Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1866

Admiral Sir Leopold Heath – aged 49.

Lady Mary Heath – (ne Mary Emma Marsh) – aged 40

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – aged 75 – (1791-1874) (Lady Mary’s mother)

Marion Heath – May – aged 10

Frederick Heath – (Gen. F.C. Heath-Caldwell) aged 8

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa – aged 48 of Linley Wood

Georgina Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – aged 46 of Linley Wood

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy – aged 43 of Linley Wood



Diary of Lady Mary Heath

Some correspondence re Marsh-Caldwells up at Linley Wood

January 1866

Monday 1^st January 1866

We drove out calling on Wedgwoods etc. Arty rode.

Tuesday 2^nd January 1866

Bad day. Leo and I intended to go to a ball at the Powell’s, storm prevented us.

Wednesday 3^rd January 1866

Leo to Woolwich again. Walked out, met Mrs Wickham. Leo came home late.

Thursday 4^th January 1866

Leo to London. Stag in Moorhurst pond. Great excitement! Boys ran down to see. I and girls stayed[?] in the garden looking at them. Cold pudding in consequence. Disorganised household and farm. Buckland went into the pond after the stag. Got only 2/6 instead of 10/ as promised, cries of shame! From the children.

Friday 5^th January 1866

Leo to Woolwich, and back again.

Saturday 6^th January 1866

Leo, I, Bert and Fred went to London. Arty to Bury Hill for a paper-hare hunt, returned late.

Sunday 7^th January 1866

Rain and storms. Leo alone to Church.

Monday 8^th January 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Arty to Mr Watsons to run with the dogs. Mr Richardson came to shoot. Arty returned late. Leo and Mr Noble.

Tuesday 9^th January 1866

All the men out shooting, joined by Mssrs Langdale and Cazalet. Arty to dine and run at Mr Calverts. Captain Cazalet and wife, Mr and Mrs Wickham, Mr Wedgwood and two daughters dined.

Wednesday 10th January 1866

Leo with his friends to Shoeburyness. Mr Nicholson also left. Arty went to meet Richard Crofton who came to stay. Snow.

Thursday 11^th January 1866

Deep snow, wind and snow storm all day. Deep snow drifts. Arty and Richard got out a little.

Friday 12^th January 1866

Men all at work cutting paths, all the boys in great delight! Leo came home very late. George Whatman called.

Saturday 13^th January 1866

Thaw. Leo to London. None of the children out.

Sunday 14^th January 1866

Continued thaw and rain and gales of wind. No one out except Leo to Kitlands.

Monday 15^th January 1866

Leo to Woolwich and home early. Richard and Arty and I drove with Mab pony, drive to Dorking.

Tuesday 16^th January 1866

Leo at home, shooting in the afternoon. Arty out riding. Douglas called. I out with Fred and Puss.

Wednesday 17^th January 1866

Leo to Woolwich with Arty and Richard Crofton, who went to Uncle Richard’s. I, Puss, Fred and Bert to Kitlands.

Thursday 18^th January 1866

Rained, I think, lessons and etc.

Friday 19^th January 1866

Do do. Leo went to Woolwich and did not return.

Saturday 20^th January 1866

I and four children went to Loundes Street to see a pantomime at Covent Garden, met Lorings and Croftons. Arty and Arts Loring returned with us.

Sunday 21^st January 1866

Very wet. In the afternoon Leo took most of the boys a walk.

Monday 22^nd January 1866

Leo to Woolwich, rained.

Tuesday 23^rd January 1866

Leo at home. Arty went to Kitlands.

Wednesday 24^th January 1866

Leo to Woolwich, and sent on Arty Loring and Fred to Cobham. Arty returned home.

Thursday 25^th January 1866

Leo and I took Arty to school at Mr Waterfield’s East Sheen, having lunched at Putney Park. Leo stayed in London

Friday 26^th January 1866

Lesson. And I drove out with Emma, Annie took the pony chaise and children.

Saturday 27^th January 1866

Leo at home. Mr St.Aubyn came to stay. Drove to Broome Hall to call on the Penningtons, and Kitlands.

Sunday 28^th January 1866

To Church. William Whatman called.

Monday 29^th January 1866

Leo and Mr St.Aubyn went away. Leo home. We drove to Mr Watsons to look for primroses.

Tuesday 30^th January 1866

Leo’s holiday, but went to London and then out shooting rabbits. I took Puss a ride on Mab, Mrs Langdate came to call.

Wednesday 31^st January 1866

Leo to Woolwich and home early. Fred came home from Cobham. Rainy day. I took a little walk with Leo.

Thursday 1^st February 1866

Mild wet weather.

[few days missed]

Saturday 10^th February 1866

Leo and I went to Woolwich to see the Croftons.

Sunday 11^th February 1866

A fearful storm of wind and rain.

Monday 12^th February 1866

Leo and I came home.

Tuesday 13^th February 1866

A fine day, walked about with Leo.

Wednesday 14^th February 1866

Leo went to Woolwich and then to Portsmouth, children all more or less poorly.

Thursday 15^th February 1866

I went to call on Mrs Townley, Emma.

Friday 16^th February 1866

Continued damp, raw weather. No [one] got out. Little chicks better. Leo returned.

Saturday 17^th February 1866

Walked with Leo, Fred out riding.

Sunday 18^th February 1866

Fine cold day, frost. All went to Church. Douglas called and walked with us in the afternoon.

Monday 19^th February 1866

Herbert and I went to Loundes Street. Leo to Woolwich and back to Anstie.

Tuesday 20^th February 1866

Wednesday 21^st February 1866

Fred’s birthday. Miss Hughes to Dorking.

Thursday 22^nd February 1866

Very cold. Leo and I busy about new garden. Dined at Dr Gordon’s in the evening.

 Friday 23^rd February 1866

Leo to Woolwich.

Saturday 24^th February 1866

Leo at home, went hunting with William. William and Douglas dined.

Sunday 25^th February 1866

Leo alone to Church, [bid daf?]

Monday 26^th February 1866

Beautiful day, Leo went off to Woolwich en route for Shoeburyness and Portsmouth. All of us out all day. Harry Crofton came to stay, a gentleman from the H.H. called.

Tuesday 27^th February 1866

Snow an inch deep on the ground, very raw and cold. Dined at Kitlands.

Wednesday 28^th February 1866

Very cold. Children went to the Parsonage.

March 1866

Thursday 1^st March 1866

Hard frost.

[a few days missed]

Tuesday 6^th March 1866

Leo and I went to Putney Park and returned on Thursday 8^th having seen Arty and his school (Mr Waterfield’s) East Sheen.

Saturday 10^th March 1866

Fanny Crofton came to stay.

Sunday 11^th March 1866

10 to Church. Mr Langdale walked back with us. Douglas came to talk.

Monday 12^th March 1866

Leo to Woolwich, Fanny, I and children drove over to Abinger.

Tuesday 13^th March 1866

Fanny and I to Dorking, Bury Hill.

Wednesday 14^th March 1866

Bright and cold. Leo to Woolwich.

Thursday 15^th March 1866

Dinner party. Penningtons, Langs, Mr Bovill, Douglas and Annie. Mr [Gurny Home?] called.

Friday 16^th March 1866

Humiliation day. Fred, Miss Hughes and I went to Church. Leo came home in the evening.

Saturday 17^th March 1866

Leo and I went to Dorking with the boys, Leo on Magistrate’s business.

Sunday 18^th March 1866

To Church, William and Douglas called.

Monday 19^th March 1866

A charming day, we all took a donkey ramble with Baby and Herbert.

Tuesday 20^th March 1866

Leo and I to Kitlands and dined at the Wickhams afterwards.

Wednesday 21^st March 1866

Snow storm. I went to Church with the servants to Confirmation. Leo came home late from Woolwich.

Thursday 22^nd March 1866

George Whatman called. I drove out with Puss and Fred, visiting cottages and Kitlands.

Friday 23^rd March 1866

Bert 7 years old. I went to London and was joined by Leo at the Charing Corss Hotel and went to Messiah with Whatmans.

Saturday 24^th March 1866

Shopped with Leo and called at Loundes Street, returned home.

Sunday 25^th March 1866

Leo stayed at home. I, Puss and Fred to Church. Leo and 5 children walked out afterwards.

Monday 26^th March 1866

Leo went to Woolwich.

Tuesday 27^th March 1866

Arty came home from school.

Wednesday 28^th March 1866

Leo to Woolwich.

Arty and I drove to Dorking. Margy Whatman came to stay.

Thursday 29^th March 1866

All played about. Leo and Arty rode. John Loring called, riding. Margey left with Emma and [young William?] who had tea in the school room.

London Evening Standard

Thursday 29 March 1866

The Baltimore Bazaar -

To the Editor

Sir, - I write to thank you for having very kindly reprinted my letter about the Baltimore bazaar, and to enclose a letter of acknowledgment for the contributions which have been sent to me. I have received articles from  - -

Mrs and Misses Marsh-Caldwell,  - - Auberon Herbert. 

Friday 30^th March 1866 – Good Friday

All to Church. Douglas called. Boys played at cricket.

Saturday 31^st March 1866

Leo and Arty to London to see Northumberland.

Sunday 1^st April 1866

All to Church. Posy came to stay. Douglas called.

Monday 2^nd April 1866

Drove to Deacons with Posy. Arty riding.

Tuesday 3^rd April 1866

Posy and I drove out. [Leo and Bertie to London – crossed out]

Wednesday 4^th April 1866

Posy went back to London with Leo and Bertie.

Thursday 5^th April 1866

We walked about.

Friday 6^th April 1866

Leo to Woolwich again. Arty and I and children drove out calling.

Saturday 7^th April 1866

Leo, I, Arty, Puss and Fred went to London.

Sunday 8^th April 1866

All to Church but Fred and I. We walked about, the children played.

Monday 9^th April 1866

Leo and my dear Fred went to Folkestone en route for Versailles. Georgy came to stay. Arty rode.

Tuesday 10^th April 1866

Lessons, and we walked out somewhere – oh – went to the fish net dragging at Bury Hill. Left Bertie and Arty who returned in pony chaise.

Wednesday 11^th April 1866

Poured with rain. John Loring came to stay.

Thursday 12^th April 1866

I took Arty back to school. Bertha and Archie Wickham met Leo at London Bridge Station who went down with us to East Sheen.

Friday 13^th April 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Georgy out fishing with John Loring. Rained afterwards.

Saturday 14^th April 1866

Johnny in bed. Leo and Georgy went to Kitlands. Leo and I dined at the Barclays.

Sunday 15^th April 1866

All to Church and walks were taken.

Monday 16^th April 1866

Georgy and I, John Loring and Gerard [Heath] went to Loundes St, to say good bye.

Tuesday 17^th April 1866

We took a drive and ride over the hills.

Wednesday 18^th April 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Georgy and John left for Cobham.

Thursday 19^th April 1866

Leo at home and we drove to Dorking.

Leamington Advertiser and Beck's List of Visitors.

Thursday 19 April 1866 (and 21 April 1866)

Clarendon Hotel 

Mrs and the Misses Marsh-Caldwell, Linley Wood.

Friday 20^th April 1866

Leo to Woolwich and I called at Mr Hillyer’s, Pennington’s, etc.

Saturday 21^st April 1866

Leo at home and lovely day which we spent out of doors.

Sunday 22^nd April 1866

All to Church. Douglas and William walked up.

Monday 23^rd April 1866

A bright sun and bitter East wind. Leo to Woolwich.

Tuesday 24^th April 1866

Weather getting warmer. Wandered about all morning with Leo. And took the children to drilling at the Cazalets and called on Mathesons. C. Cazalet, Henry [Steine?] and Douglas [Heath]. Cazalets and French woman Melle Puire [Pain?] called.

Wednesday 25^th April 1866

Leo went off to London and Shoeburyness. Mr Townly called. Children went to Dorking.

Thursday 26^th April 1866

Children and Miss Hughes took a drive. Very warm. We walked about in the evening.

Friday 27^th April 1866

Very warm and delicious. We all wandered about, it was so charming, stayed out very late till nearly nine at night. Leo home late.

Saturday 28^th April 1866

Walked about with Leo, and afterwards drove with him, Puss and Bert to Ewhurst. Pouring rain and quite a change back to bitter winds.

Sunday 29^th April 1866

Horrible weather. Leo went alone to Church. William called.

Monday 30^th April 1866

Leo to Woolwich, dreadful weather.

Tuesday 1^st May 1866

Still detestable.

Wednesday 2^nd May 1866

A little better. Leo to Woolwich and I went to fetch Georgy from Cobham.

Thursday 3^rd May 1866

We dined at Kitlands.

Friday 4^th May 1866

Leo and I dined at the Gordons.

Saturday 5^th May 1866

The Gordons called. We walked up to Kitlands to see the Rhododendrons.

Sunday 6^th May 1866

All to Church. Douglas and William called.

Tuesday 7^th May 1866

Georgy came back and left us again on Saturday 12^th after “Black Friday.”

Monday 14^th May 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Mrs Cazalet came to have tea.

Tuesday 15^th May 1866

Leo to town meeting of [Trip Mes Crc?] Dined at the Langdales

Leamington Advertiser and Beck's List of Visitors.

Thursday 14 May 1866

Clarendon Hotel -

Mrs Marsh-Caldwell and the Misses Marsh-Caldwell, The Deacons, Dorking

Wednesday 16^th May 1866

Very dry – holiday. Went calling with Leo all about.

Thursday 17^th May 1866

Leo and I walked up to Kitlands., callers, and dined at Leith Hill Place.

Friday 18^th May 1866

Leo to Woolwich and Admiralty, and went to Kitlands in the evening.

Saturday 19^th May 1866

Leo to Dorking on Magistrate duty. Captain Cazalet called, and Cazalet boys came up in the afternoon – egg hunting – cricket etc.

Sunday 20^th May 1866

To Church. Julia Moore and Douglas called. Beautiful day.

Monday 21^st May 1866

Douglas and Julia Moore came to meet the Buxtons, Mr Holland, A. Trevelyan, Miss Strutts[?] Mess H Buxton, H Lushington and K. Digby, who rode over and took luncheon (Leo went to Woolwich) I and Douglas went with them up to [Austketery?] – Leith Hill. I called at Kitlands on my return. Leo went to Shoeburyness from London.

Tuesday 22^nd May 1866

Horrid wind. The Langs called and had tea. Children to drill.

Wednesday 23^rd May 1866

Puss out riding. Miss Hughes and I out with the children. Leo came home.

Thursday 24^th May 1866

Horrid N.E. wind still. Leo, I and Herbert took an immense long drive. Children gardened. Mrs Halson called.

Friday 25^th May 1866

Douglas, Mrs Holson and Mrs Cazalet called in the morning.

Saturday 26^th May 1866

Arty came home for a holiday.

Sunday 27^th May 1866

All to Church, and Kitlands afterwards.

Monday 28^th May 1866

Arty ill of the Mumps. Unable to return to school. Miss Hughes, P.A. and B [Puss, Ada and Bertie] went to Zoological Gardens.

Tuesday 29^th May 1866

Leo and I to London to see R.A. and [Jws?] Flower Show.

Wednesday 30^th May 1866

Leo to Woolwich. I stayed with Arty.

Thursday 31^st May 1866

Miss De Benhem came and I drove to see Mary Hawkins. Leo to Shoeburyness.

Friday 1^st June 1866

Leo came home late. Lady Macdonald called.

Saturday 2^nd June 1866

Holiday for all. Mr Jardine called.

Sunday 3^rd June 1866

We all went to Church. It was a charming day, and we sat out all the time in the garden.

Monday 4^th June 1866

Leo to Woolwich, and returned Thursday 7^th June.

Tuesday 5^th June 1866

Storm and rain. In doors all day. Leo went to London and Shoeburyness.

Wednesday 6^th June 1866

Rain again. Better in the afternoon, played at croquet. Children amused themselves. Leo came home.

Thursday 7^th June 1866

Leo and I to Kitlands. Children out driving, and wandering. Mr and MRs [Sims?] came to look at the house.

Friday 8^th June 1866

Leo to Woolwich. We went to Leith Hill with group and donkey. Such a delicious little trip. Met Kitlanders there.

Saturday 9^th June 1866

We all went up with Leo and servants and had tea on Leith Hill and stayed till eight o’clock, very pleasant.

Sunday 10^th June 1866

[Ching?] hot weather, we all went to Church.

Monday 11^th June 1866

Leo to Woolwich, and I darted off suddenly to Oxford with Emma, where I stayed till Friday 15^th for the Commemoration. Went to balls and shows of all sorts.

Miss de Berchem the new Governess arrived. On Thursday 14^th. Miss Hughes left finally on Saturday 16^th. Puss and Bert ill of the mumps. Arty rode to Capel to fetch the Doctor and out shooting with Bax.

Sunday 17^th June 1866

Only Leo and Miss de B to Church. Mr and Mrs Wily. Colonel Ferris R.E. and Mr Gilvray called and had tea.

Monday 18^th June 1866

Fearful rainy day, South East wind and horrid altogether. Poor Arty went back to school and Leo to Woolwich. All of us very dull. Leo came home very late.

Tuesday 19^th June 1866

Rather better weather. Leo left for Hastings. Mr and Mrs Matheson called.

Wednesday 20^th June 1866

I drove out with Miss de B and children. To Bury Hill and Mary Hawkins. Leo came home very late.

Thursday 21^st June 1866

A warm pleasant day. Went to see the hay-cutting just begun, and wandered about and drove to Dorking with Leo and Baby. Thunder and torrents of rain in the evening.

Friday 22^nd June 1866

Leo to Woolwich. I drove out to cottages with Miss de B and Gerard. Mrs Milner and Mrs Pajet called and had tea. Leo came home very late.

File PB130009

Bank cheque or money order of some sort.

Cashed in Geneva, 20^th June 1866.

H Brohag.

Londres vue

9139 demas

Geneve le 20 Juin 1866 B P 100 Stg A Presentation payez par cette Premier di Change la 2^nd neletant lordre de Mons H Brook [Brookay?] le somme de Cents Livres Stg Valeur recus compagne passerer suivant ou sans avid de M London & Westminster Bank

St. Jamess Square,London

T.C Broadwood

On reverse handwritten and signed Audra Fauvel Schlenker

En compte Geneve le 20 Juin 66

Signature Prorhay

Two other signatures.

Red Roberts C

I King

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

Saturday 23^rd June 1866

Leo and I went to see Uncle George at Nelson’s Hotel, and [Fr?] Pictures. Charming day.

Sunday 24^th June 1866

Leo, I and Miss de B went to Church, spent the rest of the enchanting day in the woods and hay fields.

Monday 25^th June 1866

Leo to Woolwich, we spent it in the fields. Leo came home late and we walked about in the evening.

Tuesday 26^th June 1866

Very hot still. Leo and I drove to see Lyne, with Baby.

Wednesday 27^th June 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Very hot and delicious, we went to the hay-field as usual. Leo home late.

Thursday 28^th June 1866

Leo went off to Portsmouth to see the American Turret Ship. We all supported the great heat as well as we could, had tea in the hay-field, children very happy, stayed out till eight o’clock. Mumps gone, I hope.

Friday 29^th June 1866

Cloudy day, but warm. Leo came home.

Saturday 30^th June 1866

Wandered about with Leo and sat in the hay-field.

Sunday 1^st July 1866

Rain and storm. Went to Church. Leo to Kitlands.

Monday 2^nd July 1866

Leo to Woolwich and slept in London. Plenty of rain. I gardened.

Tuesday 3^rd July 1866

Rain, almost continually. Leo came home.

Wednesday 4^th July 1866

Leo left early for Woolwich not to return till Friday. Very rainy. Puss and I danced in the evening.

Thursday 5^th July 1866

Leo came home.

Friday 6^th July 1866

Leo off again to Woolwich.

Saturday 7^th July 1866

Leo and I went a round of calls.

Sunday 8^th July 1866

To Church, very warm.

Monday 9^th July 1866

Leo to Woolwich and slept in London. Roasting weather.

Tuesday 10^th July 1866

Leo home again. Went to Dorking.

Wednesday 11^th July 1866

Leo to Woolwich. We had tea in the Hay field.

Thursday 12^th July 1866

Leo home again.

Friday 13^th July 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Evy came to stay. Leo came home. All the Wickhams came up and played croquet and had coffee.

Saturday 14^th July 1866

Leo at home. Douglas called. Evy went down to the Hay field, with all the children. Admiral Ryder came to stay. Captain and Mrs Lang dined.

File PB1010109 – May have to do with one of the Marsh-Caldwell sisters on holiday in Europe.

Bim mNgor St

July 14 1866

Sir,

I beg with thanks to acknowledge the safe arrival of [P.0.0 - 9.0.0?] received this morning in discharge of my Bill.

Your vy or

J. N.W. Cadly

Diary of Lady Mary Heath continues

Sunday 15^th July 1866

Stifling heat. We all went to Church. Admiral Ryder and Leo went a long walk to Kitlands.

Monday 16^th July 1866

Evy drove back to Cobham. Leo and Admiral Ryder to London and Woolwich. Cooler weather, Mary Hawkins came to call, croquet with chicks [X] hard that Richard Crofton was very ill at Sheerness.

Tuesday 17^th July 1866

Leo returned from Woolwich [X] I went to Emma in the morning.

Wednesday 18^th July 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Better news from Sheerness. Children played in the wood. I drew. Leo home.

Thursday 19^th July 1866

Went out calling with Emma. Leo met us in Dorking and we went to Mrs [Rislow’s?] croquet party.

Friday 20^th July 1866

Leo to Woolwich. Emma took me out calling on people. Leo home.

Saturday 21^st July 1866

Leo and I went to Sheerness to see Richard Crofton and returned very late.

Sunday 22^nd July 1866

Went to Church. Douglas dined and spent the evening with us.

Monday 23^rd July 1866

Leo to Woolwich.

Tuesday 24^th July 1866

Arty came home from school. Leo still away at Shoeburyness.

Wednesday 25^th July 1866

Went to Dorking and brought Leo home. Mary Hutton came to stay.

Thursday 26^th July 1866

Leo at home, drove out with Mary. Mrs Fuller and several people came and had tea.

Friday 27^th July 1866

Leo to Woolwich. We went with [Kenyons?], Cazalets, Wickhams to have tea on Leith Hill. Richard and Fanny and [Richard?] came to stay.

Saturday 28^th July 1866

Leo and I and Mary Hutton and Admiral took a showery drive to Dorking.

Sunday 29^th July 1866

Wet. No Church, except for Leo, Mary Hutton and Miss de B.

Monday 30^th July 1866

Mary Hutton left with Leo who is gone to London for the day, holidays began for Leo.

Friday 3^rd August 1866

We all went to Linley Wood where we stayed till Wednesday 15^th leaving the Croftons at Anstie.

Thursday 16^th August 1866

Emma and Mamma called. Also Douglas and John. Boys all out fishing.

Friday 17^th August 1866

Boys out early fishing. Leo and I and Fanny went to a croquet party at Leith Hill Place. Amy to Kitlands to draw etc. Boys anywhere.

Saturday 18^th August 1866

Leo and I out calling, and all the other a pony and donkey expedition to Leith Hill Place.

Sunday 19^th August 1866

All to Church, and Leo took the boys to the swimming bath at Kitlands.

Monday 20^th August 1866

Wedgwoods, “Kitlanders” Kenyons came to croquet and tea. Mrs Onslow came to call.

Tuesday 21^st August 1866

Fred and I took a drive and left Amy at Kitlands.

Wednesday 22^nd August 1866

The Croftons left us for Cheltenham leaving Harry and Richard behind. Leo, I, Arty and Marion went for a visit to Milland and returned on Saturday 25^th August with Walter Heath.

Sunday 26^th August 1866

A large body went to Church, and afterwards to swimming bath at Kitlands.

Monday 27^th August 1866

Arty, Dicky and Walter went to a cricket match on the Holmwood, a lady came to see the house. And Mrs Calvert and Mrs Hepburn called and had tea.

Tuesday 28^th August 1866

Boys out fishing and generally uproarious. Cricket etc. Leo went to Shoeburyness. Rain. Wasp nest taken.

Wednesday 29^th August 1866

Boys out fishing all day. Wickhams, Leslies, Whatmans and Arbuthnots called. Leo came home very late.

Thursday 30^th August 1866

Walter Heath and Croftons went away. Arty to Bovills cricket match. Leo and I dined at Kitlands.

PB1010006

Envelop

Miss R. Marsh-Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

Note Last letters of and about [Millye, Nillye?]

Post mark Clifton, Bristol. 13^th October 1866.

Stamp cut off

Pencil note on envelop- Synonyms of the New Testament [Trench, Trenet?]

Letter from Charles Darwin to Anne Marsh-Caldwell

1^st December 1866

My dear Mrs Marsh-Caldwell

Your very kind note has pleased me much. I should have answered it sooner, but there has been some delay, owing to our return yesterday from London, where we have been staying with Erasmus, who is only very moderately well.

I am ashamed to say that I forgot the Christian name of Mr Corbet, nor do I know his address, so will you be so kind as to direct the enclosed note for him. I have given him all the information which I could, but it is worse than useless to try by mere chance experiments in diet. Emma has brought back a cold from London and is in bed, other wise she would have written and sent a note better worth receiving than this.

Pray believe me, my dear Mrs Marsh-Caldwell, yours very sincerely, Charles Darwin.

(From ‘Correspondence of Charles Darwin, Volume 14.

London Evening Standard

Tuesday 18 December 1866

The North Staffordshire Colliery Explosion

(from our own correspondent) Hanley, Monday Evening.

During the whole of yesterday and today engineer and workmen have been engaged in restoring the pumping apparatus at the scene of the frightful castastrophe at Talke-on-the-Hill, with a view to the reduction of the water in the pit, and the emptying of the "sump," in which it is supposed several bodies are lying. These bodies not having been recovered, it was not practicable to resume the inquest today, as was arranged on Saturday, and the coroner will probably not sit again for two or three days.

At one o'clock a public meeting was held in the National School-room at Talke for the purpose of organising a committee to collect money for the relief of those left destitute by the calamity. Mr Smith Child, the ex-high sheriff of Staffordshire, presided, and a good number of clergy and laity of the neighbourhood were present.

The Rev. M.W. McHutchin reported to the meeting the folloowing donations already received or promised - Mr Smith Child had increased his donation of 100L. to the noble sum of 500L.; Mr J.E. Heathcote, Apdeale Hall, gave 100L.; Sir E. Manningham Buller M.P., 50L.; Messrs Haywood, Tunstall, 21L.; "the Ladies of Linley Wood" (Mrs and the Misses Marsh-Caldwell) 50L.; Rev. C.A. Barker, curate of Chesterton 25L.; &c. 

 - - The Rev. M.W. McHutchin said a rough calculation of the list, at present imperfect, showed that there were at least 42 widows, and 100 orphans to be provided for.

- - - The terrible sufferings of those of the colliers who were rescued from the pit may be conceived by the following account, furnished to our correspondent by Moses Taylor, one of the men who were saved.

He says that on Thursday morning he was engaged in the new seven-foot workings, nearly 200 yards from the spot where the explosion took place, and about 100 yards from the shaft.

The accident was made known to him whilst he was "snapping" or eating his lunch, by the "braddishing" or tarred sheet at an opening near him being suddenly carried away by the violent wind. He rose up instantly, and drew his coat over his face, expecting flames, but they did not reach him.

One of his companions, since dead, said that there was a fire in the pit, and advised an instant retreat in the direction of the shaft. About ten of them immediately began to do so, running as fast as they could: but they were met by a man who having gone on in advance had now returned, and who told them that the smoke and flames were too much. "We were awfully flurried," said the man, at hearing that, but we went down the air road thinking we might be able to get to the shaft that way.

When we had got a little distance along we saw that one of the brick stoppings had been blown down, and that through the opening the gas was coming towards us, and it was so powerful that we could not get that way. We then went to the level way, but could not go far, the stink stopping us, though it was not so bad there.

We stayed there for awhile, not knowing where to go, but the stench began to grow stronger. We sat there almost in despair, and then we went through to the air way. But we could not, and we silently turned back again to the old place.

Then we consulted and came to the conclusion that we must not stay there, but must make a last effort to get to the shaft. The gas was gradually growing stronger. We made the attempt - Joseph Johnson and Thomas Knowles leading the way, and I being nearly last.

I held my Davy lamp in one hand, and with the other covered my mouth and nose with my comforter. Two or three of the first tumbled down as we walked along, they were overpowered by the gas, and we left them for dead.

As I went along I saw many dead men lying on the ground, but how many I cannot say. I was obliged to tread on some of the bodies, I trod on one, and he groaned and said "Oh dear.' I thought I should have died.

Samual Barnett and myself were the only two out of the ten or twelve that got to the shaft, the others  were all overpowered with the gas. How we reached the bottom of the shaft I cannot remember; but I know that I groped about for the signal wire,but could not find it. I shouted for help, and I think that some one in the upper level heard me. As I shouted, Barnett fell down full length insensible, and I do not remember anything more until I was in my own home. 

Reading Mercury

Saturday 22 December 1866

The Barnsley Colliery Explosion

The total lost of life by the first great explosion on Wednesday, and the subsequent one on Thursday is now believed to be 380.

Samual Brown, one of the volunteers supposed to have been killed, has happily been rescued under almost miraculous circumstances.

On Thursday night, between 10 and 11 o'clock one of the shafts of the mine took fire and the flames issued from the pit's mouth, and it was thought necessary to send for the fire brigade from Barnsley, but the flames abated soon after the arrival of the engines.

The firemen thought they could hear someone at the pit bottom. The excitment was intense. A messenger was despatched for the engineers, and at about five o'clock am. they arrived, and being satisfied that some one was alive, let down a bottle of brandy, which was received at the pit bottom.

Active steps were at once taken to extricate those who had thus given signs of life. A pulley was erected and two brave fellows volunteered to do down the shaft. They were lowered slowly and cautiously, signalling repeatedly to those at the top, as they found they were able to proceed; and at last they heard a voice which they found to come from one of the explorers who descended the mine on Thursday, to bring up the dead bodies or rescue the survivors from the first explosion. His name was Samuel Brown of Barnsley. He was at once placed in the cage and the signal for drawing up was given. As the three occupants of the cage neared the bank all eyes were directed to the poor fellow whose life had thus been almost miraculously preserved.

He was conveyed to a fire and restoratives were given. From the first, however, he was perfectly conscious, and spoke with distinctness. He states that when the first explosion took place during the search for which he has volunteered, he was caught by the after-blast, and became unconscious for some time.

Afterwards he revived and wandered about the north incline, falling over mangled corpses in the road, and found his way to the pit mouth, where he pulled the signal bell. He thinks there was no other living being in the pit, for after his consiousness returned he never heard any voice or moaning, or any other indication of life.- - - 

A meeting has been held today for the purpose of forming a subscription committee and a distribution committee. Mr Smith Child was voted to the chair. - The Chairman stated the Mrs Child had come with him in order to assist Mrs McHutchin and the Misses Marsh-Caldwell in arranging a supply of mourning to the bereaved, who were approximately stated to number 42 widows and 89 children.

Mr McHutchin read the offers of subscriptions he had received amounting to nearly 900L. of which sum Mr Smith Child subscribed 500L. -

Two committees were formed and communication with the Mansion House committee was resolved on. - - -

Cause of the Accident Discovered - Talke-o'th'-Hill, Tuesday. -

As no more bodies have been reached, the inquest was again adjourned today. Meanwhile the suspicion as to the cause of the explosion has become a certainty, and it is found that the calamity is due to the known recklessness of colliers.

It seems certain that the person who caused so fearful a sacrifice to human life was the blacksmith, for the lamp which was given out to him on the morning of Thursday has been found without its top, and in such a condition as to make it certain that the top had been screwed off, for there is no indication that it has been injured by or subsequent to the explosion, appearances being conclusive the other way.

The blacksmith's name it has been ascertained was Wilkinson. When found it was discovered that half his skull was blown away with the brains. He came only a few weeks since from WIgan, in Lancashire, and had gone down to shoe the horses.  - -- 

The bodies have been interred at Talke churchyard this afternoon, making in all 46 during the three days. At Audley 22 have been interred. Further additions have been made to the subscription list.

Mr and Mrs McHutchin and the Misses Marsh-Caldwell have been unremitting in their attentions to the bereaved ones.
- - - continues

Cirencester Times and Cotswold Advertiser.

Monday 24 December 1866

The Inquest.

The inquest was opened at the Sawn Tavern, Top-o'-the-Hill, on Friday afternoon, before Mr Harding, the county coroner. Mr Wynne was also in attendance.

In opening the inquiry the coroner said that the jury had been called together to make an investigation into the circumstances attending the deaths of nearly 100 persons. He (the coroner) had been in that district for 37 years, and during that period had never had to investigate so serious an accident as the present.

Several witnesses were examined as to the cause of death. One witness stated in evidence that, as far as he could guess, there were 180 in at the time of the explosion.

The inquest was then adjourned. The adjourned inquest was held at the Swan Inn, Talk-o'-the-Hill, on Saturday morning, before Mr Harding, the county coroner. The proceedings were for the most part confined to the identification of the bodies of the deceased men whose bodies had been recovered on Friday night and that morning.

Relief for the Sufferers.

Active efforts are being made to provide a substantial sum for the relief of the sufferers, who are now being attended to by Mrs McHutchin, the incumbent's wife; Mrs Johnson, the manager's wife; Mrs and Misses Caldwell of Linley-wood, and other ladies.

There was about £100 received on Friday at the Mansion house, up to the closing of the court, in aid of the General Fund for the relief of the survivors of the sufferers and those of the volunteers who lost their lives in rendering assistance.  - - -continues - - -