Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1815

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich -  56/57 

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 48/49 
Hannah Stamfrord of Linley Wood - 61/62 - sister of Elizabeth Caldwell

James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 55/56 

Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) of Linley Wood - 60/61

Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 29/30 

James Stamford Caldwell - age - 28/29  

Ann Marsh-Caldwell -  age 23/24

Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) - age - 22/23 

Diary of James Caldwell (1759-1838)

of Linley Wood, Talke, Staffordshire, England.

January, 1815.

Sunday 1^st January 1815

At home. Service. Read one of Allisons Sermons “Thou has made Summer of Winter.” A beautiful & impressive Discourse. Mr Bent called, and engaged Stamford & me to dine with him tomorrow.

Monday 2^nd January 1815

Engaged in the Morning on various matters. Afterwards at Stoneyfields with Stamford dining. Mr Sneyd Sparrow Revd Bent & Self.

Tuesday 3^rd January 1815

Engaged with various papers. Particularly considering the will of Mr Thos Wedgwood of Burslem & writing various observations preparatory to sending the same to Mr Wood. Mr Penlington dined.

Wednesday 4^th January 1815

Engaged in the same subjects. Also engaged with Mr Penlington and Thomas Gray relative to the Hill Farm which I finally let to the latter. Engaged also on the farm.

Thursday 5^th January 1815

At home. Writing long letter to Mr Wood relative to Mr Thos. Wedgwoods will & which I sent along with the Draught which had been prepared whilst I was at Burslem. This business had occasioned me much trouble and anxious Consideration for several days past.

Friday 6^th January 1815

 Mr & Mrs Wilbraham of Rode Hall Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood & 2 Daughters Mr Butt & Dr Belcombe dined. An agreeable day with much pleasant Conversation after dinner.

Saturday 7^th January 1815

[Mrs?] Wedgwood & Daughters dined. Mr Butt left us about noon. Much Conversation with him relative to Lord S., Infirmary, &c &c.
Just a note of Congratulation on the Marriage of Lady Charlotte & Mr. Howard to Trentham Received in reply a particularly kind & [jollying?] note from Lady S. In the afternoon, Snow.

Sunday 8^th January 1815

At home. Service. Read another of Allisons Sermons ‘Evil Communications corrupt good [manners?] Much snow had fallen in the night.

Monday 9^th January 1815

At home. Various matters previous to going to Macclesfield tomorrow. In the Evening Mr Sherratt & my sisters arrived from Nantwich

Tuesday 10^th January 1815

Set off to Macclesfield with Mr Bent

Wedgwood Archives

57-32044

10 January 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).  Addressed to Anne Caldwell, J Wedgwood Esq, Banning Place, Exeter

Diary of James Caldwell

Wednesday 11^th January 1815

Engaged all day on annual Settlement of Accounts.

Thursday 12^th January 1815

Engaged all Morning on Do. Returned to Linley Wood to dinner.

Friday 13^th January 1815

At home. Engaged with Mr Sherratt & various matters

Saturday 14^th January 1815

 The like. Mr Rob. Sherratt dined.

Sunday 15^th January 1815

At home. Service

Monday 16^th January 1815

At Newcastle. Meeting Mr Tomlinson & Mr Joseph Wood (Mr Wood being prevented coming by indisposition) relative to Colliery matters and consulting with Mr Tomlinson thereon when it was determined that notice of the matters in difference should be given to Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End in order to ground an Arbitration under the Clause in the Articles and signed a notice to that effect. Received intelligence of the death of my old and highly valued and respected friend Mrs Wedgwood who died yesterday in her 80th year.

Tuesday 17^th January 1815

At home. Mr Sherratt left Linley Wood.

Wednesday 18^th January 1815

At home. Mr Lawton & Mr C. Lawton with Mr […ton] & Mr Penlington dined at Linley Wood.

Thursday 19^th January 1815

At home. Engaged on various matters. Miss [Wittenhall?] dined.

Friday 20^th January 1815

At Parkfields at ten oClock. From thence to Stoke attending the funeral of Mrs Wedgwood. Bearers Mr Recketts & myself at the head. John Smith Esq & John Wood of Brownhills. Mr Hamilton of Stoke & Dr Bent. Mourners Jos Wedgwood & John Wedgwood of Bignall End. Attends. D. Northen & Mr Foster of Stone.

Saturday 21^st January 1815

At home. In the morning Stamford left us on his return to London & Mrs Northen [ . . . ?]

Sunday 22^nd January 1815

At Talk Chapel.

Monday 23^rd January 1815

At home. Miss Morgan dined. Mr Peake relative to Militia Meeting at Trentham Inn & which I engaged to attend on Saturday next.

Tuesday 24^th January 1815

At home. Various matters.

Wednesday 25^th January 1815

At home. Miss Morgan left L. Wood

Thursday 26^th January 1815

Went early to Burslem. Took Mr Wood to Hanley, attending the General Meeting relative to the Infirmary. Lord Stafford in the Chair. A numerous and respectable Meeting. Moved by the desire of Mr Wedgwood Mr Butt &c sending resolutions which were unanimously approved and carried. Returned home.

Friday 27^th January 1815

At home. Dr. Belcombe dined.

Saturday 28^th January 1815

At Trentham Inn attending Meeting for hearing appeals against Militia Returns. Sr John Heathcote Mr Spode & self.

Sunday 29^th January 1815

At home. Service

Monday 30^th January 1815

At Etruria to dinner & staid all night.

Tuesday 31^st January 1815

Returned home by Burslem

February.

Wednesday 1^st February 1815

At home. Various matters.

Thursday 2. February 1815

At home. Engaged in Swallow Moor Wood with wood Cutters &c. The Boys from Etruria came to dinner

Friday 3. February 1815

At home. Farm &c.

Saturday 4. February 1815

At Parkfields calling upon Miss Wedgwoods.

Sunday 5 February 1815

At home. Service. Mr Sherratt came to dinner.

Monday 6. February 1815

At home. Engaged with Mr Sherratt

Tuesday 7. February 1815

At Stone. Attending Meeting of the Select Committee and engaged all day. Mr Sparrow Mr Webb & self. Took Mr Sparrow with me from Newcastle.

Wednesday 8. February 1815

At Stone. Much engaged on various matters. Returned home to dinner at four.

Thursday 9. February 1815

At home. Engaged with Mr Sherratt & various matters previous to his returning today to Nantwich with Anne & Betsy all of whom left L. Wood at noon..

Friday 10. February 1815

At home. Engaged on the Farm &c

Saturday 11. February 1815

At home.

Sunday 12 February 1815

At home. Service.

Monday 13. February 1815

Engaged in the Grounds. Planted with Larch & Birch with my own hand the small Plantation in the Ditches. Looking over & [vetting? . . . ?] land for intended [ . . . ?].

Tuesday 14. February 1815

Engaged in the Grounds. Planted with my own hand 5 small Oaks in the above Plantation taken out of Swallow Moor Wood together with Beech & Larch. Considering & preparing Agreement to be signed by Samuel Jackson & his Son relative to the Alsager Estate. Afternoon engaged with Saml Jackson the younger who signed [ . . . ?] Agreement & which was sent down for signature by his Father, but who sent word that he would come up in the morning.

Wednesday 15 February 1815

Engaged with the Jacksons. When Agreement signed by Saml Jackson the older. Afterwards engaged with men in the Grounds. Orchard Ground &c. Drawing out Account with Ford & Plant &c. previous to settling the same with them tomorrow on my going to Newcastle to meet Mr. Robinson of Stone. Miss [S?] Wedgwood called & took Eliza with her to Parkfields.

Thursday 16 February 1815

At Newcastle at ten. Meeting Mr Robinson. From thence to Longport viewing the state of the present wharf & the proposed improvements. From thence along the Canal to a place called Dix’s or Knights Wharf, meeting a Number of the Manufacturers from Tunstall in order to fix upon a proper place for the proposed Tunstall Wharf & which had been referred to Mr Robinson & me by the last General Assembly.

Called upon Mr [Henshall?] on our Return. Met Mr Hales of Cobridge & Mr Ralph Hales at Newcastle where we dined in order to treat with them for the Cockshead Engine & Mine water, but after much discussion, Mr Hales not being persuad [sic] to make any proposition for an absolute sale it was agreed to postpone the business to the 3rd March in order to give Mr Hales time to consider the subject, & then to meet again at Newcastle. Called upon Mrs Martin who wished to consult in relation to putting her Son out Apprentice. Returned home later.

Friday 17. February 1815

At home. Engaged on the Grounds. Also perusing & considering lease of Coal & Ironstone Mines from Mr Lawton to Mr [L . . . ?] on which Mr . C. Lawton asked to have my opinion previous to going to Lawton Hall to dinner. Dined at Lawton Hall. Eliza Mrs. S. Emma & S. Mr Salmon of Wheelock, Mr [ . . . ?] Bayley & Dr Belcombe.

Saturday 18. February 1815

At home. Various matters. Grounds &c.

Sunday 19. February 1815

At home. Service.

Monday 20. February 1815

At home.

Sunday 21. February 1815

At Newcastle in consequence of a letter from Dr Crompton to Mr Bent considering this business, when Mr Bent said he had purposed to Dr. C. going down to Liverpool and staying with them 10 days or a fortnight. Also relative to projected Rail Road from Apedale to Nantwich & branch of Canal from the Newcastle Canal to the Trent & Mersey, Macclesfield purchase of land from Mr [Ry . . . ?] for new Brewery &c. Returned to dinner.

Wednesday 22. February 1815

Dined at Miss [Newtons?]. Mr & Mrs Sneyd of Ashcombe & Dr Belcombe.

Thursday 23. February 1815

At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Finished the ditching of Swallow [Moss?] Wood on the west side of the Road.

Friday 24. February 1815

At home. Dr & Mrs Bent, Mrs Wm Bent, two Miss Bents, Miss Emma Allen & E. Wedgwood dined.

Saturday 25. February 1815

At home. Letters from Mr. Wedgwood with Petition to Parliament relative to Birmingham & Worcester Canal & the Bill now in the House for removal of a Bar of Earth seperatg the Canals at [Birmingham?] & in which Mr W wished for my opinion. Writing to him accordingly. Mr Trubshaw with whom engaged. Miss F. Allen came to L.Wood.

Sunday 26. February 1815

At home. Service.

Monday 27. February 1815

At home. Writing letter to Mr Sparrow of Bishton relative to the Wharf at Longport & that proposed to be made at Tunstall, Cockshead Engine and Mine water &c in answer to one received from him by Mr Trubshaw
- Mr Gould, with whom settling dispute as to nonpayment of Limestone Tonnage on the day fixed by the Regulation & order of the Committee. Also relative to the repairs of the stage for loading & unloading Limestone at the Kiln in Stone Town field & which Mr Gould referred to me to settle as I should think right. Mrs Foden relative to the claim for Damages at Rough Wood Mill, & for which an Action had been brought, & which business she was desirous to leave to me to settle, & to request that I would undertake it, & which I consented to do. Afterwards engaged in the new orchard in Linley Meadow & planting the back row of Apple & Pear Trees by 15 in number with my own hand

Tuesday 28 February 1815

Engaged again & finishing the planting of the orchard. Put into the ground this morning with my own hand. 20 more Apple & Pear trees. In the evening reading out Hamlet. In the morning Miss Emma Allen went.

March.

Wednesday 1st. March 1815

At home. Engaged on the Farm & various matters. Writing Letter to Mr Robinson of Stone &c. In the Evng reading out 1st part of Henry 4.

Thursday 2. March 1815

Engaged in the Grounds & various matters. Mr Knight of Tunstall relative to the proposed Wharf at Tunstall with sundry statements for the consideration of the Select Committee which I requested him to deliver to Mr Robinson. Dined at Mr Walthalls Newcastle Eliza, Emma & myself. Dr & Mrs Northen, Miss Moreton, Mr & Mrs Wm Bent, two Miss Bents and Dr Belcombe. Much conversation relative to the proposed Extension of the Newcastle Canal, Rail Road [to?] Nantwich &c when I promised to attend a Meeting appointed to be held tomorrow for taking Plans &c into Consideration.

Friday 3d. March 1815

At Newcastle accordingly attending meeting. Dr John Heathcote, Mr Whalley, Dr Bent, Mr Bent, Sparrow, Plant &c considering Plans & examining Reports & Witnesses as to the quantity of water that could be delivered into the Summit Pound of the Grand Trunk Canal.

Morning Herald ( London)

Tuesday 2 March 1815

John Port Latin.

The Anniversary Dinner of the Gentlemen educated at St. John's College, Cambridge, will be held at the Thatched House, Tavern St, James's St, on Monday May 8th. 
Stewards,

Lord Viscount Palmerston, Charles Mitford Esq., W. Molesworth Esq., John Herey Esq., J. Stamford Caldwell Esq., Rev. W. Pritchard, Rev. F. W. Bloomberg, Rev. W. Winthrop. Dinner at Six o'Clock - Gentlemen intending to Dine are requested to send their Names to the Thatched House on or before the 6th

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Letters from Mr Sherratt of Nantwich relative to the proposed Rail Road, from Nantwich from which it appearing that coals & limestone were now delivered upon lower terms than could be affected by the proposed Rail Road the project was abandoned – the Communication between the Apedale Canal and the Grand Trunk also abandoned. The expence of a Communication with the Summit Pound being considered too great as a Tunnel of a Mile in length will be requisite, and the project for a Communication at Lawton also considered too expensive to pay any adequate Tonnage; particularly as this line wd afford no inducement to the Grand Trunk Co. to assist as water wd be by additional supply & delivered below the Summit Pound. Returned to dinner. Conversation with Mr [Blunt?] & Mr Leigh of Newcastle relative to the Infirmary & an alteration in the rate as to [Parishes Recommending?] Patients &c &c

Saturday 4. March 1815

At home. Miss Bents came to Linley Wood

Sunday 5. March 1815

At home. Mr Bent dined.

Monday 6. March 1815

At home. Samuel Jackson & Mr Beardmore relative to the sale at the Oak farm which was to take place tomorrow. Engaged with papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. Received Memorial relative to Tunstall Wharf.

Tuesday 7. March 1815

At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr Sparrow Mr Webb & myself, and engaged all day. Took Mr [Tho?] Sparrow with me from Newcastle. Signed a Petition to Parliament against the Lichfield Bridge Bill.

Wednesday 8. March 1815

The like. Returned to Dinner.

Thursday 9. March 1815

Friday 10. March 1815

At the Dispensary Attending a Meeting of Subscribers to the Infirmary. In the Chair. Received Report of the Building Committee when the Situation for the intended Infirmary was determined upon and various important Resolutions come to. In the Evening received a letter from Mr Wedgwood informing me that at a Meeting held that day at Hanley I had been appointed a Delegate with himself & Mr Davenport to go to London to oppose the proposed taxes on the Windows & Rents of Manufactories & Warehouses, and which I signified to Mr Wedgwood my consent to do: & appointed to meet him & Mr Davenport at the Roebuck in Newcastle on

Sunday Morning at 7 o’clock.

Saturday 11. March 1815

At home. Engaged arranging various matters previous to my setting off to London tomorrow.

Wedgwood Archives

57-32045

11 March 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).  Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Basing Place.

Diary of James Caldwell

Sunday 12. March 1815

Set off with Eliza who accompanied me to Newcastle at a little after six o Clock. Met Mr Wedgwood and Mr Davenport in the Roebuck, & with them proceeded in a Post Chaise & [ . . . ?] on our journey. Slept at Stoney Stratford.

Monday 13 March 1815

Arrived in London about one o Clock. Took up our Quarters at the Bedford Hotel. At the House of Commons. Saw Lord G.L. Gower, Mr Littleton, Mr William Egerton, Mr Davenport the Member & Mr Booth Wilbraham. Also the Delegates from Manchester Messrs. Douglas, Barton & [Burley?]. Obtained through Lord G.L. Gower an Appointment with the Chancellor of the Exchequer for a Conference on Wednesday next at one o Clock, the Manchester Delegates being appointed to attend him at 12 & so far [ . . . ?] Conferences being thought most advisable in the first instance. Appointed to see the Manchester Delegates at their apartments 17 Spring Gardens tomorrow at 11. Dined in the Bedford & at Covent Garden Theatre in hopes to have heard Miss Stevens sing but her songs were over before I got into the House.

Tuesday 14. March 1815

At Spring Gardens [ascending?] to the Appointment. Met the Delegates from Glasgow Messr Monteith, Stirling &c. & Mr Smith from Derby. Considering and arranging plan of Operations.

Appointed Mr Monteith Chairman of the Delegations and ordered a Circular Letter to be sent to the different Manufacting Towns & Places, to draw their attention to this business & particularly the proposed tax on Servants, which was found to be much more heavy & serious than was it first supposed. Dined at the Bedford, with Mr Baugh Allen & Mr Wedgwood.

And afterwards went to Drury Lane to see Mr Kean in Richard 2nd. This actor appeared to me to be much wanting in voice, and Deportment. The former being husky, and not of sufficient compass for the more energetic & impassioned tones of […?] and the latter being deficient in dignity and grace. But he now and then burst out with some exquisite [strokes?] of fine and genuine Acting; the superiority of which was lost [ . . . ?] by his causing you entirely to forget the Actor & the Man, in the personage represented & the feelings excited. The reverse of Kemble, who predominates over all Character & though the whole Drama seems to be influenced by one overuling object, the vain exhibition of himself.

Wednesday 15.

In the morning engaged preparing for the Conference. Met Lord G.L. Gower at Mr Littletons in [Ash?]ington Street. From there walked all together to Downing Street. Much conversation with Lord G.L. Gower on various topics. Found Mr Swift & Genl Wemyss. Joined by Lord G.H. Cavendish. Conference with Mr Vansittart, who, after hearing with much attention & courtesy what we had to say & stating some modifications in the obnoxious tax desired that we would communicate with the Manchester Gentlemen who had just left him, & that he should be glad to see us at a Conference of a Deputation of Delegates which he had fixed for Friday next at one o’Clock.

From there to Spring Gardens and at 3 o’Clock attended again a meeting of delegates when it was determined to oppose the tax on its principle & that no Modification could render it admissible. Dined at the Bedford; and in the Evening at Covent Garden Theatre with Mr Wedgwood to hear a selection of musick. Highly gratified with Miss Stevens singing, whose style is chaste and pure; and though not so finished a singer as Mrs Salmon (who did appear to me to [‘be’ omitted] truly excellent) yet it is such as goes directly to the Heart & excites the most delightful Emotions.

Letter to Mrs Caldwell, Linley Wood

from her husband James Caldwell. 1815

Mrs Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

From Bedford Hotel

15^th March 1815

My ever dear Eliza,

I have but a moment allowed me before the Post departs but that moment shall be devoted to you. [loved?] to God, my best beloved wife, that I could express to you in any adequate terms how much my heart overflows, and how deeply it is affected, at the kind and tender expressions which you use towards me! I more then thank you for your letters, for it has indeed been a cordial to me, and reanimated my spirits, which certainly were not in the best mood, when I parted from you.

Be assured, however, in one word that I am now perfectly well; and not all overdone by the hurry which this [pertinacious?] character of the Exchequer who like another person whom I happen to have some knowledge of, seems to like his own opinions best is at present occasioning us. When we shall have done, it is impossible to say but we cannot I think be detained long. I think there is a chance that he may abandon the tax on [brindons?] of Manufacturers &c., as he will be powerfully opposed by the delegations, from the different manufacturing places which are now in town.

We have united ourselves with the Gentlemen from Glasgow and Manchester, who are now sitting in Conclave at the Imperial Hotel and where I am going to join them previous to dancing in attendance on the Lobby of the House of Commons.

Mr Wedgwood and I have seen Kean them in Richard 2^nd, the only character he is now performing, and we have heard Miss Stevens sing, but I have no time nor room for fine remarks. [Kean?] voice and deportment appear to me at least to be very defective; but he now and then bursts upon you in a blaze of  superior and exquisite [nating, oratory?] like the meridian Sun from behind a cloud. Miss Stevens is exquisite in voice and a style of singing that goes directly to the heart.

But I must write no more. One thing only let me intreat that you will think of me, as if possible, more fondly and powerfully attracted to you, then when first I folded you to my heart. I am indeed my beloved wife, conscious of all the errors and unreasonableness’s into which I so often turn, but I know you will forgive them all in the full persuasion of possessing my more unbranded and unalterable love. Capricious and impatient as I know myself sometimes to be, my affection however knows no change and I am indeed all your own.

Write to me a line, as soon as I know anything of our probably departure I will write again.

Remember my tenderest love to my ever dear Eliza and regard me always as your most grateful and tenderly affectionate husband.

James Caldwell

James Caldwell diary

Thursday 16.  March 1815

Engaged in the Morning preparing Case for members should the proposed taxes be persisted in & which prevented my attending a Meeting of Delegates in Spring Gardens. Afterwards at Hansards the printer with the same, giving directions for printing &c &c. Joined Mr Wedgwood & Mr Davenport. Called and left Cards at the Marquis of Staffords and Lord Gowers. Great Panic and Consternation in London occasioned by the news from France.

[loose piece of paper inserted in the diary on this page reads:]

Friday. 17^th March 1815

In Spring Gardens at 12. [F . . . ? Peele], &c Determined to oppose the principle & [that?] Mr Douglas [shd?] conduct the Conference. [Joined?] by Lord Stanley Lord Lascelles Lord G[S?] Gower Sir Jas [Graham?] Mr [Blackburn?] Mr Milne Genl Wemyss Mr [Binlay or Finlay]. [Lay or day?] Discussion.

The Chancellor explained that he did not wish the Tax on Servants to extend further than the former Act [ . . . ? . . . ing] executed; giving us to understand that he meant only such servants as were substitutes for Masters or had the direction of [branches?] of [business?]; but [intimating?] at last that he did not think the satisfactory arrangement of this part of the business would be attended with much difficulty. With [reference?] to the taxes on [ . . . ?] & [ . . . ?] &c. After a long discussion he at last yielded so far as to say that he would reconsider the business & that we should hear from him again in a day or two.

Adjourned to the Crown & Anchor [fav . . . ?] Entered into a subscription to defray Exps.

[Hard to read. A guess: ‘Considered the propriety of appointing’] a Resident Agent on behalf of the [ . . . ?] Manufacturers to watch over their Interests &c.

Dined at the Bedford at Cov Garden [ . . . ?]

Saturday. Chapel Street. York Street. [Reading?] &c. Mr Hodgson. [Letter for?] Ld GL Gower. [Cov Garden?] [Miss . . . ail?]

[3rd, right-hand column:]

[ . . . ?] of branches of business. After much discussion the Chancellor yielded so far as to say that he would take the business again into consideration and give us an answer in a day or to. In the course of the Conversation the Chanr repeatedly expressed his wish that any Gentleman would suggest any Modification or Substitute for the Tax; and intimated that if circumstances shd require him to have recourse again to the property tax he wished such part of it as arose from trade to be collected in such manner as might be least exceptionable. Adjourned to the Crown & Anchor [ . . . ? Sa . . . ? In . . . d? also?] & discussion & later to an

[Second side of loose piece of paper inserted in the diary on this page reads:]

Agent being appointed to watch [in London any . . . . . . ?] the Interests of Manufacturing & to form a medium of Communication. Dined at the Bedford. In the Evg with Mr Wedgwood & Mr Davenport at Cov Garden [selectn?] of musick.

Saturday. March 1815

 [ . . . ?] at Mr Salmons. Carpets chairs &c. [Called?] on Lady Manchester. Went to York Street after looking at Pictures. Dined at the Bedford & in the Evg at Cov Garden [seeing Miss A Name/Neme?] in [ . . . ?. . . ?]

[Handwritten note at foot of page: This sheet was loosly placed in James Caldwell’s diary for 17 March 1815]

Sunday.

[Mission?] H. of Commons. Ld G Gower, Littleton, Boothe Davenport & Mr Egerton. Met the Gentleman from Manchester Douglas, John Barton & Barley. Obtained an appointment for a Conference with Mr Vansittart at one o’ Clock on Wednesday it being thought better to have separate Conferences than in a body of different Delegates together. Dined at the Bedford. At Covt Garden at half price.

Tuesday

Met at 17 Spring Gardens. The Delegates from Manchester & Glasgow [Messrs?] Monteith, Sterling &c & Mr Swift from Derby.

Appointed Mr Monteith Chairman of the Delegation & directed a Circular Letter to be sent to the different Inns to draw their attention to the [business?] & particularly the tax on Servts. Dined at the Bedford. Mr B Allen, Mr Wedgwood & Self. Went to Drury Lane to see Kean in Richard 2?

Wednesday.

Engaged preparing for the Conference. Met Ld. G. Gower at Mr Littletons & from there proceeded to Downing Street. Found Mr Swift & Genl Wemys. Ld G. Cavendish joined us. Conference with Mr Vansittart who after hearing what we had to say with much attention and good humour desired that we would confer with the Manchester Gentlemen who had just left him (their Conference having been appointed at 12. & to have a meeting again of Delegates[ . . . . . . . . . ?]. Went to Spring Gardens & at 3 to a Meeting of the delegates; when it was determined to oppose the tax in its principle & admit of no Modifications. Dined at the Bedford. Cov Garden [Mr W & I?] Musick.

Thursday.

Engaged preparing Case which prevented by attending to Meeting in Spring Gardens. Called at Lord Staffords & Lord Gowers. Dined at the Bedford [& evening?] at Cov Garden ½ price the [ . . . ?]

.

Friday 17 March 1815.

Mr Hodgson called the Delegates for [ . . . . . . . . . ?] has a plan he approved. [The previous sentence was added and not easy to read.]

At Spring Gardens at 12.

Sir Rob. Peele Mr Finlay Mr Horrocks etc & Long. Conversation previous to going to Downing Street. Hill further determined to oppose the principle of the Taxes and arranged that Mr Douglas should be the other man at the Conference. Proceeded to Downing Street. Joined there by Lord Stanley, Lord G.L. Gower, Lord Lascelles Sr Jas Graham Mr Blackburne Genl Wemyss Mr Milne &c. Long Conference & discussion with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Said he did not mean the tax on [male?] Servants to extend further than the former Act when fairly executed, giving us to understand that he meant only to include in the list such Servants as were Substitutes for Masters, or had the management of particular branches of business. In the course of the Conversation the Chancellor of the Exchequer repeatedly expressed his wish that any Gentleman would suggest a substitute for the proposed obnoxious taxes; and intimated that if circumstances should require him to have recourse again to the Property Tax he wished such part of it as arose from Trade to be raised & collected in such manner as might be least exceptionable.

After a long discussion and many observations made by the members present particularly Lord Lascelles Sr Jas Graham & Sr. Rob. Peele the Chancellor of the Exchequer yeilded [sic] so far as to say that he would take the business again into consideration and let us know the result in a day or two or In other words as it appeared manifest to me, and which opinion I boldly expressed on leaving him, that he should give up the proposed taxes on windows & Rents of manufactories & warehouses. From Downing Street went to the Crown & Anchor [ . . . ?] where a General Meeting of Delegates was appointed to be held. Subscription entered into, & discussion relative to the appointment of an agent in London on behalf of the Body of Manufacturers to watch over & communicate any Measures that might be brought forward affecting their interests & Mr Backhouse who has been proposed by Mr Hodgson & unanimously

NOTE IN MARGIN RUNNING VERTICALLY: Robt Peele informed me that the Property tax, which produced about 15,000,000, had been paid mainly in the following Proportions

Land &c 11000000
British Trade Professions &c 2700000
West India Trade 1300000
15,000,000

Page 63, March, 1815.

approved. Dined at the Bedford. In the Evening at Covent Garden Theatre with Mr Wedgwood & Mr Davenport. Selection of Musick principally from the Messiah. Mr Salmon sang delightfully particularly from Mighty Kings. […? Mac?]

Saturday 18. March 1815

Called at Mr Salmons Chapel Street relative to Furniture &c. Afterwards called on Lady MacIntosh with Mr Wedgwood but did not see her. Went to York Street with Mr Wedgwood. Afterwards looking at Pictures Collection of Lucia Buonaparte containing many very fine ones particularly of Titian, Carlo Dolce &c. The four Evangelists by the latter delighted me much particularly the St John. Also looked at the fine Picture for an Altar Piece by Guerains. Martyrdom of St [Grisign . . . ?].

Dined at the Bedford. Note received from Lord G.L. Gower inclosing one to his Lordship from the Chancellor of the Exchequer informing him that the proposed House & window Duties on Manufactories & Warehouses would not be pressed further. The object of our Mission therefore was accomplished.

In the evening at Cov Garden Theatre seeing Miss O Neale (Eliza O'Neill) in Mrs Haller. I wished much to have seen this Actress in some other character (as was the case with Mr Kean) but for this no opportunity was offered. She is certainly a very excellent Actress; beautiful and elegant though her person has something of rather a matronly appearance than the Sylph like grace & lightness which I had expected. She seemed to me to be true to Nature, and to excite a powerful Sympathy & interest, without ever running into extravagance, or the vulgar fault of overacting. Her voice good, & her General Deportment easy graceful and impressive.

Sunday 19 March 1815

Mr Wedgwoods & Mr Davenports occasions requiring them to stay in London, I determined at breakfast to return home without delay and about half past twelve o’Clock left London in a Postchaise accompanied by my faithful Servant Thomas Lowe & arrived and slept at Danchurch that night.

Monday 20. March 1815

Arrived at Etruria where I found my dearly beloved wife and daughter about 3 o’Clock having called at Mr Ridgways at Shelton & left with him Mr Vansittarts note to Lord G.L. Gower. Dined at Etruria & came home in the Evening.

Tuesday 21. March 1815

At home and engaged arranging various matters previous to going to Nantwich tomorrow. Unwell with a violent cold.

Wednesday 22 March 1815

Went to Nantwich to dinner with my two Elizas

Thursday 23. March 1815

At Nantwich dined at Mr Sherratts

Friday 24. March 1815

At Nantwich.

Saturday 25. March 1815

Dined again at Mr Sherratts

Sunday 26. March 1815

Returned home in the Evening. Found Stamford who had come from Shrewsbury [ . . . ?] to go to Chester instead of Hereford.

Monday 27. March 1815

At home. Engaged on various matters. Mr Tollet and Mr Wickstead called.

Tuesday 28. March 1815

At Newcastle meeting Mr Beech of the Shaw by appointment who had requested me to undertake the Settlement of various matters in dispute between him & the Navign Company. Looking over a great number of papers letters &c. when I promised to talk the various matters over with Mr Robinson & endeavour to put them in some [ . . . ?] of adjustment. Afterwards attending meeting of the Committee.

Wednesday 29. March 1815

At Stone attending Committee, then Mr Wedgwood Mr Robinson & I were appointed to treat & agree for a lease of the Cockshead Engine & Mine water on such terms as we should approve. Called away from the General Assembly by a Special Message from Mr Peake requesting my attendance at a Militia Meeting & Assessed taxes Meeting at Trentham Inn on which they could not proceed from the want of a sufficient number of Deputy [ . . . ? Commr?]. Attended accordingly & afterwards returned home to dinner.

Thursday 30 March 1815

At home. Busily engaged arranging papers &c. Letter to Mr Beech relative to the matters in dispute with the Navg Co. Engaged with men in the new orchard. Mrs Wedgwood & Miss Allen called. Mr Hollinshead of Liverpool stopped on the Road & with them much Conversation relative to Navgn Concerns.

Friday 31. March 1815

Letter to Mrs Foden with form of Receipt for Damages & Costs Relative to Rough Wood Mill. Called with Eliza at Lawton Hall. Engaged with Men in the new Orchard Ground, laying out Walk &c &c. Fine warm Day.

April.

Saturday 1. April 1815

At home. Mr Trubshaw, with whom engaged. Mrs Foden relative to Roughwood Mill Business, she not having received my Letter. Engaged with Men in the orchard Ground &c.

Sunday 2. April 1815

At home. Service.

Monday 3. April 1815

At Burslem. From thence to Newcastle fixing with Mr Sparrow & Mr Fenton a time for proceeding on the Reference (Ld. Stafford Sr J Heathcote & Mr Smith) relative to Longton Coal Gutter & appointed [. . . ?]

Tuesday the 19th inst

at the Roebuck Newcastle. Also with Mr Bent. Brewery [Accounts?] & appointed to meet at the Roebuck on Thursday morning at ½ past 9. to proceed to Shrewsbury. Returned to Dinner. Letter to Sir Jno Heathcote on the foregoing matters.

Tuesday 4. April 1815

At home. Grounds &c. Reading &c.

Wednesday 5. April 1815

At home. [Mr?] Penlington on their Affairs

57-32046

5 April 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).  Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Post Office, Dawlish, Devon

Diary of James Caldwell

Thursday 6. April 1815

Left home in the Morning. Met Sir John Heathcote & Mr Bent at the Roebuck at Newcastle and proceeded with them to Shrewsbury on arrival Settlement of Brewery Accounts & affairs & arrived there to dinner.

Friday 7. April 1815

Closely engaged all day at the Brewery with the Books, accounts &c &c

Saturday 8. April 1815

Closely engaged again all Morning. Finished the Statements &c & came to Hawkestone Inn to a late Dinner & where we staid all night.

Sunday 9. April 1815

Arrived at home. Found Mr Corbet with Stamford who had returned together from Stafford Sessions. Also Miss [ . . . ?] Allen. Received a very kind congratulatory letter from Mr Sparrow of Bishton on occasion of Stamfords conduct at Stafford; there from the absence of the Leaders he had had considerable business to go through & which he had done in a manner to obtain great approbation. How much were all my fondest hopes and wishes gratified by this Circumstance. This young man little knows the deep interest that I take in his welfare.

Monday 10. April 1815

At Trentham Inn all Day to have sworn in the balloted Men in the Local Militia, but owing to the non attendance of Mr Smith who had positively engaged & promised me to be there, the Meeting was obliged to be adjourned. Mr Chetwynd stopped at the Trentham Inn purposely to express & which he did in the warmest & handsomest manner his approbation of Stamfords Conduct at the Sessions & which he said had been approved & applauded by the whole Bench.

Tuesday 11. April 1815

Mr Corbet & Stamford left Linley Wood, as did Miss F Allen. At Alsager making arrangements relative to the sale of Jacksons remaining stock &c appointed to be sold today.

Wednesday 12 April 1815

At home. Engaged on various matters, Grounds &c &c

Thursday 13. April 1815

At Etruria Meeting Mr Hales, Mr Ralph Hales & Mr Robinson to treat with Mr Hales for a lease of the Cockshead Engine & Mine Water and finally agreeing for the same pursuant to Resolution of the Genl Assembly. Dined at Etruria and returned in the Evening.

Friday 14. April 1815

At home. Engaged Letter Writing to Mr Sparrow in Bath, in reply to his letter relative to Stamford & with particulars of the Agreement relative to the Cockshead Engine & Water.

Saturday 15. April 1815

Engaged drawing out Minute of Agreement relative to Cockshead Mine & Engine Water pursuant to Memorandum made on Thursday last & copying the same & letter therewith to Mr Robinson. Mr Jackson relative to Alsager Business. Began sowing the meadow, late Gilberts, with oats, making use of the [Cathvator?] Miss Allen came to Linley Wood. In the night very sharp frost.

Sunday 16. April 1815

At home. Service. In the afternoon at Talk Chapel. Afterwards conversation with Mr Hill relative to the Claim on the Executors of the late Mr Lawton for Dilapidations & the Settlement of which stood referred to me. Also respecting the money placed in Kinnerslys hands for the use of the Chapel and the late Mr Tollets Affairs & proposed a meeting of the Executors in order to close the Executorship, when he promised to look into the [m . . . ?].

Monday 17. April 1815

At home. Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood, Mrs Darwin & Miss Allen & E Wedgwood dined. Finished sowing with Oats the Meadow

Tuesday 18. April 1815

At home. Engaged on the Grounds & various matters.

Wednesday 19. April 1815

At Newcastle. Attending all day at the Robeuck on the reference to me relative to Longton Coal Gutter by Lord Stafford& Sir John Heathcote & Mr Smith. Examining witnesses &c &c. Miss Stamford & the Girls returned from Devonshire.

Thursday 20. April 1815

At Burslem. From thence to Newcastle. Arranging at Kinnerslys payment for a Navign Share purchased at my request by Mr Robinson of Stone. Called on Mr Sparrow & appointed to have a Reexamination of some of the witnesses examined yesterday on the Reference. Returned to dinner.

Friday 21. April 1815

At home. Engaged with workmen & various papers. Turned 8 Cows out into the Ground under the Wood. Fine mild Rain.

Saturday 22. April 1815

At home. [Mr?] Partington [Junr?] on their Affairs. With whom much Conversation. Perused & considered the Abstracts of the titles to the Thurlwood & Rode Estates, with the Observations of Mr Wishaw thereon made on behalf of the Purchaser. I promised to write to Mr Darlington thereon. Suggested to Mr Penlington for the Consideration of the Family the expediency of a Division with Mr Salmon of the Estates remaining unsold if Miss [B . . . hton . . . ?] continued to hold back, without making such an offer for the purchase as it might be proper to accept. In the Evening Sketching out Letter to Mr Darlington after again perusing & considering the Abstracts and the Observations of Counsel. This day, and yesterday, very unwell with pain, which gave me considerable alarm; but of which I did not feel disposed to make any mention: being unwilling unnecessarily to disturb those about me.

Sunday 23. April 1815

At home. Service. Mr Bent dined. Conversation relative to Liverpool Brewery previous to my going down to Eton on Tuesday next & consideration of various matters to which it might be proper for me to advert.

Monday 24. April 1815

At Trentham Inn. Swearing in balloted Men in the Local Militia. Sr. John Heathcote, Mr Spode & self. Busy day. Called at Kinnerslys & Mr J Sparrow making final arrangements for payment of money & transfer to Miss Stamford of Trent & Mersey Canal Share. On my return found two Miss Darwins. Mr Waltons Assistant relative to Jacksons Sale & the money remaining to be collected.

Tuesday 25. April 1815

Set off with Elizabeth & Eliza to Eton at half past five this Morning. Arrived at Knutsford about nine. Breakfasted at Mr Hollands. Proceeded to Eton, & arrived at half past two. Mr F Wakefield Nephew of the late Gilb Wakefield arrived in the evening.

Wednesday 26. April 1815

At Eton

Thursday 27. April 1815

At Liverpool. Brewing Concerns. Dined at the Brewery.

Friday 28. April 1815

At Eton. Mr Rawson, Mr B Rawson, Mr & Mrs R Rawson & Mr Shepherd dined.

Saturday 29. April 1815

Left Eton after breakfast & cane to Ollerton to dinner. Dined at Mr Potts’s & staid all night. Miss M Robinson daughter of Mr B Robinson & Miss Miller & Mr [Stopard?] dined.

Page 69, April, 1815.

Sunday 30 April 1815

April Left Ollerton about eleven & arrived at Linley Wood about 2. Found 2 Miss Darwins.

Monday 1 May 1815

May At home. Engaged in a variety of matters. Workmen in the [House?] Grounds, farm &c &c

Tuesday 2. May 1815

The like. Turned 9 cows into the [House?] field.

Monday 3d May 1815 

At home. Dr Belcombe dined & he came for the purpose of considering further the arrangements relative to the establishment of a Permanent Book Society at Newcastle. Much conversation on this subject, when it was thought most advisable that a Conference shd be had with Mr Wedgwood, Mr Bent & a few others who were likely to interest themselves in the business Previous to a General Meeting being called of the Subscribers to the Reading Society to take the plan into consideration; and which conference I promised to attend.

Thursday 4. May 1815

At home. Grounds. Farm & various matters.

Friday 5. May 1815

At Trentham Inn. Attending a Meeting on the Property Tax. Sr John Chetwode, Mr Spode & Self. Busy day: but returned late to dinner. Miss Darwins left L Wood this morning going to Parkfields

Saturday 6. May 1815

At Etruria with Elizabeth & Eliza calling upon Mr & Mrs Allen who had arrived there on Thursday last.

Sunday 7. May 1815

At home. Service.

Monday 8. May 1815

At home. Samuel Jackson relative to their Account. Letter writing kept me in the House greatest part of the morning. Grounds &c &c. A letter received by Eliza from [Ann?] mentioning Mr Sherratts being much indisposed. Determined to go to [ . . . ?] tomorrow to see him.

Tuesday 9. May 1815

Elizth, Eliza & I went to [ . . . ?]. Mr Sherratt so much better as to have gone to Nantwich. Looked over his farm with the Tenant James Evans & found much good Improvement. Mr S returned to dinner, but from having seen so little of him we determined to stay the night.

Wedgwood Archive

9 May 1815 (or 1818?)

Letter from Josiah Wedgwood to James Caldwell regarding Gilbert’s plan for a canal tunnel.

Diary of James Caldwell

Wednesday 10. May 1815

Returned home to dinner. Dr Belcombe dined, with whom finally arranged the plan of the proposed Newcastle Permanent Book Society. Mr Gilbert with his plans relative to a mode of facilitating the passage of Boats through Harecastle Tunnel which he explained very fully & which appeared to relate to me to be original ingenious & practicable. The principle is to remove the distinction or resistance arising from the swell of water occasioned by the progress of the Boat, and for the escape of which by the sides of the Boats there is not sufficient width. The rising of a Boat going out to sea illustrates the idea of the resistance.

Thursday 11. May 1815

At home. Grounds & various matters. Began setting Potatoes for winter Crop & Cabbage.

Friday 12. May 1815

At home. Mr Allen Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood two Miss Allens Eliz. Wedgwood Mr & Miss Tollet & Miss [Dumerique?] dined. The two latter staid the night.

Saturday 13. May 1815

Mr Trubshaw, with whom engaged on the Buildings & various arrangements. Mr Scott Drawing Master giving his first lesson to the Girls. Afterwards dined at Etruria. Elizth, Eliza, Miss Stamford& myself. Returned in the Evening.

Sunday 14. May 1815

At home. Service

Monday 15. May 1815

At Newcastle on various matters. [Letter?] to Navigation share purchased by Mrs Stamford. Longton Coal Gutter Reference & fixing a day
For further examination of Witnesses &c &c. Dined at Stoneyfields Mr Sneyd. Pool Ward Dr & Mrs Bent & self.

Tuesday 16. May 1815

At home. Farms & Grounds & various matters.

Wednesday 17. May 1815

The like. Saml Jackson, Beardmore &c. The Glass purchased at Mr Whalleys Sale arrived.

Thursday 18. May 1815

At home. Saml Jackson again stating Account &c. Engaged in the Grounds. Felling trees in Linley Lane Meadow

Friday 19. May 1815

At home. Mr Richardson dined. Mr Audley [Jackson? . . . ?]

Saturday 20. May 1815

At home. Saml Jackson, Mr Barker & Beardmore in relation to Jacksons business. Miss Wedgwood from Parkfields came to dinner.

Sunday 21. May 1815

At home. Service

Monday 22. May 1815

At home. Various Matters. Farm &c. Mr Butt dined.

Tuesday 23. May 1815

At Newcastle. Attending again examining witnesses &c in Reference relative to Longton Coal Gutter. Returned to dinner.

Wednesday 24. May 1815

At Newcastle attending Meeting of Book Society, & relative to the plan which had been proposed for forming a Permanent Book Society. Returned to dinner. Dr Belcombe dined.

Thursday 25 May 1815

Miss Wedgwood left Linley Wood. Engaged with Grounds &c & various matters.

Friday 26. May 1815

At home. Considering & copying part of a fresh will. In the Grounds altering small pond in the Garden at the Farm &c

Saturday 27. May 1815

At home. Began a Book called Despotism which I accidentally dipped into this morning speaking of the Jesuits ways.

Under the secret standard of the Jesuit, human nature itself was to be enrolled. He had found Allies in all Stations; all younger Sons, all Men of talents without fortune, all the disaffected and fiery Spirits of the age, were at least respectable in number. “He that goeth about to persuade a Multitude that they are not so well governed as they ought to be shall never want attentive and favourable hearers”. P 34

Patriotism is not always an independent virtue, and a good deal of public spirit may be produced by a little private grievance. Ibid 98.

Nations says the Jesuit are to be governed by their own humours. In France an Epigram is fatal; and in England when you want the truth not known, publish it; their Pamphleteers will immediately prove the reverse. There, with pamphlets, I make peace or war; prove Non Entities to be Realities, and Truth be a nonentity. 164.

In the Morning Mr Allen Mrs J Wedgwood & Miss Wedgwood called. In the evening Mr Wilbraham with whom engaged to dinner on Monday next.

Sunday 28. May 1815

At home. [ . . . . . . ?]

Monday 29. May 1815

At home. Mr Tomkinson, Sir J Heathcotes Agent, with some particulars relative to the Longton Coal Gutter Reference & with whom much discussion of this subject. Dined at Mr Wilbrahams. Mr Ford & his son, Mr [Hopingstall?] Junr & Mr Wetenhall. On my return home found Mrs & Miss Crompton & Miss Crompton & Henry.

Tuesday 30. May 1815

At Trentham Inn early. Swearing Assessors to [Assess . . . ?] Taxes Assessments. Did the business myself. Sr John Heathcote who had engaged to meet me being prevented from attending. Got early Potatoes out of the common Ground.

Wednesday 31. May 1815

At Stone attending Meeting of Select Committee. Mr Sparrow, Mr Simpson Mr [Knot? Knox?]& myself. Much Business & fully engaged all day.

June. Thursday 1. June 1815

At Stone all Morning & till near 3 o’Clock, again busily engaged. Obtained an order for the Company Boat to convey Miss Swinnerton of Butterton to [Bramston?] on her way to London. Returned later to dinner. Found John Blunt with whom much pleased. In the course of today I met with Mr Pearson the Counsel at Stone who expressed in the strongest terms his approbation of the manner in which Stamford had gone through the business of the Sessions. Mr Sparrow of Bishton had previously done the same.

Friday 2. At home. Engaged in the Grounds. Cutting trees in the Approach &c.

Saturday 3. At home. [Mrs?] Partington on their affairs. Putting up in the Binns the pipe of Port had last year from Jones & Wilkinson. Engaged in various matters with the Workmen. Wet day.

Sunday 4. At home. Service

Monday 5. June 1815

At home.
“Foreigners who read some of the party publications which swarm from the English press and particularly Cobbet, conceive, certainly, very erroneous opinions of the real state of things. I believed in America, with many others, and I know that several persons at the head of the American Government believe now, that England is on the eve of a Revolution, which, it is supposed, will free them from her maritime pretensions, and if it is possible to be thus deceived in a country so similar to England, what must it be in France , where no adequate idea can be formed of party exaggerations? Far from taking their party writers literally, I find the greatest part of the English Public look upon them only as professed wrestlers whose display of strength and abilities interests and amuses them, but whose object, besides the gratification of some malice and vanity is merely Money.” Journal of a Tour &c in Great Britain by a French Traveller in 1809.

Tuesday 6. June 1815

At home. Unwell with a gouty attack. Mr & Mrs Potts of Ollerton & Miss Robinson, Mrs Jos Wedgwood Miss F Allen & Jos Wedgwood dined.

Wednesday 7. June 1815

At home. Engaged with Mr Potts. But very unwell.

Thursday 8. June 1815

So unwell with my indisposition which had turned to a severe & painful attack of Gout as to be

unable to get up. Mr & Mrs Potts & Miss R left Linley Wood. Miss Stamford& Emma went to Coole

Friday 9. June 1815

In bed the greatest part of the day with great pain the Gout having settled in my foot. Reading various parts of Lord [Breens?] Works. This is a Book from which I have always felt great relief when in pain from its power of exciting thought and reflection & thereby diverting & [ . . . ing?] bodily suffering.

Saturday 10. June 1815

The like. Rather better. Dr Belcome & Mr Bent dined. Considering Rules & Regulations of the proposed Permanent Book Society.

Sunday 11. June 1815

The like. Gradually but slowly mending.

Monday 12. June 1815

The like. Gradually better. On last observing the progress of the gout in this attack I felt convinced that the most prudent way is to leave Nature to her course, favouring her efforts, rather than by any violent means hastening or checking them. This to be sure requires the endurance of pain; but it is plucking safety out of the nettle.

Tuesday 13. June 1815

Gradually but slowly better. The Girls Eliza & Ann at Trentham at Mr Butts

Wednesday 14. June 1815

The like. Mr & Mrs & two Miss Woods Emma & Mary came to Linley Wood. Came down stairs for the first time but not without much difficulty.

Thursday 15. June 1815

The like. Engaged with the Woods, but still confined to the House.

Friday 16. June 1815

The like. Mr [B…ttel?] with the three young Men from Burslem dined.

Saturday 17. June 1815

The like.

Sunday 18. June 1815

The like. Service. Went out of doors for a very short time. In the evening Mr & Mrs Wood & the young women left us.

Monday 19. June 1815

Again went out though unable to walk without much difficulty. Engaged making extracts from [B . . . ?] &c with a view to a printed notice to be given by the Audley Association of the forfeiture incurred by various offences such as tippling, fishing &c &c, & which I thought might be useful in checking these practices which had of late become pregnant in the neighbourhood. Miss Sherratt of Newcastle came to Linley Wood.

Tuesday 20  June 1815

Hill infirm & unable to go out much. Penlingtons affairs in consequence of Letter from Mr Sherratt

Wednesday 21. The like. Turned 3 Carp & 3 Tench had from Bostock House into the small [st . . . ?] in the Farm Garden.

Thursday 22. June 1815

Mr & Mrs Rob. Sherratt & their Son Joseph dined: & returned in the Evening taking Miss Sherratt with them.

Friday 23. June 1815

Rode on Horseback in the Grounds for the first time. Mr. Jos Wedgwood. Jos. & Charlotte dined. Engaged again in Penlingtons Affairs. Letter to Mrs […?] &c

Saturday 24. June 1815

At home. Dr Belcombe also dined & with whom considering & […ting?] Rules & Regulations for the intended Permanent Book Society

Sunday 25. June 1815

At home. Service. Still infirm.

Monday 26. June 1815

At home in the Morning. Dined at Lawton Hall. Mr Tollett Mr Wettenhall & self.

Tuesday 27. June 1815

At home. Looking over various Navign Papers previous to going to Wolseley Bridge tomorrow to attend meeting of the Select Committee

Wednesday 28. June 1815

At Wolseley Bridge attending meeting of the Select Committee.

Thursday 29. June 1815

The like. From thence to Fradley Junction in the Cos. new Boat surveying this part of the Canal &c. Mr Sparrow, Lister, Simpson, Webb, Robinson & Self. It being proposed to give a name to the Boat I suggested that of Waterloo in Compliment to Lord Wellington & think was immediately & unanimously adopted. Returned to Wolseley Bridge & from thence to Stone where I slept.

Friday 30. June 1815

At home. Busy in the Hay. But still unwell.

July.

Saturday 1. July 1815

At home. The like. In the Morning Stamford arrived and in the Evening Mrs & Miss Cromptons of Eton

Sunday 2 July 1815

At home. Service. Henry Crompton

Monday 3. July 1815

 Home. Hay Harvest in which busily engaged but still infirm. In the morning the Cromptons left us.

Tuesday 4. July 1815

At home. Letter writing &c &c. Busy in the Hay. In the Evening called at Mr Wilbrahams & at Mr Wittenhalls.

Wednesday 5. July 1815

Carrying Hay. Miss Tollet & Miss [Damaresque?] came to dinner.

Thursday 6. July 1815

The like. Mr Wickstead came to dinner.

Friday 7. July 1815

At home. Mr Wilbraham Mr Wittenhall & Mr Wickstead dined. Busy in the Hay.

Saturday 8. July 1815

At home. Still lame. Busy in the hay. In the morning Miss Tollet & Miss [Damareque?] & Mr

Wickstead left Linley Wood.

Sunday 9. July 1815

At home. Service. Dr Crompton & Albert arrived at dinner. The former for my opinion & advice in consequence of injury done to the Brewery Warehouse let to Greaves Yates & Co by overweighting the same. Considering the Case & advising the Doctor upon it. In the Afternoon Mr Wood & Mr John Wood of Brownhills

Wedgwood Archives

57-32047

9 July 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875), to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).  Addressed from Baring Place, to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood, Lawton, Cheshire.  The letter reads as follows:

Baring Place

July 9^th

My dear Anne

Your letter gives me great pleasure.  The account of yourself was even better than I expected.  I do now indeed hope that you will give …ed happiness to your friends.  If health returns to you, you will amply repay them for the anxiety they have suffered for you the last 12 months.  Let me have continued reports of your well doing. 

Jane heard again from Tom last night, a letter that would have given me even more pleasure than his first.  His active life has brought out his character, and has shown very delightful qualities.  His letter details his feelings on first going into action.  Those tremendous days of the 16, 17 and 18^th of last month {Battle of Waterloo].  It is very interesting and does him great credit.  He says he felt nervous when he was ordered out on the 16^th.  It was unexpected and his mind was not prepared for it, but that on the following day, he was very easy.  It is in his favour that he felt a good deal at first, in such a business.  It would have seemed a brutal courage and insensibility, if he had been nervous at such a time. 

The day before the battle of the 18^th, he had procured a little food which he partook with 5 other officers of his regiment and he was the only one left alive on the following day.  He says the muster of the 19^th was the most melancholy thing he ever saw.  Nothing like half their numbers. 

John and Jane may very justly feel satisfied with Tom.  His first letter has met with very great acceptance.  Macintosh was mentioning at Brooks his account of the battle, and Lt. Lansdowne said he should like to know what young man it was that gave so clear an account, on the day of such a battle. 

Lt. Re Sigmour was so pleased with his letter, that he put it into his packet to show the Duke of York and the Prince Regent, but he did not see them till the matter had become old.  What pleases me the most in Tom, is his attention in writing to his mother and the tone of sincere affection that goes through the whole of his letters.  The fault I always thought he had, was never being serious.  He had a kind of copied jocularity which did not show mirth, and prevented your ever knowing what he was.  It is the most effectual mask for the character that you can put on. 

This letter I intend as a carte du pays, therefore I shall go through the whole of the family though I shall run the risk of disappointing you or making you angry.  There is nothing in the world that I admire so much as that part of your character that takes as fact all the appearances of good that is presented to you and instantly believes in sudden and great changes.  I am sure it is a proof of great excellence of character. 

I have been so unlucky in the examples that have been shown me that I am a little incredulous, but you and Emma once more deceived me in Caroline.  I find her the same girl, immensely disagreeable, uncommonly insolent to the Drewes, with not a spark of diffidence in her character, and her manner to Sally still disagreeable.  Sally seems fond of her, therefore I suppose she is much mended in her manners towards her. 

You will think me also unjust to your pet, but I cannot advise Bob the least.  He is importunate and affected, there is nothing that I make way against so much as affectation.  Mackintosh used to say this was a fault of ours, and I believe it is in a slight degree, but it prevents me from liking a child, if it had otherwise no fault. 

Jessie I still like, I believe it is because she is very fond of me and I am not proof against that.  I shall therefore say nothing against her.  Another thing that displeases me with all here except Sally is that they bully and are very insolent to the Dewes of the next house.  I mean to observe this more closely, though I am very nearly satisfied that this is the case.  … that are at home now have an humbled manner, that is almost affecting.

Caroline I hear from more than one, is very insolent to them, and has really done Charlotte’s temper great mischief.  They have been bullied so much about by Elizabeth that they seem to be afraid of her.  She however with her usual sweetness is encouraging them and they are not looking so frightened. 

Georgina has still a cough and looks hectic but she seems otherwise strong.  Louisa is very … and timid.  They are nice girls from what I can see of them.  They are alarmed at me too I believe.  They seem good here … and affectionate to a …  I look at Caroline as a stranger.  I have been so little with her in the course of my life, and I feel the effect she must produce on others exceedingly agreeable.  I enjoy her society very much.  I am …   I look at her family, that there is not much repose for her mind’s health of almost all the younger children must keep her in a constant state of anxiety.  I am glad to observe that Frank is very much improved since I last saw him. 

And now for Sally and Dr Miller and him also I shall disappoint you, but I am sorry to tell you, that from what I have been able to observe, I think that Dr Miller, has not the least fancy that way.  I have only been in their company twice, which is not time enough to make accurate observations.  He made two long morning visits here lately, but as there seemed to me nothing in the business, I deserted my post of observer and did not go into the room where they were, as I was engaged in writing.  He seems to me very amicable, but not agreeable.  I shall have a better opportunity of judging soon as the l… begin tomorrow week. 

Horner is engaged to dine here the same day, and Dr Miller will be asked to meet him, but I can prophesy, that I shall pay more attention to my old acquaintance Horner, than to the benevolent purpose of watching Dr Miller and Sally.  I must not omit to tell you that I believe Sally most entirely.  She is very amicable and is a general favourite.  Jane talks of going to the … immediately after the … we … is Emma and I remain with Caroline here. 

We have seen none of the neighbours yet, we know only the High Street and the ditches which they will name roads about here.  I heard from Jessie this morning.  She is enjoying herself very much, but I suspect poor … is sighing for the end of her two months.  They are dancing almost every night and have to be running to all the soirees within their reach. 

Jessie has fallen in love with a long Irishman who says little or nothing and looks very ill, but he is charming and Sarah thinks so too.  I abstain from politics altogether.  I do not think like anyone, the anxiety I have felt for our army and Tom, makes me dislike this war more than ever.  I have scarcely ever been more shocked at any time than the death of poor (Samual) Whitbread.  How extraordinary that he above all men with everything to make life delightful would have loathed it so much as to commit suicide.  We have lost one of two bills and the most useful public man we have.  He was so constantly on the right and on the generous side that I feel as if we had lost a portion of virtue.

I hope your bisiton turned out agreeable.  I beg nothing of Miss Duma.  It was not likely that Stamford would take your recommendation and choose to flirt with Miss D when Miss Tohill was at hand.  My kindest love to Eliza and Emma.  Tell the … the lovely Fanny has not warn[?] her lovely gown yet.  God bless you.

Yours Affectionately F Allen.
Remember me to Mr & Mrs C and all.

Jane’s love and bids me tell you that she will desire Bessy to send Tom’s letters to you as she is sure you will all be interested about him.  Adieu

Diary of James Caldwell

Monday 10. July 1815

At home. Busy in the hay.

Tuesday 11. July 1815

The like.

Wednesday 12. July 1815

At Trentham calling upon Lord Stafford who I saw & also Lady Stafford & long & pleasant conversation with them. Finished carrying hay out of the Meadow.

Thursday 13.

At home. Heavy shower of Rain.

Friday 14. July 1815

At Stafford attending the Assizes. Summoned on the Grand & two special Juries but so numerous an attendance that I did not serve on the former. Consulted by and Much engaged with Mr Lister in relation to an application made to him to offer himself for the Borough of Newcastle in the room of Lord Gower who had accepted the Chilton Hundreds in consequence of Lord GL Gower being called up to the House of Peers. Also engaged with Sir John Chetwode on the same business & to whom a similar application had been made from Newcastle as that to Mr Lister. Declined by both.

Saturday 15 July 1815

At Stafford. Much Conversation with Lord Gower & afterwards accompanied him to the Clerk of the Peace Office to fix the day of nomination for the County & which was postponed to Monday the 24 in order that due notice may be given in the County Paper. Invited by him to stop & dine at Trentham on my return from Stafford, but declined this: promising to take another opportunity of doing it. The Special Jury Causes on which I had been summoned being compromised left Stafford about 2 o’Clock & came with Mr [Tho?] Sparrow to Newcastle & who dined with me at the Roebuck. Introduced to Reginald [Heb…?]who accompanied Mr Wilmot the Candidate but did not see the latter owing to his being so unwell as to have gone to bed.

Sunday 16. July 1815

At home. Service. In the evening Mrs Jos Wedgwood Charlotte & [Jos?] Wedgwood Junr on their way to Liverpool.

Monday 17. July 1815

At home. Various matters

Tuesday 18. July 1815

At home. Mr Josiah Potts on his return home and with whom engaged.

Wednesday 19. July 1815

At Burslem. Returned & dined.

Thursday 20. July 1815

At Macclesfield with Mr Bent with Plans of intended new Brewery, looking over the Ground &c with Kirk the Engineer & Stringer the Bricklayer. Also engaged with the Books.

Friday 21. July 1815

At Goyt Quarry inspecting & examining the Stone with a view to its being used for the Tuns & Coolers instead of Wood.

Goyt Quarry belongs to Mess Pickfords who have here an Estate of the extent of 5000 Acres.

It is situation on the extreme verge of the County of Chester adjoining to Derbyshire, about 9 miles from Macclesfield and 4 from Buxton. It is approached by a new Road of about a Mile in length, branching from the great Road, and which [running?] round the Hills & with a precipice on one side of considerable depth, in some places 45 feet, & without any fence whatever, presents rather a formidable appearance to the eye.

The mine of Stone is about 5 yards in thickness , the perpendicular height of the facing about 18 yards and the whole length now gettable about 185 yards: but the Stone is supposed to be almost inexhaustible.

The Stone appears to be a kind of silecious grit Stone, very hard and capable of a fine Polish; perhaps the only equal to Marble.

The blocks are got of great size; we saw one 12 feet by 8 & about 3 ½ or 4 inches thick. (Note in margin: A Stone was pointed out to us as gettable that cd be 26 feet in length.) The Stone is used for flags, Tombstones Staircases &c. The chief demand is to London, but a great obstruction to its use is the expence of Carriage; its nearest point of Communication with any water Conveyance being that with the Leek Canal which at the nearest point is a distance of not less than about 13 Miles.

The price of the polished Stone in the Quarry ¼ delivered in London is about 2/4 per foot: of common flag Stones 9d in London. But the account of prices was so vague, that I have desired to be furnished with more accurate information.

The Stone is polished by a floor being laid of it, which is ground by other stones worked over the surface by a water wheel resembling the action of grinding flint. In the polishing common sand is applied. The polishing takes up a week, working day & night except the polishers which being constantly moving take up only about half the time. The Wheel is a Cast metal wheel 36 feet in diameter & 3 feet on the Sole.

Above 65 or 70 persons are here constantly employed. Returned to Macclesfield to dinner much gratified with our Excursion, & Afterwards saw Mr Poulson Messrs Pickfords head Clerk who happened to be at Macclesfield & who promised to furnish an estimate of the expense of the Stone for the purpose intended.

Saturday 22. July 1815

Engaged all Morning on the ground with Kirk & Stringer & the Plans. & returned to Linley Wood to dinner.

Sunday 23. July 1815

At home. Service.

Monday 24. July 1815

At home. Various matters. Mr Twemlow of Alsager, with whom conversation as to exchange of Lands with Mr Jenks, & to which he thought there could be no objection, as it would be beneficial to both Estates.

Tuesday 25 July 1815

At home. Writing letter to Mr Jenks proposing exchange of Lands, with a sketch of the same. Farm &c. For the first time since my attack of Gout put on a common Shoe.

Wednesday 26. July 1815

At the treble Locks speaking to Mr Faram & looking at a small Brook [wished?] to be taken by Mr Wilbraham. From thence to Rode Hall with Faram on this business, when it was settled that Mr Faram should make a report to me on the subject in order that I might lay the same before the Select Committee. Mr Faram informed me that when the treble locks at Middlewich were finished he calculated that there would be a saving of 400 locks of water per week. The general weekly consumption on the canal is 1000 locks per week [‘which is to be understood’ is placed between 2 lines here] 1000 from the Summit north & 1000 from the Summit south: The saving will therefore be 4/10.

From Rode Hall, home by the Alsager Farms

Thursday 27. July 1815

At Stafford attending nomination for the County when Lord Gower nominated by Mr Chetwynd & seconded by Mr Tenant. Returned to Newcastle & dined at Mr Thos Sparrows who had accompanied me to Stafford with Mr Chetwynd.

Friday 28. July 1815

At home. Various matters.

Saturday 29. July 1815

At home.

Sunday 30. July 1815

At home. Service. Edward Wood dined.

Monday 31. July 1815

At Stafford early attending Election of Lord Gower which took place between ten & eleven. Signed the Return & afterwards dined at the Swan, where there was a numerous party of Lord G friends.

Tuesday 1 August 1815

Dined at Rode Hall. Elizth Self Eliza & Emma. Dr & Mrs Jackson but did not see the former owing to his being unwell. 2 Miss [ . . . ?] Wettenhall & G Kinnersly

Wednesday 2. August 1815

At home. Engaged on the grounds & various matters.

Thursday 3. August 1815

At home. Unwell, with some return of Gout.

Friday 4. August 1815

At home. Letter writing. William Penlington on their affairs. Delivered to him Conveyance for part of

old Linley Lane to be shown to Mr Darlington. Ann & Betsy arrived to dinner from Nantwich.

Saturday 5. August 1815

At home. Stamford arrived at home. Dr Holland also came.

Sunday 6. August 1815

At home. Service but unwell with Symptoms of returning Gout.

Monday 7. August 1815

At home. Unwell. Consulted Dr Holland who considered the swelling & inflammation on my leg as gouty. Sparrow of Bishton, relative to the Agreement for Cockshead Mine & Engine water & with whom long Conversation & afterwards considering this subject. Looking over the papers previous to writing to Mr Sparrow. Dr Holland left us about noon.

Tuesday 8. August 1815

At home. The inflammation & swelling on my leg so great as to confine me to the Sopha & prevent my attendance at Newcastle Races. Wrote a note by Stamford to Sr John Chetwode excusing my attendance. Elizth & the three Girls with Betsy at the Ball. Read in the Evening when alone King Lear: of the beauties of which I think I never before so sensibly felt. Wonderful, indeed, is the Degree in which the Mind whatever be its mood, may find in Shakespeare thoughts and expressions expressly fitted to pipe the tune of it.

Wedgwood Archives

57-32048

8 August 1815

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).  Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

Diary of James Caldwell

Wednesday 9. August 1815

Still confined. In bed the greatest part of the day.

Thursday 10. August 1815

The like with violent pain in my side & back.

Friday 11. August 1815

The like. Pain abated. Mr Robinson of Stone dined.

Saturday 12. August 1815

The like

Sunday 13. August 1815

Went in the Carriage to Stoneyfields with Eliza where we drank tea. Mr Wood dined.

Monday 14. August 1815

At home. Various matters previous to going to Brockton Lodge & Bishton. Mr Sherratt of Nantwich came from Buxton.

Tuesday 15. August 1815

At Brockton Lodge with Mr Thos Sparrow where we dined & slept

Wednesday 16. August 1815

At Bishton, where we dined & slept

Thursday 17. August 1815

Returned home to dinner after a very pleasant & satisfactory excursion having met with the greatest kindness & hospitality both at Brockton & Bishton.

Friday 18. August 1815

Mr Sherratt & my visitors left us. Mr Trubshaw

Saturday 19. August 1815

At home. Mr Tomkinson with the Draught of Deeds to be executed by Mr Thomas Wedgwood of Burslem, but which he refused doing unless approved by me. Perusing & considering the Deed & writing to Mr Wedgwood with my approval.

Sunday 20. August 1815

At home. Service

Monday 21. August 1815

At home. Mr Chetwynd & Mr Wettenhall dined. The former staid all night. Mr Tho Sparrow who was to have been one of the party, prevented coming.

Tuesday 22. August 1815

Mr Chetwynd & Stamford left us, setting off to attend the Assizes at Chester.

Wednesday 23. August 1815

At home. Dr Holland, Mrs Holland of Knutsford and two Miss Hollands (Elizth & Lucy) came to Linley Wood & with whom engaged.

Thursday 24. August 1815

Engaged with Dr Holland. Mr & Mrs Jos Wedgwood & Charlotte dined.

Friday 25. August 1815

Engaged with the Hollands. The first board laid in the Drawing Room floor and into which I drove one of the first nails on the left hand side
entering the Room.

Saturday 26. August 1815

Engaged with the Hollands. Dr & Mrs & Miss Holland Eliza & Emma dined at Etruria

Sunday 27. August 1815

The Hollands left us.

Monday 28. August 1815

At home. The three Rugby Boys from Etruria, with Mr Tomkinsons two sons of Cliffe Ville spent the day & staid all night. Again unwell & confined to the House.

Tuesday 29. August 1815

At home. Unwell, but better. Began cutting wheat.

Wednesday 30. August 1815

 At Stone attending Meeting of Select Committee. Took Mr Chetwynd in the Carriage from Newcastle with whom much conversation on County affairs &c &c. Closely engaged all day in the Committee.

Thursday 31. August 1815

At Stone Engaged on the Committee, & afterwards in investigating old account between Mr Beech of the Shaw & the Company relative to Trespass, purchase of Lands &c. in the settling of which Mr Beech, who attended at Stone, had requested my interference. Returned home later. Found two Miss Fernses of Bostock Hall Miss Furnival, & Miss F Allen. Also Papers from Mr Hill relative to Walterloo Subscription

September.

Friday 1. September 1815

Engaged in various matters. Farm &c. Wm Penlington dined. Busy in the Harvest.

Saturday 2. September 1815

At Burslem. From thence to Etruria, calling upon Mrs John Wedgwood, who I found as interesting and amiable and almost as beautiful as ever.

Sunday 3. September 1815

At home. Service. Afterwards attended service at Talk on the Hill, a sermon being preached by the Revd Brian Hill, for the relief of the families of the killed & wounded at Waterloo. In the Evening Miss Frances left L. Wood

Monday 4. September 1815

At home. Mr Chas Lawton, with whom settled & paid all interest to Midsumr [cash?] on my Bond for 1481.6.3 transferred to Mr Sherratt. Eliza & Ann went to Knutsford.

Tuesday 5. September 1815

At home. Drawing Form for contributions to the Waterloo [Sufferers?] to be taken from House to House by Mr Beardmore & Mr Smith the Churchwardens. Finished cutting Wheat.

Wednesday. September 1815

Busily engaged in the Harvest. Finished cutting Oats in Linley Meadow. In the morning rode down to Alsager. Fine weather.

Thursday 7. September 1815

Busy in the Harvest cutting oats in the Hollins Ground & behind the farm. Dr Belcombe who dined. Eliza & Ann returned from Knutsford

Friday 8. September 1815

At home. Harvest.

Saturday 9. September 1815

At Newcastle. Various matters.

Sunday 10. September 1815

At home. Service. Frank, Joseph & Edward Wood dined.

Monday 11. September 1815

At home.

Tuesday 12. September 1815

At home. Lady Fletcher, Mr & Mrs Twemlow & Mr. Mrs Powys dined.

Wednesday 13. September 1815

At home. In the morning Mr Marsh arrived. Finished Harvest.

Memoirs of Louisa Marsh-Caldwell

At Linley Wood in those days lived our Grandfather and Grandmother Caldwell, of simple country habits and manners, but both of them people remarkable in their different ways, as will be seen when we come to the Caldwell part of this narrative further on.

With them lived their three surviving daughters* and as old Lord Churston told me, who had known them in those days, all distinguished in conversation. Our mother was the second of these daughters and though not so handsome as her two other sisters, was very tall and striking as I have heard from the friends of her youth, very clever and lively.

(*Hannah, Margaret (Emma) and Ann Caldwell)

She has told us laughingly that when the sisters had gone to their rooms the night of our fathers * arrival, and as girls are want, were discussing the new guest and according to their brothers recommendation!! Who of the three sisters Mr Marsh seemed most to have noticed. They all agreed that Emma, the youngest was the one so forward! But this was not really the case and at the end of ten days my father asked the middle one of the sisters to be his wife. Our dear mother Anne.

(* Arthur Cuthbert Marsh)

Our father was, what is called, in face a plain man, though with much charm and distinction of manner and a beautiful lithe and active figure. Our mother has told us that from the very fear of not loving him enough, as it was difficult for any woman to do on so short an acquaintance, and also her horror lest any interested motives such as making, what is called a “good match” should have affected her would only consent to “a half kind of engagement” to “nothing positive” “they were to see how they should like each other.”

This went on for about a year and a half or more, my mother partly from the above reasons and partly from the constitutional “nervousness” which was the bane of her life being unable to come to a final decision either one way of the other, at length Mr Marsh felt it better for both their happiness it say that if she felt she could not come to the decision he had hoped for ie that she would now accept him at once, the affair had better be broken off and so it was, but our dear mother then finding how truly she had really loved my father and that she could not take up life again without his companionship, her father wrote to beg Mr Marsh to renew the engagement and as the od stories say, “they were happily married.”

There are in this village near to Linley Wood, traditions still kept up of our father in his “courting days” which we have after 1860 heard from old women of the place, who seem to have been impressed by him in 1815 to 1817 and who tell us of our father’s light and active figure and the energy of his movements, how one day walking with Mr Caldwell, his future father-in-law they came to a high farm gate through which young Mr Marsh had to pass along, in searching his pockets old Mr Caldwell found he had forgotten the “pass key” “Oh never mind the key Mr Caldwell” said the young man, this is best kind of key” and he cleared the high barrier at a bound, evidently much to the admiration of the old woman, who saw the little scene and was a young girl at the time.

They also relate on the beautiful riding horses he brought down for my mother and himself to ride upon together and of the Southern born groom, himself also evidently an object of great village admiration. How riding with my mother he threw a sovereign to some child who opened a gate making an observation of the value of “unexpected happiness.”

This latter by the way was a trait of our dear father told by our mother. We have seen some of his letters to my mother before their marriage. They all most charming, full of deep feeling, cultivation and wit. Our mother had in later years, burnt many of these letters, which we never saw, saying that she feared if we even read them “We should love him too much more than herself!” – Dearest Mother!

Our parents were so different in their natures that there could be no danger of this on comparison between them. To our minds they were while still with us, and all in our memories, so different, and so much more original and un-commonplace, then 99 out of the 100 one knows and her known beside them! We all loved, almost worshipped our father but there was room for love of them both in their childrens hearts and surely no parents more truly earned the affection, the dear affection of these children and the earnest veneration we bear their  memories.

.

Diary of James Caldwell

Thursday 14. September 1815

At Newcastle & meeting Mr Sparrow & Mr Tho Fenton on the Longton Coal Gutter reference previous to making my award. Returned home to dinner

Friday 15. September 1815

At home. Mr Morris relative to small piece of land at Thurlwood part of Messrs Salmon & Penlington which he wished to purchase. Mr Marsh & various matters.

Saturday 16. September 1815

At home. Various matters.

Sunday 17. September 1815

At home.

Monday 18. September 1815

At Newcastle. Mr Sparrow on various matters. From thence to Stone meeting Mr Bainbrigge investigating his claim on the Navign Co for Land taken, trespasses &c on the making of the Uttoxeter Canal. Engaged a long time & returned home in the evening. Put into great danger by one of the Public Coaches, The Empire, running foul of the Chaise in which I was. The pole, Splinter Bar & Harness of which broke all to pieces by the shock; but luckily the driver though stunned at first, myself & the Servant who was with me in the Chaise escaped unhurt.

Sunday 24th September, 1815
At home.

Monday 25th September 1815
Mr C. Lawton called. Stamford and I dined at Trentham according to invitation from Lord Stafford, delivered by Lord Gower on Monday last. Lord and Lady Stafford, Lord and Lady Harriet Grenville, Mr and Lady Elizabeth [Lernon?], two Miss [Wootterleys?] Lord Gower and Lady [Ely, Elizabeth?]. An extremely pleasant visit, experiencing much civility and attention. After coffee some good Musick. Piano forte with Harp accompaniment by Miss Wortherleys.

Tuesday 26th September 1815
Eliza, Anne and Emma accompanied by Mr Marsh. Longlan Gatter. Stamford [was?] off to Liverpool. At Newcastle on various matters. Reference [?] prolonged the time for making any Award to 1st Judgment in consequence of some late considerations in the evidence. Called on the Mayor relative to prosecution of the Coachman who occasioned the accident, the18 Day. Jackson business. Dined afterwards at Stoneyfields. Mr Holland of [Rochdale?] Mrs Sandford, Miss Gorton, Dr[Boat?] and Dr Belcombe. Returned in the evening. In the course of the day much heavy rain.

Wednesday, 27th September 1815
At home, various matters. Farm &c previous to leaving home tomorrow.

Thursday 28th September 1815
Set off with Mr Bent to Liverpool. Arrived in the evening and went to the Theatre. Saw Keane in ‘Richard 3rd’ but by no means satisfied with his performance. Much stage trick and bustle that I think would not have been permitted on a London stage. His representation of the character too course and loud. Shakespeare’s Richard is no Buffoon.

Friday 29th September 1815
Engaged with the Books and Accounts &c. and much surprised and concerned to find the miserable state of the concern. The Deficit of which had increased in a very unexpected degree. Elizabeth, Anne and Mr Marsh left Eaton in the morning on their return to Linley Wood.

Letter to

Joseph Skerrett Esq

Nantwich

Cheshire

Lawton Hall

29 September 1815

Sir,

I had no opportunity of getting the Bond left with me executed till within those few days when Mr John Lawton called on me at Leek, and I intended forwarding it to you from hence, but finding that Nath^l Kent has been dead about 2 months one of the Events on which the 1481 was to be payable has happened and the collateral Security cannot be worth postage. I shall however take care of it.

Kent was buried at Lawton and I shall apprize Mr Caldwell shortly.

I am in your most –

[H?] Jones.

Jos Skerret Esq.

Diary of James Caldwell continues. 

Saturday 30th September 1815
Returned to Linley Wood. In the evening interesting explanation and conversation with Mr Marsh relative to my dear Anne.

Sunday 1st October 1815
Accompanied Mr Marsh to Coopers from whence he took his departure in the Coach for London. Afterwards Service.

Monday 2nd October 1815
At home. Grounds and various matters.

Tuesday 3rd October 1815
Attended Meeting of the Infirmary Committee at the Dispensary. Afterwards at Newcastle dining with the late Mayor Mr R. Fenton, numerous and very respectable party. Returned home in the evening.

Wednesday 4th October 1815
At home alone. Eliza and Anne having gone in the morning to Etruria. Engaged with Mr Beardmore Jun and the gardener laying out the walk in the front of the House and planting bushes to hideout the stable yard.

Thursday 5th October 1815
At home. Unwell with a severe cold.

Friday 6th October 1815
Engaged with the Gardener and Mr Beardmore Junr in the alteration of the Ground in the front of the House. Planted the Acacia which was removed from the other side, where I believe it had sown itself. [‘Mr Wedgwood of Bignall Hill advising relative to his Caff’ crossed out]

Saturday 7th October 1815
Called at Lawton Hall.

Sunday 8th October 1815
[‘At Newcastle’ crossed out] Service, Afterwards at Newcastle attending the Mayor Mr Leech to Church and with whom I dined with the Corporation.

Monday 9th October 1815
At home. Engaged on the farm grounds &c.

Tuesday 10th October 1815
At Stoney fields with Eliza and Anne. Engaged all day with Mr Bent on annual Settlement of Newcastle Brewery Accounts.

Wednesday 11th October 1815
Finished Annual Settlement. Afterwards attending a meeting of the Infirmary Building Committee considering plans &c, and Mr Pattens estimate which was more than 2000 less for exacting the same plan than Mr Haywards of Shrewsbury. Dined at Stoney fields with Mr and Mrs Wedgwood, Mr and Mrs Jos Wedgwood, Charlotte, Miss Moreton and Dr Belcombe. Stamford also there. Returned home in the evening.

Thursday 12th October 1815
At Burslem. Returned to dinner.

Friday 13th October 1815
At home. Engaged on various matters.

Saturday 14th October 1815
Mr and Mrs Wedgwood of Exeter came in the morning and with whom engaged.

Sunday 15th October 1815
At home. Service. Enoch and Edward Wood with Mary and Emma Wood dined, also Mr Penlington who had returned from Coole with Stamford. Mr and Mrs Wedgwood had left us in the morning.

Monday 16th October 1815
At Stone attending Meeting of the Select Committee taking Mr Thomas Sparrow with me in the carriage. Closely engaged all day.

Tuesday 17th October 1815
At Stone attending on Committee and afterwards the General Assembly but returned home to dinner.

Wednesday 18th October 1815
At home. Various matters.

Thursday 19th October 1815
The like, being prevented from attending the Agricultural Meeting at Newcastle from the expectation of the arrival of Dr Compton on the Brewery Concerns, but a letter about noon informing me that he should not come at present. Writing to him in reply, and also to Mr Bent. Afterwards engaged on Accounts &c.

Friday 20th October 1815
At home. Dr and Mrs Crompton arrived late to dinner, bringing home Emma Caldwell, and the former of whom had come for the purpose of considering the state of the Brewery Concern at Liverpool and determining what would be the best to be done in its present and proposed situation.

Sunday 22nd October 1815
Mr Bent dined and who came for the purpose of the Brewery Concerns. Long discussion. Nothing final determined but plan suggested for John Bents going there.

Wedgwood Archives

57-32054

22 October 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell).  Addressed to Miss Anne Caldwell, Linley Wood.

Diary of James Caldwell

Monday 23rd October 1815
Engaged with much anxious consideration of the Brewery Concerns.

Tuesday 24th October 1815
The Doctor and Mrs Crompton left Linley Wood after breakfast. Edward to be consulted as to his giving up all management to John Bent and the Dr then to write to me and Mr Bent. Mr Edward Kinnersley called.

Wednesday 25th October 1815
At home, unwell.

Thursday 26th October 1815
At home. Mr and Mrs Wedgwood of Exeter came to Linley Wood and with whom engaged.

Friday 27th October 1815
At home. Engaged with Mr Wedgwood.

Saturday 28th October 1815
At Newcastle in consequence of a letter arrived from Dr Crompton and a long conversation with Mr Bent on the subject of the proposed new arrangement at Liverpool. Then he said he would consult John Bent and[also?] John Horthook[?] on the business. Returned to dinner.

Sunday 29th October 1815
At home. Service.

Monday 30th October 1815
At Burslem to have communicated to Mr Wood a letter arrived from Mr Holland of Knutsford with a proposal from Mr Boult of Liverpool to act as an Agent for Wood and Caldwell on the sale of Earthen Ware, but found on my arrival there that Mrs [Brittal?] had expired this morning about 3 o’clock after a long and [serious?] illness and Mr Wood too much discomforted to admit to my talking to him on business. The event is truly melancholy and distressing. Mr Blunt dined and stayed all night.

Tuesday 31st October 1815
At home. Engaged with the Wedgwoods &c.

Wednesday 1st November 1815
At home, ditto.

Thursday 2nd November 1815

At Burslem attending the funeral of the late Mrs [Brattal, Benttal?] who died aged 33. Bearers –Messrs John Wood, Robinson, Spencer Rogers, H.Williamson.

Friday 3rd November 1815
Elizabeth and Emma with Mr and Mrs Wedgwood went to Nantwich. In the evening Miss Stamfordand Eliza arrived from Harrowgate.

Saturday 4th November 1815
At Burslem again calling upon Mr [Brattal?], returned to dinner.

Sunday 5th November 1815
At Talk Chapel. Mr and Mrs Wedgwood, Elizabeth and Emma returned from Nantwich to dinner.

Wedgwood Archives

57-32057

5 November 1815?

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875) to Anne Caldwell (Marsh/Marsh-Caldwell). 

Diary of James Caldwell

Monday 6th November 1815
At home. Farm. Wedgwood &c.

Tuesday 7th November 1815
At home. Engaged with workmen in the House. Mr Wedgwood &c.

Wednesday 8th November 1815
At home. Mr and Mrs Wedgwood, Elizabeth, Mr and Mrs Mr Bent and Dr Balcombe dined.

Thursday 9th November 1815
At home. Engaged on farm and with Mr Wedgwood.

Friday 10th November 1815
Mr and Mrs Wedgwood left us after breakfast, In the evening the Plasterer concluded his work in the new buildings.

Saturday 11th November 1815
At home. Farm &c.

Sunday 12th November 1815
At home. Service.

Monday 13th November 1815
At home. Farm &c.

Tuesday 14th November 1815 and Wednesday.
At Burslem. From thence to Longport meeting Mr Robinson by appointment viewing alterations and improvements made at the Wharf [Rents, boats?] &c. At Newcastle called on Dr Bent relative to the Newcastle Assembly of which he and I have been appointed managers. Mr Bent Liverpool Brewery &c. Servants holiday, Thomas Lowe having completed his seventh years Service.

Thursday 16th November 1815
At home. Engaged with men in the water meadow laying out and making feed drains &c.

Friday 17th November 1815
At home. Farm &c. In the evening attending Newcastle Assembly. Mrs Stamford, Eliza, Emma and self. Elizabeth being prevented attending by inflammation in her eyes. Large and very respectable Meeting between 80 and 90 persons being present. Met Mr Marsh on his return to Linley Wood. Snow.

Saturday 18th November 1815
At home. Mr Marsh. Farm &c.

Sunday 19th November 1815
At home. Enoch and Edward Wood dined. Mr Marsh.

Monday 20th November 1815
Engaged with Mr Marsh who was disappointed in his place in the Coaches, but in the evening went to Talk to sleep that he might go in the Mail tomorrow morning. Frost.

Tuesday 21st November 1815
At home. Frost.

Wednesday 22nd November 1815
At home. Farm. Setting out compost in the House field. Mrs Wilson, Mary and Edna Wood came to dinner. In the evening read out “As You Like It.”

Thursday 23rd November 1815
At home. Engaged with men on the farm. Mr Wood and the three young men came to dinner. In the evening Musick. Hard frost.

Friday 24th November 1815
At home. Mr Wood returned to Burslem. Engaged again with men on the farm. Hard frost, but which began to soften in the forenoon. Finished setting out and began spreading. In the evening read out “The Merchant of Venice.”

Saturday 25th November 1815
At home. Farm. Mr Wood came to dinner and with whom engaged.

Sunday 26th November 1815
At home. Service. Enoch, Edward and Jn Wood dined, In the evening Samuel Jackson [Junr?] on account of their debt, whom I promised to meet him at Mr Sparrows Office tomorrow.

Monday 27th November 1815
At Newcastle meeting Samuel Jackson Junior, when he executed a Warrant of Attorney to confess Judgment. At Stoneyfields Mr Bent being unwell. Returned to dinner

Tuesday 28th November 1815
At home. Farm &c &c. Ann and Emma went to [Rodehall?] to paint and stayed the following day.

Wednesday 29th November 1815
At home. Farm Mr Tomkinson called. Plate Glass windows put into the Hall Door. Farm, workmen &c.

Thursday 30th November 1815
At home. Farm. Workmen &c. Mrs Tollett called. Elizabeth Wedgwood. In the evening reading “Macbeth.”

Friday 1st December 1815
The like. Mr Wedgwood to have dined but prevented coming. In the evening reading “Lear.”

Saturday 2nd December 1815
At home. Mr [Tenbshaw?] with whom engaged.

Sunday 3rd December 1815
At home. Service.

Monday 4th December 1815
At home. Mr Wilson relative to the reduction of Tonnage on the Canal on stone carried from Yorkshire, Alton and Consall and his late Agreement with the Company relative to stone from Gosport[?] Clough Quarry and requesting me to bring the same for the consideration of the Select Committee and with whom engaged a long time.

Tuesday 5th December 1815
At Stone attending Select Committee. Took also Mr Sparrow from Newcastle. Mr Sparrow, Mr Webb and self in the Committee. Much important business. Reduction of tonnage on Salt and Clay by [Greenburgh?] applied for by Mr Sutton &c.

Wednesday 6th December 1815
Engaged at Stone all morning. Returned late to dinner.

Thursday 7th December 1815
At home. Farm, workmen &c &c.

Friday 8th December 1815
The like

Saturday 9th December 1815
At Newcastle. Messrs Bents, Liverpool concerns. &c &c. John and Benjamin Collins, George Whitaker, Harvey and his brother and Mr Beardmore dined. This being the day on which they finished their work about the new buildings.

Sunday 10th December 1815
At home. Service.

Monday 11th December 1815
At home. Engaged all morning letter writing. To Mr Lys long letter in Penlington affairs. Dr Crompton Liverpool concerns. &c &c. Afterwards in the grounds. Swallow Moor wood &c.

Tuesday 12th December 1815
At home. Engaged with men, James Whalley and William Beardsmore in Swallow Moor Wood laying out walk on the North east side &c.

Wednesday 13th December 1815
At Burslem, from thence to Longport Wharf, meeting Mr Robinson and viewing again the new road to wharf &c previous to my endeavouring to arrange the business in a manner that might be more satisfactory to all the Parties and do away the present unsureness. Saw Mr Hugh Williamson a principal land owner who fully approved of the road in its present state and thought it commodious and sufficient.

Called upon Mr Honshall now in 81st or 82nd year. Speaking of the Grand Truck Canal, he said that when the work was executing he had been obliged to [have?] money on his own notes and pay wages as not a shilling could be obtained on Security of the Concern. It is now dividening at 60 per cent. In the morning received letter from Mr Marsh Senior relative to the affair so interesting to my dear Anne.

Thursday 14th December 1815
Considering Mr Marsh’s letter and writing answer [thind] [writing Anne her thoughts?]
Letter to Mr Pyer in Penlington Affairs. Afterwards engaged with the men in Swallow Moor Wood.

Friday 15th December 1815
Engaged with the men in Swallow Moor Wood &c.

Saturday 16th December 1815
At home. The like, and finished the new walk, making a Glade at this end to afford a near view of the House.
The names of Whig and Tory will, I am afraid, last as long among us, as those of Guilf and Ghilalline did in Italy. I am sorry for it, but to some they become necessary for distinction sake, not so much for the principles formerly adapted to each name, as far as particular and [wane?] reasons. For there has been such a shopping and changing both of names and principles that we scarce know who is who.
Lord Molewoth preface.
Loyalty is that service to the prince in all his commands according to Law.
In the night heavy fall of snow.

Sunday 17th December 1815
At home. Service. Mr Marsh and Stamford arrived to dinner.

Monday 18th December 1815
Long and interesting conversation with Mr Marsh when I delivered to him a few observations in writing expressive of my feelings and ideas in the affair, in consequence of the unsatisfactory letters received from his father relative to the pecuniary part of the business and when Mr A. M. determined to return immediately to London for the purpose for personal explanation with his father, and left Linley Wood about 3 o’clock. Heavy snow.

Tuesday 19th December 1815
At home engaged on various accounts &c. Copying afresh my will.

Wednesday 20th December 1815
The like, closely engaged all morning. Copying Will, accounts &c.

Thursday 21st December 1815
The like. Again engaged. Finally settled and balanced Mrs Stamford’s Cash Account to December.

Friday 22nd December 1815
At home. Various matters.

Saturday 23rd December 1815
The like.

Sunday 24th December 1815
At home. Service.

Monday 25th December 1815
At home.

Tuesday 26th December 1815
Set off with Mr Bent and John Bent to Liverpool and arrived there in the evening.

Wednesday 27th December 1815
At Liverpool engaged in considering the state of the Liverpool Brewery Concern and the new arrangements there. Circumstances seemed to require, when it was conducted that John Bent should go to Liverpool to conduct the concern and Henry Crompton to remain with him.
Mr [Richard?] Rawson, Mr Pollford[?] Mr Davison and Robert Garton afterwards dined with us. Called at Mr Richard Rawson’s.

Thursday 28th December 1815
Left Liverpool and proceeded to Macclesfield for the purpose of the Annual Settlement and arrived in the evening.

Friday 29th December 1815
Closely engaged all day with Books, Accounts &c.

Saturday 30th December 1815
Engaged again all morning. Settled and closed the Annual Accounts and afterwards returned to Linley Wood to dinner. Found Dr Holland who had arrived just before us. Bent stayed to dinner and a pleasant conversation.

Sunday 31st December 1815
At home. Service, and engaged with Dr Holland. In the evening received a letter from Mr Horrocks, a reputable Solicitor at Derby informing us of the situation of Richard Harrison, a relation of Miss Stamford and Mrs Caldwell who was in the Lands people were endeavouring to obtain a Will from him in their favour and prejudicial to the rightful heir, though Harrison was in such state of mind as to render him utterly incompetent.