Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1807

James Caldwell -aged 48/49 of Linley Wood Hall

Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) - aged 52/53 - Wife of James Caldwell

Hannah Stamford - aged 54/55 -               sister of Elizabeth Caldwell

Hannah Eliza Caldwell (later Roscoe) - aged 22/23 - first daughter of James and Elizabeth

James Stamford Caldwell - aged 21/22 -   surviving son of James and Elizabeth

Mary Caldwell - aged 18/19 -                     second daughter of James and Elizabeth

Anne Marsh-Caldwell - 16/17 -                  third daughter of James and Elizabeth

Margaret Emma Caldwell - aged 15/16 -   fourth daughter of James and Elizabeth

Catherine Louisa Caldwell - aged 13/14 - fifth daughter of James and Elizabeth

Ann Caldwell - aged 49/50 -                      sister of James Caldwell - unmarried

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) - 41/42 -         younger sister of James Caldwell - unmarried

Diaries and Letters of James Caldwell – at Linley Wood, Staffordshire  - aged 48

January,

Thursday 1^st January 1807

At home. Engaged on the Farm & various matters

Friday 2^nd January 1807

 Do. Do. Lawton Post Office business

Saturday 3^rd January 1807

Do.

Sunday 4^th January 1807

Do.

Monday 5: January 1807

Do.

Tuesday 6^th January 1807

At the Dispensary attending meeting of Committee as Vice President. Mr Wedgwood  MrJos.Wedgwood.

Wednesday 7 January 1807:

At Stone attending Navgn. Meeting of Select Committee, Various  Business.

Thursday 8 January 1807:

Inspecting remaining part of Arms belonging to the Stone Volunteers. Returned to dinner.MissFletcher&MissBent

Friday 9 January 1807:

At Macclesfield with Mr Bent arranging Brewery Concern & making annual Statement & settlement of the Books &c. & closing the whole so that this Concern may soon be said . . .[proposals] to commence.

Saturday 10 January 1807:

Do. Do. Engaged closely both these days.

Sunday 11 January 1807:

Returned home early. In my absenceMrDavenportofCape. . .[sthorne] called.

Monday 12 January 1807:

At home. Mr Swinnerton on various matters. Alcock

Tuesday 13 January 1807:

At home.MrMundaycame to dinner

Wednesday 14 January 1807:

Do.

Thursday 15 January 1807:

Do.Mr Butt MrBent& Blunt dined

Friday 16 January 1807:

At Newcastle with Stamford dining at Stoneyfields.DrsBent& Northern Mr Heathcote & Blunt

Saturday 17 January 1807:

At home,.MrSkerrett

Sunday 18 January 1807:

Stamford set off on his return to Cambridge.MrMundayleft us

Monday 19 January 1807:

At Rode Heath looking over with Mr Penlington & his Son Lands at Tharlwood &c. previous to their being relet & fixing Rents.MrSalmonwho had engaged to meet me did not attend. On my Return Mr . . . [Burge] with the Award in the Cause of Jarvis ad. Tomlinson for execution, but I thought it necessary in the first place to see Mr Tomkinson & Mr Martin the Engineer & appointed to meet them at 11 oClock tomorrow at Newcastle. Mr B engaging to send the papers to them

Tuesday 20 January 1807:

At Newcastle accordingly.MrMartinalso attended. Drawing out Observations on the Award for the perusal ofMrLodge& Mr Lowman previous to it being executed & settling plans to be endorsed in the Award &c. &c. Returned to dinner.

Wednesday 21 January 1807

I this day entered the 48^th year of my age. A period which I had long fixed in my own mind for commencing to act as a Magistrate but the engaged state of my mind & thought at this time owing to the uncomfortable misunderstanding relative to the Burslem Concern & the purpose of various other matters determined me to postpone it a while longer. Called atMrGilberts relative to the Arbitration Mountford & Bamford & fixed Monday 2 July for a meeting atNewcastle in order to settle & make our Award; & on my Return wrote toMrBlagg to inform him thereof.

Page 379

Thursday 22 January 1807

At home engaged on various matters. Drew Subscription Paper for a Concert atNewcastleto be under the direction & for the benefit ofMrAlcock. In the Evening at the Assembly at Newcastle. 78 Subscribed to the Concert. Returned very late. Executed atNewcastlethe Award in the Cause Jarvis & Tomlinson the same having been altered . . . to my Observations & executed byMrLodge.

Friday 23 January 1807:

At Trentham from early attending Meeting of Commrs. to hear Appeals under the Assessed Taxes. Sr. Tho. Chetwode Sr.JohnHeathcote Mr Whitworth very busy & fatiguing day being detained till 5 oClock after which returned to dinner toLinleyWood

Saturday 24 January 1807

At home

Sunday 25 January 1807

Do.

Monday 26 January 1807

At Oakley to dinner Elizabeth, Eliza, Mary & self In the Evening at Drayton Assembly.

Tuesday 27 January 1807

At Do. Drawing with Sir Tho. Chetwode Case for the Opinion of the Board as to the exemption of  Farms in Adburton &c from Property tax.MrKinnersley, My Norsop dined.

Wednesday 28 January 1807

Returned from Oakley after a very pleasant visit.

Thursday 29 January 1807

At Newcastle. Malt Duty Business &c. In the Evening Mrs Lawton relative to the Post Office Business

Friday 30 January 1807

At home. Engaged on the Grounds &c. &c.

Saturday 31 January 1807

At home. Do. on various matters

[1807] February.

 Sunday 1^st February 1807

Do.

Diary of Mary Caldwell - aged 18
1st February 1807
Doctor Quin informs us that a Spanish soldier who unfortunately straggled from his company that were foraging was killed by the cold, but was thought to have fallen into the enemies hand. But soon after their return they saw their comrade returning on horseback and coming to congratulate him found him dead, and that he had been brought thither in the same posture notwithstanding the jolting of the horse!


Diary of James Caldwell aged 49 continues 

Monday 2 February 1807

At Newcastle attending on Reference Mountford & Bamford. Engaged all day. In the Evening at Stoneyfields where I slept

Tuesday 3 February 1807

At Stone attending Meeting of Select Committee but Mr Sparrow prevented coming by having sprained his knee. Returned late to dinner.

Wednesday 4 February 1807

At Mr Wedgwoods Etruria

Thursday 5 February 1807

Do. dined atMrJos.Wedgwoods

Friday 6 February 1807

Returned from Etruria

Saturday 7 February 1807

At Newcastle Executed will. Accounts with Mr Martin &c. Mr Skerrett cane to Linley Wood.

Sunday 8 February 1807

At home

Monday 9 February 1807

 Do.MrSkerrett

Tuesday 10 February 1807

At Home attending Meeting of Select Committee, Mr Sparrow Mr Webb & self. Engaged closely all day.

Wednesday 11 February 1807

Do. After concluding Navign. Business At Darlaston withMrSparrow& Mr Potter, the Engineer, inspecting plans & fixing the situation of the new Bridge, intended to be built over the River Trent. Returned home late to dinner. In the Evening Mr Fritche.

Thursday 12 February 1807:

At home. Engaged with Labourers on the Farm &c. In the Morning called onMrsLawtonrelative to the Post office Business &c. & Liability of cattle fed for the use of Family to pay Tithe & which had been claimed by the Rector.

Friday 13 February 1807:

At Newcastle to have looked into the papers relating to the Affairs of Reid in consequence of Application from Mr Byerly, but Mr Martin from home. Returned to dinner. In the Evening at Newcastle again, taking Louise with me in the Gig to see the Young Roscius in the character of Frederic in Kotzebue’s most respectable Play of Lovers Vows [This was a well known play of the period and it was attempting to put it on that caused all the difficulties in Mansfield Park by Jane Austen]. Favour Opinion of this young Actor confirmed. Great defect in selecting the true emphatic word, & great want of voice. In placing the emphasis he generally lays it on the pronoun or personal verb, instead of the noun or verb in which the idea turns, Action good. General Faults. Rant & Whine.

Saturday 14 February 1807:

At home. Engaged on the Farm &c.MrWPenlingtonrelative to the letting of the Estates belonging to his Father & Mr Salmon the terms of doing which, that I had proposed, being approved by the parties. Draft of Agreements to be prepared by Mr Darlington.

Sunday 15 February 1807:

 At home.

Monday 16 February 1807:

At Newcastle inspecting papers relative to the Affairs of Reid & afterwards writing Note to Mr Byerley with my Opinion. Brewery, various matters with Bent,JohnHeathcoteintended Marriage. Hardmans Observations on Draft of Articles for Macclesfield Concern &c.

Tuesday 17 February 1807:

At Dispensary attending General Meeting, On return called on Mrs Wedgwood at Mr Wedgwoods. Do.MrJos.Wedgwood. Conversation relative to Reids Business. Returned to dinner.

Wednesday 18 February 1807:

At home. Writing letter to Mr Hindley with reply to his Uncles Observations on the Macclesfield Articles. Afterwards engaged all Morning adjusting Accounts & Books.

Thursday 19 February 1807:

At home. Engaged Do. and on the Farm superintending Labourers &c. Fine mild Frost.

Friday 20 February 1807:

Do.

Saturday 21 February 1807:

Do. In the Evening Mr Atkinson

Diary of Marh Caldwell - age 15

21st February 1807
Mr Atkinson came at night.

Diary of James Caldwell - age 47

Sunday 22 February 1807:

Do. Engaged with Mr Atkinson. Long Conversation on various Matters. Consented to my nomination as one of his Executors and Trustees.MrBentcame to dinner. Various matters with him.

Diary of Mary Caldwell - age 17

22nd February 1807
Dr Crompton came.

Diary of James Caldwell - age 47

Monday 23 February 1807:

At Trentham attending Lieutenancy Meeting being the first under the Training Act.SirJno. Chetwode Messrs Mainwaring,Spode,Whitworth, Kinnersley & self. Returned to dinner. In the Evening Dr Crompton. Mr Atkinson in the morning at Burslem.

Diary of Mary Caldwell - age 17

23rd February 1807
Mr De G, Mr A and Papa dined at [Ru] W Bent.

Diary of James Caldwell continues

Tuesday 24 February 1807:

Mr A & self dined at Stoneyfields. This day died my much respected neighbourRob. Cox

Wednesday 25 February 1807:

Mr A & Dr C left Linley Wood, Engaged on Grounds Letters &c. &c.

Diary of Mary Caldwell - age 17

25th February 1807
Mr A and the Doctor left us. 


Diary of James Caldwell

Thursday 26 February 1807:

At Newcastle attending Agricultural Meeting. In the Morning at the Brewery. Observations made by Mr . . .[Elanly] against the practice of sprinkling grain on the floor necessary to be answered.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

26th February 1807
Anne and I went to Etruria. Mr J.

Diary of James Caldwell

Friday 27 February 1807:

Engaged on Grounds &c.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

27th February 1807
Mrs W taken very ill.

Diary of James Caldwell

Saturday 28 February 1807:

At home. Do. Do.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

28th February 1807
We did not see Mrs W all day.

Diary of James Caldwell

[1807] March,

Sunday 1^st March 1807

In the Morning Attending the Funeral of my late highly & deservedly respected Neighbour Mr Robert Cox. Chief Pall Bearer. He died aged 59 & his Loss will be long felt by his own Family & that at Lawton Hall, the callers at whom I have every reason to believe that he has been a most active faithful Agent.Mr Bent& Mr Martin dined.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

1st March 1807, Sunday
Went to Church and dined at [Fenton?] Mrs W with B and Sally Wedgwood. 

Diary of James Caldwell

Monday 2 March 1807:

At home. Alcock

Diary of Mary Caldwell

2nd March 1807, Monday
Returned home. Mrs W's complaint the measles. 

Diary of James Caldwell

Tuesday 3 March 1807:

At Newcastle on my way to the Dispensary, but detained at the former place by various matters of business. Mr Butt & Mr Fourchiquour to dinner. Chess.

 Diary of Mary Caldwell

3rd March 1807, Tuesday 
Mr De Fourchiquour and W Butt dined here.

Diary of James Caldwell

Wednesday 4 March 1807:

At Trentham Inn attending adjourned Meeting for hearing Appeals under the Assessed taxes. Sir. Jno. Chetwode, J Heathcote Mr Mainwaring & self. Case of George & Knighton claiming exemption under Act of Parliament. Opinion of Solr. or Attorney General to be taken through the medium of the Board of Taxes & Indemnity to be given by the Board to the Commrs. before they cd. proceed to enforce the paymt. of the Duties. Returned to dinner. Mr Butt & Mr Fourchiquour.

Thursday 5 March 1807:

At home. The Gentlemen left us in the Morning. Engaged on various matters.

Friday 6 March 1807:

At home.

Saturday 7 March 1807:

At Nantwich Mr Skerrett

Diary of Mary Caldwell

Wednesday 4th March 1807 [page B42]
Papa sent out and we girls took a long walk with Mr Butt and Mr de F. 

Thursday 5th March 1807
They left us. Snow.
 
Friday 6th March 1807,
Frost and snow.

Saturday 7th March 1807

Papa and Mamma went to [Etruria?] [They went to Nantwich]

Letter to

Mrs Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire.

(to be sent up immediately without fail)

Bedford Hotel

7^th March 1807

My dear Eliza,

One line and no more. The Committee have decided in favour of the Sitting Members. The Petition not frivolous or vexatious. This, indeed, could not be expected as the whole was resolved into a point of Law. The point which I ventured to describe.

I believe that the evidence I gave made a strong impression on the Committee; and I understand that Mr [Seytons?] (Mr Fletcher’s Counsel) spoke of my conduct in very complimentary terms in his summing up. Peake with whom I dined yesterday told me that Mr Porley on his return from Newcastle without knowing that he and I were aquainted, spoke most highly and warmly of the manner in which the Election had been conducted by me.

Will you believe that though a very long examination and cross examination, an hour and a half or two hours, before the Committee, not a nerve shook; but I was as recollected and as much master of myself as if I had been amongst the trees and sheep of Linley Wood.

You may suppose, however, that these great efforts cost something but I have been resting myself all day today in my private room, where I have coolly [hole in letter, wax seal] –ted the event. I am afraid Mr F L- [hole] –‘s character no good. I understand that Mr Dallas one of our Counsel said that if the Agreement to close the [Pall?] should be proved against him he could never be considered as a Gentleman or a man of Honor. It was so proved clearly and undeniably.

But of this say nothing. It is a pity he should have been in the hands of such bad advisors.

I shall stay in town tow or three days longer. Tomorrow I propose calling at Lord Staffords. I am so [feared?] of losing the Post that I can only say I will write again tomorrow.

God bless you my ever dear wife.

Divide my tenderest love and affection among our dear children and be assured that if any circumstance seems to render me at all satisfied with myself, its highest gratification is derived form the idea of being more worthy of you, ever yours.

James Caldwell

Diary of James Caldwell

Sunday 8 March 1807:

Returned home to dinner late.

Dairy of Mary Caldwell

Sunday 8th March 1807, 
They returned home. 

Diary of James Caldwell

Monday 9 March 1807:

At home. Alcock. Arranging intended Concert &c.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

Monday 9th March 1807,
Mr Alcock came. Tried on a new dress.

Diary of James Caldwell

Tuesday 10 March 1807:

Do. Engaged on the Grounds & various Matters. Settling Acct &c between the late Partnership of S & C & the trustees of Newcastle Marsh.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

Tuesday 10th March 1807,

Mr de Fouchequour

Diary of James Caldwell

Wednesday 11 March 1807:

At Newcastle attending Meeting of the Trustees & stating & delivery Account. Returned to dinner.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

Wednesday 11th March 1807,

My Aunt went to Lancaster.

Diary of James Caldwell 

Thursday 12 March 1807:

At home.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

Thursday 12th March 1807,

Mr and Mrs Furnival and Mr and Mrs W Bent dined, the first stayed all night.

Diary of James Caldwell 

Friday 13 March 1807:

At Trentham attending Ballot under the Training Act. Sirs Jno. Chetwode Heathcote Mainwaring Steadman Kinnersley & self. long Conversation with Sr.John Chetwode relative to Mr Whitbreads Poor Bill, which he gave me to peruse before my Meeting him again at Madeley tomorrow. Returned late in the Evening. Engaged with the Bill & making various Observations on writing thereon.

 Diary of  Mary Caldwell

Friday 13th March 1807,

The Condor measures from end to end of its wings 15 or 16 feet, its beak is strong enough to tear off the hide of an ox. Two of them will attempt a cow or bull and devour them.

Diary of James Caldwell

Saturday 14 March 1807:

At Madeley attending Ballot. Sirs J Chetwode & Tho. Fletcher Mr Mainwaring & self. Long Conversation again relative to the Poor Bill & gave Sir J nomy Observations in Writing. Returned to Dinner.

Diary of Mary Calwell

14th March 1807, Saturday
My Birthday. Mama and the girls walked to Mrs Denlingtons.

Diary of James Caldwell

Sunday 15 March 1807:

At home in expectation of Mr Bent & Mr Hindley at dinner but they were prevented coming.

Diaryof Mary Caldwell

15th March 1807, Sunday
Mama, Anne and Louisa went to Church. Raisoner est l'emploie de tante leur maridor et la raisonment en banni la raison.

Diary of James Caldwell

Monday 16 March 1807:

Set off this morning at six oClock to attend Meeting of Select Committee at Wolesley Bridge. Heavy Snow. At Wolesley Bridge engaged all day.

Tuesday 17 March 1807:

Engaged Do. till 2 oClock. Returned home in the Evening. Heavy Snow & severe cold.

Wednesday 18 March 1807:

At home.

Thursday 19 March 1807:

At Trentham again attending for the Ballot. Messrs Spode Steadman & self. Returned to dinner

Friday 20 March 1807:

At home. Sir Thos. Mr & twoMissFletcherswith Mr & Mrs Bayley & Miss Knight dined at LinleyWood.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

20th March 1807, Friday
The Bayleys of W Meebah, Mrs Knight, Sir T and Miss F and Mr Fletcher dined here, but did not stay all night. 

Diary of James Caldwell

Saturday 21 March 1807:

At home. Engaged on various matters.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

21st March 1807, Saturday
Mama, Eliza and I called upon Mrs Wedgwood at Etruria.

Diary of James Caldwell

Sunday 22 March 1807:

Do. Mr Bent & Mr Hindley dined. Macclesfield Concerns

Diary of Mary Caldwell

22nd March 1807, Sunday
Mr W Bent and Mr W Hindley dined here. 

Diary of James Caldwell

Monday 23 March 1807:

Do.Mr Alcock. Farm &c.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

23rd March 1807, Monday
Mr Alcock, learned three of J Seibelts Grand Sonatas. 

 Diary of James Caldwell

Tuesday 24 March 1807:

At Newcastle for the purpose of making Arrangements relative to the sale of the House on the Marsh. Afterwards dined at Mr Plants. Returned in the Evening

Wednesday 25 March 1807:

 At home. Engaged on various matters previous to going tomorrow to the Assizes. Summoned on the Grand and two special Juries.

Thursday 26 March 1807:

At Stafford. Mr Henry & Mr Lodge on the reference of Jarvis & Tomlinson. Grand Jury. Heavy Calendar & close attendance. Dined with the Judges. . .[Mission] &Lawrence.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

26th March 1807, Thursday
Papa went to Stafford. East winds.

Diary of James Caldwell

Friday 27 March 1807

Do. In the morning at Church. Afterwards close attendance on the Grand Jury. Dined late with the Sherriff Lane.

Diary of Mary Caldwell

29th March 1807, Sunday
A little snow, the weather cold. 
 
30th March 1807, Monday
Mr Alcock came.
 
2nd April 1807, Thursday
Mr Butt and Mr Griffin dined.
 
3rd April 1807, Friday
Papa read to us some of Shakespeare.
 
4th April 1807, Saturday
They left us.
 
6th April 1807, Monday
M. Sally McDonald died. Miss Noble and Miss Jean N came. 
 
9th April 1807, Thursday
Sally McDonald was buried.
 
11th April 1807, Saturday
Eliza and I went to Betley.
 
12th April 1807, Sunday
Went to Church at Betley.
 
13th April 1807, Monday
Returned on horse back. Mr A came. 
 
14th April 1807, Tuesday
C.P. [C.D?] came to us.
 
16th April 1807, Thursday
Eliza and C.P rode to Basford. Mr Richard Bent returned home after an absence of 11 years in the East Indies. 
 
17th April 1807, Friday
Mr de [gondneon?]
 
19th April 1807, Sunday[page B44]
Went to Church. Heard Mr Broon[?]
 
20th April 1807, Monday
Mr A did not come.
 
21st April 1807, Tuesday
Miss Crewes of Muxton [Merson?] came.
 
22nd April 1807, Wednesday
Went to a concert at Newcastle.
 
23rd April 1807, Thursday
Miss C's, C.P., Eliza and I went to Basford.
 
24th April 1807, Friday
Went to see Trentham. Mr Butt dined at B.
 
25th April 1807, Saturday
Miss Crewes went. Mr Butt dined. Home.
 
26th April 1807, Sunday
Went to Church, returned home in the afternoon. Mr R B[Robinson ?]
 
27th April 1807, Monday
This week very fine. Miss Bent, C.P. for RB called.
 
28th April 1807, Tuesday
[Mot?] heard the Cuckoo.
 
29th April 1807, Wednesday
E.C. went to Nantwich.
 
2nd May 1807, Saturday
Very hot, violent thunder and violent sheet lightning in the evening. 
 
3rd May 1807, Sunday 
Mr W Bent dined here. The mistletoe is supposed to be the golden bough of Virgil by which Eneas entered the Infernal regions.
 

James Caldwell correspondence (approx 10th May 1807)

James Caldwell of Linley Wood in the County of Stafford Esquire saith that he is Recorder of the Borough of Newcastle under Lyme having been appointed to that office in the year 1802.

That he has since attended on three Elections at the request of and for the purpose of rendering his entirely gratuitous assistance to the Returning Officers; and particularly at the late Election of 1807.

That the Poll was taken by the Seat Roll; which this Witness has been informed and believe to have been the invariable custom in the Borough of Newcastle, with the exception only of the Election of 1792. That the Roll is called over three times, and the name of every person who does not appear; called thrice each time. That the last Election commenced on Wednesday the 6^th May 1807, and concluded on the Saturday following [the 9^th] at about half after four o’clock in the afternoon.

That 622 Burgesses appeared and voted, being 67 more than polled in 1802, and as this Witness has been informed and believe 53 more than ever polled at any former Election. That the Election proceeded in an orderly manner and without any interruption or disturbance from either party, beyond what commonly and perhaps unavoidably and excusably arises on such occasions.

That on the morning of Saturday the 4^th day, as soon as the [Cavit?] was met, all the parties joined in a request to the Returning Officers, that they would if necessary sit more than the customary hours, it being their unanimous wish that the Poll might at all events close that day.

That this was immediately agreed to by the Returning Officers and this Witness.

That the Election then proceeded and the contest was for several hours extremely close and severe between Mr Macdonald and Mr Fletcher; but at length Mr Fletcher said, that he did not wish to give Mr Macdonald any unnecessary trouble, and should therefore decline, or expressed himself to that effect. That all the candidates then shook hands, and the Witness supposed the business was over. That Mr Macdonald was only a few votes ahead.

That at this time there were three votes which in the course of the Poll had been tendered for Bootle and Macdonald but which being objected to by the Counsel on the other side remained undecided; it having been agreed that they should stand over to the last on account of some evidence which was expected to arrive.

That Mr Bootle requested that these votes might now be investigated and decided upon; but which [according to this Witness’s recollection] was objected to by Sir Thomas Fletcher, the father of the Candidate, and as this Witness thinks by Mr Fletcher himself: but the conversation having taken place across the table, this Witness cannot state the Particulars of it.

That Mr Bootle continuing to urge the point, and stating it to be the earnest wish of the voters, or of one of them at least, to have the question of the legality of their votes decided upon, this Witness thought it to be the duty of the Returning Offices to comply;  particularly, as the votes had been previously tendered and only stood over by consent.

That the cases were accordingly argued, and two of the votes proving good were put upon the Poll. That the other was rejected. That a vote which had been tendered for Mr Fletcher and Mr Minett was then argued and Counsel heard; but this was also rejected.

That during the discussions [outcry?] was raised in the Hall of fresh Voters X [‘That one John Glen then ordered his vote, to the validity of which no objection being made, he was immediately admitted to Poll, and which he did for Mr Boottle and Mr Fletcher’ crossed out]

That several other persons afterwards tendered their votes, all of which according to the best of this Witness’s recollection were rejected except two.

That a cry was also raised, and which in this state of the Poll excited much agitation, that a voter in the interest of Fletcher and Minett was detained by force in the House of a Mr Hill, and prevented from coming to vote.

That the Returning Officers and this Witness immediately expressed their indignation at any such attempt; and the Mayor offered to go in person and bring up the voter.

That it was then agreed that the two Fletchers, attended by the High Constable, and one person of each party, should be dispatched for the voter; who shortly after appeared on the hustings.

That in the meantime it had been settled, that nobody should speak to the voter but the Witness, who immediately informed him, that that was the time for him to vote, and which he was at perfect liberty to do in what manner he thought best: when the voter said he would rather not vote at all, or expressed himself to that effect, and after repeating this once or twice, in reply to questions distinctly put to him by this Witness, he quitted the Hustings without voting. That this was the only complaint of the kind that this Witness heard of throughout the Election.

That it being now not even pretended by either side that there was a single other voter in the town who had not voted [except one who was dangerously ill in bed, but whom, as it was known that he would Poll for Mr Macdonald called upon the Returning Officers to close the Poll and make their Return: but to which Mr Fletcher and Mr Minett strongly objected, alleging, that they had received a letter [and which this Witness thinks one of them held in his hand] with an account of other voters being upon the road who would be ready to vote on Monday; and therefore called upon the Returning Officers to adjourn the Poll till that day, the next being Sunday.

That this Witness also recollects Mr Fletcher saying, that he had two or three voters to be made free, and that he required a hall to be held for that purpose; but this Witness heard no name mentioned, nor were any votes tendered. That this Witness understood that several halls had been held in the course of the Election, and particularly one on that very morning for the purpose of making Burgesses, and that no hall could be held without an adjournment to Monday, the custom of the Borough requiring as this Witness has always understood, that Notice of a Hall should be given the night preceeding.

That much debate arose, the Candidates on the one side strenuously insisting on, and those on the other as strongly protesting against, the closing of the Poll. That under these circumstances the Returning Officers referred themselves to this Witness; when, after looking into the Acts of Parliament and Books relative to the proceedings at Elections, then in Court, and maturely and with great anxiety weighing the question in his mind, and more particularly taking into consideration, that all the requisite and accustomed forms had been punctually and carefully gone through, that it was not even contended that there was another voter in the town, [‘or stated to be at any other specified place, or within any specified distance’ crossed out] ready and desirous to vote.

That there was no evidence even of voters being any where upon the road, further than what arose from a mere letter said to have been received. That it is the duty of Returning Officers to finish the Poll with all dispatch consistent with the rights of parties, and the allowance of a reasonable time for the Electors to come and vote. That ample opportunity for this had already been afforded, the Poll having then continued open four entire days.

That it is not encumbent upon, nor the duty of Courts of Justice to procrastinate or delay their proceedings from any consideration arising from the negligence or remissiveness of parties and that in point of fact a much greater number of voters had then actually polled than had ever polled at any former Election. On these and such like points this Witness was of opinion that the Poll was legally and duly finished, and that the Return ought to be made.

That this Witness was the more confirmed in his opinion, from the circumstances of the learned Counsel for Mr Minett, who had taken no part in the argument, declining to give any opinion on the point, though, from greater caution, particularly requested by this Witness so to do, as Amicus Cuvua and from whence this Witness concluded that he concurred in opinion with himself as to the proceeding, and which he had the satisfaction afterwards to find from that gentleman was the case. That the Mayor then more than once cried out aloud, that they would still wait till the seven hours were expired, at the end of which, if no voter came in, they would close the Poll.

That the Witness cannot speak with certainty as to the length of [‘the interval’ crossed out] time but thinks [‘it must have been an hour or something more’ crossed out] from the time of the last vote having been given. That on the expiration of the time and after the usual Proclamations by the Town Cryer, the Poll was closed and the Return made: and from the mention which the candidates were pleased to make in their Addresses to the Electors, of the honorable manner which the Poll had through out been conducted, this Witness went away under the fullest impression and conviction that all parties were satisfied in respect to the business and regularity of the Proceedings and the Justice and Legality of the Determination. 

X – one John Glen then tendered his vote. That Mr Macdonald –y to any fresh voters being permitted to poll, on the – of the Poll having been already closed by consent and that the votes which it had been determined to investigate had been tendered previous to that circumstance, but there being no objection to the validity of Glen’s vote this Witness was of opinion that the proclamation had not been made and as the Court was then sitting he ought to be admitted to Poll, and which he did for Bootle and Fletcher

More notes handwritten in pencil around the edges but very difficult to read.

-          think Mr F had the letter or paper in his hand. Mr Minett afterwards and at this perhaps just after the Mayor had declared that – 7 hours

Diary of Mary Caldwell - age 18

Returned home. I rode to Basford.

5th June 1807, Friday[page B45]
Eliza and I went to Westwood. 
 
6th June 1807, Saturday
Very hot.
 
9th June 1807, Tuesday
Walked to the Rocks and found some plants. Went in the boat in the evening.
 
10th June 1807, Wednesday

Returned home. I rode to Basford.
 
13th June 1807, Saturday
Eliza and I rode to Basford.
 
17th June 1807, Sunday
Mrs Turner and my Aunt A came.
 
18th June 1807, Monday
Miss Harwood and the Jarretts and A.Betsy.  
 
19th June 1807, Tuesday
E. Fletcher called.
 
29th June 1807, Monday
Miss A and co left us. Mrs J went on the 25th. 
 
30th June 1807, Tuesday
 
2nd July 1807, Thursday
HH left us. Cold.
 
5th July 1807, Sunday
Mrs and M Turner came.
 
9th July 1807, Thursday
Mr and Mrs W Sneyd and Mr and Mrs John Wedgwood dined here. Mrs J left us. Eliza and my Aunt set out for ['Wales' crossed out] Derby on Monday the 6th.
 
14th July 1807, Tuesday
The W Bents came. 
 
17th July 1807, Friday
We drank tea at Sandbatch.
 
28th July 1807, Tuesday
AC and I dined at Basford. Mama at Etruria.
 
30th July 1807, Thursday
Papa went to Mrs Tollets funeral.
 
5th August 1807, Wednesday
Went to the races and to the Ball. A very pleasant one.
 
6th August 1807, Thursday
Went to the Ground in the Basford carriage and with the Powys's to the play at night, a singular recontre between the [J's?] and Mr Butt. The stranger a very immoral play but pretty well acted by Barry and Miss Dawsons.
 
7th August 1807, Friday
Went to the ground and to the play with the Bents. Had a most delightful evening. The Play was 'The Rivals.'
 
13th August 1807, Thursday
Miss Furnival came to tea.
 
14th August 1807, Friday
My Aunt and Eli returned from Derby
 
15th August 1807, Saturday
Miss Furnival left us. Fine weather.
 
18th August 1807, Tuesday
Mamma and Papa went to Eton.
 
19th August 1807, Wednesday
Miss Bent drank tea. The day very hot and close. 
 
21st August 1807, Thursday
JSC returned from Ramsgate where he has been reading with Professor Vince.
 
26th August 1807, Wednesday
Mr Thomas Bent and Miss B came.
 
27th August 1807, Thursday
My Aunt, EC, AC, JSC and myself with the two Bents set out to Manchester. We saw Mrs Siddons in the character of 'Belvidera.' I was rather disappointed in the first scene but she rose so much towards the end as to answer every expectation. Her figure was bad and her face much altered but the trembling of her voice was the finest thing I ever heard. Nigel M dined here with us and Papa and M met us in their return from Eton.
 
27th 
P and M set out very early. The rest of the party lounged in Manchester till about one o'clock. We left Mr B.
 
28th August 1807, Friday
Mrs Bent and Mrs WB brought Maria and drank tea at Linley Wood. Eliza and A.B. returned with them.
 
29th August 1807, Saturday [Says Sunday - she got dates mixed up]
JSC dined at Basford. 
 
30th August 1807
JSC returned from Basford and brought Eliza.
 
1st September 1807
[Mr Deck?] Not a very propitious day for shooting. 
 
5th December 1807, Saturday
Mr Bingley aiderant Mr Fletcher, Mr Bent, E Powys and Mr Fenton, an officer at Newcastle, tout pleine, desus et de bon naturel. My Uncle came.
 
9th December 1807, Wednesday
Anne, Eliza and I walked to Etruria.
 
14th December 1807, Monday
We dined at Maer, met Mrs Darwin. 
 
15th December 1807, Tuesday
Went with Mrs D to the Newcastle Assembly. Mamma manager, had a very pleasant dance. Returned with the Bents.
 
19th December 1807, Saturday
Mr Fenton dined at Basford, so D.
 
21st December 1807, Monday
A came to Basford. Dr [P?] much improved but still ['word very crossed out']
 
22nd December 1807, Tuesday
A dance at Mrs Robinsons. A most delightful evening. We danced till five o'clock and then went with Miss Wedgwood to Darlaston.
 
23rd December 1807, Wednesday
The young men Bents and Mr R. Griffin dined at D. Rather sleepy. 
 
24th December 1807, Thursday
Returned home.
 
25th December 1807, Friday
Papa, Mamma and three girls went to Nantwich. On a trop accuse les femmes de fasfete parce que l'on attribute souvent leur inegalite et leur inconstance a l'hypocrisie on a la dissimulation.
 
30th December 1807,  [page B50]
A fine day. 
Etrange sentiment que l'amour il ne peut maitre sans l'estime et cess en dant il le suivit le l'oeux jemesmis noble et sans tea mite! Lorsque on ouvre les yeux sur laconduite d'un infidele ami l'on peut douner des laimes a l' erreuse sichere qu'on a perdue mais on cepe d'aimer! Combien en nous egarrant la vanite moins trompe les infortunes sont exigeans et injustes parceque leurs souffranau les pends cuchules ils croyent aisement que la compassion qu'ils inspirent est portunne a leurs maux alors ilsen attenders tout ce que peut les consolers, si l'ou ne septer pas cette atteinte ils pensent q'non les a trompes et qu'on les trahits.
French transcription continues page B51