Michael D.Heath-Caldwell M.Arch.

1874

Admiral Sir Leopold Heath – aged 57.

Lady Mary Heath – (ne Mary Emma Marsh) – aged 48

Anne Marsh-Caldwell – aged 83 – (1791-1874) (Lady Mary’s mother)

Marion Heath – May – aged 18

Frederick Heath – (Gen. F.C. Heath-Caldwell) aged 16

Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell – known as Louisa – aged 56 of Linley Wood

Georgina Marsh-Caldwell – Gies – aged 54 of Linley Wood

Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell – Posy – aged 51 of Linley Wood



B005

Letter from Posy (Rosamond Marsh-Caldwell) to Mama  (Anne Marsh-Caldwell her mother) from France with Richard and Harry Crofton –aged 20 and 14

26 Rue de Penthieuse

FaubergIl-

Thursday 19^th. (between 1871-1874)

Dearest Mama,

Here we arrived yesterday evening and received the usual hospitality and welcome. The last the Steward said “a beautiful” passage. I did not find it so, but R and H were quite well however I believe it will do me a great deal of good and I only feel a little squeamish. This is a tiny apartment but all very nice. We look into a small court with high houses all around and ivy climbing up the walls and a few shrubs. Not much sun penetrates to the rooms but we see it shining on the walls. It is very quiet also which is pleasant for a home, and just close to the Champs Elysee and very central. R and H are in capital spirits and are gone off on an exploration expedition together. We breakfast at 8.30 so that gives plenty of morning and mon consius(?) example is good. Seeing he was at work long before the lads are very good about speaking French and will, I think, soon get into it. A handsome Mademoiselle Pugeot is here and I think Dick is sufficiently “fetched” soon to find it desirable to chatter away to her. She is a cultivated nice young lady of about 25 I should think. In “breakfast” at 12.30 when R and H will return. H acknowledged to feeling excited they have a complete apartment including kitchen, so are very comfortable and I think if dearest Francis (Louisa, Francia?) could see their bright happy faces she would be quite satisfied with her sacrifice. Annie (Anna Josina Bergeron (nee Marsh) who married Charles Bergeron?)  says we can easily find a course for French and Hal wishes to learn dancing so I shall enquire this week and set them to work. Next M.B. (Monsieur Charles Bergeron?) will, I hope, be able to get them an order to see one of the forts (He and a nephew are now talking affairs) and also we hope to go one day to the Assembly. “The House” please tell Richard I am not going to speak a word of English to them henceforth and we chatter French when together which will give him confidence. I have not of course been out as yet and in fact do feel a little tired so shall rest today. Oh I must say the two talk French together. Annie says they are such nice young fellows so I know she will like them more and more. By the way Annie has had all our miniatures framed, and the (Min?) family ones. She wants to know their names. I think I would tell her I can’t. It is so comfortable being in Paris on a visit, quite a new sensation. We are close to a Barracks to the boys had the delight of hearing the Bugle call and not being obliged to get up, which they (sarnired?) thoroughly. We had no adventures on our journey so I have at present nothing to tell you, except Paris is decidedly anit-(Alhamentane?) and Lyons is split in two halves. The two extremes N.N. and R.R. M.M. I hear “êtes un Aie!” and a curious story of (Lochie?) which I will bring back in my notes. (Broglu gives “Le consigne” is in fact as our Prime Minister. There are so many international formalities to be got through that even if the money is forthcoming for the tunnel it will take 10 years before it can be completed. Mr (Leaths?) appeared here, and L’s and M.B. had to talk over L offered his plan at a round term for -. M.B. says his is better, but he saw L had thought on the subject and seemed struck with his capacities. “Un tête claire et practique” were, I think, this words. Mary seemed very well and happy about Gerard. I do not think Annie looks very well and has a little cough. I had rather she had not but she says it is only a cold. She has not said anything as yet about my stay. Now I really have come to the end. I shall begin my journal. My dear love to you all dear ones.

Your loving dearest (Mane?) and dutiful daughter, Posy

Annie sends her best love.   

I hope you are keeping pretty well. This air is – though fresh.

B007

Journal looking letter from Posy. [1874?] In Paris with Richard and Harry Crofton.

26 Rue de Penthiserie (?)

Monday 2^nd.

Darling Gies(Georgina?) The notes arrived yesterday morning thank you so much for them and for all the trouble you have taken. I cannot get the money I see till tomorrow as Mr (Furmell?) has made them at 7 days sight why I don’t know but perhaps it is a necessary precaution in case they are lost. But I can go tomorrow. I shall seek about in the shops and send you word what there is to be had as R and H have their dancing lesson in the morning. Saturday evening we were went to La Jolie Parfemeuse . French plays do not raise ones opinion of the French character. Mind we were told by a lady who is supposed to have le Collet Monte, and therefore particular that it was very pretty and great delight to see it. She makes the excuse now that she forgot one scene, the principle one. I am thankful to say R and H seemed as much disappointed as was Mr Johnstone and Annie and even M.B. Mr J told me he had been constantly to the Theatres in Stockholm, Copenhagen and Berlin and had never seen anything he could not have taken his youngest sister to have seen. There is not a theatre in Paris you would take an English girl to. I remember we have seen the most Lac colda si Capitaine, That was as full as the often quite young girls of 17 and 18 (Antony?) took his young bride and a girl who had never seen a play to see La Branche Cassé (by Gaston Serpette 1873) which Annie says is reasonable and when Anne expected she would have be horrified to the last degree she did not seem even to feel anything, but spoke of it without a blush. And she is by way of being a devout Catholic! And be inclined that way!! Oh, I am certain the R.C’ism has something corrupting in it. I suppose it is that it is always cultivating the senses by appeals to them in all possible ways. On Sunday we went as Harry wished it, with Annie and Mademoiselle to the French Protestant service. M.Coguesel however was not preaching and we went on to M. de Prepensies which is orthodox. There was a chapel just like a Wesleyan. The Communion table stood in front of the pulpit and was covered with a white cloth. Also the vessels. There were many many more women than men. The women’s face look so different from the Roman Catholics. There is a marked individuality and strength, moral and intellectual which the others have not. M. de Prepensées did not preach but M. Lichtenstein, who gave us an excellent but too long discourse upon one being new creatures in Christ Jesus. Harry said he did not understand much but R did, I think, and it was one of those manly practiced sermons which would do him good and besides it is as well they should know French. Men can be as primly and sensibly (Christian?) as any others. So I am glad we went. In the afternoon Edon and Comtois came up for the day and they three went out together and did speak French. Harry just tells me he has :learnt the top of French” since he has been here. Captaine and Mrs Armory called. I went to our afternoon service. I really think there is nothing like it, at least to me. There were only three prayers and three hymns, very well sung however at the Protestant French Church. The prayers were excellent. Today we are going to the Bois de Boulogne as it is fine. On Saturday we went to the Luxembourg, but could only see the Musée as since the Hotel de Ville has been burnt the Prefêt lives there. Mr Johnstone rather shuffled us off so we could not go to Belleville but she has promised us a note to Madamoiselle le Brun so Annie and I shall go there. Yet I hope. Silks are so dear, I am obliged to pay 13frs per metre for the (bit?) I went for a body for my wedding dress which I am having made up a deaux filles with my white lace. But I will get patterns for dearest Mama tomorrow, I hope. And also I intend to write to Francia (Louisa?) a mother’s letter even, one does so think when one has time to think of all the poor dear Greenwoods it makes a sad background to my (Men) wiser pleasant life here, of course having R and H add immensely with they are the dear fellows but very young.  Dearest, your loving Posy.

A139

26 Rue deP.

Monday 9^th.

Dearest Gies, (Georgina Marsh-Caldwell)

Before I forget again would you send Capes to by Post. Annie wants so much to read him. There dear how will you like your £. I paid? There are  very pretty collars and sleeves suitable for you. Quite new (pink, fish, fashion?)  come in at a large shop in the Rue Revolie for 12 to 14 , 18 frs. There then are bows till had at about 5fs. Then there are a sort of waistcoat but I don’t think it would particularly suit you. And I should think for 1 fr and I don’t think they are very new. The new things are pink. Coming out pink. Tell me whether you want to spend in dress and what kind or what -. There are very pretty black lace purses to be had. The price I have not asked but would turn a morning shop will drive toilette at once. I have got L a lofty cap as the lads say and Fanny a bonnet. They admire very much. Black silk with fais and a brooch with box for I could not buy it without tops. I feel sure she and R will like it. I got it in the Rue St Honore. Will you tell her and thank her for her dear letter. I have so little time to write I can’t write direct to her. I don’t think it is really worthwhile to have a costume made here, so I shan’t and there besides I shall feel easy about moving. And that’s with 100 costumes I did this shopping on Friday and that afternoon with Annie and the Arnauds and I find they spell the name we went to see the Musie de StArilleux, went to beyond the Rue de Pac and Rue – at St Thomas D Aguin so we saw that church and ex votos in white marble tablets and gold letter inscriptions to the Virgin and St. Joseph. One was Recompence a Marie Prolutence de nous tous date 1870, a few, very few had reconnaissance a puis et a Marie. We found the Musee was moved to the Invalides, so walked there and found a very interesting Musee from the stone  period to the last new rifle.. We had not time to see more than fr and could not see the (luiqueur?) tonot as it closes at 3p. I have been all down the Boulevards and after all found Mama’s purse in the Rue deSt.H. I hope she will like it, it is of the new fashion, a white blond embroidered with “Jais.” That with neff us for sleeves and little bow will come to almost 40frs. A black one without – would be almost 28frs, pretty little bows with a flower b-s of all shades of colours. Please tell me- by return dear how you wish your £ spent. Tell (Fanny?) she will have a pretty new shaped mantilla in black cashmere lined with silk but no trimming ready to put the lace on for 40frs. It seems to me dear, well L came up and I took him to the Panorama and we went to the Jardin des Plantes, all 4 in the boat and back, such a good and pretty way of seeing the principle buildings in Paris. He was very happy. Annie asked him to stay dinner and then tea at my expence of course, went with him to Versailles today with C has sent word there were 2 tickets for the Assembly, so instead of our going to St.Danes they, all four, then Annie and I go on Wednesday. M.B. and Annie tried all they could most kindly to get them tickets for the Grand Ball given tonight by Le President de la Chambre de Commerce, a Monsieur Mahon, but we heard of it too late to succeed. I foolishly keep hoping some how they may even yet chop in as it will be such a grand affair. By the way dear I can get you a charming tournuse which is a petite coat for 12frs. Till I do it makes   

File PB 1010169

Part of letter from when Posy in Paris with the boys? [February 1874?] [Richard and Harry Crofton aged 20 and 14]

Continues... a job de [Heurne?] in the look of her dresses and they are well made and not dear. Annie [Anna Bergeron or Anne Gabiou] and I are going this afternoon to call on Mrs de Voluet[?] and go, if we can, to the Photograph Spirit. Our time is running out fast. You will tell me truly dear if you could spare me for a week at Anstie I have written to ask Mary if she can have me. I do hope all is going on well with you and dearest Mama [Mam?] keeps pretty well. I hope to write next letter to her but it is really just the same [Niny?] We have had lovely weather. Yesterday Annie and I went to St Phillippe le Roux to hear a famous Dominican preacher recommended by Mle de Vohut who is a [liberal, literal?] Catholic, as a liberal preacher a man of about 30 or 35, immense action which became monstrous, it was on the real meaning of the 3 temptations and he did denounce French society! And was very bold about the miracles he said the Temptation [was told to cast] himself down, was the same as people trusting in miracles to regenerate France instead of truth, justice, sobriety etc and he spoke very severely of those who were putting them forward at which the Cure and another priest who were sitting in a sort of pew opposite the Pulpit looked at each other very expressively as if that was dangerously strong. There was a lady exactly like Marie Antoinette before us. Many many more women than men, all class and it is the Orleans Primus Ch: The High Altar very simple as to statues etc, no Virgin to be seen, only gold candelabra etc. There was an advocation of the sacrament afterwards some good singing and music. And I must stop, dear, dearest love to darling Mama, yourself and Croftons. R and H very bright and well. R says he has written a journal of impressions for the task [sulk?]

Your loving PMC.

A142

Posy letter from Paris to G, difficult to read again.

26 Rue de Ponthierie

Tuesday 3^rd March

Darling Gies (Georgey?)

You will have got my letter of thanks for the money which I was grateful to receive. H (Harry?) and I went and changed a 10 yesterday and today we have been shopping. I have enquired about costumes now at 4 shops and find nothing in cloth under 126 or 150 frs. Today I went to the Petit St. Thomas in the Rue de Bac. I was turned over to an English woman who was so nice and civil, as glad to have me as I was to have her. She said their Spring costumes were just coming in, a really pretty one in material trimmed with silk could [cord?] would be 150frs. She could not show me them today as they were not marked off and they were afraid that they would get into confusion. But she did get me this. I enclose material, it is called “Oxford” because it is made of gentlemen’s shirt stuff and whole costumes [for a “costume” I find may only mean the Palonaise and no skirt] costs 95frs. It is trimmed at the edge [besides silf(?) trimmings] with white embroidery on thick muslin garouch. I think about ¾ inch wide and very pretty, made up - page 2 – the stuff I know is warm of course for a cotton and it washes perfectly. It is very lady-like and she assures me it is a dress a lady would walk out in in the afternoon. I send you some patterns of the stuff. I have marked the pattern I saw. It id not of course look very dressy but R and H like it much and one would feel well dressed though simply in it. The end of the week I can see the costumes. Silks are very dear, does dearest Mama really want some patterns. I could not see anything she wanted in the lingerie way, but have seen what I think she will like about in the shops. Tomorrow we go early to Versailles, going by the right bank and coming back by the left to see the whole country. Mademoiselle Peugeot has left us today. Her somewhat buoyant(?) manners did not suit R, but I am sorry she is gone as they were obliged to speak French to her as she did not understand English. M Picard dined last night and as I find I have written on two sheets, so have to decide their –

Page- He talks incessantly good French. They heard a great deal but he is gone today to Lyons. I much hope some one else will turn up. I thought(?) Madame Michel Chevalier might have called as Mama was so civil to her in London, don’t you? Thanks dear for all your news. All sounds as if it was going on so well and it is such a comfort to know that dearest Mama keeps pretty well. I hope dear you are not getting very tired, but I am so thankful Geis I came, even French men seem to think Paris such a very dangerous place for young men of R and H’s age. As it is they are dear fellows, as good as gold. There you know of course I lay myself out to keep them amused, combining as far as possible instruction, they are, I can see tonights enormously relieved at having passed. I think they hardly realized it last night and then it is not “good form” to express any (sort?) delight and at dinner this evening R feigned himself on not having shewn any excitement and certainly he did announce the fact in the coolest way.

4 - I am so sorry to hear about Duke (Duke Crofton?) but I hope by what the lads read me it is not anything really serious. I am so glad about the road the house being cleaned. Dear I shall be very glad to get back to you and dearest Mama though I am really enjoying myself and the air and (walking?) is so pleasant. It is all so bright and cheery. I shall come back, I hope, quite stalwart: you did tell me of Sir Sydney’s striking death (Sir Sydney John Cotton 1792-1874?). It was as you say as a strong man should die. Thank you my Gies but I am so sorry you should have had any worry about the money. I got rather frightened. I am (pinced?) about Mrs Barnes. I have had no answer from Mary Hankins (Mary Hawkins?). Dear things, their grief must be so very great. It lies on ones heart and when one has time to think is ones first thought. The (Furss?) news sounds most prosperous. Alas I am afraid we shall not get to Belleville. Mrs J. shuffled us off but said she would send us a note of introduction tomorrow to Mademoiselle le Brun. But it has not come and they left Paris Sunday evening. This is a stupid letter dear but I wrote so lately and it is now 12pm and I have been at it all day. We saw St Clotilde today. It is a fine church but there was no service at the Sacre Coeur on Sundays at 5.30 when we went so the singing they say is lovely.

Love to dearest Mama.  Your loving Posy.

A137

Journal – Rue de P. Friday. [Winter snow around]

Goes on for 12 pages. Fairly legible.

Darling Gis,

Will you give my dearest love to dearest Mama and thank her so very much for her letter which I was so glad to get and will you tell her I am so hurried just at this end of my visit I have not time to write her a letter, so I shall from Anstie, a really good one and please tell darling mama I have, I flatter myself a deeply interesting journal to read to her in our drives! Which I have written specially for her edification. I have got Kews Ch: and will send it off also. The metre, about your dress are made with long skirts, plain behind, trimmed at the sides and in front, it is very pretty trimming lining the flounce or trim with bright coloured silk (according, approximate?) to the colour of your material and there the plait stretched back so M M so if you understand the lining being made to shad, it is very pretty and a sack of the material lined the same and interestingly twisted to shew the lining in places. I saw a dress in the Boulevards of that material I sent you. Petit coat, plain pink flounced up garment of the material with a pink stripe in it. It was very pretty. Your corsage for your dress should be a basque kind and shewing the lining. And I think I shall bring you one of the new (parasols?) in jay instead of collars and cuffs with some bows. Tell darling Mama I will get her £1 and suppose I had better put it with her bonnet etc? I had a full day yesterday, to lunch with a friend of M. Hankins [Hawkins?], after having been to the Palais Royale and to a china shop to buy a cashe pot for Annie which the lads are to give her. My two W. the Arc de Triomphe, the dirt owing to melting snow well. Then back with Annie to Bellville and there to Les Soeurs de St Vide Parc for some tourneux tickets. Soup tickets. Then a rush for a plant in the Rue de St.H., then dinner party Mr Coland Madame de (Eldhech?), Captaine and Madame Arnaud. Mlle Pourquis. What interesting things. I dined at all their places and sat up until a ¼ past 2 this morning writing. The upstart is that R.C.’ism is the death of all that is good in a country. You must come here to see the results. Morality of any thing is more utterly dead than it was before the War, the corruption in the French army owing to their system of promotion seems complete. The ignorance of the officers crasse, if they had known the geography of their own country even in (Milan? Sedan? 1870) could never have happened, poor France. And they seem to have faith in nothing, not even a principal. Annie says if she had had children nothing would have induced her to bring them up in France. I must stop dear as we are going, A and I to the Assembly this afternoon and (Oldfant?) earlier and I must write a line to Mary. Thanks darling Gis as you can do without me I will go to Anstie. I am anxious to go for 2 reasons, I will tell you when I write to Mama, no time now, my dearest dearest love to her. I hope to be home Thursday or Friday week. Emma Roscoe has asked me to go and see her so I would enter her hospitality for a night I think.

Your loving

Posy.   

File PB120052

Letter to AMC and Georgy from Louisa

Arrival of Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Marie in London, 12^th March 1874

From

150 Sloane Street.

Saturday

[Paper imprinted – 5 Loundes Street, S [E?]

My dearest Mamma and Georgy

I meant to have sent and account of our doings on Thursday, yesterday, but in the 1^st part there came a letter from Fanny as I said, asking me to look out for some lodgings and then doing so and writing to her about them, gave me only just [enough?] time to shop for Mrs Campbell and send those hurried lines to you and there after that I was with [Ede?  Evie Eden] in the carriage till too late for more than that 2^nd hurried note. … Well now after this long preamble to begin, you know what a snowing bitter morning Thursday morning was and just as we were dressed and ready to go the coachman sent in word he was afraid to take out his horse, the streets were so slippery. Then we sent for a cab. Then no cabs to be had. Then for a fly. Not for an hour could they be ready and we were to be at the ‘Admiralty” long before that and the streets would be closed, so there was nothing for it but that we should set off on foot through the snow in our ball gowns!! Oh [ugly?]! (but they were not [waet?] luckily after all) to the underground railway.1^st train so full, we could not possibly find a place. [Sat?] in 2^nd train. Arrived at Westminster, found a hansome, but the way stopped so had to go by the Embankment and be set down upon it no nearer than the [lower?] end of White Hall Place. And I passed the old home for the 1^st time, I think, since we left it when I was 8 years old. But it seemed all so fresh in ones memory as if one had only left it yesterday. And very sweet some way. At the end of the street was blocked with people, we got through however and across the road but were then stopped by the Queen’s soldiers who would not let us through. But fortunately an Officer overheard one telling Ede [Evie] that they would not, for I was that [- ?] then he ordered them to make way for us and at last we arrived only [fractone?] on the Court of the Admiralty and into the Lords House. And a very fine handsome one it is. We went up stairs [clib?] an upper floor for there are 2 floors of fine apartments and there found an assembly of Evie’s [Wbeel?] Hunts. Festive. All you [knowed?] of the Bishop of M.L.R’s family and several other people, to which soon were added crowds more. The look out over the Park was very pretty with the Life Guards and Artillery [checking, wheeling?] about through the snow and blue mists to keep themselves warm and the Foreign Office &c looming magnificently, looking through the mists with the trees further on as a background. It was really a charming winter scene. Soon, however, the snow came down pitilessly again and then there was a general stampede from the warm rooms, to a covered stand built over the sea horses (don’t you know) in the front of the Admiralty but the roof, unfortunately, only composed [page 2] of the flags with which they interior was dressed so that occasionally while we were all sitting waiting on the comfortable benches, 4 tiers of them chock full, there was occasionally excitement by little waterfalls of melted snow coming down amongst us. The front, you know, is directly opposite the end of White Hall Place and there were flags adorning the end houses of L.P. and some stands and a mass of people beyond. On last stand [?] the Horse Guards and row of Life Guards in their scarlet cloaks. Then in front of them the naval brigade, the sailors in their broad black hats, open blue shirts, knives[?] &c. such as on a Man-of-war with their muskets in their hands which they afterwards, as the time wore on, were allowed to stack and to move about to keep themselves warm. In the road itself were great mounds of gravel and sand which were to be shoveled over the road before the cortege came and up and down the road galloped Captain [Boys, Boyd?] the Commander of the Naval Brigade, not looking quite happy, I thought, on his Chestnut with the bugler [strajilery?] running by his side, as it looked, to catch him if he should fall off. That poor young man must have been tired before the day was over! Also the heads of the Police with their attendant Policemen aid-de-Camps, acting like sham soldiers on their heavy awkward looking horses, and then the real thing in the shape of the military officers riding about on beautiful horses and dashing hither and thither as it seemed to me [uadnowing?] with purposeful aim. At length to ones joy, we saw the [lebocuss?] appear and vehemently shovel the sand over the road in the royal road way. Then one heard the cheers coming roaring nearer and nearer and then the carriages, the 1^st appeared and then another and then another with the little guards of cavalry between them, in the order the papers told, and at last the six bay horses with their manes all twisted away in clouds of crimson ribbon in which was the Queen looking small in her black dress and by her side her new daughter-in-law looking [beaming?] in a white bonnet and purple velvet cloak bowing away with all her might, and she must have been tired, poor little thing, if she had been going on at that rate all the way from Paddington. Opposite her sat Princess Beatrice looking very cold and opposite the Queen, the D of E [Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburgh], also looking very cold, and no wonder, poor thing, for he was only in a Naval Officer’s uniform and no cloak or anything. The Queen bowed [overly?] and gently but gave one the unmistakable impression that she was there to introduce her new daughter to her people, and that she took the 2^nd place that day. As soon as they had passed we all rushed into the house again and the Bishop took Ede [Evie Eden] and myself to luncheon. And a [page 3] most handsome luncheon it was. Laid on a large table down the center of the large drawing room, with tables also all along the two side walls. Evie and I eat and drank plentifully and so kept ourselves, I think from dying of bronchitis or something afterwards! Then till the carriages came, for by this time the snow was thawed, we adjourned to the drawing room and I fell without any introduction (people seemed to have adapted that sensible foreign custom) into agreeable conversation with a person whom by her carriage being announced to her, I found to be Lady [Selbourne?]. Mrs Ronadale Palmer, that was, you know. She talked about Mr Sommerville and life and all those kinds of things, pleasantly and easily and it was a relief from the drear inanities of always. Then we went home. No, we called on E [Emily?] Buxton on our way and stayed for ¾ of an hour there. Lady [Frederick?]Grey came in and she told us that it is now a long time ago since the D. of Edinbrough saw the Princess Mary in Germany and he has carried her photograph about ever since and said he should try all he could to marry her. The [Kaiser?] would hear nothing of it till by a years conduct to his satisfaction the D. of Edinbrough should prove that his conduct would be altered and that he should consider him worthy of his darling daughter. She is desperately in love with him, they say, and Lady [Sako?] [to page 1 vertical] had been at the Banquet at [Vinel--?] the day before and others too say she looks radiant “with happiness.” The [Doce Hants?] is an immense heavy man, more like the “Claimant” than anything else. Neither very clever looking, nor yet like a fool, but with a sort soi pea officious pomp about him which one fancies genius would not [seal deal?] Now dearest Mamma and Georgy, I think if you have [wadere so fain??] my letter you will be quite sick of it and me. Sydney Buxton is expected home on Monday, as near as may be. I am to meet Posy at the Vic Station on Monday on her way to Anstie.

Your L. [Louisa.]

PB130092

Letter to Georgina Marsh Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

Post mark 23^rd March 1874 London

Note on reverse.

I have Berties [teddy, medals?] and will send them.

PB120058

Letter from Louisa Marsh-Caldwell to AMC and Georgy.

From

130 Sloane Street.

26^th March [1874]

Dearest Mamma,

You will be sorry to hear of poor Sir Edward Page Turner’s death [24^th March 1874]. He seems to have suffered terribly from his incessant cough, poor man. It was bronchial consumption, I believe. Oh Tuesday I walked across the Park for the morning to see Pinkie Browne who is housekeeping with E.P.T. [Emily Page-Turner] as Adie is with Lady Donaldson. And Pinkie read me three letters from E.P.T who was with her brother to the last and that also he was so entirely patient and resigned in his great sufferings and very happy, poor man, at a great sacrifice to his own feelings he had done what he thought was the only reparation he could make for his life in marrying his wife and he had, it seems, perfect peace of mind in consequence. Yesterday I had luncheon again with Adie and Lady Donaldson. They have taken a house at Norwood together for the summer, and Adie goes down there today to prepare things. Then to Brighton for three weeks and then back to Norwood. Poor Lady Radstock died suddenly at the last from congestion of the lungs but she had been [breathing? Breaking?] a great deal lately. Adie was at the funeral and went in the same carriage as Lady Beauchamp and Miss Waldegrave on [? Page missing?]

[writing continues vertically] – much more in her than the Princess of Wales, which delights the Queen. I should not guess[?] she looks solemn. Sydney Buxton certainly looks much better than when he went abroad and one cannot help hoping that he will fell better now for the change than he did while away.

Every my own dear mother and G, your loving L. [Louisa M-C]

Diary of Arthur R Heath – Aged 20

Friday 30^th February 1874 [?]

While up in the studio got a letter from Broadwood to ask to dine, sleep and shoot on Saturday. Went there and had a very pleasant evening enlivened by songs, ‘The Darkie with the Golden Hair’ etc etc. Also a game in which you have to draw something with your eyes shut and then everybody puts their comments on it.

Broadwoods having been very particular as to our beginning early I and Lyall were down at 8 ¼ B., however, didn’t appear before 9. We had a very decent day, about 80 rabbits. In the evening found May had come back. Bills from Tutor came in, they were much more than I had expected.

Sunday, 1^st March 1874

Church, Mr Wickham took to reading Milton. In the afternoon Uncle Douglas came. I went to Kitlands and had a long talk with Margaret, then home.

Monday 2^nd March 1874

Started for Cambridge by 1.47. Went to C.S.S.ltd got ties, then to see A.C.B., then came down here where I had tea, then to Booths rooms where Corbett was too. Stopped there till 10 1/3. then unpacked and bed.

Tuesday 3^rd March 1874

Election day, walked about most of the day watching the free and independent going to the poll which was rather amusing. Went to lunch with Booth and Corbett at Booths rooms. After lunch work and then Hall. After Hall went to the Union, heard a pretty good speech supporting Gladstone and part of a very bad one against him. Then went to Broadwoods, found Prior and Solly in his rooms. Stayed there until the owner appeared, then somebody suggested Loo which was played. I lost 8d, then we walked forth to hear the state of the poll. We found a large and noisy crowd in possession of the [mashed?] place and that 2 conservatives had got in. There was a great deal of hustling in which we took part but no actual fighting. [Bethel?] mounted a lamp-post and committed other absurdities. After this Broadwood came and sat in my rooms for some time.

Wednesday 4^th March 1874

[atwin, Yelb. Bacon?] reading. Booth came to lunch, then we adjourned to the boat, go down the river, then back to the Union. There was nothing at all in the papers except the Liberal gains of 16. The Hall, reading Pygmalion and Galaka which was very feeble and we were in addition edified by the remarks of Howard sen. Behind us, after that Bechin redressed which was also feeble, the reading and this Mrs Nixon came in just as I had sat down and [stopped?], talking for ever so long which was a nuisance.

Sunday, 19^th April 1874

Didn’t go to chapel but to breakfast with Booth. Afterwards a walk, then lunched at my place, nothing else particular.

Monday 20^th April 1874

In the morning went in a Funny for the first time to my great delight, did not upset, it isn’t at all bad fun. In the afternoon up the river with McPherson whom I like very much. We went up in a [tub?]. In the evening Loo with Prior, I won five shillings for a wonder.

Tuesday 21^st April 1874

Lectures in the morning, Gelb and Maxon[?] [Maxon, Monon?] only a quarter of an hour. In the afternoon funny again. I ran into the varsity pair but it was not my fault. Then work in the evening. I went a walk with Gilbert, afterwards Broadwood dropped in, then went out with him to his rooms and here I stayed until eleven, then home and bed.

Wednesday 22^nd April 1874

In the morning went to [Maxon?] to arrange about private [tutor?] I have from 1-2 on three days in the week, the loafed looking up some men, the Hall, after which I went to get my gown back from Lawson who bagged it the other day. Then came tom my room and read [Williams, Wilkins?] on real property which is not half so bad as I expected it to be, rather interesting than otherwise, only it is rather provoking after reading five or six pages to see but all this is now prevented by the Act passed in 1870 and this is now ..

[Next page ripped out. End of journal]

PB1010008

Envelop

Miss R Marsh Caldwell

Linley Wood

Lawton

Cheshire

Post mark London1874, back post mark Lawton Ju 26 1874

Envelop covered in light pencil writing. Religious text

On the 21^st day of November 1874

The Will with a codicil thereto of Anne Marsh-Caldwell

Heretofore Anne Marsh formerly of Eastbury in the County of Hertford afterwards of Deacon’s in the County of Surrey

But late of Linley Wood in the County of Stafford.

Widow

Deceased, who died on the 5^th day of October 1874

At Linley Wood aforesaid

Was proved in the Principal Registry of Her Majesty’s Court of Probate, by the Oaths of Eliza Louisa Marsh-Caldwell of Linley Wood aforesaid Spinster, Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell of Linley Wood aforesaid, Spinster and Rosamond Jane Marsh-Caldwell of Linley Wood aforesaid Spinster the daughters of the Said, Deceased the executrixes named in the Said Will they having been first sworn duly to administer

Effects under &10,000 to leaseholds

This is the last Will and Testament of me, Anne Marsh-Caldwell late Eastbury in the County of Hertford afterwards of the (Deasons?) in the County of Surrey but now of Linley Wood in the County of Stafford and of S..Sterrt in the County of Middlesex, widow heretofore Anne Marsh I having assumed the name of Caldwell in addition to that of Marsh.

I bequeath to such of my daughters as at my death shall be spinsters or a spinster all my prints, pictures household furniture but not books, manuscripts or copyrights, jewellery trinkets, clothes plate except the silver vase and tea urn after mentioned, plated articles linen, china, glass, carriages, horses, wines, liquors, and consumable stores and also all live and dead stock I may have upon any house land and premises in my own occupation or not at my decease equally to be divided between them as tenants in common if more than one and if there shall be no such daughter then I declare that the same shall (split) into and form part of my residuary personal estate herein after disposed of. 

I appoint my daughters Eliza Louisa Marsh–Caldwell, Georgina  Amelia Marsh-Caldwell and Rosamond Jane Marsh-Caldwell  Executrices and trustees of my will

I give to my daughters Francis Mary Crofton a legacy of six hundred and fifty pounds.

I give to such of my sons in law --- Drury Crofton and Edward … … and Leopold George Heath a legacy of one hundred pounds.

I give to my grandson (Luke) Arthur Crofton a legacy of two hundred pounds and to my grandson Richard Martin Crofton a legacy of one hundred pounds and to my grandson …well Drury Crofton a legacy of one hundred pounds and to my granddaughter Alicia Amelia Ann Crofton a legacy of one hundred pounds and to my grandaughter Marion Emma Heath a legacy of one hundred pounds and to my grandson John Loring a legacy of one hundred pounds and to my grandson Arthur Drury Loring a legacy of one hundred pounds and to my grandson ...olt Loring a legacy one hundred pounds.

I direct the legacy of each of my grandchildren to be invested in ..per rent bonds and that dividends thereon accumulated and the legacy and accumulations to be paid to each of them on his or her attaining the age of twenty one years and if all or any of my grandchildren die under the age of twenty one years then I declare that the legacy of him her or them so dying and all accumulations thereof shall split into and form part of my residuary personal estate herein after disposed of. 

I give my set of diamonds and emeralds to my said grandson Luke Arthur Crofton  if he shall attain the age of twenty one years but if he shall die in my lifetime or shall die after my death under the age of twenty one years then I give the said set of diamonds and emeralds to my said grandson Richard Martin Crofton if he shall attain the age of twenty one years but if he shall die in my lifetime or shall die after my death under the age of twenty one years then I give the said set of diamonds and emeralds to my said grandson … .. Crofton if he shall attain the age of twenty one years but if he shall die in my lifetime or shall die after my death under the age of twenty one years then I give the said set of diamonds and emeralds to such of my daughters as at my death shall be spinsters or a spinster equally if more than one. 

I give my silver vase with the initials A.E.M engraved on it and my silver tea urn presented by my aunt Hannah Stamford to my late husband  and myself on our marriage to such of my daughters as at my death shall be spinsters or a spinster for their her spinsterhood and as soon as any of the said daughters shall marry or die I bequest the same to the others or other of them for their or her spinsterhood and after the death or marriage of all such daughters or if all my daughters shall be married at or shall have died before my death then I dispose of the said vase and tea urn as follows.

I bequeath the said vase to the oldest son then living of my daughter Eliza Louisa Marsh Caldwell and if there shall be no such son then I bequeath the said vase to the oldest son then living of my daughter Francis Mary Crofton and if there shall be no such son then I bequeath the same to the eldest son then living of my daughter Georgina Amelia Marsh-Caldwell and if there shall be no such son then I bequeath the said vase to the eldest son then living of my next daughter Rosamond Jane Marsh Caldwell and if there shall be no such son then I bequeath the said vase to the eldest son then living of my daughter Mary Emma Heath but if there shall be no such son then I bequeath the said vase to the eldest son then living of my late daughter Hannah Adelaide Loring.

 I direct that subject to the aforesaid bequest in favor of my said daughters my said silver tea urn shall be annexed to that mansion house at Linley Wood aforesaid as an heirloom to be enjoyed by that person or persons being issue of my late husband and myself for the time being trustirally entitled to the same mansion house under the limitations contained in the testamentary disposition thereof made by my late brother James Stamford Caldwell Esquire deceased but so that such heirloom shall be to all executory   limitation over on the death of each tenant in tail or in tail male under the age of twenty one years without leaving issue in tail or in tail male living at his or her death to or  in favor of the person or persons being issue of my late husband and myself as aforesaid entitled under the subsequent limitations according to the tenor of such limitations and in case that person entitled in possession to the said vase or tea urn as the case may be shall be a minor I direct such vase or tea urn as the case may be to be delivered to his father or mother or whichever of them shall be living on behalf of them, his or her son and the receipt of such father or mother or of whichever of them shall be living for such vase or tea urn shall be a complete discharge to my executrixes for the same.

 I give all my books but not manuscripts or copyrights unto such of them my daughters as shall be living at my death equally to be divided between them if more than one and I declare that every of my said daughters who shall be die in my lifetime leaving issue living at my death shall in the constitution of this bequest be deemed to have survived me and to have died immediately after my decease.

I give to Elara Brabery, formerly my Lady’s Maid the sum of fifty pounds sterling per -- legacy duty.

I give to my Coachman John Brorle if in my service at my death the sum of twenty five guineas personal legacy duty.

I give my leasehold … … house stable and premises No. 3 Dowisbes Street aforesaid unto / and if more than one/ equally between such of my daughters as shall be living and a spinster or spinsters at the time of my death  /  but subject in exoneration of my general estate to all the rents and covenants of the lease to be paid and performed after my death .. / if I shall leave no daughters surviving me and a Spinster I direct that the said … and premises shall fall into and be considered part of my personal residuary estate hearinafter disposed of.

I devise and bequeath all my real and  personal  estate not otherwise disposed of by this my will or any codicil thereto un… to the use of my trustees upon trust and to the intent that the same shall be sold, converted into money and got in by my trustees at such time and in such manner and subject to such conditions as they shall think fit.

I direct that my trustees shall have full uncontrolled power to suspend the sale conversion and getting in of all or any part of my real and residuary  personal estate for such power as they may think fit and to sell all or any of my real estate and of such of residuary personal estate as shall be in its nature saleable together or in parcels by public auction or private ….and to make any special or other conditions on the sale of  any of the trust property as to title or evidence (?) of  title or otherwise and to buy in the premises(?) offered for sale by public auction and to vary or restrict either on terms or gratuitously  / any remnant and to resell without being answerable for any loss and I especially declare that my trustees shall have full authority to sell and dispose of my manuscript books and other manuscripts and my copyrights to publication and other works either absolutely or for any limited interest or interests therein as well reversionary as otherwise and as well such interest or interests as may remain after any sale or sales as any other interest or interests therein and upon such terms and in such manner in all respects as they in their absolute discretion shall think fit and with full discretionary power to retain unsold all or any portion of the said lastly mentioned premises or of any interest therein respectively for such period and to manage the interest retained in such manner as they shall think proper.

And I further declare that my trustees shall have full power to let from year to year or for any term of year upon husbandry buildings repairing or improving leases any of my real and leasehold estate for the time being remaining unsold and also to manage the affairs of my estate generally at their discretion and to employ receivers bailiffs accountants and others in and about the affairs of my said estate with such salaries and remunerations as they may think reasonable.

And I declare that for the purpose of enjoyment and transmission under the trusts herein before declared my said estate shall be considered as converted from my decease and the rents dividends interest and other yearly product thereof to accrue but after my decease until the sale conversion or getting in of the same shall be deemed the annual income thereof applicable as such for the purposes of the said trusts without regard to the amount of such income or the nature of the investment or investments yielding the same save and except that any monies arising from any dealings with my said manuscript books and other manuscripts and copyrights or publication and other works shall for the purposes of this my will be deemed capital. 

And I direct that my trustees shall invest conformably to the directions hereinafter contained respecting investments the ready money of which I shall die possessed and the product of the real and personal estate hereby directed to be sold or otherwise converted and got in and not immediately wanted for the purposes of my will so far as such product shall be of the nature of capital.

And I direct that my trustees shall hold all my residuary estate after payment thereout of my debts and funeral and testamentary expenses  and legacies / which I have or thereupon the trusts following that is to say. 

As to one equal sixth part thereof.

In trust for my daughter Eliza Louisa Marsh  Caldwell.

As to one other equal sixth part thereof.

In trust for my daughter Georgina Amelia Marsh Caldwell.

As to one other equal sixth part thereof.

 In trust for my daughter Rosamond Jane Marsh Caldwell.

As to one other equal sixth part thereof

In trust to pay the income thereof to my daughter Frances Mary Crofton for her separate inalienable use during her life and after her decease Upon trust for her child if only one or all here children if more than one who bring a son or sons shall attain the age of twenty one years or bring a daughter or daughters shall attain the age of twenty one years or marry and or if more than one in equal shares.

And as to one other equal sixth part thereof.

 In trust to pay the interest thereof to my daughter Mary Emma Heath for her separate and inalienable use during her life.

And after her decease Upon trust for her child if only one or all her children if more than one other than her sons Arthur Raymond Heath and …Heath / who bring a son or sons shall attain the age of twenty one years or bring a daughter or daughters shall attain the age of twenty one years or marry and if more than one in equal shares.

And as to the remaining equal sixth part thereof.

 In trust for the child if only one or all the children if more than one of my deceased daughter Hannah Adelaide Loring who shall attain the age of twenty one years and if more than one in equal shares.

And I declare that so far as no child or children of my said daughters Francis Mary Crofton and Mary Emma Heath respectively shall become entitled under the trusts aforesaid then if such daughters respectively shall not or under coveture at the time of her death her share hereby provided for her as aforesaid shall be in trust for such daughter absolutely but if she shall be under reverture at the time of her death shall be subject to her appointment by will or codicil Provided further and I declare that as to any part or share or parts of shares of my residuary estate which by reason of lapse or otherwise shall eventually not be disposed of under the trusts and powers aforesaid the same shall go and be upon trust for my daughter if only one or all my daughters if more than one who shall survive me / exclusive of any daughter whose original shares at the time when this proviso shall come into operation shall go or shall previously have gone over / and if more than one in equal shares.

But I declare that the share to which each or either of the said Francis Mary Crofton and  Mary Emma Heath shall become outlined under or by virtue of the last  previous trust shall be held by my trustees upon the same trust as with the like powers and provisions in all respects as are herein expressed and contained respecting the original share of such daughter under this my will Provided always that if both or either of my two last named daughters shall at my death be or shall at any time after my death become a widow without any child entitled or presumptively entitled under the trusts aforesaid each such daughter shall thereupon become absolutely entitled to every share and interest hereby provided for her in my residuary estate Provided always and I hereby direct that as to all or any part or share of any trust monies stocks bonds or securities to which any minor shall for the time being be entitled in …. …. attaining the age of twenty one years or on attaining that age or marrying by virtue of or under the trusts of this my will my trustees shall accummulate all the annual product thereof in the way of compound interest by investing the same and all the resulting income thereof from time to time in or upon any of the stocks funds or securities hereinafter mentioned for purposes of investment / with power to vary the securities at their discretion.

And I declare that each such accumulated fund shall be added to the principal fund or share from which the same respectively shall have provided and be considered part thereof Provided always and I declare that it shall be lawful for my trustees at any time or times after my decease / but so that all my daughters who shall be living and shall leave any remaining interest in possession the property shall .. thereto in writing to appropriate and allot any part of my property in spirit or towards satisfaction of the shares or share of my said children and grandchildren or any of them and every or any such appropriation shall  take effect from such period and be made for or in respect of such sum and in other respects in such manner as my trustees shall deem fair.

And the property appropriated in respect of any share which shall not be immediately payable or transferrable for some person absolutely entitled thereto shall remain vested in my trustees on the trusts  and subject to the provisions on and for which such share is hereby directed to be held.

Nevertheless I declare that it shall be lawful for but, not imperative on my trustees at any time on the application in writing of my daughters Francis Mary Crofton and Mary Emma Marsh or either of them to assign or otherwise make over any property appropriated as aforesaid in respect of their or her shares or respective share or any separate trustees of the nomination of such daughters or daughter to the interest that such property may be thenceforth held by such separate trustees on the trusts applicable thereto according to the --- intent of this my will. 

I direct that all investments to be made in pursuance of my will shall be made in or upon stocks or funds of the ….. or upon the stocks of the Bank of  England  or Ireland or stock or securities of the present Government India or Railway Navigation or other stocks guaranteed by Government or upon mortgage on such titles as my trustees may think proper to accept and either subject or not subject to prior encumberances / of freehold or copyhold or leasehold  estates in England or Wales or Ireland such leasehold estates not having less than sixty years to run at the time of the investment or upon the stocks shares bonds or securities or debenture stock of any Incorporated company or Undertaking whether commercial municipal or otherwise or various …on.business or constituted in Great Britain or Ireland or India or any Colony or dependency of Great Britain which shall be guaranteed by the British or Indian Government or the interest or dividend in ..of which stocks shares bonds or securities shall be guaranteed by the Government of the United Kingdom or of India and that my trustees shall have power in their discretion to vary such investments  for any other investments for the description specified in the clause  / but as to any settled fund with the consent  in writing of the person entitled to the income thereof if there shall be any such person of the age of twenty one years or upwards.

I devise all real estate which shall at my decease be vested in me as a mortgagee or trustee to the said Eliza Louisa Marsh Caldwell, Georgina Amelia Marsh Caldwell and Rosamond Jane Marsh Caldwell subject to the equities affecting the same respectively. 

I declare that the power of appointing new trustees of my will shall be vested in all my daughters and the survivors and survivor of them notwithstanding (reverture) during their lives and the life of the survivor of them.

 And I declare and direct that all trusts and powers hereby confided to by trustees herein named shall be exorisable by the trustees or trustee for the time being of my will.

I declare that every legacy devise bequest or provision in this my will to or in favor or for the benefit of  any female shall be for her separate use free from marital-- and her (receipt) al.. shall be a full discharge for the same.

And I revoke all former and other wills in Witness whereof I have hereinto set my hand and seal that is to say to the first eight sheets my hand and to this the ninth and last sheet my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty eight – Anne Marsh Caldwell ($) … Signed sealed published and declared by the said testatrix as and for her last will and testament in the presence of us both present at the same time who in her presence at her request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses the word ‘my having been’ previously substituted for the word ‘any’ in the thirteenth line of the first sheet and the word ‘equal’ having been previously interlined in the seventh line of the sixth sheet  E Wynne Lincolns Inn Fields .. Malcolm Wynne (Clerk to W.Wynne 46 Lincolns Inn Fields)

THIS is a Codicil to the last Will and Testament of me Anne Marsh-Caldwell which Will bears date the twenty fourth day of March one thousand eight hundred and sixty eight.

Whereas by my said Will I have directed that subject to a bequest therein contained in favor of my daughters therein mentioned my silver tea urn shall be annexed to my mansion house at Linley Wood an heirloom to be enjoyed by the person or persons being issue of my late husband and myself for the time being trustorially entitled to the same mansion house under the limitations contained in the testamentary disposition thereof made by my late brother James Stamford Caldwell Esquire deceased but so that such heirloom shall be subject to an executory limitation over on the death of such tenant in tail or in tail male under the age of twenty one years without leaving issue in tail or in tail male living at his or her death to or in favor of the person or persons being issue of my late husband and myself as aforesaid outlined under the subsequent  limitations .. I do hereby direct that in case there shall be no issue of my said late husband and myself who under the provisions of my said will shall become absolutely entitled to the said silver tea urn then I bequeath the said tea urn to my grandson (Luke?) Arthur Crofton absolutely. In the witness thereof I have and hereunto set hand and to seal this eighth day of August one thousand eight hundred and seventy two ANNE MARSH CALDWELL ($) Signed sealed published and declared by the said testatrix as and for a codicil to her last Will and Testament in the presence of us both present at her request and in the presence of each other have subscribed our names as witnesses ANNE JARVIS Dogpole, Shrewsbury, Lady Maid – Thomas Husband Bedale Yorks, Footman.

STORED at London with a codicil 21^st November 1874 by the Oaths of Eliza Louisa Marsh Caldwell Spinster Georgina Amelia Marsh Caldwell, Spinster and Rosamund Jane  Marsh Caldwell Spinster the daughters the Executrixes to whom A…. was granted.

(cover sheet)  [5^th Oct 1874] ?

M.Caldwell dec

Estimate of Probate

422 8/10/1-23

4223/10/16     (block thing  square stamp) 1779

New Page- rough handwriting.

Estimate of Property of the late

Mrs. Marsh Caldwell for

Probate (died 5 Oct. 1874

at Linlely Woods {all crossed out})

Cash in House  -                                                                      4.10.2

Deposit at Newcastle Bank                                        50.10.11

Deposit at Sir S. Scotts                                                           54.2.8

Value of Furnishings  - -                                                         2062.-.-

S.O. F.Roscoes Mortgage –                                        400.-.-

K. Mrs Barker (?) -                                                     30

K. £300 East London 6 per Cent Debentures @ 107 – }      321.-.-

S £300 Great Eastern Railway Ordinary Stock  @ 43 }        129.-.-  Sold

K. £1888 (1828 crossed out) London & N Western Ry

Consol Stock @ 153 - }                                                          2896.16.9

S £510 Madras Irrigation & Canal Guar^d --- Stock @ 11.1 - }          566.-.-

S 25 shares of £20 each English Scottish &

Austrlⁿ  0Bank @ 23 ½ )                                                        587.10.-

S. £20 shares in G^t  Indian Peninsula Rly - }                          52.10               Sold

Forward                                                                      7124.0.6

New page – rough handwriting.

Brought forward ê£7124.0.6

K £820 Midland Railway

Consol^d  Stock @ 134}                                                                       1098.16.-

K 3 5 per cent preference Shares of  £20 each in d^o . (£42 paid)}                 42.-

K  4 shares in Made Devy’s Coy Limited}                                        80.-

                                                                                                8344.16.6

Unless

The proportion of Rents V dividends due to Mrs according to Miss Marsh Caldwell (at her death ---) letter cannot amount to ________ }                                                            655.3.6

The personal estate should be sworn(?) (Therefore swear (crossed out))  £9000

The rents are stated – with the proportions of dividends to exceed ê£655.3.6 the Estate is therefore to be sworn under £10000.-

(other side of page)

£300 Gt.Eastern                      }

£300 Midland             }

  260 Midland --- (Rly ?)         }

---- Indian  ê20 shares.            }          Decl 2

512 No.2451 October 17, 1874

MRS MARSH

Just half a century ago, a banker was hanged before the debtors’ door, Newgate, for forgery. This unusual circumstance was fatal to his bank, in Berners Street. The firm was that of Fauntlery, Graham, Stracey, and Marsh. The first partner came to ignominious end on the scaffold. The wife of the junior partner turned to literature, and came to rank among the most popular novelists of her time.

This lady was one of the four daughters of Mr. James Caldwell, a ‘squire of the last century school, holding land, and a good deal of it; a lawyer also, and a well-remembered and honoured recorder of Newcastle-under-Lyne. Anne Caldwell was born on her father’s estate, Lindley Wood, Staffordshire, towards the close of the eighteenth century, and she died upon it last week, the lady of the manor, landholder, like her father, and under her maiden – added to her married – name of Mrs. Marsh-Caldwell.

No stern necessity, but taste, a love of letters, and a well-grounded, yet not outspoken confidence in her powers, induced this lady to become an author. She was in no hurry about it. She did not challenge the public judgment, nor claim a share of the laurels awarded to other lady writers, till she had thoroughly tested her own capacity. When Mrs. Marsh published her  “Two Old Men’s Tales’ (‘The Deformed’ and ‘The Admiral’s Daughter’), ten years had elapsed since the melancholy closing of the Berners Street Bank. The book made a sensation, and every reader was conscious that the new author was a lady who had lived, so to speak, with her eyes open, and could see all that was before them. It was clear that she possessed acute observation, had much experience, and could not only describe the outward appearances of humanity, but that she could plunge beneath the surface, probe the mind, and the heart, and could charm or terrify by the description of what she found there.

Mrs. Marsh at once took her position, and maintained it for at least a quarter of a century. The novel-reading public looked eagerly for a new romance from her hand. “Romance!” well, that is hardly the word. Her novels were real histories; that is to say, they described social life and its possible, probable, or actual circumstances, with a truth and fidelity that was wonderfully attractive. That Mrs. Marsh was not invariably up to the high mark of her own powers, is undeniable. Take, for instance, the list of the novels that followed the “Two Old Men’s Tales,’ namely, “Tales of the Woods and Fields’ (1836), “Triumphs of Time’ (1844), ‘Mount Sorel,’ (1845), ‘Aubrey’ (1845), that popular story, ‘Emilia Wyndham,’ ‘Father Darcy’ (1846), - we note here also, for the sake of chronological order, Mrs. Marsh’s historical work, ‘The Protestant Reformation in France and the Huguenots’ (1847), - ‘Norman’s Bridge; or, the Modern Midas’ (1847), ‘Angela; or, the Captain’s Daughter’ (1848), ‘The Previsions of Lady Evelyn,’ ‘Mordaunt Hall,’ ‘Little Arnold,’ ‘The Wilmingtons’ (1849), ‘Time the Avenger,’ ‘Ravenscliff,’ ‘Castle Avon,’ ‘The Heiress of Haughton’ (1855), ‘Evelyn Marston’ (1856), and  ‘The Rose of Ashurst’ (1857). Each novel as it appeared was warmly welcomed, was read and applauded. Many of them, however, have fallen into oblivion. Still the best of them remain. The ‘Two Old Men’s Tales,’ ‘Emilia Wyndham,’ and ‘Norman’s Bridge’ will keep the author’s name bright and honoured on the list of writers who have contributed to the delight and instruction (for there was a moral in all her stories) of mankind.

There was a double reason for her laying down the pen when she did. Mrs. Marsh had been a careful worker for many years. She had done enough; young competitors were entering the lists, and moreover, in 1858 the death of her only brother put her in possession of the Lindley Wood estate, on which occasion Mrs. Marsh, by royal licence, assumed the additional surname and arms of Caldwell.

Miss Edgeworth, Miss Austen, Miss Ferrier, Mrs. Gore, were all in the field before Mrs. Marsh. They form a true sisterhood, belonging to the same century, and of far finer quality than the anonymous novel-writers of the century previous. It is said of that era that half the boarding-schools for young ladies in England were kept by “mistresses,” who had right to the same title in their former vocation. Some of the novels seem to have been written by the same sort of personage. The two young ladies in Hannah More’s “Coelabs’ name, among other novels they have been reading, ‘Tears of Sensibility,’ ‘Sympathy of Souls,’

The Fortunate Footman,’ and ‘The Illustrious Chambermaid.’ If it be objected that we owe this list to a novelist’s imagination, we turn to Miss Mitford’s account of her own circulating-library reading in the year 1806. The old leaven is mixed with the newer and better substance, for we find ‘Midnight Weddings’ and ‘Amazement’ in the same lot with ‘St.Clair of the Isles,’ and Miss Edgeworth’s ‘Leonora.’

Miss Edgeworth opened the present century admirably with her ‘Belinda’ (1801). The story, however, is not altogether free from old repulsive matter, and that because Society was not free from the old repulsive manner: just as the comedy which took merit from ceasing to be coarse seems to the later higher taste intolerably vulgar. In Miss Austen there is that power of description which has led some persons to rank her with Defoe, and that insight into human motives which has emboldened other persons to compare her with Shakespeare. Mrs. Gore painted Society as Cosway did his miniatures: it was wonderfully life-like, but with touches of too bright colour. Miss Ferrier was in every respect an artist, and portrayed the incidents of life with the minuteness and distinctness of a Dutch l… of cabinet pictures. Mrs. Marsh had something of all their qualities, but she had her special quality also. No writer had greater power than she of compelling tears. No book of its time produced more irrepressible bursts of tears than ‘The Deformed,’ or more solemn silent showers than that heart-rendering story of ‘The Admiral’s Daughter.’ There was a fine sense of humour in her too; together with clearness of judgment on some of the problems of life, and what are called duties of one person to another; and a rare fidelity in bringing vividly before her readers the beauties of nature, or the domestic surroundings of a bride in the gloom of her new home on the sunless side of Chancery Lane. Another school has, unfortunately, succeeded, but its day has pretty well come to an end; and there is promise (amid infinite trash) of something better. Meanwhile, Mrs. Marsh’s death has not, any more than her retirement, eclipsed (as Johnson sillily remarked of Garrick’s decease) the gaiety of nations, but it leaves with us the honoured memory of an accomplished lady, who devoted to the noblest ends the high qualities which came to her by nature, or were acquired by education.