Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

Diary of James Caldwell 

Page 61.  1826  January

Sunday 1^st January 1826 - Linley Wood, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire

At home.  Service.  Stamford's arrived to make the necessary arrangements relative to his qualification to act as a Magistrate.

Monday 2^nd  January 1826

At home.  Engaged on this business, and sent to Mr. Tomlinson to request that he would come to Linley Wood tomorrow to see which Bonds etc. would be necessary and to consult upon the best mode of Qualification.

Tuesday 3^rd  January 1826

At home.  Engaged all morning on the business of Stamford's Qualification.  Executed a Bond to Mrs. Stamford for £4000 & . . .at 4 [o' clock] in lieu of the Charge upon the Alsager, but a Charge to be given upon my other Estates or some of them.  Mr. Tomlinson came to dinner & with whom engaged on the Qualification, examining Deeds etc. with a view to the necessary instruction.  Mrs. Stamford went to Maer Hall.  Ill all day, & suffering extremely.  Received Letter from Mr. Kinnersley.

Wednesday 4^th  January 1826

Miserable night.  Upon looking again into the Acts of Parliament.  Stamford was satisfied that the Heir Apparency was the most objective Qualification. I looked out the necessary Deeds which he took to Mr. Tomlinson with the Conveyance from Mr. Jenks & the Deed to declare the use of the [Time] of the Derby property.  Mr. Tomlinson had taken last night the Deed of Release & Conveyance to some of the Alsager Estate. 

Went to Macclesfield to settle annual Brewery Account & to make arrangements for discharge of the Balance due to Hemmings on the Newcastle Brewery & of the amount of which Mr. Kinnersley had informed me by Letter.  Arrived there to dinner and engaged all the morning with Mr. Bent on these matters and particularly as to Registration of Mr. Kinnersley & Bateman.

Page 62.  1826  January

Thursday 5^th  January 1826

William Bent came to breakfast, to the Hotel, after which we went down to the Brewery where closely engaged examining, settling & closing the Year's Accounts which proved satisfactory.  Dined at the Hotel.  In the evening Rowland Bent arrived in order to consider with us the course to be taken for satisfying Mr. Kinnersley's Account. 

On their saying that they had no friend who they could ask for the money, I offered to lend them £1500 on their joint Bond in order that a payment of £2000 might be immediately made in part reduction of Kinnersley's debt.  This they expressed themselves very grateful for.  They said the other part of the Family were liable as well as themselves.

Friday 6^th  January 1826

William & Rowland Bent on coming to me this morning said they had seriously considered the business & that instead of availing themselves of my offer they thought it would be the best to sell Stoneyfield Estate, so that Kinnersley's Balance might be paid at once.  This proposal of course met my fullest approbation & which I expressed accordingly, & then advised them to see Mr. Ward immediately, & for which I brought them in the Carriage to Talk, from whence they proceeded to Newcastle. 

Arrived at home to dinner.  Found Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood had called on the Nantwich & Autherly Canal business & who said that he would write in a few days.  Found also a Letter from Mr. Telford with his Harecastle Tunnel Account.

Saturday 7^th  January 1826

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Telford.  Revd. Mr. Arthurs called relative to his part of Navigation Shares [rested] in the late Mr. Penlington's trust.  John Farrall to consult me on the Will of the late Samuel [Bondford.  Rev. Mr. Mainwaring to consult me as to letting his Farm at [Biddenhall] to Samuel Beardmore.  By Post Letter from Mr. Twemlow.

Sunday 8^th  January 1826

At home.  Service.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan, also one from Mr. Pattison Junior, & Mr. Curtis which had been sent to Newcastle upon Tyne requesting my vote at the Election of London Dock Directors.  Sharp Frost.

Monday 9^th  January 1826

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan, also to Mr. Pattison.  Afterwards engaged on Navigation papers.

Page 63.  1826  January

Tuesday 10^th  January 1826

At home.  Engaged again on Navigation Letters & preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan who had proposed coming to Linley Wood tomorrow.  John Dickenson came to offer himself as Butler.  Agreed with him to come on the 1st of February upon Trial.  Wages if he staid in the place £30 a year, but to be £35 if at the end of the year I thought his conduct & services such as to merit it.  By Post Letter from William Bent on Macclesfield Affairs.

Wednesday 11^th  January 1826

At home.  Mr. Vaughan came, & with whom closely engaged all morning, considering various important matters, & arranging the business for the Select Committee on Monday next.  Mr. Vaughan delivered me back the Agreement with Mr. Bateman which I had left with him.

Thursday 12^th  January 1826

Eliza being still unable to accompany me I went myself to Nantwich to see our friends & when I arrived to dinner, taking up my abode at Mr. Skerretts.  Had the satisfaction to find from Bessy being better though recovering very slowly. 

Great interest & agitation of excited at Nantwich by the ultimate stoppage of the Bank & Commission having been issued.  The Garnett Family plunged into the deepest distress.  Severe Frost.

Friday 13^th  January 1826

At the urgent request of our friends I consented to stay today at Nantwich.  The affairs of the Garnett's [engaging] universal attention & sympathy for the Families.  Frost in the last night particularly severe.

Saturday 14^th  January 1826

Returned home to dinner.  Previous to my leaving Nantwich it was understood that a Docket had been struck against the Cheese Concern of Thomas & John Garnett, which had been carried on since the late Mr. Garnett's death under the firm of George Garnett & Sons.

Sunday 15^th  January 1826

At home.  Service.

Page 64.  1826  January

Monday 16^th  January 1826

Went to Stone, attending Select Committee & where closely engaged all day & till 11 o'clock at night.

Tuesday 17^th  January 1826

Closely engaged again till near 3 o'clock, particularly on account of the opposition proposed to be given to the Birmingham & Liverpool Junction Canal, & Mr. Wyatt attending to assure us of Lord Anson's strenuous cooperation in such opposition.  Stopped at Newcastle on my return home, & dined with the Mayor at the Castle Inn, it being the Sessions.

Wednesday 18^th  January 1826

Went to Newcastle to meet Mr. [Landor] of Rugeley & call with him upon Miss Fenton relative to Mr. Bateman's completion of the Knypersley Reservoir business.  Saw Mr. R. Fenton who promised immediately to apply against Mr. Bateman.  Expressed . . .of satisfied as to the Tithe, but said that Sir George Chetwynd promised to show or give an abstract of the Conveyance to the late Mr. Sparrow.  Showed Mr. R. Fenton the Minutes made at the [Deed] of [Roebuck] 29 May 1824 & of which he took a copy.  On asking Mr. [Landor] afterwards whether this might be done without any [written] Disclosure or such as could . . .in Sr George & the Parties, he said that it certainly might, but that it would be troublesome & attended with expense.  I spoke to Mr. Cook about the Macclesfield Account, & the money I should want for my purchases.  Paid sundry Tradesmen's Bills at Newcastle.

Thursday 19^th  January 1826

Closely engaged all morning on Navigation business.  Wrote to Mr. Twemlow & to Mr. Lister enclosing a Note from Miss Keen, Mr. Vaughan etc.  Very unwell with Fever & Headache on having had a miserable night.

Page 65.  1826  January

Friday 20^th  January 1826

Unwell.  Received Letter from Mr. Williamson of Greenway Bank, also some of the Land taken for Knypersley & which I replied to.  Wrote also to Mr. Littleton, Mr. . . .of Manchester & Mr. Williamson of Liverpool on Navigation business.  Engaged selecting Papers previous to conferring with Mr. Vaughan who had proposed coming here today.  Closely engaged all morning.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Lister in reply to the one written to him yesterday.

Saturday 21^st  January 1826

Closely engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Wrote Letter to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Lister proposing to meet them at Wolsely Bridge on Thursday to confer upon the selection of a Solicitor to undertake the management of the application in Parliament.  Miss Keen, having declined it.  Wrote also to Mr. Vaughan.  I this day completed the 67th year of my age.

Sunday 22^nd  January 1826

At home.  Service.

Monday 23^rd  January 1826

At home.  Received Letter from Mr. H Williamson relative to the completion of the purchase of the Land to him for Knypersley Reservoir & the payment of the purchase Money.  Engaged almost the whole of the day Selecting & assaying the various papers etc. that it would be proper to take to London. 

Received Letter from Mr. Lister agreeing to meet at Wolsely Bridge to which place I had offered to go on Thursday, sent also Letter from Sir George Chetwynd with copy of one from Mr. . . .agreeing to undertake the Parliamentary opposition business in Town.  Having determined to go to Newcastle to speak to Mr. Williamson & to speak to Mr. Tomlinsin at Cliffe Ville.  Looked out papers etc. for that purpose..

Page 66.  1826  January

Tuesday 24^th  January 1826

Wrote to Mr. Potter & to Mr. [Landor] requesting them to meet me at Wolsely Bridge on Thursday next.  Wrote to Mr. Robert Heath desiring to see him tomorrow morning at Linley Wood.  Went to Newcastle & saw Mr. [Wilkinson] from thence to Cliffe Ville when it was agreed that Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Tomlinson, Mr. Williamson & Mr. Potter (with myself if necessary) should meet finally to settle the Agreement in order that a Conveyance might be immediately proposed & executed, & Mr. Tomlinson undertook to write to Mr. Williamson accordingly.  Letter from Sir G.C. By the Post agreeing to meet on Thursday.  Mr. Tomlinson showed me the Abstract of the Penlington Tithe, with the opinion of Counsel upon which it approved that if a few further particulars were ascertained a good Tithe might be made to a Purchase.

Wednesday 25^th  January 1826

Mr. Barker on late Danl. Johnson's affairs.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to Select Committee Meeting at Wolsely Bridge tomorrow.  Dr. Northen to see Eliza.  Dined early & afterwards went to Stone where engaged all evening on business with Mr. Vaughan.

Thursday 26^th  January 1826

Proceeded with Mr. Vaughan to Wolsely Bridge, where we found Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Lister who had just arrived.  Engaged closely till half past two closely on business.  Afterwards called at [Bishton] & sat half an hour with Mrs. & Miss Sparrow.  Arrived at home about 9.

Friday 27^th  January 1826

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Case for Mr. Vaughan & other papers.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Twemlow.

Saturday 28^th  January 1826

At home.  Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. Twemlow & Mr. Vaughan.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. . . .relative to Macclesfield Canal.  Mr. Barker on late Danl. Johnson's when we finished for the . . .etc. to be revalued.  Letter from Mrs. [Tunstall] on the Penlington Affairs.

Sunday 29^th  January 1826

At home.  Service.

Page 67.  1826  January

Monday 30^th  January 1826

Went to Newcastle to confer & make arrangements with Mr. Williamson relative to his & Mr. Vaughan's writing upon the Landowners.  On my return made & sent him a Copy of the . . .which I had received from Mr. Twemlow.  Mr. [Gillard] arrived with Letters from Sir Geo. Chetwynd.  Wrote to Sir George & offered to accompany him to Town so as to be there on Monday in order to be present in the Committee on standing orders with the Birmingham & Liverpool Rail Road Bill.  Very hurrying & fatiguing day.

Tuesday 31^st  January 1826

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & to Mr. . . .Manchester.  Mr. Wyatt called & who with case relative to Tolls on Holmes Chapel Turnpike Road.  Wrote to Mr. Peake informing him that I could not attend a Dep. Literary Meeting at . . .on Thursday night.  Wrote to Mr. Moses Booth.  Mr. Potter called relative to Plans etc. etc.  Dr. Northen to see Eliza.

February

Wednesday 1^st February 1826

Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood & appointed Friday next for seeing him here on Navigation Concerns previous to my going to Town.  Wrote to Mr. J. Potter, & invited him to dinner tomorrow, that we might have an opportunity of talking over and considering the Plans etc. etc.  Mr. Moses Booth, with whom consulted & arranged relative to the letting of the Oak Farm to Mr. Barker.  Looked over with him the Linley Wood & Hollins Lands.

Thursday 2^nd  February 1826

Engaged on Navigation Papers in consequence of my being determined to go to Town thinking this and be satisfactory to, the Drafts & the Select Committee & particularly if I could forward upon Sir George Chetwynd to acompany me.  James Potter dined.

Friday 3^rd  February 1826

Mr. Wedgwood came pursuant to appointment & with whom a long conversation on Navigation Affairs when he expressed his strong approbation of my going to Town & getting Sir George C. to accompany considering that this would be highly satisfactory to the Papers.  Afterwards engaged preparing for the Journey.  Took an early & hearty dinner & went afterwards to Stone to confer with Mr. Vaughan, but had being returned from making the . . .to the Landowners.  Saw Mr. Wm. Vaughan with whom I made the necessary Arrangements as to the Plans etc. being sent to me in Town.

Saturday 4^th  February 1826

Left Stone at 10 & arrived at Junction about one, but to my great disappointment & surprise found Sir George neither inclined to accompany me, nor giving any arrangement to my going alone.

Page 68.  1826  February

He dwelt much upon the responsibility that might attack in either case, & particularly as he considered Mr. Listers Letter as having put a veto upon our proceeding without him.  I . . .& argued the point & said all that I deemed proper & decorous in favour of our considering going to Town & . . the Standing Orders etc. & [making] the opportunity of giving the necessary instructions to Mr. Vaughan etc. etc. but without avail.  It was then agreed to send to Mr. Vaughan to . . .& [indicating] to Grendon, they might know the result of the application to the Land [owners] which Sir George thought . . .necessary we went to Town.  It being now late I staid all night.

Sunday 5^th  February 1826

Attended Service in the Church at Grendon, with which I was much gratified.  The Church . . .or either will be very handsome when finished.  There is a good organ lately presented by Sir George.  The Service was very well performed by the Rector Mr. Smith.  The Congregation was about 200 & very respectable in appearance & almost entirely Tenants of Sir George.  The Estate is large, about 5000 acres in a ring fence.  Some of the Estate's let & some purchased.  The House is in a low situation on the banks of the River [Anker].  His (house) is spacious, & there will be several large Apartments in it; but upon the whole I think it would have been better to have pulled (down) the old Mansion, than to have repaired it.  In the evening Mr. Vaughan arrived where in consequence of his Report, we determined to request Mr. Lister to meet us at Lichfield tomorrow & Mr. Vaughan promised to call upon him for that purpose.

Monday 6^th  February 1826

Sir George & I went in his Carriage to Lichfield.  Met Mr. Lister & made arrangements for our Journey to Town, according to a Minute which I proposed.  Left Lichfield about 4 o'clock & arrived at home that night, but much harassed & fatigued & discomposed at the result of this hurrying & almost fruitless Journey.  I had prepared to accompany Sir George to London this week if from the [votes] it should be necessary, but the opportunity of opposing  on the Standing Order had been missed!!

Tuesday 7^th  February 1826

Soon after I awoke this morning Eliza communicated to me the sad intelligence of the death of my most revered & excellent devout beloved friend & sister poor Anne who died on Monday morning about a minute before 3 o'clock from Inflammation of the Chest attended with Fever which could not be . . .;& without my having had any previous knowledge of her illness.  I set off soon after to Nantwich & there indeed a heartbreaking interview with poor Bessy awaited me, the bitterness of whose grief, and the shaken & emaciated state of her frame from her late illness rendering it almost insupportable.  I staid at Nantwich till 6 o'clock then returned home.

Wednesday 8^th  February 1826

Ill with an attack of inflammation of the Chest & Fever in consequence of a cold taken on my late journey and which kept me in bed till noon.  Mr. Giles, who was on his way to Liverpool, stopped at Linley Wood & dined & staid all night & with whom though very unfit for it, engaged all Evening on Navigation business, considering the various proposals and in agitation etc. etc.  I had received by the Post a Letter from Mr. Twemlow informing me of Lord Anson having withdrawn his opposition to the Liverpool & Birmingham Junction Canal & which was confirmed by Mr. Giles.

Thursday 9^th  February 1826

Having had a miserable night, & being too unwell to get up, Mr. Giles came into my Room, where we again considered & discussed various matters.  I made a Minute of the [powers] & promises that would be necessary to be introduced on the part of this company into the proposed uncompleted Canal Bill.  Mr. Giles intending to go to Chester, accompanied Mrs. Stamford to Nantwich, where she was going this morning.  Wrote by Post to Sir George Chetwynd (to whom I sent enclosed Mr. Twemlow's Letter) and to Mr. Vaughan, proposing to call upon him at Stone on Monday Evening & proceed together to Town so as to be there the next night.  In the evening Eliza Roscoe and her four Children arrived at Linley Wood.

Page 70.  1826  February

Friday 10^th  February 1826

Better night but still Fever & unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Twemlow of Peatswood.  Engaged all day correcting & enlarging Navigation Case for Mr. [Gizard]; & use in London.

Saturday 11^th  February 1826

At home.  Still unwell.  Mr. Potter called.  Engaged preparing for Journey to Nantwich Common and from thence to London.

Sunday 12^th  February 1826

Went to Nantwich & called at Mr. Skerretts, who then for the first time mentioned to me a will made by Ann about 3 years ago.  Afterwards long & distressing Interview with Bessy.

Monday 13^th  February 1826

Painful & distressing day.  Attended the Funeral of my late dear sister, with whom I had through life maintained the most unbroken, . . .& affectionate breath of intercourse, & having seen her remains deposited in the vault which contains those of our dear Parents & sister Mrs. T.  I took a hearty refreshment at Mr. Skerretts, & then proceeded in a Post Chaise & four to London, taking up Mr. Vaughan at Stone, & reaching Coventry that night, it being necessary for me to be in Town in good time the following day.

Went to Newcastle & Cliffe Ville, to have seen Mr. Ward on the Newcastle Brewery Case work, & Mr. Tomlinson on the Penlington & other affairs, but they were neither of them at home.  Still ill.

Thursday 23^rd  March 1826

Went to Mr. . . .of Little . . .Hall relative to Birmingham & Liverpool Canal Bill, & to Mr. Vernon of Stone agreeing to meet him & Mr. Martin at Newcastle on Monday next.  Though very unwell, went again to

Page 73.  1826  March

Cliffe Ville relative to the Penlington Tithe, which finding from Mr. F. Tomlinson was nearly completed, gave instruction for Sale of the Estates by auction determining from previous consideration that this was the proposed course to pursue.  On my return called at Mr. Williamson's where I found Mr. Tomlinson, & when we settled the agreement with Mr. Williamson, but a question was raised relative to the power of the Conveyance & on which the opinions of Mr. Preston & Mr. Harrison had been taken.

Friday 24^th  March 1826

Closely engaged revising & copying for insertion in the Book the proceedings of the Select Committee.  Mr. Vaughan called with whom engaged a considerable time, and to whom I delivered a Copy of the proceedings.

Saturday 25^th  March 1826

Very unwell, but went after breakfast to Sandbach to make arrangements with Mr. Skerrett preparatory to sale of the late Miss Penlington's Estates, & also relative to my then completing the purchase from Miss Hatchells & Mr. Wolfe, which I did.  Soon after my return home Mr. Giles arrived, who dined & with whom engaged the remainder of the Evening on Navigation business.  When at Sandbach I proposed writing to Mr. Thomas Collinson & making him an offer of the Bostock House Estate as he had expressed a wish to purchase part of the late Miss P. Estates.

Sunday 26^th  March 1826

At home.  Engaged again with Mr. Giles.  Wrote to Mr. Tho. Collinson.  Service.  After dinner Mr. Giles left us on his way to Liverpool.

Monday 28^th  March 1826

Miserable night.  Mr. Potter called & with whom engaged on papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.  Mr. Potter continued that Mr. Telford had called a few days ago & looked at the Tunnel & Reservoir particularly with a view to the Tenants, & on which he would shortly report.

Wednesday 29^th  March 1826

Went to Stone, where engaged closely all day attending General Committee, and General Assembly, being in the Chair in each, but very unwell with a violent cough & much inflammation of the Chest.  In the morning, I called upon Mr. Vernon & mentioned to him the [claims] (Page 74) & legacies under the Will of William Martin, whom he said that he had sent for on affairs, copy of the will & anything should be seen right.

Thursday 30^th  March 1826

Miserable night, with scarcely any sleep.  Engaged afterwards all morning on Select Committee, with Sir G. Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan.  Returned home to dinner, but very unwell.

Friday 31^st  March 1826

Still very unwell after a bad night.  Engaged on papers & various matters.  Wrote to Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach with offer of tending for sale of Bostock House Estate.

April

Saturday 1^st April 1826

Somewhat better, but still very unwell & in the House all day.  Letter from Mr. Skerratt of Sandbach declining the purchase of Bostock House on the part of the Trustees of Sandbach Poor.

Sunday 2^nd  April 1826

Miserable night again.  But service as usual.

Monday 3^rd  April 1826

Better night.  Copied & sent to Mr. Vaughan parts of the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting & General Assembly.  Wrote to Wm. Bent requesting to see him on Newcastle Brewery Concerns, and to Mr. Tomlinson to expedite advertisement for Sale by Auction of the Penlington Estates.  Closely engaged completing & copying Account in the affairs of the late Mrs. Sarah Stamford of Gower Street.  Weather milder & the affliction of my Chest in some  (way) relieved.  Received from Mr. James Potter another large Toll . . .found in Harecastle Tunnel.

Tuesday 4^th  April 1826

Still rather better.  Engaged on various papers.  Called at Rode Hall, but Mr. Wilbraham was not at home.

Wednesday 5^th  April 1826

Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Spode, informing them that I would meet them & Mr. Bateman at Mr. Fenton's office in Newcastle, pursuant to an Engagement made by Mr. Spode with Mr. Bateman.  Mr. James Massey called relative to the Penlington Affair & the payment of the Debts when I explained to him how this business was circumstantial.

Thursday 6^th  April 1826

Again very unwell.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Spode & Mr. Bateman tomorrow.  Letter again from Miss Skerretts, with account of Miss Hatchells purchase money which I informed them that I would send to Chester to be paid on halfway of the purchase Deeds.  Looked with Mr. Johnson at the Divisions of the Copy . . .& . . .Land much to the left where he said that he remembered property will be sold to Mr. . . .the Freehold Land that the . . . .now . . .was the Division.  The copy could not . . .in a parish at the corner end near the old Road & being the southern side of the old . . .

Friday 7^th  April 1826

Went to Newcastle pursuant to Appointment & met Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Spode & Mr. Bateman at Miss Fenton's Office, where a long conference took place.  Mr. Bateman said he had no wish whatsoever to throw any difficulty in the way, but thought that the Deeds etc. should be completed proposing they were done upon his Land.  Any difficulty with him as to compensation for Coals.  Acquisition of purchase money etc. had been removed by these [efforts] having been left to Mr. Heaton & Mr. Robert Heath whose [grounds] would being shortly be had.  Little . . .to the Tithe Mr. Fenton said that it would be accepted on a Deed of Covenant being given to produce the Deeds conveyed in the . . .Delivered, & the Industries being given as proposed.  Returned home to dinner.  Very unwell.

Saturday 8^th  April 1826

After breakfast Bessy left us on her return to Nantwich.  Sent the carriage with her.  Engaged on papers & accounts.  Received by Post letter from Sir George Chetwynd.  Sometime after Mr. Vaughan arrived with another Letter proposing my going to Town in case this should be necessary from the further opposition given by some of the Landowners to the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal Bill.  Wrote to Sir George promising to attend in Town if this shall be desired necessary, and I shall hear from Mr. Lister to that effect.  For greater certainty as to what would be required for the completion of Sir G. Chetwynd's Tithe, I wrote to Miss Fenton this morning, who said they would return an answer on Monday.

Page 76.  1826  April

Sunday 9^th  April 1826

At home.  Service.  Wm. Bent came to dinner, and returned in the Evening .  He promised that on Mr. Ward's return everything should be done by Sale of Stoneyfield or otherwise for discharge of Kinnersley's Balances.

Monday 10^th  April 1826

Still unwell, & in the House the whole of the day.

Tuesday 11^th  April 1826

Dr. Northen came early to see Eliza, and of whom he made a favourable Report.  Engaged on the new Road with Mr. Slater & Mr. Bate relative to Fences etc.  The present wall against [Bebingtons] Green to be taken down & rebuilt.  The sale of the Embankment at the Hollins being on my Land to be mine etc.  A temporary fence to be immediately erected by the corner along embankment.  Objected decidedly to the Toll house being erected in the centre of the two Roads.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Barker of Alsager, & finally fixed for Admin. to the late Danl. Johnson to be taken out by his Daughters.  Still very unwell.  Mr. Wilson of Newcastle called with Minutes of the Decision of Court of Kings Bench on the Case of Chambers & Williams, upon the question of the payment of Tolls for 2 [Horses] & coachman returning on the same day but with the same Horses on the [But Lane] or Cranage Green Turnpike Road on which point I had been early consulted & had given an opinion which was now confirmed by the Court.

Wednesday 12^th  April 1826

At home, and in the House all day being very unwell.  Received Letters from Miss Fenton & from Sir G. Chetwynd.

Thursday 13^th  April 1826

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & enclosed the Letter received from Miss Fenton relative to the conference had with Mr. Bateman on Friday last.  Engaged on and with Mrs. Stamford to 30 day last, which we examined with her Book, settled & signed.  Wrote to Miss [Byerley] acknowledging the receipt of half a years Rent due at Lady day past, & consenting to her continuing Tenant of the House upon the Marsh.  Still very unwell.

Friday 14^th  April 1826

At home.  Still the same.  Wrote to Miss Dawson on the Penlington Affairs.

Will of Anne Caldwell - Codicil to Will of June 1822

It is my wish that my dear Neice Hannah Eliza Roscoe shall upon my decease have my gold watch. (signed) Anne Caldwell

The Fourteenth day of April 1826. Joseph Skerrett one of my executors in this Will with a Codicil named and sworn in common form (power being reserved) to James Caldwell the other executor therein also name to take upon him the execution of the said Will when he shall lawfully request the same and be further made oath that the personal Estate and effects of the Testatrix within the Diocese of Chester were and in the value of three thousand Pounds before me. 

Probate Issued dated 14th April 1826The Testatrix died on the fifth day of February 1826

(R.B.?) Gretton. Surogate

Diary of James Caldwell continues 

Page 77.  1826  April

Saturday 15^th  April 1826

At home.  Miss Dawson on the Penlington Affairs.  Engaged on accounts.  Sent to the Revd. Mr [Atkins] for Post his share of Trent & Mersey Canal Dividends.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd enclosing a long one from Mr. Lowndes on Canals, Railways etc.

Sunday 16^th  April 1826

At home.. Service.

Monday 17^th  April 1826

At home, not being well enough to go to Sandbach on the Penlington Affairs as I had intended doing.  Wrote to Mr. Lowndes in reply to his Letter.  Wrote to Miss Ward & [attending] with . . .keep Arthur Marsh's Indemnity Deed a while longer in their possession, as they had stated that it might be wanted to . . .to, on some matters now offending.  Engaged arranging last years Bills & Receipts.  Wrote to Mr. John Bakewell on behalf of Alice Fox Housemaid, relative to property belonging to her at Castle Donnington, & which letter she took, to deliver.  Copied Minutes of the Proceedings of the last General Committee, General Assembly & Select Committee for entry in the Books.  Took the bay Pony that had been running out all winter into the stable.

Tuesday 18^th  April 1826

Went to Sandbach, giving Instructions to Miss [Skerratts] to propose immediately an Advertisement for the Sale of the Penlington Estates & which they promised to do & send a Draft for my perusal.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Wednesday 19^th  April 1826

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Superintending the levelling of the Ground late [Birchmarsh] & which had been begun by Walker, the Tenant, a few days ago.  Received by Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.  As the Cart was returning from Newcastle today, one of the Horses ( that purchased from Mr. Booth of Audley) suddenly dropped down dead.  But not as been owing to any abuse or over driving.. His hind had for some time past been affected, and he was very narrow across the Chest.

Thursday 20^th  April 1826

Planted this morning 40 Hollies with my own hand in the Plantation under the Study window.  Afterwards went to Newcastle giving instructions to Mr. Williamson to propose case as to the entitling of the Canal to Highway Rate, Church Rate & the widening of Bridges and the Navigation business.  Saw the Revd. Mr. Tomkinson of Dorfold with whom a conversation relative to the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal & the present state of the Proceedings in Parliament.  I spoke to Mrs [Brothers] about the irregularity in the delivery of our Newspaper & left an account with her in writing of the terms those at now missed, five , in the last three weeks.

Friday 21^st  April 1826

At home.  Engaged on the Farm making sundry arrangements as to the management of the Land etc.  Joseph Hudson planted a large number of Hollies in the Stonecliffe Wood.  Received by Post Letter  from Sir George Chetwynd.  Stated T & M shares to have fallen to £1500.

Saturday 22^nd  April 1826

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Engaged on various matters.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan appointing Wednesday next for coming to Linley Wood.  James Farrar to arrange the getting of Stone in Talk Quarry for the use of the Navigation Company, when I told him that I wished the Company to be served before any one else.  Miss Anderton called.  In the afternoon & evening mild light Rain.  Wrote to Mr. Wilshaw with complaint of the irregularity in the night of the newspapers which had missed sometimes since the 25 of March last.

Sunday 23^rd  April 1826

At home.  Service.

Monday 24^th  April 1826

At home.  The coldness of the weather preventing my going to Sandbach, as I had intended doing to explain the advertisement for Sale of the Penlington Estates, wrote and sent Letter to Miss Skerretts by the Coachman, on this business, & received back by him a Draft of an advertisement for my perusal & consideration.  Wm. Farrar came with whom engaged a considerable time on Navigation business.  Still far from well.  Revised & restated my private affairs, after the great additional loss by the Newcastle Brewery, perhaps not less than £4000, & the reduction in the take of my Trent & Mersey Canal shares, and reckoned only at 1500 per share, instead of £2000 as before estimated!!   Such is the fluctuation & uncertainty of worldly possessions.

Page 79.  1826  April

Tuesday 25^th  April 1826

Mr. Moses Booth with Minutes of an Assessment for Estate in Alsager late in the holding of Daniel Johnson & now let to William & James Barker, & which W. B. left for my consideration.  Afterwards went to Cliffe Ville to settle with Mr. Tomlinson the Draft of the advertisement for Sale of the Penlington Estate received yesterday from Miss Skerretts, & which I arranged with him accordingly.

Wednesday 26^th  April 1826

After breakfast went to Sandbach finally settling with Miss Skerretts the advertisement for Sale of the Penlington Estates, time & place of Sale, invitation with the Papers etc.  Mr. Vaughan who was on his way into Cheshire came to dinner & with whom engaged all evening on Navigation business etc. he staying all night.

Thursday 27^th  April 1826

Mr. Vaughan went early.  Wrote to Miss Wrench on the Penlington Affairs.  Engaged on sundry matters.  Alice Fox returned, having in consequence of my Letter to [Mr. Bakewell] been enabled to settle all accounts in . . .to relative to her [passing] at Castle Donnington & of which she has now got the quick possession.  It . . .from her amount of Land & Houses of the value of about £40 a year.  Signed to a Mortgage for £300.

Friday 28^th  April 1826

In the last night Severe Frost.  Snow had also fallen.  Wrote to Mr. Vernon of Stone relative to Foxholes Tithe Considered minutes of agreement drawn up by Mr. Moses Booth for letting Alsager Estate to Wm. & James Barker.

Saturday 29^th  April 1826

At home.  Received papers from Nantwich relative to the Affairs of the late A.C. which having looked over.  I returned by the . . ., Eliza visiting therewith.  Wrote to Mr. Booth of Keel & found Wednesday next for the Oak farm business, & settling the arrangement with Wm. & James Barker.

Sunday 30^th  April 1826

At home.  Service.  Wrote to Mr. Skerrett relative to the lease of the House in Dysart Buildings & to ascertain whether Real or Tenant Estate as the Duties must be settled accordingly.  Mr. Booth of Audley called with a note from Mr. Kinnersley requesting my support in favour of Mr. Byatt in the Estates of a commons carrying on.  Declined interfering having had an early application from Mr. Dent the other candidate.

Page 80.  1826  May

Monday 1^st May 1826

Wrote to Mr. [Balgery] proposing to come to Derby the latter end of the next week, or the beginning of the week after on the late Richard Harrisons Affairs.  Called upon the Revd. Mr. Mainwaring at Biddle Hall.

Tuesday 2^nd  May 1826

At home.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. [Hobhouse] explaining Mr. Peel's request, that the stoppage of this Canal might not take place till after the Troops ordered into Lancashire on account of the present . . .& which were to come from Paddington on Wednesday (tomorrow) had reached their destination.  Dispatched Farmer Jones immediately with this Letter to Mr. Vaughan, & gave pass and directions to Mr. Fairbanks (who I sent for) to take care that every possibility was afforded to the passage of the Troops along the Canal & through the Tunnel.  Engaged considering Minutes of the proposed Agreement with Wm. & James Barker for letting to them the Oak Farm.

Wednesday 3^rd  May 1826

Wrote to Mr. Hobhouse in reply to his Letter.  Mr. Booth afterwards came, & with whom engaged looking over the Oak Farm, making [Timber] for Repairs etc. & considering the proposed Agreement with Wm. & J. Barker.

Thursday 4^th  May 1826

At home.  Received Letter from Mr. Armistead requesting permission to use the Waste Water of the Canal at [Weston] for the purpose of a . . .Informed him that I would issue a Survey & Report to be made & recommend the same before the Select Committee.  Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood, Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, Eliza & Elizabeth Wedgwood came to dinner.  Got cabbages.

Friday 5^th  May 1826

At home.  Painfully engaged with Mr. Wedgwood.  Letter from Mr. Fairbanks with Account of the Troops having passed the Tunnel yesterday Evening in 23 Boats & that every dispatch had been given to their passage.  Part of the Coldstream & part of the 60 Regiment.  Revd. Mr. Mainwaring dined.  Got early potatoes for dinner.

Saturday 6^th  May 1826

Engaged again with the Wedgwood's, who left us at noon.  Wrote to Mr. Farrar on Mr. Armisteads business, & desiring him to survey & make a Report.

Page 81.  1826  May

Sunday 7^th  May 1826

At home.  Service.  In the Evening Dr. & Mrs. Crompton, Emma & Henry Crompton arrived being on their way to London.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Giles, relative to his Account, & other matters.

Monday 8^th  May 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him Mr. Giles's Letter.  Received from Mr. Skerrett the Draft of his Will for my perusal & consideration.  Engaged with Dr. Crompton.

Tuesday 9^th  May 1826

After breakfast the Crompton's left us proceeding on their Journey to Town.  Mr. Potter called & with whom engaged on Navigation business.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan returning Mr. Giles Letter & requesting me to find a day for examination of the Cash Book.

Public Ledger and Daily Advertiser.

Tuesday 9 May 1826

Distressed Manufacturers - Committee Room, City of London Tavern, May 8 1826.

The Lord Bishop of Chester in the Chair; 

Resolved - That Remittances be made for the Relief of the distressed Inhabitants of Leicester to the amount - - - - Additional Subscriptions  - - - J. Stamford Caldwell  £5.0  - - - (very long list). 

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Wednesday 10th May 1826

At home.  Engaged perusing & considering the Draft of Mr. Skerretts Will.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & appointed Saturday next for examination of the Cash Book.  Very unwell.

Thursday 11^th  May 1826

At home & very unwell.  Mild day with light Rain, having the first [genial] Spring weather that we have had for several weeks past, the Season being uncommonly late from the prevalence of the East winds, & scarcely any grass.

Friday 12^th  May 1826

Frost again in the night.  Delayed turning out the cows from the [east] of sufficient pasturage.  Perused & considered again Mr. Skerretts's Will previous to sending it to Nantwich tomorrow.  Wrote to Mr. Peake of Silverdale relative to transference of the License from the Public House at Talk, to the new House at the Hollins.

Saturday 13^th  May 1826

Wrote to Mr. Skerretts, & returned him, by Samuel Jones the Draft of his Will with observation for the consideration of Mr. Edleston.  Mr. Vaughan came pursuant to appointment bringing the Cash Book for my examination, previous to my Meeting with Mr. Webb at Stone to examine the Banking Account.  Mr. Vaughan left the Book with me, and on which afterwards closely engaged.  Wrote to Miss Wrench, & to Miss Skerretts of Sandbach relative to the Sale of the Penlington Estate, discussing the sentiments of the former as to the price to be taken, & requesting the latter to propose Conditions of the Sale, and do whatsoever was necessary on the occasion.

Sunday 14^th  May 1826

At home.  Service.  Mild fine day.

Monday 15^th  May 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan, & returned him the Cash Book, having carefully gone through the Addition & which I found correct.  Sent the Book to Mr. Fairbanks to be forwarded to Stone, as directed by Mr. Vaughan.  Turned the Milking cows this morning into the Ground below the Garden Terrace.  Engaged on sundry matters & preparing for Journey to Derby tomorrow.  Mr. [Swinton] Holland & Mr. [Edward] Holland came to dinner.

Tuesday 16^th  May 1826

Went to Derby, on the late Richard Harrison's affairs.  Called on Mr. Williamson on my way relative to [Adduley] Conveyance & other Navigation business.  Mr. Williamson mentioned to me his wish to succeed Mr. Sparrow in the Office of Clerk to the Company when I told him that in the situation in which I stood I would make no promise & indeed did not intend to vote.  Arrived at Derby between 5 & 6.  Called upon Mr. [Balgery] with whom I engaged to . . .the next morning.  Afterwards called at Mr. [Horrocks] but he was gone from home.

Wednesday 17^th  May 1826

Breakfasted with Mr. Balgery& started the Account of Rents review of the late Richard Harrison property.  Called at Dr. Bent's but neither he or Miss Maria were at home.  Miss B. being now in Staffordshire.  Left Derby between one & two o'clock, & arrived at Linley Wood in the evening.

Thursday 18^th  May 1826

Went to Newcastle, called upon Mr. Ward, relative to Newcastle Brewery Account.  He said that he had spoken to Mr. Kinnersley, that the whole of the late Mr. Bent's property was . . .to the . . .due to Mr. . . .he would use his best [outcomes] to get the property disposed of.  Called at the Public Office where was a Meeting of the Trustees of the Darlaston Turnpike Road, represented the . . .of placing the gate House in the centre of the Road at the Hollins & suggested that one or two of the Trustees would . . .the place.  Application made to me by the Revd. Mr.Leigh for subscription towards an information on the plan of the new Church intended to be located at Newcastle.

Friday 19^th  May 1826

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Leigh desiring him to put down my name as a subscriber of £20 to the intended new church.  Wrote to the Rev. Chas. Hope Derby, as proposed by Mr. Balgery, requesting payment of his arrears of Rent.

Saturday 20^th  May 1826

Whilst at breakfast, my over . . .Eliza suddenly appeared to have lost her . . ., not recalling to her mind what had been said & done a few Minutes before.  Immediately sent off with Mr. Davenport & Dr. Northen.  I think it is the effect only of Medicines which she had been taking not having produced their due effect.  But what are my present sanctions!  Dr. Northen & Mr. Davenport both came & considered the attack as originating an obstruction of the Bowels & the Medicines taken, not having had their effect.  Stronger ones were given, & at night I had the unspeakable delight to be satisfied that all danger was over.  In the morning Mr. B. Allen & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood called.  Wrote to Miss Skerretts of Sandbach on Penlington Affairs, from whom I afterwards examined the Draft of the Conditions for Sale of the Estates.  Changed the milking cows to the House Field.  N.B. Mr. Allen said this morning that the space between . . . should be one fiftieth of their [length].

Sunday 21^st  May 1826

At home.  Service.  In the evening, Eliza Roscoe & her two girls for whom I had sent the Carriage to Nantwich, arrived at Linley Wood.

Monday 22^nd  May 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan proposing Saturday next for meeting Mr. Webb at Stone to examine Treasurer's Account etc. etc.  Wrote to Mr. Fred Tomlnson & sent him for perusal the Draft of the Conditions of Sale, & requested him to accompany me to Sandbach on Thursday next.  Wrote also to Miss Skerretts requesting that a valuation might be obtained of the Timber on the Bostock House Estate previous to the sale.  Wrote to Mr. Horrocks of Derby on Harrison's affairs, & requesting his account.

Tuesday 23^rd  May 1826

At home.  Mrs. Stamford & E. Roscoe set off on their Journey to Town.  Mr. Booth Jun. Came to make a plan of the separation of the Land, particularly of the Copy hold & Freehold occasioned by the new Road, & with whom engaged .  Letter from Mr. Vaughan fixing Saturday next for my going to Stone.

Page 84.  1826  May

Wednesday 24^th  May 1826

Went to Rode Heath to consult with the Ladies ( Miss Wrench being there) relative to the Sale of the Estates tomorrow, & the price that should be taken, but which they desired to leave to me, but thought they should not be [supressed] to go very much under the valuation put upon them by Mr. Heaton.  Soon after my return Mr. Bent came on his way to Newcastle to see Mr. Ward & Mr. Kinnersley relative to the settlement of the late Newcastle Brewery Account.  He returned to dinner without having been able to see Mr. Kinnersley, but said that Mr. Ward would do it, & that I should hear from him tomorrow.  Wrote by the Post to Dr. Latham relative to the completion of his purchase of the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal Shares standing in the name of Dr. Holland.  Engaged on Penlington Papers preparatory to the Sale.

Thursday 25^th  May 1826

In the morning again engaged on the Penlington Papers.  Mr. Fred. Tomlinson came to dinner after which we proceeded to Sandbach when the Auction took place but another of the Estates were sold.  Returned late at night.  Fair and seasonable shower of Rain the country beginning to suffer much from the late long continued Drought.

Friday 26^th  May 1826

At home.  Mr. James Massey with whom looked at the new Buildings at the Hollins with a view to completing the same.  George Beardmore who begun the work, having failed.

Saturday 27^th  May 1826

Set off to Stone.  Called at Kinnersley's Bank on sundry matters.  Arrived at Stone a little before eleven, & immediately sat down with Mr. Webb & Mr. Vaughan to the examination of the Accounts on which I was closely engaged till 1/2past 6 o'clock without stirring.  Took a very hasty dinner at the Crown, & returned home that evening.  There had been some fine Rain today with slight Thunder .  Mr. Giles had arrived at Linley Wood this Evening, but had gone to bed before I got home.

Sunday  28^th  May 1826

At home.  Service as usual.  Engaged with Mr. Giles who mentioned to me his progress at a wooden Bridge across the  Mersey (Page 85) at Runcorn as a Road way only, it being thought that the original Project of the intended Road way & water way was too great to be at present brought forwards.  Mr. Giles showed me sketch of the Bridge, which was intended only to be a temporary one, perhaps for a period of 20 years.  As any good passage across the River at Runcorn would afford great facility to the travelling between London & Liverpool & be a great accommodation to the Public at large. 

The project appeared possible & particularly as the expense would not be anything enormous.  Mr. Giles [comported] it at £70 or £80,000.  The present Tolls by Warrington had been completed by Mr. . . .at £15,000 a year.  I suggested to Mr Giles, that if this Accounts of the Tolls were right, the subscription to the new Bridge might look to [£20] per . . .for . . .money & a Tunnel being accommodated out of the surplus Tolls to reinstate the original capital at the end of the 20 years, or when the use of this Bridge should be superseded by the adoption of the more extended Plan of Bridge & Agreement and this would afford ground for a very satisfactory . . .In the evening Mr. Giles left us on his way to Town.

Monday 29^th  May 1826

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Eyre Lee requesting him to send a Transfer of 6 shares of the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal from Dr. Holland to Dr. Latham.  Wrote to Mr. F. Tomlinson for Conditions of Penlingtons Sale etc. considered notice to be given of License for new public House at the Hollins, a Draft of which Mr. F .T. had sent me.  Received from Mr. Williamson Draft of Case relative to the Navigation Co. Liability to Highway & other Rates with a sequel that Trustees consider the same.  Also the Conveyance to Mr. Williamson & the Lease to Miss Pickford in order that the . . .might be applied thereto.

Tuesday 30^th  May 1826

At home.  Sent to Mr. Peake of Silverdale, a copy of a Notice of the application for a License.  Eliza went out a little in the Carriage & in which I accompanied her.  Engaged on sundry matters.

Wednesday 31^st  May 1826

Perused & considered the Navigation Case sent me by Mr. Williamson.  Mr. Pointon of Odd Rode came, & with whom I finally agreed for the Sale to him of Mr. Henshall's farm part of the Penlington Estate at the price of £4450 including the Timber suggest to the condition for sale read at Sandbach on the 25 inst.  Afterwards went down to Rode & [assured] Miss Wrench,Miss [Rowesthance] & Miss Dawson of what I had done & of which they expressed their perfect approbation. 

Mrs. & Miss Northen (Page 86) James Massey with Plan of new Stables at the Hollins.

June

Thursday 1^st June 1826

Went to Newcastle & delivered to Mr. Williamson the Deed to which I this morning afford the Company also to consider with him the Case relating to the Church Rates etc.  Went to Silverdale, arranging & settling with Mr. Peake the Notice to be given relative to obtaining the License for the new House at the Hollins.  Called upon Mr. Ward Newcastle relative to my address of £4000. towards liquidating the Balance due to Mr. Kinnersley from the late Newcastle Brewery.  On my return completed the notices & examined & conferred with Samuel Jones the Copy which he was to take to Miss Warren & Son of Drayton as Clerk & Sir. G. Chetwynd & Mr. Twemlow tomorrow.

Friday 2^nd  June 1826

Samuel Jones went to Drayton early.  Afterwards compared & examined with Samuel Beardmore the Copies of the Notice to be delivered to Miss Willaims & Marsh & Miss Edleston & Edward.  The former Clerks to Mrs. Tollet & Mr. T Twemlow.  The latter to Revd. H. [Broughton].  Perused Brief Copy of Bill & answer in the Cause Wheeler & Marsh agreed which I received from Mr. Delmar on Wednesday last previous to my calling upon Mr. Wedgwood one of the Defds. as a Trustee under A.Marsh  Marriage Settlement.  Drew & Draft of a fresh Case relative to the liability of the Navigation Co. to Poor & Church Rates & the widening of these Bridges.  Samuel Jones & Saml. Beardmore returned in the Evening having delivered the respective License Notices.  Miss Bent of Derby & Mrs. Bent of Basford called today.

Saturday 3^rd   June 1826

Compared & examined with Samuel Beardmore & delivered to him two copies of the License Notice, one to be offered upon the House at the Hollins & the other upon the door of Audley Church.  Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood to fix a day for my seeing him on A. Marsh's business.  Perused & reconsidered Navigation Case.  Went out with Eliza in the Carriage.  Changed the Cows to the Hollins Ground.

Sunday 4^th  June 1826

At home.  In the morning light showers, but of no continuance.  Service.

Page 87.  1826  June

Monday 5^th  June 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. Broadhurst .  Went out again with Eliza.  Hargreaves of Congleton, who applied for the new Public House.  Application also by Mr. Done on the part of Harris of Stone.

Tuesday 6^th  June 1826

Called upon Mr. Tollet at Betley Hall & sat with him some time.  Whilst there Major Tomlinson came in.  Afterwards called at Betley Court & saw Mr. Twemlow, Mrs. T & Miss Fletcher.  Returned to dinner.  Still drought upon which the Grounds about Betley appeared to be suffering much.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan proposing to come here on Tuesday next.

Wednesday 7^th  June 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Wrote to Dr. Holland & Dr. Latham to accompany the Transfer from Dr. H. & Dr. L of the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal Shares sold to the latter when I was last in Town.  Mr. Broadbent of Macclesfield & Mr. Broadhurst came to dinner.

Thursday 8^th  June 1826

The Commissioning of the blessed day which 42 years ago united me with the best & most amiable of women.  Sent from Newcastle for Mail the Transfer & Letters to Dr. Holland & Dr. Latham.  Went to Etruria & met Mr. Wedgwood relative to the Answer in Chancery in A. Marsh's affairs which he consented to put in.  On my return through Newcastle found that Mr. . . .had declared himself a candidate & would be down today, his sons having arrived.  Saw Mr. Kinnersley who said that he should vote for Mr. Denison.

Friday 9^th  June 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan on requesting him to bring the Select Committee Book & the General Assembly Book with him tomorrow.  Completed Minute of Business for the Meeting on Tuesday next.  Note from Mr. Potter, proposing to finish my Section of the Tunnel & the work done up to this time, but I informed him that it had been left in London.  Wrote to Mr. Delmar with the Brief of the Bill & answer in the Cause of Wheeler & Marsh & informing him of Mr. Wedgwood's consent to put in the Answer.  Sent these papers by Mr. Bickerton to Newcastle, to go from . . .by the Liverpool Mail.  Received from Miss Skerretts offer from Mr. Joseph Lea of £5755 for Bostock House Estate including Timber.

Saturday 16^th  June 1826

Revised and copied Navigation Case relative to the . . . to the Highway & Church Rates, & the widening of Bridges.  Mr. Booth junior came & with whom & Mr. Johnson looked over the Land & plan prepared by Mr. Booth to (Page 88) show the separation of the Freehold & copy hold Land, & particularly as required by the new Road, & which plan we found correct.  Mr. Vaughan came & with whom closely engaged on Navigation business, & particularly considering & arranging a Statement showing the payments to be made by the Company, & the means of providing for the same.  Mr. Vaughan went in the evening.  Hot day & the Ground beginning to burn.  Extraordinary continuance of Drought from which many parts of the country are suffering great inconvenience.

Sunday 11^th  June 1826

Received from Mr. Vaughan by special Messenger, Letters from Sir Geo. Chetwynd requesting that the Select Committee Meeting might be postponed for a day or two on account of the . . .nomination.  Wrote to him & found Friday next the day proposed by Mr. Lister.  Service.  Hot day with Thunder in the afternoon, but still no Rain, the Cloud having passed over.

Monday 12^th  June 1826

Perused Draft of an Agreement proposed by Mr. Booth for letting the farm to Mr. Barker & his son & wrote to Mr. Booth thereon.  In the evening went to Sandbach to confer with Mr. Skerrett relative to the Offer made by Mr. Lea for purchase of Bostock House Estate, when I promised to meet Mr. Lea at Sandbach to talk with him.

Tuesday 13^th  June 1826

At home.  Mr. Beech of Bostock House wrote to inquire about the probable Sale etc.  I saw Hammond [Broad bent]with Kingsley to inquire about the new Public House.  Mr. James Massey, who was engaged with the [Referees] measuring the work done at the Hollins, in order to select the Account with George Beardmore . . .his having . . .a Bankdraft.

Wednesday 14^th  June 1826

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  New Road etc.  Received by Post Letter from Dr. Latham accepting 4 more shares of the Birmingham & Liverpool Canal at a price not exceeding that given for the Land.

Thursday 15^th  June 1826

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.  Wrote to Dr. Latham agreeing to his terms for the B & L Canal Shares.  In the afternoon light Rain.  Miss Wettenhall

Page 89.  1826 June

Friday 16^th  June 1826

Went early to Stone where closely engaged all day on Select Committee with Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Lister.

Wednesday 5^th  July 1826

At home in the morning.  Engaged on Papers previous to going to Stone.  Dined at Mrs. Martin's at Wolstanton with Sir George Chetwynd, Mr. Hales of Cobridge & Mr. [Landor] of Rugeley.  Miss Charlotte Chetwynd also dined.  In the evening took Sir George with me in the Carriage to Stone, whence Mr. Lister soon after joined us.

Thursday 6^th  July 1826

Rose at 5.  Left Stone between 6 or 7 on our Journey & arrived at the Tunnel, & afterwards passed over the Hill on the Rail Road.  The matter upon which we found very shaking & uncomfortable.  After a good voyage, arrived at the Middlewich between 8 & 9 in the evening.

Friday 7^th  July 1826

Rose at 5.  Went on board the Boat about 6, & proceeded to Runcorn & viewed the new Docks, now working by Mr. Bradshaw, & returned to Middlewich the same night when we arrived about 10.

Saturday 8^th  July 1826

Rose between 5 & 6.  Breakfasted at Middlewich with Sir George, Mr. Vaughan, & Mr. Wilkinson, Mr. Lister & Mr. Potter having previously set off.  Mr. Giles & Mr. Wilkinson went in a chaise to [Washington] & Mr. Vaughan & I came to Linley Wood, where Mr. V. stopped about an hour, whilst I sketched out some Letters to Mr. Hostage etc. etc. & then forwarded to Stone.  Received from Dr. Latham the Transfer of 4 Birmingham & Liverpool Canal Shares from Dr. Holland to himself.

Sunday 9^th  July 1826

At home.  Service.  In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Eliza.  Public Prayer for Rain.

Monday 10^th July 1826

Began mowing Linley Meadow.  Wrote to Mr. Eyre Lee & sent him by Post the Transfer received from Dr. Latham with £3 in Bank Notes to pay for Transfer etc.  Received from Mr. James Potter Mr. Telford's Report on the [Drafts] in Harecastle Tunnel.  Mr. Colclough to consult me on the Will of the late Michael Ashmore.

Tuesday 11^th  July 1826

After breakfast went to Newcastle on various matters.  Delivered to Mr. Wilkinson the Transfer & Declaration of Trust of the Navigation Shares belonging to the Rev. Mr. [Whithers] & the Exec. Of the late Miss C. Penlington.  Went on mowing.  Weather much cooler.  Wrote to Miss Skerretts.  Fine etc.  Perused & considered the Will of [Michael] Ashmore.

Wednesday 12^th  July 1826

Change in the weather to Rain which commenced early this Morning.  Wrote to Mr. Bent & sent him £100 being the call of 10 per share on my 10 Shares of the Macclesfield Canal.  Wrote to Mr. Thos. Collinson & sent again [Inland] of £120 due to Mrs. Simms from the Penlington Estate.  Mrs. Colclough & Mr. Barker of Alsager relative to the Will & affairs of the late [Michael] Ashmore & advising them thereon.  Received Letter from Mr. Bent on late Newcastle Brewery Concerns.  Mrs. & Miss Crompton & Henry Crompton arrived in the Evening.

Thursday 13^th  July 1826

At home.  Rain in the Morning.  Engaged with Mr. Henry Crompton etc.  Dr. Crompton arrived to dinner.

Friday 14^th  July 1826

Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson with Remittance.  Mr. Moses Booth called & with whom engaged relative to the Plan distinguishing the Copy hold & Free hold Land in Talk Hamlet & which for greater certainty I desired him to show Mr. Johnson of the Hollins.  Delivered to Mr. Booth the [Lease]of Bostoc House Estate to assist him in preparing the Agreement for the Oak Far.  Engaged with Dr. Crompton.  Busy in the Hay. In the evening Mr. Robert Heath came with his valuation of Mr. Bateman's Coals, & with whom a conversation on this business on which he said that he had bestowed his best consideration.

Saturday 15^th  July 1826

After Breakfast our Friends left us.  Sent the Horses with them to Brereton Green, their own having gone before.  Showers, which prevented our doing anything in the Hay.  Mr. Walker Tenant of Foxholes relative to a Fence claimed by Mr. Smith whom I told him that I would inspect the Plan & desired him to inform Mr. Done the Tenant of this and to prevent any dispute.

Sunday 16^th  July 1826

At home.  Service.

Monday 17^th July 1826

Began early in the Hay, in which busy all day & carried & thus finished the Hay Harvest of this year.  The crop light but comparative of speaking of . . ., so great and general a future of the Hay Crop not having been known for many years.  I average mine at barely 1 ton to the acre, in many places the crop the crop not ¼ or 1/5 as much.

Page 95.  1826  July

Tuesday 18^th  July 1826

Wrote to Mr. Giles on last Mile of Macclesfield Canal requesting his observation as to the expediency of it being executed by this Company.  Corrected & Copied Minutes on our late Survey.  Mrs. Stamford went to Maer Hall & returned in the Evening.

Wednesday 19^th  July 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan with the Committee Minutes.  At home.  In the afternoon Mr. James Skerrett of Sandbach, paying Mr. Wm. [Poyntons] Deposit Money on purchase of [Poundhouse] [Tenant].  Mrs. Stamford who had called at Mr. Bent's this morning, brought me an invitation from him to dine tomorrow.

Thursday 20^th  July 1826

Wrote to Mr. Bent it not being convenient to leave home today.  Eliza went to Nantwich.  Showers, but light & of short & intermittent.  At night heavier.

Friday 21^st  July 1826

At home.  Engaged on Accounts etc.  Showers with thunder & appearing like a fine day in May.  George Bebbington paying money on account of Rent.  A good deal of Rain in the night.

Saturday 22^nd  July 1826

Went to Newcastle & paid money to Kinnersley but having met with Mr. Vaughan on the Road who was going to Linley Wood, I turned back.  Engaged afterwards with Mr. Vaughan on Navigation business a considerable time & appointed him to come again some day in the next week in order to complete the necessary statements & for the Meeting of the General Committee.

Sunday 23^rd  July 1826

At home.  Service.  Mr. Giles arrived to dinner, being on his way to Liverpool & Chester.  Engaged with Mr. Giles and considering with him on various matters connected with the interests & concerns of the Trent & Mersey Canal & particularly the execution by this company of the last mile of the Macclesfield Canal & which he strongly recommended.  Mr. Giles said that the Rail Road Scheme was understood, but that there wasn't preparation to which they had been able to reduce the friction upon a Rail Road compared with that upon . . .was as (21/2 )two and a half to 1.  The greatest ground spread considerably attainable upon a Canal, when it is 41/2 miles per hour.  Wrote to Mr.. . .of Chester expressing my opinion of Mr. Giles as a fine person to erect the proposed Chester Bridge.  Mr. G. went in the evening.

Page 96.  1826  July

Monday 24^th July 1826

At home.  Engaged on Cash Accounts.  Cut the Grass in part of Swallow Moor Wood.  Gave the other part to Jas. Walker Tenant of Foxholes.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan fixing Thursday next for his coming to Linley Wood.  Hot, dry day.

Tuesday 25^th  July 1826

Sent the Carriage to Nantwich.  Engaged on various matters.  In the evening Eliza arrived.

Wednesday 26^th  July 1826

At home.  Mr. Bate relative to the new Branch of Road in consequence of having seen Mr. Fenton who declined any indifference & who B. said appeared unfinished.  Sent an invitation to Jas. Potter to dine here tomorrow to meet Mr. Vaughan.  Great Drought.  Wrote to Mr. Eyre Lee in consequence of not having received any Reply to the Letter written to him on the 10th  instant.

Thursday 27^th  July 1826

Sent by the Post the Letter to Mr. Eyre Lee which I replied & dated this day.  Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to the arrival of Mr. Vaughan, who came before dinner, & with whom already engaged relative to the supply of water drawing out Statement of Cash etc.  Mr. Jas. Potter came to dinner & with whom & Mr. Vaughan afterwards engaged on business.  Eliza & Mrs. Stamford called this morning at Lawton Hall.

Friday 28^th  July 1826

Wrote to Mr. Fenton, Newcastle, & Mr. Wedgwood of Maer.  Drew out [ultimate]of Business for Select Committee.  Wheat began to be cut this Morning in the piece of Land belonging to Mr. Smith on the other side of the Turnpike Road & adjoining the Foxholes Land; the Tenant of which had begun cutting Oats.  Heat & Drought.

Saturday 29^th  July 1826

At home.  Engaged all Morning on Navigation Papers.  Drawing out fresh Statement of . . .for the General Committee etc. etc.  Begun cutting wheat in the Land purchased from Mr. Jenks.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan with my first Decl. of Navigation Statement.  Also Report from Jas. Potter, which I had desired him to send me one of the Suppliers of Water from the Steam Engine etc.

Sunday 30^th  July 1826

At home.  Service.

Monday 31^st  July 1826

Called at Maer Hall on my way to Stone.  Saw Mr. Allen, Mr. [Simmonds] etc.  Arrived at Stone to dinner & met Sir. G. Chetwynd & Mr. Lister.

Page 97.  1826  August

Tuesday 1^st August 1826

Set off with Sir George & Mr. L.& Mr. V. to Rudyard Reservoir which we visited & found in an exhaustion not having more than about 2000 [Locks] of Water.  From thence to Knypersley Reservoir viewing the Lock & found the Dam in a state of [preservation].  Returned to Stone later to Dinner.  A fatiguing day.

Wednesday 2 August 1826

Engaged after breakfast on business of Select Committee.  At the Meeting of the General Committee & which was also attended by several of the Proprietors.  In the Chair.  The business was got through very satisfactory.  But to me a very hurrying & fatiguing day.  Returned home at night.  In my absence they had carried the greatest part of the Wheat.  Some was ready as to be carried the day that it was cut.

Thursday 3^rd  August 1826

At Newcastle attending Meeting of Trustees of Newcastle & Butt Lane Turnpike Road.  Mr. Heathcote in the Chair.  In bad transfer & his behaviour incorrect, as it appeared to me & insensitive  [Order] come to contrary to my judgement to put the Toll Gates in the centre of the Roads.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson & Mr. Smith Printer on Navigation business.

Friday 4^th  August 1826

Revised & corrected the Resolutions of the General Committee directed to be printed.  Went to Sandbach, & paid the purchase Money of the piece of Land in Hassall called the [Broadbent].  On my return found Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood & Eliza, with whom engaged.

Saturday 5^th  August 1826

Mr Vaughan came to breakfast, with whom I finally settled the Resolution, which I copied & gave to Mr. Vaughan to be left at Mr. Smith's for a proof Sheet being prepared.  Wrote to Miss Tomlinson & . . . ,Lord Crewe's agent relative to the waste water being taken by Mr. Armistead at Morton.  James Potter came & with whom & Mr. Vaughan engaged relative to the Suppliers of water etc.  Directed J.P. to call upon Mr. Bateman in order that Men might be set to work on his Land, to ensure the completion of the Reservoir by Christmas.  The Wedgwood's took an early dinner & then left us.

Page 98.  1826  August

Sunday 6^th  August 1826

Received by Mr. Smith's assistance the proof Sheet of the Navigation Paper, which I finally settled & corrected with him, in order that the same might be immediately printed, & sent to the Proprietors.  Service.  Stamford arrived to dinner.  Received by . . .from Mr. Delmar surrender of liaison of . . .[Fathers] to be executed by Mr. Wedgwood.

Monday 7^th  August 1826

Wrote Letter to Mr. Skerrett in reply to one received from him this morning, relative to the Land at the back of his House advertised for Sale on Saturday next, & signifying my wish to purchase the same.  Went to Harecastle Tunnel, but Mr. James Potter being out, left a note for him desiring him not to do anything about the Drafts till he had directions from the Select Committee, and also, arranging his immediately seeing Mr. Bateman.

Tuesday 8^th  August 1826

Went to Newcastle, called at Mr. Smith to see that the Navigation Papers were duly sent to Stone.  Attended the Races.  Dined at the . . .at the Castle Inn.  Returned from the Ground in the Gig to Linley Wood, having the Carriage for Stamford who prepared attending the Ball.

Wednesday 9^th  August 1826

Revised & Copied Minutes of the proceedings of the Select Committee & the General Committee for entry in the Book.  Men busy cutting Oats, which they had commenced yesterday.  John Lawrence & his two sisters arrived to dinner.

Thursday 10^th  August 1826

Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood proposing to meet him the first time he came to dinner.  Went again to Harecastle Tunnel, Mr. Lawrence & Stamford accompanying me.  Letter from Mr. Lister relative to Cockshead Engine Meeting etc.

Friday 11^th  August 1826

At home.  Engaged with Mr. L. on various matters.

Saturday 12^th  August 1826

Wrote Mr. Lister in reply to his Letter; & to Mr. Vernon of Stone, relative to Release from Annuitant under the Will of William Martin & payment of further part of Foxholes purchase money.  Mr. J. Skerrett of Sandbach & his clerk taking the Acknowledgement of the [Fine] to be levied of the Penlington Estates.  In the morning a very slight shower, but the weather soon returned to the same heat & Drought as before.

Sunday 13^th  August 1826

At noon J. Lawrence left us on his return to Birmingham.  Service.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan, informing me of the offers having been received of the whole of the money wanted.  James Bent came to dinner, brought from his Brother brace of Game.

Monday 14^th  August 1826

At home.  Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Anderton, Mr. Mainwaring & Mr. Carter dined.

Page 99.  1826  August 

Tuesday 15^th  August 1826

Went to Etruria meeting Mr. Wedgwood to arrange relative to Cockshead Engine Reference &  when he executed [Shorne] Tithes Deed.  Saw Mrs. . . .& found that the Engines are at work saving the Churnett Water.  Fixed with Mr. Wedgwood that Mr. Kirk should look at & report to us upon the state of the Engines balance etc.

Wednesday 16^th  August 1826

Mr. James Potter bringing me the state of the Wash at the Tunnel.  Long conference with him on various matters.  He said that the Tunnel end before by the 1st of May, & that they were going on with all vigour at the Reservoir, Mr. Bateman having consented to the men being set to work on his Land.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Wrote to Mr. Delmar & sent him  by Coach the [Shorne] Tithes Deed.  Mr. Morris of Lawton called relative to Draw back on Macclesfield Goods from Liverpool, & with whom a long conversation.  Afterwards called upon Mr. Sneyd of Bradwall, who I found better & recovering from his late ailment of a fall by which the Hip joint found to have been broken.  Received by Letter information of Mr. Skerrett's having purchased for me the Land lying behind the House at Nantwich for £910.  . . .of Land 6 - 24.

Thursday 17^th  August 1826

Mr. Vaughan came this morning & with whom also engaged a long time on Navigation business.  Mr. Cope one of the Penlington [Conditions] called.  Mr. Booth Junior of Keel with Plan of Copy hold Land in Talk, which he took back for correction, after seeing Mr. Johnson again.  The Miss Lawrences left us at noon on their return home.  Mr. [Chesterton] sent a brace of Grouse.  Stamford went to Nantwich.

Friday 18^th  August 1826

At home.  Engaged on the Farm.  Received from Mr. . . .a brace of Grouse.

Saturday 19^th  August 1826

Wrote to Mr. Robert Heath relative to the Cockshead Engine, & the same being . . .or retained by the Company.  Engaged on sundry matters.  Stamford returned from Nantwich.  Very hot day.

Sunday 20^th  August 1826

At home.  Service.

Monday 21^st  August 1826

At home.  Engaged already the whole of the Morning on Navigation Papers, Tunnel and returned Reservoir etc.  Anne Marsh & Stamford went to Maer Hall.  Very hot.

Tuesday 22^nd August 1826

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Skerrett & sent him the Deposit money on my purchase of Land at Nantwich.  Very Unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Vernon of Stone & appointed to pay Mr. Martin £500 on Monday next agreeable to his request, being for the part of the purchase money of Foxholes Estate.

Page 100.  1826  August

Wednesday 23^rd  August 1826

At home.  Rain & most acceptable, & which continued the greater part of the day.  Still unwell.

Thursday 24^th  August 1826

At home.  Mr. & Mrs. Charles Potts of Chester & Miss Potts came to dinner.  Mr. Wickstead called.  Anne Marsh returned from Maer Hall.  Letter from John . . .relative to the Engines now at work & the supply of water.

Friday 25^th  August 1826

Wrote to Mr. Lister suggesting a postponement of the Meeting relative to Cockshead Engine, in consequence of Mr. Spode being still at Buxton & not having informed us when he should return.  Received from John . . .(by his son Mr. . . .an exchange of Mr. Bateman's Land, which I promised also a Report of the Engines & supply of water considered.  Also considered a Report of the Engines & supply of water.  Mr. Jos. Wedgwood junior came to dinner, Mr. C. Potts said that the Revenue received by the County of Chester from the River Weaver was from 12 to £14000 a year.  Direct Fees & . . . of the Clerk of the . . .Office not exceed . . .£150 to £200 a year

Saturday 26^th  August 1826

Our friends left us on their way to Birmingham.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. Jos. Wedgwood relative to the Cockshead Engine Meeting. 

After my Letters were gone, received by the Post a Letter which Mr. Spode had written to me from Buxton, but which had been missent to Newcastle upon Tyne saying that he would attend on Monday next :but it being too late to get the other . . .together, sent a servant with a Letter to Mr. Spode to prevent disappointment, & suggested Thursday next for the Meeting.

Sunday 27^th  August 1826

Thursday proving convenient to Mr. Spode, wrote again by the Post to Mr. Lister & Mr. Vaughan.  Service.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Monday 28^th  August 1826

Wrote to Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Mayer . . .them of Cockshead Engine.  Meeting on Thursday: also to James Potter for his replies to enquiries which I had requested him to make relative to such Engines.  Called at Lawton Hall, & saw Mr. C. Lawton who promised to dine here on Wednesday next.

Eliza Roscoe arrived.  Letters by the Post from Mr. Lister & Mr. Vaughan.  Stamford went to Buxton.

Tuesday 29^th  August 1826

Wrote to Mr. Potter & Mr. Rob. Heath suggesting their attendance on Thursday next, wrote also to Mr. Vaughan.  James Potter came, with whom engaged a considerable time as to the value & favour of Cockshead Engine & various other particulars which I was desired to be informed of previous to the Meeting.  The Post brought me a Letter from Mr. Lister saying that he could not attend on Thursday in consequence of which, obliged to write again to Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Spode, Mr. Mayer, Rob. Heath, Potter & Vaughan.  Sent a servant to have not the two last  Letters to Newcastle to save the Post & delivered them to a Messenger (Mary Heath) to take early tomorrow morning.  A Harassing day & very far from well.  Stamford returned from Buxton.

Wednesday 30^th  August 1826

At home.  Thunder & Rain.  Mr. & Mrs. F. Twemlow called.  Miss Tollet & Miss C Tollet came to Linley Wood.  Mr. Chas. Lawton dined  Mr. Wickstead, who was to have been of the Party, did not come.  Received Letter From Mr. Wedgwood with Mr. Kirk's valuation of Cockshead Engine, also Letters from Mr. Spode & Mr. Mayer.

Thursday 31^st  August 1826

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.

September

Friday 1^st September 1826

At home.  Closely engaged on Navigation Papers, Cockshead Engine etc. etc.  Miss Tollet & Miss C T. left us.

Saturday 2^nd  September 1826

Called at Rode Heath.  Engaged on Farm etc.

Sunday 3^rd  September 1826

At home.  Service.  Arthur Marsh came to dinner.  Received by Post Letter from Lord Crewe's Agents relative to Mr. Armistead proposed Mill at Moston.  Very unwell.

Monday 4^th  September 1826

Went to Wm. Farrar & desired his attendance at the Sel. Com. tomorrow on the Mill business.  Engaged considering & drawing out Minutes of business for Select Committee tomorrow.  Selecting & arranging papers etc.

Tuesday 5^th  September 1826

Went early to Stone where closely engaged all day on Select Committee.

Wednesday 6^th  September 1826

At Stone.  Engaged again on Select Committee & afterwards on the General Committee.

Thursday 7^th  September 1826

At home.  Much fatigued & unwell & visited by Mr. Davenport.  The business of the Navigation is becoming too heavy & laborious, & more than I feel myself equal to going through.

Friday 8^th  September 1826

Still very unwell, but engaged several hours on Navigation papers.. Wrote to Mr. Vaughan, Rev. Mr. [Biss] & Lord Crewe's Agents.

Saturday 9^th  September 1826

Sent by the Post the Letters to Mr. [Biss] & Mr. [[Gizard]].  Mr. Vaughan came with whom engaged a considerable time considering the times for payment of the Money offered to be advanced & the Letter to be sent to the Trustees.  Survey of last Mile of Macclesfield Canal, & various other matters.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Landor relative to Mr. Heaton's [award].  Altered & wrote afresh the Letter to Lord [Crewe's] Agent.  Two Miss Kinnersley (Miss E. & Miss H.) dined also Jos. Wedgwood, Elizabeth & Charlotte.  Mr. Kinnersley prevented coming by having Mr. Chantry with him.  Mr. Twemlow of Peats wood, who was to have dined did not come.  Very unwell.  Also a painful attack in the eye.

Sunday 10^th  September 1826

Sent by Post the Letter to Lord [Crewe's] Agent.  E. & C. Wedgwood went before breakfast.  Mr. Bent came to dinner: soon after which he & Jos. Wedgwood left us.  Owing to my being unwell & other circumstances the Service had not been attended in the morning, but had Prayers as usual in the  evening.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd relative to Cockshead Engine.

Monday 11^th  September 1826

Wrote to Landor in reply to his Letter.  Being still unwell Mr. Davenport came again, having seen me a few days ago.  Miss Sarah Wedgwood came to dinner.  Mr. Wilbraham called upon Stamford to invite him to dine tomorrow with Mr. Trafford & Mr. Ford.  Miss Sarah Wedgwood came to dinner.

Tuesday 12^th  September 1826

Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to seeing Mr. Potter & Wm. [Farrar] by appointment.  [Wm. Farrar] & Mr. James Potter (in lieu of his Father) attended & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Cockshead Engine, the last Mile of the Macclesfield, which I desired them to look over in order to see . . .any improvement could be made on the line or point of Junction & to furnish me with the last Estimate they could of the [possible] expense.  Letter from Mr. Twemlow to put off my dining there on Thursday on account of the . . .of one of his Children.  Stamford dined at Rode. Hall.

Page 103.  1826  September

Wednesday 13^th  September 1826

Wrote to Mr. F. Twemlow & Mr. Massey relative to the new House at the Hollins, where he appointed to see me again on Thursday or Friday next & bring Mr. Hargreaves with him.  Afterwards looked at the intended situation the new Toll House which appeared to us both to be highly inconvenient for the Public, as well as injurious to any new Building & . . .----expense to the Trust.  Proceeded to Trentham Inn, attending General Liaisons . . .& obtained a License for the new House pledging myself that it should not be opened till after . . .when the present House & Land would have ceased to be used as a Public House.  Present Mr. Tollet in the Chair Rev. H.[Broughton] Mr. Twemlow of Peats wood & Mr. Bevan.  Miss S. Wedgwood left us this morning.  Returned from Trentham Inn to dinner.

Thursday 14^th  September 1826

At home.  Suffering much from my Eyes, one of which was very painfully affected.  Mr. [Brook] Hollinshead called on his way to Lancashire & with whom engaged on Navigation Affairs.  He left for my perusal a quantity of papers, charts etc. etc.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Friday 15^th  September 1826

At home, but suffering so much from my eyes as to be unfit for business.  Looked curiously over the papers left with me yesterday by Mr. Hollinshead, but they seemed to contain nothing . . .,or that was not known before.

Saturday 16^th  September 1826

At home, Eyes still in a painful state.  Mr. Potter, James Potter & Wm. [Farrar] came pursuant to appointment & with whom closely engaged a long time relative to East . . .of Macclesfield Canal, Cockshead Engine etc. etc.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. [[Gizard]] & in the evening wrote to Mr. Potter & sent the Letter by a special Messenger to Newcastle requesting him to attend on Monday at Stone.

Sunday 17^th  September 1826

Mr. Robert Heath came with his valuation of the Cockshead Engine & with whom engaged on this & other Navigation business the whole of the morning.  My Eyes still very indifferent & Service omitted, but Prayers in the Evening.

Monday 18^th  September 1826

Went early to Stone where engaged the whole of the day on the Special Committee appointed to consider the Case of the Cockshead Engine.  In the Chair.  Returned in the evening.  Stamford had set off on his return to Town.

Tuesday  19^th  September 1826

Eyes still very indifferent though better.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & sent him a copy of the Resolution of the Cash hold Committee.  Wrote also to Mr. [[Gizard]] & to Mr. Lister.  Afterwards enjoyed selecting & arranging papers for Conference with Mr. Vaughan tomorrow.

Page 104.  1826  September 

Wednesday 20^th  September 1826

Revised & copied Minutes of last Sel. Com. & General Com. For Entry in the Book.  Mr. Vaughan came pursuant to appointment & with whom closely engaged all morning on having business preparatory to the General Assembly.  Mr. Vaughan staid to dinner & returned in the Evening.  Eyes still painful & troublesome.

Thursday 21^st  September 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vernon of Stone, Mr. Wedgwood having expressed a wish to . . . Mr. Giles's Report, wrote & sent Letter to him by a  Servant  requesting his company here tomorrow or the next day.  Afterwards engaged drawing out Minutes of business & observations for General Committee & General Assembly.  Eyes better but still very troublesome.

Friday 22^nd  September 1826

Mr. Tomlinson on leaving, applied for instructions as making out the Mortgage to Mr. Spode for £15000.  Wrote Letter to him & sent it with the Acts of Parliament to Cliffe Ville by a Messenger.  John [Trubshaw] came & with whom engaged a long time on Cockshead Engine etc.  Engaged on papers previous to seeing Mr. Wedgwood, who had appointed to come to Linley Wood today to [impact] Mr. Giles Report & on other matters.  He arrived in the afternoon & with whom closely engaged a considerable time.

Saturday 23^rd  September 1826

At home.  Received & copied afresh the Minutes of business for the General Committee & General Assembly.  Received back Navigation Acts from Mr. Tomlinson with Letter from him relative to Mr. Spodes intended Mortgage of the Tolls.  Wrote to Mr. Ward Newcastle in reply to a Letter received from him relative to the payment for . . . had from Mr. Heathcote by George Beardmore for the Buildings at the Hollins.  Anne Marsh & the Children returned from Nantwich.

Sunday 24^th  September 1826

At home.  James Potter with Section of last Mile of Macclesfield Canal & on other matters preparatory to the business at Stone tomorrow.  Service.  In the evening Letter from John [Trubshaw] with Cockshead Coking Case.

Monday 25^th  September 1826

Went early to Stone where closely & laboriously engaged all day on General Committee.

Tuesday 26^th  September 1826

At Stone.  General Assembly, much business & closely engaged but returned home at night.  Found Letters from Mr. [[Gizard]] relative to [investment] being genuine of last Mile of Macclesfield Canal.

Page 105.  1826  September

Wednesday 27^th  September 1826

In consequence of the Letters received from Mr. [[Gizard]] went to Newcastle to give the necessary introduction to Mr. Wilkinson & whom he finally appointed to meet Mr. James Potter at Linley Wood on Friday next in order that we might . . .the Plans etc. with a view to settling the Notices.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan for my volume of the . . .Acts that had been left at Stone.  Eyes painful & very troublesome being harassed & injurious by the writing & business of the last two days.

Thursday 28^th  September 1826

Sent Messenger with Letter to James Potter advising him attend me tomorrow.  Rain.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & carefully considering the Notice sent by Mr. [[Gizard]] previous to seeing Mr. Wilkinson & James Potter tomorrow.  Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, Mrs. Holland , Eliza & Charlotte Wedgwood came to dinner.  Mr. Wedgwood was prevented.

Friday 29^th  September 1826

At home.  Mr. Wilkinson & James Potter came by appointment with whom & Mr. [Fenton] engaged a long time . . . consequence of an . . ..which I had desired in the Agreement with the Macclesfield Canal & it was thought that I should see Mr. [Cririe] & I wrote to him accordingly.  Wrote also to Mr. Tomlinson relative to Mr. Spode's Mortgage.  The Wedgwood's & Mrs. H. went after breakfast.  Mr. Davenport came, my eyes being still in a very indifferent state.

Saturday 30^th  September 1826

At home.  Eyes very indifferent.  Considered again the Notice sent by Mr. [Gizard] & which seemed to be further incorrect in mentioning power for attending the rates of Tonnage, which is chiefly contrary to the Agreement.

October

Sunday 1^st October 1826

At home.  James Potter who was to have breakfasted here but did not come being unwell, but received from him my Plan of the T. & M. Canal.  Service.  Letter from Stamford to Ann Marsh: which having considered, I advised his immediately coming down & seeing the party most interested.  Eyes still indifferent.

Monday 2^nd  October 1826

Wrote to Miss [Gizard] & . . .relative to the Notice which they had sent down.

Page 106.  1826  October

Tuesday 3^rd  October 1826

Attended Funeral of the late Mrs. Williamson of Longport, who died on Tuesday last.  The following persons attended (diagram of coffin bearers) left hand side Mr. Elswood, Mr. Bateman. Mr. Caldwell & Mr. Tomlinson, right side Mr. Brindley, Mr. B. [Child], Mr. Davenpert & Mr, Spode.  Rev James Lawton, Carter, Whieldon & Sons, Dr. Northen, Mr. Sharpe Surgeon. 

Mrs. Williamson was the sister of the late Mr. Henshall.  She first married the celebrated Mr. Brindley, by whom she now had two daughters the youngest of which married a Mr. Billington of Bristol.  She afterwards married Mr. Roland Williamson by whom she had a . . .family. 

On my return home, found Letter from Mr. [[Cririe]] appointing to meet me at Macclesfield on Friday next.  Eliza & Anne Marsh with Louisa afterwards returned having been to Shelton to see the . . . of Mr. G.[Bellman] & with whom they expressed themselves much [sympathetic].  Saw person of the neighbourhood accompanied Mr. Green,.  The visit took place a little before 5 o'clock in the afternoon, & the weather was favourable.

Wednesday 4^th  October 1826

Sent Samuel Jones with message of . . .after the Family at Longport.  Sent Mr. Davenport . . .of Mr. Giles.  ------------Plans.  Wrote to James Potter appointing him to accompany me on Friday next.

Thursday 5^th  October 1826

Mr. Giles called, on his return from Liverpool, & breakfasted.  Sent to Mr. James Potter desiring him to bring the Plans of the . . .to the Macclesfield Mile of the Canal proposed to be executed by the T. & M. Company.  Engaged closely with Mr. Giles & . . .upon the subject, & settling the Notice as to Parishes etc. etc. previous to meeting Mr. [[Cririe]] it appearing that a Deviation from the original Line was the best to be adopted & that the Canals of Landowners had been obtained to such Deviation, but the Plan with such consents being in the possession of Mr. Giles he promised immediately to send it to me.

Page 107.  1826  October

Friday 6^th  October 1826

James Potter came to an early breakfast, after which we proceeded to Macclesfield where we met Mr. [[Cririe]] pursuant to appointment, to whom I showed the Draft of the intended Notice, & where we suggested to him & to Mr. Royle (who called upon me) then explaining of the regulating Lock & the feeder from the [Water] Weir when executed by the Macclesfield Canal Company belonging afterwards to the T. &. M. Co.  & being repaired by them, which they seemed to approve & said they would consider.  I also suggested that further time be given to the T. & M. Co. executing the last mile as it would be granted & affirmed if this was done so as to open when [Newcastle] Canal was completed, & on the semblance of which they they [organised].  Mr.[Cririe] after he had looked over the Notice said that they had no objection to our taking that line or thought it best for the last mile & that the other point to be considered.  Whilst at Macclesfield Mr. R. Phillips stopped at the Hotel & with whom a conversation on Navigation business.  Returned home in the evening but far from well, & found Letter from Mr. [Gizard].

Saturday 7^th  October 1826

Indifferent night & my Eyes again most painful.  But engaged on Navigation papers all morning, correcting & completing the Notice sent by Mr.[Gizard] previous to returning it to him, making observations thence etc. etc.

Sunday 8^th  October 1826

At home.  Service as usual.

Monday 9^th  October 1826

Our dear Anne with her dear Children left us after an early breakfast on their return home.  Closely engaged writing long Letter to Mr. [Gizard] & making a copy of the Notice as corrected & filled up to accompany it.  Unwell.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan relative to the Churnett Water & Knypersley Reservoir, requiring immediate attention, and informed Potts of Chester with Resolution of the Ellesmere & Chester Canal Co. to make the [Correction] at Middlewich & proposing an Interview with me at Linley Wood.  Also a letter from Mr. Ward on the Brewery Concerns.

Tuesday 10^th  October 1826

Wrote to Mr. Ward .  Wrote also to Mr. Potts.  Mr. Vaughan arrived having come purposely & at the request of Mr. [Landor] with a Message from Sir George Chetwynd desiring that I would order the work at the Reservoir to be stopped, the misunderstanding about Mr. Horton's . . .not having been arranged. To this application I hesitated not to give a direct & absolute Refusal, & explained to Mr. Vaughan my astonishment that for satisfying a matter the smallest difficulty should be thrown in the way of a public Work of so great importance & necessity, & I desired him immediately to see Mr. Lister and inform him of the circumstance & what I had done in order that he might then judge for himself.  Engaged a considerable time with Mr. Vaughan on other Navigation Business.  Afterwards went to Newcastle & dined with the Mayor (Hatton) where every thing went off well & agreeably.

Wednesday 11^th  October 1826

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd with Copy of one from Lord Clive relative to the proposed Middlewich & . . .Canal.  Wrote to Mr. . . .explaining the pleasure it would give me to see him & proposed seeing them on their way to . . .

Thursday 12^th  October 1826

At home.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Sent servant with Note to Mr. Tollet requesting to see him at dinner Monday next, & meet Mr. Roscoe & Mr. [Smythe].  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.  Also from Mr. Ward.

Friday 13^th  October 1826

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Wrote to Mr. Heaton of Endon requesting inflammation relative to the Exchange with Mr. Bateman, & the alteration in respect to the Land belonging to the Representatives of the late John Sparrow Esq.  Received Letter from Mr. Roscoe delaying his Journey.

Saturday 14^th  October 1826

Wrote to Mr. Tollet & Mr. Wedgwood both of whom I had invited to meet Mr. Roscoe, informing them of his postponement of his Journey.  Wrote to Mr. [Vernon] of Stone on business with Mr. Martin.  Called at Trentham & saw Lord & Lady Stafford, with whom I passed half an hour very agreeably.  In the evening Mr. Massey called.  Consulted him as to the Rent to be put upon the new Building at the Hollins exclusion of the Land.  He thought £60 a year not too much.  Received Letter from Mr. Barlow of Stone requesting my opinion as to his offering himself a Candidate for the Clerkship to the Navigation Company in case of a vacancy.

Sunday 15^th  October 1826

In the Forenoon Service.  In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Eliza.

Monday 16^th  October 1826

Wrote to Mr. Barlow of Stone.  Wrote to James Potter for his plan of the last mile of Macclesfield Canal.  Copied afresh the proceedings of the last General Assembly, & wrote Letter therewith to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged on various matters, Farm etc.  In the morning, Letter from Mr. Giles relative to Plan of last mile of Macclesfield Canal & appointing to breakfast him tomorrow morning.

Page 109.  1826  October

Tuesday 17^th  October 1826

Mr. Giles came to breakfast bringing with him the Plan of the proposed part of the Macclesfield Canal, which I examined with him, & it appearing upon . . .direction that the Notices should be given today at Knutsford & tomorrow at Stafford.  I completed a Notice, which Mr. Giles took as he was going to Birmingham, took to Newcastle in . . . that copies might be made at the office & some of which he promised to affirm upon the Sessions . . . at Stafford, & desire Mr. Wilkinson to take the other to Knutsford, but after he was gone, I determined to go myself though at great . . .to Newcastle in order to see that every thing was properly arranged & done. 

Met Mr. Giles at the Office.  Saw the Notices completed, one of which Mr. Wilkinson immediately set off with to Knutsford, & undertook to fix up the other at Stafford where he was going tomorrow.  Met with Mr. Bishop at Mr. Sparrow's office, with whom & Mr. Giles a long conversation relative to lighting Harecastle Tunnel with Gas, & making sundry observations of calculations, when I told him Mr. Bishop that if the Gas Company would furnish me with a proposal I would . . . before the Select Committee. 

The object is highly desirable & important & had more than once occurred to my thoughts before.  Returned to dinner.  Found a Letter from Mr. Potts of Chester, saying that he would come here on Friday next relative to proposed Middlewich branch of Canal.  On my arrival at home Engaged with Mr. Booth, Massey, Hargreaves & a friend of his, all of whom had come to Linley Wood this morning by appointment relative to Mr. Hargreaves taking the House & Land at the Hollins & the Land in the holding of Bebbington (expected the price at the House) & which I finally offered to him at £150 a year that Rent & allowed him at his request, till Monday next to consider of it.  Hurrying & fatiguing day.

Wednesday 18^th  October 1826

Wrote to Mr. Potts saying that I should be happy to see him on Friday & repeating my invitation that he would dine & take a Ride.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan requesting his ideas relative to a compensation Tonnage in . . .this should be proposed, & to afresh me on conferring with Mr. Potts.  Wrote to James Potter & requested him to come here tomorrow morning, in order that I might show him Mr. Giles Plan, & commented on some obstructions of Mr. Giles.  Called upon Mr. Sneyd of Bradwall.  On my way out with Mr. Wicksteads Foxhounds which had turned out at . . .this morning.  Saw & spoke to Mr. Tollet.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Lister with a Copy of one which he had addressed to Sir George Chetwynd relative to his intention of stopping the Work at Knypersley Reservoir, a most vexatious and unreasonable preventing

Thursday 19^th  October 1826

Having considered the Letter occasioned from Mr. Lister.  Wrote to him in reply confessing my sentiments calmly, but firmly.  Afterwards went to Newcastle to have . . .Mr. Green's Account in his . . . but when I arrived there found that owing to the circumstances of the weather they had been obliged to . . .the . . .upwards of an hour before the time appointed, & that Mr. Green had not only gone up but had descended at Madeley Moss.  Eyes, again very troublesome.

Friday 20^th  October 1826

Mr. James Potter came & with whom engaged a considerable time on plan of Macclesfield Canal, & the completion of the Plan & . . .in order to it being shown to the Select Committee on Tuesday next, & afterwards lodged with the Clerks of the Peace for Staffordshire & Cheshire.  Mr. Potts afterwards arrived & with whom I conferred on the proposed Junction of the Chester Canal as the Trent & Mersey at Middlewich, the plan of which he showed me when I recommended his attending the Select Committee on Tuesday next & at which he promised to do, it appearing to me to be their intention to carry the . . .in Parliament by the strong . . .Mr. Potts staid to dinner, & expressed much pleasure at the reception he had met with.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan in reply to mine relative to a Junction Tonnage.

Saturday 21^st  October 1826

Received & reconsidered papers relative to Middlewich & [Branch], comparative distances etc.  Went afterwards with Eliza to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Wilkinson whom I found that the Notices had been duly fixed upon the Sessions Door, & inserted in the Newspapers.  Found Mr. Tomlinson there, arranging Mr. Spodes Mortgage of the Tolls, which were agreed to be that of £5000 each.  On my return found Letter from Mr. [Gizard] including a Draft Copy of a Notice. 

Sunday 22^nd  October 1826

Thunder this morning, with lightening and extraordinarily heavy shower of Rain.  Service.  James Bent came to dinner & staid all night.

Monday 23^rd  October 1826

At home.  Engaged on papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 24^th  October 1826

Set off early to Stone, where engaged all day on Select Committee.  Mr. Lister went before dinner.  Sir G. C. arrived his having given Notice to the Men at work on the Land purchased by the Company from the Representatives of the late (Page 111.) Sir Geo. said to me that I need to see that I . . .the Title to the Cockshead Coking because he had seen a [Document] relating to it with my name on the back as a subsidiary witness.  I informed that till a short time ago I  knew nothing of the[Title] & I complained of this & . . .observed . . .at . . .He said that was not the Language of one Gentleman to another I found no explanation but left him to digest & . . .began engaged with Sir George but who appeared to me to be acting in a very extraordinary manner & such as to make me doubtful whether I can continue to meet with him on the Select Committee.  (The explosion as . . .but something more proposed)  Called upon Mr. Vernon to arrange Martin's business relative to an annuity payable off Foxholes.  Delivered to Mr. Hatfield's at Mr Kinnersley's a . . which Mr. Vaughan had desired me to bring.  Arrived at home to dinner.

Thursday 26^th  October 1826

Engaged all morning closely on Navigation Papers & drew the Draft of the Petition to Parliament for the Macclesfield Canal Bill.  Afterwards went to Newcastle & witnessed Mr. Green's Account in his . . .on which he was accompanied by Mr. Wedgwood Clerk to Miss Fenton.  Very large concerns of People now affected & many of the painful People in the neighbourhood.  A Party from Trentham & from Kent, Tollet, Wedgwood, Twemlow, Barratt etc.  The weather was favourable, though not very fine & the sight improving though is not what I should have little curiosity to witness again, and I still consider as I have long done, these . . .. . .as very useless, & therefore foolish endangerments of life.  This morning John Boughey applied for the new Public House.

Friday 27^th  October 1826

At home.  Engaged again on the Macclesfield Canal Bill & drawing fresh Clauses relative to the regulating Stop Lock etc. & which required much care & attention.  Received by the Post Letters from Mr. [Darrick] of Birkhamstead & Mr. Giles, the latter saying that he was prevented calling here on Monday next as he had proposed.

Saturday 28^th  October 1826

At home.  Wrote to Mr. [Daniell] in reply to his Letter, & to Mr. Vaughan requesting him to meet James Potter here on Monday next, when he had appointed to bring the Plan & Section of the part of the Macclesfield Canal and other business.  Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers considering further Clauses to be introduced into the Bill etc. etc. & I wrote a fair copy of the Minutes of the Proceedings of the last Selection Committee for insertion in the Book.

Sunday 29^th  October 1826

At home. Service.

Monday 30^th  October 1826

Drew further Clause for the Macclesfield Canal Bill for . . .to . . .the Money & engaged on Navigation papers previous to seeing Mr. Vaughan & Mr. James Potter who came in the afternoon & dined by appointment & with whom engaged the whole of the Evening examining the Plans, Sections etc. & there appearing to be some difference between the Plan suggested by Mr. Giles, & that made by James Potter, Mr. Vaughan & I . . .an opinion that James Potter had better go to Town immediately to explain the same to Mr. Giles, in order that there might be a mistake or blame hereafter [refuted], & particularly as time so much proper and he arranged to set off tomorrow.  Delivered to Mr. Vaughan the copy of the Minutes of the last Select Committee.

Tuesday 31^st  October 1826

Again engaged this morning with Mr. Vaughan (who had staid all night) on various Navigation matters, but who went about eleven o'clock leaving with me the General Cash Book in order that I might go through the same previous to my meeting Mr. Webb at Stone on Monday next to settle the Treasurers Account.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & informed him of the Meeting in order that he might, if he thought proper . . .Called at Miss Williamson's of Longport, but neither she nor Mr. H. Williamson being at home, I left cards for both.

November

Wednesday 1^st November 1826

Closely engaged this Morning on the Cash Books, examining the same from the 25 of April last to the 23 September.  John Boughey came to hear finally . . . about the new Public House, but Mr. Booth not coming agreeable to the appointment, [Bayley] fixed to see him tomorrow morning, & come with him to Linley Wood.

Thursday 2^nd  November 1826

Reviewed the Cash Books & afterwards returned them to Mr. Vaughan by the Messenger, who he sent for them.  Mr. Smith was shooting today on their Land adjoining Foxholes Estate, Wilshaw with them, but James Bent said he had no [Game].  Mr. Booth & John Boughey did not come as proposed.

Friday 3^rd  November 1826

Engaged again on Macclesfield Canal Bill Clause for Mortgage etc. etc.  Received from Mr. Rob. Heath his . . .relative to Harecastle Tunnel, Knypersley Reservoir etc. & wrote to him.  Looked over such Account.  Mr. Booth Junior called, & with whom appointed his Father to meet Boughey here tomorrow & afterwards wrote to Boughey accordingly.  Wrote also to Mr. Ward of Newcastle postponing my calling upon him on Monday next.  Boughey afterwards called & fixed to meet Mr. Booth tomorrow.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Lister.

Page 113.  1826  November 

Saturday 4^th  November 1826

Wrote to Mr. Lawrence acknowledging Receipt of Warwick & Birmingham & Warwick & Warwick & . . .Canal Division as per Cash Book.  Mr. Booth & John Boughey came with whom, & James Massey regard the new Buildings at the Hollins & finally agreed to let the same with the Land adjoining about 17 acres to Boughey as Tenant from year to year at £95 per annum clear Rent allowing £5 out of the first half years Rent to be laid out in Manure.  Mrs. Stamford arrived in the Evening from Southport.  N.B. Wrote a Letter to Mr. Lister proposing to postpone my going to Stone on Monday next, in order that he might meet me, but finding that there would not be time to make the arrangement with Mr. Webb, I did not send my Letter.

Sunday 5^th  November 1826

At home.  Service.  In the evening Letter from Mr. Wilkinson relative to introduction in the Charter Proper of the Notice of Macclesfield Canal Bill being with . . .

Monday 6^th  November 1826

Set off early to Stone.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson who said that he had sent to the . . .of the Charter Paper & prevent any mistake, & obtain the author of the paragraph.  Called upon Mr. Ward , who said he had arranged the Brewery business with the Executers who were willing on my leaving £4000 in Mr. Kinnersleys hands & give me a Security for £3000 their Share of it.  He said that I might pay George Beardmore money to his assignees an arrangement having been made with Mr. Heathcote.. 

Proceeded to Stone.  Met Mr. Webb & Mr. Salt with whom I settled the Treasurer's Account to [Meadow Cart]. Also examined with Mr. Vaughan the Cash Book, & . . .etc.  Closely engaged from half past ten till nearly 5.  Received whilst at Stone, a Letter from James Potter & sent a request to meet him tomorrow morning.  Also received a long Letter from Mr. Williamson relative to the Coal Drafts in Harecastle Tunnel.

Tuesday 7^th  November 1826

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & drew a circular . . .to be sent to the Proprietors being a . . .statement of the Company Case relative to the proposed Conversation at Middlewich.  James Potter came with the Plan of the proposed Mile of the Macclesfield Canal on where to its final arrangement preparatory to Copies  being made & engaged on the Clerk of the . . . Office, & settled to meet Mr. Giles from whom I had received a Letter saying that he would come to Linley Wood on Thursday next from Birmingham for that purpose.

Wednesday 8^th  November 1826

Went to Newcastle on business at Kinnersley's.  Met Mr. Booth who gave me his valuation of Land & Buildings proposed to be let to Samuel Beardmore.

Thursday 9^th  November 1826

It having occurred strongly to my mind that some Communication should be had with the Members for the County of Chester previous to the Meeting of Parliament I went today to Capesthorne & Tatton, in the hope to have seen Mr. Davenport & Mr. Egerton, but the former having set off to London on Monday last, & the latter being out, I have not an opportunity of seeing either of them, but left Cards.  On my way called to see Mr. John Foster of Liverpool at the Red Bull who was come there to meet Mr. Giles, requested him to dine with the latter at Linley Wood today.  Returned home to dinner & Mr. Giles shortly after came, with Mr. Foster who was returning part of the way home this evening.  Long conversation with Mr. Giles on the Macclesfield Canal, Plan etc.

Friday 10^th November 1826

James Potter came to breakfast, & finally settled with Mr. Giles the Plan & Section in order that Copies of the same might be lodged in the Clerk of the . . . Offices previous to Tuesday next the 14:  Wrote to Mr. [Farmer], relative to proposed Communication at Middlewich: and to Mr. . . .of Nantwich on Penlingtons Affairs.  Considered with Mr. Giles the Clauses which I had prepared for the Macclesfield Canal Bill, & which he entirely approved.  Showed him also my Draft of the Petition.  Mr. Giles & Mr. Potter afterwards went to Lawton Hall to obtain the Consul of Mr. Lawton.  Went myself to Betley Court to dinner, met Mr. & Mrs. John Latham.  Revd.Mr. & Miss Basnett, Miss Twemlow & Miss Edwards staid all night.

Saturday 11^th  November 1826

.  . . .in good time & walked a considerable while before Breakfast.  Conversation with Mr. Twemlow on Navigation affairs.  On my return home called at Betley Hall.  Saw Mrs. Tollet & poor Georgina, one of . . . . . . done since her misfortune, Mrs. T. showed me which . . . .we must from its execution.

 Saw Allen Wedgwood at Betley Hall & who appeared much . . .but still very infirm.  Got home to dinner, & found Letter from Mr. Giles saying that he had obtained Mr. Lawton's Consent to the altered Plan.  Received Memorials of the death of Mrs. Crompton of Bolton who was interred yesterday

Sunday 12^th  November 1826

In the morning at Talk Chapel.

Monday 13^th  November 1826

At home.  Closely engaged all Morning considering again the Macclesfield Canal Bill, and desiring further Clauses and Observations for a Case.  Stamford arrived to Dinner.

Tuesday 14^th  November 1826

Engaged again on Macclesfield Canal Bill & drew Clause for enlarging the time allowed to the Trent & Mersey Canal Company for executing their part of the Canal.  Stamford informed me that he had resolved to . . . the situation at Union Hall, & showed me a copy of a Letter that he had written to Mr. [Peel].  I forbore making any observation!!!  Received Letter from Mr. [Landor] relative to the exchange of the Lands at Knypersley, & requesting to have a Copy of the Agreement with Mr. Bateman.

Wednesday 15^th  November 1826

Engaged again on Macclesfield Canal Clauses.  Mr. . . .called in consequence of the Letter of enquiry which I had written to him relative to the proposed communication at Middlewich, & with whom engaged a long time on this subject making Minutes & Observations in writing etc.  Afterwards called at Lawton Hall, saw Mr. & Mrs. Chas. Lawton.  On my return met Mr. Wilbraham.  Mr. Chas. Lawton reflected to me, the consent he had before expressed to Mr. Giles, to the line of the Macclesfield Canal passing through the Plantations as laid down upon the Plan.  Stamford went to Stone to open a Concern of Bankruptcy.  Samuel Beardmore came relative to taking the Land now in the holding of Billington & for what he offered 35/- per year.  I told him that I would speak to Mr. Booth.

Thursday 16^th  November 1826

Went to Newcastle & delivered to Mr. Wilkinson the Agreement with Mr. Bateman & directed him to send a Copy to Mr. [Landor].  Gave him also my Draft of the Petition for the Macclesfield Canal Bill, to be copied for the Select Committee.  Called upon Mr. Ward & made arrangement for my paying £4000 to Kinnersley on account of the late Newcastle Brewery concern of William & Rowland Bent & Co. £1000 my own share & £3000 for the other Parties on Security of Stoneyfields Estate as requested to by the Executors of the late Mr. Bent.  Called at Kinnersleys & directed them to Terms for £4000 for the Acc. of Wm. Bent & Co.(This being the Title of the Farm in their Books).

Friday 17^th  November 1826

Engaged revising & correcting Circular Letter to be addressed to the Proprietors of the T. & M. Canal relative to the proposed Communication at Middlewich.  Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood called to speak to me upon their business & to mention the efforts that were making by its Promotion particularly Mr. Telford, Eyre Lee, & his Father Mr. Potts etc. supported by Lord Clive & his Friends, who said the Answer sent to Lord Clive's first application formed, their case as by admitting that their Canal would be injurious to the T. & M. Canal it showed that it must be useful to the Public as otherwise it could not affect the former.  Afterwards Mr. Morris called relative to his Account with the Navigation Co. when I told him that it must be settled at Stone.  Long Conversation with him also on Navigation concerns & the Middlewich project by which he said he was not alarmed.  Wrote to Mr. John Latham & sent him by the Mail to the care of Stamford's servant by of Mr. Giles. Plans of the (Page 116) Runcorn Roadway & Agreement.  Wrote to James Potter for copy of Middlewich Canal Plan & Book of Reference which he was to make at Chester.  Received from Mr. Wilkinson Copy of Petition, & also Draft of Bond to be given to the Company by the new [Treasures] for my perusal.

Saturday 18^th  November 1826

Wrote to Mr. Tomlinson in reply to a Letter from him relative to Stoke Tithe intended Bill.  Again engaged all morning on Navigation papers preparatory to going to Stone on Tuesday next.  Drawing out Minutes of the Business to be considered by the Select Committee with Observations.

Sunday 19^th  November 1826

At home.  Service.

Monday 20^th  November 1826

James Potter came by appointment bringing the Plans of the Middlewich Communication Book of Reference etc. on which engaged & examining the same work.  Also plan of part of Macclesfield Canal.  Mr. Morris again called relative to his Account where I again told him that it must be settled at Stone.

Received Letter from Mr. . . .with the result of the Engines which I had desired him to make [against] the Land & Mill Owners & Millers relative to the Middlewich Communication.  Afterwards engaged selecting & putting up papers for the Select Committee to . . .

Tuesday 21^st  November 1826

Went early to Stone.  Conversation with Mr. Lister previous to Select Committee.

Wednesday 22^nd  November 1826

Engaged on business closely.( began . . .On Sir George Chetwynd putting . . .any Land settlement relative to Knypersley Reservoir, & advocating particularly to Mr. Heaton I objected to it saying, with this we have nothing to do, but expressing at the same time my wish that so far as related to the payment of the particular money, any accusation should be . . .On mentioning the matter to Mr. Wilkinson who set . . .to me, he said he proposed we should my expressing myself as above.Called upon Mr. Vernon making arrangement relative to Mr. . . .on annuity of £12 a year chargeable on Foxholes Estate for the life of . . ..  Called at Mr. Hughes . . .with my proposed Concerns.  Letter to the Proprietors which Sir George & Mr. Lister had highly approved, giving directions for the printing.  Arrived at home to dinner.  Found letter from Mr. [Gizard] & afterwards received an . . Petition.

Page 117.  1826  November

Thursday 23^rd   November 1826

Wrote to Mr. [Gizard], Mr. Vaughan & James Potter.  Mr. [Ledward] relative to compensation being made for a man killed in a well belonging to the Company at Harecastle Tunnel.  Considered the Petition sent by Mr. [Gizard].  Afterwards engaged with the Printer who brought for perusal & correction the proof sheet of the Letter to the Proprietors.

Friday 24^th  November 1826

At Newcastle meeting Mr. Vaughan, James Potter & Mr. . . .at Mr. Wilkinson's office by appointment making arrangements relative to Application to Landowners & talk on the Macclesfield Canal Bill & the Opposition to the Middlewich Communication, all morning.  Engaged also with Printer finally settling & correcting the Proof Sheet of the Latter to the Proprietors.  Returned to dinner.

Saturday 25^th  November 1826

Snow.  I this morning accompanied by Stamford, went to Harecastle Tunnel and laid the [Lock] or central Key Brick of this great work, a little before 12 o'clock, attended by the two Mr. Pritchards, Mr. Hough the Head  Bricklayer and Mr. James Potter, having on the [3rd] March 1824 first broke the ground for it, & at nearly the same time of the day. 

The Brick was put in upright into the top of the Arch & not long . . .A number of the Workmen also attended.  "Success to the new Tunnel & the . . .of Miss Pritchard & Mr. James Potter.  Prosperity to the Company of Proprietors of the Navigation for this I sent to the . . ."  The Chairman of the Select Committee, James Caldwell Esq.  "

The two other Members of the Select Committee Sir George Chetwynd Bart. & Thomas Lister Esq. Mr. Vaughan & the Agents & [Servants] of the Company, were severely drunk with whom came three cheers with great admiration from the Men.  The Tunnel to the Midway when the [Break] was part filled with water, & part laid with a Platform of Planks and a small stage created on which I stood when I laid the Brick & to which I ascended by a Ladder. 

A Bottle of Wine was then broke against the Brick that I had laid & we then returned to the Entrance amidst repeated Hugging.  When having told the Men that I had directed a dinner to be given to all the workmen employed at the Company's expense.  I made then a personal present of 5 Guineas to which Stamford added too.  The Road being bad (Page 118) Stamford & I walked in the morning from Mr. Edwards Peacocks Hill where we left the Talk Chaise which had brought us so far and on which we returned from thence coming back from the Tunnel on horseback. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harecastle_Tunnel

In the evening Letter from Mr. Wilkinson including form of List for my correction & from James Potter inviting me join Mr. Giles & urging the necessity of his bringing the Plan Lists of . . .etc. to London & being there on Thursday next.

Sunday 26^th  November 1826

At home.  Service.  Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson & returned him the Papers with my correction & observations as to the application to the Landowners.  Engaged on papers previous to setting off to London tomorrow, packing etc.

Monday 27^th  November 1826

Set off to London on Navigation Business.  . . .Minutes.

Thursday 28^th  November 1826

Arrived in London.

Wednesday 29^th  November 1826

In London.

Thursday 30^th  November 1826

Ditto

December

Friday 1^st December 1826

Ditto

Saturday 2^nd  December 1826

Set off on return home.  Slept at Daintry.

Sunday 3^rd  December 1826

Arrived at Linley Wood about 9 o'clock, having stopped a short time with Mr. Vaughan.

Monday 4^th  December 1826

At home.  Fatigued and unwell.  Engaged arranging Navigation Papers.  Stamford went to Stone to sit upon a Course of Bankruptcy to proceed from Thence to London.

Tuesday 5^th  December 1826

At home.  Unwell and in the House all day.  Received Letter from Mr. [Cririe] & considered the Reply that it might be proper to give particularly as to the Clauses for enlarging the time for the completion of our part of the Canal and the visiting of the Regulating Lock etc. in this Company when requested by the Macclesfield Canal Company according to the Act of Parliament.

Wednesday 6^th  December 1826

At home still unwell & in the House all day.  Received papers previous to writing to Mr. [Cririe].  Received by the Post Letter from Sir George Chetwynd, and from Mr. Giles.  Copy of the Estimate of part of Macclesfield Canal lodged in the [fairwater] Bill Office the 3rd of . . .

Thursday 7^th  December 1826

Wrote to Mr. [Cririe] & stated the proposed arrangements.  Wrote to Miss Skerrett at Sandbach on the Penlington Affairs.  Very unwell all day.

Page 119.  1826  December

Friday 8^th  December 1826

Miserable night, & very unwell all day.  Reconsidered Macclesfield Canal Bill & the introduction of the [fresh] Clause.

Saturday 9^th  December 1826

Still very unwell.  Mr. James Potter came with whom engaged a considerable time.  Comparing particulars of his Estimate & Mr. Giles, taking account of Engines etc. that may now be disposed of.  Report of Tunnel & Reservoir etc.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Slater relative to the situation of the Gates of the new Toll house, making good the Farms through my Lands, Damages etc. & proposed to refer all the latter to Mr. Heaton.  Appointed to send James Massey to meet him at the Toll House on Monday Morning relative to the Gates and wrote to him accordingly.

Sunday 10^th  December 1826

Still very unwell.  Service.  Received by the Post Letter from Miss [Gizard] & . . . with copy of one which they had received from Mr. [Cririe], relative to the Macclesfield Canal Bill.

Monday 11^th  December 1826

James Massey called on his way to the Hollins.  Wrote to Miss [Gizard] & . . . with reply to their Letter.  Afterwards went to the Hollins & again protested to Mr. Slater in the presence of Mr. Massey who made Minute of it, my entire dissatisfaction with & objection to the Toll House & Gate as an unnecessary & great injury to my property as well as inconvenience to the Public & that I should act accordingly.  James Potter relative to the length of the  proposed part of the Macclesfield Canal, & which he had found was not quite ¼ of a mile.  Directed him to go down and survey the Locks at Manchester, & the [Ashton] & [Peake] . . .Canal to Marple, in order to ascertain the great distances & Lockage, & how far there was a prohibition of the Manchester . . .being directed along this line.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. [Cririe].

Tuesday 12^th  December 1826

In consequence of Mr. [Cririe]'s Letter, went to Newcastle & took the Drafts of the Clause which I had proposed to Mr. Wilkinson's Office in order that Copies might be made from me to send to Mr. [Gizard].  Mr. Wilkinson being unwell I left the Drafts at the Office, to be copied & returned to me with the Original tomorrow.  Miss E. Kinnersley & Miss . . .called at Linley Wood.

Wednesday 13^th  December 1826

Revised and copied Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting for Entry in the Book.  Mr. Booth called relative to letting Land to Samuel Beardmore when I expressed my wish to give him the [performance].  Also relative to the Toll House & Gates at the Hollins, the inconvenience of which be strongly represented & promised to see Mr. Slater when I desired him again to state my objections to the whole management.  Called afterwards at Rode Hall, bur Mr. Wilbraham was from home.  Received the of Clauses from Mr. Wilkinson.  In the morning Miss Dawson called and to whom I mentioned my expectation that the Purchases would be completed at the time fixed, as stated in Miss Skerrett's Letter to me.

Thursday 14^th  December 1826

Mr. Vaughan came to Breakfast and with whom closely engaged all morning on Navigation business, & making arrangements for the Meeting of the Select Committee on Tuesday next.  Mrs. Lawton called.  Mrs. Stamford returned from Nantwich.

Friday 15^th  December 1826

Engaged Reforming & Correcting the Drafts of the Macclesfield Canal Bill, Clauses previous to sending them to Mr. [Gizard].  Mr. Booth again called Received by Post a long Letter from Mr. Littleton relative to the proposed Communication at Middlewich.  Also received a Letter from Mr. Bent on Macclesfield Brewery Concerns.

Saturday 16^th  December 1826

Wrote Letter to Mr. [Gizard] & sent the Drafts of the Clauses.  Considered Mr. Littleton's Letter, and wrote to him in reply.  Engaged closely all morning on this, and other Navigation business.  My Eyes which have been for sometime past been in a very troublesome state, owing on a great measure to so much writing, have of late become worse,and occasion me much inconvenience.  Indeed the Navigation business has become so troublesome & . . . that it is more than I am able to go through, & . . . of some arrangement or other be not made for my relief I feel that I must however reluctantly give it up.  My mind and Spirits are also almost wearied out from my attention being so unceasingly directed to & confined so exclusively & intently engaged upon the same subject.

Sunday 17^th December 1826

At home.  Service.  But my eyes painful & very troublesome.

Monday 18^th  December 1826

At home.  James Potter wrote to inform me of the Result of his Journey & observations on the Manchester Ashton & Peake forest Canal.  Engaged on papers previous to going to Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 19^th  December 1826

Set off early to Stone.  Took Mr. Wilkinson in the Carriage from Newcastle.  Closely engaged on Select Committee all day.

Wednesday 20^th  December 1826

After breakfast returned home, having been some time engaged with Mr. Vaughan.  Called upon Mr. Vernon & fixed Monday fortnight for completing [Martins] business.

Page 121.  1826  December

Thursday 21^st  December 1826

At home.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Egerton proposing to call upon him at Tatton, as requested by the Select Committee.  Engaged on Papers relative to the proposed Middlewich Communication.  Mr. Tollett called.

Friday 22^nd  December 1826

Very unwell.  Engaged making Minutes with a view to further Case relative to the Middlewich Communication

Saturday 23^rd  December 1826

Still unwell and in the House all day.  Not having sent the Letter written on Thursday to Mr. Egerton being a little uncertain as to the time when I might be able to go to Tatton.  Wrote fresh Letter to him today by the Post.

Sunday 24^th  December 1826

Still unwell, but Service as usual.  Received Letter from Mr. . . . on Macclesfield Canal Clause.

Monday 25^th  December 1826

Still very unwell.  James Potter came, & with whom arranged a Plan to be made to explain the proposed Middlewich Communication.  James Fenton & with whom settled Rent, Interest & Notes [Account].  Received Letter from Mr. Egerton with invitation to dine with him at Tatton Park tomorrow, & sleep there to see me on Thursday next at 12 o'clock.

Tuesday 26^th  December 1826

Too unwell to go to Tatton.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & making further Minutes for Case.  Received Letter from Mr. [Landor] relative to my . . . Received business & Letter from Mr. [Mayer] of Hanley requesting the Company . . .for the relief of the . . .manufacturers in the Potteries.

Wednesday 27^th  December 1826

At home & still unwell, but engaged on Papers preparatory to going tomorrow to Tatton Park, on the business of the Middlewich Communication.

Thursday 28^th  December 1826

Went to Tatton & had a long and satisfactory conference with Mr. Egerton and from whom I met with a most kind & friendly reception, appointed to see him again at Capesthorne on the 13th inst. With Mr. Davenport accordingly.  Saw Mrs. Egerton with whom I was much pleased.  Returned home to dinner but fatigued & very very far from well.

Friday 29^th  December 1826

Very unwell.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast, & with whom afterwards engaged a considerable time, making arrangements for application to Land business & various other matters.  Wrote Letters to Mr. . . .of . . . Hall, Mr. Lee Edgebaston & Mr. Vernon . . .  In the House all day and suffering much.

Saturday 30^th  December 1826

Still unwell and in the House all day.  Engaged on Various Navigation & other matters,,

Page 122.. 1826  January  The same, but Service as usual and now ends another year of Time and Life.