Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1834

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich -  67/68 - (1766-1842) - sister of James Caldwell

James Caldwell of Linley Wood - 74/75 

Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 48/49 - daughter of James and Elizabeth Caldwell         

James Stamford Caldwell - age - 47/48  - son of James and Elizabeth Caldwell.          

Arthur Cuthbert Marsh - age 47/48 (1786-1849)

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – age 42/43    

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa –  age 15/16 

Frances Mary Marsh (later Crofton) - age 14/15 

Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – age 13/14

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy - age 10/11 

Martin William James Marsh - age 8/9 

Mary Emma Marsh (Lady Mary  E. Heath) – age 7/8

Hannah Adelaide Marsh (later Loring) - age 5/6 

James Caldwell Diary: 1834-1837

1834  January

Wednesday 1^st January 1834

The first day of a new year.  To what reflections does not give rest!  At home.  Weather very strong.  Stamford set off to Stafford Sessions.

Thursday 2 January 1834

My Eyes very weak & troublesome, but engaged on the Penlington papers in consequence of a further Letter from Mr Field.

Friday 3 January 1834

Very unwell, & confined to the House all day.

Saturday 4 January 1834

Engaged on Navigation Papers & wrote to Mr Wedgwood on the Anderton Business.

Sunday 5 January 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk, Mr Garratt preached a good upright .  .  .Service.

Monday 6 January 1834

Again engaged on the Penlington papers, & wrote long Letter to Mr Field relative to the business with the late Mrs Simms Accountants & Executors.

Tuesday 7 January 1834

Copied afresh & sent Letter to Mr Field.  My Eyes painful making writing very troublesome & difficult.

Wednesday 8 January 1834

At home.  The same.

Thursday 9 January 1834

Again engaged on the Penlington Affairs.  Wrote to Mr Skerratt of Sandbach, & sent him the late correspondence with Mr Field, requesting him also to appoint some day for examining & settling Miss Penlingtons Executorship Accounts.

Friday 10 January 1834

Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to meeting Mr Wedgwood, Mr Trubshaw & Mr Vaughan at Newcastle tomorrow.

Saturday 11 January 1834

Went to Newcastle where engaged all morning on Select Committee.  Returned home to dinner.

Sunday 12 January 1834

Read prayers as usual.  Bessy & I not being very well, the weather cold & damp, we did not go to Talk.

Monday 13 January 1834

Unwell & in the House all day.

Tuesday 14 January 1834

Called at [Beton hall], but Mr Mainwaring was out  Received Letter -

Page 2.  1834  January

from Mr Randle Wilbraham junr.  relative to the Lease of the Land at Rode Hall, which I answered by his Servant progress that a Lease for 21 years .  .  .being in this party of the .  .  .for 14 years under Notice being given.

Wednesday 15 January 1834

Very unwell, but copied afresh Select Committee Minutes for correction in the Book.

Thursday 16 January 1834

Engaged on papers relating to the Rode Heath property, in consequence of a further Letter from Mr Randle Wilbraham.  Received from the Revd. Mr Garratt on Draft of the proposed Arguments for Composition in lieu of Tithes in the parish of Audley with a request that I would pursue & make my observations upon the same.  Wrote to Mr Garratt & appointed Saturday next for seeing him here.  Received Letter from D. Holland informing me of his intended Marriage.

Friday 17 January 1834

Violent Hurricane about 9 o'clock this morning of Thunder, Lightning, Wind Rain & Hail.  It did not continue long.  It blew out one of the open panes of Glass in the Hall, & did some mischief amongst the Fir Trees in the Wood, one being blown down.

Saturday 18 January 1834

The Revd. Mr Garratt called, with whom a good deal of conversation relative to the Draft of [Composition], when it was arranged to have a further Meeting as soon as I had further considered such Drafts.  Mr Garratt mentioned his plans relative to .  .  .Schools in the Parish of Audley which I did not fully comprehend but authorized him to subscribe £5 for me towards the necessary Building at Talk.  Afterwards went to Rode Heath to look at some Trees near the House which Mr Randle Wilbraham was desirous to fell, & which after looking at them with Miss Dawson we agreed to consent to it.  In the evening wrote to Mr Randle Wilbraham informing him of this, & also with further observations relative to the Lease of the Land.  Wrote also to Dr. Holland.  Invitation from the Kinnerslys to Bessy & myself to dine at Clough Hall on Friday next, but which we declined as we are going on that day to Nantwich.

Sunday 19 January 1834

Read Prayers as usual.  Neither Bessy nor I being very well did not attend at Talk in the afternoon.  Sent Letter to Mr R. Wilbraham.  Had dated it Monday.

Monday 20 January 1834

Went to Stone, where engaged all day on Select Committee.

Tuesday 21 January 1834

Returned from Stone.  I this day reached the 75th year of my age.

Page 3.  1834  January

Wednesday 22 January 1834

Sent to Mr Wilkinson for the Draft of the Bond for securing the payment of the allowance agreed to be made by . . .& Co. on Goods to shipped at Anderton, in which an alteration had occurred to me as necessary, & he sent me a very obliging Note for the Duke of Sutherland.  Also a further Note for Mr Randle Wilbraham.  Also a Letter from Mr Collinson on Mr Skerratts, affairs, which determined to go to Nantwich on Friday next.

Thursday 23 January 1834

Engage on papers in Mr Skerratts affairs preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow.

Friday 24 January 1834

Went to Nantwich with Bessy.  Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage.  The former told me that all difficulty about the [Coole] Title was [surmounted].  The Saltworks Concerns still receiving much trouble, & the Agreement for sale stopped by a claim of preference of purchasing set up by some of the Parties.  Returned at night.

Saturday 25 January 1834

Went to Newcastle, saw Mr Wilkinson relative to . . .Reid & Co. Wrote to Mr Wedgwood & to Mr Vaughan relative to Tonnage on Manganese.

Sunday 26 January 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Redelivered to Mr Garratt the Draft of the proposed Title Compositions Deed.  Received another Letter from Dr. Holland.

Monday 27 January 1834

At home.  Very unwell, & in the House all day.  Engaged on sundry papers.

Tuesday 28 January 1834

The same.  Revised & Copied afresh the Minutes of the last Select Committee Meeting, & wrote therewith to Mr Vaughan.  Mr Williams of Sandbach came with the Draft of the intended Lease to Mr Randle Wilbraham of the Land at Rode Heath which we corrected & settled.  In the House all day.

Wednesday 29 January 1834

At home.  Engaged on sundry matters.  Still unwell.  Perused & Considered again the Draft of the Bond for [scanning] the payment of the 1[s] per ton on Goods to be shipped by . . .[Reid] & Co. at Anderton etc.

Thursday 30 January 1834

Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged the whole of the Morning on Navigation business & in consequence of further Letter & papers received from Mr [Bridgewater].  Drew Draft of a Movement from the Staffordshire Potteries to the hands of the Treasury paying that Gainsborough may be made a Party, & which Mr Vaughan took with him to show to Mr Wedgwood.  Considered Letter to Mr [Hart], sent by Mr Landor etc. etc. etc.

Friday 31^st January 1834

At home.  Rev. Mr Drake called with Memorial to the [Comm] relative to obtaining . . .for building Schools in the Part Of Audley which I signed.

February

Saturday 1^st February 1834

At home.  Unwell.  Engaged Letter writing etc.

Sunday 2 February 1834

Read Prayers as usual.

Monday 3 February 1834

At home.  Unwell.  Wrote to Ann Marsh.  James Lear came to his place, wages £5.

Tuesday 4 February 1834

At home.  Engaged on Derby Papers preparatory to writing to Mr Balgary relative to Mr [Simons] purchase & the Indemnity to be given to him.  Sent Letter to Anne Marsh by the Post.

Page 4.  1834  February

Wednesday 5 February 1834

Engaged again on Derby papers & wrote to Mr Balgary returning the Bond of Indemnity, with my Objections to it for his consideration.

Thursday 6 February 1834

Went to Newcastle taking to Mr Wilkinson's the Draft of the proposed Bond from . . .Reid & Co. for securing the payment of the 1s per Ton on Goods . . . & Anderton & conferred with him thereon. Went also Cliffe Ville to have spoken to Mr F. Tomlinson on Miss Stamford's, but he was out.  Made the Affidavit before Mr Wilkinson for proof of the Debt £500 owing on Note from Mr Roscoe to the Estate of the late Miss Stamford.

Friday 7 February 1834

At home.  Engaged all morning selecting & arranging papers.

Saturday 8 February 1834

At home.

Sunday 9 February 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  The Revd. Mr Drake came to dinner.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Mr Drake performing it.

Monday 10 February 1834

At home.  Unwell.

Tuesday 11 February 1834

The same.  Engaged on papers relative to Mr P. . .purchase of Houses at Derby at Derby & wrote Letter to Mr Balgary thereon.

Wednesday 12 February 1834

Still unwell.  Altered the Letter to Mr Balgary & sent it to the Post.

Thursday 13 February 1834

The same, but went to Sandbach on the Penlington Affairs & saw Mr Skerratt who promised to fix an early day for arranging the same & to come to Linley Wood for that purpose.  On my return saw the Cheshire Foxhounds, & a large field of Sportsmen with two Ladies on grey Horses.

Friday 14 February 1834

At home.  Ill.

Saturday 15 February 1834

The same.

Sunday 16 February 1834

Read Prayers as usual, but so unwell as not to attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.  Margaret Hall, married this morning at Audley to a person .  . . .without having given any leaving or having ever mentioned her intentions to me.

Monday 17 February 1834

At home.  I thought it my duty to discharge Margaret Hall, who after being married came back to Linley Wood, intending to stay without mentioning the change of her situation.

Tuesday 18 February 1834

Very unwell, but engaged closely all day on papers etc. in the Affairs of the late Miss. Stamford Drawing out the respective Accounts of H.E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh with the Estate etc. etc. preparatory to seeing Mr F. Tomlinson who had appointed tomorrow for coming to Linley Wood on their affairs.

Wednesday 19 February 1834

The same.  Mr F. Tomlinson came & with whom very closely engaged many hours on the late Miss Stamford's.  Wm. Faram called on Navigation Business.

Thursday 20 February 1834

The same.

Friday 21 February 1834

The same.

Saturday 22 February 1834

The same.  Sent the conveyance to Mr P. . . .of the Houses at Derby with the Bond of Indemnity to Stamford & Charles Crompton

Sunday 23 February 1834

The same.  Unwell great suffering.  Read prayers as usual.  No afternoon Service at Talk.

Page 5.  1834  February

Monday 24 February 1834

Very unwell in the House all day.  Engaged on papers & Accounts & drawing out Statement of my private For. . . .& Affairs for the information of my Executors.

Tuesday 25 February 1834

Still unwell.  Engaged on the same business.

Wednesday 26 February 1834

The same.  Engaged perusing & considering the Draft of Audley Tithe Composition Deed sent me yesterday by the Revd. Mr Garratt & making observations thereon preparatory to meeting him & Mr F. Twemlow on this business.  Afterwards rode out on horseback.

Thursday 27 February 1834

Went to Audley & saw Mr Garratt relative to the Audley Tithe Composition Deed, when I promised to write to Mr F. Twemlow & request him to appoint a day for my seeing him & Mr Garratt together at Linley Wood on this business.

Friday 28 February 1834

Wrote to Mr F. Twemlow.  Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast on Navigation Business.  Began planting the Plantation in Linley Wood & Meadow to hide out Smiths New Buildings etc. The Oaks were all taken out of Swallow Moor Wood.  The Elders & Birch for the Plantation in the White Lion Ground.

March

Saturday 1^st March 1834

Finished the planting.  Engaged perusing & considering Draft of Audley Tithe Composition Deed preparatory to seeing the Revd. Mr Garratt & Mr F. Twemlow who had appointed to meet here on Wednesday next to look & consider the same.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd on Navigation Business.

Sunday 2 March 1834

Very unwell.  Read prayers in the morning as usual.

Monday 3 March 1834

Wrote to Sir George Chetwynd.

Tuesday 4 March 1834

Still very unwell.  Again looked over the Audley Tithe Composition Draft previous to seeing Mr F. Twemlow & Mr Garratt tomorrow.

Wednesday 5

The Revd. Mr Garratt & Mr F. Twemlow came pursuant to [Administration] & with whom engaged several hours perusing & correcting Draft of Tithe Composition Deed & which they request me to deliver to Mr Ward & confer with him upon the subject.  Mr F. T.  went about 4 o'clock.  Mr G.  staid to dinner.

Thursday 6 March 1834

Went to Newcastle to bring the Draft to Mr Ward with whom I looked it over & explained to him the alterations which had been made which he said that he would attend to & consider & get a fresh copy made & sent it to Garratt.  Called upon R.  Williamson with whom engaged a considerable time on various Navigation business.

Page 6.  1834  March

Friday 7 March 1834

Went early to Cliffe Ville on late Miss Stamford's Affairs, & the will of late Mrs Crompton of Duffield], Legacy Duties etc. etc. Received by the Post another Letter from Dr. Holland relative to his approaching Marriage.

Saturday 8 March 1834

At home.  Engaged on various matters, Farm etc. Met with Mr Bradshaw as I was returning from my Ride at Mrs Watson.  He said that he had given up all is concerns in [Lancashire] & was going to spend the remainder of his copy on his House in the Hertfordshire.

Sunday 9 March 1834

In the morning, read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk Chapel.  Revd. Mr Garrett.  Received Letter from Sir George Chetwynd.

Monday 10 March 1834

Perusing papers relative to the £2000 part of Emma's Marriage portion preparatory to writing to Dr. Holland.

Tuesday 11 March 1834

Wrote to Dr. Holland, Sir George Chetwynd, Mr Wedgwood & Mr Vaughan, fixed to attend a Meeting of the Select Committee at Wolsley Bridge on Monday the 22 instant, as proposed by Sir George & Mr Wedgwood.  Afterwards engaged on the Farm.  Received in the Evening from Mr Wilkinson the Draft of a Loan from Mr [Dainty] to the Navigation of the superfluous [boats] of the River [Dane] at the paper Mill.  Bessy went to Newcastle & called upon Mrs Northen

Wednesday 12 March 1834

At home.  Engaged on the Farm & various matters.  Received Letters from r.  Vaughan requesting me to appoint a day for his coming to Linley Wood pursuant to the Meeting of the Select Committee.

Thursday 13 March 1834

Wrote to Mr Vaughan & perused & considered Deeds of Lease of the [Dam] Water.

Friday 14 March 1834

Engaged on various papers & matters.  Very unwell.

Saturday 15 March 1834

Went to Newcastle to have conferred with Mr Wall relative to the [Dane] Water Lease, but he was not at home.  Nor was Mr Ward, who I wanted to see in consequence of a Letter from him informing me that the Proprietors of the Brewery wished to take the House upon the Marsh.  Soon after my return Wm. Farem called on Navigation Business.

Sunday 16 March 1834

In the Morning Read Prayers.  In the afternoon attended Service at Talk.  Mr Garratt preached.  Received Letter from Harrison with claim to the Derby property & which I immediately sent by the Post to Mr Balgary.

Monday 17 March 1834

Went to Newcastle.  Called upon Mr Wilkinson & considered & left with him the Draft of the Lease of the paper Mill Water of the River [Dane]  Sent Mr Ward, who promised to see the Proprietors of the Brewery relative to them taking the house upon the Marsh, the Rent of which I proposed to be £25 a year clear.

Tuesday 18 March 1834

Very unwell.  Miserable dejection.  In the House all day.  Mild Frost.

Wednesday 19 March 1834

The same.  Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to seeing Mr Vaughan.  James Barker paying his years Rent due at Michaelmas.

Thursday 20 March 1834

Unwell, but went to Newcastle. . . .with the Newcastle [Bank] . . .taken this day of the revolution in England in 1688.

Page 7.  1834 March

Friday 21 March 1834

Mr Vaughan came & with whom engaged all morning on Navigation business preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee.  Mr Wedgwood of Burslem called respecting the Title to property at Burslem formerly old Mr Thomas Wedgwood's, but I could not give him any information.

Saturday 22 March 1834

At home.  Bessy called at Mrs H.  Wedgwood's, Keele.  In the Evening Stamford arrived from Shrewsbury.  In the morning the men planted an . . . number of Birch in the new plantation in Linley Meadow.  Stamford arrived in the Evening.

Sunday 23 March 1834

Read prayers as usual.  The weather being unfavourable did not attend at Talk.

Monday 24 March 1834

Set off early to Wolsley Bridge, where engaged closely all day on Select Committee, & returned home at night.  Took Mr Wilkinson in from Newcastle & back.

Tuesday 25 March 1834

Wrote to Eliza Roscoe, & a congratulatory Note to Dr. Holland, from whom received cake gratefully but receiving a Letter by this Post I did not send Note.  Received Letter also from Anne Marsh requesting me to advance £900 to enable them to purchase the [recovering] Interest on late Mr Marsh's property.

Wednesday 26 March 1834

Wrote to Dr. Holland.  Mr [Antrobus] of . . .came on Navigation business & afterwards James Faram.  Wrote to Mr Mr Edleston on Mr Skerratts Affairs in consequence of a Letter from the Legacy Office.

Thursday 27 March 1834

Wrote long Letter to Anne Marsh.  Mrs Walker paying her Rent.

Friday 28 March 1834

Received & Copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Select Committee for insertion in the Book.

Saturday 29 March 1834

Went to Audley attending Meeting of Landowners to consider the Draft of the Agreement for Composition of Tithes, when some new points arising particularly as to the Exemption of Words, & the poor Rate, the Meeting was adjourned to Saturday the 12 April & of which Notice was directed to be given.  Just before I set off, Mr [Leadward] called relative to late Macclesfield Brewery business, & on his way to Macclesfield.  Stamford went to Nantwich on his way to Chester Assizes.

Sunday 30 March 1834

It being Easter Sunday & Service at Talk Church in the morning, the servants attended accordingly.

Monday 31 March 1834

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

April

Tuesday 1^st April 1834

Went to Stone early, where engaged closely all day on General Committee.  Lord Harrowby on my Invitation ,in the Chair.

Wednesday 2 April 1834

At Stone.  General Assembly.  Lord Harrowby, on my motion again in the Chair.  Returned home at night.

Page 8.  1834  April

Thursday 3 April 1834

At home.  Fatigued & unfit for business.  Considered further Letter from Anne Marsh, & the Answer to Enquiry.

Friday 4 April 1834

At home.  Got French Beans out of the Hothouse.  Wrote to Mr Edleston in late Mr Skerratts Affairs & urging the completion of the Cool Estate purchase by Dr. Smith.

Saturday 5 April 1834

Wrote to Anne Marsh.  In the evening Stamford arrived from Chester.

Sunday 6 April 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual..  In the afternoon we all attended at Talk.  Revd. Mr Garratt preached.  Promised to attend a Meeting on the 15th relative to the erection of a new School at Talk.

Monday 7 April 1834

Went to Newcastle to confer with Mr Wilkinson on the last orders of the Select Committee.  Saw also the Mayor, & appointed with him to               attend the Sessions tomorrow at ten.  Speaking of Criminal Offence, he told me that the number of Committals in the Borough amounted, in the whole of the last year to 278.  But that the Committals in the first Quarter only of the present year amounts to 114.

Tuesday 8 April 1834

Went to Newcastle early being in Court at ten.  Five Prisoners tried, Four of whom were sentenced to 7 years Transportation.  In Court between 8 & 9 hours.  Afterwards dined with the Mayor etc. at the Roebuck, & returned late, in the Gig, though the night very dark.

Wednesday 9 April 1834

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.  Stamford set off to Stafford Sessions.

Thursday 10 April 1834

At home.

Friday 11 April 1834

Called upon Mr & Mrs Wedgwood at Mr H.  Wedgwood's, Keele.  Returned to dinner, after a severely cold drive in the Gig.

Saturday 12 April 1834

Went to Audley, attending Meeting of Landowners & Occupiers, & the Vicar, when the argument for Composition of Tithe having been again read over by Mr Ward, was finally agreed to: an unexpected Declaration having been occasioned by the Woodlands in the Parish not being [viable] to Tithe,( as in the singular Case of all Woodlands in the Hundred of [Prickillporth]) it was agreed that the Deficiency should be made up by the Tithe of the Lands . . .adding about one halfpenny for . . .to the Composition.  Mr Hartland, Mr Wedgwood, Mr F. Twemlow & others attended.

Sunday 13 April 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  Did not attend at Talk in the afternoon, having symptoms of a cold which I suffered much in the Evening.

Monday 14 April 1834

In bed almost the whole of the day.

Tuesday 15 April 1834

So unwell as to prevent my meeting Mr H. . . .& Revd. Mr Garratt at Talk, relative to the School, as I had promised to do, & sent a Note to Mr Garratt accordingly.

Page 9.  1834  April.

Wednesday 16 April 1834

Still very unwell & confined to the House.  Mr Twemlow of Peats Wood called, relative to the intended survey of the Southern end of the canal, when I promised to consult Mr Vaughan as to the most convenient arrangements for that purpose.

"I really see little harmony between abstract principles and the practical business of life, that I have the greatest possible distrust of them as a man of business" [M.  Powles] on his examination before the committee of the H.  of [Commons], . . .Junction.

Thursday 17 April 1834

Still very unwell.  Write to Mr Vaughan.  [Padder] Fleetwood & Co. for Balance of late Miss Stamford's Account.

Friday 18 April 1834

The same.  In the afternoon Mr Vaughan came on Navigation Business.  In the morning I had received a Letter from E.  Roscoe mentioning the intention of the Trubshaw Colliery to get the Coals under the canal, & which had been communicated to her by Mr Bosson.

Saturday 19 April 1834

Unwell, but rode out on Horseback.  Wrote Letters to Sir George Chetwnd & H.  E. Roscoe.

Sunday 20 April 1834

Read Prayers in the morning, but so unwell, that Bessy & I did not attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.

Monday 21 April 1834

Ill, after a miserable night.

Tuesday 22 April 1834

The same.

B122

Letter to Martin Marsh (aged 8)

from his aunt Amelia Marsh on 22^nd April 1834 addressed to

Master Marsh

Miss Joyce’s

Hampstead

My dear Martin,

I was very sorry when Papa, and Mama and sisters returned from their walk on Sunday, to find that they had been to see you, had they told me that they were going to Hampstead, I should have walked with them, for I should have liked very much to have seen you, my own dear Martin again before I go to Winkfield, which I believe I shall do tomorrow morning, so that we shall not see each other again till the holidays.

I was very happy to hear that you are so well, and seem so happy, you will always be happy if you continue good, and are as good humoured as you always were at home.

I have sent you, your share of what is left of the Sugar Plums and Chocolate, I need not tell you not to eat too many at a time, for you never, when you were little greedy, and I am sure will not begin to be so now. God bless you, my dearest Martin. I send you my love and a thousand kisses, and am ever Your very affectionate Aunt

Amelia Marsh.

Tuesday April 22^nd 1834

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Wednesday 23 April 1834

The same.  Wrote Draft of Letter to Mr Landor in consequence of the information received from E. Roscoe & communicated to her by Mr Bosson relative to the Mines under the Canal, intended to be got by the Trubshaw Colliery Proprietors.

Thursday 24 April 1834

Ill and mental suffering almost insupportable.

Friday 25 April 1834

Copied afresh & sent Letter to Mr Landor.  Mr Wedgwood & Mr Henry Wedgwood called.  Dreadful Suffering throughout the day.

Saturday 26 April 1834

In the same state of Misery & Suffering, almost insupportable.  Sent Ann Marsh a Copy of her Interest Account with her late Aunt.

Sunday 27 April 1834

Another wretched day & so unwell as to be unable to read Prayers or to attend Service at Talk.

Monday 28 April 1834

Ill.  Samuel Beardmore married.

Tuesday 29 April 1834

Ill.

Wednesday 30 April 1834

Ill.

Page 10.  1834  May

Thursday 1^st May 1834

Ill.

Friday 2 May 1834

Ill.

Saturday 3 May 1834

Ill.  Cows turned out to Grass.  Letters from Sir George Chetwynd & Mr Landor.  Revd. Mr Garratt called.

Sunday 4 May 1834

Ill.  It is now nearly a fortnight that I have lived almost without food or sleep, & under a depression of Spirits & misery of Mind which render Life all but insupportable.  May God, in his infinite mercy, enable me to endure it, & submit with patience & resignation to his Will!!  All the rest is now become to me nothing! & this would as if already passed away!

Monday 5 May 1834

The same.

Tuesday 6 May 1834

The same.

Wednesday 7 May 1834

The same

Thursday 8 May 1834

Something better.

Friday 9 May 1834

Better night.

Saturday 10 May 1834

Better.

C35

Letter to Martin Marsh (aged 8)

from his sister Louisa Marsh-Caldwell (aged 16)

Mr Marsh Esq.

Dearest Martin,

I send you your drawing called Up. I hope you will like it and think it an improvement upon the last. If you put it between two heavy boards for a night it will press flat again.

I hope you will like the gingerbread loaf, it is made after a receipt I brought from the (Pyes?). Tell me if there world approves of it. One always feels rather in the character of a mother sending her son into the world as to the result of a receipt of one’s own introduction.

Mr Roscoe come here on Saturday if we all survive the weather till then.

Ever dearest M your own (sister?)

Louisa M.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Sunday 11 May 1834

Better.  Read Prayers as usual.  Eliza Roscoe & Bessy attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.

Monday 12 May 1834

Went to Stone & after a laborious day returned at night.

Tuesday 13 May 1834

At home.  Greatly fatigued & unwell.  Received a Copy of the Book from Ann & Mr R. Wilbraham called & left a Note with his card.  E. Roscoe read out the 1st Vol. of the Book. (Two Old Mens Tales, 1834)

Wednesday 14 May 1834

Engaged on various matters.  Wrote to Mr Wilkinson.  Read again with great gratification & delight the 1st Vol. of the Book.  Mr Roscoe came to dinner at 6.

Thursday 15 May 1834

At home.  But unwell, though gradually getting better.  Read with still [ensuing] pleasure part of 2 Vol.  Revd. Mr Drake called.

Friday 16 May 1834

The same.

Saturday 17 May 1834

Wrote long Letter to Anne with my Sentiments & Observations on her Book.  Eliza & Mr Roscoe left us at noon on their return home.

Sunday 18 May 1834

My Letter to Anne being too late for yesterdays Post, & sent it by this mornings.  Read prayers as usual.

Monday 19 May 1834

At home.  But unwell.

Tuesday 20 May 1834

The same.  Called with Samuel Beardmore at his new House at Talk.  Looked over his Farm, Cows etc. Much pleased with the appearance & manners of his wife.  Invited them to dine at Linley Wood on Sunday next.  Received Letter from Ann Marsh warmly expressing the pleasure which my Letter & Observations upon her Book, had afforded her.

Wednesday 21 May 1834

At home.  Wm. Faram called.  Favourable Report of Canal.  Perused & Considered Lease to Mrs Brown of the House in Green Shutts received a few days

Page  11  1834  May

ago from Mr [Leveson] Kings [Bank] Walk.  Turned the Horses to Grass.

Friday 22 May 1834

Executed the Lease & wrote to Mr Wilson therewith, sending him by this Mornings Mail the Counterpart of the Lease to Mrs Bentley, in order that he might compare the Cost & requesting him to make any Alterations & Additions that he might deem necessary, & in that case return the Lease for my execution.  Mr Wilkinson's & Mr Vaughan came on Navigation Business particularly the [Security] for payment of Tonnage to be given by . . .Reid & Co, when we fixed that Mr Wilkinson who was going to Liverpool early in the next week should see Mr Henry Broughton & . . .from who were proposed to join in the proposed Security. 

Mr Wilkinson left with me the Case relative to the working of Mines under the Canal, which I promised to consider & call upon him therewith on Monday next.  In the Evening Bessy & I called at Samuel Beardmores.  In the afternoon Mr Booth of [Keele] called.

B099

Letter to Martin Marsh (aged 8)

from his mother, Ann Marsh-Caldwell

Miss Joyces’,

Church Street,

Hampstead

Waterloo,

Friday 23^rd. May(?) 1834

My dearest Martin,

I hope your old friend Sharpe will bring you one pair of summer trousers tomorrow evening, and another pair and a couple of waistcoats in the course of next week. You must have wanted your trousers before I am afraid.

I shall walk up and see you again in a little time, and shall be very glad to have a letter from you.

Your papa has got a horse and the stable is all made neat and comfortable and talks of getting a pony for you and your sisters. And a pony carriage for me. All which is very good news is it not. You will like a pony rather better than a rocking horse I fancy.

Since I saw you Louisa and I have been to the Opera. We saw Anna Boleyna plain English. Anna Boleyn. She was acted by Grisi, an Italian actress of great beauty. The play only began when Anna Boleyn was in her affliction. We saw her first in her royal robes of white and crimson and an immense quantity of pearls sitting disponding in a chair with all her ladies grieving round her. It was very beautiful.

Then we had a scene with cruel Henry the 8^th, then we saw her in the tower in deep mourning, with her long hair flowing round her. She seemed almost out of her senses with sorrow, but I think this was a mistake.

You know in the history of England we are told how calm and patient and even cheerful she was. Not raving and crying as they made her on the stage.

I hope to bring you a very pretty book when I come to see you. Peter Porley’s travels with a number of pictures. We are talking of going to Boulogne, which is you know in France where Aunt Me was, but we shall wait for your holidays that you may go with us.

You will like that I know ever dearest Martin, your affectionate Mother, all your sisters kind love.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Saturday 24 May 1834

Perused & Considered Law relative to Mines: & also Case relative to allowance out of the Poor Rate with respect to Reservoirs etc.

Sunday 25 May 1834

In the morning Read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Garratt preached.  Samuel Beardmore & his wife Mary Beardmore or Eliza Beardmore dined etc.

B075

Letter to Martin Marsh. (aged 8)

probably from Adelaide Marsh (later Loring) (aged 5/6)

no date.

Dear Martin,I hope you are quite well. Have you been caned yet? Have you got farther in the sums than the eldest boy in the school? Do you write in school. Do you know that poor Mr Wheeler is dead.

Your horses are quite well, and they are covered up every night.Your very affectionate sister,

Baby Marsh.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Monday 26 May 1834

Went to Newcastle pursuant to appointment taking the Mining Case which Mr Wilkinson perused & considered together previous to it being returned to Mr Landor.  Mr Vaughan attended with a further Letter from . . .Reid & Co. Clerk, but as Mr Wilkinson was going to Liverpool we again fixed for him to see Mr Broughton. 

Returned to dinner.  In the evening Mr Williams called with Lease of the Land at Rode Heath to Mr Randle Wilbraham junr.  which he left with me & I promised to call upon him in the course of the present week.

B097

Letter to Martin Marsh (aged 8)

from his sister, Louisa Marsh-Caldwell (aged 16)

Miss Joyces,

Church Street,

Hampstead

My dear Mart,

Mama desires me to tell you that she has not sent you any linen as the thought that as you were coming home so soon you could then tell her better what you wanted.

She also desires that you will send us word what time will be most convenient to come and fetch you on Whites Saturday.

I find you do 2 write by the next post or I pretend we will leave you where you are. I enclose you a note from Scott Gifford we have received a whole packet by Gifford from Edinburgh this morning.

He (Scott I mean) has got the infantile fever. I shall think you clever if you can read this scrawl but I am in a desperate hurry.Ever dear boy,

Your attached sister,

Louisa.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Tuesday 27 May 1834

At home.  Engaged on sundry papers.  Perused & considered Release from Randle Wilbraham Esq. to the [Ladies] & myself of . . . or [Nantwich] whatsoever to the piece of Land on Rode Heath had before [inclosed] by Wm. Penlington & afterwards attended to us on a [division] of such Land between Mr Wilbraham & us.

Wednesday 28 May 1834

At home.  Turned the Saddle Horses out to Grass.

Thursday 29 May 1834

Went to Sandbach to confer with Mr Skerratt on the Penlington Affairs.  Afterwards considered with him the Rates upon Mr Wilbraham.  Proposed Mr Randle Wilbraham jnr. being made a Party.  Afterwards called upon Mr Williams & left with him the Draft of the Release, to which he said there would be objection to Mr R. W. jnr. being made a Party.

C80

Letter to Martin Marsh at Miss Joyces's

from his mother Ann Marsh-Caldwell

Master Marsh

Mr Allen says that all your sisters will ride very well. His horses it must be confessed are rather finer than those of Mr Pichlain.

On Tuesday Mrs Crompton was here with her two little ones.

This is all that has happened.

I am ever my dearest Martin your most affectionate mother,

Anne M.

Your sisters are all asleep or would send their love. Your Papa is very much pleased indeed with Miss Joyce’s report of you.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Page  12.  1834  May

Friday 30 May 1834

At home.

Saturday 31 May 1834

Called at Red Bull Wharf, when Mr Fairlands promised to forward a packet to Mr Vaughan.  Engaged on Navigation Papers.  Mrs & Miss Charlotte Wilbraham & Miss . . .called.

June

Sunday 1^st June 1834

Wrote to Mr F. Twemlow excusing my attendance on a Survey of the Canal this week on account of my apprehension of an attack of Gout.  Wrote also to Mr Vaughan with Copy of the Minute of the last Meeting of the Select Committee.  Sent the whole in one packet to Mr Fairlands to be forwarded to Mr Vaughan.  In the morning read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Drake preached.

Monday 2 June 1834

Wrote to E.  L. . . .Esq. Regents Canal Office, London, requesting him to pay the Dividends as they became due on shares of the Regents Canal standing in the name of the late Miss Stamford to [Peach] & Co. . . .to the order of Henry Roscoe Esq. . . .in Law, such Shares having been given to H. E.  Roscoe by the late Miss Stamford in her life time.

Tuesday 3 June 1834

About eleven o'clock this morning, seized suddenly with a violent sickness & vomiting, attended with a great pain in the Bowels & a general [Chilliness].  Suspecting what might be the matter I immediately sent to Mr Davenport, who was fortunately at home & came immediately.  He administered the usual Medicine.  But thus failing to . . .this effect, he gave me in the course of the night the [Castor] Oil & which I believe saved my life.

Wednesday 4 June 1834

Notwithstanding the Medicine did . . .effect.  Still in a state of great pain & suffering.  In bed all day.  In the evening Dr. Northen came, & had a consultation with Mr Davenport.

Thursday 5 June 1834

All danger of Inflammation considered to be over.  To my great comfort & satisfaction Eliza Roscoe arrived at night.  Mr Wilbraham called to enquire after me & left his card.  Mr R.  Wilbraham had before called to enquire.  Going on well but still in a state of much suffering.

Friday 6 June 1834

Dr. Northen came again.  Slowly getting better.

Saturday 7 June 1834

Much the same, but with excessive Weakness & Debility.

Sunday 8 June 1834

Dr. Northen again came.  Going on well.

Monday 9 June 1834

Slowly getting better.#

Tuesday 10 June 1834

The same.  The Wilbraham's sent to enquire.

Wednesday 11 June 1834

The same.

Thursday 12 June 1834

The same.  Mr Randle Wilbraham again called & left his card.

Friday 13 June 1834

The same.  To my greatest comfort & delight Ann Marsh arrived today.

Page.  13.  1834  June

Saturday 14 June 1834

Still slowly improving.

 B145

Letter addressed.Master Marsh

from hs mother Ann Marsh-Caldwell

My dearest Martin,

I have ordered Peter Parsley for you and I hope you will like it.

I am just setting off for Linley and hope to be back again next week. In five days you will be home to your sisters.

Pray take a great deal of pains to write your Latin (and services?) perfectly and well. You must be very careful to understand your rule.

The time is out, ever dearest Martin,

your most affectionate Mother.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Sunday 15 June 1834

The same, & read prayers.  For the first time walked into the garden, but with extreme feebleness & Disability.

Monday 16 June 1834

The same.  Engaged with Ann Marsh on her beautiful Book, suggesting various conditions etc.

Tuesday 17 June 1834

Still going on well, but very weak & [sensible] of fatigue.  Mr Clough of Manchester, & Mr Taylor of Nantwich brought the Conveyance from the .  . . .& [Mortgages] of the late Mr Skerratt, to Dr. Smith of Manchester of the Coole [Pilate] Estate, which having been executed by all the other Parties, I also executed.

Wednesday 18 June 1834

Still slowly recovering.  E. Roscoe & Ann Marsh went to [Cranphle] & [Manchester] & returned to dinner.  Mr Williams called with Lease to Mr R. Wilbraham of Land at Rode Heath which I executed.  He left with me the Return from Mr Wilkinson & Mr R. Wilbraham of the small piece of inclosed Land, formerly part of the Common.

Thursday 19 June 1834

The same.  Sent out packet . . .in consequence of Hollins having been & [attacked] a day or two in a Swallow Moor wood & appointing Five Pounds reward in conviction of the [Offenders].

Friday 20 June 1834

E. Roscoe, Ann Marsh & Bessy called at Betley Hall & Betley Court.  Still getting better, but very weak & feeble.  N.B.  Engaged a great part of the last three days in examining & commenting on A. Marsh Book.

Saturday 21 June 1834

Slowly getting better.  Engaged the greatest part of the day with Ann Marsh upon her Book.

Sunday 22 June 1834

The same.  Read Prayers as usual.  H. E. Roscoe left us in the afternoon on her return home, not having been able to get a place in any of the Coaches yesterday.

Monday 23 June 1834

Anne Marsh left us on her return home.  Going on pretty well, but suffering again from my Eyes.

Tuesday 24. June 1834

Eyes so troublesome as to prevent my reading or writing.  In other respect gradually growing better.

Wednesday 25 June 1834

The same.  Rode on Horseback in the Grounds, but very soon fatigued.

Thursday 26 June 1834

Eyes very troublesome & painful.  Still suffering from great [disposition] & . . . Mr Davenport came.

Friday 27. June 1834

The same.  Eyes rather better.  Wm. Faram came with whom engaged a considerable time.

Saturday 28 June 1834

Still getting better, but my eyes continuing troublesome.  Called at Rode Hall & left cards for Mr Wilbraham & Mr Randle Wilbraham.  Called upon the Ladies at Rode Hall.

Page 14.  1834  June

Sunday 29 June 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended at Talk Chapel.  Revd. Mr Drake.  Prayers for poor Margaret Rockford.  Bessy & I afterwards at her home called to enquire after her.  Bessy saw her, but she was nearly insensible, & eventually in a dying state.  She expired about 12 or half past 12 o'clock.

Monday 30 June 1834

At home.  Eyes very painful & troublesome.

July

Tuesday 1^st July 1834

Went early to Newcastle where attended the Sessions & three prisoners tried.  All convicted.  Two sentenced to Transportation for 7 years.  The other a Soldier in the 33rd Regiment quartered at Newcastle, for stealing in his lodgings, sentenced to 1 years confinement & hard Labour.  Returned home to dinner.  This morning began mowing the Meadow.

Wednesday 2 July 1834

Busy mowing & finished the Meadow.  At home, expecting Mr Vaughan agreeably to his appointment, & also Wm. Faram, but neither of them came.  Eyes still very troublesome.  Mr Davenport called.

Thursday 3 July 1834

Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast & with whom engaged on Navigation business.  Eyes the same as yesterday.  Very busy in the Hay, the weather  being very fine & favourable.

Friday 4 July 1834

Very busy in the Hay.

Saturday 5 July 1834

The same & finished carrying to the Foot Road.

Sunday 6 July 1834

In the morning Read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Drake.

Monday 7 July 1834

At home.  Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to attending General Committee at Stone tomorrow.

Tuesday 8 July 1834

Went to Stone where engaged closely all day on General Committee, but returned home at night.  In my way to Stone called upon Mr Ward relative to the House upon the Marsh.  He said that he had told the Brewery Partners, that he would himself give £500 for it & the Land.

Wednesday 9 July 1834

Revised & considered the Minutes of the proceedings of yesterday, made a part copy & sent the same by this mornings Post to Mr Vaughan.

Thursday 10 July 1834

At home.

Friday 11 July 1834

Wrote to J.T.C. at [Cheltenham}.  Also to Mr Vaughan.

Page 15 July 1834

1834  July

Saturday 12 July 1834

Very busy in the Hay, & of which we carried the greatest part & in the finest condition.  Engaged on papers preparatory to going on Survey of the Canal.

Sunday 13 July 1834

In the morning read prayers as usual.

Monday14 July 1834

Set off to Stone.  Met Sir George Chetwynd with whom, Mr Landor, Mr Vaughan & Mr Trubshaw set off on a Survey of the northern end of the Canal.  Arrived at the Red Bull in the evening.  Brought Sir George & Mr Landor in the Carriage to Linley Wood where they slept.  Samuel Beardmore purchased for me a milking cow at Newcastle Fair.

Tuesday 15 July 1834

Returned to the Red Bull early, from where we [proceeded] on the Survey, & arrived at Runcorn that night, where we slept at Wilsons Hotel.

Wednesday 16 July 1834

Mr Landor & I after breakfast at Runcorn, set off on our return home & arrived at Linley Wood at ½ past 11, from where Mr Landor proceeded soon afterwards home in one of the Coaches.  Sir George, accompanied by Mr Vaughan had at his request proceeded from Runcorn to Liverpool, but which there being nothing there requiring the attention of the Select Committee.  Mr Landor & I had declined.  Received Letter from Dr. Holland.

Thursday 17 July 1834

Busy in the Hay, & carried the whole out of the Croft at the Farm & Swallow Moor Meadow thus finishing the Hay Harvest of the present year.  Engaged on papers preparatory to writing to Dr. Holland.

Friday 18 July 1834

Wrote to Dr. Holland.  Thunder & lightning with light wind & some Rain.

Saturday 19 July 1834

Revised & wrote part Copy of the Select Committee Minutes on the late Survey of the Canal.  Rain.

Sunday 20 July 1834

.  In the morning read prayers as usual.  Weather wet & cold which prevented our attending Service at Talk in the afternoon.

Monday 21 July 1834

.  Sent Minutes of the Navigation Survey to Mr Vaughan by Post, & wrote to him therewith.  Wrote also to Charles Crompton proposing Tuesday 2nd September for meeting of the Trustees under late Miss Stamford's will at Linley Wood.

Tuesday 22 July 1834

At home.  Received Letter from Dr. Holland.

Wednesday 23 July 1834

John Lowe informed me that he was leaving my service . . . I told him that he was engaged with me till May next & that I should consider him being my Servant accordingly, but that if I could provide myself with another soon I would then set him at liberty.

Thursday 24 July 1834

At home.  Engaged on sundry papers, & writing to Dr. Holland.

Friday 25 July 1834

Finished & sent Letter to Dr. Holland.  Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast, & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.

Saturday 26 July 1834

Went to Cliffe Ville to fix a day for his meeting the Trustees under the Will of the late Miss Stamford when we appointed Tuesday September 9 the day preferred by Mr Chas. Crompton.  Rain.  Spoke to him also about John Lowe.

Page  16.  1834  July

Sunday 27 July 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Drake.  Wrote to Ann Marsh Chez Mr Billet Rue de Boston, Boulogne sur Mer, France.

Monday 28 July 1834

At home, Bessy prevented going to Nantwich by the Heavy Rain which was falling.  A Gentleman called a Letter from Mr Ridgway relative to the Water taken out of the Canal for the use of Mr A. P. . . .when I said that they might continue to take the water for their [purpose] being about 70 Gallons take this [Land] to the country, & that I would write to Mr Vaughan by this mornings Post which I accordingly did.  It was refused that water of this . . .one .  . .moment till they obtained other water & for which purpose they were sinking a well, the transporting must stop.  Mr Smith came relative to John Lowe.

Tuesday 29 July 1834

John Lowe came, when on his expressing his [tone] at what had happened, as promising to return to his service tomorrow morning, I said that I would give him his discharge at Christmas, instead of serving the whole of his year, which would not expire before May.  Bessy went to Nantwich, it not being convenient to me to accompany her.  In the evening Mr Kirby called John Lowes business, when I informed him of which had been proposed by me, & with which he said that he was well satisfied.  Letter from Dr. Holland.

Wednesday 30 July 1834

At home.

Thursday 31 July 1834

Went to Newcastle to attend Meeting of the Proprietors of Newcastle Theatre.  Saw at the Theatre with Mr Ward & Mr [Hales] of Cobridge Being in haste to return home authorized the former to vote for me.  Engaged on my return on papers preparatory to going to Nantwich tomorrow on the Affairs of the late Mr Skerratt.

August

Friday 1^st August 1834

Went early to Nantwich, arriving there at about ½ past 8.  Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage.  The former delivered to me the Executorship Account, which I found more favourable than I expected, there appearing to be a Balance of upwards of £800 after paying the Debts, Legagcies & expense.  Took an early dinner in Dysart Buildings & afterwards returned to Linley Wood, accompanied by Bessy.  Soon after we arrived at home Mr Roscoe & his eldest Boy arrived.

Saturday 2 August 1834

At home.  Examined the Executorship Account, & wrote to Mr Edleston, informing him of the amount of a Debt of £200 inst. Owing to me.

Sunday 3 August 1834

In the morning read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy, Mr Roscoe & William attended Service at Talk.  Prevented going myself by Mr Vaughan having appointed to call upon me at 4 o'clock.  Thunder & lightning with a short but heavy fall of Rain.

Monday 4 August 1834

Mr Vaughan came to Breakfast, & with whom engaged afterwards on Navigation Business.  In the evening etraordinary Noise in the Air, reasonably two . . .but

Page  17.  1834  August

Tuesday 5 August 1834

At home.  My Eyes so insufficient as to render Reading or Writing very troublesome & painful.  This has been the Case for many days past, & has interfered much with business & comfort.

Wednesday 6 August 1834

At home.  My Eyes the same.  Mr Davenport came in the evening when urged much the necessity of rest for my Eyes, & my abstaining as much as possible from writing etc. I had sent for Mr D. to see Wm. Roscoe who had been unwell the last day or two.

Thursday 7 August 1834

At home.  Mr James Wettenhall came to offer himself for the situation at B. . . ,vacant by the death of John [Woodnorth], when I said that I would mention his application to Mr Vaughan, not interfering myself in such matters.  Insupportable all day by my Eyes, & wearisome I found it.

Friday 8 August 1834

At home.  Eyes the same.

Saturday 9 August 1834

The same.  Mr Roscoe continuing unwell, sent again for Mr Davenport, who came immediately, & ordered the application of Leeches behind the ears.  Began cutting Wheat.

Sunday 10 August 1834

Read prayers as usual.  Mr Davenport came again.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk, taking Mr Roscoe with us.  Revd. Mr Carter preached.

Monday 11 August 1834

Busy cutting Wheat in the upper Bracken Field, notwithstanding some slight showers.  Mr Davenport came again & found Mr Roscoe better & going on well.  My Eyes very troublesome.

Tuesday 12 August 1834

At home.  Eyes the same.  Finished Cutting Wheat.

Wednesday 13 August 1834

Began Cutting Oats in the piece of Land which had been purchase from Miss Hatchell.

Thursday 14 August 1834

Busy cutting Oats.  Remarkably fine Harvest Weather.  Eyes still preventing my writing or reading without considerable pain & trouble.

Friday 15 August 1834

Finished Cutting Oats in the upper Bracken Field.  In the evening began carrying Wheat out of Dr. . . ..In the evening unwell, with symptoms of a bad Cold.

Saturday 16 August 1834

A feverish night, but better this morning.  Mr Roscoe & Wm. Left us on their return home.  Finished carrying Wheat, which though not only on Monday Tuesday last, was in the long week continued, owing to it being clear & the extraordinary fineness of the Weather.  This was the quickest & best Wheat harvest.  Fever experienced.

Sunday 17 August 1834

In the Morning read prayers as usual, but so unwell as to be prevented our attending service at Talk in the afternoon.

Monday 18 August 1834

Better, but still very indifferent.  Engaged on Navigation papers, & considering & making 

Page 18.  1834  August

Monday 18 August 1834

Minutes of business for the Select Committee at the next Meeting on the 25 inst.  In the evening, Rain.

Tuesday 19 August 1834

At home.  But owing to my Eyes still obliged to abstain as much as possible from writing & reading.  What a life & considered almost insupportable such a life of as this!  Busied myself about much matters on the Farm.

Wednesday 20 August 1834

The same.

Thursday 21 August 1834

Called upon Mr Sneyd of Bradwall.  Much shocked at the change which had taken place since I last saw him, having seen the appearance of the last stage of old age.  Greatly as I have myself suffered, yet I could not but first as I rode home how thankful I ought to be for the comparative health & vigour which are still left, & which enable to participate in the general comforts & enjoyments of Life.

Friday 22 August 1834

Busy carrying oats, but stopped in the afternoon by a sudden &heavy shower.

Saturday 23 August 1834

Again carrying oats, the night having been fair & the morning fine so which they were inn perfectly good condition..  Received a Letter addressed to me by the late John Trubshaw a short time before he died, [remembering] his son Charles as his Successor, entrusting the appointment of him accordingly.

B143

Letter to Martin Marsh (aged 8/9)

from his mother, Ann Marsh-Caldwell

Master Marsh

10 Miss J

Mixed

(Page missing?)

Fleas hold a little horse hair in their paws and this horse hair is dipped in sulphuric acid, and when they touch hole of the cannon with it, it fires it. There are two fleas saddled like horses and a little tiny figure like Napoleon rides on one, and a tiny Duke of Wellington on the other.

I have just finished reading to your sisters a beautiful play, the Oedipus of Sophocles. Sophocles wrote in Greek, you will I hope read him in Greek some day. We read him translated. Poor Oedipus killed his father Lauis without knowing him, and then in his despair and grief put out his own eyes. He was King of Thebes.

Look in the map for Thebes, it is not very far from Athens.

I hope my dear child you do not forget to say your Collect every morning. I never forget to pray to God for you, night and morning that he will make you a good boy.

Write to me when you have written to your father and your Grandfather. Write to your Grandfather first. Do you want more paper.

Your most affectionate Mother. 

Sunday 24 August 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  Owing to the inclemency of the weather, we did not attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.

Monday 25 August 1834

Went early to Stone, where engaged closely all day on Select Committee & returned home at night.

Tuesday 26 August 1834

Wrote to Mr James Trubshaw relative to the water proposed by Mr [Ridgeway]to be thrown into the Canal, in which of that taken for the use of his [Stephenson] Wood to Mr F. Tomlinson to fix a day for looking over papers etc. in Miss Stamford's Affairs preparatory to the Meeting of the Trustees.

Wednesday 27 August 1834

Finished carrying the Oats.  Mrs Felton gave me warning to leave.  I had, for the first time since she arrived in my Service, spoke to her at Breakfast, about her duties, which had not of late been properly attended to, observing not the service that she had it in her person long since perfect satisfaction if she pleased.  On accidentally going into the kitchen a few minutes after, she gave me the warning.  From her first coming into the Family, she has been troubled with particular civility & respect.

Thursday 28 August 1834

Having several things to do at Newcastle went there this Morning with Bessy, & returned to dinner.

Friday 29 August 1834

At home.

Saturday 30 August 1834

At home.

B083

Boulogne Friday (Postmark 30 August 1834)

To

Master Marsh

Miss Joyce

Church Street

Hampstead

London

My dearest Martin,

I hoped to have heard from you before this time of your safe arrival at Miss Joyce’s but as you do not write I suppose you expect to hear from me first. We miss you very much, I often think I hear your dear voice upon the stairs and feel sad when I think how we are parted. However it is the fate of all sons and all mothers and we must submit to it as well as we can.

The little Kearneys enquire much after you, and your friend the great dog comes up every day to see whether you are to be found, poor fellow, I feel fond of him for your sake.

Do write to me as soon as you get this, and tell me how you like school after Boulogne, what you are doing and learning and every thing about yourself that you can think of.

How very stupid we both of us were to forget your books. Your bible and prayer book and your Eton Grammar, and your story books. I will send them to you, with a few sugar plumbs to remind you of old Boulogne.

We have not been to (Publaiss?) very often since you went. He enquires after you and hoped you were contente de votre promenade. I could have told him you would rather have had a horse than his little odd tailed poney. The last time we were there there was another lady riding who had got the white faced bay, so Georgy rode that long backed Basinante, that little Paganini sometimes rode, and Fanny the grey which was very naughty and jumped about.

Your sisters are to take a ride out next week upon the sands, I rather suppose.

On Thursday we spent our holiday in walking all about the town, and in the evening Louisa and I went into the haute ville and came to the Convent of the Ursuline Nuns, so as I had a question to ask about some work for your Papa, we determined to try to get in. we rang at the bell and a very nice looking woman in a black gown and large cross came to speak to us, and said if we would wait a little we might see une des Dames, for so she called the Nuns.

So she took us into a room, very clean and neat, with all the windows so covered that nothing could be seen out of them and there we sat a long time, everything in the Convent being as silent as death. At the end of the room there was a door which looked like a cupboard and at last it opened, and a Nun came into the room.

She was dressed in black with a long black veil and white band (cloth crossed out) board over her forehead, she had a string of large beads and a cross. She was a very old person, but was very kind and obliging and asked us to come again on Monday. Louisa and I felt quite strange to have been really in a convent.

Give my king regards to Miss Joyce. All sisters send their dear love.

My dearest Martin your most affectionate Mother, Anne Marsh.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Sunday 31 August 1834

In the morning read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Bessy.  Revd. Mr Garratt preached.

Page 19.  1834  September

Monday 1^st September 1834

Bessy & I dined at Clough Hall.  Dr. & Mrs Mackenzie, Revd. Mr Garratt & Drake, Mr Cliff of [Newfield], Spencer Rogers & Edward Kinnersly.  4 Brace of Partridge killed on Alsager Estate.

Tuesday 2 September 1834

At home.  Engaged on papers in Miss Stamford's Affairs previous to seeing Mr F. Tomlinson tomorrow agreeably to Appointment.

Wednesday 3 September 1834

Mr F. Tomlinson came & with whom engaged closely on papers, Accounts etc. preparatory to the Meeting of the Trustees under the Will on Tuesday next.

Thursday 4 September 1834

At home.

Friday 5 September 1834

Called at Trentham, but the Duke being out somewhere in the Grounds, I would not suffer to go for him, as he proposed doing on seeing my Card.

Saturday 6 September 1834

At home.  Engages again on late Miss Stamford's papers particularly to the Meeting.  Accident by a Fall to Mary [Boardman].

Sunday 7 September 1834

In the morning Read Prayers said usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & Tolland at Service at Talk.  Full congregation, it being the opening of the Sunday School & number of children attended, about 120 or 130 . . .Observations made by Mr Garratt in his Service.

Monday 8 September 1834

At home.  In the Evening Charles Crompton arrived.

Tuesday 9 September 1834

Mr F. Tomlinson came, with whom Charles Crompton & Mr Lawrence about noon, engaged on Miss Stamford's Affairs perusing & considering the Draft of [Assigned], to the Trustees etc. etc. In the evening Mr Tomlinson went home.

Wednesday 10 September 1834

Charles Crompton & Mr Lawrence left us.

Thursday 11 September 1834

At home.  Fatigued & Unwell.  Mrs [Moreton] of Brampton House died of Typhus Fever, highly & deservedly respected.

Friday 12 September 1834

The same.

Saturday 13 September 1834

Went to Cliffe Ville, by appointment, to confer further with Mr F. Tomlinson on Miss Stamford's Affairs.  Returned to dinner.

File PB120120

Letter to Stamford Caldwell

from his sister Ann Marsh-Caldwell

 
Post mark Boulogne sur mere 13^th September 1834.

James Stamford Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

[Post Office, Buxton]

Boulogne, Sept

My dearest Stamford,

You quite forgot to tell me where I was to direct to you and I have waited a long time in hopes to hear of you or from you at last. Aunt B tells me that she thinks you were at Buxton so I have [renbred?] to direct this letter to you at Linley in hope to find you somewhere. And I have desired Aunt B to direct to you wherever you were.

I will not go again over [give?] of your last, I feel very sorry to have given you pain. I had no idea till you expressed it so forcedly of the pain you had felt. I feel sure that my father has little idea that his own regrets are [strongly centred?] in your [secret?] thoughts. And I think [rolls away?] to end conversations which must be very distressing to you would be to assure him that they did distress you. And that your own disappointment at least equaled his, but I only throw out this, till we have the window in the heart the world will be full of misapprehensions even among those who expect to understand one another the best.

I own I was not the least aware of the manner in which you felt. I thought, except on my father’s account, that you cared very little about the matter. It is a very long time since I have heard of any of you, and I quite long for letters from Elizabeth. I hope mine come to hand I did not give you much encouragement to come here and indeed I think you would have found very little to amuse you.

We know a few people but they are all families of children except one, the Kennedys, where there are girls about Louisa’s age, and within the last week we have made out the Clarks who are here on their way from Paris. I am quite delighted with them both. Mr Clark, who by the bye enquires much after you, is indeed a very sensible and agreeable man, and [Minnie?] is become all that the wife of such a man should be.

Their daughter who when last I saw them was a little shabby girl is new a pretty, agreeable young woman. We began to cultivate each other most vigorously.

But now we are too ill with influenza and sore throats that I am obliged to put a stop to communication which is very provoking. Certainly we have had a vast deal of sickness since we have been here. And I suspect our situation is not very well chosen, but though there has been much illness about the town there has not been one case of cholera.

We are very much engaged with our lessons but still manage to get some drives about the country, which seems to me pretty and interesting which, however, is probably owing to its novelty.

We have some very good music. One of the Kennedys is the finest harp player I ever heard, a little, rather pretty odd looking girl complie de talons. The concerts too are good at three francs a head. And there is a pretty theatre.

Things are cheap and life is very easy if we could but be [well?] But there is a consolation that one gets a very good physician at 5 francs.

George Marsh is come from the Cape with his little son Willy, and we are all elders going down into [town, Touran?] I believe to pay Anne Gabiou a visit, which I shall enjoy exceedingly. That is the journey with my dearest Arthur scrambling over the country as we can, I expect, to see much that will interest me.

I like this people much, they are so cheerful, so good humoured[?], so frugal and so temperate you never see a drunken man or hear a drunken brawl. At least I have only heard one though we are here among the all lowest population of the place that was however terrible, a drunken [putram reins?] to be a perfect madman.

They all dress themselves up when their work is over. Men and women and go to their diners. In summer in the gardens in the neighbourhood. In winter in any large room they can find. They will have then amusements, poor as well as rich.

I feel [concerned?] one of our great mistakes in England is not encouraging cheerful amusement among the poor. They seem very honest though very poor, and very independent the first thing in the birth of a child even in the poorest families is to begin to lay by [tinclly?] for the [tot?] and when they marry the woman is expected to bring enough to [plenish, furnish?] the house.

While the man finds capital for the [timber?] the men among the bourgeoisie are remarkably[?] well mannered and well informed. I feel sheltered from the rain the other day in a [caroners, corner?] shop, and the master, a young man invited me into his drawing room, and entertained me with the greatest politness, giving me an account of the [population cotgintis?] of the place – with comparison on the part and English [Goose laws? &c with the ease of a perfect gentleman and man of education.

The woman of that class are greatly inferior, I think, to their husbands.

Do write to me dear Stamford and tell me what you have been doing. If you come to London I do hope you will manage to [come, run?] over and see us in the steam boat. I can find you a bed in the house which Madame Billet will [aider?] to me for a franc.

Every your affectionate Anne Marsh.

A very stupid letter written with too sick girls in my room and my head aching with the remains of my own illness.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood 

Sunday 14 September 1834

In the morning, read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I & Mary Roscoe attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Drake.

Monday 15 September 1834

Wrote to Dr. Holland.  Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Met Mr Goodhall (Mr Peake being prevented coming by the death of one of his Daughters) relation to the Sale to Mr Sneyd of my Lot of Willeston Heath, Ass . . .Farms etc. He said that any . . .of the . . .was of no consequence, upon .  . .being . . in . . .of £12 per . . .  Returned to dinner.  Particularly weakness of my sight, & the difficulty of distinguishing persons, even at a short distance.

Tuesday 16 September 1834

At home.  Began ploughing for Wheat.  The weather being very favourable.  Turned the Milking Cows into the After Grass, of which there is an abundant crop in the Meadow.

Wednesday 17 September 1834

At home.  Looking over papers, & copied afresh Minutes of the last Meeting of the Sel. Committee.

Thursday 18 September 1834

At home.

Friday 19 September 1834

At home.  Bessy received intelligence of the death of Mrs Clarkson of Nantwich, which took place.  Received Letter from Mr Hartley on Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Saturday 20 September 1834

At home.  William Faram came & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.

Sunday 21 September 1834

In the Morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon attended Service at Talk, taking Mary Roscoe.  Bessy being unwell.  Revd. Mr Sutcliffe preacher.

Monday 22 September 1834

At home.  Mr Vaughan came to consult me on his way to Liverpool relative to Reid & Co. Acc. with the Company.  Wm. Martin came to dinner & staid all night.

 B087

Letter to Martin Marsh

from his mother, Anne Marsh-Caldwell

Boulogne sur mer

Monday 22^nd Sept 1834

To Master Marsh

Miss Joyce

Church Street

Hampstead
London

Angleterre

My dearest Martin,

At last I have sent off your books by the London steam packet and I hope they will reach you safely. It seems a very long time since I wrote to you, but I waited to send off these books, and a letter which I expected a gentleman to carry for me but I have been disappointed. So the post must carry the letter and the steam boat the books.

Your Grandpapa intends to ask you to come and spend three days with him at Blackheath at Michaelmas and I hope you will have been a good and industrious boy, so that Miss Joyce will be able to allow you to go.

I have asked your Aunts to buy you the Travels of Rolando and give them to you to take back to school. I think you will like that book, and I hope you will read it. One must read a good deal at odd times or one shall certainly become ignorant. If a man be ignorant he can never do any good in this world.

I do hope my dear Boy that you are taking pains with your lessons and that we shall never hear such an account of you as Miss Joyce was obliged to give your Papa the last time he went to see you.

Uncle George and little Willy came here last Thursday. Willy is a very nice little child. A very good and clever little thing. Next Thursday your Papa and I set out for Tours. Look in the maps and see the way we intend to go, by Gisons, Chartres and Blois, we return by Paris.

I will write to you an account of our journey and if you or Miss Joyce want to write to me direct Poste restante Paris. Will you tell Miss Joyce this with my kind regards. We shall be at Boulogne again in less than three weeks so that unless there is something of importance to write about you had better direct to Boulogne. I must leave the rest of the paper for your sisters. God bless you my dearest boy. Ever your affectionate Mother.

Your things cannot go by the steam boat after all, they will come in a few days by a gentleman.

My dearest Martin,

Mamma has left me this little bit to write to you on. For I can not have much to say. We are going to day to Sauvcieux-Moulin and in the evening to the play. Mama is having her picture taken and believe we are also to have ours.

We have been twice out riding with M.(Pichlin?) and once with Papa. I like Willy extremely, he is such a good little boy and so amusing. I believe you have never seen him yet have you? It is just this moment raining but I hope it will clear up as we shall not be able to go.

We have got a German master called Dr Ficht.Milois quite well and sometimes comes up into the dining room while we are at dinner for something to eat.

My dear Martin,

I hope you have not been flogged. We are going to Moulin Sonoraye (Sonosaye?) where we are to see a Castle full of old pictures. There are coal mines near it. The old furniture in the Castle is very curious. We went to Outre-eau, there was a church rather pretty at the end.

Your affectionate sister

Mary Marsh.

My dear Martin,

Have you built your summer house yet? Are the school boys kind to you? We went up the Palaisaid. Had you any of your things taken away when you went over? Is Miss Joyce kind to you? Do you ever go to our house at (hane?) and in the garden? Little Willie is such a nice little boy and I am sure you will like him when you come over.

Good bye, your most affectionate sister,

Adelaide Marsh.

Will sends his love. 

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Tuesday 23 September 1834

At home.  Mr Vaughan came on his return from Liverpool & dined.

Wednesday 24 September 1834

At home.

Thursday 25 September 1834

Went to Newcastle & engaged with Mr Ward & Mr John Ward settling my accounts with them, which we went through & finally settled & they put me the Balance remaining due to me.  Left with them the Assigned to . . .of the House . . .them in Miss By. . .Holding & the Conveyance of the small piece of Freehold Land adjoining it for [completion] by the Purchase of the Brewery.  Wrote Letter to Mr Hartley inclosing one from Mr F. Tomlinson relative to the . . .allowance by Mr York of the expense of the intended . . .lately taken out in the favour of York

Friday 26 September 1834

Heavy & continued Rain.

Saturday 27 September 1834

At Newcastle again called upon Mr John Ward who satisfactorily explained some Items in the Account with late Mr Bent & Co which I thought they had omitted to change, but which it appeared that the Account was duly . . .for.

Sunday 28 September 1834

In the morning said Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon at Talk Chapel with Mary Roscoe.  Bessy being unwell.  Mr Garratt preached.

Monday 29 September 1834

Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee.

Page 21.  1834  September

Tuesday 30 September 1834

At Stone.  Engaged on General Committee.  Returned at night, this engagement prevented my dining today with the Mayor of Newcastle, as I had been invited to do.  On my arrival at home found Eliza Roscoe.

October

Wednesday 1^st October 1834

At home.  Dr. & Mrs H. Holland, with Bessy Holland & the Doctors two children Frank & Emily, came to dinner.

Thursday 2 October 1834

Engaged with Dr. Holland & the Party.  Mrs J. Wedgwood who was to have dined, prevented coming.  Stamford arrived to dinner.  William Faram came on Navigation Business, & looked at the ground with a view to an enlargement of the Pool.

Friday 3 October 1834

Engaged again with the Doctor etc. After dinner the Doctor left us on his return to Town.

Saturday 4 October 1834

Mrs & Miss Holland with the Children left us after luncheon, going to Maer Hall.

Sunday 5 October 1834

In the morning, read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy, H.  E. Roscoe, Mary Roscoe & Stamford attended at Talk, but not being very well enough myself.

Monday 6 October 1834

Went to Newcastle on various matters.  Stamford taking me in his little carriage.

Tuesday 7 October 1834

Went to Cliffe Ville by appointment, & confirmed with Mr F. Tomlinson & his Father on Miss Stamford, particularly the Drafts of the Assignment to the Trustees which had been returned by Mr Chas. Crompton with various alterations.  Revd. Mr Garratt called, to whom I paid the compensation for Tithes under the late Agreement, also my subscription to the erection of the Schools at Audley & Talk.  Begun getting up Winter Potatoes in the Little [Birchen] Field.

Wednesday 8 October 1834

At home.  Finished sowing Wheat in the Little [Birchen] Field & busy getting up Potatoes.  Miss Wedgwood of Maer & Miss Emma Allen called.  Stamford dined at Lawton Hall.

Thursday 9 October 1834

At home.  Magnolia in flower again, & very beautiful.  Received Note from Mrs H.  Holland, thanking me for the reception she had met with at Linley Wood.  Delivered to Mr John [Keeling] the printed Notice of my intention to [correspond] for any refused Taxes under the Land Acts of Parliament.

Friday 10 October 1834

At home.  Sent by Stamford some Grapes to Mrs Wedgwood at Maer.

Saturday 11 October 1834

At home.  Bessy called at Rode Heath taking a Basket of Fruit & vegetables to the Ladies.  Stamford returned from Maer to dinner.

Sunday 12 October 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon, attended Service at Talk, with Bessy & Stamford.

Page 22.  1834  October

Monday 13 October 1834

At home.  Engaged drawing Brief for the defence at Stafford Sessions of Sarah Cooper (sister to the Girl at the Farm) now in Stafford Gaol on a charge of stealing a Gown.  [Endorsing] this Case desiring pity & attention, I was desirous to render any assistance in my power.

Tuesday 14 October 1834

Copied the Brief, & delivered it to Stamford, paying him a Fee if Two Guineas.  Afterwards went to Newcastle, where engaged all day attending the Sessions.  One of the Prisoners sentenced to transportation for 7 years for stealing a watch out of the cabin from a Boat, upon the G. T. Canal, the property of the Boatman.  Dined afterwards with the Mayor etc. at the Roebuck & returned home at night.

Wednesday 15 October 1834

At home.  In the afternoon Stamford left us, going from here to Stafford Sessions.

Derby Mercury

Wednesday 15 October 1834

Buxton Bath Charity

Great Hotel, Sept 8 1834.
At a General Meeting of the Subscribers to the Fund for the Relief of the Poor resorting to Buxton, for the benefit of the Bath and Water:-

The Right Hon. Lord Western, in the Chair

 - -  James Stamford Caldwell - - - 

Resolved - That the following Gentlemen do form a Committee, to audit the Annual Accounts presented by the Trustees:- - - - 

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

Thursday 16 October 1834

At home.  Charles Trubshaw called to select my support to his appointment to the situation of one of the Surveyors of the Canal vacant by the death of his late Father, when I read to him the orders of the General Committee referring it to the Select Committee to enquire & consider who would be a proper person to fulfil the same, & that in consequence the Sel. Committee had directed Mr Vaughan to enquire from Mr Wm. Faram whether he would take the situation & which had expressed his willingness & desire to do. 

I suggested to Mr C. Trubshaw the reasonableness & propriety of preference being given to [Servants] who had been very long in the Service of the [Company], & who had faithfully & ably discharged the duties of their Situation, & which he did not attempt to . . .with.

Friday 17 October 1834

At home.  High wind & wind & Rain.  Received Letter from Mr Hartley relative to the expense of the Actual Admin. in Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Saturday 18 October 1834

Wrote to Mr F. . . .inclosing Mr Hartleys Letter.  At home, the weather being very stormy & wet.  This Evening the Newspaper brought the Account of the destruction by Fire on Thursday night last of both Houses of Parliament.

Sunday 19 October 1834

In the morning said Prayers as usual, but the Weather being inclement & Bessy & I having Colds, we did not attend Service at Talk in the Evening.

Page  23.  1834  October

Monday 20 October 1834

At home.  Engaged on sundry papers.  Kept in the House all day by my cold.

Tuesday 21 October 1834

At home.  Miss Emma Wedgwood & Miss E. Holland called on their way to Knutsford.  Received Letter from Dr. Holland relative to the £3000 .  . . .given to his Children by the Will of the late Miss Stamford.

Wednesday 22 October 1834

By the direction of Ann Marsh by Letter from her, remitted. . . Draft on demand for £50 to Miss Booth & P. . . 2 Adelphi Terrace London being the half given Interest of £2000 what became due under her Marriage Settlement the 31 July last.

Thursday 23 October 1834

At home.

Friday 24 October 1834

At home.

Saturday 25 October 1834

At home.  Engaged on preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville on Monday next on late Miss Stamford's Affairs.

Sunday 26 October 1834

In the morning Read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk.  Rev. Mr Garratt preached.

Monday 27 October 1834

Went to Cliff Ville, where engaged with Mr F. Tomlinson & considerable time on Miss Stamford's Affairs etc. etc.

Tuesday 28 October 1834

At home.  Unwell.

Morning Post.

Tuesday 28 October 1834 (and Leamington Spa Courier, 25 Oct. 1834)

Leamington Spa - Arrivals

Mr J. Stamford Caldwell, from his seat, Linley Wood, Staffordshire. 

Diary of James Caldwell continues.

Wednesday 29 October 1834

The same.

Thursday 30 October 1834

The same.  Engaged on various matters & papers.

Friday 31 October 1834

At home.

C26

Letter to Martin Marsh

from his sister Lousisa Marsh-Caldwell

at Miss Joyce’s,

Hampstead 

My dear Martin,

We have not sent you all the string for your reins but only part and when that which Hannah now brings is worn out you can send for some more.

I hope that you will find your whistle (strike?) and that Lushington will be able to hear you from one end of the heath to the other.

Mrs Robinson’s little boy has been very ill for some time and it died at about ten o’clock on Sunday night, Peggy was taken soon after, very ill with the Scarlet Fever so you see Mrs Robinson has many troubles.

Pray dear Martin do no forget to collect seals for Jane Gifford you had better get them all sealed on one piece of paper and then you will not lose them. I could not get to talk to you at all on Sunday but when you come home we shall have a nice talk together. – all the dogs are quite well and so I believe are the cats.

Mama desires me to say that she has a headache or she would have written to you, having no more room

I remain ever dear Martin your very affectionate sister,

Louisa Marsh.

Mama will write next week.

Diary of James Caldwell continues...

November

Saturday 1^st November 1834

Engaged on Navigation papers preparatory to the Meeting of the Select Committee on Monday next.  Wm. Faram came with whom also engaged.

Sunday 2. November 1834

In the Morning read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Drake preached his Farewell Sermon.

Monday 3 November 1834

Went early to Stone, where engaged closely on Select Committee.

Tuesday 4 November 1834

Returned home.  Revd. Mr Garratt & Revd. Mr Drake dined at Linley Wood.  Had at dinner green Peas in the highest perfection, out of the Garden at the House.

Wednesday 5 November 1834

At home.  Engaged on sundry matters, & papers on Miss Stamford's Affairs etc.

Thursday 6 November 1834

The same.  Unwell.  Received Letter from Ann Marsh with an account of her safe arrival at home on Monday last.

Friday 7 November 1834

Received Note from Mr F. Tomlinson postponing to Monday next, my going to Cliffe Ville on late Mr Stamford's Affairs.  Engaged again on these papers & Accounts.

Saturday 8 November 1834

Engaged again on papers in Mr Stamford's Affairs preparatory to going to Cliffe Ville on Monday next.

Page 24.  1834  November

Sunday 9 November 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Garratt preached.

Monday 10 November 1834

Went to Cliff Ville when engaged with Mr F.Tomlinson on late Miss Stamford's Affairs, but returned to Dinner.

Tuesday 11 November 1834

At home.  Mrs & Miss Northen, with Mrs Smith wife of Dr. Smith of Manchester called.

Wednesday 12 November 1834

At home.  Wrote to Dr. Holland relative to the [insistent] by Miss Drummond of the [oncoming] Dividends the 3000 Consols given by the Will of Miss Stamford to my late dear Emma's Children, & the previous of . . . necessary for that purpose.  Mr Davenport called as I had requested being desirous to consult him again about my Eyes which during the last fortnight have been particularly been troublesome & weak, attended occasionally with pain.

Thursday 13 November 1834

At home.  The same.

Friday 14 November 1834

At home.  The same.

Saturday 15 November 1834

At home.  The same.

Sunday 16 November 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Child, who had succeeded Mr Drake in the Curacy, preached here for the first time.  A proper & sensible Sermon, but delivered with great diffidence & rather too low to be very distinctly heard.

Monday 17 November 1834

Went to Newcastle on various matters, but particularly to have seen Mr Ward relative to an application which had been made to him for the taking of Stoney Field.  Called upon Mr [DeLoude] the Dentist, who took the necessary card for making me three artificial Teeth, the want of which has for sometime past much annoyed in particularly in speaking.

Tuesday 18 November 1834

.  Wrote to L. B. Hollinshead Esq. with invitation to dine & sleep here on the 30 November, on his way to Stone.  Engaged on the Farm.  Men very busy during the last two days, in carrying out spreading Manure in the Ley Ground.

Wednesday 19 November 1834

Went to Betley Hall, to call upon Mr Wickstead on occasion of his Marriage, & whom I had the pleasure to see him & his Bride, with all the Tollet Family & Mrs Lister the Widow of my dearest Friend, Mr . . .of Armitage Park.  Mrs Tollet & Miss Eliza T. & . . .[record] in health, & . . .Letter than I could possibly have expected.

Thursday 20 November 1834

At home.  Letter from Dr. Holland inclosing a Power of Attorney to enable Miss Drummond to [record] the Dividends on the 3000 Consols to Miss Stamford.  Letter also from Mrs Hollinshead.

Page 25.  1834  November

Friday 21 November 1834

At home.

Saturday 22 November 1834

Went to Newcastle, taking Bessy along with me, & called upon Mr [DeLoude] when he put in the artificial Teeth, which he had made for me.  The operation is simple  & producing no pain.  He appeared to me to be sensible & ingenious man & to understand very well what he was about.

Sunday 23 November 1834

In the morning read Prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Bessy & I attended service at Talk.

Monday 24 November 1834

At home engaged on late Miss Stamford's papers, previous to writing to Dr. Holland.

Tuesday 25 November 1834

Executed Power of Attorney to Miss Drummond Bankers London (which had been sent down by Dr. Holland) to receive the Dividend on the 3000 consols given to his Children by the Will of Miss Stamford, & wrote to them a Letter in the form sent down, requesting them to convert such Dividends in the purchase a further 3 per Cash Consols. 

Sent Dr. Holland also Draft for £10.16.4 being the Balance in the hands of the the Executor in and of Dividends received.  Afterwards went to Newcastle, & called again upon Mr [De Loude] in consequence of the Teeth not being perfectly easy, when he made a slight alteration but wished to see me again.  Saw also Mr Ward relative to an application which had been made by Mr Firmstone, for Stoney field & whom he promised to see upon the subject.

Wednesday 25 November 1834

At home.  Received Letter from Mr Vaughan appointing to come here on Friday next preparatory to the appointing Meeting of the Select & General Committee & the General Assembly next week, there being many matters to [consult].  Engaged all morning on Miss Stamford's Affairs, Acct. etc. preparatory to writing to Ann Marsh in reply to a Letter received from her.

Thursday 27 November 1834

At home.  Engaged on Navigation Papers previous to seeing Mr Vaughan tomorrow.

Friday 28 November 1834

Mr Vaughan came, with whom closely engaged on Navigation business.  Mr V. came to dinner, & staid all night.

Saturday 29 November 1834

Mr Vaughan went after breakfast.  Copied afresh Letter to Ann Marsh, & wrote to Dr. Holland, returning with Letter to Miss Drummond with some further words attached, as requested.

Sunday 30 November 1834

Read Prayers as usual, but not being very well Bessy & I did not attend service at Talk in the afternoon.

December

Monday 1^st December 1834

Went to Stone.  Took Bessy to Newcastle to meet Miss Mainwaring who was coming to Linley Wood for the Revd. Mr [Bosworth].  Engaged at Stone all day on Select Committee.

Tuesday 2 December 1834

At Stone.  Engaged on General Committee.

Page 26.  1834  December

Wednesday 3 December 1834

At Stone.  Engaged in General Assembly.  Returned home this Evening, & found Miss Mainwaring at Linley Wood.

B105

Letter To Martin Marsh,

from his Sister Louisa Marsh-Caldwell

addressed to

Miss Joyce’s,

Church Street,

Hampstead.

Post mark Postmark Dec.3 1834

Wednesday

Morning ½ 7

My dear Martin,

I am afraid you will think us false traitors not to have either come to see you or written to you after my promise but now you have only two Sundays more to stay at school.

Last Wednesday we all six went to Lady Aldersons christening ball. The only great girls we knew there were the Milmans who were very agreeable (they are coming here I believe some time next week). Emily Holland with Frank was also there and that I think was all the people we knew in the girl and boy way.

Fanny(?) Gifford has got a bad cold but we have not heard lately from the Gifford girls, wicked children, Georgy being the only one besides myself that is left. She alone joins me in love and think of me my dear boy as your very affectionate sister,

Louisa Marsh.

Diary of James Caldwell at Linley Wood

Thursday 4 December 1834

At home.  Fatigued & unwell.  Wrote to the Revd. Mr Tomlinson informing him of the result of a Motion for granting a Constitution towards the erection of National Schools at Stoke.  Received from Ann Marsh a [Book] of the Plume de Tours mentioned in [Quentin Durward].

Friday 5 December 1834

Still unwell.  About one o'clock Mr Wilkinson & Mr Smith (one of the Navigation Club) brought me the melancholy intelligence of the sudden death at about 9 o'clock this morning, of my old & highly valued Acquaintance & Friend poor Vaughan. 

I thought proper immediately to proceed with Mr Wilkinson to Stone to make the proper arrangement respecting the Book Papers till the Select Committee could meet, which we accordingly did setting our [Seats] where necessary, & putting of various things in a parcel, sealed both our Seals, & which Mr Wilkinson took into his care. 

We found that the papers had been sent with the intelligence to Sir. George Chetwynd & Mr Wedgwood, from the latter of whom a Letter was received by Mr W. Vaughan saying that Mr Wedgwood wished immediately to communicate with me.  Returned home in the evening, & arrived between 9 & 10, but under much hurry & distress of mind from this most unfortunate & lamentable Event.

Saturday 6 December 1834

At home.  Unwell.

Sunday 7 December 1834

Not having heard from Mr Wedgwood yesterday in consequence of the death of poor Vaughan, as I had fully expected.  Sent a Message with a Note to him proposing to meet at Newcastle tomorrow morning.

Monday 8 December 1834

Went to Newcastle.  Met  Mr Wedgwood when we considered what was proper to be done at the present occasion & determined upon the Minutes of the Select Committee for Wednesday next at Stone, & of which Notice we sent to Sir George Chetwynd, by a Messenger by this evening Coach.  Returned home to dinner.  Severely cold, but fine.  Signed & sent to Miss Booth & Potters London a Receipt for £102.2.8.a further Dividend on money due under H. Marsh's Banks to the Estate of the late Miss Stamford.

Tuesday 9 December 1834

At home.

Wednesday 10 December 1834

Went to Stone.  Met Mr Wedgwood.  Did what business was necessary at the Crown Inn: but it being the day of the funeral, we declined going to the Office & adjourned to tomorrow.  On my arrival at home, found that the Duke of Sutherland who I had met in . . .near Trentham Inn, but did not immediately encourage, had called at Linley Wood & left his Card with his compliments & said he was very sorry not to find me at home.

Thursday 11 December 1834

 Went again to Stone, Mr Wilkinson accompanying me from Newcastle.  Engaged examining Papers etc. in Mr Vaughans private Office.  Found his Will which we delivered to Mr Thos. Garratt one of the Executors, together with such papers as we found to relate only to his [pained] Affair.  Mr [Toole] as a Friend of the Family, & Mr Wm. Vaughan also attended.  Engaged closely all day, & returned late.

Friday 12 December 1834

At home.  Revised & copied afresh the Minutes of the Select Committees & of what had been done in consequence of the death of poor Vaughan.

Saturday 13 December 1834

At home.  Engaged all morning on Navigation business.  Mr Rob.  Heath & Mr Wm. Faram relative to the going of the Boats upon the Canal under the late Set for regulating weights & Measures.  Ashborne Wharf at Stoke with Letter from Mr Wilkinson relative to Reid & Co. account with the Company, when I desired him & Faram to go immediately to Northwich, to make the necessary inquiry.  Unwell& in the house all day.

Sunday 14 December 1834

In the morning read prayers as usual.  In the afternoon Miss Mainwaring, Bessy & I attended Service at Talk.  Revd. Mr Garratt preached.

Monday 15 December 1834

Went to Stone where engaged all day on Select Committee & returned home at night.  In my absence Mr & Mrs Chas. Lawton had called, also Revd. Frederick Ford, having a Rec. on Stamp to be signed by me for an old Debt owing from one Wm. [Bagley] to the Macclesfield Brewery & which appeared to have been paid to Wm. Bent January 4 1818.

Tuesday 16 December 1834

At home.  Fatigued & very unwell, but engaged closely on Navigation Papers, Letters etc.

Wednesday 17 December 1834

At home.  The same.  Cough & Eyes very troublesome.  Wrote Letter in reply to the several applications meant for poor Vaughans Office, informing them that no appointment would at present be made.  Mr Davenport called to request my vote for D. Davidson as as one of the Physicians of the North Staffordshire Infirmary.  I had received a similar application from Mr Ward of Newcastle.  I expressed to Mr D.  my favourable Interest of D.  Davidson, but declined making any absolute promise, till I knew something of the Testament & Wishes of the . . .

Page 28.  1834  December

Thursday 18 December 1834

Went to Nantwich on the affairs of the late Mr Skerratt.  Saw Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage, & appointed to meet again tomorrow morning.  Miss Mainwaring & Bessy accompanied me to Nantwich.

Friday 19 December 1834

Engaged with Mr Edleston & Mr Levesage, examining the Executorship Accounts, when it appeared that there would be very little if any overflow after the Debts & specific Legacies were discharged.  Mr Edleston & Mr L. proposed paying me the Debt of £750 & intent under the Will of my late sister Mrs Skerratt, & also a private Debt of £100 & intent owing to myself being money lent to the late Mr Skerratt, the Entry in my Cash Book December 20.  1834.

Saturday 20. December 1834

Mr E.  Light on the above monies, for which I gave Receipt accordingly.  Dined early at Nantwich, & returned to Linley Wood, leaving Miss Mainwaring in Dysart Buildings.  Found cards left by Mr & Mrs Henry Wedgwood who had called at L. Wood this morning.

Sunday 21 December 1834

In the morning read prayers as usual.  Not being well, Bessy & I did not attend Service at Talk in the afternoon.  Heard of the death of Mrs [Furton] of Betley, who expired suddenly on Friday last.

Monday 22 December 1834

Went Newcastle on sundry matters, & returned to dinner.

Tuesday 23 December 1834

At Talk Chapel attending with Mr Kinnersly setting out & allotting the Pews & Sittings of the Chapel as Commissioners under a Faculty which had been obtained for that purpose, 4 pews were allocated to me in respect of Linley Wood House & Estate No. 1. Farm House & Lands formerly Bates, No.  2. Foxholes Estate, No.3. The [Dudley} house in But Lane, & the House at Talk occupied by Mrs Beardmore, No. 4.

Wednesday 24 December 1834

At home.  Engaged Letter writing etc. Wm. Faram called & with whom engaged on Navigation Business.

Thursday 25

At home.  The usual Christmas Royale of the old Servants & their Families, Labourers etc. & by which they were all much very happy & had a joyous day.  Saml.  Beardmore & his wife were of the Party.  An extraordinary fine mild day with occasional Gleams of Sunshine.  We had today upon on our table excellent Broccoli out of the Garden & fine high flavoured Grapes out of the Hothouse.

Friday 26 December 1834

Called upon the Revd. Jack Ford, who was at home & with whom I was most pleased.

Saturday 27 December 1834

At home.  Engaged on various papers & Accounts.

Sunday 28 December 1834

In the Morning Prayers as usual.  The Evening Service at Talk.

Monday 29 December 1834

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

Page 29.  1834  December

Tuesday 30 December 1834

Went to Stone where engaged all day closely on Select Committee & returned home at night.

Wednesday 31 December 1834

Mr Charles Trubshaw came relative to the state of the Reservoirs & the expediency of stopping the Caldon Canal, where I appointed him to come again on Saturday in order that we might be governed by the intended water.

And here ends another year.

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