Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1819

Anne Caldwell of Nantwich -  60/61 

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 52/53 

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 65/66 - sister of Elizabeth Caldwell 

James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 59/60 

Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) of Linley Wood - 64/65 

Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 33/34 

James Stamford Caldwell - age - 32/33  

Margaret Emma Caldwell (later Holland) - age - 28/29 

Arthur Cuthbert Marsh  - age 32/33 

Ann Marsh-Caldwell -  age 27/28

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell - 0/1 

Frances Mary Crofton - born 9 October 1819

Diary of James Caldwell - age 59

January 1819.

Friday 1 January 1819 January 1819:

At home. Unwell. Looked over papers for Stamford.

Saturday 2:

At home. Closely engaged all Morning on Burslem & other papers. Received at night Letter from Mr. Hostage.

Sunday 3 January 1819:

At home. Sent the Letter from Mr. Hostage to Mr. Tomlinson. Service. A very injudicious Letter received from Dr. Crompton. Harrassed beyond measure by these vexatious matters.

Monday 4 January 1819:

In the morning at home. Stamford & I dined at Mr. Tomlinsons of Cliffvilla. Large party. Miss Wedgwoods, Spode &c.

Tuesday 5 January 1819:

At home. Engaged looking over papers &c, preparatory to meeting Mr. Knight of Whitchurch at Woore tomorrow, finally to settle the purchase from Mr. Jenks. Also called upon Mr. Johnson of the Hollins asking his opinion as to the probability of there being in any Coals in the Lands, when he informed me that were none.

Wednesday 6 January 1819:

Met Mr. Tomlinson at the Roebuck at ten o Clock this morning: Eliza accompanying me so far in the Carriage. From thence proceeded with Mr. Tomlinson to Woore, where we met Mr. Knight & his Partner Mr. Lee with whom we amiably and satisfactorily concluded this business.

Thursday 7 January 1819:

At home. Letter again from Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End declining payment of the Interest on his Bond & Mortgage without an Order from Mr. Wood. Mr Haygarth came to dinner, with whom a very pleasant Evening, & some Musick.

Friday January 1819:

At home. Engaged with Mr. Haygarth. Long Walk through Swallow Moor Wood, the day being uncommonly fine & much pleasant Conversation. Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Jos. Wedgwood & Miss F. Allen dined: Mr. Bent, who I had invited was prevented from coming. The Wedgwoods returned in the Evening leaving Miss F. Allen. An agreeable day; which seemed to pass off much to the satisfaction of all parties. In the evening some Musick. Mr. H. said that Pergolesi died at the age of 23, having been poisoned. That he used to play to Vernet. [Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, 1710-1736, Italian composer; Claude Joseph Vernet, 1714-1789, French painter]

Page 216, January 1819.

Friday 8 January 1819

whilst he was painting, as the latter found great advantage from this when at work
I have since discovered that so far as relates to the death of Pergolesi this is erroneous. Pergolesi died at the age of 33 & the story of having been poisoned is quite discredited. Rees Cyclopaedia.

Saturday 9 January 1819:

At home. Engaged with Mr. Haygarth previous to his leaving Linley Wood, which he did about one o'Clock on his way to Dorfold(?): but giving us reason to hope that he would spend another day or two at Linley Wood on his return into Hampshire. Miss F. Allen, Jos. Harry & Chas Wedgwood, the two Tomlinsons & a Mr. Taylor, a Clergyman from Liverpool, who was on a visit at Cliff Villa, dined.
The following Observation reconciles me to the Great labour & difficulty that I have always found to be necessary to render successful any effort that I have myself, in my humble Sphere of Action, ever made.
"The Gods sell to Mortals, says an ancient Philosopher, all that is great and beautiful at the price of immense labour."
But – The Theory of every art is vain and useless, unless it guide & facilitate practice.

Sunday 10 January 1819:

At home. Prayers only. In the evening Dr. & Mrs. Crompton, with Henry, & Caroline, arrived at Linley Wood. Long & unsatisfactory discussion of the unfortunate Brewery, which for 10 years has been a source of continual anxiety, trouble, & vexation to me, & must now end in a very serious loss.

Monday 11 January 1819:

At home. Engaged on various matters Liverpool Brewery &c

Tuesday 12 January 1819:

Went to Macclesfield with Mr. Bent on annual Settlement of the Accounts, which compleated as usual.

Wednesday 13 January 1819:

Looked at Mess. Woods Water Wheel. A very excellent piece of Machinery. Diameter 26 feet. Power about 60 Horses. Also viewed the Gas Works. 100c(?) of coals yields 500 Cubic foot of Gas. Returned to Linley Wood to dinner. Found Mr. Haygarth who had arrived to dinner the day before. In the course of our Journey, had much conversation & discussion with Mr. Bent relative to the Liverpool Brewery, when we finally agreed to wait a little longer before we come to any final & absolute determination.

Thursday 14 January 1819:

 Dr. & Mrs. Crompton, Caroline, & Harry left us after Breakfast; as did Mr. Haygarth about 1/2 past 12 going in the Bangup(?) to Birmingham, on his way into Hampshire. Engaged on Burslem papers previous to seeing Mr. Tomlinson tomorrow, Mr. Hostage having fixed to meet him on Saturday next with a view to an amiable Settlement of this business.

Friday 15 January 1819:

At Cilff Villa. Delivered to Mr. Tomlinson the original Agreements &c &c. & finally settling with him the terms to be accepted. In the evening Eliza, Emma, & Mrs. Stamford went to Newcastle Assembly.

Saturday 16 January 1819:

At home. Snow had fallen in the night, being the first this Winter. Mr. Henshall Moss relative to the dispute with the Executors of Eardley when I promised to call again upon Mr. Sparrow. Beardmore, Poor business. Reading &c.

I am much struck with the happiness with which the following lines express, the idea which I have ever
entertained of the essential difference & independence of Soul & Body
"This frame, compacted with transcendent Skill,
Of moving joints, obedient to my Will,
Nursed from the fruitful glebe like yonder Tree,
Waxes and wastes; I call it mine, not me.
New matters still the mouldering mass sustains,
The mansion changed, the tenant still remains."
I know well, the reasonings by which the conclusion from the above fact is combated; but they have never satisfied my judgement.

Sunday 17 January 1819:

At home. Service. In the evening received a Letter from Mr. Tomlinson informing me of his having settled the Burslem business with Mr. Hostage & requesting to see me tomorrow.

Monday 18 January 1819:

At Cliff Villa with Mr. Tomlinson on the Burslem business which I found that he had finally settled, but not without much trouble & vexatious contention with Mr. Hostage. Stopped at the Brewery(?) on my return from Cilff Villa (from which place I walked) & much painful conversation with Mr. Bent relative to the unfortunate Liverpool Business, John Bent who was there, persisting in his determination not to continue in his present situation. In the night some Snow fell.

Tuesday 19 January 1819:

 At Newcastle again it being the Sessions, & dining with the Mayor &c. at the Roebuck. In the forenoon saw John Bent, with whom some Conversation, but found him unchanged in his Resolution. At the Brewery, & undertook to write to Dr. Crompton. Signed the petition to Parliament for the Gas Light &c Bill for Newcastle, & subscribed for 2 Shares of £25 each.

Wednesday 20 January 1819:

At home. Wrote to Dr. Crompton, also to Mr. Geo. Marsh who we understood was at Liverpool, with invitation to L. Wood.
In the morning Eliza & Emma went to Nantwich.

Thursday 21 January 1819:

At home but confined to the House with gouty attack in my foot. Engaged on various matters: regulating Books &c. I this day compleated the 60th. Year of my Age.

Friday 22 January 1819:

Went to Trentham Inn in the Gig to attend Lieutenancy Meeting for receiving Militia Lists & hearing appeals: but Sir John Heathcote & Mr. Spode, who had promised to attend sent word that could not come in consequence of which sent to Mr. Ricketts, who was gone to Betley; but fortunately Mr. John Crackett came to Trentham Inn, who staid & acted with me, & thus prevented the great inconvenience that must have been brought upon the numerous body of people who attended in case an adjournment had taken place. In the evening Beardmore on parish business.

Saturday 23 January 1819:

Called at Lawton Hall, but Mr. C. Lawton was out. Engaged on various matters.

Sunday 24 January 1819:

Went to Nantwich in Stamfords Gig, One of the Carriage horses being lame. Got to Nantwich found Anne but indifferent & Mr. Skerrett very unwell.

Monday 25 January 1819:

At Nantwich. Spent almost the whole of the day sitting with Mr. Skerrett. In the evening a violent Storm of wind & Rain, but went through it, from Dysart Buildgs to Mr. Skerretts.

Tuesday 26 January 1819:

Called at Mr. Granvilles(?), & Mr. Bowmans & Miss Harmonds. The rest of the day spent with Mr. Skerrett.

Wednesday 27: Returned to Linley Wood to dinner; leaving our friends in but an uncomfortable state.

January 1819

Thursday 28 January 1819:

At home. Various matters. Wrote to Dr. Crompton.
"Nothing is more unfavourable to the question of those energies which lead to a useful and honourable station in Society, than the early possession of a fortune just sufficient to gratify present wishes, and preclude the necessity of immediate entrance into any vigorous course of Action."
So it was said of Shenstone. Ex uno disce omnes. The observation is almost invariably true.

Friday 29 January 1819:

At home. Various matters. Began forming the extension of the Plantation in the front of the House to shut out the Colliery. Walked with Mr. Beardmore to Mean Lake farm looking over Land &c.

Saturday 30 January 1819:

 At home. Engaged on the Farm, & various matters. Eliza, Emma, & Mrs. Stamford went to Newcastle. In the evening attack of Gout in my finger.

Sunday 31st January 1819:

Unwell with Gout & considerable pain. Service.

February

Monday 1 February 1819:

At home. Still considerable pain with much Swelling & inflammation. Engaged on various Navgn. papers previous to going to Wolseley Bridge tomorrow. Mr. Sutton with plan & Estimate of House & Shop which he wished to be erected at the Tunnel Mouth.

Tuesday 2 February 1819:

Set off to Wolseley Bridge early in the morning. Took Mr. Thos. Sparrow from Newcastle. Arrived at about 12. Mr. Sparrow, Mr. Lister, Chetwynd, Webb & Self. Closely engaged: Considered particularly the discharge of all the Mortgages remaining due on the Tolls which measure it was resolved to carry into effect. by dividing the whole into two Classes. All went home but Mr. Thos. Sparrow Vaughan & myself.

Wednesday 3 February 1819:

Engaged examining & passing Cash Books. Drew the form of a Letter to the Mortgagees which Mr. Sparrow who came again after breakfast approved; but the measure appearing to me to be one of great importance & which should not be hastily carried into effect obtained his Consent to the Letters being withheld till after the next Meeting of the Select Committee. On my return dined with Mr. Scott of the Roebuck & a Corporation Party. On my arrival at Linley Wood found two Miss Tollets two Miss Drews, two Miss Wedgwoods from Etruria with Jos. & Harry and whom had come to Linley Wood yesterday.

Thursday 4.

At home. February 1819The young party left us. Wrote to Mr Lister of Armitage Park relative to the Navigation Matters. Mr Twemlow of Peats Wood called to invite me (to) spend a day or two with him through (the) week, but being engaged with the [Miller] on Wednesday I prevailed upon him to come here on that day. Engaged in the water meadow etc. etc.

Friday 5 February 1819.

At Newcastle to see Mr Bent relative to the Liverpool Brewery business, when I prevailed upon him to go down in compliance with the Doctors request, & we planned to set out on Monday the 15th & to take Shrewsbury in on our way. Attended a meeting on the [Newcastle Town] Canal, and returned home to dinner.

Saturday 6 February 1819

At home. Letter writing. Dr. Crompton, Mr Balgary of Derby with a copy of the Will of the late Mr Stamford, Mrs Perlington & Mr Chas. [Warren] with . . .of Navigation Dividends. Wm. Perlington relative to a [returned] Bill & advising him thereon.

Sunday 7 February 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 8 February 1819.

At Cliffe Ville with Mr Tomlinson on the Burslem business. Filling up blanks in the [Draft]. etc. Returned home.

Tuesday 9 February 1819. At Trentham Inn attending Meeting for hearing Appeals under the assessed Taxes. Mr Spode & self. Busy day, but returned to dinner. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood of Mr Bignall End for his [Intended] Bond & Mortgage.

Wednesday 10 February 1819.

At home. Mr & Mrs Mills of Barlaston, Miss Henderson, two Miss Wedgwood's, Mr Wedgwood, Dr Northen (Mrs Northen being prevented coming by indisposition) & Mr Twemlow of Peats wood dined, & all staid all night except Dr Northen. Stamford arrived at noon. Wrote again to Mr Wedgwood in consequence of the Bond.

Thursday 11. After breakfast all the party left us. Engaged in the Meadow etc. Writing etc. Stamford went to Peats wood.

Friday 12 February 1819.

At home. Various matters. Stamford returned from Peats Wood. Wet & stormy day.

Saturday 13 February 1819.

At home. Engaged arranging Liverpool Brewery Letters & papers previous to Mr Bent & my going there.

Sunday 14 February 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 15 February 1819.

Went to Newcastle & set off from there with Mr Bent to Shrewsbury where we arrived to dinner. Dined & slept at the Brewery. Long discussion & consideration relative to . . .business.

Tuesday 16 February 1819.

It being thought advisable to have the opinion of Counsel attending Mr Williams a Barrister at Shrewsbury for that purpose, with Mr [How] the head Clerk of Messrs [Log] & Williams our Solicitor, long consultation with him. In the evening saw Mr [Farrily] ourselves, when the business was put with a train of being satisfactorily settled.

Wednesday 17 February 1819.

Left Shrewsbury about 8 o'clock, on our Journey to Liverpool, passing through a great deal of fine & beautiful country particularly between Ellesmere & Wrexham. The vale of Pointon through which the Dee meanders particularly attracted my notice. Arrived at . . .yard when the Tide was turning. Met here with William Skerrett who was on his return from Dublin. A good passage in spite of the Rain, the Wind which had been very boisterous in the early part of the day, having fortunately subsided. Arrived at Liverpool about five o'clock. Dined & staid at the Brewery.

Thursday 18 February 1819.

Engaged on the concerns of this most unfortunate Brewery & in considering & arranging the [Cash] plan for relinquishing it. When we finally agreed that the Stock etc. should be gradually disposed of & counted into money & in the meantime every enquiry made for a purchaser. Mr. Aiken the architect was also consulted as to the balance of the Land & Buildings & their [correct ability] to any other purpose.. This he was to consider, & make a plan of any arrangement that he might with Mr. R. who I met coming to the Brewery think best. Went afterwards to Edge Hill, & called upon dear Eliza, who I had the satisfaction to find in a very pleasant & comfortable habitation and above all comfortable & happy herself. From thence walked with her & Mr Roscoe to Mr Roscoes, who we found was gone out, but saw Mrs Roscoe & Mrs Griffiths.

Returned to the Brewery, where Mr Roscoe, Mr Roscoe & Mr Aiken dined with us.

Friday 19 February 1819.

Left Liverpool about 10 o'clock on our way to Macclesfield, where we arrived between 4 & 5. Found Mr Bent was gone to Buxton, but who joined us at Breakfast the next morning, when we took a look over the Brewery & then proceeded homewards. Mr Bent went to Newcastle & I arrived at home between 1 & 2 o'clock.

Saturday 20 February 1819.

At home. Engaged on various Letters which had arrived during my absence & sundry other matters.

Sunday 21 February 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 22 February 1819.

At home. Engaged planting the new plantation to screen out the Colliery. Removed into it two Oaks from the corner of Linley Meadow, which had been sown by Elizabeth & Eliza & which were of considerable size. The one now standing next to the house was planted by my beloved wife & the other by Stamford. Mr Skerrett arrived to dinner with Mr Rob. Skerrett on their way to Buxton & with whom engaged. In the evening received from Miss & Mr Fenton the Draft of the Newcastle Gaslight Bill, with various Gaslight Acts of Parliament & requesting my perusal & consideration of the same.

Tuesday 23 February 1819.

Mr Skerrett & Mr Rob Skerrett left us after breakfast, taking the Carriage to Congleton. Some snow had fallen in the night. Stamford went to Parkfields. Returned by his Servant the Newcastle Gaslight Bill etc. to Miss Fenton as I found that there would not be time to peruse & consider it with suitable attention so as to return it tomorrow as desired and an opportunity would be afforded for perusing it before its going into a Committee. Received at night Letter from Mr Tomlinson, saying that he had appointed Friday next with Mr Hostage for the completion of the Burslem business & requesting my attendance. Also Letter from Mr Vaughan with the copy of a circular from the Committee to various Noblemen & Members of Parliament & requesting their attention to the proposed Bill for laying a duty on Inland Coals & the injurious consequences of such a measure.

Wednesday 24 February 1819.

A heavy snow had fallen in the night. Wrote to Mr Tomlinson preparing to call upon him tomorrow, previous to the Meeting with Mr Hostage on Friday. Engaged looking out all the Burslem Deeds & papers – also perusing the Draft of the Conveyance from Mr Jenks. Wrote to Mr Vaughan. Wrote a sketch of a Letter to be sent to Dr. Crompton in reply to his to Mr Bent.

Thursday 25 February 1819.

Went to Cliffe Ville. Delivered to Messr Tomlinson, Wood & Caldwells Partnership . . .that an attested Copy might be made. It being much Frost & Snow, took the Talk Chaise & Horses. Found that Mr Tomlinson had received a Letter from Mr Hostage putting off the Meeting till Wednesday. Went through the various matters & points to be settled at the Meeting, also settled the Draft of the Conveyance from Mr Jenks. Returned to dinner. Snow, in the Evening Miss Stamford & Eliza went to Etruria.

Friday 26 February 1819.

Went to Newcastle to see Mr Bent in consequence of Letter received by him on Monday last from Dr. Crompton. Found John Bent at the Brewery. Long conversation & consideration of this unfortunate business, when I sketched out a Letter to be written by me to the Doctor. Called on Mr Sparrow to have fixed our journey to [Brockton] Lodge in consequence of a Letter which I had received from Mr Chetwynd, but he wished the agreement to be off till after the Assizes. Heavy snow. Returned to dinner.

Saturday 27 February 1819.

At home. Much snow in the night. Engaged with Mr Twemlow of Alsager making out the description to be inserted in the Deeds of the Lands purchased by me from Mr Jenks. Wrote Letter to Dr Crompton. Wrote also to Mr Chetwynd. About half past one o'clock, Stamford set off to join the Circuit at Oxford.

Sunday 28 February 1819

At home. Service. Fine day & snow going fast.

March

Monday 1^st March 1819.

At home. Engaged on various matters. Planting the screen before the House. Looking over Deeds & papers relative to the Burslem business previous to going to Cliffe Ville tomorrow.

Tuesday 2 March 1819.

At Cliffe Ville early delivering to Mr Tomlinson the Burslem, Deeds etc. From thence to Trentham Inn attending Lieutenancy Meeting. Ballot to fill up vacancies. Sir John Heathcote & self. Heard & delivered also the Case under the assessed Taxes recovered from the last Meeting [King} & Aston. Of opinion that a Horse who in a Farm may be [disclaimed] for Arrears of Land tax though not [attainable] for Arrears of Rent. The former being for a duty due to the . . .& the distress in the nature of an Execution. Returned to dinner. Planted one third large oak in the screen. The men had planted several others which they had removed out of Swallow Moor Wood. Taken Roots of the oaks & were cut off before being replanted.

Wednesday 3 March 1819.

Engaged planting in the Screen. Amongst the rest several larger oaks of considerable size out of Swallow Moor Wood. (plan of trees previously planted) Elizabeth : Stamford: J.C. J.C. Eliza & I went to Alsager Hall to have called upon Col. & Mrs [Tagon] (late Miss Sheridan) but they were not there. Col. [Tagon] had been there about an hour or two on Monday last but returned with Mrs [Tagon] who had stopped at Mr Richardsons at Congleton the same day, being as Mr Richardson (when we afterwards called) informed us in . . .to join his Regiment.

Thursday 4 March 1819.

Set off early to Wolsley Bridge to attend Meeting of the Select Committee,in the Talk Chair, went to call upon Mr Tomlinson in consequence of an objection raised by Mr Hostage to [attending] the balance of £594.14.9 & on a Bond standing in the name of Dr Crompton, but recollecting when I got to Newcastle a paper which I thought might be of consequence I came back to Linley Wood. From thence went to Cliffe Ville having appeared with Mr Thomas Sparrow for him to call upon me there. From Cliffe Ville to Wolsley Bridge where we arrived about one o'clock. Engaged on Committee all day.

Friday 5 March 1819.

Returned home to dinner.

Saturday 6 March 1819.

 Having been prevented calling upon Mr Tomlinson on my road home as I had appointment. Went then this morning & found to my utter astonishment that Mr Hostage reported to let the Deeds be executed unless the . . .on the Bond to

Crompton was relinquished, but said he wished to see me upon the matter. Returned home & wrote to Mr Hostage requesting an early Meeting. The conduct of the Burslem Parties & Mr Hostage [assumes] every day a deeper & darker hue.

Sunday 7 March 1819.

In bed the greater part of the day owing to a severe cold attended with much fever, in consequence of which wrote a Note to the Mayor of Newcastle excusing my not attending a Meeting to be held tomorrow relative to petitioning against the Removal of the Insolvent Debtors Acts & in favour of the intended New Road from Runcorn to Northwich.

Monday 8 March 1819.

Still very unwell and in the House all day.

Tuesday 9 March 1819.

At home still very unwell. Letter from Mr Hostage appointing a Meeting at Sandbach on Thursday next. Sent the Letter Mr Tomlinson requesting his attendance & received back his answer that he would sleep at Linley Wood tomorrow night & go with me the next morning to Sandbach. Engaged to meet on the Burslem Papers & affairs though still very unwell.

Wednesday 10 March 1819.

At home. Engaged on Burslem business arranging papers etc. previous to the Meeting tomorrow. In the evening Mr Tomlinson arrived. In the morning Eliza & I planted 6 Red . . .trees at the top of the Garden at the Farm, thus adjoining the other Trees being planted by me & some . . .by her & myself

Thursday 11 March 1819.

Went with Mr Tomlinson in the Carriage to Sandbach where we met Mr Hostage & Mr Kempe. Long discussion relative to the £594.14.9 when it was finally agreed that the Bond for £1000 in which this Balance remained due should be omitted in the Deed of Arrangement etc. but without prejudice to any proceedings for recovery of the same. Returned to Linley Wood to dinner.

Friday 12 March 1819.

At home. Engaged writing sundry Letters. Afterwards on the Farm etc. Planted with my own hand the trees adjoining the water in which with the pool in order to make a Screen to the Garden at the Farm from the East.

Saturday 13 March 1819.

At home. Engaged on various matters. Farm etc.

Sunday 14 March 1819.

At home. In the morning Roland Bent. Service. Fine day.

Monday 15 March 1819.

At Newcastle Shrewsbury business & Liverpool business. Found that the Doctor had been at Newcastle on Monday last & at Stoneyfields, in consequence of which much conversation and explanation had taken place. Letter received from John Bent mentioning an [overture] for the purchase of the Brewery from a Mr Preston though the [medium] of Mr [Rolfs]. Returned to dinner. Very fine day.

Tuesday 16 March 1819.

Went with Eliza in the Carriage to Etruria. Fine day. Mr Jos. Wedgwood to whom I wished to have mentioned the meeting at Cliffe Ville on Thursday. On return saw Mr Bent, who told me that a Sale of the Brewery to Mr Preston might be effected, & that Dr Crompton had written to, to call upon us on his return out of Warwickshire. Came home to dinner.

Wednesday 17 March 1819.

At home in the morning. Closely engaged on Burslem Books etc. previous to the Meeting tomorrow at Cliffe Ville. Called at Lawton Hall but Mr C Lawton was out. Wrote to Mr [Watkiss] of Liverpool, & sent him a five pounds Banknote in consequence of a Letter received from him last night.

Thursday 18 March 1819.

At Cliffe Ville meeting Mr Hostage, where I executed the Deeds of Dissolution of Partnership with Mr Wood, & by whom they had been previously executed, thus finally completing the termination of a Connection which for nearly 28 years has been a source of continual anxiety, vexation & disappointment, entirely owing to the self conceit & [perverseness] of one, unquestionably proposed of ingenuity and [talent] & which if neglected by good sense, and applied with judgement,might have been the means not only of securing to himself much general respect and is . . .but of obtaining an ample fortune both for his own family & my own. The total disregard of Truth and [Candour] however comical through the whole business of the termination and dissolution of the Partnership has left me nothing but self congratulation on my escape, & as long as it has been, out of the hands of the man. The Deeds were at the same time executed by Mr Jos. Wedgwood who had been named as a Trustee in some of the purchase Deeds, & who had been so good as to come to Cliffe Ville for the purpose. Mr Kemp also attended to witness the execution. Returned home to dinner. Left the old Title Deeds & the Partnership Articles with Mr T. Attested copy being to be made of the . . .

Friday 19 March 1819.

Engaged in the morning with private Cash Book & Accs. On the debate on the Climbing Boys Bill ( though this is a measure which one cannot but earnestly wish to see adopted) yet I could not but be struck with the following words from Lord Lauderdale the truth and importance of which it has been too much the fashion & the practice to disregard. 'In many cases mankind were carried away by ideas of humanity which prevented them from giving due consideration to the subject they took a partial view of the evil they wished to care, and did not look at the relation in which it stands to the great body of Society. Hence they were not aware of the extent of the mischief their remedy would produce.'. . .March 16 1819. In the night, or rather early this morning, there was a violent gust of wind succeeded by loud Thunder. Dined at Stoneyfield with a party. Returned at night.

Saturday 20 March 1819.

Eliza & I called at Stoneyfield, as I wished to have a further conversation with Mr Bent relative to the venture that had been made for the purchase of the Liverpool Brewery. Long conversation of the same & the terms to be asked, which we agreed upon & Mr Bent promised to write accordingly. Returned to dinner. In the evening Miss Stamford, H. E. Roscoe & Wm. Roscoe arrived. Stamford also arrived from Shrewsbury.

Sunday 21 March 1819.

At home. Service. At night the wine from [Carbonalls] arrived.

Monday 22 March 1819.

At home. Engaged on the Farm etc.

Tuesday 23 March 1819.

At Trentham Inn early attending Dep. Lieutenancy Meeting & assessed Taxes swearing in assessors. Mr Spode & Self. Busy & fatiguing day. Returned to dinner. Mr & Mrs Jos. Wedgwood, Mrs [Drewe], Miss Allen, Miss F. Allen & Miss G. [Drewe] dined.

Wednesday 24 March 1819.

At home. Farm & various matters. Mr Chas. Lawton called agreed with him for the price of Land lately held by Thos. Beardmore & intended for the Gardener at £10 a year. Miss Bent, Eliza & Charlotte Wedgwood, Jos. & J Wedgwood came to dinner.

Thursday 25 March 1819.

At home. Farm etc. The Wedgwood's & Miss F. Allen left. Fine day. James Faram with . . . from the Jury who sat upon the . . .of two men who had been . . .in Lawton Locks, one on Sunday & the other on Tuesday last . . .altercation on the Steps etc.

Friday 26 March 1819.

Went down to the treble Locks at Lawton meeting a Mr Potter & Faram, inspecting the same & directing some alterations with a view to guarding against such fatal accidents as had lately happened. Mr Roscoe accompanied me. Mr F Twemlow called. Agreed with Moses Barlow for the carrying & filling of Manure from Red Bull Wharf. Carriage 1/6 Filling 2d. or 1/8 per Ton in the whole.

Saturday 27 March 1819.

At home. Various matters. Light showers.

Sunday 28 March 1819.

At home. Service. Roland Bent dined. At noon Mr Roscoe set off to Liverpool. In the night, Rain.

Monday 29 March 1819.

At home. Began drawing & spreading on the large Hatton's field the . . .of the Towing paths, as a top dressing.

Tuesday 30 March 1819.

At home. Rain. Reading etc.

Wednesday 31 March 1819.

At home. Eliza, & Miss Stamford & H. E. Roscoe went to Parkfields. Mr & Mrs Chas. Lawton called.

April

Thursday1st April 1819.

At home. Farm. Wrote to Mr Hollinshead of Liverpool in reply to letter received from him last night.

Friday 2 April 1819.

At home.

Saturday 3 April 1819

At home. Mr [Elkin] & Mr (blank) relative to Mrs Bates house at Etruria Wharf with plan etc. Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Mr [Butts] to dinner. Stamford went to Nantwich. Engaged on the Farm etc. In t he afternoon Mr Williams of Betley. In the evening Mr R who had gone to Parkfields returned with party to L. Wood.

Sunday 4 April 1819.

At home. Service. Mr Williams of Betley dined.

Monday 5 April 1819.

At home. Engaged on the Farm. Began setting out burnt clay upon the Road field. Miss Stamford, H.E. Roscoe, Mr Roscoe & Stamford went to Etruria to dinner.

Tuesday 6 April 1819.

Went with Eliza to Etruria to dinner & staid all night.

Wednesday 7 April 1819.

Went from Etruria to Stoneyfield, and from thence with Mr Bent to Shrewsbury on annual settlement. Sir John Heathcote being prevented going by indisposition.

Thursday 8. Engaged closely all day on Brewery business Accounts which we completed.

Friday 9. Left Shrewsbury after breakfast & arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.

Saturday 10 April 1819.

At home. Engaged on various matters. Farm etc.

Sunday 11 April 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 12 April 1819.

At home. Engaged on the Farm & various matters.

Tuesday 13. At home. Various Letters, papers etc. Mr Roscoe went to Liverpool.

Wednesday 14 April 1819.

At Trentham Inn attending Lieutenancy & assessed Taxes Meeting, Mr Spode & Self. Returned to dinner. Eliza & Miss Stamford took E. Roscoe to Nantwich & returned in the Evening.

Thursday 15 April 1819.

At home. Letters etc. First [appearing ]of the projected Road from But Lane across to the Farm. Called upon Mr [Poulson] who said the Survey & Levelling had been done by order of Sir John Heathcote & Mr Kinnersly. Mr Pilkington & 3 Miss Pillkingtons came to dinner.

Friday 16 April 1819.

Mr Poulson came down at my request. Pointed out to him the great injury that could be done to this Estate by the proposed Line. He said amongst other things which had been noted by the orders of Sir John Heathcote that Sir John had regretted that he had not known of this before Mr Kinnersly went to London, & that the matter had been in agitation between Mr Kinnersly & him on several matters. After breakfast the Pilkingtons left us. Stamford came from Chester.

Saturday 17 April 1819.

At home. Saw Mr Jackson who was again surveying & levelling. Said he had come by the orders of Sir John Heathcote & was under the belief that it was with my approbation & consent, or he would not have set a foot on the Land knowing the impropriety of it. He came up to the House & I pointed out to him the various consequences to this property of a Road being carried through it on the proposed line, & which he said he was fully aware of. I told him that I had lived 60 years in the world, 30 of which I had known Sir John Heathcote, during which period I failed and could not [contend] myself with having on any occasion showing him any mark of the situation & respect in my power, but that I considered the treatment which I had now received as the most pointed mark of disrespect & incivility .that I had come in my life experienced from anyone, as well as having for its object, one of the greatest injuries that could possibly be done to me.

Sunday 18 April 1819.

At home. Service. Stamford returned to Chester Assizes.

Monday 19 April 1819.

At Newcastle on various matters. Mr Ward relative to the completion of his & Mr . . .purchase of Land on the [Marsh] from Mr Beckett & my self & returned him the Draft for . . . Explained to Mr Sparrow & Mr Bent the circumstances which had taken place relative to the Talk Road, & of which they both expressed to them strong reprehension. They saw also Jackson who had surveyed & who repeated that he had had his . . .from B. Eardley. Returned home to dinner. In the evening saw Mr Johnson of the Hollins of who again expressed his decided opinion that there were no coals in the Fox Holes Estate that would ever [answer] to get; though I understand from John Martin of Cockshead who I met this morning with Mr Geo. Martin as I was going to have [written] ,that they were going immediately to erect an Engine. I told him that if it was found injurious to my property I should bring an Action.

Tuesday 20 April 1819.

At home. Very wet day. Mrs Wedgwood of Betley with Eliza came with Mr & H.E. Roscoe to L. Wood.

Wednesday 21 April 1819.

At home. Mr & Mrs Kinnersly, Mr W. K. & J.K., Miss Jane & Miss Harriet K., Mr & Mrs Wedgwood of Betley, E.W. & Mr Butt dined. Got early Potatoes out of the Farm.

Thursday 22 April 1819.

At home. Mr Butt went after breakfast. Engaged on various matters. Newcastle [Passing ]& Gas Bills. Farm etc.

Friday 23 April 1819.

Mr & Mrs Wedgwood & E.W went at noon. Mrs Jos. Wedgwood & Charlotte called & staid to dinner. Anne & Bessy came from Nantwich. In the evening Mr George Marsh arrived. NB lent Mrs W of Betley the 1st Vol. Of Disraeli.

Saturday 24 April 1819.

At home. Engaged with W.G. Marsh etc. Mr & Miss Richardson called. Cold easterly winds.

Sunday 25 April 1819.

At home. Service. Mr Jos. Wedgwood called. Cut cabbages in the garden at the Farm, at the end of the House.

Monday 26 April 1819.

At home. Mr G. Marsh.

Tuesday 26 April 1819.

Mr G. Marsh set off in the Mail this morning to London. After breakfast Mr Roscoe & Eliza set off on their return to Liverpool. Eliza taking them in the Carriage to Knutsford. Cold dry wind; & some of which took advantage in purchasing & working the Land at the Hollins previous to sowing it with oats.

Wednesday 28 April 1819.

At Newcastle. Executed assignment to Mr [Nickisson] of his part of Land on the Marsh. At the Brewery. Long Conversation with Mr Bent on the state of the Concern at Liverpool, & the Letter which I had received from Dr Crompton. Afterwards dined with a Party at Mr Plants. Signed a Petition against the Tunstall & Biddulph Road Bill.

Thursday 29 April 1819.

At home. Engaged on various matters. Liverpool Brewery etc. with Mr John Bent, who had come up in consequence of Dr Cromptons forwarding any further Brief Poster. After much discussion I promised to go to Newcastle tomorrow in order to talk the matter over with his Father.

Friday 30.

After breakfast went to Newcastle. Long conversation with Mr Bent, whom I wrote a Letter to the Doctor which we both signed in order that it might go by the Post. Returned to dinner. In the evening Mr [Boardman], relative to making a leg of meat from which I determined to do and settling terms & particulars.

May

Saturday 1^st May 1819

At home. Draw of advertisement for [Ley], which sent to Newcastle to be printed. Busy sowing Oats & Clover in Hollins Land, but did not quite finish. Appearance of Rain & a few drops, but it went off.Sunday 2.

At home. Service.

Monday 3 May 1819.

At home. Engaged on various papers etc. previous to going to Stone tomorrow to allow Meeting of General Committee & Gen. Assembly.

Tuesday 4 May 1819.

Went to Stone. Took Mr Chetwynd & Mr Thos. Sparrow in the Carriage from Newcastle. General Committee but very few attended.

Wednesday 5 May 1819.

Engaged with Mr Webb early at the Office examining & company with the Books the General Statement of Accounts to be laid before the General Assembly. Staid afterwards to dinner & returned home in the evening. This morning ten Milking cows were turned out into the Ground under Fir wood, the pasture being very good.

Thursday 6 May 1819.

At home. Mr Perlington on their affairs. Sent Letter to Mr Tomlinson (in consequence of me which carried my reference from Mr Hostage) to fix tomorrow for Meeting at his office in order to exchange the Deeds & complete the business of the late Partnership of Wood & Caldwell.

Friday 7 May 1819.

At Cliffe Ville meeting Mr Hostage when Deeds were exchanged & the business finished except as to the £594.14.9 remaining due on the Bond to Dr Crompton as a [tender] for the Legatees of Thomas Caldwell.

Saturday 8.

At home. Engaged on various matters. Writing Letter to Dr Crompton relative to the money remaining to me on the Bond & to request him to give regular Notice to Mr Wood to pay it in. At night turned the two [Harbundry] Horses out to grass with the Milking cows. Planted with my own hand 50 Hollies about 2 feet high, had from Mr [Littler] of Over in the Plantation before the House. George Dean & Saml. Beardmore assisted in digging, watering etc.

Sunday 9 May 1819.

At home. Service. Mr Bent, Mr John Gorton & Rowland Bent dined.

Monday 10 May 1819.

At Cliffe Ville relative to the Burslem business with Letter to Dr Crompton desiring him to give notice to Mr Ward to pay in the £594.14.9 & Interest. Appointed Wednesday 19 to go to Whitchurch to complete purchase from Mr Jenks. Called at the Brewery to have considered further with Mr Bent the Liverpool Brewery business, but as he had just received an account of the death of Miss [Gorton] this was postponed. Remitted to Mr John Bent a Bill for £650 to be placed to my credit with Crompton, Bent & Co. & the balance of which it would liquidate. Returned home to dinner.

Tuesday 11 May 1819.

At home. Engaged on the Farm & various matters. Received the Iron Chest from Burslem & two crates of Earthen ware which Eliza had sent for.

Wednesday 12 May 1819.

At home. Reading etc. Mr Skerrett came from Buxton to dinner. Got early Potatoes out of the Frames. Opened the Ley at Mear Lake. Turned Stamford's horses into it.

Thursday 13 May 1819.

At home. Engaged with Mr Skerrett etc.

Friday 14 May 1819.

At home. After dinner Mr Skerrett with my sister left us and returned to Nantwich.

Saturday 15 May 1819.

Changed this morning the Milking cows into the Pool field. Began setting winter Potatoes.

Sunday 16 May 1819.

At home. Service. Carriage Horses turned out into the Hollins Ground. This Spring, has been the finest I ever remember, & the season now, such as to justify all that has been ever said or written on the beauty of the month of May. The Lilacs are in full flower, the Laburnums ready too, and the apple Trees covered with the finest blossoms. The blossom in the Holllins Ground only about a week ago are beginning to make their appearance.

Monday 17 May 1819.

In the morning went down to Alsager & called at Mr Ashmores. Returned by Prospect Hill, & the Ley, which is full of grass.

Tuesday 18 May 1819.

At home. Farm. Setting Winter Potatoes. Engaged on various papers previous to going to Whitchurch tomorrow.

Wednesday 19 May 1819.

Left home about half past six in the morning, Eliza accompanying me in the Carriage to Newcastle, where I met Mr Tomlinson, with whom proceeded to Whitchurch & completed the business of the Land in Alsager bought from Mr Jenks, paying the money, £1000, & receiving Deeds etc. Returned to Woore to dinner, and from thence to Newcastle & home. Fine soft Rain, which came most favourably & particularly for the Shropshire part of the County through which we passed, where it seemed to be much wanted: the Wheat in many places looking very yellow & [unfavourably].

Thursday 20 May 1819.

At home. Fine showery weather. Eliza & Miss Stamford went to Newcastle.

Friday 21 May 1819.

At home. Various matters. Finished setting Potatoes.

Saturday 22 May 1819.

At home. Rain with Thunder & Lightning. Changed the Milking Cows in to the Linley Meadow. Busy with the Men arranging & putting down the Hurdles in the front of the House..

Saturday 23 May 1819.

At home. Service. In the afternoon rode to the Ley. Fine day. Sunshine vegetation uncommonly rapid & the Country wearing the most promising & beautiful appearance. In the morning Letter from Mr Tollet relative to the Navigation Co. Bond conveying Miss M Tollet from Leamington. Wrote to Mr Vaughan & sent him the Letter.

Monday 24 May 1819.

At home. Rain. The Lovers of Music will listen rather than talk, and give way to their feelings, instead of losing the pleasure which melody, harmony and compassion are so able to give.

Tuesday 25 May 1819.

At Trentham Inn attending Meeting . Land Assessed Taxes. Receiving Assessments, Mr Spode & Self. Eliza & Miss Stamford took me in the Carriage and from thence went to Parkfields. Returned together to dinner, and on our arrival at home found Mrs Noble & her niece Priscilla.

Wednesday 26 May 1819.

At home. Farm and various matters.

Thursday 27 May 1819.

At Newcastle calling on Mr Bent relative to the Liverpool Brewery Concerns when we concluded that he should write to John. Afterwards attending a Meeting of the Subscribers to Newcastle Theatre. Two troops of the 10 Hussars under the Command of Col. [Quintin] ( who was said to be mounted on a horse later from Bonaparte) came in the town & made a fine appearance.

Friday 28 May 1819.

In the morning the troops pass at Linley Wood. At home. In the night time there had been a very sharp Frost.

Saturday 29 May 1819.

At home. Mr & Mrs Chas. Lawton called. Mr Lawton said their gardens had suffered much from the Frost, as was said to be the case generally in the neighbourhood, but nothing in either of the Gardens at Linley Wood appeared to be injured. Day very cold.

Sunday 30 May 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 31 May 1819.

At home. Engaged on Liverpool Brewery papers. Also on the business of the Debt remaining due from Mr Wood on the Bond to Dr Crompton, & writing Letter to Mr Denison as the Doctors solicitor relative to the Action that it may be necessary to bring for recovery. Of the money. NB We had this day made in the whole 27 Cheese for the [Factor].

June

Tuesday 1 June 1819.

At home. Wrote to Mr Tomlinson inclosing the Draft of the Letter tot Mr Denison. Received his answer, highly approving the same. John Bent called, having come up on the Liverpool business. Long conversation with him. Afterwards sketching out a Letter which it might be proper for Mr Bent & myself to address the Doctor, in order that it might be considered & of tomorrow morning, when I promised to go to Newcastle on this business. Busy also with the Joiner completing the putting up of the Iron Chests. Arranging various papers etc.

Wednesday 2 June 1819.

Copied Letter to Mr Denison & sent the same by the Post. Afterwards at Newcastle, considering with Mr Bent the reply sent to Dr Crompton, which is finally agreed upon & put soon in writing that the same might be arranged by John Bent. Returned to dinner. Fine Day. The Ladies went to Newcastle.

Thursday 3 June 1819.

At home. Mr Thomas Hollins of Hanley to request my advice with respect to the establishment of their Claims in France under the [Colne] Treaty when I promised to write to Mr Littleton to request his assistance in the business.

Letter to James Caldwell

Linley Wood,

3^rd June 1819

Dear Sir,

I am truly sensible how much I ought to apologise for the liberty that I am now taking; but being desirous to render any service in my power to a family, whom I have long and intimately known, and who have been great sufferers from the conduct of France towards British Subjects, I hope you will excuse my begging your permission that the bearer Mr Tagle who is a Gentleman of great respectability may explain the circumstances to you; and it you can then, with perfect satisfaction and convenience to yourself afford any facilities or assistance to miss Hollins with the Commission for adjusting the British Claims upon France, I shall feel myself personally and particularly obliged.

I have the honor to be Dear Sir

Your faithful and

Most obedient Servant

James Caldwell

Edward L Littleton Esq.

Friday 4 June 1819.

At home. Wrote to Mr Littleton. Also to Mr Hollins inclosing the Letter to W.L. Engaged with the Painter, painting . . .Books on the covering of the iron chests. Miss Morgan & Miss Wedgwood called. A curious circumstance occurred with the Port wine. A Bottle decanted yesterday, (Jones & Atkinson 1814) & which was then perfectly bright on being brought to the table today was quite thick & unfit to drink. On sending for a Bottle of the last Burslem but one, it was in the same state, but grew brighter on standing a short time in cold water. This effect, however was not produced by cold water on Jones & Atkinson's nor did it at all five on having set to the fire, but another got worse.

Linley Wood,

4^th June 1819

Dear Sir,

Inclosed is the letter to Mr Littleton of which I have also sent a copy on the other side thinking that it might be satisfactory to you and to Mr Tagle to know what I have said.

I do not at present recollect any other application that I can with propriety make, but shall be sincerely glad, if the inclosed be of use and with my best wishes for your success I am,

Dear Sir

Your very obedient Servant,

James Caldwell

Saturday 5 June 1819.

At home. Engaged again with the Painter. Rev W Wettenhall called to solicit my good offices for his son who was commencing business as a Solicitor at Sandbach.

Sunday 6 June 1819.

At home. Service. In the afternoon rode to [Mear] Lake farm looking with James Whalley at Banky Swallow Moor which we had begun to plough preparatory to the intended experiment with the Salt ashes. In the Ley a long . . pasture.

Monday 7 June 1819.

At home. Engaged on various matters. Painter etc. This day got early potatoes out of the Common ground in the border under the high brick wall & which were very good. Cut Artichokes two or three days ago.

Tuesday 8 June 1819.

At home. Engaged in consequence of Letter from Dr Crompton on Liverpool Brewery & from Mr Denison the matter of Crompton & Wood.

Wednesday 9 June 1819.

At home. Painter etc. who this evening finished. In the morning, Mr Perlington with an account of the extreme illness of his Father, who the day before yesterday had become suddenly worse & of whom no hope has been entertained. In the evening sent to [Rode Cut] received a hopeless account.

Thursday 10 June 1819.

Mr Penlington with the intelligence of the death of his Father which took place a quarter before eleven last night. He expired almost in his sleep, without pain, & in a manner severely perceptible to his son who sat closely to him, or to the rest of the Family who were in the Room. He was a perfectly honest & well disposed man, for whom I had a sincere regard having known him from infancy & for many years, and [revered] to care & assist him in his difficulties. He was 59 on May last.

Thursday 10 June 1819.

Consulting & advising with Mr Penlington relative to the Funeral, he having come by his mothers desire for that purpose. Arranged & settled various particulars. Wrote to Mr Butters of Nantwich the undertaker to attend at Rode tomorrow. Mr George Jones of Etruria & his son relative to his dispute about Land at Burslem (formerly Simpsons), & desiring me to act as umpire in a reference in which I thought it best to decline having been so much concerned & consulted on the business on his behalf.

Friday 11 June 1819..

At Newcastle calling upon Mr Bent with Dr Cromptons Letters to me, & the draft of a proposed answer to it, the latter of which Mr Bent fully approved & desired that it might be sent. Returned to dinner. The Ladies went to dine at Parkfields, to meet & bring home our dear Emma, & all returned at night.

Saturday 12 June 1819.

At home. Copying Letter to Dr Crompton & which sent by the Post. Mr Perlington relative to the Funeral etc. Spread the Salt ashes which had come from Northwich on the Banky Swallow Moor, now ploughing for a Summer fallow about 3 Tons to an Acre.

Sunday 13 June 1819.

At home. Service. In the evening Rev Mr Wettenhall & his two sons called.

Monday 14 June 1819.

At Cliffe Ville seeing Mr Tomlinson on the matter of Crompton against Wood, & with the Letters which I had received from Dr C. This morning got green peas in the House Garden.

Tuesday 15 June 1819.

At Rode Heath and from thence to Sandbach attending the Funeral of my old and much respected Friend Mr Penlington. Called upon Mr Wettenhall. Took him & Mr John Lawton in the Carriage from Rode & Sandbach. The Funeral was attended by the Rev Mr Battie in the room of Mr Salmon (who had promised to perform the Service, but now prevented by indisposition) Mr Holland of Sandbach the medical attended & the following Pall Bearers. (Foot to head left side) Mr Morris,Rev Mr Richardson & Rev J Lawton. (Foot to head right side) Mr Darlington, Rev Mr Wettenhall & Mr Caldwell. Mr Perlington & Mr Collison head mourners. The Funeral was in every respect well conducted, and a proper Tribute to the Memory of the deceased. The remains were disposed in the Family Vault close to the centre aisle of Sandbach Church in conformity to a family purchase, the outer coffin with the inscription upon it.

Wednesday 16 June 1819.

Set off early to Wolsley Bridge to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. Eliza took me in the Carriage to Newcastle from whence she went to Maer Hall, & I proceeded with Mr Thos. Sparrow in a Chair. Got to Wolsley Bridge about 11. Engaged on business all day.

Thursday 17 June 1819.

Attending upon Select Committee again the whole of the morning. Took an early dinner & returned with Mr Sparrow (bringing Mr Vaughan to Stone) to Newcastle where Eliza met me & brought me home in the Carriage.

Friday 18 June 1819.

At Cliffe Ville in consequence of Letter which I found on my return home last night from Mr Hostage & Dr Crompton relative to the action which had been brought against Mr Wood & proposal from the former of a Reference comparably to what I had myself & first suggested. Called also at the Brewery & long conversation with Mr Bent relative to the Liverpool Brewery & the Letter from the Doctor. Attended Mr Ward & also with the Deed of the Conveyances of the Land on the Marsh, & settling the same. Returned to dinner, but unwell.

Saturday 19 June 1819.

 Closely engaged all morning, though very unwell, writing Letters to Mr Hostage & to Mr Denison [consorting] to a Reference provided it to a respectable Barrister to be approved by Mr Denison and offering in that case to obtain my sisters consent . Wrote also Letter to Dr Crompton on the Brewery business. Mr Tollett & Miss Tollet called the former expressing his sense of the Service I had rendered him about the [Best].

Sunday 20. At Talk Chapel. In the evening Eliza, Miss Stamford & I called upon Mrs Perlington at Rode Heath, where saw Mrs Margaret Perlington.

Monday 21 June 1819.

At home. Unwell. Mr [Mare] of Newcastle looking at the Pony which had fallen lame a few days ago. He pronounced it a complaint rather singular, in the fore feet, arising from aggravation between the outer & inner sole & the case sometimes of Hunters that had been hard ridden, and sometimes as in this from little work, & plat. . .

Tuesday 22 June 1819.

At home. 'No candid Man can defend any Party in all particulars: because every party does in some particulars, things which cannot be defended; and therefore that Man who goes blindly into all the steps of his Party, and vindicates all their proceedings cannot vindicate himself.' Preface to Cato's Letters. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood of Bignall End for payout of his interest. Eliza, Emma & Miss Stamford went to call at Betley Hall. Miss Darwin Charlotte Wedgwood, Allan, Jos. & Chas. Wedgwood dined at Linley Wood. In consequence a Letter from Mr Hostage concerning him having commenced hostile proceedings set off immediately after dinner to Cliffe, Ville. Met Mr Tomlinson at Newcastle to whom I delivered the Letter which he promised to answer.

Wednesday 23 June 1819.

Set off early this morning to Macclesfield to meet Mr Bent there, who was on his return from Manchester. Engaged all day on Books & Accounts. At night went to the theatre. Saw a Mr Gough in Richard 3rd. Another humble but noisy invitation of . . .; though he went through some of the scenes very decently.

Audley Square

June 23^rd, 1819 

My dear Sir,

Mr Tayle delivered to me your letter of the 3^rd of this month, this morning. And I have given him a letter to Mr Mackenzie who is at the head of the Commission for the liquidation of British Claims on France, and with whom I am well acquainted.

Your own recommendation of Mr Hollins and the excellent character Mr Davenport, who was accidently present when Mr Tagle called, gave them, enabled me to write to Mr Mackenzie respecting them in such terms as you would have desired.

I remain, my dear Sir,

Yours faithfully

Edward Littleton

Thursday 24 June 1819.

Set off from Macclesfield about 8. Went with Mr Bent to Newcastle to attend a Meeting of Drafts of the Lower Canal which attended accordingly. Saw Mr Ward on the Marsh Conveyance. Returned home to dinner.

Friday 25 June 1819.

At home. Engaged on various matters. Much Rain.

Saturday 26. At home. Very unwell. Mr . . .relative to Mrs Edwards Arrears of Taxes, & signing summer for him to attend Mr Spode & myself at Newcastle on Tuesday next.

Sunday 27 June 1819.

At home. Very unwell. Prayers only.

Monday 28 June 1819.

At home. Very unwell. The Ladies went to Newcastle. Navigation etc. About half past five a Letter from Mr Hostage with a . . .in Chancery, which his Clerk sent in by Thomas Lowe & including . . .away without serving the same personally. Went to Cliffe Ville found Mr Tomlinson gone to London, but desired his Clerk to order an [appearance] to be entered.

Tuesday 29 June 1819.

Again at Newcastle, Navigation Transfers etc. Met Mr Spode, but Edwards not attending signed Warranty against him, after taking the . . .on Oath of Mr Thos. Kinnersly Junr. & Mr . . . Left at Mr Sparrows office the Bond from Mr Wood & Myself to Dr Crompton, which Mr . . .promised to put in the Post Office.

Tuesday 29 June 1819.

Observing just as I was inclosing the Bond in a Letter to Messr. [Taylor] & Roscoe that there was a private Memorandum on the back of the blank sheet in my handwriting & not having compared the same with my Cash Book to which it referred, in order to see that it was correct. I obliterated it, but on second thoughts, thinking it better that it should appear as it was I immediately wrote it afresh, & gave the Bond to Mr Swinnerton to send away. The Memorandum was entirely useless & incorrect as the Interest had been subsequently settled to & made payable from the 17 of October. Interest on the up to 29 September. J. C. Cash Book for the year 1792. Returned to dinner, but very unwell.

Wednesday 30 June 1819.

Very unwell. On comparing the above Memorandum with my Cash Book I found the same to correspond with the Book. Entry 25 December 1792. Bled with Leeches at the back of the . . .6 on each side & from which found much relief.

July

Thursday 1^st July 1819.

At home. In the house all day. Engaged on sundry papers. Drawing Draft of Deed relative to Navigation Shares late Perlington.

Friday 2 July 1819.

At home. The like. Unwell.

Saturday 3 July 1819.

At Newcastle with Letter received from Dr Crompton & which left with Mr Bent for consideration. Left the Draft of the Deed relative to the Navigation Shares at Mr Sparrows for his perusal on the part of Mr Mare. Miss Stamford who with Eliza & Emma had gone with me to Newcastle executed . . .report of Transfer from Mr Sneyd of Ascombe which had been omitted on the purchase of the Shares from him; I had executed a counterpart as to my Shares on Tuesday last.

Sunday 4 July 1819.

At home. Service. In the evening Mr Williams of Betley & a Mr [Huxley] the Agent of the late Mr Colclough of Sandbach called.

Monday 5 July 1819.

At home. Began mowing.

Tuesday 6 July 1819.

At Newcastle. Liverpool Brewing business. Dined afterwards at Lawton Hall.

Wednesday 7 July 1819.

At home. Engaged in the Hay.

Thursday 8 July 1819.

At Cliffe Ville to have seen Mr Tomlinson in consequence of a Letter from Mr Denison, but he was from home. On my return found a Copy of the Bill in Chancery which had been filed by Mr Wood. Fine day.

Friday 9 July 1819.

At Cliffe Ville consulting with Mr Tomlinson relative to the Bill which had been filed & the Reference, & as to instructions for Answer to the Bill. Wrote also to Mr Denison. Heavy Showers in the

Morning but the latter cleared up & on my return found the people busy in the Hay.

Saturday 10 July 1819.

At home. Engaged on the Bill & preparing Instructions for Answer.

Sunday 11 July 1819.

At Stoneyfield calling upon Mr Bent in consequence of the dangerous illness of Mrs Bent. Returned to dinner. Eliza went to Mare Hall & brought Emma back in the Evening. Stamford arrived.

Monday 12 July 1819.

Engaged in the Morning on the Bill & Answer. Dined early, and went again to Stoneyfield & had the happiness to find Mrs Bent somewhat better, but still in a very uncertain state.

Tuesday 13. In the course of Search found this morning Statement & Letters from Mr Wood sufficient for the purpose of expressing the . . .of his conduct and the gross falsehood of the principal allegations of the Bill. Mrs Perlington & Mr Perlington, Mrs Margaret Perlington, Miss Rawsthorne & Miss Dawson dined.

Wednesday 14 July 1819.

At home. Engaged finishing & Copying instructions for Answer to Mr Woods Bill. People busy in Hay; carried nearly the whole of the upper Meadow. The day being very fine, it was got together in excellent condition.

Thursday 15 July 1819.

At home. Engaged in the Hay. Observed this morning for the first time the Smoke from Mr Martins Engine & which threatens to be a great nuisance & annoyance. In the morning John Lawrence of Birmingham arrived. John Lawrence went early.

Friday 16 July 1819.

At home. Engaged on Papers Wood agr. Caldwell. Busy in the Hay & finished Mowing.

Saturday 17 July 1819.

At Cliffe Ville with the instructions for the Answer in Chancery, going through the same with Mr Tomlinson, comparing Letters etc. Eliza went with me in the Carriage & called upon Mrs Bent. Called on my return at the Brewery. Returned to dinner. Fine day but cloudy. In the afternoon Mr Wood Inv. but £1200 being the first Instalment of £4000 & interest.

Sunday 18 July 1819.

Service. In the evening went to Stone to meet Mr Chetwynd, Mr Lister & Mr Webb previous to setting out in the morning on Survey of the Canal. Took Mr Thos. Sparrow from Newcastle.

Monday 19 July 1819.

Set off from Stone in the [Brat]. Mr Chetwynd, Mr Lister (Mr Webb having been prevented joining us through indisposition), Mr Thos Sparrow, Mr Vaughan & Mr [Porter] dined at the Red Bull at Lawton, & went on to Middlewich, where we slept.

Tuesday 20 July 1819.

Left Middlewich in good time. Extreme wet day; the Rain so heavy as . . .to confine us to the Boat, which prevented our making so much observation as we should otherwise have done. Mr Morris went with us to Preston Brook. Arrived at Runcorn where we dined & slept.

Wednesday 21 July 1819.

After surveying the [Works] [Warehouse] etc. at Runcorn, proceeded in one of the Steam Packets to Liverpool; & arrived at the Waterloo Hotel. Dined early, and afterwards took a view of the Docks. The sail down the River was very fine: a heavy swell of the water occasioned by a brisk wind meeting the Tide, but which gave us an opportunity of judging of the Steam . . .which performed her voyage perfectly well.

Thursday 22 July 1819.

In the morning Mr Lister left us on his return into Staffordshire. Mr Holland called, also the two Mr Roscoes. Walked with Mr Chetwynd surveying .

Friday 23 July 1819.

Engaged again in surveying the place, Mrs Chetwynd & two of the young ladies joined us. Went on found an [American] report & with the neatness & comfortableness of which much pleased. Viewed the Union Cable Manufacturing. In the evening Mr Chetwynd returned with Mrs C to Crosby.

Saturday 24 July 1819.

Breakfasted at Roscoes on my return home. Called at Mr Roscoes. Arrived with Mr Vaughan at Linley Wood to dinner.

Sunday 25 July 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 26 July 1819.

Much engaged on various matters. Drawing up Observations on the Case of the NavigationCo. & Pickfords expected to be tried at the ensuing Assizes. Letters to Mr Wedgwood, Tomlinson, Denison etc.

Tuesday 27 July 1819.

At home. Mr Ward of Burslem relative to the Case of Ward against Wood & to request my allowance as a Witness.

Wednesday 28 July 1819.

At home. Engaged previous to setting off to the Assizes.

Thursday 29 July 1819.

Went to Stone in the Evening with Mr Thos. Sparrow on my way to Stafford Assizes & to examine witnesses in the Cases of Navigation Co. against Miss Pickford.

Friday 30 July 1819.

Set off to Stafford. Arrived between 10 & 11. Served on the Grand Jury & dined with the Judges [Holroyd] & Richardson.

Saturday 31 July 1819.

Engaged all day on the Grand Jury, which was discharged about 4 o'clock. Invited by Lord Gower to accompany him to Trentham, but declined the Invitation being engaged to attend Consultation tomorrow on the Navigation Cause.

August

Sunday 1^st August 1819.

At Stafford. In the evening attended [Consultation][Juries] Peake & Caldwell.

Monday 2 August 1819.

Served on Special Jury [Butterton] v [Furber] & [Farley & Holroyed to try the extra . . .of B. . .Grange. After a long time sitting of nearly 11 hours found for the Defendant thereby setting aside the Claim which had been so being contended for by the late Mr [Whitworth].

Tuesday 3 August 1819.

Detained at Stafford on Ass. Navigation Cause & Ward v Wood,

Wednesday 4 August 1819.

Attended Trial of Navigation Cause before Mr Justice Richardson, when a verdict found for Miss Pickford on the question of due Case not having been taken up of the Warehouse at Leek out of which some of their goods had been stolen & for recovery of the value of which this action had been brought. Afterwards attended on the Cause of Ward v Wood, but not called as a Witness. Returned home at night, leaving Stafford about 8 o'clock, but before verdict had been given. Found Eliza & Emma at the . . .Newcastle, it being the Races, & came home from thence with them

Thursday 5 August 1819.

At home, but so unwell as to be unable to attend today at Newcastle Races.

Friday 6 August 1819.

At home, but still very unwell and in the house almost all the day. Mr Barker relative to proposed inclosure of Alsager Heath, & advised that the Ladies should not be in a hurry, but look into their Title Deeds.

Saturday 7 August 1819.

At home. Still unwell. Wrote to A. C. Marsh, & Mr Turner inclosing Bills for interest of Money due to them. Wrote also to Mr Tomlinson relative to calling upon him in order to forward putting in the Answer in Crompton ags. Wood. People at the Farm busy weeding clearing Turnips.

Sunday 8. At home. Service. In the evening Miss Georgina Tollet to be conveyed to Liverpool tomorrow by Miss Stamford.

Monday 9 August 1819.

At home. In the morning Mr Twemlow of Alsager, with Letter from Mr Galley of [Congleton] relative to the piece of Land lying up Prospect Hill which I had some time ago expressed a wish to a purchase; & saying that he had no doubt his Brother would be happy to grant my wishes. Mentioned to Mr Twemlow . . .I had before mentioned to Mr Barker that the inclosure of Alsager Heath should not be hurried, but the Title Deeds & Rights of the Parties he first looked into,& I ascertained before any thing done. He said the same opinion had been lately expressed by Lord Crewe. Miss Stamford set off to Crosby.

Tuesday 10 August 1819.

At Cliffe Ville. Closely engaged with Mr Tomlinson on the instructions for the Answer in Chancery. Returned late to dinner. Returned late to dinner. Called at Stoneyfield relative to Liverpool Brewery.

Wednesday 11 August 1819.

Set off early to Wolsley Bridge, Eliza taking me in the Carriage to Newcastle from whence proceeded in a Chaise with Mr. Thos. Sparrow. Arrived about half past eleven. Engaged all day on Select Committee, Messr. Sparrow, Lister, Chetwynd, Webb & self.

Thursday 12 August 1819.

Returned home & afterwards dined at Clough Hall.

Friday 13 August 1819.

At home. Closely engaged on the Answer in Chancery, but very unwell.

Saturday 14 August 1819.

At home. Engaged on the same. Still very well. Received about a half of . . .from Mr Bent of Macclesfield.

Sunday 15 August 1819.

At home. Servants went to Church in the Morning. No private Service. Mr Bent dined.

Monday 16 August 1819.

At home being unwell with serious attack brought on by too much exertion & thought particularly relative to the answer to the shameful Bill filed by Mr Wood.

Tuesday 17 August 1819.

The same.

Wednesday 18 August 1819.

The same.

Thursday 19 August 1819.

So unwell that Dr Northen was called in.

Friday 20 August 1819.

Still very unwell.

Saturday 21 August 1819.

Dr Northen came again. Thought me somewhat better.

Sunday 22 August 1819.

So unwell as to be able only to read a Chapter & Prayer.

Monday 23 August 1819.

Ill

Tuesday 24 August 1819.

Ill. In the morning extremely so with dreadful suffering.

Wednesday 25 August 1819.

Ill. Mr Tomlinson & Mr W Tomlinson. Engaged with the former on the Answer in Chancery, but not without great & painful efforts. In the evening Stamford arrived.

Thursday 26 August 1819.

Ill.

Friday 27 August 1819.

Ill, but engaged on Answer in Chancery.

Saturday 28 August 1819.

Ill. Mr Bent called. Liverpool Brewery.

Sunday 29 August 1819.

Ill. Unable to perform the Service, but read prayers at night.

Monday 30 August 1819.

Ill, but engaged on Chancery papers. Stamford & Emma went to Betley Hall. Thos. Sparrow on his way to Chester Assizes.

Tuesday 31 August 1819,

Ill. Read Letter from Mr Denison proposing Reference of Liverpool Brewery business, which I sent to Mr Bent.

September

Wednesday 1^st September 1819.

 Ill. Letter to Mr Denison acceding to Reference, which I sent to Mr Bent for his approbation. Sent the remaining part of instructions for Answer in Chancery to Mr Tomlinson.

Thursday 2 September 1819.

Ill. Mr Bent & Mr Thos. Gorton called.

Friday 3 September 1819.

Something better, but still very indifferent.

Saturday 4 September 1819.

The same. Mrs B. . & Mrs [Gill] called.

Sunday 5 September 1819.

The same, but went through the usual service.

Monday 6 September 1819.

The same. Engaged on Liverpool Brewery Papers.

Tuesday 7 September 1819.

Much the same.

Wednesday 8 September 1819.

Still very unwell. Wrote to Dr Crompton proposing Meeting.

Thursday 9 September 1819.

Mr Wedgwood of Betley came to dinner. Stamford called at Trentham. Sent Liverpool Brewery statements to Mr Bent. Still very unwell.

Friday 10 September 1819.

Eliza set off to Liverpool, Emma accompanying her in the Carriage to Knutsford. Mr Wedgwood went after breakfast. Letter from Dr Crompton declining Meeting. At night some attack Of Gout to my foot.

Saturday 11 September 1819.

Mr Bent came to Liverpool (on his way to [Flinton}. Long conversation relative to the proposed Reference of Liverpool Brewery matters & pressing the Statements of Facts, which Mr Bent & I had respectably drawn up for the information of Mr Wright. Rather better night, but still very unwell. Charles Wedgwood came to shoot.

Sunday 12 September 1819.

A bad night, & much suffering from Fever & Gout, which now had decidedly appeared in my left foot. Received a Letter from my beloved wife, with the account of poor Eliza's suffering & disappointment from the birth of a still born child: but happily she and herself doing well. No Service, the Servants going to Church, & indeed too unwell to go through it, but prayers as usual in the morning.

Monday 13 September 1819.

Letter to Emma from her mother with a good account of Eliza. Rode out in the Carriage with Emma, being the first time of my having been out of the Gates since Thursday the 12 Aug. Still very unwell, though a little better. Letter from Mr Bent saying that Mr Wright would act as our Referee.

Tuesday 14 September 1819.

Miserable night. Fever & Gout. Letter from Mr Denison appraising a Meeting of the Parties as proposed by me which was sent to Mr Bent. To my great disappointment no letter from my dear Wife. At night received a Letter by the Umpire with a good account.

Wednesday 15 September 1819.

Bad night with much pain. Rode however in the Carriage with Emma to Newcastle. Called on Mr Bent the Liverpool Brewery business, where we fixed to go there on Thursday next if I were well enough.

Thursday 16 September 1819,

Still very indifferent. Wrote to Mr J Sparrow informing him that I was unable to attend Navigation Meeting tomorrow. Mr Roscoe arrived in the afternoon.

Friday 17 September 1819.

 Engaged with Roscoe. Rather better.

Saturday 18 September 1819.

Mr Roscoe left us after breakfast, on his return home.

Sunday 19 September 1819.

Read prayers, but not well enough to go through the whole Service.

Monday 20 September 1819

Rather better night. But still very indifferent.

Tuesday 21 September 1819.

Much the same. Sent a Note of Congratulations to Trentham on the late Marriage of Lord & Lady Belgrave, & received a very obliging one from Lord & Lady Stafford in reply. Mr Potter called with whom much conversation on Navigation matters & further supplies of water. He left with me for my consideration a Notice intended to be given to Carriers in consequence of the decision in Pickfords case.

Wednesday 22 September 1819.

Indifferent night. Considered the Navigation Notice & wrote to Mr Vaughan with my opinion thereon.

Thursday 23 September 1819.

Much the same; but severe cold with Fever.

Friday 24 September 1819.

Emma set off to Liverpool taking the Carriage to Knutsford to meet her Mother at Warrington & who arrived at home about 8 o'clock to my unspeakable joy & comfort & bringing a good account of our dear Eliza.

Saturday 25 September 1819.

Still very unwell. The weather which had been for a long time past quite dry & fine, changed this morning to Rain, & which comes very favourably.

Sunday 26 September 1819.

Read prayers, but not well enough to go though the whole of the Service.

Monday 27 September 1819.

Rode out with Eliza in the Carriage. Mr Twemlow of Alsager with whom agreed for immediate possession of the Land lately purchased from Mr Jenks.

Tuesday 28 September 1819.

At home. Rather better.

Wednesday 29 September 1819.

Mr Leigh of Consall & Mr Bourne of Cheadle relative to arrangements respecting Leases of Consall & a proposed Partnership between Mr Leigh & Miss Griffiths & long conference with them thereon when I recommended that the present value of such Leases should in the first place be ascertained by some competent person.

Thursday 30 September 1819.

At home. Rather better. Mr Chas. Lawton called & Mr Wedgwood of Betley. The former wished to have the Land again which I had taken from him with a view to serve the [Gardiner] & which I agreed to give up.

October

Friday 1st  October 1819.

Set off to Shrewsbury with Miss Stamford & Eliza. Miss S having determined to consult Dr Darwin & both she & Eliza being very [determined] that I should accompany them. Set off about 9 o'clock & arrived at the Lion Inn at about half past three. Saw Dr Darwin that evening, who came to the Lion, but said he would see us again the next morning, a little before nine o'clock. Passing invitation to take up our quarters at his house, but which we declined Miss Darwin being ill.

Saturday 2^nd October 1819.

In the morning took a long walk with Eliza for the purpose of seeing the Town, she n ever having been at Shrewsbury before. Returned in time to see Dr Darwin with whom further Consultation. Miss C Darwin & Emily called & sat some time. Left Shrewsbury on our return about eleven o'clock, but (left) two Miss Wedgwoods of Parkfields at Ternhill. Called at Mare Hall & arrived at home at about eight o'clock, and our own horses having met us at Whitmore.

Sunday 3^rd October 1819.

Mr Bent dined. Service prevented. In the evening prayers as usual. Fixed to go to Liverpool as soon as convenient to the Doctor. Received this morning a present of a brace of Pheasants from Mr Leigh of Consall.

Monday 4 October 1819

Mr Goodall with sundry Tax papers which signed. Wrote to Dr Crompton proposing Friday next for going to Liverpool. Mr Johnson of the Hollins relative to the Millstone public house & wrote to Mr Tollet in favour of the present Tenant Thos. Hill. Engaged with Men in the Land late Mr Jenks thinning trees etc.

Tuesday 5 October 1819.

Better. Engaged again with the Men clearing the above ground, thinning trees etc. Mrs Tollet, Mrs Wedgwood of Betley, & two Miss Tollets called. John Locket an old servant of the Navigation Co. for my assistance in obtaining the allowance, & wrote to Mr Vaughan accordingly. Stamford dined with the Mayor of Newcastle; prevented myself by not being well.

Wednesday 6 October 1819.

At home. Wrote to Mr Bent in consequence of a Letter received from Dr Crompton appointing Friday next for going to Liverpool.

Thursday 7 October 1819.

At home.

Friday 8 October 1819.

Set off with Mr Bent to Liverpool on Brewery Affair. Evening saw Miss C Neil Isabella. Most delighted with her performance, but thought it in many parts inferior to which I remembered of Mrs [Saddons] early & best performance.

Saturday 9 October 1819.

Engaged on Brewery business but came to no decision. Mr Roscoe & Mr Roscoe dined with us.

Sunday 10 October 1819.

Set off on return journey. Called at Mr Roscoes & much grateful with seeing my dear Eliza looking well & so much recovered. Brought

Sunday 10 October 1819.

Emma to Knutsford, where she was met by her Mother. Mr Bent & I going round by Macclesfield.

Monday 11 October 1819.

Arrived home in the forenoon; but without having had a miserable night. Mr Leigh of Consall, Mr Bourne accompanied by [Kirk] the Engineer relative to the business with the Griffiths & advising further thereon.

Tuesday 12 October 1819.

At breakfast received a very kind invitation from Lord & Lady Stafford to Eliza, myself & Stamford to dine at Trentham on Thursday next to meet Prince Leopold which we accepted. Afterwards rode on Horseback to Newcastle. Long conversation with Mr Bent relative to the Liverpool Brewery, when he consented to leave it to me to settle the business. Eliza, Miss Stamford & Emma called at Mare Hall. In the evening, Letter from A. Marsh with an account of our dear Ann having born him another daughter on Saturday last.

Wednesday 13 October 1819.

Rode on Horseback again. Men busy on the Fallow at Banky Swallow Moor, setting on burnt clay & other refuse soil. At noon Charles Crompton & Henry Roscoe arrived. The weather still uncommonly fine. Mr Bent told me yesterday that the thermometer stood at 66 in the shade.

Thursday 14 October 1819.

Rode again on Horseback in the Alsager Grounds. Afterwards Eliza & I with Stamford dined at Lord Staffords. Invitation for ½ past 6 at which time we arrived at Trentham, but found Lord Stafford, Lord Gower & Dr Francis in their morning dress the Prince not being arrived, nor did he come till near eight o'clock owing to the distance from Chatsworth where he had been, being greater than he had expected. Lady Stafford came in soon after us, dressed.

The Prince very soon came in after his arrival being dressed in a very short time & when Lord S introduced him to every one present. The company consisted of the Prince, Baron [Ward. . .,Sir Rob. Gardiner, Lord Dartmouth, Sir Thomas & two Miss Cliffords, (his sister & daughter), Mr & Mrs & 2 Miss Sneyds of Keele Mr & Mrs Fitzherbert, Mr Tollett, Mr & Mrs Chetwynd, Mr Kinnersly, a Doctor Smith & a Dr [Strachmaer] Mr Monckton & Mr E Monckton and ourselves. The Prince is a tall, lean, rather than thin man with dark hair & a complexion rather dark and a countenance more expressive of good sense than which may be called handsome. His voice deep & not very melodious but he speaks English well.

His exterior not being upon the whole such as deemed particularly captivating or attractive, the [presence] given him by the late Princess does . . .greater honour to her judgement & good sense. His demeanour is extremely courteous & prepossessing. I had the honour of a good deal of conversation with him in the evening in the course of which he spoke of the places & manufacturing that he had seen as well as the present delighted state of the county, in which he showed that he had made much observation. Upon the whole we spent a very interesting and pleasant evening, much kind attention from Lord & Lady S. We got home about ½ past two in the morning.

Friday 15 October 1819.

Rode again on horseback on Mere Lake & Alsager Grounds & fell some more trees by way of clearing. Wedgwood came to dinner.

Saturday 16 October 1819.

Wrote to Dr Crompton proposing my coming to Eton to endeavour our case soon to settle the Brewery business. Rode on Horseback. Men busy in the Fallow. Mr Wedgwood came to dinner again having gone back this morning with his Brother. In the evening Chas. Crompton & Henry Roscoe left us, setting off to London in the [Cobney] Coach.

Sunday 17 October 1819.

At home. Service as usual.

Monday 18 October 1819.

 In the morning engaged on various matters previous to going to Stone for what place I set off in the afternoon, taking Mr Thos. Sparrow in the Carriage from Newcasle. Got there to dinner soon after which Mr Webb came, & we arranged to examine the Books early in the morning.

Tuesday 19 October 1819.

Went early with Mr Webb tot he office, where closely engaged till after ten o'clock, examining Annual Statements of Account with the Books, previous to its being laid before the General Assembly. Afterwards engaged on Genl. Committee & Genl. Assembly. Arrangement made for more frequent & regular Meetings of the Select Committee etc. Returned in the evening.

Wednesday 20 October 1819.

Engaged drawing up Resolution expressive of the request felt by the Genl. Assembly at the absence of Mr Sparrow of Birkton being the first time since the commencement of the undertaking, & which I had been requested to do by Mr Wedgwood & Mr Lister & sent a Copy to Mr Thos. Sparrow that such Resolution might be transmitted to his brother.

Thursday 21 October 1819.

Set off early to Eton to endeavour once more to settle the Liverpool Brewery Business with Dr Crompton: Eliza accompanying me. Took our own horses to Knutsford. Arrived at Eton to dinner. Long conversation in the Evening with the Doctor, Mr Denison being present but nothing done.

Friday 22 October 1819.

Resumed the subject with the Doctor alone, when I finally settled the same, the Doctor agreeing to the price which I had put upon the Land etc. of £13000, & which he said he consented to do entirely in consequence of my Interposition. Mr Denison came afterwards where a Minute of each was drawn up in order that I might show it to Mr Bent. Mr Roscoe & Eliza who met us at Eton yesterday & Mr Denison dined.

Saturday 23 October 1819.

Set off after breakfast on our return home, the Doctor sending his horses with us to Warrington. Our own sent to us at Knutsford. Met Mr Holland on the road with whom a . . .chat. Arrived at Linley Wood about five o'clock.

Sunday 24 October 1819.

At home. Service. In the afternoon Miss [Powys] with Mr Henry & Mr Charles [Powys] called.

Monday 25 October 1819.

At Newcastle, seeing Mr Bent & communicating to him the particulars of what I had done on my late Journey to Eton, all of which he much approved, & expressed his acknowledgement for the trouble I had taken, & the conclusion I had put to this unfortunate end, of late, most horrifying business. We both signed the Notice of dissolution of the Partnership, which with an Affidavit of the signature.

Tuesday 26 October 1819.

At home. At noon Rode out on Horseback. Men busy in the Fallow at Banky Swallow Moor setting out burnt clay. NB. The part on which the Salt had been applied was sown last week. Getting up potatoes. Dr Balcombe called, when I was out. Mr Perlington sent from Bostock House 3 brace of very fine Carp & 3 brace of Tench, which turned into the small stream in the garden. Mr B dined again at Linley Wood.

Wednesday 27 October 1819.

At home. On Horseback again. Began reading Cox's Life of the Duke of Marlborough. Men engaged on the Fallow. Frost.

Thursday 28 October 1819.

At home.

Friday 29 October 1819.

At Trentham Inn attending Meeting for compounding assessed Taxes. Mr Spode & Self. On return was stopped by Lord Gowers servant & requested to attend a Meeting then held at the Roebuck relative to the intended [preparation] Meeting intended to be held on Monday next at Hanley about . . .we finally agreed to send to Lord Dartmouth the new Lieutenant of the County & request an . . missing from the . . .in the neighbourhood & we agreed to meet on Monday.

Friday 29 October 1819.

at the Roebuck to be ready to act on circumstances they require. There were present Lord Gower, Mr Tollet, Mr Twemlow etc. On my return home found the Draft of the Answer in Chancery as drawn by Counsel etc. A Letter from Mr Tomlinson.

Saturday 30 October 1819.

Closely engaged with the Answer & sent to Mr Tomlinson desiring that he would come to Linley Wood tomorrow as time permits & I found his requirements as well as my own were numerous & urgent for the next week.

Sunday 31 October 1819.

Mr Tomlinson came with whom closely engaged on the Answer all day & which he left for my final completion.

November

Monday 1^st November 1819.

At Newcastle attending Meeting of Magistrates. Lord Dartmouth, Lord Gower, Tollet, Rickets, Cagney, Twemlow & Sneyd of Keele. In the course of the Morning other Gentlemen came in, & it was agreed that a General Meeting of Lieutenancy & Magistrates should be held on Monday next for the purpose of considering of raising an additional armed force in the County. Much preparation had been made by a proper military force being provided against any riot or disturbance. But the Meeting which was held in Hanley went off with perfect quietness. The above Magistrates however except Mr Sneyd, agreed to remain together at the . . .till late in the evening. I staid and dined with the & came hoe about eight. The only speakers at the Meeting were Mr Ridgeway of Shelton & one of his men.

Tuesday 2 November 1819.

At home closely engaged all day on the Answer though miserably ill.

Wednesday 3 November 1819.

Engaged again with Answer.

Thursday 4 November 1819.

The same & thereby prevented from attending the agreed Meeting at Newcastle.

Friday 5 November 1819.

At Cliffe Ville finally settling the Draft of the Answer previous to it being laid before a reasoning Counsel. Engaged from 11 to 6 though at the time miserably ill.

Saturday 6 November 1819.

At home. Mr Poulson relative to the late Widow Halls Acct. & Mr Martin relative to the Colliery when he promised to give me the report of the Estate he should determine to sell.

Sunday 7 November 1819.

At home. Service. Mr Booth dined. Received Note to attend the Funeral of the late Mr Kinnersly on Thursday next.

Monday 8 November 1819.

Set off early to Stafford to attend General Meeting of the Lieutenancy & Magistrates to consider if the expediency & means of increasing the armed force of the County. On calling at the Navigation Office at Stone, was informed that the Meeting of the Select Committee which had been appointed to be held tomorrow at Wolsley Bridge & to which place I had intended to proceed from Stafford, was postponed, on account of the illness off Mr Sparrow.

Attended Meeting which now most numerously & unexpectedly attended, & when an [inscription] County, & which [measures] appeared to be carried with [seemly] a dissenting voice except Lord . . .and one or two of his friends, & finally entered into for augmenting the Yeomanry . . .of the . . .those present were the Mayor of Stafford (in the Chair) M of [Anglesea], Lords Dartmouth, Anson, Granville, Waterpark & Gower.

Some opposition made by Lord Anson in a clumsy but modestly delivered speech, stating the [perfect] [tranquillity] of the people etc. & much of the common place dedications which a certain party in the County seem to have [endangered] themselves in, in spite of the glaring facts before their eyes. [Finarty] the Reporter of the Morning Chronicle,got into the Room for the purpose of reporting the Proceedings, but upon deliberation, it was resolved that he should not be permitted to be present, this being a Meeting of Deputy Lieutenants & Magistrates only; & in the course of whose discussions much matter might be disclosed as to the actual state & military force of the County that would be highly dangerous & improper to be made public at such a time as the present, & that the presence of such a Force might also shackle the freedom & unreserve with which it was desirable that Gentlemen should express themselves on so important an occasion.

A very long Letter from Sir Charles Wolsley being received by the Chairman, it was upon consideration decided that such Letter should not be formally read from the Chair, as it contained no satisfactory reason for Sir Charles non attendance in person, if he wished to deliver his sentiments, and which it was in this case his duty to have done, but that such Letter should lie open to the perusal of any Gentleman who might think it worth while to read it.

This decision appeared to me to be perfectly right upon principle, because the object of a Meeting is the advantage to be derived from personal & [residual] & reciprocal communication, observation, & discussion, & that if individuality were shown to deliver these sentiments by Letter, it could be subversive of a defeat & the very object of a Meeting and the whole of whose time too might be wasted in reading, without any opportunity being afforded if eliciting or investigating their accuracy or force and all real business greatly & thoroughly obstructed if not absolutely precluded & put a stop to.

Returned with Mr Spode in the Carriage to Stone where we dined together, & where I had some conversation with Mr Vaughan who wished to see me on Navigation business, & arrived at home about nine o'clock.

Tuesday 9 November 1819.

At home. A quiet day, & the first that I have had for a considerable time past. Cleared out another of the rough Pits on the late Mr Jenks Land.

Wednesday 10 November 1819.

At home.

Thursday 11 November 1819.

Attending the Funeral at Ashley of my old friend & acquaintance the late Mr Kinnersly, who died suddenly at Buxton in his 67 year. The attendance was numerous consisting of 22 Gentlemen. Eight Pall Bearers as under r Bent, Mr Williamson, Thos. Fenton & Thos Davenport, and on the other side John Robinson, R Bourne of [Lower]Lane, Thos. Sparrow & J Caldwell.

Thursday 11 November 1819.

We left Clough Hall a little before 11 & as the procession moved slow, did not arrive at Ashley till a little after three, when the Service was performed by a Mr Hazlewood, a friend of the Family. Mrs Atwood & 3 other of the young ladies attended in the Family Coach, [contrary] as Mr Davenport who went with me, informed me to his wishes & representations & indeed to common custom but they felt it as a most of . . .affection & respect which they could not prevail upon themselves to relinquish. The Revd. Mr Leigh accompanied me back.

Friday 12 November 1819.

At Stoneyfield engaged all day closely on annual Settlement of Brewery Accounts.

Saturday 13 November 1819.

Engaged again on the like, doing the same. Afterwards called with Mr Bent, & with whom I returned home to dinner.. Miss Stamford went in the morning to Nantwich.

Sunday 14 November 1819.

At home. Service as usual. In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Eliza.

Monday 15 November 1819.

At home. Papers etc. previous to attending Meeting of the Select Committee at Wolsley Bridge tomorrow.

Tuesday 16 November 1819.

Set off at 7 o'clock to Wolsley Bridge, taking the Carriage to Newcastle. From thence went in a Chaise with Mr Sparrow to Stone where Mr Vaughan joined us, & we travelled to Wolsley Bridge together. Arrived before 11. Mr Sparrow being unwell we adjourned the Meeting to his house. Closely engages all day.

Wednesday 17 November 1819.

Engaged in the morning with the Books. Called again at Bishton & returned home to dinner arriving between 3 & 4 o'clock.

Thursday 18 November 1819.

At home. Wrote long Letter to Mr Daniell on Navigation Concerns. Took one Carp & one Tench out of the stream for dinner tomorrow. Mr Spode & Mr Bent having promised to call on their return from Manchester.

Friday 19 November 1819.

At home. Mr Spode & Mr Bent dined.

Saturday 20 November 1819.

At home. Engaged with Men clearing ground lately purchased from Mr Jenks & particularly the piece lying up to the Turnpike Road.

Sunday 21 November 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 22 November 1819.

At Newcastle attending Meeting of Comm. for compounding for assessed Taxes. Mr Spode & Self. NB The windows at Linley Wood not having been surveyed & rated since the new Building, though I had often requested that this might be done, & finding that if I paid the composition upon the number now erected, it would amount to the same sum as if the windows were erected afresh & remained on the old duty, I adopted the former course by the recommendation of Mr Penke; as in case the windows had been rated according to their actual number, I should not have compounded having no intention whatever of opening a single additional one. Returned to dinner & found Miss Stamford & Emma, who had just arrived from Nantwich.

Tuesday 23 November 1819.

At home. Engaged on various matters.

Wednesday 24 November 1819.

At home. Engaged in the Grounds, taking down fences on Land late Mr Jenks . . .that forming the division with the Birchen field. Fine. Frost. Recd. Deed of Conveyance of Linley Lane Meadow from Mr [Dent].

Thursday 25 November 1819.

Eliza & I called at Clough Hall on occasion of the death of the late Mr Kinnersly. Saw Mrs Kinnersly who seemed much affected, and all the Ladies. Mr Hazlewood the Gentleman who performed the Funeral Service also there: who spoke of his acquainted with the Marsh's particularly the Revd. Mr Augustus Marsh. Invited Mr H to dine at L. Wood, but said he should be happy to visit in the Spring, when he should again be at Clough Hall. Fine Frost. Busy carrying out manure into the Meadow.

Friday 26 November 1819.

At home & in the house all day: a very heavy snow having fallen in the night. Having very openly, & unequivocally, as well as repeatedly expressed my opinion that the Meeting held at Manchester on the 16 of August last, which was attended so much Notice & drawn further much observation was an illegal Meeting. I could not but feel much satisfaction at the following opinion given by the Chancellor in the House of Lords on

Tuesday last on the debate on the Address. He said,” It was his clear, distinct and unqualified opinion, that according to every principle of the English Law, the Meeting at Manchester was an illegal Meeting”. Star Newspaper November 24 1819.

Saturday 27 November 1819.

At home. Sundry matters. Considering & settling Deed of Conveyance of Linley Meadows etc.

Sunday 28 November 1819.

Mr Perlington on their affairs. Service as usual.

Monday 29 November 1819.

At Newcastle attending Meeting for compounding Assessed Taxes, Mr Spode & Self. Eliza & Emma went with me in the Carriage & returned to dinner. Rain.

Tuesday 30 November 1819.

At home. Mr Perlington relative to an intended sale by Mr Salmon of his share of Lands at the Saltworks; when I promised to see hom tomorrow at Sandbach. Various matters, & looking over papers previous to meeting Mr Hostage at Sandbach tomorrow. Mr John Stanton called on his way to Newcastle relative to the intended repairs of the Theatre.

December

Wednesday 1^st December 1819.

At Sandbach meeting Mr Hostage, when after much descussion, his having offered that the £594. 14.9 should be divided, which I declined, it was finally agreed that all proceedings in the Suits at Law & in Equity should be stopped, that Mr Hostage would dine with me some day after the 15th inst., & that if he & I could not then settle the questions to the £594. 14. 9 (all other matters being considered as finally closed), such questions be left to Reference the particulars of which we were to settle when we met. In the course of the circumstances, Mr Hostage directly stated that the Deeds were executed by Mr Wood the same morning that they were brought to Cliffe Ville & when I executed the same. Conversation with Mr Salmon

Wednesday 1.

Mr Perlington relative to the intended Sale of Mr Salmon's share of Land to Mr Sutton, when Mr Salmon agreed to wait a while in order better to consider of the matter. Called at Mrs Furnival where I had left Eliza who had accompanied me to Sandbach, & returned home to dinner.

Thursday 2 December 1819.

At home. Men busy clearing out the Wood from the larger Pool. Fine mild day.

Friday 3 December 1819.

At home. No fact was better ascertained than that Men practically attempted impracticable Theories. This when exemplified in virtue and in science, was, at each effort, a step towards improvement, but when such essays were made in a bad cause, the progress of vice and wickedness was too frequently misused, and though the obtainable object could & would be secured, still the coil done in the endeavour might be beyond all possible calculation. . . .though unusual suffrage was not to be established, universal anarchy and confusion would necessarily ensue from the conflict in support of it. No harm given to this Christian Country, could for a minute believe that pure unmitigated broad a. . .Lord Wellesley ,Speech on the State of the Nation . . .. in the attempt to reach had this visionary goal, might not all morals and all order be destroyed?. Star 1 Dec 1819. In the evening Mr Morris & Mr Wm. Perlington relative to purchase by the former of Mr Salmons Share of the Lands at the Saltworks & when it was agreed that Mr P should call upon Mr Salmon tomorrow & l. . the . . .price he would take or close with him at £1200.

Saturday 4.

At home. Mr Perlington previous to seeing Mr Salmon today, relative to the intended purchase.

Sunday 5 December 1819.

Mr Perlington again. Mr Salmon having taken till Thursday next to consider of the purchase sale. Service.

Monday 6 December 1819.

At home. Engaged with the Men forming the Walls & putting up the Paling in the Plantation next to the Stable yard.

Tuesday 7 December 1819.

At Betley Hall. Eliza & Self, Miss Stamford & Emma. Party Col. & Mrs Egerton. Mr James Tomlinson, Mr Inge, Miss Beckworth. Staid all night.

Wednesday 8 December 1819.

Conversation with Mr Tollet relative to the School at Talk in consequence of Mr Binghams application for . . .Returns & promised to make enquiries. Also relative to the Money in Kinnerslys Lands for the [benefit] of the Chapel which I also promised to inquire into & endeavour to get settled. Called at Lady Fletechers. Also at the Wedgwood's but Mr & Mrs W were at Parkfields. Returned home to dinner. Leaving Emma at Mr Wedgwood's. Severe cold & Land frost, which had set in in the night.

Thursday 9 December 1819.

At home. Busy carrying out Manure; the frost being severe.

Friday 10 December 1819.

At home. Mr Perlington with a copy of the Agreement which he had signed for the purchase of Mr Salmons Share of Land in [Thurland} & Rode. Engaged on various matters, Letters etc. Men employed carrying out Manure. Emma returned home, having ridden on horseback. Sent the Carriage to Knutsford to meet Mr Roscoe & his wife but they did not come.

Saturday 11 December 1819.

 At home. The Roscoes came to dinner. Sent the Carriage again to Brereton Green.

Monday 13 December 1819.

In the Morning at Newcastle attending Meeting Mr Spode & Self. Returned home to dinner. Mr Jos. Wedgwood & Jos. W Junior dined & staid all night. In the evening Mr Roscoe set off to London. Severe Frost.

Tuesday 14 December 1819.

Set off early to Wolsley Bridge to attend Meeting of the Select Committee. Took Mr Thomas Sparrow in the Carriage from Newcastle to Stone. From thence proceeded in a Chaise Mr Vaughan joining us, & arrived about 11. Mr Webb, Mr Chetwynd & myself (Mr Lister not attending) adjourned to Bishron, Mr Sparrow being very indifferent, & where we did the business. Advised an add. Dividend of 2½ per share on the half year becoming due at Christmas next. Returned to the Inn to dinner, but Mr Chetwynd did not stay.

Wednesday 15. Engaged with the Books & . . .Bills, which I settled & allowed. Heavy Snow. Called again at Bishton, & returned home to dinner, but very unwell, with a severe cold.

Thursday 16 December 1819.

At home. Unwell. About 6 o'clock to my great joy, my dear Anne safely arrived at Linley Wood, with her two little girls; both fine, healthy & lovely infants.

File PB110015

From Emma Caldwell

Diary, December 16^th, 1819.

Anne (Marsh) and her two blessed children came. Poor Eliza: it was hard to see Anne carrying in my little Johnny (Louisa) and the prettiest little baby (Fanny) in the world. Anne burst into a flood of talking, and we were all happy indeed together.

The description of Madame de Stael’s profusion of ideas and conversation when she came home from any journey, put me in mind of my Anne. I find a great likeness in their characters. So our days passed on, talking with eager interest and running and playing with the children all day. My Anne made me happy beyond all words one night.

They stayed till February 12^th 1820

Diary of James Caldwell continues 

Friday 17 December 1819.

At home. Stormy day. Wind & Snow. Still very unwell.

Saturday 18 December 1819.

At home. Mr Hostage relative to the matters in dispute when he proposed by direction of Mr Wood, that the [Drag] houses & Land purchased from George Cope should be relinquished to me in discharge of the principal & Interest due on the Bond to Dr Crompton, when I promised to make enquiry into the value, but it was agreed that if the matter could not otherwise be settled, it should be referred as before proposed when we met at Sandbach. Mr Hostage staid to dinner but returned that night.

Sunday 19 December 1819.

At home. Service.

Monday 20 December 1819.

At Newcastle. Engaged in the Burslem business & papers, & other business.

Tuesday 21 December 1819.

At home. Various matters. Mr Perlington relative to the purchase made by Mr Morris & when I fixed to see him & Mr Morris on Friday Morning at Linley Wood.

Wednesday 22 December 1819.

At home. Mr Wedgwood of Bignall End paying half years Interest of the Money due on his Bond & Mortgage & advising relative to new Road made by Mr Williamson near by the Inns on the Red Bull trunk were [evaded] when he promised to send me the Acts of Parliament for my perusal & consideration.

Thursday 23 December 1819.

At Newcastle seeing Mr Bent relative to the Articles of Dissolution of Partnership of Crompton & Co. which I had sent to him for his perusal, & he approved, subject to some observations which I had made thereon & had communicated by Letter to Mr Denison to whom I was to return the Draft. Called upon Mr Sparrow on Select Navigation Matters & Securities. Went in the Gig. On my return heavy fall of Snow. Miss Wedgwood of Parkfields dined. When at Newcastle sent a Letter to John Trubshaw requesting his opinion of the Houses etc. at Milton proposed to be relinquished to me by Mr Wood.

Friday 24 December 1819.

At home. Mr Morris & Mr Perlington relative to the Land purchased by the former & much conversation thereon, when they said they should be entirely governed by my advice as to any communication with Mr Sutton etc. Busily engaged also Letter writing on Navigation Matters to Mr Vaughan etc. & with relation to the Letter proposed to be addressed to Sir Charles Wolsley, which Mr Sparrow of Bishton had sent for my perusal. Ann & Bessy came from Nantwich & arrived to dinner. Frost.

Saturday 25 December 1819.

At home. Engaged perusing Acts of Parliament & writing my opinion to Mr Wedgwood of Bignall End to Coals passing along Mr Williamson's new Road to Burslem, & which he thought were subject to a Penalty as an invasion of the Tolls. Also engaged writing to Mr Denison of Liverpool with the Draft of the Articles etc. which I sent to him this day by Coach from Red Bull. Stamford arrived to dinner, & Mr W Roscoe some time after. Hard Frost.

Sunday 26 December 1819.

At home. Service. Fine day, hard frost.

Monday 27 December 1819.

At home. Engaged on sundry matters, Letters etc.

Tuesday 28 December 1819.

At home. Carried Limestone which laid on the Bank Road immediately below the House. Engaged on sundry matters.

Wednesday 29 December 1819.

Walked to the . . . Sent Letter to John Trubshaw for a valuation of Houses etc. at Milton. Mr Richardson & Charles Wedgwood called, the latter previous to setting off for India. Proposed leaving Stafford on Saturday next, & expected to go on board ship on Tuesday next. He was to sail on the [Astill Indonian].

Thursday 30 December 1819.

At home. Various matters.

Friday 31 December 1819.

In the night a very heavy snow had fallen & which continued this morning.