) Mother desires her kind regards and I remain my own true Knight yours with every sentiment of friendship.
Mary H Lyon
B135
Letter to Martin
Brook Street
Friday
Dearest Martin,
At last I shall have the pleasure of writing to you having reserved myself till I had been here as I hoped to have something more to tell you. We were in luck in having Harry here who is come up to eat his dinner, he looks very well and is in high form. I have engaged him and Frank for the St.Albans ball. I do hope Mr (Foctees?) and Garth will positively come. We are just come in from seeing the Lincolns Inn it is extremely handsome, the Hall very fine indeed but as I dare say when next you come toLondonyou will go there yourself. I will not trouble you with descriptions which I quite agree with you unless very well done are (immensely?) dull things. We had a party of young men to dinner last night, and very pleasant it was.Adelaide performed and was much admired and Fanny and I sung and terrific it was. Harry nods his head as I look up and desires just his love not knowing to whom I am writing and having ascertained who his (blessing?). Papa is come back quite mad about draining, he is going to drain the (graves, grasses, gases?) under Mr Pells guidance who comes to us about the beginning of January for that purpose. He is delighted, Papa I mean to say, with the farming of those parts. As to Louisa I don’t know when she intends to honour the fraternal roof again with her presence for she does not talk of coming back yet and is enjoying herself much. They say Papa looks very well but we girls missed him as we were down with theLyonswho are all very flourishing and with whom we are going to make an exchange of sisters Georgy going up to the Lyons and Eleanor and Blanche coming to us. Tonight we are bound for the French Play, Safous and Mode il Mare. You ever I was going to say you cannot imagine what pleasure it was to hear that you had passed as “Little Go” so very well. Mama as you may imagine was much pleased at the (Logie?). We were all so very glad to hear that Garth had passed his too. Mama is going to make an expedition down to Charles Crompton’s tomorrow to investigate all the froue and contros of theTempleand Lincolns Inn that beautiful Hall and Library make one long for you to be a member of theInn.Adelaidewas very desirous to write to you but I could not let her as I had not had one scribble to you yet, though she fought desperately
(letter ends?)
B137
Letter to Martin Marsh from his sister Louisa regarding the Gifford wedding.
HollandPark
May 2nd
My dearest Martin,
As I hear you would like an official account of Charlotte Gifford’s wedding I shall as nearly as I can give you the history from beginning to end. Louise Holland, Emily and I set out from Londonthe Wednesday in last week and arrived safely at Stroud whence and after having made a substantial tea we walked to Woodchester. When we arrive the party here all at dinner except Caroline and you may guess my astonishment when she told me that Georgy had arrived all alone from London, and to the wonder and admiration of every lady at her spirit. Charlotte Gifford was in her own room but after dinner when all were assembled in the drawing room she appeared for as short time and though dear child she was dreadfully nervous she looked very nice. Of course this evening was rather trying to everybody and spirits rather forced. After all dear Martin I am come to the conclusion that a wedding is a very horrid thing when it comes to the point though no doubt in the end it is a happy event. The next morning we breakfasted in our rooms and about ½ past ten assembled in the dining room, as Georgy Alderson had disappointed them as bridesmaid the morning of the day they asked me to take her place and therefore I was obliged to patch up a dress for the occasion and you see after all I performed that office for my dearest Charly which had it not been for a mistake it was always intended I should. I do not know whether you care for dresses, indeed I know you don’t but you should have them, the bride was in a white silk gown but and orange flower wreath. Two of the bridesmaids in white and pink and the rest in blue. After a short time the signal was given and we bridesmaids set off two and two walking to the church which is quite close to the house and met the bride who went there in the carriage with Mrs -, Mrs B (Baugt?) Allen and Lord Gifford. The (hall?) was strewed with flowers and there were crowds of people and also we being followed by the rest of the company. When we got to the churchyard we made a lane on each side to let Charlotte and Gifford pass and then closed in again and followed her to the alter where George Holland stood to receive her and then the service began and most affecting it was and very horrible too. So very awful. Poor Charlottewas very much affected of course and shook dreadfully and George Holland was not much better. At length however it was all over and they drove home and we walked back again and stayed (lanctering?) and talking about the garden till the breakfast was ready, it was a very pretty breakfast and went off very well and toasts were drank and speeches made, some of them very amusing. Soon after the carriage came to the door and Charlottehaving changed her dress they set off and George Holland became really and truly her guide and protector through life and certainly if there is a luck man in this world it is him and I trust he truly appreciated it. The gentlemen then went back to the dining room and shouts of laughter proceeded thence so I suppose they were being merry. After a little time they sallied out and some of us drove in the carriage and some walked to Lord Daces’s park which is most beautiful. In the evening we had some many dancing and so closed the memorable day in which I saw the earliest dearest friend of my childhood given away to another. We stayed at Woodchester till Monday where we enjoyed ourselves very much and came here on our way to Dumbleton and home again. We shall go to Dumbleton I think about the 12th or 11th for two or three days. I cannot tell you how happy we were at Woodchester and now having come to the end of the paper good bye dearest Martin. G desires her very best love to you and would have written if I had not. Your most affectionate,
Louisa Marsh.
Love to Frank.
B139
Letter to Martin Marsh at Miss Joyces in Hampstead from his mother. (1830s)
My dearest Martin
I have not been able to get you the books I promised you, but I hope to do it in a day or two. I have sent you the Praines(?) by Wadgton I was(?) to send, for your sisters are sure that you will like it, but as it is (Cowthorns?) book I must have it back in a few days and pray take care of it. I have sent you also a pair of dress shoes. Your Uncle George is I hope rather better. Willy is gone to Blupperth to make room for your Aunt Roscoe who comes here withElizabethon Monday. I saw my carriage on Monday and I hope it will come home tomorrow morning. It is very plain but in a very good taste and pretty, and very roomy for a carriage of that sort. I think it was the day that you went that Papa bought me a very fine horse to draw it which comes home today. I shall not forget to come and fetch you on Saturday week and then you may make your own judgment. Your Papa’s horse is very much admired by every one and will prove I had an excellent bargain. I am writing in bed, but very little is the matter and I hope to be quite well tomorrow. I hope you are very good, working very hard and being very happy. All your sisters desire their love. Ever your most affectionate mother, Anne M.
My kind regards to Miss Joyce.
B141
York Gate
Monday
Please dearest Martin, don’t think me very shabby but Aunt Georgy has got no note paper and besides I think I am in conscience bound to use her use her worst. You wretched young man!! You left your waistcoat behind after all though I did it up in paper and laid it on the table for you, I dear say I carelessly though forgot to tell you of it. Saturday I spent the day at Mrs Edens where of course I had a most pleasant one. She asked me to go there again some evening this week but I am really horrified at the till of cabs I am running up for Mama and so must unwillingly have written to tell her I cannot come. It really is horrid work being a girl in London and not able to move anywhere by oneself. Tonight I go to a party at Lady Aldersons. They asked me to go there on Saturday to meet Emily but I could not. Emmy has written to me again to press my going to Brook Street so I suppose I must go which I shall like to do much. How stupid they are about Posy. I gave a most desperately broad hint about her in the note I wrote to Emily but without any effect, I suppose Posy is too brilliant. It can be the only reason I should think and Mrs Holland considers me a safer a kind of animal. It really is very provoking but certainly Posy is a little bit of an enchantress. I had a scrap from Eastbury the other day but written just after Papa and Mama had returned from St Albans and nothing said as to whether they had succeeded in their appeal or not. I was frightened the other day by hearing that the poor’s rates would not be taken as any (cortance?) as to the value of the property as they were almost always taken at too low a value. I do hope this may not prove true. I fell much better for Mr Stone’s medicines. I only hope their good effects may continue. I will send your waistcoat with your shirts. I have had a letter from Miss King who seems delighted with hers. I will write to you again dearest brother before very long and hope I shall have something more entertaining to tell you. In the mean time,
Believe me your ever affectionate,
Louisa Marsh.
The cook behaved shamefully. She was engaged and on the day agreed upon which she should go down to Eastbury if her character suited, when the next day she called to say she had changed her mind for she had got a place in a nobleman’s family. However I heard afterwards from Mrs Eden who knew her former mistress that she was (fired, sacked?) for her bad temper so it was a good riddance to bad rubbish.
Love to Frank.
B143
Letter to Martin from his Mother AMC
Master Marsh
10 Miss J
Mixed
(Page missing?)
Fleas hold a little horse hair in their paws and this horse hair is dipped in sulphuric acid, and when they touch the touch hole of the cannon with it, it fires it. There are two fleas saddled like horses and a little tiny figure like Napoleon rides on one, and a tiny Duke of Wellington on the other. I have just finished reading to your sisters a beautiful play, the Oedipus of Sophocles. Sophocles wrote in Greek, you will I hope read him in Greek some day. We read him translated. Poor Oedipus killed his father Lauis without knowing him, and then in his despair and grief put out his own eyes. He was King of Thebes. Look in the map for Thebes, it is not very far from Athens. I hope my dear child you do not forget to say your Collect every morning. I never forget to pray to God for you, night and morning that he will make you a good boy. Write to me when you have written to your father and your Grandfather. Write to your Grandfather first. Do you want more paper. You most affectionate Mother.
B145
Letter addressed.
Master Marsh.
My dearest Martin,
I have ordered Peter Parsley for you and I hope you will like it. I am just setting off for Linley and hope to be back again next week. In five days you will be home to your sisters. Pray take a great deal of pains to write your Latin (and services?) perfectly and well. You must be very careful to understand your rule. The time is out, ever dearest Martin, your most affectionate Mother.
B147
Letter to Martin Marsh on black edged paper by his sister Louisa with interjections from Mary.
Eaton Place
Tuesday
Louisa is perfectly insane. I am quite worried about her (Mary’s writing)
My dearest Martin, HEM & M
Mary Lyon desires me to say she hopes you have mended the hole in your shoe. By this you may see I am staying at Lady Lyons where I came on Wednesday evening. Emilia and Blanche at Eastbury. I don’t (know?) when I am going home but I suppose some time. Do you mean to come home, (at some tide, I don’t know which but you do) if you only mean to come and see us for the pleasure of going to London I much fear we shall not have the immense, the supreme, the inestimable benefits of seeing you my dear brother as I think that plan seems from the dreadful disease which the Marsh family suffers under to be put an end to, you know what I mean. I suppose the atrophy of the place. I have been twice to see the Exhibition which this year is I think much better than I can remember it for some time back. There is the picture of Landseer’s the “Battle Scene” I think or some name of that sort which I think one of the most beautiful of his productions, though the picture is only composed of two dead horses and three riders. This morning we went with William Lyon to hear the bank play and see the Grenadiers maneuver and the sight filled me with military ardour. Certainly there is nothing like military and Church music, they seem as if they were really of some use in both these places and not a mere ornament, if I may so express myself. Am not I getting grand in my style and topics, quite a la Madame Sevigne in spite of that impertinent little postscript or forescript which the fair Mary has put at the top of my letter. I must tell you that really and truly Mrs Harris has offered to come and see me and would have gone to Eastbury last Saturday had I been there, all my home news is by this time very stall so what shall I tell you next. Oh, last week I dined with Mama at Sir William Milman’s. Papa would not go as he did not like to leave his task when the time came so Mama and I sallied out alone. There were to dinner Mr and Mrs Partridge, another old man and youngish wife whose name I forget, Mr and Mrs Took and Mr Drury. I sat between the nameless old man who was deaf and Mama so you may imagine what a lively dinner I had, added to the consciousness of looking like a great goose sitting there saying nothing for after four attempts at conversation made upon the old man I gave over the affair in despair. Maise (Marie?) Milman had amazed herself like a grasshopper which had rather a curious effect, she had on a bright green silk gown trimmed with green and green velvet round her neck and a green ribbon round her hair juzy done! The tea is ready dear Martin so good night to you, I know I have written a most foolish stupid letter but pardon me it is my best effort to night. William Lyon desires to be remembered to you.
Your ever affectionate sister
Louisa Marsh.
Mary sends you every message that can with propriety be sent.
B151
Letter to Martin Marsh addressed
Martin Marsh
Captain Remingtons
Sea Terrace
Blackheath.
My dearest Martin,
I was very glad to get your long expected letter at last but do not wait for opportunities to write to me. I think nothing too much to pay for your letters on these long separations which I regret so much nothing is so great a comfort to me as your journal letters. Your account of the coronation interested me much and I was glad to see it written much more legibly than heretofore. I had been (fidgeting, forgetting?) about your seeing this good sight, but did not know how to manage it. I am now very sorry more of your sisters did not enjoy it. From what I saw of the coronation of William the 4th I had no idea it would be so splendid a matter till we were the better for it was on seeing Marechal (Marshall?) Soult pass through to it. Two very fine Steam frigates, French, came to meet him here. They were fine ships of war, beautifully built, indeed the French meet us in the art of building ships. In the war they used to build ships for us to take and the finest builds in our Navy were captured. These vessels were really superb. We went on board one with Captain Kinnersly who introduced us to the officers, very gentlemanlike, agreeable men. We saw the ship in beautiful order and the steam engine was the finest thing of the sort I ever saw, shining like gold and silver, and placed in a large room so agreeably that it was in itself a spectacle. It was not from England but was made at Arras. We saw Marechal Soult very well, he is a fine, stern military looking man. A man of very great attainments in all ways. One of the very best informed men in France. It was an exciting thing to see the universal enthusiasm the sight of a great man created. The Clarks dined with us that day, they came over for a little change. Do you recollect their eldest son Nat, he is just returned from Cambridge crowned with Laurels. He has carried the Gisborne fellowship which is given to the first Classic who is in the first class of Mathematics. In Mathematics he carried all before him and was far before any of his year. There was a man from Harrow, so excellent a Classic, that he was expected to carry all before him, he was first and Clarke was 2nd but as the Harrow man was so low in Maths that he could not get into the first class. He lost the prize. Clarke carried it by 1st Math and 2nd Classic, to the inexpressible delight of his father and mother. You seem to me to be getting on very well in Classics and I hope to know by experience when you turn comes the exquisite joy of seeing you distinguish yourself. Johnny Gifford is working like a horse, and promises to be very clever indeed. BennetLayton who is now six foot high goes with the army. Write me a journal, my dearest boy, and send it me soon. It will not be long now before I have the joy of seeing you again. Every your most affectionate mother.
B153
Letter addressed Mats Marsh from R Rede Rede.
My dear Boy,
I fear there will be a great sameness in my letters to you, but this I hope you will forgive and believe me when I assert that I feel a warm affection for yourself and dear companions and to prove this I am most anxious for your welfare, those who love you a little are anxious about you for a time, and after a time forget you, but I love you much and therefore am anxious for your eternal welfare. I should delight could I hear you were making the enquiry “what shall I do to be saved.” You my dear friend I should rejoice and feel you had received a blessed portion tho’ you were stripped of every earthly good if a heavenly gift were yours, if the Lord lift up his countenance upon you. I will ask for nothing more. God is your Father and tho’ each tribulation and crosses may be yours you will be safe and rich indeed. May this be the case with you. May your soul be enabled really to call God your Father and I will be content.
Your affectionate
R Rede Rede.
C009
How beautiful the Lake of Lucerne looked from our Hotel window, a court full of flowers, the road with many and various vehicles passing up and down, an esplanade planted with rows of scarlet Horse Chestnut under which the people lounge and sit. A mingled hum of voices and feet pacing along upon the gravel. There the lake, clear and still, the colour of milled chysophase and soft blue green (small words interposed). The – opposite – fringed with villages and chateaux, farms nestling in the trees which stood up dark against the bright green sunlit meadows. These mountains stretching up in high swelling hues covered these with thick dark woods and behind them rising half way up your vision of the sky, a range of snow capped mountains with a wonderful variety of peaks of all shapes and forms. At that distance you (earnestly?) (‘hardly’ crossed out) perceive that what look like barren rocks are really (‘almost’ crossed out ) to the snow line. There they are not their precipices in which a fly could hardly hand, covered with a carpet of short trees (grass?) embroidered with a profusion of intensely rich coloured flowers. You only learn that, when you get upon them, at this distance they look very grand, very severe, hard and cold, like trials [‘unsurmounted in the distance’ crossed out] look when coming on but which when surmounted are found to be the bearers of the flowers of perfection. One does not take in at first the great height of these mountains but they are 12 to 14,000 feet high, those we were looking on close, to our right were at the extreme West end of the lake. This, the town of Lucerne, with its new bridge – grey stone across the river Reuss, which falls here out of the (the, du?) lake (small words inserted) its curious old covered wooden fort bridges (‘painted in Led’ crossed out?) whose roof is lined with – old paintings. The striking old castle with its round towers with – spire roofs, then its good streets of well built solid houses of white and grey with green (weather?) blinds thrown back on each side of every window, its centre rises slightly from lake and river and it is backed, to the right, by that amongst such mountains you can only call hills, but which we should call mountains. South West rises abruptly from the midst of warm wooded hills Mt Pilatus, a stern mountain of deep cold grey rock, precipice, piled above precipice in hard sharp lines. Rising at last to a central peak which we seldom saw for it seemed habitually – itself in dark grey clouds. It has a weird uncanny look, as if (‘it had been blasted by’ crossed out) there some terrible human act had been done which had blasted it for ever. Tradition saysPilatus banished by the Roman Emperor to this, then, remote wild colony from that had committed suicide. Now let us turn to the East, away stretches the clear blue water, it (mutto, sweeter? ) side as I have described to north with soft mountains with roads and meadows to their tops, villages, chateaux, chalets in their trees and – gleaming bright. Alone the waters edge you cannot see (rdy?) to the end of the lake. The mountains seem to close it in, really it goes on for miles, then takes a sharp turn due south and ends at the foot of the St Lothard Mountains. At the west end the lake the lake widens stretching north east and south western (‘it narrows very much again as it stretches to the west and on this branch at the end of this lies Lucerne crossed out) but this we do not see from Lucerne for the mountains block the view. Amongst these rises the Righi, green to its top, wooded up its side, a kindy mountain which people have gone up for years past to see the sun rise, and which we shall go up rather than Pilatus though of late that has been the favourite of Mr Townsend(?).
It was Saturday 14th June we arrived atLucerne. Sunday was a lovely day. We woke early. How glorious was the view. The sun was rising and turning the white snow on the mountains a soft delicate pink, it lasts but a short time for as the sunlight creeps down the mountain sides chasing away the dark night, bathing in golden light, woods meadows, villages till touching at last on the lake, makes it sparkle as with countless diamonds. The rose tint fades off the meadows and it is white but glistening. We went to the service of our own Church held in a Church kindly lent by the Protestants of Lucerne. In the English after they have held there own. One must go abroad thoroughly to know the inestimable blessing of our Church and of our Queen and Constitution. Woe to us if we are unfaithful to these blessings. In the afternoon we went into “Gadune” belonging to the Roman Catholics.Lucerne is one of the R.C. cantons. It lies up behind the ch: which stands at extreme each end, a steep pull up to it and it is finally reached by a wide flight of steps, and where we had been to hear the famous organ which however was not played. How bright that (“Jadiacea” ?) was lying in sunlight on the slope of the hill, its two free stone crosses and many black wooden ones, rising out of a sea of pink flowers and snapdragons, looking indeed like the burial place of those who believe in the glorious resurrection (‘of their beloved’ crossed out). The grey stone, black wood crosses reminding of how that victory was won, the flowers like the joy of countless (inquinds?) of souls springing up at their feet. We sat there some time, (in small letters –‘ – of people were quietly visiting them’). Opposite us the cross and grave stone of a mother, wreathes were lying on it as on so many, presently and quietly and reverently came up an elder sister and two little ones. They had their fresh wreath, laid it on the grave, stood a few seconds in silent prayer, dipped (‘their fingers into a little stoop for holy water, crossed themselves’ crossed out) and passed away. The view is excellent (?). We strolled on up through a gate into open meadows. A gentleman’s chalet, or villa as we should call it on either side, the gardens bright with flowers. The town and lake lying far down at the feet. Pilatus towering on our right, in front the (Aberland crossed out) mountains rising from the lake and behind stretching away snow capped peak behind snow capped peak The lofty mountains of the Ober land or Highland. A shower came on and we took refuge under the wide projecting eave of a poor sort of house, seated ourselves on a rough wooden bench, and one watching the clouds trailing over the mountain sides with snatches of bright sunlight lying (before?) us when up came the two old mistresses, old and very ugly and very stout they were, carefully but very poorly dressed for their class, which by the cut of their dress was above the peasant (‘class’ crossed out) but their – old faces beamed with kindly welcome as we made our excuses and asked permission to remain where we were until the shower was ended. One quickly took a key out of her pocket and speedily came out with a jar whilst the other brought glasses and water. They, dear hospitably souls, were anxious to refresh us with their best, honey and water and very refreshing it was when after they had mixed it, we drank a draught. They told us they were sisters alone in the world and had a hard matter to live. They had just come back from Vespers in the Church below. We chatted until the rain ceased and then after an affectionate leave taking and the usual English remembrance for which they were too thankful not to make ones heart ache a little for them. We strolled away back to our hotel and to our own evening service, held as before and where Americans and English meet together to offer their worship to him, the fringes of whose Vesture(?) we seem to touch in the glorious beauty around us.
Monday 15th at 8 we take the steamer for Righi. It is well filled, this steamer, of much nations apparently. English, Americans, Germans, Swiss, French. We are all bound for Righi, some to pass the night to see the sunrise, which we cannot do for we must start at 5am tomorrow forItaly. We are too busy I think looking at the beauties we are passing to take much time to look at each other. It is a succession of lovely scenes, each hundred yards we make changing the look of mountains and lake. It is a bright morning and everyone is in holiday humour so we steam on touching now at that place, now at this to set down and take up passengers. Here we are at last all too soon, some of use think for it is like fairy land. Steaming quietly along through beauty we all get out though all Righi bound. The steamer goes on up the lake. We are to go up this steep mountain side of (4,000?) feet, go up it by rail. It looks incredible as you throw back your head to see the top, which is yet not the top and that you cannot see by reason of the height of what you are standing under. Well it looks very like going up the wall of a house. We have to wait as the carriage which is to take us up is on its way up with another load. It will be back soon. Meantime I will describe the rail and its engines and carriages. There are three rails laid down, the centre rail is crossed. The engine and carriage, for there is only one carriage have besides their outer wheels, three inner wheels placed under the centre of the one in each end and one in the middle. These wheels are cogged also and catch the centre rail so that it is impossible for engine and carriage to slip backwards or what seems to me on returning almost more possible, fall forwards. The carriages are like our third class carriage. Only quite open sides to see the views, much wider and much larger. They hold about 30 people. The engine, I have heard well described as a huge (intobrute?). We strolled about through the village which looked very well to do. There was an hotel and what they call a restaurant. That is a place where you can get yourself restored by food. A quarter of an hours delay and through the tunnel comes our engine and carriage. We all get in and now begins our marvelous ascent. You feel exactly as if you were being dragged up a high, very high pitched roof as you keep mounting and the glorious view opens more and more upon you. You forget everything but it. It cannot be described, vaster, grander, more glorious it seems to grow every minute until you hold your breath and wonder for a moment whether you are really in pour world. The rail when we were there only went up half way, now it reaches to top of Kulm. So we had to get out and were there besieged by a crowd of men and boys with horses and mules to ride and offers of carrying up bags and wraps, all which we refused and set off to walk. A stiff steep walk it was as we had to get up 1000 feet. Soon we came up on the flowers. One of the party was a plant collector, but had forgotten to bring anything to dry them out for all that blue gentians, primroses (ednud?) aurieulas flowers pink lilac, white and new forms and shapes to say nothing of colours. All lovely were not to be passed by so down on the knees and with the help of a pen knife kindly sacrificed and fingers up some were got and then on toiling and panting up and up collecting plants, turning round and sitting down and feasting our eyes on the rich wealth of beauty around us all
C013
Letter to Martin Marsh-or from
Martin Marsh Esq.
Mrs Horsfords’
Eton College
Bucks
Eton College
My dearest Mother,
I will begin this journal with an account of our breakfast at Hawtreys (Edward Craven Hawtrey, 1789-1862 – Headmaster of Eton 1834-53). We went at about ¼ to 10 and the Doctor and his two sisters received us. Hands were shaken and the Doctor bowed very low. I had seen one of his sisters at one of the water excursions with the Aldermans last summer so a footing of acquaintance was soon all established between us. Breakfast was served immediately, very handsomely in appearance but deficient in solids. There were rolls of butter and a few slices of tongue and some sausages, tea and coffee. Nor did the conversation make – [C016] - amends honorable for the deficiency of the (viands, various?) for Etonians however polished at home when they meet in small parties with their headmaster are so stupid that they defy all attempts to draw them out, to the whole weight of conversation fell on Whymper and I. We talked firstly of College improvements etc. This was very slow. The Doctor changed the theme and (sang?) of the Chinese War, the Chinese Exhibition and was (droll, doll?) eloquent and amusing on this lead. Miss Hawtrey broke in once into the conversation in a very spirited manner and observed that if a Chinese Ambassador came to England how funny it would be and upon this (birely?) sally on the part of our fair entertainers a suppressed titter found its way round the table. FromChinawe suddenly pitched onGermanyandFrance. Here Whymper and I shone forth resplendent and no doubt the Doctor was much struck with the deep knowledge we displayed of (mankind, marking?) and how much travel have brought us out. If we did not it was his own fault. I have (?) we travelled (mentally) to the Landes in S.France and soon found ourselves on Stilts. It was observed that it must in very good fun walking on stilts. But then the question presented itself, how do people get upon the stilts? Various were the suggestions hazarded in order to solve this knotty point. At last some bright star conjectured that they (busbled?) on the stilts then got their backs to a wall and so raised themselves to a perpendicular and after this animated struggle walked away -
[C015left] - (if they could) my addition, Sotto voce it never seemed to enter his head. Thus ended a soul stirring conversation with a long dreadful pause. At last the despairing Dr started up and said ‘come look at your books!’ Accompanying the question (emplored) with a (drearily?) smile much as he alone can give. We saw the books and were in raptures. He explained various curiosities in the room to the curious (and said he has some really interesting models etc) but at this moment, when the spirit of conversation seemed about to redawn upon us the Church bells were ringing and we went away shaking hands. 2nd edition a brief bow and our acquaintance with Hawtrey except as master and pupil had (cored?) till another pleasant morning of the same description! And such is the high state of discipline atEton. But we all left Hawtrey convinced that he would floor us at any time and on the shortest notice although we had sat at his festive board
[C015righvertical] – not 24 hours before the affable host and amusing Cicerone glides back into the stern Headmaster, the centering flogger our acquaintance with this interesting man as but as it were a Eolden dream too soon to be dispelled by birchen terrors. So it is at Eton as in the army the moment you tread on hisTurkey or put your legs under his mahogany your are his friend. But the red door to his dining room once closed if the green door, his courtyard, has but sullenly and sulkily tried to graze your heel as you go out the relation ceases. You are again Master and pupil. The soldier that has stormed the breach [lad?] conquering heroes gains praise form and is introduced into the presence of his general but let that general catch him at plunder or asleep on his post he’dd hand him to the next tree with the greatest satisfaction and as I have said before so it is at Eton. But I have spun this out to a great length and I am -
[C016leftvertical] – afraid not much with purpose but when I had described any occurances they are facts for a breakfast with Hawtrey is not one of the fastest things going, only it is of course a distinction and [dearest mother?] good night. Tuesday, it rained all day and I have hardly been out but I am sapping hard at rest of Greek Iambic which [cont?] me so much time and trouble that I am nearly worn out. However I said I could do them and so I have or at least am. It does rain so hard and so incessangly, patter patter, patter broken along by the rapid turning of my [lracon leurs?] as I rent[?] out a particle or look high and low for an epithet for have a price of Thompsons Irasons to to learn and my tutor, in his off hand way, says “Oh it is just great[?], you’ll not have any difficulty about it,” and it is not only quite Greek, but it is quite Hebrew to me. Horace[?] I do then a good lot [even?] then I did my [bartones?] so there is a comfort about them for in that ratio I shall improve in the third copy and soon. I has been nothing but Iambics and rain all day and I am very sleepy and tired so I will stop for this night. I had too a letter from Posy fromBrighton. She says that it is a very beautiful places and seems very comfortable there too. Buono Noche.
Wednesday. A whole Holyday. It has not rained so much today so to make up for want of exercises I took a good stretching run after 12 in the feeble attempt to catch the [C015] stag hounds. I got your kind letter today and will not answer it. I am very glad that the plumbs were so sweet to you but I am sure that they are also very sweet to me and at no time more so than when I am [writing?] them to you. I am also delighted to hear that Papa takes an interest in my getting on in games of skill etc and thus I find I am of his opinion, very that what is called at Eton, a [Skin? Seine?], is not a desirable character. This means a boy who can alone attend to his books and is no earthly use any where but over a lexicon or a passage in the classics. My speed I have forgotten to [send?] you but when I have time I will write it out well, plain and legible on purpose that you may not get any angry with its illegibility and so before[?] with anger with the style.
C017
Letter to Martin Marsh from his grandfather William Marsh
Mr Martin Marsh
Mrs Horsford’s
Eton College,
Bucks.
(doodle of a face on it)
BlackheathPark
Saturday 23rd May 1840
My dear Martin!
You no doubt know all abut your dear Father’s trip, or rather, sail, or in truth both, with his old friend Sir Hyde Parker, but he may not have had time to write you from Harwich and therefore (at the same moment I say, that if during his absence, anything should occur that you wish to communicate, write to me or your Aunt Georgina promptly. I say this, because I am sometimes gone to Town before our General Post comes in and do not return ‘till too late for our last Post out.) Along winded Parenthesis, but your dear Aunt and Mrs Telford are talking to me, and so I shall leave you to make it out! In one word I will send you a copy of his letter to me from the above place and then you will know as much as I do!
Harwich, Wednesday 25th May 1840
I arrived here yesterday by the Orwell Steamers at ½ past 3, having leftLondonBridgeat eight, which as the distance is 92 miles, speaks well for the Orwell’s speed! I went on board this yatch immediately and Sir Hyde joined us from Melford in the course of the afternoon so we are all now assembled. Mr Mills, on of the Party came down with me in the Orwell. The other is Mr Granville, a relative of Parker’s. I think we shall sail today though at this moment ½ past 7, there is little or no wind, and what there is comes from the wrong quarter, North. However, we shall I dare say go to sea and look for a wind. Our first destination is I believe theMandallRiversituated in the Southern part ofNorwaysomewhat to the West of Christiansand (?) but where after that I know not. The object of the Party being Salmon fishing, I conclude that we shall be directed by the movement of the fish. If you write to me however, I think that the best point of direction would be Gottenburgh, orCopenhagen, but then if we go North from the Manhall, I shall not receive letters so directed until our return. Our little vessel is I think as comfortable as a floating Residence can possibly be made, and she is the admiration of all who see here for her qualities and beauty. “My love to Georgey, &c”
And now, whilst I am writing I have another letter which I will also copy.
Harwich,
Friday 22nd May 1840.
I write to say we are still lying very snugly here for I fear that the late gale, indeed I may say the still continuing gale, will make you a little anxious about me. At present there is no appearance of a change and we should run back again to theThames, if there was not so terrible a sea running outside, and if we did not think that as the wind is (nee?) should be stopped at the Nose. Here we lie very quietly. I will write you again my dear father from the first place we touch at from whence it may be possible to dispatch a letter”
But as this morning the wind has happily changed to SW and quite warm and delightful company so yesterday I do not doubt they will have sailed, and I hope they (and we) may have a long continuance of fine warm weather! We are in expectation of hearing any day from Chanceaux andBoulogne, as I think your Aunt ME! Will be at the latter place by this time!
We have rather an unpleasant occurrence here just now. You may remember a worthy blind old woman of the name of Gray, formerly, a faithful and attached servant of my late dear Mrs Marsh’s, and who always came down in the summer for a month or six weeks. Being so completely blind a young woman who has now been with her since she was 10 years old, and had truly become her “right hand,” had got out Health with some internal complaint and was an Out-Patient at St. George’s Hospital, but as she did not get better they said she must become an In-Patient, and I sent her a letter accordingly and at the same time wrote poor Gray she had better come and pass her holidays here whilst the poor girl was in the Hospital. This was last Wednesday fortnight, when our friend Miss Bennett kindly brought her down here. But the worry and anxiety the event had given her (as she is much attached and with reason to the poor girl) brought on a fever and when she arrived I really thought she would not have lived 24 hours, and it took tow or three persons to get her out of the carriage and up stair to bed, and where poor soul she still is. However, the fever is subdued and she is much better but miserably weak and indeed has for the last year been visibly declining, and the age of 71 under these circumstances I think there is great doubt whether she will ever again quit this house alive! But all that Human means can do, we shall do for her! Your Aunt Georgy is gone with Mrs Telford to Woolwich! I have just recollected that I do not know your address correctly, and if I cannot find it on her writing table, I must either lose this Post and of course you from hearing from me, until Tuesday. But I will make a guess, and as you must have had many letters since you were at Eton, the Postman will be at no loss to safely deliver this. In haste as you will perceive, but always your affectionate Grandfather,
William Marsh.
Dear Georgy has omitted your address in our Direction Book, and so I will take the chance of this finding you, as there is no Treason in it, indeed I have little doubt you will get it tomorrow.
Luckily dear Martin, I have found your address after a long search!
C22
Eastborough.
Thursday
My dearest Martin,
George and I do not quite clearly comprehend about the two ½ crowns you left in my charge. George says that you intended 1 to be given to the Game Keeper for the fox and I understand that the 2 were to pay for the repairing of the pen will will you be so good as to enlighten us on what you intended by the means of a letter. We had a most successful day inLondonparticularly as Georgy and I got two beautiful bonnets given us by Miss Morrison. Georgy looks “Killing handsome” in hers. Dear Jimmy was so disturbed not to see his dear man come back that I was obliged to have him sleep on my bed dear dog. Such a dear you know he kept rolling off from your pillow but on the whole was rather happy. Papa is going if he can to sell 50 of the sheep to his railway friend Mr Hill either for 12/ picked or 10/ run off apiece of course. The paddock just round the House had grown quite green but the wind is horribly cold and keeps back the rest of the field. Lizzie Pell came up to bid us farewell with Mr and Mrs Milman yesterday. She does not intend to go to Wilbarton at all in about a month she comes to see us. I hope it will be put off till you come back. Georgy had a letter yesterday from Jane Gifford with a full account of the wedding. Quite a high lift affair, 7 carriages and four. 30 to dinner, almost all high lifers. I think from George Holland must have been and felt a little out of his element. Lord and Lady Gifford came up toLondonfor the Spring Season. The Dowager as Jane calls Lady Gifford and the two girls come to us in May. I heard from Emily this morning, she says Harry is quite overwhelmed with the multiplicity of the work he had to get through for the scholarship and he is in despair at his friend Holroyd’s having lost his. Frank she says is going back toEtonso I suppose they have decided to open the school. Louisa wrote your civil excuses yesterday to the Willingstates for your absence at dinner today alas poor people I fear they must be disappointed at so great a loss. Mama and Louisa are working away at the History. Mama had a very nice note from Miss Elizabeth Wedgewood this morning on the subject of
Must be another page somewhere of this letter.
C24
Envelope – Marsh Esq,MertonCollege.
C25
Printed form.
Aliusque et idem
VDB
The favor of your Company is particularly requested at the next Convention of the Apollo University Lodge of Free and Accepted Mason N.460 which will be held at The Masonic Hall on Wednesday next at 2 o’clock P.M.
Anno Domini 1846 Ann AEx Arch 5846
C.J. Meredith W.M.
P. Williams Sec
The Lodge will meet at 2 o’clock for Raisings and at 7 o’clock for Passings and Tutiation.
C26
Letter to Martin Marsh at Miss Joyce’s, Hampstead from his sister Louisa.
My dear Martin,
We have not sent you all the string for your reins but only part and when that which Hannah now brings is worn out you can send for some more. I hope that you will find your whistle (strike?) and that Lushington will be able to hear you from one end of the heath to the other. Mrs Robinson’s little boy has been very ill for some time and it died at about ten o’clock on Sunday night, Peggy was taken soon after, very ill with the Scarlet Fever so you see Mrs Robinson has many troubles. Pray dear Martin do no forget to collect seals for Jane Gifford you had better get them all sealed on one piece of paper and then you will not lose them. I could not get to talk to you at all on Sunday but when you come home we shall have a nice talk together. – all the dogs are quite well and so I believe are the cats. Mama desires me to say that she has a headache or she would have written to you, having no more room I remain ever dear Martin your very affectionate sister, Louisa Marsh.
Mama will write next week.
C28
10 Eaton Place
Dear Marsh,
I am very sorry to find that I shall not have the pleasure of seeing you at Cambridge. I stll hope to hear that you can manage to come day before the 25th. It will make no difference to me which it is. I return there I hope on Wednesday next. Such a wretched day, rain all hours.
With kind remembrances to your sisters,
Believe me,
Yours truly,
George (Allward, Asllard?)
C30
Mr Sedgwick compliments to Mr Marsh and begs to inform him that Mr Robert Grimston and some friends of his from Gorhambury with Mssr Milman and Pell &c will have a game of cricket in Mr Stuart’s park on Thursday next at Aldenham Abbey and if Mr Marsh would like to play Mr Sedgwick will be glad of his assistance. Play will commence about 11 o’clock.
Watford
Tuesday
C32
Eton,
Election 1843
Marsh,
Mathematical Tuition three quarters from January 1st to October 1st 1843. £7.17.6
Mrs Horsford with Mr Hawtrey’s compliments.
C33
Mr Rham presents his respects to Dr Hawtrey and requests he will permit Mr Martin Marsh to spend next Saturday and Sunday at Winkfield Vicarage. Mr Marsh will be sent back on Sunday evening.
Eton. June 23 1843.
Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com