Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1856

Stamford Caldwell of Linley Wood - aged 69/70

Anne Marsh-Caldwell (ne Caldwell) - at Eastbury - age 64/65

Cadptain Leopold G. Heath -  on board HMS "Seahorse"- aged 38/39

Mary Emma Heath (ne Marsh) - age 29/30

Arthur Raymond Heath - age 1/2

Marianne Emma Heath - age 0

---

1856

Diary of Mary Heath

Captain's Letter Book HMS Seahorse

 

File PB1010087 [copied from below to match letter]

Letter from Posy ? to Stamford. Early 1856

Eastbury

Friday

My dear Uncle Caldwell,

Mama and I think that perhaps you might like to hear from us during Louisa's absence. Wherefore I shall give you the trouble of reading one of my scrawls.

Last week Mama went to pay a visit from Wednesday to Saturday to Miss Sarah Wedgwood [1776-1856]. She slept and dined at Mr Charles Darwins at it was feared her staying in the house would have been too much for Miss Sarah.

She was very feeble on her feet but that was the only change Mama saw in her. She seemed to enjoy her company very much. Her mind seems chiefly occupied in religious and philanthropic subjects, being much distressed at the sale of opium. She reads most of the religious books that come out and seems in a very calm and happy state of mind. She took great interest in hearing of you. She had always had a great regard for you, she said.

Mama found Charles Darwin full of physiological pursuits. He has some new theory about species which is to upset all the received ideas, if he can persuade the scientific world to adopt it, which seems very doubtful.

Mrs Charles [Emma Darwin, ne Wedgwood] was looking very pretty, but Mama is sorry to say, not in good health. Thence Mama went to Judge Cromptons [Sir Charles Crompton] where she staid till Monday.

Mama met the Aldersons and Justice Crowder. There did not seem to be a shadow of a doubt with respect to Palmers guilt. [William Palmer murder trial London early 1856]

Continues?

File PB1010023 re Palmer trial

Part of letter from one of the MC girls. Not Mary. Louisa's handwriting.

Continues?... Baron Alderson said his firmness of nerve was something quite unequalled. He only seemed to fail a little when the jury returned and before they gave their verdict and when Sir B. Brodie gave his opinion. He blamed Sergeant [then?] very much for making that declaration of his belief in Palmers innocence, saying that it threw such difficulties in the way of every succeeding advocate, who if he did [other side of page] not say as much might seem to be confessing the guilt of his client.

Judge Crompton [Sir Charles Crompton] also enquired much about you and spoke with much affection of Linley Wood. Mama thinks his eldest son a remarkably fine young man and as hard-working as if he had nothing in the world to depend upon.

While Mama was thus occupied I paid a visit to our friends the Lyons near Ampthill. There were but three young ladies, so I am afraid I did not hear so much there that would interest you as Mama did.

They say the Prince Imperial is blind. The Empress made her first appearance in a little shell of a carriage drawn by six horses, and looking most lovely. Mary saw our Princess Royal at a review at Portsmouth, and says that she never saw a girl with a more charming expression though she is by no means pretty. The scandal is that she lost her heart to Prince Jerome when she was in France and spent the night before the arrival of the Prince of Prussia in tears. Mama says that Baron Alderson seemed to think that

Diary of Lady Mary Heath.

 

90 Durnford St, Stonehouse. 1856 (Plymouth)

Monday 21^st January 1856

Rained all the morning. Leo went to his ship as usual. I read Macaulay – pd books, drew. Leo returned to luncheon. The Dr Mrs Isbell[?] called to see Baby who is better. Afterwards Leo and I went to the see the Forth go out of dock. Met Lord [Lt?] John Hay, though him very pretty. Met also Captain Hillyer and Captain Cockburn – clever. Returned with Leo and shopped. Usual West Country weather. Played with Baby – dinner and newspapers and writing afterwards.

 

Tuesday 22^nd January 1856

Stayed in bed till after breakfast. William called and we talked some time. Captain and Mrs Chamberlain and 2 boys came to luncheon. Baby shewed himself off like a hero! Captain and Mrs Hillyer called. Leo and I went out to call on Lady Pell, found her at home. Mrs [Friden?] and Isbell. Aunt Me, pleasant chat as usual with her. Mrs Bacon found her at home. Leo went alone to call on Captain [Mends?]. In the evening – I entertained Baby.

 

Wednesday 23^rd January 1856

Hair dresser.

 

Thursday 24^th January 1856

Mrs and Miss Cookson, Mr [Cuitock?] and Dr Duigan dined with us. Captain [Mends?] called.

 

Friday 25^th January 1856

Nothing happened.

 

Saturday 26^th January 1856

Rained piteously. William called and he heard from Posy of her arrival at Gibraltar.

 

Sunday 27^th January 1856

Leo and I went to the Dockyard Church. Met Captain [Mooman?]. No one called, took care of Baby till five when Leo returned from his walk and took me to Aunt Me – Sleeping and Leo reading in the evening. That being bonny.

 

Monday 28^th January 1856

I drove out with Aunt Me. Caught a violent cold.

 

Tuesday 29^th January 1856

Stayed in doors till we went with Aunt Me and Willy to dine at the Lowe’s.

 

Wednesday 30^th January 1856

Walked out a little with Leo. Went to hear Jenny Lind at a concert and only heard half being seized with a fainting.

Mr and Mrs Grant called in the morning.

 

Thursday 31^st January 1856

Leo took me and Baby a drive in the country. General and Evy Eden and Captain R. Mundy called whilst we were out. A hard frost. Captain Symonds called late in the evening to enquire after me.

Mr and Mrs Cookson called immediately after lunch to enquire and Leo and Arthur.

Accountant General

 

HMS "Seahorse"

January 31st 1856

Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 25th .  First, I beg to inform you that the sum of One Pound has been charged against the pay of the Man noted in the Margin [George Dickinson, Gunner RMA] for straggling from HMS Difern.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your obedient humble Servant

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

To the Secretary of the Admiralty 

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues.

 

February.

 

Friday 1^st February 1856

Went out with Leo and Baby in the carriage calling. Went to Captain and Mrs Hillyer’s for point [Torpoint?], Lowes, Chamberlains, and returned late. Aunt Me called and Lady and Miss Plumridge [King comes?] Eyres and Lieutenant Vaughan. We met the latter and spoke on the way, heard of Posy’s safe arrival at Malta.

 

Saturday 2^nd February 1856

I walked with Baby and [wrote?] shopping. Called on Aunt Me and settled accounts with Leo.

 

Sunday 3^rd February 1856

Did not go to Church. Leo went alone. Willy called, walked with us to the Devil’s Point. Called on Aunt Me. Read and talked of home and home friends in the evening.

 

Monday 4^th February 1856

Rained in the morning. Leo took me to call on Elliots, Plumridges, Grants and Edens. In the evening working and reading newspaper.

 

Tuesday 5^th February 1856

I went to call on Aunt Me. Leo to his ship. I took care of Baby, his nurse gone to learn hair dressing. Leo went to Kegham. Mr Weld called and took luncheon.

 

Wednesday 6^th February 1856

Rained hard all day. I stayed in doors.

 

Thursday 7^th February 1856

Rained hard till the evening. Willy called and had a fine game with Baby. And Leo and I then went out for a little and called on Aunt Me.

 

Friday 8^th February 1856

Leo went to a Court Martial. Raining and [dubious?] miserable weather yet but very mild.

 

Saturday 9^th February 1856

I and Leo went to Plymouth shopping.

 

Sunday 10^th February 1856

Leo and I went to Church and called on Aunt Me. Leo took a walk and I stayed at home.

 

Monday 11^th February 1856

Called on Aunt Me, went with her to luncheon at [Gov House?] met Leo there. Evening Miss Crap and [Goberhelles?], Mrs Parker called. I shopped and came home.

Accountant General

 

HMS "Seahorse"

Devonport 11 February 1856

Sir,

The man noted in the Margin (late of HMS Colossus & Retribution) having stated to me that Pay is due to them from 30th September 1855 for Service in the above named Ships; I beg you will be pleased to cause the same to be made payable at this Port.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

Your obedient Humble Servant

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

Tuesday 12^th February 1856

Rained. Went out in the evening with Leo and walk, met young Mr Parker and Captain Vansittart and Mrs Bacon and niece.

 

Wednesday 13^th February 1856

 

Thursday 14^th February 1856

Leo and I dined at the Chamberlains, pleasant party. Mrs Hall and Captain Williams the only guests besides ourselves.

 

Friday 15^th February 1856

Went to the dentist and shopped with Leo.

 

Saturday 16^th February 1856

Called with Leo on Lady Parker. Mrs Parker, Chamberlains and Mrs Hall. Found all at home but Mary Parker.

 

Sunday 17^th February 1856

Leo went to hold service on board the hulk. I went to Church with Aunt Me and chatted awhile with her at her house afterwards. Commander [Joceylyn? Freezlyn] called and spoke of old times with Leo.

 

Monday 18^th February 1856

Leo went to his ship. I did not go out. We had a dinner party at home. Aunt Me, Willy, Miss [Scheuly?] Lt John Hay, Captain Mundy and Mr Vaughan

 

Tuesday 19^th February 1856

Leo and I went to dine at Sir W. Parker’s. William called.

 

Wednesday 20^th February 1856

Stayed at home, wretched weather. William called and Leo called on Aunt Me.

 

Thursday 21^st February 1856

Captain Mundy called. And I called on Aunt Me.

 

Friday 22^nd February 1856

Went to Aunt Me. Called on Edens and Admiralty. Shopped.

 

Saturday 23^rd February 1856

Walked on the rope walk with Baby. Afterwards went to the [Hoe?] with Leo and Baby. Shopped. Mrs Eden called.

 

Sunday 24^th February 1856

Leo went to read Service on board the Hulk. I to Church with Aunt Me and took care of Baby afterwards.

 

Monday 25^th February 1856

Leo set off for London to buy furniture for Moorhurst. I dined with Aunt Me.

 

Tuesday 26^th February 1856

Dined with Aunt Me.

 

Wednesday 27^th February 1856

Walked on the rope walk an read Posy’s letter and dined with Aunt Me.

 

Thursday 28^th February 1856

Aunt and Willy dined with me. In the morning took a long country drive with Aunt Me.

File PB110038

Eastbury,

February 28^th 1856

My dear Stamford,

It made me very happy to see your hand writing. And still more to receive such a comfortable conversational letter. It seemed as if we might be sitting over the fire at dear old Linley, talking away with all our usual confidence in each other. You call it “a volume,” and say it is long. You little know the pleasure it gives me to receive such “volumes.”

The only drawback was the account of your health. I had hoped from Miss Beardmore’s last little Bulletin, some weeks ago, that you were better, and your tiresome leg less annoying and painful. It grieves me to hear this is not so. Still it is a comfort to believe that this plague is at least a wholesome one, but it is excessively trying. I honour your manly patience and submission, nay more, gratitude. And only hope it may please God to give me grace to imitate it, when my turn comes.

Louisa will have told you of poor dear Sir Hyde [Parker]. His water on the chest suffocating him and quite blind. Some days his breathing is so oppressed he cannot walk round the table of Captain Eyre’s cabin in the St.George, where he now is, and cannot be moved though most anxious to get on board a packet and return to England to die there.

The St.George however, is ordered home, and please God, he may be spared to draw his last breath in dear Mrs Eden’s arms. His patience and submission is, they say, beautiful. And that in one, not very famous for patience in former days, makes me hope that he has made his peace with God and is well prepared to depart. He was never wanting in serious thoughts though except to very intimate friends such as Arthur and myself, he never gave words to them. Poor fellow! It is an affecting conclusion of a bustling joyous life.

I am answering your letter “bit by bit.” As you say you wrote it. Next I come to my little rugs. I am delighted you are pleased with them. I was so happy in working them and fancy the flowers in the glass standing upon them and think myself almost with you.

Next I come to what you say of our visit last year. All I can say is, never was a happier one. Though is it possible to help being happy, when such kind pains were taken to make us so. Shewing themselves in every form the greatest to the least. We must have been ungrateful wretches indeed if we had not felt it.

As for me, there is nothing I care for like love, and I am sure your affection was shewed not only in your indulgence, but even in your displeasure. I shall never forget the feeling you shewed, now when I asked your forgiveness. The “heartily heartily” with which it was granted. I would almost have consoled myself for having been wrong, my heart was so touched by the way in which you took it.

But as I am upon the subject, just allow me, dear Stamford, to say, that I think I let the matter appear worse than it really was. But I felt too much ashamed of myself to offer excuses. Which after all are but vain, for wrong I had been. But the fact was, that I considered the thing as entirely over, and only remembered it as a proof how partial your affection to L had been.

And so, one day at breakfast, I remember the moment well, I let it out, but spoke of it slightly, and as a thing for ever over, and it appears she really understood little about it. One thing I can assure you of, when we came down to you last time, that we were all in as entire ignorance of what your plans and intentions were as anybody in the world could be.

Still I was wrong, and I have received a lesson which I hope will never be forgotten and which your gentleness and feeling upon the occasion only rendered the more impressive, but pray do not add to your other troubles, dearest Stamford that of thinking any expectations had been thus raised in L’s mind. I assure you that was not in the least the case.

To return to our visit to you, I think back upon it with so much pleasure. Those chats in the evening, the pleasant drives, which would have been still pleasanter had not your careful consideration for Louisa’s eyes made you give up your place in the carriage to her. We understand it and felt it all. These eyes are got quite well, and are always happily employed when writing to you. It is a great pleasure to her to think that her little “News letters” while away a quarter of an hour for you agreeably.

You may be sure they will never fail. She begs me to say, she was going to write yesterday but I begged he to put it off a day or two, as I wished so much to write and thank you for your letter myself.

As I am about Louisa, I may as well say, you are in a little mistake about the respective ages of J.A. and herself. I don’t know which you make the eldest, but John [Hensleigh] Allen was born the year after I was married, and in the same year with Louisa. But I forget which of them appeared first. Poor fellow! His disappointment with respect to Lady R Seymour’s property (for a considerable share of which he was heir but which the good old lady had so [preferred?], and the omission of one word in a will had so blundered that he came in for scarcely anything) had put an end to the possibility of matrimonial ideas, unless, which is very unlikely, anything good should turn up to him from other relations.

With regard to the last “bit” of your letter, that which relates to the “disposition of our property,” what can one say [sentenced scribbled out] but that I enter thoroughly into all your feelings. And when I consider the value of that great talent with the disposition of which you are entrusted. (when not made the means of ministering to ostentation and vain expense, but faithfully used for the serious and important purposes of life) I can quite understand the anxiety you feel, in the conscientious exercise of the power committed to your hands.

I can only pray that you may be directed to that which is really best, most satisfactory to your own views of human relations, and as far as consistent with these, most conducive to the real welfare and advantage of the many really admirable men and women, about to succeed you and your sisters three in battle of life.

You know that my views upon the subject are perhaps a little different from yours. I think if I had this great a beneficent power entrusted to me, I should be anxious to diffuse among as many as it was possible (consistently with one object) the immense benefit which money in the hands of the wise and good becomes. Rather than to concentrate it upon one individual, to whom instead of a benefit, it might become a snare.

But it pleases God that thus it should be, and that persons equally anxious to act conscientiously and rightly, may view the subject in different lights, as is probably the case with you and me.

Two things I shall ever bear testimony to, the absence of all ostentation and vanity in your expenditure when at the head of your fortune, and the liberal exercise of Charity.

I am busy with another story, and you will smile when I tell you that I have minded what you said in joke about my love of “Lords” and I don’t think the existence of such a thing is even hinted at through the whole story. And so God bless and keep you dear Stamford, your ever affectionate sister,

A.M.

I am so grieved that horrid Neuralgia is added to your other torments. I find a little cotton wool soaked in Eau de Cologne, and hot water, but as strong as I can possibly bear it stops the pain better than anything. It should be Eau de Cologne “Veritable.” Term Marie Farina.

 

---

Accountant General [Admiralty 20 March 1856]

 

HMS "Seahorse"

February 28th 1856 [or 9th]

Sir,

I herewith enclose and Allotment List for Petty Officers & Seaman belonging to HMS under my Command, the receipt of which I beg you will be pleased to acknowledge.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your obedient Humble Servant

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

To the Secretary of the Admiralty London.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath at Southampton

 

Friday 29^th February 1856

Dined with Aunt Me.

 

Saturday March 1^st 1856

Walked up to Government House with Baby. General Eden walked home with me. He went all about the to the Marine Barracks etc, called on Aunt Me. I dined with the Chamberlains, met Lieutenant and Miss Moorman and sundry “Conflict” Officers.

 

Sunday 3^rd March 1856

I went to Church, played with Baby in the afternoon, and spent the evening with Aunt Me.

 

Monday 4^th March 1856

Aunt Me and William dined with me.

 

Tuesday 5^th March 1856

Dined early. Leo returned quite late from London.

 

Wednesday 6^th March 1856

Walked about with Leo.

 

Thursday 7^th March 1856

Stayed at home. Attempted to go to dine at Government House, too unwell. Leo went alone.

 

Friday 8^th March 1856

Leo went to his ship. I to Church, [dined?] afterwards with Aunt Me. Drove out calling with Leo and Baby. Mrs Cheyne and Chamberlains, and walked home.

 

Saturday 9^th March 1856

Leo went at 6 to his ship. Mrs Cheyne called.

 

Sunday 10^th March 1856

Leo went to his ship. I stayed at home in the morning and went to Mr [Nantes?] with Leo in the afternoon, then a walk to Deveil’s Point. Met Mrs Bacon and Emington.

 

Monday 10^th March 1856

Leo to his ship. I went to call on Mrs Bacon, found her with her sister and drawing master. Mr Barwell called and invited us to see him at his country house. Aunt Me and Willy called. Servants went to the Dockyard. I stayed at home with Baby.

 

Tuesday 11^th March 1856

Aunt Me and I called on Edens. [Legmores?] Jone’s and shopped.

 

Wednesday 12^th March 1856

[Gave?] at dinner to Aunt Me, Willy, Misses Bridges, A. Cheyne 2^nd Lieutenant Broughton Midi and Harry Master, [Sea Horsians[?]

 

Thursday 13^th March 1856

Went with Leo to the Sea Horse and stayed there on board for an hour. Mrs Richard with her young son and Naval Cadets to Sea Horse, and Mr Vaughan dined.

 

HMS "Sea Horse" 

March 13th 1856

Sir 

The man noted in the Margin appeared at my rendezvous on the 19th January and his name was entered on this Ship's Books, but as it is possible there was some mistake about it, and as he has never actually joined the Ship nor been heard of since.  I have to request permission to discharge him from the Books instead of receiving him.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

etc etc etc

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

---

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Friday 14^th March 1856

Drove to Wemsbury [Wembury?] Place, Mr Barwells with Leo, Mrs and Mr Richards, looked at prints of Salvator Rosa, Hogarth.

 

Saturday 15^th March 1856

Drove to the Artist where Baby had his picture taken. Aunt Me dined with us and the Richards.

 

Sunday 16^th March 1856

No Church, rain all day. Aunt Me and the Richards dined.

 

Monday 17^th March 1856

Mrs Richards left for her home.

 

Tuesday 18^th March 1856

Went to Church

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

March 18th 1856

Sir,

The Boy noted in the Margin [Jo. Collins Boy 1st Class] having been this day committed to Gaol for two Months by (Civil Power) for Stealing a Jacket from the Sailor's Home (Devonport) I have to request that you will be pleased to authorise his discharge from the Books of the Sea Horse.

I have the honour to be

etc etc

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

Diary of Lady Mary Heath contines

 

Wednesday 19^th March 1856

Went to Church. Aunt Me dined.

HMS "Sea Horse"

March 19th 1856

Sir,

I have the honour to inform you that I have this day investigated on the 2nd Deck a complaint made by Lieut Vaughan Sub Lieutenant against the man named in the margin [George M Neil &ldots; who has been 6 weeks in this Ship] for having on the 17th instant left the Dockyard without leave being at the time under stoppage of leave for a former offence that I have &ldots; WH Brown Mr at Arms as a witness and that the man acknowledges his crime and has nothing to offer in defence and he having broken his leave on 5 occasions since the 8th February I request that I may be supplied with a Warrant for his committal for 14 days to Prison.

I have the honour to be

etc etc

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

Admiral Sir W Parker GCB Commander in Chief etc etc etc

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Thursday 20^th March 1856

Do.

 

Good Friday, 21^st March 1856

Do, do. Took Baby on the water.

 

Saturday 22^nd March 1856

Went in the morning with Leo to see his ship. Aunt Me with us. Met Mrs Vaughan, Bridges. Dr Duigan etc etc., ships officers. Returned to luncheon, first calling at Government House. Found that Sir Hugh [?] [was no more, has not horses?] Was to have gone to see a launch but could not on account of this news. Stayed at home with Leo. Mr Barwell called. Lovely day. Servants went to see launch and Sea Horse.

 

Sunday Easter. 23^rd March 1856

Went to Church. Aunt Me dined with us. Bitter cold.

 

Monday 24^th March 1856

Leo to his ship as usual.

HMS Sea Horse

Devonport

March 24th 1856

Sir 

The Master Shipwright having on the 22nd Instant informed me that HMS under my Command would not by completed in his department before the 9th April I am obliged to extend the dates at which HMS will be ready for proceeding to the Sound and to sea respectively to the 10th and 12th April.  Had the dockyard work been completed this Ship would have been ready on the 1st April.

I have the honour to be

etc etc

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

To Admiral Sir W Parker GCB etc etc etc 

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Tuesday 25^th March 1856

Aunt Me dined with us and then Leo and I went to the Fancy Ball and stayed till 2.

 

Wednesday 26^th March 1856

Went shopping with Leo and sat for my picture.

 

Thursday 27^th March 1856

Called on Aunt Me. Shopped with Leo.

 

Friday 28^th March 1856

Rowed out on the water with Leo.

 

Saturday 29^th March 1856

Went out with Leo and had Aunt Me, Misses Lillingston, Westaway, Eden and Hughes, officers of HMS Seahorse to dinner. Mr Barwell called and Captain [Hiatus?]

 

Sunday 30^th March 1856

To Church, and called on Aunt Me, and tended Baby. Leo shewed him the horses in the stable.

 

Monday 31^st March 1856

Sat for picture, and went with Leo to his ship. Aunt Me dined with us.

 

Tuesday 1^st April 1856

Have not the least idea what I did.

 

Wednesday 2^nd April 1856

Went out with Aunt Me to call at Government House and [Sir George] Seymours. And called for Leo at Mr [Buners?] the artist, and went shopping with him.

 

Thursday 3^rd April 1856

Went out with Leo, and then he dined at Lady [Pole’s?] Met Major and Lady Adela Ibettson, and Sir George [Seymour] and Mr Bischoffe, and rather pleasant.

 

Friday 4^th April 1856

Chatted with Aunt Me, and then trekked to Mr Brewer’s and went shopping with Leo. Fine day.

 

Saturday 5^th April 1856

Leo took me calling on Lady Pole. Mrs London, Mrs Eyre.

Dinner party in the evening. Aunt Me and Willy, Captain Cumberland, Captain and Mrs [Lowrie?] Mrs Bacon, Messrs Duigan and Vaughan, H.M.S. Sea Horse.

Mrs and Miss Cookson joined us in the evening. Mr [Mrs?] Bacon played very prettily.

 

Sunday 6^th April 1856

I did not go to Church. Walked with Leo and Baby and nurse on the Rope Walk, called on Aunt Me.

HMS "Sea Horse"

11th April 1856

Sir

The Men noted in the margin [W Lovering Lg Stoker, M Alford CP Castle] late of HMS "Retribution" under your command have stated to me that Travelling Expenses are due to them viz from Portsmouth to Plymouth between the 2nd February 1856 and 17 March 1856.  I have to request that you will be pleased to acquaint me if their statement is correct.

I have the honour to be Sir

etc etc

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

To Captain Fisher HMS Retribution.

 

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

April 12th 1856

Sir 

I have the honour to acquaint you that I have this day inspected HMS Sea Horse under my command accompanied by the Shipwright Officers of the Dock Yard and have found everything to be efficient and correct except some Leaks round the M Mast.

I have the honour to be

Sir

etc etc etc

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

To Admiral Sir W Parker GCB.

 Accountant General

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

April 12th 1856

Herewith I have the honour to transmit the Muster Book of HMS Sea Horse under my Command to the 31st March 1856 together with the Cancelled Picketts and Pay Lists as per Margin.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your most obedient humble servant

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

Cancelled Picket

CG 408

A 23

AA 965

D 404

H 1

AU 314

Pay Lists "Gozgon"

 

To the Secretary of the Admiralty London

Accountant General

 

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

April 16th 1856

Sir

A claim of joint capture of the Brazil, made by the Captain, Officers & Crew of HMS Niger against the Captain, Officers & Crew of HMS "Gladiator" and her tender the Jackel has after a lapse of 5 years been decided by the Admiralty court against the Niger. 

Messers Stilwell are the Agents for the Niger and they are about to apply the proceeds of the capture of a vessel called the Igualdade which proceeds are in their hands in part payment of the costs of this suit. 

I attach a copy of an agreement made between myself, the Officers & Crew of the Niger to share the expenses of any law proceedings on account of the prizes  and I have to request that the balance of the costs which the prize money for the Igualdade is insufficient to pay, may be abated from the shares of prize Money for Russian Vessels captured in the Black Sea, due to those Officers & Men who were serving in the Niger at the time of the capture of the Brazil.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

Your obedient servant

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

To, The Secretary of the Admiralty London.

 Accountant General

 

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

17th April 1856

Sir

The man noted in the Margin [W Moore Lg Seaman to AB]  serving onboard HMS Sea Horse under my Command, having this day been disrated from Lg Seaman to AB.  I beg you will be pleased to cause the necessary alteration to be made in his allotment.

I have

etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty

Diary of Lady Mary Heath

 

Left Plymouth in the Sea Horse with Leo, Baby, John and Douglas Heath on Wed the 16^th and arrived in Portsmouth Sunday 20^th and took possession of our lodgings in High Street. John spent the evening with us and slept and left early on Monday 21^st for Enfield. Leo went off to his ship. Captain Chamberlayne called, and Mrs and Miss Richards afterwards who lunched with me. Katherine, Baby and I walked to Portsea to shop and met Captain Eyre and Captain Dacres on the road. Douglas [Heath] returned from Brading with Leo and dined and slept.

 

Tuesday 22^nd April 1856

Leo went to his ship and Douglas to London. Baby took his walk. Julia Harrison and boy called and lunched. Adelaide came unexpectedly with Mrs Phillips and Captain Lowe. She stayed with us. Leo came and walked about Southsea Beach with Adelaide and me.

 

Wednesday 23^rd April 1856

Magnificent day. Leo, Adelaide and I dressed and breakfasted early and then set off to the [Sally?] Port in company with a large party of Richard’s. Julia and boy, Willy Whatman’s boy, a stranger, to the Sea Horse, from whence we saw the Review, lunched and had tea and returned at about 8 o’clock. Leo remained on board and Adelaide and I after parting with all the folk, witnessed the illuminations from the top of the house, and then retired to gossip.

 

Thursday 24^th April 1856

Adelaide and I stayed at home. Julia Harrison came to luncheon and Leo came and took us all on board the Victory and then to shop at Portsea. Adelaide left. Captain and Mrs Willes called. Leo went to a grand public dinner given by the English Captains to the French and so ended the Grand Review.

HMS "Sea Horse"

April 24th 1856

Sir

In reply to your letter of the Instant relating to Books of Instructions etc: said by Commander Hire not to have been on board HMS "Niger" at the time of his taking command of her, I have the honour to state that I enclosed all the receipts received from my successor Commander Hire to the Secretary of the Admiralty on the 5th

 

[This letter ends here]

HMS "Sea Horse"

April 24th 1856

Sir

I have had applications from 2 or 3 of the Officers and Seamen lately belonging to HMS Niger who were landed with me for serving in Batteries on shore in the Crimea stating that whereas several of their Shipmates landed for the same Serving at the same time had received an Inkerman clasp, they had been refused it on the grounds of my not having certified that they were in Action. 

I have now the honour to state that the Batteries manned by those men and commanded by myself did fire at Liprandi's Columns on the 5th November and I presume therefore that I together with these men an entitled to the clasp in question.  I have no nominal list of these Men but I understand one has been sent into Office by Lieut Drum, Mr Peffrel, Midshipman Robert Sawyer, Ordinary Seaman J Caglison RMA are the names of those who have applied to me on the Subject.  Lieut Drum and others have received these clasps, and I request that mine may be forwarded to me.

I have the honour to be

etc etc etc

LG Heath Captain

 

To the Accountant General

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Friday 25^th April 1856

 

Monday May 5^th 1856

Leo and I and Arthur and nurse went to Kitlands to pay a visit to Moorhurst and see the new furniture.

We returned Wednesday 7^th May.

Accountant General

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

April 27th 1856

Sir

The man noted in the Margin having stated that his Allotment dated 1st April 1856 has not yet been received.  I have to request that you will be pleased to cause the necessary inquiry to be made.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your obedient servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

  

To The Secretary of the Admiralty

File PB120096

Letter to Stamford from Anne Marsh-Caldwell at Eastbury.

15^th May [1856/7]

[pencil at top – ‘send some money directly JSC’ Stamfords’ writing?]

My dearest Stamford,

Your most kind letter would have been answered the next day but I was obliged to spend along day in London upon various business and come home too late. And yesterday when I intended to have sat down for a regular long chat with you, I had such a world of things to do, that I could only find little scraps of time when I hate to sit down and write love letters.

How very kind it is of you my dear brother to think of me just at this moment. You are like the good Genius in some eastern tale. Just extending your helping hand where it is most wanted, and certainly I may confess that at this moment it would not be extended without its usual discrimination to poor Pill [fashion, farlie?] (Do you remember our dearest mothers expression, I often think of it) for one thing after another has come pressing upon me this Spring as if there was a conspiracy against me. And though no happiness is equal to that of being able to help my children when sickness or unforeseen expenses come upon them yet…

And so dear brother, thank you exceedingly for your kind kind thought with regard to me. My Adelaide and her children have been with me many weeks. I was seriously terrified about her. A Pleurisy after a lying in, when of course the system is for a time a good deal weakened is a serious affair indeed. And a cough and pain in the side remain which with her great weakness gave rise to the most uneasiness.

Rose went over to nurse her as I think I told you and her first measure was to send the two little boys out of the nutshell of a parsonage, to me. It was impossible to keep them from disturbing their mother. Where [continues??]

Accountant General

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

May 1856

Sir,

I beg leave to represent that Jo Davies Gris Mate of this Ship stated that he was on entering the Service put down accidentally on the Ship's Books as Jo Davies and that he has continued to be so entered on his subsequent Ship's Books.  He has lately been married and allotted to his Wife in April 1856. He was married under his proper name (Davis) and consequently his Wife on producing her marriage Certificate cannot get paid.  I beg to inform you that I have placed "alias" Jas Davis against this man's name on the Ship's Books and I have to request the Allotment Picket may be altered accordingly.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

 To The Secretary of the Admiralty

. . . General

 

---

HMS Sea Horse

May 1856

Sir

In obedience to your order of the 14th Instant I have the honour to inform you that on receipt of their Lordship's order to offer the option of reentering etc to the 5 Years Men and Pensioners I acquainted the Ship's Company therewith and found that there was altogether 26 who wished to be discharged to this Shore. 

Their papers were sent to the Accountant General on the same evening made out with pay for 5 days in advance of that day, on the supposition that the Pickets would be returned before them.  The Pickets not having returned on the 13th Instant and the men being in consequence discontented I sent for them and explained that the delay was possibly owing to the Great number of Papers of the same sort which had all at once been submitted to the Accountant General, that I could not say for certain on what day the Pickets would arrive but that if any of them wished it they might have their discharge to the shore at once. 

I explained at the same time that as they would be on full pay for every day that they remained onboard, they had in my opinion much better remain, but nevertheless left it to their option.

Seven men, all I believe having friends or family at this port requested to be discharged , and the remaining 19 are still onboard.

I have etc

(Signed) LG Heath Captain

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty London.

 

---

Diary of Lady Mary Heath

Thursday 8^th May 1856

Leo to his ship. Mr, Mrs [Nugee?] and Mrs Richards called. We spent the evening at home.

 

Friday 9^th May 1856

I don’t know what happened.

Captain [Hore?] called. I spent the day with Leo on board ship.

The statement made by a Member of the Government under which I am serving has given great pain both to myself and my friends and I trust Sir I may appeal to you to induce Lord . . . [Pamnure?] to redress the injustice he has perhaps unwittingly done me.

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

June 9th 1856

Sir

It is reported in the Newspapers that Lord . . . [Pamnure?] on his speech on moving the thanks of Parliament to the Navy and Army etc stated that Admiral Boxer was the first to begin some system in Balaklava Harbour.  No one can be more anxious than myself to amply and full justice to great operations of the late Admiral Boxer but I feel very strongly that it is most unjust to cast blame on his predecessors for the mere sake of eulogising him. 

I am quite prepared to prove that from the period of the great Storm until I was relieved by Admiral Boxer there was a constant and successful endeavour to improve the harbour arrangements in every way and that with the assistance of Captain Powell who was associated with me in the work Balaklava Harbour was on the 1st of February the day on which Admiral Boxer relieved me in a state of which we had no reason to be ashamed.  Admiral Boxer with great personal energy carried out and perfected during fine weather what we in the midst of rain snow and gales of wind had initiated.  Leaving my case in you hands.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your most obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath CB Captain

 

To the Right Honourable Sir C Wood

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

Saturday 10^th May 1856

Went to call on Mrs B. Hall. Leo went off to his ship.

 

Sunday 11^th May 1856

Went to Church, where Leo joined me. After luncheon Leo, I and Baby drove into the country and spent the afternoon in the fields. Returned to dinner and afterwards Leo to his ship.

 

Monday 12^th May 1856

Captain Von Donap called. Went out with Leo to walk on Southsea Common. Met  Captain Mundy who told us to go and see the Queen reviewing the 8^th and 10^th Hussars in the Dockyard. Hurried off in a cab, saw H.M. and the Royal Family. Thought all shabby looking but Prince Albert met Captain Morrison and brought him home. Leo went to dine at Sir George Seymour’s, the Admiral.

 

Tuesday 13^th May 1856

Shopped. Leo and I dined at Firlington Rectory, met sundry uninteresting folks.

 

Wednesday 14^th May 1856

Captain Key called.

---

London Evening Standard

Wednesday 14 May 1856

Prize Money - Messrs Stillwell have given notice that an account of the tonnage bounties granted for the slave vessel Igualdade, captured by her Majesty's steam sloop Niger, Leopold George Heath, Esq., commander, on the 6th December , 1850 and of the balance of the proceeds of her sale, will be deposited in the registry of the High Court of the Admiralty on the 10th instant, agreeably to act of parliament. 

The amount will be appropriated in part payment of the expenses incurred in prosecuting the claim of the NIger to the bounties granted for the capture of the slave vessel Brazil, by her Majesty's steam vessel Jackal, under the agreement of the commander, officers, and ship's company.

Accountant General

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

May 17th 1856

Sir

The Allotment Pay Bill transmitted from Office for J Rocensfell Leading Stoker Ordinary the Ship under my Command has to Susan his Wife has been made payable at Helstone instead of Falmouth as noted on the Allotment List from Sea Horse.  I have to request that you will be pleased to cause the necessary alteration to be made.

I have the honour to be

Sir 

Etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

May 27th 1856

Sir

William Salter 2nd . . . Long Service Pensioner is a volunteer for HM Ship under my Command.  I have to request I may be informed whether if he joins he will be allowed to continue in receipt of his Pension in addition to his pay.

His character is very Good.

I have the honour to be

Sir

etc etc etc 

Signed LG Heat Captain

 

To Vice Admiral Sir George Seymour KCB 

Commander in Chief

Accountant General

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

May 27th 1856

Sir

Having on the 5th March 1855 forwarded to the Secretary of the Admiralty the requisite receipts etc for clearing my accounts for HM Ships "Niger" and "Sans Pariel" and hearing that other Captains whose documents were sent in long subsequently to mine have had their accounts passed; I have to request that mine may be taken in hand.

I have the honour to be

etc etc etc 

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To The Secretary of the Admiralty London. 

HMS "Sea Horse"

28 May 1856

Sir

Mr Coutts Boatswain of HM Ship under my Command who is 55 years of age and who has been 44 Years at Sea appears to me to be more fit for Harbour than Sea Service.  I have to request that a Survey may be held upon him.  His character while under my Command has been Very Good.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

Your obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To Vice Admiral Sir G Seymour KCB

Commander in Chief.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

29^th May 1856

Up to this day the 29^th we have been moving about the country. Leo, I and Arthur setoff one day from High Street for Eastbury where we stayed nearly a week and from thence we went to Kitlands but were called back to Portsmouth by telegraph, Leo’s ship being ordered to prepare for sea.

Yesterday 28^th we were all packed up to leave High Street for this place, Clarence Parade, but did not do so as Leo thought we should leave sooner. He went to enquire and I to buy a tidy for his cushion. Captain Moore called and then Dunbar went with Leo and me to try to get off our new lodging, partly succeeded.  Dunbar dined with us.

 

Thursday 29^th May 1856

Changed our minds and moved to this place, the Common covered with troops for a review, and preparations for fireworks, and thousands of well dressed folks. Thunder and hail and rain put a speedy extinguisher on these rejoicings. Is it prophetic!!

HMS "Sea Horse"

29th May 1856

Sir

With reference to you M . . . of this day, I beg to inform you that HMS "Sea Horse" has this day discharged 300 Shell the remaining 250 together with 2 Mortars will discharged so soon as the Lighters arrive.  Provisions were demanded yesterday but have not yet been received.  A Boat is at present onshore for Hammocks for the Troops, Mess Tables and Stools having been received and in all other respects this Ship is ready for Sea.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your obedient Servant

On duty Captain

Signed LW Vaughan Sub Lieut

 

Vice Admiral Sir George Seymour KCB

Commander in Chief

Diary of Lady Mary Heath

Friday 30^th May 1856

 

---

File PB120030

Probably Stamford to AMC.

Linley Wood

2 June 1856

My dear Anne,

This is no letter but I must write you to send me Dr Holland’s prescription for the Le Havre[?] pills which I find particularly to agree with me. I will copy it and send it back.

I hope that Crofton’s plan will answer but I yet scarcely quite understand it. Would not his promotion have gone as well in England? I doubt not however, that, under all the circumstances, they are right.

When you write to [Basa?] thank him most cordially for the charming letter, also Fanny for her’s. Very acceptable. I am glad to hear from Louisa that Miss Morrison left “Aunt Me” a legacy. I hope it was a good one. It seems at all event to have much contributed to her comfort.

I say nothing more about family matters and only the more I consider it the more I doubt whether Louisa’s match with J.A. [work anymore? Would augur?] to either party in the long run. Allan’s with their grand commission and his London life would never do with small means.

I was taken quite by surprise when you were here last or I should, I dare say, have expressed myself very differently and I am indeed deeply vexed that you [never?] mentioned my [vexed? Read?] to Louisa. But I have quite forgiven your mistake though it has caused me much annoyance as I have found it very [lnag?] entering to alter formerly proposed arrangements. But I am exceedingly concerned on Louisa’s account.

File PB110049

Anne Marsh-Cadwell to Stamford Caldwell at Linley Wood

Moorhurst

5^th July. [1856]

My dear Stamford,

I have been hoping to have in course of time another of your interesting letters but as one is not yet [answered?] I think I will volunteer a few lines from this place where I am paying my first visit to Mary, and likewise I think you will be interested to hear of the Crofton children.

The[y] arrived quite safely, and had a prosperous passage though the care of them on ship board had taken something from the blooming looks that Rose had acquired at Malta. However, Fanny had been fortunate in procuring a very nice [attentive, station?] nurse, so that the fatigue and anxiety were much diminished.

Still it is nervous work to have the care of other people’s children. And the keeping them in the life on deck from being troublesome and in the officer’s way, full of high spirits as they were was no slight concern.

The ship was filled with troops, the horses having the grand saloon for their share. There were several officers on board among whom Mrs Douglas Stewart (she is Sir Houston’s S’s daughter in law, the Admiral at Malta) made shift to select a very agreeable coterie. They being the only ladies on board.

Mrs Stewart had a saloon to herself which Posy shared, and out of it were four little cabins with berths, for themselves and their children. Nothing could be more comfortable.

It was the tears coming into poor Fanny’s eyes in her anxiety to get her baby boy off before the heat began which he was too delicate to bear, which moved Admiral Stopford’s kind heart and he gave her a passage with Mrs Stewart. The children being those of an officer was a great advantage.

The little Babe who is the prime mover in this migration, is a very delicate child, but he already flourishes in English air and I hope we shall send him back running about as actively as his little cousins of the same age do. He cannot yet walk, but in every other respect is formed and seems very clever and intelligent.

Amy had had one or two attacks of dysentery. The great terror of the climate so Fanny was obliged to send her out of the way of the three hot months and Duke, the dear good mother sent because she thought he would be so unhappy alone and moreover that it would be of great service to him.

But when there were about to part though Duke had been talking for weeks of this coming to England he come out “If you wish me (page2 ) to stay Mama, never mind strong or prickly heat, only say you want me to stay and I will stay.” Prickly heat during hot weather, a sort of irritating [owisnphon?] on the skin, being the [fatigue?] of his life. He is a fine handsome, active, clever boy, requires a little of Grand-Mama’s quieting, but is of a most docile and generous temper. A very fine boy of five years old as one would wish to see.

Amy is a charming little girl, so gentle, so nice, so sprightly. So thoroughly the [Hg?] a little embryo woman ought to be. She will have a handsome [gypsy, gifrsy?] face, splendid hair and a [Certfully?] made figure. Such hands and arms and feet! In short I am excessively well pleased with this first specimen of what these little ones of ours are likely to be when they grow out of babyhood. And Duke is thoroughly well accomplished to lead the Van.

I am now at Moorhurst as you will see. Sitting at my best room casement window in this pretty picturesque seven gabled cottage, all covered over with roses and creepers. The rooms very low and not very roomy, but Mary is as happy as a Queen. And a true sailor’s wife, thinks them quite lofty enough, which to be sure they are, in comparison with her husband’s cabin.

There is a pretty flower garden and a sort of little flat bowling green in the middle, commanding splendid views over Surrey and boarded by the Brighton Hills. None of your Welsh mountains but people must not pretend to an horizon like yours. But a plain of some rich [changing?] is spread before you.

Leo has a nice estate lying round him. But you are the largest landed proprietor of the whole clan by a considerable number of acres.

Kitlands is a beautiful place backed by Sandhills covered with copses and wood. But the house, which is an old one added to and run out this way and that, stands too much in a hole to quite please me. However, when the two properties are united in Arthur (the little fellow now running about by Mary’s side) as there is every probability they will be, it will be a very pretty estate.

Leo is gone to the Crimea in his ‘Sea Horse’ to fetch troops. So I have come to pass a little of Mary's widowhood with her.

In October I come again to be with her by Leo’s great desire, when we expect her to present us with another little being. I don’t know what you may have heard of all this home gossip from one girl or another but you will, I know [exerze?] a Grandams, be a visione repetitious. You know it is the privilege of that reverend relationship to be garrulous.

I must not forget Adelaide and her two noble boys, little Johnnie Loring the handsome and finest of little men rising three. As brave as a little lion and as docile as a little dove. With his “yes please” upon all occasions and his “no ta,” such a little darling [scurrying?] about with his bigger cousins, his golden hair flying back from his honest face. He running about shouting and screaming for joy.

The little Loring, the 2^nd we flatter ourselves is like dear Arthur. You will guess how precious this resemblance, real or fancied is to us.

I shall be so glad when the inclination takes you to give me a few lines. How are you? Enjoying this divine weather thoroughly? And getting in your hay to perfection? As I have done. I have let my house for three months from August 1^st, which is a plan I intend to pursue annually for financial reasons.

We shall go to the cheapest place we can, for the time to save our pence. Have you been so kind as to enter Evelyn Marton into your book club. Orders of this description help me on. I must go on working at the pen for the present.

Ever your sister, A.M.

 HMS "Sea Horse"

June 6th 1856

Gibraltar

Sir,

I have the honour to report the arrival at this Port after a passage of 6 and ¼ days from Spithead.  I expect to be complete with Coal tomorrow forenoon and I shall there leave immediately for Malta.

I have the honour to be

etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To The Secretary of the Admiralty London

Accountant General

 

HMS "Sea Horse"

June 7th 1856

Sir

The persons noted in the Margin [Jo Hayes Cooper to Coopers Crew, P2 & Leof  6 Aft G to AB ] having been disrated I beg that you will be pleased to cause the necessary alterations in their Allotments to be made.

I have the honour to be

etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty London 

Accountant General

 

---

June 1856

Sir

The person noted in the Margin [H Reynolds AB] having been left at Plymouth Hospital and Name sent to Impregnable in accordance with circular 184 I have to request that you will be pleased to cause his Allotment to be transferred accordingly.

I have

etc etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To Secretary of the Admiralty London 

Accountant General

 

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

June 30 1856

Sir,

In accordance with your letter of the - December 1855 I deducted the Sum of £12.8.2 from the Quarterly bill which I drew on the 31st March 1856.  I have since heard from Mr Parminter then Paymaster of the Niger that although he has not Kept any documents on the subject he believes the percentage for furniture was always deducted from my bill in that Ship.  This being also my own impression I request that the matter may be enquired into when my accounts are taken in hand.

Sir

Your obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To The Secretary of the Admiralty London 

HMS "Sea Horse"

Constantinople

July 5th 1856

Sir

With reference to your letter of the 23 Instant I have the honour to state that the a certificate of the professional qualifications  of Mr GH Foster who was discharged from HMS Niger in or about the month of October 1851 was forwarded to the Secretary of the Admiralty on the 30th October 1851.  I beg to enclose a similar certificate for Mr WT Wheeler who was discharged from HMS Sans Pariel about the month of January 1855.  I was not in Command of either the "Niger" of the Sans Pariel those Ships were paid off.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

Your obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To Captain Washington Hydrographor etc etc etc 

Hismalaya 12 July

 

Accountant General

 

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

July 1st 1856

Sir

Herewith I have the honour to transmit the Muster Book of HMS under my Command to the 30th June 1856 together with the Cancelled Picket as per Margin [H745].

I have

etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To The Secretary of the Admiralty London 

Accountant General

 

---

Kentish Independent

Saturday 2 August 1856

The Navy - Knights - Captains. Leopold George Heath

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

July 25th 1856

Sir

With reference to the accompanying Letter addressed to J Emery now Capt P Castle of this Ship I have the honour to inform you that J Emery states that he was paid off as a 2nd Class Boy from HMS "Edinburgh" on the 14th July 1841 and was sent with the rest of the Boys to the "Queen" then flagship at Portsmouth.  He was then granted 6 weeks leave of absence with (as he states) as intimation that he must return to that Flag Ship unless he joined some other Ship.  He did join HMS "Dublin" on the 26th August the day his leave expired and he states that he gave up his Picket of leave to Captain Tucker Commander, the Dublin and that Mr Saunders Mate of the Dublin was the Officer at the rendesvous who shipped him and told him it was quite regular to do so. 

Under the circumstances I have the honour to request that the R may be removed from his name and that the Pay and Medal and Prize Money which he claimed may be forwarded to him.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To The Secretary of the Admiralty London 

Accountant General

 

---

HMS "Sea Horse"

Gibraltar

4th August 1856

Sir

The man noted in the Margin [George M Niell No 99 SB] having been Run on the Books of HMS under my Command, I have to request that you will be pleased to cause his Allotment to be stopped.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

Your obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To The Secretary of the Admiralty London 

HMS "Seahorse"

4th August 1856

Sir

I have the honour to forward a letter from Captain Peddie of HMs 41st Regiment proceeding to England in HMS under my Command requesting that a Court Marshall may be assembled for a trial of a Private of that Corps.  HM Ship will be ready to sail this evening at 7 O'clock and as the troops on board are by no means in good health I Should be sorry if any detention were to take place and I would beg to suggest to your Excellency that the Court may be assembled immediately or that the trial should be postponed until the Ships arrival in England.

I have the honour to be 

Sir 

Your obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To His Excellency Sir James Ferguson KCB

etc etc

Gibraltar

 

Not sent the ship not having anchored in Gibraltar. 

 HMS Seahorse

20th August 1856

Sir, I beg to represent that during the late voyage of HM Ship under my Command, from England to Constantinople and back, the high pressure engines with which she is fitted have worked admirably; I cannot however report in the same terms on the boilers for they have two most-serious defects viz:  1st Great liability to leak.  2nd Impossibility of cleaning out the fire boxes, without first blowing out the boilers, and allowing them to cool. 

The 1st named defect viz: the leaking of the boilers, taking place at junction of the tubes with the fire box end plate.  Ferruling seems an effective remedy, but the ferrules supplied are thick and clumsy, and not only impede the draught but cause the soot to accumulate in the tubes, sooner than it otherwise would. 

The Senior Engineer proposes to ferrule the whole of the tubes, with thin steel ferrules turned to a feather edge, such as are used in locomotive boilers.  The process would be expensive at first, but I am confident that its adoption would be economical in the long run, and a source of greatly increased efficiency in the Ship. 

An attempt was made at Constantinople to remedy the Secondly named defect by fitting moveable iron backs to the ash pits.  It was supposed that by withdrawing these, the soot could be raked from the fire box through the ash pit.  This plan has however failed in consequence of the caking of the soot.  I propose to carry the fire box through the boiler towards the Ship's side, where there should be a door through which the soot could be raked whenever necessary. 

There is after 24 hours steaming an accumulation of soot in the fire boxes, such as to choke up the end of (and thus render useless), about 1/3 of the whole number of tubes:  After 48 hours steaming it becomes absolutely necessary to clear out this accumulation. 

If the door I propose were cut the tubes would be swept and the soot got rid of with banked up fires, and the delay would not exceed 3 hours;  At present owing to the necessity of putting out the fires, and waiting for the boilers to cool sufficiently for a man to enter the fire box, the delay is from 16 to 20 hours. 

Plate iron bridges to support the bricks would prevent their being pushed down by the rakes as now occasionally happens.  I have to request that these three alterations may be made.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your Obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain.

 

To Vice Admiral Sir G Seymour KCB GCH

Commander in Chief etc, Portsmouth 

HMS Seahorse

August 20th 1856

Sir

Mr Corbet C Edwards Clerk of HM Ship under my command has this day been sent to Hospital: The Surgeon being of opinion that a considerable time must elapse before his recovery can take place, I have to request that an Assistant Paymaster may be appointed in his stead.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

Your Obedient Servant

LG Heath Captain

 

To Vice Admiral Sir G Seymour KCB GCH

Commander in Chief etc, Portsmouth 

HMS Seahorse

August 20th 1856

Sir

In accordance with your orders of the 29th of May I sailed from Spithead and the 31st and having touched for coal at Gibraltar, Algiers, and Malta, I arrived at Constantinople on the 26th of June, I was there detained by Rear Admiral Grey partly for the sake of repairing the boilers, and partly that my Ship's company might assist in loading a Transport, and there being already sufficient vessels in the Crimea, I left Constantinople with a detachment of Sappers and Miners and some heavy Guns, for Malta on the 12th of July arriving there on the 22nd. 

By order of Rear Admiral Sir Montague Stopford, I landed at that port, the Ships two mortars, and also her two 95 cwt 68 pounder for the use of the garrison, and I embarked the Depot of the 41st Regiment, and sailed on the 20th July, having touched for coals at Algiers, Lisbon and Vigo, I arrived here this morning.

I have the honour to be

Sir

Your Obedient Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To Vice Admiral Sir G Seymour KCB GCH

Commander in Chief etc etc  Portsmouth 

HMS Seahorse 

Spithead

August 25 1856

Sir

The 1st ordinary and 2nd class ordinary seamen lately discharged from HMS Majestic to HMS under my Command have filled up the whole of my vacancies for seamen including those of three leading seamen.  I have therefore to request permission to place 3 of them on the Sup. list or to discharge them to some other of HM Ships in need of them in order that I may enter 3 leading seamen from the shore.

etc etc

LG Heath

 

Vice Admiral Sir G Seymour KCB

Commander in Chief

Diary of Lady Mary Heath starts again after missing 3 months.

Tuesday 26^th August 1856

Moorhurst. Tired with my return from Portsmouth. Arty very [bonny bouncy]. Douglas called and talked Bankers Book and Lawsuits Admiralty and Sea Horse business. Emma after dinner [knew?] we had a pleasant chat about women’s matters. I expect Leo from Spithead on Saturday.

Leopold Heath continues...

HMS Seahorse

Spithead August 26

Sir

My name appearing in the list of officers nominated to be "Chevaliers de la Legion d'Houneur" I have to request the insignia forwarded to me.

LG Heath

 

Secretary to the Admiralty.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

Wednesday 27^th August 1856

I took a short drive with Emma in her carriage. Met Arty and Jane on the road in his vehicle. Was mad all the evening at not hearing from Leo.

 

Thursday 28^th August 1856

In a desperate state until the post came in. Leo all right. I read Philip the 2^nd and slept. After dinner took Arty a walk in the fields through the new gate with Jane to carry him in case of need. He manifested great delight in [sticking?] fungi, and throwing them at a distance. He is getting to say “Oh no.” and “Oh don’t” to everything. He says it so prettily no wonder! ‘

Phillip in the evening and “Les Francais.”

 

Friday 29^th Drove in to Dorking and had a long shopping. James and Julia Harrison and [Matt, Master?] James came to stay. No hopes of Leo this week.

 

Saturday 30^th August 1856

Chatted with Julia. Douglas, [Em?] Whatman and Mrs Somebody called to hear news of Leo. James and Julia took a walk, the boy fished, Arty said “No” and “Don’t” and played with all the maids. I trotted about a little, saw the Dr. Douglas called again after our dinner to hear of Leo who won’t come till Wednesday 9^th September. Pleasant evening with J and J.

HMS Seahorse

30 August 1856

Sir

With reference to the petition of John Thomas referred by their Lordships to me for a report and returned herewith.  I have the honour to state that the "Harlington" laden with Coals was . . . into by the Ship whilst on the passage across the Black Sea,  that the Harlington lay in Balaclava until cleared of Coals and that she then returned to Constantinople and appears to have been taken up by the late Rear Admiral Boyer (Boxer?) and sent back with a cargo of Biscuit.  It was after this second voyage that John Thomas went to the Hospital.  John Thomas forwarded his claim to Government relief:

1st On the grounds of the Ship he was in being chartered by the Government.

2nd That he was employed by one working on shore.

3rd That the late Rear Admiral Boyer promised it to him.

One the first point I conceive he has no claim.  On the second, I have to repeat that I have no recollection whatever of having employed any men from the Transports, and still less from freighted Ships, such as the Harlington.  The Vesuvius Pier (which, in answer to my enquiry he states to have been his employment) and all other work of that sort was made by the Crews of the "Sans Pariel" and "Vesuvius" and certainly no man could have been so employed without having received check money which John Thomas (in answer to my enquiries) states he never received. 

Several Colliers were allowed to ballast from the ground near Vesuvius Wharf and I perfectly remember giving them direction as to the precise parts from which they were to take the earth so as to improve the landing.  John Thomas states that his Ship was not one of these but I think she must have been.  On the third point I have no information to give their Lordships.

I have etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty London

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Sunday 31^st August 1856

James and his boy went to Coldharbour Church. Julia and I talked. We all dined and Julia and I had our cosy tea. James and his son walked to Kitlands. Julia and I drove to every church where I stood sponsor for Emma’s baby girl.

 

Monday 1^st September 1856

Douglas and Mrs Clayton called. Harrisons left me after luncheon. Emma came with Mr Clayton to take me a drive. Pleasant talk.

File PB110077

 

Letter to Stamford from AMC in Boulogne. [In another letter refers to this Autumn holiday and Adelaide having another baby boy]

5 Rue Parois de Notre Dame

Boulogne S.M

1^st September [1856?]

My dearest Stamford,

I have been waiting to write in hopes every post might bring me one of your interesting letters in reply to my last for writing into the [dock?] to afraid always makes me a little nervous, not knowing whether anything I have said might have been uncomfortable or tedious or what not. But I can wait no longer and flatter myself you will like a letter from me.

Though I do [dole, dote?] from this Boulogne to which you have such an aversion.

But having succeeded in letting my house I was anxious to profit in all ways as much as I could gather as many new ideas. For my exhausted brains and at as little expense of money as possible. And there is nothing like the four hour [transit?] to Boulogne for [ever?] the expense of moving my large party.

And the houses are one third less or I might say only half the price, and various other things the same though the actual price of bread and meat is now rather higher than in England.

We were also upon a plan to make one party with the Lorings. Henry having his six weeks holiday during which another Clergyman comes to his house at Cobham and undertakes the duty for the advantage of having a change from London for his family rent free.

Henry is such an indefatigable conscientious labourer in the Vineyard committed to him, that a holiday or rather vacation of this sort is become indispensible if his health is to stand the fatigue of a large parish (very ill remunerated), so that he cannot afford to keep a curate and has the whole upon his hands.

He was quite breaking down at last, and looked very far from well when he came here. But I have been doing all that feeding can do to fatten him. Adelaide all that petting can do to indulge him. His mother sent him £5, to be exclusively laid out in means of health, boating and baths, swimming or riding &c. And we are delighted to see him growing fatter and looking quite well again.

Though far from making a holiday of his vacation he devotes from ten till four, five days a week to the study of Hebrew, and every spare moment of time besides to reading [Yiddish?] He has so little time at his busy home. He really is a delightful fellow. So manly, so spirited, so lovely. So sweet in his disposition and the most earnest, serious Christian man that it is possible to imagine.

Adelaide too had been a little overworked, her’s is a busy life with her careful housekeeping, her two children and the parish in which she helps her husband in many ways where a woman is invaluable.

Of course I was very anxious so to arrange that their vacation should come as cheap to them as possible, and I have succeeded so that they will save a little rather than expend more than usual.

The first fortnight they were upon a visit to me, and at no expense but their contribution to house rent. After that we pay our several contingents to the expenses according to head money. But I continue to spare them many expenses they would have when alone.

Dear, dear excellent creatures, it is such a pleasure [line crossed out]. I have succeeded in getting a capital house in the upper town for no more than two guineas a week, less than a small one at Tenby. So we are very comfortable.

We are a large and rather noisy party. Henry and his wife, Georgy, Rosaland and myself, 5 children, two nurses, besides cook, housemaid and laundry maid. We have plenty of room in this large old fashioned French house, and never get under each others feet. Which is one great means of preserving the unbroken harmony in which we live.

Adelaide’s two little boys are perfect pictures of health and vigour. The eldest, John, is growing to the [five, fine?] interesting age. Rides sticks, plays with Noah’s Ark. And fights his way when he thinks himself oppressed, in a manly way that I cannot but like to see, though one is forced to make a grave face at it.

The little Croftons are darling children. We are the greatest friends in the world. Grandmama is a sharer in all their little pleasures and confidences. They hang about me and are forever with me. And the pleasure I take in their spontaneous affection is indeed very great.

Duke is a very fine little boy. A figure which is perfect enough to serve for a model for a classic sculpture. I suppose this gives promise of a fine figure as a man the only personal advantage one much cares about. I think I see the Caldwell figure coming out again among them.. They will do very well to take it. Two generous headed [?] nice spirited children both, little Amy such a dear and complete little woman.

Letter continues…?

---

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

Tuesday 2^nd September 1856

 

Tuesday 9^th September 1856

Drove to Dorking in the morning to shop. Julia and her son came to tea. George Whatman to fish and sleep. Pleasant time with Julia as always. Warm weather.

Account General

 

Portsmouth 

9th September 1856

Sir 

I have the honour to enclose a certificate of Servitude on Shore of the man named in the Margin [BM Newton] and beg to request that the amount due to him for such service may be made payable by Paymaster of HMS under my Command.

I have the honour to be 

Sir

Your most Obedient Humble Servant

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

To The Secretary of the Admiralty, London

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Wednesday 10^th September 1856

Walked about housekeeping and gathering flowers, reading. I got a letter from Leo. George Whatman came after tea as usual, as we both retired to our several rooms at nine, I being tired. Very warm.

 

Thursday 11^th September 1856

Nothing new. Walked over the fields with Arty. Descried James Harrison on horseback in the distance. He rode round to me and I asked him and wife to dine tomorrow to meet Leo and Shadwell’s.

File PB1010035

Letter to Stamford from Mary Heath

Moorhurst

11^th September [1856]

My dear Uncle Caldwell,

It is very long since I have written to you, but it is only from time to time that you would care to hear of your naval nephew and niece as Louisa keeps you au fait to all the family news.

You must have heard that my husband returned from Constantinople in his Mortar ship after a most dilatory voyage. These new high pressure engines thought they ought to answer the learned say and are extremely advantageous seeing that they are so much less bulky than the old sort, are still apparently not quite understood and give continual trouble and cause endless vexation to their masters.

Tubes stopping up with encrustations, and boilers leaking &c &c. Which causes my husband to be 26 days coming from Malta! He arrived the 20^th of August. And since then I have been down to Portsmouth and back again here where he gives me as much time as he can spare from his ship.

This Sea Horse is paid off and to be put on the [Steaming?] Reserve. But Sir M Berkeley told Captain Heath at the time that he should soon have another ship, which, however flattering, is not pleasant to me. He is going to Devonport to be paid off this week. And will, I hope, see something of Louisa who hardly knows anything of him.

These Mortar vessels seem to have given so much satisfaction to the Lords that one reason for putting them bye is that our neighbours should not learn to imitate them against the next war. But one should imagine that few improvements would be long unknown to the [lynx?] eyed Russians.

My husband has got his legion by honour which makes his 3^rd decoration since the war. One can not help (at least a wife cannot) being pleased at these little vanities in the shape of rewards, though the viciously envious inclined have found out that C.B means Common Blunderer ! Rather good!

Mama seems to be enjoying herself very much in France and she and Posy, or Rose as you like her to be called, are quite enchanted with Paris where they are now and where they will stay a fortnight or so.

I hope you have been able to enjoy this delightful summer. Really some days in July reminded me of Malta and fires are still quite unbearable except on rainy days which to me are far worse than cold winds.

My little son [Arthur Heath] of whom you [know?] nothing engrosses me much as he is just beginning to talk, and I find great amusement in making him say absurd words.

Believe me your affectionate niece,

M.E. Heath [Lady Mary Heath]

 

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues.. 

Saturday 13^th September 1856

I walked about and prepared for Leo and Shadwells who arrived in time for dinner. Douglas and Harrisons joined us.

 

Sunday 14^th September 1856

Leo walked down to Holmwood Church with Shadwells and returned to read prayers with me. He took a long walk with Colonel and Mrs [S?]. Douglas in the afternoon, and dined here.

 

Monday 15^th September 1856

Leo and Shadwells left me for Portsmouth. After having shot two partridges and the [Lady, Cody?] and chat with me. Emma came to see me and took me a drive to Dorking.

 

Tuesday 16^th September 1856

Frank Holland and wife came to luncheon. Brougham came down from London and Emma to see me from Kitlands. I went up in the new carriage to Kitlands where I dined, meeting a Canadian gentleman. Mr M.C. Cord  - and slept at Kitlands.

Accountant General

 

HMS "Seahorse"

Portsmouth

16th September 1856

Sir

I have the honour enclosed a Ticket for the man named in the Margin [Jno: T Scarlett Carpenter's Mate] (for examination) he having been to HMS Highflyer from HMS under my Command.

I have etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty

Accountant General

 

---

HMS"Seahorse"

Portsmouth

16 September 1856

Sir

The Petty Officers named in the margin [S. Co.  114 Jno: T Scarlett, Carpenter's Mate] having been this day discharged to the "Highflyer" as part Complement.  I have the honour to request you will cause his allotment to be transferred.

I have etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty London

Accountant General

 

---

HMS"Seahorse"

Portsmouth

16 September 1856

Sir

I have the honour to forward herewith the pay documents of HMS under my Command, Viz; 1 Pay Book, 1 Pay Open List, 1 Pay Charge List.

I have etc etc

Signed LG Heath Captain

 

The Secretary of the Admiralty London

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Wednesday 17^th September 1856

Returned to Moorhurst with Emma. Took a drive with her. Saw my boy and felt very poorly at night. My time is not very far off, I think. Very pleasant weather and warm.

 

Thursday 18^th September 1856

Horse came, collar would not fit, but he fits the Brougham. George came to stay the evening with me. Felt very queer. Alarmed!!

 

Friday 19^th September 1856

Drove out with Emma and talked to Mrs Fowler. Mrs and Miss Hadon called, and Arty was very sociable.

Accountant General

 

HMS Seahorse

Devonport

September 19th 1856

Sir

Referring to my letter to you of the 27th May 1856 I have the honour to request I may be informed whether the accounts therein mentioned have yet passed

etc etc

Devonport

September 19th 1856

Sir

I have the honour to report that HMS under my Command would be ready for paying off as far as being dismantled and stores returned etc by Saturday 29th instant but that the work required to be done to the boiler and engines as detailed in a letter received this day from Captain Robinson is not likely to be completed before the 10th October.

 

Sir W Parker.

 

Devenport

September 19th 1856

Sir 

With reference to your letter of this days date requesting me to name a day on which the engines and boilers of HMS under my command will be in the state mentioned in your letter and ready for inspection, I have the honour to state that so much will depend upon circumstances which cannot at present be foreseen that it is impossible to name a day with any certainty but I hardly think it can be earlier than the 10th October.

 

Captain B Robinson in charge of Steam reserve Devonport.

Accountant General

 

Requesting the pay and prize money and medal due to . . . might be sent him on . . . here the Rg having been removed from his name.

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

 

Saturday 20^th September 1856

 

Monday 22^nd September 1856

Marion born at ½ past 11 a.m. Emma was with me.

Leo came on 28^th home for good.

HMS Seahorse

Devonport

September 22nd 1856

Sir

With reference to your letter of the 18th instant and its enclosures on the subject of the embarkation of horses on board the transport Training at Balaclava in July 1855 I have the honour to state that I perfectly recollect an application from Lt Ward for permission to send his horse home in that vessel but that I cannot at this distance of time state with any certainty whether it was completed with or not my register of passages having been left in office at Balaclava.  I perceive by the official list of transport that the . . . could be fitted for 62 horses it is therefore possible that some were placed on board at Constantinople.

etc etc

LGH

 

The Director of the Transport Service

Confidential

 

---

HMS Seahorse

Devonport

September 24 1856

Sir

I beg to return the set of private signals for the use of HM Ships between themselves consisting of

1st a letter of instructions

2nd signals between ships

3rd signals for brigs . . . and also 1 set of private signals to be used between English and French Ships of war and I have to request the . . . receipts may be forwarded to me.

 

Secretary of the Admiralty 

September 25th 1856

Sir

I regret to state that owing to the very unfavourable weather in the early part of this week HMS under my command will not be ready for paying off by Saturday the 27th instant.  I think that the whole of the stores will be returned by 2 O'Clock in the afternoon of that day (the time at which the Rear Admiral Superintendent proposes to pay the ship) but that the lower . . . will not be out nor will the ballast be completely stacked or the decks thoroughly cleaned.  The Rear Admiral Superintendent considers it will be more economical and in other respects more advisable that the ship should nevertheless be paid off on the day named rather than be kept in commission.

 

Sir William Parker GCB

 

---

September 26

Sir

I have to request that a letter addressed by me to the Consul in Chief on the 19th instant and forwarded with the Consul in Chief's marginal annotations by me to you on the 20th instant may be returned to me.

 

Captain Robertson . . .  

HMS Seahorse 

Devonport

September 26th 1856

Sir

Captain Robinson having communicated to me a copy of a letter which he addressed to you on the 25th instant on the subject of the engines and boilers of HMS under my command I have the honour to state that having lived on board the ship and scarcely left her except to hasten the work of returning stores etc I am personally aware that the work in the engine room "has been zealously and diligently undertaken". 

Captain Robinson has paid but one visit to this ship and I presume his opinion is founded upon that personal visit because his Assistant . . . stated on the 22nd instant that he considered it would take 10 days to complete what was ordered thus bringing the date up to the 2nd October. 

The dismantling of all engines and more especially the cleaning of boilers are subject to so many contingencies that in my opinion it is quite impossible rigidly to name a date by which they shall be completed, and knowing as I do how zealously both engineers and stokers have worked since they have come into this port I feel that Captain Robinson's opinion is most incorrect and that it would be most unjust on my part were I to leave it uncontradicted. 

With reference to the last paragraph of Captain Robinson's letter I have to state that your directions in the matter as stated on the back of my letter to you of the 19th instant were communicated by me to Captain Robinson.

etc etc

 

Sir William Parker GCB 

Accountant General

 

September 27th 1856

Requesting Mason's pay might be remitted to him on board Victory. 

Accountant General

 

September 27th 1856

Requesting errors in pay books with regard to McCarthy, Jolliffe, Low, Port and Castle might be rectified. 

Sir J Plumeridge.

 

Reporting to Sir J Plumeridge that Printed instruments 4 in no were returned to Devonport storekeeper 

Moorhurst, Dorking

October 3rd 1856

Sir

In reply to your letter of yesterday's date conveying to me their Lordship's direction to report the cause of the engines bilges etc of HMS Seahorse not being clean etc I have the honour to state that (as their Lordships may recollect) the Seahorse came direct from the dry dock at Portsmouth (where the engines and boilers had been in the hands of the factory) to Devonport without waiting to put to rights either in harbour or at Spithead and that she came into . . . also without anchoring in the Sound and immediately began preparing for paying off. 

The engine was and indeed the whole ship was therefore by no means in the state in which a ship paying off is usually found.  Sir W Parker nevertheless on going round the ship (and he included the engine rooms in his inspection) stated to me that "she was very sweet wholesome and clean". 

On arriving at Devonport I received a letter from Captain Robinson detailing the state in which their Lordships desired that the engines etc of vessels paid off into the 2nd class steam reserve should be placed and requesting name a day on which they would be in that state and I beg to lay before their Lordships the correspondence that thereupon took place. 

There being but 12 stokers in the compliment of HMS Seahorse and the majority of the 12 having been fresh entries I thought it most advisable to undertake but one thing at a time and I therefore directed the Senior Engineer to employ all his hands in returning his stores before undertaking any cleaning or dismantling work.  Very bad weather having set in the stores were not returned before the 29th the day on which the ship was paid off. 

The cleaning work could not therefore have been begun (the 28th having been a Sunday) before the 29th which is I apprehend the very day on which Captain Robinson's report to their Lordships must have been dated.

I have the honour

etc 

 

Secretary to Admiralty 

Moorhurst

October 3rd 1856

Sir

Having been paid off from HMS Seahorse on the 27th September I have the honour to request my name may be inserted on the half pay list from that date.

 

Secretary to Admiralty 

Moorhurst

October 13th 1856

Sir 

I request I may be informed whether there is any special reason which has hitherto prevented and is apparently still preventing my accounts for HMS Niger and HMS Sans Pariel being passed.  The requisite papers were sent (in accordance with the printed instructions) to the Secretary to the Admiralty in the month of March 1855 and many other Captains have had their accounts of a date very subsequent to this passed.

The Accountant General of the Navy

 

---

 

 

Moorhurst 

October 13th 1856

Requesting full pay due from Seahorse may be forwarded here, the ticket having been sent into office on the 29th September.

 

Accountant General. 

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

October 1856

 

18^th October 1856

Marion christened. Aunt Me, Willy Whatmans, Douglas Harrisons, Posy and Mrs Wickham present. Grand luncheon! Afterwards.

 

Sunday 20^th September 1856

Noon, Aunt Me and Willy went off to Plymouth.

Mamma came to stay [ Anne Marsh-Caldwell]

 

Wednesday 23^rd September 1856

New horse arrived, promising. Mamma, Leo and I drove out calling at [Bury, Buny?] Hill, Ladies [Lyje?] Emma dined with us.

 

Thursday 24^th September 1856

Mamma and I drove to Leith Hill Place and round.

 

Friday 25^th September 1856

Mr and Mrs Wedgwood lunched with us. Douglas dined.

 

Saturday 26^th September 1856

Douglas called and talked business with Leo. Mamma and I and Arty drove to Dorking.

 

Sunday 27^th September 1856

File PB101002

Part of letter from one of MCs to Stamford probably. Late 1856 [Marys daughter born, Duke Crofton and Amy Crofton still children]

Get home till quite the end of the month. I think the dear Croftons will be well repaid for their self denial in sending their children for they have thriven wonderfully.

Duke is growing a really noble boy, and my hopes rise of Amy at last turning out really good looking, which, in spite of all moral novels, I think is a highly desirable thing for a woman. These children are a great interest and happiness to dear Mama.

It is quite delightful to see how great a one Mary you know has given us another little girl much to all our delight.

Fanny, we expect and hope to hear next week is safe through her troubles and also giving us a little girl, which for many reasons is most desirable for them. Two boys to educate will be quite enough and Lucy would so delight in another sister.

Fanny in her last letter mentions Mr Wilbraham calling on them on his way home from Egypt looking so much changed that she says she should hardly have known him, but agreeable and pleasant as ever. You will be very glad, I imagine, to have your agreeable friend back again.

Today Mama has just heard of Mr Delmars death. Sudden at Paris, poor man. He had only been married a month or so. Another kind friend of the family gone.

Jane Giffords marriage is put off [lieu du?] on account of Miss Cairds dangerous illness. She was adopted by the late Mrs Drummond when two years old, is now eighteen. Still a put off is ugly in such a delicate and difficult affair to bring about as this is. And one cannot help fancy that the journey [next page?] with [Ldy Gaye?] answered the views of the Lovains who are very kind but of course dont like the match.

We have nothing but smart travelling carriages with posters passing our windows from London so I suppose as some one told us, I forget who, the grandees are giving up travelling by rail and taking to the roads again. We were also told that they had given up going abroad disliking the jostling with the commonality and certainly a Folkestone boat so crowded you can hardly get a seat must be unpleasant to say the least to a [Duchess?]. You must excuse the extreme [enmity?] of ... continues?