Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 69/70
Anne Caldwell of Nantwich - 64/65 -
Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich - 56/57
James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 63/64
Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) of Linley Wood- 68/69
Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 37/38 - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.
James Stamford Caldwell - age - 36/37 - son of James and Elizabeth C.
Margaret Emma Holland - age - 30/31 - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.
Arthur Cuthbert Marsh - age 36 /37
Anne Marsh-Caldwell – age 31/32 (Lady Mary Heath’s mother)- daughter of James and Elizabeth C.
Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa – age 4/5
Frances Mary Crofton (ne Marsh) - age 3/4
Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – age 2/3
Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy - born 3 July 1823
Diary of James Caldwell
Page 66. 1823
January 1st January 1823
Wednesday. At home. Engaged all morning on Navigation business, relating to the Earl of Bridgewater etc. Received the proofs from Mr. Smith of the circular Letter to the . . .& the Advertisement relative to the . . .at Doulton Dane, which I can etc. & returned for printing. Afterwards settling & balancing last year's Cash Account. The weather extremely severe.
Thursday 2 January 1823
At home. Mr. Vaughan on Navigation business & arranged with him the sending out of the Restrictions etc. etc. In the last night the weather had changed to Rain. Mr. Lockett of Congleton with Deed of Disclaimer of the Trust under the Will of the late Mr. Stedman, which I executed. On Mr. Locketts mentioning the Alsager . . . I told him that I did not choose to say whether I had or had not the Deed of Conveyance from Lord Brereton to Col. Egerton, nor I did think it a fair question & he asked as the Deed might have relation to other Parties hereto myself.
Friday 3 January 1823
Went to Stoney Field with Eliza, on annual Settlement of Brewing Accounts & engaged thereon the rest of the day. The weather is now changed.
Saturday 4 January 1823
Finished the Accounts which proved satisfactory, and gave me reason to hope for much satisfaction in the Commission with William & Rowland Bent, whose industry & activity and good conduct cannot be too much commended. It was regarded at my suggestion to change the Farm from Wm. Bent & Co. to Wm. R. Bent & Co. chiefly for the sake of distinction. Returned home to dinner.
Sunday 5 January 1823
At home. Service. In the evening received a letter again from Lord Bridgewater.
Monday 6 January 1823
At home. Engaged on Navigation papers & business.
Tuesday 7 January 1823
The same. Frost.
Wednesday 8 January 1823
Wrote long letter to Lord Bridgewater stating the heads of the Bill etc. In the evening letter from Mr. Lister to which wrote in Reply.
Thursday 9 January 1823
Went to Newcastle, & engaged closely all morning at Mr. Pentrose Office, with him Mr. Heaton examining company with the vouchers & . . . the Commissions Accounts relative to the Measure of Newcastle Town fields, and which were . . . to . . .Recorded under the Act of Parliament.
Page 67. January 1823
Friday 10 January 1823
Went to Stoke. Met Mr.Vaughan, Mr. Potter & Mr. Fenton pursuant to appointment viewing Stoke Bridge & fixing the alterations & improvements to be made. Afterwards to greet Fenton, accompanied by Mr. Booth, Mr. Baker & Mr. Spode & Mr. . . . with the . . . former . . . & Mr. C. Mr. P. & Mr. F. surveyed the Rail Road etc. with a view to ascertain the . . . of a gutter being made under the same to convey the .. . .water into the Canal.
Afterwards viewed the two Bridges at Shelton & connecting with Mr.Fenton, Mr. Vaughan & Mr. Potter the alterations & improvements which they stand in need of. Out all day. Houghton & his daughter who we expected today did not come.
Saturday 11 January 1823
At home. Engaged on various Papers, Letters etc. Afterwards rode out on horseback. Fine Frost.
Sunday 12 January 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 13 January 1823
At home. Engaged on various papers, Navigation etc.
Tuesday 14 January 1823
At home. Engaged on the intended Navigation Bill, & sent down by Miss Dorrington & Son. Wrote to Mr. Charles Lawton relative to the completion of the Tithes to Swallow Moor etc. & sent the Letter to Lawton Hall by Daniel . . . who said that he delivered it to Mr. Charles Lawton himself.
Wednesday 15 January 1823
At home. Engaged on various matters. Snow. Stamford came from Chester Sessions to dinner, & afterwards set off to Chester.
Thursday 16 January 1823
At home. Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers, perusing & considering them preparatory to the General Assembly, making minutes of business etc. etc. Before dinner, walked to the Hollins to view the line of new Road from there to Linley Lane.
Friday 17 January 1823
At home. Private Accounts. Miss Stamford with Ann & Betsy went to Newcastle. Rode out on horseback.
Saturday 18 January 1823
At home. Engaged again on the Navigation Bill. Afterwards engaged with Mr. Vaughan, who called at Linley Wood on Navigation Business.
Sunday 19 January 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 20 January 1823
At home. Engaged again all morning on Navigation papers & business. In the evening second letter from Mr. Birch Hollinshead requesting me to . . .in of his Shares against the proposed dimensions.
Page 68. 1823 January
Tuesday 21 January 1823
I this day completed the 64 years of my age.
Wednesday 22 January 1823
Went early to Stone. Took Mr. Sparrow & Mr. Simpson of Birmingham in the Carriage from Newcastle, very . . . & respectable General Assembly, Mr. Egerton of Tatton who came purposely, Mr. Littleton . . . by there I was unceremoniously called to the Chair.
From an anxiety to prevent the . . .of dissension & the abstracts that might be shown in the way of the intended Bill. I . . . the business over . . .with Mr. Lister, who in consequence consented to walk over the proposed . . . of which he accordingly did in a very candid & handsome manner. I . . . to the great relief & satisfaction of all present as the day afterwards went off with the greatest harmony. Returned at night bringing Mr. Chetwynd with Mr. Sparrow to Newcastle, & found Mr. Skerrett at Linley Wood.
Thursday 23 January 1823
Closely engaged the whole of the day in Letter writing particularly to Lord Bridgewater, & to the . . . , whose promise I hold in . . . them of the . . . of the meeting at Stone yesterday. In the Evening Stamford set off to London.
Friday 24 January 1823
Set off early to Green Man Inn, where closely & laboriously engaged all day at a Deputy Lieutenancy Meeting, securing Militia Lists, hearing appeals etc.etc. Mr. Davenport & myself Returned late to dinner.
Saturday 25 January 1823
At home. Engaged again on Navigation business. Wrote to Mr. Lister etc. Still severe frost.
Sunday 26 January 1823
At home. Service. Engaged with Thos. Edwards to continue on his plans at £16 to be found in his own banking.
Monday 27 January 1823
At home. Discharged George Deane the Gardener. Engaged with Mr. Skerrett. Severe Stormy Day. In the evening appearance of a . .
Page 69. 1823 January
Tuesday 28 January 1823
After breakfast Mr. Skerrett left us, taking the Carriage to Sandbach. Afterwards engaged on Tradesmen Rolls etc. previous to going to Newcastle tomorrow. Fine snow.
Wednesday 29 January 1823
Went to Newcastle. Eliza & Betsy along with me. Attending at the Roebuck Mr. Kinnersley attending Dep. Lieutenancy Meeting which I had been adjourned to this day, from Trentham Inn, to give further time for examining Militia Lists etc. Afterwards discharging Tradesmen Rolls in Newcastle. Returned to dinner. Rain & rapid thaw.
Thursday 30 January 1823
At home. Engaged on various matters, Farm etc. etc. Frost rapidly disappearing. In the evening copying Minutes of proceedings of the last General Assembly for entry in the Book & writing therewith to Mr. Vaughan.
February.
Saturday 1st February 1823
At home. Engaged again upon the Nav. Bill, Drawing further Clauses etc. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd & Mr. Lister.
Sunday 2 February 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 3 February 1823
At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 4 February 1823
Set off early to Stone taking Mr. Sparrow from Newcastle. Closely engaged on Select Committee the whole of the day, and then later in the Evening the Parliamentary business taking up much time & requiring great attention. The alterations which I have made in the Bill were approved & it was sent to Mr. Harrison to peruse & settle.
Wednesday 5 February 1823
Again engaged on the Committee & afterwards returned home to dinner. Frost again severe.
Thursday 6 February 1823
Weather this morning very stormy and severe. Ann & Betsy who had proposed setting off to Nantwich agreed to prolong their stay , to which they had consented last night. Engaged all morning letter writing & Navigation etc. Wrote to Mr. Pointon . . . to Tatton Park Colliery.
Friday 7 February 1823
At home. Engaged on various matters & papers. Looking over sundry Acts of Parliament to afresh me on farming or Clause relative to the Select Committee expenses etc.
Page 70. 1823 February
Saturday 8 February 1823
At home. Again engaged on Navigation Papers , Acts of Parliament etc.
Sunday 9 February 1823
At home. Service. Thaw.
Monday 10 February 1823
In the night much rain & the snow going fast. Went to Newcastle to meet Mr. Fenton relative to the Navigation Company's granting power to the Fenton Park Colliery Co. to make a gutter under the Rail Road at Fenton for the purpose of discharging their Mine water into the Canal.
Long conversation with Mr. Fenton & with whom I left a copy of sundry minutes which I had made relative to this himself. Long conversation also with Mr. Fenton relative to the alterations & improvement of Stoke & Shelton Bridges the particulars of which he said that he would communicate to the Trustees of the Roads at their next meeting.
Saw also at Mr. Fenton's office Mr. John Bateman with whom had a conversation relative to the intended Reservoir in Shrewsbury Valley, when he said that he had written to me at length upon the subject by Mr. Potter with this . . . upon which his Father would consent to the Bill. Returned home to dinner, but the Roads miserably wet and dirty. This being Fair day at Newcastle, I understood that fat cattle had . . . so much so P. for H.
Tuesday 11 February 1823
At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.
Wednesday 12 February 1823
Went to Stone early taking Mr. Sparrow. Closely engaged all day on the Select Committee.
Thursday 13 February 1823
Engaged again on the Committee. Returned home to dinner. Found a letter from Mr. Charles Lawton.
1823 Lawton Land Titles
C.B.Lawton Esq.
Received 13th February 1823
To
James Caldwell Esq.
Linley Wood
My dear sir,
I have been so extremely unwell this last month or 5 weeks from a severe cold, yet I have hardly been able to think of any thing; I hope you will excuse my not answering your note sooner. My brother John to whom I maintain’d the business you wrote to me on, seems a stranger to it, in a great measure. However, in order to meet your wishes we shall be ready on you paying all expenses, which I understand you to say, and indeed seem to be thought only reasonable, as to you it is to serve and no one else.
I am dear sir,
Yours faithfully
C.B. Lawton
Lawton,
Wednesday
Diary of James Caldwell
Friday 14 February 1823
At home. Engaged on Navy Papers. Answered Mr. Charles Lawton's letter. Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast with whom engaged looking over the papers which he was to . . . on & by whom I wrote to Mr. Chetwynd asking to meet him at Wolsley Bridge on Monday on our way to town.
Saturday 15 February 1823
At Newcastle attending Turnpike Meeting. Returned to dinner & engaged all evening on propositions for my Journey to London also engaged on the Lawton Papers etc.
Sunday 16 February 1823
At home. Read papers. Wrote again to Mr. Chas. Lawton. Mr. Bent arrived to dinner.
Page 71. 1823 February
Monday 17 February 1823
Set off to London. Reached Wolsley Bridge between 10 & 11. Mr. Chetwynd came soon after. Left Wolsley Bridge about 11 & reached Towcaster where we dined & slept, about half past 7.
Tuesday 18 February 1823
Set off at 8 & got to London about 4, taking up our abode at Mr. . . . Westminster.
Wednesday 19 February 1823
Began on the Navigation Commission the particulars of which are entered in the Minutes, & from which we had not the least . . . not going over to any public place or other . . ., but devoting our whole time & thoughts to the Bill, & which continued to Monday the 3rd of March when we determined to return . . . , as the Bill could not go into a Committee till after the Holidays.
Page 72. Blank Page
[note that Thursday 20th February 1823 to Monday 3rd March 1823 do not appear in this sequence]
Page 73. 1823 March
Tuesday 4 March 1823
Mr. Chetwynd. His son George & I left London, miserably ill myself with depressed spirits & arrived that night at Dunchurch where we slept.
Wednesday 5 March 1823
In the evening arrived at Linley Wood the only resting place in which I can ever hope to enjoy the smallest portion of comfort during what . . . to me of life. The malady so fatal to my family seizes me with irresistable violence, and senseless this goodly form of nature and the world, many stale, flat & . . . to me. One guardian Spirit only, one Angel in a woman's form hovers around me with unchanging tenderness, and softens the . . . that would otherwise overpower me.
Thursday 6 March 1823
Miserably ill, but compelled to exert myself in writing Navigation letters etc. Miss Stamford set off to Birmingham in the morning. Sent a special Messenger with a letter to Mr. Bateman at King . . . Heath but he was set off to London.
Friday 7 March 1823
The same, and again engaged in Latter writing & Navigation business.
Saturday 8 March 1823
The same, but busily engaged on Navigation & other business.
Sunday 9 March 1823
In the morning engaged with Mr. Rob. Heath considering and settling Mining Clauses in the Navigation Bill & filling up the blanks as to the dimensions & distances of the Gateways Average etc. etc. Rowland Bent to dinner. In the evening prayers as usual.
Monday 10 March 1823
Set off early to Stone taking Mr. Sparrow from Newcastle, and closely engaged all day on the Select Committee & till eleven at night, there being many Letters wrote & much extra trouble occasioned by the monstrous Clause (for I can call it nothing less), proposed by Lord Shaftesbury for expecting the powers in the original Navigation Acts enabling the Company to take the Waters for the supply of the Canal.
Tuesday 11 March 1823
Again engaged closely on the Committee Bill & was . . .Returned home to dinner greatly fatigued and much doubting whether to entertain or . . . the . . . & troublesome situation of Chairman.
Page 74. 1823 March
Wednesday 12 March 1823
At home. Engaged on various papers all morning. Afterwards rode on Horseback to Alsager Heath.
Thursday 13 March 1823
At home. Engaged on Navigation & other papers, particularly the affairs of the late Mrs.Tollet & making abstract of the Mortgage Deed to send to Mr. . . . Mr. Kinnersly called relative to the Mining Clauses intended to be . . . and into the Navigation Bill now in Parliament but conversation with . . . Began draining in Linley Meadow.
Friday 14 March 1823
At home. Engaged on Navigation & other papers. Mr. Sparrow, Mr. Potter & Mr. Vaughan called on Navigation business & particularly relative to the communication with Mr. Kinnersly. At night the gouty symptoms from which I had been suffering for some days past, the consequence of too much hurry both of mind & body, considerably incensed & soon after going to bed I was for a short time very ill, but relieved the Gout settling in my right hand. I received other Evening a letter from Lord Bridgewater including an explanation from Lord Shaftesbury of the Water Clause.
Saturday 15 March 1823
Being unwell but obliged to exert myself. Wrote Letter to to Lord Bridgewater, afterwards went to Newcastle pursuant to appointment to the . .& consider with Mr. Fenton the Deal of the Fenton Colliery Mine Water Agreement with the Navigation Co. also the clause intended to be introduced into the Bill . . . in Parliament for altering the Shelton Canal, as to the other . . . of the two Bridges charter as of the Canal & the proportion to be born by the Company of the future references of such Bridges. Also to . . . settle the Clause on the Bill for the alteration of the Darlaston & . . . Road & the trunk Road to Linley Lane & settling with Mr. Fenton the Clause relative to the Course of such branch though Mr. Shaw's land & mine & as approved by Mr. Shaw & the Ironstone of the Road at this Meeting. Returned to dinner. In the Evening Letter from Lord Granville.
Page 75. 1823 March
Sunday 16 March 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 17 March 1823
Engaged on papers on the affairs of Mrs. Tollet, wrote Letter to Mr. Prickett to whom I this morning sent for . . . Re . . . which had been perused by Mr. . . . & an . . . of the Mortgage for securing £14000 . . .Afterwards engaged on Navigation papers previous to setting off to Stone. Went to Stone to dinner taking Mr. Sparrow from Newcastle & engaged on the Select Committee till late at night. Sent Letter to Lord Bridgewater with a Plan and explanatory observations as to the Waters, which I had prepared . . . consequence of which had taken place with Lord Shaftesbury.
Tuesday 18 March 1823
Up early drawing a Resolution to be submitted to the Committee relative to the late proceedings satisfactory the Poor Rate Clause. Afterwards closely engaged on the Committee, whom the Resolutions unanimously approved & . . . to be sent to the People. Returned home at night.
Wednesday 19 March 1823
Much fatigued & far from well. Late engaged at the Desk on Navigation business from half past ten in the morning to past four in the afternoon without once stirring from my seat writing Letters to Lords Harrow Grenville & Bridgewater, sending Copies of the Plan & observations to accompany the . . . etc. etc.etc.
Thursday 20 March 1823
Early this morning constructed & sent the copy of the Resolution . . .on Tuesday to Mr. Smith Newcastle with instructions for printing the same. Wrote to Mr. Rob. Fenton Newcastle relation to the population of my . . . & agreed to be . . .by the Company of the future . . . of the intended Bridges over the Canal at . . . the Caldon Canal & . . . the plan of the Roads relative to the Fenton Park Coking Co. business. Wrote and sent answers to Navigation Letters received from Mr. Davenport of Longport,
Mr. Bateman. Mr. Edward Simpson & Mrs. Finch. Eliza & I dined at Dr. Northam's meeting the Sneyd Kinnersly wife of Loxley etc. This morning the snow high & nearly half a foot deep upon the plain.
Friday 21 March 1823
At Newcastle correcting the proof Sheet of the Resolution of the Committee & giving directions for printing etc. Called at Mr. Kinnersly's but did not see him. From thence went to Sneyd Colliery & had a long conference with Mr. Robert Heath relative to the Clause in the Bill as proposed to be altered & which he finally approved & said he did not think Mr. Kinnersly could or would object to them.
From thence went to Longport to see Mr. Williamson & with whom I had also a very long conference relative to his selling the Company so much land as would be necessary to effect an Exchange with Mr. Bateman but which for various reasons of which I made a . . . he determined doing. Returned home much fatigued & unwell. In the Evening Letter from Lord Bridgewater relative to the Water Clause.
Saturday 22 March 1823
Lord Bridgewater's Letter requiring a considerate answer & not having a satisfactory reply to it . . . Mr. Vaughan & obtaining some further information relative to the Brook & . . . in question . . .to know this morning. Called at Mr. Kinnersly in . . .Newcastle who said that he would attend to the Mining Clause immediately upon the return of Mr. Twemlow from London & which he expects he would be in a few days.
One . . .at Stone . . . John . . . with whom & Mr. Vaughan a long description relative to the Waters etc. then they both afraid that the Reasons he bought into the . . . were made below the level of Knypersley Reservoir & could not therefore be known onto it. Wrote Letter to Lord Bridgewater from Stone & also wrote to Mr. Chetwynd appointing a Meeting of the Select Committee on Wednesday next. On my return called at . . . where I had left Eliza in the morning. Got home to a late dinner.
Sunday 23 March 1823
At home. Service. In the evening another Letter from Lord Bridgewater, wishing for freshwater information as to the . . . being applied for the use of the Reservoir.
Page 77. 1823 March
Monday 24 March 1823
Closely engaged at the Desk all morning drawing Plan of the present & proposed Reservoir Park Brook etc. etc. & sent to Lord Bridgewater & afterwards writing to his Lordship. Engaged also a long time with John . . . on . . . the sufficiency of the Flood waters of Park Brook to apply the additional Reservoir, & which in consequence of the opinion given by Mr. Williamson on Friday last & a Letter also received from him this morning . . . of it, & had become . . . necessary & assistance to the greatest certainty.
Tuesday 25 March 1823
At Newcastle on Brewery Concerns & to have seen Mr. . . . relative to the Shrewsbury business but he was not at home. On my return engaged on Navigation Papers, Letters etc. & arranging the same . . . Minutes preparatory to attending the meeting of the Select Committee at Stone tomorrow.
Wednesday 26 March 1823
Set off about 8 to Stone. Called at Mr. . . . notice being endless . . . on the luck of Miss . . . Mortgage Deed of Shrewsbury Brewery Gazettes etc. all of which he promised should be attended to.
Arrived at Stone at half past ten. Mr. Chetwynd & Mr. Lister came soon after, Mr. Webb being prevented by a death which had taken place in his family. Long & direct the various letters which I had received from Lord Bridgewater knowingly . . . etc. the Clauses of the Bill when I particularly fully . . . & influenced the operation of the Clause restraining the Main . . . from making their chances contrary to the Act 6 Sec 3 & mathematical to a virtual Repeat of the Clause introduced by the late Mr. Sparrow with the Act of 42 Sec.3. They approved allowance of the Clause etc. handing in the Bill & said they would take their full share of any of the consequences. . . . Flame Act might be important on account of it. . . . observed that I would etc. have vision front of mind on account of it. Returned at night, but . . . & fatigued.
Page 78. 1823 March
Thursday 27 March 1823
Having received a note this morning from Mr. Kinnersly saying that he would call at Linley Wood this evening I enjoyed looking over & considering the Clauses in relation to the Mines etc. etc. preparatory to seeing them. In the evening Mr. K. came accordingly when I went through the several alterations in the Bill proper & on the behalf of his Brother stating distinctly the objections to . . . & be left with one. The Bill with the alterations for consideration.
Friday 28
Went this morning to Knypersley Hall and engaged between 4 & 5 hours with Mr. Bateman & Mr. Potter (who came in some time after my arrival, in relation to the Reservoir & the previous arrangements & . . .to be made & particularly relative to the Mines of which no mention had been made before, then Mr. Bateman promised to furnish me with a statement of the additional compensation this would be necessary to be made in support of the Mines.
Saturday 29 March 1823
At home. Engaged on the Bill & observations left with me by Mr. Kinnersley, drawing . . . Clause relative to the satisfaction to be made for the Mines etc. Also engaged copying minutes of the . . . of the Select Committee at the Meeting & the Committee from the 10 March . . . in order that they might be entered provision to the General Assembly. Col. Ingram settled & offered me the small slip of land in Linley Lane and the cottages at Mear Lake which I told him that I would take at a price to be past upon them by Mr. Heaton & Mr. Tennant to whom he also agreed to have the price & said he would mention the matter to them.
Sunday 30 March 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 31 March 1823
Engaged on Navigation Bill & papers copying Mr. Kinnersley's observations previous to going to Newcastle to confer with him & Mr. Fenton. John Trubshaw called bringing the Plan of the Land that would be wanted from the House of the late Mr. Sparrow, & with whom also engaged considering improvements of Knypersley Tracks. Afterwards went to Newcastle to have seen Mr. Kinnersley, but found that Mr. Kinnersley was at Liverpool & that Mr. Fenton was unwell at the Lodge. On my return met Col. Ingram who in speaking of the slip of Land I . . . again said that I should have them & that he would speak to the Commissioners.
April
Tuesday 1st April 1823
Went to Stone where engaged all day on the Meeting of the Committee.
Wednesday 2 April 1823
At Stone General Assembly. In the Chair. A day of much business & exertion, but gone through (apparently) to the satisfaction of all present. Returned home at night.
Thursday 3 April 1823
At home. Engaged on . . . of Thanks to Mr. Bridgewater & sent a Draft to Mr. Chetwynd. Wrote to Mr. Bateman relative to the Reservoir, Mines exception in the Clause in the Bill on to Houses & proposing an agreement to be entered into. Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan.
Friday 4 April 1823
At home. Mr. Slater with whom engaged viewing the course of the intended branch Pond from the Hollins & found that the working side of the Turn Road should not be known to Beardmore Barn then 37 yards. Received from Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Tomlinson’s Case, my being relative to the Tithes of the Meeting of Stoke with Mr. Shadwell's opinion & requesting my sentiments thereon. In the evening . . . & considered this case.
Saturday 5 April 1823
At home perused and considered the Case & opening again it making alterations thereon . . . to seeing Mr. Wedgwood . . . Morning. When he had appointed to see inc. Laws. Afterwards engaged on the Navigation Papers.
Page 80. 1823 April
Sunday 6 April 1823
Mr. Wedgwood came to breakfast & with whom engaged on the Case when he requested to have a Copy of my observations & which I promised to send him. Afterwards Service. Wm. & Roland Bent who we expected to . . . did not come.
Monday 7 April 1823
Copied & sent to Mr. Wedgwood the observations on the Case. Afterwards wrote to Mr. Bridgewater including the . . . of the General Assembly.
Wrote also to Mr. Chetwynd. Mr. & Mrs. Tollet called.
Tuesday 8 April 1823
Engaged nearly all morning on the Copy of the Bill as altered & received from Mr. Chetwynd & making . . . observations thereon in consequence of the communications with Mr. Kinnersley Mr. Bateman & the Mill owners on the River Dane. Afterwards went to Newcastle in consequence of a letter from Mr. Bent informing me that Thursday next was fixed for the completion of the Shrewsbury business. Returned to dinner. Afterwards engaged with Mr. Potter who called on the Nav business.
Wednesday 9 April 1823
At home. Engaged again finishing observations on the Bill. Mr. Vaughan came in the afternoon & dined. Engaged with him considering the Caldon Case, for which I suppose he had come over at the request of Mr. Chetwynd. Concluded that . . . the . . . could be with certainty be affected within the time, it will be proper to enter a fresh appeal, but the former would be the latter course in order to . . . expense to the Ranters. Considered with Mr. Vaughan also the Observations which I had made upon the Bill. I sent the Bill & Observations by him to Mr. Chetwynd. Afterwards engaged with . . . Johnson & return to the Oak Farm, . . . etc. When it was agreed this, Mr. Booth of Knutton he consulted on the settlement of their business.
Thursday 10 April 1823
Set off to Newcastle . . . able to appointment to meet Mr. Heathcote, Mr. . . . called the other parties in order to execute the Deeds & complete the Shrewsbury Brewery business, but met William Bent on the Road who was coming to inform me that in consequence of the Deeds and having . . . back (Page 81)
from Bath the Business was postponed. In consequence of this I determined to accompany Mr. Stamford & Eliza to Maer Hall, where we were engaged to dine & stay the night. Returned home however, & soon afterwards went with them to Maer. In the ensuing conversation with Mr. Wedgwood on the Tithe Case & left with him the Draft of my Observations thereon, but for his private use only.
Friday 11 April 1823
Breakfasted at Maer Hall & returned ti Linley Wood to dinner.
Saturday 12 April 1823
Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast for Navigation Business, & who informed me that he had delivered the Copy of the Bill with my Observations to Mr. Chetwynd & that they should set off together to Town on Tuesday next. I mentioned applying to Miss's Wheatley & Barlow of Stone in case I stood in mind of any professional assistance in regard to the Agreement with Mr. Bateman to which Mr. Vaughan approved.
Afterwards went to Newcastle on Shrewsbury Brewery Business, with Mr. Caldwell who looked over the Deeds. Executed the conveyance of the Household part of the Property to Mr. Heathcote, & left with Mr. Ward a cheque on . . . for £593.10 to be paid with Heathcote being my share of the money to be paid to him.
Sunday 13 April 1823
At home. Service. Rowland Bent dined. In the evening Letter from Lord Bridgewater.
Monday 14 April 1823
Engaged these days on various matters preparatory to intended.
Tuesday 15 April 1823
Journey to London.
Wednesday 16 April 1823
Thursday 17 April 1823
Eliza & I set off to London. For Sanctions of my Proceedings from this day to Saturday the 7th of June when we arrived at home again with the Minutes at the end of this Book.
June
Sunday 8 June 1823
The Anniversary of the Happy day which thirty years ago united one with my more than ever dear Eliza. Service as usual.
Page 82. 1823 June
Monday 9 June 1823
Mr. John Lawton, Mr. Carter of Liverpool & his Son the Revd. William Carter called to request my good office in recommending the latter as a Candidate for the Incumbancy & School of Little Peover in Cheshire, & afterwards wrote a Letter to Mr. Hollins of Knutsford thereon. Engaged on various papers & wrote to Mr. Dolmass relative to A. Marsh's Settlement, to Mr. Vaughan relative to Limestone Bank, enclosing a Letter from Mr. Kinnersley upon the subject, and to Mr. Bateman for Counterpart of Agreement entered into between the Stacy Co. & his father.
Tuesday 10 June 1823
Rode out on horseback looking over the Farm etc. In the morning tried one of the brown Colts (Correct for the first time in harness & found him very gentle & manageable.) In the evening Miss Stamford & Eliza Roscoe arrived from Liverpool.
Wednesday 11 June 1823
Mr. Wedgwood of Bignall End who paid me £3000 part of the principal money remaining due on Bond & Mortgage with the . . . due 19 May last. Engaged afterwards on various papers. Rode the brown colt in the grounds.
Thursday 12 June 1823
Engaged settling London Accounts posting Cash Book etc. Afterwards rode on horseback. Tried the other brown colt in harness & found him gentle & steady as the other. Mrs. & two Miss Hollands of Russell Square arrived to dinner & Mr. Roscoe in the evening. Received also cost of Title to the late Mr. Sparrows Land intended to be purchased by the Navigation Co. in order to make the exchange with Mr. Bateman.
Handwritten note by James Caldwell, May be calculating time spent in London in 1823 and how much to bill. Looks like £141/6/6
Friday 13 June 1823
Engaged perusing & considering Abstract with Mr. . . . thereon. Afterwards wrote to Alsager Cooking Oven with Daniel Johnson part of the Oak Farm, with a view to . . . etc. In the evening Letter from Mr. Chetwynd.
Saturday 14 June 1823
Engaged Letter writing to Mr. Chetwynd etc. etc. & on various matters. Mrs. & Miss's Hollands left us after breakfast.
Sunday 15 June 1823
Service. Rowland Bent came to dinner. In the evening Mr. Roscoe set off to London.
Page 83. 1823 June
Monday 16 June 1823
At home. Daniel Johnson paying money on account of . . . of Rent. Afterwards wrote to Mr. Sparrow on the subject of the . . . received on Thursday last. Wrote also to the Revd. Mr. Atkins Hawley with Dr. of . . . of Mr. . . . interest in Canal Horses that had been sent for my perusal. Afterwards on the Farm.
Tuesday 17 June 1823
Miss Stamford & Eliza Roscoe set off to London. Sent Papers to Mr. Sparrow & Mr. . . . with Letters as above. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.
Wednesday 18 June 1823
Engaged all morning settling Bankers Account etc. etc. Drew up Advertisement offering a Reward in consequence of the Irish . . . the Gardener at the Farm having been again robbed & sent the same to the . . .
Thursday 19 June 1823
Settled Samuel Beardmores Account during my absence. Delivered to him the above Advertisements to be stuck up & distributed. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of a Letter from Mr. Bateman relative to Mr. Bentley's demand for . . . In the evening received Letter from Mr. . . . on Mrs. Tollet's affairs.
Friday 20 June 1823
Wrote to the Rev. Mr. Hill in consequence of Letter received last night from Mr. . . . requesting leave to appoint an early day for my seeing him at the Hough, on these affairs. . . . Penlington consulting on his affairs & the explaining of selling his Estates, when we determined that Henshall's share be immediately advertised for Sale & he promised to see Mr. Darlington upon the business. In the evening wrote to Mr. Lister in consequence of a Letter received by this Post from Mr. Chetwynd & wrote also to Mr. Vaughan in reply to one received from him.
Saturday 21 June 1823
Mr. Hill having fixed Monday next for seeing me. Engaged on papers in Mrs. Tollet's affairs preparatory . .
Sunday 22 June 1823
At home. Service.
Page 84. 1823 June
Monday 23 June 1823
Went this morning to the Hough pursuant to Mr. Hills appointment & had a long conference with him on the final settlement of the affairs of the late Mrs. Tollet, & then we agreed in opinion that it would not be proper to infringe over the Trust Estate to Mr. Josiah Prickett & accept an Indemnity as proposed, and that some other mode of adjustment should be adopted with by assigning Mrs. Pricketts share to the Trustees where her Settlement or by calling in the Trust Monies & paying them over to the Rates entitled, & I promised to write to Mrs. Prickett to that effect showing, Mr. Hill a Draft of my proposed Letter which had been approved & also a conversation with Mr. Hill contained the Talk Chapel Money in the hands of Mr. Kinnersley to the interest of which Mr. Hill deemed to consider himself entitled & determined to see a paper to that effect which I promised to Mr. Tollet. On my return called at Betley where I had left Eliza in the morning. Saw Mr. Tollet, when I promised to get the account of the present transfer & Interest from Kinnersley & confer with him again upon the subject on Thursday the 3rd of July, when we agreed to dine at Betley Hall. Saw also Tho. . . . except Mr. Wedgwood who was gone to Shrewsbury. Called at the Twemlow's. Returned home to dinner.
Tuesday 24 June 1823
At home. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Lister. In the letter relative to Armitage Poor Rate. Considered papers relative to the Talk on the Hill Chapel Trust Money etc.
Wednesday 25 June 1823
Copied & sent letter with copy also of Mr. . . . opinion to Mr. Prickett for Post. Afterwards went to Newcastle & paid £300 to Kinnersly to be invested in 4 . . . Also to obtain account of the Talk on the Hill Chapel money remaining in their hands, & which they promised to furnish me with year past. The weather so cold that I . . . in a great coat.
Thursday 26 June 1823
About noon Eliza & I went off to Knutsford on visit to Mr. & Mrs. Holland & Where we arrived to dinner
Friday 27 June 1823
After breakfast rode with Mr. Holland to Tatton & Tabley. The Park at the former place is very fine & extensive containing about 2300 acres & is very beautifully wooded. But this water is inadequate to the grounds & the approach to the House to my eye reasonably bad. But it was the work of Webb!!! The House is a fine looking handsome structure, but it did not go into it. The Gardens are large, & the Grounds surrounding the House very handsome. Tabley was built by Mr. Carr of York, But I was not much pleased with the Elevation. The Park Grounds appear to be in a neglected state as did everything about the House. Mr. Holland introduced me to Sir John Leicester who was very courteous & polite. I was disappointed in the Pictures, but the best of Sir John's collection on Garden land in Town. Thence was an unfinished head of Lady Webster by Sir . . . Lawrence which was by far the most beautiful thing I saw. It is well worth notice. Mr. H. said that Sir John had given 200gs. for it. In conversation after dinner Mr.H. told me that Mr. Evert of Manchester, who is a man of great . . . as meek as . . . knowledge, pronounces Perkins, improvement of the Steam Engine as J. Harrison & false in its principle.
Saturday 28 June 1823
Having been disappointed yesterday in seeing any of the large Red Deer in Tatton Park. Travelling with Mr. Holland into the Park this morning, when we were fortunate enough to meet with a couple of the Stags & which were very noble animals. Their general appearance & size reminded me of the . . . which I have seen in London, though I judged them to be extremely short of the latter in height. The . . . stag is said to be 14 hands & an Inch. The Horses are family ranched, one of them was a kind of dark red or chestnut the other not so much red.and bald facial. When seen in the Glade where we found them amongst the large oaks, the complete forest scenery with which this Park presents, they were very striking objects, & beautiful objects & the scene altogether truly picturesque. At certain seasons of the year they are very fierce & fight, & they sometimes kill each other. One of them stopped the Carriage twice as it was entering from Knutsford with Mrs. Egerton & I compelled Coachman to go back & take a different route. Left Knutsford at 11.a.m. on our return home on turning out of the . . . . Road one of the young horses became . . . owing I think to some . . .
Page 86. 1823 June
of the Horses was so violent that it was not perhaps be prudent to try him again. The Rev. Mr. Mainwaring called just on our arrival at home & gave us the first account of the death of Sir John Boughey which happened yesterday Morning at 4 o'clock. An event most truly understanding & distinctively & which will be . . .by his Family and Friends. He was in the 40th year of his age having completed his 39 on the 1st of May last.
Sunday 29 June 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 30 June 1823
Wrote to Mr. Lister & Dr. Holland. Afterwards went to Newcastle on Brewery business. Saw Mr. Walthall who said that the Draft of the Deed of Arrangement between the Executor & Mr. R Bent was now before Council, but would be finished & executed as soon as received back & the necessary Notice of Dissolution of the old . . . .should then be given. In the afternoon Mr. Lawton & Miss Bel. . . called.
Tuesday 1st July 1823
At home. Colonel & Mrs . . . called.
Wednesday 2 July 1823
At Newcastle at 11 Meeting Mr. Chetwynd & Mr.Vaughan on Navigation Business, when we finally agreed that under the present circumstances of the assizes & the county & Mr. . . .to postpone the Survey and we directed Mr. Vaughan to write to Mr. Lister accordingly. Whist at Newcastle a printed Hand Bill came out from Sir John . . . with an offer of his services to represent the County. Returned to dinner, but completely wet the Rain being very heavy.
Thursday 3 July 1823
Engaged in the Morning on sundry papers. Eliza & I went to Betley. Went to dinner & where we staid the night. Mr. . . dined.
Birth of Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell, daughter of Ann Marsh-Caldwell and Arthur Cuthbert Marsh
Friday 4 July 1823
This morning conversation with Mr. Tollet relative to the Talk on the Hill Chapel money & to whom I showed the Recommendation explaining that it was placed in Mr. Kinnersleys hands for the use of the Chapel. He said however that the case Mr. Tollet told him that it was to accommodate for the organisation of the Salary of the Minister, & Mr. . . .made a Minute to that effect to to send to Mr. Hill. On the back of which Law . . .be afterwards wrote what I stated & was understood to be the case, money that the balance of the Benefit Money £56.14.5d the Interest was to be applied for Repairs (Page 87).
& other purposes of the Chapel itself and this I am satisfied was the invitation From Betley Hall went to Nantwich to dinner & staid the night in Dysart Buildings.
Saturday 5 July 1823
At Nantwich all morning. Came from thence to Wheelock & dined at Col. . . .Mr.& Mrs. J & Miss Post, Rev. Mr. & Mrs. Philip Salmon & Miss . . . Returned home in the Evening.
Sunday 6 July 1823
At home. Service. Mr. Roscoe arrived before dinner. Mr. Bent dined.
Monday 7 July 1823
At home. Mr. Barker of Alsager who agreed to give me of the possession of the small slip of Land on Linley Lane agreed same to be purchased from Col. . . .on the Larkins & who said that for the accommodation of sale . . . he would sell to them a small issue of Land being near to the House & Farm occupied by him in which any purchase money for the above Land & that for the Cottages at Mear Lake suggested be invited. Afterwards engaged on Papers in the affairs of the late Mrs. Tollet & writing Letter to the Rev. Mr. Hill, writing one to Mr. . . .land to be registered by Mr. K. & myself requesting that the Money due upon the Mortgage & Bond might be paid in. Engaged on Navigation Papers necessary to attending matters of the Select Committee at Stone tomorrow.
Tuesday 8 July 1823
Set off to Stone early, where engaged all day attending Meeting. Mr. Chetwynd, Mr. Lister Mr. Webb & myself. On my way thither called at Mr. Kinnerslys Country House to inquire after him & in the afternoon heard at Stone the . . . intelligence of his death. Returned at night & found Mr. Roscoe had left Linley Wood on his return home. Found letter from Mr. Hill including the one to Mr. Armistead signed by him & which was perfectly proper.
Wednesday 9 July 1823
Sent Letter to Mr. Armistead in Mrs. Tollets affairs. Wrote to Mr. Fenton of Newcastle on Navigation business in reply to two letters from him. Began mowing Clover in the Ground behind the Farm Gardens & finished it this evening.
Thursday 10 July 1823
The weather continually to have a favourable appearance began Mowing the large Meadow, but it changed again to Rain , which stopped the Mowing. At home all day.
Friday 11
At home. Perused & considered Minutes of Proceedings whilst in London written view to making an abridgement for the General Accounts. Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan. Eliza called at Parkfields. Received invitation to attend the Funeral of the late Mr. Kinnersly.
Page 88. 1823 July
Saturday12 July 1823
At home. The weather such as to prevent any thing being done in the Hay. Intended to have called at Northam’s but finding the Family had but very lately arrived I postponed it. Mr. Peake, the person who before set up a Intended Clause to the Copy hold Estate purchased from John . . . called, when I told him that I should have nothing to do with the business further than defending my Father if he thought proper to attack it, having satisfied that it was good & solid & was admitted so to be by the Solicitor Mr. Wilson of Newcastle who had before him concerned for him in the matter, & to whom I had explained it.
Sunday13 July 1823
In the morning Eliza & I attended service at Talk Chapel
Monday 14 July 1823
At home.
Tuesday 15 July 1823
At home. Wrote to Mr. Bateman in reply to a Letter received relative to Mr. Eardleys Claim for . . . etc. against the Navigation Co. & sent him a copy of the order made at the last Select Committee Meeting. The weather still raining, so that nothing could be done in the hay. Engaged on private papers & accounts.
Wednesday 16 July 1823
Went to Mr. Vaughan appointing Saturday Morning next for his coming to Linley as he requested to look over the Parliamentary Accounts. Afterwards attending at Clough Hall the Funeral of my late truly worthy & highly & deservedly respective Friend, Mr. Kinnersly, & which was numerously made & respectively attended. Amongst others were Mr. Littleton, Heathcote, Tollet, C. Lawton, Basnett, Hassells etc. etc. The Participation was large consisting in the whole of 16 or 17 Carriages. Mr. Thomas Kinnersly and one of his Sisters attended the Funeral to Ashley, where it arrived untold between 4 or 5 o'clock. The Coaching Corps was drawn up at the Wharf, through whom we passed, & the Mayor & Corporation was assembled at the other end of the Town, in the Townfield through whom we also passed. Indeed every possible . . .of us first was shown to his Mourning, & which was not more than was his due.
Thursday 17 July 1823
At home. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd proposing a Postponement of the Select Committee appointment to be held at Newcastle on Thursday the 24 in consequence of it being the time of the Election.
Friday 18 July 1823
In the morning Hudson with whom I agreed to come as a Gardener at 18/- a week as from George Dyers continual misconduct I felt myself at being compelled to discharge him & to whom I was warning accordingly to leave in a month. Afterwards called at Trentham Inn Lord & Lady Stafford & Lady Gower to whom Lady Stafford introduced me, with whom I spent a
Page 89 1823 July
very agreeable half hour. I thought Lord Stafford much changed in consequence of his late illness, & Lady Stafford looking pale & unwell giving the idea of having suffered . . . & confinement. Lady Gower is a very fine tall young woman with an agreeable countenance & . . . though not to my eye so beautiful as I had expected to see her other manners very pleasing & unaffected. Mrs. Wedgwood came to Linley Wood in the forenoon. In the evening Mr. Hood relative to the Tonnage of Limestone & Coal upon the Canal, when after some discussion I appointed him to come again tomorrow morning to meet Mr. Vaughan when we might more fully consider these matters.
Saturday 19 July 1823
Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast with whom afterwards engaged on Navigation business. Mr. Hood also came relative to the Limestone & Coal Tonnage. Mrs. Bridgwood left us after breakfast. Miss Sarah Bridgwood called.
Sunday 20 July 1823
Eliza & I attended Morning Service at Talk Chapel. Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Chetwynd approving of the postponement of the Select Committee to Wednesday 30 instead, & afterwards wrote to Mr. Vaughan informing him of the same.
Monday 21 July 1823
At home. In the morning Mr. Henshall of Middlewich relative to Land early mining the Canal formerly exchanged & on which he wanted some accommodation when I finally recommended his attending the Meeting of the Select Committee on the 30 instant, & bringing with him the Deed of Exchange & which he agreed to do. . . . & heavy Rain almost the whole of the day. In the evening Stamford arrived from Stafford, who mentioned that he had been applied to by Mr. Sparrow to attend Newcastle Election which commenced this day as officer, but which having business at the Assizes, he had declined. The Candidates are Mr. Dennison of whom Mr. Littleton speaks very handsomely to me at Clough Hall & Mr. Heathcote.
Tuesday 22 July 1823
At home. Received Letter from Mr. Hostage, in reply to which I appointed tomorrow morning for increasing the Money remaining due upon the Bond for £1000 standing in the name of Dr. Crompton in trust for the Legatees of the late Thos. Caldwell. Also engaged all morning on Navigation & copying Minutes of the last meeting to be sent to Stone.
Wednesday 23 July 1823
Mr. Hostage came to breakfast, with whom afterwards engaged, & who paid the principal & Interest . . . due on the Bond standing in the name of Dr. Crompton in trust etc. & who produced the several joint Bonds from Mr. Wood.
Page 90 1823 July
& myself which he had discharged personal to the Articles for the dissolution of the Partnership, & all of which we cancelled. Eliza called at Lawton Hall. The weather still raining & miserably hard.
Thursday 24 July 1823
At home. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd proposing a postponement of the Select Committee Meeting in consequence of a Letter received last night from Mr. Lawton informing me that the Abstract was now upon Mr. Rushton, but that it was very delightful which then it would be received back by the 30th. Afterwards called at Red Bull Wharf, about Mr. Parker relative to the irregularity in the Letters to Brereton Lodge, when he assured that the Letters are punctually forwarded from their office, & that the fault lay at elsewhere. At night Miss Stamford & Eliza arrived.
Friday 25 July 1823
After breakfast Mr. Potter called on his way to Red Bull Wharf to which place afterwards went viewing the Warehouse, & arranged with him various matters directed to be done at the last Meeting of the Select Committee, & gave him the copy of the Minutes to be delivered to Mr. Vaughan.
Saturday 26 July 1823
At home. Executed a Conveyance of Land . . . inc. Mortgagee to the late Partnership of Wm. Bent & Co. Jenkinson to Tunnicliffe, & which Mr. Bent sent for execution by me. In the evening Stamford arrived from Shrewsbury Assizes.
Sunday 27 July 1823
In the morning Service at home as usual and in the afternoon at Talk Chapel. A Personal Sermon on occasion of the death of the late Sir John Boughey & Mr. Kinnersly preached by the Rev. Mr. Carter.
Monday 28 July 1823
At Newcastle on various matters & took E. Roscoe so far on her way to Parkfields. Eliza also accompanied us. In the afternoon carried the Clover & Hay which was mown on the 9 & 10 instant. &. We put some salt amongst it when stacking at the rate of about a peck to a Ton, by way of experiment.
Tuesday 29 July 1823
At home. Engaged on papers previous to attending Navigation Meeting at Newcastle tomorrow.
Wednesday 30 July 1823
At Newcastle attending Meeting of the Select Committee. Mr. Chetwynd & I left returned home later.
Thursday 31 July 1823
At home. Wrote to Mr. Lister informing him of our having found the 25 of August for meeting at Stone. The weather being promising mowed the upper Meadow. Mr. & Mrs. Miss & Capt. Wedgwood of Betley came to dinner. Mr. Roscoe arrived in the Evening.
Page 91. 1823 August
Friday 1st August 1823
At home. Engaged with Mr. Wedgwood. Went on with the mowing.
Saturday 2 August 1823
At home. Mr. & Mrs. C. Lawton & Miss Belcombe called. In the afternoon the Wedgwood's left us, & Ann & Betsy arrived in the Evening. Fine sunset & promise of better weather.
Sunday 3 August 1823
The weather again changed this morning to heavy Rain. Service as usual.
Monday 4 August 1823
At home. Mr. Roscoe & His family left us after breakfast. The day proving fair engaged in the Hay. Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with a copy of one from Mrs. Sutton of Shardlow, with intermation of a . . . being in agitation which if carried out to effect would prove highly injurious to the Trent & Mersey Navigation. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.
Tuesday 5 August 1823
At Newcastle Races, dined at the . . . & returned home at night.
Wednesday 6 August 1823
At home in the Morning but after dinner rode to the Course & saw the Race.
Thursday 7 August 1823
At home. The day being fine busily engaged in the Hay. Received in the morning from Mr. Egerton of Tatton his . . . to write for him on the Trent & Mersey Navigation Concerns, & in the Evening Letter from Mr. Vaughan.
Friday 8 August 1823
Wrote to Mr. Egerton. The weather again changed to Rain. At home all day & engaged on various papers & matters correcting the Copy of the Report made to the Trent & Mersey Resolutions at the Meeting in London.
Saturday 9 August 1823
At home. The weather so rainy that nothing will be done on the Hay. Engaged on various matters arranging papers etc. Wrote to Mr. . . . In the evening Mr. Vaughan came on Navigation business, & to whom I delivered Mr. Egertons Proxy, in order that it might be duly filed.
Sunday 10 August 1823
. At home. Service. Miserably ill. W. & R. Bent who had promised to dine did not come.
Monday 11 August 1823
At home. In the morning Mr. Partington [Penlington?] consulting relative to Sale of Estate when he resolved immediately to advertise Henshalls Farm for Sale in September next. Mrs. C. Lawton ( Mr. C.L. being prevented coming by indisposition ) Miss. L. Belcombe, Miss . . . of Sandbach, Dr. & Mrs. Belcombe & the Rev. & Mrs. Mainwaring of Wolstanton dined, & then staid all night.
Page 92. 1823 August
Tuesday 12 August 1823
In the morning at home. Afterwards went with Eliza & Betsy. Dined & slept at Mr. Wedgwood's. Met Mr. Fenton
Wednesday 13 August 1823
Called upon Mr. Parton but he was gone out. Afterwards called with Eliza & Mrs. Wedgwood at Betley Court & saw Mr. & Mrs. Twemlow, Miss Fletcher being gone with Sir. J. Boughey to . . . Returned home to dinner. Soon after our arrival Mr. Skerrett came. Violent Rain.
Thursday 14 August 1823
At home. Engaged with Mr. Skerrett consulting on his Affairs, & who executed a Codicil to his present Will & said that he should immediately get a fresh Will prepared by Mr. Edleston. Heavy & continual Rain almost the whole of the day.
Friday 15 August 1823
At home. Again engaged with Mr. Skerrett. Eliza & I called at Clough Hall& left our cards, the family being out. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd accepting his Invitation to dine & sleep at Brocton Lodge on Monday the 25. on setting out upon the Navigation Survey.
Saturday 16 August 1823
At home. Still Rain. Wrote to the Revd. Wm. Turner Newcastle upon Tyne, desiring him to return the discharged & cancelled Bond for £ 1550 & Interest. Wrote also to Mr. Prickett of Hull on Mrs. Tollets Affairs, & sent him a Copy of the note in which Mr. Hill & I had given to Mr. Armistead to pay on the principal & Interest due on the Mortgage & Bonds from her late Mother. Mr. Skerrett left us at Noon.
Sunday 17 August 1823
At home. Service as usual. Wm. & Rowland Bent came to dinner.
Monday 18
In the morning Mr. Vaughan with whom engaged on Navigation business. Afterwards busily engaged in the Hay, the whole of which was broke & just got together again in Coils when heavy Rain again came on. The State of the Weather for several weeks past has been almost unprecedented. Joseph Hudson Gardener came to his place. Started by the week of 18th & the House in Butt Lane.
Tuesday 19 August 1823
Engaged drawing up advertisement for Sale of Mr. Penlingtons Estate in . . . of me sorting Mr. Skerrett of Sandbach, & which sent to Mr. P. this morning. Still Rain.
Wednesday 20 August 1823
At Newcastle on Brewery concerns. Deed of consignment amongst the Bent Family, the Draft of which I delivered to Mr. Ward with my nominations thereon. Returned to dinner. During my absence had been very heavy Rain at Linley Wood, though not a drop had fallen at Newcastle. Stamford off to Chester Assizes.
Page 93. 1823 August
Thursday 21 August 1823
My sister left us after breakfast going home to Mr. Roscoes. Purchased a brown colt from Plant of . . . ., likely to match the brown colt which I now have, got by Atlas out of a known good Mare, & 3 years old last July. Price £12.12s.
Friday 22 August 1823
At home. Received Letter & my Bond to Mr. Lawton from. Mr. Skerrett & sent him £1100 in further part of payment in case the Bond should . . . to have been duly assigned. The day being fine engaged busily in the Hay when we carried all that was cut being 20 loads. It was mown just 3 weeks ago, had been suffered to be without much making & was got together dry & salted at the rate of about a peck to a Ton. As it is my first experiment with salt, . . . this particular to enable me to judge its effects.
Saturday 23 August 1823
Mr. Potter on Navigation concerns. Afterwards engaged all morning arranging papers & making Memorandums of business preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee & Survey of the Canal. Went on all morning.
Sunday 24. At home. Service.
Monday 25. August 1823
Went to Brocton Lodge to dinner, Eliza accompanying me to Newcastle. Called at Stone & arranged sundry matters with Mr. Vaughan. Met the Chetwynds Carriage which he had sent to Stafford. Dined & slept Brocton. Rev. Mr. Levi Holine dined.
Tuesday 26 August 1823
Went with Mr. Chetwynd from Brocton Lodge to Wolsely Bridge, there we met Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Sparrow, Mr. Potter & the Boat in which we proceeded to Armitage Park when we called & took up Mr. Lister. Went to Burton that night.
Wednesday 27 August 1823
From Burton to Shenston. I managed the Warehouses Wharf & afterwards retuned to Burton having then determined from the state of the weather etc. to relinquish going to Gainsborough, as we had at first intended doing.
Thursday 28 August 1823
Set off early from Burton. Parted with Mr. Lister at Armitage Park & with Mr. Cetwynd at Burton. Mr. Sparrow, Mr. Vaughan & I came homewards and . . . & I arrived at home in the Evening. Fine day. Wheat cutting on the banks of the Trent.
Friday 29 August 1823
At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers. The weather again turned. Rain which prevented anything being done in the Hay.
Page 94. 1823 August
Saturday 30 August 1823
The weather being again fair engaged busily in the Hay, part of which we carried beginning another stack & without salting it.
Sunday 31 August 1823
At home. Service. The day being very fine afterwards I was induced to carry the remainder of the Hay, which we accomplished, but this making it the last day of August before my Hay harvest was completed. The Season has indeed been most uncommon then not having been one day without rain for nearly 8 weeks past, perhaps more, but I have not left a particularly amount, it was frequently very heavy & incessant.
September
Monday 1st September 1823
At home. Received advertisement of Sale of Mr. Penlingtons Estate in Hassall, & wrote to him thereon. Weather again became showery. Engaged on the Farm, & afterwards on Navigation Papers with a view to the Report that may be proper to be made to the next General Assembly.
Tuesday 2 September 1823
At home. Miss Penlington, & Miss Dawson called. Mr. . . . from . . . /relative to the Sale when they promised to consult Mr. Skerrett as to the day, & let me know tomorrow. Engaged on private Accounts etc.
Wednesday 3 September 1823
At home. Engaged again on Navigation Report. Miss Moreton & Miss Pearson called. Received amended Advertisement of Mr. Penlingtons Estate fixing the Sale for Friday the 19 instant, when I promised to attend. Mr. Henshall of Middlewich relative to the exchange of Land with Navigation Company, & when he disclaimed any intention of converting his intended Building out in Manchester as had been suggested.
Thursday 4 September 1823
At home. Eliza called upon John Lawtons & Mrs. Carter. George Cope called to inform me that he was about to purchase Mr. Martins Engine & organised whether he shall try to purchase the Estate for me, Mr. . . .having declared to him his determination to sell it, when I advised Cope to inform Mr. Martin that I was willing to trust with him for it in fair terms, & that if he would call when he came over to the Foxholes, with George & Cope we might probably agree.
Page 95. 1823 September
Friday 5 September 1823
At home. Eliza gathered at Miss . . . at Parkfields. Again Rain. The Sun Newspaper of September 2nd preferences their August Agricultural Report for the Counties of Worcester, Stafford & Salop with the following Remarks on this extraordinary Season. 'It is rather a matter of various record to begin on August Agricultural Report with a notice of the Hay Crop but it is a certain fact that much . . . yet remains out, and the two harvests of Hay and Corn are frequently seen cut in adjoining fields. The late heavy and severe storms of Rain have z incalculable mischief to the Hay, the redirection of the duty on Salt which has been abundantly used, is a great relief to the Farmer, as without its . . . a mixture still more Hay would have been usable as Fodder.'
Saturday 6 September 1823
Allan Booth relative to Mr. . . . . Land Tax assessment in the Marshes of Burslem & Wolstanton. Afterwards went to Etruria calling upon Mr. Jos. Wedgwood. Returned to dinner. In the evening Letter from Mr. Chetwynds stating that the G. I. Shares had been sold to Mr. J. Marsh at £2150 each. In the conversation this morning Mr. Wedgwood explained great doubts of Perkins Steam Engine, as he still refuses to bring it to practical test.
Sunday 7 September 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 8 September 1823
The weather having taken up for a day or two past, began Mowing Oats in the Land brought from Mr. Jenks. Afterwards went to Cliffe Ville, (Eliza who was to call at Wolstanton taking me in the Carriage to Newcastle) consulting Mr. Jenkinson on the Lawton business, when he was of opinion that in the first place a Notice in writing should be given to Mr. Lawton, calling upon him to obtain the Act of Parliament conformally to the Covenant in the Deeds, & which we determined should be done in the course of the last fortnight if we heard nothing from Mr. Lawton in the meantime. On my return called at the Brewery, Kinnersly etc. Delivered to Mr. T. Fenton the copy of the old Agreement to each the Navigation Co. & the Mill owners upon the River Trent which he had some time ago sent to me & paid him Five Guineas for his trouble relative to the Agreement with Mr. Bateman. In the evening wrote to Mr. Skerrett enclosing a Bill for £200 on discharging of the Money remaining here upon my Bond to Mr. Lawton & which he had assigned to Mr. Skerrett.
Tuesday 9 September 1823
Began cutting wheat in the Big Brickiln field. At home all day. Fine autumnal weather.
Page 96 1823 September
Wednesday 10 September 1823
Busy in the Corn. Eliza & I called on the . . .& Miss Williams & Miss . . . at Wheelock, when Col. & Mrs . . . & Miss Sheridan engaged to dine at Linley Wood on Thursday the 13. On my return stopped at Mr. . . . farm to have looked at the trespass done to his Estate by the diversion of the Turnpike Road, but the Tenant was not in. In the evening Miss Stamford returned.
Thursday11 September 1823
At home. In the evening Letter from Mr. Vaughan confirming me that the Oxford & Coventry Canal Delegates would come to Stone on the 22nd
Friday 12 September 1823
Mr. Potter called with whom engaged on Navigation business, Afterwards called at Rode Heath when made arrangements with Mr. Penlington relative to the Sale, but he was not returned from Liverpool. Mrs. & Miss Pearson, Miss Morgan & Misses Wedgwood's of Parkfields & Mr. Wedgwood all have dined.
Saturday 13 September 1823
After breakfast Misses Wedgwood's & Miss Morgan left us. The weather had turned again to Rain, which today was heavy & incessant. Mr. Minshall (Mr. Levetts Tenant ) called relative to the decision of the Sandbach Turnpike Road, when I promised to call and view it on Friday next. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd informing him that the Delegates from the Oxford & Coventry Canals would meet us at Stone on the 22nd instant.
Saturday 14 September 1823
At home. Service. John Martin dined. One of the most pleasing and promising young men there, I have for a long time seen. William & Rowland Bent were prevented coming.
Monday 15 September 1823
In the night and this morning violent Rain. At home all day having having prevented going to Newcastle by the weather. Sent the bay horse bought from Mr. Booth of Audley to the Fair where Sam Beardmore was offered £33 for him but which he refused.
Tuesday 16 September 1823
At home. Again busy in the Corn. Mr. & Mrs. John Lawton, Rev. Mr. & Mrs. Carter & Mr. Penlington dined.
Wednesday 17 September 1823
Mr. Penlington came to breakfast & with whom engaged afterwards relative to the Sale & whom he promised to get the proposed conditions for my consideration. Afterwards at Newcastle getting Bills from Kinnersly & ordered to be . . .. Eliza & Miss Stamford called upon Mrs.
Page 97. 1823 September
Taylor at Wheelock when the engagement for their dining at Linley Wood tomorrow was put off. This morning began brandishing a Cart Horse at the Farm. Engaged on Navigation papers in the forenoon.
Thursday 18 September 1823
At home. Mr. Penlington again with the Conditions of Sale for my perusal. Busy in the Corn. Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson on the Lawton business. Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan.
Friday 19 September 1823
In the morning at home. Mr. Penlington came to an early dinner, after which I accompanied him to Sandbach to attend the Sale of the Estate, but the same was not sold, £4100 only being bid. On my way I called again at Mr.Levetts Farm & looked with the Tenant at the proposed alteration of the Road which appeared to be proper. Mr. Ford of Abbey field had come there in the . . . to meet me but had returned before I arrived. I mentioned the business to Mr. Skerrett of Sandbach who promised to send me a plan of the Road & proposed situation that I might show it to Mr. Levett & to communicate to Mr. Ford about the proposal.
Saturday 20 September 1823
At home. Busy in the Corn. Received from Mr. Vaughan the counterpart of the Agreement with Mr. Bateman executed by him.
Sunday 21 September 1823
At home. Service. Much Rain.
Monday 22 September 1823
After breakfast set off to Stone to attend the Meeting of the Select Committee previous to setting off on Survey of Knypersley Reservoir etc. also to attend a meeting of a Delegation from the Oxford Coventry & Birmingham Canals appointed to be held to pay to confer on the rating of Canals for the relief of the Purse & the late Divisions upon the subject. The Delegation met accordingly consisting of Mr. Lear Snr & Mr. Lear Jnr., Mr. Galton on the part of the Birmingham Canals, Misses Beech & Woodward for the Coventry Misses Tooley & Timms for the Oxford. A long satisfactory & harmonious discussion took place. Mr. . . . dined with us afterwards & set off on their return, apparently, much pleased with the reception they had met with. In the chair at the Meeting & at dinner.
Tuesday 23 September 1823
Set of early to Knypersley. Revised the structure of the intended Reservoir & Dam I suggested an alteration being made in the . . . which was approved. Went from there to Leek along the Canal. Conferred also with Mr. Williamson.
Wednesday 24 September 1823
Set off early. We all parted on board the Boat. Afterwards engaged on business.
Page 98. 1823 September
Thursday 25 September 1823
At home . Engaged on Navigation Papers & other matters.
Friday 26 September 1823
(no entry)
Saturday 27 September 1823
At home. Engaged with Mr. Vaughan.
Sunday 28 September 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 29 September 1823
At Stone attending Meeting of General Committee.
Tuesday 30 September 1823
Ditto. Attending General Assembly. On my return called with Mr. Sparrow at the Mayors.
Wednesday 1st October 1823
(no entry)
Thursday 2 October 1823
(no entry)
Friday 3 October 1823
Set off with Eliza to Southport & arrived there to dinner, taking up our Quarters at the House which we occupied the last year. Remained at Southport from that time to Thursday the 23 of October, when Eliza & I went to Mr. Roscoe's at Broad Farm Liverpool & where we arrived to dinner.
Friday 24 October 1823
Went with Mr. Roscoe to Liverpool. Visited the Botanical Garden. The Exhibition of Pictures at the Institution & looked also at Mr. Hargreaves' Miniatures. Saw Mr. Hollinshead on Navigation business, & who expressed again his disapprobation of Mr. Telford as Engineer for excavating Tunnel etc.
On making enquiry from Mr. Roscoe relative to the . . . from . . . in Liverpool he said that he had invited his Brother, Mr. E.Roscoe who is concerned in a large Manufactury in Liverpool to dine with us, & who would be able to give every information. Our Party at dinner consisted of Dr. & Mrs . . . , Mr. Crompton, & Mr. & Mrs J. Roscoe. After dinner I had a long conversation with Mr. E. R. on the subject of the Welch Iron Tender ,whose observations corresponded with & on finish the communication which I had received from Capt. Bentshaw, & the importance of support being given to Miss Jean Masters in Staffordshire.
Page 99. 1823 October
Saturday 25 October 1823
After breakfast left Broad Farm on our return home & called upon Mrs. Roscoe in our way. Called also at Mr. Holland's at Knutsford, arrived at home about 7 in the evening.
Sunday 26 October 1823
Eliza went in the Morning to Talk Chapel. Wm. & Rowland Bent came to dinner on Brewery business, & particularly on account of the alteration in the Assignment of their Shares proposed by Mr. . . . & the . . . having a Mortgage thereon to which I respected and decided objections & promised to go to Newcastle tomorrow Morning & confer with Mr. . . .thereon.
Monday 27 October 1823
At Newcastle accordingly. When I had a long conference with Mr. Ward who again expressed his own entire disapprobation of the Mortgage proposed by Mr. Waltham, & which he said could on account be assented to by me. He said that he had that morning had a long conversation with Mr. Waltham & explained to him the . . .as though & in advisability of what he proposed. Called with Mr . Sparrow at Mr. Fentons relative to the Title to the Lands to be given in exchange to Mr. Bateman when he said that the Abstract was now before Mr. Sugden, but he did not apprehend any material difficulty in respect of the Title.
Tuesday 28 October 1823
Wrote to Mr. Vaughan in consequence of Letters which I had received at Southport from Capt. Renshaw on the subject of the Welch Iron Tender at Liverpool. Sent on of the late Acts of Parliament toMr. Hollinshead of Liverpool. Afterwards on the Alsager Estate with Mr. . . .Daniel Johnson Samuel Chesters & Mr. Ashmore receiving the ground intended to be mined, & examining previous to a search being made for Limestone. In the evening Stamford arrived.
Wednesday 29 October 1823
Compared with the Deeds the Notices which Mr. Tomlinson had proposed, in order to be delivered to Wm. Lawton Esq. & his two Brothers requiring the Act of Parliament to be obtained pursuant to the Covenant on the Conveyance, & afterwards signed the same & wrote to Mr.
Page 100. 1823 October
Tomlinson on therewith. Looked over Navigation Papers previous to meeting Mr. Chetwynd today at Mis s Moretons, when Stamford, Eliza & I afterwards dined at the home Mrs. Miss Chetwynd & Mr. D. Sneyd of Ashcombe. In the evening a conversation with Mr. Chetwynd on various Navigation concerns, when he mentioned that an Arrangement had been made for Mr. . . . .coming into Mr. Sparrows Office. On my return found a Letter from Mr. Vaughan.
Thursday 30 October 1823
At home. Examined a long Trust Deed in the Affairs of Mr. Hulbert of Shrewsbury which had been sent for my examination as one of the Partners in the late Partnership of Sir John Heathcote & Co., and which I found concerns in several respects & shall send to Mr. Ward, to whom I had hoped mentioned the matter. Cold day with Snow. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan. Perused Caldon Appeal Papers which Mr. Chetwynd gave me yesterday.
Friday 31 October 1823
At home. The pipe of Port Wine purchased from Carbonet & Son in the Spring was this day bottled at Stoney fields, & at night , my half buy 27 dog & 8 Bitches including 2 broken in the Carriage, arrived at Linley hound, . . . sent it, with Thomas . . . .to Stoneyfield in the morning.
November
Saturday 1st November 1823
At home. Mr. T. Tomlinson with the Lawton Notices, which I signed, & went on to deliver. Mr. Vaughan came, & with whom engaged closely the whole of the day on Navigation business, he dined & staid all night. In the evening Miss Stamford with Aunt Betsy arrived from Southport.
Sunday 2 November 1823
At home. After breakfast Mr. Vaughan left us. Service. Received a Note from Mr. Chas. Lawton appointing Thursday next for seeing me at Linley Wood, whom I informed him that I would be at home. He also sent a Hare.
Page 100a. Inserted into the diary of James Caldwell at Page 100 29 October 1823.
- - detail that something must be done to furnish the means of transit for the Goods seeing that 30,000 looms are now worked when in 1814 there was not one
It must prove that at present the increased quantity of goods manufactured is most enormous and yet you will find that when the smaller quantity of Goods passed from one of these places to the other and afforded the only means of conveyance yet these canals were well employed, they were paying and they were profitable.
I do not however mean to trouble the committees with many observations upon the profits of those Canals but if they were profitable then what must they be now, when the haul has increased to the enormous extent that I have just stated.
The Committee will have some idea of the means in addition to these facts with respect to the - (Page 100b.) - manufactured articles. I call to their attention the quantity of articles that must be supplied for the daily consumption of the Inhabitants
Besides the Cotton and the articles manufactured, besides all those articles which must be sent from Manchester into the Country you will form no very inadequate idea of the want of conveyance to this enormous and most increasing population.
Perhaps the most impressive and shortest way of stating that the transit between Liverpool and Manchester does not fall short of 1200 Tons every day. That between the 1st of January to the end of December upon an average there passed between the - Page 100c. - two towns 1200 Tons and that there has been an increase of a thousand Tons a week beyond that which existed the year preceding.
Therefore if twelve hundred Tons be the quantity that now passes between those two places we have reason to believe that an enormous amount of facility of transit will be required in the progress of time.
Though it may be attempted to be shewn that there are means to satisfy the demand at present in which however I do not find to be the fact - therefore if there is an increase of demand Parliament must make a provision for it unless it will stop the progress of the improvements now going on in those two places.
I will now trouble the Committee with a Statement of the means of - (Page 100d.) - furnishing that supply independently of the Common Turnpike Roads which must be left out of the question for the passage of bulky articles.
In point of economy and dispatch there exists three means by which Goods may be conveyed from Liverpool to Manchester there is the old River, the Canal the Mersey and Irwell Navigation incorporated about two centuries - I believe the original shares were £70 a share and to shew you the increase in the value of the shares arising from the increase in trade I would state that the selling price is £1250 at present
The next mode of conveyance is the Duke of Bridgewaters Canal certainly a production which does that Nobleman immortal honor - no person who has the interests of his Country at heart can ever look upon this work but with the most profound respect to the noble projects and that should deprive his family of any thing to which - (Page 100e.) - more I will shew that we shall exceed in all those particulars
But if I do that I do that I must succeed for I think at this time of day I should do sufficient if I shew that what we purpose is as good as the other and I shew there is a want of some thing more. I should hold that I wasted the time of the Committee if I attempted to argue for the abstract principle of free trade and open competition for it is now acted upon as the principle or upon which the commercial intercourse and the commercial prosperity of this country are to rest.
Wth these introductory observations, Sir, I will proceed to call your attention not much in detail to what is the present condition of Manchester and Liverpool with reference to the means of conveyance between those two places. Let us see whether the means of conveyance which are available are at all in proportion to the demand in order to ascertain that I must let you know what the demand for transit is with reference to those means
You will recollect Sir that Manchester and the country of which it - (Page 100f.) - is the centre includes a Manufacturing population of above half a Million. And when you recollect that Liverpool is the Port of England which carries on by much the larger share of intercourse with the United States of America, with South America, with British America, with Ireland, with Africa as well as connected with many other important branches of Trade you will not be surprised to hear the amount of Traffic which passed between those two large commercial Towns.
But before I do that I will state what is the amount of population and what means of conveyance between these two places. Adapted to the efforts of that population between are to be found at present the Population of Manchester amounts to 165,000 within the last three years it has increased 50,000 and that perhaps is carrying it porther (??) back than the great Commercial increase of the country requires.
But the progress has been gradual and it shews that the Manufacturing interests of that part of the country rest upon a solid foundation and likely to continue improving. I have stated to you that the - (
Page 100g.) - manufacturing population of the District of Manchester alone exceeds half a Million
But that is not all you have to provide for.You will find that Manchester is the channel of communication through which the Clothiers of Yorkshire send their commodities, the Manufacturers at Sheffield send much of their Hardwares, as well as a variety of other commodities which are sent from different Districts in that part of the country
They all make use of Manchester as the centre and for all which we are to provide upon the same grounds as we provide for the goods manufactured in the immediate vicinity of that large and populous Town.
Without making any particular statement as to the goods sent from the clothing District of Yorkshire for the committee must know it sufficiently it is sufficient of Manufactured articles the transit of which is to be provided for at Manchester and through Manchester to Liverpool and if that be so with - (Page 100h.) - the articles exported it must be exceeded by the imported articles for the greater part of the articles Manufactured in Yorkshire and in the neighbourhood of Manchester are far more bulky and require much more space in their raw state than where Manufactured so much for with respect to Manchester and the Population in the back of it and connected with the surrounding country.
With regard to the necessity of an increased facility of transits I would observe that if this Rail Road should receive the sanction of Parliament there will be another most important article of transit that will be much increased namely coal for the supply required for so large a Town as Manchester with its Steam Engine and the consumption in the Town of Liverpool - (Page 100i.) - will alone extend to a considerable amount.
And to that extent we must provide the means of conveyance beyond that which now exists. This alone must strike the committee with the necessity of making more suitable provision but I will more strikingly prove it by alluding to one article alone.
I will state one single article, namely, cotton which will at once shew the necessity of that for which we ask your sanction. The committee perhaps will be surprised to hear that the quantity of cotton sent from Liverpool to Manchester in 1824 exceeded one hundred and sixty Million pounds weight. In 1815 it amounted to the hundred and ten Millions pounds so that between those years there has been the increase of the difference between one hundred and ten Millions and a hundred and sixty Millions
If the progress of our commercial interests are to go on in - (Page 100j.) - the same ratio the committee will see that we are not asking too much when we ask for an increased means of transit and which will be afforded by this Rail Road.
I will endeavour for next to put the committee in possession of the condition of Liverpool. Tthe present population of Liverpool amounts to very nearly the same as Manchester, 164,000 people.But to give you some idea of the trading interests of that place I will state to you the number of ships that found their way into the Docks of that Port in the years 1824.
In that year 10,001 ships were received into the Docks at Liverpool confirming tonnage to the amount of 1,180,914 tons. I could hardly believe it - it appears so enormous sound unless the attention of Honourable Members has been previously called to it they could not have thought it had amounted to anything like quantity.
You will find that there has been a regular increase in the trade there as in Manchester you will find that in the year 1823 - (Page 100k.) - the County of Lancaster in and through the several 'Parishes or Places by opening an easy and expeditious communication between the two large trading Towns of Liverpool and Manchester and by affording an additional mode of transit for Merchandize and other articles and Matters between those Places and also to and from the neighbouring Country.
And we alledge in various other respect it will be a matter of great utility. Having stated the preamble I will now proceed to explain why we ask permission of Parliament to exercise the Power referred to in this preamble it will be necessary to show what is the condition of the trade in its present improved state and that . . . not sufficient means afforded for the transit of Goods other from the seat of Manufacture to the Port from whence they are to be exported, or the means of sending the Raw Materials to the place where they are to be worked up.
At present we say there is not a sufficient supply of means for the conveyance of Goods from Liverpool to Manchester and back again from Manchester to Liverpool.
I will undertake to show the fact that the present means of transit are deficient - (Page 100l.) - in itself it is uncertain attended with great risk and attendance with great expence.Upon the other Hand the mode that we present to you as a substitute or rather I should say as an addition and I trust the Committee will not think we are anxious to supersede any of the existing establishments.
On the contrary we are desirous to go hand in hand with them, but I am bound to ask that the mode of conveyance shall be as speedy, as cheap, as safe and as certain as the other. In all respect if I show this I think I shall make out a case sufficient to call upon Parliament for its aid but I shall do more - (Page 100m.) - Manchester that though at present there were 30,000 looms worked by Steam, in 1814 there was not one worked in that mode.
I mention this to you for this purpose if you find that the articles sent from Manchester to Liverpool and the Raw articles from Liverpool to Manchester are greatly increased - (Page 100n.) - And if you find that the facilities of conveying those Articles are not greater in point of capacity than at that time am I not entitled to ask you to decide without troubling you by going into any detail.
Page 101
1823 November
Monday 3 November 1823
After breakfast went to Sandbach in consequence of a Note from Miss Darlington & Skerretts requesting my attendance at a Meeting of the Trustees of the Spen . . . & Talk Turnpike Road, & which I attended accordingly. Lord . . . ,Col. Ford, Revd. Mr. Salmon, Col. . . ., Mr. Latham & myself being present.
Read the Draft of the . . . outlined Linley Park to be with Parliament in the next Sessions for a Removal of the present Act & the Clause as of which were considered as & settled. Returned to dinner. When at Sandbach agreed with Col. . . . for the purchase of the small slip of Land adjoining Linley Lane for the sum of £50, where he described it. I would immediately take the possession take down the Trees & do what I pleased with it & said that if I would call at Wheelock he would show me the Titlement Deed, in order that I might see in what manner the conveyance must be prepared. Having proposed himself highly satisfied with the price which at his agreement I measured myself & sent they had once been purchased £25 for it.
Tuesday 4 November 1823
Set off early to Stone to attend Meeting of the Select Committee & took Mr. Sparrow in the Carriage from Newcastle. Closely engaged all day upon business, there being much to do, & till late in the evening.
Wednesday 5 November 1823
After breakfast left Stone & on my arrival at home found that the Hollands of Knutsford, who were to have come to us today, were prevented by the dangerous illness of Mr. Sharp.
Thursday 6 November 1823
In the morning received Notice from Mr. Wedgwood of his intention to pay £2000 more of the money seeming due on his Mortgage & Bond. Mr. Daniel Eardley called to request my acting as joint Referee in a difficult matter the article of the Eardley Family Society, which the opposition Party had refused to come to Mr. Tollet & who I wanted but their Solicitor Mr. . . .a . . . consented to refer to . . . & which I undertook accordingly, finding that this would be the manner of saving much trouble & expense.
Mr. Charles Lawton called pursuant to his appointment. He first enquired whether I would not be satisfied with the Indemnity alone, which I told him that I would not & that the Act was one . . . to be obtained. In our conversation, he acknowledged that all that I had said in respect to the expense of the Act was that I would like all the case I could that the expense (Page 102) should be kept down as much as possible, and that if it would be very accommodatory. I would lay down his Brothers Share of the Money, for the repayment of which he (Mr. C.L.) & afterwards staked out some small parcels of Land which I agreed to take at a fair valuation. In respect to the private agreement he said that he had quite forgot it when my purchase was made, otherwise they would have been acting like I wonder, but that Mr. Williams was taking an opinion upon it, which when obtained should be sent to Mr. Tomlinson or myself. Stamford shot a woodcock in Swallow Moor Wood.
Friday 7 November 1823
At home. Engaged on the Farm. Began carrying Grain from the Newcastle Brewery for Measure. James Boardman agreed with Walker of the Foxhole for 10/- per day, to go twice with his Cart. The Toll to be paid by me. William Bent & Wililam Penlington dined.
Saturday 8 November 1823
At home. Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson on the Lawton business.
Sunday 9 November 1823
At home. Service. In the evening Stamford set off to London.
Monday 10 November 1823
Wrote to Mr. . . . on Richard Harrison. Engaged examining Kinnersly's Accounts. Afterwards went to Rode Heath & got Declaration of Trust to the Revd. Mr. Aitkins as to 2/5 parts of 2 Navigation Shares late belonging to the Exec. of Charles Bate Esq. executed by William Penlington. That Mr. Morris with whom looked at his Wharf, but was of opinion that Mr. Penlington could not let him have the further Land which he wanted.
In my return home found a Packet from Mr. Skerrett, including a Draft of his . . . for my perusal.
Tuesday 11 November 1823
Wrote to Mr. Williams of Shrewsbury relative to my non execution of Mr. Hulberts Trust Deed, & explaining my reasons. Wrote to Mr. Slater objecting to the line set out through my Grounds of the interested Road, & desiring him to meet me again at the plain.
Afterwards went in the Gig to Whichurch to make the necessary Extracts from the Settlement Deeds in order that a Conveyance might be prepared of the small Slip of Land in Linley Lane as agreed for with Col. . . . On my way met Col. . . . with Col. Peach & the Revd. Mr. Salmon, who were going to make a survey of what improvements could be made in the Linley Lane Road.
Pointed out to them an alteration of the Agreement. Went on to Whichurch & made the necessary Extracts, Mrs. . . .showing me the Deeds, which Col. . . .said she had in her possession. While engaged with the Deeds Col. . . .came in, & both expressed their satisfaction at the service that I had given. I feared to send the conveyance to him which he promised to get executed as he & Mrs . . were shortly going to Town.
On my return home found a packet from Mrs. Chetwynd containing the Abstract of a Title to the Knypersley Lands with Mr. Sidebotham's opinion & objections thereto. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan who had sent them by a Messenger acknowledging the receipt. N.B. When I met Col. . . . this morning on the road he said something of the Mines & Memorials being essential, but agreed that they were not worth a farthing. Nothing of this kind however mentioned at the time thus I agreed for the purchase, nor did he mention it again though we talked a good deal about the purchase & balance of their Estate in Alsager . Considering the price given it would indeed be as memorable as well as contrary to the original Agreement.
Wednesday 12 November 1823
At home, very unwell with a Cold. Perused & Considered the Abstract & other Papers received from Mr. Chetwynd & I wrote to him. Perusal & Considered the Draft of Mr. Skerrett's Will & making observation thereon. Engaged closely all day. Mrs Wedgwood & Charlotte came to dinner. Fine mild frost. Spread more Grains in Land late Mr. . . .
Thursday 13 November 1823
Sent . . . advising situation to a charge against him for altering a counterfeit sovereign & which had been bound over to appear & as from his Statement I could not but believe him innocent. I advised to comply some respectable Attorney in his defence & let me hear again.
Wrote to Mr. . . . with Bill for Mr. Caldwell. Perused again the Deed of Mr. Skerrett's bill, & wrote to him. The weather being dry began taking out manure upon the Farm Meadows. Drew the Instructions for a conveyance of the small piece of Land agreed for with Col. . . .
Page 104. 1823 November
Friday 14 November 1823
Sent the Draft of Mr. Skerrett's Will, & my Letter by a Messenger to Nantwich: Mr. Sutton of Shardlow called & with whom engaged a considerable time on various Navigation Concerns. Wrote to Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood.
In the forenoon Mrs. Wedgwood & Charlotte left us. Mr. Vaughan came to dinner & with whom engaged on Navigation business.
Saturday 15 November 1823
Mr. Slater called relative to the line of the intended Road from the Hollows to Linley Lane & which he promised to stake out afresh in the course which we had before proposed. Engaged again with Mr. Vaughan.
Afterwards went with him to Etruria Locks, where we met Mr. Potter, & considered the proposed alternative, which I was quite confirmed in my opinion ought to be immediately done. I come thence but with Mr. Potter & viewed the situation that would be considered for the Engine to return Water out of the Stoke pond & the line of the Gutter, when this improvement which I had myself suggested appeared possible to both of us.
On my return called upon Mr. Tomlinson & gave instructions for conveyance of the small piece of Land in Linley Lane. Returned to dinner. In the evening Letter from Mr. Chetwynd relative to the intended conference between Mr. Landon, Mr. Fenton & myself on the subject of the Title to the Knypersley Land, & mentioning findings sent for this purpose at Newcastle.
Sunday 16 November 1823
At home. Service. Wrote to Mr. Chetwynd that I would meet Mr. Landon on Friday next as proposed. Sent Draft of Lease from Mr. Mrs. Moseley to the . . . Co. to Mr. Williams of Sandbach, per Coach from Coopers , Congress at . . . . . . all day.
Monday 17 November 1823
In the morning went to Cliffe Ville with plan & advertisement of the small piece of Land in Linley Lane, which had been made by Woodworth, & finally settling the Draft of the Conveyance. On my return called at the Brewery, and on Mrs. Bent. Returned home to dinner. On my way out met Mr. Hugo . . .hounds which had this morning . . .off as Bondsman this morning & appeared to be a fine Pack.
Page 105. 1823 November
Tuesday 18 November 1823
Mr Daniel Eardley relative to Mellors Reference when I named Saturday 6 December, but recommended it to him to call upon Mr. Williams, in the meantime & show him the particular Clause in the Articles, which have upon the question, Afterwards went to look at the ground in the Alsager Estate where we had begun to sink in the hope of finding Stone for draining, but the appearance was so little promising, that I determined for the present to give it up.
Wednesday 19 November 1823
At home. In the afternoon received from Mr. Tomlinson the Conveyance by . . . of the price of Land on Linley Lane & which I forwarded to Col. . . .by a Messenger who he had sent for it, as they were setting off to London tomorrow morning.
Thursday 20 November 1823
Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to Meeting Mr. Landor & Mr. Fenton at Newcastle tomorrow. Mrs Twemlow & Miss Fletcher called. Looked over Letters & papers relative to the Claim for dilapidation being since made by Mr. Hill on the Executors of the late Revd. Ralph Moreton, with a view to mentioning to this subject to Mr. Landor tomorrow. In the evening received Letter from Mr. Landor with observations on the Title in relation to Mr. Sidebothams opinion which considered attentively & compared with the Abstract of the Settlement of Miss & Mr. Sidebotham's Observations.
Friday 21 November 1823
Went to Newcastle. Met Mr. Landor with whom a long conference at the Roebuck previous to seeing Mr. Fenton. Afterwards went with him to Mr. Fenton's office where we saw Mr. Rob. Fenton & had a long description with him of the Title when it was finally settled this the Abstract should again be laid before Mr. Sidebotham with the answers to his objections. Returned to dinner. Miss Stamford & Eliza went & returned with me.
Saturday 22 November 1823
At home. Engaged all Morning on various papers & matters. Considered again the Title to Mr. Sparrows Lands. Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Lawton Hall.
Sunday 23 November 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 24 November 1823
In the morning received Lease from Mr. & Mrs. Moseley to the Navigation Co. & wrote to Mr. Williams desiring that a counterpart might be preferred. Mr. Lawton's hounds from the Alsager Estate & Swallow Moor. In the Evening Letter from Mr. . . .on Harrison's Affairs which I replied to by this Post and informed him that I would come to Derby on Thursday the 4th of December.
Tuesday 25 November 1823
Engaged in the morning on various matters previous to setting off to Peatswood, to which place I went to dinner. Eliza & Miss Stamford intended going to Maer Hall, where I was to set them down, but was prevented by a Letter from Mrs. Wedgwood with so bad an account of Miss Wedgwood, who was at Shrewsbury, as to put off their visit. Arrived at Peatswood at five. Met at dinner Mr. P. . . , Revd Mr. Carr, Mr. Smethwick & Mr. J. Twemlow the caller of whom staid the night. (Catherine Wedgwood - 1774-1823)
Wednesday 26 November 1823
After breakfast walked with Mr. Twemlow over his grounds & also viewed a House now building by a Mr. Sillitoe from a Design of Mr. Soames, but which to any eye does him no credit the Elevation being spoiled by trapping casement, & afterwards rode on Horse back by Hale Cheshire drive etc .returned to dinner. The party consisted today of Revd. Mr. Offley Gent, Mr. Tollet, who staid all night, Mr. Cresswell Legal & Mr. Twemlow.
Thursday 27 November 1823
After breakfast set off on my return home. Called at Maer Hall & found a better account of Miss Wedgwood, but who still continued in a very precarious state. Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner. In the evening wrote to Mr. Langham in reply to a Letter which I found from him relative to the Staffordshire Iron Musters Committee.
Friday 28 November 1823
At home. Engaged on Navigation Papers & Concerns preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee on Tuesday next. Drawing Minutes of business to be done etc. also . . . again the late Mr. Sparrow's Title to the Land at Knypersley. Examined & drew out Statement of account with John Parr, one of the legatees of the late Mr. Thomas Jackson, & who having attained his age of 21, had applied for his Share of the Residue of the effects. Afterwards went to look at the hedge between the Alsager Lands & Land purchased from Mr. Jenks which I had intended to be stocked up, & on which the . . . went.
Page 107. 1823 November
Saturday 29 November 1823
Engaged the Morning drawing out & copying Account with John Poor, of his third share of the Estate & Effects of the late Mr. Thos, Jackson, he having attained the age of 21. Afterwards at Newcastle on sundry matters, & got a Bill for the balance of Poor Account.
Received a note in the morning from Misses Darlington & Skerrett requesting my attendance at Sandbach on Monday next at a Meeting of the Trustees of the Span Society & Talk Turnpike Road. In the evening received Letter from Mr.. . . & saying that he would be at home on Thursday the 4th of December.
Sunday 30 November 1823
At home. Received intelligence of the death of Miss (Catherine) Wedgwood, who died at Shrewsbury, yesterday morning at 7 o'clock. I have known her well from her earliest infancy. Assured . . . & more generous heart, & more active benevolence, never passed from mortality to await their due reward from a just and beneficial Creator.
Monday 1st December 1823
Mr. Johnson of the Hollins relative to the supply of Beech for the intended Tunnel & recommending a Brick work at Tunstall. Closely engaged all Morning on Navigation Papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow to attend Meeting of the Select Committee.
Revd. Mr. Aitkins of Hanley called to hand deliver the Assignment & Declaration of Beech executed by Mr. Penlington relative to 2/5 of Shares of the Trent & Mersey Navigation which Mr. Aitkins had purchased from the Executors of the late Charles Bate Esq. of Nantwich. Afterwards engaged on papers in the affairs of the late Mr. Harrison preparatory to my going to Derby pursuant to appointment with Mr. . . .
Tuesday 2 December 1823
Set off early to Stone taking Mr. Sparrow from Newcastle. Closely engaged all day attending Select Committee.
Wednesday 3 December 1823
Engaged again in the morning, & afterwards returned to Linley Wood instead of prevailing to Derby, then having some meeting with then not be called to attend the Funeral of the late Miss Wedgwood, but no land having arrived. Returned home to proceed to Derby tomorrow.
Thursday 4 December 1823
Set off to Derby this morning & arrived there to dinner. Sent a note to
Page 108 1823 December
Mr. . . . ,who immediately came up & with whom I had a long conversation upon the subject of Harrisons Officers & the Crescent Claims set up to the property, but which, from the . . . shown to me & the circumstances of which Mr. B. assured me, I was satisfied were without any foundation.
Mr. B. . . having a party at home to dinner, which he invited me to join, but which I declined. I was left during the evening to myself, & of which I availed myself to make Minutes of such further enquiries & . . .as it might be proper to confer with Mr. . . . upon tomorrow morning whom he engaged to breakfast with me.
But my Evening was rendered most uncomfortable, & my mind much disturbed by an intelligence which had been given to me this morning by William Bent who I met on my way to Newcastle, & who said that he was going to Linley Wood, to inform me, that from the present state of the Concern at Newcastle, his Brother & he were satisfied that it would do no good to carry it on & therefore it would be best to give it up.
My suffering was as great as the countenance was unexpected. I told him that I had no wish on my part but, under any circumstances but to do what was promised & memorable & to act as I had always done, towards his Brother & himself. He strongly expressed their views of my friendship towards them, and as it was when our former to when . . .---- we agreed that the matter shall rest for consideration till the beginning of the next week.
What with Harrison himself at this proposing upon my Trust, I had a miserable night. However I called my spirits the myth the next Morning when Mr. . . . came to breakfast & had a further & satisfactory conversation with him. We then went to look at the piece of Land which I had purchased for us, & on the way met Mr. Horrocks, on whom I had intended to call. He considered that the Claim of - (Page 109.)
Harrison, one of the two present Claimants as quite . . . The other, . . . ,he said he did not know much about. But of the ground left . . . of I was more satisfied from the Religions.
At Mr. . . suggestion I asked Mr. Horrocks for an attested copy of the Entries in the Family Bible in his profession of the Harrison Family, & which he promised to supply. Mr. . . .also promised to send one untitled copy of the Testament declaring the uses of the Terms & a State of his accounts & are their . . .. Left Derby a little before 12 o'clock & went home to dinner.
Saturday 6 December 1823
At home. Engaged on various papers & matters.
Sunday 7 December 1823
At home. Service.
Monday 8 December 1823
Engaged all morning Letter writing etc. Wrote to Mr. Roscoe & Mr. Wilson. Considered & copied a codicil to my will. Afterwards rode on horseback, believed the place near Bradwall where one of the trenches (coaches?) had this morning been constructed & fallen down the Embankment which is here, as on other dangerous parts of this Road, almost without a fence.
Luckily no serious injury not done to the Passengers. It is my intention to apply to the Trustees for a substantial wall or other fence, along these Embankments which may be sufficient for the safety of Surveillance, & I therefore note this accident.
Tuesday 9 December 1823
At home. Various matters , Farm etc.
Wednesday 10 December 1823
Engaged on Navigation business & wrote to Mr. Vaughan in reply to a Letter received last night from him & appointing Monday the 22nd instant for meeting Mr. Webb at Stone examining the Treasurers Account.
Wrote also to Mr. Armistead in reply to a Letter received from him, relative to the Affairs of the late Mrs. Tollet, & signifying my compliance with Mr. Armistead to request that the payment of the money due on the Mortgage & Bonds might be postponed to the 5 April next.
Wrote to William Bent in reply to a Letter from him & requesting that he & his Brother Rowland would dine here tomorrow in order to consider the state of the Brewery Concern, and engaged in the Evening making transcriptions in writing on this . . . & execution business previous to seeing them.
Thursday 11 December 1823
Engaged in the morning on Brewery business preparatory to seeing Mr. Roland Bent who had fixed to dine here to day, his Brother being gone to Macclesfield. Afterwards engaged a long time Mr. Potter on having business, particularly in respect to the Double Locks at Etruria, the proposed culvert & Steam Engine for returning water out of the Stoke Round etc.
Speaking of the latter he said that he had mentioned it to Mr. Robert Heath who was most forcibly struck with this idea, & he expressed his astonishment that a thing so practical & useful should have account to no-one but myself. R. Bent came to dinner with whom a long conversation on the present executions & uncomfortable state of the Newcastle Brewery Concern, & the course that it would be most proper to . . ., when I stated the misfits of some arrangement being in the first place made with the Executor, but that everything should be done with the general care & circumspection. Mr. H. conduct appears to have been much worse than Stamford.
Friday 12 December 1823
Rode to Newcastle immediately after breakfast and attended a Meeting of the Committees of Subscribers to the Newcastle & Pottery Library, in consequence of a Note received last night from Mr. Smith to consider removing the Library to his House, but is approving that there would be no Room for the accommodation of the Subscribers, but that the Books would be placed along one side of his shop, we thought it best to agree again with Mr. Bull for the pursuant Norm, & which was accordingly done at £15 a year, the Subscribers finding a Librarian or proper person to attend in the room & take care of the Books, & for which it was thought that a steady woman would be sufficient.
Afterwards called at the Brewery & saw Rolland Bent. Returned to dinner. Stormy & cold with sleet. In the evening Letter from Mr. . . .Received today a present of a brace of Pheasants from Mr. . . . of Newcastle.
Saturday 13 December 1823
At home. Various matters. I was busy the last two or three days, Carrying & Farming path scrapings to spread on Pasture Land next to the Farm. Men finished yesterday building fence of the piece of Land bought from Col.. . . & the Ladies.
Page 111. 1823 December
Sunday 14 December 1823
At home. Service. In the afternoon very unwell with an attack of the Bowels.
Monday 15 December 1823
So unwell as to be in bed almost the whole of the day. Mr. Davenport.
Tuesday 16 December 1823
The same Mr. Davenport.
Wednesday 17 December 1823
Better & went down stairs, though still very unwell. Mr. Hood called & determined to meet . . . from the Limestone Burners relative to a . . . of the Tonnage of Limestone from Caldon Lowe, which after a conversation with him upon the subject I promised to consider & lay before the Select Committee. Mr. D W. In the evening Letter from Col . . ..
Thursday 18 December 1823
Better but still too unwell to go out of Doors. Wrote fully to Col. . . . in reply to his proposed of a Resumation of the Mines in the small piece of Land in Linley Lane stating my objections though.
Afterwards engaged a long time with Mr. Williams on the Lawton Business, showing him the Deeds & with which he explained himself fully satisfied & said that was the wish of Mr. Lawton that the business should be bought to a . . . business & the Act obtained, which it was therefore understood was to be proceeded with on without delay. George Cope called with some main Hurdles etc.he said that on mentioning to Mr. Martin the Foxholes Estate he said, that he would not as . . . sell it. Mr. Roscoe & Mary Ann came to dinner.
Friday 19 December 1823
Still confined to the House. Engaged with Mr. Roscoe all morning. Mr. Tollet & Dr. Belcombe came to dinner, & Stamford returned from Cheadle where he went yesterday. Snow.
Saturday 20 December 1823
In the night snow with wind. Dr. Belcombe went before Breakfast & Mr. Tollet after. Gave the former for his consideration the Observations which I had drawn up relative to the . . . or the Hill . . . Money. Also stated to him what I had done relative to the question of Delapidations referred to me by the late Mr. Sparrow & of - (Page 112.) - which he much approved.
Sent Mr. Tollet , Mr. . . .Illustrations of Lorenzo & du Medici & observed in reply to . . . In the evening looked over with Mr. R. . the large Book of Engravings, many of which be thought fine impressions. Looked also at the Raphael Bible. He said many of the original Drawings done by Raphael's own hand, with written directions in the various parts as to the colours such as this to be blue, this red etc. came up H. . . . He sent them these Engravings now very faithful Representations. The Drawings are not so large as the Engravings, one half in the books. Long & entertaining conversation relative to Pope & Mr. R. . . .now Edition of his work. In the forenoon engaged copying Navigation Minutes etc.
Sunday 21 December 1823
Rain. Service. Afterwards engaged selecting & writing up Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.
Monday 22 December 1823
Went to Stone. Met Mr. Webb with whom he & Mr. Vaughan engaged closely examining & sorting Measures Account with the Navigation Co. from 17 August 1822 to 13 Dec 1823, after which Mr. Webb returned home. Afterwards closely engaged all evening , & till near 12 o'clock at night with Mr. Vaughan examining the Cash Book, comparing & ticking off the several Entries with the vouchers etc etc.
Tuesday 23 December 1823
Finished with Mr. Vaughan the examination of the Cash Book. Mr. Chetwynd & Mr. Lister came between 11 & 12 with whom persevered on the businesses of Select Committee. Lord J. Vincent came to dinner. Mr. Lowndse of London attended in the - (Page 113) - morning on the behalf of Lord Granville to know if the Committee would consent to Lord J. Vincent reconsidering his Award & further hearing Endeavour & which we immediately consented to.
Wednesday 24 December 1823
Went from Stone to Nantwich where I arrived to dinner.
Memoirs of Louisa Marsh-Caldwell
Next page – A page from my Grandfather Marsh Diary 1823
24th Dec 1823
Went to Town by Gates – walked from the Borough to Spunling’s Westminster office Scotland Yard, and Berners Street. Mr Graham at Eton - went to Knightsbridge at 3 o’clock found a letter from Eliza to reg B.D.D. declined the floor clothes he came in and as I found his lordship was at Knots Hotel wrote him on the subject---- at home and did not stir out = Christies then reserving part of my Partners.
Sent my Grandfather Long, my Mother’s Brother and a near relation to Mrs Ray to hang up in her house.
(Elizas handwriting) These pictures we remember in Mrs Ray’s house, as children. The first chessed tempus Charles II and a singular likeness to our own brother Martin. This Mr Long married a niece of the celebrated Dr Mende and through his / Mr Long’s daughter, who married Mr Commissioner Marsh, we inherit the gloves D GLMG X (King James II?)
These pictures were lost with the rest of Mrs Ray’s effects, which through negligence on the family’s part, at her death all went to a good for ooz servant.
Diary of James Caldwell
Thursday 25 December 1823
Christmas day. Remarkable for its mildness.
Friday 26 December 1823
Weather very wet. Dined at Mr. Skerrett's.
Saturday 27 December 1823
Engaged writing Letter to Col. . . .in reply to one received from him relative to the small Slip of Land on Linley Lane. Stamford arrived at Mr. Skerretts.
Sunday 28 December 1823
Dysart Buildings.
Monday 29 December 1823
Mr. Skerrett & Stamford dined. In the morning called upon Mr. Bent and Mr. Jos. Salmon. Also at Mr. Botts & Mr. Roland Bent but they were about. Called also upon Mr. Kent.
Tuesday 30 December 1823
Called at the Revd. Mr. Grattons & the Revd Mr. Hawkes. Dined afterwards at Mr. Skerrett's. Revd. Mr. Gratton, Mr. James Garnett, Mrs. Garnett & Eliza being of the Party.
Stray page from William Marsh’s diary in London
Tuesday 30th Dec 1823
At Knightsbridge School Committee – a very odd account given by Mr Allshorn of the loss of the Box with the Sacrament money £7.17 out of his Desk when it was deposited and the key left in it and what is more extraordinary he came home at 11 oclock the night before and does not appear to have locked or treped the door of House 111 the Committee paused upon paying him his full quarter’s allowance and therefore deducted for the present the outstanding sum – gave him a draft therefore for only £5.5.6
Lord DeDunstable called and we settled the affair of the poor – amiably
Deposit to self settled with Mr E £10
Deposit to Mr Roseont of which I paid my subscription to Knightsbridge School £5
Christie cleared away my model and rest of pictures – In Berners St met Arthur
X Baldock Delmar came out to me with a letter from his brother and a written – or understanding drawn up by Mr Domwille, by which I found had. D – has paid the money into Maitin!!
Diary of James Caldwell
Wednesday 31 December 1823
Left our kind & hospitable friends I returned to Linley Wood leaving Miss Stamford at Nantwich. Stamford also returned. Canal Plans ended another year of life.
Page 114. No entry.
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Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com