Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1841

Elizabeth Caldwell (Bessy) of Nantwich -  74/75  

Hannah Eliza Roscoe - age 55/56   daughter of James and Elizabeth C.             

James Stamford Caldwell - age - 54/55  son of James and Elizabeth C.          

Arthur Cuthbert Marsh - age 54/55 

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – age 49/50   

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – 'Louisa' –  age 22/23   

Frances Mary Marsh (later Crofton) - age 21/22    

Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – age 20/21

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy - age 17/18  - 

Martin William James Marsh - age 15/16    

Mary Emma Marsh (Lady Mary  E. Heath) – age 14/15 

Hannah Adelaide Marsh (later Loring) - age 12/13

File PB120129

Letter to James Stamford Caldwell

from his sister Ann Marsh-Caldwell

2nd January 1841

James Stamford Caldwell Esq

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

Angleterre

Post mark Boulogne sur Mer 1841

5 JA 1841

Capecure, Jan 2^nd

My dearest Stamford,

Rather awful work, beginning another year. At our time of life and time slips away with alarming rapidity. I can hardly believe that another year is actually gone. However, many happy new years to you at all events though I dare say you feel like me that the opening of a new year is not quite that joyous anticipation of hope that it used to be in days of yore.

Before I proceed to other matters I will just terminate the disagreeable subject that formed the leading article in your last. I think you were very right to enlighten me as to your intentions in the possible event of your dying unmarried, especially as you seem to think they are not altogether what I might very naturally have anticipated.

Moment[?]to your own friend introduced to me by yourself receiving your full approbation and the full approbation of my beloved father and mother.

I confess I had never found any reason to suppose that my children would be utterly forgotten and cast aside as aliens and strangers. My father in the numberless conversations we had together never gave me the slightest reason to imagine that such was his wish.

And if he expressed such wished to others was there no friend generous enough and kind enough to remind him of me and mine.

However, leaving you, as he did, the uncontrolled master of his property, he, of course, concluded you would do with it as you thought proper. And if it is your pleasure to accumulate all you possess upon one favoured head, is it not your own. And who can have a right to gain say.

You must forgive me, dear Stamford, for saying this much. I did not begin the subject. And it seems to me as if there would be something mean and cowardly in a silent acquiescence. I think I ought, in duty to my children, to express what I feel. But having once done so be assured I shall never trouble you with the slightest allusion to the subject again.

I have pursued this course with those of their father’s sister who have thought proper to push them aside for the sake of George’s children. I expressed my feelings once upon the subject and have preserved absolute silence ever since.

The course they have adopted did not surprise me in them.

From you, I own it was not altogether what I should have expected. I must again repeat, dear Stamford, that nothing should have tempted me to the indelicacy on my part of broaching this subject had you not yourself thought it right to begin it.

And now we will talk of other things. We still look very war-like here. The town full of soldiers of all descriptions, lancers, voltgiars[?], curissars[?], which last are fine men, tall and handsome any where, and where the soldiers in general are so undersized they make a great figure. They are mounted upon horses from England, that look much as if they had been buying the refuse of our Omnibus’s and the French papers are very much offended at our selling them any horses at all.

It is an insult to be so little afraid of them as to furnish them with arms. The cliffs have batteries bristling with cannon. And the peaceful establishment ( public library and promenade that is) has a battery erected in front of its windows that just shuts out the view of the sea.

Yet many people think, and I for one, that when this most anxious of nations finds that they must pay for their pet war themselves, instead of making other people pay for it, as in Napoleon’s time, they will not enjoy the pastime quite so much as they expect.

However, those who know them best think that they will never be content without a little blood letting, particularly entertain most lofty ideas of what they are to do. Destroy our navy and burn London, as a matter of course.

I was interrupted here and had to go and bid happy new years to Mrs Atherson. I fear poor Mr Atherson is rather declining. She lent me the Stafford paper in which she told me she had seen your name. But I have not had time to look what your name was doing.

I have not yet had dear Miss Martineau’s book. I hear it is much liked which I most heartily rejoice at. Poor thing! What energy to write and to write well in such circumstances. I wonder whether I shall ever see her again.

I have been reading little lately, being engaged studying with Martin, who has a great deal of reading to do in his vacation by his tutor’s direction. I continue to be very well pleased with Eton. And to rejoice very much in Arthur’s decision as to this subject. He is very sturdy in his conduct, has his time well occupied, is perfectly happy, and grows tall, strong and handsome.

So far so good. Arthur tells me your book [Results of Reading. Published by John Murray, London, 1843?] is advertised. I shall expect a copy, authors always paying such compliments in return for the same and you had my performances you know.

Arthur is in London and has been there some weeks and all Christmas so that we have had a [mournful?] Christmas without him and I have vowed it should be the last separation while he and I are in this world if I can help it.

The guns are going and I think there must be some vessel in distress out at sea, and must go and look out for it. And it gets late so I will finish this letter.

I do not know where you are but suppose it will reach you one place or other. I have had a most comfortable letter from dear Eliza with a very happy report of her family, almost men, she says her three boys are. And so indeed is mine.

Aunt B ('Bessy' Elizabeth Caldwell) too seems particularly well. It is a good year for Caldwells for I have not been so well many a long year.

I am, my dearest Stamford, your affectionate sister,

AM.

Wedgwood Archives

57-32115

29 January 1841

Letter from Frances Allen (Fanny) (1781-1875)

to Anne Marsh ( Marsh-Caldwell nee Caldwell). 

Addressed from Cresselly,

to Mrs Marsh,

Chateau de Tres,

Copecuse,

Boulogne Sur Mer,

France. 

Postmarked 1841.  

Cresselly  January 29

My dear Anne

John and Emma return you their warmest thanks for your kind congratulations on Isabella’s  (Isabella Georgina Allen ) marriage and I thank you again and again for all your affection, which I am sure of finding in spite of the large demands on that inexhaustible store of love, which you have the blessing of having whenever the slightest occasion calls it forth.  Not that I mean to say the present is a slight occasion as you would naturally understand from the letters written. 

I shall feel very desirous of hearing when you have settled where your future home will be.  The moment of quitting a place is always a sad one, therefore I shall be sorry for you when you quit Boulogne but you and your nice family will all be happy where ever you settle, and certainly England is the place where an English family would find most happiness. 

Have you ever thought of the Bath side of London?  I should like to find my friends on the same line of road, not very widely scattered as there is no good abundance of money or time left me now.  Therefore the Staffordshire line, London and Bath line, Southampton rail road line and the Oxford line, all would be in my way.  It would seem from this that you could not easily choose out of my way, so I remain easy on that lead. 

Harriet has fixed hers not quite conveniently and I am afraid not prudently also, but I know nothing myself of the country about Kyse.  Our marriage is but a foolish one if I speak truly and I cannot help speaking openly to you, and yet I do not know that Isabella was likely to do better, if she considered an early marriage indispensable.  If she had had higher aims, and had the spirit of occupation and improvement about her, I should have thought this match utterly unworthy and below her.  As it is it will do very well. 

She says she likes Mr Phillips better than any other person whom she knows and she would think it the worst fate in the world to run on to 30 without marrying.  Her present object is amusement and dresses and company.  These his fortune will immediately procure her, and perhaps after having as much as it is in her power to have of these things, her eyes may be opened, and she may turn to better things, and begin her education in earnest. 

Mr Phillips is a man of very small understanding, but he is kind natured and affectionate to his family.  He is devoted to hunting and very often comes with his hounds, and his hunting dress to pay his court.  He has lost a leg, and rides so wildly that it is thought to run a risk of breaking his neck even before his marriage which is settled for the 15^th of March. They go immediately to Paris, stay there a couple of months and return to take as much of the London season as they can get and after that take up their residence at a place on the harbour about 6 miles off when probably Isabella will begin to think and it is to be hoped that she will not then think that she has done a foolish thing. 

I do not know with her indolent habits that she is much above him in understanding.  If however she had made the best use of her time she would have been very much so. 

I am glad to tell you that we have had very improved accounts of Sismondi.  (Jean Charles Leonard de Sismondi) I could not think when he questioned us, that his disorder that left him a large appetite and good sleep, could be alarming, but its lingering so long with him, at last made me feel very anxious.  I wrote to a cousin of his Mad [Madame?] Bossi, to ask for information respecting Jessie and Sismondi, as the appearance of the former, made me feel more uneasy, than the disorder of the later, and I had a very satisfactory account of both from her.  Jessie had got to look much better soon after her arrival at Geneva “and was fattening”. 

A journey to England is too full of excitement, and painful recollections, to be favourable to the health of a person so easily excited as Jessie.  I feel sometimes surprised at myself, in going on happily enough with such a crowd of things, and persons to forget, who in past times filled my thoughts, but the present hour is so filled with its pound of feathers as to leave small place for the recollection of the lead that once pulsed heavily on the heart. 

You have certainly two very ugly angels in your heaven, but I would not reject them on that although Sismondi is like an Elephant incased in a c… machine, the want of simplicity in Sismondi’s manner of showing his feelings made me for a long time … the qualities he was exhibiting, but he really has them, though he has at the same time the common affection of acting his character. 

I feel very light today from an evil you are exempt from a good deal if not entirely at Boulogne.  The emptying of the house after some days of visiting of the heaviest company possible.  Our late guests were acquainted as of the young people, and certainly not very good specimens of their choice left to themselves … … Are you not struck with Miss Wigley’s now Mrs Anchors Clive’s “g poems by V”?  Her “Grave” is one of the most striking poems I ever read and appears very original.  It gave me the feeling of surprise as in older time when some of Byron’s poem’s came out.  It is the only one of the g ladies verses, which Mr Lochart reviewed that I would give anything for. 

Mrs Norton is very much pleased with V’s verses.  Also I hear from Baugh, Mrs Clive’s verses has the merit of views that Mrs Norton’s wants and that if she … more she would do well to leave, but I cannot read her poetry, though Mr L places her at the head of the g. 

Is it Stamford who has published the “The Results of Reading”?  If it is I will send for it.  J S Caldwell must be Stamford Caldwell. 

You know that Robert has given up his attache’ship? for which I am very sorry.  When he married I thought all his sorrows as well as difficulties would be over but I am afraid that this marriage may be but the beginning of sorrows.  “Molly” is very amicable and confiding and affectionate, but there is something that does not suit I should think, and her health and nerves are fearful, however I will hope better things.  I think they are both very much attached to each other but she thinks that her health and nerves require management that R knows not how to give, and that she tries his patience. 

She writes me this, R reads her letter seals it up and directs it to me.  First of all, I thought that her complaints were partly in sport, but from her later letters I do not think they are.  I was … put to answer her letter.  I dealt only in general.  This is only for your own eye.  There seems no fault in either party, except the mutual one of a faulty marriage, and yet I believe, that would not have mended the business, for they are both sincerely attached to each other but somehow they are not worn into each others habits, and R’s ways do not suit Molly at all, yet Molly doats on R.  If her health were better, I should not mind it a straw and if indeed it would be nothing. 

I have been a little uneasy about Bessy lately.  She is well again I hear but I think I shall go into Staffordshire as soon as our marriage is over.  Elizabeth will be there with Emma and my visit will be better timed then, than at any part of the year. I shall see Charlotte and a bit of sweet, tranquil, peace-giving Elizabeth after her return from her ministering office in Gower Street.

What work is it of Cousins which pleases you so much?  I have been so long in Sismondi’s French history that I have not been able to undertake any … … book besides, till lately when I have finished him.  I have a great fancy for G… [Guizot?] when I can get at any of her works, which I cannot here. 

I am now in the third volume of Milman’s Christianity, which I like very much in spite of his very disagreeable Gibbonea thoughts.  His chapter of the Trinitarian Controversy is written in a wise Christian and bold spirit for a clergyman and if the Churchmen would receive it with truth in their hearts it would heal much bigotry that is in the church. 

Baugh has just driven from the door to … [Selshaw?] his farm, miles off where he is as busy as a bee and as happy.  He charged me to remember him affectionately to you and your girls. 

I think your boy [Martin Marsh] has done wonders at Eton and his holiday reading is very great. You are wise to keep up the habit of reading in the holidays.  The idleness of this time to boys in many families is their bane, as far as knowledge and happiness is concerned, if so this rock that John has split on. 

My best love to your girls and pray remember me very affectionately to the Garretts.  I am very glad you like Harriet [Martineau?].  I was a little afraid of her arrogance you … account of her voice, but you are the wise one who chose the good and set forth the bad.

Your dearest Annie tenderly F Allen.

File PB120145

Letter to Stamford Caldwell

from his sister, Ann Marsh- Caldwell

Post mark 1 March 1841 & 28^th Feb 1841 from [Boulogne?] sur Mer.

James Stamford Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

Angleterre

Capecure

28^th Feb

My dearest Stamford,

I accept with the greatest pleasure your proposal to renew our correspondence upon the old happy footing and to terminate our lovers quarrel. For a lovers quarrels they are and I [trust?] ever will be things with all the pain they occasion which I prefer a thousand times to cold indifference which is the death of love and friendship. People who really take interest in one another cannot always be as temperate and philosophical as they ought to be. But as long as we both keep our hearts in the right places I [trust?] our little bourasques will ever end in a renewal of the warmth of affection we feel for each other.

I am sorry that I cannot answer your questions as to our plans so precisely as I could wish. They depend upon circumstances not within our own command. Arthur means to return to England the latter end of next month. It is not till the month following that the house agents have their orders for the Spring sales and [Pariculars?] &c ready. When he has obtained information as to what will be in the market we shall make our choice and I shall immediately follow him to look at anything he thinks eligible.

If we find a purchase we shall not take any house in England till we get into our own. If we do not purchase, we shall take a house for six or 12 months till we can suit ourselves. This is all I can at present see myself. And I cannot lay down anything like a plan for the Summer till I have a little more idea of what our fate is to be.

I have a number of visits to make. And most so arrange them as best will suit the engagement of you all. And as soon as ever I know what we must do I will let you know immediately. But in the mean time you must not think of me. I shall manage to catch you in the course of the Summer at some time which will suit your engagements.

Pray, dearest Stamford, do not think of sending us any present this year. It would indeed take away all the pleasure I have in receiving this liberal proof of the interest you take in your nephew and nieces if I thought you would ever offer it when you were not amply [enfords?]

I can easily believe that you find the keeping up your place, as you wish to keep it a source of constant expense which is running on when you are, as you must often be, elsewhere. The numberless small items, as I well know, in a family always exceed ones calculations. And there is ever something to be paid one had not expected.

Fanny is going on very well, but she only left her room yesterday for mine which opens out of it and has not yet been down stairs. The Springs here are always cold and variable and there is scarcely any fine weather before the end of May. She will require much care, but I am assured by her physician here, a very clever man, that her lungs are not in the least affected.

We have had a gay winter here, since Christmas at least it seems so to me, though those accustomed to more society than I have ever been might not call it so. We have had some pleasant international balls. The first Bachelors began by giving the English a ball. They were followed by the French married men. There were nobles of the neighbourhood and in consideration of English prejudices they invited none of their own bourgeoisie. Though usually in this country, of the only true egality there is little regard paid to these distinctions of rank.

The English gentlemen then give the French a ball. And at Mn Caséme there is to be one other. For though no good Catholick dances in Lent, yet they allow themselves one ball in the middle of the 40 days just to make it possible to endure the privation.

We pass our time chiefly with two or three families and have given one another mutual childrens’ balls. The Bridgemans, where there are some nice young creatures the age of mine. He is brother of Lord [Bradford?] who you no doubt know very well.

The Lyons, he is a general officer of considerable distinction and has a very sweet family of girls. The eldest about Georgy’s age. Very handsome and accomplished, and the Burnses, who are charming society. Both of them. Really very different indeed from what one usually meets with.

Here the little girls meet two of Lord [Tlyins?] little girls of their own age. You remember him at college. He is now the father of 14 children.

We have a great loss in the Mainwarings and Corbets and those who have succeeded them are going away as well as ourselves so our pleasant little society will be broken up. And we shall have nothing to regret in leaving this place. But its cheapness. And things indeed advance so rapidly in price that I hope I shall not find England so much much more expensive than this place as it used to be.

I am glad you have been visiting your neighbours. I should think that you would always find something at Rode Hall that would be agreeable to your taste. I think I never was so grieved and shocked at any event, out of our own family, as at the death of Mrs Clive. The dear Tollets have indeed been [sorely, rarely?] visited.

I had a letter from Lady Pilkington the other day. She seems to attribute the fever which carried her off to hay. How shocking the whole story is! Lady Pilkington is now at Batterdon. She was, as I dare say you remember, Mr Summertons’ daughter and heiress. She spent last summer here with her children and we renewed our acquaintance and became intimate. If you meet with her, do cultivate an acquaintance with her. I am sure she is a person you –

There you have Miss Martineaus’ [Hair and Mon?  We liked it much. I had a very kind message from her and have written to her. I fear we must never hope to see her again.

Poor Albert Crompton was a loss indeed any loss on that house is a loss to all. I had a very affectionate letter from Caroline upon the occasion. Martin was Captain of his [term? ] which considering he took a double remove a few weeks ago is doing well I think, dear little Franky is very [industrious?] and very happy.

You will never read this scrawl, dear Stamford. But I am pressed for time. Ever your truly affectionate sister

A.M.

A127

Letter from Martin Marsh

to his sister 'Posy' Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell 1841

From Eton College. With doodle of a person with note saying “Write Soon.” Discusses Foster who has had Scarlet Fever and Garth who is with him. Talks about his journey.

The College at Eton.

Same Dane their good act New Erug(?)

April 1841

Montern is the first of June.

My dear Posy,

I dare say you will imagine that I am an oblivious brother but I am not. We arrived here in perfect safety. The train not having upset itself over any embankments and the engine not having burst itself.

I secured my luggage upon the top of a tall ‘buss and took my departure for “the Antique Shires” as we read on, in poetry having at length reached this antiquatic space(?) I had my luggage consisting of a large box etc hat box and having seen them safely deposited in doors I proceeded to wait on the worthy two whom I found discussing the merits of some remarkably new Cheshire cheese, some very ancient bread [probably baked in the time of O. Cromwell] and some muddy beer.

They kindly, very kindly I may say, offered me a share of this. I politely refused and having taken a seat they tenderly enquired after ‘olland and gave an account of the accident. And we had a little political chitchat, and then after being heartily tired and wishing with all my might to catch the faintest echo of an H.J requested permission to [save?] my docing couch. This request was of course graciously acceded to and I was soon wrapped in soft and refreshing slumbers.

How is Holland’s hound. Tell him all the fellers is dying to see the light of his countenance. Foster is not come back, the scarlet fever laid hold of him in the holidays and he is now leading the secluded life of a hermit having an elegant suite of apartments to himself.

Garth is here at this moment sitting opposite. Pray read this with all due pretty speeches and Aunt (Saba) Holland and Emily and Frank and always consider me in the light of as much attentive and affectionate brother,

M. Marsh.

And you will be right.

Pray write soon.

File PB110111

Letter to Posy - Rosmond Marsh-Caldwell

from her mother, Ann Marsh-Caldwell

– Post Mark 29^th April 1841

Miss Rosamond Marsh

Dr Holland

Lower Brook Street

Grosvenor Square

London

Angleterre

Tuesday

My dearest Posy,

They say you will be longing for a letter my dearest little girl and so I am resolved to send you one though it will be but a short one I fear for I have been extremely busy all morning and at 2 Mrs Atherson [Atkinson?] is going to take me out that we may go together and call upon Mrs Eyres.

So you shall have all I can give you till then and that must content you meine liebstes. I was very glad my dear Mrs Holland’s ball went off so well and that you all enjoyed yourselves and that you and Emily looked nice in your white frocks and pink roses. The dress par excellence, and that dear Franky is better.

I have been in a state - uncomfortable enough about these houses. With much reluctance I have almost given up Old Windsor Lodge. I think at least that it must be given up. I fear the lowness of the situation for Fanny, who does so long to be upon an elevation that I think nature speaks for her.

I was much disappointed that they would not however, let us try it for a year, for we might have found that the gravel wall did away with the ill effects of position. But to buy it without a trial seems too dangerous.

I am very anxious to know what your Papa thinks of [Meyrick?] Lodge. If we can take that upon trials for a year it will, I think, certainly be the best plan. At all events we must come over before the 8^th of June and take a hired house for I begin to feel sure that till we have crossed the water we shall not be able to decide upon a house.

You cannot think how lovely our garden is, such showers of cherry blossoms. And such loads of apricots and the brightest sun and the gayest sound of human life in the air. Such a hum of children at play, drum of soldiers, toll of clock, sound of bells. Certainly this is the most cheerful house in the whole world, inconvenient, crowdy and dirty as it is.

We are going to have a grand dinner party tomorrow. The Eyres, Barnetts, John Atkinson and the Packers and a few people in the [Coly, evening?]. Magdelein has improved wonderfully by her lessons and I expect such a dinner.

We called upon Lady Catherine and [Mr? John?] Flemming[?] the other day and found them living very simply together, busy with their garden and seeming to intend to be good and happy. He drives his wife to church in his [‘little’ crossed out] beautiful phaeton every Sunday. All which seems to promise well. I think to ask them to dinner next week.

The Hobhouses too all come back and I hope to cultivate them to better effect than I did last year. I shall not however, have much time for all this. I hope your Papa will come and see me once more before we go to England and then I shall ask him to bring you over, for I very much wish you to have a few more lessons before we have finally done with the dear old place.

I am sorry to say Fanny has got a fresh cold and I am obliged to nurse her again. She went to Church on Sunday and then to the end of the Pier where it was too cold. I hope however that with good care I shall prevent any very ill consequences. The rest are all very well.

This is a horrid letter but I have a horrid pen. And Theodore must take my letter into town. Write to me again my darling, a journal letter.

Give my dearest love to Mrs Holland and to sweet Emy, and kiss Coo and my lovely lamb the baby for me.

Ever dearest Posy,

your tender affectionate Mother.

File PB12106

Letter to Posy, Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell

from her mother, Anne Marsh-Caldwell,

1841  Written horizontally, vertically and up-side-down.

Miss Rosamond Marsh

Dr Hollands

Lower Brook Street

Grosvenor Square

London[post mark Boulogne sur Mer - 14 May 1841]

Capeture[?] [Thorby, Thursday?]

My dearest Posy,

I have had a long letter lying by me for you, which I wanted to send till I heard again from your Papa and I am sorry to say he has not written. I shall however, keep this open till the Post to night.

Your letter was a very charming one and would have given me great pleasure but for your account of your dear Papa which affected me very much. So much suffering and harass as he has had in life, it always gives me the severest pain to see him suffer.

And all the pain and anxiety I have had upon this subject has had this for its [secret?] cause. Otherwise the finding it a matter that required time, energy and consideration to choose a home for life would not at all surprise me.

Our mistake was that we set about it too soon. The newspapers are now full of advertisements of places to be sold in June. People are very right not to wish their places to be advertised or looked at till the leases are out. And I am very sorry I came to look at any so early.

The great matter is to be sure a place is pretty and agreeable to one in summer. In winter most places are alike in charms, that is have none at all, and one must look to other sources for enjoyment.

I confess the Gravesend scheme did seem to me the most extraordinary ever hit upon. For inconvenience and disagreeableness. And the state of Fanny’s health would make it impossible to expose her to the least unnecessary fatigue. I am anxious for her to change as soon as she can safely do it. But where ever it is done it must be with the greatest ease and precaution. And she must be stronger than she is.

I am sorry to say at present, however, I hope your Papa will come to us and consult upon which is the best plan to be adopted and when ever he comes I wish you to cross with him. Unless there should be strong reasons on your side the water against it, if he merely comes to fetch me to look at [Mary rich Lodge – Old Windsor Lodge?] You might return with me.

We were grievously disappointed in your account of the house at [Meyrich?] Lodge, and still more by your Papas’. We had all made up our minds that the house was [favoured?] and all our troubles at an end. However, I suppose it must be given up.

I have seen the advertisement of another house near [Surrey?] Hill, about - - Mrs Tufnall knows that country well and tells us it is a quite delightful. So does Mrs [Hibbert, Hirtheh?] who uncle, Sir James Sibbald had a place there at which she spend much time.

I have just got your letter. This is for Mrs Holland.

Dearest Mrs Holland, a thousand thanks for all your kindness to my Posh. She is very happy but she ought to pay a visit to Mrs [Hutton? Nutton?] or she will be hurt. Will you be so kind as to settle this for her with her Papa when you see him. I do not know what he means us to do as he has not written. We are all in the dark. Ever most affectionately your A.M.

Dearest Posh,

as you are not coming you may let my gown be for the present till you take the fur off my shirt and ask Mrs Holland or Aunt G to put it by with theirs. I am afraid of it being spoiled by moths.

I have been two days in bed with a slight attack of [laysipelus?] in my face, which is now happily gone off. I was yesterday with Baby and Mary to call upon the [Gerts, Gents?] and spent nearly an hour walking with them in their lovely garden. Mrs [Gert,Gent?] as usually [hardly?] one of the best hearted creatures in the world. I introduced myself to Miss [Graves?] at the dancing school the other day and told her of the conversation between us, on which she said she was delighted to hear it and shook my hand most cordially. She seems a very good natured, agreeable person.

The children continue persevering with Delplagne, and are getting on very well with their music. Baby plays those variations of Beethovens really beautifully. I am glad you find favour in Mr Smith’s [eget?]. The approbation of a man of his [served?] discernment is a distinction to be proud of and I hope you will continue to deserve it, and the affection of your most loving mother, by [pleasing, pressing?] now you are out in the world. That singleness of heart, desire to do your duty by God and man, a freedom from pride, vanity and naughtiness of heart which have ensnared you the affection of everybody.

I long to have you back again, my sweetest. We have had most enchanting weather, the little wood and garden with loads of blossoms and singing nightingales most provokingly pretty and such a promise of fruit! Every week day we [foreign, forage?] Fanny and I how much sweeter [File 120109]  [Meyrich?] Lodge would look, and had planned so much happiness together.

However, sooner or later that happiness will, I feel, soon be ours.

My dear love to Mrs Holland and thank her from me very much for all her kindness to you, my love. Kiss the little sweetest of all possible babies for me, and Cooy dear, and give all sorts of love to your sweet friend and coy my dear dear Emily. I hope Franky is by this time quite well again.

Your account of Martin was glorious. I hope dear boy, he will labour hard and be a satisfaction to his

He wont sadly to hear from your Papa.

Ever my dearest your own Mother. Your letters are very delightful to me, my dear child. Write on in the same way.

Give my love to [lost chaqu’on.]

B120

Letter from Martin Marsh

to his sister Posy, Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell

Post marked 18^th May 1841 Windsor.

Letter addressed to-
Miss R.J. Marsh

Dr Holland

Lower Brook St

Portman Square

My dear Posy,

I have had a good deal to do lately so I think you can afford to excuse me on that plea for not answering your letter before, but will you ask Papa to get me some gambroon or some thing that does not colour and will not in washing lose it.

Frank is in very good spirits and very well. Tell Papa I am still first of my form though I have had many a hard struggle to keep the enviable position at first. As I write I am in the middle of doing 30 verses on Europa which I must finish as soon as possible.

I heard from Mamma on Thursday last in which she said she was well, but that dear old Chloe was lost. This grieves me very much indeed and I hope poor fallow will be found before we have to come away.

But now dear Posy well best love to dear Papa and Autau(?) Uncle Hollow Emily Evo

believe me always your most affectionate brother

M. Marsh.

File PB120022

Letter from Ann Marsh-Caldwell

to her daughter  Posy, Rosmond Marsh-Caldwell

and to the second Mrs Holland from AMC

Mentions Fanny being ill and recovering slowly.

Note 1841

Post Mark – 22^nd May 1841  Dover.

Miss Rosamond Marsh

Dr. Holland

Lower Brook Street

Grosvenor Square

London

My dearest Posy,

I will begin by answering your questions and then go on to other things you must give Sarah [Sarah Tareh?] 7/- and the other maid 5/-. I will send the lace you asked for by this letter if I can get it but there is a doubt about it as nobody seems to remember exactly the pattern.

Mr Daniel Gaskell, who is passing through and dines here today will carry this for me, and save your tiny little pocket 1/10.

Your Papa arrived about ½ past ten last night. Great was the joy of meeting upon both sides. We have had much talk of future plans but at present agree on the wisdom of a little further delay. I do not think Windsor Lodge a wise [cord?] and certainly should not give my consent to its being purchased hastily. I should very greatly object to taking Fanny there next winter, without a greater [warrant?] of its healthiness than I can obtain.

I think there are a good many other objections to the place, but this one is enough for the present. I am sure nobody else will buy it. So that if we wait ever so long as may have it when we please. And I feel great hopes we may with a little patience do better and I shall doudle on a little here. And then return to England in good time to have Fanny come when or other long before the winter and if this seems on consideration of all things the best plan to us all and accordingly it is enacted that so it is to be.

I am determined not to lose sight of Fanny till she is in a very much safer state than at present. She requires extreme care and is very much inclined to be [dependent, despondent?] the moment she is better she was reading, since I have kept her very quiet and paid the most complete attention to chest exercise and in particular to her cough has disappeared and [next page] but the slightest imprudence brings it on again and I am sure they would take great care of her in York Gate, but she is safer with me at present, indeed her crossing the water is quite out of the question, but she is [Inhidly?] improving and every day able to commit with [imparity?] some little fresh imprudence.

Dearest Posy [Posh?], I was charmed with your journal, it is very kind of you indeed to make us all sharers of your pleasures, by your care and pains to put down all, and your letters are as interesting as if you were Miss Evelina or Ayelina or any novel young lady being introduced into the world.

Charlotte Gifford wrote us word what a pretty pair you and Emy [Emily Holland] looked and how nicely you sung and a most satisfactory account of you my darling which has been a very great pleasure to us all. It was very good [nature?] we thought down at Ryde to think so much of what would please us to hear I think we have at last hit upon plans which will answer the purposes of all [partners?] and bring us all happily back to England in a short time. But we must let a little time yet to nurture them.

All I can say is [to front cover] that after having suffered agonies of perplexity I am at last satisfied that the path is found[?] which will lead us safely home in due time. Lady Lyon is going to Wiesbaden and wants us very much to go with her [there but?] us to join her we entertained the plan for a short time but ended by giving it quite up. She takes Mary and Amelia and [thus, that?] it is probable having got so far into Germany that then Sir James will rest. He is very [comy?] to leave this wretchedy[?] old Boulogne, so is Capt Bridgman, so I have –

Plenty of sympathies on the sorrow of quitting this harbour of rest from the troubles of this world.

Yesterday I called upon Mrs Gert and found Lady Catherine Fleming sitting there. She says that if the Corn Laws are given up Mr and Mrs Fleming who have £5,000 a year must shut up their house and come abroad. It is plain that the whole weight [will fall ?] upon the Landlord and there will be more absenteeism than ever.

Lady C [F] is very gentle and pleasing and so [affectionate?] in her manner that it [hors?] one. She makes her husband go to Church regularly. He says there is one thing she cannot do “she cannot do wrong.” They seem settling to a rational life together.

Mr and Mrs Warbarton are coming and are going to pasture that horse close by with J G - - [?] They are very happy I am happy to say.

Who should be come here for the summer but Dr Holland’s friends the Prince and Princess of [Copra?] and they are at the Hotel du Nord. The Princess is not reckoned pretty here. I have not seen her.

The Greigs are gone to Frankfurt and I do not think it is quite sure that Mr [Miguel?] will marry Miss M MC. She sets her [cup?] most perseveringly at him.

Col. and Mrs Eyres are expected very soon. I went to see Mrs Eyres the other day and she was in happy preparation for them. We are to be very great friends. You will come back to take your [time, turn?] so I need not deliver your message to dear old Mrs Eyres. She likes her town house very much but he is cross and wants to be in the country again, a little bit of [pride?] and a good deal of horticulture in the sentiments.

I am delighted that you should see the Montern though we alas, must not have that pleasure. We all agree, however, to spend a few more weeks here, in preference to your beloved [General?], at which there is only one house that could possibly hold us, and we must pay 4 [guis?] a week for it, a good deal more than the summer rent here, and then how lively and improving.

We mean to make your Papa take holidays and come and stay with us while we stay. He is already much the better for his change. Here is a regular chatting, good for nothing letter my dearest little Posh, but I am in a good for [for nolly??] the humour. I wish I could see my lamb [stoody alone?] Does she make those sweet happy noises she used to.

Love to dearest Emy and little Cooy and ever your most loving mother.

[Note to Mrs Holland]

My dear Mrs Holland,

A thousand thanks for all your kindness to my dear girl who seems happiness itself. We heard of her nice looks and of her duet with Emy from Kyre[Eyre?] much to our satisfaction. The daring little [strings?] to sing in a London party.

I suppose all the world who care for our plans will be [knowing?] I have not made a decision in favour of O.W.L [Old Windsor Lodge] but I do not think it will do. At least I feel we ought to consider a little longer before the irrevocable step is taken. Rather doudle than repent.

Besides there are many reasons why a little longer delay may be advisable. The state of Fanny’s health being a very important one. We have, however, laid our plan of proceedings for the next few months and though nobody [other side of letter page] I suppose will believe it. I have resolved to be in England by a certain day.

I have suffered much from doubt and anxiety but now I think I see my way. How dearest Arthur looks already better for his change of air.

Ever dear Mrs Holland your affectionate and very much obliged.

Anne M.

File PB110095

Letter from Ann Marsh-Caldwell

to her daughter, Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell

written horizontally and vertically, difficult to read.

Miss Rosamond Marsh

Dr Holland

Lower Brook Street,

Grosvenor Square

Angleterre.

Post Mark BoulogneSur-Mer. 31^st Mai 1841

My dearest Posy,

I sit down the day after receiving your very agreeable letter to thank you for it and tell you how much pleasure you give us by your journals and your detailed account of all you see and hear. I hope while you are amusing us you are likewise improving yourself by making this ‘resume’ of all you learn.

I will first of all send your sisters their love which they particularly desire to send you and then answer your questions before I go to my relations.

Chloe is not yet found. Some say she went away mad but I hope it was not so. Others that she has been taken on account of her puppies which are in great request here, and that when the puppies are born she will manage to escape to us. I own I thought the last week she was here she was less affectionate than usual and looked ill but I attributed it to her being so large and heavy. I am still in that she will appear, particularly as we shall be here a month or two longer probably, till the end of August.

I am beginning to be very impatient for you back, but I fear your papa will not return till the end of July. If you should hear of anybody coming over in the meantime whose party you could join I should be very glad of it. I will look out here. Perhaps Mrs Browne will be coming here presently and I am sure she would bring you with pleasure.

You will be dying to hear what we have decided upon, as we have decided, but I will not tell you till we have got an answer to our proposals should we all anxiously expecting it is not Old Windsor Lodge however.

I found your Papa is nervous and anxious that it was absolutely necessary, right or wrong, that he should be immediately relieved so I jumped to a conclusion in an hours time every body here is well pleased and never was a more united cabinet. But the King will not publish his intentions till further progress has been made as he is quite tired of talking about it.

We find a thousand happy plans and have consulted Mr Browne about our [doing soon curtains?] Your Papa leaves us early on Tuesday morning, quite a renewed man.

The first day after his arrival when I [‘saw you’ crossed out] parted[?]. I thought he looked better than I expected but that was merely the spirits from our [Medow Medicine?] The next day he looked so ill, that I concluded immediately and from that time he has been quite a changed person. I chose[?] what I believe he in his heart like the best, and I hope all will prove right in the end.

On Sunday we all went to Church and had as usual a rather sleepy sermon from good Mr [Tapnele? Tufnell?]. We walked on the port and I went to Church twice which tired me very much. Going we met Mr Burne and I arranged with him to let his two little girls come to spend Tuesday with us, and himself to dine.

I asked Mr Page Turner and Mr [Bediphels?] and Mr Gillies. We had a beautiful neat little dinner by Madelaine and the [?] for Theodore has made himself quiet into a cook by his lessons but the little girls shall not come. I have some suspicion it was because I did not ask the french governess which I however, don’t intend to do, as I was trusted with Ady for 6 weeks I think I may be trusted with her for a day.

The children were sadly disappointed so on Wednesday meeting Miss Groves at the [Rendom?] I asked her to ask Mrs [Herene?] to let her children come to drink tea. Mrs and Miss B being going to England which she did with their french Governess and very different sort of affair from Mademoiselle H Marie. A widow lady like sensible person just such as Mrs Burne ought to have had.

Tuesday there was a Picnic given by the boat. I think I told you of the Gen Bassett Bedingpel[?], Page Turner and Parker. We were some of us carried up in boats and the rest in carriages of the [land?] party were your Papa and I and Fanny, for the day was so delicious that we ventured to take her and the fresh air and [amount?] did her a great deal of good.

The dinner was given by the boat and was plentiful and good. There was Mrs and Miss Barnett, Miss Bedypal[?], Lady and Miss Ramsay, Cecilia and Major Martin. But Mr [Hips?] who was at our ball, with cousins and sisters, Miss Shakespeare, affectation itself, an agreeable Mrs Warbarton and daughter. In all about 30 people and it was a hard fatiguing pull up to Pont de Bassie in the boats and took them two hours. We M’s returned to land but those who came by water did not get home.

James’ butler and Mrs Burne. Madelaine’s friend the chef who has been teaching her has been dressing the dinner which promises to be truly elegant. We have a few in the evening arriving others the Macleods who all came back. I asked to this dinner the Hobhouses, the Parkers, the Bridj Moss and the Tufnels and the Kennedys, so I got a great deal of civility done, and it is the last dinner I mean to have here.

I have done a sufficient quantity of duty, the only persons I regret are Mad.[Bianca Leone? Broncaleone?] who is ill, and who really seems a very charming person. She is connected with the Grove’s, one of their sisters having married a Hobhouse. Her refusal was on account of illness and so kindly worded that it will energize me to try at further communication.

We had also done duty by Marian[?] and [Rad, Brad?] Warburton who all come back to live here, looking as happy as it is possible to be, he has bought 4 acres of the hill behind our garden wall and is going immediately to build himself a house there, which Madame Warburton [enjoys?] entirely the old Baron and he seem to have made all up so that business promises to end as happily as a modern novel.

Lady Lyon goes to England next week. She sent me last night a M.S. of hers to read. I was [honor shack paing?] I should not like it. It has however, interested us so much that we could not lay it down and sat reading last night till 11 o’clock. I did not [think?] she could have written so well. We have seen a [great?] deal of her lately and I am learning to like her. She has a good deal of clever and right mixed up with what is [concise and heavy?].

Now dearest Posy I have given you an account of our proceedings, not quite as interesting as yours, who are in the centre of [Mass?] I am just sending [to like inbods?] to see Madmoiselle Rachel who is to act here. They say as she passes through. I shall be glad if I adore her as I did Mad. Freville.

Give my dear love to Mrs Holland. I hope her [fistora?] is better and I am very sorry to hear of it. I do not hear whether hot weather is bad for it. It do miss my lovely lamb for me, often think of the weak thing, and my dear love to Emy and kisses to Coo.

Ever your most affectionate mother, my sweet Posy.

I had a very affectionate letter from Jessie Creed in answer to mine. The – to them pretty good. Another from Aunt Do, Nesther is delighted with her [collar?] and is already setting about doing good. I will write to Mrs Holland of Hepworth as soon as ever I know her plans. Will you tell Miss Louisa with my kind love, I am only waiting to know about to say. Dear love to Susan He.

File P1010077

Letter to Posy, Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell 1841 probably from her mother Ann Marsh-Caldwell

Saturday 5^th June 1841

I have found two notes from you here (at the Club) to say our [ofols?] rate[?] about Martins trousers which had been miss-sent to the Oxford & Camb. Club and the other of yesterday.

I can bring you back to town very well on Wednesday after dinner and as I do not think of returning to Boulogne before Saturday or Sunday at earliest you will have time for your shopping etc. Do you come to York Gate or Brook Street? I believe the former as they are talking of Horticultural Gardens etc.

I heard from Martin yesterday but he says nothing of money matters. Tomorrow I will write to him on that interesting topic on Monday. I got your letter yesterday at York Gate and left it in the hands of your Aunts that they may make themselves thoroughly mistresses of all the particulars of Martins dress[?].

File PB120110

Combined Letter to 'Posy,' Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell from 'Gies,' Georgina Marsh-Caldwell,Frances and Louisa.

Miss Rosamond Marsh

William Marsh Esq.

York Gate

Regents Park

London

Post mark 11 June 1841

Wednesday, 9^th June

Dearest Posh,

You will be disappointed at not hearing from Mama but she is suffering from toothache and besides which (you would not tell anybody) she [nestined?] herself with writing. I hope my dear daughter that we shall have the pleasure of seeing you with Papa next Sunday. I shall be most delighted to have my child back again. Expecting you have had enough gaiety and will be glad to come back again.

We are now alternately in hope and despair about Sayes Court. We are at present hoping and are expecting a letter from Papa. Shall not you be delighted when it is taken. It has been always my [dearest love?]

J Betly called here yesterday and he said that he had seen you at [legmaking?] at Putney Park.

The other night Mary, Louisa and I went to drink tea at Mrs Gents. We here found [10?] with because the Pont de l’Elace has been the [Arp?] since the third and is still so. It was awfully stupid. Louisa and I sat at opposite sides of the room looking at each other and longing to be gone and then staid till 12 o’clock.

The Flemings, James Butlers, Col Wilson, Mr and Mrs [Manfer?] Mr Gents sister with her eldest brother and Mrs St.John were the party. Mrs Butler sang the songs very well but I do not admire her voice. She [nossays?] all the sweetness away. Louisa sang ‘Groind d avor’ with Miss Gent, but very softly for it was impossible to hear her beneath Miss Gent’s powerful organ.

Mr Fleming called here today. Mama likes them very much, they are devotedly attached to each other. And Robert Packer[?] has got his [cousin?] again and the whole family are going at the end of the month. [Georgina’s hand writing?]

My dearest Schweetis Poshkin,

At last G has finished her epistle and I may be allowed to scribble a line to you though what on earth I have to say the Pigs know. However, to begin.

To day Georgy and I went up to pay our respects to Mrs George Eyres as Mama had a toothache and could not go. So accordingly we made ourselves very belle and set out upon our expedition. It was tremendously hot up the Grand Pina but we comforted ourselves on hopes of a comfortable cool sit in Mrs Eyres drawing room.

Guess our dismay as when we were giving our last puff at the corner of the Rue du Chateau we saw Mrs Eyres, her daughter and little granddaughter ensconced in their carriage and just going to drive off. We however, heroically made up our minds to our fate and trudged back again to make some more calls.

Mrs George seems a nice person, pretty, pleasing and inclined to be very friendly and has the sweetest little love of a girl that has ever seen. Mrs Croft is come back again looking more splendid than ever. She came out in the rain the other day and stayed some time and G and I walked back to town with her to our musical lesson. She is a nice, hearty person.

Dearest Posy,

Would you be so kind as to get me a penknife, a 2/shilling one. I do not care for the prettiness of the handle and wish the price in the blade. Will you also ask Papa to be so as to bring some toothbrushes with him when he comes.

Pray give my love to all at P. Gate. Your ever affectionate F.M. Marsh. [Fanny?]

Fanny wrote her bit on the wrong page, so I have copied out on this. L.M.

Russia under Nikolas 1^st. by Captain Henley.

Trollops Summer in [Written?]France.

Susan Hoply

Night and Morning.

The Zincali by Boucoos.

Journal of a [Terdemie?] in Gt Britain by Now sojee Navel Architect

Swinbournes Courts of Europe

Lieutenant Edwin Quant and Walm Menilie

French hay by Theodore Broke.

File PB110105

Letter to Posy, Rosmaond Marsh-Caldwell 

from her mother Ann Marsh-Caldwell

Miss Rosamond Marsh

William Marsh Esq

York Gate

Regents Park

London

Angleterre

5

[‘41’ in later ink written on it.]

[‘WB’ written over address]

Post Mark – 17^th July 1841

My dear Posy,

I am very sorry to refuse you but I think it is time you should now return home. You have had a great deal of pleasure and been longer away than I at all wish. Besides I hope Emy [Emily Holland] will return with you as your Papa told me Mrs Holland had written to offer her to us and I hope she will come, as the Dr is very anxious she should have some sea bathing. However at all events I would rather you now returned home.

I was delighted with your last journal letter and was going to write to you again my dear little girl, but hoped to see you so soon that I did not do it. I think it is your sisters turn to have a little pleasure now, but I am sorry to refuse you however. I am quite decided in wishing you now to return home.

There will come a parcel to York Gate direct to you for Mrs George Eyres. It is her riding habit. Will you bring it with you. I hope you will not ask your Papa to let you go, for if I thought you would I should write to him to night to say I would rather he did not grant your request. However, I hope dear Emy is coming and then there will be no question about the matter.

I write in great haste and do not think I am in the least [displined?] with you my love, for asking to go. There was no harm in that certainly. I really very much desire now to see you at home again.

And there is another reason none of these journeys can be done without expense and we are denying Fanny her journey upon that account. It is true you would go down without expense but how and when would you come back. I hope your Papa will bring you and Emy over next Sunday.

Dear love to your Aunt Georgy and your Grand Papa. Ever your truly affectionate mother,

Anne M.

Wedgwood Archives

28-20787

13 August 1841

Letter from Arthur Cuthbert Marsh to Josiah Wedgwood (1769-1843).

The letter reads as follows:

File PB110107

Very badly written letter, difficult to read from Emily M Holland

Miss Rosamond Marsh

Nr Le Barons Deslyourd-Fieubiu

Capecare

Boulognes/mer

Post Mark

21 SP 1841

Crulie Hosey [?]

Thursday

My dearest Posy,

I don’t know how long it may be before the letter reaches you, but as Papa told me he thinks [Wil, Lieut?] Marsh is going [arrive?] soon, I am afraid to put off writing any longer for fear I should miss the opportunity for sending by him which I wish to do in order that it may [purchase?] a letter from you in return which I have been half hoping for the last month as you promised to write – [word?] his affairs went on and I [counted?] it very faithless of you to -- -- far particularly as I had at that time great [dearth?] of tidings about you, every letter I wrote to Papa I begged him to tell me something about you, yet letter after letter arrived from him in which you were not even mentioned.

In short I was left to my own imagination which did not fail to [petrify?] me. Ideas that the imagination about Eastbury – had you – and downs other unpleasant -- but at last Papa came in propria persona and I was able to question him about all he knew of you and most delightful news I got. So you will actually be [installed?] in England by the time we return to town. It is almost too good to be true.

All those [evenings?] –ed fits of despair we wish to have you not needed, and the many prophesies that you would remain at Boulogne for ever have proved false. Not less delighted was I to hear that Fanny is so much better, and her [enterby?] but her cough I hope it has dis [dismissed?] it for ever, and this disagreeable [water, trut?] will even miss its return. Pray give her my dearest love and tell her how sorry I was to miss seeing her in town. I had depended upon getting a little peep of her however it does not so much – missing her if your not – as so shall not have the sea bathing as in future: Second page

Hope shall see each other very often. How busy you must all be [sure?] preparing for yor departure. I suppose you are working careful [rock] all day long. How many [sifes?] are changed since her [you done since I left you. What do you think we do [m?], actually begin another - - -and before the first is finished - - - after yours we shall get them both finished, certainly not sooner.

We have been at this place ever since we left London, except one little expedition to Lynton, where we staid a week, Papa joining us there and returning to this place, when [no less?] the children. He left again last Tuesday, taking the boys with them to their respective schools.

[Lyatn, Cyatn?] is a most lovely place, certainly the most beautiful I have ever seen, for it has the beauties of twenty other places put together, high perpendicular [soms?] covered with overhanging woods, some [bold and barren?] the [s--?] a rocky streams and picturesque cottages and bridges and all combined to make a succession of beautiful views: Papa confessed that the valley of the Lynn is just like Switzerland in miniature.

I wish you had accompanied us to enjoy it with us, and have sketched with Mama and me, though we did not do a great deal. There was much to see in that few days we had and we had likened a – proposition of never one whole day, we would not stay out, but when it was fine he –having been happily taking immensely long walks, you who so soon complained of being tired, would have been quite knocked up but I think the [German?] of the plan enabled us to do more than at other times for Mama had not a hope of asthma while there and was able to do as much as we did.

Our hotel was at the top of the [Stape’s?] hill. I was [mivaaited?] coming up in the carriage, it was really quite frightful though we had fine horses they have so careful horses that accidents rarely happen. We were –

3

Of the only overthrow which has taken place for several years and that was entirely the man’s own fault.

Our favourite was one which Mr Sandford (the Grandfather of the Mr Sandford, in making whose acquaintance you dispensed with the usual forms of introductions) has cut along the cliff, which [descends?] almost perpendicularly into the sea, and is broken with a thousand forms above your head. This is about a mile and half of this wild path and you return to Lynton by the Valley of Rocks, is not a very delightfully sounding name and it is exactly what the name expresses.

And my having conducted you over Lynton I return to this place which we are now left in possession of the house for Grand Papa and Grand Mama set off this morning to spend a few days at Sidmouth.

Baby  (Gertrude Holland 1840 - 1898) is very much [measured?] both in length and breadth since you saw. She grew on average a pound a week [hire?] and claims the name of ‘Porridge Pot’ Grand Papa has given her. I am afraid her accomplishments do not [nusiea?] in the same ratio. She still disclaims to touch the earth with anything but the [comfress?] of her toes and can only totter a few yards alone.

She did [hole in letter] her own tongues with great eloquence giving intimation to her [hole in letter] that you understand all she say, but does not [hole in letter] half a dozen words of the Queen’s English. [safor?] not seem to h- [hole in letter] - - her stick, which as a young lady of her [month, mouth?] is being very [ielle?]

I suppose you are full of sentiment upon leaving Boulogne, now that you really are to leave it. I begin to have more kindly feelings toward it than formerly, and do not feel so strong a wish that I may never see it again. I am sure my confessing this will raise me many [sogues?] in Aunt Marsh’s estimation. Well, you remember me to Mr and Mrs Eyres, I suppose Mrs G Eyres has left Boulogne. I think you might have [directed, delivered?] me a letter by her. Did Col. Eyre return again to take her back.

[Address page]

I hope you were not of the party shut up in the theatre. Papa’s plans have been very much disarrayed by the change of time in the meeting of Parliament. Everybody stayed in town during the elections so he could not get out.

He came down to us with difficulty for a few days last week, and if he is able. To do so he talks of taking off for Spain on Saturday, dining with the Duke of Palma at Lisbon, staying a day or two at Cintra, and [homiling, holidaying?] at Oporto and Vigo on his way back. He will be about a fortnight absent.

This plan will give him a great deal of sea[?], so he hopes he will accomplish it though it is rather late in the year. So the nomination[?] or Opposition as they might be called here are really out at last. Everybody seems heartily glad of it, even the Whigs have not any great objection to it. The country was thoroughly tired of them.

All the new appointments are approved of, except by the old [man?] Papa dined with the Duke of Sussex at a sort of farewell dinner, where they were all assembled (and it is very amusing he says, to hear them criticizing all the nominations. Lord Aberdeen, who is now Minister for Foreign Affairs is a great friend of Papa’s, and wrote him long letters on publick affairs if he continues to it.

Thus we shall be always au fait in what is going on. Lord Netherston who is First Lord of the Admiralty Papa is also very intimate with. The Queen seems reconciled to her fate now. Sir Robert Peel has said that he will make no objection to her seeing Lord Melbourne as often as she likes.

I think I told you that Papa knows him, and he called on him at the Guards Club, the day after I returned. I suppose he returned the call but I have not heard anything more about him. If he has been to Boulogne. I am sure you have had no fear[?] about the moustaches, for he talked so much about them that it was evidently intended to be a standing joke. He is just the sort of person to make a joke last for ever. But it is very wrong of me to abuse him in any way. He was so extremely good natured to me.

How did your fetes go off; I saw an account of some description concerning them in the papers.

[page one vertical]

Do you remember a letter Marie wrote to me at Boulogne telling me of an offer Miss [Cecelia] Parks had had and which I construed with a refusal. I find I was mistaken, she accepted the gentleman Sir Matthew Ridley his name is. He is so very amiable they say and has ten thousand a year, but is not over and above him, and is governed by a detestable mother [her is so choosey?] they will be very happy together. She is soon to make him a good wife, she is such a very nice girl.

The Great Western Railroad is now opened to Bridgeton[?] which is not more than 14 miles from here so we came down by it and the journey which formerly took ..  …us there be now accomplished in 9 hours. More than that, Papa in less than 24 hours after he saw us start received a letter telling him of our safe arrival 150 miles off. It really [great?] annihilation of time and space.

The only drawback is the tunnel in which you are 7 minutes which 7 minutes appear so many hours it is like descending into the depth of the earth. There is such a damp earthy feeling about it which together with the [sicklund?] light that fled by you from time to time during – the screeching of the engine, you give it much the appearance of the infernal legions and this pleasure is not universal by the dread of feeling the train stop any moment by the engineer getting off the rail he had heard of several instances of people having been kept an hour or two in the place, owing to the rails not being so well laid down [there, even?] no [closition?] as the train had to back in the dark.

Not that you escape getting off the rail in other parts of the line for this happened to Papa and the boys as they returned to town. It was at the place where an accident had happened two days before and all had probably not been put to right again. So quickly he found out what had happened by [crutining?] a guard talk to – from about it. They keep everything so secret that happens which is very [wrong, busy?] I think though there is not really much danger people ought to know the full extent of it.

Frank, (Rev. Francis James Holland) I think I told you, has been staying a week at Portsmouth with [Fudrun?] he came back with his head full of steam engines, not as I had imagined he would with his head full of the charms of the sea as he associated there with nobody but sailors. His stint there has on the contrary caused him of any – that way which I am glad of, as Papa would never have liked[?] him to be a sailor.

If you write to find the way to his heart now you must talk about [rulers?], [vaintrins?] [damper?] and [disenfoLeachines??] book on the Steam Engine which he [dicland?] on many with great emphasis to be almost as good as a novel. Harry (Henry Thurston Holland, Viscount Knutsford) has been staying at Knutsford since first of his Michaelmas, studying mathematics like a good boy.

I must finish and go into the garden this lovely morning, if you are going to remain at Boulogne I should consider it my duty to cross the whole sheet but by the end of next month I shall be able to – as often as I liked. I hope our commiseration will be – on at a bricker [quicker?] set than heretofore, if the last four years too have

[Hole in letter – writing crapulously difficult to read.]

… want to see Eastbury …out the garden, planning buying fountains, and arranging everything… think it will be a great plague. I am afraid Aunt Marie will find it tiring, but with 6 daughters help her she cannot her mind to do.

Dearest love to those all and yourself cher Posy,

from your – cuz Emily Holland.

File PB120158

Letter to Stamford at Linley Wood

from his sister Ann Marsh-Caldwell in Boulogne sur Mer

Post mark 4^th December 1841

J. Stamford Caldwell Esq

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

Angleterre

Capecure

Wednesday 3^rd March 1841

My dearest Stamford,

Our letters crossed upon the road and I did not get your last most kind one till Tuesday morning. I should have written again yesterday but I was busy preparing my years accounts for Arthur who is soon returning to England and after I had done that I was so tired that I could do nothing more. And as we were going in the evening to a little party at Sir James Lyon’s I was obliged to go to bed to rest.

I should be sorry indeed, dear Stamford, to appear in any way insensible to such a letter. It is gratifying that our letters crossed upon the road, and that we had the pleasure of receiving from each other the proof of our mutual affection uncalled for as it were.

Thank you tenderly for your hospitable invitation for opening your doors in so sweet a manner in the name of one whose memory is to me so honoured, revered and loved. I hope to visit you in the course of next summer. And see all you have done and are doing at your beloved place.

My dearest fathers fears that you would not love it, have been most happily [behid?] and to see you living and reigning among all his old dependents in his place would give him and my beloved mother most unfeigned pleasure.

Your theory of that actual vision of those that are gone, extended to us that are left I do not know whether I dare adopt. Their heavenly rest might be too much disturbed by witnessing the sorrows and failures of this mortal life. Yet it must have to their son, filling their place and carrying on, as it were, their plans and views a very [tending?] feeling to [farry?] them regarding and approving.

This, I know, that to me the loss of that approbation to which I always used to look as my highest reward, his made the world, under some of it aspects, very [histe?] to me.

Arthur is leaving a fortnight sooner than he intended having heard of a house that he thinks likely to suit us. And wishing not to run the risk of losing it by delay. It sounds a very delightful sort of place, but we have too often proved how far the performance in these matters falls short of the promise to place much reliance upon description.

We had some excellent music last night at the Lyons and then they danced Quadrilles till 2 o’clock in the morning. I danced a country dance with Sir James [Lyon] for at our select parties we admit very few young men and all the perès de famille and merès too, dance with their children.

Captain Bridgman and Arthur were dancing with their wives and daughters. If you ever had come to us you would have seen how nicely we go on, and what pretty elegant girls I could have introduced you to, to have looked out for a wife among.

This is our last happy party. The Lyons go to Brussels, the Bridgmans return to England. There will hardly one member of our own set left.

Farewell dear Stamford, I have time for no more today as I was late this morning. Fanny is in the drawing room again. All the girls in high spirits at the idea of returning to England again.

Send love from all the party, ever most affectionately your sister A.M.