Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1827

Hannah Stamford of Linley Wood - 73/74 - Sister of Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford)

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich -  60/61 - Sister of James Caldwell

James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 67/68 

Elizabeth Caldwell (ne Stamford) of Linley Wood - 72/73 

Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 41/42          - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.

James Stamford Caldwell - age - 40/41  - son of James and Elizabeth C.

Lady Margaret Emma Holland (ne Caldwell) - age - 34/35    - daughter of James and Elizabeth C.

Arthur Cuthbert Marsh - age 40/41  - (London)

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – age 35/36 -  (Lady Mary Heath’s mother) (Londonj)

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa –  age 8/9 

Frances Mary Crofton (ne Marsh) - age 7/8 

Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – age 6/7 

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy - age 3/4 

Mary Emma Marsh (Lady Mary  E. Heath) – age 0/1

Martin William James Marsh - age 1/2 

Diary of James Caldwell

Page 123.  1827  January

Monday 1^st January 1827

Wrote to Mr. Davenport at Capesthorne & Mr. Trafford of [Partington Hall].  The former relative to my meeting Mr. Egerton at Capesthorne on Navigation business, the latter with . . .of George [Deane].  Afterwards went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Conveyance of the late Mr. Adderley's and taken for the Reservoir & also to make arrangement for application to Landowners relative to the prepared Wardle & [Middlewich] Canal.  Mr. Sherrett & [Bessey] came to dinner.

Tuesday 2^nd January 1827

Mr. Sherratt went to Nantwich to meet Mr.Egerton but returned to dinner.  Mr. Robert Heath called relative to the Company's . . . and Uttoxeter being allowed to take Coal for Mr. Kinnersley.  Letter by the Post from Mr. Vaughan.  Mr. Sherratt on his return informed me that Mr. Eyre Lee declared in the strongest terms that the Liverpool & Birmingham Junction Canal Company had nothing as to do with the branch from [Wardle] to Middlewich.  That it was entirely the Affair of the Ellesmere & Chester Canal Company, & that Lord Clive had told them at a Meeting held a short time ago, that they might try for it if they pleased, but he did .not think they would succeed.  Wrote to Mr. Davenport of Capesthorne.

Wednesday 3^rd  January 1827

At home.  Engaged on various matters previous to going to Macclesfield tomorrow on [annual] Settlement of Brewery Accounts.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.

Thursday 4^th  January 1827

Went to Macclesfield where engaged closely all day with Mr. Bent on Books & Accounts, & which we settled & signed the usual annual Statements.  A small balance in favour of the concerns which considering the unfortunate circumstances of the place, was as much perhaps as could accordingly be expected.

Friday 5^th  January 1827

Returned home.  Received Letter from Mr. Davenport with a very kind invitation to dine & sleep at Capesthorne on Saturday the 13th, also from Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood appointing to call at Linley Wood tomorrow and from Mr. Vaughan to call on Sunday.  Fatigued and unwell.

Saturday 6^th January 1827

 At home.  Mr. Twemlow called to confer with me on the proposed Middlewich branch, and to inform me of the Apportion that Mr. . . . ,Mr. G. Wilkinson, Mr. C. Davenport, Mr. [Tomlinson] & others were desirous to give it, when I gave Mr. Twemlow one of our Circular Letters for Mr. Tomlinson & whom he promised to see upon the subject.  In the evening Mr. Beaumont called relative to the Newcastle Brewery Repairs, where I told him that I would say nothing upon the subject the matter being entirely in the hands of Mr. Ward as the in the past of the other Partner & myself.  Letter by the Post from Mr. Vaughan and one from Mr. Vernon.

Sunday 7^th  January 1827

At home.  Service.  Mr. Vaughan came on his way to Northwich to see Mr. Barlow relative to the Middlewich Communication & with whom engaged a considerable time on this and other Navigation business.

Page 124.  1827  January

Monday 8^th  January 1827

Went to Newcastle & called upon Mr. Ward relative to Newcastle Brewery Concerns.  Beaumont Security agreed to be given to me by the Executors.  Afterwards met Mr. Martin & Mr. Vernon at the Roebuck & discharged residue of purchase Money of Foxholes Estate.  Met Mr. Vaughan on my return, also had called at Linley Wood, & who said that he had a satisfactory conference with Mr. Barker.  On my arrival at home, found Mr. Sherratt (Skerratt?) of Sandbach with a Draft of the Conveyance to the Purchase of the . . . Estate which I possessed, & corrected as to the [Comments] from the 1827  January

Tuesday 9^th  January 1827

At home.  Engaged with Mr. Sherratt & on various matters.  Letter from Arthur Marsh to Stamford which Eliza opened & found an Account of his Office having been . . .upon etc

Wednesday 10^th  January 1827

At home.  Received Letter from Mr. [Cririe] for Plan deposited in the Clerk of the . . . Office, & wrote to James Potter to call upon me tomorrow morning.  Examined minutes of last Meeting of the Select Committee.

Thursday 11^th  January 1827

Mr. Sherratt set off early to Winsford.  Mr. James Potter called & with whom engaged some time.  Afterwards went to Congleton as arranged with Mr. James Sherratt, the Deeds of Covenant necessary on the Penlington Affairs & other matters.

Friday 12^th  January 1827

In the night heavy snow.  Wrote to Mr. Clive [Buckley] on the Penlington Affairs.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to going to Capesthorne tomorrow.

Saturday 13^th  January 1827

Went to Capesthorne where I had a long & satisfactory conference with Mr. Davenport & Mr. Egerton relative to the opposition to be given to the communication at Middlewich.  Mr. [Ryle]of Macclesfield being also there the [prosperity] of the Proprietors of the Macclesfield Canal joining in the opposition was suggested & approved, & Mr. [Ryle] said that he would mention the matter to Mr. [Cririe].  Mr. Davenport & Mr. Egerton expressed their strong & [divided] objection to the proposed Communication, but said that as a Bill was before Parliament, it would be premature to pledge themselves upon the subject.  My reception at Capesthorne was extremely kind & courteous, much regret being expressed that I could not dine & stay all night as agreed to Mr. Davenport's invitation.

Sunday 14^th  January 1827

At home.  Service.  Stamford arrived to dinner from Stafford Sessions.  A violent storm of wind, which broke several panes of Glass in the front of the House.

Monday 15^th  January 1827

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

Tuesday 16^th  January 1827

Went to Stone where engaged closely till 3 o'clock, when having got through the business, we dined and returned home at night.  Brought Sir George Chetwynd in the Carriage to Newcastle.  At the request of Sir George & Mr. Lister I promised to go to . . .& confer with Mr. Littleton upon the subject of the proposed Communication at Middlewich.

Page 125.  1827  January

Wednesday 17^th  January 1827

Went to Newcastle & discharged Tradesmen's Bills.  On my return found Mr. Samuel Sherratt with the Conveyances to the Purchasers of the late Miss Penlington's Estates, but some attention in the Covenants appearing to me to be proper I deferred executing the same till tomorrow.

Thursday 18^th  January 1827

Early this morning sent a note to Miss Sherratt & Miss Sherratt.  Afterwards went to Sandbach. Met Mr. Lea & Mr. [Paynton]. Examined & received the Purchase Deeds, Settled the Accounts of the purchase Monies & received the Balance remaining due, but all day & till late in the Evening Mr. S. Sherratt having taken the Deeds only this morning to be executed by the Parties there.  Fatiguing day & unwell.

Friday 19^th  January 1827

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Littleton.  Afterwards engaged on Accounts.  James Barker paying Money on Account of his Rent & of the Arrears remaining due from the Estate of the late Daniel Johnson.  Mr. Wilbraham & Mr. Randle Wilbraham called.  Received by the Post a Letter from Mr. Lister relative to Cockshead Engine.

Saturday 20^th  January 1827

Wrote to Mr. Lister.  Afterwards engaged closely on the Penlington Papers & Accounts.  Mrs. Martin called & staid to dinner.

Sunday 21^st  January 1827

Next diary of James Caldwell

Thursday 25^th January 1827

Received by a Messenger a Letter from Mr. [Cririe] proposing a Meeting on the Macclesfield Canal business, & to come here tomorrow with Mr. Swetenham not being obliged to go to Sandbach, I proposed meeting them on Saturday morning at . . .at 12 o'clock.  Sent Mr. James Potter the Plan which his proposing of the Trent & Mersey Canal, & my Allens Plan of the Canals.

Friday 26^th January 1827

At home.  Prevented going to Sandbach & wrote to Mr. J. Sherratt.  Engaged on the Penlington Papers & Accounts.  Received Letters by the Post & from Mr. [Woodward] of Coventry explaining the Resolution of the Coventry Canal Company to give their assistance in opposing the Middlewich Communication.  Letter from Mr. Lister relative to Cockshead Engine & from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here on Wednesday or Thursday next.  Mrs.. Stamford went to Eton.  Miss Wrench & Miss Dawson dined & with whom engaged on the Drawing on the Penlington Affairs & the business of the Executorship.

Saturday 27^th January 1827

Went to Congleton.  Met Mr. [Cririe], Mr. Swetenham & Mr. Simpson on Macclesfield Canal business.  Mr. [Cririe] stated that they had objections to the new line, particularly to the [fixation] with the T. & M. Canal & the construction of the Stop Locks & [Points].  I said I could not enter into this part of the subject not being [competent] to it.  That they were points for Engineers.  That the line etc. had been prepared by Mr. Giles, to whom their objections had better be stated, & he would then have an opportunity of explaining himself, & if any difficulty rose it must be submitted to the [counsel] and [members]of the supportive Companies. 

Mr. [Cririe] said he would write to Mr. Telford on this matter and also to Mr. [Vizard] upon the Clauses.  I understood that it would be desirable that everything should if possible be settled on the [Coventry] as this might preclude the necessity of an attendance in Town.  Returned to dinner.  Found Letters from Mr. Littleton appointing to meet me at Stone tomorrow, & from Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood relative to the Middlewich Canal Communication.  Fatigued and unwell, and my spirits harassed out with this incessant labour and attention to the Navigation business.

Sunday 28^th January 1827

At home.  Service.

Monday 29^th January 1827

Went to Stone where I met Mr. Littleton by appointment & with whom I had a very satisfactory conference relative to the Opposition to be given to the Canal Communication at Middlewich.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Vaughan on various other matters

Page 2.  1827

Tuesday 30th January 1827

At home, closely engaged till late in the afternoon, having written nine Letters to various persons ( Mr. J.[Wortherly], Sir G.Chetwynd, Mr. Littleton, Mr. Lister, Mr. Wedgwood, Mr. Twemlow, Mr. Giles, Mr. [Woodward] Mr. Vaughan.) on Navigation business, & which I sent by a Servant to Newcastle being too late for the Post here. 

Mr. Potter called, & with whom engaged relative to the objection made by Mr. Bateman to the water being stopped to fill the Reservoir . . .a [Pond] to the mill and granted to him & which would require some Land belonging to Sir. G. Chetwynd & Miss [Sparrow], but as they had offered to let the Company have what was wanted for this purpose on the same notes as the other, & Mr. Potter stating that the quantity would be very small not more than about a quarter of an acre, & the whole expense including farming etc. not more that £100.  I thought it best in a case of so much importance to cancel the Rent to Mr. [Bateman] though forming no part of the original Agreement, & gave directions to Mr. Potter accordingly, and at all events to go on with the work as expediently as possible.

Wednesday 31^st January 1827

Went to Sandbach where very closely engaged a long time with Mr. Sherratt upon the Penlington Affairs.  Mr. Salmon came when I told him that as soon as I had the proper Authority from the necessary Parties, there should be no delay on my part on coming to some Arrangement or other relative to his Account. 

Returned to dinner but much fatigued & unwell.  Found a Letter from Mr. Lister desiring a further postponement of the Cockshead Engine Meeting till after the 11th of February.  Vexatious and troublesome delay in a Meeting having already been appointed in consequence of the previous Letters for the 7th on which account I had declined an invitation to dine at the Rev. Mr. Lawton's, but which I now sent a note to say I would accept.

February

Thursday 1^st February 1827

In consequence of Mr. Lister's Letter wrote again to Mr. Wedgwood & Mr. Vaughan appointing Monday 12 for the Meeting.  Afterwards engaged all morning on Navigation Papers.  Rode out for an hour on horseback, which owing to an important engagement I had scarcely been able to do in the last fortnight.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Wedgwood in reply to my former one. 

Received a Letter also from the Mayor of Newcastle enclosing a Requisition to him to call a Meeting (on Thursday next but afterwards changed to Tuesday next) for the purpose of addressing His Majesty on the death of the late Duke of York, & requesting me to perform & move such Address.  Stamford went to take up his abode at his new Habitation at Kent Green.

Friday 2^nd February 1827

Wrote to Mr. Landor of [Rugley] in reply to a Letter received from him relative to Knypersley Reservoir.  Wrote also to Mr. Lister & fixed Monday 12 for the Cockshead Engine Committee Meeting, and to Thomas Collison  informing him that the Legacies given by the Will of Miss Penlington might now be received on the proper Legacy Receipts being given, and the duty paid.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir John [Worthesley] saying that he should be happy to see me tomorrow Morning at [Worthesley] at ten o'clock or on Monday or Tuesday at Mr. [Cotes] of . . ., where he was going.  Received Letter from Mr. Sherratt requesting me to attend a Turnpike Meeting at Sandbach on Monday next.

Saturday 3^rd February 1827

It being entirely out of my power to reach [Worthesleyl this Morning & my engagement relative to the address putting it equally out of my power to go from home either on Monday or Tuesday next.  Wrote to Sir John [Worthesley] accordingly.  Went to Newcastle to have seen the Mayor, but he was from home.  Appointed to go again, & meet Mr. Kinnersley at 12 o'clock on Monday.  Letter by the Post from Mr. Wedgwood, saying that he would attend the Cockshead Engine Committee on the 12th .  Letter also from Mr. Vaughan appointing to come here on Monday next.  In the Evening drew up the Newcastle Address.

Sunday 4^th February 1827

At home.  Service.

Monday 5^th February 1827

Bessy left us this morning having sent the Carriage with her to Nantwich.  Went in the Gig with Stamford to Newcastle.  Called upon the Mayor & afterwards met Mr. Kinnersley to both of whom I showed the Address, & which they much approved.  On the road met Mr. Vaughan who proceeded to Linley Wood to wait my return, which I hastened as much as possible.  Afterwards engaged closely with Mr. Vaughan who staid to dinner.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir John [Worthesley] in reply to mine, & expressed in very handsome & satisfactory terms.  Very unwell at night with symptoms of a severe Cold which I had probably [taken] by going to Newcastle in the Gig.

Tuesday 6^th February 1827

Bad & sleepless night.  Went to Newcastle & attended the Meeting of the Corporation & Inhabitants & made the Address in a Speech which appeared to give much satisfaction, the application of it being very fully expressed.  Returned to dinner.  Received Letter from Mr. Lister enclosing for my consideration a short address to Members which Mr. Littleton had drawn up, as proposed when we met at Stone.  Very unwell, with my cold.

Wednesday 7^th February 1827

Wrote to Mr. Littleton at some length, and returned to him the Paper which he had drawn up. With some observations for his consideration.  Mr. [Hyde] [Thompson] came with a further request that I would [furnish] him to insert my Speech into the Newspaper.  This I declined but said that I should be at Newcastle tomorrow, & I would speak to him upon the subject.  Though very unwell and unfit for it, yet dined at . . . [Cottage].  Revd. Mr. & Mrs.. . . .,Revd. Mr. & Mrs. Carter, Mrs. Wood of Newcastle, Mr. [Spencer] Rogers, J.S. Caldwell & myself.  In consequence of the request I had declined a subsequent invitation to dine at Rode Hall, to meet Mr. Booth [Wilkinson].

Thursday 8^th February 1827

Much suffering in the night from Fever & oppression upon the Chest.  Wrote Letter to Mr. [[Peel]] to accompany the Address.  Went to Newcastle though very unfit for it.  Spoke to Mr. [Mort] & Mr. [Hyde] about the mention of my Speech in the Newspaper, declining to give a copy of it for insertion, though again requested to do it.  Went to Mr. Wilkinson's Office.  Examined the Address as any of . . .on [vellum] & gave all the necessary directions for its transcription to Mr. [Peel], desiring that it might be sent to Mr. W. [Agent] in Town, & be advised by him at the Secretary of State's Office.  On my arrival at home, found Letter from Mr. Littleton with a Copy of one which he had received from Lord Clive.

Friday 9^th February 1827

Still unwell, after an almost sleepless night.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Engaged on Navigation Papers, & particularly those relative to Cockshead Engine, preparatory to the Meeting of the Special Committee on Monday next.  Received from Misses Edlestone & Ellwood long abstracts for my perusal of the Title to Land at Nantwich, purchased by me from the Assignees of Mr. Thomas Garnett.  Received from James Potter the Canal Plan, which we had arranged, to show the bearings of the prepared Communication at Middlewich, & wrote desiring to see him tomorrow.

To George Delmar

25 Norfolk Street,

Strand.

Blackheath

Wednesday Evening, 9^th May 1826

Dear Sir,

My father being poorly tonight with a bad cold, has commissioned me to forward to you the enclosed letters to the format of which will put you wholly au fait of the business. We trust Messrs. Winstanley & Sons will (in compliance with the injunction contained in my Fathers letter to them this evening) furnish you, as speedily as possible, with the Documents and papers necessary to be inspected, before we conclude our Purchase - for we are not a little anxious to be freed from a furnished lodging at 3 Guineas and a half a week!

With our united kind regards,

Believe me dear Sir truly yours,

Mary Marsh.

Mama hopes you are proceeding in Mr.Batty’s business – as .. day is fast approaching and he must have his 3 months notice for repairs.

Saturday 10^th February 1827

Still unwell.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd relative to the time of the 2nd Reading of the Middlewich Communication Bill.  James Potter came, & with whom engaged on various matters, but particularly as to the Supplies of Water that might be depended upon, in case the Cockshead Engine was relinquished.  Finally settled with him the Canal Plan.  Received by the Post, Letter from Mr. [Vizard].  Engaged on papers preparatory to attending Cockshead Engine Committee on Monday next.

Sunday 11^th February 1827

Unwell.  Service.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Littleton, & from Mr. [Landor], with the Draft of the Conveyance from Mr. Bateman, requesting my perusal of it.  Sent by this days Post Letter to Mr. [Balgery] on Harrisons business which I had written on Saturday, but had been omitted being sent.

Monday 12th February 1827

Went to Stone, & attended Meeting of Cockshead Engine Committee when Mr. Wedgwood & I were requested to confer with Mr. [Hales]upon the subject.  Wrote to Mr. [Hales] and appointed Friday next for the purpose, & Mr. Wedgwood promised to dine at Linley Wood on Thursday, & stay all night, that we might have an opportunity of considering the subject.  Received Letter from Mr. Bent with account of the death of his Mother which took place on Friday last.

Tuesday 13th February 1827

Wrote to Mr. Littleton in reply to his Letter.  Afterwards engaged on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson & sent him the Draft of the Conveyance from Mr. Bateman, & desiring him to peruse it on the behalf of the Company offering information & assistance in my power upon the subject.  Received by the Post long Letter from Mr. Littleton enclosing one from Lord Clive.

Wednesday 14^th February 1827

Wrote to Mr. [Landor], Mr Vaughan, Mr. [Vizard] & Mr. Lister.  Sent the two last Letters by a Servant to the Post Office at Newcastle, not being in time for this Post.  Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to seeing Mr. Wedgwood tomorrow.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Hales.  In consequence of the former, & it not appearing probable that Sir G. would go to Town, next week.  Wrote a second Letter to Mr. Lister fixing the Meeting of the Select Committee to take place at Wolseley Bridge, on Tuesday next, in order that we might all confer together, previous to our Journey.  Sent a Servant again with this Letter to Newcastle.

Thursday 15^th February 1827

Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Wedgwood.  Called at Rode Hall, & saw Mr. Wilkinson.  John Boughey called & by whom I wrote to Mr. Fenton relative to the nuisance caused by the new Toll House.  Mr, & Mrs. Josiah Wedgwood came to dinner.  Closely engaged all evening with Mr. W. on Navigation papers & business.

Friday 16^th  February 1827

Went with Mr. Wedgwood to confer with Mr. Hales upon the subject of the Cockshead Engine, with a further Lease of 3 years from . . .next was proposed by him, upon the same terms as the present.  From thence went to Knypersley & viewed the Reservoir.  On our return looked at the return end of the Tunnel.  Returned to dinner.  Received Letter by the Post from Mr. Lister, & from Mr. Wilkinson, on the latter of which I had called this morning relative to the Conveyance from Mr. Bateman.  Engaged again some considerable time with Mr. Wedgwood on Navigation Papers & business.

Page 6..1827  February

Saturday 17^th February 1827

After breakfast Mr. & Mrs. Wedgwood left us, the Horses taking Mrs. W. to Newcastle.  Afterwards engaged on Navigation Business & Papers preparatory to going Town.  Wrote to Mr. Littleton & to Mr. Vaughan.  Received by the Post Letter from the former.  Very unwell with Cold & some cough.

Sunday 18^th  February 1827

At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.  Sent note to Mr. Morris.

Monday 19^th February 1827

James Potter came to breakfast & with whom engaged on Tunnel, Reservoir & Birmingham Canal.  Wrote to Mr. Edleston & Ellwood & to Mr. Hales of Cobridge.  Mr. Morris called again by my request, & with whom engaged a long time on the subject of the Middlewich Committee Confirmation distances, Rates of Tonnage etc. etc.  Afterwards engaged putting up papers.  Still so unwell as not to venture out of doors.  Receiving a Letter from Sir George Chetwynd by the Post.  I sent over to Mr. Wilkinson informing him of my uncertainty as to a Select Committee Meeting being held tomorrow, & on receiving his Reply saying that he had seen Mr. Vaughan on Saturday, who informed him that there would be no Meeting till tomorrow Evening.

Tuesday 20^th February 1827

[Peel] called with an old Demand against the Penlingtons of more than 30 years date, which I told him should have been made out in the life time of some of the Parties, & that it was most extraordinary that it should never have been mentioned to me before, but brought up till all the Parties who could have explained it, were dead.  Busy preparing for Journey to London.  Papers etc. etc.

Wednesday 21^st February 1827

Set off to London.

Page 7.  1827  March

Wednesday 21^st March 1827

Arrived at Linley Wood but in still a state of much suffering though less than the few preceding days.  The nervous feverishness with which I had been so severely affected having in some measure abated.  Found Mr. Roscoe, E. Roscoe & the children at Linley Wood.  Received Letters from Sir G. Chetwynd with instruction which had arrived by the Post.

Thursday 22^nd March 1827

Had a good nights sleep by which I found myself greatly beneficial.  Rode out with Mr. Roscoe, & with whom engaged.  Called at Bougheys House & desired him to go to Mr. Peake for instructions as to Transfer of the Licence etc.

Friday 23^rd March 1827

Wrote to Mr. nd Lister & to Mr. Littleton.  At noon Mr. Roscoe left us but with whom I had had a previous conversation relative to . . .Bank & the Partners with whom he was engaged.

Saturday 24^th March 1827

Eliza Roscoe & her Children left Linley Wood.  Geo. Bebbington to settle about his Rent etc. previous to leaving.  Miserably ill.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Littleton.

Sunday 25^th March 1827

Service as usual.  But afterwards the whole subject which has much agitated and distressed me somewhat upon my thoughts & I was at night in a state of misery almost beyond endurance.

Monday 26^th March 1827

A Dreadful night & this morning in a state of the greatest suffering, which continued through the day, but subsided in the Evening.

Tuesday 27^th March 1827

A comfortable night, & much better this morning.  Mr. Dove & Mr. Latham with whom & George Bebbington I settled his account on giving up the possession & Licence of the Public House at Talk.  Settled London Cash Account & Eliza in my absence returned the same in the Book.  Received Letter from Mr. Lister, also from Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood.

Wednesday 28^th March 1827

Wrote to Mr. Twemlow & to Wm. . . .Engaged on various matters.  Unwell but upon the whole, better.

Thursday 29^th March 1827

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Still unwell.  Wrote to Mr. . . .of Betley relative to the Licence to the new House at the Hollins.  Received by the Post letter from Mr. [Vizard].

Friday 30^th March 1827

At home.  Still unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan.  Received from Mr. [Vizard] a Print of the Macclesfield Canal Bill, & Draft of the addressed Powers & Clauses for introducing into it the favour to make the 100 yards of the Nantwich & Canal being very long & complicated & of which Mr. [Vizard] desired my perusal.

Saturday 31^st March 1827

Closely engaged almost the whole of the day, though very unfit for it, perusing & considering the Draft of the Bill sent by Mr. [Vizard], & making Minutes & observations thereon.  In the evening Fever & Headache.

April

Sunday 1^st April 1827

Very unwell & severe suffering but Service as usual.

Monday 2^nd April 1827

Again looked over the Bill & returned it to Mr. [Vizard] with observations thereon & to whom I also wrote.  Received Letter from Mr. [Cririe] with a fourth proposition relative to Wharf & Warehouses on part of the Macclesfield Canal.

Tuesday 3^rd April 1827

Went to Sandbach where engaged a considerable time with Mr. Jas. Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs.  Discharged James Rigby this morning owing to irregular conduct.  On my return from Sandbach found another Letter from Mr. [Cririe].

Wednesday 4^th April 1827

Wrote to [Mr. Cririe] repeating that the Junction as to a Wharf & Warehouse . . .for determined, as before settled, by the General Assembly of the Trent & Mersey Canal Proprietors.  Mr. Vaughan came with whom closely engaged on papers & various matters preparatory to the meeting of the Committee & General Assembly.  Mr. Vaughan staid to an early dinner & then returned.  Mr. Vaughan to write to Sir George Chetwynd with my recommendation that the General Committee should meet me the day proceeding the General Assembly.

Thursday 5^th April 1827

At Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson on Navigation business particularly as to the delay in completing the Reservoir Business.  Received from Mr. Wilson Abstract of Title to the Lands at Nantwich purchased from the Assignees of Mr. Thomas Garnett with Mr. . . .opinion thereon. 

On return from Newcastle the gate coming into the grounds having been left loose by a Boy who held it, releasing . . . & caught the Carriage, the shock of which was so great that Eliza was thrown backwards with so great violence that her head was forced through the front glass, though strong plate of glass & which is literally slivered to pieces.  I thought she must have been killed or desperately hurt, but she most wonderfully & (escaped)without the smallest injury.  The Splinter Bar was not.

Friday 6^th  April 1827

Perused Abstract of Title to Lands at Nantwich, & wrote Letter to go therewith to Misses Edleston & Ellwood with Reservations as to the completion of the Title.  Still unwell.  Received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Page 9.  1827 April

Saturday 7^th  April 1827

Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Mr. T. Twemlow called.  Still very unwell.

Sunday 8^th April 1827

At home.  Service.  Stamford dined & staid all night.

Monday 9^th April 1827

At home.  Mr. Wilkinson came bringing the Draft of the Conveyance & from Mr. Bateman which we compared with the Agreement & so far settled for there being several matters relating to Roads & with the circumstances of what I was unacquainted, I desired him to obtain the necessary information previous to the Deeds being finally settled from Mr. Potter.  Wrote Letter to Mr. J. Lawrence to go by Miss Stamford tomorrow relative to disposing of Birmingham & Liverpool Canal Shares.

Tuesday 10^th April 1827

Miss Stamford set off to Birmingham.  At home.  Engaged on Minutes preparatory to Committee Meeting & General Assembly.  Received from Mr. Vaughan Observations as to Rates of Freight upon the Canal, & resumption of the Carrying Trade for my perusal & Consideration.

Wednesday 11^th April 1827

Perused & considered the Observations received yesterday from Mr. Vaughan, which I returned. & wrote to him therewith, by this Mornings Post.  Mr. Potter called, & with whom engaged, when he informed me that Mr. Bateman still prevented the filling of the Reservoir with water on account of the Deeds not being completed.

Thursday 12^th April 1827

Not having received the Draft of the Macclesfield Canal Bill from Mr. [Vizard] wrote to him for the same.  Went to Sandbach on the Penlington Affairs, & particularly relative to the completion of the necessary Deeds of Covenant & Misses Knighton & Suttton etc. when Mr. J Sherratt informed me that he had spoken to Misses Edleston & Ellwood upon the subject & that the business was in a . . .of being completed & that the Title Deeds remained in his hands till that was done.  Eliza accompanied me in the Carriage.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. [Vizard].

Friday 13^th April 1827

Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & with whom engaged on various matters preparatory to the Meeting of the Committee & the General Assembly next week & informed me that he had seen Mr. Bateman yesterday who had consented that the Millers House & old Mill should be immediately taken down in order that the Reservoir might be filled with water. 

Afterwards went with Mr. Vaughan to Red Bull looking at the Company part of the Macclesfield Canal in order to see how far the Macclesfield Canal Company could with propriety be allowed to erect Wharf & Warehouses, when it appeared to us that the power should on no account be granted to move them soon for one Wharf & Warehouse for which the proper situation would be on the western side of the proposed Canal even to the [roofing] of the Trent Canal at Limekiln Lock.  Stamford dined.

Saturday 14^th April 1827

At Newcastle calling upon Miss [Byerley] & making arrangement relative to her House & in which she fixed to continue till Lady day next.  On my return received from Miss [Vizard] of . . ..Ellesmere & Chester Canal Bill with a long Letter & Copies of Notices to be inserted in the Paper etc. etc. & which I sent immediately to Mr. Wilkinson by a Servant.  Received by the Post Letter from Mr. Cririe.

Sunday 15^th April 1827

At home.  Service.  Wrote to Mr. Cririe.  Received by Coach Letter a printed Macclesfield Canal Bill from Mr. [Vizard].

Monday 16^th April 1827

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

Tuesday 17^th April 1827

Went to Stone early where closely engaged, although a sufficient number of members did not attend to form a General Committee.  Considered the Bill, filled up blanks etc.

Wednesday 18^th April 1827

Again closely engaged.  A sufficient number of Proprietors were again wanting to form a General Assembly or conveyance of one which we sent for Mr. Webb, who arrived from Stafford.  Trust business gone through, & by which I was extremely fatigued being a great exertion having been required.  On my return found Letter from Mr. [[Vizard]] with Bills & Plans to be deposited with the Purchasers etc.

Thursday 19^th April 1827

Sent Mr. [Vizard] letter with the Documents received from him to Mr. Wilkinson & wrote to him therewith.  Unwell.

Friday 20^th April 1827

Engaged closely on Navigation Papers.  Minutes of Resolution of General Assembly relative to Wharf & Warehouses required by the Macclesfield Canal Company, & perusing & making observations on the two Canal Bills now before Parliament previous to returning the same to Mr. [Vizard].  Mr. Booth came & with whom perused the requirements for letting the Oak Farm to Mr. J. Barlow & the new Public House at the Hollins to Mr. Boughey.

Saturday 21^st April 1827

Engaged again closely the whole of the day on Navigation Papers & business.  Wrote Letter to Mr. Cririe to accompany the Copy of the Resolution of the General Assembly & both of which I sent by the Mornings Post.  Perused & considered again the Bill now before Parliament & making further observations thereon, filled up the various Blanks, & wrote long Letter to Mr. [Vizard] to accompany the Papers & which I sent by the Express Coach in the evening to Mr. [Vizard]. 

Wm. [Fearn] called, & who I consulted relative to the Macclesfield Company proposing Wharf & Warehouse & when he approved of the Arrangement I had suggested respecting the situation & the extent of [Ground] the latter of which he said was amply sufficient.  He fully explained to me the facilities by which the Ellesmere & Chester Canal might have gained access to the Trent & Mersey Canal, & expressed himself highly satisfied with the Agreement entered with.  The more indeed I enquired & hear, the more I am convinced that it was a [prudent] measure, & if we had not taken that opportunity we might eventually have got nothing.  Wrote to Mr. Lister & Lord [Ribblesdale].

Sunday 22^nd April 1827

At home .  Service.  James Bent dined.  Received Letters by the Post from Mr. Cririe, Mr. [Vizard] & Mr. Wilkinson.  Very unwell.

Monday 23^rd April 1827

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Wrote to Mr. [Vizard] in reply to his Letter.  Wrote to Mr. . . .of . . .& sent him Mr. Martin's Note.

Tuesday 24^th April 1827

Mr. William [Fearn] & Mr. James Potter came early to Linley Wood, & with whom engaged relative to the situation to be promised upon for the erection of a Wharf & Warehouse for by the Macclesfield Canal Company, & afterwards went to the Offices at the Red Bull, where I met them & Mr. [Crossley] (the . . . Co.& Co. Engineer) who having proposed a situation which [Fearn] & Potter did not approve in as much as it might afford an opportunity for trans-shipment & the . . .of Tolls upon the Canal, & there was . . .of which objection Mr. [Crossley] fully understood, he said that he would state the matter to the Macclesfield Canal Committee at their Meeting on Thursday next. 

Fatigued & very unwell & suffering from Rheumatism in the Shoulder & Arms, & which had occasioned me much pain for several days past.

Wednesday 25^th April 1827

Considering it highly proper that Sir George Chetwynd should be finally assured of the present circumstances & the communication from Mr. [Vizard] relative to the Bill & that should consult him thereon.  Wrote a Letter to Sir G. requesting him to meet me at Wolsley Bridge on Friday or Saturday next & which I sent by a Servant to Stone, with a Letter to Mr. Vaughan requesting him to forward the former from thence. 

Afterwards engaged all Morning on Papers, perusing & correcting Minutes of the Proceedings of the General Assembly & comparing the same speech etc. etc.  Received by the Post Letter from Miss . . . & [Vizard] on the Draft of a Clause comparable to that which I had . . .& sent relative to the Tolls, & which they had thought it proper to adopt.  The Newspaper contained an Account of the unfortunate result of the . . .to consider the Land of Common places.

Page 12.  1827  April

Thursday 26^th April 1827

Some further instructions having occurred to me, as necessary for Wm. [Fearn]on his attending the Macclesfield Canal Company today, rose early, & wrote Letter to him which I sent by Samuel Jones.  Engaged afterwards on Navigation Clauses etc. etc. closely.  In the evening Wm. [Fearn] arrived from Macclesfield & with whom engaged, considering the plan & arrangements now proposed relative to Wharf & Warehouses & which appeared to us might be safely consented to by this Company.  Received Letter from Sir G. Chetwynd confirming his attending a meeting at Wolsley Bridge.

Friday 27^th April 1827

Wrote to Mr. Cririe & requesting him to prepare a Clause comparable with the Arrangements now proposed, & the Minute of the General Assembly.  Engaged perusing & considering various Clauses received from Mr. [Vizard], & engaged on papers preparatory to meeting Sir George Chetwynd tomorrow.

Saturday 28^th April 1827

Went to Wolsley Bridge taking Mr. Vaughan from Stone.  Met Sir George with whom engaged perusing Bill Clauses etc. when for so many  alterations being made on the Bill & the inconvenience & delay that could cause in case any confusion or difficulty were to arise on the Committee & there was nobody on the spot willing to trust as circumstances might require we determined to go to Town a day or two previous to the Bill going into Committee.  Returned at night & called upon Mr. Wilkinson who promised to write to Mr. [Vizard] relative to the Notice etc.

Sunday 29th April 1827

Wrote to Mr. [Vizard].  At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.  Mr. Vaughan came in the Evening.  Turned 10 Cows into the field under the Garden Terrace.

Monday 30^th April 1827

Engaged with Mr. Vaughan examining with him several Clauses contained in the printed Copy & others which I had received from Mr. [Vizard] & which I delivered to Mr. Vaughan to be perused by him at Stone.  Afterwards went with Mr Vaughan to the South end of the additional Tunnel through Harecastle Hill when the Company's Bank, met us, in order that I might be the first to pass through it. 

We entered the Tunnel at 4 minutes ( by my watch) before 12 & arrived at the other end at 27 minutes past 12 making the passage in about 31 or 32 minutes.  Mr. Hill of Stallington who had come purposely, having been informed by Mr. Vaughan, accompanied us through, the only persons on board landing being Mr. Vaughan, James Potter & myself. 

At the North end we met Eliza & Miss Stamford who returned with us through the Tunnel & we went on to Etruria Locks, being desirous to show Mr. Hill as much as possible of the Canal, & with which he expressed himself highly gratified.  On our return found Mr. Thomas Salt & Mr. [James] Salt at the mouth of the Tunnel with Mr. Potter who also went through with us . . .& the two Mr. Salt's afterwards dined at Linley Wood & as they were obliged to return to Stafford that night I sent the Carriage with them to Newcastle.  We found them two very agreeable young men & over all much pleased with them.

Tuesday 1^st May 1827

Engaged again on Navigation papers.  Wrote Letters to Sir Oswald Moseley in reply to one received from him relative to . . .Bridge & the other to Miss [Leavons] & Sons Liverpool relative to a reduction which they wanted on Staffordshire iron, being denied.  Mr. Vaughan also to write to the latter.  The Post bringing me a Letter from Mr. Cririe & another from Mr. [Vizard], the latter of which requiring considerable Notes.  Wrote to him & sent a Servant with my Letter to Newcastle in order to save the Post.

Wednesday 2^nd May 1827

Wrote to Mr. Lister.  Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. [Vizard] with one enclosed from Mr. Wilkinson relative to a Brief not having being given to him at Stafford Sessions & which I immediately sent a Servant to Mr. Wilkinson.  Mr. & Miss Northen called.

Thursday 3^rd May 1827

Received from Misses Edleston & Ellwood Draft of Conveyance of Land at Nantwich purchased from Mr. Thomas Garnett's Assignees & wrote to Misses E. & E.  Engaged selecting Navigation papers to take to London.  Mr. Wilkinson called in consequence of the Letters sent to him yesterday when I advised him writing to Mr. [Vizard] & informing him that as he should so soon be in Town he could then confer all with him on the subject.  Mr. W. said the Notices etc. etc. had all been duly given & the Plan deposited.

Friday 4^th  May 1827

Engaged on Papers preparing for Journey tomorrow.

Saturday 5^th May 1827

Left home & arrived at Grendon Hall to dinner.  For particulars when in London . . .

Wednesday 16^th May 1827

Left Grendon Hall this morning.  Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.  Found Dr. & Mrs. Crompton and J.T.C.

Thursday 17^th May 1827

The Doctor left us.  James Potter came with whom engaged relative to the Estimates of the part of the Macclesfield Canal & the . . . at Middlewich in order to there being sent to Mr. [Vizard] to be deposited.  When he promised to prepare & to them bring on Sunday Evening next in order that they might be forwarded to Town.  Fine showers of Rain which was much wanted.  Particularly Potatoes.  Much fatigued & unwell from too great exertion & anxiety.  No days that I ever passed in London having been more toilsome & harassing than those of the last week.

Friday 18^th May 1827

Engaged on Navigation papers.  Afterwards went to Sandbach to have seen Mr. J. Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs, but he being from home I appointed with his Brother to go there again on Monday next.  Still labouring under extreme fatigue, & harass of mind & thought.

Saturday 19^th May 1827

Wrote long Letter to Mr. Lister.  Went to Newcastle & saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Navigation & other matters necessary or the Committee of the Lands.  Note from James Potter in conveyance of which appointed him to come here tomorrow Evening between 5 & 6 with the Estimates.

Sunday 20^th May 1827

At home.  Service.  In the evening James Potter who brought the Estimates of the Part of the Macclesfield Canal & the 100 yards at Middlewich, which considered & examined with the him.  Wrote a Letter therewith to Mr. [Vizard] & [Lawson], & which I sent indeed in the Parcel containing the Estimates & a Print of the Bill & which James Potter took to Newcastle in order to get the same looked & forwarded by tomorrow Mornings Mail.  For greater safety wrote a line to Miss 's E & E by the Post informing them of the Papers being sent.

Monday 21^st May 1827

Went to Sandbach to confer with Mr. James Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs, when I requested him to see Miss Wrench in order that the Authority from the insolvency [Divisions] to the Executors for payment of the Debt might be signed, & which he promised to do this evening.  Eliza received by the Post Letter from Lady Chetwynd requesting that I would come to Grendon to dinner on Saturday next.  Turned the Carriage Horses out to Grass.

Tuesday 22^nd May 1827

In the night some fine light rain.  Changed the Cows to the Pool Field.  At home.  Mrs. Wilbraham of Rode Hall & Mrs. Antrobus called.  Eliza wrote to Lady Chetwynd.

Wednesday 23^rd May 1827

Wrote to Misses Edlestone & Ellwood relative postponing the completion of the Nantwich business till my return from Town.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt relative to late Mr. C. Hill in order to ascertain the . . . of Ann Marsh . . . Went to Harecastle Tunnel. Rode over the Hill from the North to the South end to see what soever [doing] with the Railway etc.  Saw James Potter at the office.  Gave him instructions for a small Plan of Middlewich Junction etc. to be ready to show if necessary to the Committee of the House of Lords.  Stamford dined.

Thursday 24^th May 1827

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers etc.  In the evening Mr. James Potter brought the Estimates to be sent to Mr. [Vizard], from whom I had received a Letter by this Post informing me that Lord . . .& Mr. [Strong] would not allow the Tonnage Clause and never should but to confirm the Tonnage solely to Goods etc. passing along the new cut of 100 yards.  Engaged with James Potter examining Estimates till eleven o'clock, when he took . . . to Newcastle to be sent by the Morning's Mail to Mr. [Vizard], to whom I had previously written this afternoon in reply to his Letter, & had sent mine by a Servant to Newcastle to save the Post.  I had at first determined to set off to Grendon tomorrow morning in order to get to Town as early as possible, but Mr. James Potter not being able to get the Plans which I wanted proposed before tomorrow morning & . . .this if we got to Town on Saturday we could do nothing on the following day being Sunday.  I determined to wait till Saturday & then go to Grendon according to my previous appointment

Friday 25^th  May 1827

Engaged on papers & various matters preparatory to leaving home tomorrow.

Saturday 26^th May 1827

Set off to Grendon Hall on way to London.  I arrived from this time to Tuesday 12 June when I again arrived at Linley Wood.

June.

Tuesday 12^th June 1827

Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.  Found Miss Ralph of Halifax.

Wednesday 13^th June 1827

Went to Newcastle & got from Kinnersleys the money to pay for the purchase of the two fields at Nantwich bought from the Assignees of Mr. Thos. Garnett, & the completion of which business had been promised for tomorrow at Nantwich as per Letter from Misses Edleston,  Ellwood which I found on my arrival at home yesterday.

Thursday 14^th   June 1827

Went to Nantwich & completed the business of the purchase.  Dined with Bessy at Mr. Sherratts, & returned home in the evening.

Friday 15^th June 1827

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Giles in reply to a Letter from him with Enquiries respecting Mr. Pritchard.  Rode over the Farm.  Stamford came to dinner.  Received Letter from Mr. Lister.

Page 16.  1827  June

Saturday 16^th June 1827

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Mrs.. Holland went to Nantwich the Horses taking her to Sandbach.  Wrote to Mr. Lister.

Sunday 17^th June 1827

At home.  Service.  Attack of Gout.

Monday 18^th June 1827

At home.  Engaged on sundry Papers.  Will of late James Caldwell of Manchester etc.  Gout better.  Mrs.. Holland returned in the evening from Nantwich.

Tuesday 19^th June 1827

At home.  Better.  Mrs. Holland, Mr. & L. Holland left us the Horses taking them to Newcastle.  Light shower of Rain.

Wednesday 20^th June 1827

Engaged on various papers.  Miss Grundy called upon Miss Ralph & brought message to me from Mr. Bateman of Knypersley Hall that everything was going on well at the Reservoir.

Thursday 21^st June 1827

Wrote to Mr. . . .of Bath & included Bill for half a year's interest & to William Caldwell in reply to Letters received from Mr. Clarke.  Went to Harecastle Tunnel where I found everything in good order.  Saw James Potter & desired him to be prepared with his Estimates for Macclesfield Canal & Middlewich Canal on Thursday next.  Stamford came to dinner.  Delivered to him the Counterpart of the Lease to Mr. [Matthinson]of the House on Gower Street in order that he might arrange the business of a further Lease with Mr. Wilson & Mr. Bruce in London for which plan he proposed setting off on Saturday next.  Received Letter by Post from Mr. . . .

Friday 22^nd June 1827

Engaged on Navigation Papers & making Minutes of business for the Select Committee at their Meeting on Tuesday next.  Cold, with light Showers  Used Fires.

Saturday 23^rd June 1827

At home.  Wrote to Mr. . . .Engaged again Navigation papers.  Mr. Vaughan came & with whom considered & finally arranged business for the Select Committee.  He staid to dinner & returned home in the evening.  Mr. Booth with whom stated All of [Bankers] Rents etc.

Sunday 24^th June 1827

At home.  Service.  In the afternoon Eliza, Mrs. & Miss Ralph went to Talk Chapel.

Monday 25th June 1827

Engaged again on Navigation Papers.  Mr. . . .went to [Moreton].  Called at Bradwell & sat sometime with Mr. Sneyd, who I found still quite . . .from his accident.  Began mowing the Meadow.

Tuesday 26^th June 1827

Went early to Stone.  Engaged all day on Select Committee.  Mr. Lister attended but went home at night, appearing to have suffered much from the [last] event in his Family.

Page 17.  1827  June

Wednesday 27^th June 1827

Returned from Stone, bringing Sir George to Cobridge.

Thursday 28^th June 1827

At home.  Engaged on various matters particularly the Penlington Papers, in consequence of Letters received from Mr. Thos. Collison & Miss Wrench, preparatory to going to Sandbach tomorrow, to see Mr. Sherratt.

Friday 29^th June 1827

Went to Sandbach where I had a conference with Mr. Sherratt on the Penlington Affairs, when he promised to discharge immediately the legacies due to Mrs. Penlington & [Mrs.] Collison and to mention the debt due by Award from Mr. Collison [Snr].  We also agreed that it would be proper for the Executors to meet & settle the Accounts up to this time.  Returned to dinner.

Saturday 30^th June 1827

Wrote to Miss Wrench.  Resumed Mowing which was begun on Monday last but had been stopped on account of the weather, & engaged in the Hayfield.  Letter from Mr. [Leman].

July

Sunday 1^st July 1827  

At home.  Service.  In the morning Rain.  Received Letter from Mr. [Leman].

Monday 2^nd July 1827  

Went on with Mowing.  The Crop appearing remarkably heavy & beginning to suffer from standing, but stopped again in the afternoon from the unfavourable the weather.  Went with S. Beardmore to the . . .& gave directions for building wall from the Stables to the Gate.

Tuesday 3^rd July 1827  

Received Navigation Papers from Mr. Wilkinson.  . . . Book of . . . of Shares, & of Certificates, under the late Act of Parliament for my consideration.  Miss Ralph left us after breakfast on her journey to Gloucester.  Perused papers received from Mr. Wilkinson.  Busy in the Hay.

Wednesday 4^th July 1827  

Went on Mowing & very busy in the hay, the morning being fine, but between 11 & 12 o'clock Rain came on & stopped us.  Mr. Twemlow of Alsager relative to the Road across Mr. Jacksons Land from the small piece of Land on the [holding] of & his desiring his Land such . . . & promised when I told him that it was a general Horse & Carriage Road for all purposes from this point of the Alsager Estate & that I should insist upon it accordingly, & be not omitted that it against Bond & hoped I would desire [Proctor] to do as little damage as he could help on passing it.  Wm. [Fearn] called relative to the . . . Assignment for the Highway in the Township of Sandbach, & the proposition of that purpose & to be taken by the committee of the Turnpike Road, when after much [deliberation] upon the subject I desired him to state the business to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach.

Page 18 1827  July

Thursday 5^th July 1827  

The weather having cleared up, very busy in the Hay.  Mr. Wm. . . . called to solicit my vote on his offering himself as a Candidate for the office of situation of Surgeon to the North Staffs Infirmary on the resignation of Mr. Thomas . . .

Friday 6^th July 1827  

Unwell as I have been for the last two days.  Very busy in the Hay & carried out of the upper part of the Meadow 27 Loads.  Mr. Sparks Surgeon of Newcastle called, bringing a Note from Mr. Fenton requesting my vote for Mr. Sparks at the election of Surgeon for the North Staffs Infirmary.

Saturday 7^th July 1827  

Went to Red Bull Wharf & saw Mr. Fairbanks.  Busy again in the Hay & finished carrying to the [Fast] Road across the bottom of the Meadow, on which space we had on the whole 49 cart Loads.  We carried 27 yesterday & 22 today, & which was all stacked in excellent time.  Stamford arrived to dinner on his return from London.

Sunday 8^th July 1827  

At home.  Service.  James Bent dined.  After dinner Stamford set off to Knutsford Sessions.

Monday 9^th July 1827  

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Corrected & Copied afresh the Minutes of the Proceedings of the last Select Committee Meeting for insertion in the Book.  Finished Mowing the lower part of the Meadow & the Crops at the Farms.

Tuesday 10^th July 1827  

Wrote to Mr. Wilkinson & returned him the Certificate of . . .having previously made an Alteration thereon by substituting the word name "Number" for the . . ."N" the former being used in the Act of Parliament.  Wrote to Chas. Lovell of [Leicester] on the Penlington Affairs & requesting a Deed of the principal & Interest appearing to . . .& on the Nantwich profession.  Mr. Randle Wilbraham & Mr. Chas. Wilbraham called.  Busy in the Hay.  Mowed the Meadow behind the Farm Garden.

Wednesday 11^th July 1827  

Wrote to Dr. Holland sent him a Draft for £50 Call on my Birmingham & Liverpool Canal thence.  Went to Rode Heath & met Miss Wrench on the Executor-ship business of the late Miss Penlington, whom we agreed to request Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach to attend there on Friday Morning next with the Papers, Accounts & vouchers, & I wrote to him accordingly.  Wm.  [Fearn] called, & informed me that the . . Road had begun to . . .Turns by way of formation as Water.  Again busy in the Hay, & finished this grass Harvest, except about 2 Loads left at the bottom of the Meadow.

Thursday 12^th July 1827  

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Miss Morgan called.  Mr. Sherratt not being able to attend at Rode Heath on Friday next, wrote to him again & appointed Monday Morning.

Friday 13^th July 1827  

Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him the Minutes of the two last Select Committee Meetings.  Sent the Papers to Mr. Fairbank to be forwarded by him.  Wrote to Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood on Mr. . . .business.  Confined to the House with an attack of Gout in the right foot.  Mrs. T. Twemlow & Miss . . .called.

Saturday 14^th July 1827  

Confined with my complaint, after a feverish night.

Sunday 15^th July 1827  

Rain abated.  Service.

Monday 16^th July 1827  

Restless night with considerable pain.  Mr. Pritchard called early relative to the Balance of the Account remaining due to him for work at the Harecastle Tunnel, & his proposal to undertake the Macclesfield Canal Cut, when I told him that the farmer would be understandingly considered by the Select Committee, & recommended it to him to transmit the latter as early as possible for their consideration.  Engaged on papers & making Memorandums of business preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow Evening & perusing from thence on the Survey of the Southern end of the Canal.  Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Rode Hall & Clough Hall.

Tuesday 17^th July 1827  

Bad night with considerable Fever & much pain, but dined at Newcastle Sessions with the Mayor & afterwards went to Stone & met Sir George Chetwynd previous to setting off tomorrow Morning on Survey of the southern end of the Canal.

Wednesday 18^th July 1827  

Rose at 6 o'clock, & left Stone at 7, & proceeded that night to Burton upon Trent, where we slept.

Thursday 19^th July 1827  

Went to Shardlow.  Viewed the Wharf etc.  Saw Mr. Sutton.  Returned to Burton at night.

Friday 20^th July 1827  

Viewed the Bridge at . . ., & gave directions for the alteration requested by Sir Oswald Moseley, the passage being narrow & [inconsiderate], Sir George left us at Burton going by the way of . . .Mr. Lister & I proceeded in the [Rocket] Carriage, where I set him down.  Took a Chaise from Wolsley Bridge & arrived at home at night.  Found Stamford there was ill owing to a kick from a Horse on Thursday last.

Page 20.  1827  July

Saturday 21^st July 1827  

At home.  Much fatigued.  Received Card to attend the Funeral of my late old & highly [respected] friend Mr. Spode on Wednesday next the 25 as Pall Bearer.

Sunday 22^nd July 1827  

At home.  Service.  Wm.  Bent dined.  Emma & her 3 Children arrived in the Afternoon.

Monday 23^rd July 1827  

At home.  Engaged on various matters.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan with a Letter received from Mr. Kinnersley relative to the Tonnage of Coals.  Mr. Chas. Lawton called.  Asked me to dine there today with the Rev. Willoughby [Crewe], but which I declined not being very well.

Tuesday 24^th July 1827  

Wrote to Mrs. Penlington & remitted Mrs. . . .interest.  Sent Invitation to Mr. Tollet to dine in the [1] of August to meet Sir George & Mr.  Lister.  Wrote to Mr. Peake . . . Dale to continue my assessed James Composition the same.  Charles & Arthur Holland came.

Wednesday 25^th July 1827  

Attended the Funeral at Stoke of the late Mr. Spode.  The age upon the coffin was 72.  Pall Bearers, Mr. Barber of Liverpool, Hugh Booth, Mr. Kelsall of Newcastle, Robertt Williamson, Tomlinson, [Coupland], Birch,(I think) & myself.  A considerable number of other friends & Neighbours also attended, on the whole thirty or were upwards in our apartment thereabouts.  Returned to dinner Lady & Miss Mackintosh, Revd. Mr. Bagot, Josiah & Elizabeth Wedgwood dined, & staid all night.  Received Letter by this Post from Mr. [Balgery] with Statements of the Claim set up to late Harrisons property by [Garston].

Thursday 26^th July 1827  

After breakfast the Party left us.  Sent Servant with Enquiries after the Family to the [Mount].  Heavy Rain the greatest part of the day.  Engaged on sundry matters, Derby business etc.  In the evening Stamford went to Kent Green being much recovered from his Accident.

Friday 27^th July 1827  

Engaged on Harrison's Papers, & afterwards wrote to Mr. Mr. [Balgery].  In the evening Eliza, Miss Stamford, Emma & I went to Kent Green & took tea with Stamford.

Saturday 28^th July 1827  

Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Returned to dinner.

Sunday 29^th July 1827  

At home.  Service, but unwell.  Received Letter from Mr. [Balgery] informing me that Notice of the [Trial] had been given in Harrison's business.  Went to Kent Green in the Evening to mention the matter to Stamford, when he agreed an opinion that the Fine was a Bar.

Page 21.  1827  July

Monday 30^th July 1827  

Went to Sandbach to request Mr. James Sherratt to attend on the [Trial] to prove the handwriting of the late Mr. Penlington who was one of the [subsiding] Witness to the Deed declaring the . . .of the Fine, & which he promised to do.  On my return, very unwell.

Tuesday 31^st July 1827  

Wrote to Mr. Sherratt to request that he would also [enable] himself to prove the business of Mr. Penlington & James Edwards the other [subsiding] Witness by obtaining the necessary copies of the Registers etc.  In the Evening went to Stone to proceed upon Survey of the Knypersley Reservoir & Harecastle . . .Tunnel, & met Sir George Chetwynd, & Mr. Lister also arrived sometime after me.

August

Wednesday 1^st August 1827

Sir G.C., myself & Mr. Vaughan left Stone about 9.  Went to Knypersley Mr. Potter & Mr. J. Potterr met us & viewed the Reservoir, which we found in a state of great [feverishness] & were fully satisfied of the great importance & ability of the work.  Saw Rev. H. Williamson.  Called at his House & took some Lunch.  Proceeded from thence to the Tunnel, where the Boat was ready to receive us.  Saw Mr. Pritchard who delivered proposals for executing our part of the Macclesfield Canal.  Received also proposals from [Buckley] & [Dutton] who had been employed at Knypersley.  Passed through the Tunnel with which Sir. G. & Mr. C. were highly gratified.  From thence to Linley Wood, where Mr. Tollett, Dr. Northen & Stamford dined with us, & the Party went off very agreeably & well.  Sir George & Mr. L. who were to have staid all night returned in the Evening to Stone on account of some particular engagement & of Sir G., Mr. Tollet & Dr. N. also returned in the Evening.  Received by  the Post Letter from Mr. [Balgery] relative to Harrisons [vexation] business.

Thursday 2^nd August 1827

At home.  Engaged on various matters & papers preparatory to going to Derby tomorrow on occasion of the approaching Trial on Harrison's Affairs.

Friday 3^rd August 1827

Went to Derby.  Long Consultation with Mr. [Balgery] who expressed his strong & [divided] opinion that the [Fine] was a Bar & to the [Clause] of the Plaintiff & that as the . . .were the . . . & . . .Relatives of Mr. Harrison & Family an . . . communication had long . . .notice the Families . . .the Plaintiff was . .Changes & Persons of whom he had not [cause] of knowledge.  I could see no Claim whatever upon the . . .to relinquish the Property, but on the contrary consisted thereon the Parties most justly . . .to it having both the moral & legal Right.

Saturday 4^th August 1827

Breakfasted with Mr. [Balgery].  Called upon Mr. [Horrocks] but he was not at home.  Arrived at Linley Wood to dinner.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt, & sent a Subpoena this Evening to him by Samuel Jones.

Sunday 5^th August 1827

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

Monday 6^th August 1827

Thomas Alcock came to arrange about his journey to Derby.  Went afterwards to Sandbach to see Mr. Skerratt with whom I made the necessary arrangements for the journey of both.  Attended at Sandbach meeting of Trustees of Linley Lane Turnpike.  Returned to dinner.  In the Evening Thos. Alcock again with whom I finally arranged his Journey.  Mr. Sherratt having promised to take him in his Gig to Newcastle & from whence they were to proceed on a Post Chaise to Derby.

Tuesday 7^th August 1827

In the morning at home.  Dined at the [Culinary] at the Roebuck at Newcastle  Left afterwards & went to the Race Ground.  Mr. Kinnersley called in the morning relative to the reduction of the Tonnage of Coals going upon the Canal North of the Tunnel.

Wednesday 8^th August 1827

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.  Miss Stamford & Emma went to the Race Ground.  Engaged myself all morning with James Bladon (Mr. Wilkinson's Clerk) setting the Company Seal to a number of Certificates of Shares & Mr. Wilkinson [Mortage] for £1000, all of which, with a [Mortgage] to Mr. G. . . .for £5000, was returned to Mr. Wilkinson by Bladon.

Thursday 9^th August 1827

At home.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & to Mr. Tomlinson.  Engaged on Accounts.  Miss Morgan dined.  The Post brought a Letter to Emma from Dr. Holland announcing the death of Mr. Canning, of whom he expressed himself in terms of the highest admiration & respect.  He said that Mr. Canning died a Christian.  In the observations of mind with which his Demise (internal inflammation) was accompanied, he was continually speaking of his Country & the welfare of which seemed to be his last thought.

Page 23.  1827  August

Friday 10^th August 1827

Miss Morgan went after breakfast.  Engaged on sundry matters, Accounts etc.  In the evening received a note from Mr. Sutton ( who had arrived at the Salt Works & had seen Mr. [Balgery] as he was passing through Derby) informing me that we had . . . me I said.

Saturday11th August 1827

In the Farm and at home.  Eliza went to Kent Green & brought Stamford back, on account of the . . . on his knee.  Miss Stamford, Emma & I staid at Clough Hall.  Dr. & Mrs. Mackenzie, Revd. Mr. Bagot, Mainwaring, 2 Johnstones from Birmingham, Mrs. Antrobus & a Stranger, a friend of the Mackenzies.

Sunday 12^th August 1827

At home.  Service.

Monday 13^th August 1827

Went to the North Staffordshire Infirmary, & attended the Election of a Surgeon to the Institution in the room of Mr. . . , when Mr. Sparks of Newcastle for whom I voted for myself, & being Privy for Miss Stamford was chosen by a very sizeable Majority.  The other Candidates were Mr. Ball of Burslem & Mr. Wm. [Crewe] of Newcastle, & went afterwards with Mr. Tomlinson to view the Navigation Bridge near Stoke, which it was wished to change the situation of, in order to accommodate the new Streets intended to be laid out.  Afterwards dined at Cliffe Ville.  Miss Stamford & Emma went to Maer Hall.

Tuesday 14^th August 1827

Mr. Booth came on business matters.  Proposed Agreement for a Lease of the Tithes of Land in my acceptance in Alsager, Bankers Rent etc.  Wrote to Mr. [Balgery] & Mr. Tomlinson.

Wednesday 15^th August 1827

Wrote to Mr. Potter relative to the Bridge at Stoke & desiring him to report thereon, to the next Meeting of the Select Committee.  Received Letter from Mr. Tomlinson, as to the power of Executors in the Trent & Mersey Canal Company, in reply to the one I had written to him.  Rode over the Farm etc.

Thursday 16^th August 1827

Mr. James Potter, with whom engaged relative to Sale of Articles at Harecastle Tunnel remaining [indisposed] of the power of Agreements to be entered into for execution of our part of the Macclesfield Canal the Application to be made to the Landowners etc.  Thunder with Rain.  Mrs Stamford & Emma returned from Maer Hall.

Friday 17^th August 1827

At home.  Slight attack of Gout.  Eliza, Emma & Miss Stamford called at Betley Hall & Betley Court.

Saturday 18^th August 1827

Considerable pain.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach for Mr. Bickerton on the Penlington Affairs, & the Debt to Chas. Cope of Birmingham. James Massey called relative to the advertisement of the work at the Hollins, when I proposed Mr. Potter to look over the same on my part, & that if Mr. Massey chose it he might appoint another to act with him.  Paid him £100 on account.

Sunday 19^th August 1827

Gout.  Service as usual.  Received 2 brace of Grouse from Mr. Charles Lawton.

Monday 20^th August 1827

Considerable pain, which increased through the day & became severe at night, attended with all the symptoms of regular Gout in the Foot.

Tuesday 21^st August 1827

Mr. Davenport came.  Regular & severe Gout.  Removal into the . . .Room.

Wednesday 22^nd August 1827

Ill in bed till Evening.

Thursday 23^rd August 1827

The same.

Friday 24^th August 1827

The same.  Dr. Holland arrived.  Recommended me on no account to repel the Gout if I could bear the pain, promising it to be a . . . regular Fit . . & sent as would be proper for a healthy man of thirty five.  He considered it as indicating the big one of the constitution & extraordinary at my age.

Saturday 25^th August 1827

Still ill.  Dr. Holland.

Sunday 26^th August 1827

The same.  On asking Dr. Holland as to my future mode of living he advised me to drink 4 or 5 Glasses of Wine every day after dinner, but not to mix Wines, but to take one kind only.  That as to the quality or sort of Food he thought of little consequence, but to be careful not to eat so much at a time as to occasion any weight or overloading of the Stomach.  It was this that did all the mischief.  The excess occasioning a frustration that produced . . .the . . .The great case of Gout etc.  The Doctor left us at noon on his way to Scotland.

Monday 27^th August 1827

Ill.

Tuesday 28^th August 1827

The same.

Wednesday 29^th August 1827

The same.

Thursday 30^th August 1827

Rather better.  Went into the Dressing Room.

Friday 31^st August 1827

Not so well.  Considerable Return of Pain.

September

Saturday 1^st September 1827

Rather better.  Mr. Vaughan came & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.  He staid to dinner but returned in the Evening.

Page 25.  1827  September

Sunday 2^nd September 1827

Still ill.

Monday 3^rd September 1827

The same, but better.

Tuesday 4^th September 1827

Great deal improvement.

Wednesday 5^th September 1827

The same.

Thursday 6^th September 1827

The same, but still slow.

Friday 7^th September 1827

Better, & in the evening came downstairs.

Saturday 8^th September 1827

Better, & Mr. Davenport discontinuance of his visits.

Sunday 9^th September 1827

Better, & downstairs but did not venture out of doors.  In the evening Service as usual.

Monday 10^th September 1827

Went to Stone, though very unfit for it, & having engaged closely all day on Select Committee.  Bad and almost sleepless night.  In my absence Mr. Wilkinson had called.

Tuesday 11^th September 1827

At Stone.  Closely engaged all day on General Committee.  Returned home in the evening, but unwell & much fatigued.

Wednesday 12^th September 1827

Unwell, & unable to walk out.  Engaged on Navigation Papers,. Minutes etc.  Stamford returned to Kent Green.  Miss Stamford arrived in the evening from Eton.

Thursday 13^th September 1827

At home.  Still unwell.

Friday 14^th September 1827

At home.  The same.  Miss Ralph came from [Blacon].  Miss Stamford having met her at Middlewich.

Saturday 15^th September 1827

At home.  James Potter came with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Macclesfield Canal, the Agreement to be entered into with Miss Pritchard & Hoof Sale of Materials at Harecastle etc. etc.  For the first time since my illness got on horseback & rode to the farm & a little about the grounds, but not without considerable difficulty.

Sunday 16^th September 1827

Still very unwell.  Service as usual.  Wm. Bent came to dinner & to consult me on several matters, & with whom engaged in the afternoon.  He particularly wished to know into what other professional hands the Newcastle Brewery Causes should be placed in . . . of the late unfortunate affair of Mr. [Ward] & whether I could approve of Mr. Wilkinson, whom I expressed my personal confidence and great opinion of that . . .& Mr. Bent . . .and undertook to consult Mr. Walthall on the part of the Executors.

Monday 17^th September 1827

At home.  Better, & rode on Horseback in the Grounds.  Letter from Sir George Chetwynd, requesting me to settle & agree with Mr. Pritchard for the execution on our part of the Macclesfield Canal, as it would not be on Mr. Sinclair's power to give me his opinion in doing this, or finish the Report in time.

Page 26.  1827  September

Tuesday  18^th September 1827

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Vaughan.  Also to Mr Smith Stapeley.  Sent to James Potter, who came to Linley Wood, & with whom made Arrangements for the next . . . completion of the Macclesfield Canal & I desired him to set out the Ground this week in order that the quantity to be taken, might be ascertained & the Land Owners agreed with.  He said that he was to meet Mr. Heathcote & settle on Monday morning & I directed him to call again upon Mr. Lawton, to see Mr. Wilkinson today & request him to get the Drafts of the Agreements prepared, & that I would call upon him tomorrow or the request him to fix an early next day to look them over, & James Potter also undertook to write to Mr. Pritchard by this Post & request him to fix an early day for meeting me at Newcastle to complete the Agreement.

Wednesday 19^th September 1827

Went to Newcastle.  Saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Agreement etc. & mentioned into with Pritchard & when he promised to send me tomorrow for my perusal & instruction, the Draft of an Agreement & bond to be executed by them.  Saw Mr. Tomlinson & delivered to him a Copy of the Order of the Select Committee relative to the removal of the Canal Bridge at Stoke.  Called at the Mount, & saw Mr. & Mrs. Josiah Spode.  Returned to dinner.

Thursday 20^th September 1827

At home.  Unwell.  Eliza, Miss Stamford & Miss Ralph went to Congleton.  Letter from Mr. Vaughan.  The Draft of the Agreement did not arrive.  Referenced the Minutes of Select Committee & Committee.

Friday 21^st September 1827

At home.  Mr. Vaughan, Mr. Potter & Mr. James Potter with whom engaged a considerable time to the Agreement with Pritchard & Hoof & Son of Nantwich at Harecastle, Arrangement with Land Owners etc. & when I fixed to meet them at Newcastle with Mr. Pritchard when the Agreement (not yet received) was ready for execution, & it might be convenient to Mr. P. to attend.  Delivered to Mr. Vaughan for entry in the Books, fair Copy of the Minutes of the proceedings of the Select Committee & the Committee, which I had made entry this morning for this purpose.  In the afternoon received Draft of the Agreement being very long.

Saturday 22^nd September 1827

Engaged perusing & considering the Draft of the Agreement received from Mr. Wilkinson.  Mr. & Mrs. [Sudworth] of [Blacon] came to dinner.

Sunday 23^rd September 1827

At home.  Service as usual.  After which took Mr. & Mrs. [Sudworth] to Harecastle Tunnel which they were desirous to see, & with which they were much gratified.  Heavy showers of Rain.

Page 27.  1827  September

Monday 24^th September 1827

After breakfast & Mr. & Mrs. [Sudworth] & Miss Ralph left us on their return to [Blacon].  Engaged on Navigation  Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Wilkinson tomorrow.  Mr. Mrs. & Miss Crompton of Lane Villa & Mr. B. Crompton called at the door on their way to London, but could not be prevailed upon to stop here all night.

Tuesday 25^th September 1827

Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr. Wilkinson on the Agreement to be entered into with Mr. Pritchard, & showed him the Minute which I had prepared & which he approved.  Left with him the Draft which he had prepared & sent to me.  On my return home found Mrs. Bannister of Derby who came to speak to me on Ruth Harrison Affairs, when I told her that the business had throughout been committed to Mr. [Balgery] & this I could agree to say nothing upon the subject, but that my Representation coming though Mr. [Balgery] & which he might think as proper to transmit, would receive all clear instruction.  Mr. Joseph Peake & Mrs. Peake with their three Daughters & Mr. Thomas Peake came to dinner.  Stamford came in the Evening.

Wednesday 26^th September 1827

Engaged early on Navigation Papers & drew afresh the Draft of an Agreement between Miss Pritchard & Hoof & the Company for making the Canal from [Hall] Green to Hardings Wood Lock.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Peake

Thursday 27^th September 1827

Sent note to James Potter with enquiry after Pritchard, & the setting out of the Canal.  Engaged with our Friends.

Friday 28^th September 1827

Mr. Pritchard & Mr. James Potter came, with whom engaged making arrangement relative to the Contract to be entered into for making the Canal & to whom I sent the Draft of the Agreement which I had proposed & which Mr. Pritchard approved.  Mr. Hoof being expected today, we settled to meet tomorrow Morning at Mr. Wilkinson's Office, [formally] to arrange & complete the business.  In the afternoon received a Note from James Potter informing me Mr. Hoof could not leave London, so as to be here before Tuesday next, in consequence of which I desired the former to call here tomorrow Morning.  Took Mr. Peake & his Son to look at Harecastle Tunnel.  Mrs. C. Lawton called.

Saturday  29^th September 1827

Rose early.  Revised & Copied afresh the Agreement.  Mr. & Mrs. Peake etc. left us after Breakfast.  James Potter came to whom I read now the corrected Copy of the Agreement & which he approved.  Desired him to get everything settled with Mr. C. Lawton relative to the Land as quickly as possible & found Wednesday Morning next for meeting Mr. Pritchard & Mr. Hoof at Mr. Wilkinson's Office to complete the Agreement & afterwards wrote to Mr. Vaughan requesting his attendance this time.  Stamford returned to Kent Green.

Sunday 30^th September 1827

At home.  Service.

October

Monday 1^st October 1827

Went to Newcastle to see Mr. Wilkinson again relative to the Agreement, when I finally fixed to request James Potter & Mr. Pritchard to meet me there tomorrow Morning in order finally to settle the Draft of the Agreement herewith to have made an offer of . . . on Martha . . . but which was postponed.  Took Miss Stamford in the Carriage & Proceeded with her to Maer where I went for the purpose of calling upon Sir James Mackintosh, with whom & Mr. Wedgwood I sat an hour.  On my return sent a Note to James Potter requesting his & Mr. Pritchard's attendance tomorrow.  Eliza informed me of Stamford having taken the House at Rode Heath.

Tuesday 2^nd October 1827

Went again to Newcastle & met Mr. Pritchard & James Potter by Appointment.  Mr. Hoof also arrived.  Went over & considered the Draft of the Agreement & specification but the Plans & Drawings not being there, & it being necessary to see Mr. Vaughan to settle the payments for the work etc. I fixed to meet them & Mr. V. tomorrow Morning at Newcastle.  Miss Stamford made the offer desired before Mr. Wilkinson.

Wednesday 3^rd October 1827

At Newcastle again meeting Mr. Pritchard & Mr. Hoof, Vaughan & James Potter when the Agreement was finally settled, & the payments fixed.  Afterwards called at Lawton Hall to have seen Mr. Charles Lawton but he was not at home.

Thursday 4^th October 1827

Miss Stamford set off to Crosby.  Received Note from Mr. Charles Lawton saying that he would call upon me today about one or two o'clock or tomorrow at eleven, which I answered giving him the option, but he did not call today.

Friday 5^th October 1827

In the morning Sherratt Edwards & Samuel Beardmore whom I sold this Years Dairy to the farmer at 64 per . .  Received Message from Mr. Chas. Lawton that he decided not to call today  but would call on Monday.  Called at Rode Hall & left cards for Mr. Wilbraham & Mr. Randle Wilbraham, they being out.  Afterwards called at Rode Heath to arrange with the Ladies a Meeting of the Executors to examine & settle the executor-ship Accounts, & which was paid to take place when Miss Wrench came to Rode Heath, where she was shortly expected.

Saturday 6^th October 1827

Received a Note from Mr. Charles Lawton appointing to call today at 2 o'clock, & which he accordingly did.  He informed me that Mr. [Rimmer] had valued such part of the Land proposed to be taken for the Macclesfield Cut as lay on the South side of it at 150 [Guineas] per Acre & such part as lay on the North side at 80 [Guineas] per Acre, but on my professing my surprise at this he said that he would send me the Valuation, & which I promised to lay before the Committee on Tuesday next for their Consideration. 

On my stating the necessity of the Work being immediately begun, & that the purchase might be settled afterwards, he said that he had no wish to throw any Obstacle in the way & that this would make no difference.  On my mentioning that the Company would probably get Mr. Heaton to look at the Land, & arranging whether it would leave the price to him & Mr. [Rimmer] he declined this but he said that as to the commencement he & would be satisfied with Mr. Heaton.  I observed that if the Parties could not agree upon a price the alternative Resort was to a . . .& which he said, he (agreed) to be the case.  Emma Holland & her 3 children arrived to dinner.  Mr. Ledward came with Letter from Mr. Wilkinson relative to a further . . .being made for Rent of Newcastle Brewery & which I replied to by . . .

Monday 8^th October 1827

Went again to Newcastle finally settling the Draft of the Bond from Pritchard & Hoof with Mr. Wilkinson.  Mrs. & Miss Tollett & Miss Eliza came to dinner.  Revd. Mr. [Batt] called after my return from Newcastle.  Engaged on Papers preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 9^th October 1827

Went to Stone.  Engaged all day on Select Committee.  Mr. Lister returned home in the morning.

Page 30.  1827  October

Wednesday 10^th October 1827

Sir George went after Breakfast.  Engaged with Mr. Vaughan myself on various matter of business.  On my return called at Trentham to make enquiry after Lord Stafford who had been ill & left my Card.  Arrived at home to dinner.

Thursday 11^th October 1827

Not well.  At home.  Heavy Rain.  Revised Minutes of Select Committee.

Friday 12^th October 1827

The same.  Samuel Beardmore paying his half year's Rent.  Ledward relative to the satisfaction to be made by the Navigation Company for a Mare killed by the making of the Harecastle Tunnel, when I promised to speak to Mr. James Potter upon the matter.

Saturday 13^th October 1827

Still unwell.  John Boughey paying his Rent.  Walter Barlow with Amount of Stone taken by the Navigation Company from Talk Quarry from Mid 1826 to Mid 1827.  Engaged on sundry papers & matters.  Eliza & Emma called at Rode Hall.  Stamford came in the evening.

Sunday 14^th  October 1827

At home.  Service.

Monday 15^th October 1827

At 8 o'clock this morning our dear Emma & her Children set of on their return home, the Horses taking them to Newcastle.  James Barker paying money on account of Rent of Alsager Oak Farm.  Stamford set off to Knutsford Assizes.  Considered & sketched a Letter to Sir George Chetwynd relative to J.T.L. & the T.& M Navigation Company.

Tuesday 16^th October 1827

At home.  Quiet day.

Wednesday 17^th October 1827

Went this morning to Lawton, & viewed with Mr. James Potter & Mr. Hoof the commencement that had been made of the part of the Macclesfield Canal, & which was begun on the 10 instant.  On my return met Mr. Morris, & mentioned to him the Land at Rode Heath, late Penlington, the Rent of which, I reminded him, had been fixed by himself at £5.5 a year.  He said that he had an . . .Mr. Penlington which I desired him to make out, in order that the matter might be settled, & which he promised to do. 

Soon after I got home, Mr. Wilkinson arrived with Mr.Bailey & a valuation of the Mines in the Land belonging to Mr. Heathcote, to be taken for the part of the Macclesfield Canal, & by this amount of which he said that Mr. Heathcote had himself been greatly astonished it being as left then £14000 I sent a Note to James Potter who came in the evening, & who I delivered in writing to see Mr. Robert Heath & request him to breakfast here tomorrow Morning in order that I might confer with them upon the business.  Miss Ball of Newcastle called with a request to take the House upon the [marsh] late occupied by Miss Byerley, & of which I promised her the refusal in case it was not wanted for the Newcastle Brewery.  I told her the Rent was £25 a year.  In the evening James [Wicker] paying his half year's Rent.

Thursday 18^th October 1827

Mr. Robert Heath & Mr. James Potter came to breakfast, & with whom engaged a considerable time relative to Mr. Bailey & Valuation, which Mr. H. promised to be erroneous & extravagant in the highest degree, but for greater certainty, I finally requested that he would attentively consider Mr. Baileys  Statement & furnish me with a Report in writing thereon, & which he promised to do in a few days.  At home the remainder of the day.  By the Post received Letter from Mr. John Lawrence with intimation of a proposed extension of the Birmingham Canal to the Oxford Canal.

Friday 19^th October 1827

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.  Went to the Hollins to make enquiry from Mr. Johnson relative to Mr. Heathcotes mines that would be affected by the Canal, when he told me that he knew the mines perfectly well, no other person better, having had the management of the Colliery.  That there were no Mines of any value the compensation could be required for, the Coal having been already got, except the 7 feet Mine, for a small part of which we might have to pay, but this would be understandable.  The Coal at the Land being bad.  He quite discounted Mr. Hardings valuation, & said he would not give half the amount for all the Coals in the Woodshuts Estate.

Saturday 20^th October 1827

At home.  Engaged all Morning with Miss Willaims & James Barker settling Accounts of Rent due from the late Daniel Johnson & of Rents due from them for the Oak Farm, & whom Mr. Booth also attended & the respective Accounts were finally adjusted.

Sunday 21^st October 1827

Miss Dawson called this morning to inform me that Miss Wrench was coming to Rode Heath this week, & Miss D. promised to see Mr. Sherratt, & fix a day for meeting at Rode Heath, to settle the Executor-ship Accounts.  Service.

Monday 22^nd October 1827

In the morning engaged settling Cash Book & other Accounts.  Sketched out Report to be made to Mr. J & the General Assembly.  Rode over the Farm with Samuel Beardmore, considering several Arrangements.  Stamford came to dinner late & to stay the night.

Page 32.  1827  October

Tuesday 23^rd October 1827

Copied, & sent by Post Letter to Mr. . . . , which I had before written, in reply to one from him informing me of a proposed Canal from the Birmingham & the Oxford Canal.  Mr. James Potter came on sundry matters, & when I desired him to request Mr. Heath to see Mr. Johnson relative to Mr. Heathcotes Coals.  Stamford went.  The Morning Herald of yesterday has the following observation which has often occurred to my own mind & though here perhaps too strongly expressed, yet desiring of serious consideration.  "Of all the folly that the Church or the Rich have entered into, that of universally educating the poor is the greatest, except, after they had educated them, they could give them employment suitable to the new expectations they are sure to have in conequence of New education.

Wednesday 24^th October 1827

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers & proposed Report.  Letter from Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach appointing Saturday Morning next for meeting at Rode Heath in Penlingtons Affairs.

Thursday 25^th October 1827

In the morning engaged on various matters, Farm etc.  Afterwards dined at the Rev Mr. Andertons, with Party.  Bagot, . . ., [Caseless], John [Latimer], Dr. . . .& Ladies.

Friday 26^th October 1827

Farm etc.  Mr. Rimmer relative to composition for Alsager Tithes, when I told him that Mr. Booth would speak to him upon the subject  Received Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd on Navigation business.

Saturday 27^th October 1827

Went to Rode Heath being there at ten o'clock, pursuant to appointment & where engaged with Miss Wrench, Miss Dawson & Mr. Sherratt on the Executor-ship Accounts & Affairs till near four o'clock, when I returned to Linley Wood to dinner.  In my absence James Potter had called & left a Letter which he had received from Mr. Telford, of his intention to be at Lawton on Wednesday Morning next to survey Harecastle and Mr. Turner, & desiring James Potter to inform me of it.

Sunday 28^th October 1827

At home.  Service.

Monday 29^th October 1827

James Potter making Arrangements relative to Mr. Telford.  Afterwards looked with Samuel Beardmore, at the House at [Moor] lake with a view to the accommodation of James Walter, one of Mr. Pritchards principal men employed on our part of the Macclesfield Canal, & arranged the same accordingly.  Stamford dined & staid all night.  He this morning killed a fine woodcock in Swallow Moor Wood.

Page 3. 1827  October 

Thursday 30^th October 1827

At home.  Engaged on Papers preparatory to meeting Mr. Telford tomorrow.

Wednesday 31^st October 1827

Went to the Red Bull at but Mr. Telford did not come till near 11.  Walked with them & James Potter to the Tunnel & had much conversation with him.  I desired him not only to survey & report upon the Tunnel, but also to the Knypersley Reservoir & which he promised to do.  I requested him to admit in his report to the Causes of the great excess of the actual expense of the Tunnel above his Estimate, the former amounting £122,000 which the latter was only including the Labour about £70,000, and in the Survey of the Reservoir to consider whether the Dam was so constructed as to admit of its being raised in case further supplies hereafter wanted.  Stating that I had particularly requested that in the making of the Dam this should be provided for.  Mr. Telford declined my passing invitation to dine & take a bed at Linley Wood, being obliged to go part of the way to Birmingham tonight, but said that he intended to come & see me, & should bring his Friend Sir Henry [Parm] along with him, they being appointed to report upon the improvements of the Roads, & on which business they were shortly coming down into this part of the Country.

November

Thursday 1^st November 1827

In the House, much troubled with a Boil upon my arm.  Eliza had a Note from Mrs. Wedgwood accepting on the part of themselves, & Sir James Mackintosh an invitation which we had sent them to dine & stay all night on Thursday the 8.

Friday 2^nd November 1827

Sent notes to Dr. Northen & Mr. T Twemlow inviting them to dinner on the 8.  Wrote to Mr. Bent including  a Deed. for Macclesfield Canal Cut  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan on sundry Navigation matters, & for appointing a Meeting to examine & settle Cash Book & Accounts.  Land Chaise weighed 117 weighing together 1.12lb delivered to Sherratt Edwards.  Miss Stamford returned in the Evening by whom I received Letters from Mr. Roscoe relative to . . .  . . . ,particularly in the United States, & on other subjects.  Arm still very troublesome.  Began the repair of the Cottage at the Farm.

Page 34.  1827  November

Saturday 3^rd November 1827

Arm still troublesome.  At home.  George Bebbington with whom settled Account of Rent etc. late of Roebuck Public House.  James Barker paying further money on account of Rent of Oak Farm.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan on Navigation business.  Also from Mr. John Lawrence with Canal Dividend.

Sunday 4^th November 1827

At home.  Service.

Monday 5^th November 1827

At home.  Mr. Twemlow of Peats Wood called.  Arm so indifferent that Mr. Davenport came to examine & dress it.  Engaged on Navigation Papers preparatory to seeing Mr. Vaughan tomorrow as had been appointed.  S. Boardman purchased for me a brown colt 3 years old at a Cattle fair.

Tuesday 6th November 1827

At home.  Mr. Vaughan came to breakfast & engaged on Navigation business, who being absent had left with me the Cash Books for my examination previous to Meeting.  Soon after Mr. V. was gone I received Letter from Mr. James Lawrence informing me that Mr. Telford & Eyre Lee were then in Town preparing for an Application to Parliament the next Session for making a Canal from Birmingham to the Grand Junction Canal.  Made a Copy of this Letter, & wrote one to Mr. Vaughan desiring him to see Sir George Chetwynd & Mr. Lister on the subject, & to suggest a meeting of the Select Committee.  Began with the Cash Book & Stamford dined & staid all night.

Wednesday 7th November 1827

Wrote to Mr. Roscoe in reply to his Letter on the subject of reformatory [person] Discipline.  Sent by Stamford Letter to Mr. Vaughan inclosing a copy of the one received from Mr. J. Lawrence.  Arm very troublesome.  Mr. Davenport who had been here on Monday came again.

Thursday 8^th November 1827

Arm still very troublesome.  Mr. D. applied the borax Caustic.  Engaged afterwards on Navigation Papers & intended Report.  Mr. & Mrs. Jos. Wedgwood, Eliza & Charlotte & Mr. T Twemlow came to dinner & stay all night.  Sir. James Mackintosh (on whose behalf the Party was formed) prevented coming by a swollen face & other indisposition.  Dr. Northen & Jos. Wedgwood also prevented coming.  By the Post received Letter from Mr. Vaughan.

Friday 9^th  November 1827

Our friends left us.  Mr. Davenport came, and after using the probe & the [scissors] again applied the Caustic.  Closely engaged afterwards on Navigation Cash Book, the additions of which I went through preparatory to meeting Mr. Salt.  Received Letter from Mr. Wilkinson inclosing one from Mr. Heathcote relative to the Mines, & for building an Entry upon the Land.  Sent a Note to James Potter requesting to see him tomorrow morning.

Saturday 10^th November 1827

Mr. Davenport came to breakfast & pursued the same Treatment as yesterday.  Uncomfortable day, & being unfit for business spent the greater part of it in reading.  Eliza sent a Letter to Miss Bent at Basford.

Sunday 11^th November 1827

At home.  Mr. Davenport came.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Vaughan & Letter from Mr. Telford inclosing his Report of Harecastle Tunnel & Knypersley Reservoir, & also his Account.

Monday 12^th November 1827

Mr. Davenport again.  James Potter came early with whom engaged a considerable time relative to the Macclesfield Canal, Mr. Heathcotes Mines etc. when I desired him immediately to see Mr. Robert Heath & obtain his Report upon the latter.  I also desired him to inform Mr. . . .that the part of the Macclesfield Canal must not be [hurried], (he having mentioned to Mr. Vaughan that they should finish it the next Summer), but must be done so as to give time for the Embankment to settle, & in my report to the satisfaction of the Company Engineer.  That it would take the m 2 years or nearly so, as stated by Mr. James Potter & which I desired him to report to Parliament.  I also sent to James Potter Mr. Telford's Report & directed his attention particularly so that part which stated that care & attention must be shown to the Dam, particularly till it had thoroughly settled, & particularly during the oncoming Winter.

Tuesday 13^th November 1827

Mr. Davenport again.  Arm rather better, but still very troublesome.  Closely engaged for several hours upon the Navigation Cash Book which I completed so as to be in readiness for final examination & statement tomorrow.

Wednesday 14th November 1827

Went to Stone early. Where engaged closely several hours with Mr. Thomas Salt & Mr. Vaughan, examining & settling the Numerous Account & which we completed.  But being obliged to return home on account of my arm, Mr. V. & I had not time to finish the examination of the other part of the Cash Book, & I therefore appointed to go again to Stone on Tuesday next the 20 & of which I requested Mr. Vaughan to inform Sir Geo. Chetwynd & Mr. . . .by this Post, in order that if they thought it proper they might then meet, to consider if the intended new Junction Canal from Birmingham, & of which Notice had appeared in the last Birmingham Newspaper.

Page 36.  1827  November

Thursday 15th November 1827

Mr. Davenport came again & dressed my arm to which, though going on well, he again applied the blue Stone which occasioned more pain than when applied before.  Wrote to Mr. Lister in reply to a Letter from him which I found on my arrival at home last night.  Wrote to Mr. Chas. Lawton in reply to an Application which I found from him for payment of part of the purchase monies of the Land taken for on part of the Macclesfield Canal.  Engaged all morning closely on Navigation business, Letters etc.  Received by the Post Letter from Sir. Geo. Chetwynd, also from Mr. Lloyd Chairman of the Birmingham branch Canal Committee.  Unwell at night.

Friday 16^th November 1827

Mr. Davenport.  Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd at some length in reply to the Letter received from him yesterday.  Wrote to Mr. Sherratt of Sandbach & sent him a Cheque on Thursday for £300 on account of the Penlington Affairs.  Closely engaged all morning at the Desk.  Sent the Letter to Sir Geo. Chetwynd by a Servant to Newcastle, it being late for the Post from the Red Bull.

Saturday 17^th November 1827

Mr. Davenport.  Went again to Mr. Samuel Johnson's to consult him further relative to Mr. Heathcotes Mines, when he confirmed me every particular which he had before stated, & which I said to him, having committed it to writing.  Wrote & sent a Note to James Potter suggesting yo see him on Monday next, & that he would in the meantime obtain Mr. Rob. Heath's Report relative to the Mines, in order that the matter might be considered by the Select Committee on Tuesday next.

Sunday 18^th  November 1827

At home.  Service.

Monday 19^th November 1827

Mr. Davenport.  Afterwards James Potter, with whom engaged on various matters preparatory to going to Stone tomorrow, but he had not been able to obtain Mr. Heaths Report.  Men busy shifting the Trees from the Plantation at the House to the Ground at the Entrance from the new Road.  Received Letter from Sir Geo. Chetwynd.

Tuesday 20^th November 1827

Went early to Stone where engaged all Morning with Mr. Vaughan completing the examination of Cash Book & Accounts.  Mr. Lister came & with whom afterwards engaged on Select committee.  Returned in the Evening.  Surrounded by dense fog.

Wednesday 21^st November 1827

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd & to Mr. Vaughan.  Revised Minutes of Proceedings of yesterday & other papers.

Page 37.  1827  November

Thursday  22^nd November 1827

Prevented going to Newcastle to see Mr. Wilkinson, as I had intended by a heavy Snow which fell this forenoon accompanied with a sharp Frost, which set in last night.  Wrote to Mr. John Lawrence of Birmingham relative to London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  Being too late for this Post, the Letter was dated 23rd (tomorrow).

Friday 23^rd November 1827

At home.  Engaged closely on Navigation Papers.  Revised, corrected & copied afresh the proposed Report to the General Assembly the [Draught] of which I had shown to Mr. Lister at Stone & which he much approved. 

Afterwards engaged with Mr James Potter preparatory to his going to Warwick, to take a Copy of the Plan of the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal deposited in the Clerk of the [Peace's] Office.  Considered with him the . . .of his looking over the line of the proposed Canal & also viewing the Oxford & Birmingham & Warwick Canals etc. with a view to assist the General Committee & General Assembly in judging of the steps project in agitation, & the best measures to be adopted for the protection of the [Tixall] Canal I directed him particularly to attend to the shortenings that might be made of the Oxford Canal between Longford &[Banneston] & gave him a Letter of introduction to Mr. John Lawrence of Birmingham requesting him to give J. Potter any information & assistance in his power in this business. 

Mr. Heaths Report relative to Mr. Heathcotes Coals & was not yet obtained, but J.P. informed me that both Mr. H. & Mr. Sherratt were of opinion  that they were not worth £500.  Received by Post Letter from Mr. Giles informing me that the Plan for crossing the Mersey at [Fiddlers] Ferry would not be prevailed on at present, & also relative to the projected London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  Hard Frost.

Saturday 24^th November 1827

At home.  Engaged all Morning perusing & considering various Navigation Papers, & making sundry additions to the Report.  Stamford came to dinner.

Sunday 25^th November 1827

At home.  Service as usual. Stamford.  Thaw.

Monday 26^th November 1827

At home.  Still troubled with a fresh Boil.  Revised & Copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee & engaged on other papers previous to seeing Mr. Vaughan who had sent me word that he should be at Linley Wood tomorrow Morning.

Page 38.  1827  November

Tuesday 27^th November 1827

Mr. Vaughan came early, and with whom I engaged all Morning on various Navigation Business, & arrangements preparatory to the General Committee & General Assembly.  Had an early dinner on account of Mr. V. who afterwards returned to Stone,

Wednesday 28^th  November 1827

At home, again engaged on Navigation Papers.  Revd. Mr. Mainwaring called.  Received Letter from Mr. John Lawrence relative to London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  At night, violent Storms of Wind & Rain.

Thursday 29^th November 1827

At home.  Considered Letter received from Mr. John Lawrence & drawing additional observations relative to the proposed Canal.  Mr. Davenport came again to look at my arm which still continued troublesome.

Friday 30^th November 1827

At home.  Finished the Observations,& copied them afresh.  Eliza & Miss Stamford called at Lawton Hall.  Sent the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting to Mr. Vaughan & wrote to him.

December

Saturday 1^st December 1827

At home.  Engaged on Papers etc. preparatory to General committee & General Assembly.  Rain the greatest part of the day.  Eliza went to Kent Green Stamford not being well.  As a singular instance of . . .Run of Cards I mention that in playing an unusual Game of [Prequiet], Eliza in the course of a few successive Evenings won 30 Games out of 34.

Sunday 2^nd December 1827

At home.  Service.  Received intelligence by a Note from Mr. Wilkinson of the death of my old friend Mr. Sparrow who died about 2 o'clock yesterday & expired apparently without suffering.

Monday 3^rd December 1827

Went to Stone early.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson.  Engaged at Stone all day on General Committee.

Tuesday 4^th December 1827

At Stone.  Engaged closely & arduously on the General Assembly, me being in the Chair, & one of the fullest attendances I had ever witnessed.  Long consideration of the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal.  Select Committee requested to attend a Meeting of Delegates from several Canal Companies at Birmingham on the 13 instant, & General Assembly adjoined to the . . . to receive their Report of the Meeting.  Returned in the evening & found Stamford who came to Linley Wood yesterday, & to whom I communicated the wish of the Committee & General Assembly that he would undertake a Consolidation of the Trent & Mersey Navigation Acts.  Stamford went.

Wednesday 5^th December 1827

At home but unwell.  Wrote to Mr. Vaughan & sent him the Draft of a circular Letter to the Proprietors & for insertion in the Newspapers.  Revised the Minutes of the Proceedings of the Committee & General Assembly.

Thursday 6^th December 1827

At home.  Engaged on various papers, Accounts etc.

Friday 7^th December 1827

Engaged again on sundry papers.  Rode out & met Mr. Vaughan who said he intended calling at Linley Wood but having discussed what business now necessary with him he proceeded home with his son who was with him.  I directed Mr. Vaughan to send a circular Letter to all the Proprietors informing them of the adjourned General Assembly.

Saturday 8^th  December 1827

Went to Newcastle & attended the Funeral as Pall Bearer, of my late Friend W. Sparrow, who was interred at Newcastle.  The age upon his coffin was 77.  (Sketch of coffin)  Left side John [Nicholson], Mr. Meagh, Mr. Fenton, Mr. Caldwell.  Right side Mr. Hales, Revd. Mr. Anderton, Mr. Robinson, Mr. Kinnersley.  Sir. G. Chetwynd, Mr. Wilkinson & his son.

Sunday 9^th December 1827

In the morning Eliza & I attended the Service at Talk Chapel.

Monday 10^th December 1827

At home.  James Potter with whom engaged a long time relative to the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal, & drawing up particulars of the information & Calculations which I wanted preparatory to the Meeting of Delegates at Birmingham, & which he promised to furnish me with tomorrow night.  Unwell & confined to the House all day.  Stamford came to dinner.

Page 40.  1827  December

Tuesday 11^th December 1827

At home.  Still unwell but engaged closely on Papers preparatory to setting off to Birmingham tomorrow Morning.  In the evening James Potter came with sundry Calculations of distances, Lockages etc. which I had desired him to make & when I finally suggested him to accompany me to Stone tomorrow to take correctly some particulars from the Copy of the Plan which had been deposited in the Clerk of the [Peace's] Office & to breakfast with me at 8 o'clock.

Wednesday 12^th  December 1827

James Potter came to breakfast accordingly after which we set off together.  Called at Mr. Wards at Newcastle who informed me that he had [contained] in his hands the Title Deed of the property on which the family for the £3000 . . .for the Executors of the late Mr. Bent & the other Parties has to be given, . . . to their undertaking & agreement.  Saw Mr. Wilkinson relative to the Transfer to Miss Stamford.  Arrived at Stone when James Potter having completed the Documents, Mr. Vaughan & I set off to Birmingham & where we arrived at about half past five & found Mr. Lister & his younger Son & Sir George Chetwynd.

Thursday 13^th December 1827

The Meeting took place at 12 o'clock, when I was called to the Chair.  Delegates attended on the part of the Oxford, the Coventry, the Birmingham & Warwick & the [Warwick] & [Napton] Canals, when everything was conducted & [considered] in the most satisfactory manner, the Gentlemen delivering on the part of the several Companies which they represented, their determination immediately to make the much wanted improvements on their several Canals, by means of which the present . . .of inland Navigation between London, Liverpool, Birmingham & where . . .would be returned 10 [Commendations] & Liverpool to the Public as to supersede the majority of any of the Projects now brought forward & particularly that of the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal, & that on this ground, the most strenuous opposition should be given to the Bill, & if brought before Parliament. 

Taken ill at dinner with a painful attack in the Stomach & Chest, as to be obliged to leave the Chair & remain in another afterwards, all the evening, or till nearly bed time, when I had a little further conversation with Sir George & one or two other of the Gentlemen, Mr. Lister & his son having gone away.

Friday 14^th December 1827

Sir George, Mr. Vaughan & I breakfasted together after which we all set off on our return home.  I waited however till [just] past ten in the expectation of seeing Mr. Barker the Solicitor of the Birmingham & Warwick Canal Company, but he did not come.  Arrived at home a little before 6 o'clock.

Page 41.  1827  December

Saturday 15^th December 1827

At home, but much fatigued & unwell.  James Potter called to consult me on several matters.  Engaged from 9 o'clock in the morning till half past 3, revising, copying & arranging papers & other Documents for the adjourned General Assembly on Monday next.  My arm still very troublesome.

Sunday 16^th December 1827

At home.  Service.  Afterwards Mr. Robert Heath, Mr. Sherratt (Skerrett?) & Mr. James Potter with Report on the Mines on Mr. Heathcotes Land & with whom engaged a considerable time.

Monday 17^th December 1827

Went to Stone.  Closely & fully engaged all day at the adjourned General Assembly to whom I had to speak (about) the Proceedings of the Delegates at Birmingham etc. etc. & which I did in a speech of some length, and being unwell requiring much effort.

Tuesday 18^th December 1827

Engaged on Select Committee.  Afterwards returned to dinner to Linley Wood bringing Mr. Wedgwood of . . .along with me.

Wednesday 19th  December 1827

At home.  Engaged with Mr. Wedgwood & Mrs. & 2 Miss Kinnersleys, Revd. Mr. Bagot & Miss Bagot dined.  The two latter staid all night.  Stamford dined also & staid all night.

Thursday 20^th December 1827

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Revd. Mr. [Forton] & the Revd. Mr Mainwaring dined.  Mr. . . . Clerk of Nantwich, with the conveyance of Shaw's Estate on which the Newcastle Brewery had a [Society] & which I executed by the direction of Mr. Ward of Newcastle as per Letter from him.

Friday 21^st December 1827

Fatigued & unwell.  Mr. [Forton] went after breakfast.  The Wedgwood's left us at noon, going to Maer Hall.  Stamford went to Newcastle.

Saturday 22^nd December 1827

At home.  Engaged all morning on Navigation Papers & revising, correcting & copying Circular Letters proposed to be addressed to the Proprietors relative to the proposed London & Birmingham Junction Canal.

Sunday 23^rd December 1827

At  home.  Service.

Monday 24^th  December 1827

At home.  Busily engaged on Papers preparatory to the Meeting of Delegates at Leamington.

Tuesday 25th  December 1827

At home.  Engaged as yesterday.

Wednesday 26^th December 1827

Left Linley Wood between 8 & 9.  Taking our [main] horses to Newcastle.  Took up Mr. Vaughan at Stone.  Called at Bishton & sat with Mrs. [Sparrow] & Miss S. [White] while the Horses were changing at Wolsley Bridge.  From thence to Grendon Hall where I arrived about a quarter before 5.  Mr. Lister had arrived about half an hour before.  Found Sir George, the two Miss Chetwynds, George & William from all of whom I experienced the most kind & hospitable Reception.  Lady Chetwynd & Miss Georgia [Anne] set off to Bishton where I had undertook they were expected from Mrs. Sparrow who proposed we must stop there on my return.

Thursday 27^th December 1827

Breakfasted at Grendon Hall.  Proceeded in a [Berouche] to Leamington.  Met with the Foxhounds which presented a fine sight though the field was not fully appreciated.  Arrived at Leamington nearly an hour before the Meeting which took place at 12.  Again called to the Chair.  Closely engaged on our business which was carried on & concluded in the most harmonious & satisfactory manner.  We afterwards dined together at . . House the Royal Hotel.  I was surprised at the size of Leamington & the Style of the Baths, Bar Room, Hotels etc. with such . . .expectation.  All are upon a great Scale & we found the  [conversation] at . . .very good.

Friday 28

Set off a little before 8 on our return & got to Coventry to Breakfast, & continued to Grendon Hall where we stopped  . . . .Sir George & Mr. Lister approved & suggested . . .to sign on behalf of the Select Committee & Chairman sent out as early as possible Letter which I had proposed to the Trent & Mersey Canal.  Mr. Lister & I here parted & I arrived at home about ½ past 7, finding Mr. Sherratt & Bessy, who had come from Nantwich to stay.

Saturday 29^th December 1827

At home.  Engaged correcting the Circular Letter which I had proposed for the Printer.  Afterwards engaged with Mr. Sherratt & on various matters.  Stamford came in the Evening.

Sunday 30^th December 1827

At home.  Service.  Stamford dined.

Page 43.  1827  December

Monday 31^st December 1827

After breakfast went to Newcastle with the Draft of the circular Letter & made arrangements with Mr. Hyde relative to the printing of it.  Called upon Mr. Wilkinson & pointed out to him the Clause in the Set of Parliament relative to the appointment of Clerk & suggested the propriety of obtaining the opinion of Mr. Harrison thereon. 

Saw Mrs. & Miss Sparrow.  Also met with Mr. Ward at Mr. Kinnersleys & had some conversation with him relative to the House upon the Marsh, which Mr. [Heathcote] wished to have, but I told him how I was . . . with respect to Miss Bent & that if she wished to have it & a . . .. . . was given & for payment of the Rent & repairs I feel myself bound to let her have it, but which I would enquire about if Mr. N. H. to whom he said he would write should continue to wish for it.  Mr. Ward said he held the Bent Deeds in hand for me & proposed my purchasing Stoney Field in order to get the Affairs finally settled.